Sunday, November 7, 2010

Will “PETRA” Kill Public Housing?

on Building Bridgeswww.buildingbridgesradio.org
Victor Bach, Senior Policy Analyst, The Community Service Society

Preservation, Enhancement, and Transformation of Rental Assistance,
known as “PETRA” is HUD’s new approach to public housing and represents
the greatest threat to a perspective that was put into effect in the nineteenth
and early twentieth centuries that government has a role in housing its citizenry. 
PETRA, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, is being rolled out as a plan to allegedly
address the repair and maintenance of an aging public housing stock, but in
actuality it represents the greatest challenge to the concept of housing in the
public domain and a major push on the ground towards the privatization of
public housing, or its elimination as we know it. 
********************  

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Appellate Hearing TODAY !



GET ON THE BUS - June 1 - as we go
to the Court of Appeals in Albany
to watch New York's highest court hear
arguments in the eminent domain lawsuit.

 No Eminent Domain in West Harlem! 
 
 
THE BUS IS FREE! BOX LUNCH WILL BE SERVED!
 
Arrive by 8:15 AM
 
DEPART: 8:30 AM
 
from the corner of Broadway & Tiemann Pl (which is 124th)
 
 
The hearing will be at 2PM in Albany, and the bus will head back
to Harlem when the hearing for our case is over
 
PLEASE RSVP: 917-969-0669 - 212-666-1808 - bfrappy24@aol.com
 
    New York State's Appellate Division declared the use of eminent domain to acquire
    property for Columbia University's $7 billion expansion in West Harlem unconstitutional.
     
    Columbia and state officials have decided to appeal this decision and continue seeking to
    forcibly displace community residents and businesses.
     
    Join other community residents, business owners, and workers, on a trip to Albany to witness the
    Court of Appeals hear the arguments in the legal challenge to the use of eminent domain.
    No forced displacement!
    No hazardous research in Harlem!
    No environmentally unsafe development!
    Allow community visions for development to be shared with Columbia's expansion plans.

    Columbia's Plan

    map of expansion areaColumbia University wants to bulldoze 18 acres of West Harlem, displacing families and eliminating businesses and jobs, to develop a hazardous biotech research center, luxury housing and retail, and other facilities, in a cluster of high-rise buildings that it would exclusively control. All of Harlem, Washington Heights, Morningside Heights, and Hamilton Heights are at risk:

    RISING RENTS across Upper Manhattan
    HARASSMENT of Low-Income Tenants
    LOSS OF COMMUNITY JOBS, businesses, and facilities
    EROSION OF OUR DIVERSITY and neighborhood culture
    PUBLIC HEALTH DANGER: hazardous research nearby
    We stand united in opposition to this plan, and in support of healthy, community-minded development. Read below to learn about the issues, compare Columbia's plan to our grassroots vision for development, and learn how to join our efforts to preserve our community.

    PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION OPPOSING THE PLACEMENT OF DANGEROUS BIOHAZARD LABORATORIES IN WEST HARLEM! 


    Tuesday, May 11, 2010

    FLORIDITA SURVIVES DESPITE KITCHEN SEIZURE


    FLORIDITA'S LIGHTS ARE ON!
    THE DOORS ARE OPEN!
    Some of the old regulars came back.
    the kitchen is closed...
    but FLORIDITA VIVE!

    Tuesday, May 4, 2010

    Coalition to Preserve Community MEETING THIS THURSDAY, MAY 6TH, 2010




    THURSDAY MAY 6TH 6:30 PM AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH
    IMPORTANT UPDATES:
    Guest Speaker: NORMAN SIEGEL
    (get on our free bus to Albany June 1st to support the case against using eminent domain – details at the meeting)

    Also: A discussion of the recent study by the New York Bar Association on Community Benefit Agreements – including their problematical aspects

    FLORIDITA RESTAURANT UPDATE, ETC.


    (1) The Coalition to Preserve Community will have a general meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM in St. Mary's Church, 521 West 126th Street.

    THE FLYER IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH IS PASTED IN BELOW. SEND A NOTE TO bfrappy24@aol.com if you want the flyer attachments or if you can help with some flyering today or tomorrow - OR CALL 917 969-0669.

