Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)
In 2021, BJH undertook a neighborhood planning study in Washington Heights for the Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) on behalf of the Urban Design Forum’s and Van Alen Institute’s Neighborhoods Now Program. The Neighborhoods Now Program has supported New York City organizations in planning for public space improvements and in technical support related to long-term pandemic recovery. As part of a multi-disciplinary team with Beyer Blinder Belle and HLW International, BJH evaluated Washington Heights' demographics, real estate trends, jobs, business conditions, and public realm. In addition, BJH summarized best practices and funding strategies for storefront grants and public realm improvements. Our research process included data analysis, a site survey of the proposed Washington Heights business improvement district, an online survey of business and property owners, and interviews with stakeholders. BJH produced a final report featuring existing conditions analysis, case studies, and commercial revitalization recommendations that CLOTH may use to support engagement with private developers, philanthropy, and city agencies regarding future redevelopment or business improvement district formation.
