Co-op City is the largest housing development in America, home to 50,000 residents in 42 buildings across 15,372 units of residence. The large, adjacent Bay Plaza mall is often considered part of the Co-op City area. It is one of the most major isolated locations in New York City. Deep in the Northeast Bronx, it is situated along the Hutchinson river and bounded by I-95 and the Hutch Parkway. It was constructed in 1966-1973, and is cooperative housing for the "forgotten" working middle class. It is built on a Marshland, and 35 buildings range from 24 to 33 stories. It is spread out across five "sections', however, it is commonly known to be three different parts-
Dreiser in the North
Bartow in the Middle
And Section 5 in the Southeast, isolated by the Hutch
While many bus routes run to the large development, not one train directly serves it. The most common and fastest route is the 6 Train to Pelham Bay park, but once there one must exit and wait several minutes to crowd on a specific bus for another 15 or so minutes. The BXM7 Express Bus is the fastest, however it often gets caught in traffic along the Bruckner and Madison, and the fare price is ridiculous- $6.75 one way. Buses are the only way to get around. It is one of the most bus-dependent areas in the City. A subway extension of some sorts is a highly necessary item. However, there are many factors that need to be put into consideration when planning this new route.
Transit options in Co-op City (via refers to major street in co-op city)
BX5- Bay Plaza (Weekends only)-Longwood (via Bartow)
BX12- Bay Plaza (Nights only)- Inwood (via Bartow)
BX12 SBS- Bay Plaza- Inwood (Via Bartow)
BX23 Loop- Pelham Bay Station-Co-op city (via Sections 1-2-3-4-5 or 5-4-3-2-1)
BX26- Bedford Park- Section Five ( viaSections 4-5)
BX28- Fordham- Section 5 (via sections 4-5)
BX30- Norwood- Section 5 (via bartow and baychester av)
BX38- Norwood- Bay Plaza (via Baychester av, co-op city Blvd)
Q50 LTD- Flushing- Section 5 (via sections 1-2-3-4-5)
BXM7- Express ($6.75, via dreiser, asch, section 5) Dreiser Loop- 23 St