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Borough President Richards Outlines Bold Plans in Annual Address

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In his third annual State of the Borough address, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. delivered an ambitious and determined vision for the future of the borough. Speaking before a full house at the Queens Theatre on April 25, Richards reviewed his administration’s progress over the past year, emphasizing key initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, social services, and environmental sustainability.

The address kicked off with a heartfelt performance of the Star Spangled Banner by students from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders, starting with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who took the podium to express his admiration for Borough President Donovan Richards and the vibrant Queens community. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also addressed the crowd, praising Queens as a microcosm of America, with its rich blend of cultures and immigrant stories. Williams commended Richards for his deep understanding of the borough’s complexities and challenges.

The evening continued with a performance of Summer Wind by the renowned RIOULT Dance New York, before Speaker of the NYC Council, Adrienne Adams, delivered a pointed critique of the Trump administration. Adams emphasized the importance of standing firm in Queens to protect New Yorkers, underscoring her partnership with Richards in “Trump-proofing” City Hall. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also spoke, thanking local officials and the community for their support in tackling crime. She highlighted efforts to dismantle gangs, remove illegal weapons from the streets, combat human trafficking, and educate the public on scams, ensuring the borough remains safe and resilient.

Richards began his speech with a sharp critique of federal policies, particularly those under former President Donald Trump, which he argued posed significant threats to the people of Queens. “Now we’re going to do things a little differently this year, no fluff, no rhetoric, because we don’t have time to play games.” Richards said. “The state of our borough is precarious, Queens is under attack. Our wallets, our families, our futures, our values, our way of life.”  His defiant tone set the stage for the rest of the address, where he emphasized the borough’s resilience and diverse strength as the key to overcoming these challenges.

Immigration and Social Services

Richards highlighted his administration’s efforts to protect and support Queens’ immigrant communities, underscoring initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” workshops held in Corona and Queens Borough Hall, as well as resource fairs in Flushing. His office’s Immigration Task Force continues to connect residents to essential services, including legal and community support.

Notable investments included:

Make the Road Community Center: $1.8 million to support this Corona-based center, which provides legal services, childcare, and educational opportunities for local residents.

Variety Boys and Girls Club: An additional $5 million toward expanding this Astoria-based facility, following a previous $5 million investment in 2020.

River Fund Center: $3 million allocated for Richmond Hill’s nonprofit that provides food pantry services, SNAP enrollment assistance, and more.

Arverne East Aquatics Center: $46 million secured from the state, alongside an additional $36 million from city and borough funds, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility for the community.

Richards also discussed the planned $132 million Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, with $15 million allocated for renovations to the existing facility.

Borough President Richards also pointed to the significant strides already being made to address the swimming disparity gap, citing recent investments in public swimming pools in underserved neighborhoods. He specifically mentioned the allocation of resources to build and refurbish pools in locations where they are most needed, such as in the communities of Far Rockaway and South Jamaica. These new and renovated facilities will serve as vital community hubs, offering swimming lessons, water safety programs, and recreational opportunities for youth and adults alike. Richards emphasized that these pools are not just amenities—they are life-changing investments that equip residents with critical skills, promote physical activity, and enhance community cohesion.

Education Initiatives:

Richards focused on education as a cornerstone of Queens’ future, highlighting the $25 million allocated this year for Queens public schools, including the creation of new culinary arts kitchens at several schools. His administration also secured funding for:

$1 million to renovate P.S. 177Q, a special education school in Fresh Meadows.

Construction of a new 547-seat elementary school in Long Island City and a 700-seat annex at Forest Hills High School.

The opening of Motion Picture Technical High School and the upcoming Northwell School of Health and Sciences.

Since taking office, Richards has directed over $78 million in capital funding for school improvements.

Economic Development and Job Creation:

On the economic front, Richards detailed the progress of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport, including the $100 million refresh of Terminal 5 in partnership with JetBlue. This project, expected to create over 15,000 jobs, is a significant part of the borough’s broader economic growth strategy. Richards also noted that over $1 billion in contracts from the JFK redevelopment have been awarded to Queens-based businesses.

The Global Tech and Innovation Center, located at One Court Square, also received attention, with $5 million in funding for its development. Richards is committed to making Queens a hub for tech startups and innovation, a goal reinforced by the success of the borough’s annual Queens Tech and Career Expo.

