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Gianaris Pledges $58,000 for Anti Violence Programs in Western Queens

State Sen. Mike Gianaris at Queensbridge Houses Tuesday, pledges $58,000 to thwart gun violence (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Gianaris)

August. 7, 2019 By Shane O’Brien

State Sen. Mike Gianaris announced Tuesday during Queensbridge Houses family day that he has allocated $58,000 for anti violence programs in western Queens.

Gianaris said the funding will support anti-violence programs in NYCHA developments administered by Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, a non-profit organization that supports western Queens residents.

Gianaris has a lengthy history of trying to reduce violence–particularly gun violence.

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that Gianaris sponsored in the state senate into law that creates a mandatory 30-day background check waiting period for gun buyers. The law applies to buyers who are not immediately approved through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Gianaris said on Tuesday that it is imperative that local communities are kept safe from the dangers of gun violence.

“We must keep our communities safe from the scourge of gun violence. While I successfully fought for new laws to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, we can never do enough to prevent tragedies from occurring,” Gianaris said.

“I am pleased to secure $58,000 in this year’s state budget to take guns off our streets.”

Christopher Hanway, Executive Director of the Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement, said that community safety is the cornerstone of a healthy neighborhood and that the funding would go toward violence prevention in western Queens.

The funding announcement came on the day of National Night Out Against Crime, an annual community building event that takes place on the first Tuesday in August. National Night Out aims to build stronger ties between communities and the police.

April Simpson, President of Queensbridge Houses Tenant Association, said that National Night Out “uplifts, engages, and unites us to stand together against crime, and crimes committed in our communities.”