What's happening
This bill designates a portion of State Route 102 in Uniondale, Nassau County as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way" ceremonially.
Why it matters
Recognizes and honors Melvin Harris, Jr. The ceremonial naming signals that Melvin Harris, Jr. made noteworthy contributions to the Uniondale community or broader society, reflecting local values and history.
Raises community visibility and pride. The designation can foster a sense of pride and identity for Uniondale residents, especially those connected to Melvin Harris, Jr., and encourages public recognition of local figures.
No impact on navigation or official addresses. Because the naming is ceremonial, the official route name and all legal documents, mail, and navigation systems remain unchanged, so there’s no confusion or burden on residents or businesses.
Requires state resources for signage. The Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs, meaning some allocation of state resources, albeit minimal, to implement the honor.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Name Road Melvin Harris Jr.
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A7497
- Ordered to third reading cal.1590
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Name Road for Melvin Harris
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Taylor Darling
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5288
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
April 23, 2019
Introduced by Sen. THOMAS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of the state highway system as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way"
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The highway law is amended by adding a new section 344-k to read as follows:
§ 344-k. Portion of the state highway system to be designated as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way". That portion of state route one hundred two in the hamlet of Uniondale, Nassau county, beginning at the intersection of Uniondale Avenue and Front Street and ending at the intersection of Hawthorne Avenue and Front Street, shall be designated and known as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way".
§ 2. The commissioner of transportation shall provide for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system as designated pursuant to section one of this act. However, to avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce, the designation called for pursuant to section one of this act shall be one of ceremonial nature and the official name of such highway shall not be changed as a result of this act.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11308-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to desig- nating a portion of the state highway system as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way"
Purpose or general idea of bill
To designate portion of the state highway as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way".
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 adds a new section to the highway law to designate portion of state route one hundred two in hamlet of Uniondale, Nassau County as "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way".
Section 2 states that the commissioner of transportation shall provide the installation and maintenance of signing of the highway.
Section 3 provides the effective date.
Justification
As a Commissioner for the Nassau County Commission on Human Rights and President of the Hempstead Chapter of the NAACP, Mr. Melvin Harris Jr. advocated passionately for positive change; he fought for inclusion, opportunity and upward mobility for the underserved and the disenfran- chised. Melvin's goal was to make the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. a reality in Nassau County, where every resident is given the opportu- nity to achieve his or her full potential. As Vice President of the Uniondale Community Council and subsequently as President of the Nost- rand Gardens Civic Association, Melvin advocated strongly for the Union- dale community.
As Union Chairman of the Queens Village Depot, New York City Transit Authority and Political Director for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056, Melvin advocated for worker's rights. In 2016 the City of New York renamed 222st in Queens Village, "Melvin Harris, Jr. Way" honoring him for his tireless work and dedication to Queens County and the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Patty Harris, the wife of Melvin, has requested Front Street be renamed because it is the street nearest to the Harris home.The Executive Board and Members of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, in unity with the residents of Uniondale also advocated that the deserving and distin- guished honor be bestowed upon Melvin Harris, Jr.
Prior legislative history
New legislation.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.