Critics sound off on new designation of Little Yemen as a cultural district

Well, it is official. The state now recognizes Little Yemen as a cultural district. But not everyone who lives in the neighborhood is happy about the decision. News 12's Alexa Special explains. It was a celebration with politicians and members of the Little Yemen community as the neighborhood was officially designated a cultural district someday. It's the first in the Bronx to receive the distinction and only the third in the city. The new legislation means cultural organizations within the district may be eligible for grant assistance from the state. The funding could be used for the cultural, for the arts, but it'll also bring tourism. It'll expand the businesses. It'll bring more jobs. The district will span from White Plains Road on the west to Bronxdale Avenue on the east and north and Van Nest Avenue on the south. When you come to the Yemeni community, Little Yemen, you feel like you're at home. You're in your own house. And this is why I love Little Yemen so much. But not everyone in the neighborhood is in support of the new distinction. For weeks, members of the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance have been speaking out against the move. If you have something culturally of value and you live in New York City, people will come to you. Why do millions of taxpayer dollars need to be given to nonprofits to make that happen? The group claims it was left out of discussions between Assemblymember John Zuccaro, who advocated for the designation, and Yemeni community members. This is a civil rights violation because we were not treated equitably. The group says it now plans to explore legal actions. In a statement sent directly to News 12, Assembly Member Zuccaro said, quote, I would like to emphasize my office and I met with this group to discuss their concerns and provided written responses to outstanding questions. In Little Yemen, Alexa Special, News 12.