— IN THE PAST WEEK —
MTA: Improve, don’t slash bus service in Northeast Queens!
In the final days of 2019, the MTA released its Queens Bus Network Redesign
Draft Proposal. Following the announcement, my office has received dozens
of complaints from Northeast Queens residents concerned with elements of
the draft plan, including the proposed slashes to express bus service. In
Northeast Queens, where there is no subway access and limited public
transportation options for commuters, the MTA should be increasing and
improving bus service, not creating a more desolate transportation desert.
The MTA announced plans to hold community workshops around the borough to
hear suggestions and answer questions about their draft bus redesign.
However, no workshops were initially planned east of Flushing.
It is critical that residents of Northeast and Eastern Queens have the
opportunity to provide feedback on the MTA's draft plan, because the area
lacks easy access to the subway and, in many places, buses are the sole
source of public transportation.
In response, I stood with all fellow federal, state and city elected
representatives of Northeast Queens on Friday to demand practical and
common-sense revisions to the flawed draft plan. We also announced that we
have successfully secured two MTA-led public workshops for residents, who
rely on our city's bus network every day and deserve a seat at the table.
Be sure to come out and make sure your voice is heard!
Read Coverage:
[1]Queens Courier
[2]Bayside Patch
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Sign Our Petition and Voice Your Concern!
[3][1200px-W_46th_St_6th_Av_13.jpg]
"We as residents and elected representatives of Northeast Queens are united
against the MTA's proposed cuts to express bus service and concerned about
changes to local service routes, as outlined in the draft plan of the
Queens Bus Network Redesign.
In Northeast Queens, where there is no subway access and limited public
transit options for residents, the first major overhaul of our bus network
in a century should improve — not slash — service to our already
transit-starved neighborhood.
On an average weekday, thousands of riders rely on the express QM2, QM3,
QM6, QM20, and QM32 to get to Manhattan from Northeast Queens, and again to
return home. Reducing rush hour service puts our commuters, who already
have limited transportation options, at a complete disadvantage. Further,
the proposal nearly eliminates express bus connectivity to Manhattan on
weekends. Regardless of potential low ridership levels at non-rush hour
times, residents of Northeast Queens require reliable express buses for
their every day needs. Cutting service is denying mobility to a part of the
city that is in great need of better options. This is unacceptable.
Our borough's existing bus system is sluggish, unreliable and has not been
revised in over 100 years It is clearly in need of improvement. However,
the final and implemented plan must expand and improve service for
Northeast Queens - not take it away. The current draft plan is a major
disservice to our residents.
For the quality of life of those living in Northeast Queens in this next
century, the MTA must change their bus plan!"
Sincerely,
Council Member Paul Vallone
Council Member Barry Grodenchik
Grace Meng
Tom Suozzi
State Senator John Liu
Assemblyman Ed Braunstein
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic
[4]View the Petition
We are also encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific
concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA [5]here.
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"Queens officials demand answers about sexual harassment and assault at MS
158 in Bayside"
"Elected officials are demanding answers from Department of Education
Chancellor Ricard Carranza following a lack of appropriate action from
leadership at a Bayside middle school regarding several reports of sexual
harassment and assault.
The letter was authored by northeast Queens representatives Congresswoman
Grace Meng, Councilman Paul Vallone, Senator John Liu, Councilmen Barry
Grodenchik and Peter Koo and Assemblymembers Nily Rozic and Ed Braunstein."
Read More:
[6]Queens Courier
On Thursday evening, hundreds of parents and teachers looking for answers
showed up for the Chancellor's appearance at the District 26 CEC meeting,
but were instead turned away feeling more frustrated and confused. In the
wake of the recent disturbing incidents that have taken place at MS 158, I
join concerned parents and my fellow elected officials in demanding
Chancellor Carranza provide a clear and immediate action plan for this
troubled school. All of our students deserve to feel safe and secure in the
classroom.
View our letter to Chancellor Carranza [7]here
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— MORE NEWS —
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ICYMI: Cutting the Ribbon on Alley Pond Environmental's Temporary Space!
It was wonderful to celebrate the grand opening of Alley Pond
Environmental's temporary space on 76th Ave! The center will continue to
provide the community with stellar educational programming here while a new
state-of-the-art facility is constructed at the original location on
Northern Boulevard.
The new APEC building will feature a rainwater collection system, skylights
and a geothermal heating system and will be larger than the center’s
current building, providing more space for classes and special events.
Proud to work with former Queens Borough President Melinda Katz to see this
massive project become reality!
Read Coverage:
[8]Queens Eagle
[9]Queens Courier
[10]Queens Chronicle
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How Would You Spend $1M for Northeast Queens?
Participatory Budgeting for District 19 is in full swing! If you would like
to propose a project idea for this year’s Participatory Budgeting ballot to
help improve our local parks, schools, libraries, etc, you can do so by
contacting our office at
[email protected] or calling
718-619-8611. Through Participatory Budgeting, you can directly decide how
to spend at least $1 million in this year’s City budget.
After you have submitted your project idea, our office will contact you to
discuss the next steps and how to turn your project ideas into real
proposals for our ballot. These proposals will be up for a community-wide
vote in the spring, where the projects that receive the most votes receive
funding from our office!
— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —
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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 [11]Facebook, [12]Twitter and [13]Instagram
References
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