News Summary
The One45 project in Harlem, spearheaded by Bruce Teitelbaum, aims to build around 1,000 apartments, including 291 affordable units. City Council has approved the project amid community debates and a commitment to enhance local amenities. This revised plan reflects a shift in sentiment from local officials as it seeks to balance housing development with community needs, addressing concerns over gentrification and rising living costs. Ongoing negotiations with city agencies will play a crucial role in the project’s future.
New York City, NY – The One45 project in Harlem, spearheaded by real estate executive Bruce Teitelbaum, is receiving renewed support from city officials despite a backdrop of controversy. The project, located at the intersection of West 145th Street and Lenox Avenue, aims to construct around 1,000 apartments, with approximately 291 units set aside as affordable housing.
The City Council voted to approve the One45 project in July. This decision came after extensive negotiations and community pushback, notably from the previous local council member, who decided not to seek reelection in part due to the contentious nature of housing in the area. The project’s initial development involved plans for a truck depot, which many residents viewed as detrimental to the community. Teitelbaum has since acknowledged that the decision to include the truck depot was a mistake.
Under the revised proposal, One45 is not only focused on providing housing but also aims to enhance community spaces and commit to using union labor for construction. A memorandum of understanding with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has been established, potentially allowing for the sale of land to a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of completely affordable housing.
Local Council Member Yusef Salaam is involved in the process, contributing to a more favorable outlook for the project’s approval compared to previous attempts. The One45 initiative will undergo reviews by both the City Planning Commission and the City Council. The ongoing negotiations with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development reflect the administration’s commitment to balancing housing needs with community concerns.
Background context reveals that Teitelbaum’s foray into real estate began around 2015, following a career in consulting and law. He first entered New York politics in the early ’90s, working on a fundraiser for former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, which led to roles within his administration. Notably, Teitelbaum was responsible for organizing the championship parade for the New York Rangers in 1994.
Despite the previous setbacks with the One45 project, including a decision to shelve the proposal amid community opposition, Teitelbaum remains optimistic about the current iteration. He continues to explore additional development opportunities while navigating the complexities of community interests and gentrification concerns.
The community board’s prior vote against the project illustrates the ongoing resistance among residents regarding potential displacement and rising living costs linked to large-scale developments like One45. Community members have voiced fears that such projects only contribute to gentrification, leading to the displacement of long-term local residents.
Levine’s endorsement of the revised One45 plan marks a significant change in sentiment compared to three years ago when initial plans faced considerable scrutiny. This shift could pave the way for a more collaborative approach moving forward, as developers and community members seek to address mutual interests, including affordable housing availability and neighborhood preservation.
Teitelbaum and his partner, Suri Kasirer, a prominent lobbyist, are navigating these challenges while ensuring that the One45 project reflects the ideals of inclusive community development. The complexities of real estate development in New York City require balancing economic growth with the needs and voices of the local population, a task Teitelbaum seems committed to pursuing through ongoing dialogue and strategic planning.
As negotiations continue, the fate of One45 hinges on community support, regulatory approvals, and the project’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of Harlem’s residents.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: Bruce Teitelbaum Discusses Harlem Project
- New York Times: Harlem Truck Depot Housing
- The Real Deal: Bruce Teitelbaum’s Harlem Project Gets Borough Prez Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harlem
- NY Daily News: NYC Council Pushes One45 for Harlem Developer
- Google Search: Bruce Teitelbaum
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
