Nearby Developments Hold Promise to Revive Lehman’s Neighborhood

By Perla Tolentino and Tom Stoelker

Goulden Avenue. To the west of the road is the Jerome Park Reservoir and to the east is Lehman’s Science Building, Gillet Hall, Public Safety, Child Care Center, Shuster Hall, Davis Hall and Carman Hall. Photo by Perla Tolentino.

The Lehman community anchors crucial changes in nearby development and infrastructure that holds the promise to transform the Kingsbridge area. Lehman sits at the heart of a large tract of public land that’s just over a mile long and nearly half a mile wide. Educational institutions, train yards, parks, and the city’s water supply cluster together. The properties run from Kingsbridge Road in the south to Mosholu Parkway in the north. There is a considerable history of improvements on Lehman’s campus (See Lehman College Past To Present by Felicia Rivera ). Contrariwise, external developments have arrived slowly.

The largest and most significant proposed development is the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC), set for the armory located between Reservoir and Jerome Avenues, which is expected to transform the former military facility into the world’s largest ice rink with nine rinks and a 5000-seat stadium. The total cost of the project is expected to be $355 million. Last summer, developers told Crain’s that they had negotiated $170 million in financing with Citibank to cover the first phase of the construction, though the bank did not confirm. Aside from the support of the city, the developers, Citibank and other governmental agencies uphold the project.

“NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) remains committed to supporting the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, which is anticipated to boost economic development and recreational activities for young children and families in the North Bronx,” said EDC’s Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs, Shavone Williams.

Protruding from the trees in the background are the new Jeromehousing development and the gigantic Kingsbridge armory across; both seen from Lehman’s Old Gym. Photo byPerla Tolentino.

The rank “largest” was also given to the military complex in 1914 when the New York Tribune named it the largest armory in the world. The armory transformation saga began in 2009 when City Council rejected a remodeling plan to turn the armory into a mall by the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance. The Ice Center plan, led by New York Rangers legend Mark Messier, launched in 2013. In that same year, an environmental impact statement published by EDC revealed the projects’ site plan, which includes a perspective view from Reservoir Avenue and West Kingsbridge Road, the main and upper ice levels, east-west-north-south sections and elevations, and an overall conceptual view of the project.

The Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) and 25 other community organizations won a historic Community Benefits Agreement for the project to move forward. The agreement assures KNIC will provide living wage jobs, of which 51 percent will be reserved for Bronx residents. Also, 51 percent of procurement will be reserved for minorities and women-owned businesses. Free access to ice rinks will be granted to Bronx Title I schools and community-based organizations. Finally, a technical assistance fund will be developed for local small businesses and a commitment to no big-box retail or supermarkets within the facility.

Nevertheless, some business owners doubt the project will eventually take place and believe the armory is only attractive for profit and won’t benefit the community.

“All these projects were announced but never accomplished. I think the armory looks good to make money. People come, request funds and then disappear. I think it’s pretty obvious,” said a small-business-owner whose store operates across from the armory. In a 2018 interview with the Meridian, the merchant, who asked to remain anonymous, said most owners near the armory operate their business without a lease. Organizations such as the Commercial Lease Assistance Program have been offering help. Some Lehman students are also concerned with the ice-rink development.

“My concern is how this project will affect Lehman students, neighborhood residents, and local business owners being pushed out because of high rent, caused by a new attraction that is at the expense of the community,” said Lucinda Jones, a sophomore majoring in social work who lives near Yankee Stadium. “I’m also concerned with the parking around the area. For me, that is very important. I imagine how hard it will be for everyone who lives in this area to park their vehicles once this project ends.”

“My concern is how this project will affect Lehman students, neighborhood residents, and local business owners being pushed out because of high rent.”

- Lehman sophomore Lucinda Jones

Meanwhile, as the Ice Center plan continues amidst a foggy future, other projects have already started.

The Jerome Park Reservoir located across the west side of campus is currently undergoing a $15 million revitalization that will strengthen the 770 million-gallon water supply system and make it more attractive to pedestrians. According to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the modernization of the 94-acre reservoir will end in 2021. Inaugurated in 1905, Jerome Park Reservoir was built as an additional source of water storage within the city. Previous renovations in 2000 and early 2010 connected the water-supply to the newly constructed Croton Water Filtration Plant activated in 2015. Current restorations include a full rehabilitation of two water gates, the installation of a security camera system, and the replacement of the 10-foot-high fence with a view-friendly 4-foot-high fence. The basin serves a small but crucial purpose. Today, 10 percent of New York City’s drinking water is processed through this basin. Some students think that city funds shouldn’t be used for remodeling.

“I’m not familiar with some of the changes occurring around the community or the importance of it, but I think there should be more libraries and more access to knowledge resources,” said Joshlyn Rodriguez, a 26-year-old English and professional writing senior who lives in Castle Hill. “It would be nice to see more funds used towards the renewal of the system of public schools.”

Remodeling projects similar to that of Jerome Park Reservoir are taking place east of Lehman. The Jerome Avenue Retaining Wall reconstruction across Lehman’s Jerome Avenue gate consists of the installation of a new water main, the remodeling of the sidewalk, curb, side streets, landscaping of Jerome Avenue and Parkview Terrace. The project is operating under a budget of $15 million and is projected to end in the summer of 2019 according to the NYC Department of Design & Construction’s spokesperson, Shoshana Khan. Some students agree the community is changing slowly yet progressively.

“I think there are not many changes in the community, but I’ve noticed somenew buildings,” said Yireh Trimarchi, a 24-year-old health services administration senior. “Maybe in the future things will change and there would be a noticeable difference that will make a big impact.”