Burden defends 125th Street rezoning

Amanda Burden, chairwoman of the city’s Planning Commission, says she studied the planned rezoning of Harlem’s 125th Street more than any other proposal, including Columbia University’s expansion and Atlantic Yards. “It’s one of the most renowned streets in the world, and there was a great time on 125th Street when people came from all over the world to enjoy its night life and culture,: she said. “It’s not what it was.” Burden also said, “There should be a million different eateries around there, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to frame and control growth on 125th Street.” As The Real Deal reports in this month’s issue, residents fear that the upzoning of 125th Street will force out longtime residents and businesses and destroy its character.