May 6, 2016 By Michael Florio
An Astoria street will soon pay tribute to the founder of a Greek television channel.
The block of 31st Avenue between Steinway Street and 41st Street will be called “Demetris Kastanas Way” to honor the founder of National Greek Television, the first privately owned Greek channel in the U.S.
Local officials will host a street naming ceremony on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Steinway Street and 31st Avenue.
Kastanas passed away in January 2013.
“Demetris Kastanas helped promote Hellenism and Democratic values throughout his life,” Council Member Costa Constantinides said. “We honor him because he served as a great example of civic engagement.”
“As the founder of the first Greek-language channel, he made news and entertainment accessible to Greek-Americans throughout our city and our country,” Constantinides added. “We are proud to commemorate Kastanas’ contribution to our city with this street co-naming.”
Kastanas’ family members and Assembly Member Aravella Simotas will join Constantinides tomorrow afternoon.
The City Council approved “Demetris Kastanas Way” along with names for about 40 other thoroughfares and public places in February.
Featured Events
5 Comments
I was in Astoria yesterday on a business trip after being quarantined in Florida for the past ~18 months. Passing the corner of Steinway and 31st Avenue, I noticed the co-lable of 31st Ave with Dimitri’s name. As a former principle of Eisenberg’s Gift Shop (30-59 Steinway St), going back to the 1960’s, I was involved with the beginnings of The National Greek TV show and other Greek, Italian and Spanish media advertising. Dimitri’s show was a vehicle for the merchants and businesses of NY to reach directly to the 1st Generation Greek audience we needed to support the Astoria business community. I was moved when I saw the recognition of Dimitri’s work on the streets of Astoria.
Michael (Eisenberg) Chess
The Pioneer and Founder of Greek TV was Maria Papathatos who was on UHF channel 47 since 1970/71 ? We need to give credit where credit is due and research what the truth is rather then who makes donations to politicians
That’s democratic values, with a lower-case ‘d’.
Another waste of money and time of the City Council. Instead of dealing with true issues they spend their time re-naming parts of streets.
No photo of Costa Constantinides’ podium?