BYLAWS OF STUYVESANT GARDENS

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name

The official name of this organization shall be the Stuyvesant Gardens A Vision 4 Change Resident Management Corporation (SG-A4C-RMC), hereinafter referred to as the “RMC.”

Section 2. Purpose

The RMC is established as a resident-led, nonprofit corporation under 24 CFR 964 and other applicable federal, state, and local laws to:

1. Assume management responsibilities from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for the Stuyvesant Gardens housing development, ensuring quality services and resident empowerment.
2. Advocate for the protection of public housing residents against forced RAD conversions, ensuring Section 9 protections and transparent governance.
3. Administer community-driven programs focusing on:
   • Workforce development and entrepreneurship
   • Civic leadership and emergency preparedness (CERT Chapter under FEMA & DHS)
   • Financial literacy and homeownership pathways
   • Tenant education and legal advocacy against displacement
   • Senior and youth enrichment programs
4. Oversee maintenance, safety, and improvements in collaboration with HUD and public/private stakeholders.
5. Ensure full transparency and democratic decision-making in the management of housing assets and services.

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ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility

• All adult residents (18+) of Stuyvesant Gardens are eligible members.
• Membership is automatic and does not require application.

Section 2. Rights & Responsibilities

• Members have the right to vote in RMC elections, propose initiatives, and serve on committees.
• Members must uphold the mission of the RMC and participate in community meetings.

Section 3. Termination of Membership

• Membership may be revoked for fraud, misconduct, or actions that undermine the RMC’s purpose.
• A two-thirds majority vote by the Board is required for removal.

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ARTICLE III: GOVERNANCE & STRUCTURE

Section 1. Governing Body

The RMC shall be governed by a Board of Directors composed of elected tenant representatives and appointed professionals with expertise in housing, legal affairs, and finance.

Section 2. Board Composition

• President (Chief Executive Officer) – Leads strategic vision and represents the RMC in legal and governmental matters.
• Vice President – Assists the President and assumes duties in their absence.
• Treasurer – Manages financial operations and ensures compliance with HUD funding regulations.
• Secretary – Maintains records, minutes, and handles official correspondence.
• Committee Chairs – Lead standing committees (detailed in Article V).
• At-Large Members – Represent specific resident concerns.

Section 3. Elections

• Sealed Ballot Elections shall be conducted to ensure anonymous voting and protect against intimidation.
• Elections shall be held every two years, with staggered terms to ensure leadership continuity.
• Special elections can be called by a two-thirds vote of the Board or via a petition signed by at least 25% of residents.

Section 4. Removal of Board Members

A Board member may be removed for:

• Gross negligence, misconduct, or conflict of interest.
• Failure to fulfill duties for three consecutive months without justification.
• A two-thirds majority vote is required for removal.

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ARTICLE IV: AUTHORITY & POWERS OF THE RMC

Under 24 CFR 964.225, the RMC shall:

1. Negotiate and enter into contracts with HUD, NYCHA, and private entities to manage housing operations.
2. Receive and manage federal funds redirected from NYCHA to the RMC under Tenant Participation Activity (TPA) grants and HUD’s ROSS (Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency) grant.
3. Hire and manage personnel including property managers, maintenance teams, and community outreach workers.
4. Audit NYCHA’s financial records related to Stuyvesant Gardens and demand full transparency on funding allocations.
5. Refuse unauthorized RAD conversions, ensuring compliance with residents’ collective decision-making.
6. Litigate against illegal displacement tactics used by NYCHA, RAD developers, or other bad actors.

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ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES

To facilitate the RMC’s mission, the following standing committees shall be established:

1. Resident Rights & Legal Affairs Committee – Ensures HUD compliance, fights illegal evictions, and educates tenants on housing laws.
2. Workforce Development & Entrepreneurship Committee – Administers career training, business incubation, and financial literacy programs.
3. Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (CERT) Committee – Trains residents in disaster response, security, and crisis management under FEMA guidelines.
4. Property Management & Maintenance Committee – Oversees repairs, capital improvements, and vendor accountability.
5. Finance & Budget Committee – Manages funding, audits, and financial planning.
6. Youth & Senior Engagement Committee – Develops intergenerational programs for education, wellness, and enrichment.

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ARTICLE VI: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Section 1. Funding Sources

The RMC shall be funded through:

• HUD ROSS Grants
• TPA (Tenant Participation Activity) Funds
• Federal, state, and city grants
• Private donations & sponsorships
• Revenue-generating community services

Section 2. Financial Oversight

• The Treasurer shall submit quarterly financial reports to the Board and HUD.
• An independent audit shall be conducted annually.
• Funds must be used solely for resident services, housing operations, and RMC programs.

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ARTICLE VII: CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

• Board members and staff must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
• No Board member may financially benefit from contracts awarded by the RMC.
• Violations shall result in removal and legal action if necessary.

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ARTICLE VIII: NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The RMC is committed to equal opportunity and shall not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Disability or age
• Religion or political affiliation

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ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS & DISSOLUTION

Section 1. Amendments

• Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote by the Board and ratification by resident members.

Section 2. Dissolution

• If the RMC dissolves, all assets shall be transferred to a resident-led nonprofit serving low-income housing communities.

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APPENDIX: STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

1. FOIA/FOIL Requests for Accountability

• Request NYCHA’s financial records related to Stuyvesant Gardens.
• Demand documentation on RAD conversion discussions and funding allocations.

2. Filing HUD Complaints

• Use HUD Form 903 (Fair Housing Complaint) to challenge discrimination.
• Submit Tenant Participation Activity (TPA) grievances for lack of NYCHA transparency.

3. HUD & FEMA CERT Program Collaboration

• Establish SG-A4C-RMC as an official FEMA CERT Chapter to provide emergency response training and jobs.

4. Workforce Development & Business Incubation

• Partner with NYC Small Business Services to create resident-run enterprises.
• Secure funding for job training in property management, home repair, and financial literacy.

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CONCLUSION

The SG-A4C-RMC bylaws establish a resident-driven governance framework that:

• Legally asserts control over NYCHA mismanagement.
• Empowers residents with financial independence.
• Protects against displacement and unjust RAD conversions.
• Develops long-term economic self-sufficiency for the community.

By leveraging HUD regulations, federal funding, and local partnerships, the RMC will serve as a model for other NYCHA developments seeking self-determination and public housing preservation.