Dear Neighbors,

As the Summer season comes to a close, take this chance to visit some of our wonderful local parks, each of which is a gem.

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
 
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Vallone Introduces Bill Increase Access to City Resources for Non-English Speaking Businesses

At last Thursday’s state meeting, Council Member Vallone introduced a bill, Int. 2393, to increase access to City small business resources to non english speaking businesses. The bill would require the department of Small Business Services maintain direct contact with community based organizations that serve communities in a number of designated languages. They would also have to provide materials for time sensitive applications to these organizations early to give them time to prepare their own outreach programs to ensure equal access to the funds.

Previously, Vallone hosted a round table event to hear the concerns of Asian-American small business owners and overwhelmingly heard how difficult it is for businesses thatprimarily serve non-english speaking communities to access City resources. This bill is a direct attempt to more fully engage community based organizations that serve a variety of non-english speakers and make our services more equitable by serving all New Yorkers. If enacted, community based organizations that serve specific underserved language groups will be able to apply to join this program and gain direct access to an SBS representative and promotional materials.

Read More Here

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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.”

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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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