A section of Rutgers Street, between South Street and Cherry Street, has been co-named in memory of community leader Frank Modica. The former board chairman of the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and head of Hamilton Madison House died in 2013. This week, a ceremony was held in the Two Bridges section of the Lower East Side to officially create “Frank Modica Way.”
Members of his family were there, along with leaders of the organizations Modica helped shape over the years, as well as neighborhood residents and political representatives. The event was led by Two Bridges Neighborhood Council President Victor Papa. Tenant leaders Elaine Hoffman and Trever Holland spoke, as did City Council member Margaret Chin and Judy Rapfogel, Assemblyman Sheldon Silver’s chief of staff. They all remembered Modica as a dedicated public servant who always stay focused on helping low income and elderly residents access affordable housing and critical social services.
Fran was a giant to us kids that grew up in th Smith Houses, and used he facilities at Hamilton Madison House. He could be seen in the hallways an knew everyone by their first name. He was instrumental in turning my volunteer job to a paid one when I ws 19. He will be missed and naming a street in the Two Bridges neighborhood is more than right. Rest in peace Frank thanks for everything.