    (2)
    Despite Columbia’s success ramming their eviction land grab through the city’s political system, this project is far from being implemented. The property owners in West Harlem continue pursuing their defense in the eminent domain case and are standing up for all our rights. We support the Sprayregens and the Singhs who are being portrayed by Columbia as selfish people who are stopping social progress. Come out to the church and hear more and get on the bus to support them at the Appeals Court hearing. SEE FLYERS BELOW and check out websites listed below them for more info on the CPC Jan. 28th demonstration at Gov. Paterson’s and ESDC’s offices and two petitions – against biohard labs on the Upper West Side (planned for the CU expansion area) and in support of brownstones on 115th St that Columbia wants to demolish :

    ----------------------------------------------------------
    COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY -
    United for an Open and Strong Community
    POST OFFICE BOX 50 - Manhattanville Station
    365 West 125th Street
    NEW York City, New York 10027
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    Coalition to Preserve Community (CPC)
    Meeting –Thursday, May 6, 6:30 PM,
    at St. Mary’s Church, 521 West 126th St.

    Special Guest: Norman Siegel, ESQ.
    Fighting against Eminent Domain in Manhattanville

    The threat of Eminent Domain has driven out property owners and businesses over the past 7 years and more small businesses and an arts collective were recently removed. Last Tuesday, Columbia closed down Floridita, claiming they had to make structural repairs in the kitchen even though they had no permits to start the work. Owner Ramon Diaz has a lease through 2014 but em domain threatens his business too. The court ruled that the expansion is “illegal” and “unconstitutional” AND WE CAN STILL STOP THIS BAD PLAN!

    COME OUT AND SUPPORT FLORIDITA, TUCK-IT-AWAY, THE SINGH’S GAS STATIONS, THE 420 RESIDENTS IN THE AREA, AND THE 5,000 FACING DISPLACEMENT OVER THE BUILD OUT PERIOD.
    Also on the meeting agenda for discussion:
    What’s the matter with Community Benefits Agreements? The New York City Bar study found problems with CBA’s. CPC thinks they are inconsistent & detrimental to good city planning that respects neighborhood diversity and we’ve invited a speaker to discuss CBA’s.

    Come help support the pro-community ruling & get on the free bus with the CPC on June 1st to attend the court hearing in Albany. There is an alternative, community plan!

    CONTACT US: www.stopcolumbia.org, to get on our contact list , or call (917) 969-0669, (212) 234-5005, or (212) 234-3002 (se habla espanol). ESPANOL – OTRO LADO

    --------------------------------------------------------------
    COALICIÓN PARA PRESERVAR LA COMUNIDAD -
    Unidos por una Comunidad Abierta y Fuerte
    POST OFFICE BOX 50 – Manhattanville Station
    365 West 125th Street
    New York City, New York 10027
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    Coalición para Preservar a la Comunidad (CPC)
    Reunión-Jueves, 6 de mayo a las 6:30 PM

    en la iglesia Santa María, en el 521 West de la calle 126

    Invitado Especial: Dr. Norman Siegel
    La lucha contra la Expropiación Forzosa en Manhattanville

    La amenaza de Expropiación Forzosa ha provocado la retirada de los propietarios y de las empresas en los últimos 7 años, y recientemente hicieron salir las empresas más pequeñas y a un colectivo artístico. El martes pasado, la universidad Columbia cerró Floridita, alegando que tenía que hacer reparaciones estructurales en la cocina, a pesar de que no tenía permisos para iniciar la obra. El propietario Ramón Díaz tiene un contrato hasta el 2014, pero la expropiación forzosa también amenaza su negocio. El tribunal dictaminó que la expansión es "ilegal" e "inconstitucional" ¡Y TODAVÍA PODEMOS DETENER ESTE PLAN MALVADO!

    Vengan a apoyar Floridita, Tuck-It-Away, las estaciones de gas Singh, los 420 residentes de la zona, y los 5.000 que serán desplazados durante el período de construcción.

    También en la agenda de la reunión para el debate:
    ¿Qué pasa con los Acuerdos de Beneficios a la Comunidad –CBA-? Un estudio de los abogados de la ciudad de Nueva York encontró problemas con los CBA. Nuestra coalición cree que son incompatibles y entran en detrimento de una buena planificación urbana que respete la diversidad de barrio, por lo que hemos invitado a un orador para hablar de los Acuerdos de Beneficios a la Comunidad –CBA, por sus siglas en inglés-.

    Ayudemos con nuestro apoyo al fallo del tribunal a favor de la comunidad y el

    1 de junio vamos gratis en autobús con el CPC, a la audiencia en la corte en Albany. ¡Hay una alternativa, el plan de la comunidad!


    CONTACTO: www.stopcolumbia.org, apúntese en nuestra lista de contactos, o llame al (917) 969-0669, (212) 234-5005 o (212) 234-3002 (Se habla español).

    CONTACT: www.stopcolumbia.org
    PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE :
    AND SIGN THE PETITION AGAINST BIOHAZARD LAB #3’s THAT COLUMBIA WANTS TO PLACE in our residential neighborhoods.

    BELOW IS A WEBSITE (not the CPC website) WITH MORE INFO INCLUDING FOOTAGE OF THE CPC JANUARY 28TH DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE OF GOV. PATERSON’S AND ESDC’S OFFICES (with copies of the letters submitted that day to them) AND BELOW THAT IS A UTUBE MINUTE OF THE DEMO TAKEN BY A PASSERBY FROM BROOKLYN:

    http://domaincommons.blogspot.com


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyX8l9UesxQ

    A PETITION ABOUT SAVING BROWNSTONES ON 115th St.:

    The Committee to Preserve the Morningside Brownstones is trying to
    save a row of three vacant historic brownstones on West 115th Street
    that Columbia University is seeking to demolish. Please support our effort by
    signing our online petition. It will be sent to all interested parties. Thanks very much for your help in saving these buildings from destruction..

    The link to the petition is:

    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/morningsidebrownstones

    Thursday, February 4, 2010

    Columbia's Propaganda and Student Reaction

    To see what Columbia is planning for Manhattanville (West Harlem) and how they want the community to see it go to:

    http://neighbors.columbia.edu



    STUDENT REACTION:
    October 2007

    On Wednesday, October 3rd, the Student Coalition on Expansion and Gentrification marched up the stairs of Low Library to present our demands to President Bollinger. Read the statement we delivered here:
    As students of Columbia University, we find it impossible to stand aside as our university actively ignores and evades the rights of the West Harlem community. Instead of engaging the community in respectful and open negotiation, Columbia has pursued an expansion plan of disruption and displacement. We believe that the community has a right to affordable housing, living wage jobs, and a prominent voice in any development plan for its neighborhood. We believe that Columbia's plan must recognize the rights of all people regardless of
    their economic background or race. We believe that Columbia must concretely apply the principles of the Community's 197-A plan to its planned expansion.
    As informed and active members of this institution, we refuse to allow the current expansion plan to go forward in our name. We stand in solidarity with Community Board 9's demands and therefore insist that Columbia withdraw its 197-C proposal to rezone Manhattanville.
    We are not against expansion. We are for accountability. Our demands are the community's demands. We demand the following, as drafted by Community Board 9:
    1. Withdraw the proposal for eminent domain, cease to use the threat of eminent domain to intimidate owners to sell, and abandon the process of imposing gag orders on those that have entered into agreements to sell;
    2. Withdraw the proposal to build the 7-story below grade structure and the request to build under city streets and convey the area below grade to the University;
    3. Build only on property owned by the University and obtained through negotiations with the owners without coercion and without the threat of eminent domain;
    4. Guarantee that all housing developed directly by Columbia as a result of the Proposed Actions would meet the inclusionary housing requirements of the 197-a Plan; and that, in all Columbia developed and owned housing, an equal amount of housing for the University and the community would be created both on-site and off-site; and that no direct displacement would occur in the 17- acre area;
    5. Columbia must immediately develop and hereafter permanently implement and carry out an effective housing anti-displacement program; commit not by itself or through any affiliate to purchase or lease or net lease any residential units in CB9M above 125th Street; and provide sufficient additional housing in areas outside CB9M to house all of the students and employees expected to use the proposed campus. And further not interfere with the transfer of 132 units from HPD to the residents of those units as previously agreed to by the City;
    6. Pursue State and National Registers listing of any of its properties within the proposed Academic Mixed-Use Development Area found “eligible” by New York’s State Historic Preservation Office and not oppose LPC landmark designation of any site herein. Also preserve buildings of historic and cultural character throughout the proposed Special Manhattanville Mixed-Use Zoning District and in CB9 as a whole, as listed in the 197-a Plan;
    7. Not build pollution emitting power sources - such as power plants and co-generation facilities - or research facilities above biosafety level 2, or other noxious installations that would contribute to the already high environmental burdens of this community;
    8. Engage in sustainable design and construction practices that result in LEED platinum designation by U.S. Green Building Rating System prior to the commencement of construction;
    9. Engage in good faith negotiations with CB9 to achieve a mutually beneficial land use compromise that would permit the construction of academic facilities needed by Columbia on properties owned by the University, through technical amendments to the 197-a Plan, in a manner that is consistent with the underlying principles and goals of the 197-a Plan and;
    10. Otherwise meet the goals and objectives outlined in the 197-a Plan including, but not limited to, mitigating all direct and indirect adverse impacts with respect to job creation for local residents, economic development, socio-economic conditions, environmental protection and sustainable development, public transit, neighborhood character, public open space and other impact areas, as delineated by CB9 in the 197-a Plan.
    What's the next step in our struggle to hold Columbia accountable?
    Showing up, standing up, and speaking out!
    Borough President Scott Stringer's Public Hearing on Columbia's Expansion Plan and on the Community Board 9's 197-a Plan
    WEDNESDAY, September 19th, 2007.
    Doors open at 5:30 PM, Hearing starts at 6:30PM | Coalition to Preserve Community Demonstration at 5:00pm
    Aaron Davis Hall at City College, W. 135th and Convent
    For testimony, pre-registration is encouraged. Call (212) 669-4374 or email hearing@manhattanbp.org
    Written testimony may be submitted until Sept. 23.
    The Community Board 9 has already voted against an expansion that will directly remove 132 families from their homes, displace 87 businesses and change the character of West Harlem by pricing 5,000 people out of their community. Now it's time to see what the Borough President has to say.
    Come out, hear the concerns of your neighbors and have the chance to let the Borough President what you think about Columbia's plan.
    The Manhattanville Map
    Want to understand what is going on with the expansion? see it all on a google map >>>
    CB9 Hearing Report Back
                On August 15 Community Board 9 held its public hearing on Columbia’s plan to rezone 17 acres of West Harlem.  The hearing drew a crowd of over 300 neighborhood residents, representatives from social justice and community organizations, Columbia associates, and elected officials.   Of the 95 people who testified only 22 spoke in favor of the plan, and after nearly 5 ½ hours of speeches CB9’s zoning committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution opposing the University’s plan. 
    Aside from a fair number of construction union members, the only proponents of the plan not affiliated with the University seemed to be the “Coalition for the Future of Manhattanville.”  Columbia’s consultant Bill Lynch, a well-paid and influential Democratic lobbyist, and his team formed this “coalition” as a PR stunt to create the illusion of community support for the plan.  The group was comprised mainly of recovering drug abusers who were essentially bribed with hours for their Church-run rehabilitation program in return for their support of Columbia.  TheColumbia Spectator reported that “Few of them knew why they were there or what they were doing.”
    While dirty tricks and infantile tactics like this are neither new nor surprising in this expansion, it was fascinating to see the lengths to which Columbia and its associates would go to turn the tide of public opinion in their favor.   It certainly backfired in this case however, as the audience responded to those speaking in favor of the plan with boos and shouts of “liar!” and “shame!”
    The week following the hearing CB9’s General Board passed the zoning committee’s ten-point resolution, which demands (amongst other things) that Columbia promise to generate affordable housing units, set up a comprehensive anti-displacement program, and not use eminent domain against businesses or residents. 
    To read the full resolution click this link to CB9 Chairman Jordi Reyes-Montblanc’s blog: cb9m.blogspot.com
    Watch the video of Bollinger being booed by Harlem:http://youtube.com/watch?v=g0JpF07SOo4

