The Queens Preservation Council, founded in 2003, is a coalition of people from historical societies and neighborhood groups from throughout Queens who work collectively to curb overdevelopment and advocate for the preservation of historical buildings and neighborhoods in our borough.
Recently, the QPC presented two award plaques to worthy individuals who have worked to make a difference in their neighborhoods.
The Stanley and Lee Cogan Founders Award was presented to the family of the late Joseph Hellmann, who had been active along with other community members in the Douglaston Hill landmarking effort. His work serves as a model for other community advocates also seeking this designation in other neighborhoods. Hellmann was also active in the Douglaston/Little Neck Historical Society.
His award is named in honor of former Queens historian and activist Stanley Cogan. Cogan, together with his late wife Lee, were active for many years in neighborhood preservation efforts.
The Nancy Cataldi Memorial Award was presented to Marjorie Ferrigno and her late husband Nick for their longtime civic and preservation work in the Broadway-Flushing community. The Ferrignos, along with other community leaders, have been tireless advocates for the landmarking of their community. It is hoped that the Landmarks Preservation Commission will soon reward these efforts with a historic district designation for Broadway-Flushing.
The Ferrignos’ award is named in honor of the late Nancy Cataldi. Cataldi fought for many years for landmark status for her Richmond Hill community. As an active member of the Richmond Hill Historical Society and a co-author of a book of historical photographs of Maple Grove Cemetery, Cataldi was well-known citywide for her commitment and perseverance.
The awards were announced at the recent QPC reception co-sponsored by Borough President Helen Marshall to honor the installation of Jack Eichenbaum as the new borough historian. The event also brought together community preservation advocates from all over Queens to network and forge alliances to advance preservation efforts.
Henry Euler
Bayside
