On Saturday, family and friends of the two victims of the March 26, 2015, East Village gas explosion and fire gathered at the northwest corner of E. Seventh St. and Second Ave. to unveil two new street co-naming signs in their honor: Nicholas Figueroa Way and Moises Locón Way.
Ana and Nixon, parents of Nicholas, 23, and Alfredo Locon, brother of Moises, 27, were joined by Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Senator Brad Hoylman and Reverend Jacqueline Lewis, senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church, among others, at the ceremony.
The explosion, caused by illegal gas tampering, led to the fiery collapse of three buildings, 119, 121 and 123 Second Ave.
The disaster rendered dozens of families homeless and temporarily displaced several small businesses and neighboring area residents for weeks and, in some cases, months.
The introduction to co-name this corner was passed by Community Board 3 and the City Council earlier this year.
