WON ANNOUNCES FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAYS:
Council Member Julie Won announced the following backpack giveaway events. These events will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last.
August 28, Queensbridge Houses, 10-25 41st Avenue, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
August 29, Sunnyside Greenmarket, 43rd St. and Skillman Ave, 8:00 am – 10:00 am.
August 29, La Jornada, 29th Street Plaza, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
LEE HOSTING BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:
The office of Council Member Linda Lee will be hosting a Backpack Giveaway at PS33Q (91-37 222nd Street in Queens Village) from 2pm-4pm, giving out 100+ backpacks. On August 31, they will be hosting the Back to School Bash at PS95, The Eastwood School (179-01 90th Avenue, Jamaica), from 2pm-4pm, and giving out 500+ bags, supplies, and more! This is first come, first serve.
BRAUNSTEIN HOSTS SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE:
“I’m pleased that so many from the Northeast Queens community visited our annual Blood Drive at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center earlier this month and made a lifesaving a donation,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “I want to express my thanks to the New York Blood Center and its volunteers for working with my staff on another successful event. I also appreciate Cord Meyer Development Company for providing us with the necessary space for the drive and the New York Islanders for providing tickets to raffle to our donors.” All donors were entered into a sweepstakes by the New York Blood Center to win one four-pack of tickets to a New York Islanders game. Donor Ethelyn So was the sweepstakes winner.
MAMDANI LAUNCHES “RENEW CREW” FOR BETTER PARKS:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced the launch of Renew Crew, a new team of 24 painters, electricians, plumbers and other trade specialists focused on making fast, visible improvements to playgrounds, recreation centers and sports courts across New York City.
Designed to address everyday repairs efficiently, Renew Crew will focus on the improvements park visitors notice most: from repainting chipped playground equipment and fences to repairing park amenities, replacing protective flooring on playgrounds, restoring site features like play equipment or fencing and addressing general wear and tear. By tackling these high-impact projects quickly, the team improves the visitor experience while extending the life of park infrastructure.
Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Shimamura marked the launch with a repair blitz at Dry Harbor Playground in Queens, where maintenance crews are repairing and repainting two basketball courts, play equipment, a shuffleboard court, bocce and horseshoe courts, the park house exterior, benches, bollards, a drinking fountain, fence posts and rails. Crews are also installing protective flooring on playgrounds, removing dead trees, mulching planting beds, pruning trees and enhancing horticulture around the 9/11 memorial.
“The only thing worse than waiting for your turn on the swings is waiting for the swing to be fixed,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Renew Crew’s team of 24 painters, plumbers and other specialists recognize that play is a City service and well-maintained parks are essential infrastructure. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to wait months for the basic repairs that make our parks better. We’re going to get the job done quickly and make sure every neighborhood has public spaces that New Yorkers can be proud of.”
“Hundreds of families use spaces like Dry Harbor Playground and countless other parks across Queens every single day, leading to natural wear and tear. But instead of waiting until equipment is crumbling and the park is in need of a costly, lengthy overhaul, taking immediate action when minor repairs are needed is by far the most efficient method of maintenance,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The work of this Renew Crew will extend the lifespans of our parks and playgrounds, save our city untold millions of dollars each year in renovation costs and keep our open spaces in good condition for our families. I look forward to working with the administration on identifying locations in most need of attention from the Renew Crew.”
WONG ADDRESSES REPEATED FLOODING:
Council Member Phil Wong sent a letter to Mayor Mamdani demanding immediate action and a major shift in City Hall’s priorities after Queens neighborhoods were hit by serious flooding twice this week and at least four times in the last month.
“Twice this week alone, and at least four times in the last month, my constituents have watched their streets turn into lakes and water come into their homes,” said Wong. “While the Mayor is on vacation, people are throwing out ruined belongings, drying out their basements and wondering when the next storm is going to flood them again. We cannot keep treating every flood like a surprise and showing up afterward with sandbags and press conferences. People need their government to actually fix the problem.”
In his letter, Wong called on the administration to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars toward DEP and critical resiliency work, including funds diverted from the Water Board and spending on new City Hall offices.
