[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             RESIDENTS FOR A MORE BEAUTIFUL PORT WASHINGTON

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the members of 
Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington and the people of the 
Fifth Congressional District in honoring Myron Blumenfeld, a most 
unique and dedicated individual.
  In a time when we search for heroes and look for leaders willing to 
take on the responsibility of upgrading our daily existence, it is 
reassuring to note that Mike Blumenfeld is available to the residents 
of Port Washington. Beginning in 1969, Mike and a handful of Port 
Washington residents who were concerned about environmental conditions 
in the area brought this wonderful organization into being. With no 
headquarters, no staff, and a next to nonexistent budget, Residents for 
a More Beautiful Port Washington began its operations. Through Mike's 
exceptional leadership, the organization now has over 1,000 members, a 
cadre of highly active volunteers, a staff, and a large group of 
architect and engineer volunteers.
  Under Mike's leadership, residents undertook an approach for dealing 
with the environment that can readily serve as a yardstick by which all 
such community action can be measured. Its history reflects what can be 
done under effective leadership in preserving and upgrading the 
economy. In 1970, residents successfully opposed a plan by the town of 
North Hempstead that would have dumped incinerated garbage into 
Hempstead Harbor. In addition, through the residents' efforts, LILCO 
has moved its utility lines underground and over 500 trees have been 
planted to enhance the area.
  Mike and his group did not stop here. They gained national attention 
by appearing with Mike Wallace on ``60 Minutes'' in publicizing and 
demanding government action on a town-owned landfill that was 
generating methane gas. As a result of residents' efforts, the landfill 
was put on the Federal Superfund's list of most hazardous waste sites.
  Mike and his residents have gone beyond the stage of reacting to 
existing crises and have undertaken an intergenerational program to 
create positive understandings and actions toward the environment. In 
conjunction with the Port Washington Board of Education and the School 
District Administration, residents has contributed thousands of dollars 
to fund projects which will provide students with an understanding and 
desire to maintain and enhance the environment.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here today to join with me in 
recognizing the most necessary and effective contributions that have 
been made by Mike Blumenfeld and Residents for a More Beautiful Port 
Washington.

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