Council Member Lynn Schulman made a special guest appearance at the Richmond Hill Block Association’s (RHBA) monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, where she delivered a speech outlining key updates for the district and presented the association with a certificate of recognition for its exceptional community service.
Schulman, who represents the District 29 neighborhoods of Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, and Ozone Park, began her remarks by addressing the ongoing budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.
“We are now starting the budget season for the upcoming year,” she shared. “We’re going to have preliminary budget hearings in March, then executive budget hearings in May. The public can come; you go up to the NYC Council website and look at the calendar for the hearings, and you can come and testify.”
The Council Member noted that although the state’s budget will influence final budget decisions, she encouraged community members to engage with the process by attending the hearings and submitting feedback.
Schulman also highlighted several important projects benefiting Queens residents, including her involvement in securing $80 million for a new cancer center at Jamaica Hospital in collaboration with Gov. Kathy Hochul and other elected officials.
“This will allow Queens residents to have access to world-class cancer care, and we’re very excited about it,” she said.
Turning to local issues, Schulman praised the efforts of the community organization ACE, which has been actively cleaning up Jamaica Avenue in partnership with the Department of Sanitation. She urged residents to contact her office if they notice areas needing attention.
“We also have an anti-graffiti program that we work on through the Queens Economic Development Corporation,” she added, noting that the program is on a winter hiatus but will resume in late March or early April. In the meantime, issues like hate graffiti can be swiftly addressed by the 102nd Precinct’s graffiti division.
Schulman also touched on the participatory budgeting process, which allows the community to decide how to spend $1 million of capital funds. This year, the district received fifty project ideas, double the amount submitted last year. Voting for the projects will take place in late March or early April.
In a significant update for public safety, Schulman mentioned that the 102nd Precinct would soon welcome a new Commanding Officer.
“The Precinct Council and the two candidates competing for the role met last week, and we understand they will be making that selection very soon,” she said, emphasizing that the new CO would play a pivotal role in addressing local safety concerns.
Schulman also announced a special Valentine’s Day campaign called “Write a Letter to a Veteran,” in partnership with the American Legion, where community members can send letters to veterans by Feb. 7.
Additionally, she informed attendees that her office would hold satellite office hours at the Richmond Hill Library on Feb. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m., for anyone seeking assistance or with questions.
At the end of her presentation, Schulman recognized the Richmond Hill Block Association for its dedication to improving the community.
She presented them with a certificate that praised the organization for its “remarkable accomplishments, professional pursuits, and other ventures,” noting that their work often goes unrecognized.
“This entity stands as a testimony to community service and appreciation and deserves the esteemed New York City’s acknowledgment,” the certificate read.
The Richmond Hill Block Association, a cornerstone of community activism in the neighborhood, has long been committed to enhancing the quality of life for local residents through its initiatives and programs. The certificate of recognition served as a reminder of the vital role community organizations play in shaping the fabric of New York City.
As Schulman concluded her remarks, the attendees showed their appreciation for the updates and the Council Member’s ongoing support of their community.
