During Democratic administrations Edgewater has seen significant changes

Where there was an economy thrown off balance by the loss of industrial property taxes, there is now a thriving community with commercial and residential ratables.

Where there was a tax burden borne mostly on the backs of homeowners, there is now a restructured economic system substantially supported by business and building ventures.

Where there were abandoned factories and an unofficial city dump, there is now a thriving community of town and apartment houses, shopping centers and recreational facilities.

Where there was a view of debris and desolation, there is now a landscaped promenade with an unobstructed view of the Hudson River and the New York skyline.

Where there was only dangerous and illegal access to the riverfront, there are now view corridors from public roads to a three and a half mile walkway.

Where there were ugly, derelict buildings and refuse on one side of the road – and 20 or 30 bars on the other – there are now cafes, restaurants and a proliferation of business enterprises.

Where there was an old two lane road through the borough, there is now a four and five lane highway with center islands.

Where there were depressed property values, the assessed valuation of real estate has more than doubled. Where there was no growth, there is not controlled growth.

Where there used to be more people working in Edgewater than living here, there are now about 2,000 more residents since the last census.

Where there was an urban wasteland, there are now condos and luxury rental units that attract upscale residents and which are maintained by their builders, who help stabilize the tax rate.

Where there were only two parks and three playgrounds, there are now eight parks and six playgrounds.

Where only one Senior Citizen residential building was available, there are now four.

Where there was no affordable housing for sale, there is now a way to make home ownership an option for low income families. The Democratic initiative to create a municipal committee for this purpose grew to become the stand alone, not for profit Affordable Homes of Metropolitan Edgewater organization of volunteers. AHOME will make four or five affordable condos available to low income families this summer, with more coming on the market in the fall.

And, as promised, we will continue the progress.