[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING NEIR'S TAVERN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2024

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
Neir's Tavern, a beloved establishment located in the heart of 
Woodhaven, Queens. From its inception in 1829, Neir's Tavern has 
contributed to New York City's rich cultural history. Today, I am 
marking the momentous occasion of Neir's Tavern receiving the 
Queensmark Historical Designation award from the Queens Historical 
Society of New York.
  This designation is not only meaningful for the Woodhaven, Queens 
community, it also highlights the significant contributions of Loycent 
Gordon, the current owner of Neir's Tavern. A public servant who 
dedicated more than two decades as a New York City firefighter and was 
one of the first African American Lieutenant's in the FDNY Hazmat 
Division.
  In 2009, he courageously stepped up and purchased the establishment 
when it was set to shutter its doors. Loycent is the embodiment of the 
American dream, immigrating at the age of 10 from the island of Jamaica 
to Jamaica, Queens. His business acumen and sense of community has 
contributed greatly to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of 
Woodhaven.
  As we commemorate this milestone in the history of Neir's Tavern, let 
us reaffirm our commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural 
landmarks that make our communities unique as well as the small 
businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Neir's 
Tavern on its well-deserved Queensmark historical designation and in 
wishing Loycent Gordon many more years of success.

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