July 31, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
The streets on either side of the Long Island City Courthouse are slated to be renamed to eliminate confusion.
Both are short streets stretching from either side of the Courthouse to Sunnyside Yards, and both are currently named Court Square. Last week, the City Council passed legislation to rename them Court Square East and Court Square West.
Per the bill text, Court Square between Thomson Avenue and Sunnyside Yards would become Court Square East, and Court Square between Jackson Avenue and the yards would become Court Square West.
The stated goal of the legislation is to eliminate confusion for emergency responders. However, the twin streets have frustrated taxi drivers, delivery people and others seeking an exact address in the area, according to the office of Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who introduced the renaming legislation.
In particular, one catalyst for the bill was a resident who required accessible transport, but would be picked up at different locations each time he called for a ride, a spokesperson for Van Bramer said.
Gary Berg, Controller at Merchants Fastener Corp., which is located at 45-18 Court Square, said he was “completely confused” by the two Court Squares at first.
He also noted that he has had trouble giving out directions, and often relies on landmarks rather than the address.
“If it were Court Square West [and East] that would probably be a much easier direction,” Berg said.
The bill is scheduled to be signed into law by Mayor de Blasio August 10.
One Comment
A 1922 Rand McNally map has the street on the west labeled ANABLE Street (http://www.loc.gov/item/2005625364/).