    How can we stop Columbia’s 7 BILLION dollar plan to bulldoze West Harlem?
    Stand up, show up, and speak out!
    Public Hearing on the Columbia Expansion
    WEDNESDAY, August 15, 2007.
    Hearing starts at 6:30PM | Demonstration at 5:45pm
    Manhattanville Community Center, 530 West 133rd Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave. 
    We already know that the expansion will directly take the homes of 132 families, move out 88 businesses and change the character of West Harlem through pushing up rents and displacing 5,000 people.
    Come out, hear the concerns of your neighbors and have the chance to speak your own piece.

    A group will be leaving from the gates at 5:30 to meet with the demonstration at 5:45 (call: 248-765-0412 if you get turned around)
    And for more information read up before hand:
    Students giving the facts - http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cssn/expansion/background.html
    Community opposition - http://www.stopcolumbia.org
    And some recent news - http://www.bwog.net/index.php?page=post&article_id=3780
    More on the Environmental Impact Statement
    "Residential demand generated by the Proposed Actions [Columbia's Expansion] would be partially absorbed by individuals’ purchases of owner-occupied housing in the study area, and by turnover within the rent-regulated housing stock in the study area. The remaining demand could place upward rent pressure on the 1,318 units in the primary study area that would be vulnerable to rent increases, which in turn could lead to the indirect displacement of approximately 3,293 residents of these at-risk units by 2030. While it is impossible to quantify the exact number of at-risk residents who would be indirectly displaced as a result of the Proposed Actions, there is the potential for the indirect residential displacement impact within the primary study area to be significant and adverse." 
    Socio-economic Impacts - Executive Summary of the Columbia EIS
    There you have it - 3,293 people gentrified out of harlem through Columbia's expansion by the year 2030 (plus the 291 residents directly evicted). This is one of the "significant and adverse" impacts that the Environmental Impact Statement for Columbia's expansion reveals. The other impact areas are:
    Open Space and Shadows - Some areas, most importantly the playground of I.S. 175, would be placed in shadows for most of the day during spring months.
    Historic resources - Slating for demolition the early 1900 Sheffield Stable that is marked as a historic landmark
    Traffic and Parking - The new development would cause congestion along 125th st. as far off as the East River. There would also be a windfall shortage of parking in the area.
    Transit - The 125th St. 1 train stop would need renovations to accommodate more people using the escalators and platform. Along with this buses would have to be added to the Bx15 Route
    Noise - Through construction, which would last at least until the year 2030, some areas would be unbearable because of the construction noise.
    For all of these impacts Columbia must purpose how it will mitigate the affects. If it cant mitigate them this is reason enough for City Planning or City Council to change the plan.

