June 15, 2011
Dear New Yorker,
I just wanted to send a quick note to update you on recent developments regarding our FoodWorks plan for improving NYC's food system.
First, the NYC Council will be holding a public hearing tomorrow (June 16th) on two important bills that will contribute to the health, equity, and economic and environmental well-being of all New Yorkers.
One of the bills, Proposed Intro. 248-A , sponsored by Council Member Lewis Fidler, would create a free, searchable, public database of city-owned property and features of that property, including whether it's suitable for urban gardens.
The other bill, sponsored by Council Member Inez Dickens, would require city agencies to report a comprehensive set of metrics related to the City's food system. This data will help us measure progress on the 12 goals outlined in our FoodWorks plan.
The hearing is scheduled to begin a 10 a.m. in the 14th Floor Committee Room at 250 Broadway in
I realize that's awfully short notice and I apologize, but if you have any questions or would like to testify, please contact Tym Matusov in the NYC Council Governmental Affairs Division at amatusov@council.nyc.gov . You can also e-mail your written comments to me at speakerquinn@council.nyc.gov .
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In other food-related news, last week the NYC Council and Mayor Bloomberg announced two new initiatives to help support and grow the City's food-making industry.
The first one, which is being leveraged with major support from Goldman Sachs, will provide food makers with space and money to prevent their factories from shutting down and to help new operations looking to open.
The City Council is also moving forward with a new Small Manufacturing Investment Fund.
Part of the fund will go toward the renovation of a food manufacturing space at La Marqueta in
We'd like to thank Goldman Sachs and the Administration for partnering with us to help support this vital industry.
These two new initiatives will help turn aspiring food entrepreneurs into successful small business owners, while helping established food makers to grow and expand their business.
You can read more about these new initiatives in the NY Times at
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Lastly, I'm happy to report that the Mayor and EDC recently announced a deal with the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market co-operative to extend its lease by three years.
The deal will allow the City and the produce vendors to continue negotiating a long-term contract that will include a $320 million renovation of the market.
This is a major step forward in our efforts to keep this critical piece of infrastructure, its businesses, and good jobs in our city. My office has been working closely with the city and will continue to urge both parties to reach a long-term agreement together.
You can read more about our efforts to preserve the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market at http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110601/REAL_ESTATE/110609980 .
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Thanks so much for allowing me to share these latest developments with you. If you have any questions or would to learn more about our FoodWorks plan, please feel free to contact Daniel Porcaro in the NYC Council Community Outreach Unit at dporcaro@council.nyc.gov .
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council