[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          HONORING CO-OP CITY

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 1994

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize 
the 25th anniversary of the opening of Co-op City, a community which I 
have called home for more than two decades.
  As one of the original residents of Co-Op City, this anniversary has 
special meaning to me. I remember working as a youth at Freedomland 
Amusement Park, which once stood on the site where Co-op City was 
built, and watching as the complex grew out of the marshlands of the 
Northeast Bronx to become a beacon for families seeking a special place 
to live. Over the years, residents have come from places as close as 
local Bronx and Queens neighborhoods, and from as far away as Puerto 
Rico, Jamaica, and Russia.
  The word that best describes Co-op City is unique. The size of Co-op 
City and the diversity of its people set it apart from any other 
neighborhood in New York City. At a time when we hear so much about 
racial and religious intolerance, the people of Co-op City live and 
work together in harmony. The residents of Co-op City have always been 
politically active and involved in their community. They care about the 
place they live and are willing to fight for their rights.
  In my travels around the United States and in other countries, I have 
frequently met people who live in Co-op City or have relatives and 
friends who reside in the community. The legend of Co-op City, the 
largest housing development in the world, is truly global.
  I was proud to be the first elected official to open a district 
office in Co-op City, which started as a State assembly office and now 
serves my constituents as a congressional district office. With the 
support of Co-op City residents, I have fought to keep public housing 
available and affordable to middle-class families.
  Over the years, there have been many battles and problems to address, 
and many conflicts and rivalries, but Co-op City continues to survive 
and thrive. In just the past few years, innovative programs in public 
safety and the care of senior citizens have been implemented. A major 
shopping center at Bay Plaza has spearheaded an economic revival in the 
community, and new residents continue to arrive.
  We have much to be proud of and much to look forward to in Co-op 
City. There are many people who come to mind when I think of those who 
have worked hard to maintain this community. I want to commend and 
thank them all on behalf of myself, my family, and the constituents I 
represent. It is hard to believe that so much time has passed so 
quickly, but we have finally reached the quarter century milestone. 
Happy 25th anniversary, Co-op City. It has been an honor to be part of 
the history of Co-op City, and I look forward to serving the community 
for many more years to come.

                          ____________________