Fall may be just around the corner, but let’s take it back to the summer of 2010 when 15 high school students came together to tackle a subject that baffles even the most seasoned experts: Community Benefit Agreements, a.k.a …CBAs.
Are CBAs the best way to negotiate between megaproject developers and potentially affected communities? And who benefits, anyway? Students from the College Now program at Hostos Community College looked for answers in their backyard – the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory. Along with CUP Teaching Artist Hatuey Ramos-Fermin, and Teaching Assistant Prudence Katze, the students went on site visits and interviewed city officials, lawyers, and community leaders. Many brainstorms and design charrettes later, they bring you a tasty and informative poster that breaks down the Kingsbridge Armory’s CBA process and presents the experts’ hopes and dreams for the future of CBAs.

On September 14 CUP hosted an evening of exploration, refreshments, and celebration. Attendees saw student presentations, a discussion among CBA experts, and quality comments and questions from the audience. All attendees got a poster.