EAST HARLEM — Candidates hoping to fill the vacant council seat in Harlem came out to debate Tuesday, just a week before the Feb. 14 special election.
The forum focused on issues affecting East Harlem, which is included in the 9th Council District which is up for election after former councilman Inez Dickens was elected to the state Assembly.
Of the nine candidates, seven attended the forum. Todd Stevens and Dawn Simmons were absent.
Moderators pressed candidates on the East Harlem Rezoning Plan, funding for arts and cultural programs, housing, providing resources for the homeless population and protecting small businesses, among other topics.
Candidates were also quizzed on their knowledge of the neighborhood.
The forum was located at the National Black Theater at 2031 5th Avenue, and hosted by the theater along with New Harlem East Merchants Association, Uptown Grand Central and The OnPoint! Experience.
DNAinfo New York live-tweeted the debate below:
