Riverton Press Conference

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE CALLING ON RIVERTON DEVELOPER TO PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, DESPITE WARNINGS OF LOAN DEFAULT

(NEW YORK, NEW YORK)- On Saturday, August 23, 2008, a group of concerned
elected officials and community leaders will be holding a press conference calling on the developer of the 1,230 unit Riverton Apartments to preserve affordable housing, in the wake of the disclosure that the loan used to purchase the Riverton in 2006 may be going into default. This PRESS CONFERENCE will be taking place at the corner of 135th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York City at 10:00 AM.

Invited speakers include: Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens as well as representatives from the Riverton Tenants Association and many members of the Riverton Community. "It is imperative that the developers who purchased this property act in a socially responsible manner and disclose how they will renegotiate their loan in a way that does not threaten the homesteads of Riverton residents. This property must not remain in flux and the owner must take steps in the future to ensure that it does not," said State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright.

This PRESS CONFERENCE will be held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the corner of 135th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.

Da Bigg Doggs Of Harlem

Nearly 20 years ago, across from "22 west" on a"hun thirty-fifth street" Al Gee started a Hoops tournament, later to be called the BIGG DOGGS of Harlem. In the tradition of educator/ mentors like the late greats Pelham Fritz and Holcomb Rucker and the living legends Cal Ramsey and Jon Isaacs , Al has provided a summertime recreational outlet to scores of Harlem youth. He needs four more solid teams to fill out the card this year........Are there any undercover basketball coaches out there??
Anyway Als' gettin' his props lately in the form of a prominent spot on a beautiful mural on the side of the Rozier Hansborough (The Bathhouse) Center on 135th street. Check it out for yourself.

Set It Off!!

Hey folks,the 2008 Riverton Park reunion plans are well underway. Glenn"Deisel"Hunter has been in negotiation with Riverton management and they have graciously consented to allow us the use of the premises on Saturday July 12th for our annual get together. Food & refreshments will be provided for all of our guests.
Because of the considerable expenses associated with the staging of such an event,(let alone the difficulties of purchasing for an unknown number of participants) it is necessary that we recieve some seed money to cover the expected outlay. Accordingly ,we need to raise $1500 as soon as possible to assure the success of the event. The cost per family is $25, and arrangements have been made to facilitate this by the use of the paypal button to the right of this blog entry. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to:
Glenn Hunter
2300 fifth ave suite 2e
New York, New York
HELP US OUT Y'ALL! WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT UPFRONT CASH COMMITMENT,WE CANNOT ASSURE THAT THE PARTY WILL BE HELD. SPREAD THE WORD!

"Hot Fun In The Summertime"

With the winter grinding on relentlessly and spring not due for at least another six weeks, it is comforting to reflect upon the summer months and the warmth that comes both literally and figuratively with the season. So,my friends, courtesy of Dr. Keith Hunter, who had the foresight to gather these video clips, we are pleased to bring you a blast of warmth from last summer. We hope you that you enjoy it.

Long Live The "Renny"

The grand opening of the of the Renaissance Theater on one hundred and thirty seventh street occurred 86 years ago this week. In a bittersweet decision, the hallowed hall was denied historic protection by the landmarks Commission last year.The Abyssinian Development Corp, with the help of some influential supporters, successfully argued against a landmark designation for a historic ballroom in central Harlem.The 6-1 vote by the Landmarks Commission clears the way for the redevelopment of the Renaissance Ballroom and Renaissance Casino on Adam Clayton Boulevard and 138th Street. Plans call for the majority of the historic structure to be razed and replaced with a 19-story condo tower as well as cultural, retail and community spaces.
The Municipal Arts Society The New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the Historic Districts Council joined prominent Harlem residents including former Mayor Dinkins to oppose landmark designation, arguing that such a designation would have created insurmountable obstacles to bringing ballroom and the cultural space back to life. Abyssinian hopes the development will be completed by 2009. Still, some residents remain concerned with the loss of the historic structures and argue that a whole-scale renovation of the structure would be more beneficial to the community.
A beautifully illustrated and exhaustive history of the site along with a host of invaluable knowledge about the neighborhood in general can be found at
http://blackfivesblog.com/?p=285 thanks to the tireless efforts of BlackFives founder Claude Johnson.

A Horror in Harlem

At precisely 5:05 pm fifteen years ago next Tuesday, in what was undoubtedly Rivertons' darkest hour, a deafening explosion issued from the top of 45 east 135th street ripping open the uppermost floors, killing three residents and injuring at least fifteen more. The gas explosion , which was more than likely ignited when an 84 year old man tripped his light switch, rained debris and terror upon the the stunned community. The blast and the resulting conflagration forced the evacuation of more than sixty apartments, and was battled by upward of 160 firefighters, who, themselves sustained nearly twenty injuries. The Red Cross established its command post at neighboring PS 197 where evacuees were housed until long term accommodations were arranged. At your leisure, please take pause to remember those lost or injured on the horrible night that was November 2, 1992. rel="tag">Horror Harlem