CANARSIE — The iconic Thomas Jefferson Club (TJ Club) headquarters is relocating from 77 Conklin Avenue in Canarsie to a new state-of-the-art building in Mill Basin.
The news was revealed at a recent private club event, marking a milestone in the club’s distinguished history. TJ Club, one of the most active political organizations in New York City, was founded in 1958 by Meade Esposito and Shirley Weiner. The original location was at Pennsylvania and Atlantic Avenues. In 1962, it moved to Rockaway Parkway and Avenue M, and in 1965, to its current address, 77 Conklin.
Hon. Brian Gottlieb alongside Robert Katz. Photo by Mario Belluomo
One of the reasons for the move, which is officially slated for June, according to “TJ Chief” Frank Seddio, is due to changes in the district.
Frank Seddio and guest. Photo by Mario Belluomo
“In 1965 when we bought the building, our border was Linden Boulevard on the north and the Queens border on the east,” Seddio told the Brooklyn Eagle. “Today, we start at Rockaway Parkway and go past Gerritsen Beach. We wanted to move into the center of the district again — and that is where Mill Basin is.”
Fond memories
Seddio pointed out that he is probably one of the last of the people present when the building was originally purchased.
Frank Seddio and guests. Photo by Mario Belluomo
“I was sitting right here in this spot. I was 18 years old,” he recalled. “It’s one of my fondest memories about this place.”
Hon. Mark Partnow (right), Hon. William Mastro and guests point out a photo collage. Photo by Mario Belluomo
The new address will be 5809 Avenue T, “right next to the Mill Basin Deli,” Seddio noted. “They are going to be very happy with us because we’re going to boost their business,” he quipped.
Seddio explained that the new spot will be a “state-of-the-art facility, to suit our needs and the needs of the community.”
From left: Hon. Juliet Howard, Hon. Norma Jean Jennings and Arlene Alvarado-McCalla. Photo by Mario Belluomo
77 Conklin Avenue is expected to be converted into a church.
From left: Alan Maisel, Hon. William Mastro, Sue Ann Partnow, Hon. Mark Partnow and Frank Seddio with portraits of former Thomas Jefferson Club members. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Seddio reflected on the significance of the TJ Club, underlining that it has always been the historic meeting place for almost every civic and fraternal organization in the community.
Hon. Mark Partnow. Photo by Mario Belluomo
“We’ve elected so many major officials that represent the United States today,” Seddio said, “[Sen.] Chuck Schumer, [House Democratic Leader and Congressmember] Hakeem Jeffries, former Congressmember Ed Towns and Anthony Weiner, and every mayor in the city of New York came here at some point.”
Hon. William Mastro. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Jack of all trades
Seddio has had countless roles associated with the TJ Club.
Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Martin Maher alongside Alan Maisel. Photo by Mario Belluomo
“I started as a member, then became a captain, a president, a district leader, a county leader — pretty much anything I’ve done politically has come as a result of my background here,” Seddio explained.
Michael Benjamin, Esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo
As for the future of the club, Seddio said he sees it as looking very bright. “We are hoping our new location will give us an opportunity to bring in more new members from many different areas.”
The TJ Club has existed for 60 years and open to any and all individuals seeking to improve the quality of life for all residents.
Sue Ann Partnow speaks. Photo by Mario Belluomo
The club represents the communities of Mill Basin, Flatlands, Bergen Beach, Georgetown, Marine Park, Mill Island, Bayview and the Glenwood Houses.
Frank Seddio makes a point. Photo by Mario Belluomo
It is a home to community activists and elected officials who have a shared interest in the success and flourishing of Southern Brooklyn.
Frank Seddio addresses the crowd. Photo by Mario Belluomo
“This is the longest running Democratic club in the state of New York and still the most powerful,” Seddio said. “This is a place that has made history in New York State, New York City and especially right here in Brooklyn.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
