New York Assemblymember Steven Raga, a candidate for the state Senate’s 12th District, has unveiled a five-point plan targeting affordability, public safety and quality of life in Woodside, Queens.
Raga announced the proposal, outlining a neighborhood-specific agenda to address rising living costs and gaps in public services. This plan is the first in a series of policy rollouts tailored to the district’s diverse communities.
“Woodside is a neighborhood defined by working families and immigrant communities, but rising costs and inconsistent services are making it harder for residents to stay and thrive,” Raga said.
The Woodside Five-Point Plan calls for preserving rent-stabilized housing and increasing investment in permanently affordable housing, including upgrades to the Big Six Towers complex. Raga also proposes revising the Area Median Income formula to better reflect New York City wage realities.
The plan emphasizes protections for immigrant communities, including support for the New York for All Act and the MELT Act, measures aimed at expanding access to services and limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Raga’s proposal also targets improvements at Woodside Houses, calling for increased oversight of the New York City Housing Authority, faster repairs and stronger accountability standards.
To address quality-of-life concerns, the plan calls for expanded sanitation services, more trash receptacles and stricter enforcement to improve neighborhood cleanliness.
Transit reliability is another focus, with Raga urging improvements to MTA service, particularly on the 7 train and Q18 bus, along with expanded accessibility upgrades.
Raga said the plan reflects ongoing input from residents and is designed to address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
“This agenda is grounded in what residents are experiencing day to day,” he said.
Community members, including Irak Cehonski-Rivas, treasurer of Latino Democrats of NYC, joined Raga at the announcement.
Raga, elected to the Assembly in 2022, is the first Filipino American and Southeast Asian American to hold statewide office in New York. A Queens native and former nonprofit leader, he has focused on housing, immigration services and food security initiatives in Albany.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
