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Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro 2007 State of the Borough Address


Good evening. I would like to thank you for coming this evening.

Let me thank the staff of the Center for the Arts and the College of Staten Island, and most especially College President Marlene Springer.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank our sponsor for this evening: SI Bank & Trust.

They are represented tonight by Frank Besignano, Josephine Savastano and Alan Fishman, whose vision and leadership have made SI Bank & Trust and Sovereign Bank one of the Island’s leading corporate citizens.

I would like the SI Bank & Trust team to stand and be recognized.

I am pleased to announce that the State of the Borough is moving forward on the right track.

My office is working on many issues.

Some are completed, some are in progress, and some are for the future.

I am determined to complete the projects I have started, and to “get the shovel in the ground” on several new exciting initiatives.

I would like to begin with one of our top priorities for 2007: ensuring that all Staten Islanders have quality health care.

Last year, the parent company of Saint Vincent’s filed for bankruptcy.

This raised questions and concerns about the future of Saint Vincent’s on Staten Island.

But by working with the community and other elected officials, Bayonne Medical Center was able to acquire Saint Vincent’s.

And just this month, a new hospital was born –Richmond University Medical Center.

I am confident that Staten Islanders will be in good hands under the care of the new management team.

At this point, I would like to underscore the importance of cooperation between our two hospitals.

I have spoken with both directors. They have agreed to study the health care needs of Staten Island and to avoid duplication of services.

I would like to welcome Richard Salhany, Chief Operating Officer for Richmond University Medical Center, and I would like to congratulate Anthony Ferreri, the President of Staten Island University Hospital, for his leadership and vision on this issue.

This kind of cooperation between our hospitals has already been successful.

As you may recall, in 2001 we were able to open the Heart Institute on Staten Island. It is operated by both Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center.

From the very beginning, it has been consistently ranked at the top of its field in New York State.

That is something to be proud of.

The men and women who fought for this country and defended our freedom are entitled to the best health care available, and I was proud to play a role in bringing the Veterans Community Health Center to Staten Island.

For many veterans, this Center is their hospital, and I would like to take a moment to recognize our strongest VA supporters: James Farsetta, and John Donnellan Jr.,

Over a year ago, the Salvation Army came to me for help with finding a location for a Kroc Community Center. I immediately suggested the former Bayley Seton site.

After an intense competition with other cities, Staten Island was selected as the site for the $70 million dollar world-class Kroc Community Center.

The new Kroc Center will be a “beacon on a hill” for thousands of Staten Islanders of all ages. There will be three swimming pools, a full-size gymnasium, an educational center, and a five-hundred-seat performing arts theatre.

And here’s more good news: At my request, the Salvation Army has agreed to include an indoor track!

I would like to thank the Salvation Army for working with me.

I am always seeking ways to help children with special challenges.

Over the last three summers, hundreds of children with special needs have been helped by a horseback riding program.

It is a very successful program that is forced to close for the winter because it does not have an indoor arena.

So tonight, I am announcing that I have dedicated $750,000 for an indoor riding facility at South Beach State Park.

My office is working closely with the State Department of Parks to move this project forward.

Tonight, I am also announcing that I have allotted $400,000 toward the construction of the Mount Sinai Community Center on Jersey Street.

This project is the vision of Dr. Reverend Victor Brown, and I am proud to support it.

Since 2002, I have allotted over $10 million to fund improvements in our schools. These include libraries, gymnasiums, auditoriums and security systems.

I am especially proud to have provided over $5 million for new computers in over 30 public schools and in every public library on Staten Island.

I was also proud to fund our newest marvel -- a Mobile Science Lab.

Last year, my office was the first to fund innovative “smart boards” for our public schools on Staten Island.

I recently visited P.S.5 to see one in operation.

As you may have noticed, we have placed a “smart board” in the lobby so you can get a close look at the blackboard of the 21st Century. Instead of students writing with chalk, they have the whole world of the internet at their fingertips.

Based on this huge success, I am now committing $1 million to purchase 200 “smart boards” for our schools.

We have several school construction projects well under way, which will create nearly 3,000 new school seats for Staten Island.

As part of my plan for Charleston, the City has set aside 15 acres for the Department of Education.

In the spirit of Mayor Bloomberg’s challenge to plan ahead -- I have asked Chancellor Klein to work with me on a vision for this school property.

I would like to see a “Health and Environmental Studies” school at this site. As “The Borough of Parks,” Staten Island is the ideal place for a school with an environmental focus.

I also strongly believe children should learn more about health and fitness in this age of computers and video games.

Now that’s moving forward on the right track for education.

Seniors are a top priority of mine, and I continue to work with our City agencies on my Senior Retirement Village in Charleston.

I would like to see it opened before I leave office in 2009.

Bringing new businesses and jobs to Staten Island has also been one of my top priorities. As we stand now, Staten Island has the lowest unemployment rate and the highest median income in New York City.

In Charleston, we have taken one of the Borough’s largest vacant properties and turned it into a dynamic retail complex.

All these stores are thriving and helping to keep Staten Island shoppers here in our Borough.

Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg, the Home Port redevelopment project is making great progress.

There will be housing, retail shops, and a sports complex, all linked by a new waterfront esplanade.

I am working closely with Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff and City Planning Director Amanda Burden, and I would like to thank them for their cooperation.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the role of Staten Island Bank & Trust, a division of Sovereign Bank. They are making a tremendous investment of time, funding and leadership in the Stapleton community.

VISY Paper is a success story that really needs to be told and re-told.

Ten years ago, VISY was looking for locations in the tri-state area. The Borough President’s Office convinced them to locate here, on Staten Island.

VISY has recycled over one million tons of curbside paper and employs over two hundred workers.

And they are in the process of expanding, and will create many more jobs for Staten Island.

Yet another success story is the New York Container Terminal, which went from closure in the 1990’s to being the largest container port in New York State.

They have added four new cranes and increased their total warehouse space to 500,000 square feet. They now handle over 420,000 containers per year.

Thanks to this operation, Staten Island is no longer shut out of our port economy. We are a major player, and we’re here to stay. A major expansion, which will create more jobs and revenue, is right around the corner.

The container operation is linked directly to the next subject – the return of freight rail operations to Staten Island.

Last year, on October 4th, , I rode the first locomotive across the newly renovated Arthur Kill lift bridge from New Jersey to Staten Island.

This was an historic day for commerce. It is estimated that the restoration of freight rail service will create 330 permanent jobs and $200 million per year in tax revenue by 2010.

And it will have a dramatic positive effect on traffic.

Let me explain.

Presently, thousands of containers received by New York Container Terminal, or shipped from VISY Paper, which must be shipped by rail, are transported by truck over the Goethals Bridge to the New Jersey Express Rail Yard.

Soon, our new freight railroad yard will link us to the Nation’s rail network, and the containers will be transferred directly from ship to rail, right here on Staten Island.

This will eliminate up to 90,000 trucks going over the Goethals Bridge per year.

Now that’s moving forward on the right track.

We are bringing that same focus to restoring passenger service on the North Shore Railroad.

As you know, the Borough President’s office saved the existing North Shore Railroad right-of-way from being sold to developers.

My office, along with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, is working closely with our good friend Senator Charles Schumer to obtain funding for a second study. This will allow the City to apply for Federal transportation funding.

I want to thank Senator Schumer for his hard work on this issue, and also for his continued support of the one-way toll.

One of my chief goals over the next three years is to keep the renaissance of St. George moving forward.

My vision for St. George is clear: It should be Staten Island’s official “downtown,” a hub of business, government, cultural and tourist attractions, and a great place to live.

While visiting down in Florida, I witnessed for myself how the cultural and arts community transformed downtown Sarasota into a bustling, vibrant area.

I am confident the same can happen in St. George.

I am proud to have played a role in bringing new life to the St. George Theater, which has run 90 events in the past year.

I provided over $1.6 million to repair the St. George promenade for public use.

And I am working with the New York City EDC to redevelop the former Coast Guard base for housing, shops, restaurants and a home for the National Lighthouse Museum.

I also want to welcome the new management team of the Staten Island Yankees: Mandalay Sports. You have our support to make 2007 your best season ever!

The St. George Ferry Terminal renovation is also a great success, and I applaud the work of the DOT and EDC.

We’ve transformed a drab-looking institutional terminal into a bright, welcoming transportation hub.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce my next project to brighten the ferry terminal: The installation of two giant saltwater fish tanks in the waiting area.

I was inspired by the use of fish tanks throughout the country in other large public places.

Here are some images of the tanks under construction.

Each tank will be 14 feet long by 5 feet wide, and will sit on a 40 inch tall base.

They will be home to 800 colorful fish.

This project is funded by my office. The tanks will be maintained by the Staten Island Zoo and sponsored by Richmond County Savings.

Like the dolphin fountain at South Beach and the sea turtle sculpture at Midland Beach, the St. George Aquarium will become a widely recognized icon of Staten Island.

Preserving our natural spaces and improving our parks have been priorities of my administration from day one.

Last year, I allotted $3 million from my capital budget toward the purchase of several acres of the Goodhue Center.

This property could one day provide a major link in creating a ‘North Shore Greenbelt.’

The protection of Staten Island’s sensitive land is the best present we can give to our children and grandchildren.

To that end, last month, I announced the formation of a not-for-profit corporation to purchase sensitive property for preservation

It’s called The Staten Island Community Preservation Conservancy.

The Conservancy will raise funds from individuals, corporations, foundations and other charitable organizations.

I would like to recognize the Board Members: Ken Saccaro, Jay Chazanoff, Ruth Lasser and Vincent Pitta. Thank you for agreeing to serve on the Board of the Conservancy.

And I would also like to thank our very first donor: Randy Lee, who contributed $200,000.

None of these exciting projects throughout the Island would be viable without a safe City.

Thanks to our Police Department, Staten Island has the lowest crime rates in the City.

In helping our police do their job, I am pleased to announce that I have provided $1 million to improve conditions in our police precincts in the coming year.

I am also assisting the Fire Department, purchasing new vehicles such as a Major Emergency Response Vehicle, and a Marine Rescue Craft.

And with safety in mind, I purchased a new salt spreader for the Department of Sanitation. So we can all be safer when it snows.

I want to thank our uniformed services for the quality of life that we all enjoy, and I’d like to recognize Police Borough Commander Al Girimonte, Fire Borough Chief Thomas Haring, New York City Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty, and Sanitation Borough Chief Daniel Ambrose.

Just as our uniformed services protect our quality of life, so do the actions of everyday citizens.

As you know, each year my office honors a Staten Islander with the prestigious Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award.

My 2006 Maniscalco Award honorees are two ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things purely out of love for their fellow man.

They created and maintain Angels’ Circle in Grasmere, a heavenly sanctuary that honors our lost loved ones from 9/11.

They are Wendy Pellegrino and Fred Ariemma and we will honor them at an official ceremony at Borough Hall on March 29th .

Staten Island’s waterfront should be its greatest asset. That is why we have been revitalizing the waterfront in many parts of Staten Island. The renaissance at South Beach is the one I am most proud of.

Let’s go to the videotape.

Video presentation – Renaissance at the Boardwalk

There is no doubt that the Boardwalk is a great success story. And this year we will be making further improvements, such as new benches, railings and litter baskets.

Recently, I conducted a survey among users of the Boardwalk. Many agree that we need more activities for children.

So tonight, I would like to outline my next major project.

We are going to establish a “children’s play park” just off the Boardwalk between Freedom Circle and the new artificial turf soccer field.

Take a look at our conceptual illustration.

It will be a beautifully landscaped area, with an ocean-front atmosphere.

All the rides will be designed for children under the age of 12.

And working with our designers and the Parks Department, every ride will be imaginative and educational.

Instead of a carousel of horses, there will be one of seahorses.

Instead of spinning teacups, there will be spinning clam shells.

Instead of a Ferris wheel, we will have a Staten Island ferry wheel.

Other small rides will be in shape of sea turtles, dolphins and flying fish.

And with the revival of railroads so much a part of my address tonight, I am happy to say that the property will have a kiddie train to take families from one end to the other.

There will be an old-fashioned ice cream parlour…An indoor facility for parties...A scenic lighthouse…and lots of fun spilling out from every corner.

Most importantly, the Play Park must have a reasonable admission price, and include programs that reflect the educational as well as entertainment value of the Park.

Therefore, I have requested that the Play Park be operated by a not-for-profit organization, just like the Carousel in Willowbrook Park.

And we will be looking for corporate sponsors to help make this a success.

So there you have it. The next step in our continuing renaissance at the Boardwalk…the “Children’s Play Park”.

Let me now turn to Land Use and Traffic.

Mayor Bloomberg, by creating the Growth Management Task Force, has produced a better quality of life for our residents.

As we move ahead with the Growth Management Task Force, I have several agenda items for them to consider.

First, I want to have the Task Force look at what defines a BSA “hardship case”. I think this is a term that has been abused.

Hardships should be considered only when the hardship was caused by government action, not when they are self-created by the developer.

For example, if the government allows someone to build a catering hall across the street from my house – then I can legitimately claim a “hardship.”

But if a developer buys a piece of property knowing that he cannot build on it, and asks the City for reconsideration, this is not a hardship.

That’s like a man who shoots and kills his parents, and then goes before the judge asking for mercy because now he’s an orphan.

We also need to adopt new rules for gas stations that have been retrofitted as convenience stores and coffee shops.

These establishments are springing up at many intersections, and they are having a negative impact on traffic.

Look at this picture of Clove Road and Victory Blvd.

DOT was forced to put “quick-curbs” in the roadway to prevent dangerous turns into and out of the gas station.

So my office will be working with the Task Force to create new guidelines.

We must create more onsite parking and better traffic circulation -- so these locations are safer and less congested!

Staten Island has 5% of New York City’s population, but 17% of the registered vehicles in the City.

And that doesn’t count all the vehicles that are registered in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania by Staten Islanders

Knowing that traffic will continue to increase at 2–3% each year, we need to think “outside the box.”

