Issues
Fighting for Queens. Standing for Common Sense.
Phil Wong is running for City Council to restore order, protect our communities, and bring back accountability. From the classroom to the courthouse, he has never stopped standing up for the people of District 30.
My Affordable Housing Plan
We aren’t going to build our way out of a housing crisis simply by up-zoning for market rate housing. Affordable housing needs to be mandated as part of as-of-right zoning and Area Median Income, which is a federal designation that determines who qualifies, needs to be adjusted to only include NYC, rather than NYC and the suburbs, which does not address the needs of current residents.
Mandatory Affordability as Part of As-of-Right Zoning
Developers currently get “bonus” height or bulk allowances for offering to include affordable housing in their projects. But this housing often is not permanently affordable, nor is it affordable to the vast majority of residents in New York City who need it, and it is only offered to those developers seeking to build out-of-context. In order for affordable housing to work, it needs to be a mandatory part of as-of-right zoning.
Locations
• Areas at high risk of gentrification (generally that are zoned R6 or higher)
• At least 15% of units in new construction projects will be reserved for low-income families or individuals. If units targeted middle income families, the requirement would be 25%. If supportive housing is provided instead the requirement would be 10% of units.
Income of Residents
• 100% affordable units for households at or below 60% of the local area median income, calculated based on zip code or community district rather than current formula based on the greater NYC region.
Priority Communities
• Families, including families with children and intergenerational households
• Tenants on fixed incomes such as seniors and disabled
• Households experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness
This would require a zoning text change be adopted by the City Council after community board and City Planning Commission review
Other Districtwide Issues of Concern
Battery farms – These need to be limited to manufacturing zones far from residences. Under City of Yes, battery farms can be sited anywhere, even very near to homes and schools. Other municipalities have experienced the devastating consequences of these sites catching fire, and we want to prevent this here. I will push for zoning regulations on these facilities.
IBX – This proposed light rail line is a Trojan horse. It promises a quick ride between Brooklyn and Jackson Heights, but the reality is that it will bring destruction of property, wide scale up-zoning and gentrification, and won’t easily connect to the Jackson Heights station which would be most useful to local commuters, the vast majority being Manhattan-bound. The chosen contractor will use non-union labor, in an end run around the Transit Workers Union. The MTA plans automated operation of the trains, which impacts safety. For these reasons, I cannot support this project.
Local Law 97 – I am all for going green but unfunded mandates such as Local Law 97 are going to bankrupt co-op and condo owners and threaten middle class housing. Homeowners need adequate subsidies to be able to afford to reduce emissions to the levels this law calls for, and I will fight to make sure they get them.
Intros 1107/948A – We are in desperate need of affordable housing, but the NYC Council is considering Intro 1107, which will allow EVERY 1- and 2-family home in NYC to be converted into a hotel. Hotels belong on commercial strips, not in residential areas. We don’t want speculators buying up homes and converting them into hotel rooms! I plan to vote no on this if it comes before me.
E-Bikes – As this is a problem all over the city, I support legislation to mandate that all e-bikes are registered and insured and that those that aren’t can be confiscated. And we must remove any bike lane that runs along a sidewalk.
Universal Daylighting – There is a bill pending in the City Council that would mandate eliminating 20 ft of parking on all four corners at every intersection in NYC. That’s 320,000 parking spaces. I prefer a measured approach: daylighting where necessary, but four-way stop signs would be more appropriate at most intersections and would not encourage illegal parking, which is already a huge problem, or hinder emergency vehicles.
Illegal parking – I would like to see the NYPD 104th Precinct’s pilot program expanded to all precincts where traffic enforcement agents are dispatched to answer parking related 311 calls.
Citi Bike – The current contract mandates a one size-fits-all approach. It needs to be revised with lower density neighborhoods in mind. I will work with NYCDOT and the comptroller’s office to see that this is done.
Loud music – It happens every weekend and often on weeknights as well. The NYPD’s Q-Teams aren’t enough. Cameras in known locations would help officers pinpoint the source without having to chase it, and I will prioritize their placement.
Cleanliness – I will work with DSNY to target areas of the district known for litter, dumping and abandoned vehicles, such as along railroad tracks, at under and overpasses, and along the perimeter of cemeteries. I will also fund cleanup groups like ACE and Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation just as Council Member Holden does.
Trailers/commercial vehicles – We don’t have enough heavy tow trucks to handle the number of large vehicles, which include trucks, party buses, trailers, RVs, etc. I will fund a tow truck dedicated for enforcement in my district. For those using these vehicles as living space, I will fund increased outreach services.
City of Yes – I am a plaintiff in a lawsuit to stop this which challenges the City’s lack of environmental review. City of Yes will detrimentally affect our quality-of-life. We have a lack of infrastructure as it stands, with no upgrade plans, and this level of up-zoning is irresponsible. It also does not address the affordability problem. I have a plan that does.
