Senate Resolution No. 2540

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Bedford
Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on October 30,
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
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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
Corporation to be celebrated at a Gala on Monday, October 30, 2017, at
Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, commonly
known as Restoration is the nation's first community development
organization; it partners with area residents and businesses to improve
the quality of life in long-blighted areas of Central Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Restoration was formed in 1967, through the efforts of
community members and former New York Senators Robert F. Kennedy and
Jacob Javits, who were troubled by the terrible conditions they
witnessed in Bed-Stuyvesant, and other poor neighborhoods in Central
Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Residents of these distressed communities were living in
poverty, unemployed, and surrounded by crime; in addition, there was a
monumental breakdown of municipal governance, and a decline in public
facilities and services; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Restoration has attracted over $600
million in both public and private investments, distributed $60 million
in mortgages to 1,500 low-income homeowners, placed 20,000 adults and
youth in jobs, and facilitated the construction and renovation of over
2,000 units of housing; over 50,000 Brooklynites utilize its services
every year; and

WHEREAS, For half a century, Restoration has strived to attract
investment, improve the business climate, foster the economic
self-sufficiency of families, enhance family stability, and promote the
arts and culture in Central Brooklyn; through these activities, this
vital organization hopes to spur resident's economic stability and
transform the community into a safe, vibrant place to live, work and
visit; and

WHEREAS, The success of Restoration is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Colvin W. Grannum,
and 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 endeavors, on behalf of the
institution and the community it serves; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
Corporation on October 30, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Colvin W. Grannum, President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.