An preservation activist in the Harlem community, AYON Studio’s Principal recently participated in the Latin-X Summit on Housing and Development. Hosted virtually on May 15th, the summit gave insight into recent have affected NYC’s longstanding Latinx enclaves in areas like Spanish Harlem, West Farms, and Williamsburg/Bushwick.
The group cited the growing wealth divide, increased cost of living, and the move away from local shopping as contributing factors toward continued homelessness and gentrification in the city’s Latinx communities. By addressing these pervasive patterns of causation, now particularly urgent post-COVID, housing advocates and small building managers can unite to preserve Latinx communities. The panel also discussed the disproportionate and negative impact of rent moratoriums and recent rent reform laws on homeowners and landlords in communities of color.
Angel was joined by fellow speakers Ben Carlos Thypin, President of Quantierra; Yvonne Peña, Project Director of Community Services Society of NY (CSSNY); and Carla Fuquene Pena, Principal of Fabricka. Visit Latin-X Summit’s website for more info about their programs, supported by and engaged with Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.