ColumbiaGate: The Fallout Begins
It seems that following the City Planning Commission’s approval of Columbia’s modified expansion project there were some who felt shortchanged and perhaps even duped. Earlier this week the City Planning department not only approved Columbia’s plan which included an additional 160 affordable housing units to “offset gentrification pressures”, but also approved the 197(c) zoning plan proposed by Borough President Stringer Community Board 9′s 197a plan. However, the details of the benefit package for the community and how both these plans will coexist was left in the air for City Council to deal with in about 3 weeks when the plan is up for another round of approvals. Some representatives for tenant groups in Harlem had already expressed discontent with the Commission’s vote soon after. Now, it seems they’ve gone a step further. The New York Observer reported that 3 members of the developing commission West Harlem Local Development Corporation have offered their resignations from the board. One of them is an owner of 4 warehouses that stand to be taken over by Columbia and two others represent tenant groups in Harlem. All of them expressed a sense of betrayal at not being invited to the negotiation table in terms of benefits for the community before the plan went up for approval before the commission. Read the details here.
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Thank you for recognizing that error, Savona. I’ll change that now.
-Demetria
Thank you for recognizing that error, Savona. I’ll change that now.
-Demetria
There is an error in your article. City Planning approved Community Board 9′s 197-a plan. The proposed Special District by the Borough President still has a while to go.
And the expansion does not promise housing, jobs or improved quality of life for West Harlem residents.
In fact, the expansion will bring more people (density) to the area. There will be a strain on resources. The Community board wanted an integrative plan that could help residents as well as Columbia.
In communities of color, folks tend to fight over scarce resources. Self interest and not community interest becomes the focus, which is unfortunate.
It’s hard to know what it is in the best interest of all. If it seems too easy that will be your first clue. Community building — sustainability is not easy to develop or maintain.
Why are these people mad? Why did they resign? This is the best thing to happen to Harlem. They are probably disappointed they didn’t get illegal kick-backs. I cannot wait for the car repair places to be replaced by research and science buildings. Jobs and residences for more Harlem residents and a healthier Manhattanville.