Addabbo To Bring Metrocard Van To Maspeth & Middle Village
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D- Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways) is once again bringing the MetroCard Van to two locations in his district at the end of August.
The MetroCard Van allows constituents to purchase new cards and refill their old ones right in their own community. The staff on board will be selling unlimited and pay-per-ride MetroCards and will also be equipped to add money to regular or reduced fare cards.
Many neighborhoods within Addabbo’s large Senate district are not serviced by train stations, where MetroCard vending machines are primarily located. This leaves residents without an easily accessible location where they can easily refill or purchase new MetroCards. By bringing the MetroCard Van into these areas, Addabbo is making it easier for those constituents — especially those with mobility issues — to access this service.
“Unfortunately, many areas of my district are known as transportation deserts, meaning there are very little public transportation options for residents,” Addabbo said. “Without a train station in close proximity, it can be difficult for people to find a place to refill their MetroCard or purchase a new one. The MetroCard Van offers my constituents a convenient location to take care of all of the MetroCard needs.”
The MetroCard van is slated to be in the district from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank main branch, l56-18 69th Street in Maspeth. Then, the van will makes its way to Middle Village and from 1-3 p.m. be stationed outside of the St. Margaret’s Senior Center, 66-05 77th Street.
For more information about this event, and future MetroCard Van locations within the Senator’s district, contact Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.
Avella Explains Proposed Legislation Requiring Traffic Study Prior to Daycare Center Application Approval
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) on Friday stood with Queens Civic Congress President Kevin Forrestal and other community leaders affected by newly licensed daycare centers to explain his new legislation requiring a traffic study be performed prior to New York State approving a license.
Avella explained he has been contacted on numerous occasions by residents affected by traffic problems caused by picking up and dropping off of children at new daycare centers. His legislation would require the State Department of Transportation to perform a traffic study within 90 days of the application. This way, daycare centers in unsafe locations, or those locations that will be unsuitable for traffic flow, may not be approved.
Among the factors the traffic study will review are traffic flow, whether a safe location for drop-off and pickup for children is available, traffic flow at certain times of day, and the crime rate – especially the frequency of speeding.
“This legislation is aimed to address two issues, safety of the children at daycare centers and the quality of life of residents near new daycare centers,”said Avella. “The negative safety and quality of life impacts of traffic and congestion due to some of the centers in unbelievable. There is one such location in my district where the police have to be called for traffic control, and they have much better things to do. This legislation would help everybody, the children, the residents, the facility owners and drivers using these streets.”
Electeds from Southeast Queens Endorse Tish James for Attorney General
Public Advocate and Attorney General Candidate Letitia James (D) on Friday received the endorsements of a number of lawmakers from Southeast Queens including State Senators Leroy Comrie and James Sanders, Jr.; Assemblymembers Alicia Hyndman and Clyde Vanel; and City Council Members I. Daneek Miller and Donovan Richards, Jr.
Throughout the day, these elected officials held grassroots campaign events with James, introducing her to voters, highlighting her qualifications, and outlining how she will fight for New Yorkers.
“Tish James has served as a public defender, an Assistant Attorney General, a City Council Member, and as Public Advocate — she’s the most qualified candidate, hands down. I’ve worked with Tish for over a decade and I know firsthand that she will be a champion for families in Queens and across our state. I’m proud to endorse her for Attorney General,” said Comrie.
“I had the opportunity to serve alongside Tish James in the City Council — and I know that she has the vision, the experience, and the grit to stand up for New York’s families. Whether she’s fighting back against the Trump Administration, suing over housing discrimination, or protecting workers’ rights, Tish is the Attorney General New Yorkers need. I’m proud to strongly endorse her candidacy,” said Sanders, Jr.
“Throughout her career, Tish James has given a voice to the voiceless. Time and time again, she’s spoken out on behalf of students and parents to make sure our children receive the education they deserve. I know that as Attorney General she will continue and expand her work to support families — and I’m proud to endorse her,” said Hyndman.
“Queens residents need an Attorney General who will serve as their lawyer — advocating, investigating, and litigating on their behalf. As Public Advocate, Tish James has fought both in and out of court for New Yorkers, and I know she will do the same for families across the state as Attorney General. I’m proud to endorse Tish for Attorney General — and I look forward to working with her for years to come,” said Vanel.
“Tish James has spent her career defending New York’s families, fighting for union workers, and advocating for our students. She’s lead the way on progressive issues — from the Fight For $15 to ensuring our children have the resources they need. I have been happy to work alongside Tish for years, and I am proud to endorse her today,” said Miller.
“Tish James has served the public for decades — and she has always fought for affordable housing, worked to prevent gun violence, and helped protect our environment. As our next Attorney General, Tish will double down on these efforts and expand the ways she fights for our families. I’m proud to endorse Tish’s campaign for Attorney General — and look forward to all of the good work she will accomplish,” said Richards, Jr.
