P l a n N Y C | Planning Information Portal

125th Street Corridor

The Department of City Planning has initiated a rezoning of 125th Street in Harlem. The River-to-River study was designed to "generate a development framework for the entire 125th Street corridor between the Harlem and Hudson Rivers. The street, also known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, boasts a unique character and many distinct assets upon which to build. It offers a multitude of cultural, religious and institutional resources, and is well-served by public transportation." (From DCP's web page) DCP's stated intention is to encourage development of the corridor that respects the character and scale of existing buildings. Central to this goal is the creation of new zones that encourage mixed-use development, which will allow for residential, commercial, and cultural uses.

DCP completed the DEIS on the rezoning in September 2007 and certified the proposal as complete on October 1, 2007. The plan was approved by the City Council on April 30, 2008 by a vote of 47-2. Before the plan was considered by the City Council, it first appeared before Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10, and 11, as well as before the Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer. While Community Boards 9 and 11 approved the plan, provided certain modifications were made, Board 10 unanimously disapproved the plan and urged changes to the proposal. Borough President Scott Stringer also disapproved the plan and has sought changes to the proposal. The modifications sought by the Community Boards and Borough President generally centered around creating more affordable housing, providing assistance to local business owners that may feel pressure from larger national chains, and modifying the zoning requirements to help preserve the current culture of the neighborhood.

Supporters of the plan, including the DCP Chair Amanda Burden, believe that the rezoning will promote a more mixed-use community that still protects the neighborhood’s unique character. Opponents of the plan, however, believe that if the plan is approved as it is, it will push many residents out of the area and force the closure of many locally-owned businesses. Especially prominent in the opposition to the rezoning plan is a group called Voices of the Everyday People (VOTE People). Among other tactics, the group is promoting a petition among neighborhood residents urging the City Council to disapprove the rezoning. If the petition is signed by 20% of area residents, the City Council would have to approve the rezoning by a supermajority.

The rezoning proposal comes at a time when many projects are already underway in the area. Construction has already started on the new Harlem piers on the Hudson River between St. Clair Place and 135th Street. The old piers, located at the western end of 125th Street, were demolished fifty years ago, but the new $18.7 million piers will be completed by 2007. One of the two piers will be used for boating, while the other will be reserved for recreation.

Harlem Park is another project that is being considered. The 380-foot tall, mixed-use tower at 125th and Park Avenue is supposed to be the tallest structure in the area and connect East and West Harlem. With room for a Marriott Courtyard Hotel, office, retail and residential space, the project was supposed to break ground in early 2005 but is currently held up due to legal issues concerning the developer.

Finally, the rezoning of Frederick Douglass Boulevard (Eighth Avenue) is also part of this project affecting a 44-block area of south-central Harlem. The city has approved the upzoning of this corridor to introduce stores, restaurants, theaters and other amenities to the neighborhood.