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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Gregory Christopher Baggett, Founder of A. Philip Randolph Square Neighborhood Alliance, on One Forty Five for Harlem Development
1:51:09
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126 sec
Gregory Christopher Baggett, founder of the A. Philip Randolph Square Neighborhood Alliance, testifies in support of the One Forty Five for Harlem development project. He argues that the community board's unfavorable vote does not represent true community sentiment and that the project would bring necessary neighborhood evolution and benefits.
- Baggett criticizes the community board's approach, suggesting they often act as if they constitute a direct democracy rather than an appointed managerial body.
- He highlights that tenants of Fred Samuels housing, who would be directly impacted, largely support the project.
- Baggett argues against the "myth of luxury housing" in Central Harlem, stating that current market-rate housing serves middle-income residents.
Gregory Christopher Baggett
1:51:09
Thank you very much, councilman Salam, and the members of the subcommittee for this opportunity to speak.
1:51:18
I am Gregory Christopher Baggett, the founder of the A.
1:51:21
Philip Randolph Square Neighborhood Alliance, a community planning organization that works at the intersection of housing, land use, and the public realm, and I'm testifying today to support this project.
1:51:35
The recent unfavorable vote on the one four five development project by Harlem's community board reveals more about institutional dynamics than actual community sentiment.
1:51:47
This vote does not represent a genuine community consensus, but instead continues a troubling pattern of using underdevelopment as a risk resistance tool against necessary neighborhood evolution.
1:52:04
Too often, community board members often act as though they constitute a direct democracy when they're actually appointed managerial bodies meant to organize community expectations.
1:52:18
The tenants of Fred Samuels housing, those who would directly endure direct dis disruption from this project largely support the project, and shouldn't those bearing the immediate impact have special weight?
1:52:34
Additionally, the rezoning application initiates crucial negotiations to secure amenities addressing neighborhood needs like expanded green space, enhanced infrastructure, technology access, and sustainable economic development.
1:52:53
A persistent misconception pervades Harlem development that is the myth of luxury housing.
1:53:00
There is no multifamily luxury housing in Central Harlem at this time.
1:53:05
Current market rate housing effectively serves middle income residents.
1:53:11
There are community advocates proposed restructuring one Time