this is... “I WAS AMAZED AT HOW SHE WAS ABLE TO NAVIGATE THIS SYSTEM WE LIVED IN SO LONG AGO. I’M NOT SURE SHE WAS GIVEN ENOUGH CREDIT FOR THAT.” - QUEENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY MELINDA KATZ
September 2020 . Volume 16 . Issue 9
QUEEN OF
QUEENS BOROUGH LEADERS HONOR THE LEGACY OF CLAIRE SHULMAN
ALSO
• EXPERTS DISCUSS STATE OF QUEENS REAL ESTATE • CHAMBER HANDS OUT PPE ON METROPOLITAN • ASTORIA FERRY NOW CONNECTS TO EAST SIDE
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
SEASON OF GROWTH The past seven months have new business, it’s all just a click or provided us with many challenges phone call away. to test our strength as In 1911 when the individuals. As busiChamber was founded, ness owners, we all advocacy, education know what it means to and networking were experience struggle as written into the bylaws we press forward comfor the sole purpose of bating unforeseen and strengthen businesses in unknown forces. Queens. That held true As the autumn season then and it continues to represents harvest in the be the guiding principle growing cycle, we can today. think of this an oppor- TOM SANTUCCI You don’t need me to tunity for our businesses CHAIRPERSON remind you of the chalto mature out of the dislenges we’ve all had to mal periods experienced during the endure and continue to face due spring and start of summer. to this pandemic, however, one The Queens Chamber provides thing is certain: with the Queens you with numerous resources and Chamber leading the charge you’re services to help you achieve pros- definitely not alone in the fight. perity and growth. From the eduThank you for your continued cational webinars hosted regularly support, and I look forward to the to virtual networking opportunities day when we’re able to connect in that enable you to further develop person.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
FROM THE HEART
Fall 2020 has officially arrived, value and insight into topics to betand although summer 2020 was ter equip you to handle the changes not the traditional warm, wonder- in business during these times. ful time of leisure we’ve grown to My advice, as we blaze a trail appreciate, a new season is on the forward is to remain flexible, be horizon. New Yorkers are resilient; open to trying new and creative there is hope. ways to doing business. Support Among businesses, those most those businesses and members of impacted by far were our restau- our community who are struggling rants. From outdoor by offering any assisdining challenges to tance possible. And the desirable return to finally, we don’t grow serving patrons inside, when things are easy, the realities are all too we grow when we real. Unfortunately, face challenges. the future of a large The Queens Chamnumber of our beloved ber is here to support Queens restaurants your needs. Contact us hangs in the balance. at queenschamber.org. The Queens Thank you for Chamber continues THOMAS J. GRECH your heartfelt supto provide signifi- PRESIDENT & CEO port. We’re all in this cant resources and together and together information to help you navigate we’re Queens Strong! through the myriad number of rules and regulations as you seek And be sure to take a look to rebuild and reopen your busiat our video released in ness. mid August: youtube.com/ Our webinars offer tremendous watch?v=l6HY7DO49EY.
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QUEENS QUICKLY
BAKER TILLY MERGES WITH SQUAR MILNER
Leading accounting and advisory firm Baker Tilly US and Squar Milner, one of the largest California-based independent accounting firms, announced they will be combining their firms on November 1. The combined firm will retain the name Baker Tilly US. “We are creating a new organization with substantial scale, a true combination of two leading advisory CPA firms that are forward-thinking and future-leaning,” said Baker Tilly CEO Alan Whitman. California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world. Squar Milner has eight California locations – San Diego, three offices in the Silicon Valley and the Bay area, three offices surrounding Los Angeles and their headquarters in Orange County. In the past 24 months, Baker Tilly expanded into Texas and bolstered its capabilities with
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several acquisitions in data analytics, municipal advisory, global forensic accounting, valuation and litigation services, and outsourced accounting. The new Baker Tilly will have a presence in many of the world’s leading financial centers, including New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. Additionally, Baker Tilly US is the largest member of the Baker Tilly network, the world’s 10th largest global network of independent accounting and business services firms. Combined, Baker Tilly will have 4,300 professionals. “We are still very much dedicated to serving our California communities, and we are delighted to have the coast-to-coast and global advantage,” said Squar Milner managing partner Stephen Milner. At a June 2020 meeting of major accounting firms, AICPA CEO Barry Melancon commented on the strength of the profession and benefit to clients when larger diversified firms differentiate their expertise and embrace technology. “The accounting profession continues to be an example of resiliency, even in our current economic environment,” he said, “maintaining a strong commitment to clients, employees, students and the public interest.”
INTERN PROGRAM BACK FOR 2ND YEAR The Queens Chamber of Commerce announced the second year of the Queens Chamber Internship Connection (QCIC), a program designed to bring the organizations and businesses of Queens talented candidates for internships. Through this program, the Chamber serves as a connector, a one-stop shop that enables participants to draw from the deep talent pool being produced by the borough’s many colleges,
universities, and trade schools. This includes help filling specific internships, having a presence at college job and internship fairs, and conducting information and recruitment sessions. The program has two areas of focus: • Students with high school or associate degrees interested in high and middle skilled trades. • Students enrolled in college or university interested in exploring potential careers. In particular, the program focuses on roles in Hospitality, Healthcare, Aviation, Transportation, and Construction If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to submit an internship to be filled, email Neil Wagner at nwagner@queenschamber.org or visit queenschamber.org/internship-connection.
POLS PROPOSE COVID RECOVERY LEASES City and state lawmakers have proposed a new program to incentivize commercial landlords to renegotiate leases and offer long-term, affordable rents to small businesses. Proposed by State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, and councilmen Brad Lander and Keith Powers, the COVID-19 “recovery lease” initiative would offer landlords a long-term property tax break to address affordability issues for struggling small businesses. According to the New York Hospitality Alliance, 83 percent of restaurants surveyed were unable to pay full rent in July. Another report by the Partnership for New York City found that as many as 520,000 jobs have been lost from the small business sector. “Vacant storefronts and rising commercial rents are not a new phenomenon in New York, but the public health and economic crises have greatly exacerbated the hardships facing our small businesses,” Kavanagh said. “When
TABLE OF CONTENTS Experts Discuss State of Real Estate in Queens ......................................7
Stay Connected With the Queens Chamber in September ..............................18
Chambers Holds Another PPE Distribution Event .................................8
Partners & Affiliates: WBID Hosts Jamaica Avenue Cleanup ......................19
FAA Gives Green Light to LaGuardia AirTrain ....................................10
Chamber Welcomes New Members ........................................................................21
COVER STORY: Remembering Claire Shulman .................................12 New Astoria Ferry Connection a Hit With Riders ................................14 EXPERT ADVICE: New Tax Breaks for Building Upgrades ..........15 QEDC to Host Series of Online Workshops This Fall .........................16 4
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9 storefronts are vacated that can have a ripple effect, with reduced foot traffic making it harder for other businesses to thrive, jeopardizing the whole neighborhood. “At the same time, many property owners are having difficulty paying their property taxes and maintaining their buildings,” he added. “We know that we will need multiple approaches to solve these interrelated crises, but we hope that the recovery leases will provide our neighborhood businesses and property owners with one significant path to relief and offer them some much-needed long-term security.”
