Page 6 - qt edition #16 April 17, 2025

PAGE 6 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams’ Legislation

Passes To Increase Transparency And Accountability In
NYC’s Tree Maintenance
New laws will give New Yorkers
better access to information about
tree maintenance and pruning
schedules in their neighborhoods.
Int. 800 and Int. 978 are focused
on making our city’s tree care ser-
vices more transparent and more
accountable.

The New York City Council has
passed two pieces of legislation
sponsored by Council Member
Dr. Nantasha Williams that will
give New Yorkers greater access
to information about how the
City maintains street trees and
responds to hazardous conditions.
Trees are essential to the health Photo Credit: Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit
and character of every neighbor- pruning-related service requests “If you’ve ever filed a 311 re-
hood providing shade in the sum- with direct links to important in- quest for tree pruning or removal,
mer, helping manage stormwater, formation. That includes the Parks you probably know the frustration:
improving air quality, and adding Department’s tree inspection map, it almost always comes back as
beauty to our blocks. But when any available tree pruning sched- a ‘Category C’—essentially the
they’re not maintained, overgrown ules, and resources on tree care bottom of the priority list—with
or damaged trees can create real and maintenance. It would also no real timeline for when help is
challenges for homeowners and require 311 to share information coming. That’s why I’m proud
tenants, from safety hazards to about volunteer opportunities for to partner with Council Member Park Side Restaurant
property damage to unclear re- residents interested in becoming Williams to help bring clarity and
sponsibilities around care. certified to prune street trees in accountability to this process.
Int 800 is about making sure their neighborhoods. New Yorkers deserve better an- Queens’Finest Italian Restaurant
New Yorkers aren’t left guess- “As New Yorkers, we love swers when it comes to removing
ing when it comes to how the our trees, but we also know how dead trees or pruning overgrown
city responds to hazardous trees. frustrating it can be to get clear branches scraping their homes.
When a tree poses a risk to people, information about when and Our neighbors shouldn’t be left
property, or the safety of a block, how they’re being cared for,” wondering if that dead limb is
residents deserve to know how said Council Member Williams. going to crash down on them.
decisions are made and what fac- “These bills are about transpar- They deserve clear information
tors determine the city’s response. ency and accountability, giving and realistic timelines from the
This bill ensures that information New Yorkers clear standards, clear Parks Department, and we’re com-
is clear, accessible, and public timelines, and clear communica- mitted to making that happen,”
because transparency helps people tion. Whether it’s a hanging limb said Council Member Shekar
advocate for themselves, their after a storm, roots damaging a Krishnan, Chair of the NYC
neighbors, and their communities. sidewalk, or just understanding Council Committee on Parks and
Int 978 requires the 311 Cus- when the trees on your block will Recreation, District 25.
tomer Service Center, in coor- be pruned next, this legislation In addition to requiring the City About Park Side Restaurant - An Italian Landmark in the heart of Corona,
dination with Parks, to provide makes it easier to get answers and Queens, Park Side Restaurant is truly a destination that is worth the trip.
New Yorkers who submit tree take action.” After one visit, you will be sure to be back again and again for one the
city’s Best Italian restaurants. Bring your appetite and enjoy authentic
Ridgewood Savings Bank Plants Seeds For A Greener Future and always delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients and attention to
detail served by our professional staff. Park Side is also happy to host your
Over 5,600 Trees Planted — Spir- next function with our private dining area and flexible banquet packages.
it of Ridgewood Cleanup Brings
Employees Together in Service 107-01 Corona Ave. Corona Heights, NY
As Earth Day approaches, (718) 271-9274 • (718) 271-9871
Ridgewood Savings Bank (Ridge- - Reservations Suggested -
wood) is proud to share its grow-
ing impact on the environment
and local communities. Since
launching its Free Green Check-
ing account in 2022, Ridgewood
has helped plant more than 5,600
trees through the nonprofit One
Tree Planted — a testament to the
power of purpose-driven banking.
“Free Green Checking is more
than just a smart, modern banking
option — it gives our customers
the power to make a positive envi-
ronmental impact with every new employees joined forces for a “It was incredibly rewarding
account,” said Leonard Stekol, Community Cleanup at Bushwick to see our team come together for
Chairman, President and CEO Playground in Brooklyn, located such a hands-on project in the
of Ridgewood Savings Bank. “At at Putnam and Knickerbocker Av- heart of the community — es-
Ridgewood, we are committed to enues. The cleanup was organized pecially as we approached Earth
aligning our products with our by Angela Day,” said D’Amato. “Bushwick
purpose. We believe that even D’Amato, Assistant Vice Presi- Playground is a space for children
small actions can grow into some- dent and Branch Manager of and families, and it means a lot to
thing meaningful. The acorn in the Grand Avenue branch and a know we played a role in keeping
our logo reflects that spirit — each board member of New York State it clean and inviting. That’s what
account opened today has the po- of Mind (NYSoM), the nonprofit the “Spirit of Ridgewood” is all
tential to make a lasting difference that hosted the event. NYSoM or- about — showing up, pitching in,
for tomorrow.” ganizes community-based events and giving back.”
Since launching Free Green ranging from food drives to movie Free Green Checking: A
Checking in 2022, Ridgewood’s nights and neighborhood beau- Greener Way to Bank
environmental impact has grown tification projects. The cleanup Ridgewood’s Free Green Check-
steadily with a total of 5,632 trees brought together a dedicated crew ing account is designed with sus-
now planted, and Ridgewood’s of Ridgewood volunteers from tainability and simplicity in mind.
commitment to Earth Day goes across branches and departments, The account features:
beyond planting trees. all united under the “Spirit of
On March 22, Ridgewood Ridgewood” initiative. (Continued on page 8)