By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The community revitalization organization Buffalo ReUse is going through some reconstruction of its own. The membership voted last week to remove the board of directors that had fired the organization's founder Michael Gainer.
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A new slate of directors was ushered in as soon as the old board was given the boot. Interim Executive Director Harvey Garrett has also resigned. He will continue to provide voluntary consulting services for an indefinite period of time.
The reorganization comes after months of dissension following Garrett's appointment and the ouster of Gainer, the organization's visionary leader. Caesandra Seawell is Director of Community Programs. She said it is unclear if Gainer will return or in what capacity. Seawell says his expertise is needed.
For now, she said the board will concentrate on stabilizing finances. According to Seawell, both Gainer and Garrett worked without pay for the last couple months. Crucial to Buffalo ReUse's survival is continued support from the Oishei Foundation. It withheld the last $25,000 payment of a $200,000 grant because of concerns about the organization's stability.
Oishei President Robert Gioia said they were happy with the previous board's decisions - including the termination of Gainer. Gioia said they will need to reassess after talking with the new leadership.
Gioia said Gainer's future role will be a big factor. In the meantime, Seawell said six new deconstruction contracts are in the hopper and store sales are keeping the doors open. She is unsure about the future survival of the organization, but still is hopeful about the mission - revitalizing neighborhoods.
Another membership meeting is expected to be held October 26.