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.
You checked out way too soon. You left too many things unsaid.
But you were a gas while you were here. And what you had to say through stand-up comedy was thought-provoking, the truth, and timely, and funny.
Hasta La Vista George.
You are missed.