Inwood NYC Action Plan 2019 Update

Children walk along a sidewalk next to a chain-link fence with trees and a park on the other side. The scene is sunny, casting shadows on the ground. The trees have sparse green foliage, indicating early spring.

Delivering on Commitments

Inwood NYC is a comprehensive plan to ensure that Inwood remains an affordable, attractive neighborhood for working and immigrant families.

Released in 2017, the Inwood NYC Action Plan was the result of over three years of extensive engagement with the Inwood community.

This Action Plan Update outlines the progress that the City and community partners have made over the last year, including committing over $200M in additional funding to support affordable and mixed-income housing, support tenant rights, enhance community space, and create new opportunities for residents.

Supporting Affordable Housing

01
12
By The Numbers

992

Affordable homes preserved in Northern Manhattan

People gather outside a cafe with orange awnings and umbrellas on a sunny day. The cafe is adorned with potted plants and flowers. Nearby, more people stroll along the sidewalk next to tall brick buildings and green trees.
Mamajuana Cafe
By The Numbers

34K+

Doors knocked on since 2015 in Northern Manhattan to inform residents of their housing rights

A group of people are seated in a classroom. One person stands beside a projector screen displaying a diagram. Another person, seated at a table, points to the screen. A participant raises their hand to ask a question.
Anne Loftus Playground Meeting
Building for Community

Building for Community

As part of the 2018 rezoning, all new housing within the rezoned area must contain a percentage of permanently affordable units

A classroom with three people seated at desks. A man in a cap writes on paper, while two women, one in a red shirt and another in a blue vest, are seated nearby. The woman in blue holds a smartphone.
Workforce1
By The Numbers

3K+

Residents enrolled in Rent Freeze Programs

A table covered with city maps and multicolored markers. The maps have handwritten notes, and small colored circular stickers are placed on various locations. The markers are blue, red, black, and green.
Inwood Planning
By The Numbers

2K+

Residents at risk of homelessness assisted through new Homebase office in Washington Heights.

View of an elevated train track crossing over a city street with cars below. The metal bridge structure is covered in graffiti. Trees and an old building with graffiti are on the right side under a partially cloudy sky.
Securing the Future
By The Numbers

144

Buildings in Northern Manhattan incorporated in the Certification of No Harassment Program

A person in a blue shirt and shorts walks past a graffiti-covered wall. The artwork features vibrant, abstract designs and a cartoonish character with green limbs and big eyes against a mostly purple backdrop.
University Heights Bridge
By The Numbers

992

Affordable homes preserved in Northern Manhattan

A group of people are seated in a classroom. One person stands beside a projector screen displaying a diagram. Another person, seated at a table, points to the screen. A participant raises their hand to ask a question.
Anne Loftus Playground Meeting
By The Numbers

3K+

Residents enrolled in Rent Freeze Programs

View of an elevated train track crossing over a city street with cars below. The metal bridge structure is covered in graffiti. Trees and an old building with graffiti are on the right side under a partially cloudy sky.
Securing the Future
People gather outside a cafe with orange awnings and umbrellas on a sunny day. The cafe is adorned with potted plants and flowers. Nearby, more people stroll along the sidewalk next to tall brick buildings and green trees.
Mamajuana Cafe
Building for Community

Building for Community

As part of the 2018 rezoning, all new housing within the rezoned area must contain a percentage of permanently affordable units

A table covered with city maps and multicolored markers. The maps have handwritten notes, and small colored circular stickers are placed on various locations. The markers are blue, red, black, and green.
Inwood Planning
By The Numbers

144

Buildings in Northern Manhattan incorporated in the Certification of No Harassment Program

By The Numbers

34K+

Doors knocked on since 2015 in Northern Manhattan to inform residents of their housing rights

A classroom with three people seated at desks. A man in a cap writes on paper, while two women, one in a red shirt and another in a blue vest, are seated nearby. The woman in blue holds a smartphone.
Workforce1
By The Numbers

2K+

Residents at risk of homelessness assisted through new Homebase office in Washington Heights.

A person in a blue shirt and shorts walks past a graffiti-covered wall. The artwork features vibrant, abstract designs and a cartoonish character with green limbs and big eyes against a mostly purple backdrop.
University Heights Bridge

Inwood is home to a vibrant cultural community, and we’re thrilled to take this step toward providing this community with a new anchor space that will attract and engage visitors from across the city and beyond for years to come.

