Mott Haven: A Historical and Contemporary Overview

Mott Haven, a vibrant neighborhood in the southwestern section of the Bronx, New York City, boasts a rich history and a dynamic present. From its early days as part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland to its current status as a diverse residential area, Mott Haven has undergone significant transformations. This article explores the neighborhood's historical roots, its demographic makeup, its architectural character, and the challenges and opportunities it faces today.

Early History and Development

The history of Mott Haven dates back to the 17th century when the Dutch West India Company purchased the land from the Wecquaesgeek, a group of the Lenape tribe, in 1639. Jonas Bronck, a Swedish sea captain, built his farm "Emmanus" on this land, near the present-day intersection of Willis Avenue and 132nd Street. Bronck's house was the site of a peace treaty between the Dutch and the Wecquaesgeek chiefs, Ranaqua and Tackamuckwas. Although Bronck resided in the area for only four years, the land became known as "Broncksland," and the river bordering his property was named Bronck's River.

In 1670, the Morris family acquired the area now known as Mott Haven. Jordan Lawrence Mott purchased a portion of this land in 1849 for his ironworks. A remnant of the ironworks can still be seen west of the Third Avenue Bridge on East 134th Street. As New York City grew, Mott Haven quickly developed as a residential area. By the 1890s, an upper-middle-class residential area, characterized by elaborate brownstones, emerged along Alexander Avenue, known as "Doctors' Row" or "Irish Fifth Avenue." A series of brownstones on East 134th Street, east of Willis Avenue, was known as Judges' Row.

The construction of public transit lines, including the Third Avenue Elevated Line, spurred further growth in the Bronx. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Mott Haven was the site of one of New York City's largest parades, organized by Irish Republican Army veterans who marched down Willis Avenue to East 138th Street and then west to St. Jerome's every Easter Sunday. The Star of Munster Ballroom, located at the northeast corner of Willis Avenue and East 138th Street, was a prominent center for Irish music for decades. Willis Avenue was once rumored to have more bars than any other street in the city, given its short length.

The "South Bronx" Emerges

Mott Haven and Port Morris were the first neighborhoods to be associated with the term "South Bronx." Previously known as the North Side or North New York, this area became part of New York City with the incorporation of Greater New York in 1898. The North Side Board of Trade Building, constructed in 1912, later became the Chase Manhattan Bank at Third Avenue and East 137th Street.

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In the 1940s, social workers identified a pocket of poverty on East 134th Street, east of Brown Place, and labeled it the South Bronx. This area of poverty expanded due to illegal practices like blockbusting and the construction of housing projects by Robert Moses. The post-war phenomenon of white flight further contributed to the spread of poverty northward, reaching Fordham Road in the 1960s. During Mott Haven's growth, the communities of Wilton and North New York were incorporated into the neighborhood.

Demographics and Socioeconomic Conditions

Mott Haven is a high-density, predominantly low-income neighborhood with a majority of renter-occupied households. According to the 2010 United States census, the population of Mott Haven and Port Morris was 52,413, an increase of 6.5% from the 49,030 counted in 2000. The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 1.7% White, 24.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races.

As of 2018, Community District 1, which includes Mott Haven and Melrose, had a population of 98,403, with an average life expectancy of 77.6 years, lower than the citywide median of 81.2 years. The population is primarily composed of youth and middle-aged adults, with 28% between 0-17 years, 28% between 25 and 44 years, and 21% between 45 and 64 years. The median household income in Community Districts 1 and 2 was $20,966 in 2017. In 2018, approximately 29% of Mott Haven and Melrose residents lived in poverty, compared to 25% in the Bronx and 20% in New York City overall. The unemployment rate was 12%, higher than the citywide average of 9%. Rent burden, defined as the percentage of residents struggling to pay rent, was 58% in Mott Haven and Melrose, matching the boroughwide rate and exceeding the citywide rate of 51%.

Architectural Character and Historic Districts

Mott Haven is characterized by tenement-style apartment buildings and large public-housing complexes. However, the neighborhood also features three historical districts with brownstone-style rowhouses. Recent construction of modern two- and three-unit rowhouses and apartment buildings has increased the percentage of owner-occupiers.

The Mott Haven Historic District, located on Alexander Avenue between East 138th and East 141st Streets, is primarily residential and includes the row of brownstones known as Doctors' Row and Irish Fifth Avenue. The Mott Haven East Historic District is situated on East 139th and East 140th Streets between Brook and Willis Avenues, while the Bertine Block Historic District is located on East 136th Street between Brook and Willis Avenues.

