[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23087] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUTTON AREA COMMUNITY, INC. ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, for three decades, Sutton Area Community, Inc., has served as the voice of New Yorkers residing on the East Side of Manhattan between 52nd and 59th Street, from Second Avenue to the East River. Founded to maintain and improve the quality of life in that historic neighborhood, Sutton Area Community (SAC) has united area residents on a myriad of concerns and its ranks now include over 2000 dues-paying members. On October 22nd, SAC celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at the internationally renowned Perigord restaurant, at which its members honored their community's extraordinarily dedicated and effective representative in the New York State Assembly, the Honorable Jonathan Bing. The dedicated members of Sutton Area Community, currently led by the estimable Mary Clare Bergin, have been at the forefront of efforts the surrounding community. Its volunteers have spearheaded local beautification initiatives. Thanks to the tireless efforts of SAC's members, seasonal planting and iron fence tree enclosures have been installed between Sutton Place and Second Avenue, and dozens of trees have been planted on and around First Avenue. In addition, SAC members serve as conscientious caretakers of three ``pocket'' parks at 54th, 57th and 58th streets. The carefully maintained greenery and flowers have created a ripple effect, inspiring owners and residents of neighboring buildings to make improvements to their own landscaping, making a community already renowned for its quiet elegance a charm an even more idyllic oasis for residents and visitors alike. The tranquil quality of life of Sutton Place and its environs is rendered even more remarkable for its proximity to midtown Manhattan, the most bustling and thriving commercial district in the entire United States. A constant concern for Sutton Area Community residents is the considerable traffic congestion due to the neighborhood's close proximity to the Queensborough Bridge and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Drive. After the New York City Department of Transportation made an ill-considered decision to close the 48th street ramp onto the FDR Drive, forcing over tens of thousands of motorists onto local streets, SAC worked with elected officials and civic organizations to overturn this ill-considered decision. Their persuasive and persistent lobbying ultimately won the day, and the ramp was reopened. In addition, the members of Sutton Area Community successfully fought a proposal to eliminate local bus stops. Such a move would have had very negative consequences on the neighborhood's significant population of seniors, and I was pleased to joined with SAC members, other elected officials and Manhattan Community Board 6 to urge successfully that the bus stops be restored. It is a testament to SAC and the strength of their organization that the stops remained in place. Armed with the knowledge that clean and safe streets are keys to maintaining the quality of life in an intense urban environment, SAC works closely with the 17th Precinct of the New York Police Department. Its members have former one of the largest groups of volunteer ``blockwatchers'' in New York City. SAC also has contracted with the Doe Fund, a not-for-profit organization that provides jobs for the homeless, to improve sweeping and sanitation of the streets. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in saluting the tremendous contributions to the civic life of New York City made by the members of the Sutton Area Community and their Assemblymember, Jonathan Bing, and in wishing them continued success at their vital mission in the years to come. ____________________