QUEENS QUICKLY State legislation put forth by Kavanagh and Niou would allow New York City to create a program to grant property tax abatements to building owners who enter into recovery leases that last at least 10 years and limit annual rent increases. Commercial tenants who are restructuring their current leases, as well as those entering new leases for spaces left vacant, would be eligible.
INVESTORS OPENS FOREST HILLS BRANCH Investors Bank recently opened its new Forest Hills branch at 108-01 Queens Boulevard, giving clients the ability to rapidly access an ATM, service their account, or meet with a universal banker for help. Assisting clients from convenient banking pods, the universal bankers use computer tablets to deliver a wide range of services. “Our Forest Hills branch represents the first in a series of branches that will change the way we serve our clients,” said chairman and CEO Kevin Cummings. “The branch’s technology and systems seamlessly merge our more traditional banking services with our full suite of online banking tools and mobile apps.” The Forest Hills branch is the bank’s 48th branch in New York City and Long Island. “We believe in the community of Forest Hills, and moving forward with opening a new branch during this unprecedented time makes that clear,” Cummings added. Forest Hills branch manager Maria Gambino was born and raised in Queens, graduated
from St. John’s University, and lives nearby. While managing a neighborhood bank branch for the last six years for an international bank, Gambino built relationships with many small businesses. She was also an active member of the local chamber of commerce. Starting her banking career right out of college, she has held nearly every position in branch banking, experience that is critical to coaching her team on client service, sales, relationship building, and how best to serve the community. “Living in Queens all my life has given me unique insight into the needs of the local community, and I’m really looking forward to serving all of Forest Hills,” Gambino said. Each time a new client opens an account at the Forest Hills branch, the bank will donate $25 to one of two local nonprofits. New account holders may have a donation made in their name to either Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens or the Child Center of New York, which is based in Forest Hills.
The state bill would authorize the city to add any additional incentives or restrictions to the program. “With federal relief uncertain, we are proposing a new path for long-term stability and affordability for small commercial tenants,” Lander said. “By providing tax relief for commercial property owners, we can help small businesses lock in rents at stable, lower rates, a forward-thinking tool that will be essential for the rebuilding and recovery yet to come.” (BENJAMIN FANG)
10,000 RESTAURANTS IN DINING PROGRAM Officials announced that more than 10,000 restaurants are now participating in New York City’s outdoor dining initiative, Open Restaurants. “It’s time for a new New York City tradition: the Open Restaurants program is here to stay,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With cooler weather on the way, we’ll continue to find new, creative ways to keep New Yorkers safe and support the businesses that make our city great.” The program has allowed businesses to add socially distant seating on sidewalks, in curbside parking spaces, as well as along select car-free Open Streets and pedestrian plazas on weekends. In just over three months, Open Restaurants has saved an estimated 90,000 jobs across the five boroughs. “We are so proud to see that more than 10,000 restaurants have stepped up to utilize outdoor dining space, saving tens of thousands of jobs in neighborhoods across all five boroughs,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. The city also hosts Open Streets: Restaurants, the city’s car-free weekend outdoor dining program, with partner organizations managing 81 streets across the city. The hours of operation for Open Streets: Restaurants corridors are generally from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday nights, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. “The open dining program is a great small business success story for New York City, but many restaurants are still waiting for a seat at the table,” said Councilman Peter Koo of Flushing, a popular neighborhood for dining. “We need to continue refining this important program and come up with creative ideas for restaurants burdened with limited access in congested areas, including those in food courts, basements, and higher floors.”
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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS MILLER NAMED CEO OF ABNY The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) announced the selection of Melva M. Miller as its chief executive officer. In her new role, Miller will work closely with ABNY chairman Steven Rubenstein, ABNY’s Board of Directors and its membership to drive programs and collaborative efforts to respond to the challenges communities face during this unprecedented time. “This has been a hard year for our city, but with leaders like Melva, whose passion, compassion, and efficacy are what we need right now, we will emerge a stronger community,” said Rubenstein, president of the strategic communications firm Rubenstein. Under Miller’s leadership, the organization MILLER will build upon its legacy of civic leadership across the public and private sectors to partner with a broader and more diverse group of New Yorkers through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and concrete actions to advance a better New York. “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer and build upon ABNY’s legacy and the work we have accomplished over the past couple of years,” said Melva Miller, incoming CEO of ABNY. “In this moment, our City is once again at a time of great uncertainty and I’m looking forward to working with ABNY to play a significant role in shaping the future for the better. There are no easy solutions, however the work of ABNY has long been one of helping bring about positive change, especially when times have been tough,” said Miller. “ABNY will ensure New York City continues to be a hub of innovation, financial strength and human capital that will lead the charge for a more just, equitable, and inclusive City.” Miller has been an integral part of the ABNY team since 2018. As executive vice president of ABNY Census 2020, Miller led an organizing and action committee comprised of 20 corporate, non-profit, community and union leaders. In this role, she helped raise over $1.3 Million for ABNY’s census effort, created relationships with over 50 corporate partners for Census outreach, create census related messaging for over 100 partner organizations, and hosted dozens of census events and webinars. Most recently, Miller conceptualized the struc-
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ture and intent of ABNY’s “Black Leadership in New York City: Conversations on Power, Politics, and Racial Justice,” a six-part discussion series to identify clear opportunities to address systemic racism and economic inequality in New York City. Prior to working at ABNY, Miller served as the deputy borough president of Queens. She has been a passionate and dedicated community organizer since 1993. Her achievements include the creation of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a stakeholder-driven strategy to increase quality employment, economic diversity and financial security in downtown Jamaica, and she was also the lead organizer of the Western Queens Tech Strategic Plan, an initiative that produced a five-year blueprint for equitable growth of the Long Island City and Astoria tech ecosystem. She sits on the Board of Directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity New York City, and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. Miller is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Social Welfare program at CUNY’s Graduate Center. “Melva Miller is one of the most competent and committed people I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks. “She has not only demonstrated an exceptional ability to get the job done throughout her years of service to our city, she has bridged communities together and built coalitions around our shared goals as New Yorkers.”
POLYDOROU TO HEAD ADDICTION EFFORTS In response to hospitals and outpatient services on the front lines of the ongoing opioid epidemic, coupled with factors worsening substance misuse and abuse during the coronavirus pandemic, Northwell Health has named Dr. Soteri Polydorou as its first medical director of addiction services. A practicing physician and well-known leader in the addiction field, Polydorou will foster coordinated patient care across disciplines throughout the health system and address complex public health issues in an integrated way in the New York metropolitan area. Northwell has invested resources and actively focused treatments to fight addiction and curb the number of deaths from opioid overdoses in the communities it serves. “It has become increasingly apparent what an enormous public health problem is posed by addictive disorders,” said Dr. John Kane, senior vice president of behavioral health services at Northwell Health
Efforts include expanded screening and brief interventions in health system emergency departments and primary care practices; establishing a systemwide Opioid Management Steering Committee; developing practice guidelines for medication tapering and safe prescribing; and distributing overdose rescue kits and promoting the use of medication-assisted treatment. Polydorou will advance these efforts while establishing an addiction medicine program within Northwell’s general internal medicine department, partnering on substance use disorder initiatives in emergency medicine, and providing oversight of all licensed New York State Office POLYDOROU of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) inpatient and outpatient programs in psychiatry departments across Northwell. Prior to joining Northwell, for over a decade Polydorou served as faculty at the NYU School of Medicine with appointments in the Division of General Internal Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry. He also serves as a mayoral appointee to the NYC Department of Health Municipal Drug Strategy Advisory Council, a member of the New York State OASAS Medical Advisory Panel and board member of the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates. Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2020 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.