With the cooperation of DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall, we were able to implement a number of common sense traffic improvements, including…

• More turning lanes and left-turn signals.

• And “common sense” street signs that are so successful they were implemented all over the City.

I have also introduced blinking stop signs that run on solar power.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that they will be installed in 5 new locations.

The new stop signs help improve safety, and I hope to add many more in the coming years.

Another project that I announced during my first term was a new entrance to Miller Field at Father Capodanno Boulevard. Construction on the new entrance should begin in April.

By this time next year, motorists traveling on Father Capodanno will no longer have to travel through neighborhood streets, around Hylan Boulevard, and down New Dorp Lane, in order to enter Miller Field.

Rather, they will be able to enter directly into the park.

The hundreds of cars using this new location will no longer be crowding our neighborhood streets or the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and New Dorp Lane, which we all know is way too crowded already.

This is a realistic traffic improvement that will give us real results.

We have also continued to improve crucial intersections.

We placed new left turn lanes and left turn signals at Amboy Road and Seguine Avenue, which is working beautifully, and we will do the same with Victory Boulevard and Travis Avenue.

And this year, I am pleased to report that DOT will install new left turn bays and left turn signals at four key intersections on Hylan Boulevard – Cleveland, Fieldway and Chesterton Avenues and on Buffalo Street.

I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall, and Borough Commissioner Tom Curitore, for making these great traffic improvements possible, and I know we will be seeing many more as a result of the Mayor’s Traffic Task Force.

At my request, DOT, the Buildings Department, City Planning, and other agencies meet more often on growth management and traffic issues.

We have more cooperation and communication among City agencies than ever before.

That is a positive step forward.

Let me show you an example of what happened when inter-agency communication was not as good.

This is an aerial view of Englewood Avenue in Charleston.

As you can see, this warehouse was built right up against the street line.

Normally, DOT would have asked for a setback.

But without checking with DOT or the Fire Department, the Board of Standards and Appeals permitted the development to go forward.

So the warehouse stands there, permanently affecting the width of the street.

Today, we have changed the process for the better.

I have requested that the Board of Standards and Appeals notify the Borough DOT Commissioner, the Fire Department, and the Borough President’s Office whenever there is a request for a change in the status of a street.

Here’s an example.

Rivington Avenue is mapped from Park Drive North to Richmond Avenue.

But as you can see from this picture, the road ends before Richmond Avenue at Jennifer Court.

Under the new way of doing business, DOT was informed of a waiver application to build on this vacant piece of property, which lies in the bed of the mapped street.

After reviewing the request, DOT has opposed the waiver and asked that the developer complete the connection to Richmond Avenue as mapped.

So with better communication, we are seeing better results for Staten Island.

Now let me turn to another issue.

With all the vacant land that we had at our disposal, how did we wake up one morning with this traffic mess?

This should not have happened. And it’s not very complicated why it happened. In fact, it’s really very simple.

It happened because of waivers, waivers, waivers, being given over and over.

You might ask -- what is a waiver?

Let me show you an example.

Here is Amboy Road at Clark Avenue, where the street is built out to its full mapped width.

This next photo shows garden apartments that were built with a front lawn that extends into the mapped street. The developer was given a waiver so he did not have to widen the street to its full width.

This is an aerial view of Amboy Road just north of Richmond Avenue. You can see the two shopping centers on either side. These properties have wide sidewalks and parking lots because of waivers.

If not for waivers, we could have Amboy Road built with two lanes in both directions, including turn lanes. Traffic would move so much better.

But today this is a traffic nightmare. And we all suffer today because Amboy Road was only built to half its mapped size.

At my urging, the Department of Transportation has implemented a new waiver policy, where waivers are the exception, not the rule.

All waiver requests are now reviewed in coordination between DOT, Department of Buildings, and the Fire Department.

As a recent example, a project on Manor Road was denied a waiver, so that Manor Road could one day have a widening. We did not “give away” the width of the street.

We are also seeing better cooperation between developers and the DOT to make intersection and roadway improvements.

As an example, the owner of a new Dunkin Donuts, at his own expense, will widen Victory Boulevard at the intersection of Richmond Avenue, and a new dedicated right turn lane will be created.

This is another crowded intersection getting long overdue attention – thanks to smart planning!

Now take a look at these photos of our Mid-Island roads. The traffic jams here are incredible.

In this shot, you can see one motorist is so frustrated that he is driving in the opposite lane of traffic to try to get to the turning lane.

The same thing is happening in this next photo of Forest Hill Road.

Look at this photo. The Parks Department has to actually close down the road just to prune the trees along the street.

Why are we making our motorists endure these conditions? The roads are way too narrow and unsafe.

The DOT is planning to widen Forest Hill Road to two lanes in each direction, and Rockland Avenue will be realigned and widened from its current width of 22 feet to 45 feet.

Tonight, I strongly urge the City to proceed with these road improvements, and for Staten Islanders to be supportive of these initiatives.

It is obvious. Why are we studying this to death? It is ridiculous to inconvenience and endanger the safety of Staten Islanders with these inadequate roads.

For safety’s sake, let’s improve Forest Hill Road and Rockland Avenue now!

Going forward, one of my top priorities is the reuse of the roads in Fresh Kills.

Back in 2001, I hired a consultant to analyze the landfill roads.

We knew that this was the first time in 50 years that we actually had the room and the opportunity to design and build the roads properly.

City Planning has included the plan in its designs for Fresh Kills Park.

But we must go much further than just opening the roads to the public.

I have given testimony and written letters, clearly stating that these roads must be under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Transportation, and they must be two lanes in each direction.

To do less would fly in the face of the Mayor’s Traffic Task Force.

A one-lane road for Fresh Kills does not even meet the present needs of Staten Islanders, let alone future needs. By the time such a road is open to the public, it would already be insufficient.

My fear is that “the architects of yesterday’s failures claim to have the solutions to today’s problems.”

Will these roads be heavily traveled?

Last year, my office asked Bed, Bath & Beyond in Charleston to record the zip codes of recent shoppers. They did, and the results are telling.

Roughly 50% of shoppers came from the Mid-Island area.

If they were available, they would use the roads through the landfill.

And they would not be driving through New Springville and Travis or taking the Korean War Veterans Parkway to get to Charleston – a convoluted route.

The most direct route – would be the landfill roads. It’s just plain common sense!

Nowhere is the need for major road improvements greater than on the growing South Shore.

Recently, my staff did an extensive study on current and potential development in Charleston.

According to our estimates, over 4 million square feet of commercial and retail space either exists or will be developed in the next ten years.

These developments bring with them a requirement for 12,000 parking spaces.

That’s a lot of vehicles.

Based on these facts, it should be obvious to everyone that the private sector is moving forward, very quickly.

Now we need the public sector to also move forward, with smart planning.

Over a year ago, I proposed a $100 million traffic plan that calls for improving a number of roads on the South Shore.

I am pleased to report that the City will widen an eight-mile section of Arthur Kill Road, from Bentley Street to Richmond Avenue. DOT has increased the budget for this project by $15 million and is fast-tracking its construction by two years.

Now that’s a good start.

I am now asking the City to build the already mapped Kent Street, an important North-South road that will connect Englewood Avenue to Sharrotts Road.

We should then extend Kent Street south through the future school site. This will provide a vital connection through Bricktown Center to the community

Now looking ahead, we need to map and complete Englewood Avenue, and widen and complete Sharrotts Road. These are important East-West roadways, that connect to existing overpasses.

Looking at this aerial, you can see that most of the residential population for the Charleston Center is east of the Expressway.

What do we expect them to do – jump across?

If we don’t complete these streets, the existing streets are useless, and that’s unacceptable.

This is about sensible planning for our residents. Let’s move forward with completing these roads!

That’s just part of the issue. We also need to improve highway access on the South Shore.

So tonight I am announcing several recommendations.

First, in the Woodrow section of Staten Island, we have service roads off Bloomingdale Road which just end. They don’t connect with the rest of the service road network. That’s just bad planning.

So I recommend completing the service roads between Bloomingdale Road and Woodrow Road on both sides of the West Shore Expressway.

In this picture, you can again see that the service road ends. It goes nowhere…it’s useless.

This is also the site where Lowes plans to open a new store. They asked for a waiver, and it was denied.

I then gave them a choice: either build the service road in front of the property as mapped, or you can’t build your store.

So after Lowes completes their portion of the service road, I will work with the State DOT and State Parks to complete this vital connection.

We should have continuous service roads – it’s just plain common sense!

Take a look at this photo.

Here is the West Shore Expressway, the Korean War Veterans Parkway, and here is the Bricktown Center.

Currently, our residents have a tough time, navigating around the roads and highways in this area.

And in the summer, they have to compete with all the traffic heading to New Jersey.

There is only one narrow exit ramp from the West Shore Expressway to Bricktown, and it is far too dangerous to cut across traffic from the Korean War Veterans Parkway.

So here are my recommendations.

I am proposing new elevated ramps that will connect the West Shore Expressway, and the Korean War Veterans Parkway, to Bricktown and to Page Avenue. This is the safest and most efficient way to handle the traffic in the area.

We can also provide better access to Arthur Kill Road by extending the ramp to North Bridge Street.

In this way, we can separate the traffic heading to the Outerbridge Crossing from the motorists wanting to visit Charleston or Tottenville.

These proposals, along with sixteen others, have been presented to the New York State DOT, and we are working closely with them to finalize these plans.

The residents of the South Shore deserve to have efficient roads to help them travel in their own neighborhoods! We can’t have a situation where traffic is backed-up for miles because we have failed to put the proper infrastructure in place.

This plan offers solutions, and we have already started a dialogue with the State of New York. We have put the matter on the table, and I am confident we will move forward.

Obviously, the commercial developments in Charleston will be here well before the road improvements are made.

But why? Why is it possible to build an entire shopping center in one year, but simple road improvements take eight years?

Let me give you an example.

There is a dangerous curve on Todt Hill Road. You may be familiar with it. It’s near the intersection of Willow Pond Road, not far from St. Francis Seminary.

Often, traffic backs up from Circle Road all the way up to Willow Pond Road. This is a very unsafe condition.

Back in 1997, I saw the opportunity to straighten out this dangerous curve.

The Borough President’s Office negotiated with the State during the purchase of St. Francis Woods.

As a result, we set aside a portion of State land for the re-alignment of Todt Hill Road.

My office then produced a “Preliminary Design” for improving the road – which you see here on-screen.

We then submitted it to the City.

Now let me outline what has happened since, and this underscores the problem with ULURP.

Take a look at this graphic. This is a standard timetable for the ULURP process, which we have broken down in three sections for you.

From the time of inception, in 1997, the project went through a preliminary agency review for over four years.

Then the agency conducted what is called a Preliminary Design Investigation. That took two more years.

Then, a consultant was hired to study my office’s study.

After two more years, they recommended basically the same plan that my office gave them eight years before.

Finally in 2006, the project reached the final design phase.

This year, it will finally start the ULURP process at City Planning – ten years after we started!

Now, if you look at this next chart, you will see that between the “Initial City Planning Meeting” and “Certification”, there are the words: “no specified time limit.”

That means just getting to Certification can take another year or more – before the formal ULURP timetable even begins!

After Certification, the ULURP timetable calls for a 150-day public review.

This includes public hearings with the community boards, the Borough President’s Office, the City Planning Commission and the City Council.

By the time the project is given final approval by the City, it is under-funded.

So we have to renegotiate the budget, which often takes months.

Then the bidding process begins. By the time the bid is drawn up, sent out, received and awarded, another year has passed.

Now construction can FINALLY begin.

Has anyone ever analyzed what we are doing to ourselves? How do you accomplish anything?

Let me make the point more simply. The Empire State Building was built in just 13 months.

Yet a simple road improvement can take over 13 years!

Something is wrong.

So before I leave you tonight, I want to take a few moments to make a case for common sense.

As you leave, my staff will be giving you a book called ‘The Death of Common Sense”. I would encourage you to sit down and read it. In fact, it should be required reading in the 7th grade of every school.

I think you will be amazed at how much more efficient and responsive government can be, if we work together to find common sense solutions to problems.

Maybe we can start the first chapter of a new book, “The Re-birth of Common Sense.”

Take a look at this property on Rockland Avenue. It sticks out into the road. Would you believe we would have to go through the ULURP process to remove this. Why are we not taking this property, compensating the owner, and making the road safer and better?

Look at this hydrant on Forest Hill Road. It makes no sense that this hydrant should be jutting out into the street. This is an unacceptable condition.

This next photo is of Forest Hill Road and Travis Avenue.

Four years ago, I asked DOT to install a left-turn lane at this intersection.

DOT reviewed the intersection, measured the width, and the improvement was a “go”

That is, until DOT was forced to conduct an EIS for the entire Forest Hill Road Corridor.

Is this efficiency? Should one, simple left-turn lane be delayed year after year for endless studies?

I therefore propose that we change the ULURP process.

I propose that left turn lanes, and other simple traffic solutions be fast tracked and not held up by the much broader review process of an EIS.

And I propose that ULURPs have different levels of timetables.

If an entire road system is under consideration, a ULURP of 18 months may be necessary.

But should the same amount of time be spent on a single, small road improvement?

Why not have a 3-month ULURP or a 6-month ULURP based on the scope of the project?

It’s just plain common sense!

Let’s look at it this way. Any projects that Mayor Bloomberg or I undertake in the next year, if a ULURP is required, we have no chance to complete them by the time we leave office.

We must fast-track ULURP, so we can improve our Mid-Island roads and make so many other improvements that our residents desperately need.

We must open the roads through Fresh Kills with two lanes in each direction. We’re talking 40 additional feet. Why are we quibbling over 40 feet, when the landfill is over 2,200 acres in size? Or put it another way – 94-million-square-feet.

We should connect the service roads on both sides of the West Shore Expressway.

