- Coalition to Save Harlem
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The Coalition to Save Harlem (CSH) is a progressive movement of individuals and organizations who desire to reclaim, preserve and protect the community of the Village of Harlem.
CSH desires to reclaim the legacy of achievement and greatness that has been established by the forebearers of the Village of Harlem in this world renowned community. CSH seeks to preserve that which is good and positive in the fabric of the Harlem community, and to protect Harlem from those forces which would displace its long-time residents and businesses for economic gain.
The Coalition to Save Harlem advocates for community improvement and development; however it believes strongly that development must be in the best interest of the long-time residents of the Harlem community. CSH believes in true community participation and leadership in the development process.
The Coalition to Save Harlem advocates for housing rights — the rights of tenants and homeowners to live without the threat of forced economic evictions. CSH advocates for the rights of locally owned business and street vendors to thrive and prosper in this community. CSH believes that all aspects of community life — education, transportation, housing, business and government — must be considered in a comprehensive plan to ensure the best for this community.
The Coalition to Save Harlem is composed of individuals and organization who share this common mission. These include residents, business owners, community based organizations, artists, activists and civic groups.
The Village of Harlem is located on Manhattan Island (New York County) in New York City.
Members of CSH address issues regarding gentrification, education, housing, employment and economics in Harlem and adjoining neighborhoods/communities.
The CSH was extensively involved in rallying the Harlem community against the 125th Street Rezoning Plan initialled by the New York City Department of City Planning from late 2007 to mid 2008. [1][2][3] The CSH organized the "Hands Across Harlem" event that encouraged Harlem residents to demonstrate in a peaceful manner against the 125th Street Rezoning project.[4]
To promote the cause for the Coalition to Save Harlem, members of the community hired a real estate attorney, Adam Leitman Bailey.[5] Bailey created a sub group titled the Save Harlem Association which engendered a fight to save Harlem from gentrification and its buildings' destruction. The focal point of these battles became the largest building in square feet in the Harlem Community. Bailey proposed legistlation requiring the owner to give the building back to the community. After many hearings and support from local policitians including Charlie Rangel, the legislation became a way for Harlem residents to be sure their culture is being preserved. He prevailed in a two hour oral argument getting an injunction to prevent the demolition of the building, which continued until a final settlement was reached a year later. The developer settled for over $1 million and allowed the tenants to continue their residencies in addition to the large payment. The building still stands as of July 2011.[6] During the fight, Bailey was quoted as saying "This is Harlem's Last Stand. I don't think you can ever recreate it. If you are black, you feel proud to be there". [5]
References
- ^ Frank, Lombardi (2008-04-01). "Council members to press planners on Harlem rezone proposals". NY Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/04/01/2008-04-01_council_members_to_press_planners_on_har.html. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ Tucker, Maria Luisa (2007-12-04). "Zoned Out". Village Voice. http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-12-04/news/zoned-out/. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "Rezoning Harlem". New York Sun. 2008-04-01. http://www.nysun.com/editorials/rezoning-harlem/73940/. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ Ohrstrom, Lysandra (2008-04-07). "Hands Across 125th Street! Rezoning Foes Plan River-To-River Protest". The New York Observer. http://www.observer.com/2008/human-chain-will-stretch-across-harlem-saturday. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ a b "Should All of 125th Street Be Declared Historic?". The New York Times. 21 February 2008. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/should-all-of-125th-street-be-declared-historic/. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
- ^ Elkies, Lauren (3 July 2008). "Harlem Businesses Settle Against Kimco". The Real Deal. http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/harlem-businesses-settle-suit-against-kimco. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
External links
Categories:- Harlem, New York
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