Someday soon, a founding father of Dyker Heights may get the recognition he has long deserved.
At its May meeting, Community Board 10 unanimously voted to rename the southwest corner of 82nd Street and 11th Avenue in memory of Walter L. Johnson, who, said Transportation Committee Chair Brian Kieran, had, “Founded the neighborhood as a ‘private restricted community’ with pillars and archways, which, before the enactment of zoning regulations assured only high−end residential development.”
Johnson’s home was at the corner that the Dyker Heights Civic Association (DHCA) had asked to dedicate to his memory, Kieran told board members gathered at the Norwegian Christian Home, 1250 67th Street.
The recommendation is that the sign should read, “Walter L. Johnson Corner, Developer of Dyker Heights.”
DHCA plans to consider the possibility of putting a plaque at the corner to honor Johnson, as well, said Kieran.
The request was brought to CB 10 by Christian Joseph Zaino, DHCA’s historian.