The wait is finally over for Bronx residents to get a taste of the wildly popular discount European supermarket Lidl located at The Bronx Terminal Market.
And to celebrate the grand opening of their first store, Lidlwill be offering gift cards to the first 100 customers so make sure you get there before the 7:40AM opening time on Wednesday, October 23rd!
Lidl is similar to Aldi, which Bronxites are very familiar with five stores already having opened across the borough with the most recent opening in Fordham this past summer.
Both are discount grocery chains that began in Germany and are known for offering deep discounts on a wide range of products. Both stores primarily carry store brands rather than national brands, which helps keep prices low. While Aldi sticks more closely to store brands, Lidl offers a wider selection of national brands.
Lidl’s no-frills approach extends to its store layout and operations. Products are often displayed in their original shipping cartons to minimize handling costs, and the checkout process is designed for speed. By focusing on a limited but high-turnover product range, Lidl can maintain efficiency and keep prices competitive.
Lidl at The Bronx Terminal Market
The first Lidl opened in the United States back in 2017 in Virginia with the first NYC location opening up the following year on Staten Island.
Now Bronxites will have yet another deeply discounted supermarket to help stretch their food budget and feed their families without breaking the bank.
With the borough being home to the highest percentage of low and extremely low income households such stores offer a much welcomed relief compared to the high prices of traditional local supermarkets.
We’re looking forward to shopping at Lidl next week and hope to see you there!
In the beginning, there was only 212 across all the land that is known as New York City. It was one of the first area codes in the country assigned in 1947 and was considered the easiest to dial on rotary phones.
Then, in 1984 with the rise of fax machines coupled with population growth, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island were split from the good ol’ 212 and thus gave rise to the 718 for these three boroughs while The Bronx and Manhattan remained the historic and coveted 212.
But that didn’t last too long because by the early 90s, it was determined that once again, the 212 area code would run out of numbers so in order to prevent that, The Bronx was pushed out and lumped into 718 along with a new 917 area code that covered the entire city in 1992.
Now, 32 years and four additional area codes later, New York City is once again facing another number shortage and in order to prevent that from happening, a new area code has been proposed for the outer boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island (along with Marble Hill section of Manhattan).
While the new number hasn’t yet been decided upon nor has the plan been approved as of yet since there has only been one public hearing that took place last week on October 1st, if and when it is approved, the new area code would be added and begin use some time in 2026.
Until then, we’re good with the current SEVEN area codes that we have in New York City, the 212, 718, 917, 347, 332, 646, and 929.
It’s hard to believe that 15 years ago, Welcome2TheBronx was born as a hobby based on a deep love for all things Bronx.
When I first put pen to paper, or rather fingers to the keyboard, I began with Welcome2Melrose to help combat the negative stereotypes of my neighborhood of Melrose in the South Bronx that was being perpetuated in the media for several decades too long.
A Bronx right-of-passage
I remember clearly how it started: I was searching Google for some local images but the only thing that would come up was images of a Bronx that no longer existed in 2009.
Everything that kept coming up was of the burning Bronx of the 70s and 80s but nothing was coming up about all the recent strides the borough had made in the subsequent decades since those years.
Everything that was reported about The Bronx in local and national (and even international) media was always negative so I took it upon myself to begin documenting the good things that were happening on the northernmost borough of New York City.
Within a month, the blog had caught the attention of local media and they began highlighting our efforts as well as amplifying some of the stories were were writing about.
And by the next year, Welcome2Melrose had evolved into Welcome2TheBronx as we decided to make sure that the entire borough was celebrated.
Throughout the years, many of our original stories made headlines across the city, nation, and the world and along with all of our supporters and like-minded content creators, we were able to tell a different story of The Bronx and teach the world what our borough was really all about.
This isn’t to say that we don’t talk about the issues we need to tackle like income inequality, education, true affordable housing, crime. We just want others to know that there’s more to us than just that.
It’s been a wonderful ride getting to know our borough even better through all those years and meeting the heartbeat of The Bronx that is its people who I firmly believe is the most important resource of our borough.
Anyway, I say all of this to say THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck with us since the beginning and all the newcomers that join us every day across our social media accounts.
Without you we wouldn’t be able to celebrate 15 years of Welcome2TheBronx and all things about this amazing borough we call home.
23 years ago, I woke up and began my quotidien morning rituals, like millions of my fellow New Yorkers.
