Queens Lawmakers On The Move July 17, 2019

Queens County City Council News

Meng On House Passage Condemning Trump For Tweet

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 489 that condemns President Trump’s racist comments directed at Members of Congress. 

Meng voted for the resolution and was a cosponsor of the measure.

“President Trump’s comments are racist and his vile rants on Twitter are beyond the pale, and show his callous disregard for the office he holds. He has not apologized, shown any remorse, and doubled down on his disgusting remarks. As an American, I am appalled by the President’s actions these past few days and the weak responses by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We can disagree with each other, but to tell someone to ‘go back’ is morally reprehensible. Today, our message is clear: Mr. President, shame on you,” said Meng.


Cuomo Announces Solicitation of Input And Ideas For JFK Central Hub

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is issuing a Request for Information for the design and development of JFK Central, an approximately 14-acre, mixed-use space at the epicenter of the redeveloped John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

This new site offers a blank canvas to create a centrally-located commercial and recreational public space to serve today’s travelers and employees, and capitalizes on the broader transformation of JFK currently underway.

“Airports are the front door to New York which is why it is so important that we transform JFK Airport into an innovative, modern, and accommodating space for domestic and international travelers,” said Cuomo. “We are moving ahead with a $13 billion transformation plan that will fundamentally reimagine the airport for the 21st century and as part of that effort JFK Central will create a more unified airport and further solidify New York’s position as the premier entry point into our country for the rest of the world.”

The release of the RFI is the latest step in Governor Cuomo’s sweeping $13 billion vision plan for the future of JFK, unveiled in October 2018. This record investment, 90 percent of which is private funding, calls for a unified and interconnected airport featuring two new international terminals with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, convenient ground transportation options, and vastly simplified roadways that will enable the airport to accommodate an expected increase of at least 15 million passengers per year.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-JFK Airport) are co-chairs of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, composed of elected officials, community boards, nonprofit organizations, civic organizations and clergy leaders.

The RFI Can Be Found Here.


Gianaris Renews Push For Toughening Rules On Con Ed

State Senator Michael Gianaris

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) is renewing his push for tougher rules for electric and gas providers after Saturday’s blackout that left hundreds of thousands of Manhattan residents in the dark and the subway system in chaos. 

“New Yorkers should be able to depend on reliable electricity and Con Ed does not deserve to be shielded when it is at fault,” said Gianaris. “While we await the investigation of Saturday’s blackout, we must advance policies that give New York’s consumers more power.” 

Gianaris’ wrote two bills which would address the imbalance of power between utility providers and their customers. The first (S.1284) would eliminate the current liability shield utility companies enjoy during service interruption if utility negligence is proven. 

The second bill (S.1266) expands the scope of management audits the New York State Public Service Commission can perform on utility providers. 


Van Bramer Hosts Silent Disco

City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer

City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) in partnership with the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy is hosting his annual Silent Disco next week on the Long Island City Waterfront.

“Silent Disco is always a great opportunity for us all to come together and enjoy the summer and our beautiful parks as a community,” Van Bramer said in his newsletter.

The event is slated for 5-9 p.m., Friday, July 26 at the LIC Landing in Hunters Point South Park on Center Boulevard between Borden & 54th Avenues (7 to Vernon Blvd – Jackson Ave). The event is FREE and open to all.