Local Impact of City Budget (West)

By Eric Yun

The New York City Council passed a $63.1 billion budget last Tuesday, preventing massive cuts to critical services like senior centers, daycare programs and fire companies throughout the city.

While some programs have been cut, the council was able to save many by adding approximately $397 million to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed executive budget. Several senior centers and daycare centers slated to close were saved by the budget, along with about 20 fire companies.

Approximately $156 million of the city’s budget will go to the council member’s discretionary funding to help support non-profits within the district and borough.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) ranked last out of 51 council members in money garnered for discretionary funds for the 2011 fiscal year at $358,321.

"In these tough budget times, it was my priority this year to deliver as much, if not more, as last year to our community's major youth programs and senior centers - and through my discretionary dollars, we succeeded,” said Crowley in a statement.
“I am pleased to continue supporting the important programs that matter to our taxpayers.”

When approached at a recent press conference by a reporter, Crowley only said, “I think we passed a great budget” before getting in her car.She didn’t address the reasons for her poor showing regarding discretionary funding.

Crowley’s office said that although she has received $120,000 less than last year, the difference will be accounted for by funding from the Queens delegation. In a review of documents released by New York City however, the $508,321 Crowley
secured in the last fiscal year was $150,000 more than she secured this year.

Among the groups and projects to receive discretionary funding in Crowley’s district are Glenridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps,Maspeth Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Firefighters, Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol and the Glenridge Senior Citizen Multi-Service and Advisory Center.

Robert Holden, President of the Juniper Park Civic Association, says that Crowley’s poor return of funds for her district is of major concern for all residents. “We have very serious problems in the community that are not being addressed,” said Holden. “She's been unresponsive on the railroad noise, the trash issue, truck traffic, police coverage and building issues to name only a few. Now she's in hot water with Speaker Quinn and as a result our neighborhood has and will continue
to suffer.”

The “political hot water” Holden referred to comes as a result of Crowley prematurely releasing a press release taking the credit for singlehandedly preventing the fire company closings.Insiders say Crowley may be gearing up to make a run for the Speaker’s position in the future.

“Elizabeth Crowley received the least amount of funding out of 51 council members and that directly affects our quality of life. She should really start to work for the community instead of for herself,” an angry Holden concluded. “I think Elizabeth
needs to get her priorities straightened out.”

Council Member Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) secured $528,321 in discretionary funding and millions more in capital projects for her district, which includes Rego Park and parts of Elmhurst. Last year, former Council Member Melinda Katz received $478,321 in discretionary funds for the same district.

“I feel I did very well for my district,” said Koslowitz. “I helped fund senior centers and all the schools in the district will receive funds for things like smart boards, libraries and music programs.”

Key programs funded by Koslowitz include $8,000 to Catholic Charities to support senior centers. The Forest Hills Jewish Center will receive $5,000 to help support their senior center and the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce will receive $2,500 to fund jazz concerts for the community.

Capital projects in Koslowitz’s district will help schools and the public libraries. PS 174 will receive funds to build a new library, and Forest Hills High School and PS
144 will have their library refurbished.

PS 99 will receive funds to create a computer lab. Koslowitz also helped fund heating and air conditioning repairs at the North Forest Park public library and customer service technology at the Richmond Hill branch.

Discretionary funds and capital projects are critical to the budget process and support local causes in council member’s districts. Citizens attempting to understand how their tax dollars support their district should scrutinize how council
members are making specific allocations.

Reporter Tamara Best contributed to this story.

FDNY Battles Heat and Flames in Elmburst

More than two hundred firefighters and EMS personnel were called to battle a five alarm blaze that broke out in Rego Park at about 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday.

The fire tore through the top two floors and the roof at the seven-story apartment building located at 86-16 60th Avenue.

A spokesperson at the FDNY press office confirmed that the heat index presents a challenging situation for firefighters and that the department compensates by bringing in extra relief and rotating the crews frequently to lower risk for working crews.

Seventeen firefighters suffered injuries related to the blaze and to extreme heat conditions No civilian injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet
been determined.

This Week's Forum South and West

2nd Annual Howard Beach Relay

The Forum Newsgroup

The annual Howard Beach Relay for Life took place on Saturday and Sunday at Charles Park and raised more than $165,000, making it the most successful Queens Relay event in terms of money raised.

More than 500 participants formed teams and ran various fundraising activities throughout the year. Team members gathered at the park over the weekend honoring survivors and remembering loved ones lost.

Rockin’ the Ribbon 2010 teammates Laura, Elizabeth and MaryEllen Jablonski founded their team in honor of mother Ginny Jablonski, longtime Howard Beach resident who lost her battle to melanoma in 2003.

This year’s honoree was Camille Lyons of Queens County Savings Bank who entered her second year as a survivor of bladder cancer.

Event Chair Phyllis Inserillo headed up the HB Relay Rocks team, which was the first Queens
team to reach the esteemed Purple fundraising level—bringing in more than $50,000.

Next year’s HB Relay event will be held on June 11th and 12th.

8th Annual Relay Celebrates Life, Rasies $150,000

By Tamara Best

Each person had a different story to tell. Each person recalled memories of loved

ones and in some cases their own struggle. Yet, each had one thing in common - the goal of eradicating cancer.