I walked to the 149th Street and Grand Concourse Station and grabbed the 2 train to Midtown and was at my office before 8AM, long before the rush of commuters arrived that would swamp the area for the rest of the work day.
As the morning went by and I enjoyed working in the stillness before the offical 9AM start time at the office, the quietness of the that time was punctured with a scream from one of the Senior VPs at the firm who had just arrived and raced to the conference room shouting, “AN AIRPLANE HIT THE TOWERS!”
The handful of early risers that were at the office with me each morning all jumped from their desks in unison, myself included, and we ran right behind him straight to the conference room where the TV was already on showing smoke billowing out of the World Trade Center where the plane hit the building.
Tribute in Light/King of Hearts, Wikipedia
We sat there in shock, debating the size of the plane that hit it. Was it a standard airliner or was it a smaller plane?
Then the unthinkable happened right before our eyes.
The second airplane slammed into the South Tower and it was at that very moment, I think, that any shred of “innocence” if you will, was forever lost to even the most jaded of us New Yorkers.
It was at that moment that the tears began to flow along with a panic that being in Midtown that we could be next given that it was an obvious attack.
A few minutes later, another colleague walked into the office and straight to the conference room and when she saw the horror of what was unfolding, she ran out of the office screaming, “MY FATHER! MY FATHER!”
Unfortunately, her father was one of almost 2,800 who perished at the World Trade Center as well as other colleagues who lost family members that day.
A half hour later, when the third plane crashed into the Pentagon, we were in full-blown panic mode. The FAA shut down the entire United States airspace ordering all aircrafts to land immediately at the nearest airports and forbidding international air travel from entering the country’s airspace.
Our biggest fears were coming alive before our very eyes: America was under attack.
And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, the South Tower collapsed before our very eyes.
Less than thirty minutes later, as we’re all still glued to the TV in tears, the North Tower collapses.
Shortly thereafter, most of decided to leave and figure out how to get home as all subway lines had shut down and there was no way to get back to The Bronx except to walk.
I decided to walk to my best friend’s apartment in the West Village rather than trekking back home.
Everywhere I turned, as I made my way down 7th Avenue and saw the billowing smoke pouring out from the scar where the towers once stood, people were crying and seemingly strangers consoling each other.
When I got to my friend’s place on Bank Street, his brother who across from the towers had just arrived covered from head to toe in soot and toxic dust from the collpasing towers.
Later that afternoon, we went up to the rooftop of my friend’s apartment building and just watched the helicopters and listening to the neverending wailing of ambulances rushing back and froth between St Vincent’s Hospital which was just two blocks away.
And then one minute we’re staring at 7 World Trade Center and the next, we saw as it collapsed right in front of us as many of us just screamed in disbelief in unison with what seemed to be everyone else on rooftops who had just witnessed the same.
Eventually when the some subway lines reopened, I decided to make my way home to my parents. It was an arduos journey of taking trains that wouldn’t even leave me anywhere near home leaving me to walk several miles to my final destination.
When I got home, I collapsed into my mother’s arms in tears as she herself was crying. My father, who was a train operator on the 5 subway line, eventually made it home after being stuck in Brooklyn when the subways were shut down.
He had just pulled out of downtown on the 5 train that morning and when he pulled into Brooklyn, he was notified of what had just happened.
Who knows what would’ve happened had he been a few minutes behind.
These are the questions that lingered on many people’s minds.
If you didn’t live in NYC or were here, you will never comprehend 8:46AM on 9/11
You won’t understand what it feels like to spontaneously just cry your soul out.
You may have watched it on TV and read about it, saw the horrific images but if you didn’t live here or were in New York City when it happened, you cannot comprehend the trauma.
This isn’t to diminish your suffering.
This is simply a perspective; MY perspective on it during the past 23 years.
From hundreds of conversations (maybe thousands by now) with folks who weren’t near the areas or even region, I’ve been able to make this observation.
You just don’t really get it or comprehend the severity and magnitude of what we suffered that day.
We New Yorkers know with just a look and generally don’t need to put it into words.
Chances are you also don’t suffer from some sort of mental illness as a result whether it’s anxiety, depression, PTSD or any combination thereof.
I miss how we were so united afterwards. Sadly it only lasted for a brief moment.
Oh and never forget that people are still dying. Over 2,000 have died since 9/11 as a result of 9/11 related illnesses and over 10,000 first responders have been diagnosed with cancer.
