[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING THE CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, all across America, people from every walk 
of life carry a vision in their heads and in their hearts of the 
perfect community--of the kind of place where they can raise their 
children and their children can in turn raise their children.
  There's no doubt that everyone's picture would look different, based 
on our own experience. But I feel certain they would have many elements 
in common. We want safe neighborhoods. We want to be economically 
secure. And we want to keep our families healthy. These are the 
building blocks of a liveable community, and the City of Louisville has 
played an important role in helping to put them into place, serving as 
a model for inner-city revitalization.
  The city has rehabilitated and built hundreds of housing units, 
they've created new jobs and businesses, and more families are building 
stable, productive lives. East Russell, an inner-city Louisville 
Neighborhood, has seized the nation's attention by creating a 
renaissance in that part of the city, bringing it new life and 
vitality. Rightfully so, this revitalization project has received 
attention by mayors and elected officials all over the United States.
  The University of Louisville's Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods (SUN) 
is devoted to making inner city neighborhoods healthy and safe places 
to live. The project is located at the Center for Urban and Economic 
Research at the University of Louisville. One of the biggest 
accomplishments of this project has been building affordable houses for 
residents with a strong cooperative effort by the entire staff, 
including the University of Louisville, CityBank, and Telesis, along 
with many community organizations.
  Mr. President, the SUN staff--including its Director, Dr. John 
Gilderbloom and students from the University of Louisville --and SUN 
community partners have already done so much to strengthen our inner 
city communities and boost the hopes and spirits of the people living 
there.
  I would ask that my colleagues join me today in commending their work 
to make our cities ``dream places'' to live and for their continued 
commitment to the greater community. And as they host their conference 
the week of October 15th through the 17th, we wish them the best of 
luck in their continued efforts.

                          ____________________