City Council approves Jerome Avenue revitalization project

The plan aimed to rezone and revitalize a 2-mile stretch of Jerome Avenue passed before the City Council Thursday afternoon.
The rezoning project didn't come without opposition. Critics of the project believe the affordable housing that will be created isn't going to be affordable enough for those living in the borough. They didn't go out without a fight, filling the balcony of City Hall and chanting against the project until they were peacefully removed.
Despite the five-minute disruption, City Council members said they were proud of the decision.
The project has a capital investment of $189 million for the Bronx. The money would be used to create affordable housing, two new schools and would give millions of dollars to auto body shops that would need to relocate.
Grass-roots organizations and housing advocates welcome the improvements and amenities but disagree about the need for rezoning. They believe it will create gentrification and push those making less than $30,000 a year out of the Bronx.
Many of those groups will be gathering next week to discuss what they can do next.
It is scheduled to be completed by 2026.