LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tom Rossi and John Blackburn upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2014 Revitalize Troy
Award by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, are reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Tom
Rossi and John Blackburn upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the 2014 Revitalize Troy Award by the Downtown Troy Busi-
ness Improvement District (BID) which was celebrated at the BID's annual
dinner on Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at Franklin Plaza in Troy, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Downtown Troy BID is to cultivate and
advocate for the economic growth of Downtown Troy by creating an invit-
ing, dynamic, and sustainable community which celebrates the city's
history while building towards its future; it is dedicated to improving
the quality of life within the district to further enhance and make the
community a vibrant, attractive destination for visitors, businesses,
residents, property owners, workers and students; and
WHEREAS, Tom Rossi and John Blackburn are both graduates of RPI who
returned to Troy recently and became part of the city's revitalization;
in 2013, they bought the building at 172-176 River Street, which was
previously the home of Nelick's Furniture; and
WHEREAS, These esteemed businessmen transformed their building into
the River Street Lofts, an apartment complex consisting of 21 one-bed-
room units powered by solar energy; and
WHEREAS, Tom Rossi and John Blackburn continue to actively look for
new investments to contribute to the betterment of Troy; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
honor Tom Rossi and John Blackburn upon the occasion of their desig-
nation as recipients of the 2014 Revitalize Troy Award by the Downtown
Troy Business Improvement District; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Rossi and John Blackburn.