Street Names In Douglaston Going Retro
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Some New York City streets are about to lose their numbers.
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In Douglaston, Queens, with the cobblestone curbs and the hilly streets lined with old trees, it's easy to forget where you are.
"Looking at those green and white signs is about the only thing that indicates that this is part of the city of New York," City Councilman Dan Halloran said of the street signs. "This community itself was founded in the 1650s."
At that time, it has streets named after things settlers saw everyday - like poplar and church.
That was until the city got a bit overzealous with the Queens grid in the early 20th century.
The community's been fighting for years to change them back and now the council has agreed, unanimously.
240th Street will become Prospect Avenue, 242nd Street will become Hamilton Place, 243rd Street will become Orient Avenue, 42nd Avenue will become Poplar Street, 43rd Avenue will become Pine Street, and 44th Avenue will become Church Street.
"A great way to commemorate the past history," said Jean Marie as she walked on what will be Pine Street.
By the way, there is no worry about police and fire crews getting lost there.
"They have never used the grid system to find their locations. They've always gone with the traditional name streets," said Halloran.
Do you like the plan? Sound off in the comments section below!
