Melrose Community Needs & Actions Report

Melrose Community Needs & Actions Report November 2016 E. 163rd Street in Melrose. Photo by Jared Gruenwald

WHEDco?s third affordable housing development in the Bronx will be in the Melrose neighborhood. To better understand and help meet the needs of the Melrose community, WHEDco conducted a community needs assessment. This report presents the findings of the assessment survey, their possible implications, as well as reflections on WHEDco?s scope of work in Melrose. INTRODUCTION

The Women's Housing and Economic Devel- opment Corporation (WHEDco) works with families in the Bronx who aspire to a healthy, financially stable future, but who sometimes struggle with the multiple challenges that living in low income communities may present. WHEDco?s mission is to give the Bronx greater access to resources that create beautiful and thriving communities? from sustainable and affordable homes, high-quality early education and after-school programs, and fresh, healthy Figure 1: Melrose Survey Area (one mile radius) food, to cultural programming and economic opportunity. available, data from Bronx Community Dis- tricts 1 and 3 were used. In 2016, WHEDco will break ground on its third development, located in the Melrose commu- The first section of this report provides some nity of the South Bronx. Bronx Commons, a context on the Melrose neighborhood and 426,000 square foot mixed-use development, discusses the needs assessment in further will feature over 300 affordable apartments, a detail. The next segment summarizes the green roof, a restaurant/cafe and other com- survey results: it describes the survey mercial space, an outdoor plaza, and the Bronx participants and discusses respondents? needs Music Heritage Center (BMHC). The BMHC and interests as they relate to service and venue will feature flexible performance space programming areas, and then addresses their that accommodates at least 250 seats (adapt- feelings and desires for their neighborhood. able to music, dance, theater and film), class- The next section analyzes the potential rooms, recording facilities, community space, implications of the findings in relation to and interactive exhibits. WHEDco?s community development efforts, which focus on youth, health, economic In order to better understand and meet the opportunity, housing, and quality of life. The needs of the community it serves, WHEDco report concludes with an overall reflection on joined with the Partnership for a Healthier WHEDco?s work in Melrose. Bronx at Bronx Health REACH to conduct the Melrose Community Needs Assessment from 2013 to 2014, and began implementing initiatives as a result in 2015. Together, we surveyed "In 2016, WHEDco will break ground 1,000 people who live, work, or attend school on its third development, located in within a one-mile radius of the Bronx Com- the Melrose community of the mons site. This one-mile radius (shown in Fig- South Bronx" ure 1) will be referred to as the ?Survey Area? throughout this report. When information for the one-mile radius around the site was un-

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 2 THE M ELROSE NEIGHBORHOOD

Third Avenue in Melrose

Melrose is located in the southwestern section innovation in music genres such as jazz, be- of the Bronx, within Community Districts 1 and bop, mambo, salsa, R&B, and hip hop over 3. New York City school districts 7, 8, 9 and 12 time. encompass Melrose. The 40th and the 42nd But by the 1970s, the area underwent a demo- police precincts serve this area. Melrose?s city graphic shift as middle class families moved to council districts include districts 16 and 17, and the suburbs, leaving behind a disproportion- its designated zip codes include 10451, 10455, ately low-income population, comprised largely and 10456. of people of color. This shift led to a shrinking The Melrose neighborhood has experienced tax base and reduced resources to allot to significant changes throughout its history. In public services. The South Bronx soon became the 1890s, the neighborhood received a large a national symbol for urban decay, as vacant influx of new residents with the annexation of lots and fires littered the community. Melrose into New York City and the construc- Since the late 1980s, there has been significant tion of elevated and mass transit. This time investment from the government, the private period overlapped with the construction of sector and local community organizations into Yankee Stadium and the Bronx County Court- the Melrose community. This collaboration has house, which established this corridor as one led to new development and the transforma- of the most vital in the Bronx (NYC Department tion of large areas of Melrose. Although Mel- of City Planning, 2014). Third Avenue and Mel- rose is a fast-growing neighborhood, account- rose Avenue were also at the center of retail ing for a third of the borough?s population and social activity, adding to the vibrancy of growth and surpassing New York City?s growth the area. Meanwhile, the diversity found in the rate, socioeconomic challenges persist. Melrose community allowed for discovery and

3 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Table 1. Melrose statistics compared to The Bronx and New York City

The Survey Area -the one-mile radius around (before age 75) in the borough (New York the Bronx Commons site- has a population of State Department of Health, 2014). While 223,331. Its median household income is un- crime rates have been steadily declining in the der $22,000 a year, which is lower than that of Survey Area, safety continues to be a concern the Bronx and New York City (Larisa Ortiz As- for the Bronx Commons area and for the sociates, 2015). In 2010, 40% of its residents Bronx as a whole (WXY Architecture + Urban were living below the poverty line, more than Design and BJH Advisors, 2012). double New York City?s rate of 18.7%. Mean- while, 14% of the population is unemployed, a rate higher than the borough and the City. The population is also fairly young. In 2015, just over 30% of the Survey Area?s residents were under the age of 18, compared to 27% in "Amidst these challenges, the Bronx and 22% in the City (Larisa Ortiz As- community- based organiza- sociates, 2015). Sixty-three percent of these tions such as WHEDco have an youths graduate high school within four years, with 14% dropping out of school during this opportunity to improve the period (SBRT, 2014). Moreover, 42% of resi- lives of residents through sus- dents 25 and older have yet to obtain their tainable and interconnected high school diploma or GED (WXY Architecture + Urban Design and BJH Advisors, 2012). efforts that integrate and en- The area?s residents also face challenges re- gage the community." lated to health and safety. The South Bronx is particularly affected by high asthma rates, HIV, and obesity-related diseases according to the New York State Department of Health. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes and AIDS are among the leading causes of premature death

