About Us
Harlem - A Historical Context
Harlem is first and foremost a neighborhood on the island of Manhattan, and in Manhattan history moves quickly. The neighborhood has witnessed a phenomenal amount of social and physical change, perhaps more than is evident at first glance. This change has often had destructive influences on the neighborhood. The successes and bright spots in Harlem’s revitalization today are a profound testament to the commitment and tenacity of Harlem’s residents who many times have had only themselves on which to depend.
In the beginning of the 20th century, New York City's black community lived mainly on the west side of Manhattan, currently designated as the Clinton Special District. They moved northward after building speculation in Harlem, following the completion of the Lenox Avenue Subway, led to overbuilding. Between 1904 and 1950, Harlem rapidly became the center of black settlement in New York City. Along with black southern migrants, artists, musicians, writers and poets were also drawn to Harlem and their talent provided the foundation of what was known as the "Harlem Renaissance." Harlem became the black cultural center of the world.
By the 1950s, the black upper middle class began to migrate to the surrounding suburbs newly opened to them through the growing civil rights movement. At that time, federal slum clearance and public housing programs transformed many parts of Harlem. Notwithstanding the new projects, the population of Harlem continued to decline. By the 1970s and 1980s, years of economic recessions and abandonment, redlining and disinvestment had taken their toll.
ABOUT US
Community District 10, commonly known as Central Harlem, is located in Upper Manhattan along with three other community districts. Three of the District’s four major boundaries are natural features: Harlem River to the north, Central Park to the south and the Fordham Cliffs to the west. The District's eastern border, Fifth Avenue, is its only boundary that is not a natural feature. Central Harlem occupies approximately 1.5 square miles of relatively flat land and is often referred to as “the Valley" by long term residents.
Increasingly, Central Harlem has been the focus of internal and external development pressures in the form of community revitalization and gentrification. Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private developers are some of the parties involved in the latest wave of redevelopment in Harlem.
Community Board 10 plays an important advisory role in dealing with land use and zoning matters, the City budget, municipal service delivery and many other matters relating to their communities' welfare.
Land Use and Zoning
Community Boards must be consulted on placement of most municipal facilities in the community and on other land use issues. They may also initiate their own plans for the growth and well being of their communities. Also, any application for a change in or variance from the zoning resolution must come before the Board for review, and the Board's position is considered in the final determination of these applications.
City Budget
Community Boards assess the needs of their own neighborhoods, meet with city agencies and make recommendations in the City's budget process to address them.
Other Community Concerns
Any problem which affects part or all of the community, from a traffic problem to deteriorating housing, is a proper concern of a Community Board.
Limitations
The Community Board, its District Manager, and its office staff serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community and its residents. They cannot order any city agency or official to perform any task, but Boards are usually successful in resolving the problems they address.
The District Manager
Each Community Board has its own office, District Manager and staff. The District Manager and the Board staff are hired by a Community Board and serve at the Board's pleasure. The District Manager establishes an office, hires staff, and implements procedures to improve the delivery of City services to the district. District Managers play many different roles. They are complaint takers, municipal mangers, information sources, community organizers, mediators, advocates and much more. The main responsibility of the District office is to receive and resolve complaints from community residents. Many Board offices have assumed the responsibility of providing additional services. These might include assisting with Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Forms, Housing Assistance Applications, Half-Fare applications, etc. They also process permits for block parties, street fairs, etc. In addition, some offices may handle special projects, including organizing tenants and merchants associations, coordinating neighborhood cleanup programs, publicizing special events, and more, depending on community needs.