HISTORY
Columbia University’s Expansion
West Harlem Development Corporation is a consequence of the 25-year campus expansion project of Columbia University in the City of New York. This educational mixed-use complex that began in 2009, will eventually span 17 acres and will include academic, commercial, cultural, community facility space, and open public space. To facilitate this significant development, Columbia University signed the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) on May 18, 2009 with the West Harlem Local Development Corporation.
A CBA is a legally enforceable document between a real estate developer and a community that binds the developer to provide agreed-upon benefits. In 2005, Community Board 9 of New York City voted to approve the creation of the local development corporation to engage in negotiations with Columbia University on behalf of the community of West Harlem. It was initially incorporated on March 16, 2006 as the D9 Local Development Corporation, a nonprofit New York State entity. An amendment was filed on October 5, 2006 to change the name to West Harlem Local Development Corporation (WHLDC).
On March 14, 2011, the West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC), a nonprofit organization was incorporated in the state of Delaware. On July 6, 2011, WHDC obtained an IRS 501(c)(3) nontaxable status. WHDC is the successor organization to WHLDC; charged with implementing the CBA for the benefit of residents in the West Harlem community. On May 1, 2013, the New York Supreme Court approved the petition by WHLDC to transfer its assets and obligations to WHDC, and then dissolve.
The CBA provides $150 million in financial commitments on the part of Columbia University.
Milestones
2023
WHDC will be awarding another cycle of CBGs. The Uptown Night Market celebrates its 3rd year in West Harlem.
2022
Zead Ramadan became WHDC’s Executive Director. WHDC awarded $1.8m to 100 local organizations as part of the CBGs. The ARISE! youth summer enrichment in-person program took place in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.
2021
WHDC awarded $1.5m to 84 local organizations as part of the CBGs. The Uptown Night Market was inaugurated in partnership with MASC, and has become one of the largest community fairs in NYC. ARISE! youth summer enrichment hybrid program took place.
2020
In June, the WHDC Board of Directors announced grant awards totaling $500,000 to Harlem-based nonprofit organizations located in MCD9 ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 each. The rapid-response grants helped deliver priority services within 120 days to residents of MCD9 to address the impact of COVID-19.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WHDC continued its commitment to youth development by running an online version ARISE! for the summer (July 6, 2020-August 14, 2020). Similarly, despite the challenges of gathering safely, the Summer Senior Employment Program successfully graduated 120 MCD9 participants.
Recognizing the greater need in 2020 due to increased food insecurity, WHDC donated an unprecedented 500 turkeys to benefit MCD9 seniors, the unemployed, and underemployed at the Annual Turkey Giveaway.
2019
WHDC consolidated grant awards to one annual Community Benefits Grant.
Arise! SYEEP was changed to ARISE! (All Rising In Strengthening Excellence).
2017
WHDC initiated Arise! SYEEP Summer Youth Employment & Education Program to provide West Harlem youth with paid summer employment and academic enrichment.
2016
WHDC partnered with West Harlem Group Assistance to open the West Harlem Skills Training Center to assist West Harlem residents with job placement and training.
WHDC assumed responsibility for cash management from Tides Foundation, its fiscal sponsor.
WHDC’s board approved a three-year plan (2015-2017).
2015
WHDC’s board held a retreat to review and adopt WHDC’s first strategic plan. The 3-year (2015-2017) plan focused on three areas of priority: education, affordable housing, and economic and workforce development.
Large and small grants categories were introduced. The maximum large grant award would be $50,000.
Community Facilities that cover Arts & Culture, Health, Historical Preservation, etc. would be entertained in small grant applications with a maximum grant award of $25,000.
The Affordable Housing Fund would focus on both preserving and adding to permanent housing stock development in MCD9.
2014
Affordable Housing Fund – In October 2014, WHDC’s two-year effort to get the City of New York to release $10 million it was holding in escrow from Columbia University succeeded with the transfer of $10,018,000 from the City’s Department of Law via the Department of Planning to WHDC’s fiscal sponsor, Tides Foundation.
2013
NY Supreme Court approved the succession of WHDC to the assets and responsibilities of WHLDC on May 1, 2013.
WHDC made its first round of grants to 83 nonprofits for a total of $1,978,875.
2012
WHDC hired its first Executive Director, Dr. Kofi A Boateng, and constituted its board with Mr. Donald Notice as the first chair. WHDC entered into fiscal sponsorship agreement with Tides Foundation.
2011
West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) was incorporated on March 14, 2011 as a Delaware nonprofit organization. WHDC obtained its IRS 501(c)(3) tax exemption determination on July 6, 2011.
2009
West Harlem Local Development Corporation started operations as Columbia University began its 25-year campus expansion project to create mixed-use educational complex on 17 acres.
2006
The D9 Local Development Corporation, a New York State nonprofit, was incorporated on March 16, 2006. An amendment was filed on October 5, 2006 to change its name to West Harlem Local Development Corporation (WHLDC).
2005
The Board of Manhattan Community District 9 voted to approve the creation of a local development corporation to engage in negotiations with Columbia University on behalf of the community of West Harlem MCD9.