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 4 THE ASSESSM EN T

WHEDco has worked for more than 20 inform the development of a Melrose years to rebuild healthy, thriving community survey. Between the fall of communities in the South Bronx. WHEDco?s 2013 and the spring of 2014, WHEDco led a efforts in the Melrose community are Melrose community survey to identify key rooted in this mission. In 2016, WHEDco concerns for residents as well as people will break ground on Bronx Commons, a who work or attend school in Melrose. mixed-use development that not only The brief survey was gathered from street seeks to meet the need for affordable and intercepts (376), Melrose organizations/ sustainable housing options in the area, meetings (279), Bronx Health REACH and but also to celebrate the rich musical WHEDco programs (199), Survey Monkey heritage of the Bronx. via email (113), and faith based Along with providing approximately 300 organizations (33). The street surveys were affordable green homes, the Bronx conducted in person by WHEDco and Commons development will offer open Bronx Health REACH staff, with a majority space for recreation. Additionally, the of surveys administered during the Bronx Music Heritage Center will showcase workday, therefore capturing residents the vibrant and varied cultural legacy of the who were available during this time frame Bronx, making Bronx Commons and and who may be most in need of services Melrose a destination for the arts. WHEDco and programming. also seeks to provide support for the These in-person surveys served as a first Melrose community through programming step in reaching out to residents of the and services in education and youth Melrose community. Findings from the development, small business development, survey are discussed in the next section of and social services. this report, and are being utilized to help In order to provide a contextual WHEDco identify areas of need in the foundation for the development of Bronx community and to allow for effective Commons, WHEDco initiated a community planning. needs assessment of Melrose to ensure a development that is well-planned and responsive to the community?s needs. Beginning in the summer of 2013, WHEDco and survey partner Bronx Health REACH initiated meetings with area community-based organizations to help

5 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY FINDINGS THE PARTICIPANTS

KR3T's hip-hop dancers lead a cypher at Bronx Music @ Melrose 2016 on E. 161st Street

Demographics (WXY Architecture + Urban De- One thousand people who live, sign and BJH Advisors, 2012). HOUSEHOLDS work, or go to school within the The median age of respondents WITH CHILDREN Survey Area ? zip codes 10451, was 40 years old. All partici- 10455, 10456? were surveyed pants that were surveyed were Melrose has a high proportion between the Fall of 2013 and 18 years of age or older, which of households with children Spring of 2014. Of those 1,000 accounts for the median age of under 18 (42%); people with participants, 33% indicated they respondents being higher than children under 18 represented lived, worked, or went to school the median age of 31 in the 30% of respondents of the in 10451, 23% indicated 10455, Survey Area. (Larisa Ortiz Asso- survey. 31% indicated 10456, and 13% ciates, 2015) did not specify their zip code but indicated that they lived, households having more than Household Composition worked, or went to school in the two children. This is lower than About 30% of the households area. Sixty-one percent of re- the 42% of households that in- surveyed included children un- spondents were female and cluded children in the Survey der 18, with a quarter of these 39% were male. Forty-seven Area overall (Larisa Ortiz Asso- percent of respondents were ciates, 2015). Thirteen percent Latino or Hispanic, 44% were DEMOGRAPHICS of households surveyed had African-American or Black, and Melrose has a high one or more seniors (65 and the remaining respondents proportion of Latino (65%) older), somewhat lower than were Multiracial, White, Ameri- and Black (39%) residents, the Survey Area?s percentage of can Indian, or Asian. In com- which the survey captured, 21% (WXY Architecture + Urban parison to the Survey Area Design and BJH Advisors, 2012). overall, African-American or though there was a higher Black residents are slightly representation by Black overrepresented and Hispanic respondents (44%) and lower or Latino residents are slightly representation by Latino underrepresented in this survey respondents (47%).

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 6 Figure 2: Annual Household Income Under the Median Household Income of $35,000 in the Bronx

Household Income and Employment The median household income for Bronx County is nearly $35,000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012). Forty-two percent (42%) of survey respondents reported a household annual income of less than $35,000, while18% reported an annual INCOME household income of less than $10,000 (Figure 2). Forty-two percent (42%) of survey respondents reported employment as a primary source of household income. The median house- According to the American Community Survey data, about 47% hold income in the of residents in Bronx Community Districts 1 and 3 are employed survey area is (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2008-2012), so survey respondents $21,494, far lower have a slightly lower rate of employment compared to the than the median population in this area . Respondents between the ages of 25-44 household income of were most likely to report employment as a primary source of the Bronx which is household income, while those over 65 were the least likely. $35,000; about 42% Black and Hispanic respondents were less likely than other of survey respon- groups to report employment as a main source of income. dents had an income Although 64% of the population in the Survey Area receives below $35,000. some form of public assistance (WXY Architecture + Urban Design and BJH Advisors, 2012), only about 15% of respondents listed public benefits as a main source of annual income, with younger respondents more likely than older respondents to report this. Sixteen percent of respondents stated that pension/social security was their main source of income.

