LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Gowanus Canal Community Develop-
ment Corporation upon the occasion of hosting its annual gala dinner

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made
a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation upon the occasion of
hosting its annual gala dinner, to be celebrated on Thursday, October 1,
2009, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This special event will also recognize Con Edison with the
Corporate Service Award, and Michael Sorel of Wearable Collections with
the Community Service Award; and
WHEREAS, The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation (GCCDC)
is a not-for-profit neighborhood preservation company that was formed to
revitalize the communities of South Brooklyn, with particular emphasis
on the geographic area affected by the Gowanus Canal; and
WHEREAS, GCCDC's neighborhood revitalization efforts are focused in
the areas of housing, the environment, and commercial and social devel-
opment; and
WHEREAS, The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation has been
an active participant in South Brooklyn for many years; in 1978, commu-
nity leader Buddy Scotto and elected officials gave purpose to the
effort to clean and develop the Gowanus Canal and environs by establish-
ing the GCCDC as a not-for-profit entity; and
WHEREAS, The GCCDC's dedication to improving the neighborhoods
surrounding the Canal is made evident by the remarkable rebirth of the
Canal itself as a waterbody that supports wildlife and recreational use,
the restoration of residential property, and the revitalization of Court
Street as a viable commercial strip; and
WHEREAS, The GCCDC's history in housing development dates back to the
late 1970s; it has extensive experience in converting dilapidated indus-
trial buildings into affordable apartments and housing for the elderly;
the commitment of the GCCDC and its board members to rebuild the neigh-
borhood's housing stock has breathed new life into the community; and
WHEREAS, Environmental issues have also been at the foundation of the
GCCDC's objectives; the GCCDC successfully reactivated the Gowanus
Flushing Tunnel and constructed the Red Hook interceptor sewer treatment
facility; the Flushing Tunnel has played an integral role in the envi-
ronmental restoration of the Gowanus Canal, and GCCDC continues to
pursue activities that will revitalize the Canal and its adjacent
water-front properties; and
WHEREAS, As a result of these continuing efforts, the stagnant waters
of the Gowanus Canal are again flowing, thereby attracting new life to
the Canal; the GCCDC hopes to build upon these successes by developing a
working plan for the entire Gowanus Canal area, in collaboration with
the local community; and
WHEREAS, The rebirth of lower Court Street is a source of pride for
the GCCDC; in 1995 it actively began to develop programs to assist small
business owners, and created the Court Street Merchants Association;
every year GCCDC organizes and sponsors the Court Street "Summer Fest"
street fair to promote the local merchants and engage the entire commu-
nity; thanks in part to these efforts, lower Court Street has once again
become an attractive business location, supporting many local businesses
and maintaining the strength of the community; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Gowanus Canal CDC has been an active
participant in the local community, organizing public meetings, conduct-
ing community outreach, and sponsoring and supporting a wide range of
community events and fundraisers; every year, GCCDC co-hosts a Gowanus
Artists Open Studio Tour, as well as the annual Eileen C. Dugan Fun
Run/Walk with the P.J. Hanley Tavern, and sponsors numerous other neigh-
borhood events; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corpo-
ration is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, 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 Corporation and the popu-
lation it serves; and
WHEREAS, In light of its dedication, and successful efforts, it is the
sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to the
Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation and to wish it further
success in all its future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation upon the
occasion of hosting its annual gala dinner; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, and to
the aforementioned honorees.