— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we witnessed a truly historic day with the inauguration
of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I congratulate the
new Administration and pray that we as a country come together in unity and
optimism in the days and years ahead.

As we continue our work to stop the spread of COVID-19, please remember: by
wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, looking after our seniors and
most vulnerable neighbors, and getting tested, we can continue to stay
well.

Please find below the latest news and resources to stay informed.
Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Announcing the Queens Small Business Grant Fund

This week, the City in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan
Richards and Pursuit announced the launch of the Queens Small Business
Grant Program, which will provide resources to small businesses impacted by
COVID-19. Through a generous $17.5 million donation from Steve Cohen, the
City will partner with community-based organizations to offer $15 million
worth of grants to Queens small businesses in need up to $20,000 to support
operational expenses.

Pursuit is administering the grant program and will partner with other
local community organizations to expand reach and impact. Businesses may
qualify for the grant with participating community partners including
Accompany Capital, Ascendus, BOC Capital, Greater Jamaica Development
Corporation, Pursuit, Renaissance EDC, and Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Eligible applicants must:
* Be located in Queens
* Operate as a first-floor storefront business, a second-floor
restaurant, or a street vendor
* Employed 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in 2019
* Earned gross revenue of less than $1 million in 2019 or less than $3
million if a restaurant
* Have no tax liens or unresolved judgements
* Generated a profit or came close to breaking-even in 2019

For more information about the Queens Small Business Grant program, reach
out to the community partners listed above.

"In Queens, our small businesses and restaurants have always been the heart
and soul of our diverse communities, and their success will be a critical
part of a robust economic recovery for our city," said Council Member Paul
Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. "I welcome news of
the Queens Small Business Grant Fund, which will serve as a buoy to so many
of the borough's small businesses and provide them with the support they
need to serve their communities, retain employees and stay afloat in the
pivotal months ahead."

Read More at [1]NYCEDC

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Increasing Tech Access and Literacy for Our NYC Seniors

On Friday, the Council's Committees on Aging and Technology held an
oversight hearing about increasing seniors' access to technology.

The COVID19 pandemic has left many NYC seniors feeling isolated or
disconnected. Tech access and literacy for our vulnerable older adults is
essential to their mental, financial and physical health. Additionally, we
must streamline the vaccine registration process for our seniors!

Watch the full hearing [2]here

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ICYMI: Council Member Vallone Calls for More Vaccination Sites in Northeast
Queens

Last week, I joined with local elected officials and signed onto a letter
calling for more vaccination sites in Northeast Queens. Please find an
excerpt from that letter below:

"Our constituents in Northeast Queens need a vaccination site that is more
accessible to them than what is currently being offered. Although the
addition of a 24/7 site at Citi Field is welcome, it is not within reach
for most seniors, especially when travel options to the stadium are limited
during the pandemic. While we understand that vaccine supply is limited and
more locations are slated to open in the coming weeks, it is critical that
we get sites up and running to
ensure ease of access as the vaccination rollout continues."

Read Coverage at [3]QNS, [4]QChronicle, [5]Patch

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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Starting Monday, January 11, NYS began scheduling vaccinations for the next
group of people (Phase 1b):

-People age 65+
-Education workers
-First responders (police, fire)
-Public transit workers
-Public safety workers

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, use the [6]Vaccine Finder to
search for a location near you.

While the end of the pandemic may finally be in sight, it is still
important in the coming weeks we continue to:

1- Wear a mask
2- Practice social distancing
3 -Get tested for COVID19

For the latest information,
visit [7][link removed].

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Department of Finance Deadlines & Resources

The Department of Finance administers a number of benefits for property
owners in the form of exemptions and abatements.

If you currently are utilizing a tax exemption for property taxes, the
deadline to renew that exemption is March 15, 2021. If you are interested
in applying for a new exemption, please use the information and resources
listed above and below.

* Senior Citizens Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) is required to be renewed
every two years.
* Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE) is required to be renewed every year.
* Clergy Exemptions are required to be renewed every year.

To learn about each of these benefits and others, including eligibility,
filing and deadlines, visit the [8]Benefits for Property Owners page.

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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Even when school buildings are closed, free meals are still available at
NYC Schools Meal Hubs!

To find a location near you visit [9][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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Stopping the Spread of COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 or antibodies? Here is the difference between
the two tests:
* Virus tests tell you if you have COVID-19 and are currently sick.
* Antibody tests tell you if you had COVID-19 at some point in the past.

Learn more about testing [10]here

NYC is one of the first local jurisdictions in the country to put out
COVID19 testing frequency recommendations. Find out how often you should be
getting tested: [11][link removed]

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
[12]nyc.gov/COVIDtest

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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Open Restaurants Program

The Open Restaurants program allows qualifying restaurants and bars to
expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas,
and Open Streets.

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 [13]here!

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NYC Launches Fair Share program to Streamline PPP Applications

The Paycheck Protection Program from the Federal Small Business
Administration is OPEN again.

New York City Small Business Services can help you navigate the process —
go to [14][link removed] or call 888-SBS-4NYC for assistance.

Fair Share NYC can help in 15 languages!

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Open Storefronts

The Open Storefronts program has been extended through 9/30/2021!

A strong economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic means continuous
creativity with our open spaces and giving our business owners every
resource they need to survive and thrive. The Open Storefronts program will
accomplish just that and give New Yorkers a unique way to shop local and
shop safe throughout this holiday season.

Learn more and check your eligibility [15]here!

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

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

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— MORE NEWS —

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Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park

A new local group has formed with the mission to ensure Crocheron & John
Golden Park will provide all visitors with beautiful open spaces.

Learn more about their fundraising and event organization efforts [20]here

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— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

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718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [21]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 [22]Facebook, [23]Twitter and [24]Instagram

References

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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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