7 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY FINDINGS PROGRAMMING NEEDS & INTERESTS

BX Arts Factory artist Ralph Serrano and WHEDco after-school kids finish Melrose Building Materials mural on E. 163rd St. during WHEDco?s ArtsFest, May 2016 . Photo credit: Jared Gruenwald

The strength of any community one-fourth of New York City?s 224,279 middle schools students lies in its ability to provide and schools, 90% of students fail to (Office of the Mayor, 2014). Also, meet the needs of its residents. read or do math at grade level. half of respondents who have chil- One aim of the survey is to allow These failing schools are con- dren younger than 5 years old do residents to identify needs or centrated in neighborhoods such not have childcare, and of those barriers in their community. as the South Bronx, where, in with childcare, about 40% believe Their input is key to determining some districts, failing schools the childcare is neither affordable feasible solutions that WHEDco outnumber all other schools nor close to where they live or and its community partners can (Families for Excellent Schools, work. According to NYC Adminis- use to address the hopes of the 2014). Additionally, one-third of tration forChildren?s Services (ACS) neighborhood. Survey questions parents in the Survey Area who early care and education providers were framed by WHEDco?s exist- have children younger than 5 (Group Child Care, Family Child ing expertise in community de- years old and who have child- Care, Family, Friend, and Neighbor velopment areas, including care are not satisfied with the Care, and Head Start) that serve housing development, childcare quality of that care. low-income children have the ca- and youth development, social pacity to serve only 27% of those Apart from quality, there are also services, commercial revitaliza- eligible for subsidized care, with issues with availability, afford- tion, health and the arts. the unmet need far greater for in- ability and accessibility of youth fants and toddlers (NYC Children?s Child Care and Education services and programs. One- Services, 2008). The findings reveal a need for third of respondents stated that quality childcare and youth edu- their children were not in an cation in the community. after-school program due to a CHILDCARE & EDUCATION Twenty-three percent of respon- lack of available space. Cur- dents were interested in assis- rently, New York City?s Depart- One-third of respondents who tance with youth education. In ment of Education and the De- have children are not satis- addition, about one third of par- partment of Youth and Commu- fied with the quality of K-12 ents who have children in school nity Development provide 45,095 schools, After- school pro- (K-12) or after-school programs after-school program slots for grams, and Early Childhood are not satisfied with the quality middle-school youth, serving Education programs. of their children?s programs. In only one in four of the city?s

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 8 activity or exercise to combat unhealthy eating. Almost one-third of respondents reported they had not participated in any physical activity or exercise within the past 30 days, even though 150 minutes of mod- erate intensity aerobic activity is recommended weekly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Ac- Figure 3: Health Rating by Respondent Race cording to the Bronx District health issues (Figure 4). Public Health Office, resi- HEALTH dents in underserved com- A lack of exercise and suffi- munities such as the South cient fruit and vegetable con- Over 90% of respondents do not Bronx often times lack op- sumption is another concern. eat the recommended number portunities for physical activ- One study of the South Bronx of servings of fruits or vegeta- ity, access to healthy foods, found that 4 in 10 adults do and nutrition education (New bles per day. not exercise, and 9 in 10 adults York City Department of eat fewer than 5 servings of Health and Mental Hygiene, fruit and vegetables per day 2007). (New York City Department of Health Health and Mental Hygiene, Indeed, only half of re- The survey findings also show a need for 2007). Our survey results respondents agreed that they health services and resources in Melrose. flect these findings. Ninety- had access to healthy foods The Bronx is the least healthy county in one percent of respondents and to places to exercise in New York State, and the South Bronx stated they ate less than the their neighborhood. Almost suffers disproportionately from higher recommended 5 servings of two-thirds of respondents rates of obesity-related diseases and fruit and vegetables per day, also stated they do not live in asthma (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with 10% reporting they ate a smoke-free building, with 2015). Given these health outcomes, none at all. Residents have 74% of these respondents survey participants were asked about their also reported that they do not stating they would be inter- current health status and activity level, as participate in enough physical ested in living in one. well as their interest in smoke-free living. The survey reveals that 25% of respondents rated their own health as fair to poor, with Hispanic or Latino respondents significantly more likely to rate their health poorly (Figure 3). Moreover, 21% of respondents stated they do not have a main doctor, and of those who do, 35% do not visit the doctor at least once annually. Residents are particularly suffering from asthma and obesity-related illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Alarmingly, almost half have not seen a specialist within the last 12 months for any of these Figure 4: Health Issues of Respondents/Family

9 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Figure 5: Respondents Breakdown by Age who wanted Assistance with Education and Training

