West Harlem Special District Preliminary Presentation for Rezoning by Department of City Planning
Tuesday, May 19th at 6:30 pm
Broadway Housing, 583 Riverside Dr.@ 135th Street
Almost two years ago, the Manhattan Borough President committed to a rezoning plan for West Harlem, 125th Street to W. 155th.
The plan is to create a West Harlem Special District which would include the following*: Contextual Zoning, with density and height limits, to preserve the physical character of the neighborhoods and quell displacement pressures.
Community Facility reforms, which would stop grossly out-of-scale developments and discourage dorms and university uses in residential areas.
Inclusionary Housing in certain areas, to channel new development toward the creation of housing that is affordable to West Harlem residents.
Density bonuses for “business incubators,” to provide incentives for developers to provide affordably priced retail or commercial space to local businesses.
Anti-Harassment Provisions and Demolition Restrictions, which would penalize property owners who harass their tenants, and discourage the demolition of occupied sound housing.
Special Off-street Parking Regulations, to ensure that parking in the area serves the needs of residents and encourages transit-based development instead of causing traffic congestion and pollution.
*sourced from Press Release-MBPO, 4/1/2007
and Details of Proposed Plan
On Tuesday, May 19th, City Planning will introduce the framework for this plan. It is important for community residents to participate in this process to ensure community interests in any future development of West Harlem.
Tonight’s meeting is hosted by Community Board 9M Zoning and Land Use committee.
Posted on May 19, 2009 by D. Bell