“Only In Queens”

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz shared some of the milestones reached in the first half of her term in office and outlined the priorities for the future of Queens in her second annual State of the Borough Address, delivered this morning at Colden Auditorium on the campus of Queens College.

Building upon last year’s theme of “If It’s Good For Our Families, It’s Good For Queens,” Borough President Katz this year highlighted the ways in which the borough’s diversity is “an asset not just for Queens but for all New Yorkers.”  She cited the “inherent opportunity – by both necessity and design – to meet challenges with more creativity, more perspectives, and more innovation. And what may be Only in Queens today sets the template for our country of tomorrow.”

Among the policy areas discussed in the speech included Economic Development, Education, Housing, Parks, Tourism and Culture, Transportation and Constituent Services. A copy of the full State of the Borough Address as prepared for delivery is available at www.queensbp.org/speech-sotb-2016.pdf.

The Address concluded with special appearances from New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson, former player Edgardo Alfonzo and Manager Terry Collins. Borough President Katz praised the “hometown heroes” for their 2015 National League Championship victory that “reminded us what it means to believe”, likening their “true grit, determination and heart” to the “Queens identity.”

Immediately following the State of the Borough Address, guests enjoyed a brief reception with refreshments provided by Paul Evans Catering.

The State of the Borough Address was recorded by Queens Public Television (QPTV) and will air on the following dates and times on the following channels:

Day                  Date                               Time                 Time Warner              RCN          Fios

Thursday         January 28, 2016             6:00 pm              34/1995                   82               34

Thursday         February 4, 2016             6:00 pm              34/1995                   82               34

Thursday         February 11, 2016           6:00 pm              34/1995                   82               34

Thursday         February 18, 2016           6:00 pm              34/1995                   82               34

Thursday         February 25, 2016           6:00 pm              34/1995                   82               34

The 2016 State of the Borough event was partly sponsored by JetBlue Airways Corporation, headquartered in Long Island City, Queens.

Follow Borough President Katz via @melindakatz or www.facebook.com/queensbpkatz