East Harlem Rezoning Could Add New Retail to Public Housing Projects

East Harlem Rezoning Could Add New Retail to Public Housing Projects

1 minute read

December 22, 2016, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Harlem

Alizada Studios / Shutterstock

"The de Blasio administration's plan to rezone East Harlem would allow nearly half-a-million square feet of retail to be developed in three public-housing complexes," reports Joe Anuta, citing data found in city documents.

"The Department of City Planning has proposed a rezoning for roughly 95 blocks in East Harlem, which would allow commercial retail development in parts of the Taft, Jefferson and Johnson houses that border four major thoroughfares," explains Anuta of the proposed rezoning. The proposal has already inspired plenty of commentary. In November 2016, Rebecca Baird-Remba reported that the rezoning could generate an estimated 7,500 new apartments. The rezoning could also mean the end of parking minimums and the demise of a quarter of the area's affordable housing stock.

As for the current focus on the retail businesses that could be enabled on properties currently owned by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), there are no current plans to develop the sites. But, writes Anuta, "the authority would have the leeway to come up with a more targeted plan down the road, though it would likely only use a fraction of the 489,000 square feet that the rezoning could make available."

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in Crain's New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

1 hour ago - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

2 hours ago - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

3 hours ago - Ohio Capital Journal