And let us not also ever forget the innocent millions of civilians who lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the Middle East as we were led by lies to retaliate against these countries in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Let us never forget the ensuing anti-Muslim hysteria that gripped the nation and the world that continues to have a lasting and damaging impact on their lives today.
A new lottery has launched for brand new affordable housing in The Bronx via New York City’s Housing Connect portal.
The development, known as Belmont Cove, is located at 656 E 176th Street in the Tremont neighborhood of The Bronx, features amenities like a shared laundry room, bike storage lockers, a playground, a recreation room, an outdoor terrace, and even a storage room.
A rendering of Belmont Cove
Rents at Belmont Cove are truly affordable, at least for a portion of the units, compared to other recent offerings at Housing Connect in the past year that weren’t truly affordable, with rents starting as low as $465 a month for a studio, $591 for a 1 bedroom unit, $700 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $800 for a three-bedroom.
A breakdown of available units and income requirements are as follows (see websitefor full details and household size requirements):
30% of Area Median Income
$465 a month for a studio for households making $18,480-$37,290
$591 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $23,143-$41,940
$700 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $27,738-$50,310
$800 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $32,023-$54,030
50% Area Median Income
921 a month for studio units for households making $34,115-$62,150
$1,159 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $42,618-$69,900
$1,383 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $51,155-$83,850
$1,589 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $59,075-$96,300
70% Area Median Income
$1345 a month for studio units for households making $48,652-$87,010
$1,689 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $60,789-$97,860
$2,018 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $72,926-$117,390
$2,323 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $84,240-$134,820
Please note, for each unit, there are other requirements such as number of people per household and further income requirements based on household size so refer to the Housing Connect website for further details.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying, you have until October 21, 2024 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: 1465 Nelson Avenue, Suite A, Bronx, NY 10452
Remember, you can only apply ONCE and you may not apply both online and by mail. Applying more than once can and will disqualify you according to the lottery rules.
Also, please note: We are NOT connected with this or any other real estate developments and cannot assist you in obtaining an apartment so please do not contact us regarding these units.
Happy festival goers cheering on Egyptt LaBeija during her performance
This past Saturday, The Bronx celebrated its annual LGBTQIA+ pride festival at The Hub hosted by Destination Tomorrow, the borough’s official pride center.
The day started with a march that began on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street in front of Joyce Kilmer Park where Bronx artist Lovie Pignata painted a pride crosswalk thanks to the support of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Marchers lined up at the Bronx Pride Crosswalk on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street which was designed and painted by Bronx artist Lovie Pignata
Well before the crack of dawn, Lovie began to paint the pride crosswalk at 4AM to ensure it was ready for the march which kicked off from the site at noon.
While we were there documenting the painting of the crosswalk, the reaction of local residents was truly heart-warming and they had nothing but positive comments to say and were nothing but supportive.
A festival goer during Bronx Pride
Those positive sentiments from local residents continued as the march, which was led by several grand marshalls, including life-long Bronxite and host of BronxTalk, Gary Axelbank, South Bronx activist Clarisa Alayeto, and Bronx BP, Vanessa Gibson, down the Grand Concourse before turning on 149th Street and heading towards the Bronx Pride Festival at The Hub.
Once the marchers arrived at the festival, the day continued with dozens of performances from singers to spoken word, and, of course, drag queens doing their thing including icons like Egyptt LaBeija.
The Bronx Pride Festival is but just one of many pride celebrations that happen across The Bronx during pride season. Last weekend was the first ever Bronx Pride Pop-Up hosted the Southern Boulevard Business Improvement District, the Fordham BID, and the 161st Street BID at three different locations.
City Island, and Riverdale also had pride celebrations and of course there is the yearly Bronx Pride Festival and Health Fair at Crotona Park hosted by the “Queen of The Bronx”, Appolonia Cruz which will be held Saturday, July 20th from 11AM to 7PM.
Thanks to Destination Tomorrow and all who made Saturday a beautiful day to celebrate nothing but love in The Bronx.
Bystanders watching as the FDNY continued to ensure that the blaze was fully under control
MELROSE—A four alarm fire that started this morning around 5AM at a Dunkin’ Donuts quickly spread and destroyed five other businesses before the FDNY could get it under control.
The blaze and the resulting FDNY and NYPD response in the area closed off several blocks on Third Avenue between 153rd and 156th streets as crews worked to contain the fire.
