Advocacy
It’s up to us to collectively defend Morningside Heights. Committed and engaged community members are at the heart of our efforts to reinforce and celebrate the diverse culture which makes our neighborhood so special.
After years of hands-on work and major input from neighbors and local officials, we have clarified our main advocacy objectives. Click on the boxes below for details.
Limiting Real Estate Overdevelopment
MHCC played a critical role in the decision to release a City Council Request for Proposals for an Environmental Review in support of rezoning our neighborhood. This is a major step forward and it occurred largely through MHCC’s consistent work on this issue.
A lot more needs to be done locally to propel the rezoning of Morningside Heights. MHCC has surveyed “soft sites” throughout the neighborhood that are vulnerable to overdevelopment.
Our rezoning plan, which you can view below, is co-sponsored by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, former Manhattan Borough President and current City Council Member Gale Brewer, Current City Council Member Shaun Abreu, Manhattan Community Board 9, and the City Council Land Use Division.
Click below to see relevant video and documents.
Morningside Heights Planning Study
Rezoning Plan Update, December 2021
Municipal Art Society Letter Supporting the Rezoning Plan
Promoting Local Affordable Housing
Expanding affordable housing is a major concern in our community. Achieving this critical objective will protect our neighborhood’s diversity, maintain local influence in decision-making, and honor our distinct culture and history.
MHCC established its JUST Housing Committee in 2022. The group meets online monthly and focuses on the preservation of rent-regulated apartments owned by institutions in our neighborhood and inclusion of affordable units for neighbors not formally affiliated with them in future institutional housing developments.
We also work to better understand the opinions and priorities of our neighbors in NYCHA housing and provide referral services for neighbors experiencing challenges with building maintenance and landlord relations.
Click below to see relevant videos and documents.
NYS Senator Cordell Cleare Letter to The Riverside Church: Affordable Housing
JUST Housing Committee Update, July 2024
JUST Housing for Morningside Heights: A Report and Proposal, Updated October 2022
Protecting the Unique and Diverse Character and Quality of Life of Morningside Heights
MHCC is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life and character of our neighborhood through consistent outreach to City agencies and local stakeholders.
Currently, we are working to improve the Broadway/W125th Street Subway station, support local small businesses through the Morningside Merchants Association, and address neighborhood safety and sanitation concerns.
Click below to see relevant video, link, and documents.
Learn more about Morningside Merchants.
Broadway & W125th Street Subway Station Elevator Brief
MTA Survey: Vote for Accessibility at Broadway & W125th Street Subway Station
While we have your attention, would you please consider signing these important community petitions? These online petitions augment thousands of hardcopy signatures we’ve collected over the past several years. Thanks!
Morningside Heights Community Coalition 