Isaiah Che Moronta Way
Isaiah Che Moronta Way is the New York City Honorary name or co-name for the northwest corner of Dyckman Street and Nagle Avenue[1][2] in honor to Isaiah Che Moronta, a young community member lost his life attempting to save a friend at the Hudson River in Inwood Park.[3] The plate with the name is located in the corner diagonal to the A line train Dyckman Street Station.
About Isaiah Che Moronta
[edit]Isaiah Ché Moronta (2006-2020) was young New Yorker born in Washington Heights and raised in Inwood. He attended PS/MS.278 for both elementary school and middle school.[4] He was a member of the chess club and his favorite subject was mathematics. According to the city information,[2][4] he was athletic and his favorite sport was basketball. He spent time in the local park with friends. In March 13th, 2020, Isaiah attempted rescuing his friend and classmate Manny Flores from drowning in the Hudson River in Inwood Park, when they were with other four of their peers.
The day was hot and Moronta jumped from the bridge into the water and then returned to shore. Flores then wanted to try the jump — but wasn't a strong swimmer — and began struggling and yelling for help in the water.[3]
Isaiah and Manny both lost their lives at the age of thirteen and their bodies were found weeks after the tragedy.
Community memory
[edit]The resolution for co-naming the street passed unanimously in the Community Board 12 in October 2020.[5][1] The name was approved by the City Council on LL 2022/054[6] The ceremony of the street co-naming was celebrated by the Council Member Carmen De La Rosa[3] on 2022. The press release from her office mentioned that "Moronta’s story is one of absolute courage, and, after two years, it will finally be memorialized." [3] His friends admired him for his leadership and defending them against bullies. His neighbors and local business owners remember him for his politeness and his will to help.[2][4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b The City of New York. Community Board 12 - Manhattan Washington Heights & Inwood. Re: Resolution to Co-Name corner of Dyckman Street and Nagle Avenue "Isaiah Che Moronta Way" [correspondance to Corey Johson, Speaker NYC Council] https://cbmanhattan.cityofnewyork.us/cb12/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/tt-october-reso-2020_20210812150412.pdf
- ^ a b c NYC Records & Information Services (2025-06-17). "DORIS | NYC Honorary Street Names Map". www.arcgis.com. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b c d "Inwood Street Sign Honors Boy Who Drowned Trying To Save Friend". Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch. 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b c "Moronta". www.nycstreets.info. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ 2020, October 2020. Community Board 12, Manhattan General Meeting. [document]. Retrieved from https://cbmanhattan.cityofnewyork.us/cb12/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/12/October-22-2020-GM-Draft-Minutes-1.pdf
- ^ "The New York City Council - File #: Int 2477-2021". legistar.council.nyc.gov. Retrieved 2025-06-17.