Saying Goodbye to Another Successful Year and Ringing in 2020!

Dear Friends,

As we welcome in the New Year with the hopes of what may come, leaving
behind us the lessons learned from last year, it is with great pride that I
look back at how much we have accomplished together over the past year. Our
incredibly successful free Senior Transportation Program with Selfhelp
Community Services has relaunched and grown even bigger and better than
before. For a fourth year, the program will provide our Queens seniors with
a free and reliable way to get to their important medical
appointments. Look forward in 2020 to increased funding for this vital
program!​

In June, the New York City Council passed another balanced and on-time
budget, and for the sixth straight year we have continued to break funding
records for the District. Last year’s Participatory Budgeting cycle also
showed continued success ⁠— Northeast Queens cast over 8,500 votes and saw
the best participation numbers in the city! We’re getting ready for this
year’s cycle, and voting will take place the final week of March.

Celebrating our community and our families has always been near and dear to
my heart. Looking at the growth and tremendous success of our Independence
Day Fireworks at Fort Totten, our expanded movie nights under the stars and
festivals and holiday celebrations throughout the community, once again
brought what is most important out to shine: our love of family and our
neighborhoods.

The following Year in Review will highlight what we've accomplished
this year as well as showcase some of the events and visits that make me
proud to be your Council Member!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to contact
either myself or my staff at any time. Both my family and I wish everyone a
happy, healthy and blessed New Year.

Sincerely,

____________________________________________________

Fiscal Year 2020 Budget

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Vallone Secures Nearly $19 Million for

Northeast Queens Improvements

Northeast Queens Schools, Libraries and Parks to See Major Upgrades

City Hall – In June, the New York City Council passed a budget of $92.8
billion for the upcoming fiscal year. For a sixth straight year, Council
Member Paul Vallone set funding records, securing nearly $19 million for
Northeast Queens by working with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Queens
Borough President Melinda Katz and the Queens Delegation ofNew York City
Council Members.

In Vallone’s six years in the City Council, he has secured over $100
million in funding, a number that eclipses two decades of city budgets for
the same district before he was elected to office.

“For a sixth straight year, I am proud to report record-setting funding for
Northeast Queens,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “These budget
victories would not have been possible without close work and collaboration
with our City Council Speaker Cory Johnson and Queens Borough President
Melinda Katz, and I thank them for their ongoing partnership. This year,
our Northeast Queens communities can continue standing tall knowing that
their needs and priorities are finally being met by the City.”

In total, Council Member Vallone has secured over $6 million for his
district’s schools and nearly $5 million for parks. Vallone is proud to
announce that every school within the district will receive at least
$35,000 to fund important technology upgrades. Council Member Vallone’s
budget also provides significant improvements to our parks, with nearly $3
million going to needed lighting installations at College Point Park. This
is in addition to the over $7 million previously allocated in partnership
with the Mayor’s office to construct brand new athletic fields at this
location.

Vallone will provide over $1 million to support nonprofits exclusively in
his district, such as Alley Pond Environmental Center, HANAC, Selfhelp
Community Services, and the New York Junior Tennis League. Funding
allocations will also allow the continuation of the Senior Transportation
Program and Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show. Also increased were the
amount of schools that will receive Cultural After-School Adventure (CASA)
programming, which provides cultural experiences for students by partnering
with local nonprofits including Inside Broadway, Marquis Studios and the
Queens Museum of Art. These increases will allow Council Member Vallone
expand the number of schools receiving a CASA grant to 17. Capital funding
has also been allocated to allow for the purchase of tree guards for the
district.

“Investing in the future of our schools, parks, and libraries and ensuring
sustained quality of life for the families who call Auburndale, Bay
Terrace, Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little
Neck, Malba and Whitestone home are top priority,” said Council Member
Vallone. “This year’s budget marks another clear victory for our
community.”

###

Read Coverage:

[1]Queens Courier

[2]Queens Chronicle
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Vallone Announces Record-Breaking Participatory Budgeting Vote Results

In April, Council Member Paul Vallone was proud to announce the results of
the fifth year of participatory budgeting in Northeast Queens, which
garnered just over 8,500 votes. This showing toppled Northeast Queens’
previous record and was the best in the entire city!

The winning projects are as follows:
1. P.S. 129 Gymnasium Renovation - 2,009 votes; This project will fund a
full renovation of the school’s existing gym space to enhance educational
opportunities in the safest way possible for the P.S. 129 school community.
2. Green Biome at Bayside High School - 1,807 votes; This project will fund
a Green Biome, which will provides avenues for hands-on learning about
hydroponics, solar energy, recycling and urban gardening.
3. NYPD Security Cameras - 1,574 votes; This project will fund and install
four NYPD security cameras in District 19, which are meant to enhance crime
prevention.

