Observing Yom Kippur

I extend my sincerest wishes that you have a meaningful fast and the New
Year brings you peace, happiness and good health.

G'mar Chatimah Tova!

— 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 great week!
Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

_________________________________________________________________________

Vallone Chairs Economic Development Committee Hearing Focused on Tourism
Recovery

On Thursday morning, Council Member Paul A. Vallone and Council Member
Jimmy Van Bramer co-chaired a joint hearing of the Economic Development and
Cultural Affairs, Libraries & International Intergroup Relations Committees
focused on the recovery of New York City’s tourism industries and arts and
culture during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. There, Vallone’s legislation
seeking to create an Office of Tourism Recovery was supported and discussed
by fellow Members, industry leaders and advocates.

Tourist numbers have plummeted since Governor Cuomo declared a state of
emergency on March 7th, 2020. Since March, the city’s tourism economy has
shed over 200,000 jobs. Hotel occupancy rates fell to just around 15% in
late March, and as of earlier this month those rates improved to just
around 38%, well below the industry standard. Broadway, a massive economic
driver, has been shuttered since March, and our restaurants have been
limited to takeout or outdoor-dining. Council Member Vallone acknowledged
that long term economic recovery planning now is critical to ensure success
in the years ahead.

“The prolonged fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to
leave its mark on every sector of the city’s economy, but nowhere is it
more pronounced than in our once-vibrant tourism, arts and entertainment
sectors,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Acknowledging the difficult
recovery ahead, my bill seeks to create a dedicated office that would
report directly to the Mayor and support tourism recovery throughout the
city over the course of the next five challenging years. Proactive efforts
like these will ensure the “City that Never Sleeps” stays dynamic, vibrant
and wide awake in this new reality.”

In testimony, Hotel Association of NYC President Vijay Dandapani
highlighted that hotels, which have historically provided over 50,000 jobs
to New Yorkers, are now down to just 10,000 employed. Dandapani said
Vallone’s legislation “would be a welcome addition to the very-much needed
recovery efforts at the City level to support the future of tourism in
NYC.”

“With the impact of COVID-19, the industry has been all but destroyed, with
many hotels closing and others holding on by a thread,” said Dandapani. “We
badly need relief if we are going to survive the coming months and years to
provide the 50,000 jobs that we provided prior to COVID, and we welcome any
support that the City might be able to give.”

Read Coverage at [1]Crain's New York

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Whitestone's Rev. Fr. Anastasiou Delivers NYC Council Invocation

I was proud to welcome the spiritual leader of our beloved Holy Cross Greek
Orthodox Church in Whitestone, Reverend Fr. George Anastasiou, to deliver
the invocation at Wednesday's NYC Council Stated Meeting. Thank you my
brother for giving us your blessing!

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"NYC makes outdoor dining permanent"

[2]

New York City’s popular Open Restaurants program, which more than 10,300
eateries have enrolled in since June, has been extended year-round and made
permanent, Mayor de Blasio announced Friday. So too is the Open Streets:
Restaurants program, which lets eateries use more space on 85 car-free
streets around the city on certain days.

Open Restaurants has saved at estimated 90,000 jobs citywide, according to
the Mayor’s Office.

...

Restaurants will be allowed to use tent enclosures and heaters to keep
diners warm. They also will be able to extend their seating to the front of
adjacent properties, as long the neighboring landowner formally agrees and
commits not to charge a fee for use of the space.

"The extension of the Open Restaurants program, which has seen great
success on Bell Boulevard and Douglaston Plaza here in Northeast Queens, is
a victory for our small businesses and our communities," said City
Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside), chairman of the Committee on Economic
Development. "Cutting obstructive red tape and setting clear health and
safety guidelines for our city’s thousands of restaurant owners and the
thousands more they employ will help ensure both the long-term health of
New Yorkers and of our economy."

[3]Read the full article at Queens Chronicle

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ICYMI: "Northeast Queens councilman’s resolutions demand accountability
from Con Edison"

[4][Screen-Shot-2020-08-05-at-12.04.08-PM-1024x759-1.png]

"Queens residents endured one of the most challenging summers in recent
memory, facing storms, power outages and a global pandemic.

Con Edison’s weeklong response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which arrived in
New York City on Aug. 4 profoundly impacted the borough, was quickly
condemned by public and elected officials alike and prompted Councilman
Paul Vallone to call for emergency City Council hearings on the
vulnerabilities exposed in existing emergency preparedness and
infrastructure.

...

During the hearings, Vallone introduced two resolutions which seek to push
Con Edison to make needed service improvements, better prioritize
restoration efforts across the five boroughs, and take accountability for
damage sustained on private property during weather events.

“Con Edison’s failure to quickly restore power to tens of thousands of
Queens residents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias meant that the
borough hardest hit by COVID-19 also became the hardest hit by this weather
event,” Vallone said. “A borough-by-borough approach to Con Edison’s
emergency response, advance identification of vulnerable utility
infrastructure, and accountability for damage to private property during
storm events are just a few ways we can take action now and prevent a
similar unacceptable outcome in the future.”

[5]Read More at QNS

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Critical Census Count Still Underway!

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 [6]2020 Census or call 844-330-2020 to complete the Census today!

_________________________________________________________________________

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:

[7]Online Application

[8]PDF/Paper Application[9]s can be found here in 5 languages

Email Application to [10][email protected]

Fax application to 212-487-5349

Mail Application to [11]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

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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!

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Bayside’s Bell Boulevard Expands Outdoor Dining!

[12][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:

[13]Queens Courier

[14]Patch

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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

Governor Cuomo announced that indoor dining in NYC will resume at 25%
capacity on Sept. 30. Reopening indoor dining in New York City with safety
precautions is the right call and a major step that will boost the local
economy and help our restaurant owners and the thousands of New Yorkers
they employ get back on their feet while keeping diners safe. Given the
fact that surrounding counties are already offering indoor dining at up to
50% capacity, I urge the Governor to raise the threshold for our Queens and
NYC restaurants as soon as it's safely possible.

_________________________________________________________________________

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 [15]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 [16]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 [17]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 [18]Facebook and [19]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [20][link removed].

_________________________________________________________________________

Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access
food themselves: [21][link removed] 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 [22][link removed]
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:

[23][link removed]

_________________________________________________________________________

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 [24]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. [25]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 [26]Facebook, [27]Twitter and [28]Instagram

References

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