On this momentous day marking the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara honors the legacy of a man whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the nation and the local community of Rotterdam and Schenectady.

“Today, we celebrate the life’s work of former President Jimmy Carter, a one-time Rotterdam resident, his history, and connection to our community,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Though President Carter’s life began far from here in Plains, Georgia, the time he spent here in the 1950s and the continued support he’s provided to our community through his nonprofit work make him as much of a New Yorker as any of us.”

In the early 1950s, President Jimmy Carter lived in Rotterdam with his wife, Rosalynn, while serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at the military housing complex, now known as Maple Pine Manor, while studying nuclear physics at Union College in Schenectady. The couple resided in apartment 7 of building 471 from October 1952 to October 1953, where a plaque was installed commemorating Carter’s time living there.

“Over the years, the monument fell into disrepair,” said Santabarbara. “When this came to my attention, I felt the need to do something to ensure that this important piece of history was preserved for future generations.”

Last year, Assemblyman Santabarbara worked with AJS Masonry Inc., a local company, to fully restore the monument, ensuring that President Carter's legacy in Rotterdam would continue to be honored. The newly restored monument now stands as a tribute to the Carters' time in New York and as a symbol of their enduring connection to the Capital Region.

James Earl Carter Jr., born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, is the longest-living president in U.S. history and the first to reach 100 years of age. His time in Rotterdam was an integral part of his life before he transitioned to his role as a public servant, eventually becoming the 39th President of the United States. His humanitarian work through organizations like Habitat for Humanity has left a lasting impact on communities across the world, including right here in New York.

Santabarbara concluded, “As we celebrate President Carter’s 100th birthday, we reflect on his leadership, his humanity, and the time he spent here in Rotterdam. His legacy continues to inspire us all.”