Inside Look: City Island’s first large-scale condo development in years attracts new residents

It may just be a bridge away from the mainland Bronx, but it feels like a world away from the rest of the borough and New York City.

“City Island has retained a unique small-town, atmosphere frequently compared to that of a New England fishing village. This atmosphere is paradoxically sustained and threatened by the crowds that flock to the island on Friday and Saturday nights. Like many of their fellow maritime towns farther up the coast, City Island residents are trying to strike a balance that will allow the community to prosper without the loss of its individuality,” a description on the island’s website reads.

Unlike other areas of the city, which are used to new developments popping up in the last decade or two and changing the landscape, City Island is in the process of completing its first large-scale condo development in nearly 15 years.

City island hasn’t had any major development in about 30 years, according to Sona Davidian, project representative ofOn the Sound.

Located at 226 Fordham Place with views of Long Island Sound, On the Soundconsists of 43 townhouse-style condominiums situated within a private gated community.

Currently there are 29 homes in contract, with the first 10 completed, six half done, the the next six already started. The complex is expected to be done sometime in 2017.

The two-, three- and four-bedroom homes range in size from 1,407 square feet to 3,345 square feet. Each residence has a private garage and driveway parking, and a spacious private garden or elevated terrace. Private community amenities include a clubhouse with elevated terrace, outdoor pool, playground and fitness center.

Davidian calls the five acres where On the Sound is being built as “ripe for development.” Though New York City communities can be weary of new development, she says that the island has come to embrace the project.

There certainly was initial apprehension of what would be built on the land (City Island does have building height limits), but once locals came to see the units, “across the board they were really pleased,” she said.

Davidian also said there has been no problem selling these homes – which started in the high 400s for the two bedrooms, which have all been sold out. Prices range from about 698,000 to 908,000, with many downsizers from Westchester snatching up the pricier residences.

The homes, however, are attracting a mix of buyers – island locals, young families with children, younger singles, older purchasers and out-of-towners.

“City island is a really vibrant community that many people don’t know a lot about,” Davidian said.