CB 10 supports co-naming street after Chris Mega

It has been over two years since Christopher Mega, Bay Ridge resident, State Supreme Court Justice and former state senator, died. However, the one-time Bay Ridge resident and lifelong southwest Brooklyn advocate has not been forgotten for his decades of service, which has left a legacy that will outlast any period of time.

That is why Mega’s family, colleagues and former constituents have proposed to co-name 80^th Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenues as Christopher Mega Way—a small gesture of appreciation to immortalize the grand legacy of a man who was respected by his peers and opponents alike.

“Even though Chris an I had some epic political battles, he set the standard for the modern day elected official,” said Democratic Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who was the siting state senator in 1998 when he defeated Mega in the latter’s race to reclaim the seat he once held. “His hard-working, omnipresent approach was something which we all admired and still strive to achieve.

Current State Senator Marty Golden also supports the proposed street co-naming, stating that Christopher Mega was a true statesman and a class act. This community is a better place today because of [his] service and dedication.

I look forward to joining his family and neighbors at the dedication ceremony which will forever memorialize Chris in our neighborhood, Golden added.

The proposal, originated and supported by Mega’s widow Madelyn and their children and grandchildren, received unanimous approval from local Community Board 10 members at their December meeting.

The proposal now goes to the City Council for approval.

Mega died on Sunday morning, October 30, at the age of 80. In the 1970s, he served in the state Assembly, representing the 50th Assembly District; he also represented Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Sunset Park as a state senator from 1979 to 1993. In 1995, he was appointed by then-Governor George Pataki as chief judge of the State Court of Claims, a panel that hears lawsuits filed against the state.

On a local level, Mega also volunteered with the Dyker Heights Civic Association and the Bay Ridge Lions Club.