Tribeca's Cavala Park To Be Renamed After Albert Capsouto On October 28, 2010

On Thursday, October 28, 2010, the city Parks Department of New York City will rename Tribeca's CaVaLa Park for Albert Capsouto, a longtime Community Board 1 member and pioneering Tribeca restaurateur and resident, who passed away from brain cancer at age 53 in January 2010.

Following Albert's premature death, the community sought ways to honor Albert for his contributions to Lower Manhattan, including his leadership and tireless advocate for small businesses after September 11th. A board task force determined the best tribute would be to rename the park, which was completed only last summer.

After lobbying from Community Board 1 representatives and local elected officials, the city Parks Department agreed to rename the park-originally named after its location at the intersection of Canal, Varick and Laight Streets-for Albert, a true community servant and leader. He had been involved with the evolution of the Tribeca community, including the park, for over two decades, and was a founding member of the Tribeca Organization, having served on Community Board 1 for over 19 years. On October 28, 2010 at 10 AM, the park will officially be named Albert Capsouto Park. The dedication ceremony will be led by Manhattan Parks Department Borough Commissioner William Castro.

Albert founded Tribeca's beloved, classic French bistro, Capsouto Freres (451 Washington Street, at Watts Street, New York, NY 10013; 212.966.4900; www.capsoutofreres.com) along with his two older brothers, Jacques and Samuel. On October 16, 2010, Capsouto Freres celebrated its 30th anniversary as a landmark restaurant destination in northern Tribeca.

For Jacques Capsouto, the significance of the park's rededication is clear. "It means that we are going to have the name Albert Capsouto in the park long after we leave," he said. "His legacy is going to be there." Jacques said the park renaming would recognize all of the work Albert did for the neighborhood and ensure that he was not forgotten. "He wasn't looking for any reward," Jacques said. "He just did it from the bottom of his heart, because someone had to do it."

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Albert lived in Lyon, France until the age of five, when his family moved to New York City. He graduated top of his class from Stuyvesant High School in 1973, and in 1977 from Yale University with a BA in Architecture and Engineering. Albert can be credited for Capsouto Freres' longstanding design.

Since Albert's death, local residents and elected officials have found several ways to commemorate him, including an annual $1,000 Stuyvesant High School scholarship for a graduate showing dedication to community service; A Caring Hand Foundation's annual Philanthropic Achievement Award for his community efforts in Lower Manhattan; and funds to be collected in his name at the New York Downtown Hospital, where he was about to be appointed trustee shortly before his death. New York State Senator Daniel L. Squadron and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick also passed a Resolution in honor of Albert in May 2010.

All are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony at the new Albert Capsouto Park at 10 AM on Monday, October 28, 2010.