This Labor Day, we celebrate all of the hardworking men and women across the United States. During these challenging times, let us join together as we recognize the social and economic achievements of the American labor force, who have worked hard to better their lives and the lives of their families as they attain the American dream.

Enjoy the holiday!

 

— 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

_________________________________________________________________________

NYC Schools Opening Information

 

 

On Tuesday, NYC DOE made a number of important announcements about our NYC Schools reopening plan. Announcements included:

 

  • First day of in-person New York City Department of Education classes are delayed until Sept. 21.
  • All public school students will begin learning remotely on Sept. 16.
  • School staff will still report to buildings on Sept. 8
  • Families who want to continue all-remote learning in the fall can do so by opting in here
Find more information at the DOE's Return to School 2020 webpage
 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

"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, Councilman Paul Vallone has secured and designated $71,000 through the New York City Council’s Clean Up NYC Initiative to fund additional garbage pickups in northeast Queens neighborhoods. 

 

The increased services began on Sunday, Aug. 23, and are in addition to regularly scheduled pickups, which were scaled back due to agency-wide cuts.

 

“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,” Vallone said. “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.”

 

Read More:

Queens Courier

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Critical Census Count Still Underway!

 

 

The census self-response period ends September 30, which means we have less than a month to get a complete count for New York City! 

 

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Census today. If you've already filled it out, please remind a family member, friend, or neighbor. A complete and accurate census count is critical to maximize federal funding and secure due representation in Congress for New York. 

 

Visit 2020 Census or call 844-330-2020 to complete the Census today!

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

ICYMI: NYC Parks Will Resume Permitting for Outdoor Youth Sports

 

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio 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."

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

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:

 

Online Application

 

PDF/Paper Applications can be found here in 5 languages

 

Email Application to [email protected]

 

Fax application to 212-487-5349

 

Mail Application to your local borough office


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

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Douglaston Plaza Selected to Expand Outdoor Dining!

 

 

 

This summer, 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!

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

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

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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.​

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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!

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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.

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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!

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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 stepped up and launched a fundraiser to help College Point residents who are in need of food.

 

Organizers write: "We have been going strong throughout the summer, helping to keep the food pantry alive at First Reformed Church in CP. Thanks to generous donations from the community, businesses, and city partners, we have been helping the community throughout these difficult Covid times...Our focus has now fully shifted from thanking workers, which was a wonderful initiative, to supporting the food pantry."

 

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

 

Find more information on GoFundMe

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

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.

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

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.

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

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.

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

— 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:

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

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 
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 —

 

_______________________________

718-268-5011

 

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

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

_______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO

 

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram