On July 23, the New York City Council approved legislation by Council Member Paul A. Vallone to co-name the following intersections in Northeast Queens:
• 130th Street and 23rd Avenue will be co-named “Joe Femenia Way” in recognition of the late College Point civic leader.
• Utopia Parkway and 16th Avenue in Whitestone will be co-named "Madeline Sershen Way" to honor the life of 17-year-old Madeline Sershen, whose life was tragically cut short after being fatally struck by a car. Her passing sparked local activism on mandatory vision retesting for drivers and prompted the introduction of legislation in the New York State Senate that would require a written exam upon renewal of a driver's license.
• Northern Boulevard between 207th Street and the Clearview Expressway northbound will be co-named "CW5 Howard C. Haider Way," in respect of the late Chief Haider, who served in the United States Military from 1963 until 2003 in the New York Army National Guard.
“Joe, Madeline and Howard each left their own indelible mark on our community, and I’m humbled to be a part of honoring their lives in this way,” said Council Member Vallone. “I know their unique legacies will live on for generations to come.”
“The tragic and unexpected passing of Joseph Femenia was a great loss for all of College Point,” said Vallone. “The victories and ongoing battles to preserve and protect College Point will always be part of Joe’s great legacy. He will now be forever remembered for generations as they look to the street sign recognizing his great legacy. I will forever cherish Joe’s friendship, vision and the leadership he displayed as we worked together.”
“Madeline Sershen was a bright young woman who had a promising future ahead, and her sudden passing was felt deeply throughout the entire Northeast Queens community last year,” said Vallone. “In the face of tragedy, Madeline’s Aunt Rita Barravecchio and family have become vocal proponents for positive changes to New York State’s driving laws. It is my deepest hope that this co-naming will serve to help honor Madeline’s memory.”
“For four decades, Chief Haider served his country with pride and dedication, and he made history during his career as the first to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five in New York State,” said Vallone. “I am proud and humbled to recognize his lifetime of service to our country.”
Official ceremonies for these co-namings will take place later this year after coordination with the Department of Transportation, Council Member Paul A. Vallone and each family involved.