Social Services Melrose residents indicated interest in receiving social services, especially with housing, employment/job training, computer training, continuing education, youth education, and starting a business/business training (Table 2). Respondents between the ages of 18 to 44 were more likely than older respondents to state they would like help with employment/job training, continuing education and starting a business/business training (Figure 5). Black and Hispanic respondents were more likely than other groups to state they needed help with computer training and youth education. Also, older re- Table 2: Social Services Needs Ranked by Respondent Interest spondents were more likely to express interest in assistance with computer training. SOCIAL SERVICES There is strong interest in services focused on housing, employment/job training, computer training, continuing education, youth education and starting businesses/business training.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 10 SURVEY FINDINGS PERSPECTIVES ON NEIGHBORHOOD

the Bronx, with 29.1% of Bronx residents spending more than 50% of their incomes on housing, the highest rate amongst the bor- oughs. Housing production has trailed behind population growth, thus leaving a shortage of housing, especially affordable housing. Moreover, Bronx Community Dis- tricts 1 and 3 have experienced population growth, which has contributed to a high-density neighborhood (NYC Department of City Planning, 2013). Only about a third of respondents agreed that their neighborhood was safe, clean and well- maintained, and that that they Figure 6: Percent of Residents Agreeing with Statement about their Neighborhood knew about community events The survey asked people how agreeing. During community and resources (Figure 6). Safety they felt about certain aspects of meetings, many residents ex- continues to be an issue for the their neighborhood, including is- pressed concern about the dif- Survey Area. Despite more than a sues such as transportation, af- ficulty of commuting into Man- 20% decrease in total crimes since fordable housing, and access to hattan from Melrose. In addi- 2001 in the areas served by the healthy food and health services. tion, there were consistent con- 40th and 42nd precincts, there are WHEDco learned that perspec- cerns raised about over- still sections of the community tives on transportation in Mel- crowded buses, particularly in that experience crime, and the rose are quite nuanced. The ma- the areas where new develop- 40th precinct is one of the few ar- jority of respondents felt that ments have been built. eas of the City where homicides their neighborhood was accessi- Respondents? feelings about have persisted (NYC Department ble via public transportation, other issues in their neighbor- of City Planning, 2013; WXY Archi- with 91% agreeing that their hood were more varied. A little tecture + Urban Design and BJH neighborhood was close enough over half of respondents agreed Advisors, 2012; New York Times, to buses, and 81% agreeing that that they could get healthy 2016). their neighborhood was close foods and that they had access enough to trains/subways. to places to exercise in their NEIGHBORHOOD However, further analysis of this neighborhood. Only about 40% PERSPECTIVE data reveals that people who in- of respondents felt that there dicated they were from zip code Close to two-thirds of re- was affordable housing and ac- 10456 were less likely than other spondents do not think cess to high quality health ser- respondents to agree that they vices. Housing affordability their neighborhood is were close enough to continues to be a problem in clean or safe. trains/subways, with just 62%

11 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Younger respondents were also more likely than older respondents to express that they wanted an indoor fitness facility or gym. The need for indoor fitness or gym facilities is especially pertinent given the findings on health in the neighborhood and the low rates of exercise reported by survey respondents. However, it should be noted that several low-cost gyms (including Blink Fitness) Figure 7: Feelings about Neighborhood by Respondent Age have been established in Mel- see in their community. Re- rose toward the end or after BUSINESSES DESIRED spondents stated they would survey collection, so there are Respondents stated they most like to see fruit and veg- now more fitness facilities in the would most like to see fruit etable vendors, an entertain- neighborhood responding to this need. and vegetable vendors, an ment facility and an indoor fit- entertainment facility and ness facility. Cultural institutions, community centers, social an indoor fitness facility . Respondents ranked service organizations, grocery entertainment, cultural stores and supermarkets were Gender and age differences appear institutions and com- when examining residents? feelings also common requests (Table 3). about their neighborhood. As Figure 7 Respondents between the ages munity centers among shows, younger respondents were of 18 to 24 and respondents lo- t he t op 5 businesses/ significantly less likely than older re- cated in zip code 10455 were organizations they?d spondents to agree that they like their more likely to say they wanted most like to see. neighborhood and to agree that they an entertainment facility. know about community events and resources in their neighborhood. These findings show a disconnection between younger residents and their neighborhood. Respondents between ages 25 and 44 were significantly less likely than other respondents to agree that their neighborhood was clean and well maintained or safe. Women were significantly less likely than men to agree that their neighborhood was clean and well maintained, and significantly less likely to agree that they had places to exercise in their neighborhood. Melrose residents also conveyed their wishes for the types of businesses and organizations they would like to Table3: Businesses/Organizations Ranked by Respondent Interest

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 12 IMPLICATIONS FOR WHEDco

Street View, E. 163rd St. in Melrose

This assessment provided an opportunity for residents to inform community development in Melrose and the planning process for WHEDco?s Bronx Commons development. The following section briefly summarizes key findings and discusses possible ways that the needs of Melrose residents can be met through WHEDco?s community development efforts and programming, as well as through partnerships.

