NYC Council Advocates for One45 Project to Increase Affordable Housing in Harlem.

The proposed One45 for Harlem project, which aims to construct nearly 1,000 apartments in Upper Manhattan, faced a rigorous examination from City Council members during a recent hearing as the project approaches a pivotal vote. Developer Bruce Teitelbaum was scrutinized concerning affordability and other significant issues related to the project, which entails creating two 34-story towers at the intersection of 145th Street and Lenox Avenue, along with commercial space. This ambitious development comes at a crucial time as New York City grapples with an ongoing housing crisis.

Councilmember Yusef Salaam, representing the affected area and holding substantial sway over the project’s fate, articulated several concerns but also acknowledged the potential benefits of the proposal. He stressed that the initiative offers the community an opportunity to enhance the availability of quality housing, local retail, and essential community spaces.

Of the proposed units, approximately 291 will be designated as “affordable,” a statistic that Salaam criticized as insufficient, emphasizing the need for higher affordability thresholds. However, an alternate proposal has surfaced, backed by Teitelbaum and Borough President Mark Levine, which aims to develop one of the towers as a 100% affordable housing project. This alternative, dependent on significant government subsidies, remains uncertain as discussions advance.

Affordability, gentrification, building heights, and potential environmental impacts were recurring themes during the hearing. Salaam and chairperson Kevin Riley raised concerns about the project’s overall design, specifically the shortage of family-sized units, as nearly half of the planned apartments are designed as one-bedroom units.

Teitelbaum defended his commitment to community engagement and highlighted the project’s environmentally sustainable elements, including plans for a tech center and retail spaces. He described One45 as a substantial community investment rather than just a housing development, urging council members to support the initiative.

The hearing represents a critical stage in the city’s extended land use review process, marking Teitelbaum’s second attempt to navigate bureaucratic hurdles for One45. The initial effort faltered in 2022 due to opposition from local representatives who pushed for 100% affordability. Following that setback, Teitelbaum transformed the site into a truck depot, a decision that strained relations with the community and contributed to the previous council member’s decision to not seek reelection.

Teitelbaum acknowledged the past missteps, stating that the creation of the truck depot was a mistake. The current political climate appears more supportive of development than it was during his first attempt, prompting a cautiously optimistic outlook from the developer as he awaits the upcoming decisive vote from the City Council, expected in the coming weeks.

As New York City continues to navigate its complex housing landscape, the outcome of the One45 project could serve as a crucial indicator of the Council’s approach to balancing development needs with community concerns.