Contact: Sunny Mindel/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
The next bill before me, Introductory Number 360, sponsored by Council Members McCaffrey, Abel, O'Donovan and Sabini, would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "Lou Lodati Playground," to an existing playground within George P. Torsney Park located at Skillman Avenue and 43rd Street, in Queens.
Lou Lodati was born in 1908, and at an early age worked as a newspaperman for The Woodside Herald. This work inspired him to become a community activist, a role he enjoyed for 50 years, and for which he respectfully earned the nickname "Mayor of Sunnyside." He was active in various organizations, including The Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside. He was a charter member of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce.
Lou Lodati was also the owner of Cassel's Lounge, where he prepared food for the homebound, and served free meals during the holidays to those without families.
Lou Lodati died in September, 1996 at the age of eighty-eight.
In view of the work he did for the Sunnyside community, it is fitting that the existing playground within George P. Torsney Park located at Skillman Avenue and 43rd Street be named "Lou Lodati Playground."
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.