Wong called for more frequent catch basin and sewer cleaning, additional drainage and retention infrastructure, assistance for homeowners with flood-prone private community drives, stronger oversight of utility work that eliminates green space or directs runoff toward homes, and a long-term expansion of the city’s sewer capacity.
“Give the DEP Commissioner the resources she needs and let her get to work,” added Wong. “Basic infrastructure has to come before political pet projects.”
GONZÁLEZ-ROJAS CALLS TO REJECT EXCESSIVE PREMIUM INCREASES:
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and 72 additional New York elected officials are calling on the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to reject or substantially reduce excessive health insurance premium increases proposed for the 2027 plan year. In a letter to DFS, the elected officials warn that the proposed increases would place an unsustainable burden on New Yorkers already struggling with the rising costs of housing, food, transportation, childcare, and prescription medications. New York’s individual-market insurers are seeking a weighted-average premium increase of 20.7 percent for 2027. If approved, premiums would increase by an average of 64 percent over the past five years, with premiums for four carriers doubling during that period. On average, consumers would pay an additional $390 per month compared with five years ago.
The proposed increases come as affordability and enrollment in New York’s individual health insurance market are already under significant pressure. Following the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits at the end of 2025, approximately 46,600 people have left New York’s individual insurance market since last year. Additionally, 444,000 New Yorkers who were previously covered through the Essential Plan lost eligibility as of July 1, 2026, with some expected to transition into the individual market if they can afford coverage. The elected officials argue that this is precisely the moment when New York must protect affordability and stabilize enrollment rather than approve rate increases that could push even more people out of the insurance market.
QBP CELEBRATES:
Celebrating Jamaica’s Independence: Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. hosted his annual Jamaica Independence Day Celebration on Tuesday, August 18 at Borough Hall. The event featured great food, stellar dance performances and honors for local leaders. The Borough President said he’s proud to be of Jamaican descent and thrilled to live in a community that is home to so many Jamaican Americans who contribute strongly to our borough.
Marking India’s Independence: Borough President Richards hosted his annual India Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, August 20 at Borough Hall. The event featured authentic cuisine, special performances and honors for Indian community leaders. The BP thanked attendees for joining the festivities and acknowledged the important role Indian Americans play in making The World’s Borough what it is today.
Honoring our Indian American Community: Borough President Richards joined hundreds of neighbors in Eastern Queens on Saturday, August 15 in participating in the India Day Parade and Cultural Celebration. In his speech to the crowd, he thanked the Floral Park-Bellerose Indian Merchants Association for putting together such an important celebration of Queens’ proud Indian American community, which continues to grow.
ADDED SUBWAY AND LIRR SERVICE FOR US OPEN:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today reminded all riders including the more than one million expected attendees to the US Open that mass transit is the best way to get to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens for all the US Open action. USTA kicked off US Open Fan Week, which began with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Sunday, Aug. 23 and concludes on Saturday, Aug. 29. The US Open Main Draw runs from Sunday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 13.
“Transit remains the best way for fans from all over the world to visit Flushing and participate in this year’s US Open,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “New York City Transit will provide enhanced 7 train service all throughout the tournament, in addition to great bus and Access-A-Ride service for safe, fast, and reliable trips to and from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”
“As ‘The World’s Borough,’ Queens is proud to welcome tennis fans from across the globe to the US Open, one of the world’s premier sporting events,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “And the best way to experience the US Open is to use mass transit to get to and from the matches. I wholeheartedly encourage both local residents and out-of-town visitors who will be attending the US Open to take advantage of the enhanced subway and LIRR service that will be made available during the tournament.”
Subway: The Mets-Willets Point 7 station serves the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Fans can always take either the local or the express train to reach the Mets-Willets Point station. Starting Monday, Aug. 24, New York City Transit will run additional 7 trains to supplement service after the last match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. During concurrent Mets home games, extra service will also be operated. Supplemental trains will run express from Mets-Willets Point to 74th St-Broadway and then make all local stops to 34 St-Hudson Yards.
Bus: The Flushing-bound Q90 bus stops at Seaver Way and Roosevelt Ave, providing convenient access to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The LaGuardia-bound Q90 will stop at Seaver Way & 35 Ave, which is also nearby. Customers can use the real-time bus ridership tracking feature on the MTA app before boarding.
Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit: In coordination with USTA, a designated pick-up and drop-off location has been identified near the Champions’ Entry for easy access to the Bille Jean King National Tennis Center for Access-A-Ride (AAR) customers.
Long Island Rail Road: Customers can take a train directly to Mets-Willets Point from Grand Central Madison or Penn Station via the Port Washington Branch, a 19-minute ride. Fares for this commute are only $5 during off-peak hours and $7 during peak hours with a purchase of a CityTicket, available in the TrainTime app.
Ways to Stay Informed: mta.info – The definitive source for real-time arrival information and service change information for each line or route in the MTA system. Customers can find current statuses on mta.info and upcoming planned service changes using the lookup tool at mta.info/alerts
MTA app – Customers who use the comprehensive MTA smartphone app will see real-time train, bus and rail arrival times, and can chat with the customer care team all in one place. The app is available in the Apple Store and in Google Play.
Email & Text Alerts – Customers can sign up for email and SMS alerts tailored to their specific commutes and travel times. They can also sign up for MTA newsletters like The Weekender, a weekly newsletter that covers major weekend planned service changes.
RAJKUMAR BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR TENANTS AND HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE DAY:
State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar proudly celebrated a powerful showing of community at her Tenants and Homeowners Assistance Day in Ozone Park-Cityline, where more than 40 residents turned out to access critical housing resources and support. The strong turnout highlighted the energy and engagement of the neighborhood and the Assemblywoman’s unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful services directly to Ozone Park and all of South Queens.
The event brought tenants and homeowners face-to-face with expert guidance on foreclosure prevention, property tax exemptions, home repair grants, housing court cases, tenant advocacy, and more. Residents also received multilingual assistance, ensuring that vital resources reached everyone in the most linguistically diverse community in the world.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “Our Tenants and Homeowners Assistance Day is about opening the door of opportunity for every family in Ozone Park. When we bring government directly into the community, we empower people to protect their homes, build stability, and secure a brighter future. I will always stand with South Queens and continue delivering the resources our neighbors need to succeed.”
The event builds on Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s extensive track record of hosting free, high-impact events across the district. This year, she has organized a Women’s Empowerment Celebration, OMNY Card van, pet vaccine clinic, e-waste recycling, and a mammogram clinic. She is continuing this momentum with free one-on-one legal advice next month, uplifting residents with the full power of the law to access justice and dignity, which Assemblywoman Rajkumar has fought for her entire career as a civil rights lawyer.
With each initiative, Assemblywoman Rajkumar reaffirms her commitment to ensuring that opportunity is right at the doorstep of every Ozone Park resident.
CRUZ IN THE COMMUNITY:
Assembly Member Catalina Cruz: “We proudly co-sponsored the annual Colombian Independence Celebration at Queens Borough Hall alongside Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. At the event, we were also joined by the Consul General of Colombia and the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Helen Arteaga. The event brought together community members to celebrate Colombia’s rich culture and recognize individuals whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact in Queens. This year’s honorees included our former District Director Kevin Jusino, Alfonso López, Margarita Gaitán, Andrés Vargas, and Daniel Castellano. They represent the resilience, hard work, and pride that define the Colombian community through their commitment to serving others.”
Assembly Member Catalina Cruz: “National Night Out is a great reminder that safer neighborhoods are built through strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community. It was wonderful to join the 110th and 115th Precincts to connect with neighbors, celebrate our community, and support the collaborative efforts that make us stronger and safer. Thank you to our NYPD officers, community partners, and everyone who joined us to make this year’s National Night Out a success!”
