LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Grand
Central Station

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those who seek to bring recognition to historical places within the
State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure that the complete
history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared with present
generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Grand Central Station; and
WHEREAS, Grand Central Station, once in danger of being demolished, is
celebrating its 100th birthday; the majestic Beaux Arts building, which
carries the official name of Grand Central Terminal, is one of the
world's most popular tourist destinations; and
WHEREAS, Friday, February 1, 2013, takes place exactly 100 years after
the keys to Grand Central were first given to the stationmaster; as one
of New York City's most recognizable landmarks, it has served as a back-
drop for movies and TV shows ranging from "North by Northwest" to "The
Cotton Club" and "Gossip Girl"; and
WHEREAS, Railroad officials estimated that by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb.
2, 1913, more than 150,000 people had visited the terminal since the
doors were thrown open at midnight; the first train to leave was the
Boston Express No. 2, at 12:01 a.m. and the first to arrive was a local
on the Harlem line; F. M. Lahm of Yonkers bought the first ticket; and
WHEREAS, Grand Central was once a long-distance train terminal, but
now serves commuters going to and from New York's northern suburbs on
the Metro-North Railroad; a New York City subway station also connects
to the building, and the complex has dozens of shops and restaurants,
including the venerable Oyster Bar; and
WHEREAS, The celebration will continue with events throughout 2013,
including a performance piece by artist Nick Cave in March and a parade
of historic trains in May; and
WHEREAS, A previous plan to replace the building with an office tower
sparked a campaign by the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and other
preservationists to have it declared a landmark; the fight for Grand
Central went all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled
in 1978 that cities have the right to protect historic buildings even if
it limits the owner's ability to develop or sell the property; and
WHEREAS, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' daughter, Caroline Kennedy, spoke
at the February 1, 2013, centennial celebration in the terminal's main
concourse; she said her mother was proud to be part of the effort; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Grand Central Station, and for all of
the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place and
time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of
our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Grand Central Station.