Healthcare Investments: 

Queens’ first standalone cancer center at Jamaica Hospital, funded with $180 million in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Richards shared a poignant story about his grandmother, who was forced to navigate an inadequate healthcare system that ultimately failed her. He vowed to continue advocating for people in similar situations, ensuring that no one is left behind due to systemic inequities. His commitment to improving the borough’s healthcare infrastructure stems from a deeply personal place, as he understands the critical importance of accessible, quality care for all, particularly those in underserved communities.

The groundbreaking of a $30 million Gotham Health Clinic in Rockaway Village, slated to serve over 19,000 patients annually by 2027.

The expansion of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s labor and delivery unit, currently under construction. Richards also addressed the troubling maternal and infant mortality rates in Queens, particularly among Black women, who experience higher rates than any other demographic group. He emphasized that the borough’s new $30 million labor and delivery unit, under construction at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, is a vital step toward addressing this inequality. No woman, Richards argued, should have to leave her community to receive the care she deserves during one of the most important moments of her life. The new facility will offer comprehensive care to expectant mothers, helping to reduce these disparities and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants in Queens.

Since taking office, Richards has allocated $36 million toward improving healthcare facilities across the borough.

Environmental and Energy Initiatives:

In the realm of environmental sustainability, Richards emphasized his administration’s commitment to green infrastructure, citing more than $44 million invested into parks across Queens, including major upgrades at Cunningham, Brookville, Baisley, and Juniper Valley parks.

Champlain Hudson Power Express, which will bring hydroelectricity from Canada to Queens starting in 2026.

The transformation of the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City into a renewable wind energy facility, which is expected to power 700,000 homes.

Richards also pledged $5.2 million for hydroponics labs in Queens schools and continued expansion of the borough’s Open Streets program.

Transportation Improvements:

Richards provided an update on several key transportation initiatives, including the upcoming $30 million Queens Bus Network Redesign, set to take effect in June, which will improve service on 20 bus routes and introduce 17 new routes.

Another major transportation project is the $5.5 billion Interborough Express, which will link Queens to Brooklyn, cutting commute times and benefiting millions of riders annually.

Affordable Housing:

Richards also reviewed the borough’s progress on affordable housing, noting the following developments:

Willets Point Development: Phase one, which includes 2,500 affordable units, a new school, and public park space, is slated for completion in 2026.

The One LIC Plan, which would add 14,000 affordable housing units in the Queensboro Bridge area, entered the public review process in April.

Arverne East: A community that has already seen hundreds of families move into newly built affordable housing units.

Beach Green Dunes III: New affordable housing units in Far Rockaway, with 116 units launched in a recent housing lottery.

Looking Forward:

In his closing remarks, Richards urged Queens residents to stand united in the face of national challenges, asserting that their collective strength would continue to drive the borough’s success. “I choose you, Queens. I choose the borough that builds riches, not burns them. I choose the borough that opens its arms to the world, not closes its doors to it,” he said.

Protest to Reopen Rainey Park Brings Community Together

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

By Alice Moreno

Tom Griffin — a local Astoria resident and protest organizer — stood by Rainey Park at 10:00 a.m. sharp with a makeshift, paper-made yellow megaphone with the words “We the People” and “Thou Shalt Reopen Rainey Park” written on it, and a cart filled with signs in favor of Rainey Park’s reopening. He had one mission to accomplish: to have his and other local residents’ voices heard by city officials.

“I’ve had people contact us about this demonstration, complaining that their 83-year-old mother relies on this green space because she lives just around the corner and is infirm, and this is the sole access to a park for her,” said Griffin, as he shares his frustrations. “So for the past year and eight months, at this point, there’s been no park access for her.”

Rainey Park, located at 34-24 Vernon Blvd in Astoria, has been under construction since September 2023, according to the official website of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It had a projected completion date of September 2024 and has been adjusted to April 2025. The $8.5 million project was expected to reconstruct the playground, picnic grove, and basketball courts at the park.

However, residents aren’t seeing the change; in fact, the lack of parks is actively affecting their community. From the area, the closest parks are both Queensbridge Park — a 15-minute walk — and Astoria Park — a 25-minute walk — which render them inaccessible to those who are elderly, disabled, or own dogs. Many are also concerned by overcrowding in nearby parks such as Socrates Sculpture Park, making it difficult for those to walk around or play.

“It’s sad that a lot of the kids in the neighborhood don’t have a park anymore,” said Elia Sliba, a protester and resident of Astoria. “They’ve been playing in cement, like around the neighborhood. There are no playgrounds, and the closest Park is Queensbridge, and that’s kind of far for the parents to walk over there.”

