NYCHA News - The New York City Housing Authority Renames Bronxdale Houses for Justice Sonia Sotomayor

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	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, May 22, 2010 NYCHA: Sheila Stainback (212) 306-3322 media@nycha.nyc.gov

	The New York City Housing Authority Renames Bronxdale Houses for Justice Sonia Sotomayor NYCHA Board responds to a petition to honor the U.S. Supreme Court’s first Hispanic Justice

	The New York City Housing Authority’s Board has voted on May 20, 2010 to formally rename the Bronxdale Houses and the Bronxdale Community Center for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The Court’s first Hispanic-American Justice grew up in the Bronxdale Houses before becoming an iconic figure in the American legal community. The NYCHA Board’s action was in response to a petition for a name change that was organized by residents, housing advocates and Bronx elected officials. A ceremony to mark the name change will take place next month. I am proud of President Obama’s decision to appoint Justice Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. She has an incredible legal mind and is the product of her experiences,” said NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. “From NYCHA’s perspective, the Justice has shown that growing up in public housing does not limit one’s possibilities. One of the most important actions the NYCHA Board can take is renaming the Bronxdale Houses for Justice Sotomayor to serve as an inspiration to others.” “I am proud to be a NYCHA Board member who voted in the affirmative of this precedent-setting event,” said NYCHA Board Vice Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr. “We are making history, and we need to reflect on this event,” said NYCHA Board member and Commissioner Margarita López. “Other noted historical figures like Lillian Wald and Jacob Riis have fought for decent public housing so that a child like Justice Sotomayor can grow up to make history herself. In renaming this development for the Justice, we will ensure that a child of public housing can grow up to become a President, a Supreme Court Justice or a successful contributing individual in this country.” Justice Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, lived at the Bronxdale Houses from 1957 until 1970. In 1972, she graduated as valedictorian from Cardinal Spellman High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and her law degree from Yale Law School. Over a thirty year career she served as an assistant district attorney; a commercial litigator; a U.S. District Court Judge; and a U.S. Appellate Court Judge. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her to serve as the 111th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. On August 8, 2009, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Bronxdale Houses has twenty-eight, seven-story buildings with 1,497 apartments. Completed February 28, 1955, the 30.77-acre Bronx development is bordered by Bruckner Boulevard and Watson, Soundview and Leland Avenues. It has a population of 3,479 residents.