Hi everyone:

The right to work, earn a living and support our families is what fuels the American Dream and I believe that we all have a right to pursue this. I come from an immigrant family, and I understand the dreams and aspirations of those who come to this country seeking a better life. I wholeheartedly support individuals striving to create a better path for future generations but we must find a way to do so that fuels the community's overall growth in a safe manner for all in the community. 

I am a first born generation, raised in this community and now raising my own family right here. As a resident for three decades, I've seen the changes happening here firsthand. While it has never been perfect, recent events have caused great concern. As a mother, my top priority is the safety of my children, and I fear that the overwhelming presence of vendors and the congestion created is compromising that safety. Parks, once a place of joy and recreation, have become overcrowded and uncomfortable, making it difficult for families to enjoy their time outdoors. My oldest child is starting high school soon and I worry daily about her safety here. The presence of vendors around every stop of public transportation raises concerns about the safety and well-being of commuters, especially children traveling to and from schools. Crowds congregate around vendors making it difficult to walk the streets, increasing the chance for pets crime like pickpockets, increasing uncomfortable and unwanted sexual remarks. Drunk and high people loiter the streets and prostitution happening in broad daylight. In the event of an emergency, the large crowds also make it difficult to reach the person or people in need. Our streets are not designed for this- they are designed for people to walk freely on. It is not a pleasant experience to get off at Junction Boulevard, 90th street and 103rd train stations and have to fight the constant crowds and noise to navigate our way home. Our families- our communities - deserve better.

We must find a balance between progress and preserving the quality of life for everyone in our neighborhood. it is crucial that we adhere for rules, regulations, and laws that are there to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. Unfortunately, recent developments in our neighborhood have been deeply troubling and unsustainable. Operating outside of these rules creates chaos and danger and not only harm hard-working individuals but also undermine the fabric of our diverse neighborhood and our local economy.  Small businesses not only pay taxes the fund projects for the community- from which we ALL benefit- but they also create jobs for the community by employing largely local people.

Our community is a tapestry of cultures, and I appreciate the richness that diversity brings to our lives. But we must prioritize the safety of our children and the well-being of our community above all else. I want all members of our community to be proud of where they live, to feel safe and secure. I stand as a proud member of the community, eager to see positive change for the well-being of our children and the betterment of our neighborhood. Let us work together to find sustainable solutions that uphold the safety and values we hold dear.

Lastly: It is essential that we have leaders who listen to our concerns and take all our voices into consideration when making decisions that impact us. 

Thank you all. Let us continue this conversation and collaborate to create a brighter future for our community and our children.