J 1115: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge on June 21, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1115 BY: Senator MAYER COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge on June 21, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge to be celebrated on Saturday, June 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, In December of 1924, the land (2.7 acres) on Milton Road, which was owned by Christ Church in the Village of Rye, New York, and sold to BBL Realty Company for $73,500, was the first step in the establishment of the first apartment complex in Rye, followed by Highland Hall and Manursing Lodge; and WHEREAS, In 1925, the cornerstone of Blind Brook Lodge was erected; on New Year's Eve, 1926, the first four tenants settled into their new homes; and WHEREAS, The Blind Brook Realty Company sold the property at auction to Blind Brook Lodge Corporation for $300,000 in 1929; and WHEREAS, In 1932, the name was changed to Blind Brook Apartment Corporation which owned and operated the property for the next six decades as rental apartments with a restaurant in the basement and an underground garage; the original plan provided three-room to six-room apartments for 118 families with additional space for maids and guests in the basement; and WHEREAS, In 1944, the Corporation purchased land (2.4 acres) across Milton Road to provide additional parking, tennis courts, a children's playground, gardens (used as Victory Gardens during World War II), and a barn for storage; and WHEREAS, The complex was sold to the tenants and renamed Blind Brook Lodge Owners, Inc., in 1989, and most of the apartments were converted to housing cooperatives (co-ops); and WHEREAS, Today, 100 years later, there are more than 131 tenants, and all the apartments are co-ops; although the restaurant, tennis courts, and barn are no longer in existence, there is a parking lot large enough to meet the needs of all tenants who continue to enjoy the old-world charm and gentility of this spacious building; and WHEREAS, The progression of Blind Brook Lodge is in direct correlation to the efforts of its owners and employees, 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 business and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge on June 21, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Blind Brook Lodge.