The Harlem Neighborhood Block Association

Neighbors united to improve the quality of life in Harlem

Tag: East 126th Street

Zoe Anderson Norris

Posted on by Harlem Shill

Recently a New York historian – Eve Kahn – reached out to residents on East 126th Street regarding a former resident from the block – the reformer/publisher/writer Zoe Anderson Norris (1860-1914).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoe_Anderson_Norris

https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/news/forgotten-gilded-age-author-zoe-anderson-norris-be-celebrated

Zoe Anderson Norris lived at 57 East 126th Street around the turn of the 20th century.  In addition, as an author, Zoe would write about and describe her life on East 126th Street, including her view of rose gardens out the back window and the sound of nearby church bells (most likely St. James).

On either side were other back yards of the same shape and pattern, better tended, being private back yards, the roses held primly against the wall by strings. Further on yet rose the rear of a church, covered with vines, the tinkle of whose chimes told the half hours and the quarters

https://archive.org/details/colorhissoul00norrgoog/page/n82/mode/2up?q=rose&view=theater

Eve Kahn is putting together an exhibition on Zoe Anderson Norris, which coincides with Women’s History Month.

https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/news/forgotten-gilded-age-author-zoe-anderson-norris-be-celebrated

The exhibition is open 10-7 weekdays and 10-5 on Saturdays, March 1-May 13.  All are welcome to attend the March 1st opening

These links are about a few of Zoe’s many interesting friends!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_D._Corrothers

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243494593/harry-sylvester-huggs

She said Zoe was a strong willed woman, believed in God in her own way.  Eve Kahn said she’s thrilled to learn that Zoe’s former house is still full of empowerment and rejoicing!

Black Minds. Black Creativity.

Alice H. Walker was working as a cook in New Jersey in 1919 when she patented a central heating system that led to the creation of modern home heating systems used across the globe.

Garrett Morgan, the son of formerly enslaved parents, had only an elementary school education when he created the stoplight that is still used at intersections today.

Mark Dean led the team of computer scientists at IBM who invented color computer monitors—the technology that allowed for modern computers and smartphones.

Valerie Thomas is the NASA physicist who invented a transmitter in 1980 that could project 3D images onto a screen, thus paving the way for the 3D movies playing in theaters today.

And in 2020, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett became the lead scientist at the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccine Research Center. Her work led to the creation of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Two Women

Posted on by Harlem Shill

This photo of a Harlem Street scene has almost no clues to where it was taken.

The only thing I can speculate on is that the photograph likely shows the south side of a street, as the reflection in the storefront window indicates that only one of the many windows across the street has a window awning – ubiquitous on south and often east and west facing facades, and often absent on northern facades.

The listing on Ebay, refers to the two sitting women who are using crates to sit in an unrented storefront’s doorway.

But notice how their attention has been diverted from their newspapers to something on their right.

A larger view shows a cropped item. A cart or pram – likely converted to use for selling food, sits on the left of the photo – where the women are suddenly looking. Perhaps a customer or passerby has taken a look or taken interest in whatever might be for sale.

Mount Sinai’s East Harlem School of Nursing

Mount Sinai’s new school of nursing on East 126th Street (between Lexington and 3rd Avenue) is open and beginning to produce a new generation of qualified nurses.

CBS has a report on this facility.

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mount-sinai-nursing-school-in-east-harlem-bridges-gap-to-community/

1975 Madison For Sale

Posted on by Harlem Shill

The site of the former church at Madison/126th Street is being promoted as an investment opportunity. No word on the price.

                                   
Prime 80,000+ ZFA Multifamily Development Opportunity
Vested in 421-a
Corner of Madison Avenue and East 126th Street

Newmark is pleased to present the opportunity to acquire a prime development site located at 1975 Madison Avenue (“1975 Madison”, the “Site”, “Project”, or “Development”), a proposed eight-story, 93-unit luxury multi-family rental or residential condominium complex with approximately 35 underground parking spaces and approximately 3,500 square feet of premier community facility commercial space, in a rapidly improving, transit-oriented location. The Site offers potential investors a compelling opportunity to develop a boutique, luxury residential property in a prime location with high demand and the potential for significant capital appreciation.

