Dear Neighbors,

As we are feeling the effects of Hurricane Henri, please take care to follow all precautions and stay at home if you are able. Remeber to report any downed trees to 311 and any power outages to Con Edision at 1-800-752-6633. Follow your local forecast and stay safe!

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
 
_________________________________________________________________________

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."

“A Better College Point Civic Association would like to thank Paul Vallone for securing these much needed funds and services. The reduction of the DSNY's litter basket pick-up and other services during the pandemic really impacted College Point.” said Jennifer Shannon, president of A Better College Point Civic Association, “We are still experiencing a lot of illegal dumping and litter in this area, it is a relief to get some support and ABCPCA will continue to help in any way we can.”

“As president of the Whitestone Merchant Association, I am sure I speak for our entire board to hear of the great news that sanitation and the Wildcat program are receiving funding to continue their efforts. We got a first hand look and saw what an impact the program had on the sidewalks in Whitestone village.” said George Issakidis, owner of Harpell Chemists and President of the Whitestone Merchants Association, “Maintaining a clean and welcoming town are key to an inviting patronage from our community. Thank you to Councilman Paul Vallone and all that helped continue this great cause.”

$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.

75% of New York City Adults have been Vaccinated!

On Thursday August 19th it has been reported that 75% of all New York City adults have recieved at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. This is after a recent uptick in vaccinations following new city rules related to vaccines and access to certain classes of business As the pandemic continues vaccination remains the most effective way of protecting you and your loved ones from COVID-19.

“It is exciting to see how many New Yorkers have been vaccinated since we began our drive earlier this year.”, said Council Member Vallone “We must still remain vigilant in our fight against this terrible virus and we need to continue to encourage our friends and neighbors to get the vaccine as soon as possible. It is the key to ending this pandemic!”

_________________________________________________________________________

South Asian Council for Social Services Opens Center Extention in Flushing

Last week a long awaited expansion of the South Asian Council for Social Services opened in Flushing. The Council is a not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved South Asians and other immigrants to partake in the civic and economic life of New York City. They assist individuals and families with healthcare access, senior support services, food insecurity, and many other pressing issues. This expansion will allow them to grow their services and further their mission to help immigrants thrive in our city.

Read More Here

_________________________________________________________________________

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.”

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________