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Friday, May 26, 2017

News from Councilman Eric Ulrich

Dear Friends,

It's been a busy month at our office! There are a number of recent initiatives and upcoming free events, so I'd like to take the opportunity to share some updates.

As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call my District Office at (718) 738-1083.

Sincerely,

Eric Ulrich
New York City Council Member
District 32

 Ozone Park Library Reopens Following Upgrades Funded By Ulrich 


The Ozone Park Library is officially open! Earlier this month, Councilman Ulrich, elected officials and Queens Library representatives celebrated Ozone Park Library's grand reopening. The 7,500-square-foot library, located at 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard, had been temporarily closed for a renovation project funded by Ulrich. 

"It is important that we continue to invest in our libraries, which play such a vital role in our communities.  This new self-checkout equipment will help the residents of Ozone Park  - and all of Queens - better enjoy Queens Library and all the educational opportunities it has to offer," Councilman Ulrich said. "My constituents have long deserved these upgrades and renovations at Ozone Park Library, and I am proud to have funded this project."

The $1.2 million renovation project features a number of upgrades including:
  • An automated check-in/check-out machine to serve customers faster and more efficiently
  • A public cyber center featuring an electronic sign-up system for customers to schedule their computer usage
  • A teen area with five computers and three booths that contain power outlets
  • An adult area with six computers and five powered reading tables
  • A children's area with six computers
  • A new ADA-compliant restroom
  • An Early Learning Center equipped with a play kitchen and toys and a large mural depicting phases of the moon
  • A larger meeting room-now measuring 540-square feet-with a dedicated storage space
  • And all new décor, shelving and furniture throughout the building
A Night at the Opera...in Howard Beach! 


On Monday, May 15, Councilman Ulrich hosted a free concert - the last of the Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series, which he funded. Hundreds of constituents attended the opera-themed concert held at the beautiful Russo's On The Bay. 

"I have always been a proud supporter of the arts. When I funded these concerts, I wanted to make sure that everyone in our community would have the opportunity to see them," Councilman Ulrich said. "Many people cannot afford to attend shows like these, and the Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series gave them the opportunity to experience high-quality music, free-of-charge."

The Queens Symphony Orchestra put on a total of five concerts in Councilman Ulrich's district. In total, more than a thousand residents had the opportunity to experience music at its finest, with genres varying from jazz to Broadway show tunes, to Copeland and opera. 

To view the entire photo album from the Russo's On The Bay opera-themed concert, click here

City Council Passes Ulrich Bill to name 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge After The-Late Joel Miele Sr. 

Photo by The Queens Chronicle

At yesterday's Stated meeting, the New York City Council unanimously passed Councilman Eric Ulrich's bill to name the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Howard Beach after the-late Joel Miele Sr. Miele, former Chairman of Community Board 10 in Queens and a U.S. Navy veteran, was well known for his dedication and service to others.

"Joel was the epitome of a good citizen. He was known throughout the community as a leader and friend, having dedicated his life to helping others. He bravely served our country in the U.S. Navy and sat on Community Board 10 for nearly two decades," Councilman Ulrich said. "It has been a privilege and an honor to sponsor this bill. Naming the 163rd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge after Joel will serve as a beautiful reminder of his many contributions."

On March 2, 2017, CB10 voted unanimously to indicate its support to the Councilman to commemorate Miele, who passed away in May 2013 at 79 years of age. In April, the Board submitted its formal request to Ulrich, who expressed his full support, sponsoring Intro 1627 the following month.

In addition to his service in the military and on CB10, Miele served the City in a number of capacities. He was a member of the City Planning Commission, and from 1994 to 1996, Miele served as the City's Commissioner of Buildings. From 1996 to 2002, he served as the City's Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. Miele was also a professional engineer and philanthropist, frequently dedicating his spare time to charitable engineering organizations.  

Ulrich Sponsors Bill That Would Require DOT to Maintain Curb Height Following Street Construction 

Council Member Eric Ulrich co-sponsored a bill that would require the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) to maintain curb height following street construction. The proposed legislation, originally sponsored by Lancman, seeks to amend an administrative code in which homeowners are responsible and can be fined for ponding conditions caused by City construction.

Curb heights are often not adequately maintained during street construction and, as a result, flooding of property has occurred. Property owners have subsequently been unfairly fined for having ponding conditions on their property. This bill would require that the DOT ensure that adequate curb heights are maintained following construction in order to prevent flooding and fines for ponding conditions that are not the fault of property owners.

"It is a disgrace that homeowners are still being slapped with City fines for flooding conditions caused by City street construction," Councilman Ulrich said. "I am proud to sponsor this bill, which protect homeowners from senseless fines and other costs."
Ulrich to Host Free Legal Assistance Event on June 5th


On Monday, June 5th, 2017, Councilman Eric Ulrich and New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) will host a free legal assistance event for residents in need of legal help. NYLAG's Mobile Help Center will be stationed in front of Ulrich's Ozone Park Office, located at 93-06 101st Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Created through a partnership between NYLAG and the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program, the Mobile Legal Help Center is the country's first-ever legal services office and courtroom on wheels. Attorneys provide counseling, advice, and direct representation without leaving the vehicle.

Through NYLAG's Mobile Legal Help Center, low-income residents in need of legal help can overcome obstacles such as geographic isolation, health and mobility issues, and childcare concerns.

To schedule an appointment with NYLAG on June 5, call Councilman Ulrich's office at (718) 738-1083
Celebrate Flag Day with Family Fun!


Join Councilman Ulrich on Wednesday, June 14th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for a day of family fun at Broad Channel Park, located at Cross Bay Boulevard and 17th Road. 
 
The free event sponsored by Ulrich will feature music, snacks and bounce houses. Representatives from New York City agencies will also have informational tables and giveaways. 

Free Reusable Bag Giveaway Events!

The average American family takes home about 1,500 plastic shopping bags per years, but only one in seven will ever be recycled. Help support Councilman Ulrich's newest "Going Green" initiative by joining us for our free recyclable bag giveaway events on Monday, June 5th and Thursday, June 15th!


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