A Bronx street is getting national attention and as borough reporter Erin Clarke tells us, many say it's about time for the local gem.

And with that, The Bronx's Arthur Avenue is officially one of America's greatest streets, joining other iconic strips like Broadway in Manhattan and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

The designation given by the American Planning Association.

"Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of a true sense of place, culture and historical interest," said Courtenay Mercer, with the American Planning Association.

Sure, many already proclaim Arthur Avenue in the Bronx's Little Italy, the place to be.

"The locals certainly know about it," said one.

"I think it's about time," said another.

"It gives you that feeling that you have returned to Italy," said a third.

From authentic Italian foods and ingredients to products you can only find in Europe — Arthur Avenue has it all.

And the neighborhood has a vibrant economy that for the most part hasn't changed in decades.

"You have businesses that have endured for 100 years," said City Councilman Ritchie Torres.

APA selected Arthur Avenue among 15 locations that had strong character and personality and could serve as examples to others nationwide.  

"And the designation is the first of its kind in the Bronx from the APA."

Business owners along the commercial corridor are excited about the news. Hoping it will draw more people to the neighborhood and help dispel stereotypes that are still hard to shake.

"As you know what happened in the Bronx borough in the 70s," said Richard Liberatore, owner of Libearatore's Garden. "This area kept itself strong. The people stayed here. They kept it as a neighborhood and now it's flourishing."

"This is something that, if anything, will help us help show the world how amazing the Bronx really is," said Anthony Ramierez II, co-owner of Bronx Beer Hall "And hopefully it brings more people in here and they have a couple of beers."

The Borough President adding that more attention to the area means a renewed focus on improving an already "great" street.

"While we need to maintain the character and the personality of Little Italy that we also need to plan for the future to expand," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

So that it is enjoyed as a national treasure for years to come.