Sunnyside Street to be Co-Named ‘Luke Adams Way’ Saturday

Source: Pat Dorfman

August 7, By Christian Murray

The corner of 46^th Street and Queens Blvd will be co-named Luke Adams Way tomorrow in honor of the late Sunnysider who helped bring the Sunnyside Arch to the neighborhood and who led several local organizations.

The event, which will take place by the Sunnyside Arch at 1:30 pm, will pay homage to Adams who lived in the neighborhood for nearly 40 years, owned a travel agency on 46^th Street and was a strong advocate for the community.

Adams died in November at the age of 76.

Location of Dun Bar Travel (GMap)

Shortly after his passing, several residents banded together and wanted to co-name a street after him.

The street co-naming was approved by the city council earlier this year. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who got the co-naming passed in the council, said: “Luke was so involved in the neighborhood—and on a consistent basis—for the better part of 30 years.”

Adam’s travel agency, Don Bar Travel, was located at 45-06 46^th Street, where Happy Photo operates today. He was a key player behind the creation of the Sunnyside Arch, which was erected in the early 1980s to help revitalize the business district.

These elements played a role in why 46^th/Queens Blvd is being co-named after him.

Adams was at one time the president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Sunnyside Woodside Lions Club and SunnysideArtists.org.

Furthermore, he was the first recipient of the Sunnysider of the Year award, an award that is now named after him.