Cornelius D. Murray awarded 2021 James M. DiNapoli Award
During the Downtown Albany BID's Annual Meeting on September 29, Cornelius D. Murray, Esq., O’Connell & Aronowitz Shareholder, was awarded the 2021 James M. DiNapoli Award. Created in 2013 in honor of founding member and inaugural Chairman of the Downtown Albany BID, the Award is presented to an individual, organization, or business that exemplifies Mr. DiNapoli’s spirit of partnership and community-building in shaping the direction of downtown Albany.
During his tenure on the Board and as Chairman of the Albany Parking Authority, Murray was a leader in strategic development aimed at helping businesses in Downtown, including construction of three parking garages, which added substantially to the parking availability for those visiting and working in the Central Business District. The development was critical in paving the way for the State to bring more than 3,000 employees to Downtown under the Albany Plan, which also resulted in the construction of the Office of the State Comptroller headquarters at 110 State Street and DEC building at 625 Broadway, among other projects.
A staunch advocate for the urban core that is downtown Albany, Murray has exemplified the spirit of partnership represented by the James M. DiNapoli Award, understanding the importance of a public-private collaboration in fostering an active metropolitan area. Since its founding in 1925, O’Connell & Aronowitz has been based in Downtown, an important part of the firm’s history as Murray sees Albany as the heart of the Capital Region, and notes that the health of the region is tied to the health of Downtown.
“I am honored and genuinely humbled to receive this award named for my dear friend Jim, a staunch Downtown advocate and someone who truly exemplifies community spirit,” said Murray. “It is important for every community to realize the vital importance of this city, and that its success is directly connected to the health of the region. I am thankful for our firm’s leadership and dedication to what is the heart of the metropolitan area, and for those who continue to invest their time and money in downtown Albany to help ensure the neighborhood’s ongoing success.”
