Protecting and improving the community for the people who live and work here

We’ve had issues lately with a few Coalition member tenants so we’d like to publicize this article on the investigation by ProPublica and WNYC:

Nov. 4, 2015 by Cezary Podkul

“Is your rent legal?

…ProPublica and WNYC are investigating how some New York City landlords jack up rents higher than the law allows – and sometimes get big property tax breaks….

One way landlords do this is by manipulating so-called “legal” and “preferential” rents. …they’re prone to abuse.

….If you think your landlord is overcharging you, if you think your building should be rent-stabilized but it isn’t, or if you’re paying a “preferential” rent and seeing big rate increases, please take [their] confidential survey on this link….

… ProPublica and WNYC are gathering these stories for the purposes of our reporting, and will not share your information with third-parties—including government agencies—without your permission. …

We know landlords sometimes retaliate…if you live in a rent-stabilized apartment, your landlord cannot evict you simply for talking to a reporter.”

Perspectives and Dialogue on Structural Racism against People of African Descent Worldwide

Harry Belafonte addressing the assembly.

On the occasion of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
The event is organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the co-sponsorship of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Department of Public Information, the Organisation Internationale de le Francophonie, Black Lives Matter, and Amnesty International USA.

From Jane (Co-Chair of M’Finda Kalunga Garden):

“What a fantastic day in the garden!  Thanks to the amazing Lauren and Kevin for getting it all organized, and thanks to all the superhelpers – Bob, Bud, Ted, Lara, Lauren’s and Kevin’s friends on the bean bag toss.

Oriol – amazing superhelper and king of the zombie popcorn hands!

And so nice to see so many gardeners working on the garden, especially nice to see Pete!  

Anyone with photos please send to Ted [more photos will be posted here]

Happy Halloween!!

Jane”

We were stakeholders who line the perimeter of the park, not-for-profits with a long history in the Coalition, partners with particular expertise for the park, tenant associations, sport clubs, Schools, health facilities, small businesses, arts and cultural institutions, parks organizations, garden stewards, etc. We spoke in four key languages: Spanish, Chinese, English and sign. We were renters, owners, and homeless. We were two to sixteen to eighty! We talked and listened and learned and argued our thinking. We met to discuss rats, garbage, homelessness, youth, elders, safety, sports, usage of the park, returning Stanton Street building to the community, gardening, and stewardship of spaces. We came up with solutions for some problems, scratched our heads at others. Out of this we have two Task Forces that are meeting or will meet. (leave a comment here with your email if we want more information or  leave your email/contact information at the desk at 30 Delancey Street). We are a completely volunteer organization since 1982. Join us if you want to help out or join some of the many groups that are stewarding Sara Roosevelt  Park spaces.

Thank you to everyone (too many to name) who made the evening possible. Funding by Partnerships for Parks Capacity Grant!

Enjoy the photos of the evening – we’ll post our findings later!

photos by Lee Elson, Wendy Brawer, K Webster, Peter Gee

From Vassar College’s digital window:

Thanks to Jenifer and Bud and Ted (and others) for the lively Ladybug release day.

and to Jose for redesigning and re-bricking the turtle pond area. Lovely.