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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Adama Bah, Executive Director of Afrikaana, on One45 for Harlem Development
1:26:39
·
134 sec
Adama Bah, Executive Director of Afrikaana, expresses strong support for Bruce Teitelbaum's One45 for Harlem development project. She highlights the developer's generosity in providing free office space and support for her organization, which serves immigrants and residents in Harlem.
- Bah emphasizes Teitelbaum's reliability and commitment to the community, stating he has always kept his word.
- She notes the current site's need for repair and believes the proposed development will benefit the community.
- Bah mentions that many community members support the project, even if their voices are not the loudest.
Adama Bah
1:26:39
Good afternoon, everyone.
1:26:40
My name is Adana Bah.
1:26:42
I'm the executive director of Afrikaana, a Harlem based CBO that supports new and long stand long standing black immigrants, migrants, and anyone in need.
1:26:50
We help people access food, legal aid, shelter support, job training, and language classes.
1:26:56
We also offer healing group for women and other programs in Harlem, a place I have lived in and where I have deep roots and connection.
1:27:03
I currently serve as a member of community board ten and I sit on the land use committee.
1:27:07
The views that I'm expressing do not represent the board as a whole, but myself as an individual.
1:27:12
Africana operates outside of the space located in a proposed development site, which is provided to me free of charge by Bruce Teitelbaum and his group.
1:27:20
I worked from that space and provided invaluable services to thousands of local residents and newly arrived immigrants and continue to do so today.
1:27:28
This would not be possible without the accommodation Bruce gave us.
1:27:31
The developer built out the office space at no cost.
1:27:34
The developer covers all the operating costs associated with the office.
1:27:38
The developer has provided other invaluable support so Africana can continue its mission.
1:27:43
Bruce did all of this without ever asking for or receiving any deal with me.
1:27:47
In fact, after a mutual friend introduced us, he simply asked how he could help.
1:27:51
I have no written deal with him now nor any legal agreement about what happens once forty five gets built.
1:27:57
Only his word that there will be space for groups like Africana that serve the community and he has always kept his word.
1:28:03
What matters to me is what he has done and continues to do to help me and Africana serve Central Harlem and his residents.
1:28:09
Over the past three years or so, I have known and worked with Bruce personally.
1:28:14
He kept all his words, his commitments, and treated me and everyone I work with respect.
1:28:19
I trust Bruce because he's never given me a reason to do so.
1:28:22
I support Bruce because he's honorable and has shown a genuine commitment to help in the community.
1:28:26
And I generally support Bruce one forty five project for many reasons as do many of my friends, neighbors, and community whose voice are often drowned out the loudest ones.
1:28:35
So let me add my voice of support as you consider this project.
1:28:39
The current site is the the current site is not is in desperate need of repair.
1:28:46
What Bruce is planning and offering is to help the community.
1:28:49
We desperately need it and I appreciate him for coming up with this plan.
1:28:53
Thank you.