'George Carlin Way' in New York to Be Named After the Iconic Comedian, 10/22

At a public unveiling ceremony on October 22 at 1:00pm, the 400 block of West 121st street between Morningside Drive and Amsterdam Avenue will officially be co-named "George Carlin Way," after the celebrated comedian, actor and author, George Carlin, who grew up on West 121 Street. Confirmed attendees include Colin Quinn and Keith Olbermann, along with Carlin's daughter Kelly, older brother Patrick, comedian Kevin Bartini, who headed the efforts in the co-naming of street.

The process to get a street named in Carlin's honor begun in June of 2011 and finally became a reality on July 9, 2014 when Mayor DeBlasio signed the law allowing the co-naming to be official. Comedian Bartini would pass by West 121 Street and realized that there was no recognition of one on the communities' most celebrated residents. Bartini researched the process and went into action collecting over 9000 signatures in support of the name changing.

Although George Carlin is the most esteemed alumni of Corpus Christi School located at 529 West 121 Street, just a few doors away from his childhood home, Bartini met staunch opposition by the church, but with overwhelming support from the neighborhood and as well as local council persons, the church dropped their opposition to the bill. Manhattan Community Board 9 Voted 24-4 in support of "George Carlin Way," the bill then went on to the NYC City Council for a final affirming vote.

"The neighborhood my dad grew up in meant the world to him. He often spoke about his friends and life on the streets of "Irish Harlem." I'm so thrilled that the current and future residents of Morningside Heights will know about that connection through the sign that hangs there. Yay for George Carlin Way!!," says daughter Kelly.

George Carlin was born on May 12, 1937 and lived on Broadway and West 121 Street until he listed in the Air Force. The Morningside Heights neighborhood meant the world to Carlin and he often referenced it in his many books, specials and in particular on his albums Class Clown (1972) and Occupation Foole (1973). George Carlin died at age 71 on June 22, 2008.

For more information, visit www.thekellycarlinsite.com or www.georgecarlin.com.

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"George Carlin Way" Timeline

June 13, 2011

Kevin Bartini had an idea to launch a campaign to rename West 121 Street "George Carlin Way." He reached out via Facebook to George's daughter Kelly Carlin for permission to name a street after her dad. She agrees and offered her blessing.

June/July

Bartini and other dedicated Carlin fans canvasses the area around West 121 street gathering support and signature for their petition.

August 4, 2011

Facebook Page is Launched

September 4, 2011

Officially submit our petition to the appropriate CB9 subcommittee.

September 5, 2011

Change.org Petition created. Collected 2200 signatures in the first 24 hours.

March 27, 2012

A compromise to hang the sign on the Amsterdam Ave corner of West 121 Street effectively co naming the 400 block instead of the 500 block is reached. The Catholic Church is no longer in opposition. CB9 Uniformed Services votes to approve George Carlin Way. The bill now heads to the full CB9 board for a vote.

October 18, 2012

Manhattan Community Board 9 votes 24-4 in support of "George Carlin Way." Bill sent to the New York City Council for a final vote as part of an omnibus street co-naming bill.

July 17, 2013

Benefit Performance Reverence for the Irreverent at Gotham Comedy Club featuring Dave Attell, Lewis Black, Eddie Brill, Rory Albanese, Nick Dipaolo, Todd Barry, Kevin Bartini, Lizz Winstead hosted by Judah Friedlander.

June 19, 2014

The New York City Council Votes to co-name West 121 "George Carlin Way."

July 9, 2014

Mayor de Blasio signs an order making allowing the co-naming of 400 Block of West 121 Street "George Carlin Way"

October 22, 2014

Public Street Sign Unveiling Ceremony of "George Carlin Way."

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