The site for the AAP NYC Urban Design Studio is Port Morris in the Bronx. It is an industrial neighborhood which is experiencing rapid change and increasing pressures from development. We spent 3 hours on site last week introducing ourselves to the location, recent history and character.
We rode the 6 train for an hour to get to the site, and then walked south through the Mott Haven neighborhood. During the site visit, we analyzed street typologies and functions focusing on paths and connectivity, and discussed the importance of zoning and land use. Due to its location on the waterfront, Port Morris has historically been used as an industrial site to transport goods. In 1997, 2005, 2009, 2017 and 2018 the zoning was amended to include additional land uses which allow for mixed use residential development.
The changing landscape was evident throughout our site visit as capital intensive developments start eating away at the fabric of the neighborhood. The visit reinforced just how quickly the neighborhood is changing, the complexity of change in an urban landscape, and the power of private development as a force which often rolls over local businesses and community organizations. Next steps will involve a series of drawings, mapping and research to further analyze building typology, history of the site, connectivity and open space.
