Senate Resolution No. 1876

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

CONGRATULATING Michelle George upon the occasion
of her retirement after 30 years of distinguished
service to 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 Michelle George upon the occasion of her retirement after
30 years of distinguished service to Community Board No. 8, Brooklyn,
New York; and

WHEREAS, For three decades, Michelle George has faithfully served
the residents of Community Board No. 8, building a strong relationship
with her constituents and bridging the gap between other city agencies;
and

WHEREAS, Michelle George began her illustrious career with Community
Board No. 8 on June 12, 1989, when she was hired to work in the District
Office; throughout the years she has held several job titles such as
Office Aide, Secretary, Community Service Aide, and Community Associate
before becoming District Manager in 2009, the esteemed position from
which she will retire; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure at Community Board No. 8, Michelle
George has made great contributions to the general welfare, growth and
development of the residents of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights and
Weeksville; she has truly become a strong advocate for the community,
using her innate ability for mediation to assuage rising tensions in a
rapidly evolving and gentrifying community; and

WHEREAS, Michelle George worked with the Department of City Planning
on a Contextual Zoning Proposal adopted and ratified, currently known as
the Crown Heights West Rezoning Proposal, which allowed for upzoning on
commercial strips while protecting the zoning and quality housing of
brownstone Brooklyn on the side streets; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, her easy-going approach and magnanimity in
listening to both sides to help achieve a compromise where neither side
can claim absolute victory, is one of the main reasons she remains
successful and respected as District Manager; and

WHEREAS, While steadfastly serving her community, Michelle George
returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology
from the College of New Rochelle, DC 37 Campus; and

WHEREAS, The success of Community Board No. 8 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Michelle George, 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 Michelle George over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

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

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michelle George.