Queens Borough Hall ceremonial address honors late BP Claire Shulman

Queens Borough Hall’s new ceremonial address honors the contributions of late Borough President Claire Shulman. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards presided at an event commemorating the new address with a sign Monday. Eagle file photo by Rachel Vick

By Rachel Vick

For 16 years, Claire Shulman’s name hung on the door of the corner office at Queens Borough Hall, her headquarters as borough president. Now, thanks to a new ceremonial address, her name will appear above the front door for decades to come.

More than two dozen local leaders and loved ones gathered in front of Borough Hall in Kew Gardens Monday morning to honor Shulman by changing the nameplate that reads “One Claire Shulman Way.” The former nurse-turned-politician died in August 2020 at age 94.

A new sign with the ceremonial address commemorates the “larger-than-life figure who consistently defied expectations,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who was close with Shulman.

“Every day when I walk in this building.. [I am] reminded of carrying on her legacy,” Richards said. “From now on, everyone who visits the people’s house will see the name of Claire Shulman and reflect on the great work she did to build a better Queens. I can’t think of a tribute more fitting.”

Shulman served as  borough president from 1986 until 2002 and was the first woman to hold the position in Queens. She was remembered by attendees for her unwavering commitment to the borough and tenacity in all facets of life.

Former Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, who began the process of the name change,  lauded Shulman’s ability to “move mountains … And move hearts,” ultimately shaping the face of Queens forever.

“She was — is — pretty legendary,” Lee said.

Also present were members of the Shulman administration including Councilmembers Barry Grodenchik and Karen Koslowitz, as well as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Shulman’s children Larry Shulman and Ellen Baker.

“She cared about Queens in such a deep way for so many years,” Larry Shulman said of his mother. “She cared about it long before she was borough president.. and long after her years as borough president.” 

 “She cared deeply but not in an abstract way, she cared about the people who lived in the borough — that's really what mattered,  building that made better and accommodated the lives of the people,” he added. “This is particularly meaningful to us to have her honored in this way.”