Letter to Ms. Mistique Cano, Public Affairs Manager of Google Inc. - Securing Victory in Recognition of Allerton, Pelham Parkway as Neighborhoods

Letter

Dear Ms. Cano,

Our constituents have recently supported changes initiated on Google Maps so that the software more accurately reflects two areas in the Bronx -- Allerton and Pelham Parkway. We urge you to accept these changes since they reflect how local residents identify the areas.

Allerton is a vibrant and distinct area that is home to almost 50,000 residents. The community is known in part for its large commercial strip, Allerton Avenue, that is home to several locally-owned businesses, including the well-known Farenga Brothers Funeral Home and the popular Sal and Dom's Pastry Shop. In addition, the region is home to Beth Abraham Health Services, the Allerton Library, Allerton Playground and Allerton subway stops on the 2 and 5 lines.

The Pelham Parkway region borders the New York Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo, two of the most popular destinations in New York City. Pelham Parkway is known not only for the parks along its eastern border, but also for the open green strips lining the edge of the Pelham Parkway thoroughfare. Residents also frequent the small businesses lining the commercial strip White Plains Road, in addition to such popular destinations as the local branch of New York Public Library and the Bronx House Jewish Community Center.

While residents recognize Allerton and Pelham Parkway as their home regions within the Bronx, Google Maps inaccurately labels the Allerton area as Bronxwood and the Pelham Parkway area as Bronxdale. We urge you to consider the wishes of the residents of these communities by accepting the proposed changes on Google Maps. Specifically, we ask you to label as "Allerton" the region along Allerton Avenue to the north of the Pelham Parkway thoroughfare and designate as "Pelham Parkway" the neighborhood directly south of Allerton. This initiative is strongly supported by local residents, community advocates, and civic organizations, and the New York City Department of Planning recently indicated it would change its own website to more accurately represent these areas.

We are aware that users initiate suggested changes to Google Maps, but the ultimate decision on these changes rests with Google. We thank you for your attention to this issue and look forward to your response. Please feel free to reach out to our offices if you have any questions.

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