"The results once again clearly show that Northeast Queens has
overwhelmingly embraced the success of the participatory budgeting
process," said Council Member Vallone. “This grassroots process encourages
voter participation at a time when voter turnout is at a record low and is
a great way to teach our youth the power and importance of voting. This
tremendous effort could not have been possible without the continuous
dedication of our delegates, community liaisons, volunteers, staff and Vito
Tautonico, our Director of Constituent Services, who spearheaded the
process. I look forward to continuing to grow the process next year!"

“The P.S. 129 school community would like to thank Councilman Vallone’s
office for the opportunity to improve our school building and to
participate in the District 19 City Council Participatory Budget Vote,”
said Marilyn Alesi, Principal. “The gymnasium renovation will be greatly
appreciated by all the students. We are so grateful to the P.S 129
community, students, parents, community members, teachers,
paraprofessionals and everyone who participated in support of this
project.”

“The students, parents, and staff of Bayside High School are thrilled to
have learned that their dream of a Green Biome/Environmental Science and
Sustainability Center will be fulfilled,” said Jonathan Hirata, Assistant
Principal. “Council Member Vallone’s Participatory Budgeting initiative
introduced Bayside High School students to the political process and
allowed them to express their voices through civic participation. The Green
Biome will be a cutting edge learning facility for our students as well as
a community center. It will continue to raise awareness about the
importance of environmental sustainability in the community.”

_______________________________________

Free Senior Transportation Program Relaunched and Expanded!

Council Member Paul A. Vallone’s free senior transportation program kicked
off again on Oct. 10. Vallone is proud to have nearly quadrupled the amount
of funding for this successful program since 2017, when he allocated
$40,000 to pilot the program.

This year, Council Member Vallone allocated $90,000 for seniors living in
his Northeast Queens district, while Speaker Johnson secured another
$50,000 at the request of the City Council’s Queens Delegation to provide
expanded services to seniors across the entire borough of Queens. In
addition, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz allocated $10,000 to the
program.

To make an appointment, seniors can call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior
Center at 718-224-7888 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon to schedule
their next-day rides. Those who use the service will need to fill out a
basic application with demographic information and an emergency contact and
provide their destination. When ready for pickup, the senior will call
again for their return trip.

Selfhelp Community Services will work in partnership with Four Twos and
Central Car Service to schedule rides. The program will operate until the
funds are depleted.

“I’m excited to announce the awaited return of our Free Senior
Transportation Program, which will kick off again on Thursday, Oct. 10,”
said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Since we began the program four years
ago, thousands of rides to and from important medical appointments have
been provided to our borough's seniors ⁠— at no cost to them. In just a few
years, we’ve been able to nearly quadruple funding amounts for the program,
enabling us to provide this vital service to seniors throughout Queens. I
thank Speaker Johnson, Queens Borough President Katz and the Queens
Delegation for their support and Selfhelp Community Services for always
being an outstanding community partner.”

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Big Community Wins

_____

Vallone Announces DOE "Doubling Down"

on School Safety

After Calling for Increased Funding in the Budget for Safety
Infrastructure, Vallone Confirms DOE Will Double Capital Funding for School
Security Citywide in New Budget

In January, Council Member Vallone received a letter from Department of
Education (DOE) Deputy Chancellor of the Division of School Planning and
Development Karin Goldmark, who confirmed the city’s Five Year Capital Plan
for FY 2020-2024 doubles the previous capital plan’s Safety and Security
Program Budget. FY 2020 begins July 2019. Vallone welcomed news of this
significant funding increase, which follows months of advocacy on this
important issue.

“I am thrilled to hear that the Department of Education’s and School
Construction Authority’s Five-Year Capital Plan includes a doubling of
funds – from $100 to $200 million – designated solely for the Safety and
Security Program,” said Council Member Vallone. “Ensuring school safety
requires capital investments, especially when a third of our schools
continue to lack camera systems. This allocation will help ensure the
safety of our students, who must always be our top priority.”

On September 5, 2018, Council Member Vallone penned a letter to Mayor Bill
de Blasio, signed by 11 Council Members, calling on the city to increase
capital funding to help ensure that all New York City K-12 public schools
have access to the latest security technology. These technologies include
Internet Protocol Digital Video Surveillance (IPDVS) systems,
communications upgrades and viewing stations. Council Member Vallone has
allocated funding for these systems at several schools in his district, but
installing them throughout the city will require large investments from the
DOE. The increased funding in the DOE's upcoming capital plan will go a
long way towards achieving this goal.

“These modern security systems provide a critical layer of protection to
our city’s schools,” Vallone said. “This important funding allocation will
help ensure that every city school is equipped to confront emergencies of
all types. We must be proactive – not reactive – when it comes to school
safety.”

________________________________________

Long-Awaited Change to

MacNeil Park Cove is in the “Pipeline”

In November, Council Member Paul A. Vallone received word from the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the existing stormwater
outfall pipe facing the East River in College Point’s MacNeil Park will be
extended 200 feet beyond the shoreline. The project will be managed by the
Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and is currently in the design
phase.