HOCHUL ON PLANNED ATTACK ON CAPITOL:
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul: “Today, the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI announced the arrest of an individual who allegedly plotted an attack on the New York State Capitol. I’m grateful to the FBI for leading this investigation and to the New York State Police for their work to apprehend this dangerous individual. Earlier this year, amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, we took steps to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government. While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
HOCHUL ANNOUNCES ADDED STATE POLICE PATROLS THROUGH LABOR DAY:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police, County Sheriffs’ Offices, and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols and checkpoints to crack down on impaired and reckless driving during the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, which will run Wednesday, August 19 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
“New York is a great place, with our scenic trails and world-class state parks, to enjoy the end of summer and the Labor Day holiday,” Governor Hochul said. “I want everyone to have a wonderful time and make happy memories. Just know that if you make the irresponsible choice to drive impaired or recklessly, law enforcement will be out in force and showing zero tolerance. Their job is difficult so please don’t make it tougher: drive responsibly.”
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “As the summer season draws to a close heading into Labor Day weekend, our roadways are going to be handling a lot of travelers. Whether you are taking on a road trip or celebrating locally, please follow the rules of the road – don’t speed, avoid distractions and never, ever drive impaired. I thank our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to removing impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.”
State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct sobriety checkpoints and increase patrols during the enforcement period. Law enforcement will use both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to help identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow police to better observe driving violations. While these vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, they are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
MAMDANI EXPANDS ACCESS TO DOULA CARE:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene celebrated a major milestone for the Citywide Doula Initiative: more than 4,200 people have received doula care through the program since its launch, many of them in neighborhoods most affected by health and socioeconomic inequities.
The administration also recognized six hospitals — including four NYC Health + Hospitals locations: Elmhurst, Jacobi, Lincoln and Metropolitan — as the first hospitals to complete the Citywide Doula Initiative’s Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, which promotes doula-friendly policies and practices in hospital maternity settings.
MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s high quality, affordable health plan, has also announced a significant expansion of its Gold Plan benefits, adding doula coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Together, these efforts mark a major expansion of access to doula care across New York City. Doula support is associated with improved health outcomes for birthing parents and infants and can help make pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period safer and more supportive.
“This milestone speaks to the power of one of our City’s most successful programs: the Citywide Doula Initiative, which has already supported thousands of families, including in communities that have been too often left behind by our health care system,” said Mayor Mamdani. “4,000 people served is only the beginning. We are expanding access through our public hospitals and to City employees because every New Yorker deserves support to bring a child into this world safely and with care.”
DIAMANT HYSENAJ RUNNING IN 14TH:
From Diamant Hysenaj: “Diamant Hysenaj was born in Kosovo in 1982 and escaped a communist dictatorship at nine years old, arriving in the Bronx with his family. He was working by age 11, newspapers, snow shoveling, his father’s construction crew. He lost his first company in the 2008 crash, rebuilt while working three jobs, and in 2014 founded DCG New York Inc., which has since contributed to more than one million square feet of development across New York and Miami. He is now running in one of the most-watched districts in the country, with a message about the cost of living, public safety, and what happens when the American Dream stops being available to working families. Having lived under communism, he speaks about socialism from experience rather than theory.”
NYC COMMON SENSE STATEMENT ON PIED-À-TERRE TAX:
NYC Common Sense released the following statement in response to the Mayor’s decision to not send a representative to the City Council hearing on the rollout of the pied-à-terre tax:
“Thousands of permanent New York City residents who owe nothing under this surcharge have been left confused, exposed, and forced to spend their own time and money trying to defend themselves because this administration couldn’t be bothered to follow the law – all to make a political point. That is not responsible government. The fact is that City Hall rushed this surcharge into place, badly botched the process, and refuses to own up to its mistakes. Adding insult to injury, the administration is now thumbing its nose at both the Council and the Mayor’s own constituents. That’s not only disappointing, but it’s also a clear failure of leadership. New Yorkers deserve to know why they were targeted, how the City came up with its pied-a-terre list, and why it blatantly declined to cross-reference existing data – as the statute requires – to determine who actually owes the surcharge and who doesn’t. Refusing to answer basic questions before the City Council about the failed rollout is not good government, and it’s not transparent. New Yorkers need answers, and City Hall has a responsibility to show up and provide them.”
