By Gus Saltonstall
The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan wants to co-name the Upper West Side street it is nearest to after itself.
The JCC, at 334 Amsterdam Avenue, is looking to co-name West 76th Street, signified by a new street sign at the corner of 76th and Amsterdam, as “JCC Way,” in honor of the community center’s 25th anniversary in its Upper West Side home.
“Help us make history on the Upper West Side,” the JCC wrote earlier in September on Instagram. “For 25 years, the corner of 76th & Amsterdam has been home. Home to first steps in our nursery school, home to milestone celebrations, home to community when we needed it most.”
“Now we want to make it official: help us co-name 76th Street ‘JCC Way,'” the message added.
But what about the technical steps the Marlene Meyerson JCC has to take to get the street co-naming approved?
First, the UWS JCC is looking to collect at least 300 physical signatures from residents and business owners within a two-block radius of West 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. The JCC will then submit those signatures to the Upper West Side Community Board 7 by September 28 and will have team members collecting signatures both inside and outside of its building until that date.
Once the signatures of support are sent to CB7, a committee within the community board must vote in support of the co-naming following a presentation from the JCC, and the full board will vote on the matter.
If CB7 votes in support of ‘JCC Way,’ it will then be sent to the New York City Councilmember who represents the street. In this case, that is Councilmember Gale Brewer. The City Council passes street co-naming legislation twice a year, which must be voted on and approved by the Council before being sent to the Mayor’s Office to be signed into law.
Once that happens, the New York City Department of Transportation installs the new street sign.
A street co-naming does not change anybody’s address, but simply adds a second street sign alongside the official one.
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Sorry but…no. I love that JCC, but a) 25 years is sort of a drop in the bucket when talking about UWS history (we don’t even have a ‘Barney Greengrass Way’ and that’s been around for 100+ years), and b) do we even have any streets named after businesses/organizations? I thought the UWS used these alternative street names for names of people, either historical figures or (tragically) those who have lost their lives in the vicinity.
I agree. I’m a huge fan of the JCC. My family has spent countless hours there in classes, camps, events, etc. It is a great resource. But this is a lot of chutzpah by them. It has only been 25 years, and this sets an awful precedent.
I wish they would channel their resources towards more important things. Meanwhile, anyone who publicly opposes this (as opposed to anonymously doing so here) looks like a jerk.
I’m not sure why WSR felt the need to publicize this. Slow news day?
YES: “I wish they would channel their resources towards more important things.”
If the WSR didn’t publish it nine of us would know and then we’d be shocked when the street sign went up. This at least gives us the opportunity to voice iur opposition to members of CB 7 and Gale Brewer..
Agreed. Nothing against the JCC specifically but I certainly hope we don’t open the floodgates with something silly like this. I mean, where would it stop. No. Just no.
The Meyerson Community Center contributes a good deal to the neighborhood.
How is that? There’s often police presence there that chokes both pedestrian and street traffic. They raise fees over and over again. It’s a troublesome, self-involved space.
It should have stayed an Exxon station!
It might be parents and kids who appreciate JCC the most.
We are not Jewish but my children are spending a lot of time out there. We love their programs.
No. This is just advertising. I’m all for naming streets after fallen heros or local celebrities. When will we get Theo Dixon Street?
Wow! It’s already 25 years? Seems like yesterday
‘member the gas station on the site?
When I lived in Queens I used to park there for Beacon Shows. The Attendant used to charge $10 for the night.
I said the same thing! Hard to believe!
No Way
Come back later. Maybe after a century.
I’d be happy to sign the petition as the JCC helps so many in the community and deserves the recognition for it. There are streets designated for many people I’ve never heard of but are meaningful to those who lived near them. The JCC has served a large number of those on the UWS and beyond.
We can’t name the streets after institutions. This is nothing but advertising.
So they want to name the street in honor of themselves? Seems a little narcissistic.
Sesame Street honored itself at 63rd Street and Broadway after 50 years.
The people of New York honored Sesame Street, which brought joy to children all over the world. This ain’t that.
