Category: Newsroom

*NEWS* TAIWANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN NEW YORK DONATES 50,000 FACE MASKS TO QUEENS

*NEWS* TAIWANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN NEW YORK DONATES 50,000 FACE MASKS TO QUEENS Donated PPE to be Distributed Throughout Borough of Families (June 17, 2020 at 12:09pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee this week announced a generous donation of 50,000 face masks from the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of New York […]

*NEWS* BP LEE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCILS

*NEWS* BP LEE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCILS Deadline: Friday, August 7 (July 17, 2020 at 10:30am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee is now accepting applications from dedicated and education-minded individuals interested in filling one of six vacant positions on the borough’s Community Education Councils (CECs) in time […]

*NEWS* BP LEE, 100 SUITS, CROSS-BOROUGH PARTNERS ANNOUNCE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

*NEWS* BP LEE, 100 SUITS, CROSS-BOROUGH PARTNERS ANNOUNCE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE 100 Suits’ “Senior Deliveries and Culinary Program” Provides Summer Jobs for Local Teens, Freshly-Prepared Meals for Queens Seniors While Sharpening Skills (July 16, 2020 at 11:30am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee and 100 Suits for 100 Men (“100 Suits”), […]

*NEWS* VIRTUAL QUEENS JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS

*NEWS* VIRTUAL QUEENS JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00PM (July 6, 2020 at 10:28am) QUEENS, NY – New York City Health + Hospitals, ADAPT Community Network and Northwestern Mutual will join the Child Center of New York, the Council for Airport Opportunity, Queens Center for Progress, the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON BUDGET CUTS TO SENIOR SERVICES

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON BUDGET CUTS TO SENIOR SERVICES  “Queens Elders Yet Again Shafted and Disproportionately Shortchanged”“On the Backs of our Elders is More Than Our Fair Share of Pain” (June 30, 2020 at 7:40pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the millions of dollars […]

*NEWS* BP LEE, GOYA FOODS, I.S. 61Q OF CORONA PARTNER TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY

*NEWS* BP LEE, GOYA FOODS, I.S. 61Q OF CORONA PARTNER TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY Over 1,800 Pounds of Food to be Distributed to Families in Need (June 30, 2020 at 12:58pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee today announced a partnership with Goya Foods to donate nearly one ton of food to the […]

*NEWS* BUDDHA’S LIGHT INTERNATIONAL, FO GUANG SHAN DONATE FRESH PRODUCE, PPE THROUGHOUT QUEENS

BUDDHA’S LIGHT INTERNATIONAL, FO GUANG SHAN DONATE FRESH PRODUCE, PPE THROUGHOUT QUEENS 5,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce for Families; 19,000 pieces of PPE for Frontline Health Workers (June 18, 2020 at 1:12pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee this week announced a generous donation from the Buddha’s Light International Association, New York (BLIA) […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON SCOTUS’ DACA DECISION

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON SCOTUS’ DACA DECISION QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by blocking the Trump Administration’s “arbitrary and capricious” attempt to terminate […]

*ADVISORY* CITY AGENCIES TO BRIEF BOROUGH CABINET ON ITS REOPENING GUIDELINES

*ADVISORY* CITY AGENCIES TO BRIEF BOROUGH CABINET ON ITS REOPENING GUIDELINES Tuesday, June 16 (June 15, 2020 at 3:05pm) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Cabinet, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hear presentations from the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the New York City Department of […]

*ADVISORY* NYC TEST & TRACE CORPS TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD

*ADVISORY* NYC TEST & TRACE CORPS TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD Monday, June 15 (June 12, 2020 at 2:53pm) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hear a presentation from the NYC Test & Trace Corps, which fights COVID-19 by helping New Yorkers receive free and easy […]

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD ANNUAL PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD ANNUAL PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION Thursday, June 18 at 2:00PM (Thursday, June 11 at 11:43am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, New York City Council Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm and City Council Deputy Leader Jimmy Van Bramer together will host the annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Celebration virtually on Thursday, […]

VIRTUAL QUEENS JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS

VIRTUAL QUEENS JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS Wednesday, June 3 at 2:00 PM (May 29, 2021 at 2:21pm) QUEENS, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals, the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Queens College and Young Adult Institute (YAI) , will join the Child Center of New York, the Council for Airport Opportunity, Queens Center for Progress, the […]

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD VIRTUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD VIRTUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY Thursday, May 21 at 11:00 AM (Tuesday, May 19 at 9:17am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz together will host a Virtual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at www.queensbp.org from the […]

*ADVISORY* UTILITIES TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD ON COVID-19 RESPONSE AND SUMMER PREPARATIONS

*ADVISORY* UTILITIES TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD ON COVID-19 RESPONSE AND SUMMER PREPARATIONS Monday, May 18 QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hear presentations from National Grid and Con Edison regarding their operations and their ability to continue serving Queens residents and businesses during the COVID-19 […]

*NEWS* QUEENS VIRTUAL JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS

*NEWS* QUEENS VIRTUAL JOBS RECRUITMENT FAIR RETURNS Wednesday, May 13 at 2:00 PM (May 8, 2020 at 10:04am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, the Child Center for New York, Council for Airport Opportunity, Queens Center for Progress, U.S. Census Bureau, Watch Guard 24/7 and Workforce1 today announced a second “Virtual Queens […]

*NEWS* QUEENS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF INITIATIVE WITH FRESHDIRECT TO HELP STEM FOOD INSECURITY

*NEWS* QUEENS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF INITIATIVE WITH FRESHDIRECT TO HELP STEM FOOD INSECURITY Grocery Boxes, Beverages for Two Additional Months to Aid Families in Need (April 26, 2020 at 1:39pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee today announced a two-month extension to Queens’ partnership with FreshDirect’s citywide initiative — dubbed “Operation 5-Borough Food […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON CANCELLATION OF JUNE 23 SPECIAL ELECTION

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON CANCELLATION OF JUNE 23 SPECIAL ELECTION (April 24, 2020 at 8:06pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the cancellation of the June 23, 2020 Special Election for Queens Borough President: “This is an extraordinary time. The Borough President’s Office, however, remains […]

*NEWS* QUEENS ANNOUNCES FURTHER EXTENSION OF “FUEL THE FRONTLINES” INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT WORKERS

*NEWS* QUEENS ANNOUNCES FURTHER EXTENSION OF “FUEL THE FRONTLINES” INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT WORKERS Meals Prepared by Small Businesses for Queens’ Nine Hospitals, First Responders, MTA Bus Operators (April 24, 2020 at 1:59pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee today announced a second extension and expansion of “Fuel the Frontlines,” the joint initiative in partnership […]

