News & Press

When the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic hit New York, Queens quickly became an epicenter of the deadly virus. But thanks to the collective efforts of public officials, civic leaders and everyday New Yorkers, the borough is on the rebound. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, the No. 2 in the state Legislature’s upper house who also represents western Queens, has championed legislation instituting new protections for workers and tenants. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who hails from Jackson Heights, spearheaded a measure that delivers badly needed assistance to undocumented immigrants. And Queens’ own Rep. Grace Meng has been speaking out loudly against rising xenophobia and hate crimes directed at Asian Americans during the pandemic.

These three lawmakers are among the many government officials – along with health care professionals, business executives, nonprofit leaders, union chiefs, advocates and activists of every stripe – who have responded forcefully to the public crisis as well as the economic shutdown that ensued. City & State’s latest Queens Power 100, which was researched and written in partnership with freelance journalist Clarissa Sosin, highlights the diverse array of leaders in the borough who are bringing it back from the brink.

Richard Siu

Chief Investment Officer, F&T Group

Richard Siu is the chief investment officer of F&T Group, one of the developers that make up the consortium FWRA LLC that’s behind the Flushing waterfront redevelopment. The controversial proposal, which was approved by the New York City Council late last year, will develop the rezoned parcel of land into a mix of residential, commercial and hotel properties. Whether or not the $2 billion project will help or push out residents in the neighborhood is a matter of fierce debate.

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