[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 107 (Thursday, July 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE FIRST SHILOH HOUSING CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2014

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Shiloh 
Housing Corporation for its inspired and visionary role in the 
successful conversion of the Ellicott Mall Development to an impressive 
mixed-use neighborhood including patio homes, town houses, apartments 
and a senior citizens center. Today, we come together in a community 
celebration to reflect on how far this neighborhood has come, and 
embrace the bright future ahead.
   Over twenty years ago, this area was an eight-tower, crime-ridden 
housing project in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Today, under the 
decades-long stewardship of the First Shiloh Baptist Church and its 
member-led Housing Corporation, this community exemplifies the good 
work happening to transform our hometown. From disinvestment to 
investment, from rundown to a return of residents filled with pride and 
optimism, its metamorphosis is truly remarkable.
   We owe a special debt of gratitude to the unique public-private 
partnership that came together in the early 1990's to harness the power 
of the federal low-income housing credit program which provided the 
financial foundation that fueled overdue demolitions, renovated 
apartments and private residences guided by the spirit of the newly 
formed First Shiloh Housing Corporation.
   The First Shiloh Housing project began laying this foundation in 
1992 when the Church, along with Norstar Development and the city of 
Buffalo, took matters into their own hands through a development 
strategy that included the residents. Putting people first was the 
guiding principle of the first president of the First Shiloh 
Development Corporation, Clemmon H. Hodges, whose name now graces the 
community center.
   With $40 million of reconstruction completed in 1998, First Shiloh 
added management and maintenance to its services to assist the rebirth 
of the neighborhood, now known as Ellicott Town Center.
   Today, surrounded by a downtown, waterfront and growing medical 
campus, this neighborhood is attracting increased commercial attention 
as a once shuttered hospital is now undergoing a $20 million renovation 
in close proximity to the Ellicott Town Center.
   With a richly deserved sense of accomplishment and confidence in the 
future, I am honored to join together with the board of directors of 
First Shiloh Housing Corporation under the leadership of the Reverend 
Jonathan R. Staples and President Grace Tate for this well-deserved 
community celebration.
   Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with the residents, families, 
stakeholders and fellow officials to offer congratulations and deepest 
appreciation for the faith and fortitude of First Shiloh Baptist 
Church. Thank you for allowing me to share this success story as it 
begins its next chapter.

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