    The SCEG along with the Coalition to Preserve Community will be reading the EIS (yes all 2000 pages, lawyers at hand) to give you a more detailed break down of what it says, what needs to be argued at the public hearing, and how this plan can and should change. If you want to read it just get started with the executive summary and emailif you want to join us in breaking it apart.
    Speaking of hearings, two are already scheduled. They are informal presentations to the city council to review both the Columbia 197c proposal and the Community Board's 197a guidelines for development. These two plans will go every step of the 6 month city land use review together, so these presentations are a good time to get more details and get prepared.
    Columbia University on July 9th
    Community Board 9 on August 6th
    Both at the City Planning Commission, 22 Reade St.
    Check back here for more details
    So there it is, the ULURP clock is ticking. And if you want to see these impacts changed and Columbia develop with some accountability come out to the public hearings, and check here for updates.
    But before then, sign the petition to City Council, because they are the final decision makers in all of this.
    Petition to City Council - Change Columbia's Plans
    Whereas Columbia University's proposed rezoning of Manhattanville will fundamentally alter that area and surrounding communities;
    Whereas there has been a fundamental lack of input into Columbia University’s rezoning plan by the community that lives, works, and uses the area in question;
    Whereas the Universal Land Use Review Procedure is a public process intended to ensure the protection of public interests in new developments;
    Whereas you as an elected representative of the people of New York City have the power to review rezoning proposals under ULURP against the interest of your constituents;
    Whereas Columbia University, as a not-for-profit self-described ‘public institution,’ has an obligation to develop and expand in a manner that is harmonious with the interests of West Harlem and the rest of New York City;
    Whereas Columbia University’s rezoning plan contradicts the framework for development enunciated in Community Board 9 Manhattan’s 197-a plan in areas including but not limited to the provision of affordable housing, living-wage jobs and environmental sustainability;
    Whereas we as Columbia students have a vested interest in seeing our university expand and flourish in a manner which is sustainable and respectful of the needs of our neighbors, as enumerated through the 197-a plan created by their most local form of self-governance, Community Board 9 Manhattan;
    Whereas we firmly believe in a win-win scenario in which Columbia’s institutional needs are met in a manner that preserves the desired character of the community;
    Therefore, We the Undersigned, as concerned students of Columbia University, urge you in your capacity as City Councilperson to vote to decline Columbia University's 197-C rezoning proposal for the Manhattanville area in its current form, until it is revised in accordance with the framework for development set forth in Community Board 9 Manhattan's 197-A plan.
    We the Undersigned,



    Wednesday, February 3, 2010

    Letter to Governor David Paterson

    Gov. Paterson: Declare a Moratorium on Eminent Domain, And Drop the Appeal
    ----------------------------------------------------------
    COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY -
    United for an Open and Strong Community
    POST OFFICE BOX 50 - Manhattanville Station
    365 West 125th Street
    NEW York City, New York 10027
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    Hon. David A. Paterson
    Governor, State of New York
    State Capitol
    Albany, New York 12224
    January 19, 2010

