State Senator George Onorato (D-Queens) today sent the following letter to New York City Department

Dear Commissioner Mendez-Santiago:

I recently learned from a number of concerned community members that the New York City Department for the Aging is contemplating the closure of St. Mary's Senior Center in Long Island City, as well as a plan to bus area seniors to other centers. If this is so, I want to express my strong opposition to this move, and to ask why local elected officials and community members were not consulted on this wrong-headed decision.

St. Mary's is a very active senior center, and an integral part of our senior services network in my Senate District -- providing breakfast and lunch for many seniors and also delivering meals for the homebound. Those who are served by this center should not be displaced, and I ask that you contact me with regard to this issue as soon as possible. I urge you to work with me, other elected officials and concerned community members to find reasonable alternatives to this potential closure.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,