“I want our neighborhoods to feel like the one I grew up in — where neighbors looked out for each other, families felt safe, and working people could afford to build a life here. That means protecting the character of our community, making everyday costs more manageable, and investing in real public safety. It won’t happen overnight, but that’s the vision that drives me every day.”
-Benjamin Chou
Democratic nominee for City Council District 19
COMMUNITY
There’s No Place For Hate in District 19.
And that starts with our leadership. Every resident deserves to feel safe, seen, and protected — regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or who they love. I will work closely with the City’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes to increase outreach in our schools and libraries. I will also work with Precincts 109 and 111 to educate the community on how to safely and effectively report hate crimes, many of which currently go unreported due to fear or mistrust, while ensuring these reports lead to swift and strong enforcement. As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the importance of feeling welcomed and accepted. We are stronger together when we listen and unite against hate as a community.
Jobs That Build Community.
A beautiful, well-cared-for neighborhood is a safe neighborhood. Clean streets, maintained parks, fresh paint, and beautified green spaces send a powerful message: someone is paying attention. That’s why I’ll work with the NYC Parks Workforce Development unit and their Parks Opportunity Program to launch a pilot program here in our district that goes beyond just parks — improving sidewalks, public spaces, and other neighborhood areas. From repainting playgrounds to planting trees and cleaning up sidewalks, we can provide good-paying jobs while making our neighborhoods safer, more welcoming, and more connected.
Great Schools, Closer to Home.
As a proud graduate of Bronx Science, I know firsthand the value of a Specialized High School education — and the long commute it can take to get there. I spent hours each day getting to and from school. It was worth it, but it shouldn’t have been that hard. That’s why it’s time to build another Specialized High School in Queens. Our borough has the second highest number of youth in the City, but only one Specialized High School to support our talented, hardworking students. Let’s cut the commute and open more doors for our scholars. And to ensure every student has a fair shot, we must expand access to free, high-quality after-school programs that include SHSAT prep, and hire the exceptionally qualified staff needed to ensure the DREAM-SHSI program succeeds.
One Percent For Parks.
The parks in our City, and specifically in our district, provide residents with green spaces to improve our health, increase property values, combat crime, and overall enhance our quality of life. Yet over the last few decades they’ve been repeatedly defunded. While other major American cities dedicate 1%-5% of their budget to their parks, New York City’s parks budget has been stuck at just 0.5% for the last 30 years. I support the New Yorkers for Parks campaign, which is pushing to increase parks funding back to 1%. Our parks and our communities deserve nothing less.
District 19 Mural Program.
Public art has the power to bring communities together, beautify our streets, and have a positive economic impact. That’s why I will start the District 19 Mural Program — an initiative that will support nearby artists, engage the art programs in our local schools, deter graffiti, and turn blank walls into vibrant reflections of our shared identity.
Solve Bell Boulevard's Parking Crisis.
Bell Boulevard is the heart of Bayside — a vibrant commercial hub where small businesses thrive and neighbors gather. But a lack of parking is holding it back. A feasibility study in 2015 showed that the area needs over 1000 more parking spaces to support residents, businesses, and LIRR commuters. And those numbers have only grown over the last decade. We need a practical, community-driven plan to ease congestion along Bell Boulevard and the surrounding area. Working with residents and local businesses, I will explore smart solutions like redesigning street parking, creating a parking lot or parking garage, updating parking signs, and even introducing a valet service. It’s time to make it easier for residents to shop, dine, and spend time in our neighborhood without circling the block.
Get the Greenway Right.
I support both the Eastern Queens Greenway and the Queens Waterfront Greenway, projects that expand access to our borough’s 3,000 acres of parkland and make it safer for kids and families to enjoy the outdoors in their own neighborhoods. But these improvements must be done with community input, not imposed on residents. I will work with NYC DOT to place bike lanes on streets that make sense and stop them from seizing land from local homeowners. We can build a greener, more connected Queens without leaving District 19’s residents behind.
Support the Staff Who Support Our Students.
