Public testimony: Ayanna Muhammad, board member, supports project
Ayanna Muhammad, board member and assistant treasurer of the masjid, testifies in support. She describes her experience in real estate and housing development, the pride of seeing the past generation's work, and the project's provision of dignified senior housing. She notes neighbors, local businesses, and the church across the street all support the project.
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Ayanna Muhammad.
I am a member of Mashimusi Khalifa.
I am also on the board of directors there as an assistant secretary, I mean assistant treasurer.
I also sit on the board of directors for the Fifth Avenue Committee on the Real Estate Committee, subcommittee.
And I'm also the vice president and property manager at Park Slope North HDFC.
So I have a little bit of experience on a lot of different aspects of this project.
And it's been...
A wealth for me to be a part of this.
My mother, Yvonne Muhammad, who I believe is in queue also to testify today, was the director of community development for FAC.
With this particular project, what brings me great pride is that
In my generation, I see all the work that the past generation has put in to bring it to this point.
And I see the deterioration.
It's not all happening physically with some of our seniors, with the building.
And it's up for our generation to take it to the next place and build for the generation coming in front of us.
And this project does that very well.
It's going to provide a space that is dignified for our seniors to live in.
It's also going to provide a space for our children to be educated with the values that we need to instill into them so that they can also pass the torch when it comes their turn.
And so when it comes to this and speaking to not only the community, but the church across the street, neighbors, local businesses, they're all in favor because they see how much the MASHIT has put in work
over the years to maintain the space, maintain the community and the good faith that is in that area.
And for nothing else, I believe that our seniors who are being displaced, they have a dignified place to live that is in their areas.
You know, we see what's happening with deed theft.
We see what's happening with a lot of people.
Their properties are being deteriorated.
They don't know if they should sell or not or where they're going to live.
We're providing that answer for them.
Thank you all for your testimony.
This panel is now excused.
Thank you for making time to be here to testify.
The next panel is Majid Liatio.
Excuse me if I butchered your name.
Michael Shabazz.
Baz and Rima Lee.
Mashid, Michael, and Rima.
You may begin.