Vallone Chairs EDC Hearing Exploring Jamaica NOW Revitalization and Queens FEASTS

On Tuesday, Council Member Paul A. Vallone chaired a “2020 Snapshot” Economic Development Committee hearing, which focused on one major development project being led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) per borough. For Queens, EDC Chief Operating Officer Rachel Loeb provided updates on the Jamaica NOW Revitalization Project, which was kicked off in 2014, and the Queens FEASTS initiative.

Jamaica NOW is a multi-faceted $153 million project in Central Jamaica designed to increase access to quality jobs and small business support, expand commercial growth, improve livability and increase tourism to Jamaica. Chair Vallone asked questions on topics including community engagement, what tracking and data EDC has on graduates of the workforce development programs, and if any of the job training programs can be introduced to local schools.

Queens FEASTS, formerly known as Jamaica FEASTS, was born out of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan. Its main objective is to provide food entrepreneurs training and tools to be successful in today’s culinary industry and actively participate in the revitalization of the greater Jamaica area. Due to its success, the program was recently expanded to the entire borough. Interested applicants can visit the Queens Public Library website and complete their application at http://connect.queenslibrary.org/1342.

“Our small businesses are the core of New York City's economic engine, and providing prospective business owners with support and education through programs like Queens FEASTS will help the next generation of mom and pops thrive for years to come,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I look forward to seeing the program’s borough-wide expansion progress and ask the EDC to explore ways we can bring these trainings and internship opportunities into our schools.”

Read Coverage at the Queens Courier

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Join us for a DOE Imagine Schools Visioning Session!

Do you have ideas on how to re-imagine a school in your neighborhood? Council Member Paul Vallone and the Department of Education invite you to an Imagine Schools information session on Tuesday, March 10 at Korean Community Services (203-05 32nd Ave, Bayside, NY 11361)!

Imagine NYC Schools is an initiative to empower students and communities to play an active, central role in creating the future of education, here and now. This initiative is the first of its kind in New York City–a student-centered, community-driven approach to creating bold, innovative, academically rigorous school options.

Learn more about the initiative here

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Join Vallone and NYC EDC for a Discussion about the Queens Economy

Join Council Member Vallone and James Patchett on Thursday, March 19 at the Bulova Corporate Center for a Discussion about Jobs and Economic Development, in partnership with the Queens Chamber of Commerce!

The event is open to the public and will begin at 8 a.m. Find more information on the Queens Chamber website!

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'Bright Future' for Our Whitestone Park Volunteers!

Congratulations to Dorian Mecir and the hardworking volunteers of Friends of Francis Lewis Park, who won the “Bright Future Award” from Partnership for Parks NY on Thursday night! Here's to a long and wonderful partnership for our beautiful park!

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Discussing Our Parks Department Priorities with

Queens Borough Commissioner Dockett

Productive conversation with Queens Borough Commissioner Michael Dockett about capital priorities and ongoing projects for Northeast Queens! As always, I look foward to our continued partnership!

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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.

While the branch is closed, patrons may visit nearby Queens Library locations, including 214-20 Northern Blvd. in Bayside, 57-04 Marathon Pkwy. in North Hills and 256-04 Union Tpke. in Glen Oaks. Mobile library service will also be provided on Thursdays outside the Douglaston Library, beginning Feb. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

'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!'”