THE BRONX — A rail yard by Lehman College could be the ideal site for mixed-income housing, new retail space and an expansion of the school's campus, according to a new report from the office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Diaz announced in his 2015 State of the Borough address that his office would study the feasibility of building platforms over three Bronx rail yards operated by the MTA: 149th Street in Mott Haven, the 1 train yards that connect Riverdale and Kingsbridge, and the Concourse Yard next to Lehman College.
Although his office found that the 149th Street and 1 train yards were not ideal spots for construction at this time, the report stated that the Concourse Yard "likely represents the greatest potential for mixed-use development of any piece of public land in the borough."
The yard provides storage, maintenance and washing facilities for B, D and 4 trains and is roughly bordered by Jerome Avenue, Paul Avenue, East 205th Street and East 198th Street.
Factors such as the yard's close proximity to Lehman College and the lack of nearby housing make it a prime spot for development, according to the report.
Building a deck over the yard would cost between $350 and $500 million and represent a chance to create more space for homeownership, mixed-income housing and retail, as well as a chance to allow Lehman College to expand its campus, the report said.
“Developing a platform at the Concourse Yard is a creative way to continue the revitalization of our borough while bringing new amenities and resources to the Northwest Bronx,” Diaz said in a statement. “Smart planning for the future requires us to consider all options, including real estate that does not yet exist.”
Going forward, Diaz's office will discuss opportunities that developing the platform could bring to the area with neighborhood stakeholders and consider asking the MTA to issue a Request for Expression of Interest in Concourse Yard to better assess the cost and potential of building at the site.
MTA spokeswoman Amanda Kwan said that the agency is studying the report.
“This is not only a great opportunity to help the neighborhood to continue to develop commercial space as well as affordable housing for all," Diaz said in a statement, "but this plan could allow one of the best colleges in our city, Lehman College, the opportunity for expansion it deserves."