Vested in Affordable New York /  “421-a” Providing a 35-Year Property Tax Abatement•The Project satisfied all requirements for the Affordable New York / “421-a” tax abatement program in May 2022•Extensive evidence of satisfying these conditions is available•The Project is thus eligible for the program that expired in June 2022 and will enjoy a 100% property tax abatement for the first 25 years of occupancy and a partial abatement for the subsequent 10 years•As one of the city’s last projects eligible under the expired program, 1975 Madison Avenue will enjoy a significant financial advantage to long term holders of the asset•As of today, no replacement program exists replacing 421-a, further constraining the supply of multifamily housing
Shovel Ready
1975 Madison is ready to commence construction with:•Approved plans•Advanced entitlements•Required access
Multi-Family Development Site in Manhattan, Facing Critical Housing Shortage•Demand to live in Manhattan remains robust with rents achieving new high prices, including in Harlem•The Project provides an opportunity to access one of the world’s most desirable investment markets that faces continued housing supply constraints•The tax advantages secured by the Project offer significant financial advantages, particularly to long-term holders of the asset
If you are interested in acquiring this prime development opportunity, please sign and return the attached Confidentiality Agreement and the full offering memorandum will be forwarded to you.    Ronald A. Solarz Executive Managing Director
O (212) 372-2306 | [email protected] 
M (917) 545-8862

Issa Abbassi  Director
O (212) 372-2221 | [email protected] 
M (917) 455-7373

See the full sales brochure, here:

https://f.tlcollect.com/fr2/722/54368/1975_Madison_OM-2_v4.pdf

Metropolitan Hospital and Nursing Burnout and Shortages

Our district leader William Smith also serves as the chair of the Metropolitan Hospital’s Community Advisory Board. In that capacity, William writes of the dire need for adequate compensation for Metropolitan’s hard-working nursing staff so Metropolitan can deliver world-class care.

Please read William Smith’s letter, below:

CAB-Testimony-to-Committee-on-HospitalsDownload

COVID/Flu/RSV Testing and Treatment

If you’re experiencing symptoms and don’t know what you have, now you can go to any of dozens of mobile “Test to Treat” sites around NYC and get tested for covid, flu & rsv AND if you need it get an Rx for paxlovid or tamflu *on the spot*.

Children and Family-Focused Block Party Coming to East 126th Street

Posted on by Harlem Shill

The 2041 5th Ave Co-Op on the corner of 126/5th will be hosting a children and family-focused block party on Saturday, July 23rd. The block party will be held on East 126th Street between Madison and 5th.

The event is being held to celebrate the children in the community and everyone who is young at heart.

By providing a safe space for our community’s young people and their elders, the hope is to build connections between everyone in the community.

Officer Powers – the community affairs officer from the 25th Precinct – and her colleagues will be monitoring and supporting the block party.

Take Care of Harlem

The Holiday Spirit on East 126

Posted on by Harlem Shill

Children’s COVID Vaccine Event

Harlem Pride is hosting a children’s specific vaccine event happening this Saturday, December 18th from 10am to 6pm at 215 West 125th Street.

The event is sponsored by NYC Health & Hospitals and National Black Leadership Commission on Black Health.

HarlemPride.org

42 Macombs PlaceNew York, NY  10039

West Harlem Festival of Food is Coming

Winter Concert on Stoops along Lenox Ave.

Court Ordered Evictions

Posted on by Harlem Shill

How Calculated: 

Rate of executed evictions ordered by the New York City Housing Court, including those pending and scheduled as of December 31, per 10,000 housing units.

Eviction data are reported by New York City Marshals and gathered from NYC Open Data. For more information, see: https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Evictions/6z8x-wfk4

Source: New York City Department of Investigation

Odyssey House on East 126 Advances

Odyssey House – a major social services provider in East Harlem (one of their buildings is shown below from the Metro-North platform) – is advancing its project on East 126th Street.

