The New York City Council approved the designation of the parcel at 413 East 120th Street in Manhattan as an Urban Development Action Area (UDAA) and Urban Development Action Area Project (UDAAP), allowing the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to dispose of the city-owned property to a developer. This action supports the construction of a new affordable housing development, 'The Beacon,' on a 7,260-square-foot site that includes a portion of East 120th Street. The project aligns with Article 16 of the General Municipal Law and Section 197-c of the NYC Charter. The area falls within an R7-2 zoning district, allowing for medium-density residential development. The UDAAP designation streamlines redevelopment by bypassing certain zoning regulations, promoting affordable housing goals in Community District 11. The site currently consists of city-owned land and will be conveyed to a qualified developer through HPD’s selection process. No specific building design or development team has yet been announced, though HPD will oversee compliance with affordability and zoning standards. The action represents a continued commitment to addressing housing needs in East Harlem.
This decision advances New York City's broader affordable housing agenda by enabling new development in a historically underserved neighborhood. By leveraging UDAAP tools, the city can streamline the creation of much-needed affordable units in East Harlem.