Power outages – Although Con Ed has completed a pilot project to bury power lines in an area that experiences frequent outages during storms, there still are large swaths of the district where the power regularly goes out during bad weather. It can be as frequent as monthly. I will advocate to continue installation of the underground lines. If ConEd is going to raise rates, they need to provide reliable service.
Flooding – As with power outages, the same areas see regular flooding during storms, which destroys property and creates black mold situations. Cleaning out catch basins more frequently would help reduce flooding frequency and I will hold NYC DEP accountable for getting it done. I will work with the NYC Office of Emergency Management to facilitate rapid response to environmental crises.
Graffiti – There’s been an increase in this since it’s basically been decriminalized. I plan to continue to fund non-profits to paint over and power-wash off graffiti, just as Council Member Holden currently does.
Rain Gardens – The DEP had good intentions with them, but they walked away from them after they were installed, and many have become weedy trash pits that harbor rats. As council member, I will pressure the next administration to hold DEP accountable for maintenance and include them in funded cleanup efforts.
NYPD – Our local precincts get a lot fewer officers than other precincts which leads to calls not being answered in a timely manner. I will advocate for our fair share of police, so we have better coverage.
FDNY – The Maspeth firehouse is endangered, and the Grand Avenue/Elmhurst house has been temporarily relocated while their new building is under construction. A new building was required because a developer undermined the original building – twice. Our first responders deserve safe workplaces. Response times also continue to rise as the population grows. This is not something that can be ignored, and as council member, I will advocate for woefully underpaid EMTs to be offered the salary and benefits they deserve.
Worker benefits – Our city does not function without its workers, and they deserve adequate health care coverage during their golden years. It’s time to pass Intro 1096 so retirees have guaranteed adequate healthcare in their golden years.
Gifted and Talented Programs – Gifted and Talented programs are vital for nurturing intellectual and emotional development from the outset. Similarly, students who may not fit the “gifted and talented” category also require distinct support systems tailored to their needs. Eliminating these opportunities can inadvertently create an environment where students who are not performing at the highest level may feel inferior, while advanced students may become disengaged and bored. Such frustrations can lead to behavioral issues in both groups. In the city council I will fight for gifted and talented programs and standard education as I always have, and also fight to keep the SHSAT.
Public School funding – I am a product of local public schools, as are my three daughters. I served on CEC24, and was its president for two years. I know the needs of the schools in this district, and I will fight to get them the funding they deserve.
Food insecurity – Grocery prices are out of control and 1 in 5 schoolchildren experiences food insecurity. Up to 1/2 of food served at schools is wasted. This food should be delivered to New Yorkers in need. Right now, there is no such mandate. Let’s change that. I would like to implement a program that diverts food destined for the dumpster to New Yorkers in need.
Homeless crisis – Addressing homelessness needs to start long before placement in a shelter. Rental assistance is key. It would cost substantially less to contribute toward a family’s market apartment rate rent than to pay a premium for a converted hotel room. I also support expanding mental health treatment.
Senior and Veterans Services – I will lobby for funding to expand senior and veterans programs. I will fund more transportation options, food home delivery and health care services.
Protecting Immigrant Rights – As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges and can guide others on how to navigate the system. I will advocate for legal immigrants to get the benefits they are entitled to, such as legal referrals, translation services, and special education and will continue to host workshops to address immigrant concerns.
Property Tax Reform – We have a higher-than-average number of owner-occupied rental properties in this district. Most of these are 2-3 family homes, some are up to 6 units. These homes are taxed at a higher rate than those in wealthier neighborhoods. The tax system needs to be reformed. We’ve been talking about it for years, but no one has done it. Reform would help everyone, both owners and renters, because the cost of high taxes gets passed on to tenants in the form of rent increases
Neighborhood Issues of Concern
Maspeth
Transfiguration Church – The Brooklyn Diocese plans to sell it after using it for two more years, and I support Council Member Holden’s plan to fund the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council to operate it for the benefit of local children.
Long Island Expressway – There are many collisions on the Long Island Expressway between Exits 18 & 19. The situation is not being addressed by NYCDOT and NYSDOT and I will hold them accountable for improving road safety. I will also further explore the expressway cap idea that Council Member Holden first suggested to reunite the two halves of Maspeth.
Flushing Avenue – The 8-block-long Long Island Rail Road underpass needs an overhaul and a safe lane for pedestrians as they currently are endangered by e-bikes that use the same path. There is potential for a protected bike lane here and I will ask NYCDOT to investigate the possibility. The staircases need to be repaired and the pedestrian path needs better access at each end for people with disabilities. I also would like to fund the painting of this stretch with a semi-permanent graffiti-resistant coating to deter vandalism and oversee regular trash removal.
Grand Avenue – NYCDOT plans to redesign the commercial parts of the corridor to facilitate faster bus service. I will advocate for local resident and business needs throughout its planning and implementation.
