[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2016

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
City of Downey on its 60th anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Downey and its residents on this magnificent 
milestone. It is my great privilege to represent this distinguished and 
dynamic city as part of California's 40th Congressional District.
  The City of Downey, home to more than 113,000 residents, is a diverse 
community with a small-town friendliness located in the middle of an 
expansive metropolitan area. Downey, named an All-America City in 2013, 
was incorporated in 1956 after a lively local debate in which residents 
campaigned for, and ultimately won, self-governance of the formerly 
unincorporated Downey community.
  Since that time, Downey has consistently been known for its quality 
residential neighborhoods, excellent schools, rich aerospace history, 
and engaging civic life. From the first Taco Bell restaurant and the 
oldest operational McDonald's, to the Apollo Space Program and Space 
Shuttles, Downey embodies its motto, ``Future Unlimited.''
  Like the proponents of Downey's incorporation in the 1950s--many of 
whom are still actively engaged in the community--the successive 
generations of Downey residents have been committed to making Downey 
the very best it can be. City leaders continuously strive to improve 
the high quality of life for which the City of Downey is known, by 
providing the best possible service to residents, businesses, and each 
other in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
  Downey has experienced significant developments during the last 
decade, including the revitalization of its downtown; an arts and 
culture movement, the city's new branding identity, Discover Downey; 
and, most significantly, the redevelopment of the former NASA 
Industrial Plant Site.
  Today, the NASA site has been transformed from a vacant and blighted 
eyesore to a new and thriving community asset. On the northern end of 
the NASA site, the Downey Landing Commercial Center boasts 375,000 
square feet of high-quality retail options for Downey residents. Kaiser 
Medical Center Downey, a new 352-bed hospital, created approximately 
3,000 jobs, and has many environmentally friendly features and new 
medical offices. Discovery Sports Complex provided Downey residents 
with its first new public park space in more than 30 years.
  The Columbia Memorial Space Center, which honors the crew of STS-107 
lost on February 1, 2003, has been named the official national memorial 
to the Space Shuttle Columbia by a joint resolution of the U.S. Senate 
and House of Representatives. The center opened its doors in 2009 and 
is a popular destination for students and educators seeking to learn 
about space and science.
  Most recent is the development of the Promenade at Downey, a 656,000-
square-foot shopping center and entertainment district. The Promenade 
is Downey's newest community gathering spot and tourist destination, 
merging retail, dining, and entertainment with a one-of-a-kind walk 
through history.
  Close to 60 years after incorporation, Downey remains a special 
place. Downey's indescribable essence of community is why generations 
of residents remain there, and why Downey continues to be a beacon to 
its surrounding cities. The relationships between Downey's individuals 
and institutions--between its community organizations, schools, local 
businesses, houses of worship, and residents--mean that Downey is 
uniquely capable of facing the challenges of the 21st century with the 
same spirit of vigor and commitment that created the city. This spirit 
will guide Downey as it continues into the ``Future Unlimited,'' 
ensuring public safety, encouraging economic growth, supporting 
environmental responsibility, and building on its illustrious past.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating Downey's 60th 
anniversary, and in wishing the city continued prosperity, growth, and 
happiness in all the years to come.

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