— 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.

On Saturday, we recognized the 75th anniversary of Korean Independence. Best wishes to all those in the Korean-American community who are celebrating!

Have a wonderful week.

Thank you and stay well,

Council Member Paul Vallone
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"Lawmakers Call for Emergency Hearings

After Slow Isaias Response"

"Tens of thousands of Queens residents were left in the dark for days after Tropical Storm Isaias and four city councilmembers want to make sure that never happens again.

City Councilmembers Paul Vallone (D-Alley Pond Park, Bay Terrace, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, East Elmhurst, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck and Whitestone), Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, South Ozone Park), Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) and Robert Holden (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Woodside) announced Monday that they are calling for the city council to hold emergency hearings to discuss the failures and weaknesses in the emergency response to Isaias by the city and electricity provider Con Edison to damage and mass power outages that for some have lasted nearly a week.

The slow response time to fix the power outages and clear downed trees further exposed flaws in the city’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure revealed years ago by Hurricane Sandy, specifically in the outer boroughs, they said, and it’s time to fix them.

“It’s more apparent than ever that we need accountability and reform,” said Vallone. “When it comes to a future natural disaster in our city, it’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ We must improve our city’s emergency response now.”

...

The storm and its aftermath showed how ill prepared and uncoordinated the city is to handle situations such as this past week, said Vallone who also introduced three bills on Monday in an effort to reform the city’s response to situations like the one caused by Isaias.

“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,” he said.

Read the full article at Queens County Politics

Please also join us for a virtual Storm Isaias Town Hall. Details below.

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Visiting Powells Cove with Speaker Johnson and

Parks Commissioner Silver

Happy to accept an invitation from NYC Parks Commissioner Silver to tour Northeast Queens waterfront gem Powells Cove Park with NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson on Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing upcoming ecological restorations at this College Point park take shape!

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NYPD Build the Block Meeting in Whitestone

Glad to see so many in attendance at Tuesday night's 109th Precinct Sector D Build the Block Meeting in Whitestone! Thanks to PO Dean and Petronzio for their leadership.

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"NYCEDC Announces Selection of Steiner Studios to Operate Film and TV Soundstage Facility in Sunset Park"

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) have announced Steiner Studios, a highly experienced Brooklyn-based soundstage operator, has been selected to establish a 500,000-square-foot film and television production hub in Sunset Park that will advance diversity and equity in the media and entertainment industry and create thousands of jobs.

The project will be established on the Made in New York Campus at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park. It will include eight new soundstages, gut-renovations of two historic buildings, and a new parking facility. Steiner will complete the adjacent Bush Terminal Piers Park, build a new playground designed with community input, and contribute $25,000 annually to recreational programming in the park.

"We're excited to say, 'lights, camera, action' to this brand new media and entertainment space, which will bring thousands of job opportunities to New Yorkers while further securing our City's lead role in the worldwide television and film industry," said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. "I look forward to the highly anticipated debut of the Film and TV Soundstage Facility in Sunset Park and thank NYCEDC for their hard work in making this project a reality."

Read More at NYCEDC

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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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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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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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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 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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Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves: http://NYC.gov/GetFood 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 http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
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:

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

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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 My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —