[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E579-E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING BARRY SCHNEIDER

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Barry Schneider, on the occasion of his retirement as 
longtime board member and former Chair of Manhattan Community Board 8 
(CB8) after 30 years of dedicated leadership and service.
  Mr. Schneider first began his history of community engagement after 
learning of plans to convert a vacant lot on 63rd Street to a parking 
facility. Mr. Schneider joined with fellow residents to oppose the plan 
and express the negative impacts it would have on the area especially 
on the congestion at what was already a busy intersection. This group 
became the East Sixties Neighborhood Association, Inc. (ESNA). ESNA was 
successful in its efforts, and the lot was instead converted into a 
community garden.
  Seeking to have a larger impact on more community issues after the 
success of ESNA, Mr. Schneider was appointed to CB8 in 1992. Throughout 
his time on CB8, Mr. Schneider was an advocate for community 
accessibility. Mr. Schneider instituted CB8's attendance at District 
Street Fairs in order to promote familiarity and open communication 
between CB8 and members of the public.
  Mr. Schneider carried his dedication into the work he performed on 
many of CB8's Committees and Task Forces. Mr. Schneider co-chaired both 
the Transportation Committee and the Parks and Waterfront Committee, as 
well as serving as co-chair of a joint committee between CB8 and 
Manhattan Community Board 6 to address issues affecting both 
communities. Mr. Schneider presided as chair of the Metropolitan Museum 
of Art Task Force, the Park Avenue Armory Task Force, and the Second 
Avenue Subway Task Force.
  During the construction of the Second Avenue Subway, Mr. Schneider 
acted as a voice for the community. After attending meetings with the 
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and seeing concerns go 
unaddressed, Mr. Schneider advocated for a new meeting format that 
would focus on communities being heard, listened to, and respected. The 
new format created meetings where the MTA would be present at 
individual tables for the proposed neighborhood sites, allowing for 
direct, local communication with those neighborhoods. The format was 
effective, with community members being able to express the unique 
needs of their neighborhood and the MTA responding accordingly directly 
aiding the successful completion of the Second Avenue Subway and its 
opening in 2017.
  Mr. Schneider served as Chair of CB8 from 1998 to 2000 and focused a 
lot of energy on ensuring that all interactions at the Board were 
respectful especially when issues heightened passions. He supported 
frequent interaction between members of CB8 and the public,

[[Page E580]]

while maintaining that discussion should be carried out with polite 
conduct and consideration of others. He is known for his Civility sign, 
which he frequently hung on lecterns to facilitate respectful and 
productive discussion. He sought to encourage individuals to speak who 
normally would not, increase engagement, and promote kindness.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments and contributions of Barry Schneider. His dedication 
and leadership have helped shape a vibrant community for Roosevelt 
Island and Manhattan's Upper East Side. His presence on Community Board 
8 will be missed, and he leaves a lasting impact with his devoted 
service to his community.

                          ____________________