East Harlem Tower Project Enters Cleanup Phase After Contamination
Investigators found elevated metals and dry-cleaning-related compounds beneath a future residential site on East 117th Street.
| 22 May 2026 | 11:27
The vacant lot at 247–249 East 117th Street in East Harlem, where a proposed residential tower would rise after environmental remediation work. (
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The proposed development site at 247–249 East 117th Street in East Harlem. (
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Wedged between neighboring buildings on East 117th Street sits a vacant lot hidden behind dark green construction fencing. A large tree leans over the sidewalk, casting shade across the site. To someone passing by, it’s easy to overlook: a narrow gap between buildings on a block already crowded with apartment windows and parked cars.
On paper, though, this patch of East Harlem ground is telling a different story. A 17-story residential tower is planned for the relatively small lot, which measures just over 4,000 square feet. But before concrete is poured and future residents move in, workers may first have to excavate and remove roughly 400 tons of soil as part of a cleanup effort.
Environmental investigators identified elevated levels of metals, including lead and barium, in soil samples at the site. Groundwater and soil vapor testing also detected volatile organic compounds linked to dry-cleaning operations.
“There were former dry cleaners to the north, east, and west of the property,” William Quinones, project manager at the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation, told Our Town.
The metals themselves did not surprise investigators. “These are typical findings associated with the historic fill layer that is present throughout New York City,” Quinones said. The historic fill layer refers to material buried underground decades ago to raise land elevations before modern environmental regulations existed.
Long after businesses close and buildings disappear, traces of earlier uses can remain underground. Quinones said the site’s historical uses included a recreation center, childcare centers and a doctor’s office.
The dry-cleaning compounds, however, stood out. “Typically, we do not find dry-cleaning related compounds,” Quinones said.
Under the proposed cleanup plan, workers would install several protective systems beneath the future building. “A vapor barrier, active sub-slab depressurization system, and soil vapor extraction system will be installed to prevent the intrusion of soil vapors that would potentially impact the health of future residents,” Quinones said.
Plans for residential development at the site date back years. HAP Investments filed plans for a 48-unit residential project there in 2017. The property later changed hands when a new developer, Assembly OSM, purchased it for $4.1 million in 2023. More recently, Crystal House at East Harlem LLC applied for the site to enter the city’s Voluntary Cleanup Program before redevelopment moves forward.
Quinones said nearby residents should not expect major risks during cleanup work itself. “The City is implementing community protection measures like community air monitoring, dust suppression, traffic control and odor control throughout the remediation and construction work,” he said.
The city has not yet received public comments regarding the proposal. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to participate in the process, with comments being accepted through June 17.
For now, the lot remains empty behind its fencing. Soon, the narrow gap between buildings may fill with construction crews and heavy equipment.