The Bronx is bidding farewell to one of its most cherished public servants, Sam Goodman, whose decades-long service as a Senior Urban Planner has left an indelible mark on the borough’s landscape and spirit.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson led the heartfelt tribute, describing Goodman not just as a planner, but as a vital guardian of Bronx history.

“For decades, Sam Goodman has been more than a Senior Urban Planner here at the Borough President’s Office—he’s been a steward of Bronx history, a champion of preservation, and a storyteller whose passion brought the Grand Concourse to life,” Gibson wrote.

As Goodman prepares to retire, the borough is pausing to celebrate a man whose work extended far beyond planning documents and community meetings. He became known for his walking tours, rich in history and personal anecdotes, which helped generations of Bronx residents connect with their roots.

“We proudly honor his extraordinary legacy of advocacy, education, and civic pride,” Gibson continued. “Thank you, Sam, for showing generations the soul of our borough—one walking tour at a time.”

Goodman’s legacy will remain etched not just in city plans, but in the hearts of those who have walked the streets with him, learning to see the Bronx not just as a place, but as a story worth telling.