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QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS
EXPERTS DISCUSS STATE OF REAL ESTATE BY BENJAMIN FANG The Queens real estate market is starting to gain momentum again. That analysis was made by broker, landlord and data experts who spoke on a panel hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce last month. Stephen Preuss, vice chairman at Cushman & Wakefield, said compared to March, April and May, the Queens market is in a “much more favorable position” overall. “I hope that will continue through September,” he said, “which will be a real time of consequence for the last two quarters of the year.” According to Jerry Pi, chairman of Pi Capital Partners, which is a landlord for retail, office and residential units throughout Queens Michael Wang, co-chair of the Real Estate Committee, said he is optimistic about the borough’s future. and Manhattan, collections have also been “pretty stellar.” in the first few months of the the market are currently perform- Wang, founder of Project Queens Although rent collection is pandemic, Preuss said, because ing. The top performer is the and co-chair of the Queens down overall, in July residen- lending was not available as the industrial sector, which Preuss Chamber’s Real Estate Comtial rent collection was about 95 liquidity market shut down. said is the only asset class where mittee, noted that the borough’s percent. On the retail end, Pi As a commercial landlord, Pi pricing and availability have not retail sector does well due to an said every retail store they have, said he worked out most of his changed. abundance of mom-and-pop busiwhether it’s in Jackson Heights, company’s renegotiations back in According to the Cushman & nesses. Elmhurst or FlushWakefield executive, “There’s so much density ing, has opened. vacancy rates for indus- because franchises also want to YOU’LL SEE MORE NEW The weakest pertrial properties are just be here,” said Wang, who moderforming sector for 3 to 4 percent. ated the panel discussion. “PostCONSTRUCTION IN QUEENS Pi’s company is the Although mixed- pandemic, it seems like the qualCATERING TO WHAT WE THINK office sector, with use and smaller mul- ity companies, whether a Fortune most employees tifamily homes, which 500 or mom-and-pop, are looking THE NEW OFFICE ENVIRONMENT working from home. are the “prototypical for space.” WILL BE. I’M BULLISH ON WHAT Preuss said small Queens assets,” were As for office buildings, despite to mid-cap priorities, initially hard hit by the the downturn Preuss said he COULD HAPPEN AS THE NEW between a few milpandemic, buyers are believes companies will look for MARKET FOR OFFICES GROWS. lion dollars to $25 coming back around more boutique types of spaces million, are startbecause they’re usually that are closer to home. - STEPHEN PREUSS ing to transact. The safe havens for inves“You’ll see more new construchigher-price prodtors, Preuss said. tion in Queens catering to what ucts, meanwhile, are The hardest hit sector we think the new office environstagnant and not seeing the trac- March and April. As a result, their of all is hotels, which has been ment will be,” he said. “I’m bulltion as pre-COVID. storefronts reopened. so affected that some owners are ish on what could happen as the “The institutional buyers are “The most important thing for starting to convert them into other new market for offices grows in really stuck in the mud,” he said. landlords to do is keep our spaces uses like homeless shelters. Queens.” “They aren’t able to navigate the occupied,” he said. “We’re just “As of last month, we have Preuss added that he thinks the red tape and steps to get that trying to keep businesses to stay. more hotels in construction than borough will come out of the ecocapital.” I’m not trying to put people out hotels that exist in Queens,” Pre- nomic downturn a lot stronger. Commercial real estate was of business.” uss said. “We were at saturation “I get the feeling it’s Queens’ heavily impacted by the pandemThe real estate experts also dis- already.” turn to shine,” Wang said. “I’m ic as well. There was no volume cussed how different sectors of Real estate broker Michael optimistic about Queens.”
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS
CHAMBER HANDS OUT PPE ON METRO BY BENJAMIN FANG Dozens of business owners and workers lined up at Community United Methodist Church on Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village last Wednesday for a personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution event. Hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the giveaway included free face masks, face shields and even thermometers for businesses on the commercial strip. Salvatore Crifasi, president of the Middle Village Chamber of Commerce and a Queens Chamber board member, said the PPE can be used for employees and customers alike. The day before the distribution event, Crifasi walked up and down the avenue to hand out flyers to local stores. “Everyone appreciates it,” he said. “We’re getting a good turnout.” Crifasi, who began his own commercial and residential real estate firm in Middle Village in 1979, said businesses are struggling with more than just the COVID crisis. He noted that they’re also struggling with the challenges of online shopping. The business leader is also worried about the restaurant industry, predicting that half of all restaurants in the area will not reopen. He called on government leaders to restart indoor dining. “You can go to the gym, you can go bowling, you can demonstrate, but you can’t eat indoors in a restaurant?” Crifasi said. “It’s ridiculous. It’s hurting the businesses.” As a member of the Board of Directors for the Queens Chamber, Crifasi said he’s telling other business owners to reach out to the chamber for help. He said owners need more resources like online classes and seminars to survive the pandemic. “I made my money here,” Crifasi added, “and I feel like giving back to the neighborhood and the
Queens Chamber staff joined Congresswoman Grace Meng (far left) and board member Salvatore Crifasi (center) for the PPE distribution event. Queens community.” Congresswoman Grace Meng attended the PPE distribution event and spoke to business owners as well. She said though New York City is no longer in the peak of the pandemic, businesses should be equipped with the proper PPE to feel safe enough to come back. “I’m proud to work with the Queens Chamber to meet the businesses and meet people where they are, where the need is,” Meng said. “That’s why we’re doing this not only here in Middle Village, but around the district as well.” The congresswoman is a cosponsor of the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed To Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act, which would create a fund for food and drinking establishments that have suffered economic hardship due to the pandemic. The bill would establish a $120 billion restaurant stabilization
grant program, which would provide aid to cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020.
