Ghosts of South Bronx Past
By Brenda Leon
Like many New York neighborhoods, the South Bronx is experiencing a wave of gentrification. Yet, at the same time, a handful of architecturally fascinating places remain abandoned or derelict. On Whitlock Avenue there is the deserted Westchester Avenue train station. Riding uptown on the 6 train, the startling sight appears as the train emerges from Hunts Point Avenue.
Walking in the Bronx River Greenway, you can see the two worlds. Alongside the abandoned station is the newly renovated Concrete Plant Park.
This particular lot on East 132nd Street and Willis Avenue is an abandoned train stop, now for sale.
The Bronx is also home to some spectacular brownstones, some of which have a slightly spooky feel. On East 140th Street between Willis and Brook Avenues, the front steps of one home are covered with sodden, dirty stuffed animals. The toys remain sun, sleet or snow and have for many years.
Stoic face-carved keystones stare at passersby.
Across the way, little remains in this abandoned building after a terrible fire.
Further down the same block is a boarded up brownstone. One thing is certain, as you walk along this block you will feel as if you are walking into the past, while watching the future unfold.