Preservation League bestows honors
Homeowners and city officials recognized for dedication to
maintaining Island's history and beauty
Sunday, May 21, 2006
By ANDREA BOYARSKY
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
The Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI) yesterday honored
homeowners and city officials who are dedicated to maintaining the
Island's history and beauty.
In a ceremony in the historic St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church in
Stapleton, a tribute was paid to the late Borough Historian Richard
Dickenson, who died in April. It was hosted by James Ferreri, PLSI
president, and Linda Eskenas, vice president.
Councilmen Andrew Lanza and Michael McMahon were honored at the
ceremony and spoke about the Island's "blessings," and preserving them
for future generations.
"The most important part of the equation is that we have people like
you to make sure that the [Island's] legacy is preserved," Lanza
(R-South Shore) told the audience. "These treasures would be lost if not
for your efforts, so never give up the fight, never give up the battle."
The Marty Pearsall Award, named for the late preservationist and PLSI
board member, was presented to Rev. Tilda Norberg and Rev. Dr. George
McClain, owners of a 20-room, double house at 76/78 Clinton Ave., New
Brighton.
Awards were given to five newly restored structures: 137 Bodine St.,
West Brighton, Robert Brown and Diane Arneth, owners; 75 Clinton Ave.,
New Brighton, Diane and Kevin Branciforte, owners; 93-95 Harrison St.,
Stapleton, a proposed Historic District, Silver Sullivan, owner; 710 Bay
St., Stapleton, a New York City landmark, Lelia Lee Roberts, owner, and
Curtis High School.
Each honoree received a plaque and a certificate. Representatives for
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Borough Parks Commissioner Thomas Paulo were
on hand to receive their awards.
Other honorees were: State Sen. John Marchi; former Assemblywoman
Elizabeth Connelly; Councilman James Oddo; Robert Englert, director of
the borough president's land use office; Isaac Yomtovian; Guy and Gaston
Thomas; David Goldfarb; David Carnivale; Cynthia Mailman; Barnett
Shepherd; Edward Platt; Simeon Bankoff; Michael Edelman; Steven Cacace;
Maria Monihan; Edward Davin; Amanda Cheau; Harouna Ba; Mia Friday; Rev.
Tony Baker; Gloria Stuart; John Russo; Mary McGovern; Lynne Stewart;
Dennis Dell Angelo, and the Leone Construction Co.