MAMDANI, NYCHA TO BRING ENGAGEMENT FORUMS DIRECTLY TO RESIDENTS:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt announced the next five “NYCHA in Your Neighborhood” events, bringing senior City and NYCHA leaders directly into public housing communities across all five boroughs from September through December.
The first three forums, held in May and June, brought 446 New Yorkers together with City and NYCHA leadership and resulted in 151 issues that received follow-up.
“NYCHA residents deserve a government that treats their concerns with urgency and respect. They deserve to be heard directly by the people responsible for delivering the services they rely on. We are putting NYCHA residents at the center of our policymaking, and these events give New Yorkers a direct line to City leaders, the opportunity to share their experiences and get the support they need to make their homes better,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We are making a historic $5.6 billion capital investment in NYCHA, and we’re bringing that same sense of urgency to every neighborhood we serve.”
The next round of NYCHA in Your Neighborhood will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at the Academy of American Studies, 40-11 28th Street in Long Island City.
The forum will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, and will cover all NYCHA developments in the borough rather than a single property. NYCHA residents can learn more and register for upcoming events at on.nyc.gov/niyn-registration .
The forums will include small-group discussions with NYCHA and City Hall leadership, as well as resource tables where residents can speak one-on-one with NYCHA staff about apartment repairs, tenancy concerns, environmental issues and other needs. Residents can also connect with staff from the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and other City agencies including the Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department for the Aging (DFTA) and NYC Parks.
“NYCHA in Your Neighborhood” builds on the Authority’s ongoing engagement with public housing residents, including resident leadership and tenant association meetings, board meetings, resident roundtables and surveys. Residents at each development also have a direct line to NYCHA through their Property Management Office and dedicated on-site staff, as well as specialty teams that respond around the clock to emergency heating, elevator and skilled-trades repair needs.
NYCHA residents who need assistance can call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application
“For Queensbridge residents, direct access to NYCHA’s senior leadership is both meaningful and long overdue. Bringing NYCHA’s C-suite into the community gives residents an opportunity to speak directly to the decision-makers about the conditions affecting their homes and families and, just as importantly, to be heard. As someone who was raised in Queensbridge and has spent decades serving this community, I know residents are not merely looking for another forum; they are looking for responsiveness, accountability, and results. ‘NYCHA in Your Neighborhood’ can help strengthen trust by bringing leadership closer to the people they serve and turning residents’ lived experiences into meaningful action,” said Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO, Urban Upbound.
QEDC AND MASPETH FEDERAL SAVING TEAM UP:
Are you a small business owner in Queens? Would you like to receive $1,000 to finally cross a stubborn project off your list? Look no further.
Thanks to a partnership with Maspeth Federal Savings, the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) will award Flash Grants of $1,000 each to five small businesses in the borough. The funds can be used to cover operational expenses, such as fixing a broken air conditioner, repairing an awning, or printing new menus.
The program is fast and remarkably easy – and it’s meant to quickly help small business owners fix little annoying problems. To apply for a Flash Grant, fill out a brief form and send QEDC a single paragraph explaining how you’d use the money. The deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2026. Soon thereafter, QEDC will select the five winners and send them checks.
Go to www.queensny.org/flash for the entry form.
A few guidelines:
All applicants must complete a standard QEDC client intake form with a one-paragraph pitch by 11:59 pm on Sept. 30 to be considered for funding.
Businesses must be currently operating or have imminent plans to open in Queens.
Home-based businesses run by Queens residents are eligible.
Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of QEDC and Maspeth Federal Savings.
Applications do not guarantee funding.
“Sometimes you just need a few extra bucks to get over the hump – to solve a nagging problem, push your marketing to the next level, or pay down a bill that’s been hanging over your head,” said QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann. “We’re excited to launch Flash Grants alongside our friends at Maspeth Federal Savings to help Queens small business owners get the cash they need. Most exciting for me as a former business owner, we’re keeping this program strikingly easy: just send us a single paragraph explaining what you’d use the money for!”