Business owners are also getting affected by the park’s closure. Yesse Siqal, owner of “Bakers Cafe LIC” located across the street from Rainey Park, has noticed a significant decrease in foot traffic caused by the closure. It led to his business, which recently opened up two years ago, struggling financially.

“I went from like, going through all my life savings to getting a loan just to survive, because it’s it’s very hard to sustain,” said Siqal.

The idea of a protest began circling around the social media platform Reddit on April 1, when Griffin, under the username KickBlue22, posted on the Astoria thread about his frustrations with the park being closed for so long. Under the thread, many local residents also shared their discontent, with many thinking that the delayed opening is from a lack of budget. On April 11, Griffin made a separate post, urging residents to show up to the protest, hoping that a large number of people causing noise would bring attention to those around it.

Many residents, including Griffin, have also reached out to representatives of New York City Parks and Recreation and city officials, such as Tiffany Caban, via email.

In an email sent October 18, 2024, Griffin had asked the Capital Project Tracker email about the opening date of the park (it was then slated for September 2024). He received a response on November 16 from a representative of NYC Parks, apologizing for the delay due to supply chain issues. Griffin sent follow-up emails from December until February of 2025, with no response.

In an email thread dated from December 11 to 13, Griffin reached out to a representative of District 26 of the NYC Council, asking for clarification on park opening. After being transferred through various representatives, he received a response from John Guana, a representative of Caban’s office, who did not have any information regarding the opening and was still awaiting further information on a timeline for the construction. By December 19, a representative of Caban’s office responded to Griffin, stating that the park was 94% complete, and the opening date on the Park’s website was yet to be updated.

Griffin had also commented on Caban’s Instagram, asking to join him on the protest. He did not receive a response.

With over a dozen people showing up in the cold and rain, Astoria resident’s dedication to their green spaces is evident. As a plethora of cars beeped in support, many of the protesters cheered and chanted, all with a common goal to bring back their beloved park.

“This is the only park we had around here, and now they just took that away from us,” said Marcia Guerra, an Astoria resident. “It’s really upsetting. It’s just a waste of time and resources, and it’s something that our kids should be enjoying.”

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens Celebrates Earth Day

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

Nino Todua

News@queensledger.com

Each year, we celebrate Earth Day – a time where we reflect and remind ourselves on how we should be taking care of the planet’s ecosystem for the upcoming new generations that will inherit the Earth. On April 22, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) in Sunnyside celebrated Planet’s day. The VBGCQ offers a safe, supportive space where children can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Through after-school tutoring, sports, creative arts, and leadership programs, the Club helps kids build confidence, stay active, and explore their talents.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness, the Club recently opened a rooftop farm designed specifically for the children who attend its programs. This vibrant space offers a unique blend of fun and education, where kids can actively engage in hands-on gardening – planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops themselves. Through this interactive experience, they not only enjoy outdoor entertainment but also develop valuable habits centered around sustainability, responsibility, and care for nature. The rooftop farm serves as both a physical activity and a learning tool, inspiring a deeper connection to the environment and encouraging a healthy, well-balanced way of life from an early age.

The opening of the event was attended by members of the local community and civil servants including Justin E. Driscoll, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), among others. The attendees spoke about the importance of the Club in the daily lives of the youth and future generations, emphasizing the need to raise and support them in a healthy environment. They expressed their full support for the Club’s administration in order to promote active participation of children in the organized activities, which they believe is essential and vital for shaping a healthy lifestyle for the new generation.

By encouraging movement, play, and awareness, the club reminded us that caring for our planet begins with nurturing the next generation — the stewards of our future. After all, the energy and well-being of our children mirror the vitality we hope to see in the world around us.

Two NYPD Officers Indicted for Misconduct in Jackson Heights

BQE Admin on April 10, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Two probationary NYPD officers have been indicted on multiple charges, including
burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct, following an investigation into
alleged misconduct while on duty in Jackson Heights.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on March 31 that Justin McMillan,
27, and Justin Colon, 24, both assigned to the 115th Precinct, face eight criminal
counts related to incidents that occurred on July 19 and 20, 2024. According to the
charges, the officers responded to a 311 call regarding prostitution at a residential
building on 89th Street.

Upon arrival, the officers allegedly deactivated their body-worn cameras before
interacting with a woman who had just exited the building. The officers are accused
of taking a key from the woman, which they used to return to the building hours
later.

Around eight hours later, McMillan and Colon allegedly entered the building using
the stolen key. Inside, they found a woman engaged in prostitution. After the man
involved fled the scene, McMillan is accused of stealing money from the woman’s
purse and groping her before she fled the location and called 911.

