City Council approves ‘Dom Castore Way’

Dom Castore was a fixture in the Morris Park, community.

And what better way to pay tribute to the long standing community activist than to name a main artery within the community after him.

With help from Councilman Jimmy Vacca, the NYC Council voted to approve legislation co-naming Morris Park Avenue between Colden and Bronxdale Avenues as Dom Castore Way.

Vacca made the street naming request after Castore passed away in November.

Castore served as chairperson of Community Board 11 for 25 years. He joined the board in 1979, when he was appointed by then Bronx Borough President Stanley Simon.

Castore helped improve quality of life in the northeast Bronx through his collaboration with multiple civic associations.

He was president and co-founder of the Morris Park Community Association and also chaired the Bronx Civilian Patrol Council, founded and commissioned the Morris Park Softball and Bronx Football Leagues, and coached the All American Youth Conference, the Pelham Parkway Little League and the Bronxchester Babe Ruth League.

“Dominic Castore truly exemplified the meaning of a community activist,” Vacca said. “He was involved in every possible activity or plan that was committed to improving Morris Park and its surrounding communities. He was one of the most dedicated community board chairmen that I have ever met and fought for a better Bronx every day until he passed away.

“I am proud to say that I had the privilege of working with him,” Vacca continued, “and this street naming will forever honor his lifetime of achievements.”

Once the legislation is signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg, Vacca will join the family and friends of Castore at a street naming ceremony.

“Dominic Castore gave so much to his community for over 40 years and there is no better honor to give this man for all the hard work he put into improving our neighborhoods,” said current Board 11 chairman Anthony Vitaliano. “This street naming honor will keep his memory alive and remind the entire community of everything that he did to make it a great place to live.”

Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394