Assemblymember Aravella Simotas addresses the Steinway Astoria Partnership as Chairman Tony Barsamian looks on. The Steinway Astoria Partnership held its Annual Meeting on June 28 at Popular Community Bank. Kevin Foley, president of the Partnership, welcomed the membership to the meeting thanking the board and its committees for all the work in the past, which was very evident in the improved streetscape of Steinway Street. Chairman Tony Barsamian went over the Annual Report observing the past year’s accomplishments of benches, new trash receptacles, flowering baskets and greening efforts. Barsamian stated that looking forward sanitation efforts would be expanded, surveillance cameras were on the horizon, and a new streetscape plan was in the works that would benefit the entire community.

Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, guest speaker, told the membership that she, a daughter of small business owners, very much appreciated the hard work of the Steinway Astoria Partnership in their efforts to keep Steinway Street, where she still shops, a vital business district. City Comptroller John Lui also offered his kudos on the fine work of the BID. Assistant Commissioner of External Affairs for the Department of Finance Samara Karasyk, gave a presentation on property assessments, values, tax rates and classes including procedures for correcting any Notice of Property Values noting that it is the NYC Tax Commission that rights any wrongs.

City Comptroller John Lui also attended The Steinway Astoria Partnership is a fiveblock long business improvement district (28th Avenue to 35th Avenue on Steinway Street) dedicated to improving the area for shoppers, visitors and businesses.