Addabbo wanted to stay in Rockaway as new district lines almost drew him out of the peninsula

Every 10 years New York State draws new district lines for their Assembly, Senate and Congressional lines according to the data provided by the latest census. When these lines change, elected officials are oftentimes drawn out of areas and communities that they have represented for years, and are drawn into brand new communities.

This year is one of those years where district lines will be changing. After an independent commission failed to come up with acceptable new lines, it was up to the state legislature to come up with new district lines.

In multiple drafts of lines that were presented by the commission, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. was drawn completely out of the Rockaways. Unhappy with the proposal, Addabbo made it clear to many of his constituents that he would not accept those lines and wanted to keep the portion of the Rockaway peninsula that he currently represents.

“For the better part of 20 years — since being elected to the City Council in 2001 — I have represented the western half of the Rockaways and I had no intention of giving it up now,” Addabbo said. “I think it is important for a community to know who their representatives are and that they can continue to build a relationship with them. I feel like I have that connection with the people of the peninsula and I want to keep that relationship going.”

The Rockaways have been through a lot over the years. From dealing with the COVID pandemic and everything that comes with that, to beach closures due to sand erosion, the destruction brought on by Superstorm Sandy, the suffering through the tragic events of 9/11 and the crash of Flight 587. Throughout all of these difficult times, Senator Addabbo has been there for the residents and businesses of Rockaway.

If Addabbo were to be removed from representing the Rockaways, the entire peninsula would be given to Senator James Sanders.

“The people of the Rockaways have specific needs, and that can be further broken down by each community,” explained Addabbo, who is this year’s Honorary Grand Marshall in the Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “I’ve been a part of these Rockaway communities for over a decade, so I know their needs and have worked with the community leaders who advocate for their neighbors. As we head into the future, Rockaway is going to be an important part of New York’s initiative to reach 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2040 with the offshore windfarm that is coming. I look forward to continuing my relationships on the peninsula and knowing that there are better days ahead for Rockaway, I want to be a part of it all.”