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD VIRTUAL INTERFAITH VIGIL

*NEWS* QUEENS TO HOLD VIRTUAL INTERFAITH VIGIL Tuesday, April 21 (April 20, 2020 at 12:21pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, in partnership with faith leaders and elected officials, will hold a Queens Virtual Interfaith Vigil for the thousands of lives lost in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the frontline […]

*ADVISORY* AGING, EDUCATION, SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH CABINET

*ADVISORY* AGING, EDUCATION, SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH CABINET Tuesday, April 21 (April 20, 2020 at 11:05am) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Cabinet, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hear presentations from the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and […]

*ADVISORY* DOHMH, CENSUS BUREAU TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD

*ADVISORY* DOHMH, CENSUS BUREAU TO BRIEF QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD Monday, April 20 (April 17, 2020 at 12:53pm) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hear a presentation from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on the City’s response and priorities for Queens, […]

*NEWS* JOB RECRUITMENT FAIR IN PANDEMIC EPICENTER TO CONNECT JOB SEEKERS, EMPLOYERS

*NEWS* JOB RECRUITMENT FAIR IN PANDEMIC EPICENTER TO CONNECT JOB SEEKERS Wednesday, April 22, 2020 (April 17, 2020 at 10:54am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, the Council for Airport Opportunity, the New York State Police Department, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Workforce1 today announced an upcoming “Queens Virtual Recruitment Fair” to […]

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 (Posted to social media: April 6, 2020 at 11:20am) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, resources are available for cultural organizations, artists, musicians and more. Visit https://queensbp.org/covid-19-resources-for-artists/ for more information on how to access critical grants, emergency funding, relief programs and other resources.

BP LEE ON CENSUS DAY 2020

BP LEE ON CENSUS DAY 2020 (Posted to social media: April 1, 2020 at 11:09am) “Only takes a few minutes. If you #StayAtHome, fill it out with your kids. Numbers matter, more than ever. Let’s get counted and secure our fair share.” – BP Sharon Lee  my2020census.gov #CensusDay2020 #GetCountedNYC

QUEENS THANKS UFT AND CSA LOCAL 1 EDUCATORS AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 237 MEMBERS

QUEENS THANKS UFT AND CSA LOCAL 1 EDUCATORS AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 237 MEMBERS (Posted to social media: April 1, 2020 at 9:00am) Queens is grateful to UFT and Council of School Supervisors & Administrators educators and Teamsters Local 237 for working through spring break, keeping our kids and families home, safe, fed, engaged and learning. #In4OurKids#CountOnUs#NewYorkTough#FlattenTheCurveTogether#QueensStrong

*NEWS* BP LEE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARD APPOINTMENTS FOR 2020

BP LEE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARD APPOINTMENTS FOR 2020 (March 30, 2020 at 3:52pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee today announced that the term for 2020 Queens Community Board appointees will now begin on May 31, 2020, instead of April 1, and last through March 31, 2022.  Current Community Board members whose terms expire […]

BP LEE ON MUSEUM AND CULTURAL INSTITUTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES

BP LEE ON MUSEUM AND CULTURAL INSTITUTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES (Posted to social media: March 30, 2020 at 12:13pm) To Queens parents here in the Borough of Families: your kids can now virtually enjoy #Queens’ own New York Hall of Science, from DIY science projects to interactive, educational comic books. Visit https://nysci.org/home/nysci-home-resources/ while you #StayAtHome Your kids can […]

QUEENS SAYS “THANK YOU” TO THE HEROES AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST

QUEENS SAYS “THANK YOU” TO THE HEROES AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST (Posted to social media: Friday, March 27 at 5:56pm) “Deeply grateful for every single minute of life you’ve saved.” – BP Sharon Lee#ElmhurstHospital #QueensStrong Thanks also to the anonymous New Yorkers who expressed their gratitude with this sign of appreciation today.

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON POTUS’ DOUBT ABOUT NEW YORK’S URGENT NEED FOR VENTILATORS

BP LEE ON POTUS’ DOUBT ABOUT NEW YORK’S URGENT NEED FOR VENTILATORS (March 27, 2020 at 10:59am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the comment made by the President of the United States about the need for ventilators: “Just how many deaths must we suffer […]

*NEWS* QUEENS LAUNCHES “FUEL THE FRONTLINES” INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT WORKERS

QUEENS LAUNCHES “FUEL THE FRONTLINES” INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT WORKERS Local Entrepreneurs to Prepare Thousands of Meals for Workers at Queens’ Nine Hospitals (March 26, 2020 at 5:57pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Queens Night Market today announced a “Fuel the Frontlines” joint initiative in […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE ON RISE IN COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST

BP LEE ON RISE IN COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST (March 25, 2020 at 9:13pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the latest rise in COVID-19 related deaths, particularly the 13 deaths within a 24-hour period at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst: “NYC […]

BP LEE ON CONTINUING TO #STAYATHOME TO SUPPORT FRONTLINE WORKERS

BP LEE ON CALL TO #STAYATHOME TO SUPPORT FRONTLINE WORKERS (Posted to social media: March 25, 2020 at 9:43am) ***PLEASE SHARE WIDELY*** “Let’s do our part and #StayAtHome. We can make a bigger impact against the curve if we act together and act now. Frontline workers + medical professionals are working around the clock to stem […]

BP LEE SAYS #STAYATHOME TO PROTECT FRONTLINE WORKERS

BP LEE SAYS #STAYATHOME TO PROTECT FRONTLINE WORKERS (Posted to social media: March 24, 2020 at 8:21am) “Let’s do our part. We can make a bigger impact against the curve if we act together and act now. Frontline workers and medical professionals are working around the clock to stem the tide. #StayAtHome and help bend the curve […]

*NEWS* FRESHDIRECT LAUNCHES FOOD INITIATIVE TO AID FAMILIES IN NEED

FRESHDIRECT LAUNCHES FOOD INITIATIVE TO AID FAMILIES IN NEED Donates 400 Grocery Boxes per Day to Queens for Four Weeks (March 24, 2020 at 11:45am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee announced today a partnership with FreshDirect’s citywide initiative — dubbed “Operation 5-Borough Food Drive” — to help keep Queens residents and […]

BP LEE ON COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS

BP LEE ON COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS (Posted to social media: March 23, 2020 at 4:34pm) “Social distancing doesn’t mean #Census invisibility. As you #StayAtHome to #FlattenTheCurve of #COVID19, take a moment to fill out the Census at www.my2020census.gov. Numbers matter.” – BP Sharon Lee

