Nolan’s Additional Statement On Amazon’s HQ2 In Long Isand City
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Woodside, Long Island City, Maspeth, Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Blissville) yesterday released the following addional statemnet regarding the announcemnet that Amazon reached a deal with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio to make their second headquarters in Long Island City.
“I still believe the most ideal situation would have been for the city to pause LIC development, particularly the type of high rise very dense residential towers that keep being approved all over western Queens. I have always tried to support whatever ULURP decision our community boards and various city councilmembers decide, so a more general moratorium seemed like the best way to express my concerns. I asked for a moratorium so that the city could produce a more comprehensive plan.
“The Amazon proposal does not involve any new construction for a number of years. Within that time the state will be producing a comprehensive site plan which will include a plan for infrastructure improvements. If the city implemented a one or two year moratorium on new Building Permits the Amazon project would not be impacted.
“I still believe there should be more review of these too tall, often non-union built residential towers, including the massive condo being built at the edge of Sunnyside yards now referred to as “the ramps” project which uses city air rights to build towers even higher than allowed.
“I signed, as did all my colleagues, the Amazon support letter last year because commercial mixed use development is different than only residential. It provides not just union construction jobs but permanent ongoing jobs.
“The original plans to reinvigorate the LIC economy that go back many years called for mixed uses, unfortunately the city has often ignored that in the race to build tall residential towers. The governor’s and mayor’s effort to return to a more mixed use development was, in my opinion, a good public policy goal. If it does not happen, massive development will still occur in Long Island City and western Queens, it will just not be a comprehensive plan, but more of the piecemeal high rise non-union construction we keep seeing and the city keeps approving. This plan calls for union construction, including union service workers in the buildings going forward. If that is lost I think that is a negative outcome.
“I realize many of our constituents are against this plan and want to respond to their concerns. I will keep meeting and listening to as many voices as possible so as to ensure the best possible outcome for all of us who live, work and love the communities of Sunnyside, Long Island City, Queensbridge and all of Western Queens.”
Dromm, Van Bramer Hail City Allocations Toward Services For LGBTQ New Yorkers
City Council Members Daniel Dromm (D- East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights) and Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) yesterday hailed the announced $3.8 million of council allocations in Fiscal Year 2019, for LGBTQ initiatives across the city.
City Council Speaker Corey Speaker Johnson (D-Manhattan) and Finance Committee Chair Dromm announced these initiatives at the Queens LGBT Center (Q-Center) in Long Island City. These allocations will go toward the LGBT Community Services Initiative and the Trans Equity Program Initiative.
The LGBT Community Services Initiative was awarded $2 million which supports health and human services for LGBT adults. The Trans Equity Program Initiative was awarded $1.8 million to sustain education programs, legal guidance, employment services, workforce development, and healthcare services for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. The Trans Equity Program Initiative is the first initiative benefiting solely the trans community. In total, 13 community-based organizations are the recipients of these Council designations.
“Thousands of LGBTQ people in all five boroughs will be positively impacted by this funding,” said Dromm, who also chairs the Council’s LGBT Caucus. “This $3.8 million allocation brings the Council’s financial support of LGBTQ-dedicated services to historic levels. Because of this funding, services will reach the most marginalized and traditionally underserved members of the LGBTQ community. I thank Speaker Johnson for his leadership which has moved our city forward by leaps and bounds. As a long-time gay activist who has been fighting for our community’s fair share of funding for many years, I am thrilled by how far we have come. Together we have demonstrated a real commitment to achieving full equality for LGBTQ New Yorkers.”
“It is our duty to provide members of our LGBTQ community with the City services and resources needed to thrive. I am proud to have worked with Speaker Johnson and my LGBTQ colleagues to help secure the funding in this year’s budget for vital LGBTQ organizations and programs across all five boroughs. At a time when our rights and identities are under attack by the federal government, we must stand united against hate and do all that we can to empower LGBTQ youth. I will not rest until all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, can live their lives free from discrimination,” said Van Bramer.
Vallone Officially Notified That Homeless Shelter Is Coming To College Point
City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck, Malba, Whitestone) announced yesterday that the Department of Homeless Services officially notified him that they will be moving forward with the men’s homeless shelter in College Point.
“Our fears were confirmed that 127-03 20th Avenue has been approved for use as a homeless shelter as early as September 2019. David Levitan’s greed sold out all of College Point for profit over the needs of our entire community,” said Vallone.
“This is a site that was deliberately purchased and converted for use as a homeless shelter – a despicable act by one owner who has no regard for the communities he infiltrates. We will continue to fight and stand with College Point,” he added.
Peralta, Elmhurst Hospital Provide Free Flu Shots Following Pediatric Flu Death
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside.) announced yesterday that he will join with NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst to provide free flu shots to the residents of LeFrak City, regardless of health insurance status.
The Senator’s office wishes to prevent further tragedy following a pediatric flu death in New York City. The free flu shots will be administered to community members, including children over 4 and the elderly.
The shots are slated to be given from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Continental Room, Rome Building, 96-10 57th Avenue in Corona,
