MORNINGSIDER

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview Laurent Delly, vice president of the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association. 

Delly, who is originally from Haiti, has lived in Harlem for over 20 years and has a passion for the neighborhood. He became Vice President of the MMPCIA in 2008 and has since been recognized for his exemplary service to the community at the Partnership for Parks Annual Volunteer Recognition Event. 

 

Delly is a civil engineer by profession, and is also the co-founder, along with his brother, of Property Roster, which is a real estate advertising company. He is also currently working on a book about Harlem from the Dutch era to the present titled: Harlem (Haarlem): The Secret Gem of Manhattan.

Questions for Laurent Delly: 

1. How did you become Vice President of the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association?

I became the VP because I was encouraged to apply for the board by the past president of the association, who also happens to be a neighbor, mentor and friend, Mr. Donald K. Williams. I was selected and chose to work with him, Dr. Cheryl Smith and now Syderia A. Chresfield. As a leader, myself and my team have always fought to bring the organization to another level in terms of activities and our scholarship program for our young people since they are the future.

 2. What type of streetscape improvements are you currently working on with MMPCIA? 

Myself and my sidekick, Barbel Herms, a devoted volunteer from Sutton Place, and our team of volunteers are trying to enhance the image of the district, especially Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X, from tree guards to flower baskets, etc. Right now in the Mt. Morris Park Historic District, like the rest of Harlem, residents want the best, like in the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Park Slope or Forest Hills since we pay the same taxes. With the magnitude of the parents and young children in the neighborhood, concerned residents want more and more quality and elected officials better take notes and not be too complacent. To accomplish all the things we need to do it would cost close to half a million dollars.

 3. Are there any specific projects you hope to tackle in the future? 

I would say the proposed extension of the Mount Morris Park Historic District, which we have a well-organized and disciplined team working on. We were chosen as one of the six neighborhoods in the city to receive preservation attention in 2011 and we could not more pleased by the Historic District Council (HDC), which is a non-profit who works as a liaison to help with the process and other related issues.   

Also, maybe have Belgium bricks throughout the Mt. Morris Park Historic District, but this is just a dream! LOL

 4. What is your favorite annual MMPCIA event? 

The Annual House Tour, which draws many people from different parts of the world to come to see this beautiful hidden gem in the island of Manhattan. 

5. What is your favorite aspect of Mount Morris Park?  

I would say many aspects, the diversity of cultural activities in the area, the state of the art Richard Rodgers’ amphitheatre at Marcus Garvey Park, which the Rodgers family donated 1 million dollars to. 

We have also worked closely with the Parks and elected officials, as well as the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance to ameliorate quality of life issues in the park. Today, with Park officials and our local precinct, the park is safer than ever before. 

Also, the watchtower at the top of the acropolis, which was designed by one of the fathers of cast iron structures in New York; the structure will soon be renovated provided we have the 3.5 million dollars for the refurbishment, which we are currently advocating for. 

6. How can others become involved in MMPCIA activities?  

One can become engaged in the association by visiting our website or contacting our membership committee Chair, Michael Marion. 

7.  Anything else you would like to add? 

As a volunteer, I am very passionate about Harlem as well as the people. Harlem is Manhattan, and we are as safe as anywhere in the city; we are vigorously fighting to preserve the area and continue the legacies of the elders who made it all happen in the first place. Additionally, I’m currently writing a book about Harlem from the Dutch era to the present titled: Harlem (Haarlem): The Secret Gem of Manhattan.