Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell and Congressman Eliot Engel have jointly announced that the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has agreed to reopen the Kingsbridge parking lot, located at Broadway and West 230th Street, in the coming weeks.

This development comes following months of pleading by these elected officials, Community Board #8 and local business leaders to reopen the lot on a temporary basis. A planned development for the site has stalled, and local businesses have complained that the loss of hundreds of parking spaces has cost them tens of thousands of dollars in business. At a meeting between these elected officials and the NYCEDC on Thursday, the agency announced that it would begin the process of reopening the lot immediately, and expects it to be opened prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

“I am happy that the NYCEDC listened to the community and the local businesses on this issue and acted quickly to resolve this problem. In these tough economic times, our small businesses need all the help they can get, and these parking spaces will be a great help to the local businesses during the upcoming holiday season,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“I am pleased that EDC has listened to our local elected officials and agreed to restore the parking on the West 230th Street/Broadway parking lot as we insisted. It is crucial that local shoppers have a place to park. During these tough economic times we cannot allow the City to take away any parking from our community,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“I am pleased that we were able to get the parking lot reopened for the holiday. Hopefully the construction of the shopping mall will get back on track shortly,” said Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

“Reopening the parking lot in Kingsbridge is essential for the stores in the Broadway and West 231st Street area to have a successful holiday season. Parking is always at a premium in New York City, especially in shopping areas, and most especially in the Kingsbridge area. Having the parking lot open is the difference for merchants if they are not to lose customers to the suburbs,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“This is great news for the Kingsbridge business community. We appreciate quick action of the New York City Economic Development Corporation in resolving this issue, and would like to thank the elected officials for coming together with the community board in this group effort,” said Damian McShane, chairman of Community Board #8.