13 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT IMPLICATIONS YOUTH spaces, entertainment and cultural institutions, or other types of businesses and organizations that cater to youth would also be welcomed in the Melrose neighborhood. Since the Bronx Commons outdoor space and the Bronx Music Heritage Center will potentially be of great interest to younger members of the community, incorporating youth input will be helpful to finalizing design plans. Bronx Music @ Melrose: Día de los Muertos on Brook Avenue, October 2015 WHEDco has already en- Children make up a consider- During community meet- gaged young people in able percentage (45%) of all ings, residents expressed a Melrose through diverse households in the Survey need for youth and parent community initiatives, in- Area, with this percentage ex- engagement, more collabo- cluding mural design with pected to increase in the fu- ration between organiza- DreamYard and BX Arts ture based on census projections, and diversity in after- Factory, and in outdoor tions. Residents have ex- school programming. events in partnership with pressed an overall concern WHEDco could develop the NYC Department of with education and youth en- partnerships with neighbor- Transportation and NYC gagement in the neighborhood schools and groups Department of Parks and hood; the survey results show which, along with its own Recreation. a particular need for available, after-school and enrich- affordable, accessible and ment programs, could be a high-quality childcare, after- vital resource to the Mel- Community devel- school and K-12 education. rose community. Moreover, opment efforts in Youth Enrichment Programs deepening WHEDco?s train- Melrose should con- ing and small business de- and Services sider addressing the velopment programs for Community development ef- childcare providers could needs of a growing forts in Melrose should con- help meet the needs for youth population. sider addressing the needs of childcare in this community. a growing youth population. Safe parks, recreation

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 14 IMPLICATIONS HEALTH Healthy Eating and Living The promotion of healthy eating and living is integral to improving the health of Melrose residents. Of note is that a new Food Bazaar supermar- ket, part of the NYC Economic Development Corporation?s (NYCEDC) FRESH program, opened across the street from Bronx Commons on E. 163rd Street, which should increase access to healthy food options for the neighborhood. WHEDco has also begun to assess the Melrose retail market to attract restaurants to Attendees at WHEDco?s Bronx Music @ Melrose: Salsa Street Festival participate Bronx Commons in order to in a free Zumba workout by Urban Health Plan, August 2015 meet the need for prepared foods and healthy eating op- Programming and community longer be as troublesome as tions. The City is expected to efforts should also seek to ad- the survey suggests. transform a vacant parcel of dress the health needs of Mel- In addition, less than half of land adjacent to the Bronx rose residents. Ninety-one per- respondents felt they had ac- Commons site into green cent (91%) of respondents ex- cess to high quality health ser- space for the community. Un- pressed they did not eat the vices. The health ratings and til then, WHEDco can help recommended servings of fruit outcomes of residents reflect identify and articulate the and vegetables, while almost these findings. A quarter of re- community?s hopes for the one-third of respondents had spondents rated their health green space, and advocate not participated in any physical as fair to poor, with Latino re- with the City for these uses to activity within the previous 30 spondents more likely than be considered. Also, days. other groups to rate their WHEDco?s green open space Additionally, only about half of health poorly. and green roof can help di- respondents felt they had ac- minish air pollution, which Respondents are particularly cess to healthy foods and would help to mitigate the dealing with asthma and places to exercise. Again, it area?s high asthma rates. obesity-related illnesses, with should be noted that several WHEDco?s partnership with almost half stating that they gyms have been established in local health organizations, had not seen a specialist Melrose at the end/after the such as Bronx Health REACH within the past year for their surveying process, so the avail- and BOOM!Health will also be health issues. ability and affordability of in- crucial in ensuring that the door fitness spaces may no health needs of the residents are being addressed.

15 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT IMPLICATIONS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

jobs in the area. Finally, any businesses that operate in the commercial spaces available at Bronx Commons can also be a source of jobs for local residents. Workforce Development WHEDco does not have tra- ditional workforce development programs, but instead focuses on providing sector- specific entrepreneurship opportunities to community members, as detailed further below. Given the high unemploy- Empty storefronts along the commercial corridor on E. 161st Street between ment rate in the area, it may Melrose and Elton Avenues prove helpful to connect Employment The Bronx Commons develop- more people to local re- Employment is a concern for ment can generate direct em- sources like Bronx Business many residents of Melrose. ployment opportunities for Solutions? Workforce 1 Center Only about 40% of respondents Bronx residents and musicians. near the Fordham area, and reported employment as their Most of these employment op- Bronx Works? employment main source of income, and portunities will be associated center. We could also invite 35% reported that they were with the residential develop- other institutions with voca- not working. A little more than ment (construction, building tional training, employment 40% of respondents are living operations, etc.) and the Bronx and job skills resources to below the median household Music Heritage Center. These participate in WHEDco?s com- income for the Bronx, and 18% jobs may help residents in- munity events in Melrose, have annual incomes of less crease their incomes and gain through initiatives such as job than $10,000. economic stability. fairs. Concerns about employment Furthermore, the Bronx Music are evidenced by the fact that Heritage Center? which will almost 40% of respondents re- boast a performance venue, Bronx Commons can quested assistance with em- practice and recording studios, generate direct and ployment/job training. Assis- rehearsal rooms, space for indirect employment tance with computer training, event rentals and exhibition opportunities in the continuing education, youth space? has the potential to education, and starting a busi- create a new arts-based cluster, area. ness /business training was also which will indirectly generate requested.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 16 mercial space vacancy rate thus hovers around 10%. A lack of lighting, way-finding, and continuity in street level activity lead to the area feel- ing disconnected and inac- tive. With support from the NYC Department of Small Busi- ness Services, WHEDco conducted a retail needs analysis in Melrose covering the half- mile radius around the Bronx Commons site. The findings showed that there are just not enough stores to respond to the retail demand of local Railroad Park on E. 161st Street residents. In fact, the total unmet consumer demand is Entrepreneurship nity members in operating mo- $224 million annually within Programs to support small busi- bile Green Cart businesses that that 0.5 mile radius. nesses could focus on connecting sell fresh fruits and vegetables residents to employment oppor- during the NYC Department of WHEDco has begun to assess tunities by offering business Health?s application period. the Melrose market to attract training, computer training and new retailers as well as food Commercial Corridor continuing education opportuni- establishments like restau- Revitalization ties. Also, improving youth edu- rants to Melrose and the Attracting organizations or cation and investing in after- Bronx Commons develop- businesses that are committed to school and youth development ment. This recent retail expanding local employment programs will help to support analysis also indicates poten- opportunities and that will meet young residents in their academic tial for a general store, and the needs of the community development and search for ca- stores that sell clothing, could also prove beneficial to the reer opportunities. sporting goods, home fur- Melrose neighborhood. WHEDco nishings/building supplies, WHEDco has a long history of seeks to attract new businesses and footwear (Larisa Ortiz empowering Bronx residents to to the Melrose community based Associates, 2015). These ef- create their own economic op- on identified retail needs. forts can spur further eco- portunities by starting small Land use in the Survey Area does nomic growth job creation in businesses. WHEDco?s home- not yet reflect a bustling com- the area. Furthermore, initia- based childcare training institute mercial hub: while 50 of 55 tives that activate street life helps women to start and grow ground-floor establishments on and foot traffic ?such as successful childcare businesses. the seven-block stretch of E. WHEDco?s Boogie Down WHEDco also helps individuals 161st and E. 163rd Streets, be- Booth and reinvigoration of grow successful businesses in the tween Morris Avenue and Third Railroad Park? will further food industry by providing af- Avenue are occupied, there is an nourish business develop- fordable commercial kitchen overabundance of social services ment and related job oppor- space, and has assisted commu- and inadequate retail. The com- tunities in the area.

