[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE BRONX RECEIVES RECOGNITION AS A TOP 10 ALL-AMERICAN CITY

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, the New York City borough once 
derided as ``the worst slum in America'' has been named an All-American 
City by the National Civic League. This achievement, announced last 
weekend by Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, is the result of a 
decade of hard work and careful planning. Improved economic conditions 
have spawned a renewal of spirit; a cultural and economic renaissance 
that gives hope for the future.
  In his 1997 State of the Borough Report, President Ferrer writes, 
``Ten years ago, the Bronx was best known as the borough of window 
decals and trash-strewn vacant lots. Abandoned buildings. Illegal 
Medicaid mills. With its broken windows and broken dreams, the Borough 
of the Bronx stood as the international symbol of urban failure.''
  What a difference a decade can make. The National Civic League Award 
confirms what the residents of the Bronx already knew; their community 
has undergone an unprecedented transformation. This metamorphosis is 
evidenced by strong economic growth, 522 new businesses, the 
preservation of the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse, improvements in 
transportation, 30,000 new housing units, new parks and recreational 
facilities, and a celebration of the cultural and ethnic diversity of 
the people of the Bronx.
  President Ferrer, New York City officials and community leaders 
deserve our praise and our admiration. Together, they have earned an 
honor for the Bronx that makes all New Yorkers proud. In so doing, they 
have provided hope to other communities throughout the world. I ask 
that news stories from the New York Times and the Daily News be printed 
in the Record.
  The material follows:

                [From the New York Times, June 9, 1997]

                 The Bronx Is Named an All-America City

       The Bronx--once called ``the worst slum in America'' by 
     former President Carter--is one of America's top communities, 
     the National Civic League said, announcing its annual top 10 
     All-America Cities.
       Other winners were Fremont, Calif.; Hillside Neighborhood 
     (Colorado Springs), Colo.; Aberdeen, Md.; St. Joseph, Mo.; 
     Asheville, N.C.; Statesville, N.C.; Bismarck, N.D.; Aiken, 
     S.C.; and Texas City, Tex.
       The 48-year-old competition, sponsored by the Allstate 
     Foundation, judges cities based on citizen participation, 
     collaborative approaches to problem-solving, diversity and 
     education, among other criteria. Each winner receives a 
     $10,000 grant.
       Genevieve Brooks, the Bronx's deputy borough president, 
     said strong grass-roots efforts have helped stem crime, 
     improve neighborhood blight and open access to primary health 
     care for the poor. ``We are truly very excited that someone 
     else sees the hard work that we have done,'' Ms. Brooks said.
                                  ____


                  [From the Daily News, June 9, 1997]

                      Award Brings Cheer to Bronx

                          (By Bob Kappstatter)

       Aaaay. Don't diss the Bronx anymore.
       The gritty borough--once called ``the worst slum in 
     America'' by President Jimmy Carter--has kicked its arson-
     scarred stereotype.
       It has been named one of the top 10 All-American Cities by 
     the prestigious National Civic League, which recognized it 
     for its long battle against crime and drugs.
       ``We are no longer one of America's best kept secrets, but 
     one of its strongest success stories,'' crowed Borough 
     President Fernando Ferrer, who handily rattled off a list of 
     the borough's urban renewal accomplishments.
       They range from 30,000 new and restored units of housing, 
     to 522 new businesses representing an $460 million 
     investment.
       The 48-year-old competition, sponsored by the Allstate 
     Foundation, judged 128 original entrants based on citizen 
     participation, approaches to problem-solving, diversity and 
     education, among other criteria.
       Each winning community receives a $10,000 grant.
       Celeste Ortiz, a member of the Undercliff-Sedgwick 
     Neighborhood Safety-Services Council who participated in the 
     competition, said she was ``excited to be living in a part of 
     the city that is coming alive again.''
       ``Our morale has changed and now we see the Bronx as part 
     of the city, part of America,'' she said.
       Genevieve Brooks, now Bronx deputy borough president, was 
     one of the original driving forces that helped turn the ashes 
     and rubble of Charlotte St. and places like it into blocks of 
     sparkling new homes.
       She said strong local efforts have helped stem crime, erase 
     neighborhood blight and open access to primary health care 
     for the poor.
       ``We are truly very excited that someone else sees the hard 
     work that we have done,'' Brooks said.
       Other winners announced Saturday night in Kansas City, Mo., 
     were Fremont, Calif.; Hillside Neighborhood (Colorado 
     Springs), Colo.; Aberdeen, Md.; St. Joseph, Mo.; Asheville, 
     N.C.; Statesville, N.C.; Bismarck, N.D.; Aiken, S.C., and 
     Texas City, Tex.
       Some 120 communities applied for the reward.

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