Ferrer reviews progress.

Democrat Fernando Ferrer was elected Bronx Borough President in 1987. In his 13 years in office, there have been remarkable changes in many Bronx neighborhoods. Blighted areas, once believed to contain intractable urban decay, are now the site of new residential, retail and commercial development.

One of the borough's most important development issues involves Yankee Stadium. Two years ago, Ferrer introduced the Yankee Village Plan, an ambitious plan to transform the stadium into a stale-of-the-art ballpark and revitalize the neighborhood around it with new a shopping center, a Metro-North train station, and improved streets and parking.

In political circles, Ferrer is widely viewed as a potential mayoral candidate for 2001, when Rudolph Giuliani's term will expire. During a break from activities last week at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, Ferrer discussed the Yankee Village Plan and other development issues with Real Estate Weekly reporter Natalie Keith.

Question: It's been almost two years since you introduced the Yankee Village Plan. Can you give us a progress report?

Answer: Some elements of the plan have moved forward. When we put out the report we were able to capture the imagination of Yankee fans and residents alike but the Yankees have not shown any indication of taking a stance on the issue. Time is wasting. There are only two years left on the lease, there's no deal with New Jersey and the West Side Plan has no support. Polling among fans shows astounding support for keeping them in the Bronx. It's an economic and geographic certainty.

Q: Have you made any progress in convincing the city to terminate the lease on the Bronx Terminal Market to make room for the proposed "big box" retail center?

A: For people who are familiar with the economic slum that is the Bronx Terminal Market, this plan makes sense. The city has no business being involved with the lease, which will expire in 2002.

Q: Transportation improvements are a major component of enacting the plan. Have you made any progress in discussions regarding plans to get a Metro North Hudson line station at the stadium?

A: The new station, which [is a key element of the Yankee Village Plan, has finally received the support of City Hall. Metro North [has budgeted money for the design and construction of it. Plans call for connecting the station to the New Haven and Harlem lines.

Q: The plan is projected to cost $535 million, with funding coming from state, federal and private sources and the city contributing $175 million. Has any public funding been committed for the project?

A: No. The first hurdle we [must clear is getting the Yankees to agree to a vision for the stadium. It's in the hands of the Yankees but City Hall must also take part. My impression is that with [the 1997 mayoral race, the 1998 gubernatorial race, and the 2000 Senate race (in which Giuliani was once a candidate) there were other priorities. Now, with nothing at stake there's no reason not to move forward with this. I suspect [that the administration will try to move the Yankees to come to some sort of decision or leave it for the next mayor to do.

Q: How will the proposed Unified Bulk Program currently under consideration by the city's Planning Commission affect the Bronx?

A: It will affect the Bronx only in indirect ways. It is more aimed towards making changes in Manhattan. The part of the proposal that pertains to community facilities would have a strong influence in the Bronx, especially where development opportunities are scarce. In some areas twice the density would be permitted and higher density in terms of community facilities is not always desirable. In the Northeast Bronx, along the Riverdale greenbelt, it would block views of the water.

Q: Some Queens and Brooklyn officials have said the program does not adequately address issues in the outer boroughs. Do you share this opinion?

A: Yes, but it was admittedly the stance of (Planning Commission Chairman) Joseph Rose. He has been forthright in his position that the changes are geared more towards Manhattan. I think it would have been preferable to put forth a package of proposed changes.

Q: If future changes are proposed for the outer boroughs, are there aspects of the regulations that could be changed to better address zoning issues related to the Bronx?

A: I'm going to reserve judgement on that issue until we have a better idea of what's happening with the current proposals.

Q: How have efforts to rid some neighborhoods of adult entertainment businesses affected the Bronx? Have some of those establishments forced out of Manhattan relocated to the Bronx?

A: We turned Times Square into a theme park, which is fine but it's moved this stuff into the outer boroughs in areas like Long Island City in Queens. In the Northeast Bronx, there has been a proliferation of "hot-sheet motels." There is a flaw in our zoning regulations that permit them as of right. I've proposed some changes that would not prohibit [them but would place restrictions on them.

Q: Over the past decade, the Bronx has seen new retail development in Bay Plaza, the Peartree Shopping Center and other locations. What do you envision as the borough's "new frontiers" for retail in the coming years?

A: First let me start off by. saying that decisions concerning Bay Plaza and other areas were controversial when I made them. Some people didn't want to see more development, but it's created a new tax base and made the Northeast Bronx a retail destination. It's been a factor in making Co-Op City a desirable place to live.

The West Bronx is the new frontier with respect to retail, if we can develop some opportunities there. For example, the Fordham Road strip is one of the healthiest retail environments around, but there are opportunities for more development further west.

Q: What is your stance with respect to City Hall's proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into retail development? Do you agree with neighborhood protestors who think the site should be for new classroom space?

A: My job as borough president is to make sensible decisions. I want schools and jobs so let's find a logical way to do both. I'm open to approaches that accomplish both. There are a lot of people who need jobs in that area. I respect the protestors' research and their point-of view but, at the end of the day, I have to make a decision.

Q: The borough's manufacturing base has strengthened over the past few years, with companies moving from Manhattan and other locations to the Bronx. Do you think the borough should continue attracting manufacturers or stem the influx of such uses? How will the Bronx mesh manufacturing uses with the enhanced tourism, retail, residential and other economic development planned for the future?

A: A few years ago we bottomed out in manufacturing jobs. We had been losing jobs for the past 25 years. Right now, we're beginning to see a slight up-tick.

It's a real marquis presence in the South Bronx but we don't have to have a situation where more new manufacturing jobs mean more pollution. For example, the new New York Post plant is a printing facility.