MTA Holds Bus Redesign Workshop in Bayside

Great to see the community come out in force on Thursday to voice their concerns over the service cuts in the MTA Bus proposal. We need everyone to continue to let the MTA know what we need in Northeast Queens!

This is the first of many workshops taking place in Eastern Queens. Find the complete workshop schedule here and stand united as we tell the MTA:

We need a better plan!

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"Small business owners across the borough will benefit from city’s revised violations initiative"

"Queens lawmakers are applauding a new initiative announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio to expand relief for small businesses, including eliminating fines for first time violations as well as expand the universe of violations that will have cure periods.

The de Blasio administration claims to have cut small business fines by more than 40 percent since 2014 and will cut an additional 10 percent by the time the Hizzoner leaves office.

'Our small businesses are the core of New York City’s economic engine, and it is no secret that being a small business owner is often an arduous task,” Councilman Paul Vallone, chair of the Committee on Economic Development, said. “In these difficult economic times, this much-needed relief for our mom and pop institutions will go a long way in helping our city’s business owners and their employees thrive and continue to serve their communities.'"

Read More at the Queens Courier

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Mourning the Loss of a Local Hero

I am very saddened to learn that last week we lost a beloved figure and local hero, World War II veteran Luke Gasparre. Thank you, sir, for your service. Your legacy will not be forgotten.

Learn more about Luke Gasparre's life at the Queens Chronicle

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Student Ambassadors Volunteer at Selfhelp Senior Center!

Love was in the air at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center's Valentine's Dance in Bay Terrace on Wednesday afternoon! My Student Ambassadors had a great time volunteering at the event!

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Discussing Transportation Goals with

Queens Borough Commissioner Garcia

Productive conversation with Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and Deputy Al Silvestri about the capital and planning priorities for Northeast Queens in the next year. As always, I look foward to our continued work together!

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EDC Update at Queens Delegation

Happy to welcome NYC EDC to the Queens Delegation meeting at York College on Friday morning to deliver updates on ongoing projects in the borough, including Sunnyside Yard!

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Voice Your Concerns to the MTA about

Bus Service in Northeast Queens!

In Northeast Queens, where there is no subway access and limited public transit options for residents, the first major overhaul of our bus network in a century should improve — not slash — service to our already transit-starved neighborhood!

Please share these flyers with your friends and neighbors!

We are also encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA here and to sign our petition to improve, not slash service!

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ICYMI: 'Douglaston Library prepping for change'

"In preparation for replacing its old facility with a new one, the Douglaston Library will be closed from Saturday, Feb. 22 until Monday, March 16 for a soil assessment.

Managed by the city Department of Design and Construction, the plans seek to replace the 249-01 Northern Blvd. building with a completely new structure by fall 2024. The project rests in the design procurement phase, with architects and engineers not yet designated.

'Our libraries provide the local community with invaluable resources and are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods,” said Vallone in a statement. “A brand new, modernized structure at the existing site on Northern Boulevard will ensure the surrounding community will enjoy access to arts education and cultural events for generations to come. This preliminary work is the first step forward, and I’m proud to have worked with former Queens Borough President Katz and Mayor de Blasio to see the new facility become a reality!'”