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Fort Hamilton Highway to be renamed ‘Veterans Memorial Highway’ — or not

FORT HAMILTON — All that is impeding the recent passing of legislation that will allow a portion of the Fort Hamilton Highway to be renamed “Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway” is the stroke of a governor’s pen.  

Senate Bill S9764 was recently passed on both the New York State Senate and Assembly floors, honoring the legacy of U.S. veterans and celebrating Brooklyn’s historic military presence, but requires the approval of one Gov. Kathy Hochul before it becomes law.  

New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23) and Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny (D-46) who served as the bill’s sponsor, have worked in bipartisan fashion for nearly two years to make this proposition a reality. 

At a recent press conference outside the Fort Hamilton Army Base, Scarcella-Spanton and Brook-Krasny, along with local veterans and members of local veterans’ organizations, including Raymond Aalbue, executive director of the United Military Veterans of Kings County, were present. 

“We really hope the governor signs the bill,” Aalbue said. “For veterans it would be such a great recognition — especially when they are riding on that highway and they see that sign, it will instill some pride in them and try to help heal a few wounds.” 

Scarcella-Spanton, who is also the chair of the Committee on Veterans Homeland Security and Military Affairs, explained that the renaming will recognize veterans’ contributions for future generations, and will serve as an incredible tribute.

“This is a small way to pay our respects to New York City’s veterans,” she said. “I am the wife of a two-time combat veteran — my husband served in the U.S. Army and actually processed out of Fort Hamilton when he joined the Army many years ago.

“To me, this is a way of making sure that our veterans’ service is never forgotten,” Scarcella-Spanton continued, adding that Fort Hamilton is such a staple in this community, and Brooklyn has such a long, strong military presence.

“I see no reason why the governor wouldn’t sign it. Sometimes they like to mark things for certain holidays,” she said. “I’m hoping around Veterans Day we will have a signature.” 

Brook-Krasny referred to Senate Bill S9764 as “an American bill and a bill for New Yorkers who cherish the memory of U.S. veterans and understand the importance of them.”

Fort Hamilton, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights have so many veterans, and this is the ideal place to have this renaming, Brook-Krasny pointed out.

Richie Barsamian, director of community affairs for Brook-Krasny added, “Today is a special day because it highlights what can happen and what should happen when you have true committed bipartisan support.”

Hochul’s office declined to comment.