DANIEL DROMM, Democrat for City Council

Times Newsweekly: Dromm Visits COMET, Talks Present, Future Plans

2010-03-18T17:27:00.002-04:00

The area’s newest lawmaker came to the Monday, Mar. 1 Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together (COMET) meeting at Bethzatha Church of God in Elmhurst to talk about his work so far and his future plans.

City Council Member Daniel Dromm told the crowd that his Jackson Heights office is “off to a good start,” with 30 of 48 constituent cases solved at the time of the meeting.

Among the issues solved are tree plantings, pothole filling and social service requests.

Dromm also told the crowd that he wants to add seats to School District 24, adding that he hopes to persuade the Department of Education to lease the Blessed Sacrament School building in Jackson Heights.

The topic shifted to health care, with Dromm telling residents that Elmhurst Hospital Center is straining to accommodate the increase in clients stemming from the loss of nearby St. John’s Queens Hospital.

As a mitigation measure, he wants to add more primary care facilities to the area, to prevent residents from “using Elmhurst (Hospital) as a doc- tor’s office,” leaving the staff to tackle more urgent cases.

Finally, he shifted to quality-oflife issues. “We have a lot of plans,” said Dromm. “I believe in the broken windows theory.”

One plan involves getting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to lease some of the commercial spaces at the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue transit hub, which Dromm claims is quickly becoming dilapidated inside.

He then took questions from the crowd, including one from Ellen Kang on how he plans to help small businesses in the area.

Dromm pledged to “cut that red tape” and reduce the amount of paperwork necessary so small businesses get up and running faster.

The Daily News: Dromm Joins Peralta in Triumph

2010-03-17T12:19:00.006-04:00

From The Daily News: By Clare Trapasso, Michael J. Feeney and Leo Standora

Beleaguered former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate drew a resounding thumbs-down from Queens voters Tuesday in a bid to reclaim his Senate seat. Popular Assemblyman Jose Peralta crushed Monserrate with 65% of the vote to his rival's 27%, according to the unofficial final tally in the special election. Republican candidate Robert Beltrani got about 7% of the vote in Queens' heavily Democratic 13th Senatorial District.

Ecstatic supporters chanted "Jose! Jose! Jose!" as Peralta, 37, arrived at the Gran Rancho Jubilee restaurant in East Elmhurst to celebrate after the polls closed. "Did we win?" city Controller John Liu responded with a wide grin to a question from the crowd. "We won big-time! Today is a good day for New Yorkers; we have a real Democrat representing the 13th District." City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Queens) added, "This is the final nail in Hiram Monserrate's coffin, and we are burying him!"

But Monserrate, who ran as an independent after being tossed from the Senate for assaulting his girlfriend, promised about 50 of his supporters at Natives Restaurant there would be more to come. "This is not the last of Hiram Monserrate," the 42-year-old said at the Jackson Heights restaurant, declining to go into details about his future. Referring to his anemic polling numbers that showed him trailing by 45 points, Monserrate said, "From the beginning this was a battle of Goliath proportion." He then congratulated Peralta. "To my opponent, who tonight savors victory, I wish him the best," he said.

Earlier, Monserrate's girlfriend stood by her man - even though a restraining order is keeping them apart. Karla Giraldo released a YouTube video in English and in Spanish urging voters to cast their ballots for Monserrate in the special election. "I'm asking for your support to elect Hiram Monserrate for New York State Senatorial District 13," Giraldo said as she held up a Monserrate sign in the 20-second video. "Yes, we can vote Hiram."

Monserrate was kicked out of the Senate five weeks ago after a misdemeanor conviction for dragging Giraldo through an apartment lobby. He was acquitted of slashing her face with a broken glass. He lost a court fight to void his expulsion, setting up the high-stakes special election.

The Village Voice: Dromm Key to Peralta Victory

2010-03-17T11:30:00.005-04:00

From The Village Voice: By Steven Thrasher

"This is the final nail in Hiram Monserrate's coffin, and now we have buried him!" declared City Council member Daniel Dromm in East Elmhurst last night, before newly elected State Senator Jose Peralta addressed his supporters and most of the leaders of the city's Democratic establishment.

It was a rocky brawl near the end of Jose Peralta's two to one victory over ousted State Senator Hiram Monserrate for the special election in the 13th Senate District of Queens. Even though Peralta's victory -- with more than 65 percent of the vote -- wasn't even close, it was at times a rough fight in the race's final hours.

