Two venerable institutions celebrated 90th birthdays at a gala event on Dec. 28 at the Cornerstone Center on Bennett Avenue. The first, an apartment building—550 Fort Washington Avenue, one of the first tenant-owned buildings in the city and a beacon of non-profit housing and tenant’s rights; the second, one of the building’s most notable inhabitants—Ann Zalesky, a lifelong resident of Washington Heights and a community and political activist who for years fought to save 550 Fort Washington Avenue.
550 Fort Washington boasts a proud history in the struggle for fair, affordable tenant-controlled housing, says Tenant Board head Carol Schreefter. “In 1972, we went on rent strike because of unbelievable conditions—no hot water or heat—and we were concerned about the structure of the building. We went to the landlord and told him what was happening and he said he didn’t care if it fell over.”
The management of the building was turned over to the Washington Heights Federal Savings Bank, but according to Schreefter, conditions did not improve. “They were incredibly abusive, and sent goons around threatening us. They abandoned the building because they tried to sell it, but of course, we would meet prospective buyers and outline what we wanted, and then they weren’t interested.”
The City then took over ownership of the building, because, as Schreefter says, “at the time there was no mechanism for tenants living in abandoned buildings managing themselves. But we hired a super and paid him union wage, provided our own hot water and oil, and at a time when the rents were starting to skyrocket, we lowered everyone’s rent to $100 a month.
“What we were doing was totally illegal,” Schreefter admits. “But we joined with other public groups and through many, many demonstrations and outreach to local politicians, we finally in ’79 got the agreement to self-manage.
“The building is special,” she says , “ because we have a commitment to low-cost housing for working people. We do it efficiently and we do it without a profit.”
Ann Zalesky, Schreefter says, has been “at the heart of the struggle” to keep 550 Fort Washington nonprofit and tenant-owned. Zalesky’s political button collection, snapshots of her lifelong activism and flyers from the first tenant strike at 550 Fort Washington Avenue decorated the hall on Saturday night, along with letters to Ann from around the globe detailing the meaning she’s given many people’s lives.
People at the celebration shared their own remembrances of Zalesky. Long-time Inwood resident David Friedlander says, “Ann has been involved in every struggle in this community since she was a teenager. When I moved here, I met her right away through the tenants’ struggle. She’s a delightful and dedicated person who’s succeeded in doing lots of different things while staying in the same place.
All of Zalesky’s children and grandchildren attended the party. Family member Colleen Hemmings says, “I videoed Ann telling stories of her life so I could share it with my family. I can’t believe all the incredible things she’s done.” Cousin Ron Miller remember that “she was always one that I admired—she was always committed to the underdog and to good values. I have really good feelings about Ann and her commitment to social justice.” Granddaughter Naneen Marsiglio says simply, “She is the most incredible woman in the whole world.”
To much applause, Zalesky gave a short speech recalling some of the highlights of her decades of community involvement. Her first May Day parade, in 1932, she says, was “the most beautiful, inspiring sight that you can imagine.” She recalled the Depression and strolling St. Nicholas Avenue with her sister. “We found entertainment and interest listening to different people on soapboxes—socialists, communists—some of them were very funny.”
Shortly thereafter she was invited to a camp run by Eleanor Roosevelt at Bear Mountain. “It was a camp for girls who...just needed a little help, and they told me that they would help me get to Brookwood Labor College. That camp was a lifeline to me. I met very interesting people; I thought they were so smart.”
In addition to her fight for tenant’s rights and other community issues, Zalesky has been a strong advocate for peace. She helped organize the first Russian relief in Queens during World War II, and throughout the decades became a strong voice against the war in Vietnam.
“We are now again at a period where we need to make serious decisions about war and peace,” Zalesky concluded. “At this moment, the bombing of civilians is taking place in Iraq, and it’s done in our name. A number of us here today are active in the Northern Manhattan Peace Council organization and take a stand against a war which can only bring misery to the Iraqi population and hardship towards Americans, as well as terrible shame.”
City Councilman Robert Jackson attended the party as a tribute to Zalesky, whom he credits for helping him get elected. “I remember Ann when I ran for the school board in 1986 on a grassroots community slate. Ann was in the forefront, doing everything that she could to keep us together. People may say that one person may not make a difference, but I am here to give testimony that one individual does...The last time I ran Ann was out there handing out flyers by the subway, when she was 88 or 89 years old. She was out in the cold because she believed in me. And I want to say, Ann, that I hope and pray that I will never let you down as an elected representative.”
Jackson presented a citation to Zalesky citing a “unique personal achievements and professional or other endeavors” and “a lifetime of good citizenry.” Jackson read from the citation: “I recognize that in Ann Zalesky we have an outstanding citizen who is worthy of the esteem of both her community and the great city of New York.”
