Res. No. 1593
IN MEMORIAM
STANLEY E. MICHELS
By the Entire Council
Whereas, The New York City Council mourns the passing of former City Council Member Stanley E. Michels, on Friday, August 1st, 2008, at the age of 75, following a two year battle against cancer, at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center; and
Whereas, Stanley "Stan" E. Michels, was committed to a lifetime of public service, representing the people of Inwood, Washington Heights, Central and West Harlem for 24 years, from 1978-2001 when he retired due to term limits; and
Whereas, Mr. Michels, born January 28, 1933, was a longtime resident of Manhattan's Castle Village on Cabrini Boulevard. He graduated from Hobart College in 1955 and Cornell Law School in 1958; and
Whereas, he joined his local democratic club, the Washington Heights Progressive Democrats, as a young lawyer and eventually became the chair of the New York County Law Committee; and
Whereas, Mr. Michels was elected to the City Council's 6th District seat in 1977 and was subsequently re-elected six times by significant majorities. He chaired the Committee on Environmental Protection, from 1992 through 2001; and
Whereas, Mr. Michels played an instrumental role in improving New York City's environmental practices. Mr. Michels was the prime sponsor of the Clean Indoor Air Act, the city's first law regulating smoking in public places. He was also the lead sponsor of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, which made the presence of peeling lead-based paint in apartments where children under 6 live one of the most serious violations of the city housing code. Mr. Michels also had a central role in expanding the city's recycling program and protecting the city's watershed in the Catskills; and
Whereas, through his tenure at the City Council, Stan Michels secured millions of dollars in capital funding for the restoration of parks in Northern Manhattan, including Highbridge Pool and Fort Tryon Park. Year after year, he secured significant resources for parks in his disctrict; and
Whereas, on July 24th, 2008, in a ceremony led by Parks Commissioner Adiran Benepe, surrounded by family, friends and neighborhood residents, the main walkway in Fort Tryon Park was designated Stan Michels Promenade; and Whereas, Stanley Michels was a unifying force in the City Council. He encouraged cooperation and passion for public service; and Whereas, Mr. Michels is survived by his wife of 48 years, Molly, two daughters, Judge Shari Michels and Karen Michels, a son, Jeffery Michels, and three grandchildren; and Whereas, through his devotion, enthusiasm, and example, former New York City Council Member Stanley E. Michels was an honorable man of service, passion, and collaboration; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York celebrates the life and mourns the passing of Stanley E. Michels, extends its most profound sympathies to his family and friends and adjourns this day in honor of his legacy and service to New York City.