Page 10 - qt edition #39 SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

PAGE 10 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Statement From Speaker Adams on Mayor Senator Gillibrand Announces $20 Million
Adams’ Announcement of His Administration’s in Federal Funding to Conserve And Build
Proposed Zoning Text Amendment For Housing New Green Spaces in NYC

“The housing crisis that and locked communities Framework and increased
has exacerbated homeless- out of opportunities. That’s affordability, to confront (Continued from page 4) local students, Bronx youth, nounced today will be dis-
ness and made our city why it is imperative that our our housing crisis. We look and diverse community tributed between the NYC
less affordable demands city’s policies and zoning forward to conducting a thank our congressional partners in tree planting Department of Parks and
comprehensive solutions. align to achieve housing thorough review of the pro- delegation, our local elected and stewardship, equip- Recreation and The Bronx
We welcome Mayor Ad- growth through the lens posals in these preliminary officials, and our many ping them with the tools is Blooming. The projects
ams and City Planning’s of equity and access, ac- scoping documents and partners for their advocacy to grow and support our financed by the funding are
encouraging and thoughtful companied by investments continuing discussions with for this grant,” said NYC urban canopy,” said Jenn described below.
proposals as a starting point in economic opportunity, the Administration and all Parks Commissioner Sue Beaugrand, Founder and NYC Department of
towards critical changes schools, transit, healthcare, stakeholders throughout Donoghue. “Thanks to this Executive Director of The Parks and Recreation: The
that will help us equita- and other institutions that this process to successfully investment, our city will Bronx is Blooming. “We are first project will estab-
bly produce more housing help stabilize communities. advance the city’s housing soon have more trees, ex- incredibly excited about the lish a green job training
across the city to confront “The Council is commit- needs. Delivering results for panded and more resilient opportunities this grant will and employment program,
these challenges. Housing ted to advancing the neces- New Yorkers will require forests, and new green jobs, create for our community to providing a pathway into
and zoning policies have sary changes through a city- actions at the city level, helping us to further our come together to give Bronx forest restoration careers
historically furthered eco- wide text amendment and along with essential contri- commitment to expanding green spaces the love and for underserved communi-
nomic and racial segrega- complementary strategies, butions from our state and and preserving our natural care they deserve.” ties. The second project
tion, deepened inequities, including my Fair Housing federal partners.” environment.” On average, tempera- includes growing the urban
“New York Restora- tures in urban forests are forest through planting trees
Joint Statement From Transportation & tion Project is thrilled that 2.9 degrees lower than in and preserving existing
Infrastructure Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers & trees are getting the critical un-forested urban areas. trees. It promotes commu-
investment that they de-
Across New York City, nity engagement through
Education Chair Rita Joseph on ATU’s serve,” said Lynn Bodnar over 7 million people, or outreach, education, and
Tentative Contract Agreement Kelly, Executive Director nearly 80% of New York- empowerment. The project
of New York Restoration ers, are affected by elevated also offers paid training and
Project. “As we know from temperatures. The Inflation employment opportunities
“Timely and reliable ment that avoids harmful Bus Umbrella Services have our work on the ground- Reduction Act included for youth and adults, focus-
school bus transportation disruptions for our students yet to reach a deal that would
is essential to the success and families. We support in- guarantee services for the breaking MillionTreesNYC historic investments to ing on workforce develop-
of our student’s educational creased wages and benefits youth they serve. We remain initiative, trees are New flight climate change, in- ment and green jobs.
futures. We are glad the for school bus drivers and a in solidarity with them as Yorkers’ natural allies in cluding funding to create The Bronx is Blooming:
mitigating heat, seques-
equitable access to green This project engages K-12
school bus companies and continuation of school bus they pursue a contract that
the Amalgamated Transit services for over 80,000 stu- acknowledges their contri- tering excess carbon, and spaces across New York. students in environmental
Union Local 1181 were able dents at this time. However, butions and pivotal role in absorbing excess rainwater Urban forests help cool our education and tree steward-
to come to a tentative agree- drivers with the NYC School our education system.” in the face of the climate neighborhoods, protect New ship, provides green jobs
crisis. We applaud Senator Yorkers from dangerous and forestry training for
Statement From Speaker Adrienne Adams on Gillibrand’s leadership in heat waves, and improve air local youth, and brings new
bringing game-changing quality, health and mental trees to Bronx neighbor-
The Recommendation That No Disciplinary funds to bolster New York’s health outcomes, and over- hoods. It addresses long-
urban forest.”
all quality of life. The Infla-
standing environmental
Action be Taken Against NYPD Officers in The Bronx is Blooming tion Reduction Act included and health inequities related
Killing of Kawaski Trawick is honored to receive this $1.5 billion over the next to air quality, excessive
$5 million grant from the 10 years for the U.S. Forest heat, and park access, while
“I am deeply disappointed for Kawaski’s killing. After Caban can and must hold USDA Forest Service. This Service’s Urban and Com- creating economic oppor-
in Deputy Commissioner delays and impediments by these officers accountable unprecedented investment munity Forestry program. tunities in disadvantaged
Maldonado’s recommenda- the NYPD to provide key for misconduct - it’s what will engage thousands of The federal funding an- communities.
tion and the rationale behind evidence, those delays now Kawaski’s family, New York-
it. For several years, the Tra- being used as the reason to ers, and officers who have
wick family has waited for recommend no discipline is not engaged in misconduct
a shred of accountability unjustifiable. Commissioner deserve from the NYPD.”

Joint Statement From Speaker Adrienne
Adams And Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala on
The Expanded Eligibility to Use CityFHEPS
Outside of New York City

“CityFHEPS is one of CityFHEPS to be used out- to allow New Yorkers with
our most effective tools side of New York City is a CityFHEPS vouchers to
to keep people in their positive step that will help move back within our city.
homes, prevent evictions, longtime New Yorkers find We look forward to continu-
and transition people out housing and economic sta- ing to work with the Ad-
of the shelter system into bility. It will be important ministration to ensure the
permanent housing. This to ensure that there are successful implementation
announcement to allow clear policies on transfers of this program.”