About the Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers & Community Association
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION WORKING FOR EVERYONE IN WOODLAWN FOR MORE THAN 105 YEARS!
A Civic Association That Works for All Residents, Tenants, Shareholders, Homeowners, alike!
· Monthly open information meetings
· Monthly newsletter
· Problem solving with Federal, State and City Agencies
· Neighborhood beautification
· Positive focus on our local schools
· Maintaining a low crime rate
· Economic development issues
· Assuring quality public transporation
· Lobbying politicians on your behalf
· Responding to quality-of-life issues
· Fighting for top notch commuter rail service
· Planning and coordinating community events
· (i.e., Memorial Day, Holiday Tree Lighting, Merchants’ Sidewalk Sale, etc.)
· Making Woodlawn a better place in which to live
MISSION STATEMENT
“To make Woodlawn a better place in which to live” is the rallying cry of the Association. This has been the major concern of the members of the Association throughout the years. The Association’s first meeting was held on May 10, 1895, and one of the complaints addressed was that “the lamplighter has not been around for three nights.” The first political action of the Association was to protest the increased five-cent fare bill on the Harlem line railroad. That was the beginning of over a century of commitment to this community, and it has continued with many major victories throughout the years.
The Association is proud to have been the leader in the fight to bring these “firsts” to Woodlawn:
First Public School
First Fire Department
First Public Library
First Playground
First Bank
First Public Transportation
First Telephone Lines
First Electrical Power
First Post Office
AND, WE’RE STILL FIGHTING FOR YOU BY:
- Preventing the closure of our local fire company
- Establishing the Meals-on-Wheels program for our senior residents.
- Preventing the construction of a super highway across E. 233rd Street.
- Preventing the enactment of a discriminatory sewer assessment.
- Securing a library facility and fighting for its renovation.
- Negotiating the opening of a modern banking facility.
- Expanding our local public school from a kindergarten through sixth grade school to a kindergarten through eighth grade school.
- Preventing unjustified increases in real estate taxes.
- Enhancing police presence in the area.
Establishing area beautification programs, including tree and flowerbed plantings, neighborhood clean-up campaigns, etc.
- Presenting forums for government representatives to listen to the citizens of Woodlawn.
- Placing of traffic lights and signs in the neighborhood.
- Planting of hundreds of trees and flowers in the neighborhood.
- Installing Bishop’s crook-style street lighting fixtures on Katonah Ave.
The Association has primarily been supported through the annual payment of modest dues and donations from people like you. It has no paid staff, only volunteers. As a direct result, Woodlawn still retains its small-town charm.
TENANTS ARE TAXPAYERS TOO
Many people still think that the Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers & Community Association is really only for homeowners, but that has never been the case. Even though it may seem the only issue of importance to tenants is the New York City Rent Stabilization law, clean well-lighted streets, fire and police protection, public libraries, schools, trees, neighborhood beautification, traffic regulation, etc., are of great importance to tenants as well. It pays for tenants to be members of the Taxpayers Association!
. . . AND WHAT ABOUT CO-OP AND CONDO OWNERS?
These Woodlawn Heights residents, who are increasing in number, often consider themselves to be neither tenants nor homeowners. Since the City and State of New York regulate apartment corporations, let them not think for a moment that the Taxpayers Association does not represent them! A recent monthly newsletter noted the fact that these property sales became brisk once again in mid-2000. This important information was brought to the attention of our local representatives who have control and influence in such matters. Every owner, shareholder and this Association has a great interest in how they are taxed. The Association is always working on your behalf!
CANDIDATES MEETING PROVOKES LIVELY DEBATE
A large contingent of Woodlawn residents assemble for the annual Candidates Meeting, and they are well rewarded. Here is where the voters meet the candidates face-to-face, both formally and informally. The Democratic, Republican, and other political parties are well represented. This is a place where Woodlawn residents, never shy about their concerns, can ask provocative questions of their political candidates. The attendance and level of interest expressed at the Candidates Meeting leave no doubt that people like yourself in Woodlawn really care. Woodlawn residents know that programs and benefits go first to communities that demonstrate a strong turnout on election day.
WOODLAWN’S BEST KEPT SECRET
Because it often achieves much for the neighborhood through long negotiations and endless meetings, the work of the Taxpayers Association is not always well known in the community. However, what has been achieved and what is being achieved is reported at the monthly meetings and published in the monthly newsletters. While its public face can sometimes be modest, the behind-the-scenes work is vigorous. Consider volunteering your services to the community and uncover Woodlawn’s ‘best-kept’ secret.
BE A LAMPLIGHTER . . . JOIN THE ASSOCIATION.
Membership in the Association costs only $10 a year. As you've read this overview, you have become acutely aware of the vital role this Association plays in the community. Checks should be made payable to the “Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers Association” and mailed to the Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers and Community Assn., P.O. Box 0083, Woodlawn, NY 10470. Dues may also be paid at monthly meetings held on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the St. Barnabas Elementary School cafeteria.
Become part of your neighborhood! By joining, you have everything to gain!
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