Despite being a humid Saturday with temperatures near 100 degrees, hundreds of people showed up at Juniper Valley Park for the eighth annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This year’s event was sponsored by Maspeth Federal Saving, Glendale Kiwanis, Panera Bread, Ridgewood Moose Lodge and

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

More than 60 teams participated in the Olympic-themed event this year, with team Hikers of Hope leading the fundraising with $14,000. In all more than $150,000 was raised for cancer research.

"We started participating four years ago, we look at it as a celebration," said CJ Stock of Rays of Light. The team was formed in honor of Stock's husband, Ray, who has

been in remission for the past four years.

Stock, among many other participants, said the survivor's lap is their favorite part of the relay, which started at 4 p.m. Saturday and ended Sunday morning.

"Each time I walk, each step I take is for each person who helped me get here," said Leandra Navetta, a survivor speaker for this year's event.

For Darren Alloggiamento there is one thought that goes through his head as he takes his lap.

"I feel lucky," said Alloggiamento, who had a brain tumor that has been in remission for 16 years.

After the survivor lap, caregivers took a lap followed by relay teams, backed by theme music ranging from Lady Gaga to James Brown. In addition to relaying, participants spent the evening enjoying food, taking zumba lessons and raising funds through raffles and sales. Shortly after dark, the luminaria ceremony took place as candles in bags that lined the track were lit, in memory of those who died from cancer and in honor of those in remission. Teams walked around the track pausing along the way to read the names.

The Middle Village site was also selected to be part of “The Cancer Prevention Study,” which allowed people who have not been diagnosed with cancer to identify reasons, such as lifestyle choices, that may cause them to be diagnosed with cancer later in life.

Leslie Orlovsky, director of special events for area American Cancer Society, said for everyone involved it’s about the Relay motto “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.”

“I’m not a doctor, this is the only way I know how to fight back,” said Orlovsky. “I relay so one day my son won’t have to.”

Relay for Life facts:

• Takes place in more than 19 countries outside of the United States
• More than $2 billion has been raised since the first relay was held in 1985.
• Relay For Life is the world’s largest not-for- profit fundraising event.

Three Groups Submit Aqueduct Bids

The Forum Newsgroup

Three bidders have emerged in the latest bidding war to operate video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Aqueduct Racetrack.

After the Aqueduct Entertainment Group’s bid was denied in March, the New York Lottery opened up bidding again in June when six bidders met: SL Green Realty Group, Delaware North, Penn National, Empire City Casino Yonkers Raceway, Genting New York, and Clairvest Group.

The three groups that submitted bids on Tuesday were Genting New York, Penn National, and SL Green Realty with Hard Rock. The Clairvest Group ended up partnering with SL Green and Hard Rock’s group.Genting is the operator of Asia’s largest casino in Malaysia.Penn National operates over a dozen casinos and racetracks across the United States. SL Green is one of New York’s largest Realtors and is joined by Hard Rock, which operates restaurants and casinos across the world. Clairvest, once a part of Aqueduct Entertainment Group, is one of Canada’s
largest investment firms.

The Aqueduct racetrack is expected to generate over $1 million a day in tax revenue for New York and over $800 million a year for the winning bidder. Bidders are concerned about making a $300 million payment upfront and the possibility of a Shinnecock Indian casino outside the city in Suffolk county.

New York Lottery plans to recommend a winning bidder to Governor Patterson and state legislators by August 3.

JFK's Longest Runway Reopens On Time and On Budget

Flights resumed on John F. Kennedy International Airport’s “Bay Runway,” the region’s longest and busiest runway, on June 28 after a four-month closing to reconstruct the runway, implement flight delay meas- ures, increase the width to handle the world’s largest commercial planes, and transform it into a state-of-the-art runway for the future.

The project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule, ensuring that airlines could function at full capacity as the busy summer travel season ramps up.

As the Bay Runway – last refurbished in 1993 – and its asphalt overlay approached the end of its lifespan, the Port Authority researched the available options. The agency’s planning aimed to increase the utility and efficiency of the runway and decrease the maintenance costs, all while providing tangible benefits for the customer.

The Bay Runway’s new concrete surface is expected to last 40 years, replacing the 13- year-old asphalt surface, which has a much shorter useful life. It will produce an estimated long-term savings of $500 million and while reducing the need for ongoing maintenance.

In addition, high-speed aircraft exits and access taxiways were part of the Port Authority’s delay-reduction program so planes can take off and land on the runway faster than ever before and so aircraft queuing could be reduced. These initiatives are estimated to reduce flight delays by 10,500 hours a year.

The $348.1 million runway project supports 2,500 jobs, including direct construction work, asphalt and concrete production, running aeronautical lighting and food services. A total of $15 million was obtained through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with the rest funded by the FAA and the Port Authority.

JFK handles 48 million passengers annually as one of the nation’s busiest airports, with the Bay Runway typically handling a third of the traffic.

Work began on the 14,572-foot long Bay Runway – the longest at JFK by more than 3,000 feet – in July 2009. On March 1, the bulk of the work commenced with the four-month closing to complete 10,925 feet of the runway. The runway reopened on June 28 with all navigational features. The remaining 3,647 feet of the runway work will be completed in two phases in the coming months.

