Honor Bed-Stuy Restoration Anniversary

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 organizations and 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 commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation to be celebrated at a Gala on Monday, October 30, 2017, at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York; and WHEREAS, The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, commonly known as Restoration is the nation's first community development organization; it partners with area residents and businesses to improve the quality of life in long-blighted areas of Central Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Restoration was formed in 1967, through the efforts of community members and former New York Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Jacob Javits, who were troubled by the terrible conditions they witnessed in Bed-Stuyvesant, and other poor neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Residents of these distressed communities were living in poverty, unemployed, and surrounded by crime; in addition, there was a monumental breakdown of municipal governance, and a decline in public facilities and services; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, Restoration has attracted over $600 million in both public and private investments, distributed $60 million in mortgages to 1,500 low-income homeowners, placed 20,000 adults and youth in jobs, and facilitated the construction and renovation of over

2,000 units of housing; over 50,000 Brooklynites utilize its services every year; and WHEREAS, For half a century, Restoration has strived to attract investment, improve the business climate, foster the economic self-sufficiency of families, enhance family stability, and promote the arts and culture in Central Brooklyn; through these activities, this vital organization hopes to spur resident's economic stability and transform the community into a safe, vibrant place to live, work and visit; and WHEREAS, The success of Restoration is in direct correlation to the efforts of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Colvin W. Grannum, and its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors, on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on October 30, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Colvin W. Grannum, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.