On March 12, 2025, the New York City Council approved a zoning map amendment for The Beacon project in East Harlem, Manhattan. The rezoning changes the site from R7-2 and R7X districts to a unified R8 district to enable the development of a new high-density affordable housing complex. The applicant, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, proposed the project to support the creation of 215 permanently affordable residential units, facilitated through the Inclusionary Housing program. The site, located at 2013–2043 Fifth Avenue, spans approximately 37,000 square feet. The proposed development includes community facility space and is designed by Think! Architecture and Design. The rezoning enables higher residential floor area ratio (FAR), increased height, and density to meet the area’s housing needs. The Council’s adoption followed referrals and approvals from the City Planning Commission and Manhattan Community Board 11.
This rezoning supports the creation of over 200 affordable housing units in East Harlem, advancing the city’s broader goals for housing equity. By increasing allowable density through R8 zoning, the project maximizes the use of city-owned land for public benefit.