Resolution 210298

..Title Recognizing and honoring James Harry Calamia for his exceptional service to the Roxborough Community as the Executive Director of the Roxborough Development Corporation. ..Body WHEREAS, James Harry Calamia worked at the Roxborough Development Corporation for nearly a decade. He started with the organization in 2011 as the Operations Manager and was promoted to Executive Director on August 1, 2014; and WHEREAS, Mr. Calamia's career started out in politics before he eventually made the shift over to community development and revitalization through art initiatives; and WHEREAS, While attending Cabrini college, Mr. Calamia worked for various politicians including former U.S. Senator Arlen Taylor and U.S. Senator Pat Toomey. It was through these experiences in the political realm that he gained insight and a budding interest in how different communities could be revitalized and developed into more vibrant and growing neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, Mr. Calamia's interest in community development and revitalization started while he was researching different revitalization initiatives to make a social impact on a local level. Spurred by this desire to effectuate social change in his community, he accepted a job opportunity at the Norristown Arts Hill Council, where he helped revitalize the art community; and WHEREAS, In his role as Executive Director of the Roxborough Development Corporation, Mr. Calamia spearheaded Roxborough 2020, an ambitious and strategic plan to advance the Ridge Avenue Commercial Corridor. Inspired by his vision of Ridge Avenue as Roxborough's heart and hub, Mr. Calamia led various tactical initiatives including the Roxborough Asset Enhancement Program, the Roxborough Pocket Park, and the Roxborough Signature Event Series to give rise to his vision; and WHEREAS, Mr. Calamia has been an energetic, resourceful, and collaborative advocate for the Business Improvement District, whose tireless efforts established the foundation for Ridge Avenue's continued vitality and growth. His leadership will be greatly missed by the Roxborough Development Corporation's leadership, staff, volunteers, and many of the Roxborough business and residents he has impacted; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors James Harry Calamia for his tireless advocacy and service to the Roxborough Community and wishes him well on all his future endeavors as he pursues the next step in an already outstanding career. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to James Harry Calamia as evidence of the sincere gratitude, respect, and well wishes of this legislative body. ..End