Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe during these difficult times. Please find below the latest news and resources to stay informed.

On Friday afternoon, the Department of Homeless Services informed my office that it will immediately transfer 96 residents of a Bronx men’s homeless shelter into the Fairfield Hotel at 28-66 College Point Boulevard. This move is part of the Administration's temporary COVID-19 policy to relocate non-symptomatic homeless individuals from congregate shelters to low-density settings.

Once again, this agency's continued lack of communication and transparency serves only to create frustration and distrust within our communities. In a pattern of rushed decision making, DHS just weeks ago relocated homeless women from the College Point shelter on 20th Avenue to a hotel in a different neighborhood. Uprooting the neighborhood’s current residents and transferring homeless individuals across boroughs during a pandemic is an irresponsible policy. This lack of foresight and planning compromises the health of not only our vulnerable populations, but also of staff and service providers.

Along with State Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal, I will hold DHS accountable to their promise that this is a temporary arrangement. Our offices will keep open lines of communication with the local 109th Precinct, which is aware of the incoming temporary shelter. We as elected officials stand united in opposition to the City’s short-sighted approach.

As my staff and I continue to work on behalf of Northeast Queens, my office can be reached at 718-619-8611 or [email protected]. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone
 
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Important Voting Deadlines!

🗳️ Election Day is June 23 for State & Federal Primaries. Please note:

✔ All New Yorkers are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in this election due to COVID-19 concerns by indicating “temporary illness” as reason to request on your ballot application.
✔ You must postmark, apply online, email or fax your completed absentee ballot application by June 16. You can also apply in person at your local BOE office by June 23.
✔ Early Voting for June Primary Elections will take place June 13-21. Polling places will be open on Election Day, June 23, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Find your poll site here: https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search
✔ June 23 is the last date to postmark your absentee ballot. It is also the last day to deliver your absentee ballot in person at your local BOE office.
✔ Questions? Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC

Visit NYC Absentee for more information.

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Vallone Lauds Signature Bank Donation to Small Biz Emergency Grant Program

City Council Member Paul Vallone lauded Mayor de Blasio’s announcement that Signature Bank will donate $750,000 in funds to the Small Business Emergency Grant Program to further support small business owners who recently experienced damage to their storefronts during recent protests.

City Council Member Andrew Cohen (D-Manhattan) connected Signature Bank with the city to facilitate the donation.

This donation will allow the program to provide individual grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses across the city. The grant will help impacted minority and women-owned businesses as well as those with annual revenues of less than $1.5 million, with their recovery efforts, including repairs, security systems, locks, inventory and more.

“Our small businesses and restaurants have always been the heart and soul of New York City, and their success will be a critical part of a robust economic recovery,” said Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “As businesses begin to reopen their doors after being shuttered for several months due to COVID-19, a number of owners are also facing costly repairs due to damage sustained by vandalism and looting. During these difficult times, this grant will offer small business owners in the five boroughs much-needed relief as they rebuild, recover, and continue to serve their communities.”

Find information on how to apply here

Via Queens County Politics

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Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses

and their Employees

The City of New York will distribute 2 million face coverings citywide to small businesses and their employees as we move toward reopening the local economy. To get these resources to you and your employees, the NYC Department of Small Business Services and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection are working with business-serving partner organizations throughout the five boroughs.

If you are a small business looking to secure free face coverings for your employees, visit this City website to find a distribution partner located near you. You should contact partner organizations in advance, most organizations have varying hours for pick up.

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ICYMI: "Reopening NYC in a safe and savvy manner"

" To the relief of many, Monday, June 8 will mark the beginning of the “new normal” for New York City, with up to 400,000 construction, manufacturing and retail workers returning to work under Gov. Cuomo’s phase one guidelines, but a few City Council members still question whether the process can be done in a way that adequately protects their constituents from contracting the coronavirus.

“Health comes first, but then you have to look at how we get back to an economy that’s basically collapsed — what will it look like if we keep waiting? How do we jeopardize a healthy New York?” Councilmember Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) told the Chronicle May 26. Vallone tested positive for COVID-19 in early April, and understands the “treacherous journey” of contracting the virus. “I know how nervous we are about reintroducing the community and getting back to work.”

...

“We need to channel our energies to areas that we know best — where we shopped, where we spent our money and time with our families — get them healthy, reopened and get the public back. That’s what we need to do whenever that magic opening is,” Vallone said.

One of the ways to achieve the reopening, according to Vallone, is for the public to accept their social responsibility to get tested. De Blasio announced on June 2 that universal testing would be available to all New Yorkers through the The Test & Trace Corps initiative by visiting nyc.gov/CovidTest or by calling 311 to find the testing site nearest them. Additionally, 1,700 contact tracers were deployed from neighborhoods across the city, with particular emphasis on those hardest hit by the virus, to manage, track and recall contacts of confirmed COVID-positive cases. "

Read the full article at the Queens Chronicle

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Petition: Restore Public Waterfront

Access to Tallman Island

"For many years, residents of College Point and beyond had public access to parkland adjacent to the west side of the Tallman Island Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in College Point (127-01 Powell's Cove Blvd.), and to an adjoining waterfront path that wrapped around the treatment plant and out to a pier ... About 15 years ago, all public access to the park and pier was closed off due to new construction projects at the facility.

This spring, the DEP announced a new project to upgrade the bulkhead, pathway, lighting, and bulkhead at the 30-acre facility. No public access to the park or path is included in this new plan. ... We will soon make a site visit with DEP and officials, and we ask that you sign on to this petition to let our officials know how strongly you feel that public access should be restored. All of us deserve to again enjoy the park and the waterfront path, and the ability to walk on at least part of the pier."

Thanks to Coastal Preservation Network for leading this local charge for restored public access! See more information at the petition below.

Sign the Petition!

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Whitestone Drive-In Movie Night for a Good Cause

In honor of Joanna’s Birthday, the Joanna Sophia Foundation will be hosting a drive-in movie night on Monday, June 29. The Joanna Sophia Foundation was created in loving memory of Joanna Sophia Ioannou with the mission to help find the cure for Epilepsy and to support families affected by Epilepsy along the way. 100% of tickets sales and donations will be donated to children and families in need who are struggling with Epilepsy. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.

Read more about the Foundation on their website.

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ICYMI: Vallone Launches Northeast Queens

Drive-In Movie Series

On May 27, I was happy to announce the first in a series of drive-in movies that will provide Northeast Queens families with safe summer fun during the warmer months!

Tickets for the first screened movie — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, presented on June 19th at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center — sold out in a matter of hours! I want to thank Cord Meyer Development and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for partnering with my office to make the June 19th event a reality.

We are overwhelmed by the positive response and are in the process of planning future drive-in movie dates. Please stay tuned and read more about the series in the articles below!

Queens Courier

Queens Post

Patch

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New Guidance for COVID-19 Testing

NYS is increasing COVID19 testing capacity and has issued NEW GUIDANCE for New Yorkers seeking tests.

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:

An individual is symptomatic or has a history of symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing), particularly if the individual is 70 years of age or older, the individual has a compromised immune system, or the individual has an underlying health condition

OR, An individual has had close (i.e. within six feet) or proximate contact with a person known to be positive with COVID-19

OR, An individual is subject to a precautionary or mandatory quarantine

OR, An individual is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working

OR, An individual presents with a case where the facts and circumstances – as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state or local department of health officials – warrant testing

OR, An individual is included under other criteria set by the NYS Dept. of Health based on an individual's geographic place of residence, occupation, or other factors that the Department may deem relevant for COVID-19 testing purposes

OR, Any individual who would return to workplace in Phase 1

Find a full list of criteria for diagnostic testing and local testing sites here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

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College Point Residents Organize Fundraiser to Deliver Meals

As our City continues to battle the effects of COVID-19, Northeast Queens residents continue to organize and offer a helping hand. College Point residents Jennifer Shannon, Cathy Shannon, James & Kathryn Cervino, and Margaret Loughlin have launched a fundraiser to help take care of College Point essential workers who are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis, as well as struggling residents who are in need of food.

