“Today, our hearts are heavy in remembrance of the lives lost last year to one of the deadliest fires in our city’s history. I stand with the families and community gathering today to reflect on the seventeen lives that were cut short too soon. Many are also coming together today for a street co-naming ceremony in honor of Abdoule Touray, a beloved father and Islamic community leader, who embodied the spirit of New York. Touray helped establish the resilient Gambian and West African community around Twin Parks, welcoming immigrants from his homeland and neighboring countries with accommodations and access to spiritual services. We join in honoring Touray’s legacy as part of today’s memorial.”

“This past year, the Council passed critical legislation to improve fire safety regulations for all New Yorkers. The Twin Parks Citywide Taskforce on Fire Prevention will continue advancing legislative oversight to ensure the City is doing all it can to avert harm and injuries from preventable fires.”

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