Street Co-Naming – Brooklyn Community Board 17

Overview

New York City allows streets and other public spaces to receive honorary co‑names recognizing individuals, organizations, and cultural legacies that have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. While the official street name remains unchanged on the City Map, an honorary name may be added following approval by the City Council and the Mayor.

As the local advisory body for East Flatbush, Northeast East Flatbush, Rugby, Farragut/Hyde Park, Remsen Village, Ditmas Village and Erasmus, Brooklyn Community Board 17 is the first point of review for all proposed co‑naming within our district. CB17 evaluates each proposal carefully to ensure that honorary designations reflect the values, history, and diversity of our neighborhoods.

Standards for Consideration

CB17 supports honorary co‑namings for individuals or organizations whose contributions are extraordinary, meaningful, and connected to Community Board District 17. While full criteria are detailed in the downloadable guidelines, CB17 generally considers:

  • Individuals whose accomplishments in community service, civic leadership, public service, military service, business, culture, education, or philanthropy demonstrate exceptional significance.
  • Organizations with longstanding, positive impact on the district or New York City.
  • Clear connection to CB17, whether through residency, representation, service, or community leadership.
  • Documented support, including statements, petitions, records, or historical materials.
  • Honorees must be deceased, and only one public space may be named for any individual.

For full eligibility requirements, definitions, and documentation standards, download the complete guidelines below.

Review Process

Street co‑naming proposals follow a multi‑step review:

  1. Committee Review & Public Hearing
    The proposal is presented at a public meeting for CB17 Public Safety/Transportation committee. Community members may provide input.
  2. Full Board Vote
    The committee may advance a recommendation to the full Community Board. CB17 then votes on whether to recommend the co‑naming to the appropriate City Council Member.
  3. City Council Review
    The City Council typically reviews co‑naming proposals twice per year. Approved proposals proceed to Mayoral sign‑off.

This process ensures transparency, community participation, and alignment with citywide standards.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed Street Co‑Naming Application Form
  • Supporting documentation demonstrating the honoree’s eligibility
  • Proof of connection to Community District 17
  • Map or description of the proposed street segment

A full list of required materials is included in the downloadable guidelines. All materials must be submitted to: [email protected]

Download the CB17 Co‑Naming Guidelines & Application

Street Co‑Naming Checklist

🧾 Eligibility
• Honoree is deceased
• Connection to Community District 17
• Extraordinary or longstanding contributions
• One public space per honoree

📚 Documentation
• Biographical materials
• Community support
• Proof of CD17 connection
• Street segment details

📝 Application Fields
• Applicant information
• Connection to honoree
• Honoree name
• Proposed location
• Cross streets
• Proposed honorary name

📨 Submission
Submit all materials as a single document to:
[email protected]

📄 Full Guidelines
Download the CB17 Co‑Naming Guidelines & Application