NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski presented Mr. John Byas with the "Golden Toilet Paper Roll" in appreciation and recognition of his years of advocacy for a restroom in the park.
Mr. John Henry Byas is relieved at last. It took thirty years of cutting through red tape to finally cut the ribbon on the new Rachel Carson Comfort Station. The $1 million funding to build the bathroom was secured by then city councilman, John C. Liu who is now the city comptroller and mayoral candidate.
East-West's NYPD Explorer Program and Student Body President and VP were present to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski joined City Comptroller John Liu, Council member Peter Koo, Community Board 7 District Manager Marilyn Bitterman, University Park Tenants Council President and East-W est School Community Advisory Board Member John Henry Byas, Congress member Grace Meng, NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assembly members Ron Kim and Nily Rozic, and IS 237 Parent Coordinator and East-West School Community Advisory Board Member Shirley Bryant to cut the ribbon on the new comfort station.
Click here for link of NY1 coverage of ceremony
Click here to view press release from the NYC Parks and Recreation
Click here to view post from the Queens Chronicle
Click here to view post from Queens Gazette