File #: Res 0818-2023    Version: * Name: MTA and the NYC Transit Authority to rename the 23rd Street Subway Station to the 23rd Street Baruch College Station. (S.7647/A.8029)
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
On agenda: 10/19/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.7647/A.8029, which directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York City Transit Authority to rename the 23rd Street Subway Station to the 23rd Street Baruch College Station.
Sponsors: Carlina Rivera , Shahana K. Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Julie Menin, Kristin Richardson Jordan
Council Member Sponsors: 6
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 818, 2. October 19, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 10-19-23, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - October 19, 2023

Res. No. 818

 

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.7647/A.8029, which directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York City Transit Authority to rename the 23rd Street Subway Station to the 23rd Street Baruch College Station.

 

By Council Members Rivera, Hanif, Hudson, Gutiérrez, Menin and Richardson Jordan

Whereas, In 1919, City College’s School of Business and Civic Administration was established; and

Whereas, In 1953, the school was renamed to Baruch College, in honor of Bernard M. Baruch-a statesman, financier, and devoted alumnus, and in 1968, Baruch College became an independent senior college in The City University of New York (CUNY) system; and

Whereas, The location of Baruch College (23rd Street and Lexington Avenue) is significant, as it occupies the site of the Free Academy, which was the nation’s first free public institution of higher education; and

Whereas, Baruch College offers 29 undergraduate majors, 60 undergraduate minors, and 56 graduate-level specializations/programs to a total of over 19,700 students through its three schools: the Zicklin School of Business-one of the largest and most respected business schools in the nation; the Mildred and George Weissman School of Arts and Sciences; and the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs; and

Whereas, Baruch College also offers non-degree and certificate programs through the Division of Continuing and Professional Studies; and

Whereas, The 23rd Street Subway Station on Park Avenue is the nearest subway station to Baruch College; and

Whereas, Over the years, several CUNY colleges, including Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter College and Medgar Evers Community College, have had their nearest subway stations named after them; and

Whereas, As Baruch College has established a national and international reputation for academic excellence, the 23rd Street Subway Station should be renamed the 23rd Street Baruch College Station; and

Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has three requirements for renaming a station: not interfering with commuters’ ability to travel through the system and identify the system; having a “compelling link” between the station and the sponsor; and the sponsor being responsible for paying the costs of making new signs, tiles and maps; and

Whereas, Baruch College fulfills all these requirements, and would also benefit from the increased presence of its name in the subways; and

Whereas, S.7647, sponsored by New York State (NYS) Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and A.8029, sponsored by NYS Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, would direct, upon determination that sufficient funds have been committed, the MTA and the NYC Transit Authority to rename the 23rd Street Subway Station to the 23rd Street Baruch College Station; now, therefore, be it

 Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.7647/A.8029, which directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York City Transit Authority to rename the 23rd Street Subway Station to the 23rd Street Baruch College Station.

 

KK

LS #14541

10/10/23