QNE_p004

QC02072013

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com february 7, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 3 New York Hall of Science HONOR A HERO Bayside street to be renamed after man who perished on 9/11 BY MELISSA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com He died a hero in his mother’s EXPLORE MORE PLAY MORE ALL-NEW EXHIBIT NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME New York! into skateboarding rolls of The physics DISTRICT MAPS WILL GO TO COUNCIL Changes anger some residents BY TERENCE M. CULLEN tcullen@queenscourier.com The final district lines that will go before the City Council were released on Monday, February 4, with moderate changes to the map that was released just two months ago. The new maps were released two days before the Districting Commission was to vote on the lines and discuss the changes district-by-district and boroughby borough. Several neighborhoods opposed the lines released in early December, mainly insisting the plans would divide neighborhoods and certain demographics. Independent residents and civic organizations made their unhappiness known at several hearings. Much of northeastern Queens, particularly the border of Districts 19 and 20, were adjusted to keep traditional neighborhoods such as Broadway-Flushing. Councilmember Dan Halloran, who testified at the commission’s January 14 hearing, touted the adjustment. “This plan reflects the proper goal of districting: keeping neighborhoods together and preserving their character,” Halloran said. “It has to be about providing the effective representation voters deserve and that is only possible when people with similar concerns are kept together. It’s not about race, as some have tried to make it. It’s about what people have in common, not their differences.” Some residents, however, were not as fortunate. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) opposed the December map, as the neighborhood would continue to be divided between two councilmembers. The district currently represented by Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley was essentially flipped with that represented by Councilmember Eric Ulrich. Members spoke out against the lines at the January hearing. WRBA President Ed Wendell said he was disappointed, but realized at this point change probably would not have come. He said the WRBA would “have to work twice as hard to get our elected officials’ attention.” Kris Gounden, an Ozone Park resident who’s been active in the West Indian community, said he was disappointed that parts of South Ozone Park were still incorporated into the 32nd District, despite pleas by residents. “We want someone that’s born of us,” he said. “That looks like us. That’s more likely to speak of our own interest.” eyes and a potential enemy to his country. Now the family of Mohammed Salman Hamdani, the Bayside hero found wrongly accused of having ties to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, will have his cleared name on a street sign. “He was a kind, compassionate and humble American. The most important thing to remember about him is his due place in history,” said mother Talat Hamdani, 61. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice.” Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a 23-year-old NYPD cadet and certified paramedic when he voluntarily and fatally rushed to his nation’s aid 11 years ago. “We knew he would go. That was him,” said Talat of her first son. “He would help people in the streets if they were in distress. If there was an accident, he would pull over and see if everything was okay.” But instead of honor, the chemistry major at Queens College died with a tarnished name. Authorities hunted him, falsely suspecting the Pakistani-American was in league with terrorists until his remains were found scattered in the rubble near the north tower by his medical bag, according to reports. Now Community Board 11 has voted unanimously to honor the hometown hero by renaming the street sign on 204th Street at 35th Avenue, outside his former Bayside home, after his legacy. “It was very emotional, listening to Talat and her pain,” said district manager Susan Seinfeld. “As a mother myself, I can just feel that. I can’t imagine what she’s gone through. He should be recognized as much as anyone who was on duty. He gave his life to help people.” About six street signs within the Community Board have been renamed in honor of 9/11 victims, Seinfeld said. “A street renaming is a very small but appropriate recognition of his bravery,” said Councilmember Dan Halloran. “He entered the twin towers not because he had to but because he chose to dedicate his life to helping people.” Mohammed Salman is also mentioned in the 2001 Patriot Act as a 9/11 Muslim- American hero. “We will never know how many lives he saved that day,” Talat said. “My son is priceless. Nothing can bring him back.” Photo Courtesy of Talat Hamdani A Bayside street sign will be renamed after Mohammed Salman Hamdani, who died attempting to rescue others at Ground Zero on 9/11.


QC02072013
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