Belmont, Bronx

Belmont, Bronx
source
Name	Belmont, Bronx
Pushpin label position	right
Coordinates	40.8429°N 73.8903°W
Subdivision name	New York City
Subdivision type1	Borough
Subdivision name1	The Bronx

Belmont, Bronx is a neighborhood located in the North Bronx, bordered by Fordham University to the north, the Bronx Zoo to the east, and Arthur Avenue to the west. The area is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant community, with notable residents including Dion DiMucci and Robert Klein. Belmont is also home to the famous Arthur Avenue Retail Market, which attracts visitors from across the city, including Manhattan and Queens. The neighborhood is surrounded by other Bronx neighborhoods, such as Fordham and University Heights, and is accessible via the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Major Deegan Expressway.

Geography

Belmont is situated in the North Bronx, near the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx River Parkway. The neighborhood's geography is characterized by its proximity to the Bronx River and its elevation, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Van Cortlandt Park and the Henry Hudson Parkway. The area is also close to the Mosholu Parkway and the Kingsbridge Road, making it an ideal location for commuters who work in Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn. Additionally, Belmont is near the Van Cortlandt House Museum and the Wave Hill estate, which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history and cultural heritage, similar to the Morris-Jumel Mansion and the New York Historical Society.

History

The history of Belmont dates back to the 19th century, when the area was primarily farmland and rural estates, including the Van Cortlandt Manor and the Bartow-Pell Mansion. The neighborhood began to develop in the early 20th century, with the construction of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) subway line and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. The area was also home to the Bronx Borough Courthouse and the Bronx County Building, which were designed by notable architects such as Stanford White and Cass Gilbert. During the mid-20th century, Belmont experienced significant growth and development, with the construction of new housing and commercial buildings, including the Bronx High School of Science and the Fordham Preparatory School. The neighborhood was also influenced by the Italian-American community, with many residents tracing their roots back to Sicily and Campania, and was home to notable Italian-Americans such as Fiorello La Guardia and Rudolph Giuliani.

Demographics

According to the United States Census Bureau, the demographics of Belmont are diverse, with a mix of Italian-American, African American, and Hispanic residents. The area is also home to a significant number of Jewish and Catholic residents, with many attending services at the St. Barnabas Church or the Young Israel of Riverdale. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local organizations, such as the Belmont Community Association and the Fordham Road Business Improvement District. Additionally, Belmont is home to a number of community gardens, including the New York Botanical Garden's Bronx Green-Up program, which provides green spaces for residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables, similar to the High Line and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Culture

The culture of Belmont is rich and diverse, with a mix of Italian-American and Latin American influences. The neighborhood is home to the famous Arthur Avenue, which is lined with Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops, including Madonia Brothers Bakery and Teitel Brothers. The area is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and performance venues, such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts and the Pregones Theater. Belmont is also home to the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, which provides classes and workshops in dance, music, and theater, and is similar to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Juilliard School. Additionally, the neighborhood hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including the Bronx Italian Festival and the Fordham University's Martyrs' Court concert series, which feature performances by notable artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Renée Fleming.

Education

Belmont is served by the New York City Department of Education and is home to a number of public and private schools, including the Fordham High School for the Arts and the Bronx High School of Science. The neighborhood is also close to several institutions of higher education, including Fordham University and the Monroe College. Additionally, Belmont is home to the New York Public Library's Belmont Library, which provides a range of educational resources and programs for residents, including GED preparation and ESL classes, similar to the New York Public Library's Mid-Manhattan Library and the Brooklyn Public Library.

Transportation

Belmont is accessible via several major transportation routes, including the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Major Deegan Expressway. The neighborhood is also served by the New York City Subway, with the Bx9 and Bx12 buses connecting residents to the Fordham Road and Arthur Avenue commercial corridors. Additionally, Belmont is close to the Metro-North Railroad's Fordham Station, which provides commuter rail service to Grand Central Terminal and other destinations in Westchester County and Connecticut, including New Haven and Stamford. The neighborhood is also served by the MTA Bus Company's Bx19 and Bx22 buses, which connect residents to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, and is similar to the MTA Bus Company's M1 and M2 buses, which serve the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side.