Queens Lawmakers On The Move Aug. 8, 2019

Queens County City Council News

Katz, Moya Encourage Queens Residents Participation In Waterfront Plan

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz
City Councilmember Francisco Moya .

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and City Councilman Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, LaGuardia Airport) yesterday encouraged Queens residents to play a role in planning the 520-miles New York City waterfront.

That after Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Marisa Lago yesterday announced the kick-off for the next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, which the public is urged to participate at the Waterfront Planning Camp on Governors Island, Saturday, August 17.

The Trust for Governors Island is hosting the event with Works on Water, an arts organization that focuses on water in urban areas and ecological issues, co-sponsoring. 

A variety of local events, planning workshops and online engagement opportunities will be unveiled in coming weeks on DCP’s dedicated web page to enable people to learn and take part in this important effort to address critical issues affecting the waterfront and the city, including climate change, public access and jobs.

“Surrounded by water on three sides, Queens and its coastal communities have a significant stake in any plan to make our city’s waterfront more accessible and resilient over the next decade,” said Katz. “It is vital that residents from the Rockaways to Long Island City to Bayside and beyond participate in the process of creating a new Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, as we work to ensure our many miles of coastline continue to be hubs of recreation, resiliency, industry and economic opportunity for our families.”

“Yes, New York City is a rich and diverse metropolis, but it’s not just a concrete jungle — it’s also home to hundreds of miles of beautiful waterfront,” said Moya, who chairs the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “These areas offer so many opportunities for New Yorkers, from rest and relaxation to improving both their physical and mental health, from building environmental resilience and sustainability to housing equity. I encourage all New Yorkers to join us on Governors Island to participate in re-imagining our waterfront and enjoy fun interactive activities!”


James Sues Trump Administration Over Toxic Pesticides in Food  

State Attorney General Letitia James

State Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of six State Attorneys General, yesterday filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administrations Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for continuing to allow chlorpyrifos , a widely used pesticide with well-documented harms to infants’ and children’s neurological development, to contaminate common foods. 

The coalition is challenging the EPA’s decision to continue to allow chlorpyrifos to be used in food, even though it has not made a current finding, as required by law, that this pesticide contamination is safe.  

“Chlorpyrifos is extremely dangerous, especially to the health of our children,” said James. “Yet, the Trump Administration continues to ignore both the science and law, by allowing this toxic pesticide to contaminate food at unsafe levels. If the Trump EPA won’t do its job and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, my office will take them to court and force them to fulfill their responsibilities.”  

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to New York, the lawsuit was filed by the Attorneys General of California, Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland and Vermont. The Attorneys General of Hawaii and the District of Columbia intend to join the coalition by filing tomorrow to intervene in the suit.  


Sanders Participates In National Night Out

State Sen. James Sanders Jr.

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) was proud the participate in several National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime events held by police precincts throughout his district on Tuesday.

 Sanders is a big supporter of NNO, which aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

“This is truly a wonderful night as community members of all ages get to have fun at these family-friendly events and enjoy good food and entertainment,” Sanders said. “Most importantly it gives residents the opportunity meet the police officers that patrol their neighborhoods every day. It’s about mutual respect and togetherness.”

Sanders took the opportunity when speaking at the 113th Precinct’s NNO at Baisley Pond Park to condemn recent water dousing incidents in which police officers and traffic enforcement agents were targeted.

“Let’s be serious for a moment,” Sanders said. “Can I encourage us not to be throwing water on our officers? It’s a stupid thing to do. If you want to protest, have a demonstration. Throwing water is just going to get somebody hurt. Don’t do it.”