Declare Queens Day Statewide

March 19, 2019, 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 March 19, 2019, as Queens Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, On March 19, 2019, the best of the Borough of Queens will be on display at the Capitol in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, This event is coordinated by the office of the Queens Borough President and the Queens Chamber of Commerce which will put the spotlight on Queens and include an evening reception featuring foods and beverages as well as a display of Queens' favorite dining establishments; 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; and WHEREAS, Downtown Flushing is New York City's other Chinatown; and WHEREAS, With 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, 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 employs between one and four people, making small businesses the cornerstone of the borough's economic vitality; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 19, 2019, 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.