CB 9 Chairman Ralph Gonzalez, left, and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, right, present a community recognition award to 102nd Community Affairs Officer Jose Severino at the board’s meeting Tuesday night. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Want to really annoy Queens Borough President Melinda Katz?
Call Queens Brooklyn’s little sibling.
“One thing that kept coming up during the campaign was people saying, ‘You’re gonna make Queens the next Brooklyn,’” Katz said at Tuesday night’s Community Board 9 meeting in Ozone Park. “We’re the borough of Queens. We’re not Brooklyn.
“I call Brooklyn ‘the other borough’ now,” the Queens leader joked.
Her statements got plenty of chuckles at CB 9, but the sentiment was meant as more than a jest: Katz said she’s determined to boost economic growth in Queens – both as a means to help residents as well as to generate tourism.
“You should be able to get everything you need here in the borough of Queens – and that includes a job,” said Katz, who stressed that she’s especially looking to grow business in the Rockaways.
“But they’re never going to get what they need out there without permanent ferry service,” Katz said.
In an effort to draw people to Queens, Katz said borough officials have been working hard to promote the anniversaries of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, both of which took place at what is now Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The elected official stressed that she wants to see the New York State Pavilion at the park restored and preserved after the structure, which was built for the 1964 World’s Fair, fell into disrepair in the decades following the event that drew millions of people to the borough.
“That should be branded and saved,” said Katz, who noted she is “pushing” Mayor Bill de Blasio to include funding for restoration work for the pavilion in his capital budget.
Following her discussion with board members, the borough president and CB 9 Chairman Ralph Gonzalez presented a community recognition award to 102nd Community Affairs Officer Jose Severino.
“A good community affairs officer is someone to be treasured,” Katz said.
Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, told board members they “made a very wise decision in nominating Officer Severino.”
“He does a tremendous amount for the community,” Sautner said.
By Anna Gustafson
