Eagle-eyed drivers coming into the Bronx on the Whitestone Bridge may have caught a glimpse of an error on the “Welcome to the Bronx” sign before Wednesday morning, Jan. 26.
The blunder, first reported by NY1, listed Queens Borough President Donovan Richards’ name instead of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and was a hot topic on local Twitter threads — with many, including the two BPs, sharing jokes about the road sign.
“Being the BP of by far the best borough in NYC comes with an understanding that everyone always has #Queens on their mind. It’s natural,” Richards wrote in a tweet Wednesday morning.
Being the BP of by far the best borough in NYC comes with an understanding that everyone always has #Queens on their mind. It’s natural.
But the Bronx and @bronxbp @Vanessalgibson deserve their due as well so I’ll happily cede this space and work with DOT to ensure that happens. https://t.co/A25SsfeOhL
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) January 26, 2022
“I know it’s been a rough couple of weeks in the Bronx, but y’all didn’t have to get rid of me already. We’re trying!” the Bronx BP jokingly tweeted at the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Gibson was elected the Bronx Borough President in November 2021 and assumed the role in January 2022. Prior to that, she served as both a City Council member and Assembly member in the Bronx.
Sorry I’m late to the chat. I was too busy being the BP that represents the best borough and the REAL birthplace of Hip-Hop. What did I miss? https://t.co/dOX67spVk9 pic.twitter.com/CwX6HyPR0X
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
Richards doubled down on the borough pride, saying that although the Bronx was the birthplace of hip-hop music, it was Queens that “perfected” the music genre, producing legends like Nas, LL Cool J and a Tribe Called Quest.
After serving as a Queens City Council member, Richards was again sworn in as the Queens borough president in January 2022 for a full four-year term, following a year of serving in the role.
The Bronx might be the birthplace of hip-hop, @bronxbp, but we all know #Queens perfected it. Nas, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, shall we go on? https://t.co/4ylJh9r4pC pic.twitter.com/bmdhJXNLMK
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) January 26, 2022
Gibson retorted, saying that Bronx-bred rappers like Fat Joe and Remy Ma “might have to disagree.”
Hm… @fatjoe and @RealRemyMa might have to disagree. Also, last time I checked the @uhhmuseum was going to be where? #JustSaying ??? All love to all of our hip-hop legends though ???? https://t.co/gvqy2Bw1N2 pic.twitter.com/ZMNfmLNXX5
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
After some fun sparring between the BPs, Richards ultimately conceded that the “outer boroughs are the best boroughs,” to which Gibson agreed.
“I could not agree more, and I look forward to working with you colleague in bringing much needed attention and recognition to our boroughs,” Gibson said. “All love always!”
I could not agree more, and I look forward to working with you colleague in bringing much needed attention and recognition to our boroughs. All love always! ???? #Bronx #Queens #Outerboroughs https://t.co/UuuITBR0mw
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
A DOT spokesperson told QNS that the sign was replaced Wednesday morning.