Environmental considerations were integral to the project. Approximately 300,000 tons of asphalt millings was reused on the runway’s sub-base, taxiways and service roads. Much of the truck traffic remained on-site because of the proximity of the specially built concrete plants, speeding work and limiting congestion on area roadways. Additionally, a total of seven acres of installed turf grass for the project will help reduce erosion and improve filtration.

The Bay Runway – one of only three in the U.S. long enough to land the NASA space shuttle – used enough concrete in this project to fill the New Meadowlands Stadium to a height of 64 feet.

City Council Passes Budget

Ulrich Nets Almost $5 Million for District

By Patricia Adams

The New York City Council passed its budget on Tuesday evening, in response to the Mayor’s proposed cuts to various city agencies. The Council restorations were all geared on retaining services relating to the protection of children, the maintenance of public safety and keeping libraries open.

The budget passed by the council will restore more than 200 Administration Children’s Services (ACS) positions, as well as 3,000 preventive slots.

Library service, a long standing priority of local Council Member Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), will be preserved across the City at five days a week. The budget agreement between Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council also includes funding to avoid the closure of more than two dozen fire companies across the city.

Ulrich also announced funding for dozens of local community groups and programs throughout the 32nd District, along with 18 capital projects totaling $4.2 million. The councilman credited the city’s responsible budgeting and smart planning with help averting drastic cuts.

Remarking on the state budget Ulrich said, “Unlike Albany, the City of New York has once again passed an on-time, balanced budget, that does not include any tax increases.”

Capital projects funded within District 32 include: Installation of guardrails along Cross Bay Boulevard’s southbound approach to Broad Channel; Improvements at London Planetree Park, including a skate plaza, fitness equipment and refurbishment of the old basketball courts; Resurfacing and new fencing at the Rockaway Beach handball courts; Fifteen security cameras at John Adams High School; Sidewalk repair and tree planting throughout the district totaling $1.2 million.

Through discretionary spending allocations, funding is also earmarked for numerous community groups and programs that serve the district and borough including, SAT prep courses at six area high schools and sponsored family/social events. Additional funding was secured for technology projects for at least a dozen public schools in the district.

In all, Ulrich secured approximately $576,000 in discretionary funding to support local initiatives. This is almost double the amount of local funding the Council Member secured in last year’s budget.

New York City's fiscal year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th.

City Council Passes 2011 Budget

With a vote of 48-1 the City Council passed a $63 billion municipal budget for fiscal year 2011 late Tuesday night.

“This year’s budget, in many ways, is reflective of what New York City is known for — resilience and perseverance,” said Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). “I remain confident that after this year’s hardships, our City will emerge out of this down- turn fiscally healthier and stronger than ever.”

The plan calls for the closing of up to 30 sen- ior centers and layoffs for at least 2,000 municipal workers and reduction in library hours. However, the new plan includes no tax increases and $36 million to prevent any fire engine companies from closing.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice committee, applauded the city’s de- cision not to close any of the fire engine houses that were on the chopping block.

“When we started this fight, 62 fire companies were on the chopping block – now all will remain open,” said Crowley. “The City has negotiated a budget that will restore the $37 million to keep our fire companies open. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, elected officials, community leaders and thousands of New Yorkers from every borough, we won this fight for our fire protection.”

Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) also said she was happy with the outcome.

“Considering how bad everything was, the Mayor and the council did a good job,” she said. “I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was. The process this time was won- derful and I’m most proud about being able to restore funds to the area of seniors and children’s services.”

The lone councilmember to vote against the budget was Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn). The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Traveling MetroCard Van Visits Ozone Park Senior Center

The Forum Newsgroup

Dozens of happy seniors met up with MTA MetroCard van outside the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services Ozone Park Senior Center on Tuesday afternoon.

The two hour visit was arranged by Council Member Eric A. Ulrich (R-Queens) and provided the senior travelers with convenient access to discounted public transit
fares.

“It is difficult for many of my constituents, especially those in their golden years, to make the necessary trip to apply for and receive discounted MetroCards,” said Ulrich, whose intentions were to bring the service to the neighborhood center so that eligible residents can take advantage of the discounts.

Local senior Caroline Darienzo, was one of many happy customers. “It makes it so much more convenient. I’m so glad they do this. I like to have a MetroCard because you never know when you will need it.”

Debra Hoffer, project director with Catholic Charities also praised the program. “Having this here is an invaluable service. Some of our seniors have difficulty traveling, so this is a great convenience being able to get a MetroCard right in front of the senior center.

Under the program the reduced fare for seniors is $1.10.

Illegal Apartments Continue to Plague Neighborhood

By Tamara Best

Residents in Maspeth and Middle Village and are not happy about what they perceive as a growing trend in their neighborhoods— illegal apartments.

“A day doesn’t go by that I don’t get a call from neighbors that are complaining from problems from illegal basements and single room occupancy,” said Bob Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association, who addressed resident concerns during the group’s meeting last week.

Housing advocates estimate there are about 100,000 illegal apartments in New York City with the numbers continuing to grow.

Across the city, homeowners often rent out portions of their homes to earn extra revenue. However, some of the spaces may not be legal.