    Dear Governor Paterson,
    In 2005, as our State Senator, you stood on the steps of City Hall with City Councilmembers Bill Perkins and Letitia James and called for a moratorium on eminent domain. That principled position was welcomed by all of us in New York whose diverse neighborhoods were threatened by massive developments to be achieved, in large part, through eminent domain and the threat of its use.
    As voting, tax-paying citizens of West Harlem, we are extremely disheartened by your recent support of ESDC’s appeal of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division’s decision in Kaur et al. v. New York State Urban Development Corporation. You stated that your change of position was based on “changes” Columbia had made to their plan. We are writing to tell you that any changes made by Columbia, the City Planning Commission, the Borough President’s Office, or the City Council have been to the detriment of the community and have in no way reduced the coercive, cruel, and unnecessary effect of the use of eminent domain in Manhattanville. Nor has the corruption, collusion, and pretext the Court’s found the University and ESDC to have practiced during the condemnation process been ameliorated in any way. Columbia’s “all-or-nothing” expansion remains nothing more than a land grab of the homes, jobs and businesses of our primarily working class Black and Latino neighborhood by an elitist institution through its quasi-governmental agent, ESDC. In fact, as we write, Columbia is attempting to force out three more sets of commercial tenants, who provide good paying jobs to local residents, from the University’s Manhattanville buildings. Clearly, the Appellate Division’s finding that Columbia was the engineer of any “blight” in the neighborhood has had no effect on business as usual for the University.
    From the time of the announcement of the proposed expansion, this community has been steadfastly united in its demand that eminent domain be taken off the table. The excellent 197A plan created by CB9 required that no eminent domain be used in any development in the District. It demanded that any developer (including the University) coming into the District integrate itself with those owners, workers, and residents who wished to stay in an expansion area. The use and threat of eminent domain makes such democratic community planning meaningless and leads to the wholesale destruction of communities. In our case, the use of “friendly” undercompensated condemnation of the very valuable space under City sidewalks and streets and the no-bid sale of the MTA depot is especially outrageous during this time of fiscal crisis.
    As you know, New York is one of only five states which have not revised their eminent domain laws following the Kelo decision. According to the Institute for Justice, New York also has the dubious reputation as the State most abusive of the eminent domain process. You have it in your power to halt the injustice and fear inherent in developer-initiated, developer-driven eminent domain by putting a moratorium on the use of eminent domain in New York State until the legislature can review and overhaul a system that has lost all credibility among New Yorkers as a tool for the “public good.”
    As you once did, please take a leadership role in stopping eminent domain abuse in New York State by declaring a moratorium on eminent domain now and by ordering ESDC to drop its appeal of the Kaur decision which found the use of eminent domain in Manhattanville unconstitutional and illegal.
    Thank you.
    Sincerely, Members of the Coalition to Preserve Community
    CONTACT THE COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY: Call (212) 666-6426, 646-812-5188, or (212) 234-3002 (se habla espanol) or go to www.stopcolumbia.org and sign up to be on our contact list.

    Nellie Bailey testifies at the City Council:





    Nellie Bailey speaks at the hearing on the Columbia Expansion at the Empire State Development Corporation, September 3, 2008

    Monday, February 1, 2010

    Coalition to Preserve Community Protest Part II

    Nellie Bailey, Norman Siegel, Tom Demott and several others spoke at the rally at the offices of the Empire State Development Corporation:



    From the Columbia Spectator:

    Local activists protest eminent domain appeal
    Despite the Empire State Development Corporation's formal appeal of the eminent domain ruling, the Coalition to Preserve Community protested on Thursday.
    By Kim Kirschenbaum
    Published Friday 29 January 2010 03:04am EST.

    Opponents of eminent domain took their protest beyond the boundaries of Manhattanville on Thursday afternoon.

    Members of the Coalition to Preserve Community, a local group opposed to the use of eminent domain for Columbia’s campus expansion, traveled with Harlem residents and other anti-expansion activists to the offices of Gov. David Paterson and the Empire State Development Corporation. There they staged a demonstration, and several delegates entered the building to deliver a letter to Paterson, attendees said.

    “The purpose of this was twofold: We wanted to request in a letter to Gov. Paterson to declare a statewide moratorium on eminent domain, and we also wanted to demand that the ESDC drop their appeal,” Harlem Tenants Council president Nellie Bailey said.

    The protest was in response to recent legal developments surrounding the planned Manhattanville expansion.

    The New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division declared eminent domain for the project illegal in early December. This was a major setback for the University, which has not yet struck deals with two landowners in the 17-acre expansion zone and thus must use eminent domain to acquire the properties. ESDC formally appealed this decision on Jan. 8. Plaintiff Nick Sprayregen—the owner of Tuck-It-Away Self-Storage—and his lawyer, Norman Siegel, expect the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, to hear oral arguments in June.

    Speakers at Thursday’s event included members of Coalition to Preserve Community, the Movement for Justice in El Barrio, the Mirabal Sisters, and the Harlem Tenants Council.

    “I was impressed with the diversity of the people who were there,” Siegel said. “Most were from West Harlem, but there were people from Brooklyn, Queens, and there was high energy.”

    Following the protest, a seven-member delegation from the group entered the office building to deliver a letter signed by the demonstrators to Paterson and ESDC officials. The letter requested that Paterson declare a statewide moratorium on eminent domain and that ESDC drop its appeal. Members of the delegation said they wanted to deliver the letter directly to Paterson, but were told they could not do so. Eventually, one protester was able to deliver the letter to the governor’s chief of staff.

    “Columbia’s all-or-nothing expansion remains nothing more than a land grab,” the letter reads in part.