In an age of traffic jams and security concerns, we need our service roads available to community residents and emergency vehicles.

As I often say, “Common Sense can prevent us from repeating the mistakes of the past…”

That’s my key message tonight.

That’s how we can move forward on the right track.

The good news is that we have Mayor Bloomberg and his Administration working with us to correct these problems.

The Mayor’s Task Force on Growth Management allowed us to improve zoning regulations.

The Mayor’s Task Force on Traffic has allowed us to make historic progress on road improvements.

And the Mayor’s leadership has sparked a successful redevelopment plan for the Stapleton Home Port and so many other initiatives.

I am hopeful that working with Mayor Bloomberg, we can continue to employ “common sense” to achieve the goals I have outlined tonight.

 

Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer 2007 State of the Borough Address


Good afternoon.
Thank you for joining me today. 
 
I want to especially thank Mayor Bloomberg, who is doing such a great job for the city –and council Speaker Quinn ,who has provided the council with truly outstanding leadership. 
 
Thank you both for hosting us today.
 
I also want to thank Manhattan’s City Council delegation, my fellow elected officials, many of whom are in Albany today, and Manhattan's Community Boards for their collaboration with me during my first year in office.
 
This is an extraordinary time to be part of Manhattan’s transformative struggles and achievements. 
 
One thing that unites New Yorkers is the magnitude of our dreams. That’s why, every day, people arrive here to paint their ambitions on our landscape.
 
It’s why New Yorkers continue to build and Manhattan continues to grow. 
 
Today, the city’s growth is truly something to brag about.
 
After the 2001 terrorist attacks, predictions for New York City’s future were dire.
 
No one could foresee the stupendous comeback we’ve made, or the extraordinary development that’s taken hold here.
 
The city’s resurgence has brought about prosperity, including almost four billion dollars in public surplus it’s a boon to every resident.
 
It has made it possible for more people to live and work here.
 
But while our success is incredibly exciting, it is also a bit difficult to absorb. 
 
Record numbers of tourists make us proud, reminding us that we live in the world’s greatest city, but we fight them for space on our sidewalks. 
 
We enjoy the new shops and entertainment venues, but businesses we love are priced out of existence. 
 
We want and desperately need more housing, but our streets can seem like one big construction site. 
 
And, as Manhattan entered the new millennium, our population continued to grow, but our middle class began to shrink.
 
It’s no wonder we sometimes fear that the borough we love might well disappear.
 
Growth always involves stress.  We know that. 
 
But while we want the development that will keep us the world’s most exhilarating city, we also want to be the most livable city on Earth.
 
That means every resident must have a say in our shared future. 
 
Manhattan residents are the famous, and the faceless, the most powerful and the most vulnerable, the flamboyant, and those who live in the shadows. 
 
While they come from every nation and speak every language, they live here because Manhattan speaks to them, as it speaks to us all.
 
As the official elected to serve all of Manhattan, I promised to take the office of borough president, an agency many viewed as powerless, and use it to empower every Manhattan neighborhood. 
 
I’ll be honest ,some people smirked when I said that, but I don’t think they’re laughing anymore. 
 
When I took office, Manhattan’s Community Boards were a withered shadow of local government.
 
Chronic vacancies and perpetual inaction were the norm. 
 
When it came to reforming Manhattan’s Community Boards, I was told, flat out, it couldn’t be done. 
 
But I knew that only reform could make the Boards effective.
 
So we created an independent screening process that appointed board members based on their qualifications, not politics.
 
The panel consists of leading organizations, everyone from the league of conservation voters to the league of women voters, the citizens union to the women’s city club, the NNACP, the Hispanic federation and other key groups. To signal the start of a new day, I made sure that every board member got conflicts of interest training.
 
In my first year in office, through a process supported by every council member, Manhattan’s Community Board vacancies went from 25 percent to less than 2 percent. 
 
Now, remember, the whole point of reform was to empower Manhattan’s residents.
 
So, to give neighborhoods a greater role in development decisions, we created a class to teach people about zoning and land use, and took it on the road.
 
Zoning is the paradigm for determining what gets built in New York City today.
 
Those who don’t understand that paradigm will be left behind. 
 
That’s what led to my first conversation with Amanda Burden, our wonderful City Planning Commissioner.
 
I told Amanda I wanted copies of the City’s zoning 101 handbook, so I could give one to every Community board member.
 
She said, “Scott, they’re $22 each.”   I said “I’ll take 600 for $12.” 
 
That was my first negotiation with City Planning. 
 
But not the last. 
 
Not by a long shot.
 
Today, from Washington Heights to Battery Park, and from the Upper West Side to the Lower East Side, Manhattan’s newly-empowered Community Boards are hard at work and accountable to every neighborhood. 
 
This is essential, because planning that affects millions of New Yorkers should reflect the wisdom of the community.
 
So, following Woodrow Wilson’s advice, I not only use all the brains I have, but all that I can borrow. 
 
The first brain trust we created was the Manhattan Planning Fellowship Program.
 
We paired each Community Board with a top-notch Urban Planning graduate student to help them carry out projects they’ve wanted to do for years.
 
This is a priceless contribution to neighborhood empowerment, and to Manhattan’s future.
 
Some of the planning fellows, among the brightest young minds in New York City, are here today.  I’d like to ask them to stand.
 
From Rutgers, Hunter, Columbia, NYU and The New School, these graduate students are the cream of the crop.
 
And guess where they want to work when they graduate? In the world’s greatest cities, London, Paris, Rio and, of course, right here in New York. 
 
Their experience with our Community Boards is giving these future planning leaders a perspective that will influence their work for decades to come, the perspective that inclusion, collaboration and consensus, can achieve spectacular results, unprecedented development, that is anchored in our common good.
 
That is the vision I promised to promote.
 
The results, all over the borough, speak for themselves. 
 
Plans for Uptown New York, a large-scale development in East Harlem, were created with little neighborhood input. 
 
Not surprisingly, residents saw nothing that reflected local needs.
 
When I ran for office, I promised to help neighborhood residents work with developers and City government to build consensus that would address local needs, and that’s exactly what we achieved.
 
Working with the mayor’s office, Community Board 11, Harlem residents, and Council Member Mark-Viverito, new guidelines were written for development of the East Harlem site.
 
Those guidelines now include cultural space, space for local businesses, and affordable housing.
 
On the Upper West Side, the proliferation of skyscrapers jammed in among buildings they dwarf illustrates the problem of unplanned development. 
 
Such projects block light, air and views, strain facilities like parking and schools, and understandably fuel residents’ wrath.
 
That’s why, for the rezoning that will take place from 97th to 110th Street ,I am working with city planning, Community Board 7, and council members Dickens and Mark-Viverito to see that new construction promotes rational development which preserves the neighborhood’s beauty and character.
 
In Midtown, almost a decade ago, the city rezoned part of the theater district, allowing developers to transfer air rights and build more densely along Eighth Avenue. 
 
In exchange, money was to be set aside to benefit the theater district. 
 
When I came into office, I learned that no benefit was ever applied for. 
 
Working with Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Community Board 5, and City Planning, funds are now being set aside and in November we negotiated our first benefit - a deal that will create new office space for nonprofit theater companies. 
 
Many people don’t know that what we now call Tribeca was one of Manhattan’s oldest residential neighborhoods.
 
In the mid-19th century, textile houses took over the area, chasing away families and replacing the neighborhood’s houses with factories of classical design.
 
The 20th century conversion of those factories gave the neighborhood a new name and a new incarnation as a residential and cultural community. 
 
In the 21st century, Tribeca residents are once more experiencing the stress that comes with rapid change. 
 
Last year, Tribeca residents were up in arms about development that would have permanently cut them off from their riverfront.
 
With the support of Community Board 1, Speaker Quinn and Council member Gerson, my office designed a rezoning to move the development forward while preserving residents’ light, air and waterfront views.
 
Another win for community-based planning.
 
I will continue to make sure that residents have a strong say in the future of their neighborhoods.
 
Whenever possible, new development should achieve a significant public benefit, whether affordable housing, space for nonprofits, significant job creation, or some other tangible benefit.
 
So I will fight for open space and waterfront access on the East Side Con Edison site. 
 
Along Sherman Creek, I will push for rezoning that creates more affordable housing.
 
Residents of West Harlem and Hamilton Heights have waited far too long for access to their waterfront. 
 
Take Me to the River is a catchy name, but the name alone won’t take us anywhere. 
 
So I have dedicated a planner to work exclusively on reviving this dormant plan to help bring those communities waterfront access of their own design.
 
Harlem residents will have a major say in Columbia’s planned expansion. 
 
I support Columbia’s desire to grow to meet its 21st Century educational and research goals. 
 
The university’s expansion will create jobs and has many potential benefits for our city. 
 
However, projects of this magnitude have swept away entire neighborhoods, something that must never again be imposed on any Manhattan community, especially not this one.
 
Columbia’s expansion must add value to the entire neighborhood.
 
I will be a driving force to bring people together and forge consensus for this project.
 
Another place where great, forward thinking is badly needed is the area around Penn Station.
 
It is absolutely essential to move Madison Square Garden.
 
This will allow us to transform Penn Station into a magnificent gate-way to the heart of Manhattan and develop its vast air space into something worthy of its extraordinary location. 
 
A new Moynihan Train Station will diminish crowding, improve the look and feel of the area, and help lay the foundation for the comprehensive transportation planning our region desperately needs.
 
This project is vital to our future and it must not become a political football.
 
While density defines Manhattan Island, Governors’ Island is an open frontier.
 
Most New Yorkers are unaware of the island and its remarkable history, which includes roles in every American fought war from the revolution through World War II.
 
The vast open space surrounding the island’s monumental forts is a magnet for a space starved city. 
 
But, especially given its historic significance, we must get the development of Governors’ Island right.
 
That’s why I wanted a public advisory board to review all development proposals.
 
I am pleased that the City agreed to that process, which will give us development that reflects the creative vision of civic minded New Yorkers.
 
Thank you Dan Doctoroff.
 
Adjacent to East Harlem, off Manhattan’s east coast, lies Randall’s Island, where Jesse Owens ran the 100 yards that sent him to the 1936 Olympics. 
 
New Yorkers have a fundamental problem with the privatization of public parks.
So when the city decided to hand over 50 ball fields on Randall’s Island for private use for 30 years! I refused to play along. 
 
I am well aware that I have only one vote on the city’s franchise review board.
 
I also understand the need for compromise, and I know how to make a deal.
 
But we haven’t yet reached the right compromise over the ball fields.
 
Because a raw deal is no deal at all, and privatizing the use of public land is a raw deal.
 
So I will continue speaking out until we have an agreement that keeps the playing fields available to the public and benefits residents of East Harlem and the South Bronx communities that sorely lack ball fields for kids.
 
Now, we all know that Manhattan needs more affordable housing.
 
Even with the state’s new minimum wage law, decent housing is out of reach for many New Yorkers.
 
The accelerating loss of Mitchell-Lama housing is helping to push our affordability crisis into overdrive.
 
On March 3rd I will host a citywide conference with one goal, finding ways to preserve this bedrock of affordable housing.
 
And, especially with our affordability crisis, we must make the most of the opportunities we have.
 
That’s why last summer, with the grassroots organization Picture the Homeless, I conducted the first comprehensive inventory of Manhattan’s vacant buildings and empty lots.
 
When Boston did a survey and encouraged owners to develop vacant sites, abandoned housing decreased by 76 percent in less than a decade. 
 
Other cities have achieved similar results, why shouldn’t we?
 
Our survey identified properties throughout Manhattan that could be developed.
 
As much of it as possible should be used to create affordable new housing, and I will work with the administration, local developers and our Community Boards to make that happen.
 
Now, both vacant properties and construction sites are magnets for ugly, illegal advertising. 
 
For years I have fought the proliferation of illegal ads on buildings, sidewalks, construction sheds, you name it.  So I’m delighted that we started the New Year with a great victory on this issue. 
 
In January the Buildings Department pledged to cover up all illegal ads that are not taken down by their owners.
 
Thank you, Patricia Lancaster
 
Another way I promised to help make Manhattan more livable was to jumpstart the development of green building projects, an area where New York seriously lags behind.
 
I am proud to support projects that will include the largest green roof in the entire Northeast, environmentally sustainable affordable housing, and a net zero energy use site, a building that will actually create more energy than it uses. 
Now, how cool is that?
 
Welcoming new environmental technologies will fuel Manhattan’s economy while helping us clean our waterways, soil and air.
 
And while it seems that all of us breathe the same air in Manhattan, the truth is that some communities suffer far worse pollution than others.
 
Today, conditions uptown reflect decades of environmental racism.  Six of Manhattan’s seven bus depots are sited above 96th Street, making the area a major dumping ground for air pollutants that are among the most deadly to breathe.
 
Today, I am proud to announce a new project “Go Green East Harlem” which will improve the environment of that neighborhood in partnership with local leaders, businesses, non-profits and government agencies.
 
Untreated asthma is the number one reason why Manhattan’s children miss school, and I’m going to fight to put a stop to that.
 
Go Green will identify ways to decrease local truck traffic, make buildings less polluting, green streets, encourage recycling and give residents access to healthier food. 
 
This will be a self-sustaining program to improve East Harlem’s environment and showcase ideas that can be adopted in other neighborhoods as well. 
 
While air-quality uptown is a decades-old problem, after the 2001 terrorist attacks, air quality downtown evoked city-wide concern. 
 
When we asked for an assessment of air safety in lower Manhattan after 9/11 the Federal Government dropped the ball.
 
Two years later, the EPA admitted its failure, but it was a lifetime too late for those who were exposed to the toxic fumes, including school children, first responders and those who volunteered for months at the site.
 
Amit Friedlander, who is here with us today, was a student at Stuyvesant High School.
 
Less than a month after the attacks, Amit was sent back downtown to school, where students had to walk by piles of smoking rubble just to get to class. 
 