The emergency response to the morning’s blaze closed off Third Avenue between 153rd and 156th streets for hours, diverting traffic, including buses.
Luckily, no casualties were reported nor were any injuries but unfortunately an entire strip of businesses have been wiped out including the beloved high-end African fabric store Holland Textiles.
When Holland Textiles opened up ten years ago, it was one of three in the world joined by its sister locations in London and Paris and customers from all across the African diaspora flocked to The Bronx to get some of the best African print fabrics money could by.
Stepping into the store was always a joy, as it felt like wandering through a living exhibit of Africa’s rich colors and fabrics. These beautiful textiles would eventually transform into dresses and garments, bringing life and vibrancy to the diverse communities of The Bronx and beyond.
It’s truly a shame to lose such a special and unique store that was the only one of its kind not just in New York City but all of North America.
Some of the other business that were destroyed was a take out Chinese restaurant, a furniture store, a smoke shop, and an electronics store.
The four-alarm blaze flooded the scene with dozens of firefighters
The damage to the building was so severe that you can see that the roof collapsed in some of the stores.
Hopefully some of these businesses can find spaces nearby and maybe the landlord can quickly rebuild and welcome them back but no word on what will become of the property has been mentioned.
Over the past years, Welcome2TheBronx has been nurturing a dream—one that not only celebrates the vibrant culture and rich history of The Bronx but also gives back to the community that has given so much to us. Today, that dream becomes a reality with the launch of our highly anticipated merchandise brand.
Welcome2TheBronx is more than just a blog; it’s a platform that has consistently highlighted the beauty, resilience, and diversity of The Bronx. Now, with the introduction of our merchandise line, we’re taking our commitment to the community to the next level. The brand’s new collection includes a variety of items that reflect the unique spirit of The Bronx, from stylish apparel to eye-catching accessories.
The Bronx Latte Mug is a Bronx take on a New York City classic. The Bronx’s motto, ‘Ne Cede Malis (Yield not to evil) can be found on the back of the mug.
What sets Welcome2TheBronx’s merchandise apart is our mission-driven approach. Each month, 15% of the proceeds from merchandise sales will be donated to a local non-profit organization. This initiative ensures that every purchase directly supports the community, addressing crucial needs and fostering positive change. By prioritizing local non-profits, Welcome2TheBronx aims to provide ongoing support to initiatives that uplift and empower Bronx residents.
The Bronx Strong Tote is a sturdy bag with a list of Bronx neighborhoods on the back
Moreover, the brand is dedicated to collaboration and creativity, emphasizing partnerships with local artists. By working closely with Bronx-based creatives, Welcome2TheBronx will continuously introduce new and unique merchandise that captures the essence of the borough. These collaborations not only showcase the talent within the community but also ensure that the merchandise line remains fresh and authentically connected to The Bronx’s cultural landscape.
Launching this merchandise brand has been a labor of love. We’ve always wanted to create something that represents The Bronx and gives back to our community. Partnering with local artists and donating a portion of our proceeds to local non-profits allows us to do just that. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and how it will positively impact The Bronx.
The debut collection is already generating buzz, with many eagerly anticipating the unique designs and community-focused mission. As Welcome2TheBronx embarks on this new chapter, our dedication to highlighting The Bronx’s strengths and addressing its challenges remains steadfast.
In a world where merchandise often serves as a mere transaction, Welcome2TheBronx is redefining the concept. Our brand isn’t just about selling products; it’s about celebrating a community, supporting local talent, and making a tangible difference. For those who have followed Welcome2TheBronx’s journey over the past 15 years, this launch is a testament to our unwavering passion for the borough and its people.
As the first wave of merchandise hits the market, the excitement is palpable. The Bronx is not just a location; it’s a way of life, and Welcome2TheBronx’s new merchandise brand embodies that sentiment in every piece.
Support The Bronx and its community by purchasing Welcome2TheBronx’s merchandise today. Here’s to celebrating The Bronx, one purchase at a time.
Rendering of 1600 Grand Avenue/Via Housing Connect
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a truly affordable housing opportunity on New York City’s Housing Connect portal but that has finally changed.
A new housing lottery has been launched for 135 brand new residential units at 1600 Grand Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx with rents as low as $616 a month for one bedroom units.
Amenities at the new development include a gym, a media room, outdoor areas, a recreation room, children’s room, an outdoor terrace all of which is pretty much standard in many new affordable housing developments in the borough.
