Leave it to late Courier columnist Lou Powsner to make news from beyond the grave — and to us to save the day.
We reported earlier this week that “Louis Powsner Way” was coming to the People’s Playground, after the city approved a bill from Councilman Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island) — which he sponsored after a gentle prod from us — to honor the writer and civic activist in his beloved neighborhood.
We noticed that the Council blooped when it designated the tribute block as W. 17th Street and Surf Avenue — not Mermaid Avenue where Lou operated his men’s furnishings store for 44 years. We informed Treyger’s people of the need for a prompt correction, but they stuck by the original designation, saying any change at the eleventh hour meant a slew of new legislation.
Naturally, we weren’t happy about that: running with a goof and naming the wrong street seemed more of an insult than an honor to us, not to mention an upset for Lou’s family — daughter Bonnie even called us to call out the flub.
But we’re glad to report that Treyger didn’t let Lou down, and his flack reported a happy ending after we went to press.
“Surf Avenue was a mistake in legislation and will be fixed with a letter to Department of Transportation,” said Connor Greene. “No re-doing of legislation and the family will be happy.”
Lou would be proud that the Courier and the councilman stuck by his trusty motto to “fight for what’s right.”
