Honor Woody Pascal’s Service

15, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Woody Pascal upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc. to be celebrated at its 27th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 15,

2017, at Rex Manor in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, formerly known as Brooklyn Housing & Family Services, has been assisting and educating tenants, building owners, and community leaders; through its Tenant Committees, the organization has successfully initiated building improvements and combated the deterioration of housing stock in its Borough; and WHEREAS, Since 1971, Housing and Family Services of Greater New York has strived to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve the quality of housing in its community; during the last few years, it has expanded the scope of its program dramatically, attempting to bond a newer, stronger cooperation between tenants and building owners; and WHEREAS, A Haitian American, Woody Pascal is a founding member of the Haitian Roundtable; established in 2008, this organization is comprised of Haitian-American professionals who are committed to civic engagement as well as philanthropic endeavors benefitting Haiti, Haitian organizations and causes; and WHEREAS, In 2009, Woody Pascal joined the Division of Housing and Community Renewal as a Special Assistant to the Commissioner; in this capacity, he developed a new web-based data system and cross training opportunities with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development; he also served as acting unit head for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, monitoring the progress of access to Fair Housing initiatives; and WHEREAS, Currently, Woody Pascal is the Deputy Commissioner of Division of Housing and Community Renewal's Office of Rent Administration where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the office's four bureaus and ensures effective intra-agency coordination; his recent efforts led him to introduce online services and expand access to applications, and upgrade communications with owners and tenants; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two daughters, who have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Woody Pascal has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Woody Pascal upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Woody Pascal.