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development makes separate designations on whether portions of a house can be considered a separate dwelling. Basements are classified as having at least one half of its height above curb level, while a cellar has at least one half below curb level. The DHPD states that neither in a multiple dwelling can be occupied unless they meet minimum requirements and the approval by the New York City Department of Buildings.

However, the rules for private dwellings are completely different. Cellars can never be rented or lawfully occupied while basements can only be rented if they meet certain requirements. Despite the possibility of criminal and civil sanctions, both are still being rented across the city, with areas of Queens having a high concentration.

“There’s money involved and people don’t stop and think what could happen,” Holden said. “The more we get the word out about this the more people will realize that it is not a good deal.”

Holden and residents assert that illegal apartments create quality of life issues for the neighborhood.

“I personally am not aware of illegal apartments but I have to assume that there are some,” said Lorraine Sciulli, Vice President of the JPCA and a resident of Middle Village. “Because many times we have far more cars on the street, given that I live on street with one family homes.”

Sciulli added, “It’s definitely a negative impact because you have a high turnover. I have to think that the apartments don’t attract the best people because it’s a transient situation.”

Aside from increased traffic and the possibility of higher crime, illegal apartments cause serious risks in the event of an emergency.

In November 2009, three men in Woodside died after a fire broke out in a basement that had been converted into four one-room spaces.

Many illegal apartments often do not have the appropriate amount of exits or other measures such as smoke detectors or sprinklers. As a result they can become a deathtrap in the case of a fire.

“People who choose to live there are gambling with their own lives,” Holden asserted.

However, cracking down on illegal apartments is not so simple.

Upon receiving complaints about illegal apartments, inspectors visit the site and leave a form if they can’t make contact with the owner. If they are denied entry twice, the case is considered closed, allowing landlords and owners to continue to illegally rent the property. Additionally, obtaining warrants to go into the properties is a rarity which furthers hinders access.

Holden has been in touch with Commissioner Robert LiMandri from the Department of Buildings who has communicated that he is putting together a team to better combat illegal housing and address the problem in the area. A spokesman from the city Department of Buildings said that more than 1,100 vacate orders were issued last year, a large number of which were in Queens. Still, he conceded that a large number of illegal dwellings still exist.

“Illegal conversions are a serious problem and we respond to thousands of complaints each year,” said Sclafani. “Structures built in Queens are more easily converted than apartments in Manhattan. Education is the best key to preventing another tragedy.”

Holden suggests that a key part of fighting illegal apartments in the area and elsewhere is targeting sites online, such as Craigslist, where many basement apartments are listed.

Still, Holden said it’s up to more than just city agents to fight the problem. Residents have to be proactive in fighting illegal apartments and encouraged then to call 311 if they have any complaints and later follow up to see what is being done, Holden said. “It’s our community, our block, don’t just sit there and take it.”

JPCA Tackles Crime, Trash Trains and West Nile

By Tamara Best

Crime, the transporting of trash through the area and preventing West Nile virus were key discussions at the Juniper Park Civic Association meeting held last week.

Crime in the 104th Precinct

Crime is up 34 percent for the year, according to Lt. James Lombardi of the 104th Precinct. Felony assault is up 65 percent for the year, of which nearly half of the assaults are domestic related. Grand larceny continues to plague the 104, with Toyota Highlanders and vans popular targets. Lombardi said the precinct has received intelligence that the vans being stolen are being used in South Jamaica as dollar vans. There is some good news however, as robberies and burglaries are on the decline.

The civic association recognized Lt. Lombardi with the 2010 Community Service Award for his work.

Garbage Train

Ashley Pillsbury, legislative director for Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), gave an update on legislation aimed at changing the way trains haul waste through the area. Of the four bills, Pillsbury said two are alive and well.

Bill 10819 requires that anytime the MTA enters into a lease agreement with another company, that they insert terms and conditions up to set environmental standards about how waste is carried while on their line. Bill 10176 spells out requirements for how waste must be covered, before it can leave a waste transfer station. Both of the bills are in the rules committee, which is the last step before a bill reaches the floor for a vote. Pillsbury said she is confident that they will be voted on before the end of the year.

Two other bills, one dealing with emergency response and the other with penalties, will not resume discussions until next year due to their committees not meeting.

The first bill would create an enhanced penalty structure for companies not adhering to environmental standards when hauling waste. The second would require a shipping company to pay a municipality anytime an emergency response is called to where a hauler is shipping waste.

West Nile concerns

With the start of West Nile virus season here, John Zuzworsky from the Department of Health spoke to residents on the importance of being vigilant against the virus.

“People have stopped being worried and that is not good,” he said.

To help protect homes from breeding mosquitoes Zuzworsky and the department advise residents to dump out anything that has standing for water. Zuzworsky said that water that stands for four days or more provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents should also make sure that windows and doors have screens and make repairs to any leaky faucets or broken screens.

Jamaica Avenue El to Get Facelift

By Eric Yun

The Jamaica Avenue elevated tracks are finally in line for repairs after years of complaints from residents. The MTA has planned a 30-month program to fix structural damage and paint a three-mile stretch from Cypress Hills to 130th Street.

