Constantinides On Con Ed Explosion
City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) yesterday expressed caution, but with no need for worry following the explosion of a transformer at a Con Ed facility in Astoria.
The explosion occurred at about 9:20 p.m. yesterday on 20th Avenue on a site Con Ed shares with power generating companies and other industrial facilities, according to FDNY officials.
It caused a few power outages that have since been restored according to media reports.
“Earlier this evening, a transformer at the ConEd plant in Astoria exploded, emitting a blue light throughout New York City. The 114th Precinct has informed me there are no injuries at this time nor any apparent damage to any nearby homes” said Constantinides.
“Many residents are concerned about air quality in the surrounding area, and we are waiting to hear back from officials on these concerns. I ask everyone avoid the area near 31st Street and 20th Avenue until the investigation is complete,” he added.
Addabbo Brings Grant Writing Workshop To Woodhaven Library
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways.) wants to start 2019 on a positive note by helping local organizations apply for the Citizens Committee for New York City Neighborhood Grant, which can reach up to $3,000.
As such, Addabbo will host a Grant Writing Workshop with members of the Citizens Committee for New York City to help groups and organizations prepare their applications for a Neighborhood Grant.
“This is a great opportunity for community organizations to apply for the Neighborhood Grant and bring in some money to fund a community project,” Addabbo said. “Often times, local organizations need a little boost to get a specific project off the ground. In previous years this grant has been given to some credible organizations that put the money to good use for the entire community. I would like to thank the Citizens Committee for New York City for allowing me to partner with them and bring this event to my district.”
Organizations such as block associations, tenants’ associations (including NYCHA), civic groups, student groups, PTAs, and many others are eligible to apply for this grant. These groups may be long-standing, newly established or in the process of forming, and are not required to have non-profit or 501(c)(3) status.
These groups have gone on to use their grant for such projects as community gardens for school kids, murals, portable history museums, visual and performing arts, nutrition awareness, composting, beautification projects, and more.
The workshop is slated for between 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway in Woodhaven. Organizations that feel they could benefit from a $3,000 grant, come out to this workshop and get your application in before the January 21, 2019 deadline.
For more information about the grant, grant writing process, and your group’s eligibility, visit https://www.citizensnyc.org/grants.
Van Bramer Releases End Of Year Video Of Accomplishments
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) this week released his annual year-end video to serve as an important and joyful reminder of all that can be achieved by working together.
“We live in challenging and increasingly divisive times, but I am proud of the way our community continues to come together and put our #QueensValues to work. It is an honor to represent this vibrant district on the NYC Council. And I am so grateful for all of the love I have in my life,” said Van Bramer in his newsletter emailed to constituents.
“Over the last year, we invested historic funding in our city’s libraries and cultural institutions, further improved the safety of our streets, and secured new schools and parks, among countless other causes. The people of Queens proved to be at the forefront of the progressive movement and consistently united to protest the federal government’s anti-immigrant agenda and inhumane family separation policy. Our community is as resilient and optimistic as ever in the face of new challenges and I am determined to keep fighting with you all.
“Each year, we present a video highlight reel of the year to look back at all that is possible when we come together as a community. Each year is busy and 2018 was no exception! You may see yourself in the video.
Sanders Extends Kwanzaa Holiday Greetings
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) extended his warmest thoughts and wishes to those observing the holiday of Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community and culture.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa represent some of the values that many of us hold dear — Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.
“As you light the Kinara in the spirit of Umoja, or unity, may you be blessed with good health and happiness that continues throughout the holiday and into the new year,” said Sanders.
