Dromm Deplores Proud Boys Member & Jackson Heights Resident
City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst) yesterday said he was sickened to learn that one of the Proud Boys members who was arrested for their role in the Oct. 12 beatdown that took place blocks away from the Metropolitan Republican Club following a speech by Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes was from Jackson Heights.
Irvin Antillon, 41, of Jackson Heights was arrested and charged with riot and assault for his alleged role in the incident, in which the far-right group Proud Boys got into a brawl with alleged far-left and left-wing protesters on the Upper East Side.
“I condemn the Proud Boys’ fascist, sexist far-right agenda and say they have no place in the neighborhood. As an out gay elected official, I will stand up to protect our neighborhood from the destruction that this organization is attempting to impose on our country and our community. Jackson Heights residents value our long tradition of being a place that is welcoming of everyone.”
Weprin Introduces Bill to Prohibit Single-Use Plastic Straws in Government Run Food Establishments
Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D – Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) recently introduced legislation (A11381) to prohibit single-use plastic straws in state and municipal run food establishments except in cases of medical necessity.
The legislation amends the state environmental conservation law and public health law in relation to prohibitions on single-use plastic and would result in a notable reduction of plastic waste in the environment.
Plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine habitats, ocean life and natural water systems. Non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastics, like single-use straws, dissipate into smaller and smaller pieces over time and remain in water sources long after being discarded. These carcinogenic microplastics are then ingested by wildlife, some of which are part of human food supplies. Microplastics have also been found in drinking water supplies across the world, including in New York. Additionally, over 175 million single use plastic straws are discarded in the United States each day, with billions of straws being sent to landfills or incineration facilities annually, forming an additional source of land and air pollution.
“Banning plastic straws in government-run facilities, except in the few cases of medical necessity, is a simple yet effective means to reduce the harmful accumulation of plastic pollution in our environment,” said Weprin.“This bill will enable New York State to join a growing list of cities, municipalities, and countries that have taken steps to reduce the use of single use plastics and specifically prohibit the use of plastic straws. New York State must be a leader in protecting our environment, food supplies, and water supplies for the use of future generations.”
Koo To Give Free Flu Shots
City Councilman Peter Koo (D- Bayside, College Point, Flushing, Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Whitestone ) today will announce that constituents and members of the community will be able to receive free flu shots at his office early next month.
Koo is partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital and HealthFirst in bringing the shots to his office on Nov. 3.
Koo will officially announce this inititaive at 2:30 p.m. today, Oct. 23 at his district office at 135-27 38th Avenue, Suite 388 in Flushing.
Ulrich Announces Series of Clean-up Projects Throughout the District
City Council Member Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven) today will announce a series of clean-up projects throughout his district thanks to a $150,000 allocation from his office.
Specifically the money will go to various Department of Sanitation (DOS) initiatives, including a mechanical broom sweeping along Cross Bay Boulevard. The money will also help pay for a series of quality-of-life projects slated for Howard Beach and other areas within the district.
Ulrich will make the announcement along with DOS Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association and members of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association;
The announcement is slated for 3 p.m., today, Oct. 23 in In front of Gino’s Pizzeria, 158-46 Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach.
Addabbo, Velazquez Host Small Business Resource Fair
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) and U.S Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Queens, Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan), along with several other elected officials tonight will host a a Small Business Resource Fair in Woodhaven.
The fair will allow small business owners to get information from several city agencies including an update from the city’s Department of Buildings on commercial awning violations.
Other electeds expected to attend include City Council Members Eric Ulrich and Robert Holden and Assemblyman Mike Miller.
The fair is slated for 6:30 p.m. tonight, Oct. 23 at Tropical Restaurant, 88-18 Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.