The forthcoming change is the culmination of years of advocacy from Council
Member Vallone and local nonprofit Coastal Preservation Network, led by
College Point residents Kat Cervino and Dr. James Cervino. In the early
2000s, Dr. Cervino and fellow marine biologists obtained a state Department
of Environmental Conservation permit to establish and restore an oyster
reef, sea grass and other marine life that now thrives at this formerly
polluted cove.

When the outfall pipe at the MacNeil Park cove was first proposed in 2016,
the Cervinos raised immediate concerns with Council Member Vallone about
the planned pipe’s proximity to the burgeoning salt marsh oyster reef and
the potential reversal of over a decade of hard work. Over the last two
years, Vallone co-hosted multiple conferences between DEP officials and
local stakeholders seeking to achieve a sensible outcome. While the pipe
does function to improve water quality and local stormwater drainage, the
long term health of the local marine life at the cove was at risk and the
beach suffered erosion.

Council Member Vallone welcomed news from city officials of the planned
revision.

“Our wetlands are a critical part of our natural ecosystem and play a key
role in fostering a healthy marine environment for future generations,”
said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I am relieved to learn that the outfall
pipe at MacNeil Park will be extended and relocated away from this thriving
ecosystem, which activists like the Cervinos have worked so hard to
protect. I thank the Cervinos for their continued advocacy and the DEP for
listening to the community’s concerns and revisiting this project.”

________________________________________

Vallone Announces $2 Million Allocation for Upgrades at Francis Lewis Park

This summer, Council Member Paul Vallone was proud to announce that $2
million has been allocated for improvements at Francis Lewis Park. This
allocation is a piece of the nearly $19 million in funding coming to
Northeast Queens in the approaching fiscal year as part of the New York
City Council budget passed on June 19.

A total of $300,000 was allocated from Council Member Vallone’s office and
an additional $1.7 million was allocated in partnership with City Council
Speaker Corey Johnson. The funding will allow for pathway repavings and
improvements to the entrance of the park on 3rd Avenue as well as the
Veterans Memorial. A meeting to discuss the scope of these upgrades with
community leaders is currently slated for this winter.

“I am thrilled to announce this funding allocation, which will go a long
way to improve one of northeast Queens’ waterfront gems,” said Council
Member Paul Vallone. “Access to our public spaces is an integral part of
ensuring sustained quality of life in Northeast Queens. I thank Speaker
Johnson for his partnership, and I know these improvements will be enjoyed
by families in northeast Queens for years to come!”

“The people of northeast Queens deserve nothing less than a first class
park, and that’s exactly what they are going to get with this funding,”
said Speaker Corey Johnson. “Council Member Vallone is a true advocate for
his district, and it was a pleasure to work with him during this budget
process to help his constituents. I can’t wait to see the final results.”

______________________________________

Traffic Safety Measures Secured for Streets Surrounding Bayside’s PS 376

In April, Council Member Paul Vallone received word that the New York City
Department of Transportation will install traffic signals in front of PS
376, at the intersection of 48th Avenue and 211th Street. DOT completed
installation this fall.

The news follows months of advocacy from Council Member Vallone,
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and the PS 376 community. Vallone began advocating
for additional traffic calming devices at the school site prior to its
opening in September 2017. The Council Member wrote multiple letters to the
DOT on this issue and walked through the site with DOT.

This past winter, the school community collected over 200 petition
signatures signaling their support for new safety improvements at the
intersection. The Council Member delivered these signatures to the DOT and
co-authored a letter with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic calling on the agency to
conduct an additional traffic study during school drop off and pick up
hours to determine the feasibility of installing a traffic calming device.

“After asking the Department of Transportation to reevaluate this issue and
requesting the addition of traffic signals at 48th Avenue and 211th Street,
I am pleased to hear that DOT will install traffic treatments at this
location,” said Council Member Vallone. “Collaboration with Principal Kang,
the school’s PTA and the DOT was a critical part of implementing these
positive changes. The safety of our children always comes first, and I
thank the DOT for their responsiveness to the concerns of the community.”

______________________________________

Afterschool Arts Funding Increase for Northeast Queens Schools

This summer, Council Member Vallone was proud to announce yet another
expansion of CASA (Cultural After School Adventures) programs at schools
throughout Northeast Queens. A total of 17 schools will receive CASA grant
funding to bring arts enrichment to students, up from 15 schools last
year.

The Cultural After School Adventures program, or CASA, allows Council
Members to designate cultural organizations to partner with public schools
for afterschool programming, which provide unique cultural education
opportunities to students.

Vallone has consistently increased CASA funding for schools in his district
since first taking office in 2014, with total annual funding up to $340,000
from $100,000. This year, school administrators at PS 32 and 209 will
receive CASA grant funding and select an eligible nonprofit community
organization to partner with. Many CASA programs take place over many
months with a culminating performance or event towards the end of the
school year.