The officers did not report the incident or file any paperwork related to their
actions, and both were placed on modified duty in August 2024 after the
investigation began. They surrendered to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)
on Monday.

District Attorney Katz condemned the officers’ alleged actions, stating that the
charges represented a serious breach of public trust.

“The allegations in this case are an affront to the shield worn by the countless police
officers who serve and protect the residents of this city,” Katz said. “The defendants,
both sworn NYPD officers, are accused of using their authority to break into a
building, steal money and forcibly touch a woman while on duty, with their body-
worn cameras intentionally turned off so that their misdeeds would not be
recorded. I thank the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their crucial assistance in
bringing charges against the two defendants, both of whom are now indicted and
face justice in our courts.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also spoke out against the officers, emphasizing
the department’s commitment to holding officers accountable.

“Wearing the uniform of a New York City Police Officer is one of the highest
privileges in law enforcement, and the legitimacy of that work is based on the
public’s trust,” Tisch said. “So, when that trust is broken, as it was in this case, the
entire police department must answer for it. I want to thank the NYPD’s Internal
Affairs Bureau, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and everyone else who worked
on this investigation. We hold our officers to the highest standard of professionalism
and integrity, and failing to meet that standard is disqualifying. Let me be perfectly
clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held
fully accountable. That standard will never change.”

McMillan and Colon face charges of burglary in the second and third degrees,
forcible touching, petit larceny, and official misconduct. If convicted of the top
charge, they could each face up to 15 years in prison.

Both officers were arraigned Monday and are due back in court on April 28. The
case is being prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, with Assistant
District Attorney Christine Oliveri leading the prosecution.

McMillan, who joined the NYPD in April 2023, and Colon, who joined in July 2023,
were both stationed at the 115th Precinct after completing their training.

Former area councilmember and senator Hiram Monserrate expressed shock at the
indictment of two local NYPD officers, Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, who are
accused of using their authority to break into a building, steal money, and forcibly
touch a woman while on duty. Monserrate criticized the officers’ actions, which
allegedly took place on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, emphasizing the
disturbing erosion of trust in law enforcement due to the officers’ alleged

misconduct. He acknowledged that many local officers perform commendably but
stressed the need for integrity and accountability within the department.

“While we respect the presumption of innocence in our
judicial system, everyone is accountable before the law,” Monserrate said in a
statement. “This indictment will serve only to erode trust. I know many of our local
officers and I know they do great work, but this revelation is chilling. We need our
police officers to step up and for the Police Department to ensure integrity.”

Monserrate also highlighted the ongoing issues of prostitution and human
trafficking on Roosevelt Avenue, including frequent complaints about brothels and
street walkers in the area. He noted the community’s efforts to address these
problems through marches, rallies, and press conferences but stressed that the
situation remains a serious concern.

Trip to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility

BQE Admin on April 10, 2025

Quinten Jansen

 

A group of 30 high school students from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School,
recently had the experience of visiting the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, the
only NASA-owned facility of its kind in the state. The trip marked the culmination of a four-
year journey that began with a classroom project measuring the tree height using various
NASA techniques, and ended with recognition and a chance to see science come to life.

The project began during the students’ freshman year under the guidance of the STEAM
Faculty coordinator Deanna Danke and with support from Brian Campbell, Senior Earth
Science Specialist and GLOBE Observer Trees Science Lead at NASA Wallops and GST,
Inc. Initially met with confusion especially on how math applied to tree measurements, the
students quickly discovered the real-world application of their studies. Using NASA’s
satellite-based methods, they measured the height and diameter of local trees to assess
environmental health and sent their data to NASA. They thought little of it until a paper was
published in June 2022 featuring their work.

NASA later invited them to create a digital reel about their research. The students kept in
close contact with NASA over the next four years, which eventually led to their trip to the
Wallops Flight Facility.

Senior Richard Stock IV, who joined the project later, said, “I found the project really
exciting. Everyone had their own role, and it felt great to contribute.” He was especially
fascinated by how NASA uses lasers to study precipitation and climate change. Chris
Georgeopoulos was captivated by the NASA balloons. “The ropes can carry up to 8,000
pounds. They send up cameras and microphones 30 miles into the atmosphere.” he said.

Sophomore Joseph Werner recalled a school presentation on climate change, where they
linked tree health to environmental conditions. He recommends the program to others for its
real-world learning. Thiago Costa, initially uninterested, discovered a passion through the
project. “Now I know what I’m interested in,” he shared.

