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.