At Mola di Bari Street Naming, Appreciation for Immigrants

The people who helped Carroll Gardens become the neighborhood it is today came together Sunday to celebrate their past and their rich cultural history, while also looking to the future.

The citizens of Mola di Bari, Italy have called Carroll Gardens home since the 50s, and their contribution to the neighborhood is now recognized by the city.

Court Street and Fourth Place is also "The Citizens of Mola di Bari Way."

"This is the most beautiful thing that the Molesi could ever dream of," said Alberto Ingravallo, a member of the .

Perhaps the Molesi's most famous son is Michael Pesce, a judge in the state Supreme Court and a former New York State Assemblymember, reminded those in attendance that the street naming was a celebration of the accomplishments of immigrants.

"The face of immigration has changed, but an immigrant is an immigrant," Pesce said. "If we ever have an opportunity to extend our hand, and help that immigrant, we'd be adding to the fiber of that magnificent tapestry that is America."

And while Carroll Gardens is now one of the hottest places to live in New York City, those in attendance yesterday say the people who've always been in Carroll Gardens are the ones to thank it.

"We made this the most desirable place to live in New York, and maybe in this country," said the Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management Joe Bruno, whose family has lived in the same Carroll Gardens house since 1907. "It's because of these people here."

Perhaps the street naming will encourage new comers to ask questions about the neighborhood's history, said Assemblywoman Joan Millman.

"Maybe they'll see the street name and wonder what it's about," she said. "And maybe the new people will ask you what this neighborhood is all about."

Also in attendance was Carlo Scissura from Borough President Marty Markowitz's office, Councilmember Brad Lander, Chairman of the Federation of Italian American Organizations Jack Spatola, Pastor Anthony J. Sansone from Sacred Hearts/ St. Stephen's Church, and nearly 100 Molesi and their family and friends. The event was organized by .