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What We Do MWS Community Planning

The Middle West Side (MWS) has a long history of community organizing with a strong impact on proposed development. CHDC is committed to building on that community expertise to protect and preserve the Middle West Side. Our work advocates for responsible development that both preserves the community fabric and builds upon it. CHDC works with local stakeholders, including residents, block associations, and Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) to respond to and address community needs and concerns with its technical expertise to ensure they are met by the private sector, government agencies, and elected officials.

Technical Assistance

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CHDC provides technical assistance to block associations, neighborhood not-for-profits, and Manhattan Community Board #4 on a broad range of issues, including evaluating proposed private sector developments and public improvements, reviewing rezoning and zoning text amendments, and tracking enforcement of zoning provisions. CHDC also provides technical assistance to other community organizations and coalitions for community planning needs and initiatives.

Urban Planning Studies

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CHDC works with MCB4, elected officials, not-for-profit institutions, community organizations, and block associations on community-based urban planning initiatives and studies. Recent community planning studies have included an in-depth analysis of hotel construction resulting from the Hudson Yards Rezoning; an inventory of potential landmark eligible buildings within Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea; and a report on the enforcement of demolition restrictions in the District's four Special Zoning Districts. CHDC also provides research and mapping assistance for larger neighborhood initiatives, such as the Hell's Kitchen South Coalition (HKSC). This work has had a powerful impact on policies that shape the Clinton/Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods. In 2016, CHDC supported the HKSC in organizing a response to the proposed redevelopment of the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Site Planning Studies

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CHDC offers its expertise for a range of proposed developments in the public and private sector. Recent site planning has included proposed Covenant House redevelopment; proposed NYCHA Harborview Houses redevelopment; and the Slaughterhouse proposed development. A major example of site planning includes the Irish Arts Center, which involves multiple publicly owned properties.

Open Space Planning Studies

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CHDC develops open spaces both for tenants and community. CHDC has led community-based, open space design processes, including the NYCHA Harborview Houses' Overall Landscaping Plan and NYCHA Fulton Houses' Landscape and Playground Plan. To allow community members to further lead the development process, CHDC initiated a public involvement process for community visioning of DeWitt Clinton Park to ensure community members lead the redesign process. CHDC also plans and designs community gardens and community Key Parks, integrated into new CHDC developments.

Connect to Manhattan CB4

Manhattan CB4 comprises the area between 14th and 59th streets - to the west of Eighth Ave. north of 26th St., and to the west of Sixth Ave. south of 26th St., commonly referred to as the Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen neighborhoods.

To keep up to date with proposed developments in the Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, connect with Manhattan Community Board 4, the local City agency. You will find local services and resources, archives of meetings, and planning documents related to everything that shapes these neighborhoods, including housing, land use, parks and waterfront, business licenses, transportation, arts, and education.

Connect to Manhattan CB4

More of What We Do

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Affordable Hell's
Kitchen

CHDC develops affordable housing for households with a wide range of incomes in the Clinton/Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods, as well as affordable retail and not-for-profit space.

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Cultivate
HK

CHDC builds community in Clinton/Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea by developing green spaces, organizing tenant activities, and supporting and managing community efforts and events.

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Clinton/Hell's Kitchen Studios

CHDC creates and manages affordable spaces for artists, performers, and musicians to support and expand cultural activities in the Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen community.