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Montefiore, Bronx Zoo, Fordham and NY Botanical Garden Join Forces to Transform the Bronx

'Four Bronx Institutions Alliance' honored by Mayor Bloomberg for collaborative efforts to improve the borough

Montefiore Medical Center has been honored as a member of a coalition of Bronx institutions aiming to promote beautification and economic development, as well as reduce traffic congestion, in the northern part of the borough.

The Four Bronx Institutions Alliance (FBIA), which includes Montefiore, the Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo), Fordham University and the New York Botanical Garden, recently received one of 11 New York City Neighborhood Achievement Awards for 2008. More than 700 guests gathered at Gracie Mansion as Mayor Michael Bloomberg recognized FBIA's sharing of talents and resources to improve the Bronx.

Montefiore President and CEO Steven M. Safyer, MD, (pictured third from left) joins Mayor Michael Bloomberg and representatives from FBIA and other Bronx businesses at the NYC Neighborhood Achievement Awards Ceremony.

"The four Bronx institutions have combined their talents and resources to turn the Bronx into one of the city's top cultural destinations," Mayor Bloomberg noted. "They are not only developing an urban revitalization plan that better connects the member institutions physically and programmatically, but leading the effort to recognize the value of partnership between large institutions."

Collaborative efforts include an ongoing project to renovate Mosholu Parkway and Fordham Road using city funding. These projects were undertaken in consultation with other groups of neighbors, community boards, leaders and governmental representatives to forge a broader sense of voluntary civic partnership and highlight the ever-deepening partnership among the participants.

"We will continue to think ‘inside the Bronx' and support socially-committed projects, programs and services with, and for, our neighbors," said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center. "Creative initiatives and enduring partnerships such as this one can help transform the well-being of our entire region."