Elected Officials Urge Riders to Utilize Temporary QM15, QM16, and QM17 Service to Secure Its Continuation

Queens, NY — Today, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers alongside elected colleagues announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will extend enhanced express bus service as part of a pilot program on the Rockaway Peninsula, including the continued expansion of the QM15 route to Arverne through March, 2026 and additional peak trips on the QM16 and QM17 lines through January, 2026. 

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Queens, NY — New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers is proud to host a full slate of summer events across Council District 31 to bring neighbors together, share resources, and celebrate our vibrant Southeast Queens and Rockaway communities.

From movie nights in the park to community days, budget briefings, and resource events, these gatherings reflect the Council Member’s commitment to building an inclusive, informed, and joyful community.

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Queens Borough Board Approves Land Sale for Major Clean Transportation Project in Council District 31 Signaling an Important Milestone for the Project

(Queens, NY) This week, the Queens Borough Board, comprised of the borough’s City Council delegation, the Queens borough president, and its community board chairs, all voted to approve the land sale for an industrially zoned parcel of land which will create one creation of the largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in New York City—in the Springfield Gardens section of the 31st councilmanic district.

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New York, NY — As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am deeply alarmed by the severe flooding that once again disrupted transit and put New Yorkers at risk. I commend the transit workers who responded quickly and worked tirelessly to restore service — but it’s clear that our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the frequency of extreme weather events.

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$300,000 Commitment Clears Key Hurdle for Rockaway Trauma Center

New York, NY — On June 30, 2025, the New York City Council voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget. This year’s budget delivers critical citywide investments to support working families and strengthen essential services across the five boroughs.

The FY26 budget includes a pivotal $300,000 investment to advance the development of a trauma center on the Rockaway Peninsula — a long-overdue facility that would bring life-saving emergency care to one of New York City’s most medically underserved communities. 

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$300,000 Land Transfer Fee Would Advance Long-Needed Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Facility on the Rockaway Peninsula

(Far Rockaway, NY) Today, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers joined elected officials, labor leaders, and community advocates to call on the City fund the $300,000 land transfer fee needed to advance the proposed trauma center in Far Rockaway. 

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(Far Rockaway, NY) Building on momentum to secure a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma facility in Far Rockaway, community members, labor leaders, and elected officials will gather on Friday, June 27 at 12:00 PM at the site committed by Mayor Adams. They will call on the Administration to fund the land transfer application needed to move the project forward.

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New York, NY — At this week’s Stated Meeting, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers introduced two pieces of legislation focused on advancing environmental justice in Southeast Queens and protecting community spaces from inappropriate cannabis siting.

The first bill, Introduction 1280, would require the City’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability to conduct recurring environmental impact studies of John F.

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(Queens, NY) – I welcome the news that the New York State Department of Health has expressed support for certifying a trauma facility in Far Rockaway. While this is a significant step forward, our fight is not over. My office has worked closely with the Far Rockaway Trauma and Healthcare Access Taskforce—including Co-Chair Dr. Mitchell Katz and other key community and labor partners—to move this vital project forward.

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(Queens, NY) – I’m thrilled to welcome the return of A train service to the Rockaways. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, MTA Chair Janno Lieber, and New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow for their partnership and commitment to ensuring this critical infrastructure work was completed on time.

Throughout this four-month service disruption, my office worked closely with transit officials and my fellow elected leaders to elevate rider concerns and push for improved alternatives — including enhanced bus service — to support Rockaway commuters who were deeply impacted by the closure.

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