“Big dreams start in small businesses and what begins as an idea today may become the innovation of tomorrow,” stated President & CEO Thomas Rudzewick. “That’s why we, at Maspeth Federal Savings, believe and invest in the future of Queens entrepreneurs.”
QEDC Business Services Director Bhavna Punjwani added: “Even just a little bit of capital can go a long way for a small business. As costs rise across the board, it can be very difficult for entrepreneurs to find the extra cash they need to reinvest in their businesses. We’re excited to offer this opportunity to do just that.”
About QEDC:
The Queens Economic Development Corporation works to create, attract, and maintain jobs through small business development, neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurship programs and tourism promotion, helping expand economic opportunity throughout the World’s Borough. More information can be found at www.QueensNY.org.
CRIME REDUCTION IN PUBLIC HOUSING:
Governor Kathy Hochul and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch today touted their strong crime-fighting partnership and highlighted the NYPD’s record-breaking crime reductions in public housing developments and across New York City. This year, Governor Hochul announced an additional $77 million commitment to enhance NYPD resources – building on the previous $77 million in State funding that was already invested in FY 2026, for a total of more than $150 million invested and committed for NYPD resources since 2025. The Governor’s investments and the City and State’s crime-fighting partnership continue to deliver results in public housing developments across New York City – breaking the record for the fewest murders, shooting incidents, shooting victims and robberies through the first seven months of the year.
“When I became Governor, I made public safety my top priority. For the last five years, I have made unprecedented investments in public safety — nearly $4 billion — to support law enforcement and their efforts to tackle crime head-on,” Governor Hochul said. “Every dollar we invest and every partnership we build strengthens our efforts to make New York safer. I remain grateful to Police Commissioner Tisch and the brave men and women of law enforcement who are instrumental in this work. Their continued dedication to driving down crime is producing real, measurable results for our communities.”
The NYPD’s Housing Bureau is responsible for the safety of nearly half a million residents, employees, and visitors across the city’s housing developments. By working in close coordination with resident patrols, community groups, and development managers, the Bureau remains dedicated to effectively reducing crime and improving the quality of life in and around New York City’s public housing developments.
Across New York City, major crime in public housing declined 6.3 percent (3,174 vs. 3,387) between January and July of this year, with murders down 45 percent (11 vs. 20), shooting incidents down 33.3 percent (54 vs. 81), shooting victims down 35.2 percent (59 vs. 91), and robberies down 19.3 percent (419 vs. 519).
HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION A4195-A/S118-A:
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation A4195-A/S118-A which will amend New York’s Elder Law to require the NY Connects: Choices for Long Term Care program to provide information about programs and services available to New Yorkers with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Governor was joined by the bill’s sponsors State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman as they celebrated with seniors in Harlem during Senator Cleare’s 5th Annual Senior Citizens Day.
“On Senior Citizens Day, New York is making it easier for older New Yorkers and their families to find the support they need when facing difficult diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Governor Hochul said.
The legislation would:
Make dementia and Alzheimer’s resources that are already available to New Yorkers, easier to find through the NY Connects program.
Help individuals, caregivers and families find available home, community and institution based services.
Require an ongoing education and outreach campaign to ensure New Yorkers are aware of these new resources.
Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said, “I am proud to be the prime sponsor behind A4195A, an elder bill being signed into law that will make resources for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia more accessible to New Yorkers. For years, the state has provided programs and services to help victims of the disease and their families, but not enough people knew where to look. By making the NY Connects: Choices for Long Term Care program a one-stop shop for dementia information, we will be able to help more people suffering from the disease.”
QEDC ANNOUNCES ‘BUILDING QUEENS’:
With more than $62 billion in public and private investment reshaping the borough, the Queens Economic Development Corporation announced Building Queens: Development and Investment Conference, a new half-day conference bringing together the people and organizations building the future of New York City’s most diverse borough.
Building Queens will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, from 8:30 am to 1 pm at the Brewster LIC Conference Center in Long Island City. The conference will convene leaders from government, real estate, infrastructure, organized labor, construction, economic development, and major institutions to discuss the unprecedented wave of current investment.
