LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Albany Area Housing Opportunities upon
the occasion of its designation for special recognition by United
Tenants of Albany on June 25, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 organiza-
tions 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 honor
Albany Area Housing Opportunities upon the occasion of its designation
for special recognition by United Tenants of Albany, to be celebrated at
its Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2015, at St. Vincent De Paul
Parish Hall, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Albany Area Housing Opportunities (AAHO) was established in
1981, by the Focus Churches as well as neighborhood and housing activ-
ists in response to the displacement of low-income individuals from
Albany's South Mall neighborhoods due to escalating rent and gentrifica-
tion; and
WHEREAS, With both private and public support, AAHO was able to
purchase and renovate a large building in the Center Square neighborhood
which had for years prior, been occupied by low-income families; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization created seven apartments, establish-
ing homes for individuals of limited income who would otherwise be
unable to afford to live in this neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, In addition, AAHO later purchased and renovated three build-
ings on lower Hudson Avenue, developing three large family apartments, a
two bedroom apartment, and three commercial storefronts; and
WHEREAS, Albany Area Housing Opportunities is the first nonprofit
housing organization in New York State to develop limited equity condo-
miniums on Hudson Avenue, adjacent to the rental units; and
WHEREAS, For more than three decades, under the luminous direction of
its Project Manager, Charlie Sullivan, AAHO has remained tirelessly
committed to its mission of insuring affordable housing opportunities in
these historic neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 34 year history, Albany Area Housing
Opportunities has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and
WHEREAS, The success of Albany Area Housing Opportunities is in direct
correlation to the efforts of 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 endeav-
ors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Albany Area Housing
Opportunities; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Albany Area Housing Opportunities upon the occasion of its desig-
nation for special recognition by United Tenant of Albany on June 25,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Albany Area Housing Opportunities.