*NEWS* QUEENS COLLEGE MAKES SWIFT DONATION OF MASKS, GLOVES, SUPPLIES TO BATTLE COVID-19

QUEENS COLLEGE MAKES SWIFT DONATION OF MASKS, GLOVES, SUPPLIES TO BATTLE COVID-19 (March 22, 2020 at 9:36am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee today lauded a swiftly collected donation of various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies by Queens College’s School of Mathematics and Sciences, including N-95 masks, 30 unopened cases of […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE, DA KATZ MESSAGE TO SURVIVORS DURING “STAY AT HOME” URGE

BP LEE, DA KATZ MESSAGE TO SURVIVORS DURING “STAY AT HOME” URGE Help Remains Available for Victims and Survivors (March 20, 2020 at 3:05pm) QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee affirmed the borough’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child and […]

BP LEE ON #STAYATHOME RECOMMENDATION FOR NON-ESSENTIAL WORKERS

BP LEE ON #STAYATHOME RECOMMENDATION FOR NON-ESSENTIAL WORKERS (Posted to social media: March 20, 2020 at 11:07am) “Stay calm and nimble. Stay ahead of the curve. If you haven’t already, I urge everyone in #Queens to exercise #StayAtHome aka ‘The SF Model’ ASAP if you are not an essential worker. “Government and frontline workers have been working around the […]

BP LEE ON THE NEEDED ACTIVATION OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT

BP LEE ON THE NEEDED ACTIVATION OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT (Posted to social media: March 19, 2020 at 1:30pm) “#Queens urges President Donald J. Trump to activate the Defense Production Act immediately in anticipation of the projected Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortage. Time is a luxury we cannot afford.”- BP Sharon Lee

*STATEMENT* BP LEE CONDEMNS THE TERM “CHINESE VIRUS”

BP LEE CONDEMNS THE TERM “CHINESE VIRUS” (March 18, 2020 at 3:58pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee — the first borough president of Asian descent in the City of New York — stated the following in response to questions about the racist term “Chinese Virus” when referencing COVID-19: “‘Chinese virus’ is a deeply […]

*NEWS* BP LEE ALLOCATES $1M TO UPGRADE FDNY DECONTAMINATION CENTER IN CORONA, QUEENS

BP LEE ALLOCATES $1M TO UPGRADE FDNY DECONTAMINATION CENTER IN CORONA, QUEENS Investment Into Health of and “More Birthdays” for First Responders and their Families (March 17, 2020 at 1:20pm) QUEENS, NY – The sole FDNY Decontamination Specialization Unit in the city — located in Corona, Queens — cleaned more than 47,000 pieces of contaminated […]

*STATEMENT* BP LEE URGES ALL FAMILIES TO KEEP CHILDREN HOME AWAY FROM SCHOOL THIS WEEK

BP LEE URGES ALL FAMILIES TO KEEP CHILDREN HOME AWAY FROM SCHOOL THIS WEEK (March 15, 2020 at 10:41am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following regarding New York City public schools and the fast-developing situation with COVID-19. “I strongly urge all Queens families, in no uncertain terms, to keep all […]

*NEWS* QUEENS BOROUGH HALL TO OPEN 2020 CENSUS RESOURCE ASSISTANCE CENTER

QUEENS BOROUGH HALL TO OPEN 2020 CENSUS RESOURCE ASSISTANCE CENTER Center Opens March 5; 2020 Census Count Begins March 12BP Lee Also Accepting Applications for State-Funded Census Outreach Efforts (March 2, 2020 at 1:27pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Borough President Sharon Lee today announced the 2020 Census Resource Assistance Center at Queens Borough Hall will […]

*NEWS* QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD ISSUES RESPONSE TO MAYOR’S FY2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD ISSUES RESPONSE TO MAYOR’S FY2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET BP Lee Urges Parity and “Fairer Share” for Queens Schools, Seniors, Hospitals (March 2, 2020 at 11:57am) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, issued its response to the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2021 Preliminary Budget — as voted […]

*ADVISORY* QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD TO VOTE ON FY21 BUDGET PRIORITIES

QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD TO VOTE ON FY21 BUDGET PRIORITIES Monday, February 24 (Feb. 21, 2020 at 11:23am) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will deliberate and vote on its package of budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). The priorities were developed largely from input received during […]

*ADVISORY* LAND USE PUBLIC HEARING

LAND USE PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, February 20 (Feb. 18, 2020 at 2:43pm) QUEENS, NY – Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee will hold a regular Public Hearing on Land Use. The agenda includes: Items 1 and 2 are related 1. Application submitted by Tuchman Associates, LLC, for an amendment of the Zoning Map by changing from […]

*NEWS* QUEENS WEEK OF SERVICE

QUEENS WEEK OF SERVICE February 10-17, 2020 (Feb. 4, 2020 at 9:48am) QUEENS, NY – The 14 Queens Community Boards and Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee will hold a boroughwide “Queens Week of Service” between February 10-17, 2020. “A true hallmark of our borough is the volunteerism and generosity so many Queens families exercise […]

*NEWS* QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARD APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARD APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED New Deadline: Friday, March 13 (Feb. 4, 2020 at 9:53am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Borough President Sharon Lee today announced an extension to the application deadline for qualified and civic-minded individuals interested in serving on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in […]

*ADVISORY* PUBLIC HEARING ON QUEENS BUDGET PRIORITIES

PUBLIC HEARING ON QUEENS BUDGET PRIORITIES Wednesday, January 29 (Jan. 21, 2020 at 11:48am) QUEENS, NY – The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, will hold a public hearing on the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2021 Preliminary Expense and Capital Budget on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, beginning at 10:00 AM at Queens […]

*NEWS* QUEENS BOROUGH HALL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON COMMUNITY BOARDS

QUEENS BOROUGH HALL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON COMMUNITY BOARDS Deadline: Friday, January 31 (Jan. 10, 2020 at 11:21am) QUEENS, NY – Acting Borough President Sharon Lee is accepting applications from qualified and civic-minded individuals interested in serving on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land […]

*ADVISORY* QUEENS TO UNVEIL NEW VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN ELMHURST PARK

QUEENS TO UNVEIL NEW VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN ELMHURST PARK Friday, December 20 QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz and NYC Parks will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park on Friday, December 20 at 10:00 AM. Built on the northwest corner of Elmhurst Park, the […]

*NEWS* ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY AT BOROUGH HALL

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY AT BOROUGH HALL Donated Items Accepted Through December 18th for Children in Need QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced today the start of her annual Holiday Toy Drive at Queens Borough Hall for children in need. From now through Wednesday, December 18th, Queens residents are encouraged to donate […]

*STATEMENT* BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE NEW QUEENSBORO FOOTBALL CLUB

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE NEW QUEENSBORO FOOTBALL CLUB QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about the establishment of the “Queensboro Football Club” (“QBFC”), a professional men’s soccer franchise in Queens through the United Soccer League: “The deep, diverse fanbase here in Queens has long desired a professional soccer team […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO HOST VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY

Thursday, November 7 at Queens Borough Hall QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz will host her annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony on Thursday, November 7th at 11:00 AM inside the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall. More veterans call Queens home than any other borough, and the ceremony will salute the more […]

QUEENS TO HOLD RESOURCE FAIR IN HONOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Tuesday, October 29 at Queens Borough Hall QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz — along with the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and the Queens District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau — will mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October with “A Healthy Families Resource Fair” on Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 from […]

BP KATZ ANNOUNCES SENIOR APPRECIATION MONTH MUSICAL LUNCHEON

Tuesday, September 24 at Queens Borough Hall QUEENS, NY – September is Senior Appreciation Month, and Borough President Katz will celebrate the occasion by hosting a Senior Appreciation Month Musical Luncheon on Tuesday, September 24th in the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall. The luncheon is free and open to the public. Doors […]

BP KATZ TO CO-SPONSOR FREE OPIOID OVERDOSE RESPONSE TRAINING

Thursday, September 26 QUEENS, NY – As part of National Recovery Month, Borough President Melinda Katz will join NYC Health + Hospitals and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in sponsoring an event to train members of the public on how they can save the lives of people suffering from […]

OPEN CALL FOR NEXT QUEENS POET LAUREATE

Application Deadline Extended Until Sept. 20 QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the deadline to apply to be the next Queens Poet Laureate is extended until Friday, September 20, 2019. The Borough President, in partnership with Queens Public Library and Queens College, is conducting an open call to fill the post of […]

BP KATZ, NYIC ANNOUNCE QUEENS TOWN HALL ON “PUBLIC CHARGE” RULE

Tuesday, September 17 at Queens Borough Hall QUEENS, NY – In the wake of the federal government’s latest attack on immigrant families and move to restrict legal immigration, Borough President Katz and the New York Immigration Coalition announced an upcoming Queens Town Hall on the new “Public Charge” rule, to take place on Tuesday, September […]

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF 32BJ SEIU PRESIDENT HECTOR FIGUEROA

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about the passing of 32BJ SEIU President Hector Figueroa. “Hector Figueroa was a leader and a true champion of the rights of workers both in our city and our country. A lion of the labor movement, he was humble,  yet unapologetic when it came to […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR 2019 “KATZ CONCERT SERIES”

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts Throughout Queens QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College and NYC Parks, announced the full schedule of the fifth annual “Katz Concert Series,” a slate of free outdoor concerts taking place this summer in various locations throughout Queens. “Summers […]

STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION TO BLOCK CITIZENSHIP QUESTION FROM 2020 CENSUS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily block the federal government from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. “Queens maintains the citizenship question is discriminatory, especially as it was designed to weaponize the Census in order to dilute resources, […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ RECOMMENDS DISAPPROVAL OF CITY’S CURRENT BOROUGH-BASED JAIL PROPOSAL

Reiterates Strong Support for Closing Rikers, Reform and Borough-Based Jails QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz today issued her recommendations to disapprove the four related Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) applications in connection with the city’s proposed borough-based jail at 126-02 82nd Avenue in Kew Gardens. In her recommendations, Borough President Katz […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ALLOCATES $65M FOR FY20 TO QUEENS CAPITAL PROJECTS

Allocations Reflect Continuous Commitment to Strengthen Borough’s Infrastructure QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today unveiled her $65 million in Fiscal Year 2020 discretionary fund allocations for important constructions, renovations and upgrades across 80 capital projects throughout Queens. The $65 million – part of the $92.8 billion FY20 budget agreement reached by the Mayor and […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO HOST 2019 “ONLY IN QUEENS SUMMER FESTIVAL” FEATURING FREE CAPITAL ONE CITY PARKS FOUNDATION SummerStage CONCERT STARRING SHEILA E., MUSIQ SOULCHILD, and KRANIUM

Sunday, June 23 in Flushing Meadows Corona Park QUEENS, NY – The legendary musician Sheila E. will headline the free admission Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage concert to be held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park as the featured event of Borough President Katz’s upcoming “Only in Queens Summer Festival.” The free admission festival will […]

QUEENS KICKS OFF PRIDE MONTH WITH FLAG INSTALLATION IN FRONT OF BOROUGH HALL

In Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall QUEENS, NY –Borough President Melinda Katz, in conjunction with Queens Pride, commissioned the first-ever installation of Pride flags in front of Queens Borough Hall on the eve of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The Pride flag represents the LGBTQIA+ movement and will remain on display throughout the month of […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE PASSING OF QUEENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY RICHARD A. BROWN

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about the passing of Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown: “The Borough of Queens mourns the loss of a lifelong public servant. We reflect on and honor Judge Brown’s extraordinary devotion and distinguished service to the people of Queens. I will forever and fondly […]

OPEN CALL FOR NEXT QUEENS POET LAUREATE

Accepting Applications April 29 – May 31 QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with Queens Public Library and Queens College, today announced the launch of an open call for applications for the next Queens Poet Laureate, a prestigious position charged with promoting a love of poetry and literacy throughout the borough. The […]

ON THE SUDDEN PASSING OF MICHAEL KATZ

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about the sudden passing last night of her eldest brother, Michael Katz, at age 66: “Our family has lost our eldest brother who was full of life, energy and love. Words cannot express the deep grief of his unexpected passing. Thank you for respecting […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES QUEENS JOB FAIR FOR 2020 CENSUS

Wednesday, May 1 QUEENS, NY – One year before the 2020 Census count begins, Borough President Melinda Katz and the U.S. Census Bureau today announced they will hold a job fair at Queens Borough Hall on May 1st to help recruit workers to assist with the 2020 Census count.  The upcoming job fair is just one of […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES 345 APPOINTMENTS TO QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

Lauds Those Who Have Made Commitment to Serve QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the appointments of 345 individuals to serve on their respective Community Boards. Of the 345 appointees, 77 are first time members who have never before served on a Community Board but have demonstrated both an understanding of the […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES SENIOR STAFF APPOINTMENTS

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES SENIOR STAFF APPOINTMENTS (February 22, 2019) QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced appointments to her senior leadership team: Shurn Anderson as Director of Economic Development, Brent Weitzberg as Director of Health & Human Services and Seniors, and Anayeli Gomez-Brittain as Policy Advisor to the Borough President. “Shurn, Brent and […]

STATEMENT ON AMAZON’S WITHDRAWAL OF HQ2 PLAN

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to Amazon’s announcement that it is withdrawing plans to build its second headquarters in Long Island City. “We all want jobs to come to Queens, and Amazon used the promise of job creation to extract major concessions for this project. But after last […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON FATAL SHOOTING OF AN NYPD DETECTIVE IN RICHMOND HILL