The repairs will include fixing or repairing support hangars at stations, column bases, and other structural damage that is found, according to MTA NYC spokeswoman Deirdre Parker. Dirt, rust, and loose paint will be removed and painted. The contract is expected to be awarded in November.

Community leaders and elected officials have advocated for repairs on the elevated tracks for years. Store owners along Jamaica Avenue, which serves as one of the area’s main commercial strips, feel the rust-covered tracks hurt their business. Furthermore, falling debris from the tracks has become a safety hazard for citizens in the streets.

"The repainting of the J train is an important win for the communities of Richmond Hill and Woodhaven," said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village). "With a plan to complete the renovation by 2012, the MTA has made a strong commitment to the future of Jamaica Avenue. This renovation will not only serve as a vehicle for economic growth in the area but will create a safer environment for residents and shoppers."

Last August, Crowley, State Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Maria Thomson, executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District, held a press conference on Jamaica Avenue calling on the MTA to make the repairs.

"This project is long overdue and much needed,” Council Member Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said. “The merchants and residents along Jamaica Avenue have been livingwith this eyesore for too many years, and this project will make one of the area's main commercial districts much more inviting to business owners and shoppers. I am happy that the MTA has made this commitment, and my office will continue to work with them to see this through to completion."

Thomson is thrilled that repairs are in line. “It’s going to be a wonderful psychological lift. It’s way overdue, and I’m extremely happy,” she said.

Thomson does have some concerns about the long term project. “It’s 30 months of construction and painting. We have to make sure it is done carefully and in a logical way so it doesn’t affect our businesses.” She is confident that careful planning between the MTA and Woodhaven businesses will allow business to operate as usual.

This Week's Forum South and West

Fabulous Feast

More than 25,000 people flocked to St. Helen’s in Howard Beach last week for the 1st Annual St. Anthony’s Feast.

The five-day event was held on parish grounds and was organized and hosted by St. Helen’s and the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation.

Msgr. Alfred LoPinto celebrated mass in honor of St. Anthony on Wednesday evening with more than 500 parishoners and visitors in attendance. After mass, there was a procession through the streets surrounding the church with devotees of St. Anthony following closely behind a life-size statue of the patron Saint of Padua.

Speaking about the venture, Msgr. LoPinto praised the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation for their contribution to the event. “This partnership helped to bring a feast unlike others to St. Helen’s Parish.” Msgr. LoPinto credited the great success of the event to the addition of a procession and shrine to St. Anthony as well as extensive entertainment and a wide variety of foods.

President of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation Mario Faulisi also agreed that the joint venture was a successful undertaking. “At the end of the day we measure success by how many people show up and how many had a good time. In that case, this event was very
successful.” To close out the feast on Sunday, Joe Causi of WCBS radio hosted the day’s activities where crowds ate, sang, danced and enjoyed rides and games. Zeppole and cannoli eaters competed for prizes and feasters were treated to a surprise when Freestyle Queen Judy Torres of WKTU dropped and took the stage for over an hour.

Proceeds from the feast will be divided among the Foundation to support their Language Study Program and St. Helen’s School.

Straphangers Campaign Ranks M Train City's Dirtiest

By Tamara Best

The results are in for the 11th annual Subway Shmutz Survey, and for commuters in Middle Village, Ridgewood and Glendale, the news isn’t so good. The most widely used subway in the area, the M line, has been named the dirtiest line of all 22 citywide.

The survey, conducted by the watchdog group the Straphangers Campaign, measures the cleanliness of city subway lines based on 2,200 observations between September and November 2009.

The 6 line, which operates in Manhattan and the Bronx, and the C line, running from Manhattan to Brooklyn, were named the best with a rating of 65 percent for cleanliness.

Lines were rated based on MTA official standards. They were named “clean” if subway cars contained ‘light’ dirt or were ‘basically dirt free’-- generally clean overall.

“Moderately” dirty lines had dingy floors and/or one or two sticky dry spots, while “heavily” dirty cars contained spilled food, sticky wet spots and left some seating unusable. The survey did not take litter into consideration.

Commuters waiting for the M train at local stations had mixed reviews for the state of the line on Tuesday morning.

“It tends to be dirtier headed into Manhattan but to me on the Queens side it is pretty clean,” said Michael Phillips, who was waiting for a Queens-bound train.

Another traveler, Michael Ortiz, said he disagrees with the rating. “I don’t believe it’s the dirtiest train line. I’ve ridden it my whole life and there are lines that are much worse like the D train. There’s usually graffiti but that’s about it,” he said.

Diana Kinscherf, who was waiting for a Manhattan-bound train and rides the M line twice a week, described it as “pretty dirty,” with coffee cups and newspapers all over.

There is some good news about the M line. Straphangers reports that 90 percent of M line trains arrive with more regularity, higher than the average of 87 percent. The line also breaks down less with commuters more likely to get a seat.

At the end of the month, the M and V lines will merge, retaining the M line designation.
The new route will run between Forest Hills and Metropolitan Avenue, with service to midtown Manhattan instead of downtown.

