LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joel Siegel upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Neighborhood Service Award by the Flat-
bush Development Corporation

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Joel Siegel has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joel
Siegel upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Neigh-
borhood Service Award by the Flatbush Development Corporation which was
celebrated at its 39th Annual Awards Benefit on Thursday, May 8, 2014,
at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Flatbush Development Corporation's mission is to enhance
the quality of life for all segments of the Flatbush community; it iden-
tifies and responds to neighborhood needs and concerns, proactively
creating programs and campaigns that work towards a healthy, safe and
vibrant community; its economic development, housing, youth, and immi-
gration programs serve the exceptionally diverse needs of its community;
and
WHEREAS, With the exception of college in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a
few years in Soho in the mid-1970's, Joel Siegel has always resided in
Brooklyn; his parents moved his family from Borough Park to Midwood when
he was 10 years old, and he attended Hudde Junior High School and
Midwood High School; and
WHEREAS, Joel Siegel went on to receive his bachelor's degree in
economics from the University of Michigan, and his juris doctor degree
from the Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School; he has been practicing law for
29 years, with a focus on commercial law and residential real estate in
Flatbush, New York; and
WHEREAS, Joel Siegel of Ditmas Park West will receive this auspicious
award for enthusiastically and generously giving his time and energy to
better his community; whether it's meeting with 70th precinct to address
crime, appearing before the City Planning Commission to advocate for
re-zoning, meeting with the Board of Standards and Appeals to address
out-of-context construction, being president of the DPW Neighborhood
Association, organizing block parties, raising funds for P.S. 217 art
programs, leading the West Midwood Halloween parade with his trumpet, or
helping plant trees on Arbor Day, Joel is always there for the neighbor-
hood; and
WHEREAS, To Joel Siegel, the small town feeling of Victorian Flatbush
is perhaps its greatest asset; he enjoys a walk through the neighborhood
which always includes meeting friends and neighbors, and for him, the
recent influx of young adults and families is particularly energizing;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, for almost 30 years, Joel Siegel has been lead-
ing his rhythm and blues band, The Blue Laws; while playing guitar in
the band, he also plays piano and writes the band's original material;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Joel Siegel plays trumpet in the Borough of
Manhattan Downtown Symphony Orchestra, and his photographs of the New
Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival appear in JAZZ TIMES magazine at jazz-
times.com; and

WHEREAS, Joel Siegel has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Joel Siegel has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Maria, who feels priv-
ileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Joel Siegel has displayed throughout
his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joel Siegel upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Neighborhood Service Award by the Flatbush Development Corporation;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joel Siegel.