[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E983-E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, RECEIVES GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARD

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, only five cities were singled out by the 
National Trust for Historic Preservation for its Great American Main

[[Page E984]]

Street Award. One of them, Saratoga Springs, NY, is in the 22d 
Congressional District I have the privilege of representing.
  The award was well earned. Saratoga Springs has long enjoyed its 
distinction as a city of thoroughbred racing and fine mansions. But by 
the 1970's, the city's charm was starting to fade. Fortunately, 
Saratogians are justifiably proud of their city, and a group of them 
decided to restore the city's splendor to its fullest.
  About a quarter century ago building facades were crumbling and the 
downtown was lifeless. Fear that a recently constructed nearby 
supermall would drain the city's commercial blood, a group of citizens 
responded by forming what was known as the plan of action. Besides 
encouraging ideas on renovation, plan of action led to a special 
assessment district, a group of 82 downtown property owners on and 
along Broadway who paid an additional tax each year for improvements.
  These efforts, in turn, led to a spring flowerplanting program and 
the gathering of residents 4 days a week to dig up sidewalks and plant 
250 trees along Broadway. The city also boasts of a new urban center 
that attracts tourists even outside the racing season.
  To make a long story short, Mr. Speaker, the total value of downtown 
property was valued at $15 million in the early 1970's and is valued at 
$63 million today.
  The summer season of thoroughbred racing and Saratoga Performing Arts 
Center always drew tourists to Saratoga Springs. But the city's finest 
sons and daughters were not content until they once again had a city 
worthy of those two attractions.
  As the recipient of a Great American Main Street Award, Saratoga 
Springs will receive a plaque to display along the street, a 
certificate, a trophy, and a $5,000 award to be put in a revolving 
trust controlled by the city's Preservation Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, the spirit that restored Saratoga Springs is the spirit 
that made America the greatest country in the world. I'm proud of the 
city, privileged to represent her residents in Congress, and fortunate 
to have my major district office on Broadway.
  Let us now, Mr. Speaker, add our own voices to the growing chorus of 
tributes to Saratoga Springs, NY, as one of this Nation's truly fine 
cities.

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