Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
Joined by representatives of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island and the New York Aquarium, the Mayor also presented a proclamation declaring Monday, Sept. 9, 1996, as "Shorefront Seniors Volunteer Recognition Day"
Speaking before more than 1,000 seniors who attended the awards ceremony held at the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, the Mayor said: "Senior New Yorkers are great assets to our City. They share their knowledge, experience and wisdom and participate in the life of the community.
"It is important that they receive the services and assistance they need and that they are treated with the respect they so much deserve. That is why senior citizens have always been a top priority in my administration," the Mayor said.
"Because we realize how important senior centers are to our community, we haven't closed a single door of any of our 335 senior centers across the five boroughs. We've worked hard to improve the quality of life for seniors," added the Mayor.
During the Giuliani administration the crime rate in New York has been cut down by an unprecedented 37%. Thus, senior citizens live in safer, cleaner neighborhoods. For instance, crime in the 45th precinct in Brooklyn has experienced record lows. Compared with 1993, murder has dropped 80%, rape is down 47%, burglary is down 45% and auto theft is down 25%.
"We owe this terrific accomplishment to the hard work and dedication of the police department, the City and the community itself. Hard work and dedication is something that our seniors are familiar with. And we are pleased that we can provide them with the fruits of our efforts: a safer and cleaner environment," concluded the Mayor.