Do you feel that the northwest Bronx is in need of more housing?

A few issues ago, The Riverdale Press published a story explaining a new city housing plan which aims to bring 4,075 housing units to the Riverdale area in the next five years. Community reactions to the story, and the plan to increase housing in the area, were varied.

Among the most common concerns our team hears about from readers is overdevelopment in the area, whether it is because of the noise of construction or fears regarding the changing character of local neighborhoods. However, some residents and city officials point to a pressing need for affordable housing in the city — including in Riverdale and surrounding neighborhoods, where housing growth has been relatively slow compared to other parts of the city, The Press previously reported.

This week’s opinion poll sought to take a closer look at local sentiment on the matter of housing production, asking residents whether they feel the northwest Bronx is in need of more housing.

About 67% of respondents answered that they do not believe the area needs more housing, while about 33% responded that they feel the area does need more housing. The graph above shows a breakdown of how participants answered.

Because of the nuanced nature of the issue, respondents were also able to provide elaboration on why they answered the way they did.

Among those who responded saying they do not believe the area is in need of more housing, respondents commonly cited concerns about overcrowding and overdevelopment in their neighborhoods. Some said they moved to the area because of its open space and greenery, and they fear an increase in housing will alter the things they love. Others raised concerns about local school capacity, traffic, parking and infrastructure more generally in the face of additional development. Several respondents said they feel there is already ample housing in the area, and they are concerned about the new developments currently being built.

Respondents who explained why they believe the area does need more housing pointed to a lack of affordable housing in the city and the area, with some saying a shortage of housing and increase in rent prices is pricing people out of their homes. Others said they see adding more housing to the area as a way to attract younger people to the neighborhood, and that the city’s housing crisis means every neighborhood needs additional housing. Additionally, respondents said they want to see more transit-oriented and affordable developments.

As always, we appreciate the time readers took to provide their insight on this poll. These responses help the community take a closer look at what residents are feeling about the issues that impact them.

To take part in the next opinion poll, see the section below.

Participate in the next poll

There is still time to submit responses to our next opinion poll, which will close at noon on Friday, Oct. 16. With the General Election quickly approaching on Nov. 3, this week’s poll asks residents how they plan to cast their ballots and ensure their voices are heard — early, by mail or in person on Election Day.

The poll can be accessed here.

Respondents will also have the opportunity to let us know what they would like to see covered or polled next.

Personal information collected in polls is for verification purposes only, and will not be published. Responses missing required information will not be included in the final data. Respondents are limited to one response per person.

For those who do not wish to take the polls, but would still like to submit their opinions or tips, our inboxes at letters@riverdalepress.com and newsroom@riverdalepress.com are always open as well.

Alexa Lewis is editor-in-chief of The Riverdale Press.