    CPC member Tom DeMott, said, “Any time you have people from a community, especially people from a low-income community, come to Madison Avenue to protest outside a governor’s office and a state agency that has a history of carrying out oppressive policies toward low-income neighborhoods, it’s real significant.”

    University officials could not be reached for comment, but have previously emphasized that Columbia is not a direct party in the case.

    Friday, January 29, 2010

    ESDC Demonstration Video: Part One

    The Coalition to Preserve Community demonstrates at the offices of Governor Paterson and the Empire State Development Corporation.



    “The purpose of this was twofold: We wanted to request in a letter to Gov. Paterson to declare a statewide moratorium on eminent domain, and we also wanted to demand that the ESDC drop their appeal,” Harlem Tenants Council president Nellie Bailey said.

    *************
    PRESS RELEASE

    COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY, PO BOX 50, NYC, NY 10027
    Contact: Tom DeMott: (917) 969-0669; Nellie Bailey: 646-812-5188;
    Espanol: Luis Tejada (212) 234-3002

    On Thursday, January 28, 2009, from 11:30 AM until 1:00PM, members of Coalition to Preserve Community (CPC) and its supporters will gather in front of the offices of Governor David Paterson and the Empire State Development Corporation at 633 3rd Ave. (between 41St. and
    40th Streets) to demand that ESDC reverse its decision to appeal the historic ruling of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division against the State’s seizure of private property for Columbia University’s expansion of its 116th street campus into West Harlem.
    Representatives from various neighborhoods facing development plans using eminent domain will join CPC members to call on Governor Paterson to declare a moratorium on eminent domain. Letters supporting both demands will be delivered to his and ESDC’s offices.
    On December 3rd the Appellate Division by a 3-2 vote ruled “the exercise of eminent domain power by the New York State Urban Development Corporation (d/b/a ESDC) to benefit a private elite education institution is violative of the Taking Clause of the U.S
    Constitution, article 1 & 7 of the New York Constitution and the first principles of the social contract.” In a scathing decision, the court detailed a riveting account of Columbia University’s collusion with the State to gain 100% of a 17-acre parcel between 125th St. and 133rd St. and 12th Ave. and Broadway for an expansion projected to cost 6 billion dollars.
    Two separate lawsuits challenging the eminent domain determination were filed by property owners in the development footprint, Nick Sprayregen, Parminder Kaur, Amanjit Kaur, and P.G.
    Singh. Sprayregen was represented by noted civil rights attorney Norman Siegel and attorney Philip Van Buren. Protesters will offer their continued support for property owners whom Columbia is smearing as selfish hold-outs preventing progress rather than owners entitled to decide the future of their own properties. CPC will point out Columbia’s elitist agenda and its manipulation of its political and financial connections.
    Siegel and Sprayregen will address the audience. Invited speakers also include State Senator Bill Perkins, who within a day of the court ruling called on Governor Paterson to order a statewide moratorium on the use of eminent domain pending legislative revision of the much-abused New York State condemnation laws. Support will be offered by and for businesses and residents in East Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and elsewhere who are facing eminent domain abuse as part of huge gentrification developments.
    Members of CPC will be picketing to support this historic victory for neighborhoods throughout New York City decimated by eminent domain abuse and to show their vital resistance to oppression by both private and government institutions. We demand NO APPEAL; NO EMINENT
    DOMAIN; NO DISPLACEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL TENANTS AND WORKERS; NO BIOHAZARD LEVEL 3 LABS; FULL DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS BY COLUMBIA TO ESDC AND RELEASE OF FOIL DOCUMENTS ORDERED BY THE COURT.

    Thursday, January 28, 2010

    Demonstration at Governor Paterson's New York Office and the Empire State Development Corporation





    THE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER WHICH WAS SENT BY THE COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY TO THE ESDC:
    Dennis M. Mullen, President & CEO Empire State Development Corp.
    30 South Pearl Street
    Albany, NY 12245
    January 21, 2010
    Dear Mr. Mullen,
    We are a six year-old community group of residents, workers, and
    businesses in West Harlem writing to urge you to withdraw your recent
    appeal of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division’s ruling in Kaur et al.
    v. New York State Urban Development Corporation.
    As the Court’s ruling in Kaur made clear, the record “overwhelmingly
    establishes that the true beneficiary of the scheme to redevelop
    Manhattanville is not the community that is supposedly blighted, but
    rather Columbia University, a private elite education institution.”
    The Court also found that Columbia’s proposed expansion was not a civic
    project and that any public benefit was “incremental” to the massive
    private benefits to be enjoyed by the University. The Court ruled that
    the condemnation process overseen by ESDC had found blight where there was none, violated both the state and federal constitutions, and was
    characterized by secrecy, conflict of interest, and collusion.
    It was clear to the Court and it is evident to us, that the use of
    eminent domain in Manhattanville was developer-initiated and
    developer-driven.  The City and State had no plan for Manhattanville
    until Columbia provided one to them.  ESDC sought no competitive
    proposals and in fact completely disregarded the inclusive, diverse and
    intelligent 197A plan created by CB9 over the course of more than ten
    years.  The ESDC has merely served as a public tool in effecting the
    desires of the University which has funded the condemnation process and
    “shared” its consultants.  ESDC’s collusion with the University allowed
    Columbia to use the threat of eminent domain to intimidate residents,
    commercial tenants, and businesses and to acquire properties at
    depressed prices.