CASA programming at the following two schools, in addition to the 15
existing schools, began this fall:

· PS 32Q

· PS 209Q

“The CASA program, which allows students to participate in cultural
programming outside of the classroom, provides our students with exciting,
hands-on experiences that broaden their horizons and open their minds,”
said Council Member Vallone. “As we welcome a new school year, I’m proud
once again to partner with our great local cultural organizations to bring
these unique programs to more of our Northeast Queens schools.”

______________________________________

Vallone Announces Awaited Traffic Control Changes for Northeast Queens

On July 15, Council Member Paul Vallone was informed that a long-awaited
all-way stop was installed by the Department of Transportation at the
intersection of 163rd Street and 24th Road. Council Member Vallone first
contacted the DOT on this issue in 2014 and in December of last year penned
a letter to Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole
Garcia asking the agency to conduct a traffic study at this location.

Local advocacy for traffic controls at this intersection dates back to
2008. In 2013, residents Cyrille Kousiaris and Salvatore Cippo circulated
and submitted to DOT a petition to implement safety measures at this
location to reduce chronic speeding.

In December 2018, Mr. Cippo reached out to Council Member Vallone to report
a series of recent car collisions at the intersection, prompting the letter
to Commissioner Garcia. Prior to the all-way stop installation, there were
six continuous blocks along 163rd Street without a stop sign.

“This long-awaited traffic control is a win for Whitestone and the
residents of 163rd Street who have been petitioning for safety measures for
over a decade,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I thank Cyrille
Kousiaris and Salvatore Cippo for their advocacy and Queens Borough
Commissioner Nicole Garcia for working closely with my office on this
issue.”

The following requests from Council Member Vallone were also approved by
the Department of Transportation this year:
* Traffic signal timing changes at the intersection of Franics Lewis
Boulevard with 26th Avenue 169th Street
* Traffic signal at the intersection of 212th Street between 18th and
23rd Avenues
* Traffic signal at 47th Avenue and Bell Boulevard
* Traffic signal at Francis Lewis Boulevard and 46th Avenue

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Legislation

_____

Vallone Proposes Creation of an Office of Interagency Tourism Affairs

In October, Council Member Paul A. Vallone chaired an Economic Development
Committee hearing focused on New York City tourism, where Chair Vallone’s
bill to create an Office of Interagency Tourism Affairs was discussed by
Committee members and the Mayor’s Administration. The Office would be
responsible for establishing a system to receive public comments and
questions regarding tourism, relay comments and questions to the respective
city agencies, and coordinate communications between agencies and aid in
the resolution of interagency matters, including transportation, quality of
life and other safety-related matters.

In 1998, around 33 million people came to visit New York City. By 2018,
that number nearly doubled to 65.1 million people. Tourism is a major
economic driver, with $46.4 billion attributed to direct visitor spending
in 2018, and has grown to be the fourth largest job sector in New York
City.

Currently, NYC & Company functions as the city’s tourism bureau and handles
marketing to maximize opportunities for travel and tourism in New York
City, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of NYC around
the world. Both NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon and NYC Economic
Development Corporation (EDC) representative Sabrina Lippman said in
testimony that their respective organizations support the intent of the
bill.

“From a hot restaurant on Astoria Boulevard, to the Brooklyn Museum, to
Aladdin on Broadway in Times Square, our local business owners and
entertainment centers should have a dedicated place to turn to when faced
with day-to-day city issues like reporting a lingering construction project
or navigating the city’s permitting process,” said Council Member Paul
Vallone. “While NYC & Company continues to do great work promoting New York
City from a large-scale advertising and marketing perspective, an Office of
Interagency Tourism Affairs would provide focused coordination between city
agencies and the business, arts and entertainment hubs that will contribute
to continued success in our city’s tourism sector, as well as sustained
quality of life for our New Yorkers.”

____________________________________________

City Council unanimously passes Vallone’s bill allowing DOB to issue stop
work orders to reckless developers

"The Department of Buildings (DOB) will now have a tool to stop reckless
developers from utilizing a loophole that previously allowed them to work
once issued with a notice to revoke.

In February, the City Council unanimously passed Councilman Vallone’s bill
that allows the DOB to issue a stop work order whenever a notice to revoke
is issued. The new legislation would allow for the DOB to promote
construction-site safety and ensure that construction ceases when there is
proof that it violates the law.

Civic activists highlighted a previous loophole — a two-week “limbo” period
after DOB issues a notice to revoke where construction would often
continue. In the past, property owners and contractors were served a notice
to revoke following concerns about potential zoning and permit violations.

Once the notice to revoke was issued, property owners had a 10- to 15-day
window to respond to objects and concerns, though construction was allowed
to continue during the two weeks. If unanswered in that time period,
permits are revoked and an official stop work order is issued.