Last year, Amit was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma –which may well have been caused by the federal government’s insistence that it was safe to reopen his school.
 
Just months ago, another former classmate was diagnosed with leukemia that may be connected to the toxic fumes.
 
Amit and his former classmate, Lila Nordstrom have joined concerned parents and local residents as tireless advocates for New Yorkers affected by the federal government’s failure to monitor New York’s air quality.
 
Amit, Lila, please stand. 
 
Join me in giving these young people a round of applause.
 
Representatives Nadler and Maloney have sponsored legislation to responsibly fund treatment for New Yorkers injured by the toxic fumes from the World Trade Center Site.  I will not rest until federal dollars are allocated to meet these obligations.
 
When it comes to our schools, we have arrived at a critical moment. While the DOE pumps resources into small new schools, nothing is done about the thousands of classrooms throughout the system that are severely over-crowded.
 
In fact, some schools are so overcrowded that children don’t have desks, don’t have a lunch period or can’t use the library.
 
Despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on radical changes to the reading curriculum, national assessments show that since 2003 the number of New York City fourth graders who are proficient in reading has been stuck at 22 percent and more than 40 percent of our fourth graders are failing reading.
 
As for high school, even by the DOE own assessment, graduation rates are horrendously low.
 
What is going to happen to these kids?
 
The department of education needs to hear what parents, teachers, administrators and advocates are saying.
 
And right now, those with the most at stake in the system are frustrated and confused.
 
We know what parents care about, and for good reason, smaller class size, skilled, dedicated teachers, curricula that engage and challenge their kids and a system that welcomes parental input.
 
It is my hope that DOE will provide leadership, which is badly needed ,to reduce class size, to restore enrichment programs that have been cut ,and to support the vital work of teachers in the classroom. Those are the reforms that will result in the education all of us want for our children.
 
Our kids also need more after school options.  3 to 6 PM on school days is prime crime time in New York.
 
Kids need safe places to go after school, and healthy activities to engage them. Quality after school activities encourage academic performance and keep kids away from drugs and gangs, but almost half a million children in our city attend no after school program.
 
That’s why I’m thrilled that the Youth Sports League I promised to create is up and running with the help of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and the Police Athletic League. 
 
More than 1,000 Manhattan kids will be served by my Sports League in its very first year, and I promise to keep that number growing.
 
Now, I want to address an issue that profoundly affects both children and adults: domestic violence.
 
No society that tolerates domestic violence can consider itself civilized or humane.
 
As an assemblyman, I helped pass laws to protect victims of domestic violence. 
 
As Borough President, I want to help every victim get the protection and services they need. 
 
With a $900,000 dollar grant from the Justice Department, last month I launched a new project with District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, Harlem Legal Services, the NYPD, and the advocacy group CONNECT.
 
With new technology, we’ve given police officers instant access to information about households where they are called to a domestic dispute.
 
And we’ve given advocates and service providers immediate access to police reports ,so they can quickly reach out to those who have been abused.
 
Helping victims to rebuild their lives, and increasing successful prosecutions, that is our mission.
 
When it comes to New York City’s future, few issues are more important than transportation, which affects every aspect of our lives. 
 
Transportation is not an issue where we can afford to pit one borough against another, or city residents against suburbanites. 
 
Transportation Planning today must involve all five boroughs and the entire metropolitan region. That’s why, In October, I convened 500 policymakers, activists and concerned citizens from across the city to examine our current crisis and brainstorm solutions.
 
Two months later, in December, Mayor Bloomberg outlined a series of proposals to accommodate the million-plus population growth we expect over the next twenty-five years. 
 
He called for planning extensive repair of roadways and subways, and expanding the City’s transit system, all important work that must be carried out.
 
But we can’t stop there. We must dramatically decrease traffic on our streets as well.
 
Traffic congestion costs New York City more than five billion dollars a year, even without taking the incalculable health costs into account, traffic congestion also threatens life and limb.
 
Manhattan’s traffic-clogged intersections are increasingly dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists too often we are forced to weave among closely-packed, exhaust-spewing vehicles just to get across the street.
 
A study by my office over a nine-hour period counted more than 3,000 cars blocking the box at Manhattan’s 10 busiest intersections.
 
Guess how many received tickets? Not one.
 
This is an example where simply enforcing the law would make crossing the streets much safer.
 
This year I will work to see the City’s common sense law against blocking the box enforced, as it hasn’t been for years. 
Cities around the world have shown us what a comprehensive transportation agenda can do. 
London imposed congestion pricing on its economic center and added more bus service.
 
Traffic plummeted, mass transit use increased, and the city’s business district was reborn.
 
In Copenhagen, bus and bike lanes changed the way people get around.
 
Their streets became fluid in a way we have never seen here.
 
The one sin we must not commit is to take any idea off the table without rational discussion. 
 
We need to have those discussions, and we need to have them now. 
 
That’s why, with Federal funds available, we should seize the opportunity to study congestion pricing, because if we refuse to study the impacts, we will never know what they are. 
 
This issue is too important to be held up by political expediency by elected officials’ time-honored fear of going out on a limb.
 
As Borough President, I aspire to nothing less than to help make Manhattan a model of successful urban life, open to everyone who wants to build their dreams here. 
 
But no one can do this work alone, and aspirations mean nothing without rational policy, expert planning and the ability to achieve results.
 
So policy, planning and collaboration will remain my guideposts in office.
 
In the 1930s, photographer Berenice Abbott focused the attention of the entire world on New York City’s exploding architectural innovation, cutting edge urban design, and the 19th century city it was fast replacing.
 
Describing the frenetic pace of life here Abbott said, “The tempo of the metropolis is not of eternity, nor even time, but of the vanishing instant." 
 
Those vanishing instants are the realm of every New Yorker the fleeting moments of life on our streets that fill us with wonder crystallize our pride and bind us to each other.
 
This job has given me the ability to amplify those moments to fully appreciate our common path to raise the profile of each Manhattan neighborhood and the voice of the entire borough in the debates that will determine our future. 
 
I am grateful for that opportunity and proud to serve everyone with a stake in the future of this great borough. 
 
Thank you. Â 

Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall 2007 State of the Borough Address


GOOD MORNING! WELCOME TO YORK COLLEGE AND THE 2007 REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE BOROUGH. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THANKING OUR HOST, DR. MARCIA KEIZS. UNDER HER CREATIVE LEADERSHIP, THIS COLLEGE IS QUICKLY BECOMING ONE OF THE PREMIER INSTITUTIONS OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

LET'S TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE SOME OF OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS WHO HAVE JOINED US HERE TODAY:(NAMES) .

2007 HAS JUST BEGUN, AND ALREADY IT IS A VERY EXCITING YEAR.

AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, CONGRESS HAS NEW LEADERSHIP AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, OUR HOUSE SPEAKER IS A WOMAN, AND BETTER YET, A GRANDMOTHER!  AT THE STATE LEVEL, OUR NEW GOVERNOR HAS OUTLINED AN IMPRESSIVE AGENDA OF REFORMS.

AT THE CITY LEVEL, WE HAVE A FORWARD THINKING MAYOR, WHO IS NOT ONLY TAKING CARE OF TODAY'S PROBLEMS, BUT IS ALSO PLANNING FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR GREAT CITY FOR DECADES TO COME.

HERE IN QUEENS, WE ARE MAKING OUR OWN HISTORY WITH A CONTINUING FAITH IN THE UNIQUE CHEMISTRY OF WHO WE ARE---THE MOST DIVERSE COUNTY IN THE NATION. THIS YEAR, WE WILL CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF AN EVENT THAT OCCURRED IN THE DISTANT PAST, BUT WHICH CONTINUES TO DEFINE ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL IDEALS OF OUR NATION.

LED BY JOHN BOWNE, 350 YEARS AGO, A GROUP OF CONCERNED FLUSHING CITIZENS, SENT A LETTER TO THEIR GOVERNOR, PETER STUYVESANT, PROTESTING HIS INTOLERANCE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. AND SO, THE FLUSHING REMONSTRANCE, WAS BORN MAKING QUEENS THE BIRTHPLACE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM INAMERICA AND SET THE STAGE FOR THE BILL OF RIGHTS.

THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT IS HOUSED AT THE STATE LIBRARY IN ALBANY. SINCE IT WAS WRITTEN IN QUEENS, IT BELONGS IN QUEENS. THAT IS WHY I HAVE ARRANGED FOR IT TO COME HOME TO THE FLUSHING LIBRARY FOR DISPLAY DURING THIS ANNIVERSARY YEAR. THIS IS PART OF MY EFFORT TO BRING IT HOME PERMANENTLY.

ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE ALLOCATED FUNDING TO MAKE THE MESSAGE OF THE REMONSTRANCE PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN ALL QUEENS SCHOOLS. AND, JUST AS JOHN BOWNE OPENED HIS HOUSE TO THOSE NEW AMERICANS - INCLUDING BLACKS IN SEARCH OF FREEDOM, IRONICALLY, NOW THREE AND A HALF CENTURIES LATER, QUEENS REMAINS THE GATEWAY TO AMERICA . I HAVE CREATED THE QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO EXPLORE THE RICH EXPERIENCE OF OUR FANTASTIC DIVERSITY. THOSE MEMBERS INVOLVED TELL ME THAT IT HAS TAKEN THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE TO ANOTHER LEVEL. THEY HAVE NAVIGATED THE WORLD AT BOROUGH HALL'S CONFERENCE TABLE. I AM PROUD THAT MY IMMIGRATION TASK FORCE BRINGS TOGETHER MORE THAN 100 SERVICE PROVIDERS, WHO GUIDE NEWCOMERS ON THEIR PATH TO CITIZENSHIP.

TO HELP HONOR THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY IN OUR GREAT COUNTRY, AND THOSE WHO PROTECT IT, LET US TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER THAT QUEENS HAS LOST 17 OF ITS SONS IN THE WAR IN IRAQ .

(moment of silence)

WE PRAY FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND THE SAFE RETURN OF THOSE STILL SERVING. ALSO, WE SALUTE OUR CITIZEN SOLDIERS WHO ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVE. Let's recognize THE 77TH REGIONAL READINESS COMMAND ARMY RESERVES, REGULARLY DEPLOYED FROM FORT TOTTEN IN BAYSIDE, MANY OF WHOM DO MULTIPLE TOURS IN IRAQ .

They join us here today. (pause)

AS I BEGIN MY SIXTH YEAR AS YOUR BOROUGH PRESIDENT, I AM PROUD TO REPORT OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE PAST YEAR, AND SHARE MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF QUEENS.

HEALTH

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE MORE THAN 27,000 CHILDREN WHO WERE BORN IN QUEENS LAST YEAR AND THEIR FAMILIES. THAT'S WHY I AM COMMITTED TO ENSURING ACCESSIBLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE.

KNOWING THAT THE STATE BERGER COMMISSION ON HEALTH CARE WOULD RELEASE ITS REPORT IN DECEMBER, I HIRED THE RESPECTED FIRM OF PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS ON YOUR BEHALF TO HELP CREATE A VISION FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN QUEENS.

OUR STUDY UNCOVERED SOME SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES:

-      THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HOSPITAL BEDS IN QUEENS TO SERVE OUR POPULATION.

-      GAPS IN SERVICES RESULT IN RESIDENTS LEAVING THE BOROUGH TO SEEK CARE.SHOCKINGLY, WITH TWO OF OUR NATION'S BUSIEST AIRPORTS, OUR BOROUGH DOES NOT HAVE A CERTIFIED BURN CENTER. WHEN CIVILIANS, AND HEROIC FIREFIGHTERS WHO SAVE LIVES, ARE BURNED, THEY SHOULD HAVE IMMEDIATE BURN TREATMENT AND NOT HAVE TO TRAVEL INTO MANHATTAN. IN FACT, AS I SPEAK TO YOU TODAY, 1400 QUEENS RESIDENTS ARE LYING IN HOSPITAL BEDS OUTSIDE THE BOROUGH. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR US TO BE TOLD, "GO TO MANHATTAN"!

-      AND, THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN QUEENS IS NOT FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE. COUNCILMEMBER HELEN SEARS AND HER WORK ON THE CITY COUNCIL HAS HELPED TO HIGHLIGHT THIS PROBLEM AS WELL.

BUT, THERE ARE WAYS TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION AND OUR REPORT PROVIDES FOUR CRITICAL STEPS TO DO IT.

1.   PRESENTLY NEW YORK CITY IS INCORPORATED INTO ONE HEALTH REGION, THOUGH DISTRIBUTION OF SERVICES IS NOT EVENLY BALANCED AMONG THE BOROUGHS. THE POPULATION OF QUEENS IS 2.3 MILLION PEOPLE. WE HAVE 1.4 BEDS PER THOUSAND. MANHATTAN HAS Only 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE WITH 7.4 BEDS PER THOUSAND. THIS CLEARLY SHOWS THAT QUEENS SHOULD BE ITS OWN HEALTH REGION.

2.   AS THE BERGER COMMISSION STATED, THERE MUST BE ONE, NEW, STATE-OF- THE-ART HOSPITAL BUILT IN The ROCKAWAYs. BUT, I SAY ANOTHER MUST ALSO BE BUILT IN WESTERN QUEENS. BOTH OF THESE AREAS ARE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES. SOON THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 10,000 UNITS OF NEW HOUSING BUILT IN THESE TWO COMMUNITIES ALONE--- AND SORELY NEEDED MEDICAL SERVICES MUST BE PART OF THAT PLAN.

3.   SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS SHOULD BE BROUGHT INTO QUEENS. QUEENS RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LEAVE THE BOROUGH FOR MORE COMPLEX PROCEDURES AND SERVICES.