Dromm and Peralta Celebrate Victory

2010-03-16T23:50:00.002-04:00

City Council Member Daniel Dromm and Senator-elect Jose Peralta at Peralta's Victory Party. East Elmhurst 3/16/10

Council Member Dromm and Leaders Hold Vigil in Response to Hate Crime

2010-03-16T16:48:00.003-04:00

Elected officials, LGBT groups and community leaders gathered on Monday night for a vigil at the site in Carroll Gardens where a young man was recently severely beaten by 5 individuals shouting anti-gay slurs. Leaders from across the community came together to make clear that there is no room for hate or violence in Carroll Gardens, or anywhere in Brooklyn, and to show their support for the victim who is recovering.

“We must unite to send a strong message that hate crimes will not be tolerated anywhere in New York City. Once again, we find ourselves fighting against the fear and ignorance which led to this crime. New York is about tolerance and diversity – not violence,” said City Council Member Daniel Dromm who traveled from Queens for the event.

Dromm Meets with Caroline Kennedy

2010-03-16T12:23:00.002-04:00

City Council Member Daniel Dromm celebrates Irish heritage with Caroline Kennedy. 3/9/10

Dromm Rallies Against Fire House Closings

2010-03-13T13:50:00.001-05:00

Queens Courier: Dromm Leads ‘St. Pat’s For All’ Parade

2010-03-10T15:13:00.001-05:00

From The Queens Courier: By Camille Bautista

Shamrocks and green streamers blew in the wind alongside rainbow flags, as Queens celebrated its 11th annual St. Pat’s For All Parade & Fair in Sunnyside and Woodside.

Gays, lesbians, Latinos, Tibetans, Native Americans, Haitians, and many more diverse organizations came out on Sunday March 7 and joined Queens’ Irish community to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in an all-inclusive parade. Created in 2000 as an alternative to the Fifth Avenue ceremonies, which do not allow gays to participate, this parade welcomes all with the theme of “cherishing all children of the nation equally.”

“Our St Pat’s For All 2010 is a generous coming together of businesses, communities and musicians who for a few hours turn the streets of Sunnyside and Woodside into an ‘Ireland of the welcomes,’” said Brendan Fay, co-founder and co-chair of the parade. “Hospitality is at the heart of this inclusive St. Patrick’s celebration, which welcomes the diverse immigrant communities of Queens, as well as gay contingents.”

he ceremonies opened with Native American and Catholic prayers. The grand marshal, Councilmember Daniel Dromm, was joined by political and community leaders draped in Irish flags and beads, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Comptroller John Liu.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., participants marched from 43rd Street along Skillman Avenue to 61st Street and Woodside Avenue, carrying banners, playing bagpipes, beating conga drums and dancing in cultural costumes. The number of participants doubled from last year, according to Fay. Among the organizations were Dignity USA, a group for gay, lesbian, and transgender Catholics, the Keltic Dreams Irish Dancers – a group of black, Latino and South Asian students from P.S. 59 in the Bronx, and the San Simon Bolivian dance group.

“It’s something different and new, something exciting to get involved in,” said Denise Jones, Social Director of the South Queens Boys and Girls Club, an organization that has been marching in the parade for the past three years. “The kids really enjoy it and we’ve made it a part of us, something that we do every year.”

Mexican organizations also showed their support, as they honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Irishmen who helped Mexico fight against U.S. invasion in the 1800s.

“We like to march in this parade every year because it is fun and something good to be a part of,” said Patricia Hernandez, president of the Comite Civico Mexicano and creator of the first Mexican Day Parade in Manhattan.

Though faced with a few protestors in the sea of green spectators, many felt and considered this celebration a stepping stone in progress towards an all-embracing future.

“We’ve always been angry that the parade in the city has not allowed gay people to march openly,” said Sherry Rogers, secretary of the Brooklyn-Queens Chapter of the National Organization for Women. “This is everything that we stand for, a parade that is open to everybody where people are able to express themselves.”

Dromm: Queens Center Mall Should be Better Community Partner

2010-03-08T17:02:00.017-05:00

New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm highlights the need for Queens Center Mall to pay livable wages for its workers. Also, Dromm spoke about how Queens Center Mall must work with the community to improve traffic, parking and community relations.

NY1: Dromm Stresses Unity at St. Pat's For All Parade

2010-03-08T14:12:00.008-05:00

From NY1: By CeFaan Kim

Sunday was the perfect day for the 11th annual St. Patrick’s For All Parade.

"You get to celebrate and there's music and everything. And you get to jump around and stuff!" said one parade-goer.

Whether New Yorkers came for the dancing or for the music, the St. Patrick’s For All Parade offered something different, as it was specifically created to include the gay community.

"Members from the LGBT Irish community were excluded from other St. Patrick's celebrations, in fact in all the other boroughs,” said parade co-founder Brendan Fay.

And what would a parade be without politicians? Christine Quinn, is the city's first openly-gay council speaker. She's also proud of her Irish heritage.

"Real Irish folks want to celebrate and embrace diversity,” she said.

