Tearing Down Walls

As the Chairman of Community Board Nine I worked for 12 months to bridge the differences between Columbia and the larger West Harlem Community. I failed. Time and space does not permit nor is it necessary to place blame. The fact remains that the Manhattanville Project is a metaphor for the future of New York. How do you reconcile the relentless development of the island of Manhattan, that spans some 400 years -which is as much a part of New York life as Lady Liberty standing in the harbor welcoming the economic, social and political refugees of the world- with the rights of indigenous neighborhoods and people to remain on this special place. I have no answers. I only know that the Harlem that I love, is and will be transformed. But into what, is in the hands of Columbia and the people. http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2010/11/29/new-community-board-chair-backs-cu http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2011/03/31/activist-and-cb9-chair-clash-m-ville-panel-discussion http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2011/01/28/cb9-chair-encourages-cooperation-m-ville-meeting http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2011/11/04/morgan-request-development-corp-records