The maximum grant amount is $10 million. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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FAA OKAYS LGA AIRTRAIN BY BENJAMIN FANG The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) last month for the proposed $2 billion LaGuardia AirTrain. In the report, which examined 47 unique alternatives, the agency found that only the AirTrain between Willets Point and the airport achieved the purpose and needs of the proposal, and was also considered to be “reasonable to construct and operate.” Proposed alternatives needed to address issues like increasing and unreliable travel times between LaGuardia Airport and key locations in New York City, inadequate employee parking and traffic congestion on roadways near the airport. According to the study, only subway extensions, fixed guideways and the gondola service satisfied the “purpose and needs” requirement. However, the FAA did not believe they were reasonable to construct and operate, so they were eliminated from consideration. “The FAA has identified the Proposed Action as its preferred alternative,” the agency wrote, referring to the AirTrain. The Draft EIS also studied the potential impact the project and construction would have on the community. The FAA determined that there would be no significant impacts to air quality, climate or water resources. The agency did conclude, however, that temporary noise during construction would impact 1,213 residential units in East Elmhurst and North Corona. Impacts from vibration during construction would also affect 136 residential and hotel units. Additionally, 93 residential units overlooking the Grand Central Parkway would face partially obstructed views of the Flushing Bay. If ultimately approved, construction for the LaGuardia AirTrain is expected to begin in August 2021, with a completion date in November 2025. The FAA estimated daily rid-
ership to reach 13,000 by 2026, including 4,000 employees and 9,000 air passengers. By 2031, daily ridership would reach 14,000 people. Annually, the agency estimates that the AirTrain will serve 4.8 million passengers by 2026 and 5.1 million passengers by 2031. The FAA’s projections were lower than the Port Authority’s projections. After the Draft EIS was released, the FAA kicked off a 45-day public comment period that ends on October 5. Although the agency cannot host in-person workshops and hearings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will hold virtual workshops on September 22, 23 and 24. In a joint statement, Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole and executive director Rick Cotton said they were pleased to see the environmental review process for the project move forward. “We are one step closer to realizing the benefits of the project for the region,” they said. “AirTrain LGA will provide millions upon millions of air travelers with a reliable, 30-minute trip from midtown Manhattan to the airport.” The Port Authority officials also touted that the AirTrain will get people out of cars, reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. They said the project will provide thousands of goodpaying jobs and contribute to the local economy. O’Toole and Cotton added that the project will not take any private property, whether residential or commercial. The proposed route will also require no construction within residential or commercial areas. “It is by far the best alignment amongst the more than 40 alternatives evaluated in the federal review process to date,” they said. To register for the FAA’s virtual workshops, visit lgaaccesseis.com/ draft-eis-registration.
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COVER STORY FORMER QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENTS PASSES AT 94 CLAIRE SHULMAN WAS THE FIRST WOMAN TO HOLD THE POST BY SARA KREVOY Claire Shulman, who became the first woman to hold the office of Queens borough president in 1986 following a corruption scandal concerning her predecessor, died on August 16 while at her home in Beechurst. She was 94 years old. A longtime friend of Shulman’s told the New York Times the cause of her passing was lung cancer. Shulman, a survivor of breast cancer, was also battling pancreatic cancer at the time of her death. Born Claire Kantoff on February 23, 1926, in Brooklyn, Shulman was a graduate of Adelphi University and a registered nurse before beginning a career in politics. After becoming active with the Bayside Mother’s Club, she first ventured into public service in the 1960s, serving on the neighborhood’s community board, of which she was eventually appointed chairwoman. Over the years, Shulman worked her way up to director of community boards under former Queens Borough President Donald Manes, and subsequently became his deputy in 1980. Manes, who later committed suicide, was implicated in one of the biggest municipal corruption rings in New York City, soliciting bribes in exchange for influence over contracts at the Parking Violations Bureau. When he resigned in February 1986, Shulman was chosen to finish out the year as interim borough president by a unanimous vote of the City Council’s Queens members. She then proceeded to win both the primary and general election to finish out the remaining three years of Manes’ term. Shulman achieved victory in three more
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popular votes, leading the “World’s Borough” for 16 years. As Queens borough president, Shulman was known for her passionate advocacy
for issues including economic development, airport disputes and the environment, as well as for championing the borough’s cultural institutions. Throughout her tenure, she secured funding for construction on Queens Hospital Center, in addition to creating 30,000 school seats for Queens students. In 1987, Shulman notably mediated a compromise while sitting as a member on the Board of Estimate – which was abolished by the city two years later - when it voted to adopt a rezoning proposal that would spur the construction of middleincome apartments across the five boroughs. Advocating for her constituent neighborhoods comprised mostly of single-family detached homes, Shulman was able to reach a negotiation that exempted a dozen neighborhoods in Queens that opposed the development plans. Even in the last year of her tenure as borough president, Shulman fought back against a proposal
to build an Olympic Village on land that had been allocated for permanent housing and updating the lakes in Flushing MeadowsCorona Park. Shulman may have been the first female Queens borough president, but she set the tone of the office for the nearly two decades following her departure. She was succeeded by the late Helen Marshall, and next by now-Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Upon ending her career in politics, Shulman continued to be active in Queens affairs. She established the Flushing Willets Point Corona Local Development Corporation, aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods in northern Queens, and acted as its president and CEO. Shulman also served on the board of directors of both New York Hospital Queens and St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. She also helped the Queens Zoo obtain its first bald eagle. In return, the
zoo named its current bald eagles after Shulman and her husband. Most recently, Shulman influenced this year’s race for her former office, endorsing Councilman Donovan Richards in a special election for Queens borough presi-
dent. Richards later won the Democratic nomination. “I lost a good friend last night,” Richards tweeted the morning after Shulman’s passing. “Queens lost a true gem last night. Claire Shulman was one of a kind. Her commitment to building institutions and fostering opportunities for people from all walks of life in Queens can’t be overstated.” Shulman’s is survived by her sister Ruth; daughter Ellen Shulman Baker, a physician and retired astronaut who was a veteran of three Space Shuttle flights; son Lawrence, an oncologist and chief medical officer at Boston’s Dana– Farber Cancer Institute; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her husband, Dr. Melvin Shulman, a psychiatrist whom she met while working at Queens Hospital Center as a nurse, died in 2015. Their adopted son Kim, a film and television director, died in 2001 of a cerebral hemorrhage. In a statement, Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee referred to Shulman as “larger than life.” “She did not waste time, and lived every single minute fully and with purpose,” said Lee. “In a borough known for its trailblazers, few have led a life of dedicated public service as robust and as effective as Claire Shulman. She transformed the landscape of the city’s largest borough, and so much of what we see and enjoy today are the results of her extraordinary vision and decisions made over 18 years ago. “No one loved Queens more than Claire Shulman,” she went on, “and in turn, she was widely respected and deeply loved.” ALL PHOTOS: MICHAEL O’KANE
September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
COVER STORY
QUEENS LEADERS REFLECT ON SHULMAN’S LEGACY BY BENJAMIN FANG Tom Santucci, chairman of the Queens Chamber’s Board of Directors, had lunch with Claire Shulman six months before she passed away. Santucci, who is also president and CEO of Gateway Investments, picked Shulman up at her home and went to a nearby restaurant. After they sat down, he recalled that several customers came by to greet the former borough president. During their meal, they spoke about the recent primary election and other issues in the borough. “She was a vibrant 94 years old,” Santucci said. “She was sharp as can be.” When he heard about Shulman’s passing last month, Santucci said he was saddened by the news. She had been a friend of his family for several decades. Santucci is a former district leader, and his father, John Santucci, served as a state senator and Queens district attorney. Reflecting on Shulman’s legacy, Santucci called the former borough president an accessible and pragmatic politician. “Her heart and soul was always in the community and what she could do better for Queens,” he said. “It’s rare that I went to a Queens event where she wasn’t there. “She steered us in a great direction,” Santucci added. “She helped make Queens what it is today.” The Queens Chamber chairman said Shulman was a “terrific mentor and colleague” who had a lasting impact on the borough. “I feel as though I’ve lost a dear friend,” he said. “I truly enjoyed being with her every time.” Howard Graf, a member of the Queens Chamber board, also felt a sense of loss after Shulman passed away. “We just lost an incredibly smart, gifted person who has always had Queens in her first thoughts,” he said. Graf, an architect, served as
president of the board at the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts when Shulman was borough president. She helped arrange for the organization to move into Flushing Town Hall, as well as allocating $7 million to renovate the decrepit Northern Boulevard building, Graf said. He met with Shulman several times a year to provide updates on the project. Graf said the former borough president provided constant feedback and always knew how to solve problems. “The amazing thing about Claire always was, if I thought there was an issue, she always understood within 30 seconds all the complications and involvements,” Graf said. “She was quick, understood how to solve problems and work with people. “She never wasted time,” he added. “She was a delight.” For Michelle Stoddart, vice president of public affairs and community development at Resorts World Casino New York City, Shulman was always accessible and approachable. Stoddart said she marveled at how generous she was with her time. “Any event you went to, she was always a steady presence,” she said. “She always focused on you and made you feel important, always had advice for you. I will miss that.” Stoddart, a Queens Chamber board member, said she looked up to Shulman as a strong woman leader, someone who always championed the borough and had Queens’s best interests at heart. She learned from Shulman to be bold, forceful and passionate. “Those of us who follow in her footsteps were emboldened by her
passion,” she said. “That’s her legacy to me.” Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, said he considered Shulman a mentor. He said she took him under her wing, taught him the ropes and helped him navigate the intricacies of Queens, the business community and the borough’s politics. Grech said her impact on the Queens business community can be felt throughout the borough, from Jamaica and Flushing to Long Island City. Nothing got done between 1986 and 2002, her tenure as borough president, if Shulman wasn’t involved, he said. One of Shulman’s most important legacies, Grech said, is working collaboratively but never losing sight of her goal. “She got things done, she was tenacious and never gave up,” he said. “We can all take a page from that playbook and do what she did all those years. “She was one in a million,” Grech added. “She will definitely be missed.”