"It is an inclusive parade and I for one believe that parades should be open to everyone,” added Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"My family landed here in Sunnyside 150 years ago and in those days there were signs that said 'Irish need not apply,'” said Councilman Daniel Dromm, a co-founder of the parade. “Unfortunately today we have this fight within our own community."

Not everyone agrees with message of the parade's organizers. A handful of protestors did turn out to voice their opposition.

The parade is always held weeks before the bigger Manhattan St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be marching up Fifth Avenue on March 17th.

Queens Chronicle: Dromm Welcomes Rego Center Anchors

2010-03-05T16:15:00.005-05:00

From Queens Chronicle: By Sergey Kadinsky

The cold rain of a March weekday gave way to crowds and discounts rivaling Black Friday, as Century 21 opened its Rego Park location on Wednesday. “We love the entire area. Demographics, culture, foot traffic and enthusiasm,” said Century 21 Vice President Eddie Gindi. “We’re always located in strong communities, providing designer clothing at a very good price.”

The store is an anchor tenant at the 600,000-square-foot Rego Center II mall and will share space with Kohl’s, Costco and TJ Maxx. Kohl’s also opened its space on Wednesday. The events drew praise from public officials, who are familiar with the retailer’s downtown Manhattan flagship location. “We know about its vibrancy and vitality to the area,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “The reopening of that flagship store after 9/11 is an important sign for all of us.” Lieber also congratulated Century 21 for providing some 500 jobs in partnership with the city-run Workforce Career Centers, which directed job applicants to the retailer.

“This is a great thing for my district,” said Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights). “It brings in much-needed jobs.” Wearing a necktie in the store's signature red color, Dromm also spoke of the retailer’s philanthropic efforts. “Century 21 gives back to the Police Museum,” he said, speaking about the connection between the flagship store and a museum in that neighborhood.

“We are getting to know the local charities,” Gindi said. “We will be involved with community centers, Little Leagues, and anybody who comes to us. We would love to contribute.” The company was founded in 1961 by Al Gindi, and passed down to family members. Executives consider the family ties a boon for the company. “This is a family-owned business, and we want our customers to be treated as guests in a home,” said corporate relations director Betty Cohen. “Their prices are very low for everything,” said Kew Gardens resident Cyntia Gomar. “I was getting coupons this week at my home and my train station.”

Taking a tour of the facility, Dromm praised developer Vornado Realty for including a community room in the expanded mall. “It’s very important to have a connection to the community,” he said.

Following the ribbon-cutting, delegates took advantage of the opening day discounts, with Borough President Helen Marshall purchasing shoes, and Dromm selecting neckties. On the floor below, Kohl’s also had a grand opening, touting the environmental design of the store. “This is our first green community store,” said Kohl’s District Manager Victor Eckert. “We have high-efficiency heating and cooling, and occupancy lighting that automatically shuts off in unused rooms.” On March 14, TJ Maxx will hold its grand opening. No date has been set for the Costco opening in Rego Park.

Queens Chronicle: Dromm Speaks Out Against Monserrate And Hate

2010-03-05T14:07:00.003-05:00

From Queens Chronicle: By Elizabeth Daley

Former Sen. Hiram Monserrate chose to make gay marriage the focus of a re-election rally Monday, but community members said he should have focused on issues that actually distressed them.

“There are so many issues in our community other than this,” said Jackson Heights resident, Luis Garcia.

Monserrate gathered with clergymen outside the Jackson Heights office of his challenger, Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights). The clergymen flanked him like a choir lined up to sing his praises, but when it came time to speak, most spoke out against Fight Back New York, a group they labeled “rich gay outsiders.”

“I have seen a generation of children sunk down by the gay community,” said the Rev. Ricardo Reyes of El Elyon Christian Center in Corona. Reyes claimed to have become familiar with gay people after working as an actor. “It’s a problem of the spirit,” he said, regarding homosexuality.

Fight Back New York ran ads critical of Monserrate due to his vote against gay marriage. While funding for the group may not come exclusively from Queens, Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) said the organization does represent the views and values of the district in which Monserrate is seeking office. “Jackson Heights holds the second largest gay pride parade outside the borough of Manhattan. We are a multicultural and multi-ethnic community and we do not support hate,” Dromm said.

According to Dromm, part of the reason members of the gay community were so upset with Monserrate was because he initially said he would support equal rights for gays and lesbians, but then backed down when it came time to vote on marriage rights.

Dromm, who is himself gay, said the clergymen who supported Monserrate were “cloaking their hatred behind religious biggotry.”

“Are these ministers then saying that it is OK for him to beat his girlfriend, but we can’t marry if we are two loving gay people?”

Garcia, a life-long Republican who has lived in Jackson Heights for over 40 years, said he plans to support Monserrate in the upcoming election. “It’s what they did to the constitution, to not give the community a say. Who do they think they are? Do they think we are stupid?”