“Too often, a notice to revoke has really been little more than a notice to
finish your work as soon as possible before the DOB can act. What good is a
notice to revoke if it has no teeth? Valid concerns and clear evidence
should be more than enough to warrant a stop work order, especially when a
property owner or contractor has a history of violations,” said Vallone.
“I’m proud to pass this bill which finally gives the DOB the tools they
need to combat reckless developers and the blatant disregard of
construction permit requirements. Granting the DOB the discretion to choose
when to issue stop work orders also helps protect regular homeowners who
make an honest mistake from suffering the same consequences as those who
operate with no regard for our communities and laws.”

[3]Read More at the Queens Courier

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Vallone Seeks to Double Fines for Disruptive Drivers Causing Chronic Noise
Complaints in Queens

At the September 12th Stated Meeting, Council Member Paul A. Vallone
introduced legislation that would double existing penalties for excessive
noise from a motor vehicle. This bill was drafted following a noise
complaint-focused meeting the Council Member organized this past spring
with local NYPD officers and community stakeholders. If passed, the bill
would take effect immediately.

“For too long, car owners with modified, heavy duty sound systems that
carry sound for miles have congregated and disrupted quality of life for
residents in Whitestone and College Point,” said Council Member Paul
Vallone. “Increasing these penalties will give the NYPD a resource to more
effectively crack down on this chronic nuisance and pressure these vehicle
owners to think twice about being a bad neighbor.”

Under the legislation, car operators found to be emitting excess noise from
their motor vehicle would face a minimum $300 fine (up from $150) and a
maximum $1,050 fine (up from $525) for their first violation. A second and
third violation would trigger a minimum $600 and $900 fine and a maximum
$2,100 and $3,150 fine, respectively.

Noise from a motor vehicle is a chronic issue in Northeast Queens, with
roughly 80 of these complaints reported for Council Member Vallone’s
District this year to date, according to 311 data.

“Doubling fines, increased enforcement, vigilance and coordination will all
send a clear message that we will not tolerate disruptive blaring music in
our parks and on city streets,” said Council Member Paul A. Vallone.

____________________________________________

Vallone full steam ahead on northeast Queens ferries, calls for director of
citywide ferry operations

"A northeast Queens councilman continues to advocate for advancements in
ferry service and has pushed for legislation to create a director of ferry
operations.

At the April 9 City Council Stated Meeting, Councilman Paul Vallone
introduced a bill that would establish the director position within the
Department of Transportation (DOT). The role would involve the operation
and maintenance of existing ferries, ferry route development and
evaluation, identification and assessment of potential sites for expansion
of ferry service and public outreach and community engagement.

“Ferry service is an efficient transportation option for New Yorkers and a
vital asset to our city’s economic development,” said Vallone, who also
serves as chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “As evident in
areas of our city like northeast Queens, which lacks subway access and
oftentimes reliable bus service, it is clear that New Yorkers need better
ways to travel between the boroughs.”

The councilman has been a longtime advocate of getting ferry service for
his constituents. Back in September, Vallone pushed for a Willets Point
ferry stop for northeast Queens residents following an EDC feasibility
study. In 2014, the councilman along with then-Councilwoman Julissa
Ferreras-Copeland and Councilman Peter Koo, penned a letter to request a
pilot program testing out the long-term viability of ferry service from
Manhattan to Citi Field in Flushing and to Fort Totten in Bayside."

[4]Read More at Queens Courier

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Bill to Monitor Mayor de Blasio’s Jobs Plan Progress

In September, Council Members Paul A. Vallone and Ritchie Torres introduced
legislation that would require the NYC Economic Development Corporation
(EDC) to deliver an annual report on the progress of attaining the job
creation goals set forth in the Mayor’s New York Works initiative. The
report would be delivered to the City Council and published on the New York
Works website every year until 2027.

In 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the New York Works jobs plan, which
set out to create 100,000 “good-paying jobs” over the course of 10 years.
However, a March 18 joint committee hearing of the Committees on Economic
Development and Oversight and Investigation revealed a need for additional
data on the progress of the jobs plan and who has obtained employment under
the program, spurring committee chairs Vallone and Torres to introduce the
reporting bill.

The report would deliver specific data about job creation progress and
information about employed individuals under the program disaggregated by
education level, race and ethnicity, gender, and whether the individuals
are residents of New York City. Data would also be broken down by salary,
borough, company, and the number of jobs per contract if the company is
contracted by the city.

“While the New York Works jobs plan presents an ambitious workforce
development plan for our city, projections and estimates do not provide
tangible evidence that these efforts are actually materializing into real
jobs for our New Yorkers,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the
Committee on Economic Development. “Transparent reporting at a granular
level would help develop a clear jobs plan that defines how the city is
going to build on the great work that EDC has been doing for years while
ensuring that New Yorkers of every background are being connected to truly
good paying jobs.”

