The Adams administration has launched the public review process on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 125th and Lexington Rezoning application, an MTA proposal to transform a vacant lot at the corner of East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in East Harlem into a mixed-use tower with 680 new rental apartments, including roughly 150 affordable units.
The proposed 38-story tower will sit above the future East 125th Street Q train station, the terminus of the Second Avenue Subway. The centrally located site has sat undeveloped since the closure of the Pathmark supermarket in 2015.
“Access to transit makes living in New York more convenient and affordable, and this area has all kinds of subway, bus, and commuter rail access,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “With the coming Second Avenue Subway extension, this area continues to become even more attractive.”
The roughly seven-month public review process for the proposal will culminate in a vote by the New York City Council.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has initiated the public review process for a proposed 38-story mixed-use development at the southeast corner of East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in East Harlem. This project aims to construct approximately 684 residential units, including over 150 permanently affordable homes, directly above the planned terminus of the Second Avenue Subway extension.
The proposed development is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative, which seeks to increase housing density in transit-rich areas. The MTA’s plan involves rezoning the site to a C6-11 district, allowing for a residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 15. This change would enable the construction of a high-rise building that integrates housing with transit access.
The development site has remained vacant since 2015, following the closure of a Pathmark supermarket. The MTA acquired the property in 2023 for $82 million, aiming to utilize the space for transit-oriented development. The project’s location offers direct access to multiple subway lines and the Metro-North Harlem–125th Street station, enhancing connectivity for future residents.
The public review process will involve input from local stakeholders, including Manhattan Community Board 11 and the Manhattan Borough President. The proposal will undergo scrutiny by the City Planning Commission and ultimately require approval from the New York City Council. The MTA plans to issue a request for proposals to select a private developer for the project, with construction anticipated to commence following the completion of the Second Avenue Subway extension
This development represents a significant step in addressing New York City’s housing needs by leveraging transit infrastructure to create affordable, accessible living spaces. The integration of housing above a major subway station exemplifies a commitment to sustainable urban planning and community development.