Of the 22 subway lines in New York City, more than half run through Queens. In addition to the M line, the E, F, and V service Rego Park and Forest Hills, the L goes through Ridgewood and the E, F, R and V operate in Forest Hills. No lines run through Maspeth. The F and V lines were also cited for having significant deterioration from last year. Overall, fifty percent of cars were dubbed clean, down from 57 percent in fall 2008, while half grew worse according to the survey.

Gene Russianoff, campaign attorney for the Straphangers Campaign said a reduction in
the budget has decreased the MTA’s cleaning staff, resulting in more dirt in the subway.

"It’s as clear as the grime on a subway car floor: an MTA Transit cut in cleaners has meant dirtier cars,” he said. “And more cuts mean more dirt for subway riders.”

In 2009, there were 1,138 cleaners and 146 supervisors, a decline from 1,181 cleaners and 155 cleaners in 2008. The 2010 budget calls for a further decrease with 1,030 cleaners and 123 supervisors.

“We saw a pretty distinct decline between 2008 and 2009,” said Cate Contino with Straphangers. “We will do the survey again next year and see what happens.”

The MTA also conducted their own semi-annual survey, citing that the overall cleanliness of cars improved over the second half of 2009, according to a report published in February 2010.

However, the MTA and Straphangers differed on its assessment of the percentage of clean cars and overall improvement. MTA cited that an average 95 percent of cars are clean, in comparison to 50 percent cited by the Straphangers Campaign.

MTA surveys are conducted only on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. while the Straphangers’ surveys are random throughout the day and night and on weekends.

The MTA released the following statement in response to the survey’s findings:
With the current budget challenges being faced by MTA New York City Transit, we acknowledge that some subway car floors may not be as clean as our customers expect or deserve. However, we will monitor conditions and shift forces as necessary. We also take the opportunity to remind customers to pitch in and help keep the subway as clean as possible by utilizing proper refuse receptacles.

Despite a harsh review for the M line by the Straphangers Campaign, experienced commuters say it’s all a matter of perspective and subway experience. “All of the lines are dirty,” acknowledged seasoned rider Samantha Villafane. “It’s New York City— you have to get used to the dirt.”

Authorities Look to Curb Underage Alcohol Sales

By Tamara Best

With the official start of summer here, local law enforcement officials say they are looking to curb the annual trend of underage drinking which peaks this time of year.

Since February, the 104th Precinct has been conducting a series of stings on major streets in the area, penalizing businesses that sell alcohol to underage customers.

“It’s definitely a quality of life issue that we have to address and we take it seriously because the alcohol leads to other problems,” said Special Operations Officer Lt. James Lombardi, who helps coordinate the precinct’s efforts to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors.

Between May 17 and June 13, the precinct issued a total of 264 summonses, of which 112 were alcohol related. In 2009 for the same time period, 370 summonses were issued with 160 for alcohol sales. Though numbers are on a slight decline from last year, the 104th Precinct is gearing up to conduct more stings in coming weeks.

***Got I.D.?***

In an effort to identify businesses selling alcohol to minors, officers from the 104th Precinct conduct undercover visits to local stores and bars.

Auxiliary police officers between the ages of 18 and 20 who are specially trained for underage alcohol sales attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. The auxiliary officers are from other precincts to ensure their personal safety and are always under the supervision of officers from the 104th Precinct while working. Officers are not allowed to participate if they are within six months of their 21st birthday, Lombardi said.

“They are really professional and they love it,” he said of the auxiliary officers.

The auxiliary officers enter a business and attempt to buy an alcoholic beverage, without presenting any form of I.D. If the seller asks the officer to present I.D., they are not issued a summons. Officers are required to reveal their real age if and when asked by the seller.

“We’re not trying to fool the owners, we just want them to ask for I.D.,” Lombardi said. “I would prefer to give zero summonses.”

If the seller provides the undercover officer with alcohol, another officer in uniform will then enter the business and issue the seller with a summons. The purchased alcohol is poured out and the officers move on to another location.

Since February, the precinct has conducted undercover operations at 56 locations and has issued 21 summonses over the last 28 days alone. Most stores checked for violations have I.D. signs posted for the sale of tobacco but very few for alcohol.

Out of the 56 visits, there was a heavy concentration of sales on Woodward, Onderdonk and Seneca avenues in Ridgewood. Woodward Avenue had some of highest numbers of stores with more than one violation including Rodriguez Deli, Anais Deli and Woodward Supermarket.

Management at Rodriguez and Anais Delis were unavailable comment upon store visits by press time. However, management at Woodward Supermarket, who declined to give their name, said the two sales were an honest mistake.

“The guy came in and looked like he was in his 30s, he didn’t look young so the clerk didn’t think to check for I.D. But now, we always check,” they said.

Businesses that receive three or more summons are cited for nuisance abatement, which penalizes entities that pose a recurring problem to the public. Businesses cited for nuisance abatement face possible fines and closures of their store, according to Lombardi.

***Booze and Consequences***

According to The International Institute for Alcohol Awareness, underage drinking cost the state $3.2 billion in 2005. New York ranks 38th in the highest amount spent for the cost of youth for underage drinking.

Aside from costing tax buyers money, underage drinking poses problems for law enforcement.

“The drinking leads to other behavior, sometimes violent,” Lombardi said, adding that alcohol is often a factor in assault and other violent domestic cases.

However, the most significant threat underage drinking poses serious injury and loss of life.