Paraprofessionals are essential to the success of students with specialized needs but they are underpaid and overworked. I will fight to ensure New York City Public Schools raises wages we can recruit and retain the skilled support staff our students rely on. Every child deserves the resources and attention they need to thrive.
AFFORDABILITY
Cut the Hidden Con Ed Tax.
Every month, you’re paying a hidden property tax on your Con Ed bill — and most New Yorkers don’t even realize it. The City charges Con Edison property taxes, and they quietly pass the cost on to you. This backdoor tax hits working- and middle-class households hardest. We need to rein in the City’s portion of this hidden tax and demand transparency from Con Ed on the property taxes they are passing onto you. It's time for real relief that puts money back in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers.
Fix the Broken Property Tax System.
Owners of luxury condos are getting massive breaks on their property taxes. That’s because the system uses outdated rules that let ultra-high-end properties in Manhattan pay far less than they should, while working- and middle-class homeowners in Queens end up paying more than their fair share. It’s time we close these loopholes and ensure luxury properties are taxed based on what they’re truly worth. This will bring in much-needed revenue for the City without raising taxes on middle-class homeowners.
Save Co-ops From the Burden of Local Law 97.
We cannot fight climate change by putting the cost on the backs of working- and middle-class homeowners. Local Law 97 is an important and well-meaning law, but it places an unfair burden on co-ops and condos. Simply extending the J-51 tax break is not enough — it must be extended and eligibility needs to be expanded beyond the outdated $50,000 unit cap.
Protect Retiree Healthcare, Permanently.
We must support Intro 1096 to permanently protect the City’s retirees’ right to comprehensive, reliable healthcare. Together we can ensure they are never again forced onto Medicare Advantage or any other inferior, for-profit plan that limits their coverage and choice. Our city’s retirees spent their careers serving New York; they’ve earned healthcare they can count on.
Fully Fund CUNY.
Did you know that one-third of NYC public school teachers are CUNY graduates? And 60% of enrolled students are first generation college students? With Queens College ranked among the nation’s best by The Princeton Review for 32 consecutive years, Brooklyn College for 22 consecutive years, Baruch College for 13 years, and City College for 8 years, the people of New York City are better off because of the award-winning, high-quality schools we have right in our backyard. I will fight to fully fund CUNY and to reduce tuition so more New Yorkers — regardless of income — can afford a world-class education without being buried in debt.
Real Support For Our Veterans.
Our veterans, who fought on the front lines to protect our freedoms, deserve more. Right now, the NYC Department of Veteran Services receives just 0.001% of the City’s total budget. With more funding, we can expand housing priority and vouchers, increase job support, broaden care for suicide and drug prevention, and fight for veterans to have access to comprehensive healthcare.
Make LaGuardia Pay Us Back.
Since 2012, the new LaGuardia flight path has bombarded Northeast Queens with constant noise pollution, disrupting our daily lives. I’ll fight to finally soundproof our homes under high-traffic flight paths. Years ago, the FAA gave approval to the Port Authority to conduct the soundproofing, along with other measures; however since receiving the approval, not enough has been done. There are additional mitigation measures on the table, and I will push the Port Authority and our state and federal partners on reopening conversations with the FAA. LaGuardia’s noise pollution also disrupts our parks and green spaces. It's time for the multi-billion dollar corporations that profit from the airport to reinvest in the communities they impact. By requiring those who benefit most to help fund park restoration and maintenance, we can lower property taxes for locals while still enjoying the vibrant public spaces we deserve.
SAFETY
Others Talk the Talk, I Walk the Walk.
When it comes to public safety, my experience as a first responder is unparalleled; I would become the first active-duty firefighter ever elected to City Council. No one is better positioned to fight for the resources, staffing, and training each department needs to give every neighborhood real peace of mind. I believe real safety comes from trust, not fearmongering, and I’m ready to lead that charge.
Fight For Our Forgotten First Responders.
Emergency Medical Services are the backbone of the City’s public safety response and yet EMTs are now paid less than grocery delivery workers, and often operate with outdated, unreliable equipment. Chronic understaffing and high turnover leave too many shifts filled by under-experienced personnel, while broken-down ambulances and command vehicles delay response times and put lives at risk. I’ll fight to raise EMS pay, modernize their equipment, and ensure that our city treats EMTs with the same respect and urgency we show every other first responder. When you call 911 on your worst day, you should get the City’s Best — not burned-out crews and broken gear.