Polish American National Hall – This historic facility has been sitting in limbo. I will put funding toward its purchase, with the plan of turning it into a cultural center and museum, as Maspeth currently has none.
South Elmhurst
Elmhurst Park – The multipurpose area needs to be repaired and one of the gates is broken. I will fund capital improvements to make sure this remains a top park.
Railroad Issues – South Elmhurst has both the LIRR and CSX tracks running through it. The railroads do not maintain their property. I will make sure these areas are monitored for cleanliness and when problems arise, they will be addressed promptly.
Illegal bike shops – We don’t want to see lithium ion battery fires or illegal vehicles on the road. I will work with NYPD to make sure these shops are closed down for the safety of the community.
Rego Park
Addressing hate – As someone who has been on the receiving end of anti-Asian hatred, I know what it feels like to be an open target. With attacks on religious institutions and anti-Semitic hate crimes on the rise, greater attention needs to be given to security, especially during religious observances. I will work with the 112 Pct to make sure that everyone stays safe. I will always stand against hate.
Queensway vs Queenslink – I will hold listening sessions to hear constituent concerns before determining which plan to support.
Noise from Forest Hills Stadium – I will work with my colleague in District 29, city agencies, and the operator to mitigate noise emanating from Forest Hills Stadium.
Middle Village
Juniper Valley Park lower ballfields – These need extensive repairs and a drainage system. The surface is currently unsafe for playing ball and has been for some time. Let’s finally fix this travesty by holding NYC Parks accountable and funding its restoration.
Street takeovers – I will work with upper NYPD management to prevent the meetups that involve drag racing, loud music and spinning of cars on roads around Juniper Valley Park.
Food pantry – While this provides a vital service, the queue causes disturbance to surrounding property owners on 80th St/Caldwell Ave such as public urination, blocking sidewalks, sitting on private stoops and cars, discarding food in the street, and parking in driveways. I will advocate for a multiagency approach to mitigate the impact on nearby residents.
St. Saviour’s – This former church has been sitting disassembled inside All Faiths Cemetery for almost two decades. There is a proposal to reconstruct it there for use as a historical site/community center, which the area presently doesn’t have. This was first proposed by Council Member Holden, and I will continue to advocate to make it happen and fund its reconstruction.
Glendale - Liberty Park
Cooper Ave homeless shelter – There are hundreds of 911 and 311 calls to this facility per year which strains local police resources and skews crime statistics. It has brought down quality-of-life considerably and would better serve the area as the site of a new police stationhouse, which would be closer to the center of the boundaries of the 104th precinct. I will request that this facility be closed and repurposed for the good of the community.
Train noise/odor – This is a longstanding problem in Glendale and Middle Village due to trains being too long to fit in the train yard, causing idling and coupling activity to happen behind people’s homes. I will work with federal officials to hold the railroads accountable and find additional ways to mitigate the impact of their operations.
Keep the B13 route – Living on the borough border means some areas are served by Brooklyn lines. The B13 is a vital bus route for people living in Liberty Park but the MTA wants to shift it away from the center of the neighborhood and instead have it run mostly through Ridgewood. Over the past year, the community has spoken loud and clear that it does not want this. This was proposed by transportation lobbyists, not residents. I stand with the people in saying to keep the B13 where it is.
Jackie Robinson Parkway – This is still a very dangerous road which needs to be addressed along with the trucks illegally driving on it and getting stuck. The approaches to it are often the sites of illegal parking, car washes and loud meetups. Closely working with the NYPD Q Team is vital, and I will meet regularly with them to assure these issues are addressed.
Ridgewood
Keep the B38 bus loop – The MTA signaled plans to take B38 bus service away from hundreds of people who use it, including students of Grover Cleveland High School, visitors to Linden Hill Cemetery and Grover Cleveland Park and people who shop along or connect to other buses on Metropolitan and Flushing Avenues. I am petitioning the MTA to keep this portion of the route intact. We need better bus service, not less of it.
Alternate side parking – This was determined decades ago and is distributed unfairly; some blocks have it 2x week while others have it 4x a week, although all have the same cleanliness rating. This service needs to be re-examined and standardized across the neighborhood.
New zip code – Both Glendale and Ridgewood deserve their own zip codes. Sharing one blurs neighborhood identity, and causes confusion with regard to GPS data, mail delivery, insurance coverage, and emergency responses. I will continue to work with federal officials and congresspersons to secure the desired change.
Artists market – The MTA is studying a $30M project that would save riders less than 2 minutes of commuting time but increase congestion along Fresh Pond Road considerably. I agree that the space under the el could be put to better use than what is there now, but this seems like a waste of money. I’d like to explore a recreational or commercial use instead. I propose a flea and artists market under a segment of the el while the rest could be used for municipal parking to reduce double parking and traffic congestion along Fresh Pond and Forest Avenues. A win for all.