A Street unofficially named after rapper Big Pun has been removed.
For a short time last week, a Longwood street corner was unofficially renamed “Big Pun Place” in honor or Bronx rapper Big Pun.
A super fan, Shane Rossi, bought an official-looking street sign from the city’s Department of Transportation website, and strung it up at corner of E. 163rd St. and Rogers Place on the eve of the 14th anniversary of Pun’s death.
However, thee sign, suspended by zip ties in the middle of the night, was removed this week by the city.
Attempts by Pun’s family to officially rename the corner have stalled in the past, when community members came out against the idea.
“I think that he did more than people give him credit for,” Rossi said of Pun. “I just want (the city) to know that there is still interest and people haven’t forgotten.”
Rossi, who bought the sign more than a year ago, said he attempted to hang the sign last February but was scared off by a pair of cops on patrol.
“My whole premise was to not disrespect anyone,” the 27-year-old said. “It wasn’t an insult or a jab at the right way of doing things.”
Community Boards also shot down recent attempts to get streets officially renamed in honor of the Beastie Boys, in Manhattan, and Notorious B.I.G., in Brooklyn.
Cops aren’t looking to charge Rossi, according to a police source.
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