Statement From Senator Jack M. Martins

     "Last night, Long Islanders said ‘goodbye’ to the Nassau Coliseum in a very appropriate way; by having one of our own, the iconic Billy Joel, perform the final concert. Being chosen as the Coliseum’s closing act is yet another honor for a man who is legendary in both his talent as a musician and his generosity in giving back to our community.

     There is one more tribute New York State should give the Piano Man; renaming a portion of Route 107 in his hometown of Hicksville ‘Billy Joel Boulevard.’ While the Senate has passed this legislation, some Assemblymembers refuse to allow it to be considered by the Chamber because they feel such an honor should only be granted posthumously. It’s a shame that they have held this up.

     The Assembly should get in a ‘New York State of Mind’ and join the Senate in approving this honor for a man who has done so much for our community, our Island, and our State. I hope that our Long Island Assembly delegation will actively advocate for the legislation to be passed."