Schumer calls to rename portion of Hempstead Harbor after late pol

Stephen Romano

Sen. Chuck Schumer on Monday renewed his call to name a portion of Hempstead Harbor after former North Hempstead Town Supervisor May Newburger.

In 2012, Schumer attempted to name a portion of the Harbor after Newburger, who died in 2012 at the age of 92 from complications of cancer, but was stopped because federal policies forbid the naming of public land until a person has been dead for at least five years.

“May Newburger charted a course for public servants to follow and her legacy will live on for years to come,” Schumer said. “With the five year anniversary of her passing on the horizon, it is time to immortalize May Newburger’s immense contribution of service with the designation of May Newburger Cove.”

Newburger, who lived in Great Neck, served in the state Assembly’s 16th district from 1979 to 1986.

She was elected to North Hempstead’s Town Council in 1992 and served as town supervisor from 1994 to 2003.

“May Newburger’s passion was protecting and preserving the environment and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to her than to have this serene cove overlooking Hempstead Harbor officially carry her name,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “I appreciate Sen. Schumer’s urging the U.S. Geological Survey to approve this request.” 

The U.S. Geological Survey must approve Schumer’s application  to change the name on a federally published navigational chart, the release said.

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