According to filings at the Department of Buildings and an article in The Real Deal, plans have been filed to construct two 8-story residential buildings where Yolanda’s Italian restaurant has stood for 59 years.
As per the plans, the buildings will be 8 stories tall with 123 residential units and ground floor retail space.
The buildings haven’t been sold, at least as per NYC records and are still owned by the owners of Yolanda’s restaurant.
Yesterday we reached out to the owners of Yolanda but no one was available for comment nor would anyone confirm or deny what the future was for the long-standing restaurant.
Yolanda is the last remaining fixture of what was once the heart of The Bronx’s Italian community.
During the first half of the 20th century, thousands of Italian immigrants ended up in Melrose, most of which came from Ponza, a small island off the coast of Italy.
Eventually they established Our Lady of Pity Church on E 150th St which had been closed now for several years and is soon to be demolished.
No further details as to timing as no plans for demolition have been filed.
There are also no details as to whether they will be market rate or affordable units.
We will keep you posted as details emerge.