| Capital Improvements and Economic Development |
| The Belmont Arthur Avenue LDC, in conjunction with the New York City Public Development Corporation, has initiated a number of capital improvement projects that have enhanced the physical appearance and the commercial viability of the Belmont neighborhood. The shared designed features of these enhancements, incorporated within larger street improvement projects, have not only upgraded the infrastructure of the community, they have served as anchors for the continuous commercial renovation and expansion of Belmont. For directions and a map of the Belmont community Click here. The following is a detailed list of capital improvement and economic development projects: |
 |
| Upgrading of the streets of Belmont has included major reconstruction of roadways, adjustments and realignments of sidewalks, installation of pedestrian safety amenities, and curbing improvement along Arthur Avenue from East 184th Street to East 188th Street and along East 187th Street from Lorilland Place to Beaumont Avenue. Part of this ambitious $3.2 million project has been the rehabilitation and expansion of a City-owned park, honoring Christopher Columbus. |
|
 |
| Located at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Arthur Avenue, this capital improvement project has included the relocation of the Columbus statue from East 189th Street - Bathgate Avenue to the new D'Auria Park, a complete re-design of the park with the creation of additional recreational facilities, and the installation of a wrought-iron gate around the perimeter. Additionally, traffic flow and street amenities have been created or improved. The Columbus bust was sculpted by Attilio Piccirelli, the same sculptor of the famous Lincoln memorial in Washington DC. |
|
 |
| This plaza, located at the corner of Crescent Avenue, Cambreleng Avenue and East 187th Street, was developed using a decorative paving pattern of granite, with an inscription honoring Bishop Pernicone's dedication to the Belmont community. It is surrounded by flowering trees and three 50-foot flagpoles that display different events or activities happening within the community. The cost of this project has been in excess of $150,000. |
|
 |
| This plaza, located at East 186th Street between Arthur Avenue and Hughes Avenue, was designed to provide an open-air forum for the Enrico Fermi Cultural Center. The improvements included reconstruction of the streets, decorative brick paving, new and extended sidewalks and curbs, and numerous street amenities. The plaza was dedicated to Frank Simeone, a life-long resident and active merchant, who devoted his life to preserving and promoting Belmont's retail district. The total cost of this project was $127,000. |
|
 |
| The LDC has provided over 100 grants to landlords, merchants or tenant-merchants for the purpose of encouraging facade improvements along the main retail streets of Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street. Eligible uses have included new doors, windows, signs, awnings and canopies. Funds have also been used for interior renovations. Grants were provided up to a maximum of $1 for every $3 invested by the landlord or tenant-merchant. The LDC has also provided grants for security items including gates, alarm systems, locks, etc. Grants were provided $1 for every $1 invested by the landlord or tenant-merchant. The total amount of grants thus far provided to landlords or tenant-merchants has been in excess of $750,000.
|
|
 |
| At the intersection of Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street, the LDC commissioned the construction of a huge medallion with the Italian colors of green, white and red in pigmented concrete surrounded by brass lettering reading: "Little Italy of the Bronx - The Good Taste of Tradition." The medallion has served as a focal point and a "gateway" to the Belmont retail district. The total cost of this project was $130,000. |
|