Tom Finkelpearl
Cultural Affairs Commissioner

Protecting Tenants

The City is working to preserve and boost quality of life for Inwood residents. In fall 2018, the City launched the Certification of No Harassment (CONH) pilot program across 144 buildings in Inwood and Washington Heights, to ensure that tenants have not been subject to harassment before landlords obtain construction permits for major building alterations.

In spring 2019, the City also launched the Partners in Preservation Program, which works with local groups to prevent tenant harassment. The City granted $490,000 to Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation to work with Community League of the Heights, Inwood Community Services, Godard Riverside Community Center, and others to develop anti-displacement strategies for Northern Manhattan residents.

Enhancing Community Space

The City is working to upgrade open space and infrastructure to meet the needs of all Northern Manhattan residents through investments in parks and playgrounds. Major milestones include:

  • Completing the Dyckman Green Gym in fall 2018
  • Breaking ground on a $30 million Anchor Parks renovation of Highbridge Park
  • Selecting a designer for the new waterfront parks along Academy Street and the North Cove
  • A new library combined with affordable housing, Universal Pre-K, a STEM center, and other community resources
  • Beginning construction to replace the sewers and water system in Inwood
  • Installing 52 new trash cans along the major commercial corridor, in addition to providing supplemental sanitation services 7 days per week along Inwood’s busiest commercial streets.

Northern Manhattan Parks

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06
A peaceful riverside scene with trees and rocks lining the waters edge. Buildings are visible in the distance through the trees. The sky is clear, suggesting a sunny day. The area is tranquil and natural.
North Cove
By The Numbers

$174M

Investment in existing parks and waterfront infrastructure. 3 completed and 9 are underway or starting soon

Outdoor fitness area with green and beige exercise equipment on a paved surface. Trees and shrubs surround the space. In the background, two people are sitting on a bench. The sky is partly cloudy.
Dyckman Green Gym
By The Numbers

$30M

Upgrading Highbridge Park to improve safety, connectivity, renovate two play areas, and build a new turf field

People playing basketball on an outdoor court surrounded by trees and buildings. Some are actively playing, while others watch from the sidelines. The sky is clear and sunny, with a few clouds.
Monsignor Kett Playground
By The Numbers

$50M

To build 7 acres of two new waterfront parks at North Cove and Academy Street

A peaceful riverside scene with trees and rocks lining the waters edge. Buildings are visible in the distance through the trees. The sky is clear, suggesting a sunny day. The area is tranquil and natural.
North Cove
By The Numbers

$30M

Upgrading Highbridge Park to improve safety, connectivity, renovate two play areas, and build a new turf field

By The Numbers

$174M

Investment in existing parks and waterfront infrastructure. 3 completed and 9 are underway or starting soon

People playing basketball on an outdoor court surrounded by trees and buildings. Some are actively playing, while others watch from the sidelines. The sky is clear and sunny, with a few clouds.
Monsignor Kett Playground
Outdoor fitness area with green and beige exercise equipment on a paved surface. Trees and shrubs surround the space. In the background, two people are sitting on a bench. The sky is partly cloudy.
Dyckman Green Gym
By The Numbers

$50M

To build 7 acres of two new waterfront parks at North Cove and Academy Street

Celebrating Culture

Inwood is a crucial part of the immigrant story in New York City and the United States. That’s why the City is supporting the development of an immigrant research and performing arts center. The facility will include flexible performing arts space as well as space for members of the public and academics to research and discuss the immigrant experience.

Driving Job Growth

In 2018, the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) launched four bridge programs at the Washington Heights Workforce1 center, to help Northern Manhattan residents develop the skills necessary to be competitive in the workforce.

  1. Bilingual Medical Assistant: Teaching English language learners the clinical and administrative skills necessary to work as medical assistants
  2. Bridge-to-Tech: Providing the basic skills needed to gain entry to occupational web-development training programs.
  3. Pre-NCLEX: Preparing individuals who worked as nurses in their home countries to pass the New York State Registered Nurse licensing exam.
  4. Bilingual Commercial Driver: Providing training to advanced English language learners interested in a commercial driving career

Supporting Inclusive Growth

Powering Education

The City is also making a major commitment to Northern Manhattan’s schools. To date, 11 DOE schools have been enrolled in Computer Science for All and 39 have been enrolled in Algebra for All.

