Planning Commission Approves Burial Ground Development

The New York City Planning Commission approved a plan to build up to 750 new apartments and an outdoor memorial on the site of the Harlem African Burial Ground.

The burial ground was active until at least 1856. Since then, the land has been built over many times — most recently as a city bus depot.

“Today’s vote marks another major step towards building a permanent memorial for the historic Harlem African Burial Ground, and providing affordable housing and jobs for East Harlem residents,” said Anthony Hogrebe, senior vice president of Public Affairs for the New York City Economic Development Corp.

At least half of the new units will be “affordable” with formal income restrictions, while 20% or more will be geared toward households with very low incomes.

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