Benjamin Ward Way (Manhattan)
Present name:Baxter Street
Location:Between Worth Street and Walker Street
Honoree:  Benjamin Ward (1926-2002) was the first African-American New York City Police Commissioner under Mayor Koch. He served as a police officer beginning in 1951 when he became the first African-American officer assigned to Brooklyn’s 80th Precinct. He rose through the ranks over the years to lieutenant and eventually served as special legal counsel to Police Commissioner Howard R. Leary. He later was named a Deputy Police Commissioner of Trials, Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs and Traffic Commissioner in 1973. He then became Chief of the New York City Housing Authority and the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections before becoming the 34th Police Commissioner. (Chin)
LL:2020/26

The Walter Ward Playground (Queens)
Present name:Rockwood Playground
Location:Bounded by 160th Ave b/w 88th St and 89th St
Honoree: Walter Ward (1911-1994) served 12 consecutive terms on the New York City Council (1968 to 1993) representing the Rockaways, Ozone Park and neighboring areas of southeast Queens. Ward had founded an outdoor advertising company but sold the business in 1971 to concentrate on his legislative duties. Concerned for the environment, he served as chair of the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. He campaigned for clean beaches and against airport noise.
LL:1995/4