For Jake Wood, the turning point was learning about NASA’s ICESat-2, which uses lasers to
map land and sea ice every 90 days. Santiago Uribe-Correro, inspired by Campbell’s
leadership, credited him with bringing the whole experience together.

The opportunity wasn’t always guaranteed. These seniors only learned of the trip during their
final year. Students like Brandon, were drawn by the chance to see rockets and to learn how
radar detects precipitation. Sebastian Leonowicz, who hopes to pursue engineering, loved
seeing the rocket assembly process firsthand. “I was expecting a lot, and NASA delivered,”
he said.

Through it all, these students not only learned math in a hands-on, meaningful way, they
shaped the direction of their own learning and saw how their efforts connected to global
scientific work. What started as a simple class project turned into a powerful journey fueled
by curiosity, collaboration, and a bit of rocket science.

Community Split, Casino vs. Connectivity in Metropolitan Park

BQE Admin on April 10, 2025

Courtesy SHoP Architects, Field Operations

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

A transformative $8 billion infrastructure proposal, the Metropolitan Park
development, is making significant strides as New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and
Hard Rock International push forward with plans to reshape the area around Citi
Field in Queens. The ambitious project, which envisions a sprawling casino, hotel,
and entertainment complex, has been made possible by recent legislation
introduced by State Senator John Liu. The legislation allows for the use of parkland
surrounding Citi Field for the construction of the casino, hotel, and related facilities,
which has been a key hurdle for the project to move forward.

The project, which recently received approval from the City Council in a 41-2 vote,
has now cleared a major regulatory hurdle. In addition to this massive project is the
caveat of the creation of the Flushing Skypark, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that
will span Flushing Creek and connect downtown Flushing to Willets Point. Liu has
emphasized the importance of community connectivity and infrastructure
improvements, which have become a focal point of the project. The Skypark,
inspired by Manhattan’s High Line, will not only serve as a crossing but also a
destination, featuring recreational spaces, public areas, and flexible hubs for
community gatherings.

Senator Liu, who has long been an advocate for expanding Queens’ pedestrian and
bicycle infrastructure, believes that the Skypark will help address gaps in the
borough’s connectivity while also providing a vibrant public space.

“It’s going to be esthetically attractive, it’s environmentally sound, and it would not
only be a way for people to get to and from either side of the Flushing Creek, but it

would also instead be its own destination, because it’ll have space for people to hang
out, to congregate, to rest, whatever people would do in an actual park.”

Courtesy Community Board 7

As part of the project’s development, Liu is introducing legislation that will allow for
the use of the land surrounding Citi Field for the construction of a casino, hotel, and
related facilities. The legislation is seen as a necessary step for Cohen to submit his
application to the Gaming Commission for approval to build the casino. Liu,
however, made it clear that his support is not an endorsement of the casino itself
but rather a way to ensure that the broader project, including infrastructure
improvements like the Skypark, moves forward.

“My bill allows his application to move forward and there are potential benefits that
would come to the community if he were to win the casino proposal, but without
this legislation, he can’t even submit the proposal,” Liu said.

The Metropolitan Park project has drawn mixed reactions, with some local residents
and advocacy groups expressing concerns over the impact of the casino on their
communities. Critics argue that it will contribute to displacement, increase traffic
congestion, and privatize public parkland.

In response, Cohen and Hard Rock International have committed to ensuring that
community benefits are a key part of the project, including a binding agreement
with the Waterfront Alliance, a regional community organization. If for any reason
the Flushing Skypark cannot be completed, Cohen and Hard Rock have pledged to
allocate $100 million for infrastructure improvements at Flushing Meadows Corona
Park.

“As I have made abundantly clear for more than a year, the Metropolitan Park plan is
a grand slam for Northwest Queens — a region of our borough that has historically
been minimized, marginalized and maligned,” Queens Borough President Donovan
Richards Jr said. “In a time of growing economic uncertainty, this revolutionary
project would create 23,000 good-paying union jobs, unlocking new levels of
upward mobility for families across Corona, Flushing and beyond. Meanwhile, a
nine-figure community improvement fund, a 25-acre park, a Queens-specific food
hall that will boost countless local small businesses will generate positive outcomes
for generations of area families.”

Courtesy Fed Up Coalition

Despite these promises, community opposition has been vocal. Local groups have
raised concerns about the potential harm the casino could bring to the
neighborhood, particularly regarding economic exploitation and the social impacts

of gambling. Residents from Flushing, Corona, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst
have rallied together at the end of March to oppose the project, urging Governor
Kathy Hochul to reject the idea of casino development on public parkland.

