When former Mayor Ed Koch died this past winter, many New Yorkers looked back at video clips of him waving and yelling, “Welcome to my bridge!” at several passing vehicles – including a livery cab transporting current Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
But if one City Councilman has his way, the Queensboro Bridge at 59th Street will not be Koch’s bridge for much longer. But the issue has nothing to do with Koch personally.
The bridge was renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge for Koch in 2011. And City Councilman Peter Vallone (D-22nd) says it’s nothing personal, but he wants Koch’s name removed.
“From day one, I’ve said this is not about Ed Koch,” Vallone told WCBS 880’s Jim Smith. “He’s always been a good friend to my family; a good friend to my father. He’s always supported me in the past.”
Koch was honored to have his name given to the bridge.
“I’m full of gratitude and grateful, uh it’s wonderful,” he said.
The issue, Vallone said, is borough pride for Queens.
“Can you imagine the people of Brooklyn being OK with the Brooklyn Bridge being renamed, or the Manhattan Bridge being renamed?” Vallone said. “Only in Queens were they allowed to get away with this.”
It isn’t that Vallone has any problem with the deceased mayor, he simply wants to see him honored in a different way.
“From the beginning I said the Municipal Building next to City Hall should be renamed the Ed Koch Municipal Building,” Vallone said.
Read more at 1010 WINS NY.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
Really, it is not a big deal, but I can understand if the people want their bridge in its original form. Perhaps the name was forced upon them. Either way, do something nice for the Mayor.
This are politicians at their best… no bigger concerns than this.
It is true. The Queensboro Bridge and the Triboro Bridge had names that described where they went and made navigating NY easier.