4.   TO ATTRACT NEW PHYSICIANS TO QUEENS, A CLINICAL CAMPUS FOR THE SOPHIE DAVIS SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL EDUCATION SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED ON THE CAMPUS AT QUEENS HOSPITAL CENTER. THE NEED IS GREAT AND THE LAND IS AVAILABLE --- WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

TO HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOALS, I AM ESTABLISHING A HOSPITAL TASK FORCE COMPRISED OF HEALTH CARE LEADERS IN QUEENS.

THE COMMISSION IGNORED ITS OWN REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE's RECOMMENDATION TO EXPAND CAPACITY AND INCREASE ACCESS TO NEEDED SERVICES IN WESTERN QUEENS. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE COMMISSION'S REPORT TO EXPAND MOUNT SINAI OF WESTERN QUEENS, OR TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR COMPLEX CARE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THIS GROWING SECTION OF THE BOROUGH.

I AM PLEASED THAT THE COMMISSION CALLED FOR 40 ADDITIONAL BEDS AT QUEENS HOSPITAL CENTER. WHILE THE BERGER COMMISSION GAVE US THESE ADDITIONAL BEDS HERE, IT PROPOSED THE ELIMINATION OF MORE THAN 400 BEDS IN FOREST HILLS AND ON THE ROCKAWAY PENNISULA. LET ME SAY IT EMPHATICALLY - I AM OPPOSED TO THE LOSS OF ANY HOSPITAL BEDS IN QUEENS.

BUT, WE HAVE MADE IMPORTANT STRIDES IN HEALTH CARE:

FREE STANDING HEALTH FACILITIES SUCH AS

-      THE UNIQUE JOSEPH P. ADDABBO FAMILY HEALTH CENTER OPENED ITS NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY IN FAR ROCKAWAY, CONTINUING ITS MISSION OF PROVIDING PREVENTIVE CARE FOR THOSE WHO COULD LEAST AFFORD IT.

-      QUEENS HOSPITAL CENTER OPENED THE DOORS TO ITS NEW AMBULATORY CARE PAVILION. THE HOSPITAL NOW HAS THE MOST MODERN CAT SCANNER… A POWERFUL DIAGNOSTIC TOOL.

-      THE RENOVATED ELMHURST HOSPITAL CENTER CLINIC AT JUNCTION BOULEVARD IN CORONA PROVIDES FAMILY MEDICINE AS WELL AS PRIMARY CARE. LAST WEEK THE HOSPITAL PERFORMED ITS FIRST ELECTIVE ANGIOPLASTY.

-      JUST THINK, NOT TOO LONG AGO, A PRIOR MAYOR TRIED TO PRIVATIZE OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS. I WAS VERY MUCH PART OF THE FIGHT AGAINST THAT PROPOSAL. LOOK AT HOW THESE FACILITIES HAVE FLOURISHED AS PREMIER HOSPITALS!

-      THIS SPRING, PENINSULA HOSPITAL CENTER, IN COLLABORATION WITH ITS AFFILIATE, THE LONG ISLAND JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER, WILL OPEN THE FIRST CARDIAC CATHERIZATION LAB ON THE ROCKAWAY PENINSULA.

-      MEANWHILE, MARY IMMACULATE HOSPITAL AND ST. JOHN'S QUEENS HOSPITAL EMERGED FROM BANKRUPTCY. BOTH HOSPITALS CONTINUE TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

HERE IS SOME MORE EXCITING NEWS  NEW YORK HOSPITAL QUEENS WILL SOON BREAK GROUND ON ITS MAJOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT. THIS WILL ADD 80 ADDITIONAL BEDS, A NEW AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER, FIVE NEW OPERATING ROOMS AND A NEW PARKING GARAGE.

-      AS QUEENS RESIDENTS, WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF LONG ISLAND JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER BEING RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAST YEAR, AS HAVING NEW YORK'S BEST SUCCESS RATE FOR ANGIOPLASTY. THIS YEAR, LIJ WILL COMPLETE THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS EXPANSION PROJECT wITH 40 ADDITIONAL BEDS FOR CARDIAC PATIENTS, AND AN EXPANDED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

-      SCHNEIDER'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, AT LIJ, WAS RANKED AS THE SECOND BEST PEDIATRIC INSTITUTION IN THE NEW YORK METRO AREA. HOW ABOUT THAT?

-      LAST YEAR, FOREST HILLS HOSPITAL'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT HAD THE BUSIEST YEAR IN ITS HISTORY. THIS YEAR, IT WILL ESTABLISH A MUCH-NEEDED ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL WITHIN ITS FACILITY.

-      JAMAICA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER IMPLEMENTED A 24/7 EMERGENCY CARDIAC ANGIOPLASTY PROGRAM. THIS YEAR, CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN ON A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY TO REPLACE THE OLD TRUMP PAVILION NURSING HOME.

-      FLUSHING HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER FULLY IMPLEMENTED ITS COMPASSIONATE HOSPICE PROGRAM. THIS YEAR, IT WILL BEGIN PROVIDING MRI SERVICES ON SITE.

-      THE MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL OF QUEENS OPENED A NEW IMAGING SUITE WITH AN MRI AND A POWERFUL CAT SCANNER. THIS YEAR, IT WILL ADD A MUCH-NEEDED DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT.

-      LAST YEAR, ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL HOSPITAL SOUTH SHORE CELEBRATED ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY AND RAISED FUNDING TO RENOVATE ITS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

IN THE WAKE OF THE BERGER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION, THE NEW PARKWAY HOSPITAL IS NEGOTIATING WITH A MAJOR HEALTH SYSTEM TO CONTINUE ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE TO THE RESIDENTS OF FOREST HILLS.

POLICE/CRIME

KEEPING OUR CITIZENS SAFE FROM PHYSICAL HARM IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HEALTH CARE. BUCKING THE CITY-WIDE TREND, MURDERS IN QUEENS DECREASED BY 11% IN 2006. BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO TO REDUCE MAJOR FELONY CRIME. IN QUEENS SOUTH, WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE TROUBLING INCREASE IN ROBBERIES AND RAPES. IN QUEENS NORTH, FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK NOW HAS THE DUBIOUS DISTINCTION OF BEING THE MOST DANGEROUS PARK IN THE CITY, WITH 44 CRIMES IN 2006, INCLUDING 12 BRUTAL ATTACKS AND ONE MURDER SINCE NOVEMBER.

WITH ITS PREMIER CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AND WORLD RENOWNED SPORTS FACILITIES ATTRACTING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS, A POLICE PRESENCE IN THE PARK IS LONG OVERDUE.

SINCE THE CITY HAS CONSISTANTLY REFUSED TO PLACE A PRECINCT IN THE PARK, I CALL ON THE MAYOR AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAY KELLY TO IMPLEMENT THEIR PLAN FOR A NEW POLICE ACADEMY TO BE IN FLUSHING MEADOWS PARK. WHY NOT?

WE OWN THE LAND AND IT WOULD GIVE US THE PROTECTION WE DESPERATELY NEED THERE.

AS YOU KNOW, LAST NOVEMBER A YOUNG MAN WAS SHOT BY UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICERS AND DIED WITHIN HOURS OF HIS PLANNED WEDDING. WHILE WE WAIT FOR THE DETERMINATION OF A GRAND JURY, WHICH BEGAN HEARING EVIDENCE YESTERDAY,

WE MUST ENSURE THAT SEAN BELL'S DEATH WILL RESULT IN MEANINGFUL CHANGES.

POLICING IS A TOUGH PROFESSION THAT REQUIRES SPLIT-SECOND DECISIONS. AS SUCH, I BELIEVE THAT THESE LIFE AND DEATH DECISIONS ARE BEST MADE BY OFFICERS WHO  ARE WELL TRAINED IN POLICING AND DIVERSITY. LET'S START TREATING POLICING AS THE PROFESSION IT SHOULD BE.

IT IS DISTRESSING TO ME THAT INVARIABLY WHEN I SPEAK TO NEW RECRUITS WHO WILL PATROL THE STREETS OF AMERICA'S MOST DIVERSE BOROUGH, I FIND THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY ARE NOT CITY RESIDENTS. WE NEED TO CREATE INCENTIVES THAT WILL INSPIRE MORE CITY RESIDENTS TO JOIN THE RANKS OF NEW YORK'S FINEST.

THESE INCENTIVES INCLUDE:

-      RAISING THE ENTRY SALARY FOR POLICE OFFICERS SO THEY CAN AFFORD TO LIVE HERE.

-      RE-ESTABLISHING THE CUNY CADET PROGRAM AT JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE THAT PREPARED COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS IN THE NYPD. THE CUNY CADET PROGRAM ATTRACTED CITY RESIDENTS. COMBINED WITH THE VALLONE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES HALF THE COST OF TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS WHO MAINTAIN AN AVERAGE OF B OR BETTER, THIS PROGRAM ALSO AWARDED ADVANCED STANDING IN THE NYPD FOR ITS GRADUATES WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST OFFICERS ON THE STREETS TODAY.

I BELIEVE THAT POLICE OFFICERS WHO KNOW THE YOUTH, SENIORS AND MERCHANTS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS CAN'T HELP BUT BE MORE EFFECTVE IN CRIME PREVENTION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE TIME TO REESTABLISH COMMUNITY POLICING IS NOW. ACCORDING TO THE MAYOR'S MANAGEMENT REPORT OF FISCAL YEAR 2006 WE HAVE LOST  MORE THAN 1100 OFFICERS SINCE FISCAL YEAR 2002. OUR POLICE FORCE HAS BEEN DRASTICALLY CUT. I URGE ALL CITIZENS TO DEMAND NOT ONLY RESTORATION OF THE POLICE FORCE, BUT AN INCREASE IN ITS RANKS.

CESAR BORJA, ONE OF NEW YORK'S FINEST WHO WORKED 16-HOUR SHIFTS FOR MONTHS AT GROUND ZERO IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER WAITING FOR A LUNG TRANSPLANT. HE IS A BAYSIDE RESIDENT, WHO NEVER MISSED A DAY OF WORK IN 20 YEARS AS A CITY COP. PLEASE, LET'S SPREAD THE WORD THAT OFFICER BORjA AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS CAN BE SAVED THROUGH ORGAN DONATIONS.

EDUCATION --

THE BEST CRIME PREVENTION TOOL IS A QUALITY EDUCATION. AS A FORMER EDUCATOR AND NOW AS THE BOROUGH PRESIDENT I CONTINUE TO WORK TO ENSURE THAT THOSE 27,000 CHILDREN WHOM WE WELCOMED INTO THE WORLD LAST YEAR, AND THOSE THAT PRECEEDED THEM, WILL RECEIVE THE QUALITY EDUCATION THAT IS THEIR BIRTHRIGHT.

AMERICA IS THE GREATEST DEMOCRACY IN THE WORLD. AND A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT REQUIRES THE PARTICIPATION OF ITS CITIZENS, WITHOUT WHICH IT CANNOT SURVIVE.

THAT IS WHY I CREATED THE FIRST PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL WITH A MISSION TO GIVE EVERY PARENT A MEANINGFUL VOICE IN THEIR CHILD'S EDUCATION.

DIALOG TAKES PLACE BETWEEN PARENTS AND EDUCATORS INCLUDING DR. GERALDINE CHAPEY, THE QUEENS MEMBER OF OUR NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF REGENTS, WHICH DETERMINES EDUCATION POLICY FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW YORK. MICHAEL FLOWERS, MY QUEENS APPOINTEE TO THE PANEL ON EDUCATION, co-CHAIRS THE COUNCIL with me. GUEST SPEAKERS HAVE INCLUDED CHANCELLOR JOEL KLEIN -THREE TIMES AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF EDUCATION  FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK - DENNIS WALCOTT.

LAST YEAR, WE OPENED THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR CONSTRUCTION TRADES, ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE WITH ALMOST 1,000 SEATS. UPON GRADUATION, ITS STUDENTS WILL BE READY LITERALLY TO SHAPE OUR CITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY.

WE ALSO OPENED A SCHOOL ADDITION IN THE CITYLIGHTS BUILDING AT QUEENS WEST, AND TWO NEW SMALL SCHOOLS THAT OFFER QUEENS STUDENTS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW AND REACH THEIR POTENTIAL.

MEANWHILE, ANOTHER 12,000 SEATS ARE IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. WHEN I LEAVE OFFICE, EVERY CHILD IN QUEENS WILL EITHER HAVE A SEAT OR A SEAT ALLOCATED FOR THEM IN THE CITY'S CONSTRUCTION PLAN. BOY DOES THAT MAKE ME HAPPY!

THE FIVE CUNY INSTITUTIONS IN QUEENS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO A VERY DIVERSE STUDENT BODY.

IN HER FIRST YEAR HERE AT YORK COLLEGE, DR. KEIZS HAS INCREASED FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT STANDARDS, CREATED THE YORK COLLEGE/FDA HONORS PROGRAM, AND HAS WON APPROVAL TO INITIATE A BACCALAURATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN AVIATION MANAGEMENT. HOW'S THAT FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP!

AT QUEENS COLLEGE, I WORKED WITH DR. MUYSKINS TO BOLSTER ITS PROGRAM FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS SEEKING AN EDUCATION. RECENTLY, I WORKED WITH COUNCILMEMBER DAVID WEPRIN AND DR. MARTI TO DEDICATE THE NEW KUPFERBERG HOLOCAUST RESOURCE CENTER AT QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE GENEROSITY OF THE KUPFERBERG FAMILY IS STUPENDOUS.

LAST FALL, I JOINED DR. MELLOW TO OPEN THE NEW YORK DESIGN CENTER THAT LITERALLY TRANSFORMED A FACTORY BUILDING INTO THE REGION'S FIRST BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR THE DESIGN INDUSTRY AT LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

AT CUNY LAW SCHOOL, WE WELCOMED A NEW DEAN, MICHELLE ANDERSON. CONGRATULATIONS TO HER FOR ALREADY INCREASING THE SCHOOL'S BAR PASSING RATE.

