413 E 120th Street is one of the sites up for redevelopment. Image Credit: Google Maps.
The RFP was developed using community input through the East Harlem Neighborhood Planning Process and visioning workshops. On August 8, 2019, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner, Louise Carroll, announced the release of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding the redevelopment of the East Harlem Multi-Service Center site at 413 East 120th Street in Manhattan and the NYPD’s 25th Precinct parking lot on the east side of Park Avenue between East 118th and East 119th Streets in Manhattan. The redevelopment will include affordable housing, retail, and community services.
Respondents may submit proposals for one or both sites. The deadline for submission is November 26, 2019. For more information and to obtain a copy of the RFP, view the East Harlem Request for Proposals RFP webpage.
The Multi-Service Center was once a school. The building is now a hub for twelve non-profit community-based organizations. The development proposals are expected to include 100 percent affordable housing and new community and office space. At least 30 percent must serve formerly homeless households. RFP respondents are required to submit a relocation plan for the community-based organizations currently occupying the space. The RPF will be evaluated by whether the proposal meets the needs of the organizations.
The 75-space precinct lot is currently used by the NYPD for emergency response, school safety, and other vehicles. The development proposals are expected to include 100-percent affordable housing and a new parking garage for NYPD vehicles. Preference will be given to proposals that enhance the emerging commercial corridor of this section of Park Avenue.
This RFP is a product of the East Harlem Housing Plan. It was developed by HPD using community input gathered through the East Harlem Neighborhood Planning Process, as well as HPD-hosted community visioning workshops and exercises. These workshops were held in coordination with the Council Members Diana Ayala and Bill Perkins, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Manhattan Community Board 11. The workshops are summarized in the East Harlem RFP Community Visioning Report attached to the RFP. Developers are encouraged to consult with the report when developing their proposals.
HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll stated, “Through Housing New York 2.0, we are pushing to create new affordable housing opportunities across our neighborhoods in developments that also add to the fabric of communities. Now we are requesting proposals that will completely transform two City-owned sites through the creation of new affordable housing paired with community and cultural space.”
Council Member Diana Ayala stated, “East Harlem, like many other neighborhoods in our city, is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. The release of this RFP brings our community one step closer to creating truly affordable housing that is reflective of our socio-economic, civic, and commercial needs.”
By: Laine Vitkevich (Laine is a CityLaw intern and NYLS Student, Class of 2020)