Cross County Savings Bank seeks community board backing to reactivate Van Nest banking development district participation
May 20, 2026 | Bronx County/City, New York
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Angela Guam, CEO of Cross County Savings Bank, and colleagues presented the bank’s community‑oriented work and asked Community Board 11 for support in reactivating its participation in the Van Nest Banking Development District deposit program.
Guam said the bank was founded in 1888, operates six branches across New York City and holds a presence at 791 Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. "We're a community oriented bank," she said, listing outreach initiatives such as turkey distributions, Toys for Tots, backpacks for students, Meals on Wheels and sponsorships of local parades and school programs.
Regional manager Alan Teiel described mortgage and deposit products targeted to low‑to‑moderate income customers, including an LMI HomeStart first‑time buyer program, an LMI advantage mortgage for refinances, stepping‑stone youth accounts and free or low‑fee checking. Teiel said the bank can open small business accounts with a $100 minimum and offers more flexible underwriting because it retains mortgages in its portfolio.
Board members expressed general support and interest in the bank’s outreach. The bank requested guidance on the procedures and timeline to appear before the board for formal BDD support; bank representatives said they would coordinate with the district manager and community board staff to secure the appropriate meeting date and any required resolution or application materials.
The presentation closed with audience questions about ATM fees (the bank said its own ATMs are free to customers; foreign ATMs may charge fees) and requests for follow‑up on specific product terms and the BDD application timeline.
The committee indicated willingness to help shepherd the bank’s application and to consider a formal request at an upcoming board meeting.
Guam said the bank was founded in 1888, operates six branches across New York City and holds a presence at 791 Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. "We're a community oriented bank," she said, listing outreach initiatives such as turkey distributions, Toys for Tots, backpacks for students, Meals on Wheels and sponsorships of local parades and school programs.
Regional manager Alan Teiel described mortgage and deposit products targeted to low‑to‑moderate income customers, including an LMI HomeStart first‑time buyer program, an LMI advantage mortgage for refinances, stepping‑stone youth accounts and free or low‑fee checking. Teiel said the bank can open small business accounts with a $100 minimum and offers more flexible underwriting because it retains mortgages in its portfolio.
Board members expressed general support and interest in the bank’s outreach. The bank requested guidance on the procedures and timeline to appear before the board for formal BDD support; bank representatives said they would coordinate with the district manager and community board staff to secure the appropriate meeting date and any required resolution or application materials.
The presentation closed with audience questions about ATM fees (the bank said its own ATMs are free to customers; foreign ATMs may charge fees) and requests for follow‑up on specific product terms and the BDD application timeline.
The committee indicated willingness to help shepherd the bank’s application and to consider a formal request at an upcoming board meeting.
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