Case Study

West Harlem


Community Name & Location:
New York City - Harlem, Harlem, Hudson River

Challenge:
To provide meaningful public access to the Hudson River to a community that had been blocked from the river by imposing transportation systems and create community consensus for revitalization.

Vision:
Transform an area on the Hudson River into a vibrant waterfront park that complements the upland economic development of 125th Street by involving the community in the planning and design of the waterfront.

  Despite strong community interest in waterfront revitalization and improving access to the river, many neighborhood residents felt left out of the process. West Harlem Environmental Action (WeACT) received grant funding for a community vision and master plan. In developing the master plan, WeACT ensured that there was substantial public involvement, including a weekend planning and design charette. The community knew revitalization of 125th Street for a mix of retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses would be successful if it built on community assets, such as the riverfront and cultural heritage.
 
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  Developing the master plan with funds from NYS DOS, for the pier reconstruction to provide public access to the Hudson River.
Achieving the community vision by making sure the money is in place, the elected officials are behind the project, and the community is involved in the decision-making process.
 

It is important to be patient and possess a willingness to be a consensus builder.

How/why is this a success?
The community is passionate about getting something done and had a substantial role in setting the vision.

 

Partners
New York City Economic Development Corporation, West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc., DOS, CUNY, Columbia University, Community Board 9, Department of City Planning, Harlem Community Development Corporation, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvem

Project Dates
2000 - Present

 

Community Contact Information
Cecil Corbin-Mark
West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc.
(212) 961-1000

DOS Contact Information
Steve Ridler
NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231-0001
(518) 473-3942
sridler@dos.ny.gov

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