Sutton Field Airport | The Bronx, New York

The Bronx Airport, formally known as Sutton Field, closed in the late 1940s due to a combination of factors, primarily its limited capacity, location, and growing demand for a larger, more modern airport to serve the region.

Reasons for Closing:

1. Limited Capacity and Infrastructure: Sutton Field was a small airport, primarily used for private planes and a few commercial flights. It lacked the space and infrastructure to handle the increasing number of passengers and larger, more modern aircraft that were becoming standard in the post-WWII era.
2. Proximity to LaGuardia Airport: The airport was too close to LaGuardia Airport, which was already serving as New York City's main commercial airport. This made Sutton Field redundant in terms of serving the region's growing aviation needs.
3. Urbanization and Land Value: As the Bronx continued to develop, the land around Sutton Field became more valuable for commercial and residential purposes. The airport’s closure allowed for the expansion of urban development, particularly in the area where the airport was located.
   
   

After Sutton Field closed, the area underwent significant development. The most notable project was the construction of Co-op City, one of the largest residential complexes in the United States. The development of Co-op City began in the 1960s and continues to be a major part of the Bronx's residential landscape. The area now includes a mix of high-rise buildings, parkland, and recreational areas.

Co-op City was designed as a cooperative housing project to provide affordable housing for middle-income families, and its construction marked a major shift in the urban landscape of the Bronx. So, in short: The Bronx Airport closed due to its limitations and proximity to other airports, and in its place, Co-op City was developed, reshaping the area into a massive residential community.

Further Reading