The bulldozers are at work in Community District 7. A surge of development – mainly of housing units – is apparent throughout the area. This is good news, as it is evidence that our neighborhoods are desirable and convenient places to live.

 
But the clear vote of confidence in Norwood, Bedford Park, North Fordham and University Heights also presents challenges.
 
New housing brings additional stresses on our already overutilized schools. And obviously, new residents mean more cars and an exacerbation of an already impossible parking situation.
 
We urge every local governmental body to discuss and address this situation. Community Board 7, School District 10 and Region 1 should raise these issues and suggest potential mitigation measures. Certainly, the housing boom provides more ammunition for the community’s case for more schools.
 
Elected officials can also get into the act. For example, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz held a recent forum on the problem of parking in Riverdale, where development is also on the rise. We urge Dinowitz to organize a similar forum in the Norwood section of his district.
 
New housing in this area is a good thing. But with it must also come proper planning.