Dear Neighbors,

Please take time to go out to the many wonderful parks our district has to offer and enjoy some time out in the wonderful weather we have been blessed with this summer.

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 vaccinated we can continue to stay well and overcome this pandemic.

Please find below the latest news and resources to stay informed.

Thank you and stay well,

Council Member Paul Vallone
 
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Council Member Vallone Secures Record $280,000 for neighborhood clean up initatives!

Photos from programs before 2020

Council Member Vallone was able to secure over $280,000 for local neighborhood cleanup programs in FY22. During the pandemic the City had to cut funding to DSNY programs vital to keeping our streets clean, and our district was able to maintain mose services through funds secured by the Council Member. With this new infustion of funding both DSNY and our partners at Wildcat's Neighborhood Improvement Program will be able to keep our district cleaner than ever!

"Keeping our streets clean and our communities beautiful is key to maintaining the character of our neighborhoods." said Council Member Vallone "I am glad to have been able to secure this funding and see the city invest in our district's quality of life."

$140,000 for DSNY Litter Removal Services
$140,000 for Wildcat's Neighborhood Improvement Program

Funding will go towards DSNY and Wildcat programs in various location throughout our district.

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Council Member Vallone Celebrates Korean and Indian Independence Days

Last week Council Member Vallone had the honor of celebrating both Indian and Korean independence day on Sunday, August 15th across District 19. Our community has the honor of being home to communities of Korean and Indian descent and host to many celebrations on this day to commemorate independence for both of these great nations.

"I am consistently humbled by the wonderful work done by those of Indian and Korean descent in our communities as they celebrate the liberation of their homelands." said Council Member Vallone, "It is always my pleasure and honor to attend events in celebration of the independence of their ancestral homelands."

Council Member Vallone Partners with Lowe's to Bring New Infrastructure to Local School

On Tuesday, July 20th, Lowe’s announced that the Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) School in Whitestone would be the recipient of a grant to revitalize their space as part of Lowe’s 100 Hometowns project. QSAC is an organization devoted to supporting children and adults with autism in achieving their goals and contributing to their communities in a meaningful way. QSAC runs a school in our district at 1210 150th St, Whitestone, NY 11357. This investment will allow QSAC to make functional and aesthetic changes to their space as well as adding a garden and playground for the students they serve.

“We are extremely grateful for the incredible investment Lowe’s has decided to make to help serve the autism community within our district as part of their 100 Hometowns campaign”, said Council Member Vallone “I am proud to have immediately connected Lowe’s with the incredible organization of QSAC right here in Whitestone, Queens. The autism community will truly benefit from this infusion of resources for generations to come.”

Read More Here!

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ICYMI : Council Member Vallone Secures Record $37 Million for Northeast Queens

On Wednesday June 30, the New York City Council passed the City budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and Council Member Paul A. Vallone is proud to announce that in the final budget of his tenure in office, he was able to fight for and secure a record $37 million for improvements throughout Northeast Queens. In eight years of fiscal budgets, Vallone has now secured well over $160 million in additional funding for Northeast Queens including over $42 million for upgrades at local schools and over $71 million for improvements to parks in his Council District.

The Council Member, in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards or New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson funded the following projects within Council Member Vallone’s District:

$4.5 million to College Point Fields to convert an existing baseball field into soccer fields.

$2.75 million to Raymond O’Connor Park to build pathways and renovate their synthetic soccer fields.

$2.7 million for the Center for the Women of New York building renovations at Fort Totten.

$500K to build an outdoor reading garden at the Auburndale Library.

$440K for auditorium audiovisual upgrades at P.S. 209

$150K for NYPD security cameras throughout our district to help combat quality of life issues like drag racing in our community.

“I have fought hard to make sure that Northeast Queens was not ignored and given our fair share and recognition that it deserves as a part of this great city”, said Council Member Vallone “ I am proud to have been able to bring so many resources to my community in partnership with fellow elected officials. We are excited for the future of our district, and the impact of these projects will be felt for generations to come.”

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KCS Now Open to All 12+ for Walk-in Vaccinations

The Korean Community Services Center is now open to walk in vaccinations to those 12 and over!

If you know If you know someone who is 12 years or older and is still in need of a COVID vaccine, please encourage them to get vaccinated!

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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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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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