By Howard Koplowitz
Bellerose has been put on the map — a cartoon map, that is.
Using grants from state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) and state Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village), the Joint Bellerose Business District hired an artist to draw the map, which features many businesses in the neighborhood.
“Everyone who’s seen it is excited about it,” said Joint Bellerose Business District Vice President Jim Trent. “It’s a snapshot of the neighborhood at the time. I personally believe it will become a collector’s item.”
The maps were made with the idea that they will help drive customers to businesses covered by the business district.
“The plan is that businesses can give the maps out to their customers,” Trent said, noting 3,000 maps have been printed.
While businesses can give away the maps for free, framed versions are available for $35 through Joint Bellerose, Trent said.
“It’s just a cute thing,” he said of the maps. “It’s something that’s not a throw-away.”
Besides businesses, Padavan’s and Clark’s offices are on the map along with the Queens County Farm Museum.
Robert Rouge, a Long Island cartoonist who drew the map, said it took three months to complete.
“It turned out great,” Rouge said. “In general, it’s a great promotion for everybody in Bellerose.”
Rouge drew a separate cartoon map for Floral Park in 1998.
Dominick Onesto, owner of Hi-Class Pizza on Jamaica Avenue, said the map was aesthetically pleasing.
“It’s a cute looking map,” he said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