But, “he’s doomed,” Garcia added, looking at Monserrate peering out from behind the crowd of clergymen he was allegedly standing up for.

Monserrate’s fate is still up in the air. So far, only the special election scheduled for March 16 will determine exactly who has the right to sit as senator of the 13th District.

“Hiram is popular and we can’t take anything for granted,” Dromm said. “There is power in name recognition.” As the rally progressed, a middle-aged woman carrying shopping bags walked by: “Is that the guy that dragged the woman around on the floor?” she exclaimed, “Oh my God, I don’t believe it.”

Monserrate is the first New York senator to be expelled from office in more than 200 years. The state constitution, amended in 1821, neither grants nor denies legislature the right to purge members. Monserrate is currently awaiting judgment on a federal appeal filed against the Senate’s decision to oust him in February after he was convicted of a misdemenor assault. The case is set to be heard on March 12, and could alter conditions for this special election.

The race for the Senate seat is presumed to be largely between Monserrate and Peralta (D-Jackson Heights). Peralta voted in favor of gay marriage and is currently on the Democratic ticket. Robert Beltrani will be running on the Republican ticket.

Dromm Meets with Andrew Cuomo

2010-03-04T01:14:00.003-05:00

City Council Member Daniel Dromm with Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. 3/2/10

Dromm Chairs First Immigration Committee Hearing

2010-03-04T01:04:00.003-05:00

City Council Member Daniel Dromm listens to testimony at the first hearing of the Immigration Committee. The New York City Council is considering a bill sponsored by Dromm to amend the administrative code of the city of New York to require the Administration for Children’s Services to review strategies and create a plan of action to protect children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Dromm Speaks at Educational Justice Rally

2010-03-04T00:35:00.006-05:00

The Queens Gazette: Dromm Recognized for His Continued Support of Regal Heights

2010-03-03T20:17:00.004-05:00

From The Queens Gazette: By Jason D. Antos

The Regal Heights Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 70-05 35th Ave., Jackson Heights, opened its doors in February 2000 as a nursing facility with 280 beds. On February 25, local civic leaders, staff and some residents of the center celebrated its 10th anniversary, speaking in recognition of the facility’s decade-long accomplishments.

“This is a huge achieve- ment for everyone who works here,” Regal Heights Administrator Kwang Lee said. “Working together as both a rehab center for physical ailments in addition to providing quality care for our senior citizens has made us a unique care facility here in Queens.”

“We are all here today because of the care and dedication which we have been able to produce over these past ten years,” Director of Social Services Estela Divino said.

Assemblymember Jose Peralta (DJackson Heights) and City Councilmember Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) were recognized for their continued support of Regal Heights.

“Regal Heights is a shining example of the sense of compassion and generosity that makes up this staff and the Jackson Heights community,” Peralta said.

Awards were also given out to 100 employees who are celebrating their 10th year with Regal Heights. Each person received a special pin.

“I love where I work,” Nilu Haldar, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), an employee marking 10 years with Regal Heights, said. “I am very grateful.” Director of Human Resources Gloria Gordon and Lee presented the awards. Twelve employees were recognized for nine years of service and 28 for eight years at Regal Heights.

The first floor, where the celebration was held, features a lobby and lounge in addition to state-of-the-art occupational and physical therapy areas. There is also a café for the residents and an adult day care facility for seniors in the nearby community. Each floor contains a 40-bed residential unit and each unit contains spaces for dining, active and passive recreational activity areas and a residential library with views of the New York City skyline. Residents of the center enjoy daily activities such as yoga, movie showings and dance nights. The facility also provides an onsite pharmacy and housekeeping services.

The program closed with a special award given to Hilda Hagins a 10-year resident of Regal Heights.

“I have been here a long time,” Hagins said. “Although I cannot use my hands, I thank God that I’m here and that I’m alive.”

“This is a place that provides real care for those who need it.” Elizabeth Salisbury, director of marketing, said.

Irish Echo: Dromm, Lanning, to lead Queens parade

2010-03-03T20:02:00.003-05:00

From Irish Echo: By Irish Echo Staff

Recently elected New York City Council member Daniel Dromm, and community organizer Mary Lanning, are grand marshals for the annual Inclusive St. Patrick's Parade in Queens this Sunday, March 7. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn are also expected to march.

The parade, also known as the "St Pat's For All" parade, begins at 43rd Street and Skillman Ave. in Sunnyside and ends at 61st St. in Woodside.

"Our St. Pat's for All 2010 is a generous coming together of businesses, communities and musicians who for a few hours turn the streets of Sunnyside and Woodside into an Ireland of the welcomes," said parade organizer Brendan Fay.

