The developers behind the proposed One45 project at 145th Street and Lenox Avenue withdrew their plans for the site in Harlem just before the land use vote last week.
Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan, and brother-in-arms Councilmember Charles Barron, applauded the decision. They said they stand resolutely by the choice to fight for more truly affordable housing in the community as opposed to more “gentrification.”
Developers’ plans also included a new National Action Network headquarters signed off on by the Rev. Al Sharpton, a green energy component, and after much heated debate, a portion of affordable housing that wasn’t market rate. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said that he certainly still had “outstanding questions” about the project as it was going into the final hours. He said with the need being so great, it was incumbent on everyone to push for more housing. Community Board 10 especially, said Levine, worked really “long hours” poring over development plans.
At the moment the future of the few 1-story buildings, NAN Headquarters, Islamic Center, stores, restaurants, vacant gas station, abandoned storefronts, and a large vacant lot currently on the 145th block is uncertain. Barron called Richardson Jordan a “she-ro” for advocating for her community. He balked at the project and all of its supporters because of its inevitable “gentrification” of the neighborhood. Barron made an unsubstantiated claim that local civil rights leaders and the speaker of the city council were in cahoots to push the land use application through. Barron added that the “arrogant developer” was concerned with how he was going to make money off the project in a confrontation he had with them.