Queens Lawmakers On The Move Feb. 1, 2018

Queens County City Council News

Katz Holds Public Hearing On New NYPD Precinct Stationhouse

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz/via Facebook

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz today will hold a regular land use public hearing for the proposed new NYPD’s 116th Precinct Stationhouse in Southeastern Queens.

The de Blasio Administration has fast tracked the project and according to the Queens Chronicle the $70 million station will be created by splitting away the southern portion of the existing 105th Precinct, geographically one of the largest in the city, with a distance of eight miles from the station house in Queens Village to the southernmost reaches near John F. Kennedy International Airport and Idlewild Park.

The site for the new station is 242-20 North Conduit Avenue in Rosedale.

The hearing is slated for 10:30 a.m., today Feb. 1 at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.


Meeks Decries Trump’s Refusal To Impose Sanctions On Russia

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport), the ranking Democrat on the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, yesterday decried President Donald Trump‘s refusal to impose bipartisan sanctions on Russia.

“In a bipartisan fashion, this Congress passed a bill that called for additional sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea in a single piece of law that President Trump ultimately signed. In fact, it was the first major piece of legislation Congress passed early in the Trump administration. This overwhelmingly bi-partisan effort was Congress’ way of pressing the President to hold the Kremlin accountable in light of its interference in the United States’ 2016 election and  continued provocation on Ukrainian sovereign territory,” said Meeks.

“These well-designed sanctions punish companies and individuals responsible for Russia’s belligerent behavior without ensnaring the Russian people.  That the Trump Administration continues to drag its feet on upholding sanctions is worrisome. It’s particularly unnerving given the ongoing investigation into his administration and his campaign’s possible collusion with the anti-American Kremlin attacks.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to promote a measured policy to improve U.S. – Russian relations, while holding accountable those who attacked the very foundation of our democracy: our free and fair elections,” the lawmaker added.


Ulrich Pushes Free Entrance in Nat Parks For Disabled Vets

City Council Member Eric Ulrich

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Lindenwood) yesterday introduced a resolution in the council’s regular stated meeting calling on Congress to grant veterans with service-related disabilities free admission to National Parks.

Ulrich’s resolution calls for Congress to pass and the President to sign “S.355 – The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017,” which would grant veterans with service-related disabilities free admission to National Parks. 

The resolution cites the 900,000 wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a 2015 Congressional Research Service (CRS) study, which found that about 327,000 service members suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) between 2000 and 2015.

“Although it would be impossible to fully repay the debt we owe our veterans for their service, our government should make every effort to commemorate the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Ulrich. “Serving as Chair of the Veterans Committee was an honor and a privilege, but my work is far from over. I vow to continue being an advocate for our nation’s heroes.”


Addabbo To Host Mobile Office Hours In Kew Gardens Hills

Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways.) next week will hold his first of the year mobile office hours at Wassermans’ Grocery Store in Kew Gardens Hills.

The initiative is part of Addabbo’s efforts to stay engaged with constituents across the district and to hear directly from the people about what their issues and concerns are.

“I have always felt that the best way to get involved in the district is by meeting with the people face-to-face, which is why I host these mobile office hours each year,” Addabbo said. “Sometimes it is difficult for residents to make it into one of my offices or contact us during regular business hours, so this is a way for me stay connected to the people and address their problems.”

The first mobile office of the year is slated for between 5:30-7 p.m., next Thursday, Feb. 8, at Wasserman’s Grocery Store, 72-51 Main Street in Kew Gardens Hills.