This is part of a series about New Yorkers who have recently relocated to the Bronx. It’s called The New Bronx.
On most afternoons, LaToya Clark, 31, can be found smiling behind the circulation desk of the Melrose Library in the South Bronx. With her calm demeanor and pleasant smile, she is always gracious to the patrons who stop by. She’s the sort of librarian who appears to be an indispensable part of the community, but in fact, Clark is relatively new to the area.
Born and raised in West Brighton, Staten Island, Clark is part of the growth that has made the Bronx New York City’s fastest growing borough.
According to the latest report from the New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office, the Bronx’s population has had the fastest growth rate than any other borough over the last few decades.
Clark moved to Highbridge with her son, Michael, 9, five years ago, following her breakup with Michael’s father. “I just wanted a change,” Clark recalled in her steady, comforting voice. “I always loved the city. There’s just more to do for me and my son.”
She left her big family and suburban community, with its one museum and single shopping plaza, for the South Bronx’s diverse environment. With over ten years working at the New York Public Library, Clark was able to transfer to a new branch, and keep her position as an office aid and volunteer coordinator for the New York Public Library. In Staten Island her pay started at $30,000 a year, but after a raise following her transfer and another is past year, Clark now earns between $36-40,000 a year.
When she’s not working, Clark spends time with her son, visiting extended family across New York City, or just exploring different neighborhoods. She appreciates the endless activities available on the weekends including museums, parks, food fairs, and recreational sports clubs.
The transition has had some cons as well. Even after five years in the neighborhood, Clark isn’t accustomed to the more aggressive environment of the South Bronx.
Although Clark does not regret her decision to relocate to the Bronx, as a young, single mother with no other financial support, her primary concern is Michael’s wellbeing. She compares her own upbringing in Staten Island to what her son is exposed to in South Bronx.
“I think Staten Island is a better place to raise a family,” said Clark. “Kids are growing up too fast over here. It’s something I’m not used to.”
These concerns led her to pull Michael out of the local public school. “The curriculum [was] just unorganized. They [didn’t] come home with textbooks …and when I’d see the teachers wearing Jordan’s, I didn’t like that.” Now her son is enrolled at the St. Angela Mercici School, a private Catholic school right across the library where she works. It’s a more structured environment, and her son is treated as an individual, not a number.
But apart from her concerns about the schools, Clark loves her new neighborhood, especially the more affordable living. She claims the rent is still high, but still better than Staten Island.
Clark lives in a two-bedroom co-op in Concourse Village, walking distance from her work and Michael’s school. She pays $1200 a month with electricity and utilities included whereas in Staten Island she was paying $925 rent without electricity or utilities included, for a one-bedroom apartment.
Clark laughed as she described her neighbors: “I LOVE my neighbors!” Except for one other unit, her building is all senior citizens. Her elderly neighbors treat her and Michael as their own family, continuously checking up on them and even delivering their mail. “They’re just so loving,” she said, “It’s so nice!”
As for her next goal, Clark has plans to buy a car. When she works on the weekends she drops Michael off with family in either Staten Island or Brooklyn and a car would make that much easier.
For now, Clark has no plans to leave. Perhaps Highbridge isn’t the perfect neighborhood, but after five years, it is home.
