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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Back to School Resources for DOE Families

Health & Safety: http://on.nyc.gov/33tskDl

Choosing Remote Instruction for Fall: http://on.nyc.gov/2XwapYT

Teaching & Learning: http://on.nyc.gov/2XuRw8x

School Schedules: http://on.nyc.gov/3kiIeqi

Key messages: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-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 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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Bayside’s Bell Boulevard Expands Outdoor Dining!

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:

Queens Courier

Patch

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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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 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 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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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:

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 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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