In 1998, the NYC Economic Development Corporation issued a Request For Proposals for the development of a waterfront site in West Harlem. The West Harlem community felt the proposed uses, which included a hotel and motel, were inappropriate and unresponsive to community needs. To address this issue, West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc. (WE ACT) and other concerned Harlem residents used organizational methods, strong advocacy, and support by civic and environmental groups to persuade the NYC Economic Development Corporation not to select either of the development proposals.

Working with over 200 residents, elected officials, and representatives from the New York City Parks Department, a community vision plan for the waterfront was developed and submitted to the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) by WE ACT in 1999. In late 2000, EDC scrapped its requests for proposals for commercial development at the site and developed a master plan based on the Harlem-on-the-River community plan.

The goals of the West Harlem Waterfront Park Program are to bridge green spaces along the Hudson River and enhance waterfront access, economic development, and regional transportation alternatives in the West Harlem community.

Approval for the final West Harlem Waterfront Park plan came in 2003, and a groundbreaking took place in October 2005. Construction of the park is anticipated to be completed in 2008. WE ACT has also created a non-profit entity, the Harlem Waterfront Council , to aid in the management of the park, as well as educate the general public, media, public officials and community residents on the importance of the Harlem Piers.