[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REINTRODUCTION OF THE REVITALIZING CITIES THROUGH PARKS ENHANCEMENT 
                              (RECIPE) ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, September 28, 2008

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today, I reintroduce legislation, the 
Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement, RECIPE, Act, that would 
establish a $10 million grant program for qualified, nonprofit, 
community groups, allowing them to lease municipally-owned vacant lots 
and transform these areas into parks. Parks and gardens created with 
the grants will not only provide safe places to gather, but will 
increase property values as well. The grants will be available from the 
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to groups who have met 
standards of financial security, and who have histories of serving 
their communities. To further ensure that these grants are used to make 
lasting positive changes, land improved and made into open community 
space under this legislation must be available for use as open space 
from the government for at least 7 years.

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