Dear Neighbors,

From my family to yours, I want to wish all who are celebrating a blessed Easter. During these challenging times, may we still achieve reflection, peace and happiness. I hope you and your families enjoy many blessings today and in the coming months as we look towards new beginnings this springtime!

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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ICYMI: Council Member Vallone Co-Hosts National Day of Action and Healing Unity Rally

On Friday, Council Member Vallone joined elected officials and nonprofits at Bay Terrace Shopping Center to call attention to the spike in racially motivated crimes perpetrated on Asian Americans in our nation.

“On the eve of Passover and the upcoming Easter season, there is no room for hate in our community and we stand together. It is terrible to see this wave of Anti-Asian violence in our communities. I stand with those working to end discrimination for all Amercians and I call for an increase in funding to the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force.”, said Council Member Vallone “We all must work together to end this spree of racially motivated crime.”

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ICYMI: First Permanent Vaccination Center Opens in Distict 19

Council Member Paul A. Vallone attended the opening of the Korean Community Services center, KCS, as a permanent vaccination site for residents in Northeast Queens as they have secured a contract with the City of New York. The Council Member has been fighting for more vaccine access for his district, which has one of the highest concentrations of senior citizens in the city, since vaccinations became available earlier this year.

The new vaccine site hosted by Korean Community Services, operated by Centers Urgent Care, and located at 203-05 32nd Ave will build upon the existing five-borough network of vaccine access points open to the eligible public. This new vaccination site will offer more than 160 appointments per day and will be open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Additional days and appointments will be available as supply increases citywide. Starting March 25, eligible New Yorkers can make an appointment at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC.

“We have one of the largest populations of seniors in the City and have been advocating from day one for our own dedicated vaccination site. This is a tremendous relief and victory for everyone in Northeast Queens and we thank the Mayor for getting this done. Having KCS as our partner once again is a perfect location and provider to bring the life saving vaccine to our residents.”, said Council Member Paul Vallone.

Previously, Vallone has successfully fought to secure 2 pop up vaccination centers in Northeast Queens but he consistently asked for a permanent location that would be available until the end of this pandemic. KCS has served as one of these locations, and has always been an incredible community partner, especially during this pandemic.

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Council Member Vallone meets with the 109th Precinct and Community Advocates to Curb Drag Racing in our Communities

109th PCT, Council Member Vallone, Jennifer Shannon of A Better College Point and Alfredo Centola of We Love Whitestone met with the 20th Avenue shopping center management to discuss solutions to the ongoing issues with vehicles speeding, racing, performing dangerous stunts and playing loud music throughout the late night and early morning hours. Several ideas were proposed by the 109th PCT and they are committed to reducing the impact of reckless driving on the Whitestone and College Point communities.

"I am glad to see that the perennial issue of drag racing in our communities is being looked at with a renewed vigor by our community partners and the NYPD", said Council Member Vallone, "Hopefully we can reduce the impact of this dangerous driving on our saftey and quality of life."

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Work Begins on Bowne Park Renovations

Council Member Paul A Vallone, whose district oversees the park, allocated $1.45 million in capital funding to upgrade the water fountains and filtration system in the pond of the nearly 12-acre park. The Parks Department has awarded a contract and work is set to begin the week of March 22nd and the construction's duration is 18 months with a completion date of August 2022

This project will remove accumulated sediment from the pond bottom and repair a connection to a well so groundwater can be used to refill the pond instead of City water. A new aeration system with three water cannons will help to improve the water quality. Renovations will be in phases allowing wildlife to remain at the pond during construction as a portion of the pond will retain freshwater.

In addition,the renovations will replace the granite stone on the wall at the edge of the pond and clear catch basins and storm sewer lines that empty into the pond. Portions of the existing asphalt path system will be reconstructed, and new plantings will be installed.

“I'm very proud that the latest capital project is about to begin at Bowne Park. The renovations to our iconic pond will add to the serene beauty that is unique to this park. These projects along with the upcoming bocce court beautification community project will total over 3.5 million dollars and complete our promise to renovate and preserve the beauty of Bowne Park.” said Council Member Vallone.