No resident of North Fordham can help noticing that the Fordham Arcade, a persistent eyesore wedged between Webster and Decatur avenues, has been demolished after decades of abandonment.

In March, the Norwood News reported that the Bronx Council for Economic Development (BCED) and other neighborhood groups contacted Samuel Falack, the property’s owner since last August, about redeveloping the site. In a letter, Fordham community members and business owners expressed concern about the garbage piling up outside the fence and the rats that had found a home in the vacant building. Falack assured the BCED that he had plans for the site, but claimed to be held up by inadequate funds.

According to Wilma Alonso of the BCED, it now appears that problem is resolved. A branch of Cookie’s, a Brooklyn-based children’s retailer of which Falack is an owner, will open where the arcade once stood.

Joe Muriana, associate vice president of government relations and urban affairs at Fordham University, was one of many community members concerned about inaction at the site. "It’s great that he’s demolishing the building, it’s been sort of an eyesore and a scourge," he said. "We welcome the development."

At press time, Muriana knew no details of the plan, such as when construction would be completed or when the store would open. Falack did not return a call from the Norwood News requesting comment.

Muriana noted that the demolition will not eliminate the vermin. But he is satisfied that the arcade has been razed, which, he says, "was really more of a major concern for people than what came afterwards."