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Harlem rezoning plan as good as done

By David Freedlander | dfreedlander@am-ny.com

April 16, 2008

A plan to enliven one of the city's most famous thoroughfares cleared its biggest hurdle Tuesday when a key council committee approved a rezoning of 125th Street.

The plan to transform Harlem's main street into a 24-hour commercial and retail hub was ironed out by Councilwoman Inez Dickens (D- Manhattan), who represents Central Harlem, after meeting fierce opposition from her and other community leaders. They feared that many longtime residents and businesses would be squeezed out

"We made significant changes that will ensure that the people of Harlem will be able to participate in the renaissance of 125th Street," said planning Commissioner Amanda Burden of the plan, which was approved by the zoning committee. "The plan from the beginning was to make 125th Street not only a regional business district but a center for arts and culture and entertainment. It is going to feel like a village both day and night."

The plans call for nearly half of the nearly 4,000 new housing units to be affordable, and limit the heights of new buildings on either side of the main drag. Developers would also receive an incentive to include space for nonprofit cultural institutions.

As many as 70 businesses and thousands of residents could be pushed out by construction, but the negotiated settlement will provide temporary spaces and financial assistance for those that will be displaced.

"I said if there were no protections for my community, there would be no rezoning," Dickens said. "After many long hours of deliberations, disagreements, and debates, I do believe that the city planning commission heard me loud and clear."

But some worried that the protections afforded to 125th Street will push problems onto nearby thoroughfares.

"125th Street is like a snowball rolling down the mountain -- it has its own momentum," said Lloyd Williams, president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. "We can't put all of our baskets there. What's happening on 116th Street or 135th Street?"

The plan will go before the council's land use committee today, and then back to the planning commission for review. It goes before the full council later this month, and is widely expected to pass.