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RISE Light & Power Proposes Funding For Waterfront Project For Ravenswood

A physical rendering of the new Ravenswood generating station, which will use power generated from an offshore wind farm to power homes across the city.

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

RISE Light & Power submitted a proposal to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to fund the waterfront at the Ravenswood Generating Station, which is tied to the Renewable Ravenswood Project. 

RISE Light & Power is working on the Renewable Ravenswood Project and the Queensboro Renewable Express, which will transform the fossil fuel energy plants into a wind-powered energy hub. However, this proposal is to revitalize the ports on the waterfront for the necessary vessels to maintain the wind farm and generating station. The port already exists, but the funding will lead to necessary renovations. 

Also in the proposal is a joint project with the Oceantic Network, an organization that focuses on using offshore wind power in supply chains. The unique partnership will provide mentorship and business attraction to the Long Island City Industrial Business Zone. Laura Rothrock, President of Long Island City Partnership, said that she looks forward to collaborating with RISE to bring green energy to local businesses. 

The Renewable Ravenswood project overall will also employ people who live in the NYCHA complexes around the generating station. The station has been a historical source of pollution and contributed to high asthma rates in the area deemed “asthma alley.” Wil Fisher, director of external affairs at RISE, said that the upcoming wind farm will create union jobs and empower NYCHA residents. 

“It’s a value for us to have a big pool of talent right across the street,” Fisher said. 

Fisher said that he expects to get a response from NYSERDA by the fourth quarter of this year.  



Hochul Announces Expansion of Women’s Health in Elmhurst, Paid Pre-Natal Leave

The State’s investment will increase access to high-quality prenatal and mental health care by expanding the hospital’s Women’s Pavilion to more than double its current size. Courtesy of Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Aug 14 that the state will invest $27.7 million into a new women’s pavilion and pediatric intensive care unit at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. 

Hochul’s office said that the expansion addresses the maternal mortality crisis, which disproportionately impacts women and color in New York. Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona have some of the highest birth rates in Queens, Hochul’s team said. 

“Elmhurst Hospital is the heartbeat of Northwest Queens and one of New York City’s most critical hubs of high-quality health care,” said Queensborough President Dovovan Richards Jr. “The success of this community is directly linked to the success of the hospital in delivering for the families who seek its care.”

The new Women’s Pavilion will be 35,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current pavilion. The place will offer extended services in the evening hours including high-risk pregnancy services, nutrition services, and prenatal education. The new pavilion will also offer new services such as mental health counseling and care for gynecological cancers. 

The Elmhurst Hospital currently does not have a pediatric intensive care unit, which means patients in need have to transfer to another hospital, possibly miles away from families. The new PICU will keep patients closer to their families should they require intensive care. The facility will include equipment with modules for blood circulation monitoring. 

“This funding will help us reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide care to women at every life stage, and ensure that we deliver critical care to our smallest patients when they need it most,” said Elmhurst CEO Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde. 

Construction and opening timeline will be announced in the coming months, but the Hospital will continue to operate normally. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz said that Elmhurst has always served people regardless of their socioeconomic status, but the new pavilion will bring more necessary care to parents and babies in the area. 

“As a proud patient of the Women’s Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital, I know firsthand the vital role this institution plays in our everyday health care, but particularly for the thousands of uninsured women throughout Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. This investment ensures that more women and children in our community will receive the quality healthcare they deserve.” 

In addition to the hospital expansion. Hochul also announced that pregnant employees will be entitled to at least 20 hours of paid parental leave. This allows pregnant people to receive pay for missed work due to medical appointments and other prenatal events. The policy goes into effect on Jan 1. 

Hochul also announced an expansion in doula access. Doulas are non-clinical professionals who provide guidance and support for pregnant people and new parents. On March 1, 2024, the state covered doula services under Medicaid. This new standing order will require a recommendation for doula services to receive Medicaid. 


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