Dear Morris Park BID Friends,

greetings from all of us at the Morris Park Business Improvement District. We had an extraordinary month of February 2025, culminating in the wonderful news of the "Greater Morris Park" proposal coordinated by the Bronx Borough President's office approved by the NY State "Downtown Revitalization Initiative" for a NY State budget allocation of $20 Million.

MPBID submitted 10 of the 32 proposals bringing success to this proposal, covering infrastructure needs, beautification investment, small business support, cultural and community programming.

We look forward for the start of this program to assist the Morris Park community prepare and plan in advance of the Metro North expansion in East Bronx including the Morris Park station, along with related housing and commercial growth.

Our award-winning public art installation "The Pulse" at Loreto Playground was lit in February in a pattern called "Tribute to Prince" of purple, blue and orange, celebrating Black History Month. In March, the installation will be lit in green for Ramadan and St. Patrick's Day. We will continue to bring new colors and motion patterns that add to the vibrancy of Morris Park Avenue over the next couple of months until May 31, 2025 when our permit expires. We are currently exploring opportunities for possible extension of the installation. As the winter is hopefully winding down soon, we thank all our members property owners and businesses for being responsible in promptly cleaning snow from the sidewalks, to create a safe and positive pedestrian experience on Morris Park Avenue.

We thank all our elected representatives, suppliers, community residents and friends donating to the MPBID to support our work for a welcoming, clean and beautiful Morris Park Avenue community. On behalf of the MPBID Board of Directors, thank you!

MPBID Executive Director,

Dr. Camelia Tepelus March 3, 2025

NY City & State "Economic Development Trailblazers" 2025; NY City & State "Responsible 100" 2024; LIT "Lighting Design Awards" 2024 Honorable Mention; Crain's Business NY "Notable Leaders in Sustainability" 2023; NY City & State "Above & Beyond Innovators" 2023; NY City & State "Bronx Power 100" 2024, 2023; Schneps Media Power List 100, 2024, 2023, 2022.

On February 27, 2025, NY State Governor Kathy Hochul visited Morris Park NYPL announcing approval of a $20 Million dollars Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the "Greater Morris Park" proposal submitted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President with input from local organizations.

10 out of the 32 projects included in the proposal were submitted by the Morris Park BID, covering infrastructure needs, beautification investment, small business support, cultural and community programming.

Groups that provided input in the proposal include: NYC Parks (1), CB10 (1), CB11 (5), Bronx House (1), MPBID (10), Simone Development Companies (8), Westchester Sq BID (1), Jacobi Medical Center (2), NYC DEP (1), Montefiore Medical Center (2).

This injection of capital will be transformative for the East Bronx, directly targeting Morris Park's infrastructure, connectivity and much needed upgrades to our green spaces and commercial corridors. We are appreciative to the Bronx Borough President Development & Planning Team that coordinated the proposal, and to all other partners, especially to the Bronx CB11, for submitting project ideas.

We look forward to working with the NY City Regional Economic Development Council towards a comprehensive strategic investment plan for the "Greater Morris Park". See BronxNet coverage of the event here.

Holiday Lights Shining on Morris Park Avenue for Ramadan Observance

February 28 - March 29, 2025

Ramadan Lights are now shining brightly on the eastern section of Morris Park Avenue, for the 3rd consecutive year, made even more special with "The Pulse" at Loreto Playground also lit in shades of green. This program is executed by MPBID and made possible through a NYCDSBS "Single District Small BID" grant FY25 - we appreciate the support.

Wishing all observing a peaceful Ramadan of introspection, service, community and meaningful personal reflection. Ramadan Mubarak!

Free Paint Recycling Now Available at LoConsolo of Morris Park

Visit from NY City Council Land Use Chair, Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr.

MPBID appreciated the visit of NYC Council Land Use Chair Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. CD17 on February 24, 2025. We conducted a walk-through along the Morris Park Avenue meeting business leaders, discussing our infrastructure challenges and the great potential for improving our Bronx communities! We are also recognizing CM Salamanca's leadership in passing the transformative City of Yes for Economic Opportunity and for Housing Opportunity legislative packages. Thank you Councilman Salamanca for visiting Morris Park and MPBID!

Forthcoming Morris Park DEP "Cloudburst" Project

The MPBID Board and CB11 representatives appreciated updates from DEP regarding the design of the forthcoming DEP "Cloudburst" project, that will help alleviate flooding through the installation of porous pavement in Morris Park, including on Morris Park Avenue, east of Bronxdale. We look forward to learn more details as the project advances, and urge DEP to coordinate closely with DOT and NYC Parks in all aspects pertaining to the jurisdiction of each individual agency.

More information about the STAR (School Tax Relief) program required for homeowners eligibility for free DSNY-approved waste containers, here.