Overview
The New York City Department of City Planning has undertaken a study of West Harlem comprising approximately 90 blocks north of West 125th Street generally bounded by West 126th and West 155th streets, Riverside Drive and Edgecombe, Bradhurst and Convent avenues within Manhattan Community District 9.
Based on community engagement and working partnerships with Community Board 9, the Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and NYC Council Member Robert Jackson since 2008, the following goals were established:
- Preserve the existing scale and character of the West Harlem neighborhood;
- Consider opportunities for mixed-use development in the existing manufacturing district;
- Explore characteristics of east-west corridors, and
- Facilitate opportunities for affordable housing.
To achieve these goals, the Department of City Planning has prepared a preliminary zoning proposal for discussion. The proposal is a comprehensive planning strategy that recognizes and complements Community Board 9's 197-a plan, the Borough President's West Harlem Plan and community input received since 2008. The zoning proposal seeks to:
- Replace outdated 1961 zoning districts with new contextual zoning districts to mandate building heights and ensure that new development will match the strongly-established neighborhood character;
- Expand opportunities for new mixed-use development in the existing manufacturing district, located between West 126th and West 130th streets, bound by Amsterdam and Convent avenues.
- Strengthen the West 145th Street corridor by allowing for development opportunities where appropriate while utilizing the Inclusionary Housing Program to promote affordable housing.
Community Outreach
The West Harlem Preliminary Zoning Proposal was presented at the West Harlem Rezoning Town Hall, a public meeting co-sponsored by Community Board 9, the Manhattan Borough President, Council Member Robert Jackson and the Department of City Planning on December 2, 2010.
The Department is currently conducting outreach with community stakeholders to shape the plan and strengthen consensus, leading toward a formal public review process projected for 2011.
We invite you to contact us with questions or comments about the West Harlem Preliminary Zoning Proposal at 212-720-3480.
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