Several demonstrators were arrested Monday for blocking traffic at a protest over a rezoning plan in Inwood.
The proposal includes upgrades to commercial areas on Broadway, Dyckman and West 207th Street as well as to a local school, performing arts center and parks.
But the protesters say it will only benefit developers, hurt small businesses, force them from their homes and lead to gentrification of the neighborhood.
Advocates say Inwood will receive more than $500 million for investing in the community.
Mayor Bill de Blasio weighed in on the issue during his weekly "Mondays with the Mayor" segment on NY1's Inside City Hall.
"I think in the end, a whole lot of people in Inwood look at the package and say, 'This is the kind of thing we've been asking for for decades,'" de Blasio said. "We saw that in East New York. We saw that in Far Rockaway. We saw that in East Harlem. Not necessarily every activist agreed. But a whole lot of everyday people who've been clamoring for more investment in parks and schools and jobs and more affordable housing, they said, you know, 'That's what we've been asking for.' We're glad it's finally happening."
Last week, a council subcommittee overwhelmingly approved the plan.
The full council is scheduled to vote on the proposal Wednesday.