Addabbo Introduces Bill to Permanently Protect Jamaica Bay Waters
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) this week introduced a bill (S.4165) which would permanently extend protection of the Jamaica Bay waters making it safer for current and future generations.
“The impact Hurricane Sandy had on our community serves as a stark reminder of the importance in taking care of our environment,” said Addabbo. “We have already implemented eco-friendly programs like switching to paper straws, using reusable bags and water bottles to lessen our impact on the environment. Our local economy depends a great deal on Jamaica Bay so it is essential we do all we can to protect it for future generations,”Addabbo said.
In 2016, a bill was chaptered into law addressing the longstanding problem of using sub-quality dredging material to fill in borrow pits but it will expire on June 30, 2022. Prior to 2016, dredging materials used to fill in borrow pits in Jamaica Bay posed a threat to the local community and ecosystem.
Addabbo’s bill would permanently extend the US Army Corps of Engineers responsibility for regulating the types of materials used in the dredging process and provide Jamaica Bay the same protections as federal waters.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation.
Weprin Introduces New Bill to Protect Gift Card Users
Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) has introduced new legislation to increase consumer protections for gift card users.
Weprin’s bill, A6572, would make it unlawful for any entity to sell a gift certificate to a purchaser with an expiration date or a service fee, unless the consumer is properly notified. In addition, sellers are required to redeem gift certificate with a balance of ten dollars or less for cash at the consumer’s request.
Under existing State law, expiration dates and fees can still be charged along with other terms and conditions as long as they are clearly and conspicuously stated on the cards, package or accompanying printed document.
This bill will enhance protection for consumers in ways many other states have already done by prohibiting expiration dates and service fees in certain situations and require retailers to provide cash for gift cards when values drop below ten dollars. Weprin’s bill will help consumers keep money that they are entitled to.
“No one should be charged for excessive fees to access their own money and consumers should be able to use the full amount of their gift cards,” said Weprin. “With this new bill, gift card owners in New York will gain much-needed consumer protections.”
Koo, Stavisky Laud Northern Boulevard Street Markings
City Council Member Peter Koo (D- Bayside, College Point, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Whitestone) and State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Central Queens) yesterday lauded the freshly painted street markings on Northern Boulevard.
“After six months, we finally have street markings on Northern Boulevard. While we understand that construction delays can occur with any project, Northern Boulevard is a major northeast Queens thoroughfare and a designated Vision Zero Priority Corridor that deserves to be treated as a top priority,” said Koo.
“The delays we see in Queens are the reason I introduced Intro 1805 that will require the city to paint street markings within a week of any repaving completion. This will ensure these kinds of delay are prevented before construction ever begins, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and our community to make sure our streets are kept safe and in good repair for all commuters,” the lawmaker added.
Stavisky said she was happy to finally see that the Northern Boulevard markings have been restored.
“This is a Vision Zero corridor and these lines make it safer for both pedestrians and drivers. I fully support Councilman Koo’s legislation to require markings be replaced one week after repaving so we don’t have to face this issue again,” Stavisky said.
Lancman to Host Women’s History Month Event at Queens College
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) tonight will host a Women’s History Month event, “Young Queens of Queens,” to showcase talented young women from Queens College and the 24th Council District.
The event will feature a variety of performances from singers, dancers, musicians, poets and more. Local businesses and organizations run by women will have informational tables set up at the event to promote and highlight their work.
The festivities are slated for 6 p.m. tonight, March 28 at Queens College Colden Auditorium, 153-49 Reeves Avenue in Flushing.