“A casino at Citi Field will only make things worse,” long-time Corona resident
Marilyn Mendoza said. “We already deal with unbearable traffic and parking issues
every time there’s a game at the stadiums, and with a new stadium being built
against our community’s wishes, we are being ignored yet again. Adding a casino on
top of that will increase congestion, drive up rents, and bring more harm than good.
Instead of a casino that preys on our community, we need real
investments—affordable housing, good jobs, and resources that help families thrive.
I urge our leaders to listen to us and put our community first. We deserve better.”

Environmental groups have also voiced opposition, arguing that the development
threatens the area’s public parkland and fails to address crucial climate resilience
issues. Rebecca Pryor, Executive Director of the Guardians of Flushing Bay,
emphasized that the project’s proposal would privatize significant portions of public
land, limiting access to park spaces that are essential for local residents.

“The proposed project is for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is formed in the
path of Flushing Creek and one of the most flood-prone parks in the city”, said
Rebecca Pryor, the Executive Director of the Guardians of Flushing Bay. “Any
development in an NYC public park should be a meaningful investment in the city’s
public parkland. Queens Future’s Vegas-like casino fails this basic requirement

“For the City of New York to allow such an entity on public land is unacceptable,”
Memo Salazar, Board Co-Chair of the Western Queens Community Land Trust said.
“The precious few parcels of public land left in this city should be used to address
the many dire needs New Yorkers- and Queens residents in particular- face: open
space, community centers, and truly affordable housing, to name a few.”

For more details, readers can visit queensforall.com to access resources and support
those opposing the Metropolitan Park project.

Despite these concerns, Liu has stood firm in his belief that the Metropolitan Park
project, particularly the Skypark, can provide long-term benefits for Queens,
creating new public spaces while enhancing connectivity.

“Senator Liu has been a champion for infrastructure and a lifelong advocate for
Flushing. As an organization based in Willets Point, we shared the community’s

concerns around connectivity and recognized that the Skypark would be a great way
to bring Queens together,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “Metropolitan
Park is committed to working to make Flushing Skypark a reality. And if for any
reason we cannot, then we will still follow through on our commitment to the
community by dedicating $100 million to the betterment of Flushing Meadows
Corona Park.”

Over 100 Officials Challenge “City of Yes” Zoning Reform

BQE Admin on April 3, 2025

Courtesy Office of Council Member Joann Ariola

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a bold move to challenge New York City’s ambitious zoning reform, the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus, joined by over 100 elected officials, civic organizations, and concerned residents, has filed a lawsuit to overturn the controversial “City of Yes” zoning overhaul. The lawsuit, filed last week in the New York Supreme Court in Richmond County, argues that the city violated fundamental environmental laws during the passage of the sweeping rezoning plan.

The lawsuit targets the city’s failure to comply with both the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR), specifically accusing the administration of neglecting necessary environmental assessments. According to the suit, the city’s adoption of the new zoning rules disregarded established procedures meant to ensure the protection of New Yorkers and their neighborhoods.

“Respondents violated their environmental obligations in at least three critical ways: first, by failing to take a ‘hard look’ at significant areas of environmental concern without providing a rational basis or reasoned elaboration for this failure; second, by segmenting City of Yes (‘Rezoning’) into three distinct stages as if each stage were independent, this violation of law served to avoid assessing the cumulative impacts of each phase of the Rezoning; and finally, Respondents overhauled New York City Zoning without proposing any mitigation or any rational explanation for failing to propose reasonable alternatives that offered mitigation,” the lawsuit alleges.

Opponents of the “City of Yes” have been vocal in their criticism of the plan, which they argue prioritizes development over the needs of local communities during the announcement at city hall on March 26.

Minority Leader Joann Ariola, who has been a leading voice in opposition, asserted that the rezoning effort was not about addressing the city’s housing crisis, but about making way for large-scale developers to push through projects with little regard for environmental or social consequences.

“The City of Yes was never really about solving an economic or housing ‘crisis’ – it was about clearing the decks for big development in our communities, then trying to deceive the public into believing it would have no negative environmental consequences or impact on our quality of life,” Ariola said. “The lawsuit we filed today makes it clear that not only did the city lie to us all, it broke the law in the process. It is the culmination of a diverse, citywide grassroots movement of residents who refuse to have their neighborhoods destroyed or their rights trampled.”

