City Seeks Developers for Long-Vacant East Harlem 'B-East' Site

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has officially issued a request for proposals (RFP) to redevelop a city-owned lot in East Harlem known as "B-East." The site, situated on Second Avenue between East 125th and East 126th Streets, has remained vacant for nearly 20 years.

City officials aim to transform the property into a mixed-income residential development containing approximately 140 housing units. The project is part of a broader initiative to utilize city-owned land for housing, aligning with the Land Use Inventory Fast Track (LIFT) Task Force established by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

According to the RFP, the city is seeking proposals that maximize the site's potential while adhering to the 2008 East 125th Street rezoning guidelines. Requirements for the project include an active ground floor to support local business and community-serving uses, as well as a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Developers are also expected to meet a 30 percent participation goal for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and implement local hiring programs.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal noted that the site has long held the necessary approvals for development, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the city's housing needs. The project is intended to be developed without direct public subsidy, utilizing the 485-x tax abatement program instead.

The NYCEDC has scheduled an optional site visit for interested parties on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Formal responses to the RFP must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.