Make Your Voice Heard: ULURP Hearing on 1727 Amsterdam AvenueToday marks the first step in the ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) for the 1727 Amsterdam Avenue project — and your voice matters. This is our community’s opportunity to share input, express concerns, and shape what happens on this site.Some may feel that “it’s already a done deal,” but it is not. In fact, it is because of your advocacy that this project is now subject to public review through ULURP. Your participation — whether by attending the hearing, joining via Zoom, or submitting written testimony — ensures that decision-makers hear from the people who live, work, and invest in this community every day.When & Where:
- In Person: City College (details in flyer below)
- Online: via Zoom (link in flyer below and attachment)
- Written Statements: Submit to:Victor Edwards, ChairCommunity Board Manhattan 093291 Broadway, New York, NY 10027212-864-6200 EPrince@cb9m.orgLINK to SUBMIT TESTIMONY: bit.ly/1727-public-hearing
- City Council Planning and Land Use https://council.nyc.gov/land-use/City Council Member Shaun Abreu City Council Member Yusef Salaam 250 Broadway, Suite 1807 250 Broadway, Suite 1776New York, NY 10007 New York, NY 10007212-788-7007/ fax 646-582-1408 district9@council.nyc.gov jquigley@citycouncil.nyc.gov 212-788-7397
- Your testimony — spoken or written — can make a difference. Below are some key community talking points you may use or adapt in your own words.
Community Concerns and Positions
- Oversaturation of Supportive Housing:
The current proposal adds 120 supportive housing units for NYC Health + Hospitals patients struggling with mental illness and substance abuse — increasing the number of supportive units in the immediate area by over one-third, not including other nearby shelters such as the nearly 200-unit transitional facility now under construction at 1763–1771 Amsterdam Ave & West 148th Street. - Ineffective Housing Model:
The 1727 Amsterdam plan concentrates supportive housing in one large facility — contrary to proven best practices, which call for smaller developments (under 25 units) in lower-stress environments. This model risks worsening the same conditions that have challenged nearby services and residents. - Community Board 9’s Opposition and Alternative Plan: (**although attractive, some people did not have a favorable response to upzoning the site**)In June 2023, Manhattan Community Board 9 unanimously opposed the current proposal and advanced an alternative plan. This plan would rezone the site from R7A to R8A, enabling:
- Up to 297,792 sq ft of development (excluding cellar space)
- 20,000 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space (including a supermarket)
- 40,000 sq ft for healthcare services
- 237,000 sq ft of residential space (a 50% increase)
It also calls for a local supportive housing provider with a proven record in West Harlem to replace or partner with BRC, addressing widespread concerns over transparency, community engagement, and BRC’s poor track record.
- Housing Needs and Balanced Development:West Harlem urgently needs permanent affordable housing for the working poor and middle-class residents, for young families, seniors, and disabled veterans who live here, as well as economic development that strengthens local businesses and brings equitable opportunities to residents.
- Medical ServicesRetention of existing medical services. No reduction in services.
- Safety and Proximity to Schools:
The proposed site is adjacent to The William Lynch School (M153) and P.S. 153, serving nearly 1,000 students from kindergarten through middle school. The plan fails to adequately consider the safety of our children and the impact on nearby schools.
Our Message Is Clear
Enough is enough.
We say NO to BRC’s proposed plan for 1727 Amsterdam Avenue.
We say YES to a fair, transparent, and community-driven development that meets West Harlem’s real needs. Your voice is vital – please speak up today.
Count me in. I want to be engaged on community issues and contribute to creating an equitable, healthy and thriving Hamilton-Heights, West Harlem.
Here is my contact information.
Count me in. I want to be engaged on community issues and contribute to creating an equitable, healthy and thriving Hamilton-Heights, West Harlem.