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Innovo Invested in LIC’s Commercial Space .........................................1
MASPETH
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR LENDING A HELPING HAND
Paying it forward has always As we highlight this peninsula been a sign of doing the right thing, in our May issue, I’d be remiss not both personally and professionally. to mention those in the community The past 14 months has who own businesses and been a proving ground make up the fabric of for businesses of all these neighborhoods, sizes as far as having the including Elegante Resability to maintain and taurant, Lisena Landsurvive against all odds. scape Supply and Nurs-
When the Queens ery, and Locals CollecChamber was founded tive NYC, to name a in 1911, clear by-laws few. We appreciate your outlined the govern- contributions to the ing rules by which the Rockaways. organization should TOM SANTUCCI Hats off to Assemblyoperate were adopted. CHAIRPERSON woman Stacey Pheffer Paramount were three Amato, who represents things: advocacy, education, and and champions District 23. As a networking. native of Rockaway, she’s passion-
Over 100 years later, we continue ate about making a difference and operating on these principles. Pro- committed to community involvemoting and protecting businesses ment. are essential to our existence. Her advocacy includes hardwork-
In partnership with the city’s Eco- ing families, seniors, and veterans. nomic Development Corporation, We’re delighted to call her a friend grants of up to $20,000 were made of the Queens Chamber. available for Queens smalls busi- It gives me great pleasure to serve nesses impacted by COVID-19. as Board Chair, and I greatly appre-
There was strict criteria for eli- ciate each of you who support the gibility, however, numerous indi- Chamber. viduals took full advantage of the As we head into the warmer opportunity. Within that group were months of 2021, remember to stay a number of small businesses in the safe and support our Queens comRockaways. munity. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
SEIZE THE SUMMER
Queens is the most ethnically back to some sense of normalcy, diverse urban area, not only in New thanks in part to multiple vaccines York state but the world. A beautiful available to counteract the deadly mosaic of unique neighborhoods, COVID-19 virus. each with its own dis- The restaurant tinct identity. industry, which has
One of those neigh- been devastated over borhoods happens to the past 14 months, is be the Rockaways, a thankfully alive and group of communities well in the Rockaways. famous for being New Eateries like Tacoway York’s summer play- Beach, Healy’s Pub ground and host to the and Rockaway Brewlargest urban beach ing Company, which in the United States, as well as a bustling THOMAS J. GRECH recently launched the Rockaway Food InitiaBoardwalk. PRESIDENT & CEO tive, are all open and
We’re honored to invite you to pay them highlight this summer destination in a visit. this month’s issue. The 101st Precinct Pop-Up With
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QUEENS QUICKLY
LIBRARY TO BEGIN REOPENING BRANCHES
The city’s three library systems - The New York Public Library (NYPL), Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) - will expand services to include browsing and computer use at select branches throughout the five boroughs beginning on May 10.
The three systems, which closed their physical locations in March 2020 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, have been carefully and gradually reopening locations and reinstituting services to safely serve the New Yorkers who need them.
In addition to a robust suite of virtual programs and resources, including e-books, online story times, virtual book clubs, and remote homework help, resume assistance, and job search help, the libraries began offering graband-go book pickup and on-site library card sign-up in July.
Beginning on May 10 in select locations, patrons will be able to browse shelves for a set period of time and make appointments to use computers.
All patrons must follow safety protocols, including wearing masks, social distancing, and respecting time limits to ensure that as many patrons as possible can utilize services.
The systems are working towards opening additional locations this summer, and a full reopening as soon as possible in 2021.
The branches opening in Queens include Arverne, Astoria, Auburndale, Bellerose, Cambria Heights, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Hillcrest, Long Island City, Peninsula, Queensboro Hill, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood and Rochdale Village,
The branches selected were based on a number of factors, including proximity to public transportation, size, building condition and location, with the goal of covering as much of the City as possible.
“Libraries are essential to building a strong, fair, and equitable city, especially in the face of a global health crisis,” said Queens Public Library president and CEO Dennis Walcott. “Given the current public health conditions, the growing need for our resources and the eagerness of our staff to provide more services to the public, now is the right time to take the next step.”
A new book explores the notable homes across the borough of Queens.
Historic Houses of Queens was written by Rob MacKay, who works for the Queens Economic Development Corporation. His interest in writing the book grew after he became a trustee of the Queens Historical Society.
Queens boasts a rich history that includes dozens of poorly publicized, but historically impressive, houses.
A mix of farmsteads, mansions, seaside escapes, and architecturally significant dwellings, the homes were owned by America’s forefathers, nouveau riche industrialists, Wall Street tycoons, and prominent African American entertainers from the Jazz Age.
Rufus King, a senator and the youngest signer of the US Constitution, operated a large family farm in Jamaica, while piano manufacturer William Steinway lived in a 27-room, granite and bluestone Italianate villa in Astoria.
Musicians whose homes are still standing in the borough include Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne.
Through more than 200 photographs, Historic Houses of Queens explores the homes’ architecture, owners, surrounding neighborhoods, and
NEW BOOK EXAMINES HOUSES OF QUEENS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
peculiarities.
All the while, MacKay considers that real humans lived in them. They grew up in them. They relaxed in them. They proudly showed them to friends and family. And in some cases, they lost them to fire, financial issues or urban renewal projects.