Someone who followed in her footsteps was Melinda Katz, the former borough president and current Queens district attorney. She said the day that Shulman passed away was “a sad day for Queens.” Katz worked for Shulman for three years as director of community boards, an experience for which she’s grateful. The DA said
she learned a lot under Shulman’s leadership. “I was amazed at how she was able to navigate this system that we lived in so long ago,” Katz said, referencing Shulman’s trailblazing status as the first woman to serve as Queens borough president. “I’m not sure she was given enough credit for that.” Shulman knew how to run a meeting, Katz said, and how to get the best out of everyone at that moment. She interpreted the information she was given and effectuated a plan. “She was truly a master at that, there was always a goal from her,” she said. “She never dropped the ball.” Soon after Katz was elected borough president, she saw a tweet that posed the question: “can Katz out-Claire Claire Shulman?” Katz said the fact that Shulman was used as the standard “was a real compliment to her leadership.” “She was an amazing leader,” she said. “She showed what impact one person could have on the city.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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3,300 USE NEW FERRY ON FIRST WEEKEND BY BENJAMIN FANG For Astoria residents, a trip to the Upper East Side via public transportation normally takes up to an hour and a half. Now, the commute is just four minutes. On August 28, Mayor Bill de Blasio and community leaders celebrated the extension of the Astoria ferry line to East 90th Street. In its first weekend available to the riding public, more than 3,300 people traveled between the boroughs by ferry, according to the mayor. With the ferry stops just 1,000 feet apart on opposite sides of the East River, de Blasio said he feels like he can “almost touch” Astoria when he’s at Gracie Mansion. “We know as more and more people hear about it and learn about it, more and more people will be a part of it,” he said. “It’s only a few minutes away and it would open up a world of possibilities for everyone.” The mayor said neighborhood groups and public housing residents suggested the ferry connection to the city for years. “Sometimes the voices of the people are heard,” de Blasio said. “It took us a little while, but we realized, in fact, hey that’s pretty obvious we can do this.” Claudia Coger, president of the Astoria Houses Resident Association, said the ferry connects residents from western Queens not only to Manhattan, but also to the Bronx. “The most important part is that this connection takes us to the medical and health facilities,” she said. Support for the ferry link came from business groups too, like the Manhattan and Queens chambers of commerce. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, said in a statement that the extension is a “welcome lifeline for our small business communities.” “We thank the city for recognizing the importance of this new connection and giving New Yorkers as many transit options as possible,” he said, “especially since ferries are social distancing friendly with their spacious outdoor decks or New Yorkers to take in the fresh air.” James Wong, executive director of the NYC Ferry Division for the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), noted that the new connection is cost-neutral, and keeps the same travel time for existing riders, which he called a “win-win.” “When the water’s geography allows us to really solve a gap in the transit system, it can be a real game-changer,” he said. “And the Astoria-East 90th connection does just that.” Another group that advocated for the ferry route was the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA), which is led by Richard
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Mayor Bill de Blasio, standing next to Claudia Coger of the Astoria Houses, watches as the ferry sails away from Queens. (Photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office) Khuzami, an executive member of Community Board 1. Khuzami said thousands of people pushed for the service since 2018 through petitions, surveys and neighborhood meetings. “We were able to get our message across,” he said. He noted that both Astoria and the Upper East Side will benefit from the “exchange of
talent and opportunities,” whether in jobs, cultural and recreational activities, health care, retail and education. “This is a low-density mode of transit at a time when New Yorkers are concerned about getting to work, school and medical appointments safely,” Khuzami said. “Tying our neighborhoods and boroughs together only strengthens New York as a whole.”
CHAMBER HANDS OUT PPE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Caterers would be included in the program, but not publicly traded restaurants or chains with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name. The fund also sets aside $60 million for traditionally marginalized or underrepresented communities, such as women, veteran and minority-owned enterprises. The grants, which would be administered by the Treasury Department, could cover payroll, benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, debt obligations and other expenses deemed essential. Meng said the legislation has many co-
sponsors already and is bipartisan because “everyone has struggling small businesses and restaurants in their districts.” The Queens lawmaker added that she hopes the RESTAURANTS Act will be included in the next version of the federal stimulus package, which she said is “way overdue.” She said though the House already passed a second package, she hopes the Senate will follow suit. “I think the Senate needs to feel the urgency of what everyday constituents are feeling,” Meng said. “I hope that they understand how dire the situation is for so many people who literally can’t pay their rent or mortgage.”
September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
EXPERT ADVICE
UNPRECEDENTED TAX BREAKS FOR UPGRADES BY DAVID FORMAN
replacements, when combined with NYSERDA and utility rebates or incentives, will have reduced equipment costs.
