Posted By: C. Harrison/April 9, 2014

Posted By: C. Harrison/April 9, 2014

Posted By: C. Harrison/April 9, 2014

QUEENS! GETTING WHAT IT DESERVE

By: C. Harrison/April 8, 2014

Queens, NY  According to letters that were sent out in October 2013, It outlined priorities for the 2014 budget that Senator Malcolm Smith pursued. The items included: housing, foreclosures mitigation and assistance, anti-gun and gang violence programs, technology upgrades, schools and capital investments in healthcare. Smith said,  “In the coming months I will be reporting  on how my seniority, years of experience and relationships in the legislature  has and will benefit constituents through these budget accomplishment.”

The budget was caped at 2% or less for the fourth year in a row. Schools got a 5% increase in school aid, it established Universal pre-K, it protects charter schools and makes important investment in healthcare, the environment and infrastructure.

Key accomplishments included: 613 million from the JPMorgan settlement to help mitigate areas impacted by foreclosure, thanks to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Queens was ground zero for the foreclosure crisis. “It will go a long way toward mitigating the negative impact foreclosures have had on our community,” said Smith.

$3million is going to Operation SNUG Anti-Gun Gang Violence Program, a program started in 2009, that made a direct impact on gangs and gun violence in Southeast Queens

$30million will be going to York College–for construction of the Academic Village and Conference Center.  ” I have been fighting to make York a focal point of Southeast Queens and this $30 million in funding will go a long way towards its progress in becoming a central economic and academic institution, serving the entire community,” Smith said.

Other priorities for this budget in the 14 district are as follows:

$ 1 million for Affordable Housing

$ 2 billion for Smart School Technology Program

$ 55 million for Health Information Network

$ 1.2 billion for healthcare capital projects

$ 1.5 billion for Universal Pre-K ($300 million each year for five years)

$ 150, 000 for Local Development Corporations-Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens

$ 7.6 million for four nursing homes (including St Albans VA)

$ 32 million for charter school stimulus

$ 8 million for after school programs

$1.1 billion for New York City public schools (foundation aid)

$ 1.6 million Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)

All The Doubters Now Believe

By: C. Harrison/April 3, 2014

President Barak Obama and Vice President Joe Biden

Yesterday,  the new Affordable Health Care Mandate reached its targeted goal and then some 7.1 Million people signed up by the deadline of March 31, 2014. Some doubted but most knew that we would reach the goal the President had outlined. When President Barak Obama and Vice President Joe Biden stepped into the rose garden yesterday, some Americans just knew that it could have been a do or die situation as for as Obamacare, but, those of us who believed that it was going to happen we never wavered.

The horrible things that the Republicans were saying died right there and then, they shut up, they had nothing to say.
Some even took out ads venting about how wrong Obamacare was and how much millions it would cost us, all lies of course but as the President said, “I don’t get it why are people working so hard for people not to get health care.” Yes, asked yourself why indeed. “Armagwddon has not arrived,” the President told them. This President did what was right for this country and we all should be grateful. I feel that this is a momentum democrats should ride. America did it and no, the Republicans will not repeal the law because it will cost them if they do

OFA Member in Queens

Those who have not done so you can still do so signup but, know this, you will have to wait until next year and you will be paying a penalty. You were warned.

You Only Have 24 Hours to Go

To Sign Up

For New Health Care Mandate

By: C. Harrison/March 24, 2014

Five Million have done what they were supposed to do sign up before the deadline for health care. They will be taken care off come May 1, 2014, can you say the same? You only have 24 hours to go and time is running out.

OFA members

Here in Queens, we have been hard at work making sure that you go out there and sign up and most of you have responded in kind and we are grateful for that. Still, there are some of you who are steadfastly procrastinating even in the face of a deadline. Sign up in the morning or on your lunch break just do it/yes we can. This benefits all of us.

But you should also know that you can still sign up after the deadline has passed.

UNIQUE SENIOR HOUSING COMING SOON

By: C. Harrison/March 24, 2014

As of February 2, 2014, the Calvery Church, Senior Housing Foundation broke ground to build a brand new senior center on Guy R. Brewer Blvd. And according to  Mrs. Haynes, at the church’s housing foundation department, the units will take 18 months to finish.

THE 2014 ADIDAS GRAND PIX KICKS OFF

JUNE 14

By: C. Harrison/March 24, 2014

Each year the IAAF Diamond League and the Adidas Grand Pix showcase their New York City Premier track and field game at Icahn Stadium, where local and international sprinters come to show the world what they are made of.

Normally the game meet’s May of each year, but their is a change for the 2014 meet– it will take place Saturday, June 14, 2014, 12 noon, sharp. The New York City, game is in its 10th year of bringing the world’s top athletes and sprinters to Icahn Stadium. Thus far, four top athletes have already signed up.

Jenn Suhr, two time Olympic medalist-she won gold in 2012 and Silver in 2008.

Sally Pearson of Australia,  two time Olympic medalist- she won World Indoor Champion 2012, World Champion in 2011, earned a Silver medal in 2008 and earned the IAAF female athlete of the year in 2011.

Making his way from the Ukraine is Bohdam Bondarenko, 24-years old, who is the world Champion in high jump and was honored in 2013-male athlete of the year. He will be making his New York debut at the game. This is something to look forward to.

Jamaica’s Yahan Blake,  aka the Beast-returning to the game after being kept out in 2013 because of injures. He his the fastest man in history to run the 100 meters at 9.69 seconds. He is second to none behind training partner Usain Bolt. He said that he’s ready to face the New York crowd and Caribbean Community–This is going to be one heck of a game. We are all ready, each year the game is sold out so come early that way you won’t have to wait on line.

THE JAMAICA CENTER BID LOOKING FOR A NEW

DIRECTOR OF RETAIL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Posted By: C. Harrison/March 11, 2014

Job Specification

The Director of Retail and Economic Development will build relationship with the current and prospective retailers, businesses, property owners and real estate brokers, to improve the quality and mix of retail.  Additionally, the Director will also manage projects that assist in the overall economic development of Downtown Jamaica, including the programming and beautification of open spaces.

Build rapport with property owners and their real estate representatives; serve as point of contact between them and prospective tenants.

Maintain database of property owners, retailers, tenants prospects and properties/available spaces; provide details on characteristics of spaces to prospective tenants.

Contribute to the development of marketing material for Jamaica Center.

Update key demographic figures and information important to retail recruitment.

Work with prospective retailers from initial contact through to store opening.

If applicable, work with existing retailers who may need assistance with issues such as merchandising, window display, marketing, etc.

Run the quarterly Retail Advisory Committee Meetings

Develop quarterly BizSmarts newsletter

Plan two Jamaica Revealed events for 2014

Manage place making and beautification initiatives within the district

Qualifications

BA required, Master’s Degree Preferred

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Must have knowledge of business improvement districts,  real estate attraction and best economic development practices.

Direct all questions, cover letters and resumes to Felicia Tunnah at: ftunnah@jamaicacenter.org

Posted By: C. Harrison/March 11, 2014

DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH HIRING

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Summer Youth Employment applications are now available online.

Individuals interested in applying for a summer job this summer must apply at this online and select Research Foundation LaGuardia as their provider.

applications are at: https://application.nycsyep.com