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 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 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 QNS, QChronicle, 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 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 https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page.

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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 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 http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
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 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: https://on.nyc.gov/316jRUC

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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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 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 http://nyc.gov/ppp 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 here!

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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 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.