YES, YOU TOO CAN BECOME A LAWYER - AT CITY COLLEGE TUITION RATES!

I AM KEEPING MY PROMISE TO THE LATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN PAULINE CUMMINGS TO ESTABLISH A CUNY PROGRAM IN THE ROCKAWAYS.

ON MY MANY TRIPS TO THE PENINSULA, I ALWAYS ADMIRED THE BEAUTIFUL OLD COURTHOUSE AT ITS GATEWAY. AFTER EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES, I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT NEXT YEAR, WE WILL BEGIN TO TRANSFORM THAT ABANDONED COURTHOUSE INTO CUNY-BY-THE-SEA.

WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR NEW STATE SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER, MALCOLM SMITH, ASSEMBLYMEMBER AUDREY PHEFFER, CONGRESSMAN GREGORY MEEKS, CITY COUNCILMEMBER JAMES SAUNDERS AND DR. GAIL MELLOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY.

MEANWHILE, ALSO UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. MELLOW, WE ARE LAUNCHING CUNY-ON-WHEELS WHICH YOU PASSED ON YOUR WAY IN TODAY, AND WHICH I WAS HAPPY TO FUND. IT WILL OFFER INFORMATION ON CREDIT AND NON CREDIT PROGRAMS, CUNY ADMISSIONS COUNSELING AND registration. AND YOU CAN TOUR IT TODAY!

LIBRARIES --

IN ADDITION TO SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE QUEENS BOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE WORLD... WITH 17 MILLION ITEMS.

SINCE BECOMING BOROUGH PRESIDENT, I HAVE PROVIDED MORE THAN 30 MILLION DOLLARS IN FUNDING FOR OUR LIBRARIES. LAST YEAR ALONE, I ALLOCATED ALMOST 7 MILLION DOLLARS TO UPGRADE SEVERAL BRANCHES, INCLUDING FAR ROCKAWAY, REGO PARK, KEW GARDENS HILLS, ELMHURST AND JACKSON HEIGHTS. WE HAVE OPENED A NEW BRANCH IN CAMBRIA HEIGHTS EQUIPPED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY WITH ITS ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ENHANCING LINDEN BOULEVARD. MANY OF OUR BRANCHES NEED TO EXPAND, AND WE ARE WORKING TO PROVIDE THEM WITH NEW, LARGER FACILITIES.

NEXT YEAR, WE WILL BREAK GROUND ON THE CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY CENTER AT THE CENTRAL BRANCH IN JAMAICA . FUNDED WITH 8 MILLION DOLLARS BY MY OFFICE AND SUPPORT FROM THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, THIS UNIQUE FACILITY WILL BRING TOGETHER MY GREATEST PASSIONS -- CHILDREN, SCIENCE AND LIBRARIES.

I AM DETERMINED TO BUILD A NEW LIBRARY AT QUEENS WEST.

THAT'S WHY I HAVE TOLD MAYOR BLOOMBERG THAT THE 5 MILLION DOLLAR PENALTY LEVIED AGAINST METLIFE FOR PULLING JOBS OUT OF QUEENS MUST BE ALLOCATED FOR THIS LIBRARY.

PARKS --

WHILE OUR LIBRARIES EXERCISE OUR MINDS, OUR PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES EXERCISE OUR BODIES.

SINCE BECOMING BOROUGH PRESIDENT I HAVE ALLOCATED 62 MILLION DOLLARS TO IMPROVE OUR PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.

THIS PAST YEAR, I WAS PROUD TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED FUNDS TO UPGRADE QUEENSBRIDGE PARK IN LONG ISLAND CITY; SOUTHERN FIELD IN OZONE PARK; MARTIN'S FIELD IN FLUSHING; BROOKVILLE PARK IN ROSEDALE; CUNNINGHAM PARK IN FRESH MEADOWS AND TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR A NEW BOATHOUSE IN FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK. WE ARE WORKING WITH COUNCILMEMBER JIM GENNARO ON VON DOHLEN PARK IN JAMAICA , COUNCILMEMBER TONY AVELLA ON THE NEW SPORTS COMPLEX IN COLLEGE POINT, AND COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS WHITE ON THE RENOVATION OF BAISLEY PARK IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS. WE ALSO DEDICATED A NEW FIELD FOR THE BAYSIDE RAIDERS FOOTBALL CLUB WITHIN THE KISSENA PARK CORRIDOR. I JOINED THE TEAM AS AN HONORARY MEMBER.

A NEW CHAPTER WAS WRITTEN IN THE HISTORY OF FORT TOTTEN WHEN state senator padavan and i OPENED THE RENOVATED HISTORIC STRUCTURE'S BATTERY. WITH THE HELP OF 850,000 DOLLARS FROM MY OFFICE, THE FORT'S MUSEUM WILL SOON BE TRANSFORMED INTO A WELCOME CENTER. TO TRANSPORT VISITORS AROUND THE BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT GROUNDS ON THE FORT, I HAVE ALSO PROVIDED $300,000 FOR TWO ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ELECTRICALLY POWERED TRAMS.

RECENTLY, WE TOPPED OFF THE INDOOR POOL AND RINK IN FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK, THE LARGEST RECREATION FACILITY EVER BUILT IN A CITY PARK. IMAGINE, NINE MONTHS FROM TODAY, QUEENS RESIDENTS WILL SWIM IN THE PARK'S OLYMPIC SIZE POOL OR SKATE ON ITS NHL HOCKEY STANDARD ICE RINK. THIS WILL SERVE AS A YEAR-ROUND RECREATIONAL FACILITY.

WORK HAS ALSO COMMENCED AT RAINEY PARK LOCATED IN LONG ISLAND CITY FOR A NEW TODDLER PLAYGROUND. IN LATE SPRING, WE WILL SEE THE CREATION OF A NEW 3 MILLION DOLLAR SPORTS COMPLEX AT VICTORY FIELD IN FOREST PARK.

BUT THE PROJECT THAT HAS PROBABLY ATTRACTED YOUR ATTENTION THE MOST IS THE NEW BALLPARK FOR OUR METS. "CITIFIELD" WILL BE A SPECTACULAR NEW FACILITY AND I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT RACHEL ROBINSON WAS ON HAND AS IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE STADIUM'S CENTRAL ROTUNDA Will HONOR THE LEGACY OF HER LATE HUSBAND JACKIE ROBINSON. WE BROKE GROUND FOR THIS 45,000 SEAT STADIUM IN NOVEMBER AND I WILL BE THERE FOR THE START OF A CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON ON OPENING DAY IN 2009!!!

MEANWHILE, AS CHAIR OF THE CITIFIELD ADVISORY COMMITTEE, I HAVE INVITED COUNCILMEMBER AND QUEENS DELEGATION LEADER LEROY COMRIE TO CO-CHAIR THE COMMITTEE WITH ME.

ASSEMBLYMEMBERS JEFF AUBRY AND JOSE PERALTA, STATE SENATOR JOHN SABINI AND COUNCILMEMBER HIRAM MONSERRATE ARE ALL PART OF THE TEAM.

OUR TASK IS TO ENSURE EQUAL PARTICIPATION IN CONSTRUCTION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL SECTORS OF THE QUEENS BUSINESS COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND MINORITIES. WE ARE ALSO WORKING TO MITIGATE ANY POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

HOUSING --

MY HUSBAND DONALD AND I MOVED TO QUEENS FIVE DECADES AGO. WE MOVED TO QUEENS BECAUSE THIS WAS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE AND RAISE OUR CHILDREN.

TODAY, QUEENS IS STILL AN AMAZING PLACE DEMONSTRATED BY HOW OUR POPULATION CONTINUES TO GROW BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.

WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR EVERYONE.

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF MY ADMINISTRATION, I HAVE ASKED DEVELOPERS AND THE CITY TO INCLUDE AFFORDABLE AND MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING IN NEW PROJECTS. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT MAYOR BLOOMBERG HAS MADE INCLUSIONARY ZONING HIS PRIORITY. AND THIS IS HAPPENING IN SEVERAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS.

WE CONTINUE TO TRANSFORM THE FANTASTIC BEACHFRONT IN THE ROCKAWAYS INTO THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY THAT IS TODAY.

FROM THE BEGINNING, MY REACTION TO THIS SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT WAS TO DUB IT " HAMPTONS WEST," BUT IT'S MORE CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE THAN THE HAMPTONS.

" ARVERNE EAST" IN THE ROCKAWAYS IS MOVING FORWARD WITH 1600 UNITS OF MIDDLE- INCOME HOUSING AND MORE THAN 500,000 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE.

COMBINED WITH ARVERNE-BY-THE-SEA, WE WILL HAVE A NEW WATERFRONT COMMUNITY WITH ALMOST 4,000 UNITS OF NEW HOUSING, NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE, A HOTEL, SCHOOL, A YMCA AND EVEN A MOVIE THEATER.

AS BOROUGH PRESIDENT, I REALIZE TIMES ARE OFTEN HARD AND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE ENDS MEET. PROPERTY TAXES CAN ESPECIALLY BE TROUBLESOME. I AM PLEASED THAT THE MAYOR WILL SOON MAIL TAX FORMS TO FAMILIES WHO WERE ELIGIBLE FOR EARNED INCOME TAX CREDITS, YET NEVER CLAIMED THEM.

RECENTLY, I DISCOVERED THAT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 QUEENS PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS THAT THEY MIGHT BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. OUR CALCULATIONS INDICATE THAT QUEENS RESIDENTS MIGHT BE PAYING MORE THAN 28 MILLION DOLLARS IN PROPERTY TAXES THAN NECESSARY.

WE'RE GOING TO HELP!

WE ARE LAUNCHING A PROPERTY TAX INITIATIVE TO ENROLL EVERY ELIGIBLE QUEENS HOMEOWNER BEFORE MARCH 15TH IN THE STAR PROGRAM. IT IS A VERY SIMPLE PROCESS THAT CAN PUT MONEY IN YOUR POCKET SO DO IT.

APPLICATIONS ARE IN THE LOBBY -- DON'T FORGET TO PICK ONE UP.

RECOGNIZING THAT HOMEOWNERS IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS WERE PARTICULARLY TARGETED BY PREDATORY LENDORS, MY OFFICE HELPED PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES, LOAN PROGRAMS, COUNSELING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. WE HELPED MANY HOMEOWNERS AVOID FORECLOSURE ON THEIR HOMES.

WE ALSO ADDRESSED THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT AN ALL-DAY CONFERENCE AT CITIBANK. SHORTLY AFTER, I JOINED THE MAYOR FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT NEW YORK CITY WAS PURCHASING 25 ACRES AT QUEENS WEST IN LONG ISLAND CITY TO BUILD UP TO 5,000 UNITS OF MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING.

IN FLUSHING, I ALSO WORKED TO ENSURE THAT THE HISTORIC MACEDONIA AME CHURCH WILL BE THE DEVELOPER OF APPROXIMATELY 140 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS PART OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT 1 DEVELOPMENT.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER JAMAICA FAMILY COURT BUILDING, WITH ITS CREATIVE DESIGN, WILL PRESERVE THE OLD BUILDING'S FACADE AND CREATE 350 NEW UNITS OF HOUSING. APPROXIMATELY 70 percent OF THESE UNITS WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR AFFORDABLE AND MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING.

AT EDGEMERE, CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN ON THE NEEDED INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL ENABLE THE BUILDING OF ADDITONAL, AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN 2008.

WORKING WITH THE MAYOR, WE WILL DEVELOP A JOB RETENTION AND BUSINESS RELOCATION PROGRAM AS WE TRANSFORM THE 55 ACRE WILLETS POINT AREA INTO A VIBRANT ENCLAVE. IT WILL RECONNECT FLUSHING TO ITS WATERFRONT AND INCLUDE HOUSING, RECREATION, RETAIL, RESTAURANTS AND A NEW CONFERENCE CENTER, LONG-REQUESTED BY OUR QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

WE'RE ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE LONG AWAITED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE RKO KEITH SITE, THE GATEWAY TO FLUSHING, WITH 200 RESIDENTIAL UNITS. THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE THE LANDMARKED INTERIOR WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE ON THE SIDEWALK THROUGH A GLASS CURTAIN WALL. WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE PARTNERED WITH COUNCILMEMBER JOHN LIU TO ENSURE THE SITE WILL INCLUDE A NEW SENIOR CENTER.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT --

OUR TRANSPORTATION AND COMMERCIAL HUBS-- FLUSHING, JAMAICA AND LONG ISLAND CITY-- ARE UNIFORMLY MARKED BY CONSTRUCTION SITES, MACHINERY AND SCAFFOLDING. THESE ARE SIGNS OF PROGRESS AND GROWTH. IT TAKES TIME FOR ZONING CHANGES, MARKET CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC IMPERATIVES TO CONVERGE, BUT INDEED, THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THESE AREAS.

WE ARE IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR DOWNTOWN FLUSHING. THE TDC/ROCKAFELLER DEVELOPMENT TEAM WILL BREAK GROUND NEXT YEAR ON MUNICIPAL LOT #1 TRANSFORMING IT INTO FLUSHING COMMONS. IT WILL INCLUDE A ONE-ACRE TOWN SQUARE, A HOTEL, 500 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, COMMERCIAL SPACE, COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL FACILITiES AND PARKING.

IN A FEW MONTHS, QUEENS CROSSING, A NEW RETAIL AND OFFICE BUILDING - INCLUDING COMMUNITY SPACE - WILL OPEN AT MAIN STREET AND 39TH AVENUE.  WITH ITS SETBACK DESIGN, IT WILL MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY OF THE NEW OPEN SPACE AT FLUSHING COMMONS FROM MAIN STREET.

ON THE BANKS OF THE FLUSHING RIVER, MUSS DEVELOPMENT IS PREPARING THE FORMER CON ED SITE FOR THE FLUSHING TOWN SQUARE PROJECT THAT WILL INCLUDE 800,000 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL, PARKING AND MORE THAN A THOUSAND NEW HOUSING UNITS.