I have been in NYC through the entire pandemic, and staying focused on business is difficult but necessary. Business and real estate HOW CAN THESE TAX owners are no exception. CHANGES IMPACT YOUR Buildings need upgrades, HVAC BUSINESS? systems are old or failing, and local Aging or inefficient mechanical laws pertaining to the environment systems are one of the largest costs are nearing compliance dates, such to a facility and are often costly to as the Local Law 97’s Climate upgrade, retrofit or replace. AddiMobilization Act–Carbon Emis- tionally, with the current health sions Reduction crisis, extra expens2024 penalty date. es for cleaning and For a limited safety have absorbed time, your business any cash that was can take advanplanned for capital tage of an unprecimprovements. edented tax relief Building owners options available in Vanguard Building Solutions, are also considerthe 2020 Coronavi- LLC is a national provider of ing upgrading their multidiscipline building rus Aid, Relief, and HVAC systems to solutions and energy savings improve Economic Security indoor strategies. Founded in 2013, (CARES) Act. air quality through VBS has been working with Among those ben- all size organizations, helping supplemental air efits are advanced cleaning services them make building tax deductions for and technologies. improvements, save energy the cost of equipTaking advantage of and money, and reduce ment and system extra after-tax cash greenhouse gas emissions. components made flow and utilizing to the interior of a additional rebate building for qualified improvement programs for upgrading systems property (QIP) investments under can make the process easier and IRS tax code Section 168. less expensive. These upgrades can now be fully If cash flow is a concern, you can deducted for tax purposes, includ- finance the improvements and still ing HVAC, building controls, lighting, boilers, and other systems and components in the first year it is placed in service versus over a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 39-year period. For commercial buildings, the Even at 94 years old, Shulman cost of HVAC equipment and was involved in the politics and Building Automation Systems economic development of Queens. installed or upgraded in 2020 may Months prior to her death, she be fully deducted as a business endorsed Councilman Donovan expense, and can include costs Richards for borough president, incurred as far back as January 1, appearing with him at the Uni2018, with no limits on the cost of sphere at Flushing Meadowsequipment. Corona Park to announce her Qualifying expenses include support. He would later win the purchased systems as well as Democratic primary. components and labor costs, and Richards said she was an early qualifying buildings include non- supporter of his run, and said she residential or commercial buildings followed his career long before (excluding new construction). he knew it. She followed the race Your building Upgrades and closely, even sending him texts at
take advantage of the CARES Act’s 100 percent deduction. With these tax changes, upgrades, and improvements, the more energy-efficient systems may yield: • Increased return on investment for new capital expenditures; • Reduced payback period for capital investments; • Even deeper savings when combining these benefits with additional local energy incentive programs; • A depreciation bonus of 100 percent of the equipment and installation cost this calendar year; and • Energy and money savings on utilities and compliance with local laws. Many savvy building and business owners are looking ahead at the capital improvement scheduled in the future. They are accelerating the improvements into 2020 to take
advantage of the deduction, while using creative financing (interest rates are at an all-time low) for the funding. Finding the right team that can help you navigate and execute your HVAC and mechanical equipment, or system options is important.
7 a.m. on some days expressing her thoughts on the campaign. “I felt like I was her last big project,” he said. “I will cherish every moment.” The councilman said Shulman’s legacy lies in all of the institutions she helped build throughout Queens, from the Queens Museum and the Hall of Science to the Jamaica Cultural and Arts Learning Center and Roy Wilkins Park. “These institutions have stood from her tenure until now,” he said. “What she built led to the betterment of our borough.” Calling Shulman his “guardian
angel,” Richards can still recall the first meeting he ever had with her at her kitchen table. They sat and talked for almost five hours about her love for the borough, the institutions she built and what she hoped for the future. “She wanted someone to succeed in the seat she thought would build on her legacy,” Richards said. “I always said, ‘why me?’” Should he win in November, Richards said he wants to “get stuff done” just like his mentor and dear friend Claire Shulman. “I plan on getting plenty of shovels in the ground in my tenure,” he said.
Editor’s Note: Vanguard is not a tax advisor. Customers should always consult their tax experts and advisors in application of tax laws as it relates to their corporate or partnership structure and business operations. Each customer must assess its actual impact. David Forman is vice president of Vanguard Building Solutions. Learn more at vbs-energy.com.
REMEMBERING CLAIRE SHULMAN
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QEDC ANNOUNCES FALL ONLINE PROGRAMS Aiming to help entrepreneurs, established business owners, home improvement contractors, minorities, immigrants, women, and others during a difficult time, the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) announced its lineup of online programs and services for the second half of 2020. First of all, QEDC has partnered with Astorian — a local tech startup that allows building managers to get bids from qualified contractors and post needed repairs online — to launch a 10-hour Home Improvement Contractor Training. Led by an experienced teacher, the virtual course prepares participants to take the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs licensing exam. The course informs on such topics as permits, licensing, development, liability, procurement, and access to capital. Upon obtaining a license, HICT graduates will be able to use Astorian’s platform to promote their businesses, build relationships, and get connected to jobs. HICT consists of two five-hour classes on October 3 and 4 that start at 9 am. Tuition is $199. Second, the Entrepreneurship Assistance
Center (EAC) offers a 20-class, 60-hour course on how to create a business and earn revenue. Aimed at aspiring and existing small business owners, participants learn about target markets, get validation for their ideas, and use data to create feasible business plans. EAC also offers a network of professionals willing to offer technical assistance to solve individual financial, technology, and legal problems. All 20 classes will stream at a twice-aweek clip from October to December. For more information, contact Bhavna Punjwani at bpunjwani@queensny.org. QEDC is also currently working with sponsoring partners Queens Public Library and Resorts World Casino New York City on a virtual format for the 14th annual Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition. The online classes are currently being scheduled. Send an email to info@queensny. org with “Queens StartUP” in the subject headline to receive details as they develop. (EAC participants can enter the StartUP! competition.) Furthermore, QEDC continues offering M/ WBE certification. Women and minorities
AN EXPERIENCED
BOOKKEEPER
who have been in business for at least a year can obtain a special designation that would give them priority for government contracts. Online class will take place on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Ricardi Calixte at rc@queensny. org. Along the same lines, the Queens Women’s Business Center continues to help woman start and improve their companies. Andrea Ormeño provides one-on-one counseling and presents workshops and networking opportunities, including the periodical Power Networking Breakfast, which usually attracts about 50 female entrepreneurs. Contact her at aormeno@queensny.org. MadeInQueens (MiQ) continues to promote local makers and manufacturers, sharing their stories, and providing opportunities for new and existing businesses to grow and flourish. The MiQ contact is Michael Gillen at mgillen@queensny.org. Finally, online and telephone counseling is available, and QEDC’s website (queensny. org) has resource documents and a video library with all the webinars related to the two recent ReBoot & ReStart programs.
