Harlem condo project to proceed after lot sale

UPDATED, 11:07 a.m., Feb. 11: The housing development division of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce plans to unload an empty parcel in Central Harlem so that F-Lot Development can construct a 12-unit condominium building.

The 24-by-100-foot space at 318 West 135th Street, Between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and St. Nicholas Avenue, is asking $1.2 million. The property is currently in contract, Ariel Property Advisors, which has the listing, told The Real Deal. The Chamber of Commerce would use the funds to make renovations to 117 units among various struggling affordable housing projects in the area. Condo unit prices are set to range from $490,000 for a 600-square-foot one-bedroom apartment to $900,000 for a 1,400-square-foot three-bedroom apartment, DNAinfo reported.

Community Board 10 approved the prospective sale last week, despite criticisms from residents over the proposal by Harlem architect Tony Crusor, head of F-Lot.

“Continuing to give property away toward luxury housing at a higher rate than affordable housing will eventually create a hostile environment toward the low-income population to the point of creating an atmosphere for its demise,” Julius Tajiddin of nonprofit Preserve Harlem’s Legacy said, as DNAinfo reported.

The nearby condo-turned-rental building at 220 Saint Nicholas Avenue is halfway leased after three weeks, as previously reported. [DNAinfo] — Mark Maurer