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Vallone Introduces Legislation to Install Solar- Powered Traffic Safety
Devices on NYC Streets

In May, Council Member Paul Vallone introduced a bill that would direct the
Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of adopting and
installing solar powered traffic control devices on New York City streets
and require the city agency to publish their findings and recommendations.
If passed, the bill would take effect immediately and study findings would
need to be submitted within one year of the effective date.

A number of localities in states including Florida, Massachusetts and New
Jersey have already employed solar power to enhance their street crossings
and intersections. The system is generally activated on demand by motion
sensor or push button and provides an advanced signal in the form of
flashing lights to vehicles driving down the street that a pedestrian will
be crossing in the crosswalk. As seen in other municipalities, this
signaling system provides another layer of safety for pedestrians and is
installed seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Council Member Vallone discussed these devices with Department of
Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg last year during a
conversation about pedestrian safety spurred by a fatal traffic collision
in Northeast Queens. Last June, 17-year-old Madeline Sershen was hit and
tragically killed by a car while crossing at the intersection of Utopia
Parkway and 16th Avenue. Sershen was walking in the crosswalk on Utopia
Parkway when the driver hit her after running a red light.

“In the critical interest of keeping our City’s pedestrians protected, we
must proactively look for new and innovative ways to make our streets safer
for all,” said Council Member Vallone. “Solar powered illuminated
crosswalks have been successfully implemented in other parts of the country
and would be an effective way to improve safety for our pedestrians. As the
Administration continues implementing its Vision Zero plan, this inventive
control measure could be a critical piece of preventing collisions like the
one that tragically took the life of Madeline Sershen.”

[5]See the full story on NY1

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Whitestone Street Co-Naming for Decorated WWII Veteran

This month, the New York City Council approved legislation by Council
Member Paul A. Vallone to co-name 156th Street between 14th Avenue and
Cryders Lane, “CPL. John McHugh Way.” The co-naming will take place in the
spring.

John McHugh, born March 6, 1924, was drafted into the United States Army
and served in the First Infantry Division in WWII. He fought at the Battle
of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and received the following awards
and recognitions:
• The Silver Star for gallantry in action
• Bronze Star for meritorious service,
• European Theater of Operations Ribbon, which contains silver arrow head
for the Normandy invasion
• Four Bronze Stars which indicate the major battles he fought in,
• Two Presidential Unit Citations for Crucifix Hill and Hurtgen Forest,
• Combat Infantry Badge and the Fort Eger given by Belgium for action there
during the war
In 2014, he was inducted into the state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame and
was an honoree at the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade. Corporal
McHugh passed away on July 21, 2019 at age 95.

“We as residents of Northeast Queens were blessed to have an American hero
like Corporal John McHugh call our great neighborhood home,” said Council
Member Paul Vallone. “Corporal McHugh was a highly decorated veteran who
fought bravely with the Allied powers at the historic Battle of Normandy
and the Battle of the Bulge, major turning points in World War II. With
this co-naming in the spring, we will honor a true man of courage.”

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Highlights from 2019!

___________

Construction Begins on Crocheron Park Baseball Field

The long awaited baseball field renovation at Crocheron Park is on its way!
Council Member Vallone announced this spring that the Parks Department
would begin construction on the field, located at 215th Street and 35th
Avenue, this year. The construction began after July 4th so that the
Bayside Little League could complete their season. The project is expected
to be completed in one year.

The project will reconstruct the southwest ballfield, known as Field 3, and
will include both a new infield with a clay and sand mixture and an
outfield with topsoil and natural turf. Grading issues, including the steep
existing outfield, will be corrected and existing fences will be repaired
or replaced along the entire perimeter of the field. Additionally, new
access gates will be installed and paths and dugouts will be made
accessible and furnished with new benches, backrests and arms. The park
will also receive a new section of bleachers, bottle filler drinking
fountains, and manual irrigation system. Lastly, the existing dugout gate
at Field 2 will be removed and replaced with bollards to make the field
open and accessible, and new canopy and understory trees will be planted on
the site margins to add shade and replace previously removed trees.

“Baseball will always be our national pastime and I’m proud to work with
our Parks Department to build our kids the field they deserve and give them
a taste of what it’s like to play on a bigger stage,” said Council Member
Paul Vallone. “The major upgrades to this field will ensure that future
generations of little leaguers will be able to enjoy it for years to come,
and I look forward to kicking off the first Bayside Little League season at
this beautiful new field.”

_________________________________________

Vallone, Bayside HS PTA fights for Fair Student funds

“Unacceptable” was the word heard over and over again last week at a rally
outside Bayside High School to protest a $3 million cut in funding to the
school this year by the city’s Department of Education.

“We are being penalized by the Department of Education” for the school’s
success over the last decade, Paul DiBenedetto, president of the school
PTA, told a group of about 20 parents who gathered in the park across from
the school.

