Church Scandal, 125th Subway, One45 Killed: Top Harlem Stories Of 2022

HARLEM, NY — Harlemites have been through a lot in 2022, and Patch was there to write about it.

From a church payoff scandal to the defeat of the One45 rezoning to the tragic killing of two police officers, here are the top Harlem Patch stories of 2022 — ranked by the number of minutes people spent reading them.

1. Run-Down Harlem Apartments To Be Renovated, Sold As $2,500 Co-Ops

Three run-down West Harlem buildings will soon be converted into affordable co-ops that tenants can buy — not rent — for $2,500 each.

2. 125th Street Building Seized By MTA For Second Avenue Subway

The state has filed its first plans to take over a privately-owned Central Harlem building to make way for the long-delayed subway line.

3. Harlem Clergy Took Secret Cash As They Sold Churches To Developer: AG

Religious leaders took nearly $2 million in secret payments after helping a developer swindle six Harlem churches, an investigation found.

4. Police Officer Killed, Another Shot And Wounded In Harlem

A 22-year-old police officer was fatally shot in Harlem on Friday and another was wounded, according to authorities.

5. Harlem Landlord Illegally Built 4 Apartments, City Says

A landlord previously named one of NYC's worst was fined $240,000 for building four illegal apartments in a Harlem building, the city said.

6. City Dismantles Beloved Harlem Workout Spot, Sparking Outrage

"Kids think it's a safe haven," said the founder of a beloved Marcus Garvey Park fitness club, which the city dismantled despite protests.

7. New Harlem Subway Line Could Run Along 125th Street, MTA Suggests

The MTA announced it will consider a huge project that would extend the new Second Avenue Subway west along 125th Street — and beyond.

8. Harlem's One45 Project Defeated; Storage, Condos Likely Replacement

The bitterly disputed two-tower proposal was withdrawn hours before a planned vote, ending a yearlong fight that roiled the neighborhood.

9. Harlem's Famed Striver's Row Caught In Legal Battle Over Gates

Some prominent Harlemites have been swept up in a lawsuit between residents of the famed Striver's Row district and next-door neighbors.

10. Harlem Man Arrested 7 Years After Killing Teenager, Police Say

Police arrested a suspect in the 2015 East Harlem triple shooting that killed 18-year-old Anthony Fries, authorities announced.

Thanks for reading Patch this year — stay tuned for lots more neighborhood news in 2023!