Due to the fact that the development is accepting incomes as low as 30% of the Area Median Income, starting rents are pretty low with monthly rents starting for one bedroom apartments at $616 and two-bedroom units at $728.
Rendering of a typical kitchen at 1600 Grand Avenue/Via Housing Connect
Breakdown of available units and income requirements are as follows (see website for full details and household size requirements):
30%AMI
$616 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $24,446-$41,940
$728 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $29,349-$50,310
40%AMI
$881 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $33,532-$55,920
$1,046 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $40,252-$67,080
50%AMI
$1,146 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $42,618-$69,900
$1,364 a month for 2 bedroom units for housholds making $51,155-$83,850
60% AMI
$1,682 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $62,058-$100,620
70%
$1,578 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $64,115-$111,840
$1,881 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $68,880-$117,390
80%
$1,773 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $64,115-$111,840
$2,066 a month for 2 bedroom units for housholds making $75,223-$134,160
Please note, for each unit, there are other requirements such as number of people per household and further income requirements based on household size so refer to the Housing Connect website for further details.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying, you have until February 13, 2024 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Starhill Phase 1 c/0 Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Bronx, NY 10453
Remember, you can only apply ONCE and you may not apply both online and by mail. Applying more than once can and will disqualify you according to the lottery rules.
Also, please note: We are NOT connected with this or any other real estate developments and cannot assist you in obtaining an apartment so please do not contact us regarding these units.
A Joro Spider/Dave Coyle, PhD – Clemson University
By now, if you happen to inhabit any social media space, you may have seen a sensationalist headline declaring that “GIANT VENOMOUS FLYING SPIDERS ARE HEADING TO NY,” and perhaps (especially if you’re arachnophobic), you may have been sent into a panic.
But all of this buzz is simply poor journalism and sensationalism.
Earlier this year, several news sites began reporting that an invasive species of giant, colorful spiders from Asia called Joro, may finally arrive in the New York City metro area after having arrived in Georgia in 2013.
While the news reports have accurately described the spiders as venomous, according to experts, they are not considered to be harmful or a threat to humans or animals—unless you’re a bug that happens to land on their webs.
David Coyle, PhD at Clemson University, is a widely recognized expert on invasive species, including the Joro spider, and has publicly called out the fear-mongering by the media over this on X saying, “The amount of fear-mongering with this thing is outrageous.”
Thanks for calling this out @MattGertz. The amount of fear-mongering with this thing is outrageous. No, their legs aren't 4" long. No, they don't "fly" like birds. All it would've taken is a quick call to someone (heck, maybe even that Coyle guy) to get the facts straight. https://t.co/VmftydlDIz
According to an article published on WebMD that was medically reviewed by a physician, “…Joro spiders present little threat to humans and pets…The spider also has small fangs that don’t easily pierce human skin. In the unlikely event that a Joro spider bites you, the bite will feel like a bee sting and may cause temporary redness.”
The article goes on to further state that while the spider is venomous, it’s not harmful to humans and will only affect insects.
It’s also worth mentioning that the spiders don’t actually “fly” like birds do but instead use their silk to be carried by the wind in order to travel by air.
Now that you know the actual facts, you don’t have to worry about these spiders that actually eat another invasive species that have taken over NYC: The spotted lanternfly.
Maybe with their arrival we’ll finally get the spotted lanternfly situation under some control.
In the meantime, the mainstream media needs to do better than post click-bait headlines and have some sort of journalistic integrity and not bury the lede.
Bally’s gambling complex proposal at the former Trump Links in Throggs Neck relies on getting state approval to alienate parkland, but lacks local leaders’ support as the legislative session winds down.
The former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point sits in the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge. Credit: Spencer T Tucker/Mayoral Photography Office
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The odds for a proposed Bronx casino could be getting dicey as local lawmakers resist permitting use of local park space — paralleling pushback that is complicating a gaming pitch for Queens.
The resort operator Bally’s is seeking to build a 3.1 million-square-foot complex within Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck, where it already operates the city-owned golf course formerly controlled by a company associated with former President Donald Trump.
As described by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, which is seeking environmental review for the proposed project, “Bally’s Bronx” would feature a half-million-square foot gaming hall as well as food and beverage service, a hotel with a spa and meeting space, retail shops, a 2,000-seat event center and a parking garage for up to 4,660 vehicles.
