for breaking news visit JANUARY 24, 2013 • The Courier SuN3 www.couriersun.com STATE OF THE BOROUGH ‘2013 MUST BE A YEAR OF HOPE’ BY TereNCe M. CuLLeN said. “The borough president tcullen@queenscourier.com and her staff have always been very supportive of us.” In the final State of the Michael McDonald, who Borough address of her admin- helped rescue Belle Harbor istration, Borough President residents alongside Smith, Helen Marshall focused on the recalled the late surfer was continued recovery of south modest to the attention Queens nearly three months he received after the storm. after Sandy — honoring one first Before the audience at Queens responder in particular for his College’s Colden Theater, valiant efforts during the storm. McDonald gave a heartfelt rec- “Let’s reflect together now,” ollection of the late October she said on Tuesday, January night and referred to Smith as 22, “on the devastation Sandy “a guardian angel in a wetsuit.” caused. The relief, from across “The idea that his name will the street and across the coun- be mentioned in what he loved try, and the rebuilding, now to do, which was not only underway, inspired by hope swim and surf, but look out for and the promise of tomorrow.” the safety of others is wonder- Marshall honored the memo- ful,” he said. ry of Dylan Smith — the Belle Marshall, covering several Harbor surfer who tragically other items on her 2013 agenda, died in Puerto Rico last month called for continued legislation — for his heroic efforts to help at the state and federal level to THE COURIER/Photo by Terence M. Cullen neighbors during the storm. reduce gun violence. Marshall Borough President Helen Marshall honored the memory of Dylan Smith, who died in a surfing accident last With Smith’s parents in atten- applauded the anti-gun work of month in Puerto Rico, for his heroic efforts during Sandy. dance, Marshall announced Mayor Michael Bloomberg and her office would give a $10,000 announced she plans to spon- leader in this effort: Mayor was threatened by the homes. and an expansion to the East grant to the Swim Strong sor a gun buy back program Michael Bloomberg. Perhaps “We know the ability of zon- Elmhurst Library, along with a Foundation, which teaches a sometime this spring. that’s part of the reason we ing to protect the small town new Elmhurst branch, thanks healthy lifestyle “ W h i l e have seen the lowest number of neighborhood feel of our com- to a $23 million investment ming, in Smith’s VISIT was muted by murders in the past 40 years.” - enable job growth and spur the from Borough Hall.On Flushing Meadows-munities,” she said. “And toSo far, during her adminiThanksgiving-through swim grant in Smith’s think! rific violence in blocks, with another 1,000 soon receive mobile science labs, borough, and ensuring Queens-greenspace was crucial to thepermanent science room willhave rezoned more than 6,300by the horwhat youwas saddenedout, Marshall said keepingrently without a science lab orPlanning and the City CouncilTell usholiday seasongo lengthy projects inside and-Thirty Queens schools curout, the Department of Cityqueenscourier.com-Corona Park, slated to undereconomy.”station, Marshall pointedSandy and theSwim Strong memory. founder Shawn Slevin said the name would Newtown, let’s planned, leading to job growth Marshall announced, thanks to keeps it — in some form — is continue to help the program, all agree that 2013 must be a in the borough. her office allocating $2 million to atop Marshall’s to-do list. which has taught more than year of hope,” Marshall said. Marshall harkened to the purchase them this year. “I will keep the message 2,000 people water safety and “Our hope for getting guns off McMansions that sprung up Marshall, a literacy advocate, front and center that this park granted nearly 700 scholar- the street is gaining momen- over the last 10 years because of announced two new libraries is one of the most heavily used ships. tum. Here in our city, we have “inappropriate” zoning in low- will break ground this year: a open spaces in the entire city,” “This will mean so much for a long-standing and tireless density neighborhoods — not- replacement one on Central she said. “The green space is a our scholarship funds,” Slevin ing the character of these areas Avenue in Far Rockaway, precious resource.” Cuomo budget has $21 billion for Sandy relief BY CriSTABeLLe TuMoLA Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. Sandy relief, another part of the budget Gianaris. “As the home for some of ctumola@queenscourier.com But the budget doesn’t stop at Sandy. is also good news for the borough. New York’s largest film production It increases education aid by $889 The plan extends a film tax credit, studios, western Queens has earned its Sandy, education and economic million, or an average of more than which is set to expire at the end of reputation as Hollywood East thanks development were top priorities in $300 per student, raises the minimum 2014, for five more years. to this incentive program. I applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive wage from $7.25 per hour to $8.75, and “New York’s film tax credit has made Governor Cuomo for his ongoing sup- budget, but despite the unexpected reforms the Workers’ Compensation our film industry an economic suc- port of the film tax credit and look costs from the storm, the proposed plan system, saving more than $900 million. cess story during an otherwise difficult forward to seeing western Queens con- eliminates a $1.3 billion gap with no In addition to money set aside for economy,” said State Senator Michael tinue to benefit from this important new taxes or fees. job-creating tool.” past two years we have brought stability, ARE YOU A GREAT PAIR? a new website, Openbudget.ny.gov,On Tuesday Cuomo also announced“By making difficult decisions over the predictability, and common sense to the which gives the public access to the state’s budget process,” said Cuomo. Calling all Queens couples! The Courier wants to hear your love story. state’s budget. “Sandy caused widespread destruc- Do people tell you you’re perfect together? Is your love story one for the “Open Budget is bringing the people tion and as we begin the daunting task ages? back into government by taking budget of rebuilding in southern Queens and If you are married or engaged and live in the borough, visit ww.queenscourier. data out of government file cabinets and the Rockaways, the governor’s propos- com/couple-contest and tell us in 100 words or less what makes you and your making it available to the public for the al focuses on our needs by including significant other a great couple. first time in an easy-to-access, download- $21 billion for disaster-related recov- The pair with the best story will win a romantic Valentine’s Day prize. able form. This will facilitate research, ery, rebuilding and mitigation,” said Entries will be accepted until February 1, so be sure to go online and enter! analysis and innovation,” said Cuomo.
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