Queens, New York – Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) was joined by community leaders, governmental representatives, and concerned residents of the 24th Assembly District at the 24th Assembly District South Asian Advisory Panel at Assemblyman Weprin’s Fresh Meadows District Office.

Launched in 2015, the 24th Assembly District South Asian Advisory Panel aims to foster increased dialogue between the South Asian community, government, and among leaders of the South Asian community by offering a direct channel for communication in a discussion setting. March’s gathering marked the third meeting of the South Asian Advisory Panel overall and first meeting of 2016.

Attendees discussed a range of issues affecting the South Asian Community; including the desire for a South Asian Community Center in Richmond Hill, increased food options for South Asian seniors at senior centers, pedestrian safety in the 24th Assembly District, and general quality of life concerns affecting residents in Fresh Meadows, Queens Village Richmond Hill, and Utopia. A significant portion of the discussion was also spent addressing the public health concerns including high rates of breast cancer, and diabetes in the South Asian community.

“Our South Asian Advisory Panel started as means for leaders in the South Asian community, regardless of religion or background, to come together and discuss the mutual issues affecting our shared community” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “I’m glad to see a very diverse group for our panel discussion today, with leaders from the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Jewish communities; along with leaders from our local women’s organizations and youth groups. As a community united, we can accomplish a lot.”