News from Assemblyman Goldfeder

January 22, 2016 In This Issue Weathering the Storm New QM16 Route Round Two for MMA Harbor Light Shines Bright _______________ Office Locations   Howard Beach    162-38 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414718-641-8755 Rockaway Beach 95-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Rockaway Beach, NY 11693  718-945-9550  Albany LOB 542 Albany, NY 12248 518-455-4292 Quick Links   ______  News Photos YouTube   NYC DOT QM16 Bus Schedule   MMA in the 2016 Budget CROM Physical Culture Harbor Light Pub   Dear Neighbor,    This morning the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Watch for NYC, with tides 3-4 ft above normal and the possibility for beach erosion from storm wave action. Together with expected snowfall late tonight and tomorrow, it's important that we all take steps to prepare and keep our families safe! I have been in constant contact with the Department of Sanitation, Emergency Management, City Hall, MTA, utility companies, and community leaders to follow local conditions and provide assistance. We've weathered bad storms in the past and I'm confident that by working together, we'll make it through this storm! You can stay up to date as conditions change by following me on Facebook and Twitter. Stay Strong,   Improving Commutes     Improving our public transit is a top priority, and while I constantly fight for new services like the ferry and Rockaway Beach Rail, I am still focused on improving the system we already have in place. I'm pleased to announce the MTA has finally heard our calls and there is now a new 5:47 a.m.weekday departure on the QM16 out of Riis Park. For hundreds of commuters in southern Queens and Rockaway,  this small change will make the difference between getting stuck in traffic and arriving at work on time.  Stepping into the Ring for MMA    New York is the only state in the country where Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are illegal, depriving millions of fans of the chance to see the sport in our own backyard. Additionally, it robs our local small businesses of much-needed economic activity. I've called on my colleagues in the Assembly to hold a public hearing on MMA so that we can finally legalize the sport for the benefit of the athletes and all New Yorkers.  Touring Progress at Harbor Light    The destruction of the Harbor Light during Sandy was a truly devastating loss for our community. For over 30 years, this neighborhood watering hole uplifted spirits and offered comfort during tragedy. It was an honor to join co-owners Bernie Heeran and his son Sean (pictured, right) for a tour of the construction progress. I will continue to fight for the Heerans and all our families as we rebuild stronger than ever!