Queens Lawmakers on the Move Feb. 3, 2021

Queens County City Council News

Miller Hosts Training on Council Discretionary Funding Application

Councilmember I. Daneek Miller

City Councilmember I. Daneek Miller’s (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Springfield Gardens) office is holding training sessions on the City Council discretionary funding application this week and next week. 

The training sessions will be held on Thursday, February 4 and Tuesday, February 9.

RSVP online here to participate in the February 4 training session. RSVP online here to participate in the February 9 training session. 

Applications for City Council discretionary funds are due by Tuesday, February 16 to be eligible for funding.

Holden Calls for 50% Indoor Dining Capacity

City Council Member Bob Holden

City Councilmember Robert Holden (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Woodside) called on Governor Cuomo in a letter to allow New York City restaurants to open indoor dining at 50% capacity immediately, rather than allowing only 25% and waiting until February 14.

“I ask that you reconsider your decision to open indoor dining at 25% by February 14th and instead allow restaurants to open at 50% today,” said Holden. “While our business owners see packed restaurants in Long Island, they consider packing their boxes and closing their establishments for good. We should all be concerned that any further damage could be the final nail in our restaurant and hospitality industry coffin.”

Gianaris Lauds Queensboro Bridge Bike Lane Announcement

Senator Michael Gianaris

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) issued the following statement last week following the news of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement about adding bike and pedestrian lanes to the Queensboro Bridge:

“This exciting news comes after years of persistent advocacy from leaders and activists throughout Queens. The new bike and pedestrian lanes will make crossing the East River safer for everyone and change how we move around our city for the better. I especially wish to thank Transportation Alternatives, the tireless advocates who worked with them, and all the public officials whose work made this possible. I stand ready to help get this done at the earliest opportunity.”

BP Richards Holds Public Hearing on Land Use

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards will hold a regular Public Hearing on Land Use. 

The agenda includes applications to amend the Zoning Map in Rego Park within Queens Community Board District 6 submitted by 68-19 Rego Park LLC and applications to amend the Zoning Map in Astoria within Queens Community Board District 1 submitted by M E D R E P Associates, LLC.

Those who wish to testify may register for speaking time by visiting www.queensbp.org/landuse and submitting their contact information. Each registrant will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to participate in the live public hearing. Speaking time can also be arranged by calling (718) 286-3000 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. prior to the date of the hearing.

Written testimony is welcome from those unable to testify live. All written testimony must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 4 and may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by conventional mail sent to the Office of the Queens Borough President at 120-55 Queens Boulevard – Room 226, Kew Gardens, NY 11424.

The public hearing on land use will take place on Thursday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. It will be streamed at www.queensbp.org.