Monday October 11, 2010

An Open Letter to The Sector 4 Community Development Corporation (CDC) Board of Directors (and the Sector 4 Common Council, the 19^th Ward Community
Association and other interested parties):


Context

My name is J.B. Afoh-Manin and I am the president of the 19th Ward Community
Association. On the eve of a very
historic meeting I felt it necessary to put some of my thoughts on paper. However, it should be noted that this note
represents my personal beliefs and not that of the Executive Committee of the
19th Ward Community Association. Based
on the information I have received, through meetings with Rabbi Asher Yaras,
Sector 4 Common Council, Sector 4 CDC, the 19th Ward Community Association and
other means, it is my understanding that there are proposed negotiations for
the sale of Boulder Coffee Shop on Brooks and Genesee Street to the Chabad
House of the University of Rochester. It
should be noted that one crucial party whom I have not heard from is the
proprietor of Boulder Coffee itself. Herein
lays the problem: lack of communication
and transparency. With better
communication there may not have ever been a need for tonight’s meeting or if
there were a need, camps, nor lines in the sand, may not have needed to have been
drawn. We are a community and should
never forget the unity in that definition.


Our Power

As the economic arm of Sector 4 you are charged with protecting the economic
interests of the more than 35 thousand inhabitants of Sector 4. It has come to my attention, after reading
the deed, that there are at least two legal safeguards to protect the integrity
of the coffee shop as a coffee shop: 1.)
The 10 year use clause and 2.) The right of first refusal clause. Thus, at first glance, you have the right to
stop or enable any potential sale with a yea or a nay vote.

My Goal

As an attorney, especially a criminal attorney, I greatly resist the very
natural urge to rush to judgment and will not condemn nor compliment before all
the evidence is in front of me. Thus my
goal upon attending the meeting tonight, 10/11/10, is to listen with an open
heart and mind with the understanding and belief that what our community needs
and wants, based on surveys, charrettes and numerous conversations, is a coffee
shop which serves not only as a place to purchase a cup of java but also as a
gathering spot and meeting space for individuals and organizations alike.

Conclusion

The number one item I request in this process is transparency. Transparency allows individuals to acquire
information in real time, to ask questions, and feel a part of the decision
making process. Thus, with transparency there
is no need for innuendo, rumors or gossip.
At this time I encourage you, with the strongest urging, to use your
moral compass, as to what is right and wrong, by listening, hearing, and
digesting the words, sentiments, emotions, and feelings of all those who will
speak not only tonight but also those who will call, e-mail, text and mail
their positions on the fate of our coffee shop in the weeks to come. You and I have been elected and selected to
serve as Stewards of the communities needs, wants and wishes and we must fulfill
our duties.

Submitted With the Utmost Respect,

J.B. Afoh-Manin, Esq.
President of the 19th Ward Community Association