Fight Village Construction Controversy--A follow up story

By Rodney Brown
Fri, Jul 16, 2010

In April, NAACP representatives from Chapter-2172 of the Greater Rochester Region contacted Minority Reporter to inform us that they were supporting a group of local contractors in their claim that Minister Franklin D. Florence is not in compliance with Housing Urban Development (HUD) guidelines that mandate minority participation in projects funded with federal government dollars.

On November 9, 2009 the City of Rochester submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant and/or Home funds to be used for the FIGHT Village Renovation Project.

The City of Rochester is providing a multi-year HOME loan of 500,000 dollars included in the total project cost, to LeChase and Conifer Realty, LLC. The total project cost, including acquisition is estimated by the City of Rochester to be about 23 million dollars.

LeChase and Conifer Realty is a non minority owned Real Estate Development and Management Company whose businesses are concentrated in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

City Hall's records indicated in the initial stage five minority contractors was awarded contracts to work on the project. The combined total amount of the contracts awarded to the five minority contractors was a little over a million dollars. As a "vocal point"- the NAACP stated, "One million dollars out of 23 million dollars is an embarrassment and insult to the African American community."

In the April 16, 2010 issue- (NAACP Charges Local Civil Rights Leader with Discrimination) Mike Davis, assistant to Minister Florence implied, "the FIGHT Village Renovation and Construction Project is a multi-year project and plans are set to hire minority contractors as the process moves along."

Davis also noted, meetings were being held (at that present moment) with a number of minority contractors including, the African American Contractor Trade Association (AACTA).

Meetings between, the AACTA and LeChase and Conifer were arranged by Minister Florence's office.

Wayne Turner, one of three founding members of the AACTA sat down to discuss what transpired in those meetings.

During the initial meeting Turner noted, three minority contractors walked out in disgust after listening to requirements that was deemed mandatory by LeChase and Conifer before any contract could be awarded. "LeChase and Conifer wanted contractors to have coverage totaling 10 million dollars in liability insurance and take classes that wasn't even necessary," said Turner. "Contractors in attendance felt that the bar was being raised "unnecessarily high" as a deferment to minimize minority participation on the project."

In addition Turner stated- they weren't given enough time to place bids on the jobs available.

After the meeting with LeChase and Conifer, the AACTA contacted Minister Florence to express their grievances. "Minister Florence immediately called LeChase and stopped the entire project," said Turner. "Doug Richards, project manager for LeChase called me a few days later an apologized."

In follow up meetings, Turner added, the 10 million liability insurance was lowered (accordingly) and the mandatory classes were cancelled.

Results from the meetings-

Members of the AACTA have been awarded contracts to renovate the community center and perform work on the site which includes laying down the asphalt.
Minister Florence hired Dozier & Dozier Construction out of Florida to help assist local minority contractors with securing work on the project.

The project consists of 246 apartments in 22 apartment buildings and a community building, located at 428 and 508-560 N. Clinton Avenue.

According to the City of Rochester, the purpose of the project is to preserve affordable housing units by acquiring and modernizing them. The City requested funds for the project after an initial assessment outlining that the buildings were constructed in 1976 and now suffers from deficiencies such as laundry facilities, poor insulation and no air conditioning. In the request it was noted that the renovations will include replacement of old appliances with new energy star rated units, addition of wall and attic insulation and replacement of all light fixtures.

Regarding the Community Center, the City said it will be reconstructed, site lighting and landscaping will be improved and all parking lots will be resurfaced. In addition, the exterior of the buildings will be improved with new roofs, new vinyl siding on the second floor and re pointing of brick exterior on the first floor.

"Today they're minorities working on the FIGHT Village Renovation and Construction Project," said Turner. "The AACTA are pleased to be a part of it."

Turner noted the AACTA is a cohesive organization comprised of quality skilled professionals for the accomplishment of services and self empowerment for the improvement of the community. "The organization was formed to enhance the opportunities for African Americans in the construction industry and property development at large," he added.

According to the organization incorporated by laws their four key aspects are:

Ability to gain access to larger construction contracts and the like
Share resources through networking
Strengthen Cultural Affiliations
Training and development of a skilled labor pool suitable to the various construction industries served throughout the region of Rochester and beyond

"Bringing on board- members of the AACTA and Dozier & Dozier Construction Company are strong indicators that Minister Florence is following through with his promise to hire more minorities as the process moves along," said Turner.

Please give us your feedback, comments, etc...

Back to Home Page