[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S8577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                30TH BIRTHDAY OF HARBOR TOWER APARTMENTS

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 30th 
birthday of Harbor Tower Apartments in Escanaba, Michigan, which was 
officially celebrated on July 13, 2000. For thirty years, the presence 
of Harbor Tower Apartments has enabled the Escanaba Housing Commission, 
in coalition with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to 
provide low-income housing to members of the Escanaba community.
  Harbor Tower, an 18 floor, 175 apartment building, was built in 1970. 
The official dedication of the building took place on July 13th of that 
same year, and was attended by Miss America Pamela Anne Eldred. The 
Harbor Tower Apartments are managed by the Escanaba Housing Commission, 
a group comprised of five full-time employees and a five member Board 
of Commissioners appointed by the City Council of Escanaba.
  To qualify to live in Harbor Tower Apartments, individuals must meet 
the income guidelines set out by HUD. If they qualify under these 
guidelines, their rent is determined by their income, with HUD 
providing subsidy funds. Harbor Tower Apartments is considered a high 
performer by HUD's PHMAP scoring system. The PHMAP is a grade given to 
the management and staff on their performance and upkeep of the 
building.
  Perhaps the most important element of Harbor Tower Apartments, at 
least to the Escanaba Housing Commission, is to make residents feel as 
if they are a part of a community. They can participate in a variety of 
activities, including a weekly Rosary, monthly church services, a 
monthly club meeting, a summer picnic, and other special dinners. In 
addition, membership in the Harbor Tower Club is available to any 
resident for only $6 per year. The club's activities include a monthly 
catered dinner and dance, an annual Christmas Bazaar, and special 
holiday parties.
  Mr. President, I congratulate all of the people whose hard work over 
the years has made this 30th birthday possible. It is because of their 
dedication that quality housing remains an option to Escanaba citizens 
of all income levels. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I 
wish the Harbor Tower Apartments continued success in the 
future.

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