West Harlem Environmental Action
West Harlem Environmental Action (also known as WEACT) is a Harlem, New York City based non-profit environmental justice organization focusing on sustainability, public health, pollution, and other urban quality of life issues. The organization was founded in 1988 to mobilize community opposition to the city's operation of the North River Sewage Treatment Plant and the planned construction of an MTA's bus depot.[1] The basis of the opposition was an increase in respiratory illness among the residents of Harlem and other adverse health effects. WEACT served as lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against the city, which was settled in 1994.[2]
Currently, WEACT is one of several groups engaged in negotiations for a Community Benefits Agreement with Columbia University as part of the school's Manhattanville expansion plan. It is also renovating an abandoned brownstone for conversion into the WEACT Environmental Justice Center, which will house office and program space as well as serve as a demonstration of various green building technologies.
References
- ↑ Odors From Plant Anger Many in Harlem, New York Times, Nov. 30, 1989
- ↑ Settlement In Harlem Suit Over Odors, New York Times, Jan. 9, 1994