17 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT The Boogie Down Booth#3 on Elton Avenue in Melrose

WHEDco?s Boogie Down Booth is a one-year public art installation that aims to address community needs such as safety, while positively activating the public space with seating, lighting, and music derived from the rich musical heritage of the Bronx. It features solar-powered LED lights that help to illuminate the surrounding area at night, as well as solar-powered directional speakers that play music by Bronx artists in an effort to mask construction and traffic noise, and restore community pride in the borough?s culture. The Booth also features a bulletin board, so local groups can share information and community members can learn about upcoming events. The third Boogie Down Booth was installed in May 2016 at O?Neill Triangle on 161st Street in Melrose.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 18 IMPLICATIONS HOUSING at 60% of AMI or below, and 40% of units at 70-90% of AMI; there will be a 10% set-aside of units for homeless families and individuals. Importantly, WHEDco rec- ognizes the need to balance development without perpetuating displace- ment. While there are large numbers of homeless families in New York City ? approximately 60,000 people in shelters, plus a growing number on the streets (New York Times, Draft rendering of Bronx Commons, featuring the Bronx Music Heritage Center February 8, 2016)? we must balance this with the reality that Melrose is a The findings certainly show the households who pay more community with a high need for affordable housing in than 30% of their income concentration of homeless the Melrose neighborhood, as on rent). Further, more shelters and related ser- 40% of survey respondents in- than half of renters in this vices. dicated they need assistance in area fall below 60% of Area Affordable housing and finding and/or keeping afford- Median Income (AMI), supportive services that able housing. Given the mod- which suggests there is a address the complexity of est annual household incomes need to provide adequate issues in Melrose, including of respondents, efforts should housing that will be afford- service for veterans, peo- focus on making affordable able to lower income lev- ple overcoming substance housing options available for els. abuse issues, mental residents. In response to this need, health, and other chal- According to American Com- WHEDco?s Bronx Commons lenges, while tapping into munity Survey data, the me- will offer over 300 afford- local assets and strengths, dian gross rent in the Bronx in able rental apartments in- are necessary to help bal- 2014 was $1,080. More than tended for low-and mod- ance these multiple needs 60% of households are rent erate incomes. Sixty per- and concerns. burdened (defined as those cent (60%) of units will be