Concrete is being poured. Pump trucks are engaged:

Sign Up for the 25th Precinct Community Council Meeting

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q3BECVQNeZbr_z07TX0x768yYh9llQOA-z3N9lAk54g/edit
Please use the above link to register for the 25th Precinct’s Community Council meeting – October 20th at 6:00 PM.  They need a count of how many plan on attending in person.
Thank you all so much

HALLOWEEEN-SUPERHERO-COSTUME-PARADE-2021-2-DCDownload
2021-2022-Community-Council-Flyer-1Download

Art Kane on Choosing East 126th Street

Posted on by Harlem Shill

If you’ve ever wondered why Art Kane chose East 126th Street for his iconic photo, here is his explanation:

And, while 17 East 126th Street was the ultimate location, few know that in the middle of the project, everyone moved a block eastward, to 52 East 126th Street, but after a few test photos (and dissatisfaction with 52) the whole group returned to 17 East 126th Street where the final photos were taken, and A Great Day In Harlem was born.

Below is 52 East 126th Street – the building is demolished – that awaits redevelopment as an Odyssey House facility.

Fall Events at The Harlem Rose Garden

October-Event-ScheduleDownload

Join The Vitafusion Fruit Tree Project Planting With Concrete Safaris In East Harlem

The vitafusion Fruit Tree Project is making a stop at Jefferson Houses in East Harlem to partner with the local nonprofit Concrete Safaris.

Come join the fun on October 8, 2021, to plant 35 apple, plum, and pear trees as well as blueberries and blackberries.

The planting will mitigate poor air quality in East Harlem, a neighborhood that is polluted by multiple truck and commuter routes and faces devastating impacts of climate change including heatwaves.

Since 2017, vitafusion Gummy Vitamins and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation have partnered to create the vitafusion Fruit Tree Project. So far, the project has planted over 200,000 fruit trees around the globe, with tree planting and/or distribution events in the U.S. and internationally.

These fruit trees have helped increase access to 28 million pieces of fresh fruit in underserved communities, combat global pollution by reducing CO2, and generate 33 million pounds of oxygen each year.

These fruit trees have helped increase access to 28 million pieces of fresh fruit in underserved communities, combat global pollution by reducing CO2, and generate 33 million pounds of oxygen each year.

Since 2008, Concrete Safaris has prepared youth in East Harlem and beyond to lead healthy lives and shape their environment through outdoor education, play, exploration, and community engagement.

Approximately 400 daily, direct-service participants are enrolled in after-school or internships, and 5,000+ community members get active outdoors at the garden and street-based events led by youth in East Harlem.

Approximately 400 daily, direct-service participants are enrolled in after-school or internships, and 5,000+ community members get active outdoors at the garden and street-based events led by youth in East Harlem.

To attend the planting event, local event hosts are requiring proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within the prior 72 hours and masks. The event remains rain or shine, and experience is not necessary.

Anyone who would like to attend must register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jefferson-houses-fruit-tree-beautification-day-tickets-174272432537

Interested? Great, here’s the details on Friday, October 8th: Meet at 10:30 am EST outside Jefferson Houses Management Office at 300 East 115th Street New York, NY, the Planting will begin at 11:00 am.

Heart to Heart Concert Video

Posted on by Harlem Shill
Hi Everyone!
Labor of Love Association pulled off yet another successful virtual concert and we’re so appreciative of each of you who joined us last week to enjoy the music. To each of you who made a donation to help us meet our fundraising goals, DOUBLE thanks!
If you missed watching the virtual concert, we are airing it again now for a limited time! It was an astounding night, and we hope that you’ll watch or experience it again with your family and friends!
XOXO,
The Labor of Love Ensemble
We’ve got a Super Fan in the house!Our lead guitarist’s daughter, Lulu, sent us her video during the show dancing to the song of her choice! She selected “I Don’t Know What You Came To Do” and she impressed the judges so much, we declared her the WINNER! Her video is adorable, so be sure to watch it.
Lulu, thank you and congratulations. You are forever our honorary VIP guest!
Instructions to access the broadcast:
Step One: From any device, go to our website
Step Two: At the top of the home page, you’ll see the H2H Virtual Edition image.
Step Three: Sit back, enjoy the show, and get your PRAISE ON!
We are still accepting donations.  A donation in any amount will be deeply appreciated as Heart to Heart is our annual fundraising project.
Make a donation payable to The Labor of Love Association, Inc.
Mail to: The Labor of Love Association, Inc.
57 East 126th Street, Suite 2, New York, NY 10035
Attention: Shkigale Baker, Treasurer

Uptowner Reports on the Co-Naming of 126th Street

The Uptowner – a project of the Columbia University school of journalism, reports on the co-naming of 126th Street:


By Tazbia Fatima

Flowerpots hang from the railings along a tree-lined sidewalk in East Harlem; neighbors sitting on the stoops have conversations across the street. Time seems to stand still along this row of four-storied brownstones. One of them at 17 E. 126th St, is etched in history as the backdrop for the photo, “A Great Day in Harlem,” that photographer Art Kane shot on August 12, 1958, on assignment for Esquire.

