How can you tell that DUMBO is officially a “real” neighborhood? Bureaucrats have started renaming its streets after other bureaucrats.
In the grand tradition of naming city streets after people no one has ever heard of, DUMBO’s own Main Street is slated to be co-named for former Department of Transportation assistant commissioner Dolores Barbieri.
Who?
What?
Huh?
The street co-naming would be the first for DUMBO, a distinction that puts it on the map — in the sense that the neighborhood now has enough residents to attract the attention of politicians who want to honor ex-colleagues.
Under the proposal, the block between Plymouth and Water streets would be co-named for Barbieri, who died last May. Barbieri — a Brooklyn native — was a Pratt Institute graduate and an assistant to former Borough President Howard Golden.
Her biggest achievement at the DOT was the reconstruction of both Staten Island Ferry terminals, neither of which is in Brooklyn.
Her connection to DUMBO? She was living on Main Street when she passed away.
“We nominated her for the street-naming because she had an outstanding record of public service,” said Evan Thies, spokesman for Councilman David Yassky (D–Brooklyn Heights).
Community Board 2’s transportation committee overwhelmingly approved the co-naming on Tuesday in advance of a full board vote on March 26.
And that’s OK with some DUMBO enthusiasts.
“Paying homage to people who devoted their lives to public service is always a good thing,” said Tucker Reed, executive director of the DUMBO Improvement District.
Community Board 2 will also consider co-naming Concord Street between Gold and Navy streets for Firefighter Shawn Powell — who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — and Schermerhorn Street between Boerum Place and Court Street for Nicholas Coffinas — a State Supreme Court justice who died last September. — Rizk