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9/10, 2 PM
REOPENING YOUR BUSINESS: FROM A HEALTH, LEGAL & PROTECTED PROSPECTIVE
Join us as our panel of knowledge experts explore what’s required from a healthy aspect for staff. We’ll discuss what the financial status of your business should look like as you reopen and dive into what’s needed legally to reopen the doors. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 9/15 11 AM
INCREASING YOUR HAPPINESS IN THE WORKPLACE & LIFE
With this workshop, participants will be able to engage in unique and helpful ways to increase their happiness, which will have a robust effect on both their professional and personal lives. This event is made possible with the support of Councilman Eric Ulrich and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 9/15 2 PM
HOME BUYING MADE SIMPLE FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS
This webinar is primarily aimed at first time home buyers looking to better understand the process of obtaining their first home. We will take a look at credit, the home buying process, and other important parts of purchasing your first property. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 9/16 9 AM
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
9/16 1 PM
9/23, 2 PM
Hosted by our Manufacturing Committee, this event will take you inside this 75 year old company to witness first-hand how they produce crafted custom models and prototypes serving their clients in the cosmetics and liquor industries. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
Dolores Hofman, Program Manager of the Queens Airport Services Development Office (ASDO), will present a special webinar on how local businesses can access ASDO and become vendors for the various different buyers in the aviation industry of Queens. Learn about certification, products and services, bid capacity and what to do once you have gained access. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
VIRTUAL MANUFACTURING TOUR: UTLEY’S
9/17, 1 TO 3 PM
WOODHAVEN NEIGHBORHOOD SIDEWALK OUTREACH
For this program, the Chamber is traveling the borough to distribute free personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks and face shields, to small business owners on a first come, first serve basis. Register to this program and stop by for your free PPE curbside pickup. Register at queenschamber.org Woodhaven BID 89-07 Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven, NY 9/17, 2 PM
SAFE AND EFFECTIVE RETURN TO WORK: COVID-19 TESTING & SCREENING OPTIONS
This presentation by MobileHealth and AFLAC will focus on how to adapt to the changing workplace environment to best ensure that you, your employees, and your business is safe and secure going forward. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 9/2, 11 AM
QUEENS CHAMBER NEIGHBORHOOD DATA INITIATIVE: ASTORIA
Review your member benefits and learn about available business resources and opportunities to serve on one of the Chambers twelve member committees. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
In this presentation, Astoria stakeholders and businesses will learn how to use data to better anticipate the behavior, attitudes and preferences of their most relevant customers and reach them in the most effective channels with the best messages. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
9/16 9 AM
9/22, 11 AM
This workshop will overview best practices for creating a cohesive online presence, present resources to plan and manage digital content, and provide clear guidance for optimization of each network. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
Cody Fisher, chief marketing officer from Blue Ox Marketing, will discuss his career, his start, the current landscape of marketing and how to get your foot in the door. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING & MANAGEMENT
QUEENS CHAMBER INTERNSHIP CONNECTION STUDENT SERIES: MARKETING
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE AIRPORT INDUSTRY
9/24, 11 AM
QUEENS CHAMBER NEIGHBORHOOD DATA INITIATIVE: ROCKAWAY
In this presentation, Rockaway stakeholders and businesses will learn how to use data to better anticipate the behavior, attitudes and preferences of their most relevant customers and reach them in the most effective channels with the best messages. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
OCTOBER 10/16, 9:30 AM
STRATEGIES & TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE
In this program, you will learn the basic skills needed to identify and understand conflict and to successfully negotiate and resolve disputes that occur at the workplace. The “real world” focus is on practical ways to enable you to resolve day to day conflict and to be a more effective supervisor. The featured speaker will be Joshua Bienstock, director of the New York Institute of Technology School of Management. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 10/20, 11 AM
GENERATE EXTRA RENTAL INCOME
This webinar will be discuss the potential benefits of buying your own residential or multi-family property and renting out a portion in order to generate extra income. Mr. Lucien Lapierre of the TD Bank Charitable Foundation will be discussing both 1-4 family residential properties and larger multi-family units. Lapierre is a mortgage loan officer with TD Bank and has extensive experience in his field. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
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The Business News of Queens & The Official Magazine of The Queens Chamber of Commerce
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP
37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with
more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June. There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions.
BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID
213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and
over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.
is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone of its services. They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.
FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
more than 350 businesses under its umbrella on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.
has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.
161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram) @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica
PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group
GATEWAY JFK
Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon 516.730.3400 info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK
Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group seeks to provide support to the off-airport air cargo and services district through supplemental services and improvements, technical and professional services for its members, and advocacy and administration.
GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Ed Probst Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@baysideba.com baysideba.com
Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.
BUSINESS CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS (BCNA)
78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@nycbcna.org QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been
serving New York City entrepreneurs. BCNA
84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with
39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and repre-
senting over 200 businesses.
GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 President: Hope Knight 718.291.0282 gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group
has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.
GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID
JAMAICA CENTER BID
Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 million, the BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit.
JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430 Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci President: Al DePhillips Vice President: Joseph Morra JFKCoCExec@gmail.com jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group
has over 200 members. The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a group of business people in and around JFK Airport. It is the only airport in the nation to have its own Chamber of Commerce. The chamber seeks to create an environment in which members of the business community can work together to enhance the growth, well being and economic development of the airport community and its aviation industry.
LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com
Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community.
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QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.
MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have
MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)
120 members and a budget of $115,000.
BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org
baskets as a result of financial constraints faced by DSNY, which includes halting collection on Sundays. Olivares explained the BID sends people to clean in front of businesses five days a week. They leave the trash bags on the curb, and with less frequency of collection, the garbage sits on the street for long periods of time, usually adjacent to the spaces restaurants have set up for outdoor dining. This creates an unpleasant experience for diners, which could cause further harm to alreadystruggling eateries. “The whole COVID-19 situation pretty much killed our businesses,” she noted. “Now more than ever it is important that we have a clean, inviting and vibrant avenue, so that these businesses can start to recover.” On Saturday, the BID also tackled another issue that has been plaguing Jamaica Avenue as of late: rapid and excessive graffiti. The organization hired power washers to erase
tags from storefronts and the walls of businesses along the corridor, a practice that has now become an expensive routine since the city also cut its “Graffiti Free NYC” initiative, which provided no-cost removal to property owners. Local elected officials, including councilmen Robert Holden and Eric Ulrich, as well as Assemblyman Mike Miller, have become involved with sanitation efforts, says Olivares, but cleanup events like the one this weekend are critical to making a lasting impact on the streets of Woodhaven. “The goal is to bring people from the neighborhood together,” she said, “to send a message to people about how important it is to battle this situation as a community.” In particular, Olivares was impressed by the large turnout of young people from the neighborhood who volunteered. “It’s important to show them that we can all play a part in keeping the community clean,” she said.
BID MOBILIZES VOLS TO CLEAN JAMAICA AVE
BY SARA KREVOY More than 30 volunteers joined ranks with the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID) recently for a community cleanup event on Jamaica Avenue. The team worked its way down Woodhaven’s main commercial corridor, clearing the sidewalk and picking up litter that has been piling up particularly high during the pandemic. In total, they collected 25 bags of trash. Raquel Olivares, executive director of the Woodhaven BID, says there has been a longtime issue with illegal dumping in the neighborhood causing corner receptacles to fill up quickly with residential garbage, but this year conditions on Jamaica Avenue have taken a turn for the worse. With the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) budget slashed by $106 million, the city’s garbage collection services have been severely impacted. At the end of July, CBS reported a 60 percent reduction in pickup from public litter
Thirty-two volunteers joined the Woodhaven BID Saturday for a cleanup event on Jamaica Avenue.
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September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9
NEW MEMBERS CORPORATE
CAANDCO, Inc.
111-09 Rockaway Blvd South Ozone Park, NY 11420 fastsigns.com/2288
Evolve IP
630 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 evolveip.net
INTRODUCTORY
NYC Cooling Tower Inspections and Service, LLC
A M Exclusive Business Machines, Inc.
WellLife Network
The Best of Everything New York
486 Main Street Fort Lee, NJ 07024 nyc-inspections.com
142-02 20th Avenue, Fl. 3 Flushing, NY 11315 welllifenetwork.org
79-63 77th Avenue Glendale, NY 11385 amexclusive.com
308 101st Street, Suite 44D Brooklyn, NY 11209
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America Corporation 200 Park Avenue, 13th Floor New York, NY 10166
QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 busi-
nesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.
MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35
businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.
MYRTLE AVENUE BID
62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over
300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.
QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein
718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a
resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:
28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secrets, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family-owned shops some of them fixtures on the street for some 50 years.
ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE
SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
resource for over 200 businesses. The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.
$55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.
info@rockawaybusinessalliance.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a
PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of
ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION
SUNNYSIDE SHINES
Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.
approximately $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella. The mission of Sunnyside Shines is to invigorate and enrich the economic life of the neighborhood by creating a safe, welcoming and dynamic commercial district in Sunnyside
1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the
45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org QUICK GLANCE: The BID has a budget of
STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID
SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID
25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Marie Torniali 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID
has over 300 members. The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompasses all 300 business located on Steinway Street from
89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004
and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue.
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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH
queenschamber.org
EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci
Richard Dzwlewicz
Thomas J. Grech
Brendan Leavy
Nash Roe
Fran Biderman-Gross
Joanne M. Persad
Jacqueline Donado
Chairperson
Associate Treasurer
Vice Chairperson
Associate Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past Chair
Patrick Yu
Susan Browning
Mayra DiRico
Secretary
SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO
Business Development Manager
Chief of Operations
Strategic Program Coordinator
Alejandra Espejo
Jef Gross
Financial Controller
Neil Wagner
Business Service Program Manager
Manager of Committee Development
William Blake Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Dominick Ciampa George Rozansky Joseph Farber Gerard Thornton Louis D. Laurino Jeff Levine Joseph M. Mattone, Sr
QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is published 12 times a year for $12.50 annually by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131. Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephanie Baldwin Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan KY Chow
Sal Crifasi Steven DeClara Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Charles Everett, Jr. Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof
Howard Graf Raymond Irrera Anthony Kammas Kenneth Koenig Neil Levin Jeffery E. Levine Bert Lurch
Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul Maria Odysseus Jeffrey Owens Stephen Preuss Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock
Juan Santiago Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Caryn Schwab Sher Sparano Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson
Henry Wan Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner
CORPORATE MEMBERS A&E Real Estate A&L Cesspool Services Corp AARP Adria Hotel and Conference Center Aeroterm AFC Urgent Care - Howard Beach Amaracon Testing & Inspections, LLC American Lions LLC Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Apple-Metro, Inc. ARK Development LLC Ashnu International, Inc. Assured Environments Astoria Sports Complex Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. Avison Young AYC Properties LLC Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope Bellozino Bethpage Federal Credit Union Bijal Hospitality - Hyatt Place LIC & Fairfield Marriott LGA Blink Fitness Boyce Technologies Inc. Bridgehampton National Bank Broadway Stages Cactus Holdings Inc Capital One Bank Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens CBRE
Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization Cipico Construction, Inc. Citibank CityMD Clearcell Power Conference Associates, Inc Cord Meyer Development LLC Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Crunch - Rochdale (Please correct spelling in magazine) Cushman & Wakefield Damian Family Care Centers, Inc. Daniels, Norelli, Scully & Cecere P.C. Daroga Power, LLC Dedline AV East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Emigrant Mortgage Company Enterprise Fleet Management eXp Realty: Andrew Wu Exquisite Construction F & T Group Farrell Fritz, P.C. First Central Savings Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. GF55 Partners Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Glenwood Infinity LLC (Hello Panda Festival) Global Industrial Goodwill Industries of New York & North-
ern New Jersey, Inc. Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association Green Energy Technology Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Healthy Corner Pharmacy Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York Hook & Reel LLC Hyatt Place Flushing IBIS Styles New York La Guardia Airport INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovo Property Group Instacart Intercontinental Capital Group iRCM, Inc. J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc. Jaros, Baum & Bolles Jason Office Products JC Elite Construction JDP Mechanical JetBlue Airways Corporation JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. JGM Construction Development Jones Lang LaSalle Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Kimco Realty Corporation Klein Weath Management/ Hightower Advisors Laffey Real Estate Laguardia Plaza Hotel Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc.
Levine Builders Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association, Inc. Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. Madison Realty Capital Manpower McBride Consulting & Business MCT Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC Medisys Health Network Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Millennium Dae Dong, Inc. Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp. Muss Development LLC My Benefit Advisor, LLC NEOLEDGE Neuman’s Kitchen Newtown Creek New York + Atlantic Railway New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association Northwell Health NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Olympia Court Real Estate OneGroup Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Petro PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Piermont Bank Premier Paint Roller Co LLC
COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Michelle Stoddart ResortsWorld Casino New York City michelle.stoddart@rwnewyork.com Jayson Simba Festival of Cinema NYC FestivalofCinemaNYC@gmail.com
BANKING & LAW
Margaret T. Ling, Esq. Big Apple Abstract Corp. mling@bigappleabstract.com Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com
COMMUNICATIONS Cody Fisher Blue Ox Marketing, LLC cody@blueoxmarketing.com
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ENERGY
Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION Bill Staniford bill@staniford.com Michael Grella Grella Partnership Services mike@socialquityventures.com
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
Susan Browning Long Island Jewish Forest Hills sbrowning1@northwell.edu Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com
HOSPITALITY
Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Vincent Gentile Vassilaros & Sons Coffee vincent@vassilaroscoffee.com
MANUFACTURING Lina DeLaCruz Control Electropolishing Corp. lina@controlpublishing.com
NONPROFIT
Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Maria Odysseus Investors Bank modysseus@myinvestorsbank.com
REAL ESTATE
Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Kevin Louie Cushman & Wakefield kevin.louie@cushwake.com Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com
TECHNOLOGY Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone fc1281@gmail.com
TRANSPORTATION Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com William Harris Edge Auto Rental william@edgeautorental.com
Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage Priority 1 Security LLC ProHEALTH Care QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp. Quontic Bank RCG Mortgage Receivable Collection Services, LLC Rego Park Seniors Club LLC Related Retail Corporation Rochdale Village Community Center Royal Waste Services, Inc. Safeguard Global Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Santander Bank SBT Advantage Bank Seagis Property Group, LP Signature Bank Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp. Solomon Agency Corp. Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/JFK Airport Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Suffolk Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target TC Electric TGI Office Automation Thales The Andy Li Team at Compass The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Flying Locksmiths -Queens NY The Heskel Group The Liquidity Source The Lovett Group The Marcal Group T-Mobile TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp. United Airlines United American Title Agency United Construction & Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Building Solutions, LLC Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vic Kessler Signs LTD Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Watch Guard 24/7 LLC White Coffee Corp Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. YMCA of Greater New York / Queens Branches York College - CUNY Young Nian Group, LLC Zara Realty
September 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 9 MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS
We hope you are enjoying the newly designed, expanded Queensborough, the monthly publication of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. We, the Chamber, direct and approve all content deciding what stories are covered in each issue, editing all copy and forwarding information that is contained in the publication. BQE Media produces it for the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to highlight the outstanding business persons, services and activities that make our borough unique. We welcome all your letters, manuscripts, etc. Please send all materials to the Queens Chamber of Commerce at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 or call 718.898.8500 for more information. We reserve the right to edit for space limitations. Your support of the magazine is critical to its success. We encourage you to include Queensborough in your advertising plans. To place your ad, please call BQE Media at 718.426.7200.
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