Elected officials and share holders joined the Fordham Hill Owners Corporation as it celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday.

The Fordham Hill Owners Corporation brands itself as "the oasis in the Bronx."

"Forty years ago, people weren't sure what this community would bring, but there were true believers. People stepped up and said we could offer an affordable quality of life to help the people who want to be part of that middle class and live the American dream, and have the safety and security of a strong community," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The community is now filled with more than 1,000 homeowners and a diversity board of members who helped increase the co-op's property value by over 200% in just seven years.

"It just shows that we can manage, it just shows that we can lead, and with 95% of board members being people of color, that's really good for the shareholders, because when they're interviewing to come in here, and they see a Latino board president and they see an African American secretary, it's really inspiring," said board secretary Rachel Miller-Bradshaw.

The shareholders are not only creating a safe, well-rounded community for themselves, but they're also working to improve the quality of life outside the community's gates.

"We're very community engagement-minded, we're also advocating for the surrounding community because we believe when the community is prospering, that affects us as shareholders," Miller-Bradshaw said.

The Corporation also works with local law enforcement to reduce crime in the area by installing lights and security cameras by using its budget.