Vintage Campaign Commercial Shows Ed Koch and the South Bronx in 1981

Ed Koch was Mayor of New York City from 1977 through 1989. In this vintage campaign commercial from 1981, watch as the Mayor proudly states that the South Bronx was "coming back", something people are still saying today.

In 1981 Mayor Ed Koch was running for reelection and used this commercial to show the progress taking place in the South Bronx and promised that the South Bronx was coming back.

While Mott Haven and Port Morris have some of the highest crime in the City, it is true that the area has improved greatly since the 1980s.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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