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REMARKS
Council Member Yusef Salaam addresses the One Forty Five for Harlem project
0:12:10
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173 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam delivers remarks on the One45 for Harlem development project, emphasizing the need for the project to truly benefit the Harlem community. He acknowledges improvements in the proposal but questions whether it adequately addresses the needs of current Harlem residents, particularly in terms of affordability.
- Salaam highlights the average household income in his district (under $60,000) and expresses concerns about affordability for existing residents.
- He appreciates the community benefits package but emphasizes that the project must shift the narrative of development in Harlem to be truly inclusive.
- Salaam commits to working with the community and development team to ensure the project benefits Harlem residents.
Yusef Salaam
0:12:10
Thank you and good morning.
0:12:13
When I decided to run for city council to represent my Harlem, my Harlem neighbors and I, I did so specifically to uplift my community.
0:12:24
My community has for too often, for too long been ignored, or worse, been vilified, and because of the vilification, they've in fact been denied.
0:12:34
I came into office with an eye towards justice, an eye towards collective healing, and in that light, this proposal comes to us at a very pivotal moment.
0:12:47
It provides an opportunity to uplift the community by creating quality housing options, local retail, and a much needed community space and more.
0:12:57
But it also brings into question the question we Harlemites know for very know all too well.
0:13:05
The question is for whom?
0:13:08
Three years ago Is this microphone is this on?
0:13:11
It feels like it's kinda okay.
0:13:16
Three years ago, an application for the one four five project came before the Harlem community and was disapproved largely because the answer to the question for whom appeared to be not for us.
0:13:27
I'm pleased that the applicant took the concerns voiced by my constituents, those very my constituents much more seriously, and are here today with a new plan, one that I believe can play a vital role in the collective healing process here in Harlem, done right.
0:13:50
But the question for whom still reverberates through every discussion and in every town hall we've held.
0:13:56
While I am generally appreciative of the commitment to instituting a community benefits package, which includes the implementation of a transformative technology center, commercial retail space for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and a workforce development program, the question for whom still remains.
0:14:17
The average household in my district makes under $60,000 a year.
0:14:22
How does this project provide opportunity for those of us that don't make enough to afford market rate rent?
0:14:29
We in Harlem have seen buildings go up around us, but often not for us.
0:14:35
If implemented correctly, one four five could be an opportunity to shift that narrative.
0:14:41
This project should be something the Harlem community is very proud of and one others say and wish they had.
0:14:51
I'm committed to this process and to work with the community and and this development team to ensure the answers for whom is truly for Harlem.
0:15:03
Thank you.