Harlem East Block Association

A Highly Coveted Neighborhood

Situated in the intersection of East and Central Harlem, the 3 Coop Buildings and ~60 3 family townhouses are newly built 20-30 years ago. We feel that it is one of the most pleasant areas in Harlem. Our beautiful community has tree line streets and plenty of sun, and we are just 7 blocks away from Central Park and 3 blocks from Marcus Garvey Park. Our residents are truly multi-cultural and came from all walks of life. One would be hard pressed to find a friendlier and more inclusive neighborhood in Manhattan than ours!

At 117 to 120 Street Association, our homeowners are dedicated to enhancing our members’ day to day life and maintain our community’s high standard of living.



Area of the Harlem East Block Association

117th Street to 120th Street between Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue. There are more than 500 families

Our 5 Pillars of Advocacy

FairShare - Reduce Excessive Density of Social Services

We join force with the Greater Harlem Coalition to push back on NY State using Harlem as a containment zone. East Harlem has 1.4% of NYC’s population but 14% of methadone distribution capacity

Excessive placement of drug treatment and harm reduction programs in one small area is structural racism  

Hold Lantern Org Accountable

We petition for safer living environment in Prospero Hall and Schafer Hall, both supportive housing managed by Lantern Organization on 118th Street. 

There is serious drug dealing inside and outside of the buildings

We petition to have a community advisory council that continue to review their ability to manage and help their tenants

Safer Streets. Stop Open-Fair Drug Use

Driven by multitude of factors, the 3 blocks between 115th and 117th Street along Park Avenue became an open-air drug scene with users shooting up under broad day light in front of our children. We need more mandatory treatment programs. (See some videos from some neighbors, our testimony to City Council Public Safety

Committee and our plea to City Council Member Kristin Jordan

Stop adding more social services to zip code 10035

Stop adding more social services to zip code 10035. Department of Mental Health placed 600 patients in SROs in zip code 10035. This is 5.6% of all New York State’s patients. New York State is considering adding 100 more patients to zip code 10035, bringing the % from 5.6% to 6.4% in Timbale Terrace

​We petition for this structural racism to stop. Click here see the excessive concentration of services currently near us

Affordable Property Tax

(1) Help our co-ops building extend their expiring 421a or other tax abatement so as to keep the mortgage expense affordable

​(2) Stop Comptroller Brad Lander’s from raising property tax rates in Harlem via his Fair Rates campaign

To see how multiple government agencies allocate excessive number of social programs in East Harlem

To see underlying data and analysis, go to www.greaterharlem.nyc

Your vote in June can make a difference!

In the June 2023 Primary Election for City Council, Harlem residents should vote to hold our elected officials accountable for making policies and allocating funding that aligns with our priorities e.g., street safety, fair share, and economic development. 

About Us

How can you help?

  1. Organize a chat group in your building. Talk to your neighbors in the elevator

  2. Post our distribution to buildinglink emails

  3. Distribute physical posters (email us to ask for physical copies, or download the image file here)

  4. Invite a District Leader to your building’s event, e.g., William Smith

  5. Recommend your building to join the Greater Harlem Coalition

  6. Run for county committee

  7. Vote with Harlem East Block for our endorsed candidate

Sign Up for Email Distribution

We invite you to vote with Election District 8!

In 2022, district 8 has the highest voter turnout during primary election. But even so, less than 300 people voted.  Help us turnout 800 people to vote in District 8 and nearby Districts. You can sending communications to your building and hold events. 

In the past, the lead candidate won by a shockingly a slim margin. A voting block of a mere 1,000 votes can change an election!

Eddie Gibbs

By 953 votes, Eddie Gibbs won against John Ruiz votes (12% of votes) in 2022

Kristin Jordan

By 114 votes, Kristin Jordan won against Bill Perkins (0.6% of votes) in 2021

Diana Ayala

By 117 votes, Diana Ayala won against Robert Rodriguez (1.2% of votes) In 2017

Adriano Espaillat

By 1236 votes, Adriano Espaillat won against Keith Wright (0.3% of votes) in 2016

Learn more about Harlem District Maps

Discover in-depth information about Harlem District Maps to gain insights into neighborhood layouts, local landmarks, and community features. Perfect for residents, visitors, and anyone interested in exploring Harlem’s unique areas.

Want to do more to help Harlem?

You can run for county committee.

Learn more about how to run and why you should run –>

Resources to manage quality of life issues

If you or someone you know is in imminent danger or needs immediate medical attention, call 911. Otherwise, all concerns should be logged in 311, which drives resource allocation to our district.

Help us deter trespassing

Put up this sign in your front gate
How? Order on Amazon here for $16

(you need to download these images and upload to the amazon page)

Help report safety issues so vulnerable New Yorkers get needed help

Law Enforcement

Mental Health Support

If you or someone who know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis that does not need an immediate in- person response, call NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), text “WELL” to 65173 or chat at nyc.gov/nycwell, or click here.

More info can be found here:

https://mentalhealth.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/B-HEARD-One-Pager-FINAL-5.27.2021.pdf

For someone in need of help you can call 988 which will direct you to NY City Well

Drug Use Related Issues

Someone who needs clean needles? Here are the needle exchange operating locations and hours.

(note: Harlem United and New York Harm Reduction Educators work in Harlem)

See drug use and dealing? report crime to NYPD here: https://nypdonline.org/link/1017

See needles that need to be picked up? Call Onpoint 1866-491-3527 or put in a note on Twitter here @nyharmreduction 

Want to sign up to volunteer to do outreach yourself?  email nyccshap@gmail.com or at 212-537-6772.