The-Leader_2004-08-05

              69th Year, No. 31 Freeport, N.Y. 11520
The Community Newspaper
Thursday, August 5, 2004
LIRR focuses on security
by Douglas Finlay
During a community meeting on trans­portation concerns at the Bellmore Library on July 27, Long Island Rail Road officials told residents that riders would benfit from efforts to protect their safety against terrorist attacks during the Republican National Convention, which is being held in New York City next month.
At the forum, held by Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, Bob Brennan, LIRR assistant director of pub­lic affairs, told the more than 20 residents in attendance that the railroad will be embarking on an aggressive campaign to let commuters know about service changes and potential threats during the convention.
"We'll flood you with material about what to watch for in order to be vigilant on the trains," said Mr. Brennan, who added that extra security measures will be taken from August 30 to September 2, the dates during which the convention will take place.
Officials said that only the 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue entrance, and the 34th Street entrance, would be open for commuters, and that those entrances will experience higher-than-normal pedestri­an traffic. The taxicab stand on 7th Avenue will be moved to 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, with 32nd Street closed to traffic.
Residents were also informed of trans­portation
alternates to Penn Station, which is partially located below Madison Sqaure Garden, where the convention will be held, including taking the LIRR to Hunterspoint Avenue, Flatbush Avenue and Long Island City stations, or taking a subway from Jamaica station directly into Manhattan.
In addition, LIRR travel tips include leaving unnecessary backpacks and packages at home, and taking all pack­ages with you to avoid train delays, since all suspicious packages will be checked. A report on WNBC-TV also said travel­ers may be approached by staff or MTA police to place identification tags on their packages.
Neil Yellin, president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Long Island Bus, said that both the LIRR and Long Island Bus would benefit from extra resources to help ensure security.
"Federal funds will be available to the MTA that can help prevent any dire ter­rorist acts from occurring," he said, adding that the FBI, Nassau County Police, New York City Police and the MTA Police would coordinate with LI Bus to ensure safety of routes into Queens.
In addition to maintaining safety, John Viriello, LIRR's Babylon Branch manager said that the rail­road will also be upgrading local facilities.
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Arrest made in arson
by Laura Schofer
Balram Singh has been indicted for the murder of Salima Ishmail of 45 Broadway in Freeport after an early morning fire on July 5 that resulted in the injury of five other people besides Mrs. Ishmail's death. According to Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon, Mr. Singh used an accelerant to set fire to the only door of Apartment One Z (IZ) that resulted in the death of Salima Ishmail.
Mr. Dillon announced on Monday, August 2, that Mr. Singh has been indicted on 11 separate charges includ­ing one Count of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Arson in the First Degree, two counts of Assault in the First Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Stalking in the Third Degree, Arson in the third Degree and Menacing in the Second Degree.
The indictment alleges that Mr, Singh caused the death of Salima
Ishmail and the serious injury to her husband, Intiaz. Also injured were their son Afzal and their daughter, Afsaama. According to Mr. Dillon, Mr. Singh intended to kill his former fiancee, Holika Mangroo, who lived in the same apartment and instead killed her sister Salima.
The indictment further alleges that from approximately April 1 through June 24, Mr. Singh engaged in a "course of conduct intended to annoy, harass or alarm Mrs. Mangroo," reads the press release and that" on or about May 27, Mr. Singh menaced Ms. Mangroo by displaying a handgun." - If convicted, Mr, Singh faces a mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was arraigned before County Court Judge Jeffrey Brown where he entered a plea of not guilty and was remanded without bail. A subsequent court appearance has been scheduled for September 9. Mr. Singh is 24 years old and lives in the Bronx. ,
THE SAILORS of the United States Naval Academy will make their annual Freeport visit starting August 5. Their ships will be available for tours Friday through Sunday, August 6-8.
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