19 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT IMPLICATIONS QUALITY OF LIFE opment and population growth. Safety During community meetings, where a cross-section of community stakeholders were engaged, including tenants, business own- ers, homeowners, community based organizations and civic leaders, safety was a primary topic of discussion, reflecting the survey findings, where only one- third of respondents felt the neighborhood was safe, clean and well-maintained. Residents have witnessed an in- Crowded BX6 bus in Melrose crease in violence spurred by gang activity, and have stated Understanding the range of feel- meetings, residents expressed a that a lack of street lighting and ings on quality of life in Melrose is need for more frequent and af- the presence of desolate parking paramount to supporting poten- fordable Metro-North service at lots and vacant lots in the com- tial initiatives that may address the Melrose station, as well as a munity have created hot spots some of the most pressing con- need for more frequent bus ser- for crime. Residents call for an cerns, including transportation, vice (especially the BX6) as over- improvement in police and com- safety, arts/entertainment, and crowding is already an issue and munity relations, and increased sense of place. will only be exacerbated by new access to public safety informa- development in the area. Resi- Transportation tion. dents would also like better Although respondents felt that pedestrian access to the Melrose For example, in 2015, the quiet they were close to buses and station and improved facilities establishment of a Safe Haven subways, other residents ex- for bus stops along E. 161st shelter for minimally monitored pressed during community meet- Street, which lack lighting, bus single homeless men in the ings that the NYC transit stations shelters and benches. The NYC neighborhood by the NYC De- at 149th Street-Third Avenue and Department of Transportation partment of Homeless Services 161st Street-Yankee Stadium has recently installed more bus caused considerable concern by were, in fact, too far (15-minute stops on the E. 161st Street cor- community members, the local walk) for regular use. The ex- ridor, which can help address Community Board, and elected pected increase in visitors to the some of the bus overcrowding officials. The issue persists, but Survey Area (due to the Bronx issues. Community development working with shelter administra- Music Heritage Center and new efforts can focus on advocating tors, WHEDco is helping to better retail), coupled with continued for improvements to public connect their homeless residents population growth, has enhanced transportation and connectivity to the community through public residents? concerns about trans- in order to support new devel- art, outdoor events and other portation. During community initiatives.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 20 Center each year. This establishment will serve as a cultural destination and site for music and dance, meeting the need for entertainment and cultural institutions in the neighborhood. Sense of Place Helping to foster pride of place is crucial, especially in young people, when we take into account that only about half of respondents expressed that they liked their neighborhood, with younger residents significantly less likely than other groups to agree with this Painting of mural on Melrose Building Materials fence to activate block of statement. 163rd Street by WHEDco-BX Arts Factory, November 2015 The Bronx Music Heritage In addition to spearheading and the partnership with NYC Center, local restaurants and cultural, retail, and community Parks and community residents green space located at Bronx initiatives that activate the street to revitalize Railroad Park are Commons can also promote with initiatives that can deter both contributing to positive neighborhood cohesion and crime, WHEDco will continue to foot traffic, which will hopefully pride while acting as meeting work with local police at the 42nd lead to a safer and more places where residents, Precinct and government officials engaged neighborhood. organizations and businesses to encourage improvements in can share information and public safety. In order to foster interact. Arts and Entertainment community engagement and help The Bronx Commons These places also encourage create safe public places, WHEDco development ? which will be pedestrian activity, which held several outdoor events in home to the 14,000 square foot increases people's sense of Melrose in 2015 and 2016, such as state-of-the-art performance, safety, makes the community Bronx Music @ Melrose, in exhibit, and community venue more welcoming to families, and collaboration with the NYC known as the Bronx Music invites visitors to walk in the Department of Transportation. Heritage Center (BMHC)? has area and connect to WHEDco also partnered with BX the ability to entice businesses, neighborhood stores, services Arts Factory to paint unsightly organizations and consumers and other anchors. fencing around an industrial to the neighborhood. Furthermore, having more cement factory. Painting the pedestrians will mean more Based on overall projections, fences has transformed this area potential shoppers and appeal including attendance at the from a desolate industrial block to to more potential businesses, temporary Bronx Music a more pedestrian-friendly and bolstering economic activity and Heritage Center Lab in Crotona enlivened area where people often making Melrose a place where Park East, an estimated 25,000 stop and take pictures. WHEDco?s more people want to work, live, people would be expected to Boogie Down Booth on E. 161st St. and play. visit the Bronx Music Heritage

21 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Bronx Music @ Melrose: Sun Festival, June 2016

BRONX MUSIC @ MELROSE EVENTS In collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation, WHEDco hosts the Bronx Music @ Melrose street festivals in order to create a fun, safe recreational space for the community, by closing off a New York City street block to traffic. WHEDco invites local and citywide organizations to host engaging activities and connect area residents with resources that respond to community interests and needs. Featuring live music and entertainment, these events benefit local residents and merchants by activating the retail corridor and increasing foot traffic to the area. WHEDco hosted Bronx Music @ Melrose:¡Salsa! In August 2015, celebrating Salsa month in the Bronx; Bronx Music @ Melrose: Día de los Muertos in October 2015, celebrating Mexican traditions; and Bronx Music @ Melrose: Sun Festival, celebrating the summer solstice over two days in June 2016.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 22 CON CLUSION

El Coquí Community Garden in Melrose. Photo by: Jared Gruenwald

The needs assessment process has provided a wealth of information to help guide WHEDco?s work in Melrose. In addition, the early work done with residents, community partners, organizations and City agencies has contributed to a Melrose that is a direct outgrowth of the needs assessment. There is a desire to create a cultural corridor in partnership with Dream- Yard. New businesses have recently opened or will open soon (including fitness centers and supermarkets), which may contribute to the retail landscape in the area. In addition to current partners, WHEDco is working to establish stronger relationships with elected officials in this district, as well as with retail brokers and more residents, including young people and people who are looking to engage in positive endeavors. The realities of community development work, however, are constrained by internal challenges, such as funding and capacity, and the reality of external challenges including com- peting priorities, different visions and working with external partners. Nevertheless, WHEDco is committed to help respond to the findings of the needs assessment and help build an even greater Melrose.