“Ten years ago, Bayside High School had a graduation rate of 68 percent.
Today, that graduation rate is 98.6 percent, third highest of all large
high schools in the city” he said, as parents applauded and whistled their
approval.

“Three-million dollars is a significant sum to withhold from a school and
not expect negative consequences,” he said.

"Strides to bring Bayside High School fair funding are critical to ensure
educators have the resources they need to contribute to continued student
success and high graduation rates. I applaud the PTA on their call for true
equity and I will continue advocacy efforts at City Hall," said Vallone.

[6]Read Coverage at Queens Chronicle

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NE Queens lawmakers call on FAA to make alternative North Shore Helicopter
Route permanent

"Two lawmakers are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to
make an alternative helicopter route permanent following its success in
northeast Queens.

Since the agency implemented the six-month pilot program for the
alternative North Shore Helicopter Route in October 2018, residents have
reported significant decreases in helicopter noise during the busy summer
months. Now, Councilman Paul Vallone and Congressman Tom Suozzi want the
FAA to make the successful pilot program permanent.

Beginning in October 2018, the FAA tested the alternative route which
shifted air traffic away from northeast Queens, cutting helicopter and
seaplane traffic by up to 50 percent. In April 2019, Vallone and Suozzi
requested a 180-day program extension.

'From Memorial Day to Labor Day and into the fall, northeast Queens
residents will be free to enjoy their backyards, parks and waterfronts
without the constant assault of helicopter noise that unfortunately in past
years became the norm,” said Vallone. “As this pilot program continues to
provide needed relief to the families who call northeast Queens home, I
join Congressman Suozzi in urging the FAA to establish this as a permanent
change.'”

[7]Read More at Queens Courier

________________________________________

Vallone and Parks Celebrate $5.4 Million Reconstruction of the MacNeil Park
Esplanade

In October, New York City Council Member Paul Vallone joined NYC Parks
Queens Borough Commissioner Michael Dockett, Queens Borough President
Melinda Katz, New York State Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal, Queens
Community Board 7 Chair Eugene Kelty Jr., and community members to cut the
ribbon on the brand new MacNeil Park Esplanade in College Point.

The $5.4 million project reconstructed over a quarter mile of the esplanade
to provide a new shoreline walkway for park visitors. This site now
features a stronger concrete retaining wall, an aluminum sea rail, a
fishing overlook, and a kayak launch to enhance users’ waterfront
experience. Funding for this project was provided by a $2.3 million
allocation from Borough President Melinda Katz, $1.7 million from Council
Member Paul Vallone, and $1.3 million from Mayor de Blasio.

"In Northeast Queens, our waterfronts have always been an important part of
daily life and the overall character of our great neighborhoods,” said
Council Member Paul Vallone. With the dream of a vibrant MacNeil Park with
waterfront accessibility now realized, I know that these great new
amenities will be enjoyed by local families and park visitors for
generations to come."

________________________________________

Three Individuals Honored with Street Co-Namings in Northeast Queens

Earlier this year, the New York City Council approved legislation by
Council Member Paul A. Vallone to co-name the following intersections in
Northeast Queens:

• 130th Street and 23rd Avenue was co-named “Joe Femenia Way” in
recognition of the late College Point civic leader.
• Utopia Parkway and 16th Avenue in Whitestone was co-named "Madeline
Sershen Way" to honor the life of 17-year-old Madeline Sershen, whose life
was tragically cut short after being fatally struck by a car. Her passing
sparked local activism on mandatory vision retesting for drivers and
prompted the introduction of legislation in the New York State Senate that
would require a written exam upon renewal of a driver's license.
• Northern Boulevard between 207th Street and the Clearview Expressway
northbound was co-named "CW5 Howard C. Haider Way," in respect of the late
Chief Haider, who served in the United States Military from 1963 until 2003
in the New York Army National Guard.

Street co-naming ceremonies with each respective family and local community
members took place in October and November.

“Joe, Madeline and Howard each left their own indelible mark on our
community, and I’m humbled to be a part of honoring their lives in this
way,” said Council Member Vallone. “I know their unique legacies will live
on for generations to come.”

__________________________________________

Women's Center Opens New Fort Totten Headquarters

In December, the ribbon was cut on the Center for the Women of NY’s new
location in a newly renovated, landmark building at 207 Totten Avenue in
Bayside, allowing the organization to expand the offering of workshops,
support groups, clinics, and conferences in support of women and women’s
rights. The new site will also host a library and “living” museum dedicated
to recording and achieving women’s struggle to attain full equality in our
society.

The Center aims to be a full-service research “think-tank” working with
educational institutions and community organizations to develop and
demonstrate models for training women in all matters than can improve and
enrich their lives.

