[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING LESLIE ZEMSKY FOR RECEIVING THE AMHERST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
                       WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2016

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Leslie Zemsky as 
she receives the Amherst Chamber of Commerce's Woman of Distinction 
Award. An artist, community leader, and Director of Fun for Larkin 
Square, Leslie has played an instrumental role in revitalizing the 
Larkin District and the City of Buffalo.
   As Larkin Square's Director of Fun, Leslie partners with her husband 
Howard Zemsky and Joe Petrella to lead the Larkin Development Group. 
The group has renovated a number of former warehouse buildings which 
were once part of the Larkin Soap Company.
   Since 2002, the Larkin Development Group's renovations include more 
than 800,000 square feet of office space, more than a half mile of 
streetscape improvements and a public gathering space for events called 
Larkin Square. Thanks to their creative vision, the Larkin District, 
now known fondly as Larkinville, has returned to its roots as a 
vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, home to offices, residences, 
restaurants, parks and public gathering spaces like Larkin Square.
   Under Leslie's leadership Larkinville has become a destination. 
Nearly every day of the week, thousands gather in Larkin Square for 
events such as Food Truck Tuesdays, Live at Larkin Wednesdays and the 
Larkin Square Author Talks. The neighborhood continues to evolve and 
grow with the opening of Flying Bison Brewery and Hydraulic Hearth 
Restaurant & Brewery, run by Leslie's son Harry.
   The rebirth of Larkinville has played a leading role in the rebirth 
of Buffalo. Larkinville has gained national attention, from the 
Congress for New Urbanism to earning praise from journalist Katie 
Couric during her recent visit to Buffalo.
   My Buffalo District office is located in the Larkin at Exchange 
Building, and we've witnessed an incredible transformation due in no 
small part to Leslie. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
congratulating her for receiving the Woman of Distinction Award, 
expressing our deepest gratitude for her vision and efforts, and 
wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________