Harlem's Last Stand Defend Malcolm X BLVD Petition
The Issue
Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue) is the heartbeat of Harlem. What gets built here—and who can afford to live here—will determine the future of Harlem.
In 2000, approximately 77% of Central Harlem residents were Black. Today, that number is roughly 43%. In one of the historic Black capitals of the world, we must ensure that new development does not accelerate the displacement of the people and families who built and sustained this community.
That starts with the proposed One45 development at 145th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.
The median household income in this area of Central Harlem is approximately $50,830, yet much of the affordable housing currently proposed at One45 is targeted to households earning substantially more than the surrounding community. Nearly one-third of Harlem workers earn between approximately $34,000 and $65,000 a year and need greater access to new housing being built in their own neighborhood.
Our Demand
We are calling for One45 to be expanded from approximately 1,000 to 1,300 apartments, with 828 apartments affordable to households earning between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) - representing workers making between Minimum Wage and $65,000 a year - levels that more closely reflect the incomes of working Harlem families.
This is about more than one development. One45, the Lenox Terrace expansion, redevelopment of the Lincoln Correctional Facility, and future projects could reshape Malcolm X Boulevard and create pressure for additional rezoning and higher-density development.
One45 can set the precedent that additional density in Harlem must come with substantially more housing that Harlem residents can actually afford.
We are urging the Mamdani Administration to include One45 and other proposed developments that could permanently reshape Malcolm X Boulevard in its Block by Block housing plan. The plan calls for creating 200,000 homes for New Yorkers earning less than $70,000 a year—many of the same working people who have been increasingly excluded from new housing in Harlem.
Harlem must be included. One45 is an opportunity to start.
Sign this petition and join us in demanding Development Without Displacement—more housing, deeper affordability, and a future where Harlem grows without pushing out the people who call it home.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Sign and share this petition
- Become a member
- Support
- Follow
- Learn More
20
The Issue
Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue) is the heartbeat of Harlem. What gets built here—and who can afford to live here—will determine the future of Harlem.
In 2000, approximately 77% of Central Harlem residents were Black. Today, that number is roughly 43%. In one of the historic Black capitals of the world, we must ensure that new development does not accelerate the displacement of the people and families who built and sustained this community.
That starts with the proposed One45 development at 145th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.
The median household income in this area of Central Harlem is approximately $50,830, yet much of the affordable housing currently proposed at One45 is targeted to households earning substantially more than the surrounding community. Nearly one-third of Harlem workers earn between approximately $34,000 and $65,000 a year and need greater access to new housing being built in their own neighborhood.
Our Demand
We are calling for One45 to be expanded from approximately 1,000 to 1,300 apartments, with 828 apartments affordable to households earning between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) - representing workers making between Minimum Wage and $65,000 a year - levels that more closely reflect the incomes of working Harlem families.
This is about more than one development. One45, the Lenox Terrace expansion, redevelopment of the Lincoln Correctional Facility, and future projects could reshape Malcolm X Boulevard and create pressure for additional rezoning and higher-density development.
One45 can set the precedent that additional density in Harlem must come with substantially more housing that Harlem residents can actually afford.
We are urging the Mamdani Administration to include One45 and other proposed developments that could permanently reshape Malcolm X Boulevard in its Block by Block housing plan. The plan calls for creating 200,000 homes for New Yorkers earning less than $70,000 a year—many of the same working people who have been increasingly excluded from new housing in Harlem.
Harlem must be included. One45 is an opportunity to start.
Sign this petition and join us in demanding Development Without Displacement—more housing, deeper affordability, and a future where Harlem grows without pushing out the people who call it home.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Sign and share this petition
- Become a member
- Support
- Follow
- Learn More
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on September 1, 2026