The “City of Yes” initiative, which aims to address the city’s housing shortage, was divided into three phases: Zoning for Carbon Neutrality (approved in December 2023), Zoning for Economic Opportunity (approved in June 2024), and Zoning for Housing Opportunity (approved in December 2024). Despite the plan’s goal to create more housing options, it faced strong opposition, especially the final phase, which was rejected by 38 of the city’s 59 community boards and nearly half of the New York City Council Members.

Each of the plan’s three phases was subject to its own Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which controversially concluded that the expected influx of new development and density would have “no significant” negative effects on surrounding communities. Critics have disputed these findings, pointing out the strain on infrastructure, public services, and the environmental challenges faced by many already-overburdened neighborhoods.

“The Rezoning represented a wholesale departure from longstanding public policy that respects open space, air and light, stress on infrastructure and the neighborhood character of vast areas of New York City’s low-density communities,” the lawsuit concludes. “To have undertaken this Rezoning contrary to the requirements of basic environmental law must result in a nullification of Respondents’ unlawful behavior.”

The backlash has been broad and includes Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, who praised the Common Sense Caucus and the civic groups for taking legal action against the Adams administration’s rezoning plan. Sliwa, a vocal critic of the “City of Yes,” warned that the zoning changes were a “top-down scheme” that ignored public input.

Courtesy Office of Council Member Robert Holden

“This lawsuit is a wake-up call to City Hall that New Yorkers will not be steamrolled,” said Sliwa. “The City of Yes is nothing more than a land grab for developers at the expense of the working and middle-class New Yorkers who built this city.”

Sliwa has also raised concerns about the potential risks posed by a specific aspect of the plan—its provision for lithium-ion battery storage facilities. These sites would be placed across the city, including residential and low-density areas, which Sliwa deems a safety hazard.

“New Yorkers should not have to live next to ticking time bombs,” Sliwa said. “The City of Yes put profit over public safety, and as mayor, I’ll fight to reverse that.”

City Council Member Robert Holden, another outspoken critic of the plan, has joined the lawsuit as a citizen plaintiff. Holden has called for the city to abandon the “reckless” rezoning initiative, emphasizing that local communities should not be undermined in favor of developers.

“I’m proud to be a citizen plaintiff alongside civic advocates Tony Nunziato, Alicia Vaichunas, and Phil Wong to say NO to the City of Yes,” Holden said. “This community rejects giving a blank check to developers—we will fight tooth and nail against this reckless plan.”

Council Member Robert Holden echoed Curtis Sliwa’s concerns, specifically criticizing the proposal to build a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Middle Village, directly across from PS/IS 128 and near an animal hospital and daycare centers. Holden called the plan “dangerous” and emphasized that such facilities do not belong in residential areas, vowing to fight the project “every step of the way.”

The “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative was designed to address New York City’s housing shortage by relaxing long-standing zoning rules. The plan aimed to provide more housing options across the city without overburdening any one neighborhood. The proposed rezoning changes are expected to enable the creation of 82,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

While proponents argue that the plan is necessary to tackle the city’s housing crisis and bring down costs, opponents remain steadfast in their belief that it could have far-reaching and negative consequences for local neighborhoods, their residents, and the city’s infrastructure.

Small Businesses in NYC Seek REAP Extension

BQE Admin on April 3, 2025

Courtesy Ferrara Manufacturing

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

As the cost of living continues to rise in New York City, particularly in the borough of Queens, Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing a key tax incentive aimed at spurring business growth and job creation. The Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP) is designed to help businesses move to areas like Queens, providing crucial support at a time when small businesses are struggling with inflation, high rent, and competition from neighboring states.

Since its inception, REAP has successfully attracted businesses to Queens by offering tax credits for relocating jobs from outside the city or Manhattan below 96th Street to designated areas in the city’s outer boroughs. The program has been particularly beneficial for small businesses, which make up the backbone of Queens’ economy. With a growing need for affordable and sustainable business opportunities, local leaders and economic development advocates are urging for the program’s extension beyond its current expiration in 2025.

Tom Grech, President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, explained the significance of the program. “The most important part about all of this is that the rest of the world is not waiting for New York to figure out how to be efficient and affordable,” Grech said. “This program helps level the playing field, especially for small businesses, and allows them to compete in a city that’s becoming increasingly expensive.”

The REAP program offers businesses a $3,000 tax credit per eligible employee for up to twelve years if they relocate to qualifying locations in Queens or other outer boroughs. These designated areas are typically revitalization zones in the city’s industrial and commercial districts. In areas outside these zones, businesses can still receive a $1,000 annual credit for each qualifying employee. With benefits like these, REAP has become an attractive option for businesses seeking to expand or relocate to Queens.