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the shooting death of NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen and the wounding of an NYPD sergeant while responding to an armed robbery tonight near Atlantic Avenue and 121st Street in Richmond Hill: “The heart of Queens is with the wife and family of […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO HOST ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: FEBRUARY 26

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz and the African American Heritage Committee will host their annual Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, February 26th, replete with cultural performances, academic scholarship awards, honors for civic-minded community members and more. “Black history is American history, and Black History Month is an important recognition of countless groundbreaking […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ: “FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF QUEENS”

Pledges to Boycott Potential Citizenship Question on 2020 Census Shortchanged Borough Ranks First in School Overcrowding, Last in Funding Affirms Support for Closing Rikers, Calls Upon City to “Start Anew” on Proposed Queens Jail to Ensure Community Input First Boroughwide Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Open This Year QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz delivered […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

Deadline: Friday, February 8 QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications from qualified and civic-minded individuals who are interested in serving on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning matters in their respective districts. The Boards also hold hearings and […]

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY AT BOROUGH HALL

2018 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY AT BOROUGH HALL Donated Items Accepted Through December 20, 2018 for Families in Need QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced today the start of her Holiday Toy Drive at Queens Borough Hall for families in need. Queens residents are encouraged to donate new toys and board games for children […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ APPOINTS PAULINE HEALY TO QUEENS LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz is pleased to announce her appointment of attorney Pauline Healy to the Queens Library Board of Trustees. A resident of Douglaston, Queens, Ms. Healy has served as Director of Agency Standards of the Melville, NY office of the New York Life Insurance Company since May 2015. In this […]

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ: “AMAZON SHOULD HELP PAY FOR QBX”

BP Katz Calls Upon Amazon to Help Pay for Construction of BQX with “Fair Fares” and Free Subway/Bus Transfers Also Urges Enhanced Service at Both LIRR Stations in LIC, New Municipal Parking QUEENS, NY  –  In light of the New York City Council’s upcoming series of hearings, Borough President Melinda Katz, former Chair of the […]

QUEENS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, the New York City Parks Department, Queens veterans, elected officials and community leaders together broke ground today on the Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the first boroughwide memorial to honor all Queens residents who were either killed in action while serving in the Vietnam War, or served in the […]

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ STATEMENT ON AMAZON

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the announcement today that Amazon will establish a new headquarters in Long Island City: “Long Island City – New York’s emerging tech hub – is ‘primed’ for Amazon. Amazon is a timely fit for the borough, given the Tech Plan we commissioned […]

BP KATZ NAMES SHARON LEE AS INCOMING DEPUTY BOROUGH PRESIDENT

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the appointment of Sharon Lee as Deputy Borough President, effective November 17. Lee will succeed Deputy Borough President Melva Miller. “Sharon has been a trusted member of my senior leadership team for years and I could not think of a more prepared or knowledgeable person to […]

BP KATZ ANNOUNCES QUEENS TOWN HALL ON 2020 U.S. CENSUS

Tuesday, November 13  QUEENS, NY — Considering the consequences that could come with a possible census undercount, Borough President Melinda Katz will host a borough-wide Town Hall on Tuesday, November 13th to begin preparing the borough of nearly 2.4 million people for the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census, and the challenges presented by potential new measures […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ NAMES PHIL BALLMAN AS DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Katz today announced the appointment of Phil Ballman as the Borough President’s Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism. “Phil is a valuable addition to our team here at Borough Hall,” said Borough President KATZ. “Mr. Ballman has extensive experience as a live event producer, arts programmer and project manager and […]

QUEENS CONTINUES CONVICTION SEALING WORKSHOPS IN OCTOBER

October 24 – 26, 2018 QUEENS, NY – To mark the one-year anniversary of New York’s conviction sealing law as well as following up on the success of the first series in August, Borough President Melinda Katz and The Legal Aid Society will partner to host another series of “Know Your Rights Week: Closing Cases, […]

QUEENS WORKSHOP ON SURVIVING PARTNER VIOLENCE & ABUSE

Friday, October 12 QUEENS, NY – In conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Borough President Melinda Katz and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence today announced an upcoming public workshop on “Surviving Partner Violence & Abuse” on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Queens Family […]

STATEMENT ON STATE’S DELAY IN RELEASING STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, a New York City public school parent, stated the following in response to the New York State Education Department’s prolonged delay in releasing standardized test scores to elementary and middle school students and their parents: “Junior high and high school open houses have now begun. For those applying, […]

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WEEK: CLOSING CASES, OPENING DOORS

August 6-10, 2018 QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz and the Legal Aid Society announced details of their upcoming “Know Your Rights Week: Closing Cases, Opening Doors”, a week-long series of public legal workshops between August 6-10 in various neighborhoods throughout Queens. Participants can access free, confidential advice from lawyers on ways to alleviate […]

QUEENS UNVEILS TECH ZONE STRATEGIC PLAN

Roadmap for Equitable Job Growth in NYC’s Future Tech Hub  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, the Western Queens Tech Task Force, Coalition for Queens and HR&A Advisors today unveiled the long-anticipated Western Queens Tech Zone Strategic Plan (“Tech Plan”) – entitled Live, Work, Create: A Roadmap for Equitable Growth of the Western Queens […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON SCOTUS DECISION TO UPHOLD PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the United State Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Donald Trump’s travel ban, and encouraged the public to make use of the Queens Immigration Resource Fair this Thursday: “The Supreme Court has been on the wrong side of history before, and history […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR THE 2018 “KATZ CONCERT SERIES”

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts Throughout Queens QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with the Kupferberg Center for the Arts and NYC Parks, today announced the full schedule of the fourth annual “Katz Concert Series”, a slate of free outdoor concerts scheduled this summer at various locations throughout Queens. “Summers are all about […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ALLOCATES $12 MILLION TO QUEENS’ PUBLIC PARKS

Upgrades to Enhance Parks for Queens Residents and Visitors QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced an allocation of $12.1 million of her Fiscal Year 2019 discretionary capital funds for important construction, renovations and upgrades across 10 public parks in Queens. Queens is the largest borough of five in the City of New York […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON LOCATION REVEAL OF FINAL CONCERT ON PAUL SIMON’S FAREWELL TOUR

“Thrilled Paul Simon is Coming Home, But City Should Make Historic Concert Free to Public” QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the announcement that legendary artist Paul Simon’s final concert of his “Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour” will take place on September 22 in Flushing Meadows Corona […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON LATEST DEVELOPMENTS TOWARD LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the latest developments toward the decriminalization, legalization and regulation of marijuana. The New York State Health Department announced yesterday that its study commissioned by Governor Andrew Cuomo six months ago will recommend the state legalize and regulate recreational marijuana. The Department also […]

“KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WEEK” FOR IMMIGRANTS: JUNE 25-29

Free Informational Workshops and Confidential Legal Advice Five Events in Five Neighborhoods QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz and her Immigration Task Force announced details of their upcoming “Know Your Rights Week”, a series of free informational workshops and confidential legal clinics for immigrants in various neighborhoods between June 25-29, 2018 throughout Queens, where […]

BP KATZ ON CITY’S SUDDEN PLANS TO CLOSE A THIRD OF THE MOST POPULAR ROCKAWAY BEACHES

City Plans to Shut Down a Third of Beaches Most Visited by Tourists to the Rockaway Peninsula  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to the City’s sudden plans to close 12 blocks of the Rockaway Beaches indefinitely and effective this weekend due to erosion: “The City’s immediate plans for […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES 331 APPOINTMENTS TO QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

Maintains Healthy Balance of Experience and New Voices QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the appointments of 331 individuals to serve two-year terms on their respective Community Boards. Of the 331 appointees, 62 are first-time members who have never before served on a Community Board but have demonstrated both an understanding of […]

OFFICIALS TO MTA: RESTORE ORIGINAL “FREEDOM TICKET” PLAN

Electeds Say Eliminating Proposed Discounted LIRR Fare Between Southeast Queens and Penn Station Renders Freedom Ticket Pilot “Inferior” and “Set Up For Failure” QUEENS, NY – In advance of the upcoming Board Meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Borough President Melinda Katz, U.S. Representatives Gregory Meeks, Senators Leroy Comrie and James Sanders, Assemblymember Alicia […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ APPOINTS GEORGE RUSSO TO QUEENS LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz is pleased to announce her appointment of Ozone Park resident George Russo to the Queens Library Board of Trustees. As a long-time community activist in Queens, Mr. Russo has been an active member of Queens Community Board 10 (which serves the South Queens communities of Ozone Park, South […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON PEP VOTE DENYING PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSURES IN FAR ROCKAWAY

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the decision by the New York City Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) this morning on the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE’s) proposed school closures of P.S./M.S. 42 and M.S. 53 in Far Rockaway, which were voted down by […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO HOST ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION & PHOTO CONTEST

QUEENS, NY – As Queens prepares to celebrate Lunar New Year, Borough President Melinda Katz will again host a Lunar New Year Celebration & Photo Contest at Queens Borough Hall to ring in the upcoming Year of the Dog. This year’s Photo Contest invites the public to submit photos under the theme, “What Lunar New […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON NEW WILLETS POINT AGREEMENT

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about an agreement reached this week with the Queens Development Group on Phase 1 of Willets Point; the agreement includes the construction of 1,100 affordable apartments (including 221 for low-income seniors) and a brand new 450-seat public elementary school: “The City […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ OUTLINES VISION FOR QUEENS IN STATE OF THE BOROUGH ADDRESS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz delivered her annual “State of the Borough” address this morning at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, where she offered a report on Queens’ recent milestones, key investments, and her vision for the future of the borough. “What we’ve actually been doing in Queens is setting a roadmap […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON GOVERNOR CUOMO’S PROPOSAL TO COMBAT SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about Governor Andrew Cuomo’s multi-pronged agenda that targets sexual harassment in the workplace: “A settlement should not compel silence in perpetuity and preclude further accountability for harassers enabled by that very silence. This multi-pronged proposal is a thoughtful, important step toward […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO QUEENS RESIDENTS: “HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE”

Renders Borough Hall Available to Assist Residents with HEAP Applications QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced that residents who need financial assistance to help heat their homes this winter are encouraged to come to her office at Queens Borough Hall to apply for help from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). “We do […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications from qualified and community-minded individuals who would like to serve on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning matters. Community Boards also contribute to public dialogue by holding hearings and issuing recommendations about […]

LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY APPROVES PLAN FOR FORT TILDEN PROPERTY

Recommends Disposition to Keep NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau Training Facility at Former Army Reserve Center QUEENS, NY – The Fort Tilden Local Redevelopment Authority today voted to approve a redevelopment plan that would dispose the federal property at Fort Tilden to the City of New York. The disposition would continue the use of the New York […]

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS TO HOLD MONTHLY OFFICE HOURS AT QUEENS BOROUGH HALL

Easier Access to City’s Immigration Resources QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced that beginning this Friday, September 29, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) will hold monthly office hours inside Queens Borough Hall to provide residents with easier access to the information and services offered by MOIA. Queens is the first […]

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE PASSING OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER SIMANOWITZ

QUEENS, NY —  Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following regarding the passing of Assemblymember Michael Simanowitz:   “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Assemblymember Michael Simanowitz, a great public servant who began his career as chief-of-staff to former Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn more than two decades ago. Michael cared deeply about the people […]

OVER $2 MILLION IN CAPITAL UPGRADES FOR QUEENS FIREHOUSES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, City Councilmember Paul Vallone, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and Community Board 7 today announced over $2.075 million in Fiscal 2018 funding allocations for capital improvements at several FDNY firehouses in Queens. The funds will enhance six longtime Queens firehouses, including Engine 295/Ladder […]

PUBLIC PLAZA AT BOROUGH HALL DEDICATED TO THE WOMEN OF QUEENS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today hosted the ribbon-cutting for the newly-restored “Women’s Plaza in Queens”, a public space dedicated to the women of Queens. The plaza is located at the northeast corner of Union Turnpike and Queens Boulevard, adjacent to Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens. “Queens has been home to so many […]

FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY AND QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT MELINDA KATZ ANNOUNCE 1,000 NEW PORTABLE “KATZ’S CRADLES” FOR QUEENS FAMILIES AS PART OF THE CITY’S SAFE SLEEP CAMPAIGN

Katz’s Cradles is an expansion of the City’s commitment to reduce sleep-related injuries among infants NEW YORK—First Lady Chirlane McCray and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz were joined today at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens by Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett and ACS Commissioner David A. Hansell to announce the donation of 1,000 new Pack […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR THE 2017 “KATZ CONCERT SERIES”

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts Throughout Queens QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with Kupferberg Center for the Arts and NYC Parks, today announced the full schedule of the third annual “Katz Concert Series”, a slate of free outdoor concerts scheduled this summer at various locations throughout Queens. “Summers are all about free […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON SPECTRUM SERVICE OUTAGE IN QUEENS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the massive Spectrum service disruption that reportedly affected 60,000 customers’ access to internet, cable and phone in Queens: “Spectrum neglected to properly inform tens of thousands of their customers about this massive outage until 12 hours after it began. The […]

NEXT STOP FOR “CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH” IS QUEENS