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St. Ann's Episcopal Church, the Bronx's oldest church, is located on St. Ann's Avenue between East 139th and East 141st Streets. Built in 1841, it is dedicated to Ann, the mother of Gouverneur Morris. Notable figures buried there include Lewis Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Gouverneur Morris, and former Mayor of New York City, R. H.

Community Resources and Public Safety

Mott Haven is served by several community resources and public safety institutions. The 40th Precinct of the NYPD patrols Mott Haven and Melrose. In 2010, the 40th Precinct ranked 59th safest out of 69 patrol areas for per-capita crime. As of 2018, the rate of violent crimes per capita in Mott Haven and Melrose was higher than the citywide rate, with a non-fatal assault rate of 186 per 100,000 people. However, the 40th Precinct has seen a significant decrease in crime rates since the 1990s, with crimes across all categories decreasing by 60.2% between 1990 and 2022.

The New York Public Library operates the Mott Haven branch at 321 East 140th Street.

Health and Education

As of 2018, preterm births and births to teenage mothers were more common in Mott Haven and Melrose than in other parts of the city. There were 95 preterm births per 1,000 live births (compared to 87 per 1,000 citywide) and 35.1 births to teenage mothers per 1,000 live births (compared to 19.3 per 1,000 citywide). A relatively high percentage of residents in Mott Haven and Melrose are uninsured. Eighty-two percent of residents consume fruits and vegetables daily, which is less than the city's average of 87%.

Mott Haven and Melrose generally have a lower rate of college-educated residents compared to the rest of the city. In 2018, 16% of residents aged 25 and older had a college education or higher, while 41% had less than a high school education and 43% were high school graduates or had some college education. The rate of elementary school student absenteeism in Mott Haven and Melrose is higher than the citywide average, with 32% of elementary school students missing twenty or more days per school year, compared to the citywide average of 20%.

Transportation

Mott Haven is well-connected to the rest of New York City via various transportation options. The IRT Pelham Line (6 and <6> trains) operates along East 138th Street. Local buses include the Bx1, Bx2, Bx17, Bx19, Bx21, Bx32, Bx33, and M125. The neighborhood is also served by the Triborough Bridge, the Third Avenue Bridge, the Madison Avenue Bridge, the 145th Street Bridge, and the Willis Avenue Bridge.

Mott Haven Educational Campus

The Mott Haven Educational Campus is a testament to the neighborhood's commitment to education and community development. This campus houses several schools, each with its unique focus and mission.

Schools within the Campus

Leaders of Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery (LEAD): Located at 639 St. Ann's Avenue, LEAD is dedicated to fostering leadership skills, advocacy, and a love for discovery among its students.
Hostos Lincoln Academy: Situated at 600 St. Ann's Avenue, Hostos Lincoln Academy provides a rigorous academic program with a focus on college preparation.
St. Mary's High School: This Catholic high school offers a comprehensive education that emphasizes academic excellence and character development.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

In addition to its historic districts and educational institutions, Mott Haven is home to several other landmarks and points of interest:

40th Precinct Police Station: Located at 567 E 149th St, the 40th Precinct serves as a vital public safety institution for the neighborhood.
Hub Station: A major transportation hub located at 633 St. Ann's Avenue, providing access to various subway and bus lines.
Southern Boulevard M.H.O.P.: This location serves as a community resource, offering services and support to Mott Haven residents.

Notable Residents

Mott Haven has been home to several notable individuals throughout its history:

A.G.: A rapper from the duo Showbiz and A.G., contributing to the neighborhood's vibrant cultural scene.
Bobby Darin (1936-1973): A singer who lived at 629 East 135 Street and attended P.S. 27, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Pedro Espada Jr.: A former New York State Senator who has been involved in local politics and community affairs.
Edward J. José E.: A notable figure who has contributed to the community through various endeavors.

Current Issues and Future Prospects

Mott Haven faces several challenges, including high poverty rates, health disparities, and educational gaps. However, the neighborhood also possesses significant assets, such as its rich history, diverse community, and strategic location. Ongoing efforts to address these challenges and capitalize on these assets include:

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Developments like the Tres Puentes Affordable Housing Development aim to provide affordable housing options for residents and combat gentrification.
Community Development Programs: Organizations like Friends of Brook Park work to improve local parks and green spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Educational Investments: Initiatives to improve school performance and increase access to higher education are crucial for empowering the next generation of Mott Haven residents.

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