Addabbo, Councilman Ulrich, community leaders reinstall refurbished "Welcome to Ozone Park" sign

Earlier this morning, Councilman Eric Ulrich was joined by State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo; Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato; Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton; and Howard Kampf, President of the former Ozone Park Civic Association; to unveil and reinstall a refurbished "Welcome to Ozone Park" sign. The sign, located at the intersection of 149th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard, had been deteriorating since it was first installed in 2003.

 

"Ozone Park is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. The new 'Welcome to Ozone Park' sign reflects the strong sense of community that exists here," said Councilman Eric Ulrich. "I am proud to stand with the Ozone Park Civic Association and my fellow elected officials who also represent the area as we rededicate this neighborhood treasure."

 

The refurbishment of the sign was funded by the former Ozone Park Civic Association, led by President Howard Kampf. The sign had been temporarily taken down for a project to reconfigure the street. It was restored by Cannon Signs & Awning Inc., located on Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park. According to a representative from the business, refurbishing the sign was an extensive process that took approximately three to four weeks. Their work included tracing, cutting and lettering the sign. The company also applied a PVC coating to the sign so that the wood cannot expand. This special coating ensures the sign is protected from any type of weather. 

 

"This sign has been here since 2003; and the weather beat it up. We hope this sign is a way for people to recognize [Ozone Park] and welcomes all that pass by," Kampf said. "We welcome everyone to stop by and see our beautiful community." 

 

"Today is a great day for Ozone Park! The replacement of this iconic sign, is symbolic of the strength and resiliency of this community. In these crazy times it's great to reinforce our pride and unity in Ozone Park, and remember that we're there for our neighbors," said Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato. "I want to thank everyone that made this day possible, including the Ozone Park Civic, my partners in government, and Cannon Signs & Awning Inc."

 

“For over 100 years, my family tree has grown its roots deep within Ozone Park. Ever since my grandparents settled into Ozone Park after arriving from Italy around 1910, I have been proud to grow up here and raise my family mere houses from where I was born,” State Senator Joseph Addabbo, said. “During his lifetime, my father moved 5 times, all within a 1 mile radius within Ozone Park. While much has changed since my grandparents came here, Ozone Park is still a predominantly working-class neighborhood with a lot to offer its residents and visitors. I want to thank Councilman Eric Ulrich, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato and Betty Braton, Chair of Community Board 10, for working in tandem for the benefit of our Ozone Park neighbors, who now have an outstanding Welcome Sign to be proud of, courtesy of the fine work of Joe Cannon at Cannon Signs and Awnings and the generosity of the Ozone Park Civic Association.”

 

"This newly refurbished sign is a great addition for the completion of a new project that this community has been waiting for several years," said Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton.