— IN THE PAST WEEK —

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.

Have a wonderful week.
Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Vallone and Council Colleagues Decry Con Edison for
Leaving Outer Boroughs in the Dark Post-Isaias

In light of the disastrous week-long response to Tropical Storm Isaias,
I've joined with fellow Council Members Adrienne Adams, Justin Brannan and
Bob Holden to call for accountability and emergency City Council hearings
on the inadequacies and vulnerabilities exposed in the city’s emergency
preparedness and infrastructure, specifically in the outer boroughs.

According to figures shared by Con Edison, over 46,000 Queens households
were without power as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, the day after Tropical Storm
Isaias hit New York City. Despite assurances from Con Ed that crews were
working around the clock and prioritizing the hardest hit neighborhoods,
tens of thousands of Queens households would go without relief for days,
with no communication from the utility company and no end in sight.

On August 5th, Con Ed issued its own deadline: that power would be restored
citywide by Sunday at 11 p.m. Unable to meet their own target, as of 11
p.m. last night, over 6,000 Queens households were still without power,
making up just under two-thirds of the remaining outages reported in the
entire city. Over the next 12 hours, that number was only cut by an
estimated 177.

Here in Queens, the impact of the brief but powerful Tropical Storm Isaias
was felt most profoundly, with close to 50,000 households going dark in the
hours following the storm and nearly 10,000 tree-related complaints filed
with the city. We understood that this storm brought stronger winds than
anticipated, and that it would take time for power to be restored. Six days
later, we have been more than understanding, and our patience has worn out.

I'm demanding answers for every Northeast Queens and New York City family
still without power one week after this storm and asking for City Council
hearings to examine the failure of this utility company and the fumbled
response from the involved agencies.

“Tropical Storm Isaias created a perfect storm for the disastrous
restoration response received by residents across the borough of Queens,"
said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “It is shameful that thousands were
kept in harm's way due to Con Edison's lack of ability to do the work that
is expected during an emergency. The sustained power outage has caused
great hardship for numerous Queens citizens and businesses alike at a time
when a pandemic has rendered so many helpless. Given the fact that
hurricanes and tropical storms are predicted to pound our coasts in
unprecedented proportion this year, the City Council must immediately
facilitate hearings to determine the root causes of such crisis
unpreparedness.”

“It has been 8 years since Hurricane Sandy, and it has been made clear over
and over again that the City, and the utility companies the city relies on,
are nowhere near prepared for storms – especially in the outer boroughs,”
said Council Member Justin Brannan. “The aftermath of Isaias, a relatively
mild storm, was a disaster. As Chair of the Committee on Resiliency and
Waterfronts, I will see to it that all agencies and companies involved are
held accountable. As climate change worsens, we cannot keep subjecting New
Yorkers to incompetence and total lack of preparedness.”

"It's extremely frustrating that Queens residents were left to suffer amid
the chain reaction of city failures exposed by Tropical Storm Isaias,"
said Council Member Robert Holden, chair of the City Council Committee on
Technology. "Poorly maintained street trees easily toppled over in the
wind, taking outdated utility poles and overhead power lines with them,
leaving our constituents to deal with a loss of power and lack of
communication from Con Edison. I look forward to questioning all city
agencies and utility companies about why there is still no comprehensive
plan to upgrade Queens infrastructure and move power lines underground as
they are in other parts of the city. The devastation from this storm was
preventable on so many levels."

Today, I've submitted a number of bills to the Council, including the
following measures:

* Amending the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation
to requiring electrical conductors and utility service lines in Queens
county to be placed underground when a reconstruction project is undertaken
by the City of New York;
* Requiring the Parks Department to publish all interactions with utility
companies looking to alter or remove trees related to utility management
publicly on their website; and
* Expediting and streamlining the response of city agencies in situations
where utilities require city resources in relation to restoring utility
service

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Important Post-Storm Isaias Resources

⦿ Report a power outage - [1]www.coned.com/outage
⦿ Report a downed tree or branch -
[2]www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/request/submit or 311
⦿ ConEd Outage Claim Forms -
[3]www.coned.com/en/services-and-outages/claim-form
⦿ If you or a loved one require life-support equipment, register with Con
Ed: 1-800-752-6633
⦿ As always, please call 911 for any emergencies

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Back to School Resources for DOE Families

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Health & Safety: [4][link removed]

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Choosing Remote Instruction for Fall: [5][link removed]

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Teaching & Learning: [6][link removed]

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School Schedules: [7][link removed]

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Key
messages: [8][link removed]
-for-families

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Free COVID-19 Testing

Make sure you get a FREE COVID-19 test before you spend time with
vulnerable New Yorkers.

Testing is widely available, and you can now get tested even if you are
asymptomatic. Testing is free, quick, and easy, and you do not need
insurance.

⦿ Text 'COVID TEST' to 855-48 to find the closest testing location or visit
nyc.gov/COVIDtest

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"What $50M in New Markets Tax Credits Can Do for Community Investment in
NYC"

"NYC EDC has been awarded $50M in federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to
help spur economic growth in underserved neighborhoods.

