Housing Development Honors Fallen Brooklyn Hero
On July 31st, Marty attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vernon Cherry Partnership Homes in Ocean Hill-Brownsville. This is a great example of the public and the private sector working together to create much needed affordable housing for Brooklynites. The Vernon Cherry Partnership Homes will create 218 housing units and is being built by Loewen Development. The BP contributed more than $500,000 in funding for the project. Vernon Cherry was a New York City Firefighter for 29 of his 49 years, and the official vocalist for Ladder Co. 118. He sang the National Anthem at all FDNY functions with his band. He had a zest for life, and was a dedicated family man. He died at the World Trade Center on September 11th. "We have experienced a unified determination to honor our heroes, and in their memory, be courageous and committed to rebuilding our city and our lives. This groundbreaking ceremony in memory of Mr. Vernon Cherry, a Brooklynite, an outstanding firefighter and community role model is a powerful beginning," said the BP. Marty was joined by Councilmember Tracy L. Boyland, Assemblymember William F. Boyland, District Leader William F. Boyland, Jr., Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott and Peter Murray of Loewen Development and residents of Ocean Hill-Brownsville.

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