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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Moire Davis, Community Advocate from Esplanade Gardens, on One45 for Harlem Project
1:23:46
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170 sec
Moire Davis, a community advocate and resident of Esplanade Gardens, expresses strong support for the revised One45 for Harlem project. She highlights the developer's improved community outreach, increased affordable housing, and added community benefits as reasons for her endorsement.
- Davis emphasizes the need for development on the currently derelict property, which she describes as an eyesore and a haven for crime and filth.
- She urges Council Member Yusef Salaam and his colleagues to support the project, framing it as an opportunity for generational wealth in Harlem.
- Davis mentions a community benefits agreement and advisory board as part of the project's commitment to ongoing community engagement.
Moire Davis
1:23:46
Hello.
1:23:46
My name is Moray Davis, and I'm an advocate and lifelong resident of Harlem and a shareholder at Espanon Gardens, which is directly across the street from the development site.
1:23:57
I was the catalyst in organizing the Espinar Gardens one hundred forty five committee that opened the lines of communication between shareholders and the developer.
1:24:08
Previously, we opposed some of the aspects of the original projects.
1:24:12
However, I fully support the proposed plan that's before us today for various reasons, such as the developer has invested more time and energy in community outreach and has taken our suggestions to heart.
1:24:27
The museum has been replaced with additional affordable housing and the current plan will create more than 100 apartments with approximately 35 more being affordable for those in need of rental assistance.
1:24:40
In addition, the developer added more two and three bedroom units to accommodate families, which that was mentioned in both the U comments, the chair and Youssef's.
1:24:51
There will also be a community center and public assessable, the open community event space which is both needed and appreciated by the community, especially for our youth with limited recreational opportunities and options.
1:25:06
The revised design of the building is aesthetically pleasing and will complement the surrounding community.
1:25:13
Lastly, there will be a community benefits agreement that will have a community advisory board that will serve as a watchman and maintain the lines of communication between the community and developer.
1:25:25
The five points I've mentioned have strongly influenced my putting my support behind the 145 project.
1:25:32
The property where the 145 Project is to be developed has been derelict in disrepair and an eyesore for many years, way before the property changed hands.
1:25:43
This has only generated filth, susceptibility to crime, and currently serves no purpose to the community except to house vagrants, garbage, and rats that must go.
1:25:56
Change presents challenges, but as we know, change is inevitable.
1:26:00
So, please do not allow fear and opposition to hinder productivity and progress.
1:26:07
In conclusion, I urge all local our local council member, Youssef Salon, and his esteemed colleagues to fully support this proposed 01/1945 project.
1:26:16
Don't let the eyesore become a stain on your conscience and your tenure by preventing development.
1:26:22
For generations, Harlem had and its longtime residents
Kevin Riley
1:26:25
You start wrapping up, Ms.
1:26:26
Davis.
Moire Davis
1:26:27
Have been denied the opportunity of generational wealth.
1:26:30
This project is an important and huge opportunity for our community and generations to come.