The photograph, officially named “Harlem 1958,” represents a sort of  graduation picture featuring four generations of jazz legends — Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and 56 other musicians, two of whom, Benny Golson and Sonny Rollins, are still alive. The city renamed this iconic block between Madison and Fifth Avenues last month, calling it “Art Kane Harlem 1958.”

But a group of residents are contesting this decision, arguing that Kane, who was white, wasn’t local. “It’s not about race. It’s about contribution to the community,” said Tina Bristol, a resident of the block.

To read more from the article, see:

http://theuptowner.org/renaming-a-block-on-east-126th-street-a-controversial-day-in-harlem/

A Great Day in Harlem

Posted on by Harlem Shill

Uptown Grand Central writes:

Greetings, neighbors!

I am writing to invite you to the co-naming the block of 126th Street between Madison & Fifth as “Art Kane: Harlem 1958 Place.”

This is in celebration of the historic jazz photograph that is sometimes called “A Great Day In Harlem” — but is actually called “Harlem 1958” — which was taken in front of the brownstone at 17 East 126th Street.

The naming ceremony will take place on the afternoon of next Thursday, August 12, with a concert by Jazzmobile and short remarks by Jonathan Kane, the son of the original photographer:

Harlem 1958 street co-naming
Corner of 126th & Madison
Thursday, August 12
2 p.m. — Reception
2:45 p.m. — Remarks by Jonathan Kane, moderated by our very own G. Keith Alexander
3 p.m. — Jazzmobile concert
3:30 p.m. — Street sign unveiling

We’d love it if you are able to join us. The two musicians from the photo who are still living (Benny Golson & Sonny Rollins) are unable to attend due to their age, but will be sending written remarks.

If you are able to attend, please respond here on the Eventbrite. (And, if you know of neighbors we missed, please let me know!)

Thanks so much as always,
Carey

Odyssey House – Coming to East 126

Posted on by Harlem Shill

Odyssey House is building (first knocking down) 52-54 East 126th Street and reimaginging it as a ~20 single unit supportive housing facility.

Graduates of Odyssey House programming will live on East 126th Street who have progressed beyond transitional housing. This new building will act more like a normal rental where tenants have individual and renewable leases. 

Odyssey House also said that this building will be staffed by two Odyssey House people 24/7.

Racist Coverage at The New York Times – 1911

While America’s “Paper of Record” is an invaluable source for exploring the history of Harlem and beyond, the deeply racist language found in the New York Times’ archives continues to shock.

Clearly, racially motivated discrimination and segregation has always been a part of the Harlem real estate market. Before the first decade of the 20th century, housing segregation was conducted on an ad hoc basis, by individual supers and landlords. As Black New Yorkers (and increasing numbers of southern refugees from racial terror) moved into more Harlem blocks, white residents and property owners began to organize and coordinate their segregationist behavior into compacts and agreements.

The offensive language used by the NYT like “menace” and “invasion”, was tightly interwoven with financial anxiety. Property values were mentioned in the sub heading, and used to both justify racial covenants and to describe the impact a multi-racial neighborhood would have on white property owners:

And, while we know that the work put into the organizations, alliances, agreements, and covenants failed, in the end, the cumulative impact was a self-fulfilling prophecy of overcrowded Black buildings, deprived of capital (improvements) with exorbitant rents. Without the ability to freely choose where they rented, Black New Yorkers were more easily exploited by Harlem’s landlords who could charge significantly more than they would have been able to charge white tenants who could rent in other New York neighborhoods.

The article concludes by essentializing Black New Yorkers as part of a “shifting and uncertain people”, in order to rationalize the white racial anxiety expressed in the article.

To read the original, see:

MORE_OF_HARLEM_CLOSED_TO_NEGRODownload