NEW YORK (PIX11) — The building at 2101 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard is the heart of a fight for the future of the community.
The city is moving forward with plans to transform the 5-story structure, which has been vacant for years, into transitional housing for families, despite complaints from residents, who believe the area is already oversaturated with shelters.
Deadly Harlem fire that killed 1, injured 18 caused by lithium-ion battery: FDNY
They are calling for permanent housing to help tackle the local homeless crisis.
“Our people need housing,” said Ruth Mcdaniels. Members of the community say they were not notified the vacant building would be repurposed.
“We are tired of having press conferences and rallies in order for people to come and basically tell us what is going on,” said Shawna Harmon Goff, a community leader.
Mayor Eric Adams has visited the site twice in recent days, following the outcry.
Members of the community were even able to tour some of the 35 units. However, they say they were blind-sighted when they were contacted by Trevor Whittingham, who says he is the building’s original owner.