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Further, there is significant cause for concern regarding both the accelerated timeline for the
release of the RFP from August now to April and the stalled creation of a resident-led steering
committee as a leadership body to represent the interests of Wyckoff Gardens residents
throughout the process of choosing a proposal for development.
We appreciate NYCHAs continued efforts to shift away from the way it has engaged residents
and the public in the past, but are deeply concerned with the seemingly unaccountable changes
and decisions being made without the buy-in and decision-making input of residents.
Increasingly it has been our observation that this proposal and process is moving forward without
sufficient consideration for the community members it would affect.
It is our sincere wish that NYCHAs expressed interest in true and meaningful resident
engagement motivates a shift in priorities that recognizes the importance of resident-led planning
in creating a vibrant and sustainable community for generations to come. Additionally, it is our
desire to maintain open and transparent dialogue that allows for a mutually beneficial partnership
between NYCHA, Wyckoff Gardens residents and community stakeholders. We hope this letter
underscores our and the residents desire to develop a more informed plan for infill development
at Wyckoff Gardens that clearly prioritizes current Wyckoff resident needs in order that real trust
between all parties involved can be built. In the best interest of moving forward with a renewed
sense of priorities, we request a meeting to be scheduled facilitated by FAC and FUREE that
includes NYCHA, elected officials and the TA board of Wyckoff Gardens. We look forward to
continued discussions as we reach towards a goal of improving and preserving public housing for
public housing residents and the future of New York City.
Sincerely,
Michelle de la Uz
Executive Director-Fifth Avenue Committee
Shatia Strother
Program Coordinator- FUREE