Community Corner

Great Neighbors: What Will Lou Do Next?

Around this time last year, Columbia Waterfront resident Lou Formisano began to clean up a vacant lot on his block which he would open as a park months later.


Last spring, after staring at a neglected, city-owned lot at the corner of Woodhull and Columbia streets remain vacant for more than 35 years—overrun with wildlife, vermin and drug paraphernalia—neighbor Lou Formisano decided to take matters into his own hands and cleaned it up himself.

Using money set aside to repair his garage, Formisano swept up the site, installed 4,000 square feet of sod, set up patio furniture and a sprinkler, then invited block residents to come by and enjoy the new green space. 

Initially the city tried to stop him in his tracks. But after public outcry, much media coverage and the verbal support of local officials such as Sen. Daniel Squadron, the lot was eventually reopened for limited use.

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This was not the first time Formisano had acted altruistically. Previously the lifelong resident had planted trees up and down the street, and on another occasion he installed American flags—all with the intention of beautifying the area.

As spring flowers begin to bloom, one wonders: What will Lou do next? And are there other "Lous" among us who might take on their own random acts of kindness? 

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