Senate Resolution No. 647

BY: Senator STAVISKY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2, 2023, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2, 2023, as Queens Day
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, On May 2, 2023, 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 Queens Chamber of
Commerce, in conjunction with the Queens Delegation, 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 the year 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 over 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2, 2023, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the Office of the Queens Borough President; and the Queens Chamber
of Commerce.