[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 206 (Monday, December 31, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1740-E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CO-OP CITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 31, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the largest co-
operative housing development in the nation and a place that holds a 
particularly meaningful place in my heart, Co-op City in the Bronx. 
This year, Co-op City celebrates its 50th Anniversary and as such 
stands as one of the great housing successes in our country's history.
  Co-op City is a New York State Mitchell-Lama housing cooperative with 
apartments in high-rise and townhouse buildings. There are three 
shopping centers on Co-op City property, 8 parking garages, 
professional offices and a complete educational park.
  Construction of Co-op City began in 1966 on a site that was formerly 
home to an amusement park at which I used to work as a young man called 
``Freedomland.'' Residents began moving into the complex in 1968, and 
construction was completed in 1973. Co-op City is divided into five 
sections, with each section denoted by a letter of the alphabet. Co-op 
City is managed by the Riverbay Corporation and is led by a Board of 15 
residents, each elected to three-year terms.

[[Page E1741]]

  Co-op City is a special place, not just to me, but to the thousands 
of people who have had the privilege of calling it home over the years. 
I myself am a former Co-op City resident, and my family and I lived 
there for many years. I have so many fond memories from my time there; 
from starting a family to beginning my career in public service, I can 
trace so many wonderful moments and life-events back to my Co-op City 
days. I can also trace so many wonderful friendships back to Co-op 
City, many I still cherish to this day.
  As fortunate as I was to have lived in Co-op City, I am just as 
fortunate to now represent Co-op City in the halls of Congress. I hope 
that my service can in some way give back to the community that has 
given me so much.
  As a part of the Mitchell-Lama housing program, Co-op City has 
provided quality housing at an affordable rate to generations of New 
Yorkers. As we celebrate its 50th Anniversary, it's important to 
reflect on just how fortunate we are to have such a strong and thriving 
housing development in the Bronx. I'm proud to say I lived in Co-op 
City, and I'm just as proud to still serve Co-op City today as 
Congressman.
  Congratulations to the Riverbay Board, the entire Co-op City 
community, and all the residents who have made the past 50 years in Co-
op City a tremendous success

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