Dromm, he said "is the New York City Council's only openly gay Spanish-speaking Irish American."

New groups in this year's parade include members of the Chilean community who will use the event to raise awareness of their country's recent earthquake and tsunami tragedies. Also in focus will be Irish patriot Roger Casement for his humanitarian work in Africa and South America.

Queens Courier: Storeowners Thank Council Member Daniel Dromm

2010-02-24T13:10:00.009-05:00

From Queens Courier: By Luisa Garcia

Years of dreams and hard work went up in smoke for the owners and employees after an accidental fire destroyed several Jackson Heights businesses the day before Valentine’s Day.

Nevertheless, with the help of friends and customers by their sides, many owners have already taken the first steps towards restoring their businesses.

Maria Laura Ines Solano, co-owner of Lalita’s gift shop, feels the urge to continue and finish what she started.

“I have a moral obligation to my clients,” she said. “This week I have been taking calls and working on baby shower decorations and sales paid before the fire took place.”

Solano came to the United Sates in 1994 with the hope of making money to help her three sons, who she left in Peru. The blaze that started in a nearby furniture store on Saturday, February 13, has forced her to start over again.

“I arrived in Florida [in the 1980s] and began working very hard; I was a babysitter for three years and moved on to taking care of an elderly woman,” said Solano. “After her death I was determined to continue moving on. I began working as a house keeper, doing alterations for clothing and then party decorations.”

In 2007, Solano’s younger sister persuaded her to open their own business in the city. After finding the location at 84-05 37th Avenue, an enthusiastic Solano moved from Florida to New York and became the third generation of women in her family to open a business. She began selling toddler clothing and imported items her sister sent from Peru.

Now that her store has burned down, she fights off tears of confusion as she sees herself and her employees left with nothing.

“I am very thankful to the people who have called me and kept me in their prayers,” she said, thanking in particular Councilmember Daniel Dromm, who put her in touch with someone at the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “They have kept me going and filled me with warm feelings that have me looking ahead to what is to come.”

The fire, which took all of the material items Solano kept for her business, has only motivated her to sell more and become more prosperous. She continues to hold on to her entrepreneurial spirit and hopes to find an affordable new space to rent and continue on with her gift shop, selling children’s clothing, floral decorations and party supplies.

“I am safe and the fire did not harm any of my employees or neighbors,” Solano said. “I am still healthy and I will continue on fighting to bring back my own shop once again.”

Queens Courier: Dromm Meets Queens Chamber of Commerce

2010-02-18T22:10:00.003-05:00

by Steve Mosco

In an effort to connect with small businesses in the area, newly-elected Queens City Councilmembers recently met with members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s Jackson Heights headquarters.

Councilmember Danny Dromm, representing District 25, said he looks forward to working very closely with the Chamber in the near future. The newly elected Dromm, a former city teacher, was excited to introduce himself to the business community.

“I believe very much in small businesses and I know large businesses also need our support because they are major employers,” said Dromm. “What happens in the business community affects the rest of the community.”

Queens Chronicle: Dromm Denounces Proposal to Close Fire Companies

2010-02-18T14:27:00.004-05:00

From Queens Chronicle: By Willow Belden

After a four-alarm fire tore through a commercial strip in Jackson Heights on Saturday, destroying eight businesses, local elected officials are denouncing the mayor’s proposal to close 20 fire companies across the city.

The blaze, which began in a furniture store on 37th Avenue between 84th and 85th streets, appears to have been caused by a malfunctioning boiler, according to the FDNY. No one was killed or injured, though dozens of people were evacuated from an adjacent apartment building, and nearby businesses sustained damage.

The fire started around 10 a.m. and burned for more than three hours, with some 200 firefighters working to contain it.

It took the FDNY three minutes to get to the scene. If it had taken any longer, many say, the damage could have been significantly more devastating and likely would have resulted in fatalities. That’s why some are calling on the mayor to rethink his plans to downsize the Fire Department.

“For a fire of this scale, you need manpower, and you need it here quickly,” said Leroy McGinnis, Queens trustee for the Uniformed Firefighters Association. “Seconds matter.”

In his proposed budget for the 2011 fiscal year, Mayor Mike Bloomberg called for 20 fire companies to be closed — a measure he says is necessary to help close the city’s $4.9 billion deficit.

Bloomberg hasn’t specified which companies he would close, but McGinnis and various local politicians say it doesn’t matter; any closures would affect the city as a whole. That’s because engine and ladder companies are routinely taken out of commission for training sessions, parades and other events — leaving neighborhoods with fewer vehicles and staff than usual, and forcing firefighters to come from farther away to respond to emergencies.

If the city eliminates 20 companies more, neighborhoods would be stretched even thinner, and response times would increase, according to critics of the mayor’s plan.

