The former home of the “Triumph of Civic Virtue” statue, located just outside Queens Borough Hall, has fallen into disrepair. Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup
Where once there was the “Triumph of Civic Virtue” statue outside Queens Borough Hall now lies litter and graffiti – and area residents and civic leaders are calling for change to the area.
The statue – a 1919 piece by Frederick MacMonnies that once stood outside City Hall – was removed, to the dismay of numerous civic leaders and legislators, from its perch just off Queens Boulevard to Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery in December. After the removal, which drew cries of outrage from individuals like Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey and Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), the area where it had been has fallen into disrepair. Despite fencing around the site, vandals have tagged the spot with graffiti and trash is strewn throughout the area.
“It’s awful,” said CB 9 member Maria Thomson. “The statue is hiding away is some cemetery, and now nothing’s being done there. If you’re going to remove something, give us something of value in its place – at least do that.”
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall is speaking with city officials about building a women’s memorial where the statue stood. The memorial could include the names and contributions of women from the borough – as well as a restored fountain.
By Anna Gustafson
