David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

Becoming a first-time homebuyer is a major accomplishment. For many it is a first step towards independence, for others it's a necessity and for others, the right thing at the right time. But for us sitting in this room, we know it's the way to grow our community and make it prosper. It's a known fact that the strongest, the safest, and the most stable communities are the ones where home ownership is high. Not only does home ownership provide a sense of personal accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction, but it also challenges us. It challenges us to maintain something that reflects who we are.

Who are we? You know, that's a question that I've found myself asking since the time I took office in January. It's a relatively simple question with obviously complex answers. Utica is a melting pot. We are in fact one of the most diverse communities in all of New York State. We are fortunate to have so many people from so many different parts of the world. We are embracing their cultures and traditions.  However, with that comes the responsibility for more effective, more robust, and more genuine programs that put everyday people and new arrivals to this country in good hands, and inevitably a better life.

That is what the Home Ownership Center does in our

great city. Before I elaborate on that fact I'd like to share

with you the programs offered by this organization and

the number of people they have served. Over the last 11

years or since 1995 the Homeownership Center has under

the Home Buyer Education Program assisted 1,250

individuals.

CONTINUED:

  (Chart taken from Home Ownership Website)

Those numbers truly do showcase a center that is not only enriching the lives of this community, but it tells me, as the Mayor of Utica, NY, that I'm not alone in my mission to keep Utica as great as it is, and to propel Utica into something even better. That's why the center also partners with our Weed and Seed Program. Through this, we have seen the neighborhoods of West Utica also transform.

I think it's also important to note that The Home Ownership Center is the only community based non-profit organization that partners with the federal, state, and local governments to drive successful home ownership in Utica and far beyond in areas like Herkimer and Madison Counties as well. Equally important are the partnerships The Home Ownership Center builds with local residents to create safer and more affordable neighborhoods through their customized community development.

Over 90 blocks of Uticans participate in the mission of this center, and the Home Ownership board is comprised of more than 51% of residents from just the east side of the city alone.

Now, getting back to what I mentioned earlier: Robust and Genuine programs. The American dream is to own your own home, and the Home Ownership center works to make that dream come true by providing  programs that work.

But what makes owning your own home so worthwhile? I often hear people who think that renting an apartment is the same as owning a home. Well, that's not exactly true. Everyone says renting your first apartment makes you feel like an adult. What no one mentions is that leaving it turns you right back into a child.

We all know that you can't sell a rented apartment. Everyday, right here in Utica, people invest thousands into a property they themselves will never own. Is that a bad thing? Not really, as long as the owner keeps up the property and makes sure that the property remains up to codes and provides a safe environment for his teneants. However, the Home Ownership Center's mission is to assist that particular renter who wants to control their own environment and provide a haven for themselves and their family.  Through the efforts of this wonderful organization; home ownership is becoming a reality for many who never thought it could be possible. Let me say that because of the services provided by the Center, Utica's once blighted neighborhoods are rebounding. And I thank you. 

 As does my friend and colleague Jim Zecca. Tonight Jim is going to receive the Dorothy Richardson award for Community Leadership and let me tell you, not a better person could have been selected.  As you know, Jim represents a section of Utica that has been helped much by the center. Nobody loves West Utica more than Jim Zecca and just last week we held a press conference to announce we weren't going to tolerate Urban Blight. We all agree that adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, clean streets and pride for what belongs to you, are necessary to rebuild and maintain our city.  Jim and I agree that this administration must stay the course and demand that of our citizens. But we are also cognizant that many in our community want this, but do not know how to go about and make this happen for themselves. This is where the rubber meets the road. For the Homeownership Center to do its job, to help members of our community who don't know how to make this happen, it needs partners to assist.

Consider me a partner, a quasi member of your board. I want nothing more than to end absentee landlords who collect from the government while providing nothing to the renter and nothing to this city. Our communities are built on the people who live in them, and we fall by those who abandon us.

I am a staunch advocate for the hard work this center does and for the ideals it spreads to this rich community. I'm talking about the same ideals I've taught my own children, the same ideals that told me to run for Mayor. Together, we can and we will enhance the Home Ownership Center's great mission, and Utica will continue to be a place where rich heritage and culture combine to bring everyone to their own backyard, their own living rooms, and their own plot of land they can call their very own.

I laud the hard work of the Center's employees, the leadership of Jan Forte and the commitment of the board of directors. I graciously thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. You personify the saying: "We're in this together" for that is the only way we can make it happen.