“Any closing of a fire company has a ripple effect,” McGinnis said, adding that if firefighters had had to come from farther away to reach the Jackson Heights blaze, the fire would likely have consumed adjacent buildings.

City Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Assemblyman Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights) held a press conference on Monday, calling on the mayor to reconsider his plan.

“We need to ensure the safety of our residents,” Dromm said. “We cannot afford to risk peoples’ lives with these closures.”

The Bloomberg administration contends that the city can’t afford to keep all its fire companies running. “In tough economic times, every agency has been asked to do more with less, including the Fire Department,” Jason Post, a spokesman for the mayor, said in an email.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), chairwoman of the Fire and Criminal Justice Committee, said the city’s financial woes don’t justify the cuts.

“Fires don’t care about budgets,” Crowley said, adding that downsizing the FDNY could cost more in the long run than maintaining the Fire Department’s current numbers. “We cannot shift the costs from the city to the citizen,” she said. “We cannot shortchange our safety by forcing these cuts upon our New Yorkers.”

Trimming fire companies isn’t a new strategy to deal with deficits. In 2003, Bloomberg closed six engine companies, and last year he proposed cutting 16, though the City Council blocked the measure.

In December, the city reduced the number of firefighters in each unit from five to four, though the positions were restored the following month, amid strong criticism from the firefighters’ union.

Dromm said he will urge colleagues in the City Council not to approve a budget that includes cuts to engine companies for FY 2011.

The Queens Courier: Dromm Concerned About Local Businesses Hurt by Fire

2010-02-18T14:01:00.004-05:00

From The Queens Courier: By Tonia N. Cimino & Claudia Cruz

As the remnants of the six stores ravaged by a four-alarm fire in Jackson Heights were razed, neighbors and other business owners reflected on the loss to the local economy.

“It’s a big tragedy,” said David Samaia, owner of Franco’s Corner, located one block away from the inferno. “These people lost a lot. Some of these businesses have more than one owner that will be affected. Employees lost their jobs. In this economy, it’s hard enough trying to find jobs.”

It was just before 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 13 when the fire started inside the Acme Furniture store located at 84-09 37th Avenue. It took 39 units with 168 firefighters to get the blaze under control – in three-and-a-half hours – but not before it chewed through conjoined storefronts and forced people from their homes.

Fire officials, who said there was a “significant delay” in calling 9-1-1, have determined the cause was a defective boiler on the first floor.

Locals credit the FDNY – which was fighting hot spots for hours after the fire and arrived on scene in just three minutes – with a job well done.

“It could have been a much bigger disaster if the fire department didn’t show up as fast as they did,” said Alex Chin, owner of Kelly Han Dry Cleaners, Inc., located at 84-11 37th Avenue. “I might not be here in this store if they hadn’t.”

Chin continued, “When I saw the smoke, I thought the fire was from my store. The fire was so close. I just stayed across the street and watched. I feel extremely lucky that it wasn’t me. I feel bad for those other business owners. I knew most of them — they were my friends.”

Though the Chin family’s cleaners sustained a little bit of water damage near the front door, an official with the Office of Emergency Management on scene on Sunday, February 14 – on the phone with the Department of Buildings (DOB) – deemed it structurally safe.

The DOB, however, determined the six stores were structurally unstable and ordered them leveled on Sunday, February 14. A spokesperson for the agency told The Courier that in 2003 and 2005, violations were issued at the site because one store had been subdivided.

As of Monday, February 15, Chin said his dry cleaning business was open. “All of our machines are working so far, knock on wood, so we plan to stay open,” he said.

However, Ilona Pozniakiene was not so lucky.

An employee of Colony Wine & Liquor Store on the corner for 10 years, she said she saw the flames from her kitchen window a few blocks away. “I’ve lost my job,” she said.

“The flames were as huge as the building,” said Councilmember Daniel Dromm as he surveyed the damage and helped a few business owners – from storefronts not affected by the fire – get back into their stores. “This will have a tremendous affect on the community because it was eight businesses and all ‘mom and pop’ stores.”

Dromm said that he is unsure at this time as to the monetary loss, though city agencies are working to determine this. He continued, “I have already conducted meetings with five of the eight business owners affected and the Department of Small Business Services has arranged to give those affected immediate assistance.”

“It’s horrible. It’s terrible at this time with the economy being so bad,” echoed Fannie Beylot, who lives on 79th Street. “Your heart goes out to these people. All of these stores have been here forever.”

The New York Times: Dromm Focuses on Recovery for Business Owners Affected by Fire

2010-02-18T13:17:00.008-05:00

From The New York Times: By Fernanda Santos

There were a Russian liquor seller, an Ecuadorean manicurist and a Dominican barber. There was Thomas Kourakos, 83, who is from Greece and who opened his shoe-repair shop in 1956. And there was Maria Solano, 54, who is from Peru and who opened her party-favor store in 2006.

