Senate Resolution No. 571

BY: Senator SQUADRON

MOURNING the death of Robert R. Douglass, Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of the
Lower Manhattan community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding leaders whose professional lives and personal endeavors were
an example and an inspiration; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Douglass, Jr., distinguished civil servant and
devoted member of the Lower Manhattan community, died on Tuesday,
December 6, 2016, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Robert Royal Douglass, Jr. was born on October 16, 1931, in
Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Douglass, Jr. graduated from Dartmouth College
and Cornell Law School and served his country as a member of the United
States Army; and

WHEREAS, As counsel to Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, Robert R.
Douglass, Jr. oversaw numerous middle class housing projects in Lower
Manhattan, including Independence Plaza, Confucius Plaza, and
Southbridge Towers; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Douglass, Jr. was instrumental in the creation of
Battery Park City and the development of the first World Trade Center;
and

WHEREAS, As Chair of the Alliance for Downtown New York from 1995 to
2015, Robert R. Douglass, Jr. was a tireless advocate for the rebuilding
and revitalization of Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional civic servant and longtime champion of Lower
Manhattan, Robert R. Douglass, Jr. earned his nickname "Mr. Downtown"
for his efforts to make Lower Manhattan a better place to live, work,
and play; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Douglass, Jr. is survived by his wife, three
children, and seven grandchildren; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert R. Douglass, Jr., distinguished citizen and
devoted member of the Lower Manhattan community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert R. Douglass, Jr.