NY Assemblywoman Rajkumar celebrates first-of-its-kind resolution passed in Albany

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On Saturday, June 25, 2022, New York State’s only Indian-American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, D-Districe 38, celebrated a historic resolution commemorating the settlement of Woodhaven’s Birthday.

The Assemblywoman’s first-of-its-kind resolution was passed unanimously in Albany, marking the first time New York State recognizes Woodhaven’s founding and unique history, a press release from her office said.

Saturday’s celebration started when the Assemblywoman and her staff entered a Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting surprising attendees with balloons, cake, and other items including huge golden balloons inflated to read 187 –  to celebrate the 187th birthday of the community which falls on July 1.

The cake from Pan Ugo Bakery bore the message, “Happy Birthday Woodhaven!”

The Assemblywoman’s office distributed printed and stamped copies of the special resolution to all attendees.

The resolution recounts Woodhaven’s history, great people, and notable sights of Woodhaven. This includes Forest Park, its storied carousel, and tales of legend Mae West.

Woodhaven has emerged as an Art Haven, as home to the Woodhaven Art Circle and concerts at Forest Park, sponsored by the Assemblywoman.

The neighborhood boasts a storied history of successive migrations, beginning as Native American territory and later a settlement by the Dutch, before John R. Pitkin purchased the land to form Woodhaven in 1835. Today, there are historic small businesses, such as Neil’s Tavern, the oldest bar in New York City, and Schmidt’s Candy, which has provided the finest confectioneries since 1925.

Members of the neighborhood thanked Assemblywoman Rajkumar for her resolution and surprise party, which will now be an annual Woodhaven event, the press release said.

“In my 56 years of living in Woodhaven, I have never seen our neighborhood honored like this,” one community member Eric Ackermann is quoted saying.

“Assemblywoman Rajkumar is the first elected official from Woodhaven in a generation, and it shows,” said Maribel Perez-McDaniel, adding “We have a true leader for Woodhaven, who lives here, has her district office here, and lets Albany know about the importance of our neighborhood.”

“This is such a beautiful resolution. I already have it on display at home,” said Daphney Paul. “Now if anyone asks me why I love Woodhaven so much, I can just show them this. Even better is that we will now celebrate Woodhaven every year, and I can’t wait until we get to do it again. Thank you to Assemblywoman Rajkumar for this great celebration.”

“I was proud to lead the State Assembly in honoring the place I call home,” said Assemblywoman Rajkumar, “Woodhaven is one of the last remaining authentic neighborhoods in this city,” she added.