Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman John B. Rhea today renamed one of its developments – the Bronxdale Houses located on “Justice Sotomayor’s story is unique, but it began like many – in a public housing development with a single mother whose first language was not English and who worked hard to put food on the table,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Her achievements are an inspiration to millions of New Yorkers, especially our NYCHA residents young and old, who can look to her story to get a glimpse of the possibilities that await anyone who has the courage and determination to follow a dream. Su historia es el orgullo de Nueva “I am deeply humbled and touched that these Houses will now bear my name and I am so grateful for all they have given me in my life,” said Justice Sotomayor. “It was the people who lived here who transformed these buildings into community. The members of that community sustained each other and helped the next generation to grow. It is important for the broader community to remain committed to assisting the residents of this place so that other little Sonias will reach their dreams.” “From NYCHA’s perspective, Justice Sotomayor has shown that growing up in public housing does not limit one’s possibilities and in fact has served as an important foundation for so many exceptional Americans,” said NYCHA Chairman Rhea. “Today’s ceremony is a further testament to Justice Sotomayor’s character, to her love for the families of this community, and to her deep desire to be a beacon for those who will follow in her footsteps and, later, blaze bright new trails of their own. Ella es una estrella brillante que ha servido de ejemplo para otras estrellitas brillantes “Justice Sonia Sotomayor is one of the most compelling figures to ever come out of Bronx and “Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s success demonstrates the role public housing can play in providing new opportunities to working families” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “As a former resident of the Bronxdale Houses, she has never forgotten where she came from and is truly deserving of this honor.” “Renaming the Bronxdale Houses in honor of Justice Sonia Sotomayor will etch into the fabric of this community an understanding of her achievement and success,” said Council Member Annabelle Palma, whose district includes the Sotomayor Houses. “The children of this community will feel free to pursue their dreams, both at home and beyond “Sonia Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican woman who grew up in “I am thrilled that we have chosen to honor Sonia Sotomayor, a proud daughter of the Bronx, by renaming the Bronxdale Houses after its most famous former resident,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Justice Sotomayor is bigger than the Yankees to Bronxites, and by renaming the Bronxdale Houses after her we can remind our youth that the American dream is alive--that one can rise from humble beginnings to the highest halls of power.” “The renaming of Bronxdale Houses to Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses is a fitting tribute to this outstanding American who, by her service, has already made an indelible mark on this country,” said HUD Assistant Secretary Sandra B. Henriquez. “I thank the City of “Naming places for outstanding people in history is our collective way of memorializing that “We acknowledge and welcome renaming Bronxdale in Justice Sotomayor’s honor because this occasion also honors all Bronxdale residents—and all public housing residents,” said Regina Howell, Tenants Association president of the Sotomayor Houses. “It will serve as a statement of hope for future generations of public housing residents that we can follow Justice Sotomayor’s example and reach even greater heights.”
Justice Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, lived at the then Bronxdale Houses with her mother, father and her brother at
NYCHA has 334 developments, of which 99 are named after individuals. Only one other development – the Ralph Rangel Houses in
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Contact: Stu Loeser/
Sheila Stainback (NYCHA) (212) 306-3322
Kathy Arberg (Justice Sotomayor) (202) 479-3211