LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Heart of the City Neighborhoods for its
outstanding service to the community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Heart of the City Neighborhoods for its outstanding service to the
community; and
WHEREAS, Heart of the City Neighborhoods is a not-for-profit Community
Development Corporation that provides quality, affordable housing in
Buffalo's Lower West Side; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Heart of the City Neighborhoods is to create,
facilitate, and support housing and neighborhood development in the
Lower West Side of the City of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Heart of the City Neighborhoods creates programs to improve
the quality of residential housing, assist private developers, neighbor-
hood leaders, the City of Buffalo, and other not-for-profit organiza-
tions to develop projects to improve neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Acting in conjunction with residents, neighborhood organiza-
tions, local leaders, financial institutions, and real estate profes-
sionals, Heart of the City Neighborhoods works diligently to stabilize
and create mixed income neighborhoods where people of all incomes will
have a better quality of life and take pride in their property, street,
and community; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, the Office of the City of Buffalo Strategic Planning
noted Heart of the City Neighborhoods' service area in the Lower West
Side as having 310 vacant properties, 257 residential properties, 52
commercial properties, and 1 urban renewal/slum clearance; and
WHEREAS, Heart of the City Neighborhoods has executed minor home
repairs on 44 homes, major rehabilitation on 7 homes (13 units), and
major rehabilitation on 1 six-unit rental property; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Heart of the City Neighborhoods has created a Lower
West Side Map and Guide to highlight this unique neighborhood comprised
of public spaces, local businesses, cultural amenities, and vibrant
residential communities; and
WHEREAS, Heart of the City Neighborhoods offers referrals to resources
for homeowners, first-time homebuyers, and tenants; it also serves as
Ellicott District Liaison at housing court hearings to assist neighbors
who have properties they are no longer able to care for in an effort to
build a stronger community; and
WHEREAS, Heart of the City Neighborhoods utilizes a block-by-block
approach to fighting blight and abandoned homes within its service area
and has planted 299 trees all over the Lower West Side, including along
the Hudson Street and Whitney Place target areas, as part of its neigh-
borhood beautification program; and
WHEREAS, Everything Heart of the City Neighborhoods does is with a
singular goal: to improve housing opportunities and quality of life
within its service area, and by extension, throughout the City of
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Heart of the City Neighborhoods for its outstanding service to the
community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Stephanie Simeon, Executive Director, Heart of the City
Neighborhoods.