Since 2012, South Bronx Unite (SBU) has been mobilizing residents, organizations, and allies to improve and protect the social, environmental, and economic future of Port Morris and Mott Haven. Dubbed “Asthma Alley,” the South Bronx has endured decades of discriminatory policies and disinvestment. This has concentrated polluting facilities like waste transfer stations, power plants, and major highways along its waterfront while denying residents – primarily Black, brown, and immigrant families – access to green spaces and basic resources like community centers. This toxic environment has created a generational health crisis with disproportionate rates of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and infant mortality. It has trapped residents in a cycle of poor health and poverty. SBU envisions something different. They envision a South Bronx where everyone is thriving.
Rally with Extinction Rebellion in April 2022
Working with their neighbors, they develop community-driven solutions. They’ve prioritized fighting for green spaces, and have built a community land trust – The Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards – that secures public land to use for public good. Founded and led by South Bronx residents, SBU’s 5-person board and 5-person staff are almost entirely people of color who reflect the neighborhood’s diversity. They’re united in their commitment to environmental, economic, and social justice for their community. One step toward that vision is their Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront plan to transform a 4.5-mile stretch into multi-use open space, increasing waterfront access, creating parks, improving air quality, and building climate resilience against flooding. In addition, SBU’s work includes installing 60 air quality monitors; acquiring an abandoned city building and turning it into a holistic health center; informing national pollution emissions standards; advancing open green space equity and stewarding local green spaces; strengthening NYC’s community land trust movement; and pushing to expedite the transition of medium and heavy duty vehicles to electric.
