Assembly Resolution No. 233

BY: M. of A. Hyndman

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 4, 2021, as Queens Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the
communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2021, as Queens
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the Queens Chamber of
Commerce and the office of the Queens Borough President which will host
a myriad of events highlighting local businesses in Queens; and

WHEREAS, Queens was established in 1683, as one of the original 12
counties of New York, presumably named for the Queen Catherine of
Braganza, wife of King Charles II; and

WHEREAS, The symbol of Queens, the Unisphere, is a giant globe in
Flushing Meadows Park, home of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships and
the Mets at Citi Field; downtown Flushing is New York City's other
Chinatown; and

WHEREAS, With more than 2.3 million people, the Borough of Queens is
the most culturally diverse county in the United States, and has become
a tourist destination for its many cultural attractions including the
arts, businesses, culinary delights and the many charms this vibrant
community has to offer; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Queens is the largest borough geographically,
consisting of 178 square miles; is the second most populous county; is
the most diverse, with 138 languages spoken; and is represented by more
than 150 countries; and

WHEREAS, More than half of all Queens residents are foreign-born, a
much greater concentration than any other borough in New York City, and
many of the neighborhoods reflect the rich cultural heritage of its
residents; and

WHEREAS, Long Island City has emerged as a major cultural
destination with the second highest concentration of museums and
galleries in New York City such as: Museum of the Moving Image, Queens
Museum, New York Hall of Science; The Noguchi Museum; and Louis
Armstrong Home museum who was one of the most recognizable entertainers
in the world when he chose the working-class neighborhood of Corona,
Queens to be his home; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, The Lonely Planet travel magazine named Queens the
Top Travel Destination in the country due to its cultural and culinary
diversity, stating that "Queens is quickly becoming its hippest" and
reflects the true image of New York as the global melting pot; and

WHEREAS, Although Queens is home to several large company
headquarters, no single industry dominates its economy; the first
Steinway grand and upright pianos were crafted in Astoria back in 1853,
and for the past one hundred years, the trusted company has kept its
same factory for creating superior instruments; it is one of the last
standing manufacturers in New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, two-thirds of all businesses in Queens employ
between one and four people, making small businesses the cornerstone of
the borough's economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events
of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention,
they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2021, as Queens
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; the Office of the Queens Borough President; and the Queens
Chamber of Commerce.