[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2458-E2459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN MEMORY OF MAURICE S. PAPRIN: NEW YORK REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AND 
           ADVOCATE, EDUCATOR AND PROMOTER OF SOCIAL WELFARE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a 
dear friend and prominent citizen of New York City, Mr. Maurice S. 
Paprin. Mr. Paprin was not only a successful real estate developer in 
New York City as president of Douglass Urban Corporation and other 
companies, but also a tireless advocate for affordable housing and 
comprehensive social dialogue. He personified the definition of 
``Renaissance man,'' having an affinity and talent for many fields, 
succeeding in all he touched.

[[Page E2459]]

  Mr. Paprin graduated from the City College of New York in 1939 and 
obtained a Master's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin. 
A lifelong champion of public education, under his leadership, the City 
College of New York bought a building from the B. Altman department 
store, transforming it into the current Graduate Center for the City 
University of New York. He also dedicated time to teaching history at 
New York University.
  Mr. Paprin entered the real estate field in the 1950s, ascending to 
president of the Douglass Urban Corporation before starting his own 
real estate development firm, Paprin Realty Organization. A true 
pioneer in the field of affordable housing, Mr. Paprin oversaw the 
construction of countless apartment buildings in Harlem, part of my 
district, including the Schomburg Plaza in 1974, which partnered public 
and private interests to provide housing for low and moderate income 
families.
  While Mr. Paprin left his fingerprints across the New York City real 
estate landscape, his efforts in the arena of political action and 
advocacy are also a significant part of his legacy, equaling his 
business prowess. A paragon of the American ideal that one person can 
make a difference, he founded and led a number of advocacy groups in 
New York City. As president of the Associated Builders and Owners of 
Greater New York, Mr. Paprin pushed for more affordable rental housing, 
housing subsidies and competent tax policy. In order to foster debate 
and positive political action, he also founded the Foundation for 
Social Change, the Fund for New Priorities in America and the Business 
Labor and Community Coalition of New York. These groups exist solely to 
explore new ideas about good governance and the role of government in 
society.
  Aside from his overwhelming professional and social achievements, Mr. 
Paprin loved as he lived--with unmatched zeal and abandon. He is 
survived by his wife, Jacqueline, three sons, Seth, Yale and Frederick, 
a daughter, Judith, a sister, Eugenia Gunier, two stepsons, Steven 
Stuchin and Miles M. Stuchin, and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his first wife, Rita.
  Maurice Paprin lived an amazing life, leaving behind a legacy of 
positive contributions to society and business. He was a New York City 
icon, a titan among titans. His forward thinking and influence will be 
sorely missed, both within New York City and elsewhere. It is my 
privilege to honor him for his accomplishments and for his example of 
how to be a true American patriot.

                          ____________________