How do we demystify the Bronx as being “thuggish”? How do you get more employees from Montefiore Medical Center to spend their hard earned dollars on Jerome Avenue during their lunch hour? How can we attract businesses that aren’t 99 cent stores?

For the roughly 90 residents attending the Bedford Park Livable Neighborhoods Program on March 26, these were pertinent questions. The event, sponsored by Bronx Community Board 7’s Long Term Planning and Community Relations Committee, the Municipal Arts Society and New York City Small Business Services, had residents spend several hours learning how to better their neighborhoods.

Presenters broke down different New York City governing bodies, speaking on topics ranging from economic development, urban planning, development and participatory budgeting to help community members better understand the process and reshape their neighborhoods for the better. Councilman Ritchie Torres, representing parts of Bedford Park, also shared his expertise and experience on the Council with attendees.

“I came out, basically, just to learn and to make my contribution as a senior,” said neighbor Kenneth Wyrtch. “I’m very much concerned about the state of arts culture in the Bronx, period …and getting artist housing integrated in the community.”

“I think a lot of people were making astute observations and asking informed questions about neighborhoods,” said Community Board 7 District Manager Andrew Sandler. “We had a great turnout, and having [people] turn out is an end in and of itself.”

One talked about subject was development. Sandler noted many people in the community are concerned about down-zoning in light of the recent City Council approval of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $41 billion affordable housing plan, and the possible ascent of high-rise buildings. In an effort to prevent gentrification, the plan, which was passed last Tuesday, requires developers who benefit from rezoning to include apartments for lower income residents. CB7 voted against the mayor’s proposal last fall.

“People want to attract retailers and often they don’t know which ones they can support or not,” said Patricia Voltolini, a project manager with Larisa Ortiz Associates, who presented at the workshop. “So understanding that is the first step before you spend money, effort and energy going after particular retailers.”

Samelys Lopez, chair of CB7’s Long Term Planning and Community Relations Committee and second vice chair of the executive board, called the Livable Neighborhoods Program a “great success.”

“For it to be a Saturday morning on an Easter weekend, there was a huge turnout,” Lopez said. “There were many faces I did not recognize which is great sign that the outreach by CB7’s Long Term Planning Committee produced results.  We did a combination of street, bike, business outreach, and social media to get the word out.  The turnout confirms that the community wants to be engaged.”

Part two of Bedford Park Livable Neighborhoods Program is scheduled for April 23.