MAINTENANCE AND MODERNIZATION COMMITTEE

PUTTING THE GARDEN BACK IN LAFAYETTE GARDENS

Many residents and visitors often wonder where and why there aren't more gardens in "Lafayette GARDENS". The simple answer is initiative and respect.

It seemed that the residents of long ago with the fine green thumbs had all but disappeared. Today there are a new breed of "Green Thumb Enthusiast" lead by a master gardener "COOK". Cook, a very popular caretaker and landscaper, volunteers several hours a week with our "Green Thumb Club" assisting and managing our 7 gardens located throughout the development.

Participants include our Senior Ladies Group of 470, our girl scout troops "Taste of Disney Garden", the Managers Garden, the Love Garden of 411 and the Squirrel Garden of 411. The Gardens are all very beautiful and a much needed taste of class and excitement for LG.

Anyone interested in participating in the Gardening Program may contact the Resident Association Center on the ground floor of 415 Lafayette or call 347 587-6443

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

IMPROVING LAFAYETTE GARDENS

The Executive Board and management proudly hosted a fact finding tour and visit by Gloria Finkelman, the Deputy General Manager of NYCHA. Mrs. Finkelman who started with NYCHA in the 70"s as a Housing Assistant in LG, was accompanied by her staff member Xiomara Carcomo.The staff of the Brooklyn Community Operations team was on hand to enjoy the tour. Jenelle Mitchel, Director, Eric Cumberbunch, Senior Program Director and frequent visitor to LG, Gina Watkins, our fearless Borough Administrator and Hashim Gittens, Supervisor of the Community Ops Caretakers were all actively involved in the tour and presentations.

Our Program Specialist and CEO of IGOTITTOO, Clare Chiesa, Mir Mahmood our Manager, Raymond LaSalle, Superintendant and Sean Chavez, Assistant Super joined by Tyree, our president, Sandra Payne, our vice president, Sharon Thomas, our Financial Secretary, Deborah Henry our Secretary made the visit a special occaission.

Some of the topics and concerns discussed included:

Growing concern regarding the exclusivity of Cablevision in LG.

GF- NYCHA is currently in talks with different providers to upgrade cable and high speed services in the developments. NYCHA is attempting to get the best deal and perks available for residents.

Better utilization of property and spaces sitting idle in LG,

GF- NYCHA and Community OPs will discuss and attempt formulate a plan to better use the idle spaces but with the understanding NYCHA no longer allows residents to use spaces below ground level.

What is happening with the sewage back-up problem

Mgt- The issue is being aggressively looked into and due to the complicated nature of the issue, it is taking longer than hoped for. The management has employed the use of cameras and advanced plumbing to attempt to locate and isolate the breakdown.The tour included all the public areas, the Community Center and the Resident Association Center. Everything really looked beautiful and really showcased all that is good about "The LG". The seven gardens looked especially beautiful and cheerful. Members of the Adult Day Program in the Center greeted and introduced themselves to the tour. Our volunteers Minnie, Sandra, Sharon, Yvette, Kevin, Philis Chico and Deborah had the dinning room decked out in bright Springs tones during the Oven Fried Fish Lunch.Special appreciation to our Management team, Caretakers and support staff for doing their thing getting us ready not only for the tour but the Federal Inspections expected next month.