Senate Resolution No. 1875

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

CONGRATULATING Nizjoni Granville upon the occasion
of her retirement after 10 years of distinguished
service as Chairperson of Community Board No. 8,
Brooklyn, New York

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
organizations 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
congratulate Nizjoni Granville upon the occasion of her retirement after
10 years of distinguished service as Chairperson of Community Board No.
8, Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Nizjoni Granville became interested in community service
after receiving her bachelor's degree and starting her career with the
New York City Transit Authority; and

WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Nizjoni Granville has
unwaveringly served on the Board of Community Board No. 8; elected as
its Chairperson in 2009, she dutifully and faithfully served her
community despite much adversity in her personal life; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Nizjoni Granville presided over general
meetings, always giving seasoned community stakeholders an opportunity
to share their historical knowledge; additionally, she gave community
members a voice when controversial items came before the Board, allowing
residents to express their concerns prior to the Board's vote; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious tenure as Chair, Nizjoni
Granville helped initiate all three existing phases of the Crown Heights
North Historic District and helped formulate the Crown Heights West
Re-Zoning, which helped to secure the economic legacy of many Crown
Heights residents through real estate, at a time when there was a
national decline in home ownership among people of African descent; and

WHEREAS, Nizjoni Granville has also been instrumental in championing
affordable housing for all residents of Community Board No. 8,
especially those who are being displaced; and

WHEREAS, While serving on Community Board No. 8, Nizjoni Granville
juggled full-time employment and caretaker duties for both her father
and husband, while pursuing two master's degrees in Transportation
Management and Public Administration; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Nizjoni Granville served as Chairperson of the Housing/ULURP
Committee for 15 years before the committee was divided between its
adjudicative duties and advisory duties in 2017, during which time she

became Chairperson of the Housing Committee; in addition, she served on
the Neighborhood Advisory Board from 1998 until 2003; and

WHEREAS, Nizjoni Granville has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the Inspirational Woman of 2013 Award by
MTA New York City Transit for her tireless commitment to community and
civic service, and in February 2009, she was recognized by the Committee
for African Americans in Transit (CAAT) for her untiring efforts that
have helped so many; and

WHEREAS, The success of Community Board No. 8 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Nizjoni Granville, 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 organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Nizjoni Granville over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Nizjoni Granville upon the occasion of her retirement after
10 years of distinguished service as Chairperson of Community Board No.
8, Brooklyn, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nizjoni Granville.