In a press release sent to GamesBids.com, community groups and activists opposed to New York’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the New York City Olympic Bid Committee (NYC2012) of snubbing New York City community groups and activists opposed to New York’s 2012 bid.
They say the IOC met with groups that generally supported the bid, but found problems with specific aspects of the plan.
The bid opponents accuse NYC2012 Executive Director Jay Kriegel of falsely claiming they had been invited to a meeting, but had declined.
A letter of protest is being sent to the IOC objecting to the manner in which the IOC and NYC2012 have failed to consider community concerns. The groups say it is widely believed by NYC residents and politicians that New York’s bid, along with plans for several contentious venues, “are being rammed down the throats of New Yorkers”.
John Fisher of the Clinton Special District Coalition said in the release, “while we are cognizant of the IOC’s busy schedule while they are in New York City, we made the request several weeks ago and it is our neighbourhoods and communities that the IOC and NYC2012 hope to bulldoze. Perhaps they should meet with us rather than Meryl Streep”.
Other groups requesting a meeting include Prospect Heights Action Coalition and People’s Firehouse in Brooklyn and Chelsea Owners and Tenants in Chelsea.
The press release said representatives from the community organizations requested a meeting with the IOC after the head of the Evaluation Commission said in Madrid on February 7 they would be willing to meet with bid opponents, and a follow-up letter to the IOC dated February 18 was sent to the IOC.
After the bid protesters sent three letters to IOC headquarters in Lausanne the IOC forwarded the groups’ request to NYC2012 where it was clarified that they hoped to bring representatives from six organizations to a meeting, but that it could be pared down to four individuals. The request was not made in conjunction with the groups that met with the IOC.
According to the press release the IOC and NYC2012 refused to meet with the anti-bid groups saying that only one person from only one of the community groups could attend.
The press release reads, “unlike the other groups that did meet, our position is against the NYC bid. It is not unreasonable to expect that the person sitting next to you on the same side of the table should nave essentially the same position”.