Consumption of alcohol by teens contributes to three of the most common causes of death according to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Last year 1,900 people under 21 died in alcohol related accidents, 1,600 from homicide and 300 from suicide in addition to injuries ranging from fall, burns and drowning.

Organizations devoted to curbing underage drinking say prevention and education on the part of retailers is crucial to efforts to stop minors from having access to alcohol. OASAS has an “Underage Drinking Not a Minor Problem,” campaign, a toolkit which gives others who want to spread the warning about underage drinking through flyers, public service announcements and other resources.

The New York State Liquor Authority also provides a handbook for retailers that offer tips on how to check for valid I.D. when presented by customers.

Additionally, this week state Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) introduced legislation aimed at curbing underage drinking by offering incentives to bar owners who participate in training programs.

"As we enter the high season for underage drinking - with proms, graduations, summer festivals, block parties and July fourth right around the corner - we've got to be on alert and ready to take action,” he said. “By enlisting local bars and restaurants we prevent more minors from being served and together ensure a safer summer for all New Yorkers."

Overcrowding, Standardized Tests Key Concerns In District 24

By Tamara Best

Improving performance on standardized tests, overcrowded classrooms and budget cuts were among key topics at the Community Education Council 24 meeting Tuesday.

“Seniors, public safety and education—those are three things you don't cut,” said Nick Comaianni, president of council. “Fill my pothole next year, I'll drive around it. But don't cut education,” he said.

Comaianni and other parents said they were thankful that MTA decided not to cut the student MetroCard program, which provides free or reduced fare cards to students.

A representative from state Senator Joe Addabbo’s office said legislators are diligently working to meet the June 28 deadline to complete the budget and are hoping to avoid cuts to the education system.

***Standardized Test Performance***

Madelene Chan, community superintendent for District 24, offered parents a preliminary assessment of state standardized test scores for spring 2009. The official scores for spring 2010 are not expected to be available until July, she said.

Enrollment across the district, which covers Ridgewood, Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village, Corona, Woodside and parts of Long Island City and Sunnyside, hit 49,525 students this year, an increase of 1,000 from last year. Chan reported that the district is also in good standing, meeting testing benchmarks for the 2009-10 school year.

Preliminary results of spring 2009 show that students in third through fifth grade, performed well in areas of math and science. Ninety one percent of students performed at or above the state standard in math, followed by students with disabilities at 72 percent and 80 percent for English language learners.

In the science assessment for fourth grade, 84 percent of all students performed or at above the standard, followed by 63 percent of those with disabilities and 64 percent of English language learners.

The trend in math continued with six to eighth graders, in all three categories, scoring above 50 percent. However, Chan said there is still much work to be done to improve overall performance.

"Some subgroups didn't meet all the target goals," she said, adding that improving reading is a top priority.

Only 41 percent of students with disabilities performed at or above the state on the English Language Arts test, with 47 percent of English language learners met the target for grades three through five.

In grades six through eight, the results were worse with only 31 percent of students with disabilities performing at or above state standard, followed by 24 percent for English language learners.

Chan said the overall performance of special populations in District 24 is a primary area and focus for improvement in the coming year.

***Overcrowding, Charter Schools and Gifted Education***

“Our biggest enemy is that we can’t find space to build a school fast enough,” said Comaianni of the overcrowding, adding that parents should have a say in where schools are built based on need.

The board is waiting to receive updates on a new school expected to be built at Metropolitan Avenue and Tonsor Street at the site of a former Rite Aid.

The lack of seats for students in need of gifted education was also a hot issue among parents at Tuesday’s meeting. Some expressed frustration that their children passed the test only to be told that there were no seats available at their respective schools.

“No one is going to set the bar higher for education higher than parents,” said one audience member.

Comaianni said in addition to increasing the performance index, more attention needs to be given to opening seats in the gifted program.

“Special needs is not just for kids with special needs but for students who excel,” he said. Comaianni also hailed the progress being made with reform to state charter schools. “It’s no longer we take the crème de la crème,’ he said.

In May, the state legislature passed legislation that widened the statewide cap for charter school enrollment from 200 to 460 and limits the role of those who profit from the schools operation, according to the United Federation of Teachers. Twenty three schools can be opened in September 2011.

The bill now requires charter schools to accept students with disabilities, English language learners, bars for-profit organizations from operating schools and give parents a voice in co-location issues.

However, Comaianni said he still has concerns over the lottery system used for enrollment and accountability. Additionally he said that when “public funds are used for a private school, some oversight is needed,” adding that school administrations should have to answer to the community at local education council meetings.

After 50 Years of Service, DA Richard Brown Still Going Strong

By Tamara Best

Over the better part of the past two decades, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown has just about seen it all.

Brown is the longest serving district attorney in county history and has more than 50 years in public service. On Thursday, Brown was honored with a plaque for his work by the John F. Kennedy Regular Democratic Club.

“We had him as a guest speaker and he’s a very special individual to us,” said Jeff Gottlieb, president of the club. “He’s very personable and approachable, He treats everyone the same and does a great job.”

Raised in Queens, Brown held several judicial positions including Justice of the Supreme Court in Queens County. He said having a judicial background has helped in his work as the district attorney.