From airport renovations to new casinos and stadiums, infrastructure investments, and two of the largest rezonings in New York City history, Queens is entering a period of extraordinary physical and economic transformation. Building Queens will examine what these investments mean for the borough, how projects are moving forward, and how local businesses, workers, and communities can participate in the opportunities they create.
“Queens is quite literally building the city of the future,” said QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann. “There is an extraordinary amount happening in this borough, making it one of the hottest development regions in the entire nation. Building Queens is an opportunity to bring the people behind them into one room, look at the big picture, and talk about how this investment can create lasting opportunities for the people and businesses of our borough.”
The conference will feature discussions with public officials and leaders behind some of the most significant projects and institutions. Several of the confirmed speakers include: Queens Borough President Donovan J. Richards Jr.; Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Sideya Sherman, Director, NYC Department of City Planning and Chair, City Planning Commission; Christopher Oh, VP of Finance, Metropolitan Park; Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, New York City FC; Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development and Public Affairs, Resorts World New York City; Albert Odjidja, President & CEO, McKissack & McKissack; David Sands, Local Union No. 3 IBEW; Con Edison; JFK Terminal 6; Charney Companies; Cord Meyer Development; Realterm JFK.
Additional speakers will be announced on the conference’s website: www.BuildingQueens.org.
Programming will include a Megaprojects Roundtable examining airports, casinos, rezonings, and infrastructure; a series of rapid-fire Project Showcase presentations; and a panel focused on How Queens Builds, including labor, local suppliers, M/WBE participation, and technology. The conference will also provide opportunities for networking among the public, private, and nonprofit leaders shaping the borough’s growth.
“Queens has always been a place that builds businesses, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and opportunity,” Guttmann added. “The question now is how we make the most of this generational period of investment. We want this conference to help shape that conversation.”
Building Queens: Development and Investment Conference Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 8:30 am – 1 pm Brewster LIC Conference Center 27-01 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101
Tickets and additional conference information are available through the Building Queens website: www.BuildingQueens.org.
*** CRIME BLOTTER ***
TEEN CHARGED IN MULTIPLE CHAIN SNATCHINGS:
Defendant Grabbed Victims’ Necklaces; Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that a 16-year-old has been charged with robbery, grand larceny and assault for forcibly snatching jewelry from women in three separate incidents in June and July, two on Merrick Boulevard and another on Roosevelt Avenue.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this defendant approached unsuspecting pedestrians in broad daylight and forcibly grabbed jewelry from their necks. Thank you to our NYPD partners for apprehending the defendant, who will now be held responsible for his alleged actions. My office is continuing to investigate several unrelated chain snatching incidents throughout Queens.”
The 16-year-old defendant from Jamaica was arraigned August 13 by Queens Criminal Court Judge Marty Lentz on two criminal complaints charging him with two counts of robbery in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, three counts of robbery in the third degree, three counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, two counts of assault in the third degree, and petit larceny. Queens Supreme Court Justice Bruna DiBiase on Monday continued bail of $2,000 cash and $4,000 bond and ordered the defendant to return to court on September 15. He faces up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges, on June 24, at approximately 4:25 p.m. at the northwest intersection of 111th Avenue and Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, the defendant walked past a 37-year-old pedestrian, then turned and reached for the jewelry around her neck. He grasped the pendant on the victim’s necklace and yanked with such force that it separated from the necklace. Then he fled with the pendant. The victim’s neck was scratched and she was left in substantial pain.
On the same day, about an hour later, the defendant allegedly approached a 65-year-old woman from behind near the intersection of Linden and Merrick Boulevards in St. Albans. The woman felt pressure on her neck and turned. At that time, she realized someone was pulling her jewelry from her neck. The defendant ran away with two necklaces belonging to the victim.
In the third incident, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on July 10, a 62-year-old woman was standing near the southwest corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street in Elmhurst when the defendant allegedly pulled her jewelry from her neck with such force that the victim’s neck was scratched and she was left in substantial pain. He then ran away with two of her necklaces.
The defendant was arrested August 12 after he surrendered to the 113th Precinct.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.