Sen. Malcolm A. Smith Praised Designation of Addisleigh Park Historic District

(St. Albans, NY) - Excited community residents and civic leaders in the Addisleigh Park section of St. Albans, Queens, welcomed news today that the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate a swath of the area a Historic District.

  "As a homeowner in Addisleigh Park and as a representative of this culturally-rich enclave, I am delighted with the vote for Historic District Designation," said New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith. 

 "The significance of this area goes beyond the excellent examples of Tudor and Colonial Revival architecture." he added.  "Our wealth of famous past residents and our shared history in the plight for civil rights has already made this a special place to live and work - a proud community with an illustrious past and a hopeful future.  The new designation will help preserve the character of this neighborhood for generations to come."

 The 422 houses included in the Historic District represent a community roughly bounded by Linden Boulevard, Dunkirk Street and 112th Avenue.  Famous past residents include:  Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, W.E.B. DuBois, Jackie Robinson, Lena Horne, Milt Hinton, Illinois Jacquet, Percy Sutton, Roy Campanella and the many others.

 "I would like to thank the Addisleigh Park Civic Association for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of their members, as well as the Landmarks Preservation Commissioners for their affirmative vote.  As we proceed with the land marking process, I am encouraged that this significant accomplishment coincides with the beginning of Black History Month, a subtle honor to those who have come before us to make Addisleigh Park the great community it is today."

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   (Malcolm A. Smith is the New York State Senate Immediate Past President Pro Tempore (2008-10)