Senate Resolution No. 2138

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Woody Pascal, upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Housing and
Family Services of Greater New York, Inc. on June
15, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
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
commend Woody Pascal upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc. to
be celebrated at its 27th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 15,
2017, at Rex Manor in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Housing and Family Services of
Greater New York, formerly known as Brooklyn Housing & Family Services,
has been assisting and educating tenants, building owners, and community
leaders; through its Tenant Committees, the organization has
successfully initiated building improvements and combated the
deterioration of housing stock in its Borough; and

WHEREAS, Since 1971, Housing and Family Services of Greater New York
has strived to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve the quality of
housing in its community; during the last few years, it has expanded the
scope of its program dramatically, attempting to bond a newer, stronger
cooperation between tenants and building owners; and

WHEREAS, A Haitian American, Woody Pascal is a founding member of
the Haitian Roundtable; established in 2008, this organization is
comprised of Haitian-American professionals who are committed to civic
engagement as well as philanthropic endeavors benefitting Haiti, Haitian
organizations and causes; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Woody Pascal joined the Division of Housing and
Community Renewal as a Special Assistant to the Commissioner; in this
capacity, he developed a new web-based data system and cross training
opportunities with the Department of Housing Preservation and
Development; he also served as acting unit head for the Office of Fair
Housing and Equal Opportunity, monitoring the progress of access to Fair
Housing initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Woody Pascal is the Deputy Commissioner of
Division of Housing and Community Renewal's Office of Rent
Administration where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the
office's four bureaus and ensures effective intra-agency coordination;
his recent efforts led him to introduce online services and expand
access to applications, and upgrade communications with owners and
tenants; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two daughters, who have
shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Woody Pascal has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Woody Pascal upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc.;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Woody Pascal.