By Bill Parry
A longtime Jackson Heights civic leader was honored Nov. 18 when a corner on 74th Street was co-named “Emma Brandt Way.”
Brandt was a member of the North Queens Homeowners Civic Association since 1961 and served as its president from 1987 to 1989. She was also a member of the Jackson Heights Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Elmhurst Hospital Advisory Board, the Jackson Heights Beautification Group and the Queens American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as a chaplain.
“Devoted service to one’s community deserves to be lauded and recognized, and I can think of no better tribute to such an accomplished woman than by having the street she called home forever bear her name,” City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. “We commemorate her service to the Jackson Heights community, through this street co-naming.”
Brandt died in November 2015 after a brief battle with lung cancer. She was 78 years old.
“Emma was a real trouper and always made herself available to all,” North Queens Homeowners Civic Association President Donna Raymond said. “Today this community comes out to say thank you to Emma for her community service. If she were here today and walked past her name on this corner, she would smile and say ‘job well done.’”
Brandt was also a member of Community Board 3 for more than 30 years.
“From her service on the board of Community Board 3 to her tenure as president of the North Queens Homeowners Civic Association, to her activity in several other local organizations, Emma Brandt dedicated her life to Jackson Heights,” state Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-East Elmhurst) said. “By co-naming this street corner after her, we honor that work and that dedication to our community. Emma Brandt will be deeply missed, and I am proud to have been part of this ceremony.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
