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Hoyer Announces Federal Funds for Gateway Arts District

April 30, 2004
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY - Congressman Steny Hoyer today presented $200,000 to the Gateway Community Development Corporation, which he secured for the Gateway Arts District in Mt. Rainier. The Gateway Arts District project is a major renovation project that runs along the Route 1 Corridor in areas covering Hyattsville, Mt. Rainier, and Brentwood.

Following are Congressman Hoyer's remarks, as prepared for delivery.

"There is nothing more important to the life and health of a town or any community than safe, vibrant neighborhoods.

"Far too often, we allow areas of blight and decay to fester, throwing up our hands in disgust and helplessness-unsure and, in some cases, unwilling to roll up our sleeves to improve our community.

"Years ago, sociologists invoked the image of broken windows to illustrate how neighborhoods decay-old abandoned buildings with broken windows may lead one to conclude that no one cares or that the area is unprotected. If people assume that an area is unprotected, they are likely to abandon the area or fail to improve it.

"People can disagree about the appropriate law enforcement approach to this phenomenon, but it is clear that if we want to stem the tide of neighborhood decay, it begins with fixing those broken windows.

"Where there is a vacuum in the community, where we neglect to provide parks, museums, cultural attractions, and affordable quality housing, that vacuum will be filled by less attractive, more negative influences.

"That's why I'm happy to stand here today with you-to celebrate an effort that will reuse abandoned, boarded up buildings and storefronts and replace them with quality homes and stores that will make this area more like a neighborhood.

"I am pleased to announce, that working with Congressman Van Hollen, and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Paul Sarbanes, we were able to secure $200,000 in the fiscal year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill for the Gateway Arts District.

"These funds will help to continue the effort to strengthen this neighborhood and help make it one of this region's most attractive, diverse gateways into the state of Maryland.

"The first building, the Mount Rainier artist lofts, will be a destination for artists to live, work, and exhibit their work, promising to surround this community with the creativity and beauty that comes with a gathering of working artists.

"It is an illustration of what happens when the community decides that it wants its neighborhood back-that decay and neglect must be rooted out to restore vitality, health, and beauty.

"It will be exciting to see a community celebrating art, culture, and education, connecting our children to new surroundings, alive with beauty, optimism, and energy.

"I applaud all of you for taking the first step in reclaiming your neighborhood. It's what you and your children deserve."

Gateway Community Development Corporation Board President Eileen Neely said, "the Gateway Arts District began as a community-based initiative and has remained community-based throughout it's development. It is very gratifying to live in a district where elected officials - from the local to the national level - are so responsive to the community's needs."

The Gateway Arts project includes acquiring dilapidated buildings and constructing 12,000 square feet of new commercial space and new units of artist housing. The funds that Congressman Hoyer secured will be used to renovate blighted buildings, serving as catalyst for extensive neighborhood revitalization.

Congressman Steny Hoyer is the only member from Maryland in the House of Representatives who is a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. These funds were included in the bill at his request.

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