Senate Resolution No. 1876 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY CONGRATULATING Michelle George upon the occasion of her retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to Community Board No. 8, Brooklyn, New York 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 organizations 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 congratulate Michelle George upon the occasion of her retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to Community Board No. 8, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, For three decades, Michelle George has faithfully served the residents of Community Board No. 8, building a strong relationship with her constituents and bridging the gap between other city agencies; and WHEREAS, Michelle George began her illustrious career with Community Board No. 8 on June 12, 1989, when she was hired to work in the District Office; throughout the years she has held several job titles such as Office Aide, Secretary, Community Service Aide, and Community Associate before becoming District Manager in 2009, the esteemed position from which she will retire; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure at Community Board No. 8, Michelle George has made great contributions to the general welfare, growth and development of the residents of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights and Weeksville; she has truly become a strong advocate for the community, using her innate ability for mediation to assuage rising tensions in a rapidly evolving and gentrifying community; and WHEREAS, Michelle George worked with the Department of City Planning on a Contextual Zoning Proposal adopted and ratified, currently known as the Crown Heights West Rezoning Proposal, which allowed for upzoning on commercial strips while protecting the zoning and quality housing of brownstone Brooklyn on the side streets; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, her easy-going approach and magnanimity in listening to both sides to help achieve a compromise where neither side can claim absolute victory, is one of the main reasons she remains successful and respected as District Manager; and WHEREAS, While steadfastly serving her community, Michelle George returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the College of New Rochelle, DC 37 Campus; and WHEREAS, The success of Community Board No. 8 is in direct correlation to the efforts of Michelle George, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Michelle George over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Michelle George upon the occasion of her retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to Community Board No. 8, Brooklyn, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michelle George.