— 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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College Point Drive-In Screening of Jurassic Park!

Stormy skies cleared on Tuesday and made way for a beautiful summer evening
for a drive-in screening of Jurassic Park in College Point!

It's been a challenging summer, and these events were a bright spot that
allowed our community to gather and enjoy themselves in a safe way as we
navigate this new normal. We are grateful for amazing community partners
like the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Cord Meyer, and Triangle Equities, who
worked with us to make these drive-in movies possible!

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"Vallone Secures Funding for Cleaner Streets in Northeast Queens"

In response to substantial cuts to the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY)
operating budget in this year's challenging citywide budget, Council Member
Paul A. Vallone has secured and designated $71,000 through the New York
City Council’s Clean Up NYC Initiative to fund additional garbage pickups
in both QE7 and 11, which cover neighborhoods in Northeast Queens including
Auburndale, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck and
Whitestone.

With this allocation, QE7 will see an additional trash bin pickup service
on Sundays, while QE11 will see pickups on one additional weekday, for 30
weeks. These increased services began on Sunday, August 23, and are in
addition to each garage’s regularly scheduled pickups, which were scaled
back due to agency-wide cuts.

Facing the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and a $9 billion budget
shortfall, every city agency was forced to implement cuts this past June.
As a result, the Department of Sanitation was forced to eliminate $106
million from their operating budget and subsequently reduce their level of
services. Vallone secured this funding allocation to offset the funding gap
in Northeast Queens and ensure cleaner streets in our neighborhoods.

“As we continue to face the ongoing impact of COVID-19, public health
remains top priority, and this allocation will serve to keep our streets
clean and our neighborhoods safe,” said Council Member Paul Vallone.
“Increased trash bin pickups, particularly around our busy commercial
corridors, will help ensure safety and sustained quality of life for all
those living, commuting, and doing business in Northeast Queens.”

"CB 11 is being hit hard by budget cuts across our agencies and all City
Services as a result of the tax revenue lost during the pandemic,” said
Joseph Marziliano, District Manager of Community Board 11. “We are so
thankful to see Councilman Vallone taking the initiative to step in and
keep up the quality of life and sanitation we have come to enjoy in
Northeast Queens."

Read Coverage:

[1]Queens Courier

[2]Queens Post

[3]Queens Chronicle

[4]Patch

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NYC Parks Will Resume Permitting for Outdoor Youth Sports

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday announced that NYC Parks can resume
permitting its athletic fields across the city for outdoor youth sports.
Supportive of children’s physical and mental health, lower and
moderate-risk youth play on permitted fields will resume Tuesday, September
15.

City athletic fields have been opened for first come, first served,
socially distanced play throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Now, youth sports
leagues will be issued permits for organized outdoor play. Permitted sports
will include baseball, softball and soccer. Indoor sports, including
swimming, will not be permitted. Leagues must enforce social distancing
regulations.

"After months of staying indoors and collectively limiting outdoor activity
to successfully help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our City, it is welcome
news that outdoor youth sports will return to our NYC Parks athletic fields
this September," said Council Member Paul Vallone. "Smart, socially
distanced outdoor play will support the health and well-being of our
children while bringing an important sense of normalcy and community to our
neighborhoods and families this fall."

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Governor Cuomo Signs Legislations Allowing All New Yokers to Vote By Mail
this Fall

The Board of Elections has provided a fully online application as well as
email, paper mail, fax, and phone options. The information and links to
access them can be found below:

[5]Online Application

[6]PDF/Paper Application[7]s can be found here in 5 languages

Email Application to [8][email protected]

Fax application to 212-487-5349

Mail Application to [9]your local borough office

Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)

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Back to School Resources for DOE Families

Small blue diamond

Health & Safety: [10][link removed]

Small blue diamond

Choosing Remote Instruction for Fall: [11][link removed]

Small blue diamond

Teaching & Learning: [12][link removed]

Small blue diamond

School Schedules: [13][link removed]

Small blue diamond

Key
messages: [14][link removed]
e-for-families

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ICYMI: "NYC Ferry to Extend Astoria Route to Serve East 90th Street in
Upper Manhattan"

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced the
extension of NYC Ferry’s Astoria route to serve the East 90th Street
landing in Upper Manhattan.

The new connection, which will officially launch Saturday, August 22nd,
comes at no additional operating or capital expense and will not change
travel time to or from existing landings on the Astoria Route. After
launching, the newly extended Astoria Route will now terminate at East 90th
Street and Pier 11.

“Our city’s waterways are a unique resource that provide opportunities to
expand the transportation options available to New Yorkers,” said Council
Member Paul A. Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “I
applaud this additional connection within NYC Ferry and look forward to
further expansions into the northern Queens waterfront."​

Read More at [15]NYCEDC

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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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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!

[16][106926042_3114357062018318_2486389999952065407_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_
nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=SMR9QCx3ewMAX_5jzK6&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx
&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:

[17]Queens Courier

[18]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 [19]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 [20]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 [21]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 [22]Facebook and [23]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [24][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.

[25]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."

[26]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."

[27]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."

[28]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!

[29]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: [30][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 [31][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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— MORE NEWS —

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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:

[32][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 [33]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. [34]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 [35]Facebook, [36]Twitter and [37]Instagram

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Council Member Paul Vallone | Council Member Paul Vallone | 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507 | Bayside, New York 11361
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