Queens Lawmakers On The Move Sept. 3, 2019

Queens County City Council News

Cuomo Directs State Police To Assist In Queens Hate Crime Investigation

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) yesterday directed the state police hate crimes task force to help the investigation of the Silver Gull Beach Club in Breezy Point, Queens after it closed its playground for part of Labor Day weekend, after vandals covered the premises in racist, anti-Semitic graffiti.

According to media reports, the graffiti included the words “heil Hitler,” “gas chamber,” and racial slurs targeted at black people, as well as big red swastikas and red handprints on the doors.

“I am disgusted by the anti-Semitic symbols and racist graffiti found at the Silver Gull’s playground. Enough is enough. Every single elected official in this state – Democrat and Republican – must come together to denounce these continued acts of hatred and attempts to intimidate and terrorize. We must also call these vile acts what they are – they are hate crimes and they are illegal,” said Cuomo.

“Let me be very clear: we have zero tolerance for hate of any kind in New York. I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist the United States Park Police’s investigation into this despicable act to ensure the cowards responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.


Addabbo Awarded Perfect Score by NY League of Conservation Voters

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

State Sen. Joeseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) recently received a perfect score from the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) on their annual legislative report card.

“I am honored to be recognized for my steadfast commitment to improving and protecting our environment,” Addabbo said. “We must do all we can to ensure that our natural resources are protected and our destructive behaviors are altered in order for future generations to thrive. This recognition is of utmost importance to me because it validates my hard work, especially on behalf of my constituents who have experienced hardship as a result of damaging storms, to prevent further climate change.”

The New York League of Conservation Voters rated legislators based on their voting record and co-sponsorship of legislation, including congestion pricing, removing toxic chemicals from children’s toys, paint recycling and safe disposal, and prohibiting offshore drilling, just to name a few. 

Addabbo’s district has a wealth of environmental issues, having within its boundaries Jamaica Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, an ongoing windfarm project and a NYC DEP plant. The Senator also hosts numerous recycling events throughout the district.  


Koo To Announce Free High School Admissions Seminar

City Council Member Peter Koo

City Council Member Peter Koo (D-Bayside, College Point, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Whitestone) and the Glow Community Center today will announce an upcoming free high school admissions seminar in Flushing. 

Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the admissions process, important deadlines, and what to know about recent proposals regarding the SHSAT. Participating organizations include InsideSchools and the Scholastic Merit Fund.

The announcement is slated for 2 p.m., today, Sept. 3 at Koo’s district office, 135-27 38th Avenue, Suite 388 in Flushing.


Sanders Kicks Off Senior Appreciation Month

State Sen. James Sanders Jr.

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) this week will kick off Senior Appreciation Month.

“I am proud to recognize Senior Appreciation Month, which will feature many great activities for the golden members of our society,” Sanders said. “It is important that we as a community recognize our seniors and show our unwavering commitment to them as a thank you for paving the way for the next generation and providing steadfast guidance during the troubling times of today. I applaud my colleagues in Congress, the Senate, the Assembly, and the City Council for partnering to bring this all together, and sending a clear message that the best things in life come with age.”

The kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. – 12 noon, this Friday, Sept. 6 at the Roy Wilkins Gym (inside Roy Wilkins Park), 177th Street & Baisley Boulevard in Jamaica.

Sanders will also host a free bowling event from 12 noon-3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12 at Bowl 360 located at 98-18 Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park. Participants must wear sneakers and RSVP by calling Senator Sanders’ Office at 718-523-3069.