Harlem nonprofit WHDCs board blasted over incompetence and squandered millions: Things are starting to go off the rails

An embattled Harlem nonprofit accused of squandering tens of millions meant for the area’s regeneration is hobbled by its feckless board, sources tell The Post.Frustrated with the West Harlem Development Corporation’s (WHDC) failure to capitalize on its near $100 million endowment from Columbia University, sources blame the long-procrastinating board, who have failed to make any significant investments to benefit the community.The fund has dwindled to $56 million and the 13 board members, many of whom have degrees from Ivy League universities, appear beholden to its chair, ex-judge Milton Tingling, and loathe to challenge him, one former member told The Post.The nonprofit is also being sued by former board member and employee Vincent Morgan over allegations of antisemitism, racism and harassment by the group’s executive director, Zead Ramadan.As part of that lawsuit, Morgan claims Tingling called a meeting outside working hours in February 2024 where he told him “things are starting to go off the rails,” and told him to check with him before raising issues, according to federal court filings.“I’m going to say this up front: What goes on here stays here,” Tingling said, according to a transcript of the meeting.“Nobody should be going to the board.Even Zead doesn’t go to the board.

He comes to me first.Okay, that’s the way it has to be.

There’s no direct line to the board.That’s out completely now.”Tingling and Ramadan did not respond to requests for comment.

WHDC has denied the allegations made in Morgan’s lawsuit.Larry English, who represents Democratic New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat on the WHDC board of directors, expressed his frustrations over the board’s inaction to The Post.“Ultimately the money belongs to the West Harlem community and change will only occur when we demand it,” he said.The board itself is not lacking in experience.It includes Damon Munchus, a Harvard graduate, who worked as an aide in the Obama ad...