Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office
Miele family members, elected officials, and civic leaders honored the late Miele Sr. at the renaming of the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.
By Forum Staff
The Howard Beach community and south Queens pols joined the family of Joel Miele, Sr. on Friday to honor the late civic leader and City official at a bridge renaming ceremony.
Miele, who died in May 2013, was a U.S. Navy veteran, chairman of Community Board 10, and Department of Environmental Protection commissioner. In March, CB 10 voted unanimously to indicate its support to City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) to commemorate Miele, who was well known in south Queens for his dedication and service to others. In April, the board submitted its formal request to Ulrich.
In its request letter, CB 10 identified the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge as a very “suitable and fitting location to note Miele’s long-standing and commendable service to his country, state, city, borough and the community in which he was almost a life-long resident.” Located between 99th Street and Hamilton Beach, the bridge is less than 200 feet away from Miele’s family home, where he and his wife raised their three children. The span is also just six blocks away from Miele’s childhood home.
Ulrich expressed his full support of the idea and sponsored Intro. 1627. In May, the City Council unanimously passed Ulrich’s bill to rename the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Howard Beach the “Joel A. Miele, Sr. Pedestrian Bridge.”
“Joel was the epitome of a good citizen. He was known throughout the community as a leader and friend. As a Navy veteran, Joel bravely served our country,” Ulrich said. “I am proud to have played a part in the renaming of the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge. It is my hope that its new name will serve as a beautiful reminder of his many contributions.”
In addition to his service in the military and on CB 10, Miele served the City in a number of capacities. He was a member of the City Planning Commission, and from 1994 to 1996, Miele was Buildings commissioner. And from 1996 to 2002, he served as DEP commissioner. Miele was also a professional engineer and philanthropist, frequently dedicating his spare time to charitable engineering organizations, his family noted.
In addition to his service in the military and on CB 10, Miele served the City in a number of capacities. He was a member of the City Planning Commission, and from 1994 to 1996, Miele was Buildings commissioner. From 1996 to 2002, he served as DEP Commissioner. Miele was also a professional engineer and philanthropist, frequently dedicating his spare time to charitable engineering organizations, his family noted.
“He was a person who served this community adamantly for decades,” said CB 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton. “I’m particularly happy with it because I’ve known Joel since I was child. He was a neighbor, a friend and a colleague. Nobody deserves this more than Joel Miele.”
