When East Harlem was identified for potential rezoning, the Office of City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Community Board 11, Community Voices Heard and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President came together to kick off a robust neighborhood planning process. WXY, in partnership with Hester Street Collaborative, clarified complex needs into a template for neighborhood engagement and guided the development of actionable initiatives and objectives.

Twelve key themes emerged out of a series of public meetings. These topics helped to organize priorities for the report and became the focus of subgroups. They include Arts & Culture; Open Space & Recreation; Schools & Education; Pre-K, Daycare & Afterschool; NYCHA; Housing Preservation; Small Businesses, Workforce & Economic Development; Affordable Housing Development; Zoning & Land Use; Transportation, Environment & Energy; Safety; and Health & Seniors. 

The plan establishes a community development framework to address the development of human capital and quality of life enhancements, as well as improvements to the built environment. Ultimately, the plan is an expression of values and priorities as well as a set of concrete recommendations. It aims to preserve cultural diversity and support long-term residents so that they can remain in the neighborhood and enjoy the benefits of neighborhood change.