Organizers write: "We are raising funds to provide lunch as a thank you to the staff of Waterview Nursing Home, Woodcrest Nursing Home and Cliffside Nursing Home (where 16 residents have died from Covid-19). Funds will also purchase food for College Point's only active food pantry, which is serving many more individuals as a result of Covid-19."

I was proud to contribute to this local effort. Please offer a helping hand if you are able!

Find more information on GoFundMe

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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:

NYC entered Phase 1 of re-opening on June 8th. Non-essential workers must continue to stay home. Social distancing rules remain in place.
All NYS K-12 schools and college facilities will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning through the summer. Full information at schools.nyc.gov/summer
Effective April 17, all New Yorkers must wear a cloth face covering or a mask when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Gov. Cuomo announces for tenants:
-Ban of late fees for renters who miss payments.

-Ability to put security deposit toward rent

-Extention of ban on evictions through August 20
New York State will begin expanding testing criteria to include first responders, health care workers and essential workers.
DOE schools will continue Remote Learning. The Mayor has signaled that school buildings will not reopen for instruction for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Students who need devices for online learning should request them here.
U.S. SBA has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications and these loans are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. See more and apply here
All New Yorkers will be able to vote via absentee ballot for the June 23rd election and will automatically recieve an application in the mail. See more at vote.nyc.
All non-essential businesses statewide will be closed until further notice.
Non-essential construction statewide has been suspended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are still banned.
Alternate Side Parking will be suspended until June 21.

For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are strongly encouraged to keep you and your family healthy:

Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
When in public, practice social distancing of at least six feet from others.
If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid unnecessary gatherings.
Most importantly, #StaySafeStayHome!

Healthy or sick, all New Yorkers must stay home unless they are essential workers or need urgent health care.

We will continue to share the latest updates and resources with the community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed. Follow our Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving COVID-19 situation at https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates.

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Northeast Queens Strong!

Our healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Northeast Queens continues to find new and creative ways to rise and support our essential workers on the front lines fighting this pandemic every day.

Through their Food for the Fearless initiative, Mark Boccia and the team at Bayside's Bourbon Street Queens and OSP have raised nearly $80,000 and counting to provide hundreds of meals to healthcare workers at our New York hospitals and the many first responders stationed at our local precincts, firehouses, and Fort Totten.

Click here to learn more about this fundraiser

A local group has organized to help assemble over 2,800 critical face shields for healthcare workers at Elmhurst Hospital, Forest Hills Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, Brandywine Nursing Home in Little Neck, and several others. Organizer Dr. Emily Watkins writes: "Our volunteers continue to work tirelessly to build face shields. We are grateful to have some new volunteers joining our ranks this week. The situation seems to be improving in some places and some of the hospitals we’ve supplied now have enough face shields for all their staff."

Click here to learn more about Project Face Shield

A group of neighbors have created the "Meals for Visiting Healthcare Workers in Queens" initiative to provide meals to the many nurses, doctors, and paramedics from across the country staying at the Adria Hotel and Conference Center and Best Western on Northern Boulevard. Organizer Amy Herzog writes: "After 12 hour shifts on the front lines, these medical workers are exhausted and hungry. Please help us raise money to coordinate hot meals and other needed supplies."

Click here to learn more about this initiative

The "Help Our Healthcare Heroes" initiative has delivered meals to hundreds of medical staff throughout Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island. Organizer Karra Puccia writes: "Every dollar counts and we want to support these heroes when they leave their families to care for ours. Please share so we can continue helping them."

Click here to learn more

14-year-old Bay Terrace resident Jeremy Golub is leading an effort to deliver meals to Flushing Hospital Medical Center EMS. Well done!

THANK YOU to these local organizers and to our first responders, our healthcare workers, and all those on the front lines every day working hard to get our city through this pandemic. We will weather these uncertain times and come through stronger, together!

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New York State Issues Guidance on

COVID-19 Paid Leave Law

On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law Senate Bill S8091 to provide paid sick leave and job protection for workers during the COVID-19 crisis (“COVID-19 Leave”).

This leave is provided in the event that a worker, or their minor children, are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

Find a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements and benefits here:

https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/new-york-paid-family-leave-covid-19-faqs

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