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[[image - black & white photograph of men and women around a table with lots of papers]]

At the close of the initial demonstration period of 20 months it is expected that this project shall became a model for the similar activity in other neighborhoods now confronted with the problems of deterioration.

"Phase II" of the project marks the execution of the first Maintenance/Management Agreements. Following negotiations the corporation assumes full responsibility for the management and maintenance of these properties. This services will include professional management and the close supervision of the delivery of maintenance services. Moreover, this management will provide "SERVICE BEYOND THE BUILDING LINE" and address itself to the needs of "Total Community".

When the proposal was first offered for consideration to HUD by Borough President Sutton, Mr. Sutton noted that, "what we are concerned with here is not merely the problems of management in its classic sense, as it related to a single building, but we are concerned with those factors affecting conditions on the outside of the building. We are concerned with the delivery of municipal services, public safety, block beautification, and the ability of members of the community to contribute to the determination of the conditions within their neighborhood. Therefore, I propose an experimental demonstration project which has as its foundation the participation of the entire community. An experimental stabilization program which has as its goal the coordination of building maintenance and management, the delivery of municipal services, public safety programs and block beautification."

TO MARK THE OCCASION of the signing of our first Maintenance/Management Agreements the corporation will display the work of a talented young artist from the community, Charles Earley. Mr. Earley's work has been viewed throughout the country, including the Lincoln Center Museum here in New York City.

As an added privilege, the community will be afford the opportunity to preview the creative talents of "The Children's Art Carnival". The exhibition of the work of these young people will open at the Metropolitan Museum on March 4, 1975.

Both will be on view Saturday, February 22, between the hours of 12 Noon and 6 PM, and Sunday, February 23, between the hours of 2 PM and 6 PM in the project office located 3675 Broadway (on 152nd Street).

The execution of these first Maintenance/Management Agreements comes following six months of careful preparation, development, and implementation of the project's several components by the corporation's executive staff, under the direction of Mrs. Hilda E. Stokely, the Executive Director.

During these six months the project staff has met with Property Owners, Tenants, Residents, Elected Officials, Officials of Government Agencies, and both the Leaders and the Membership of Community Organizations and has discussed the details of the project with them and has received their recommendations and input during the project's development. Mrs. Stokely stresses the importance of the first phase of the project which is now completed. "We are mandated that the development and implementation of the project be brought about through a cooperative effort with the area's Landlords, Tenants, Residents, Merchants, elected Officials and the Banking Industry. This is a principal which Borough President Sutton viewed as an essential feature of his proposal to HUD and which shall be carried through to every aspect including the composition of the corporation's board of directors." Membership on the board of directors shall include representation from all the aforementioned groups, as well as from the local community board.

On October 26, 1974, joined by Dr. Gloria E. A. Toote, Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing And Urban Development. Borough President Sutton officially launched this experimental effort. At that time Mr. Sutton noted the social and economic problems which were to be confronted in attempting to deal with the problems of deterioration in a community. However, Borough President Sutton stated that "We think it will work; we shall make every effort to see that it does."