June 21, 2024<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Lower Manhattan \u2014 Yesterday, Council Member Eric Dinowitz successfully championed the conaming of the intersection of E. 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue as \u201cSandra Pabon Way\u201d, in honor of Sandra Pabon who had served as the chaplain of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, as well as Democratic District Leader and Democratic State Committee Woman. Yesterday\u2019s co-naming, part of a broader legislative package that co-named over 100 intersections in NYC, passed unanimously. Through his efforts, Dinowitz ensured that Pabon’s legacy of service to the community will be remembered for generations to come.<\/p>\n Sandra Pabon was an essential member of the Northwest Bronx community. In addition to her designated roles as Chaplain of the 49th Precinct, Democratic District Leader, and Democratic State Committee Woman, Pabon served as a union delegate, substance use counselor, and first responder. She coordinated response operations in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria and delivered masks, testing kits, and PPE to older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her organizing skills were also unparalleled. Pabon organized community meetings, food distributions and toy drives, and partnered with a variety of non-profit organizations to serve the people of our neighborhood. Through her work with New York Cares, <\/em>she was able to collect and donate thousands of coats to the community. Pabon also founded Soup for Souls<\/em> to provide meals for those with no access to food and consistent nutrition. For her considerable influence, Pabon was named a Bronx Power Woman,<\/em> and her passing was acknowledged in the State Senate with Senate Resolution No. 1357. <\/p>\n \u201cSandra Pabon was a dear friend of mine, and a friend to everyone who knew her. The work that she accomplished and the way she touched our hearts will remain forever. And so, it is only fitting that we honor her memory in a way that will last forever. \u2018Sandra Pabon Way\u2019 will always stand as the hallmark of the influence she left behind and forever remind us of her unfaltering empathy, passion, and determination. This street co-naming is a small reflection of what Sandra has given to the community and is our own way of giving back,\u201d declared Council Member Eric Dinowitz. <\/strong><\/p>\n Pabon\u2019s daughter, Alexandria Arriaga,<\/strong> expressed her support for this endeavor. \u201cToday, we honor my mother, Sandra Pabon, by renaming this street in her memory, celebrating her profound love for the Bronx and her tireless dedication to its people,\u201d she exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cMy mother was a beacon of hope, a first-generation Puerto Rican American whose love and impact stretched far beyond Hull Ave. or the 80th district. Her legacy of faith and love lives on through me, her grandchildren Michael Jr., Amelia, and Sophia, and all those who called Sandra Pabon a way maker. My mother’s impact on the Bronx will last a lifetime. This street will always be a reminder that the Bronx and Hull Ave is where she raised me and helped raise her grandchildren. It’s our home forever and always.\u201d<\/p>\n Pabon\u2019s sister, Sonia Pabon, <\/strong>added that \u201cMy loving sister Sandra defined the true essence of service!\u201d She proceeded to quote Elizabeth Berg, going on to say that \u201cThere is incredible value in being of service to others.\u201d <\/p>\n Pabon\u2019s legacy was also met with positive acclaim by the elected officials of the Northwest Bronx community, with whom she had worked closely throughout the years. <\/p>\n New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (34th State Senate District) <\/strong>eulogized Pabon\u2019s passing, stating: \u201cThe passing of Sandra Pabon is a profound loss not only for me personally but for our entire community. Sandra was a vibrant and unwavering pillar of strength, faith, and compassion, whose dedication to our neighborhoods was truly unparalleled. Her presence at local meetings, community events, and especially during the annual toy and food drives, brought a unique energy and warmth that touched countless lives. As my dear friend, beloved district leader of the 80th Assembly District, and as the \u2018Mayor of Hull Avenue & 204th Street\u2019, Sandra embodied the spirit of service and love. Her commitment to her faith, her family, and her community was inspiring. I will forever cherish the work we did together and the deep friendship we shared. In recognition of her immense contributions, I fully support the renaming of Hull Avenue\u2014an honor so richly deserved. Sandra’s legacy will live on in the many lives she impacted, and she will be deeply missed. Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend.\u201d<\/p>\n State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey (36th State Senate District) <\/strong>also commemorated Pabon: \u201cToday, we remember and honor the remarkable life and legacy of Sandra Pabon, whose contributions to our community are immortalized with \u2018Sandra Pabon Way\u2019 at the intersection of E. 204th Street & Bainbridge Avenue. <\/p>\n Sandra Pabon (July 19, 1961 \u2013 June 2, 2023) was an unwavering pillar of our community. As chaplain of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, a district leader, and a Democratic State Committee woman, she dedicated herself to serving others. Sandra was omnipresent in our community- or frankly any community that needed help. She was quick to lend a sympathetic ear, a prayer, a helping hand, and money from her own pocket to make sure that her community was thriving. On a personal note, Sandra was one of my earliest and most fervent supporters, always watching out for me and my family. I miss her and her unmistakable voice each and every day. <\/p>\n Rest in power, Sandra Pabon. Your spirit lives on in the community you served so devotedly and your legacy of service, compassion, and dedication continues to inspire us all. I\u2019m grateful to Councilman Dinowitz for his leadership in ensuring that Sandra Pabon\u2019s name will be known for future generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (81st Assembly District) added <\/strong>that \u201cSandra Pabon was an amazing community leader. She served the Bronx as a Democratic Party District Leader and before that as a Democratic State Committeewoman. She gave countless hours to organizing people to come out and vote, but she did much more than that. As the 49th Precinct Clergy Council chaplain, and in so many other roles, she contributed so much to the people of her community and the entire Bronx. It is very fitting that this street renaming for her is taking place. Every time someone walks by East 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue they will see the name ‘Sandra Pabon’ and be reminded of a great leader of our community. Thank you to our Council Member, Eric Dinowitz, for sponsoring the law to rename the street.” <\/p>\n “The legacy of Sandra Pabon cannot be overstated nor can the lasting impact she had on countless Bronxites during her lifetime of public service in our Borough. When her community needed her she stepped up and served those most in need for decades, and for that we are forever grateful. The naming of Sandra Pabon Way will be a constant reminder to her dedication to The Bronx and those she loved and helped most,” said Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. (80th Assembly District)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" June 21, 2024<\/p>\n FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Lower Manhattan \u2014 Yesterday, Council Member Eric Dinowitz successfully championed the conaming of the intersection of E. 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue as \u201cSandra Pabon Way\u201d, in honor of Sandra Pabon who had served as the chaplain of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, as well as Democratic District Leader and Democratic State Committee Woman.<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n