The city’s proposal will be the subject of a public hearing next month as the first step of environmental review related to widening a road within the park.
But the proposed project would also require the state legislature to approve “alienating” some park land for commercial purposes, with support of local Bronx representatives — and no such legislation has been drafted as this year’s legislative session enters its final days.
One of them, Michael Benedetto (D-The Bronx), told THE CITY he has not taken action this session.
“I am certainly listening to the thoughts and concerns of my constituents before making a decision here to support or oppose this proposal,” Benedetto said in a written statement. “I have not introduced any legislation to alienate parkland,” he wrote, and “I am not advocating for any alienation bill.”
Benedetto is facing a reelection challenge in the June 25 primary from Jonathan Soto, who is running against the incumbent for the third time on a democratic socialist platform.
Meanwhile, the office of State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez declined to comment, citing more pressing legislative priorities in the final days of the session, which runs from January through early June.
Bally’s did not respond to a request for comment from THE CITY.
Bally’s already faced an uphill battle to establish a gaming facility. It is just one
in a competitive field of 11 bidders vying for three downstate licenses to operate a casino, two of which are expected to go to existing operators of racetrack betting facilities in Queens and Yonkers.
Benedetto’s statement to THE CITY comes on the heels of the announcement this week by State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) that she will not support legislation to alienate parkland in Willets Point currently used as a Citi Field parking lot, action that had been requested by Mets owner Steve Cohen for his own casino proposal. The state legislature customarily allows the local member to decide whether or not to introduce such a measure, effectively giving them a veto.
“This is an absolute barrier,” Rebecca Bratspies, a CUNY School of Law professor specializing in environmental law, told THE CITY. “You cannot alienate parkland without an act of the legislature,” precisely because it “is so precious and so vulnerable” a public resource.
The last day on the calendar for the State Legislature to introduce bills without a special session is June 6. The New York State Gaming Commission is reportedly expected to award licenses in late 2025. `
Last summer, the city sought to temporarily alienate a portion of Van Cortlandt Park to erect a huge temporary stadium to host matches in the ICC 2024 Cricket World Cup, drawing fierce criticism from local groups. Organizers then reached a deal with Nassau County for a new stadium there.
Bally’s now faces a similar hurdle in the absence of an alienation bill.
“Either they have to reconfigure their project to not use parkland, which is entirely possible and they may well have that in their back pocket as Plan B,” said Bratspies. “Or they will not be able to move forward.”
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While Welcome2TheBronx is a news site dedicated to reporting on what’s going on in The Bronx, occasionally something comes up across New York City that’s worth mentioning.
It’s not every day that a townhouse in New York City of this size and grandeur comes on the market and when the price is of historic proportions, we are compelled to write about it.
48-50 West 69th Street on the Upper West Side in Manhattan just steps from Central Park and a few blocks from Lincoln Center, was recently listed for sale for a whopping $85 million making it the most expensive townhouse currently on the market in New York City as per listings available on StreetEasy.
The penthouse wet bar area at 48 West 69th Street/Image via Compass Realty
Originally two separate town houses constructed in 1910, the buildings were completely gutted and demolished save the landmarked exterior façade and combined to become one of the largest single family homes in Manhattan.
Now, the 21 room, 8 level home features five bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and three powder rooms spread across 19,600 square feet including a lap pool.
The 50 foot lap pool at 48 West 69th Street/Image via Compass Realty
Oh and don’t worry about having to climb up and down all those flights, there’s an elevator for that.
The primary bedroom, at over 2,000 square feet, is over twice the size of the average New York City apartment and roughly the size of the average American home, and features two full bathrooms, two generously sized dressing rooms, a terrace, and even a study.
The homes were originally purchased by Pierre Bastid, a businessman based in Paris and his wife Malou Beauvoir for combined price of $24.5 million over a decade ago between 2011 and 2012 and when they began demolition of the old property and construction of the new home, they reportedly created a nightmare for surrounding neighbors — an issue that was extensively reported on by The New York Times in 2019.
According to The New York Times, back then, one neighbor described the situation as:
“‘Noise’ isn’t strong enough,” he said of the din, by which he must now read exegeses and grade exams. “‘Mindless hell and chaos’ would be better.” I asked him whether any of the great philosophers had something useful to say on what he’s enduring. “Schopenhauer argued that the higher your tolerance for noise, the lower your intelligence,” he replied. So was he getting stupider? “I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “I hope to outlive this. I may not.”
