The charter-mandated public review process is critical to the development of East Harlem. Early notification to the community and all elected officials is crucial to the public participatory process. Excluded from that the early notification are the U.S. Representatives, US Senators, New York State Senators and Assembly persons, and residents. More importantly, neighbors most affected by a pending action are not notified, especially when it involves an action on vacant property. Many community residents near vacant property are unaware that it may be up for auction or it may be developed.
Few residents read publications like the City Record.
The City should consider developing parks and other open spaces as close to youth oriented institutions as possible such as, schools, day care centers, housing developments and youth community centers. The City should develop a comprehensive and capital strategy to redesign City parks and land under the jurisdiction of the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation north of East 125th Street. It should seek local agencies and institutions to adopt a park. Possible redesigns could include softball and baseball recreational use, and adequate lighting at night. North General Hospital should be asked to adopt this park and be involved with future redesigns.