LONG ISLAND CITY IS SEEING RAPID RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

LAST FALL, WE TOPPED OUT THE SECOND CITICORP TOWER AND SHORTLY, WE WILL DEDICATE THE NEW U.N. FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BUILDING.

PLANS ARE ALSO BEING FINALIZED TO TRANSFORM QUEENS PLAZA AND JACKSON AVENUE INTO ENTICING GATEWAYS TO OUR BOROUGH. WE CAN THANK CONGRESSWOMAN CAROLYN MALONEY FOR 19 MILLION FEDERAL DOLLARS TO SUPPORT THIS TRANSFORMATION.

RESIDENTS OF LONG ISLAND CITY, INCLUDING QUEENSBRIDGE AND RAVENSWOOD HOUSES, WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO LEAVE THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD FOR THEIR BANKING NEEDS. THE FIRST AMALGAMATED BANK WILL OPEN ON 21ST STREET, IN WHAT IS NOW THE THIRD STATE BANKING DISTRICT IN QUEENS.

THESE DISTRICTS REPRESENT AN INVESTMENT OF STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DEPOSITS, ENCOURAGING BANKS TO OPEN IN AREAS NOT PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED BANKING AREAS. OUR FIRST STATE BANKING DISTRICT, WHICH MOVED FORWARD WITH MY APPROVAL, WAS CARVER BANK LOCATED ON ARCHER AVENUE IN JAMAICA, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DEBORAH WRIGHT. THE SECOND DISTRICT, UNDER COMMUNITY BANK, LED BY JOE FICALORA, IS IN CORONA.

THIS NEW DISTRICT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF MY OFFICE, COMPTROLLER BILL THOMPSON AND STATE BANKING COMMISSIONER DIANA TAYLOR, AND THE CHAIR OF THE ASSEMBLY BANKING COMMITTEE AT THE TIME, CATHY NOLAN.COUNCILMEMBER ERIC GIOIA AND BISHOP MITCHELL TAYLOR HAD ALSO BEEN LONG-TIME ADVOCATES FOR THIS BANK.

NOT TOO FAR AWAY, SILVERCUP STUDIOS HAS OBTAINED FINAL APPROVAL FOR ITS PLAN TO BUILD EXPANDED STUDIO SPACE. INCLUDED IN THIS PROJECT ARE 1,000 UNITS OF NEW HOUSING, COMPLEMENTED BY COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL SPACE AND A WATERFRONT ESPLANADE. THE SUNA BROTHERS WILL ALSO PROVIDE APPROXIMATELY 150 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

JAMAICA --

IN JAMAICA , THE FORMER DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH, NOW KNOWN AS THE LANDMARK PROJECT, WILL OPEN THIS FALL AS A PREMIER MULTI-USE PERFOrMING ARTS THEATER, EXHIBITION SPACE AND BUSINESS CONFERENCE CENTER. THANK YOU COUNCILMEMBER COMRIE FOR YOUR HELP ON THIS PROJECT.

THE INTERNATIONAL MERCHANDISE MART WILL BE A KEYSTONE PROJECT IN THE UPGRADING OF THE JAMAICA STATION TRANSIT HUB. THIS BEAUTIFUL CRYSTAL TOWER, WITH AN ATRIUM INTERIOR HOLDING DISPLAY SPACE FOR WHOLESALERS, IS BEING PLANNED WITH THE GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

OTHER PLANS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE THE AIRTRAIN/JAMAICA STATION AREA WITH BEAUTIFUL OPEN PUBLIC SPACES, PUBLIC AMENITIES, NEW SHOPS, UPDATED LIGHTING AND IMPROVED TRAFFIC FLOW--- ALL OF WHICH WILL GENERATE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.

INFRASTRUCTURE --

ALL OF THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL REQUIRE THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF SEWERS, ROADS AND PARKING. NOT SEXY BUT VITAL. THAT'S WHY WE CONTINUE TO FOCUS OUR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED STORM SEWERS TO RELIEVE THE CHRONIC FLOODING IN THE LOW LYING AREAS OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS TO TAKE STEPS TO LOWER THE WATER TABLE WITH INCREASED PUMPING FROM MORE WELLS. THE DRAINAGE PLANS ARE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE AND THE TIME TO ACTUALLY BUILD THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOW.

LAST WEEK, I MET WITH DEP OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY BOARD REPS FROM BOARDS 8, 9, 10, 12 & 13. WE LEARNED THAT THIS MAJOR PROJECT WILL TAKE SEVERAL DECADES AND AN ESTIMATED COST OF ONE BILLION DOLLARS. I SAID THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I SUGGESTED THAT WE TAP OUR QUEENS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ASSIST US WITH FUNDING. I CONTACTED THE HONORABLE JOE CROWLEY, MY CONGRESSMAN, WHO INDICATED A WILLINGNESS TO WORK WITH THE QUEENS DELEGATION IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM.

THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL REQUIRE ENERGY THE KIND THAT KEEPS NEIGHBORHOODS LIT 24 HOURS A DAY. THEREFORE, WE ARE WORKING WITH CON EDISON TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING THAT-CAN-BE-DONE- WILL-BE-DONE TO AVOID ANOTHER BLACKOUT THIS SUMMER. CON ED REPORTS THAT IT HAS INVESTED 89 MILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE, PERMANENT REPAIRS, AND ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LONG ISLAND CITY NETWORK.

OUR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CANNOT ENDURE ANOTHER 10-DAY BLACKOUT.

I CONGRATULATE MAYOR BLOOMBERG FOR HAVING THE FORESIGHT AND VISION TO INITITIATE THE 2030 PROJECT. AND, I THANK HIM FOR ANNOUNCing this project IN QUEENS, WHERE ALL THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OUTLINED ARE SO READILY VISIBLE. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM TO RESTORE OUR ENVIRONMENT, TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND HOUSE OUR PEOPLE.

THERE WILL BE MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD. ONE OF WHICH WILL BE HOW TO LIMIT CARS ON THE EAST RIVER CROSSINGS. SOME HAVE RAISED THE SPECTER OF CONGESTION PRICING. i BELIEVE WITHOUT ALTERNATIVE MASS TRANSIT ALREADY IN PLACE, CONGESTION PRICING WILL HAVE AN UNINTENDED NEGATIVE IMPACT ON QUEENS AND BROOKLYN.

I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GREATLY REDUCE THE VOLUME OF CARS DRIVING INTO MANHATTAN. WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE SUNNYSIDE RAILROAD STATION, PART OF THE JUST-FUNDED EAST SIDE ACCESS PLAN, IS MAXIMIZED BY MAKING IT A TRULY INTERMODAL FACILITY WITH DIRECT CONNECTIONS TO THE NEARBY SUBWAY LINES.

IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT RELIEVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION BY 2030, WE MUST FINALLY REOPEN THE MORE THAN 20 STATIONS CLOSED IN QUEENS BY THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD. THE RAILROAD MUST FINALLY TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND TO PREVENT FUTURE TRAGEDIES.

FERRIES ARE GREATLY UNDERUTILIZED IN NEW YORK CITY. WE FOCUS ON FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN MANHATTAN AND NEW JERSEY, BUT NEGLECT TO TAP THE WATERFRONT RESOURCES RIGHT HERE IN OUR BACKYARD. WHEN IS THE CITY FINALLY GOING TO HEED THE CALL FROM MYSELF AND COUNCILMEMBER JOE ADDABBO AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN AUDREY PHEFFER TO APPROVE FERRY SERVICE FROM THE ROCKAWAYS TO MANHATTAN? 

THE RESIDENTS OF THE PENNISULA HAVE BEEN WAITING ON THE PIER FOR MORE THAN A GENERATION! WE ALSO NEED OUR FERRY SERVICE FROM LONG ISLAND CITY TO MANHATTAN RESTORED.

AVIATION --

THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS IS A TRANSPORTATION HUB FOR THE ENTIRE world. OUR TWO AIRPORTS PROVIDE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN REVENUE, AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF JOBS. ALONG WITH THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS COME SOME COSTS, INCLUDING, AIR POLLUTION, NOISE AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION. WITH A NEW GENERATION OF AIRCRAFT ON THE HORIZON, WE NEED TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES now.

AS A MEMBER OF THE CITY'S AIRPORT BOARD, MY POSITION IS CLEAR. WE NEED AIR MONITORING AT THE AIRPORTS, A RESIDENTIAL SOUND PROOFING PROGRAM, AND IMPROVED AIRPORT ACCESS. WE ARE WORKING WITH THE PORT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. ADDITIONAL HELP WILL COME FROM THE 100 MILLION DOLLARS FOR QUEENS PROJECTS FROM THE RE-NEGOTIATED LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE PORT AUTHORITY.

OUR AIRPORTS CONTINUE TO SEE MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. AT KENNEDY, OUR QUEENS-BASED NEIGHBOR JETBLUE AIRWAYS IS CONSTRUCTING A NEW 26-GATE PASSENGER TERMINAL BEHIND THE LANDMARKED TWA FLIGHT CENTER, WHOSE UNIQUE WING DESIGN MANY OF YOU REMEMBER.

AT LAGUARDIA, AIR TRAFFIC WILL NO DOUBT BE MORE EFFICIENT AND SAFER WHEN WE BREAK GROUND THIS YEAR FOR ITS NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER, THANKS TO THE LEADERSHIP OF CONGRESSMAN JOE CROWLEY.

ALSO, A 15 MILLION DOLLAR STUDY WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR TO PLAN IMPROVEMENTS AT THE AIRPORT. FAR FROM ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 1939, LAGUARDIA HANDLED MORE THAN 25 MILLION PASSENGERS LAST YEAR.

COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS --

KEEPING OUR STREETS ATTRACTIVE AS PLACES WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO SHOP IS IMPORTANT TO ME. THAT IS WHY I CREATED MY COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR PROGRAM. UNDER THE PROGRAM, MORE THAN 1,000 TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED ALONG WITH OTHER IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ALONG MAJOR SHOPPING THOROUGHFARES THROUGHOUT THE BOROUGH.

WORKING WITH COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE QUINN AND THE QUEENS DELEGATION, GREENSTREETS HAVE BEEN CREATED IN DOUGLASTON, ALONG BEACH CHANNEL DRIVE AT 71ST STREET, CROSS BAY BOULEVARD AND NEW ENTRIES TO QUEENS AND YORK COLLEGES.

WE HAVE PLANS TO DO SIMILAR WORK IN SUNNYSIDE, BAYSIDE AND RIDGEWOOD.

AND, THANK YOU COUNCILMEMBER PETER VALLONE JR. FOR YOUR RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF GRAFFITI VANDALS.

IN 2006, REZONINGS FOR SEVEN QUEENS NEIGHBORHOODS WERE APPROVED. AS WE SPEAK TWO MORE REZONINGS ARE NEARING FINAL APPROVAL.

MY ZONING TASK FORCE WILL CONTINUE WORKING CLOSELY WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING UNTIL EVERY QUEENS NEIGHBORHOOD IS ZONED APPROPRIATELY.

AT THE SAME TIME, WORK ON THE JAMAICA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN IS UNDERWAY.

THE 368 BLOCK PLAN INCLUDES THE AIRTRAIN STATION, THE COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR OF DOWNTOWN JAMAICA , AND SEVERAL LOWER DENSITY NEIGHBORHOODS.

TOGETHER WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING, WE WILL ENSURE THAT ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT WILL BE APPROPRIATE, COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AND PROVIDE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND INCREASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS ARE IMPORTANT. BUT, I AM ALSO GLAD TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF SOME OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK SO HARD TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMMERCIAL AREAS.

CULTURAL/TOURISM

OUR BOROUGH IS BLESSED WITH A WIDE SPECTRUM OF CULTURAL VENUES, UNIQUE PLACES OF INTEREST, AND VISITOR ATTRACTIONS. INDEED OUR MANTRA IS "VISIT QUEENS AND SEE THE WORLD."

I AM PROUD THAT QUEENS HAS BECOME A PROMINENT TOURIST DESTINATION CAPTURING A BIGGER SHARE OF THE RECORD 44 MILLION TOURISTS WHO CAME TO NEW YORK CITY LAST YEAR.

EVENTS SUCH AS THE U.S. OPEN, THE METS PLAYOFF SERIES, JAMAICA JAMS, THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT RACES AND THE ROCKAWAY KITE FESTIVAL CONTINUE TO ATTrACT INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES AS WELL AS LOCAL FANS.

OUR CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS CONTINUE TO ATTRACT TOURISTS. THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SET A RECORD FOR ITS ATTENDANCE LAST YEAR. IT IS NOW THE CITY'S LARGEST PROVIDER OF GRADUATE, PROFESSIONAL AND METHOD COURSES IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES. WITH A 2.7 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM MY OFFICE, THE HALL IS PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON A SCIENCE PLAYGROUND FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS.

ANOTHER 12 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM MY OFFICE WILL ALLOW THE QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDENS TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF ITS SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES AND BUILDINGS PROJECT. WITH ITS WATER RECAPTURE AND RE-USE FEATURES, CRAIN'S NAMED THE GARDEN "AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN GREEN BUILDINGS."

QUEENS MUSEUM OF ART, WITH THE SUPPORT OF A 21 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM MY OFFICE, RELEASED ITS SPECTACULAR DESIGN PLANS FOR ITS LONG-AWAITED EXPANSION THAT WILL LITERALLY DOUBLE ITS SIZE. THE MUSEUM'S WORLD-FAMOUS PANORAMA IS SET TO REOPEN AFTER UNDERGOING AN UPGRADE THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE WAY VISITORS EXPERIENCE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND TREASURE. iF ANYONE HERE HAS NOT SEEN THE PANAROMA, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND SEE THIS UNIQUE MODEL OF NEW YORK CITY WHERE YOU CAN EVEN FIND YOUR OWN HOME.

