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:

Queens Courier

Bayside Patch

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Sign Our Petition and Voice Your Concern!

"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

View the Petition

We are also encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA 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."

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 here

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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:

Queens Eagle

Queens Courier

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!