LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Murray Adams

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplified the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor served to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Charles Murray Adams passed away on March 29, 2011,
surrounded by his loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams is mourned not just by his family and friends
but by his entire community, as he was a beloved and respected community
leader in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, helping transform Cobble Hill into a
premier family neighborhood and dedicating his tireless energy to some
of the most vital institutions in the community; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams was born in Ithaca, New York, in 1931, completed
his studies at Cornell University, and after a stint in the United
States Army, graduated from Harvard Law School; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams moved to Brooklyn in 1960, where he spent two
years in Brooklyn Heights before moving to Cobble Hill for the duration
of his life, and worked practicing real estate and corporate law for the
New York firm Reavis & McGrath and several other law firms; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams was one of the founders of the Cobble Hill Asso-
ciation, serving as one of its first presidents and as a long serving
leader; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams was a founding member of the Cobble Hill Health
Center, where he served on the Executive Committee until he died; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams was also a dedicated supporter of Long Island
College Hospital (LICH), where he served as a member of the Board of
Regents and its chairman until becoming general counsel for the hospi-
tal; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Murray Adams' vision led to the merger of Long
Island College Hospital with SUNY Downstate Medical Center, a merger
widely regarded as saving LICH; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams was a dedicated advocate for Brooklyn Bridge
Park, and his work over many years helped transform unused industrial
piers on the Brooklyn waterfront into a park that will serve the commu-
nity and the city, and to his passing Murray continued to advocate for a
park plan without new residential development; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams, who will be remembered as "the lion of Cobble
Hill," was known for his intelligence, his charm, his tireless dedi-
cation to improving his community, and his belief that anything could be
fixed; and
WHEREAS, Murray Adams is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy; his sons,
Jonathan, Kenneth, and Neil; his sister, the Reverend Joan Shelton; and
five grandchildren, as well as countless friends and community members;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Murray Adams; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Murray Adams.