Investing in People

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9
A diverse group of people gathers around a table, intently discussing and pointing at a large sheet with images and text. Some hold papers, suggesting active engagement in a collaborative activity or discussion. The setting appears to be indoors.
Inwood Planning Meeting
By The Numbers

$15M

Capital funding to construct a new immigrant research and performing arts center in Northern Manhattan

Two construction workers in blue uniforms and helmets are assembling a large metal structure. One worker is using a tool while the other supports the structure. They are on a construction site with green and brown structural elements in the background.
Funding Construction
By The Numbers

$2M

Committed for extracurricular science, technology, engineering, and math programming in Northern Manhattan

Scientists in cleanroom suits work in a laboratory. One peers into a microscope, while others observe. The lab is equipped with advanced technology, including computers and devices, with a focus on precision and sterility.
STEM
By The Numbers

223

Residents connected to Workforce1 training programs at the Washington Heights Workforce1 center since 2017

A person sits in a blue chair working at a computer in a cubicle with orange dividers. The office has gray carpet and files are on a nearby desk. The mood is focused and the setting is professional.
Workforce1
By The Numbers

$58.5

Capital investment in Northern Manhattan schools

A man in a suit talks to a group of people at a reception desk. Papers and a computer are on the desk. A woman in a plaid jacket holds headphones. Two children and another woman are listening. Notices are pinned on the wall behind them.
Workforce1
A diverse group of people gathers around a table, intently discussing and pointing at a large sheet with images and text. Some hold papers, suggesting active engagement in a collaborative activity or discussion. The setting appears to be indoors.
Inwood Planning Meeting
By The Numbers

$2M

Committed for extracurricular science, technology, engineering, and math programming in Northern Manhattan

A person sits in a blue chair working at a computer in a cubicle with orange dividers. The office has gray carpet and files are on a nearby desk. The mood is focused and the setting is professional.
Workforce1
By The Numbers

$15M

Capital funding to construct a new immigrant research and performing arts center in Northern Manhattan

Scientists in cleanroom suits work in a laboratory. One peers into a microscope, while others observe. The lab is equipped with advanced technology, including computers and devices, with a focus on precision and sterility.
STEM
By The Numbers

$58.5

Capital investment in Northern Manhattan schools

Two construction workers in blue uniforms and helmets are assembling a large metal structure. One worker is using a tool while the other supports the structure. They are on a construction site with green and brown structural elements in the background.
Funding Construction
By The Numbers

223

Residents connected to Workforce1 training programs at the Washington Heights Workforce1 center since 2017

A man in a suit talks to a group of people at a reception desk. Papers and a computer are on the desk. A woman in a plaid jacket holds headphones. Two children and another woman are listening. Notices are pinned on the wall behind them.
Workforce1

Other projects include:

  • A new STEM Education Center at the Gregorio Luperon High School for Science and Mathematics
  • Upgrades to the pools, windows, and science equipment at George Washington Educational Campus
  • NYCx Co-labs kick off and workshop: over 35 residents of Inwood and Washington Heights participated in six workshops to address community challenges; these responses are being used to partner with agencies such as HPD and the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants on piloting on innovative solutions to these challenges

Zoning for the Future, Preserving Inwood’s History

In August 2018, the City approved the Inwood rezoning and related land-use actions to provide new opportunities for housing, commercial, and community space.

West of 10th Avenue, zoning provides height limits for new buildings, ensuring that new development preserves the existing character of the neighborhood.

In addition, in December 2018, the Landmark Preservation Committee designated Park Terrace West-West 217th street a historic district. This district features landscaped topography and picturesque early 20th century houses, which played a unique role in the historical development of Inwood.

Making Your Voice Heard

We need to hear from you. And there’s much more to come. The City will continue to engage with the community as we build on this progress and advance our commitment to Inwood.

Download the Update
  • Inwood NYC 2019 Action Plan Update

Have Questions?

Contact: [email protected]

If you have any questions or would like more information about Inwood NYC, please reach out.