Port Morris, Bronx
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Port Morris is the southernmost neighborhood in the Bronx, New York City. It is a heavily industrial neighborhood. Its boundaries are the Major Deegan Expressway to the north, the East River and Bronx Kill to the east and south, and the Harlem River to the west. Bruckner Blvd is the primary thoroughfare through Port Morris. Most of the neighborhood is walking distance from the 6 train's stops in Mott Haven. Zip codes include 10454.
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[edit] Demographics
Although almost entirely industrial, Port Morris does contain two small residential pockets where about 1,500 people live. Most Port Morris residents live in poverty. Over half the population receives public assistance (AFDC, Home Relief, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid). The vast majority of residents in the area are of Puerto Rican descent. A very small 2 block by 2 block area adjacent to the Third Avenue Bridge contains a small White non-Hispanic population of young professionals.
[edit] History
The name comes from a deep water port established along the neighborhood's waterfront by the Morris family during the mid 19th century. The area is dominated by factory and warehouse buildings constructed in the mid- to late 1800s. Notable early businesses include the Mott Iron Works, the Estey Piano Factory, and the Haines Piano Co. factory. While many of the early industrial buildings remain, much of the manufacturing has long since left the area.
A wave of arson during the 1970's destroyed or damaged many of the residential, commercial, and industrial structures in the area. In recent years industry has been making a come back to Port Morris. Many abandoned residential buildings are also being rehabilitated and designated low income housing.
[edit] Urban Renewal
A special mixed-use zoning district was established by the City in a six-block area surrounding Bruckner Blvd, in 1997 and expanded to eighteen blocks in 2005. This change allowed residential development along with commercial and industrial development. As a result, several formerly vacant industrial buildings adjacent to the Third Avenue bridge have been converted to residential lofts. A small antiques row has been established in the storefronts of recently-renovated tenements along Bruckner Blvd, between Lincoln and Alexander Avenues. However the lack of amenities like retail and entertainment make the area undesirable to most.
[edit] Social Problems
Violent crime is still a problem despite crime declines versus their peaks during the heroin and crack epidemics. Massive low income public housing developments line the Mott Haven side of the Major Deegan Expressway. The Mott Haven area to the north is notorious for its drug trade and violent crime. Port Morris also becomes very industrial and desolate outside the small gentrified area adjacent to the Third Avenue Bridge.
The area is patrolled by the 40th Precinct located at 257 Alexander Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx.
[edit] Facts
- It is known as the "Gateway of the Bronx" because it is the southernmost portion of the borough.
- Three homeless shelters are located in Port Morris.
- Port Morris is considered part of the socioeconomic South Bronx.
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