LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Flatbush Development Corporation
upon the occasion of hosting its 39th Annual Awards Benefit Ceremony on
May 8, 2014

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 organiza-
tions 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 commend
the Flatbush Development Corporation upon the occasion of hosting its
39th Annual Awards Benefit Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at
Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This year's Annual Awards Benefit was dedicated to the memory
of long-time friend and supporter of the Flatbush Development Corpo-
ration, Wendy Weller-Jones, and celebrated both the Flatbush Development
Corporation and its distinguished honorees who have made outstanding
contributions to the Flatbush community; and
WHEREAS, Honorees for the evening included: Ron Schweiger, Brooklyn
Borough Historian, recipient of the 39th Community Leadership Award; Dr.
Widad Valme, O.D. of Grace Eye Care, recipient of the 2014 "Unsung Hero"
Award; Reverend Dan Ramm, Senior Pastor, Flatbush Reformed Church,
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Olgierd Bilanow, Beverley
Square West, recipient of the Neighborhood Service Award; Dick Boschen,
Ditmas Park, recipient of the Neighborhood Service Award; Pamela Brown,
South Midwood, recipient of the Neighborhood Service Award; Nicole and
Bob Buck, Fiske Terrace, recipients of the Neighborhood Service Award;
MaryKay and Bill Seery, Prospect Park South, recipients of the Neighbor-
hood Service Award; Joel Siegel, Ditmas Park West, recipient of the
Neighborhood Service Award; and Virginia Waters and Joe Enright, West
Midwood, recipients of the Neighborhood Service Award; and
WHEREAS, The Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) was formed in 1975
by a group of homeowners and tenants who were concerned about growing
signs of deterioration in the neighborhood; the group organized tenants
in apartment buildings to combat poor conditions and prevent arson and
abandonment and worked with merchants on the neighborhood's commercial
strips; and
WHEREAS, FDC's mission is to enhance the quality of life for all
segments of the Flatbush community; it identifies and responds to neigh-
borhood needs and concerns, proactively creating programs and campaigns
that work towards a healthy, safe and vibrant community; its economic
development, housing, youth, and immigration programs serve the excep-
tionally diverse needs of its community; and
WHEREAS, FDC's dedicated and professional staff are led by a Board of
Directors comprised of community residents, merchants, and business
leaders who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all
members of the Flatbush community; and
WHEREAS, FDC continues to maintain the vitality, diversity, and quali-
ty of life that only an urban community can offer; with much to be done,
affordable housing needs to be preserved and built, commercial revitali-
zation must continue, and quality-of-life issues must be addressed to
maintain a vibrant neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown
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
commend the Flatbush Development Corporation upon the occasion of host-
ing its 39th Annual Awards Benefit Ceremony on May 8, 2014; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Flatbush Development Corporation, and to the aforemen-
tioned honorees.