Paul Pogozelski, a Middle Village resident, is running for the open District 30 City Council seat, focusing on youth, public safety, and quality of life in the district neighborhoods.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
A new voice for District 30, Middle Village resident Paul Pogozelski, 44, is officially running for the open City Council seat, hoping to bring meaningful change and to represent the neighborhoods of Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village, Ridgewood, and parts of Woodhaven and Woodside. Running as a Democrat, Pogozelski is focused on the future of his community, with a particular emphasis on youth, public safety, and quality of life.
Pogozelski, born in Seaford on Long Island and a Middle Village resident since 2017, is running to succeed Councilman Robert Holden, who currently holds the position but his seat on the city council will be open for grabs come November. Pogozelski has spent the past 23 years working full-time in at a trucking delivery company. His experience, however, left him missing crucial life moments—birthdays, funerals, and milestones—which fueled his desire to get more involved in his community.
“I want to make sure that my kids and my kids’ kids stay in this neighborhood, I want us to keep our roots here,” Pogozelski said during a roundtable with the Queens Ledger.
Central to Pogozelski’s campaign is his deep commitment to helping youth and building a stronger community. This focus is reflected in his campaign logo, which features a child holding up a heart-shaped balloon, symbolizing his hope for the upcoming generation.
His advocacy for youth extends to his leadership of the Middle Village Players Hockey League, which serves 150 families and has been a vital force in uniting the community. The league, based at Juniper Valley Park, faced challenges in its early years, from inappropriate behavior and vandalism to pet waste left behind by dogs. But through perseverance, Pogozelski’s efforts have helped transform it into a space that fosters teamwork, community engagement, and healthy activities for children and families.
He aims to bring change by improving infrastructure, supporting local youth programs, and advocating for affordable housing and community-driven development.
In addition to his work with the hockey league, Pogozelski has led the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association (MVPOA), hosting quarterly meetings and ramping up to monthly meetings in the new year. These meetings, which aim to bridge the gap between elected officials and residents, have focused on organizing community clean-ups, addressing local issues, and increasing awareness around neighborhood concerns. Pogozelski sees these community connections as critical to addressing larger issues, like zoning, safety, and affordability.
“We have to do things like improve public safety, but also advocate for safer streets,” Pogozelski said. “We have to legislate for more speed bumps, crosswalks, and additional garbage cans throughout our district. I think these things are key to improving the overall quality of life for residents. You can’t have people living in an area that doesn’t have basic infrastructure like clean streets or safety measures in place.”
He has also championed the importance of community board meetings, seeing them as key in raising awareness and shaping the future of the district.
Pogozelski’s platform includes several core priorities that he believes will improve the lives of District 30 residents. These include increasing youth opportunities through after-school programs, vocational training, and expanded aftercare services. He is also passionate about enhancing green spaces, supporting local public arts programs, and ensuring that residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. As part of his commitment to public safety, Pogozelski advocates for safer streets, including more speed bumps, crosswalks, and additional garbage cans to help beautify and improve the community.
Addressing the housing challenges many residents face, Pogozelski supports efforts to promote small homeownership and tenant rights, as well as offering assistance for first-time homebuyers. He has also expressed concern about the city’s “City of Yes” plan, calling for greater transparency and a neighborhood-specific approach that takes into account affordability. He believes the current affordability measures often leave hardworking residents behind, especially those who are the first generation in their families unable to buy property in the district.
“City of Yes is a broad stroke that doesn’t work with every neighborhood,” Pogozelski said. “We have to figure out a way to be transparent with the community and make it beneficial for everyone. I’m worried about the City of Yes’s affordability plan when many residents have not been able to move into some of these neighborhoods because they can’t afford it. Although they’ve been working since they were 18, they say they’re the first generation of their family that cannot buy property in these District 30 neighborhoods.”
While he is passionate about making real change, Pogozelski also emphasizes a balanced approach to development. He believes that buildings should be more than just functional structures—they should be architecturally impressive to avoid the issues of vandalism that affect local landmarks like the bridge on Elliot Avenue. Pogozelski advocates for a bottom-up approach to urban planning, where the community’s needs are prioritized over top-down mandates.
A self-described “history guy,” Pogozelski believes it’s vital to honor the past while shaping the future. He often reflects on his family’s legacy of hard work, including his grandfather who fought in World War II. These values of dedication and service to others shape his approach to leadership.
“If I get elected, I’ll put my office at the crossroads of the district,” Pogozelski said, referencing Forest Avenue and Fresh Pond Road right near Metropolitan Ave. I want to be accessible to everyone.”
Ultimately, Pogozelski’s campaign centers on the idea that “everyone needs a voice.” He is committed to ensuring that District 30 remains a place where families can thrive, youth have opportunities to succeed, and all residents—whether owners or renters—have their voices heard in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
The primary election for the District 30 City Council seat will be held in June, with the general election scheduled for November.
