Queens Borough President Helen Marshall's final State of the Borough speech

Image source: DNAinfo

NY1 reported on Queens Borough President Helen Marshall’s final State of the Borough speech, which happened this past Tuesday at Queens College. Her term – the last of three she has served – is set to end this year and she will not run again (term limits). In her speech, she did not take much time to say goodbye but rather to talk about what she has accomplished over the years as Borough President, and what projects she plans to launch during her last months in office.

She said that she will aim to bring more tech companies to LIC, “To support this tech boom, my office will develop a strategic plan to create a tech zone on the Queens side of the East River. I am happy to report that we have just been awarded a $150,000 state grant.” She also wants to spend $2 million on mobile science labs for the 30 Queens schools that do not have them. As for what she has accomplished, she is proud of the revitalization of many parks, libraries and neighborhoods in Queens, as well as development and rezoning in areas like Jamaica and LIC.

Those assembled for the speech also took time to remember and acknowledge the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Sandy. She honored she honored Michael McDonnell and Dylan Smith, who helped rescue six neighbors in Belle Harbor during the storm. Smith died in December while surfing in Puerto Rico; $10,000 has been given in his name to the Swim Strong Foundation.

A number of people considering running for her seat were in attendance – there was councilmen Peter Vallone Jr. (who has spoken out about traffic tickets, soccer, and missing statues); former councilwoman Melinda Katz, and state Senator Jose Peralta, among others.

Queens Borough President Gives Final State Of The Borough Speech [NY1]
Helen Marshall Delivers Final State of the Borough Address [DNAinfo]