LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of the
late Jack Katz, former Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue BID,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
the life and accomplishments of Jack Katz, an individual of distin-
guished purpose and enduring commitment; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate the
life and accomplishments of the late Jack Katz, former Executive Direc-
tor of the Flatbush Avenue BID, a dynamic force in maintaining the
vitality of the Flatbush Avenue commercial area for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS, The Flatbush Avenue BID will fittingly recognize Jack Katz at
its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at the New York Congrega-
tional Home, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jack Katz faithfully served his
country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Jack Katz and his wife, Rita, ran the successful neighborhood
business Shoeland Buster Brown from 1968 to 1991, and were the recipi-
ents of Howard Golden's "Mom and Pop" Award in the mid 1980s; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Jack Katz served as President of the Flatbush
Avenue Merchants Association; the success of this organization led to
the creation of the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID)
in 1989, of which Jack became the first President; and
WHEREAS, When Jack retired from his business in 1991, he was named
Executive Director of the BID, with boundaries that extend along Flat-
bush Avenue from Parkside Avenue to Cortelyou Road; and
WHEREAS, Under Jack Katz's tireless leadership the BID developed
initiatives along Flatbush Avenue that improved the security and sanita-
tion services, and provided seasonal banners as well as special holiday
lighting and banners; and
WHEREAS, In addition Jack Katz published and distributed the Super
Saver and initiated a successful bus advertising campaign; his efforts
helped to make Flatbush Avenue graffiti free and also attracted busi-
nesses that kept the area brimming with activity, resulting in a strong-
er commercial avenue; and
WHEREAS, Jack Katz was a strong supporter of the broader mandate of
the organization as well, being to upgrade the quality of life for the
community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jack Katz leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of the late Jack Katz, former
Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue BID, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Jack Katz.