Department of City Planning Kicks Off Engagement for White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan

Community-Focused Planning Process Would Foster Inclusive Housing and Economic Growth Along Key North Bronx Corridor 

Engagement Includes Public Meetings, Online Survey, Steering Committee 

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick announced the launch of public engagement, including an online survey, for the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan, a community-led planning process to deliver homes, jobs, and neighborhood investments along White Plains Road in the Bronx. Announced in partnership with Council Members Kevin Riley and Eric Dinowitz, this planning process began with a kick-off in-person community event organized by Council Member Riley, who has advocated for developing a comprehensive neighborhood plan for this area.

 

“The White Plains Road corridor is home to vibrant neighborhoods, active retail, and wide-ranging transit options,” said Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning. “Through this planning process, we can create more housing, grow economic opportunity, and deliver community-centered investments—all to support an even brighter future for the North Bronx.”

 

“The launch of the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan marks an exciting and important step forward for the Bronx. I commend Director Garodnick, Council Members Riley and Dinowitz, and all the community members who are coming together to shape a shared vision for this vibrant corridor. This community-led process is about more than planning – it’s about ensuring that the people who live and work along White Plains Road have a real voice in building a future with more affordable housing, better jobs, and stronger neighborhood infrastructure. I encourage everyone to get involved and have their voice heard,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

 

“As someone who was born and raised in this district, I know firsthand the pride our neighbors feel and the challenges we’ve faced for far too long along the White Plains Road corridor. This plan is about turning long-standing community concerns into long-term investment and opportunity,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “I’m proud to partner with the Department of City Planning and Council Member Eric Dinowitz to ensure this is a community-led vision driven by the voices of our neighbors and centered on the future we deserve. This is a chance for us to create thoughtful, community-driven solutions that reflect what this part of the Bronx can be: safe, vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of the people who call it home.”

 

“I'm excited to see the Department of City Planning begin community engagement for the White Plains Road Neighborhood plan. Community engagement is critical for zoning changes that can allow for more affordable housing, including housing for families with children. The inclusion of an online survey for the public to share personal stories, ideas, and concerns is critical for transparency and ensuring the community's voice is heard throughout the planning process. I look forward to working closely with residents, local organizations, and city agencies to shape a plan that reflects our shared vision for a thriving Bronx,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz.

 

Focusing on the White Plains Road corridor in the Northern Bronx and intersecting commercial streets, this planning effort will explore opportunities to encourage more housing, including income-restricted affordable housing; support economic development; enhance the public realm, and deliver infrastructure investments that address community needs. By achieving these goals, the plan can help ensure the neighborhood’s long-term success.

 

Specifically, the plan focuses on a stretch of White Plains Road from Adee Avenue to the south to the Bronx/Mount Vernon border, as well as intersecting portions of Gun Hill Road and East 233rd Street. The area has access to a range of public transportation options, between the 2 and 5 trains that run along White Plains Road, adjacent Metro-North stations, and a variety of local and express buses.

 

Today, the corridor is primarily characterized by one and two-story commercial buildings, as well as some mid-rise apartment buildings, mostly built before the 1960s. Several contextual rezonings between 2005 and 2011 limited housing growth across lower-density areas, while encouraging some growth along corridors. Completed before the creation of the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, these rezonings did not mandate affordable income-restricted housing. 

 

The online survey asks the public about their connection to White Plains Road, what they like most about their community, their priorities for the future, how DCP can best share information on this process, and more. This information will help to shape the planning process as it develops.

 

In addition to the survey, a Steering Committee will also be formed, drawing from a diverse array of area stakeholders, including members of faith-based organizations and local community groups. The Committee will help shape the plan’s public engagement strategy and serve as neighborhood ambassadors to drive participation in the planning process over the coming months.

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City's 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

 

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.