[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 119 (Thursday, July 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E658-E659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING THEODORE M. RENZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2025

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Theodore M. 
Renz, who is retiring after nearly four decades of exceptional public 
service as the Executive Director of the Myrtle Avenue Business 
Improvement District (BID) in Ridgewood, Queens. Throughout his 
distinguished career, Mr. Renz has exemplified an unwavering commitment 
to community development, small business, and neighborhood 
revitalization, laying a strong foundation for a more vibrant community 
for future generations.
  Since the Myrtle Avenue BID's establishment in 1988, Mr. Renz has 
been at the helm, guiding it through transformative growth. Recognizing 
the vital role that small businesses play in New York City's economy, 
Mr. Renz has worked tirelessly to ensure that the BID serves as an 
accessible and indispensable resource for local entrepreneurs. Under 
his leadership, the BID supports more than 300 businesses along a mile-
long stretch of Myrtle Avenue, providing essential services including 
sanitation, public safety, beautification, and marketing that fosters a 
robust and welcoming commercial corridor.
  Mr. Renz's tenure is marked by numerous accomplishments. He 
spearheaded major urban improvement projects, including a $2.4 million 
streetscape enhancement for Myrtle Avenue and played a pivotal role in 
helping secure a $55 million upgrade of the Myrtle-Wyckoff transit hub, 
enhancing accessibility for thousands of daily commuters and consumers. 
As an advocate for open space, he successfully championed the 
conversion of underutilized spaces into public plazas for the 
community. Today, the BID corridor is home to four new public plazas 
enjoyed by all.
  As a lifetime resident of Ridgewood, Mr. Renz public service extends 
beyond the BID. He has served as Executive Director of the Ridgewood 
Local Development Corporation (RLDC) and as a member of Queens 
Community Board 5, consistently advocating for small businesses, public 
safety, and quality-of-life improvements. His collaboration with city 
agencies, elected officials, and local stakeholders has left a lasting 
impact on the Ridgewood community.
  As Mr. Renz embarks on a well-earned retirement after 37 years of 
dedicated public

[[Page E659]]

service, I extend my deepest gratitude for his leadership, and 
unwavering commitment to strengthening the economic fabric of New York 
City. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating Theodore M. Renz for his outstanding contributions and 
wishing him good health and joy in this next chapter of life.

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