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New York City Council approves bill naming major thoroughfares as ‘Gurdwara Street’ and ‘Punjab Way’
The renaming “is a long overdue recognition for the contributions of the Sikh and Punjabi communities both locally and throughout the City”, says Council Member Adrienne Adams
By Geeta Goindi
By Geeta Goindi
December 22, 2019 – To honor members of the Sikh and larger Punjabi community and in recognition of their immense contributions, New York City Council has approved the renaming of roads in the southeast section of Queens County which will give them an undeniable feeling of inclusion and belonging. According to the legislation, 97th Avenue, between Lefferts Boulevard and 117th Street, will be named ‘Gurdwara Street’ and 101st Avenue, between 111th Street and 123rd Street, will be called ‘Punjab Avenue’.
The bill, sponsored by Council Member Adrienne Adams with 25 co-sponsors, was approved by the City Council, Thursday, and now heads to New York City Mayor Bill Blasio’s desk for signature. The Democratic mayor of the most populated city in America is expected to sign the bill into law.
Adams who became the first woman elected to the City Council District 28 in 2017 said in a statement, “Co-naming Gurdwara Street and Punjab Avenue is a long overdue recognition for the contributions of the Sikh and Punjabi communities both locally and throughout the City”.
Her district encompasses Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park – all neighborhoods in the New York City borough of Queens which boast a sizeable Indian-American population and are home to organizations such as the Sikh Cultural Society, Bethlehem Punjabi Church, Sach Khand Guru Nanak Darbar, Chhaya Community Development Corporation, SEVA Immigrant Community Advocacy Project, Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center, Gurdwara Baba Majha Singh Karamjot Sikh Center and United Sikhs.
Richmond Hill has the largest Sikh population in the city and members of the community have established their presence and clout by opening houses of worship, cultural centers, several retail stores and restaurants, and giving back to the city, county and country.
“I am proud of the multicultural mosaic of my District and our City and believe that it should be celebrated”, Adams said. “It is important that diverse communities see themselves and their varying cultures represented in the historical landscape”.
The New York City Council is set to vote Thursday on renaming 53 other thoroughfares and public places honoring first responders, civil servants and clergy members, among others.
