From Council Member Paul Vallone <[email protected]>
Subject District 19: The Week in Review
Date July 5, 2021 1:20 AM
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— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Fourth of July! This year's celebrations are especially important as
it is the first time since the pandemic started that we can truly come
together and celebrate our nation and our communities. I wish everyone a
happy and safe celebration and hope that we reflect on the values of our
nation's founding over this long weekend.

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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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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Remembering Independence Day in District 19

Council Member Vallone has always been proud of the annual fireworks at
Fort Totten Park. The yearly celebration was started during his tenure, and
has always been a community favorite. Unfortunately, this year the
fireworks were not permitted, but Northeast Queens has fond memories of the
many times that everyone gathered at Fort Totten to celebrate our nation's
founding.

"As I remember my 8 wonderful years in office, celebrating the 4th at Fort
Totten was always one of my favorite events." said Council Member Vallone,
This year I hope everyone has a wonderful celebration at home with their
families! Happy Independence Day!"

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Council Member Vallone Secures Funding for a New Park in District 19

The Council Member secured $20 million in capital funding from Mayor Bill
deBlasio for a new 1.5 acre playground within Bay Terrace, Queens. This
land has been owned by the Parks Department since 1943 and is adjacent to
the Cross Island Parkway, Waters Edge Drive & 24th Avenue.

“This investment into Bayside’s greenspaces will provide Queens residents
and visitors with even more high-quality open space for recreation and
fitness,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Thanks to
Council Member Vallone, we’re creating a brand new playground for the
children and families of Bay Terrace to enjoy. We’re grateful for Mayor de
Blasio and Council Member Vallone’s continued partnership and dedication to
enhancing greenspaces to better serve the surrounding communities for years
to come.”

A scope meeting for this project will be held with the Parks Department and
local community leaders to provide input before a final design is
unveiled. Early concepts for the new playground include a parking lot,
children's play area, comfort station, security lighting, walking paths,
and adult fitness equipment. This site was chosen as community leaders had
expressed parking concerns related to the School Construction Authority’s
proposal to construct an elementary school across the street from this
parcel of land. The proposed 572 seat elementary school site is located at
the corner of Water’s Edge Drive and 24th Avenue in the Bay Terrace
neighborhood of Queens. Council Member Vallone’s budget also provides
significant improvements to our schools.

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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 [1][link removed]
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 [2]here!

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Food Pantry Assistance

Our local food pantries in College Point, Flushing and Whitestone are
offering assistance to hundreds of families and need our help. Please
donate if you are able and spread the word! Thank you CEC D25!

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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 [3]GoFundMe

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— MORE NEWS —

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Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park

A new local group has formed with the mission to ensure Crocheron & John
Golden Park will provide all visitors with beautiful open spaces.

Learn more about their fundraising and event organization efforts [4]here

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— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

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718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [5]Inquire here

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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 [6]Facebook, [7]Twitter and [8]Instagram

References

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