23 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REFEREN CES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html. Families for Excellent Schools. (2014). The Forgotten Fourth. Retrieved from http://www.familiesforexcellentschools.org/search Hartzog, M., Vecchiotti, S., and Tarrant, K. (2008). Charting the Course for Child Care and Head Start: community needs analysis of early care and education in New York City. New York, NY: NYC Children?s Services. Hu, Winnie. (2013). "Fighting the Image of the Burning Borough". The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/03/nyregion/the-bronx-struggles-to-shed-burning-borough- image.html?pagewanted=all Larisa Ortiz Associates. (2015). Melrose: Retail Market Update Study. Matte, T., Ellis, J.A., Selenic, D., Young, C., and Deitcher D. (2007). Obesity in the South Bronx: A look across generations. New York, NY: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. New York State Department of Health. (2014). Leading Causes of Premature Death (Death before age 75), New York State, 2010-2012. Retrieved from: http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/leading- causes_death/pm_deaths_by_county.htm. New York Times (February 8, 2016). "A Homeless Epidemic in New York?" Thousands Hit the Cold Streets to Find Out. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/21/nyregion/new-york- homeless-people.html New York Times (February 19, 2016). "A Bronx Precinct Where Killings Persist". Retreived from: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/19/nyregion/in-a-bronx-police-precinct-homicides-persist-as- crime-drops-elsewhere.html NYC Department of City Planning. (2013). Community District Needs. Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/pub/cdnd13.shtml. NYC Department of City Planning. (2014). Sustainable Communities in the Bronx: Leveraging Regional Rail for Access, Growth and Opportunity. Office of the Mayor. (2014). After-School Program for Middle School Students. Retrieved from: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/home/downloads/pdf/reports/2014/after_school_programs_white_pa- per.pdf Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2015). Country Health Rankings and Road Maps. Retrieved from: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/sites/default/files/state/downloads/CHR2015_NY_0.pdf U.S. Census Bureau. 2008-2012 American Community Survey. Retrieved from: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF. WXY Architecture + Urban Design and BJH Advisors. (2012). Bronx Commons Economic Impact Analysis.

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT| 24 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Melrose Community Needs Assessment was headed by Kerry A. McLean, Vice President of Community Development and Nicole Lavan, Director of Research, Policy and Evaluation. The report was prepared by Angelique Marcus, Research, Policy and Evaluation Associate (former), Nicole Lavan, Director of Research, Policy and Evaluation and Kerry A. McLean, Vice President of Community Development. Survey collection was managed by Thomas Haskin, Program Manager (former). Survey entry and analysis was performed by Angelique Marcus, Research, Policy and Evaluation Associate (former). Emma Rodgers of the Partnership for a Healthier Bronx at Bronx Health REACH and her team were key partners in developing the survey and assisting with survey collection. We also want to acknowledge and thank the following people for assisting the needs assessment: - Erin Burns-Maine, Program Manager (former) and Champo Mapulanga, Research, Policy and Evaluation Intern (former) for providing assistance in developing materials. - Alix Fellman, Senior Program Manager, Yesmín Vega, Program Manager, Luz Lopez, Senior Program Manager, and Gabriela González, Marketing and Communications Manager for providing feedback and assistance on the report. - All the WHEDco departments and staff who helped with survey collection. - The following community groups who we met with to provide input that helped design the survey : Boricua College, Bronx Defenders, Bronx Works, Bronx Community Board 3, DreamYard, FEGS, Melrose Houses Tenant Association, Montefiore Comprehensive Health Care Center, SoBro, and Transportation Alternatives. - DreamYard and SoBro for hosting community forums. - DreamYard co-founders/co-Executive Directors Jason Duchin and Tim Lord for their support, as well as sharing their experiences and helping us connect to Melrose youth and families. - Ed García Conde for providing insight and helping getting the word out about the needs assessment survey. - Cinco de Mayo restaurant for their insights on doing business in Melrose (plus their amazing food and meeting space).

And finally, we want to thank the Melrose community, especially the survey respondents and community forum participants, for sharing their feelings, perspectives, wishes, concerns, stories and neighborhood with us.

25 | MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT LEADERSHIP AT WHEDco Board of Directors: Executive Team:

Hon. Analisa Torres, Chair Nancy Biberman Justice President & Founder U.S. District Court, Southern District Davon Russell Nancy Biberman, President Executive Vice President President & Founder WHEDco Jonathan Springer

Linda Field, Treasurer Senior Vice President & COO Real Estate Management & Rebecca Kramnick Development Professional Vice President & General Counsel Sara Kay, Secretary Senior Fellow Planned Parenthood Federation of America About our Staff: Sara Horowitz Total Number of Employees: 354 Founder & Executive Director Freelancers Union Full-Time Staff: 165 Part-Time Staff: 189 Russell Jackson Chef/Restaurateur *More than 70% of our staff is from or currently Subculture Dining lives in the Bronx.

Leisle Lin Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Scott Martin, Esq. Partner We invite you to invest in Hausfeld Global Litigation Solutions children and families in the

Tam ika S. Mayes, Esq. South Bronx by supporting Senior Attorney, U.S. Tax Counsel Group WHEDco. To make a General Motors Company tax-deductible donation or Susan Saegert, PhD to get involved, visit Professor CUNY Graduate Center whedco.org today!

Pam ela Sloan, Esq. Partner Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP

Sean Sim m ons Senior VP, Community Reinvestment Analysis Citi Community Development

MELROSE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT | 26 Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation 50 East 168th Street, Bronx, NY 10452 Tel: 718.839.1100 | Fax: 718.839.1170

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