The 125th Street Rezoning
Task Force

New York City has embarked on a land use study of the 125th Street corridor, from Harlem to Hudson Rivers. Its stated goal is to rezone the area from 124th to 126th Streets to encourage a more diverse set of land uses at a higher density that what is currently allowed.

Harlem CDC's Planning Department is a member of the task force and is providing urban planning and design assistance. Some recommendations have included preserving historically significant structures; creating new zoning standards to separate new towers from one another to maintain light and air on the street; creating a zoning plan that attracts and retains artisans and small businesses; creating sidewalk safety measures to ensure that the children playing on the street will be protected; and developing informational kiosks at the subway entrances to inform tourists of the important places located beyond 125th Street.

Currently, the City is taking note of these recommendations and is planning to provide the community with some zoning scenarios in early 2006.