Along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, from 84th Street to 85th Street, a diverse global cast toiled every morning in an equally diverse collection of neighborhood stores.

They could count on the Uruguayan furniture salesman to shovel the sidewalk after snowstorms, on the Ecuadorean accountant for financial advice and on one another for companionship.

Yolanda Mitsis, 59, a Colombian aesthetician who had a skin-care clinic on the block, described their relationship as “una cadenita,” or a little chain. But that chain was broken Saturday morning when flames, water and smoke pulverized 8 of the 15 stores on the block.

“I used to say hi every morning, when they walked by,” Alex Chin, 59, a Chinese dry cleaner whose shop was spared by the fire, said of the people whose businesses were destroyed. “It feels very lonely without them.”

A malfunctioning boiler inside a furniture store between Mr. Chin’s and Mr. Kourakos’s shops sparked a blaze that raged for four hours, forcing the evacuation of a neighboring apartment building and requiring 168 firefighters to bring under control, officials said.

No one was seriously injured, but the flames left a crater of mangled metal and charred brick in the heart of a commercial strip that has offered many immigrants a foothold in a new city.

For the lucky ones, like Mr. Chin and Abdul Rahim, an Afghan who owns a fabric store on the block, life goes on. Those not so lucky lost pretty much all they had.

“Everything I had saved I invested in this store,” said Robinson Valderrama, 30, who is from Colombia and who last year opened a clothing shop, Stylus Boutique, in a storefront facing 84th Street. He has a 9-year-old son, a 21-month-old daughter and a 7-year-old stepdaughter. His wife is unemployed, and the store was their only source of income, he said.

Mr. Valderrama did not have insurance. Ms. Mitsis thought she had insurance, but said that when she called to check on Tuesday, she found out that her policy had lapsed. Ms. Solano had coverage but said it would not offset her losses.

Then there are people like Amada Sánchez, 51, the manicurist from Ecuador, who rented a work station at La Pelukeria, a hair salon. She accepted only cash and kept it at work, in a small cardboard box that she emptied every Saturday at the end of her shift, she said.

“I had worked like crazy all week because of Valentine’s Day, but the fire burned my money,” Ms. Sánchez said dejectedly, estimating that she probably had $1,000 in the box. She said the fire also burned her nail polishes, nail drying machines and the rest of her equipment.

Very little has been recovered from the debris. A contractor in charge of the demolition said his crew had salvaged seven helium tanks and a cash register from Ms. Solano’s party-favors store, Lalita’s, with $1,400 inside. They also retrieved a filing cabinet and a safe from the liquor store, facial vaporizers from Ms. Mitsis’s clinic and a pair of pedicure chairs from the hair salon.

“I would love to have the businesses that were destroyed come back, but to be honest, I don’t know if it’s going to happen,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm, who represents the neighborhood and who spent much of the weekend at the fire scene. “This was devastating to people’s lives.”

Their loss is more than just material. Mr. Kourakos, the cobbler, was working in the back of his shop when flames erupted next door. Because he is hard of hearing, he did not know that Ms. Solano and her husband, Julio Aragón, had been calling out his name, unsure if he was still inside.

Ms. Solano said Mr. Aragón visited Mr. Kourakos every morning after he had helped her roll up Lalita’s gates. If a Spanish-speaking client needed Mr. Kourakos’s services, Mr. Aragón helped translate. If Mr. Kourakos had to bring a heavy box into his shop, Mr. Aragón would carry it. If Mr. Kourakos had trouble pulling nails from the heels of a shoe, Mr. Aragón would do it for him.

Mr. Aragón dashed inside Mr. Kourakos’s shop, Tom’s Shoe Repair, even as smoke and flames threatened to overpower him. Mr. Kourakos emerged wearing an apron smeared with shoe wax. His winter jacket, keys and all the machines and memories he had amassed in more than five decades had been left behind.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do,” his daughter Jeannie Kourakos said. “He went there to work, but he had a social life with the people who worked around him. They’d come in, bring him a doughnut; they stopped by to say hello. He’s going to miss his friends.”

Queens Gazette: Dromm Demands End to Firehouse Closings

2010-02-17T10:44:00.004-05:00

From Queens Gazette: By John Toscano

Two Jackson Heights lawmakers, joined by area Fire Department officials, cited a devastating fire in their area to emphasize demands that no firehouses be shut down because of anticipated budget cuts.

The massive fire destroyed a commercial strip on 37th Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets.

City Councilmember Daniel Dromm (D–Jackson Heights) declared:

“We cannot afford to lose any firehouses anywhere in the city. If one firehouse closes, firehouses in other communities will be called upon to cover those other communities. That will leave everyone short of firehouse coverage if an emergency occurs.”