“This is a true labor of love,” said MacKay, who lives in Sunnyside. I spent a countless weekends on research and writing,” said MacKay, who lives in Sunnyside. “But it was worth it. Queens is such a special place, and its history is absolutely fascinating. It’s an honor and a pleasure to share this information with readers.”
Historic Houses of Queens is currently available on Arcadia Publishing’s website.
NYS POISED TO ENACT MOBILE BETTING
Legalization of mobile sports betting was included in the final language of this year’s state
Simplify Board Management in 2021 With Portals ................................8
My Benefit Advisor Lets You Focus on Your Business ......................11
Innovo Invested in LIC’s Commercial Space .........................................12
Chamber Grants Help Rockaway Businesses Stay Afloat .................14
COVER STORY: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato ..............16
SBA Offers a Lifeline to Struggling Small Businesses ......................18 Chamber Hosts Virtual Queens Day in Albany ..................................................21
Stay Connected With the Queens Chamber in April ........................................25
Get to Know Three Members of the Chamber Staff .........................................26
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budget.
Mobile sports betting will allow people to place wagers on sporting events through their mobile phones or other internet-connected devices. Thirteen other states and Washington D.C. also have legal mobile sports betting.
Addabbo argues New Yorkers are already placing mobile sports bets, but they are either going to the illegal market or quickly traveling to neighboring states where it is legal to do so.
A study found that in 2019, New York residents wagered $837 million in New Jersey on sports bets. The state senator noted that not only was New York losing revenue to these other outlets, but individuals with gaming addiction issues were not getting the help they needed.
The state Gaming Commission will start the creation of the mobile sports betting process and begin to accept bids from sportsbook providers this coming July.
New York is expected to bring in around $99 million in Fiscal Year 2021-2022. That estimated figure then jumps to approximately $357 million in FY 2022-2023, eventually reaching over $500 million in FY 2025-2026, most of which will fund education in the state.
Addabbo hopes to see mobile sports betting fully functional and up-and-running here in by the next Super Bowl, the benchmark for mobile sports betting as millions of Americans place wagers on the popular sporting event.
According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Garden State residents bet $117 million on last year’s Super Bowl, an increase of 116 percent from last year’s $54 million in bets on the big game.
This year’s total brought New Jersey over $11 million in revenue. While it is not currently known exactly how many of those bets were placed online, in December 2020 bettors wagered more than 93 percent of New Jersey’s betting handle through online sites.
“While we already have in-person legal sports betting here in New York, it is clear that the states that allow for mobile wagering are far more successful,” Addabbo added. “New York continues to lag behind other states when we should be leading the way.”
The city announced three new initiatives to maintain clean streets across New York City and help spur the city’s recovery. The initiatives build on additional resources and programs launched last September to provide essential cleaning resources and tools in neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
The plan includes an increase in dedicated litter basket service by more than 100 trucks per week, and restores funding for Sunday litter basket service.
DSNY TO FOCUS ON HARD-HIT NABES BEEP GETS UPDATE ON QUEENS COLLEGE PLANS
QUEENS QUICKLY
When added to service restorations announced in September, dedicated litter basket collection service has increased by 61 percent compared to last July at the height of the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has also created an all-new Precision Cleaning Initiative, with borough-based teams to conduct targeted cleanings of litter conditions, illegal dumping, and overflowing litter baskets.
In addition, DSNY unveiled the design for its new Community Clean-up Van in partnership with the Sanitation Foundation and NYC Service. The van will support neighborhood cleanups across NYC as part of a Citywide Spring Cleanup effort.
These announcements come as the City engages in an equity-based recovery, and will empower communities to work with DSNY to produce cleaner streets for all of us. New Yorkers interested in joining or hosting a community cleanup can call 311 for more information.
“The city’s decision to restore Sunday litter basket service is welcome news,” said Councilman Peter Koo of Flushing, a high-traffic neighborhood with its own sanitation issues. “Last year’s service cuts left our litter baskets overflowing and bags piled up on street corners, especially on the weekends along our busiest commercial corridors.” A Cop Initiative, a collaboration between the police department and community partners that offers food giveaways for residents in need and other activities, is gaining appeal in the Rockaways.
And finally, The Wave, Rockaway’s newspaper since 1893, keeps individuals informed on all things related to the community. Their summer guide will assist as you seek out activities to enjoy the next several months.
I’m thrilled we’re spotlighting this precious gem known as the Rockaways. Kudos to everyone who works tirelessly in that area to keep the energy of their neighborhoods alive and well.
As President of the Queens Chamber, I have the best job in the world. Not only do I have the opportunity to impact the businesses in the Rockaways, but the entire borough of Queens.
At the end of the day, my heart is happy knowing we’re making a difference in the lives of so many, especially during these challenging times.
Thank you for your continued support of the Queens Chamber. Summer is upon us, visit the Rockaways. Queens STRONG!
CEO’S MESSAGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
During a visit to Queens College, Borough President Donovan Richards and his team met with President Frank H. Wu and members of his administration, as well as the faculty, staff, and students involved with vital programs. Wu also hosted Richards on a tour of the 80-acre campus. Pictured is assistant vice president of Facilities, Planning, and Operations Zeco Krcic (left) and Wu (right) discussing campus plans with Borough President Donovan Richards.