THE HISTORIC HOUSE TRUST MUSEUMS IN QUEENS HAD A VERY ACTIVE YEAR. KING MANOR IN JAMAICA AND KINGSLAND HOMESTEAD IN FLUSHING INTRODUCED NEW EVENTS. QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM DREW CROWDS OF ALMOST A HALF MILLION PEOPLE. OPERATING SINCE 1697, THIS SITE IS THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY FARMED PARCEL OF LAND IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW YORK.TO PRESERVE ITS PAST AND PROTECT ITS FUTURE, MY OFFICE IS WORKING WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS TO FUND ITS MASTER PLAN.

THE TRUST IS ALSO PARTNERING WITH MY OFFICE TO BRING THE HOME OF NOTED AFRICAN-AMERICAN INVENTOR, LEWIS H. LATIMER, WHO WORKED WITH THOMAS EDISON TO INVENT THE LIGHT BULB FILAMENT, UNDER ITS UMBRELLA. THE TRUST WILL ALSO BRING THE JOHN BOWNE HOUSE IN FLUSHING, UNDER ITS UMBRELLA, AS WE RENOVATE IT AND OPEN IT AS A MUSEUM.

WHILE IT PLANS ITS MAJOR EXPANSION PROJECT, THE MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE LAUNCHED ITS OPEN COLLECTION DATABASE THAT WILL PUT THE MUSEUM'S ENTIRE 125,000-ARTIFACT COLLECTION ONLINE. DID YOU KNOW THAT BEN HUR'S CHARIOT IS ONE OF THOSE ARTIFACTS?

FLUSHING TOWN HALL BEGAN ITS PROGRAM THAT EXCHANGES DANCE COMPANIES AND VISUAL ARTISTS WITH TAIWAN. THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT HAS CHARACTERIZED THIS PROGRAM AS A "NATIONAL MODEL FOR BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH ART."

QUEENS THEATRE IN THE PARK CELEBRATED THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS LATINO CULTURAL FESTIVAL. THE THEATRE, WHEN EXPANDED NEXT FALL, WILL FEATURE A FULL SERVICE CAFE, EXPANDED PERFORMANCE SPACE, AND A SPECTACULAR NEW LOBBY WITH THE SUPPORT OF AN 8.6 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM MY OFFICE. QTIP WILL RIVAL ANY BROADWAY THEATER!

P.S.1 CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER CELEBRATED ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY. ALSO WITH A GRANT FROM MY OFFICE, IT IS PLANNING A NEW VISITORS CENTER THAT WILL ALSO MARKET THE MANY ARTS VENUES IN LONG ISLAND CITY.

QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY/IMMIGRATION TASK FORCE –

AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE TAKEN GREAT PRIDE IN CREATING A QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS CAN LEARN ABOUT ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR CULTURES. MY QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE MORE THAN 70 CIVIC LEADERS OF DIVERSE RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS WHO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES ABOUT LIVING IN THE MOST MULTI-ETHNIC COUNTY IN THE WORLD.

I AM PROUD THAT MY IMMIGRATION TASK FORCE BRINGS TOGETHER MORE THAN 100 SERVICE PROVIDERS, WHO GUIDE NEWCOMERS ON THEIR PATH TO CITIZENSHIP.

SENIORS/YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES --

THE SACRIFICES AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR SENIORS HAVE HELPED TO BUILD OUR GREAT BOROUGH. SO WE CONTINUE TO INVEST IN PROGRAMS THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR OLDER RESIDENTS. I HAVE ONCE AGAIN PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION DOLLARS TO SUPPORT OUR SENIOR CENTERS, ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAMS, TRANSPORTATION, MEALS-ON-WHEELS AND OUR SENIOR FILM SERIES AT THE MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE-- A PROGRAM THAT GREW OUT OF MY TOURISM SUMMIT BETWEEN OUR SENIOR DIRECTORS AND THE DIRECTORS OF OUR CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS.

AND WITH A FUNDING BOOST FROM MY OFFICE, THREE SENIOR CENTERS WILL BEGIN EXPANSION PROJECTS THIS YEAR - -  SNAP OF EASTERN QUEENS IN GLEN OAKS, ELMCOR IN EAST ELMHURST, AND THE PETER CARDELLA SENIOR CENTER IN RIDGEWOOD.

WHILE WE PROTECT AND EXPAND SERVICES FOR SENIORS, WE ALSO FOCUSED ON OUR YOUTH-- 22% OF OUR POPULATION AND 100% OF OUR FUTURE. THIS PAST YEAR, WE INITIATED THE BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S YOUTH BOARD, COMPRISED OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE BOROUGH. THEY PUT TOGETHER OUR FIRST YOUTH CONFERENCE, AND DEVELOPED AN AGENDA TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR THEIR PEERS, ESPECIALLY IN THE SCHOOLS. IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

THE CHILD CENTER OF NEW YORK, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MY OFFICE, RECEIVED A HALF MILLION-DOLLAR GRANT FROM THE STATE FOR MY YOUTH INITIATIVE IN QUEENS. THROUGH THIS PROJECT, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD AND PROVIDE A VENUE FOR COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER QUEENS TEENS.

WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES IN YOUTH PROGRAMMING. I AM WORKING WITH THE CITY TO BRING A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS TO QUEENS TO PUBLICIZE WAYS TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE FUNDING FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS. QUEENS IS THE HOME OF 17 PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS.

ONE WAY THAT WE CONTINUE TO BETTER THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IS THROUGH SPORTS AND EDUCATION. MY TENNIS PROGRAMS AT NYCHA, TOGETHER WITH SCOUTING PROGRAMS, TEACH CHILDREN THE VALUES OF TEAMWORK, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. AND, TO MAKE PLAYING TENNIS A FREE, YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, I HAVE ALLOCATED FUNDING FOR A TENNIS BUBBLE OVER THE COURTS AT ROY WILKINS PARK.

THIS SUMMER, OUR BOROUGH WILL BE PROUD TO HOST THE AMERICAN TENNIS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. THIS IS THE COUNTRY'S OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN SPORTS ORGANIZATION AND THEY WILL MEET RIGHT HERE IN QUEENS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1946!

IN ROCKAWAY, I HELPED FUND AND BREAK GROUND FOR THE NEW YMCA THAT WILL GIVE CHILDREN FROM THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY A NEW FACILITY IN WHICH TO EXERCISE THEIR MINDS AND BODIES.

WE ARE WORKING WITH COUNCILMEMBER MELINDA KATZ TO EXPAND THE JEWISH CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION IN FOREST HILLS. WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH COUNCILMEMBER DENNIS GALLAGHER TO TRANSFORM THE CATALPA "Y" INTO A MODERN FACILITY FOR RECREATION.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

LAST YEAR, I EXPANDED MY ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITH NEW COMMITTEES ON EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH SERVICES, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION.

LAST OCTOBER, MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE ATTENDED MY ANNUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONFERENCE. THAT CONFERENCE, HELD HERE AT YORK, FOCUSED ON THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN. I THANK JEAN PHELPS, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AT YORK, FOR HER DEDICATED SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS ON THIS EFFORT. AND WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH DISTRICT ATTORNEY RICHARD BROWN, PERHAPS THE MOST RESPECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEY IN THE NATION.

FORTUNATELY, THE QUEENS CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER, A PLACE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS, IS FULLY OPERATIONAL. I AM PROUD TO HAVE PROVIDED FUNDING FOR THIS IMPORTANT FACILITY. tHIS FACILITY IN A CHILD FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE,  ENABLES THE CHILD TO NOW SPEAK OF THEIR TRAUMA ONLY ONCE -- INSTEAD OF NINE TO TEN TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, WHICH HAD BEEN THE PREVIOUS PRACTICE.

AND, OUR INNOVATIVE QUEENS COURTS, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE LESLIE LEACH, HAVE EXPANDED ITS SPECIALTY COURTS.

THE NEW QUEENS MENTAL HEALTH COURT WORKS WITH DEFENDANTS WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST THEM WHO ARE CLEARLY AFFLICTED WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES -- OFFERING THE ALTERNATIVE OF MEANINGFUL TREATMENT IN PLACE OF INCARCERATION.

THIS YEAR, WE WILL WORK WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE TO CREATE THE FIRST FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER IN QUEENS TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED LEGAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WE ARE DOING OUR PART AT BOROUGH HALL TO BRING GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. THANKS TO A GRANT FROM CON EDISON, EVERY COMMUNITY BOARD IN QUEENS WILL SOON HAVE A WEB SITE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT MEETINGS, AGENDAS, LAND USE AND BUDGET ISSUES, THAT ANYONE WITH ACCESS TO A COMPUTER CAN VISIT.

SINCE COMING INTO OFFICE, I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT QUEENSBOROUGH HALL IS THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE. I HAVE WORKED HARD TO MAKE IT USER-FRIENDLY. THAT IS WHY TODAY I AM HAPPY TO UNVEIL THE PLANS TO CONSTRUCT AN ADDITION TO BOROUGH HALL THAT WILL SERVE AS A CENTER OF CIVIC ACTIVITY. IT WILL PROVIDE A MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE IN THE HEART OF QUEENS. THIS INNOVATIVE PROJECT - TO BE KNOWN AS THE  FORUM - WILL PROVIDE A 21ST CENTURY VENUE FOR LARGE PUBLIC MEETINGS, COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES, CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC EXHIBITIONS,  PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ETHNIC CELEBRATIONS.

AWARDS --

AS WE PURSUE OUR GOALS, IT IS ALSO GOOD TO PAUSE AND PAY RESPECT TO THOSE WHO HAVE MADE ENDURING CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR BOROUGH. THIS YEAR I WANT TO HONOR TWO INDIVIDUALS WITH QUEENS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

THE FIRST IS:

-CECIL WATKINS - - A KOREAN WAR VETERAN AND FORMER LONG-TIME PARK ADMINISTRATOR WHO TURNED OUR CITY PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS INTO A TRAINING GROUND FOR FUTURE ATHLETES. HE WENT ON TO FOUND ELMCOR YOUTH AND ADULT ACTIVITIES. ONE CANNOT MOVE TOO FAR AROUND THE CITY WITHOUT FINDING SOMEONE WHOM CECIL HAS HELPED. TODAY, THEY ARE LAWYERS, THEY ARE TEACHERS OR THEY ARE MAKING GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CITY. AND CECIL WENT ON TO CREATE AND BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE 26 NBA/PRO-AM CITY LEAGUES ACROSS THE NATION. CECIL, YOU HAVE CONSISTENTLY USED YOUR TIME, ENERGY AND TALENT TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE. IT IS A TRIBUTE TO CECIL THAT LOU CARNESECA, ST. JOHN'S LEGENDARY BASKETBALL COACH, IS HERE TODAY. ALSO HERE IS BERNARD RENCHER, A PROTEGE OF CECIL. ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF QUEENS, I TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN PRESENTING THIS QUEENS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO MY LONG-TIME FRIEND AND PARTNER IN MANY VENTURES - CECIL WATKINS. I WOULD LIKE LOU CARNESECA AND BERNARD RENCHER TO JOIN ME AND SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT HOW CECIL AFFECTED THEIR LIVES.

-GRACE NIERENBERG, YOU HAVE DEDICATED YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE TO OUR SENIORS, PROVIDING HOUSING AND SERVICES TO THOSE IN NEED ACROSS THE BOROUGH THROUGH THE SELF HELP COMMUNITY SERVICES ORGANIZATION. YOUR INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE APPROACH TO SERVICES AND PROGAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS HAS MARKED YOUR LIFE-LONG DEDICATION TO THE INDEPENDENCE AND DIGNITY OF SENIORS. ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF QUEENS, AND ITS 375,000 SENIORS, I TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN PRESENTING THIS QUEENS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO YOU.

CITIZENS OF DISTINCTION

WILL THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS PLEASE JOIN US AS I CALL YOUR NAME.

AIDA BARTOLME: IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION FOR FILIPINO ARTISTS, A FOUNDING DELEGATE ON THE BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND A MEMBER OF COMMUNITY BOARD 2. SHE HAS DEDICATED HER LIFE TO PRESERVING THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY.

ERNEST CURY: A BUSINESSMAN AND LONG-TIME ADVOCATE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EDUCATION. HE HAS BEEN MY APPOINTEE ON THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCIL FOR DISTRICT 24 SINCE ITS INCEPTION AND HAS SERVED WITH DISTINCTION. HE IS ALSO THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

HARBACHAN SINGH: HE HAD A DISTINGUISHED CAREER AT THE UNITED NATIONS AND ALSO FORMED THE SIKH AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION. HE SERVES AS AN ALUMNI DELEGATE TO THE QUEENS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AS A MEMBER OF COMMUNITY 8, AND AN ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER OF THE HOLOCAUST RESOURCE CENTER AT QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

LAMONT BAILEY: AN ATTORNEY HERE IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS WHO LENDS HIS TIME AND EXPERTISE PRO BONO TO MANY PROJECTS AIMED AT IMPROVING THIS COMMUNITY.

CONCLUSION --

IN CONCLUSION, LET'S REMEMBER THAT 350 YEARS AGO IN THE LITTLE VILLAGE OF FLUSHING A GROUP OF CITIZENS WROTE AS PART OF THE REMONSTRANCE,

THAT "WE ARE BOUND BY THE LAW OF GOD AND MAN TO DO GOOD TO ALL AND EVIL TO NONE."

TODAY WE MUST CONTINUE TO PUT THESE WORDS INTO PRACTICE --- BECAUSE WE ARE NOT ONLY THE DESCENDANTS OF THESE WISE CITIZENS, BUT ALSO THE ANCESTORS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR BOROUGH PRESIDENT.

 



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