Katz Lauds New Queensboro Football Club
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz lauded the announcement this week the establishment of the “Queensboro Football Club” (“QBFC”), a professional men’s soccer franchise in Queens through the United Soccer League.
Spanish soccer star David Villa and a group of investors has been awarded a United Soccer League franchise and the team will start playing in 2021 as part of the USL Championship, the second division of professional soccer after Major League Soccer.
According to media reports, the team will play home matches at a new stadium at York College in Jamaica, which will have a capacity of about 7,500, as well as host select home games at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets.
“The deep, diverse fanbase here in Queens has long desired a professional soccer team to call our own,” said Katz. “The creation of the QBFC is a major milestone that befits this borough of 2.4 million residents. As we first envisioned several years ago on elevating professional soccer here in Queens, the QBFC will further cement the borough’s reputation and standing as a global destination. Our families and communities are thrilled, for The World’s Game now has a home in The World’s Borough.”
Addabbo Praises Cuomo For Threats to Decertify National Grid
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) yesterday praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo for sending a letter to National Grid executives telling the natural gas supplier that he will revoke their certificate to operate their downstate gas franchise is they don’t come of with remedial ways to supply gas to all their customers.
The gas company has issued a moratorium on supplying gas to new customers after the state rejected a plan to bring in more natural gas through a new pipeline.
“I appreciate Governor Andrew Cuomo stepping up to help protect residents across the city, especially my constituents on the Rockaway Peninsula and northern mainland communities, by issuing his letter to National Grid of his intent to revoke its certificate to operate its downstate gas franchise in the next 14 days,” said Addabbo.
“Nat Grid should not be allowed to hold these residents — some who are still not back in their homes after losing everything to Superstorm Sandy — hostage by not providing its vital gas service, especially with winter right around the corner. Whether Nat Grid shapes up, or an alternative provider is found, it is vital that the people are provided with reliable gas service,” he added.
Katz, Comrie, Lancman Celebrate Jamaica Center BID Anniversary
Queens Borough President and recently-elected District Attorney Melinda Katz, State Sen.Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, Laurelton, Kew Gardens, Queens Village) and City Council Member Rory Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) all were on hand last week as the Jamaica Center BID celebrated their 40th annual meeting today at the Harvest Room located inside the Jamaica Market in Downtown Jamaica.
Executive Director of the Jamaica Center BID, Jennifer Furioli, highlighted the successes of the BID over the past year including the BID completing their first year in SBS’s Avenue NYC Program, which grants of up to $100,000 per year over three years to nonprofit organizations.
Jamaica Center BID’s staff continues to work with businesses that are new to the Downtown Jamaica community and also those that are institutions for the community. The BID has continued to expand its outreach and partnership with many local community organizations like the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), Cultural Collaborative Jamaica, King Manor Museum, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and Community Board 12.
The Annual Meeting concluded by honoring long time board member Rose Boord who was attending her last official meeting as a board member.
To learn more about the Jamaica Center BID and stay up-to-date on all happenings on Jamaica Avenue, make sure to visit www.Jamaica.nyc, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Meng Blasts FAA’s Community Outreach Concerning Queens Airport Noise
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park), a founding member and former co-chair of the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus, last week sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson expressing grave concerns about the agency’s community outreach efforts regarding excessive airplane noise over Queens, and other areas impacted by the problem.
The 2018 Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act required the appointment of Regional Aviation Noise Ombudsmen to listen to the public’s concerns about airplane noise, and be consulted of possible changes to flight patterns so as to minimize airplane noise over populated areas. However, these efforts by ombudsmen to engage those affected by airplane noise has been insufficient and inadequate.
“Airplane noise is a serious issue that affects my constituents and has negatively impacted their way of life,” said Meng. “I had hoped that the appointment of Regional Aviation Noise Ombudsmen would have created a positive conduit for the public to relay their concerns to the FAA. But I see that has failed. Conversations must be a two-way process, and I urge the FAA to redouble its efforts, and make sure it reaches all community members on this issue, including those with limited English proficiency.”
Meng’s letter also urges Administrator Dickson to ensure FAA’s outreach efforts include linguistically appropriate liaisons to engage with those with limited English proficiency.