NEW YORK- Mayor Bill de Blasio and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz today announced “City Hall in Your Borough” will land in Queens on Monday, July 17. This will be the initiative’s third stop, following Staten Island and the Bronx. Mayor de Blasio, deputy mayors, and senior Administration officials will run the city from Queens […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON PRESENCE OF ICE AGENTS OUTSIDE HUMAN TRAFFICKING INTERVENTION COURTROOM

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about news reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present yesterday at the Queens County Criminal Courts seeking a young woman in the Human Trafficking Intervention Courtroom: “Trafficked sex workers are exploited victims, not criminals. The double victimization of these […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON WILLETS POINT REDEVELOPMENT RULING BY COURT OF APPEALS

“We Must Move Forth on an Aggressive Timeline to Meet City’s Immediate, Desperate Needs” QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the New York Court of Appeals’ ruling today on the redevelopment of Willets Point: “Willets Point has been a topic of discussion for decades, and it’s […]

QUEENS TO HOLD UPCOMING PUBLIC FORUM ON “WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A CITY-ISSUED SUMMONS”

  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, U.S. Representative Grace Meng, State Senator Toby Stavisky, State Assemblymember Ron Kim, City Councilmember Peter Koo, Queens Community Board 7, the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and local community organizations today announced an upcoming public forum on Thursday, June 8 in Downtown Flushing on […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENTS SHOWING UP AT QUEENS PUBLIC SCHOOL

“Queens Schools are to be Off-Limits to Federal Immigration Agents” QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about federal immigration agents showing up last Thursday at P.S. 58 in Maspeth and seeking a fourth-grader: “As a mother, I am deeply troubled and horrified at this attempt on the […]

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE LOSS OF FIREFIGHTER WILLIAM TOLLEY

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about FDNY Firefighter William Tolley, who died from injuries he sustained while fighting a fire yesterday afternoon in an apartment building at 16-15 Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood. “Today our Borough and City mourn the loss of one of New York’s Bravest. Mr. Tolley died […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON SELECTION OF PERMANENT PRINCIPAL AT TOWNSEND HARRIS HIGH SCHOOL

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following about the New York City Schools Chancellor’s selection of a permanent principal at Townsend Harris High School: “Deep unrest over the principal selection process has upended the entire Townsend Harris High School community since September. The long-awaited resolution is welcome news, and the entire school […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES 354 APPOINTMENTS TO QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the appointments of 354 individuals to serve two-year terms on their respective Community Boards. 77 of the 354 appointees are first-time members who have never before served on a Community Board but have demonstrated both an understanding of the community’s needs and a commitment to serving […]

QUEENS HAULS 1000 EASTER HAMS

Borough President Katz Partners with Stop & Shop to Donate 1000 Easter Hams to Local Queens Organizations QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Stop & Shop, with help from students of I.S. 93Q, today unloaded 1,000 Easter hams off an 18-wheeler in front of Borough Hall, donated in time for preparations for […]

QUEENS LAUNCHES POETRY CONTEST IN SCHOOLS: “WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO ME?”

Poetry Contest to Commemorate 230th Anniversary of the Signing of the U.S. Constitution and 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York State QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and the Queens Poet Laureate Maria Lisella announced this year’s Only in Queens Poetry Contest, offered to Queens schools as a homework assignment beginning […]

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE HELEN M. MARSHALL

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and the Marshall Family will host a special event to honor the life and legacy of The Honorable Helen M. Marshall on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Helen Marshall was a larger-than-life figure in the civic life of Queens, the City and State of […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ SPONSORING LUNAR NEW YEAR PHOTO CONTEST

QUEENS, NY – In celebration of the spirit of Lunar New Year, Borough President Melinda Katz today announced she is holding a photo contest in which individuals will be invited to submit photos that best encapsulate the holiday. “Lunar New Year is a joyous event in which hundreds of thousands of Queens residents recognize their […]

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE DETENTIONS OF TRAVELERS AT JFK AIRPORT

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, who was on-site over the weekend and received briefings by lawyers about the status of previously detained individuals, stated the following about the situation at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens: “I commend the attorneys and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit who spent the past three […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ OUTLINES MILESTONES, CHALLENGES, VISION FOR QUEENS

2017 State of the Borough Theme: “The Borough of Growth, The Borough of Families” Urges Re-Opening in Queens of Federal Citizenship Office; Borough-Wide Plan for Bike Lanes Proposes Soccer and Hockey Stadium at Willets Point Site; ULURP for NYC Hotel Permits; Parks Designed for Seniors  JAMAICA, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz delivered her third annual […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications from qualified and community-minded individuals who want to serve on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning matters. Community boards also contribute to public dialogue by holding hearings and issuing recommendations about the city budget, […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ APPOINTS ANDREW P. JACKSON TO QUEENS LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz is pleased to announce her appointment of Andrew P. Jackson to the Queens Library Board of Trustees. Mr. Jackson (also known as Sekou Molefi Baako) is an East Elmhurst resident with a long history of community service, including 36 years as Executive Director of the Queens Library’s Langston […]

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON GOVERNOR CUOMO’S PLAN FOR JFK OVERHAUL

Borough President Melinda Katz responds to questions about plans to overhaul John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, unveiled earlier today by Governor Andrew Cuomo: “As the home to both New York City airports, Queens has become the borough of growth while still remaining the borough of families. Governor Cuomo today unveiled a bold, […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON C-30 HIRING PROCESS FOR TOWNSEND HARRIS HS PRINCIPAL

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz responds to questions about the Chancellor’s Regulation C-30 process (“C-30 process”) – the Chancellor’s official principal hiring process – underway at the prestigious Townsend Harris High School (Townsend Harris): “Townsend Harris is one of the city’s top-ranking, high-performing schools and a source of tremendous pride here in Queens,” […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON CHANGES TO DISTRICT 30 G&T PROGRAMS

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about recently imposed changes by the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to the District 30 Gifted & Talented (G&T) Middle School enrollment process, effectively discontinuing the automatic articulation for K-8 schools into the middle school G&T program: “Parents make […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ TO QUEENS RESIDENTS: “HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE”

Renders Borough Hall Available to Assist Residents with HEAP Application  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced that residents who need financial assistance to help heat their homes this winter are encouraged to come to her office at Queens Borough Hall to apply for help from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). “Queens has […]

FREE IMMIGRATION RESOURCE FAIR AND “SPEAK OUT” SESSION ON NOVEMBER 20

Space for Public to “Speak Out” About Uncertainty Felt in the “World’s Borough” in Light of Current Climate Opportunity for Residents to Connect with Resourceful Organizations and Exchange Ideas QUEENS, NY – Queens elected officials, government agencies and community-based organizations will hold the borough’s annual Immigration Resource Fair this Sunday, November 20th from 12:00 PM […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE PASSING OF SHIMON PERES

