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 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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