5 Questions With East Harlem Councilmember Candidate Clarisa Alayeto

EAST HARLEM, NY — Clarisa Alayeto, a 43-year-old Democratic candidate and community organizer, is running for City Council in District 8, which includes Mott Haven-Port Morris, Melrose, Concourse Village, Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, East Harlem and Randall's Island, in New York City's primary election on Tuesday, June 24.

The district seat is left open by the Councilmember Diana Ayala, who is term-limited.

Before running for office, Alayeto, who was born in East Harlem but was raised in the South Bronx, was the manager of community and government affairs at DREAM charter school.

Patch recently asked Alayeto five questions about her campaign and district. See her replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for Harlem offices in the 2025 primary election. Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

PATCH: Why are you running for City Council?

ALAYETO: I’m running because our community deserves leaders who care deeply and act urgently. We need someone who will hold city agencies and organizations accountable, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve led our community board, pushed for transparency, and launched initiatives to address the public health crises hurting our neighborhoods. Now I’m ready to take that fight to City Hall.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

ALAYETO: I’m not a career politician, I’m a community leader who’s been doing the work for years. I was born in East Harlem, raised in the South Bronx, and I’m the only candidate with deep roots on both sides of this district. I’ve lived what our people are going through, and I’ve fought to make things better every step of the way.

PATCH: List two ways you plan to make the neighborhood more affordable.

ALAYETO:

1. Push for deeply affordable housing by using localized AMI so rent levels reflect what people in our community earn, not inflated citywide numbers.
2. Hold developers accountable, especially for as-of-right projects, to make sure any new development benefits the people who already live in the community.

PATCH: List two ways you plan to make the neighborhood safer.

ALAYETO:

1. Launch a district-wide task force made up of residents, youth, NYCHA leaders, service providers, local organizations, violence interrupters, and the NYPD to analyze issues, design tailored safety strategies, & track progress per block.
2. Redesign NYCHA centers into modern hubs for youth development, fueled by trade education and wellness services. Increase trash cans, fund paid neighborhood cleanup crews, and deploy more lighting in parks, streets, NYCHA entrances, and underpasses. These upgrades will create jobs, lift pride, and visibly improve safety, because clean, well-lit areas are the backbone of healthy, empowered communities.

PATCH: What’s one place in the neighborhood you frequent the most?

ALAYETO: I frequent the parks in the neighborhood. I run with Mott Haven ROC on Monday at St. Mary’s Park, I enjoy the track at Jefferson Park, and I love the nature and scenic views at Randall’s Island.

Early voting begins on June 14. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.