New civic association hopes to solve problems, bridge communities

The Intercommunity Civic Association (ICA) met on Wednesday, October 24 for the first time since its official formation in August. Group leaders and community members gathered at Villa Russo in Richmond Hill to discuss ways to foster more communication and cooperation throughout the south Queens community.
Co-President Frank Singh opened the meeting by explaining the group’s mission to get Richmond Hill “back on the map.” In order to do that, Singh explained, communication between the countless cultural and social facets of Richmond Hill must be improved.
Run mostly by local business leaders who have significant reach within the community, ICA is equipped to serve as a major conduit of communication, Singh said.
“We want everyone to get involved,” he said.
The means through which ICA plans to achieve its goals vary, said co-President George Russo. From assembling a pro-bono legal team to address and assist with community concerns to working with local youth centers, ICA leaders will use whatever resources they have within Queens to promote civic involvement.
For example, Russo, who chairs the Board at the South Queens Boys and Girls Club, brought the club’s Director, Leo Compton, to the meeting to discuss ways young people can get involved in their communities.
“The goal is to get young people to realize they can reach out to the Boys and Girls Club,” said Russo. “It’s amazing how many people don’t even know it’s there.”
ICA’s goal is to “create one stronger voice,” Russo continued. “To get the community to realize we’re here, and then to take advantage.”
Russo acknowledged bringing together many profoundly different aspects of one community is “definitely an ambitious goal,” but also feels the group has the right resources at its disposal.
Also helpful is the support ICA has gained from community and political leaders. Councilmember Joseph Addabbo and District 27 Democratic Leader Frank Gulluscio each spoke at the meeting, addressing the pressing need in Richmond Hill for a group like ICA.
“This is the test, right here,” said Addabbo. “All the problems you have, the problems we address, mean nothing unless we address them together. We can only move forward if we do it together.”
“It’s all about keeping doors open,” added Gulluscio. “Wherever you are in Queens, we’re all facing the same issues.”
In addition to its unique approach of using business leaders as public advocates, the organization will also attempt to address the needs of businesspeople, themselves.
Russo said the group will focus on Richmond Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods at first, but said over time, he hopes to expand ICA’s reach.