These NMTC awards are invaluable for NYC neighborhoods. Through NYCNCC, we
leverage the awarded funds to provide low-cost financing to development
projects in low-income NYC communities—including schools, healthcare
centers, grocery stores, community facilities, and more. And unlike most
other community development entities (CDEs) located in New York State,
which have a national or state-wide reach, NYCNCC serves only projects in
New York City, so the benefits of the award stay within the five boroughs."

"During these challenging economic times, robust local revitalization
efforts and critical federal investments will be essential components to
future success in New York City," said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair
of the Committee on Economic Development. "I welcome news our city was
selected for the New Markets Tax Credits initiative, which will create jobs
and strengthen neighborhoods, positioning them for long-term success to
serve New Yorkers for generations to come."

Read More at [9]NYCEDC

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Douglaston Plaza Selected to Expand Outdoor Dining!

Earlier this month, the Mayor announced that Douglaston Plaza was selected
as one of 15 more citywide locations to have expanded weekend outdoor
dining options, under an initiative that combines the popular Open Streets
and Open Restaurants programs.

The expansion of the Open Restaurants program to include Douglaston Plaza
in Northeast Queens is a great victory for our small businesses and our
community! I thank the Douglaston LDC and Rebecca Gellos, Chris Campese,
Victor Dadras and Ravi Thakur, who have been working hard to coordinate
with my office and the Mayor's team to expand this successful program to
Douglaston.

Let’s all celebrate by grabbing some coffee and enjoying dinner at our
wonderful Douglaston Plaza!

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Parks Movie Nights Cancelled

Please note: Unfortunately the Parks Department will not be permitting
events for the month of August. This means the following movie night is
sadly cancelled:

August 21st @ Bayside Fields - Raiders of the Lost Ark

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Bayside’s Bell Boulevard Expands Outdoor Dining!

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&oh=118bf8537e1bf4478c414070e30f817b&oe=5F30AC97]

Bell Boulevard was selected as one of the first business corridors in the
city to participate in the new “Open Streets: Restaurants” program, which
combines the Open Streets and Open Restaurants initiatives. The new program
allows expanded seating options for restaurants on select corridors
throughout the five boroughs on weekends by collaborating with a local
partner (in this case the Bayside BID) to facilitate street closures.

Bell Boulevard, between 39th and 41st Avenues will be fully closed for
restaurant use 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 10 pm. on Sundays.

Expanded seating will last into the fall. An emergency clear lane will be
maintained down the middle of the street to make sure that these streets
remain safe and passable for emergency vehicles.

"I'm thrilled to share the news that Bayside's Bell Boulevard was selected
to participate in the Open Streets: Restaurants initiative, which gives
restaurant owners the power to expand their operations on the weekends and
offer more diners food service in the open air, giving New Yorkers a safe
way to enjoy a meal out while supporting their favorite local eateries,"
said Council Member Paul Vallone, who also chairs the Committee on Economic
Development. "I thank the Bayside BID for their partnership and welcome
this economic boon for our local restaurants, whose success will be a
critical part of a strong economic recovery for New York City!"

Read Coverage:

[11]Queens Courier

[12]Patch

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

------------------

The fourth phase of reopening includes schools, low-risk arts,
entertainment, and recreation businesses, sports without fans and media
production. Re-opening for indoor restaurant dining, indoor malls, gyms,
malls, movie theaters and museums will be delayed. All businesses that are
reopening are doing so with social distancing and hygiene guidelines.​

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Open Restaurants Program

The City has announced guidance for the Open Restaurants program, which
allows qualifying restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on
sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas, and Open Streets as New
York City begins Phase 2 of reopening.

The Open Restaurants initiative will give restaurant owners the power to
expand and offer food service in the open air, keeping diners safe and
offering New Yorkers a way to enjoy a meal while supporting their local
small business, whose success will be a critical part of a strong economic
recovery.

Read more and apply [13]here!

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Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses

and their Employees

The City of New York will distribute 4 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 [14]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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Food Pantry Assistance

Our local food pantries in College Point, Flushing and Whitestone are
offering assistance to hundreds of families and need our help. Please
donate if you are able and spread the word! Thank you CEC D25!

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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 [15]GoFundMe

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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:
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!

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 [16]Facebook and [17]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [18][link removed].

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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.

[19]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."

[20]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."

[21]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."

[22]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!

[23]Read More

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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Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access
food themselves: [24][link removed] or call 311.

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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Starting Friday, April 3, 2020, three free meals are available daily for
ALL New Yorkers in more than 400 Meal Hubs across the 5 boroughs.

Locations in Northeast Queens include Bayside High School, MS 158, PS 169
Bay Terrace and PS 107 Flushing.

To find a location near you visit [25][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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— MORE NEWS —

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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:

[26][link removed]

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Complete the 2020 Census!

* It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10
minutes to complete.
* It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are
protected.
* Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to
local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
* Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of
seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all
levels of government.

Visit [27]My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

_______________________________

718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [28]Inquire here

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— UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO —

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Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do
not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Hon. Paul A. Vallone

New York City Council, District 19

42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507

Bayside, New York 11361

718.619.8611

[email protected]

Follow me on [29]Facebook, [30]Twitter and [31]Instagram

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