What is the Coalition for a Livable West Side?
The Coalition for a Livable West Side, formed in 1981, is a grass roots all-volunteer, community-based environmental organization whose members care about the city and protecting a healthy environment. Contributions to Coalition are tax-deductible - 501 (c)(3). All funds that are raised are used for forums, meetings, newsletters, briefing materials, information flyers, legal and environmental consultants. Membership consists of individuals, tenant associations, block associations, cooperative and condominium boards, and other community organizations.
What are our Goals?
As the West Side of Manhattan's leading non-government voice, Coalition, working together with other community, neighborhood and environmental groups, educates and raises public awareness and mobilizes people to act as advocates for the safeguarding of our environment and for sound and rational city-wide planning.
Coalition's members believe that change has to improve the quality of life, not reduce it for people who live in the city, and that creative and effective master planning would result in revitalizing all areas of city life.
How do we achieve those goals?
Coalition's consultants examine, track and analyze West Side development and infrastructure issues and their impact on the environment and on the community. Officers and members of Coalition regularly attend, monitor and testify at Community Planning Board meetings, City Planning Commission (CPC) and City Council hearings. Our consultants examine Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and serve as 'whistle-blowers' by testifying before City agencies. Coalition challenges the City and State governments to obey all laws that protect our environment and the community by insisting on creative and effective master planning for the city.
Coalition educates the public as to how these projects will impact on every aspect of their lives, through frequent newsletters (20,000 copies), public forums, meetings, preparation of briefing materials and flyers. This website, livablenewyork.org, has been established to more effectively communicate with Coalition members and allied organizations throughout the country.
Who are we?
President
Madeleine Polayes
Vice-Presidents
Debbie Stevens
Batya Lewton
Treasurer
Joan Schlank
Assistant Treasurer
Gladys Benbasat
Secretary
Jo Jordan
