[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2130-E2131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUTTON AREA COMMUNITY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, for three decades, Sutton Area Community, 
Inc., has served as the voice of New Yorkers residing on the East Side 
of Manhattan between 52nd and 59th Street, from Second Avenue to the 
East River. Founded to maintain and improve the quality of life in that 
historic neighborhood, Sutton Area Community (SAC) has united area 
residents on a myriad of concerns and its ranks now include over 2000 
dues-paying members. On October 22nd, SAC celebrated its thirtieth 
anniversary at the internationally renowned Perigord restaurant, at 
which its members honored their community's extraordinarily dedicated 
and effective representative in the New York State Assembly, the 
Honorable Jonathan Bing.
  The dedicated members of Sutton Area Community, currently led by the 
estimable Mary Clare Bergin, have been at the forefront of efforts the 
surrounding community. Its volunteers have spearheaded local 
beautification initiatives. Thanks to the tireless efforts of SAC's 
members, seasonal planting and iron fence tree enclosures have been 
installed between Sutton Place and Second Avenue, and dozens of trees 
have been planted on and around First Avenue. In addition, SAC members 
serve as conscientious caretakers of three ``pocket'' parks at 54th, 
57th and 58th streets. The carefully maintained greenery and flowers 
have created a ripple effect, inspiring owners and residents of 
neighboring buildings to make improvements to their own landscaping, 
making a community already renowned for its quiet elegance a charm an 
even more idyllic oasis for residents and visitors alike.
  The tranquil quality of life of Sutton Place and its environs is 
rendered even more remarkable for its proximity to midtown Manhattan, 
the most bustling and thriving commercial district in the entire United 
States. A constant concern for Sutton Area Community residents is the 
considerable traffic congestion due to the neighborhood's close 
proximity to the Queensborough Bridge and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt 
Drive. After the New York City Department of Transportation made an 
ill-considered decision to close the 48th street ramp onto the FDR 
Drive, forcing over tens of thousands of motorists onto local streets, 
SAC worked with elected officials and civic organizations to overturn 
this ill-considered decision. Their persuasive and persistent lobbying 
ultimately won the day, and the ramp was reopened.
  In addition, the members of Sutton Area Community successfully fought 
a proposal to eliminate local bus stops. Such a move would have had 
very negative consequences on the neighborhood's significant population 
of seniors, and I was pleased to joined with SAC members, other elected 
officials and Manhattan Community Board 6 to urge successfully that the 
bus stops be restored. It is a testament to SAC and the strength of 
their organization that the stops remained in place.
  Armed with the knowledge that clean and safe streets are keys to 
maintaining the quality of life in an intense urban environment, SAC 
works closely with the 17th Precinct of the New York Police Department. 
Its members have former one of the largest groups of volunteer 
``blockwatchers'' in New York City. SAC also has contracted with the 
Doe Fund, a not-for-profit organization that provides jobs for the 
homeless, to improve sweeping and sanitation of the streets.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
saluting the tremendous

[[Page E2131]]

contributions to the civic life of New York City made by the members of 
the Sutton Area Community and their Assemblymember, Jonathan Bing, and 
in wishing them continued success at their vital mission in the years 
to come.

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