| Contact: | Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton |
(212) 788-2958 |
Constantinos (Denos) Vourderis was born in Greece in 1920. At the age of 14, hoping to immigrate to America, he left his native land and joined the Merchant Marines. In 1945, he joined the United States Army and became an American citizen. During service in the Second World War, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon and the Meritorious Unit Award.
In civilian life, Denos became an American entrepreneur. He opened several restaurants in the City, ran a hot dog stand in Ward's Kiddie Park and, in June 1983, he purchased Coney Island's Wonder Wheel. Denos later restored the Wheel to its original state. In 1989, the Wonder Wheel became an official New York City Landmark.
Unfortunately, Denos Vourderis passed away in December 1994.
Denos did much to contribute to the revitalization of Coney Island. Today, we are carrying on the work he started by building a minor league baseball stadium not far from the Wonder Wheel site. Through these new investments, we hope to return Coney Island to its former glory.
Therefore, it is fitting that West 12th Street, between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk, be named "Denos D. Vourderis Place."
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.