After 29 years of service to the Williamsburg and Greenpoint community, Community Board 1 Chairman Emeritus Vincent V. Abate had one more official duty to fulfill.
On Tuesday, June 30, Abate accepted a framed City Proclamation from Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilmember Diana Reyna (D−Williamsburg) and Councilmember David Yassky (D−Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights) for his years of dedication to the Williamsburg community.
“Today we are privileged to have a man who has dedicated his life to the city of New York,” said Reyna. “He is a veteran, he served during World War II, and continued to remain loyal to his community, his Italian heritage and many families in Williamsburg. Thank you Vinnie. You’ve served us well.”
Yassky echoed those sentiments, remarking he did not think anyone could have done a better job working on behalf of the community than Abate.
“It’s extraordinary to have someone who holds true to the values of community and history and recognizes that change can be good and makes way for change,” said Yassky. “The people of Greenpoint and Williamsburg owe you a debt of gratitude beyond what anyone can say to you.”
Joining the councilmembers to honor Abate were CB 1 members Dealice Fuller, Mary Odomirok, Ward Dennis, Esteban Duran, and incoming Chair Christopher Olechowski.
After serving as chair for nearly three decades, Abate pledged to remain involved in Williamsburg and continue to attend monthly community board meetings, though likely sitting off to the side instead of the front of the room.
“It took the US Army to get me out of Brooklyn,” he said.
