Honor Steven Barrison's Service

April 19, 2018 WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Steven M. Barrison, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Oscar Award by the Bay Improvement Group (BIG) to be celebrated at its Awards Dinner for Distinguished Community Service on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Il Fornetto in Sheepshead Bay, New York; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award recognizes those individuals who serve and contribute to the Brooklyn community; Steven M. Barrison, Esq. is truly deserving of this commendation for over 35 years of volunteer and pro bono service to many important causes in his community; and WHEREAS, Steven M. Barrison has lived in Sheepshead Bay for over 59 years; he currently practices law in midtown Manhattan, New York, where he has contributed between 1,000 and 2,000 hours each year to pro bono activities including but not limited to such things as community and environmental preservation, enhancement, as well as revitalization efforts in Sheepshead Bay, New York City and New York State; and WHEREAS, In addition to his pro bono work, Steven M. Barrison has served on numerous committees, boards and associations including the 25th Anniversary Committee of the Landmark Preservation Commission, Board of Directors of the statewide non-profit New York Main Street Alliance, Board member and Vice President of the Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association, President of the Bay Improvement Group, New York City Department of Probation Community Services, and the Joint Committee that produced the only community based comprehensive waterfront plan for the Sheepshead Bay Special District; and WHEREAS, Steven M. Barrison has testified before numerous New York City Council hearings on waterfront development, megastore planning, zoning issues, as well as City Council and Landmark Preservation hearings for important Brooklyn landmarks, and was instrumental in preserving Mom and Pop stores in New York City; and WHEREAS, He also led the installation of the first public Fire Memorial of its kind in New York City, worked on various Veteran's celebrations, raised environmental consciousness of the cleanliness of Sheepshead Bay, initiated the adoption of the Sheepshead Bay Subway Station, and organized Sheepshead Bay History Month in May; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Steven M. Barrison is responsible for overall heightened community awareness of the importance of economic development, has advocated for many years on behalf of the Brooklyn DA, brought together community organizations for the benefit of the Brooklyn South Shore Waterfront, formed Preserve Our Waterfront (POW), acted as a crisis intervention volunteer on September 11, 2001, and supported many

9/11 causes, and acted as a facilitator for an Imagine NY visioning conference for the World Trade Center site, as well as worked on the Sheepshead Bay's parking crisis; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Steven M. Barrison has dedicated his time and energy to serving as President of BIG; he helped the organization introduce region-wide down-zoning and managed its first Music on the Bay Concert; he also assisted with its Annual Celebrity Caroling and Toy Drive; and WHEREAS, Steven M. Barrison helped BIG with its efforts to help residents after Superstorm Sandy, and leads BIG: Bringing Back the Bay; and WHEREAS, In November of 2004, Steven M. Barrison was elected to the title of Executive Vice President of the Small Business Congress, Inc., and was a founding member and advisor of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance; and WHEREAS, Steven M. Barrison has advocated strongly for the small business and middle class against unfair city practices and tax and water rate hikes, and was the founding co-Chair of the Small Business Coalition of NYC; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, Steven M. Barrison was the recipient of the 2015 Grassroots Preservation Award by the Historic Districts Council; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Steven M. Barrison, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Oscar Award by the Bay Improvement Group (BIG); and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Steven M. Barrison, Esq.