Assembly Resolution No. 92

BY: M. of A. Dilan

HONORING the Coalition for Community Advancement:
Progress for East New York/Cypress Hills upon the
occasion of its designation as the recipient of the
Neighborhood Activist Award by the Cypress Hills
Local Development Corporation on February 16, 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 which 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 honor
Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for East New York/Cypress
Hills upon the occasion of its designation as the recipient of the
Neighborhood Activist Award by the Cypress Hills Local Development
Corporation, to be feted at its Annual Celebration of Community Progress
on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Cypress Hills-Fulton Street
Senior Center in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1983, the Cypress Hills Local Development
Corporation (CHLDC) is a not-for-profit community organization serving
8,000 residents a year through a comprehensive array of community
service programs and neighborhood development projects; and

WHEREAS, Each year at its Annual Meeting and Celebration of
Community Progress, the CHLDC proudly pays tribute to those who have
supported the Corporation and have helped to further its mission and
efforts; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Coalition for Community Advancement:
Progress for East New York/Cypress Hills received this prestigious award
for its dedicated working in tackling a tough community problem,
beautify the neighborhood, and fight for justice; and

WHEREAS, The Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for East
New York/Cypress Hills is a coalition of community and civic
organizations, small businesses, houses of worship and local citizens
working together to advocate for affordable housing, new and good jobs,
and a voice in the future of its neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Over the past two years, the Coalition for Community
Advancement: Progress for East New York/Cypress Hills has fought a
principled and passionate campaign to influence the City of New York's
rezoning plan, otherwise known as the East New York Plan; and

WHEREAS, The Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for East
New York/Cypress Hills has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to
engage the community throughout the rezoning process by testifying at
public hearings, meeting with government and elected officials, speaking
to the media, and protesting, petitioning and demonstrating when needed;
and


WHEREAS, This vital group's multifaceted approach to advocacy
centers around the Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for
East New York/Cypress Hills core values and platform: building deeply
affordable housing, preventing displacement, preserving existing
affordable housing, holding the City accountable to any promises made,
saving the manufacturing sector in the rezoning area and making sure
enough schools and community facilities are built for new and existing
residents; and

WHEREAS, Through their tireless efforts, the Coalition has created
an Alternative Plan for the rezoning which contained many policy
positions and resources adopted in the final rezoning; some of their
successes include a $12 million basement-apartment legalization fund,
additional sites for affordable housing construction and lower
affordability on public sites, a Workforce1 Center, resources for tenant
legal services and commercial revitalization and set asides for
discounted commercial rents in new mixed-use buildings; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Coalition for Community Advancement:
Progress for East New York/Cypress Hills is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its steering committee: Darma Diaz, Donna Stone, Brother Paul
Muhammed, Bishop David Benke, Deacon Jose Pinedo, Ana Aguierre, Roy
Frias, Catherine Greene, Farrah Lafontant, Michael Keller, Robert
Santiago, Gail Davis and Bill Wilkins, as well as Michelle Neugebauer,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors; 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
honor the Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for East New
York/Cypress Hills upon the occasion of its designation as the recipient
of the Neighborhood Activist Award by the Cypress Hills Local
Development Corporation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Coalition for Community Advancement: Progress for
East New York/Cypress Hills.