Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley, and the City Council on June 30, 2009 passed legislation to rename two streets in Richmond Hill and Glendale after two notable members of those communities. As a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley was instrumental in successfully pushing for the renaming of the two streets located in Council District 30.
“I am proud to honor both Nancy Cataldi and Frederick D. Haller for her leadership and dedication to preserving the character of our community and improving the lives of our members,” said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. “Both Nancy Cataldi and Frederick Haller demonstrate how each of us, when we work hard and remain dedicated, can make lasting change in our community. That is why I believe it is important to recognize those who are proactive about improving the lives of all our neighbors, and documenting our history.”
The Union Turnpike Mall between Woodhaven Blvd and Myrtle Avenue in Glendale will be named the Frederick D. Haller Way. The 109th Street between 86th Avenue and Jamaica Avenue will be named Nancy Cataldi Way.
Nancy Lucia Cataldi settled in Richmond Hill is 1963 and grew up to be a photographer with many of her photographs appearing in prestigious magazines. In 1994, with boyfriend Stefano Palo, she purchased a 1905 Victorian House in Richmond Hill at 86-22 109th Street. She marveled at its romantic and historic allure and developed a deep interest in the neighborhood. The house was tenderly restored and refurbished. Through research she learned that the house was designed by noted Richmond Hill architect Henry E. Haugaard. In 1996 with the help of Dr. Stanley Cogan, Queens Borough Historian, her house received one of the first Queensmark awards for historical, architectural and cultural merit. In 1997 she and other residents formed the Richmond Hill Historical Society. By 1999 she had become the President of the organization. In 2000 during a House and Garden Tour her beloved mother Lucia passed away. Teaming up with Richmond Hill Historian Carl Ballenas the idea of writing a book on the history of Richmond Hill evolved. Working with Arcadia Publishing they gathered many vintage postcards and newspaper articles. The book has over 200 photographs and many informative historical accounts.
Frederick D. Haller helped organize the first Home School Association at Sacred Heart School, Glendale, he was a Charter member of the Monsignor Sherman Council, Knights of Columbus, Chair member of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, Founder of the Greater Ridgewood YMCA, Member, Board Member and Past President of the Glendale Kiwanis Club, a member of Queens Community Board 5 of which he was a Chairman for more than ten years (1972 – 1983). He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Wyckoff Heights Hospital for forty years and served as Chairman of the Board for more than fifteen years (1982 – 1998), the longest chairmanship of the Hospital in it’s over 100 year history. He recently celebrated fifty years serving as an Attorney-at-Law to the Greater Ridgewood-Glendale community.
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