Since Geraldine Ferraro passed away on March 26, after a more than decade long battle with cancer, Queens residents have mourned her loss.
The City Council currently has a resolution on the floor to honor the accomplishments of the former New York state representative, submitted by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who recently added a new request for the City Council—one that would rename a street in Forest Hills, where Ferraro lived.
Koslowitz submitted a bill request nearly three weeks ago that would co-name Ascan Avenue at its junction with Austin Street. The new street sign would mark a spot Ferraro frequently passed as she made her way through her neighborhood, and sometimes stopped to shop.
Ferraro, who died at the age of 75, made a prominent rise through the city’s political ranks from assistant district attorney in Queens to three terms as a representative of New York’s Ninth District as the first woman to represent Queens in Congress. She also became the first woman to run as the vice presidential candidate; she did so with Walter Mondale in 1984—paving the way for female legislators like Koslowitz and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Koslowitz considered Ferraro a pioneer, and a friend. “I was proud to have known Geraldine Ferraro and admired her strength and knowledge. She will be missed, but always remembered. She truly paved the way for women,” Koslowitz said.
However, the street sign won’t go up immediately. The bill, in its infancy, will still have to be drafted and sent to the City Council Parks and Recreation Committee before going before the full City Council. After it’s approval in the City Council—of which Koslowitz is certain—Mayor Michael Bloomberg will sign the bill into law.
But someday soon, Ascan Avenue will have an addendum—a Queens political icon, Geraldine Ferraro.
By David Harvey
