Envisioning an even more beautiful Riverdale

The North Riverdale Merchant and Business Association (NRMBA) has been hard at work on a study about beautifying the neighborhood since winning a $100,000 state grant earlier this year.

Organizers say North Riverdale is ripe for improvement. A draft of NRMBA’s Smart Growth Plan — which will be available starting this week — notes a lack of upkeep on Riverdale and Mosholu avenues, where high traffic contributes to safety concerns among pedestrians. The report also documents some pedestrian crossings as poorly marked and not adequately accessible for people with disabilities. 

“A lot of pedestrian standards in Riverdale are circa 1950,” said Christopher Rizzo, chairman of the Smart Growth Plan’s advisory committee. “You have some of the most sought-after residential institutions in the city, and yet you have a downtown which has been largely neglected by the city for 50 years.”

The report, which will include price tags for proposed improvements, also takes note of several empty storefronts in the community as well as under-utilized commercial properties that could contribute to the enhancement efforts.

Gary Wartels is the president of the NRMBA and the owner of Skyview Wines & Spirits at 5681 Riverdale Ave. As far as business goes, Mr. Wartels sees plenty of room for improvement.

“I would say business has definitely been stable. It certainly has not been robust,” he said. “This particular area is somewhat challenged.”

In addition to a recent burglary at Riverdale Pharmacy, Mr. Wartels has seen an uptick in shoplifting, which he said could be a signal of economic troubles.

John McKeon, owner of John’s Botany Bay at 3611 Riverdale Ave., said he believes businesses along his stretch of the corridor are reaching a kind of harmony. 

“The community is balanced now,” he said. “I’m not doing the business I’d like to do, but we’re getting to a balance.”

Despite the recent closure of Palombo Bakery on Riverdale Avenue, Mr. McKeon cites the recent diversification of business on his block, such as Greek Express and Yo-Burger, as a good sign for the community.