    We have been especially dismayed by the total disregard of the will of
    the community and the democratic process in the condemnation
    proceedings.  From the time of the announcement of the proposed
    expansion, this community has been steadfastly united in its demand
    that eminent domain be taken off the table.  ESDC, however, paid no
    attention to the wishes of those most closely affected by its actions.
    ESDC’s lack of respect for the community was further evidenced at the
    public hearing held by your office.  No officers of ESDC deigned to
    appear.  Instead, the hundreds of community members who attended and
    scores of people who testified were heard by one hearing officer, a
    stenographer, and a tape recorder.  ESDC also refused to provide
    documents sought by local businesses facing condemnation despite
    multiple court orders and knowing full well that its actions were in
    effect excluding those documents from the record the Appellate Division
    would review.

    “Few policies have done more to destroy community and opportunity for
    minorities than eminent domain,” the Appellate Division quoted in Kaur.
      “The instant case is clear evidence of that reality. The unbridled
    use of eminent domain not only disproportionately affects minority
    communities but threatens the basic principles of property as contained
    in the Fifth Amendment.” The destruction of our primarily working class
    Black and Latino community can be avoided.  It is time for ESDC to
    reassert itself as an independent governmental entity serving the best
    interests of all the people of the City and State, not just wealthy
    private developers, and acting transparently on their behalf.  Withdraw
    your appeal now.
    Sincerely,
    Members of the Coalition to Preserve Community

    CONTACT THE COALITION TO PRESERVE COMMUNITY: Call (212) 666-6426,
    646-812-5188, or (212) 234-3002 (se habla espanol)  or go to
    www.stopcolumbia.org and sign up to be on our contact list.







    Demonstration at President Bollinger's Mansion


    Columbia University: Stop the Land Grab!

    Columbia Vs the Community

    COLUMBIA'S PLAN AND THE COMMUNITY'S 197A PLAN ARE FUNDAMENTALLY INCOMPATIBLE
    Columbia University is planning a huge second campus in the West Harlem, spanning from below 125th street to 134th street. The university is buying up acres of property and lobbying city and state government agencies and elected officials in search of zoning changes which would dramatically increase the value of the current property Columbia owns there now and whatever land it is actively seeking to acquire. Columbia wants to evict businesses and residents who live in the area between 125th and 134th Streets from Broadway to the river and beyond. On a third of the property, it intends to construct biotech labs (including BioSafety Level 3) in which scientists could experiment with dangerous and potentially deadly agents such as Avian Flu, SARS, and the Plague. These agents are transmitted by air, are highly contagious, and cause serious health problems. These labs should not be in a residential neighborhood.

    Community Board 9 has worked with the Pratt Center for Community Development on the design of its community-initiated 197-a development plan, and continues to work with Pratt Center as New York City governmental agencies evaluate the 197-a plan against Columbia's 197-c proposal for an expanded campus and biotech center. On the Pratt Center's website, you can read an introduction to the community's 197-a plan, or for a more comprehensive look, you can read the full text of the community's 197-a plan. There is information about the expansion on Columbia University's website, where you can read about most aspects of its expansion proposal that have been made to the public from Columbia's perspective. (Note: Columbia continues to conceal many aspects of the plan, and contends that many details of its proposal have not yet been determined.)


    June 10, 2006 — Upper Manhattan Rally for Low-Income Housing and Against Columbia

    The Coalition to Preserve Community joined with Project Remain / Nos Quedamos on June 10, 2006 to co-sponsor a rally to preserve and expand low-income housing in Upper Manhattan, and to protest the Columbia expansion plan and the actions of other developers seeking to displace our uptown communities. Thousands of residents from Harlem, Manhattanville, Washington Heights, and Inwood, marched from 135th street and Broadway---at the plaza of 3333 Broadway, where thousands are at imminent risk of displacement---more than 65 blocks north to Dyckman Street.