Twenty blocks along Queens Boulevard are now known as Congressman Thomas J. Manton Boulevard.
Manton represented parts of Queens in Congress from 1985 to 1999 and served as head of the Queens Democratic Organization from 1986 through 2006.
“The test of an elected official is leaving a neighborhood better than you find it and Tom Manton did just that,” said Queens City Councilmember Eric Gioia. “I’m proud and honored to dedicate part of Queens Boulevard to Congressman Manton – a man who loved Queens and his country. I believe this renaming will be a small token of this community’s and our city’s appreciation for a man who truly made a difference.”
Gioia joined a number of local elected officials, members of the Manton family and community representatives at the dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 25. They renamed blocks along Queens Boulevard from 38th Street through 58th Street for Manton, and the group unveiled the ceremonial sign at 46th Street directly under the Sunnyside Arch.
“This street renaming is an appropriate way to remember a man whose legacy continues to be a great inspiration to me and many to others in our community,” said Queens State Senator George Onorato.
Congressmember Joseph Crowley, who filled the Congressional seat Manton vacated and also replaced Manton as head of the Queens Democratic Party when he passed away in 2006, said that Manton’s legacy continues to live on in the communities he served.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not proud of the fact that I walked in his footsteps; and renaming this boulevard honors his legacy of work and dedication to Queens,” Crowley said.
