Borough President Stringer has used the office of the Borough President to advance a number of land use initiatives aimed at empowering communities to play a leading role in the planning of their neighborhoods, and promoting sustainable development policies that will keep the borough affordable and accessible to New Yorkers of all backgrounds.  Some of his major initiatives include:

West Harlem Comprehensive Rezoning: a new zoning proposal to preserve the social and physical character of West Harlem in the face of rising development pressures.

The Planning Fellowship Program: which places second-year urban planning students in each of the borough’s 12 Community Boards to help the Boards undertake proactive planning activities.

The Borough Preservation Agenda: a five-point agenda for the preservation of Manhattan ’s architectural history developed by Borough President Stringer in consultation with Manhattan ’s leading preservationist organizations and community groups.

Land Use 101: a seminar in the basics of zoning, land use and planning administered by land use staff to Community Board members, community organizations, and members of the general public.

Take Me To The River: a comprehensive plan to improve streetscapes, waterfront access, and cultural development along the Hudson River in West Harlem and southern Washington Heights .

Heritage Rose District: The Heritage Rose District of NYC, the first and only rose district in the country, is a project of the Office of Manhattan Borough President and the Heritage Rose Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1986 devoted to the preservation of old roses.