Debate Over Ed Koch’s Name on 59th Street Bridge

Mayor Zoran Mamdani has expressed a desire to remove Ed Koch’s name from the 59th Street Bridge, a move that has sparked some heated discussions. Critics argue that this initiative goes too far.

Mayor Mamdani, aligned with Democratic Socialism, is not alone in his feelings. City Council President Julie Menin and several other politicians have backed the idea, citing Koch’s inadequate response to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s as their primary concern, according to reports.

During his campaign, Mamdani affirmed his support for renaming the bridge when responding to a survey from the Jim Owls Liberal LGBT Democratic Club. This club plays a role in deciding candidate support among LGBT groups.

Back in 2011, the City Council, along with then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, honored Koch by naming the bridge after him, shortly before his passing at 88. Koch, a World War II veteran, served as New York’s second Jewish mayor from 1978 to 1989.

Interestingly, Menin, who represents the district containing the bridge, initially indicated support for reverting the name to the 59th Street Bridge. However, she shifted her stance after being contacted by the Post.

“Speaker Menin does not support efforts to rename the Ed Koch Bridge and will not support any legislation to do so,” her spokesperson clarified. She previously declined an offer to co-sponsor such legislation.

A survey conducted by the club reported that 16 other council members either support or are considering legislation aimed at preventing Koch’s name from remaining on the bridge.

City Auditor Mark Levine and Public Hearing Officer Jumaane Williams have joined the efforts against keeping Koch’s name, with Williams noting he previously voted against the renaming in his council tenure.

On the other hand, only one congressional member, Virginia Maloney, outright rejected the idea of renaming the bridge in a recent survey. The club did not back her stance.

• Adrian Adams, the former City Council President, is running as a Democratic lieutenant governor candidate.
• Congressman Dan Goldman has also voiced support.
• Democrat Brad Lander is competing against Goldman in House District 10.
• City Council member Julie Wong, running for House of Representatives No. 7, represents a Queens neighborhood adjacent to the Koch Bridge.
• Additionally, House candidates Alex Boas and Jack Schlossberg are part of the conversation.

The Jim Owls Club posed thought-provoking questions to congressional candidates, including, “Given Ed Koch’s documented failures during the AIDS epidemic, do you support renaming the Old Queensboro Bridge?”

Club president Allen Rothkopf, a longtime advocate for the name change, argued that Koch’s inaction during the AIDS crisis, which affected many, including his partner, deserves reconsideration. He believes opposing the change is a disservice to those who suffered and perished.

“Of course I would like to see the bridge renamed,” Rothkopf stated.

Meanwhile, some political observers see this anti-Koch movement as a case of excessive cancel culture. Consultant Hank Sheinkopf called it “insane” and suggested that Koch, now deceased, should be left in peace.

Many New Yorkers near the bridge shared their thoughts, arguing politicians should focus on more pressing matters instead. “That would be a crime!” exclaimed Margarita Thomas, 40, asserting that fixing city issues like the subway takes precedence over name changes.

Wilson Crowe, who grew up under Koch’s mayoralty, expressed his discontent with efforts to rename the bridge. “They shouldn’t do that. It’s no big deal. I don’t know why there’s such fuss,” he reflected.

While acknowledging the AIDS crisis impacted thousands, Crowe suggested that it was a challenge beyond Koch’s control. “AIDS was sexual and beyond anyone’s power or control,” he noted.

On a similar note, Mike Herlihy, 38, argued that instead of renaming bridges, it would be wise to focus on larger issues. “It’s outrageous that people would put so much energy into something like that,” he remarked.

Ultimately, Brooklyn City Councilmember Sandy Nurse conveyed that renaming the Koch Bridge is not a priority for her. “It’s not my hill to die on,” she said, expressing openness to support from others who feel differently.