This BK Gov Official Is 'Extraordinary,' Public Advocate Decrees

PARK SLOPE, CA — Having worked through a massive rezoning project and global pandemic, Community Board 6 District Manager Mike Racioppo is determined to push forward local issues — like completing housing projects in Gowanus and clearing truck congestion in Red Hook.

And on Wednesday, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams celebrated the Brooklyn native's 10 years of dedication to Brooklyn to the Community Board that covers Park Slope, Gowanus, Cobble Hill and Red Hook.

"As the District Manager, he has been present and proactive, listening to his consituents' concerns and developing community-led solutions," Williams said in the proclamation.

The award has given Racioppo, a Brooklyn native, a moment to look back on the districts' hard-won successes in recent years, including pushing through the pandemic and securing funding and approval for development in Gowanus that could generate 8,500 new housing units.

Racioppo sent out his daily newsletter for 800 consecutive weekdays between 2018 and 2021 to keep his community informed, he said.

And, the recognition is a reminder to keep pushing forward. Securing approval and funding for housing in Gowanus has proven a big win, but work still remains to ensure housing is built in a "timely and proper way," Racioppo said.

And the region continues to battle against major retailers like Amazon over street congestion and pollution in Red Hook, he said.

A former adjunct professor at Williams' alma mater Brooklyn College, the award reminds Racioppo how important it is to have Brooklyn natives in citywide positions, he said.

"What he said was very nice," Racioppo said of Williams' visit to Wednesday's board meeting.

"He models the belief that the community can be strengthened when each individual plays a vital role, and we were proud to celebrate his ten-year anniversary of service," Williams said in a Tweet.