Jim DiNapoli Park Dedication

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ALBANY, NY (09/24/2013)(readMedia)-- On Tuesday, September 24 at 4:00 PM family members of the late Jim DiNapoli, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), and the Jim DiNapoli Memorial Committee joined Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings for the dedication of the Jim DiNapoli Park. Formerly known as Maiden Lane Park, located on Broadway between Pine Street and Maiden Lane, the renaming is in honor of Jim DiNapoli, co-founder and inaugural Chairman of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District who passed away unexpectedly on New Year's Eve 2012. The dedication of the Jim DiNapoli Park originated from a group of long time friends of Jim. It is just one of many ways that Jim's legacy will living on in Downtown.

"It is only fitting that this park, which is next to the Downtown's latest large scale residential conversion project, was chosen to memorialize Jim," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID, "Jim assisted in brokering the deal for the new developers. It is just one of several projects that Jim was involved with that had or will have major impacts on Downtown for years to come."

"When I became Mayor in 1994 I met with the business community to discuss revitalizing Downtown," stated Mayor Gerald Jennings, "Jim was one of the first to come forward and participate in bringing back our great Capital City. Many of these investments would not have happened without Jim's dedication, hard work and passion."

In May 2013, Tracy Metzger, Owner of TL Metzger and mentee of Jim, received the Downtown Albany BID's first Jim DiNapoli Award for her demonstrated leadership exemplifying the BID's mission in restoring, promoting and maintaining the character and viability of downtown Albany and improving the quality of life and overall image for all those who live in, work in and visit the Capital City.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2013 the inaugural Jim DiNapoli Golf Tournament will be held, with proceeds dedicated to the research of finding a cure for Parkinson's disease.

"Jim impacted the lives of so many and this park dedication stands as proof," stated Ed Swyer, President of The Swyer Companies and close personal friend of Jim DiNapoli, "It was a group effort by his close friends - contributing to the design and purchase of the plaque and working with the Mayor and the BID on the approvals and signage. Jim loved Albany and we could not think of a more appropriate way to honor his contributions to Downtown."

The design of the plaque was unveiled by the Mayor and Chris DiNapoli, Jim's wife, surrounded by his family and friends. A permanent plaque will be installed by the middle of October.

"It is a perfect tribute to a man who loved the city of Albany," stated Jeffrey DiNapoli, the youngest of the four DiNapoli children. "It is even more meaningful coming from people that meant so much to my father."

The Jim DiNapoli Park is in the heart of Downtown, located directly across from the pedestrian bridge connecting Albany to its waterfront. In the spring through the fall it is home to a farmers market and is a popular spot for lunch for daytime workers.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the character, vitality, and possibility of downtown Albany. Through its many programs and events, the Downtown Albany BID works to enhance the image of Albany and further its reputation as a prosperous and exciting city to live, work, and visit. For more information on the BID please visit www.downtownalbany.org | @albanyBID.