Senate Resolution No. 19

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of the Center
Square Association on October 5, 2018

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 60th Anniversary of the Center Square Association, to be
celebrated at a Gala on Friday, October 5, 2018, at the Renaissance
Albany Hotel Ballroom in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event pays tribute to those individuals who
have made a difference in the lives of the people who live in the
historic Center Square area of Albany by making significant
contributions to their community through their time, actions and
dedication; and

WHEREAS, The oldest neighborhood association in Albany, the Center
Square Association (CSA) was founded in 1958 by a group of young
property owners who wanted a voice in the future of their neighborhood
which consisted of historic homes, many of which were built in the
mid-to-late 1800s; and

WHEREAS, The Center Square Neighborhood includes Lark Street from
Jay Street to Spring Street; Spring Street to Dove Street; south on Dove
Street to State Street; east on State Street to South Swan Street; south
on South Swan Street to Jay Street; west on Jay Street to Lark Street;
north on Lark Street to Spring Street, plus one block on Lancaster
Street from Lark Street to, but not including, Willett Street; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the last six decades, the CSA has undertaken
numerous projects; some of its notable accomplishments include:
initiating the founding of Historic Albany Foundation, the Council of
Albany Neighborhoods (CANA), the Historic Resources Commission, and
Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association; forming the Center Square/Hudson
Park Historic District, now on the National Register of Historic Places;
creating Hudson Jay Park in concert with Hudson/Park Neighborhood
Association, the city, and the state; beginning the first formalized
neighborhood beautification program, and starting the Annual Hidden City
House and Garden Tour; and

WHEREAS, In addition, CSA challenged the demolition of historically
significant buildings, a policy the association continues to uphold;
fought efforts to alter the residential neighborhood by expanding
commercial uses; pursued vigorous code enforcement; filed countless
lawsuits over six decades in order to preserve the historic character of
Center Square; and stopped the city and state plan to run a mid-town
arterial highway through Hudson and Jay streets into a tunnel under

Washington Park, which would have destroyed 351 buildings and displaced
741 families; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of President Jackie
Ring, the CSA remains committed to promoting the quality of residential
living and preserving its historic 19th century housing stock so that
future generations may appreciate this unique downtown Albany
neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
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
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Center Square Association on
October 5, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jackie Ring, President, Center Square Association.