Church Drama, Political Upsets: Harlem 2021 Review

HARLEM, NY — Though the turbulence of 2020 seemed to be in the rearview mirror, 2021 offered no shortage of surprises for New York City — and for Harlem.

From the first vaccine doses at a hard-hit Harlem nursing home to the fall and subsequent rise in Harlem's COVID-19 rates, the coronavirus lingered in the neighborhood's headlines this year.

But not all noteworthy stories were related to the ongoing crisis. As 2022 approaches, Harlem Patch is looking back at the neighborhood's top stories of 2021.

Perkins Concedes Harlem Council Race To Jordan, Cementing Upset

Newcomer Kristin Richardson Jordan pulled of a stunning upset of incumbent Bill Perkins in the June primary for Central Harlem's City Council seat. Elsewhere in the neighborhood, Shaun Abreu emerged victorious in West Harlem while Diana Ayala was re-elected in East Harlem.

Meanwhile, Harlem's own Alvin Bragg was elected Manhattan District Attorney, State Sen. Brian Benjamin was replaced by Cordell Cleare, and Eddie Gibbs won a history-making nomination in East Harlem.

Giant Reclining Statue Of Liberty Installed In Morningside Park

In May, we brought you news of this strange visitor to Morningside Park, which remains on view through next spring.

Harlem Church To Be Evicted In City's Affordable Housing Deal

We reported in April that the city was evicting Harlem's oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Church from its longtime home to make way for an affordable housing development. Months later, the church remains in limbo after the eviction was temporarily halted.

Landmarked Harlem Home To Be Demolished After Years Of Decay

Patch was first to report the news that a beautiful home on Harlem's historic Astor Row was being torn down due to its dilapidated state — despite the city's efforts to save the landmarked structure.

Harlem Pastor Sold Church To Developer While Pocketing Cash: AG

The leader of a historic Harlem house of worship was accused of pocketing nearly a million dollars when he sold the church to an inexperienced developer — then lying to authorities about his stake in the deal.

Much Of Harlem Block To Be Demolished, Permits Show; Harlem Board Grills One45 Developers Over Affordability, Impact

In January, we reported that a huge chunk of a Harlem block on Lenox Avenue and West 145th Street was slated to be torn down. Soon, the reason became clear: developers are looking to construct a major, two-tower development on the site known as One45. In the ensuing months, we've reported on community skepticism toward the project.

Harlem's Esplanade Gardens Tenants 'Tortured' By Endless Repairs

In October, residents of Harlem's famous Esplanade Gardens apartment complex spoke out about conditions they are facing inside their homes, saying two years of capital improvements had been severely mishandled.

Huge Harlem Fire Devastates Row Of Businesses

The early-morning fire that swept through a row of Lenox Avenue businesses in November devastated a number of prominent shops, including Manna's Soul Food restaurant.

125th Street Redesign Would Add Trees, Bike Lanes & More: See It

This eye-catching proposal unveiled in December suggests adding bus lanes, bike lanes, trees and trash cans to a congested stretch of 125th Street. Harlem's incoming City Council member said she was on board.

Harlem Board Blasts Developer Over Hamilton Heights Rezoning; Developer Withdraws Controversial Hamilton Heights Rezoning

In the spring, we reported on a controversial proposal to demolish several townhouses in Hamilton Heights to make way for a 17-story apartment building. Five months later, Patch broke the news that the developer was withdrawing the proposal.