Senator Michael Gianaris took pride in announcing a major step forward in the deconstruction of the Charles Poletti Power Plant in Astoria. For the first time in recent memory, smokestacks have been eliminated from western Queens after the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has removed the second of the power plant's two smokestacks, as deconstruction of the entire facility continues. The deconstruction of the aging, inefficient and less clean power plant, which used outdated technology from the 1970s, is the result of an agreement between the community and NYPA reached after years of tireless work by Senator Gianaris, Queens leaders and community groups.

Senator Gianaris released the following statement in praise of the move to bring the Fourth of July Fireworks show back to the East River.

"The return of July 4th fireworks to the East River is welcome news for western Queens," said Senator Gianaris. "For too long, residents of our neighborhoods have been left out of what is not only a citywide, but a national event. Once again, the Queens waterfront will be a participant in the grandest Independence Day celebration in the United States."

Senator Michael Gianaris invited local residents to nominate veterans from the community whose service on behalf of our nation warrants induction into the New York State Veteran's Hall of Fame.