Joining Dromm, Assemblymember Jose Peralta (D–Corona/Jackson Heights) stated he would work closely with Dromm “to ensure that the businesses affected by this devastating fire receive the resources and assistance they need to recover and rebuild”.

Then turning to the firehouse closing issue, Peralta said, “This weekend’s fire further reinforces the critical need to keep all firehouses open. We cannot afford to have less fire protection in our neighborhoods: Our lives and our businesses depend upon it.”

Dromm, a former school teacher said something must be done to correct “the false impression that response times [in fires] are down.”

The freshman lawmaker noted: “Response times are now calculated in a different way. These changes are troublesome.” He explained,

“Response times are now calculated not to include the time a caller spends making the emergency call to 911. This creates the false impression that response times are down. Also, response times only consider when the fire engine arrives on the scene. It does not take into account the amount of time it takes to stretch hose lines, get water on the fire or administer EMS. Providing services could take another 10 minutes or more.”

Dromm also praised the firefighters for doing “an excellent job here in Jackson Heights over the weekend”.

El Diario: Dromm Promete Ayudar a Niños Inmigrantes

2010-02-17T10:05:00.003-05:00

From El Diario: By Editorial

Un proyecto de ley de un concejal de la Ciudad de Nueva York, promete ayudar a niños que califiquen a ajustar su estatus migratorio. Pero por mucho que esta sea una medida bienvenida para que chicos que no pueden reunirse con sus familias, también pone de manifiesto el fracaso evidente del Congreso para responder a millones de jóvenes indefensos.

La semana pasada, el Concejo de la Ciudad presentó un proyecto de ley para proteger a jóvenes inmigrantes que califiquen para el Estatus Especial de Joven Inmigrante (SIJS por sus siglas en inglés). Bajo el SIJS, jóvenes indocumentados que se encuentren bajo cuidado de crianza y que cumplan con ciertos requisitos pueden convertirse en residentes permanentes.

El proyecto de ley, patrocinado por el concejal de Queens, Daniel Dromm, prevé la creación de una unidad especial que determinará la forma de identificar sistemáticamente a los chicos bajo custodia de la ciudad que califican para el SIJS tan pronto como sea posible. Esta unidad se SIJS pone en contacto a los chicos con servicios a los que ellos pueden calificar. Esto puede incluir SIJS, estatus de protección temporal u otras disposiciones especiales de inmigración.

La identificación oportuna de niños que califiquen es importante. Para empezar, están los procesos de evaluación y de solicitud. Las solicitudes de SIJS son particularmente importantes para los jóvenes indocumentados que están a punto de llegar a la mayoría de edad, por ende obligados a dejar los hogares de crianza. Si no hay un mecanismo sólido para ayudarlos, una vez alcancen la mayoría de edad ellos quedan a su suerte. Esto afecta su capacidad para trabajar, ir a la escuela y permanecer en los Estados Unidos.

La ciudad, por medio del Servicio de Administración de Servicios para Menores (ACS por sus siglas en inglés) y el Departamento de Desarrollo Juvenil y Comunitario, toma medidas importantes para ayudar a los niños que califiquen al SIJS. ACS calcula que unos 50 a 60 jóvenes reciben cuidado de crianza de SIJS anualmente.

Pero el Concejo tiene razón en subrayar la necesidad de tener un enfoque sistemático para garantizar que los chicos no se pierdan en la burocracia. Una audiencia que se realizará el mes próximo sobre esta legislación debe ajustar otras áreas de preocupación, como los temas de privacidad y de cómo la unidad SIJS operaría con una concentración pendiente de ACS y el Departamento de Justicia de Menores.

Mientras que la Ciudad de Nueva York toma acción para proteger a algunos de sus menores más indefensos, hay en Washington una actitud diferente estos mismos niños.

Desde ya hace años, dos piezas de la legislación federal se han quedado estancadas en el proceso legislativo. La Ley DREAM le permitiría a algunos indocumentados graduados de escuelas secundarias legalizar su situación después de cumplir con los requisitos estrictos que exige ese proyecto de ley. La Ley de Protección a Niños Ciudadanos le permitiría que los jueces de inmigración estudiar el efecto que puede tener que separen y deporten a padres de niños nacidos ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos, antes de ordenar la deportación.

El Congreso tiene más magnánimo y actuar por sobre la implacable lucha antiinmigrante de la oposición y darle un apoyo decido a estos niños y jóvenes. Si no, nuestros representantes y senadores pueden tomar crédito por dejar a estos chicos sin padres o cerrarles las puertas en las narices.

CBS 2: Dromm Opposes Firehouse Closings

2010-02-16T10:44:00.000-05:00