Pay Our City’s Finest What They Deserve.
NYPD has the lowest number of police officers in its ranks in decades. The solution is NOT relaxing requirements; it’s simple supply and demand. We need to pay our entry-level police more to attract and retain qualified officers. As a first responder, I know real public safety is built on trust and collaboration between those on the front lines and the communities they serve. By ensuring we hire and keep the best, Precincts 109 and 111 will be stronger and better equipped to keep our communities safe.
Keep Our Firefighters Safe.
Every day our City’s Bravest run into burning buildings to protect us. But weak building code enforcement makes their already dangerous jobs even riskier. From illegal single room occupancy units and illegal gas connections to faulty sprinkler systems, improper electrical wiring, and missing smoke detectors, our buildings must be safer. The Department of Buildings has a long list of active violations and are owed millions of dollars because the City doesn’t provide enough resources to our agencies to enforce and collect fines. Frequent violators know this and take advantage of this broken system. The Department of Buildings and other agencies need more resources to effectively enforce the Construction Codes. FDNY is the pride and joy of our city — we owe it to them to keep them safe as they keep us safe.
More Eyes, Safer Neighborhoods.
Auxiliary Police are trusted neighborhood volunteers who serve as the NYPD’s additional eyes and ears, helping to deter crime, support community events, and strengthen public safety. I support increased funding for Auxiliary units in our district, with a focus on cycling equipment to help them cover more ground as we build a greener, more connected Queens. With the right investment, the Auxiliary program can also serve as a vital pipeline for police recruitment — giving neighbors looking for a path to public service the chance to train, serve, and build lasting relationships in the communities they may one day protect full-time.
Crime Hides in the Dark.
But a simple, cost-effective fix can make a big difference. I’ll launch a pilot program to provide free motion-sensor lights to homeowners and tenants across Northeast Queens. Studies show that better outdoor lighting can reduce nighttime crime in cities by at least 36%. However, instead of flooding our streets with harsh LED fixtures that disrupt the character of our neighborhoods, we’ll help residents protect their entryways, driveways, and backyards with smart, motion-sensing lighting — bringing safety and peace of mind, one home at a time.
Protect Our Pedestrians.
We must prioritize pedestrian safety — especially near our elementary schools, parks, and senior centers. One effective strategy is daylighting, which improves visibility at intersections so drivers can better see pedestrians and pedestrians can better see oncoming traffic. With half of all pedestrian injuries happening at intersections, I will work with the DOT to review the most dangerous intersections in our district. Rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions from Manhattan, we need targeted solutions specific to our neighborhoods’ needs. Additionally, I will advocate to restore cuts to the number of crossing guards at our schools. No child’s safety should be put at risk because of budget cuts.
Fight Flooding with Smarter Planning.
To protect our communities from the increasing threat of flooding, we must invest in smart, sustainable infrastructure that works with our environment — not against it. That means restoring and expanding natural barriers such as wetlands, oyster reefs, and marshes to absorb storm surges and reduce erosion. It also means upgrading stormwater systems to prevent sewer overflows and street-level flooding. And it means making sure new developments don’t worsen the problem by requiring flood-resilient design and responsible drainage plans. These aren’t just climate investments — they’re essential to protecting homes, transit, and public safety.
Protect Our Most Vulnerable from Extreme Heat.
Extreme heat is a growing danger in our city, especially for our children and seniors, killing more than 500 New Yorkers each year. One of the most cost-effective and proven ways to combat the urban heat island effect is by investing in tree canopies and sidewalk shade. Strategic sidewalk shade structures near schools, parks, playgrounds, senior centers, and bus stops can lower ground temperatures by up to 15 degrees, making our neighborhoods safer and more livable. We must prioritize heat-resilient infrastructure in areas with the least existing shade to protect public health, reduce energy costs, and ensure everyone can move safely and comfortably through their communities.
