Senator Golden and Community Board 10 Street Renaming for Rosemarie O'Keefe

Senator Golden today issued the letter below to Community Board 10 in support of their proposal to rename the corner of Bay Ridge Parkway and 5th Avenue in honor of the late Rosemarie C. O'Keefe.

Dean Rasinya, Chairman
Community Board 10
621-86th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11209October 9, 2009

Dear Mr. Rasinya,

I am writing to you at this time in strong support of the request to rename the corner of Bay Ridge Parkway and 5th Avenue in honor of the late
Rosemarie C. O’Keefe.

Mrs. O’Keefe was a long time resident of Bay Ridge Parkway between 4th and 5th Avenue. Rosemarie was dedicated to the quality of life and residents
not only of this block, but many blocks, through her leadership within the Alliance of Bay Ridge Block Associations.

Rosemarie made this community proud through her steadfast commitment and involvement in so many local causes.  She always wanted to help and make
things better, and went on to serve our community and our City well for so long.  Rosemarie served as a staff member for both Senator Christopher Mega
and Congresswoman Susan Molinari and as an Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Parks Department for Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Rosemarie was then appointed by Mayor Giuliani to be the Commissioner of the Community Assistance Unit.  In this role, Rosemarie was called upon to
lead the recovery efforts for many large scale tragedies including the T.W.A. Flight 800, the Swiss Air Flight 111, the Egypt Air Flight 990 and
American Airlines Flight 587 crashes. For her leadership during these  tragedies, and for her serving in the role as the Director of the September
11th Family Relief Center, with dignity, grace and honor, it is only fitting that we rename this street.

I ask that you consider this tribute so that Rosemarie’s legacy and all that she did will never be forgotten here in our neighborhood and in New
York City. Thank you for your consideration.

 Sincerely,

Martin J. Golden
State Senator