PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michelle Cruz, Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs at Union Settlement, on Supporting Naturally Occurring Cultural Districts
2:20:26
·
3 min
Michelle Cruz from Union Settlement testified about the importance of supporting naturally occurring cultural districts and their impact on communities like East Harlem. She emphasized the role of cultural districts in driving local economies and preserving community identity, while also highlighting the challenges these areas face due to economic pressures.
- Cruz called for East Harlem to be designated as a cultural district, supporting state-level legislation introduced by Senator Jose Serrano and Assembly member Aileen Gunther.
- She urged the expansion of programs like the public realm grant to support public space activation.
- Cruz stressed the need for better coordination between cultural and economic development agencies to implement community-led initiatives that prioritize cultural preservation and inclusivity.
Michelle Cruz
2:20:26
Tiara Felix and Tiara Vera and distinguished council members.
2:20:29
My name is Michelle Cruz.
2:20:31
And I serve as the director of economic development and government affairs at Union Settlement.
2:20:36
For nearly a 130 years Union Settlement has been at the forefront of providing opportunities in Ecuador.
2:20:42
We offer comprehensive programming to help residents improve their skills and build better lives for themselves and their families.
2:20:50
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about the importance of supporting naturally occurring cultural districts and their impact on communities like East Tahoe.
2:20:59
Our neighborhoods are not just places on the map.
2:21:01
They are living, breathing hubs of culture, and creativity that have inspired, uplifted, and sustained generations.
2:21:09
East Harlem, El Bario is an example of a naturally occurring cultural district place where culture and community are inseparable.
2:21:17
This neighborhood with its murals, festivals, and deep rooted traditions exemplifies the resilience and pride of its residents.
2:21:25
However, what makes Islam unique is not just this rich history but its capacity to adopt and thrive even in the face of economic challenges and gentrification threats.
2:21:36
Culture is not merely entertaining.
2:21:38
It is a driving force behind our local economy by investing and and recognizing culture districts we are creating opportunities to attract tourism, increase foot traffic, and elevate the profile of our local businesses.
2:21:51
The east haagen called to this theater district a vision that Union Settlement has long championed exemplifies how we can leverage cultural resources to drive sustainable economic growth.
2:22:03
Cultural districts like East Harlem have long played a pivotal role in anchoring our local economy.
2:22:10
Yet these areas are also at risk.
2:22:12
As economic development pressures and increasing costs put their future in jeopardy.
2:22:17
As we move forward, we urge the council to support the following 3 measures.
2:22:22
1, to designate East Harlem as a cultural district Legislation has been introduced on the state level by Senator Jose Serrano and Assembly, Aileen Gunther Yes.
2:22:32
In the Philippines.
2:22:34
Yeah.
2:22:35
May I connect?
Oswald Feliz
2:22:37
Uh-huh.
2:22:37
Yeah.
2:22:37
You could use another 10, 15 seconds to conclude or collaborate.
2:22:41
Yeah.
2:22:41
No.
Michelle Cruz
2:22:41
They to develop criteria and guidelines for state designated culture districts, we encourage the council to adopt the resolution supporting this legislation By doing so, the council would empower agencies like the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs to allocate critical resources, including grants and technical assistance to local court cultural organizations.
2:23:04
Well, this designation will provide much needed funding to help institutions not only survive, but thrive.
2:23:11
To support public space activation, we need to continue and expand programs like the public realm grant.
2:23:17
This Public space activation catalyzes our economic growth and bolster community connection.
2:23:24
3rd, it's shrunken the coordination between cultural and economic development agencies as outlined in the create and where c plan Collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs, SBS, and other agencies is crucial.
2:23:38
We need coordinated efforts to implement this community led economic development initiatives that prioritize cultural preservation and inclusive.
2:23:47
In closing, with the council support, we can create this cultural district that is not just a collection of theaters and galleries, but a beacon of resilience, pride, and economic opportunity.
2:23:57
We hope to ensure that communities like East Harlem which have sustained inspired many for so long, given the resources and recognition they deserve to continue driving for generations to come.
2:24:09
Thank you so much.