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following on the passing of Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister, President and Foreign Minister of Israel: “He was a leader of global renown and respect, and the world deeply mourns the loss of such a treasured visionary for peace. His legacy is rooted in his unwavering […]

BP KATZ ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING NAZMA KHANAM’S MURDER

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to Wednesday night’s murder of Nazma Khanam: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nazma Khanam, who was senselessly murdered on Wednesday while she was walking home on Normal Road in Jamaica Hills while wearing traditional Muslim dress. […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ NAMES NEW GENERAL COUNSEL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS & TOURISM DIRECTOR

  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Katz announced the appointments of Angelina Martinez-Rubio as General Counsel to the Borough President and Jennifer Walden Weprin as the Borough President’s Director of Cultural Affairs & Tourism. “My team at Borough Hall will be stronger still with the addition of Angelina and Jennifer, two professionals who both share […]

IDNYC ENROLLMENT CENTER RETURNS TO QUEENS BOROUGH HALL

For a Limited Time, By Appointment Only QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced that Queens Borough Hall once again serves as an IDNYC “Pop-Up” Enrollment Center now through August 5, where New York City residents age 14 and older can apply for a free IDNYC municipal ID card, regardless of immigration status. […]

OFFICIALS LAUD DOE’S WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE HIGH SCHOOL WITHIN I.S. 109Q

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Councilmembers Barry Grodenchik, Daniel Dromm, and I. Daneek Miller stated the following in response to the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE’s) withdrawal of its proposal to co-locate a new charter high school at I.S. 109Q Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School, an […]

UPDATED DETAILS ON JUNE 26 “ONLY IN QUEENS” SUMMER FESTIVAL

Free Family-Friendly Activities and SummerStage Concert in Flushing Meadows Corona Park QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with NYC Parks, NYC & Company Foundation and Delta Air Lines, unveiled further details about the upcoming “Only in Queens” Summer Festival to take place on Sunday, June 26 from 1:00 – 8:00 PM in […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ALLOCATES MILLIONS TO THE BOROUGH’S CUNY INSTITUTIONS

Public Investments Toward Capital Upgrades to Keep CUNY Colleges in Queens Competitive QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced an allocation of $3.64 million of her Fiscal Year 2017 discretionary capital dollars to fund projects at four of the City University of New York (CUNY) public institutions of higher learning in Queens. The funding will […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ALLOCATES $13MM TOWARD QUEENS LIBRARY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Critical Funding to Improve Centers of Lifelong Learning QUEENS, NY –Borough President Melinda Katz announced a $13 million allocation of her FY 2017 discretionary capital funds to pay for important expansions, renovations and enhancements at Queens Library branches located throughout the borough. “Queens Library’s locations serve as centers of lifelong learning and enrichment,’ said Borough […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ UNVEILS LINEUP FOR THE 2016 KATZ CONCERT SERIES

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts Throughout Queens QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz today announced the talent lineup for this year’s “Katz Concert Series”, a slate of free outdoor concerts this summer at various locations throughout Queens. “Beginning with the ‘Only in Queens’ Summer Festival on June 26, free outdoor concerts will fill the borough […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ SECURES FULL FUNDING FOR SOUTH HOLLIS LIBRARY CAPITAL UPGRADES

$8.25MM Project for State-of-the-Art Interior Renovation   QUEENS, NY – Borough President Katz and Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott, joined by elected officials, community leaders and Friends of the South Hollis Library, today announced capital investments for planned renovations and significant upgrades at the South Hollis Community Library. The renovation will include new […]

OFFICIALS TO NYC DOE: DON’T GIVE UP ON I.S. 109

Electeds Urge “No” on Proposal to Co-Locate High School in Existing I.S. 109 District Middle School QUEENS, NY – In advance of the upcoming Panel for Education Policy (PEP) vote next week, Borough President Melinda Katz, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Councilmembers Daniel Dromm, Barry Garodnick and I. Daneek Miller stated the following about […]

RESTORATION PROJECT OF PLAZA FOUNTAIN AT BOROUGH HALL BEGINS

Site to Host Tribute to Women of Queens, Public Space Designed to be Enhanced and Utilized by All QUEENS, NY – Restoration work began this week on the long-neglected, fenced-in fountain located in the plaza on the corner of Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike, at the edge of the grounds of Queens Borough Hall. The […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON MAYOR’S FY 2017 EXECUTIVE BUDGET

$70mm for New 116th Precinct, $292mm for Queensboro Bridge, $357mm for Water Tunnel No. 3, $778mm for Southeast Queens Sewer System QUEENS, NY –Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following regarding Mayor Bill de Blasio’s FY 2017 Executive Budget, which includes $70 million for the creation of a new NYPD 116th Precinct, $292 million to […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ANNOUNCES 318 APPOINTMENTS TO QUEENS COMMUNITY BOARDS

Moves Boards Toward “Healthier Balance” of Experience, New Voices and Proportional Representation QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz announced 318 appointments issued this month to serve two-year terms on their respective Community Boards. 56 of the appointments are first-time members who have never before served on a Community Board but have demonstrated both an […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ UPDATES COMMUNITY BOARD 12 ON COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

Credits Leadership Council for Milestones of Jamaica NOW Action Plan Reached Since its Launch One Year Ago Allocates $7mm in Capital Toward Planned Renovations and Expansion of Baisley Park Community Library QUEENS, NY – During remarks at last night’s meeting of Community Board 12, Borough President Melinda Katz provided updates on recent investments into the […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON THE PASSING OF COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the passing of former Deputy Mayor and FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta: “Nicholas Scoppetta was the very embodiment of what it means to be a true public servant. During his more than four decades in government, Commissioner Scoppetta put his […]

QUEENS BOROUGH HALL UNVEILS FIRST, NEWLY OPENED SATELLITE OFFICE FOR MAYOR’S OFFICE OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

Honoring Veterans by Offering Easier Access to Services and Benefits  QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz and Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs (MOVA) Commissioner Loree Sutton, joined by State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., Assemblymember Michael DenDekker, City Councilmembers Eric Ulrich, Donovan Richards and Queens veterans, unveiled the newly opened MOVA Satellite Office located inside […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON SELECTION OF NEW QUEENS LIBRARY PRESIDENT AND CEO

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the Queens Library Board of Trustees’ selection of former NYC Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott as the new President and CEO of the Queens Library: “At its core, the Queens Library exists to serve its educational purpose as a community […]

BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ, QUEENS INTERNATIONAL NIGHT MARKET AND NYC SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES TO HOST “NIGHT MARKET SERIES” OF FREE BUSINESS SEMINARS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Open to Vendors Interested in the Night Market or in Starting a Business in NYC QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz, in partnership with the Queens International Night Market and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), will host a series of three free seminars in March for vendors interested in the […]