Voices Rise in Marble Hill as Election Day Nears

The streets of Marble Hill, a culturally rich and tight-knit neighborhood where Manhattan meets the Bronx, resonate with a call for change that is as personal as it is political.

The residents of Marble Hill, many of whom are immigrants, working families, and small business owners, feel the weight of issues like housing affordability, job security, and public safety more than ever. Ernesto Rivera, a street vendor stationed near the Marble Hill subway station for the past 15 years, captured the sentiment and said, “They talk about building a stronger economy, but what about building a safer place for families?”

Ernesto Rodríguez, a well-known fruit vendor in Marble Hill, serves his customers at a bustling city intersection. His stall reflects the reality of many small business owners in New York, struggling to stay afloat despite high costs and competition.

In recent years, Marble Hill has seen rising rents, increased homelessness, and a heightened police presence that has led to mixed feelings among residents. Many, like Ernesto, are skeptical of national campaign promises, fearing they won’t address the real-life needs of people in communities like theirs. “They talk about the economy and jobs, but we just want stability,” he said. “Here, we only have each other, and we need a government that understands that—one that’s here with us, not sitting in offices far from our reality.”

Maria Santiago, a mother of three who has lived in Marble Hill for over a decade, echoed Ernesto’s concerns. “All I want is a safe place and a good school for my kids,” Maria said. “They tell us to vote, but I feel like no one listens to what we really need. We want changes that make a difference in our daily lives.” For Maria, like many parents in Marble Hill, access to quality education and safe streets are critical issues that don’t always get the attention they deserve on the national stage.

Despite the widespread skepticism, there is a growing sense of hope in Marble Hill, reflected in a recent increase in voter registrations. Local organizations have been working hard to empower residents, reminding them that their votes are crucial. Still, as election day nears, doubts linger about whether the leaders elected will prioritize local issues. “We vote, we hope, but we’ve been let down before,” said Ernesto.

The concerns in Marble Hill mirror those of urban communities nationwide where residents call for genuine, community-centered policies. As more candidates talk about affordability and inclusivity, voters like those in Marble Hill hope that this election season will bring leadership that truly understands their lives. Candidates, particularly at the local level, are beginning to address these issues more directly and some promise to increase affordable housing, expand public transportation, and support local businesses.

The busy street Broadway of Marble Hill, where small businesses and residents’ daily lives blend with the constant city traffic, showcasing the neighborhood’s challenges with mobility and accessibility. Photo by Daniela Aristizabal

Marble Hill’s story is not just about politics. It’s about a community’s resilience and its desire for leadership that aligns with their realities. As they prepare to vote, Marble Hill’s residents are asking for more than promises—they want action. The challenges they face, from keeping small businesses alive to ensuring safety and stability for their children, are shared across the city. Yet, they seek specific policies crafted with an understanding of what it’s like to live, work, and raise families in Marble Hill.

For residents like Maria and Ernesto, the hope is that this election will finally bring a government that doesn’t just speak about change but is actively present in their neighborhoods, working alongside them for a better future.