__________________________________________

Vallone and Speaker Johnson Celebrate Former Speaker Peter F. Vallone,
Sr.’s 85th Birthday at City Hall

In December, Council Member Paul Vallone and Speaker Corey Johnson
celebrated Former Speaker Peter Vallone Senior’s 85th Birthday with a
surprise party at City Hall prior to Tuesday’s Stated Meeting. Peter
Vallone Sr. is the first and longest serving City Council Speaker.

“A very happy and blessed 85th birthday to my father, former New York City
Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr.!” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I’m
incredibly grateful to Speaker Johnson and the Council Members and staff
who helped my family celebrate this joyous occasion. It was a very special
surprise my family and I will never forget!”

“As the longtime City Council Speaker, Peter Vallone Sr. made New York
greater and has been an inspiration to so many who followed him in that
important role, including myself. He is a true public servant and it was my
honor to co-host his 85th surprise birthday party at City Hall with his
family, friends, former colleagues and all the Council Members and staff he
influenced. Happy Birthday, Speaker!” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

__________________________________________

Enjoying the Summer of 2019

_____

Summer Drive-In Movies!

____________________________________________

Council Member Vallone Celebrates Independence Day at Fourth Annual Fort
Totten Fireworks Night

_____________________________________________

Community Unites at 109th Precinct Family Fun Day

October's 109th Precinct Family Fun Day at Francis Lewis Park brought
together thousands of people supporting our incredible communities and the
NYPD. I'm proud to once again sponsor this event through my NYC Council
Office. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and effort to put
together this incredible day that has continued to grow bigger and better
each year. A very special thank you to the 109th Precinct Community Council
President, Jerry Filippidis, the We Love Whitestone Civic Association
President, Alfredo Centola and all of the community sponsors who so
generously donated time and resources to make today’s event a success for
the families of Northeast Queens. And as always, thank you to Deputy
Inspector Shine and Detective Kevin O'Donnell who are the backbone of this
amazing precinct.

__________________________________

School Graduation Season!

Congratulations to the Class of 2019! I was honored to be the guest speaker
at the graduations of the following schools:

P.S. 184

J.H.S 185

J.H.S. 194

P.S. 94

P.S. 193

P.S. 79

P.S. 129

P.S. 31

P.S. 32

WJPS

P.S. 130

Bell Academy

P.S. 209

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Parades!

_____

St. Patrick's Day Parades

______________________________________

Bayside Little League Opening Day Parade

______________________________________

Council Member Vallone Honors Our Men and Women in Uniform on Memorial Day

------

Whitestone Memorial Day Parade

Little Neck - Douglaston Memorial Day Parade

________________________________________

Marching in the 75th Annual
Columbus Day Parade

___________________________________

Heritage Celebrations at City Hall

_____

Council Member Paul A. Vallone Hosts Italian Heritage Celebration at City
Hall

___________________________________

Korean Independence Celebration

at City Hall

Greek Independence at City Hall

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________________________

Celebrating the Holidays!

________________________________________

Fifth Annual Whitestone Village
Tree Lighting!

________________________________________

First Annual Tree Lighting at Francis Lewis Park!

________________________________________

Council Member Vallone Co-Sponsors Douglaston Village Winter Festival with
Douglaston LDC and P.S. 98

The holiday festivities continued in Douglaston with the Douglaston Local
Development Corporation's Annual Winter Festival! I'm proud to help sponsor
this wonderful event and many thanks to community partners Douglaston LDC,
Douglaston Village Chamber of Commerce and PS 98 for helping make it
possible!

________________________________________

St. Mary's Hospital Toy Drop off with Council Member Vallone and

Student Ambassadors

This month, Council Member Paul A. Vallone joined his Student Ambassadors
and Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League president Nick Gagliano and players to
give out hundreds of holiday toys to the kids at St. Mary's Healthcare
System for Children in Bayside.

The toys were collected through a month-long drive organized by the Council
Member’s Ambassadors from Bayside High School, Holy Cross High School, St.
Agnes Academic High School and World Journalism Preparatory School, in
collaboration with Whitestone-based Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League.

"It was a joyful evening with Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League and my Student
Ambassadors as we spread some holiday cheer with our wonderful St. Mary's
kids!" said Council Member Vallone. “Each year, this event is special
because our very own high school students help to organize the toy drive
and are given a first-hand glimpse into the incredible work done at St.
Mary's. As we distributed the toys, the children, staff, doctors,
volunteers and families all shared smiles, stories and laughter. It was a
very special moment that we will all remember."

“I had a really great time seeing all of the kids and talking to them and
it really made me feel so happy that I had contributed to the smiles on
their faces,” said Julia Araldi-Bromberg, a junior at Bayside High School.
“Seeing them run down the hall to all of the presents and pick out their
favorite Hot Wheels or Star Wars toys was so heartwarming and I'm really
happy that I was able to be a part of it and hopefully make their holiday
season a little more magical!”

______________________________________________________

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]

STAY CONNECTED!

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