Queens is home to roughly 57,000 small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive amid rising operational costs. “90% of those businesses have 10 or fewer employees,” Grech said, emphasizing the challenges of sustaining these enterprises. “This effort has been on the books for years, helping ensure that small businesses can stay open in places like Queens.”

Despite its success, REAP faces an uncertain future. Coalition members from the Five Borough Jobs Campaign, a coalition of local economic development corporations, business improvement districts, and businesses, are advocating for the program’s continued support. The coalition, which is focused on bringing new jobs to New York’s communities, believes REAP is vital to addressing the affordability crisis and ensuring that small businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.

The program’s extension is currently under consideration in this year’s state budget, with advocates urging state lawmakers to reaffirm its importance. Grech stressed that as New York recovers from the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting small businesses through programs like REAP is more crucial than ever.

“I think it’s really, really important to extend this program, especially as we look to rebuild in the post-COVID era,” Grech said. “This is about reaffirming our commitment to small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our community.”

Queens residents and business owners alike are hopeful that the state will continue to support the REAP program, ensuring that local businesses can prosper in the face of growing economic challenges. While the program’s future remains uncertain, advocates remain committed to fighting for the job creation and economic sustainability that businesses in Queens need to succeed.

The REAP program, which is slated to expire in June 2025, will play a key role in the future of business development in the outer boroughs. As local leaders push for an extension, the focus remains on securing a more affordable and equitable environment for businesses and workers across New York City.

For more information about the Five Borough Jobs Campaign, visit fiveboroughjobs.com, for more information about the the REAP program, visit tinyurl.com/reapnyc.

CORD MEYER DEVELOPMENT AGAIN SERVES AS PREMIER SPONSOR OF FRIENDS OF CROCHERON & JOHN GOLDEN PARK

BQE Admin on April 3, 2025

All are invited to participate in the Cord Meyer Park Cleanup on Saturday, April 12th.

For the fourth year in a row, Cord Meyer Development will serve as the Premier Sponsor of Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park, a not-for-profit organization that works alongside New York City Parks to advocate for improvements to the 63-acre park situated at 214th Street and 35th Avenue in Bayside, Queens. The joint announcement was made by Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park Founding President Jessica Burke and Cord Meyer Vice President and Bay Terrace Project Lead Joe Forgione.

“All of us at Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park are thrilled that Cord Meyer has again stepped up as our Premier Sponsor,” explained Burke. “As a volunteer-run organization, we depend on outside funding to accomplish our many goals. It’s been a pleasure partnering with Cord Meyer these past three years and we look forward to their participation in 2025, beginning with the Cord Meyer Park Cleanup on Saturday, April 12th.”

According to Burke, the cleanup event runs from 10 AM – 12 PM and is open to everyone, with refreshments provided and free T-shirts available on a first-come basis. Participants will meet at the Tennis Court House at 215th Place and 33rd Road and are asked to register first at www.crocheronpark.org/volunteer-registration.

Founded in 1904, Cord Meyer is a developer, owner, and operator of retail, commercial, and residential properties in Queens, including its historic Bay Terrace Shopping Center, located less than one mile from Crocheron Park.

“One of our top priorities is to have a positive impact in the neighborhoods we do business,” observed Forgione. “Working with Jessica and her group is a great partnership between the two main meeting places for the neighborhood. Historically, Crocheron Park and the Bay Terrace Shopping Center are destinations where the entire community comes together.”

Founded in 2020, Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Pond assists NYC Parks in stewardship of the parkland, which today consists of Crocheron Park and the adjoining John Golden Park. By protecting environmentally sustainable functions of the pond, woodlands, and gardens, the volunteer organization helps support pollinator populations, wildlife, and biodiversity while also creating environments that support educational endeavors. More information is available at www.crocheronpark.org.

More information on Cord Meyer Development Company is available at www.cordmeyer.com.

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Kora Opens To Fanfare in Sunnyside

BQE Admin on April 3, 2025

Kora, the bakery that social media loves, opened its doors at its new Sunnyside location Saturday morning. More than a hundred people lined up along Greenpoint Avenue down and around 45th Street at 9am, as owners Kevin and Kimberly cut the ribbon. In front of the store at 45-18 Greenpoint Avenue, included in the picture are George Hadjiconstantinou, from the  Queens Chamber of Commerce, Dirk McCall, director of Sunnyside Shines and State Senator Mike Gianaris.

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