I am a member of the JCC and love it – but… please. Get over yourselves. I agree with those who claim it’s nothing but advertising and sets a bad precedent. Lots of other businesses and institutions have been in the neighborhood a lot longer than the JCC. I remember when that space was a gas station. What’s next? Fairway Lane?
Should name it “baby stroller way” ever passed that place? it’s like a parking lot for baby strollers
Yeah. Let’s name it In The Way Way.
which need a watchman.
I will sign the petition if they agree to move all strollers inside the premises
Agree with others. Don’t name streets after institutions.
Happy to sign for that! They have done so much for the UWS and beyond. My friend took advantage of their cancer program and they are always doing a clothing drive or something like that. We are lucky to have them in the neighborhood
This should be a nonstarter until we get Absolute Bagel Way (Line Goes North)
Nope.
I lived at the building on the southwest corner of West End Ave and West 79th Street for over 25 years, and I never asked for a street sign to honor my residency. Comedian Red Buttons used to say, “They never gave them a dinner”, and he was referring to historical figures.
I’ve been a member for seven of those twenty-five years and I vote ‘no.’ The idea is hubristic, narcissistic, and self-serving. The building announces itself and its mission loud and clear in the streetscape of 76th Street; it doesn’t need the additional ‘honor’ of a named street. Modesty is a virtue.
Too distracting for people these days to have unnecessary extra information while driving. Keep it simple — leave the street signs alone.
I live around the corner. I’ll be okay with it in exchange for the JCC removing those ridiculous barricades.
Not ridiculous. In this era of increased antisemitic craziness, the bollards are strategically placed to help protect the building, including its mostly-glass front, from possible attack by a terrorist’s vehicle.
They’re only ridiculous until they stop a truck loaded with explosives from driving into the lobby. Can you say with certainty that that will never happen?
You do realize the barricades are there for a reason, don’t you?
Barricades, alas, have a reason. Not name change.
Ridiculous
Love the JCC but see no need for this name.
Jewish something Street, Muslim something Street, RomanCatholic something Street, Wasp something Street, etc., etc. – gimme a break!
Since the JCC faces Amsterdam Avenue, consider renaming Amsterdam Avenue as “The Avenue of the Jewish Community”, much like 6th avenue was renamed “Avenue of the Americas”.
My company is over 50 years old.
These days anything that helps preserve a Jewish presence is important so I’d vote yes!
It’s been a while since I’ve attended an event there but I love the JCC. Their film festival is the first time that I ever saw my intersectional Jewish experience reflected on a big screen and that same forum is where I learned about other Jews’ unique experiences. I learned so much about wellness from the JCC too. They have a holistic view of health down to a class covering only the fascia… This is starting to sound like an ad but whatever, the chair yoga class that I attended once in my twenties was the first time that I saw how it’s possible for an octogenarian to age really, really well and that gave me a long term goal to work towards. I’m so glad that I live in the necessary radius. They deserve all the flowers
Marlene Meyerson Way wouldn’t be the worst, but JCC Way is beyond ridiculous
JCC is a wonderful institution, I’m a member, it’s a big plus for the neighborhood. But NO to renaming the street.
Absolutely unnecessary and setting a bad example for what these sorts of institutions should be doing for the community. Couldn’t they direct their energy, time , and money toward something that benefits the city instead of congratulating themselves? I am a longtime member of the JCC, but I find this highly offensive. Is there a petition against this initiative or do I have to show up at the eventual CB7 meeting to register my protest?
There is a difference between appreciating a place and having the rare honor to have a street named after them. Think how many other places would qualify!
No. Just no.
I have a dear friend who works there, and reports from the inside are not glowing. Repeated emails to HR go unanswered. They’re more focused on broadcasting their own ego via a street sign than looking after their own. Disappointing
I’M AN AWARD-WINNING ARTIST – AND HAD A SCULPTURE IN RIVERSIDE PARK FOR A YEAR. I HAVE LIVED ON THE SAME STREET FOR 52 YEARS! CAN WE NAME IT “LEE APT WAY”?
NYC generally requires that an individual be deceased for 1-2 years before a street co-naming can be considered