[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 163 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BUDDY SCOTTO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Buddy Scotto, a 
longtime friend, community member and local leader from Carroll 
Gardens, Brooklyn. For decades, Buddy's commitment to serving the 
community he loves has led many neighbors and friends to nickname him 
as the unofficial Mayor of Carroll Gardens.
  Buddy's family came to Carroll Gardens as Italian immigrants to 
Brooklyn. The family quickly became known in the community as they 
started a funeral-home business, a wine business, and later, four movie 
theaters.
  After graduating from the original St. Francis College, Buddy served 
in the Korean War.
  When his parents were nearing retirement, Buddy returned home to 
obtain his Funeral Directors License. When many of his peers were 
leaving Brooklyn for suburbs in Long Island, Buddy's deep sense of 
connection to Brooklyn and care for his community led him to become a 
champion for local causes.
  Among his many areas of advocacy, Buddy has fought for affordable 
housing for seniors and low-income families, while also advocating to 
clean up the Gowanus Canal. In 1971, he founded the Carroll Gardens 
Association which helps advocate for affordable housing and local 
business growth. In 1978, Buddy founded the Gowanus Canal Community 
Development Corporation, a non-profit focused on revitalizing the 
canal, organizing public meetings and expanding affordable housing. He 
also helped found the Eileen Dugan Senior Center, an important anchor 
for the community.
  On the very special occasion of his 90th birthday this year, I would 
like to thank Buddy for everything he has done and continues to do for 
the Carroll Gardens community. The neighborhood would not be the same 
without him.

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