In 1991, he was appointed Queens district attorney by then-Governor Mario M. Cuomo. Brown said he can still recall the struggle he faced when he was elected district attorney for the first time in the early 1990s.

“When I started out in 1991 it was a very bad year,” he said, adding that the county - much like other areas of the nation - grappled with the crack epidemic that left communities paralyzed with drug addiction and violence. “We had 361 homicides in my first year.”

Brown was later elected to a full four-year term as district attorney in the November 1991 general election and re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

In his role as district attorney, Brown said a key emphasis is being visible and accessible.

“I get to the crime scenes because it is important to maintain a close relationship with law enforcement,” Brown said.

Three days a week, he meets with different bureaus to stay up to date on the cases. “If I ask a question I want an answer,” he said adding that “it helps everyone stay on their toes.”

Over the years, Brown said he has dealt with many memorable and tragic cases such as the College Point massacre of 1995 in which six people held hostage in a Queens apartment were killed. However, out of all the cases he has worked on, Brown said the Sean Bell case was the most “physically and emotionally taxing.”

“The Sean Bell case was the most difficult case I’ve had in a long time,” said Brown. “Emotions were high on both sides.”

Sean Bell, a 23-year-old man Queens man, was shot and killed on Nov. 25, 2006 outside of a Jamaica strip club just hours before his wedding. Bell, along with two friends, was inside a Nissan Altima, when five officers fired 50 bullets into the car. It was later determined that Bell and his two surviving friends were unarmed.

At 5:30 that morning, Brown said he took immediate action after receiving a call from an assistant district attorney alerting him to what happened.

“That morning I called three people: the mayor, the police commissioner and Al Sharpton.”

The case sparked controversy across the country, centering on discussions of race and use of deadly force by police. In 2008, Justice Arthur J. Cooperman acquitted the officers of all charges they faced in Bell’s shooting death.

High profile cases aside, Brown said each year and situation presents new challenges. One of the most substantial in the last few years has been the budget.

“We’ve taken budget reduction since 9/11, about 20 percent,” he said, resulting in a decrease in the amount of assistant district attorneys and forcing law enforcement to do more with less.

When asked by members of the Democratic Club his thoughts on the current budget deadlock in Albany, he said he hopes it will resolve itself soon.

Despite the early days and late nights of the job, Brown said he still looks forward to going to work everyday.

“The agency is busy 24/7 and I love it,” Brown told the audience.

As for when he will retire, he says it’s too soon to tell. “It’s been a wonderful career and it’s not over by a long shot.”

Baseball Ticket Fees Add Up

Yankees and Mets fans who buy tickets online hoping to save time are being hit with added fees.

According to Rep. Anthony Weiner (D- Forest Hills), who conducted a study on baseball ticket fees, the Yankees and Mets have some of the highest fees amongst Major League Baseball teams.

Fans are required to pay a series of fees depending on whether they buy their tickets over the phone or online. Convenience fees, which allow customers to choose which venues their buy their tickets from, cost fans between $3.60 to $10.95 for Yankees tickets and between $4.00 and $15.00 for Mets tickets.

Tickets printed at home for each team costs $2.50, in addition to an order processing fee of $3.30 for the Yankees and $5 for the Mets. The only way to avoid the fees is by purchasing tickets at the stadium.

And fans of both teams say they are less than happy about the added costs.

“It definitely curbs my desire to buy tickets,” said Liz Peterson, a Mets fan. “In fact, it generally annoys me so much I rethink tickets I've already decided to buy when I get hit with a $5 fee for calling for tickets, then fees to e-mail tickets, then fees for processing...as if the tickets themselves weren't overpriced enough.”

Yankee fan Jerry McGuire says he’s glad to have the new stadium but is disgusted by management tactics to soak fans for ticket extras.

“If I want to give my tickets to someone for one of my games, I shouldn’t have to pay the team for that privilege,” he said. “They continue to make idiots of us and the worst is we keep going back for more.”

However, the biggest issue with the added fees is the impact on ticket specials. For select games, the Yankees offer a $5 ticket special with fees sometimes adding up to $ 9.40.

“It is reasonable to pay some convenience fees when buying tickets online, but a $9.40 fee on a $5 ticket is ridiculous,” said Weiner. “Why should New York fans pay more in fees than their ticket is worth?”

Student MetroCards Saved

By Patricia Adams

New York City students will still be able to get discounted rides to school after a decision last week by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) not to suspend the issue of free student MetroCards.

In an e-mail sent by the MTA on Friday, the authority realized "charging students would have a life-changing impact on the ability of New Yorkers to receive a quality education."

Threats to start charging students half fare began when MTA Chairman Jay Walder announced that unless the city and state contributed more money to the program the agency would have to make up for the lack of funding by charging students. According to the MTA, the student cards cost $214 million per year.

By instituting a charge for students, the authority was depending on about $30 million in student revenue through 2010 and an additional $62 million for the year through 2011.

Now the agency says although the student contributions would have made a “small but important contribution” to closing the $750 million deficit, the consequences would be devastating. "The budget deficit that we are facing will increase," the MTA said in its statement about continuing the free cards, "but the alternative is far worse."

As of 1994, city and state contributions to the program were $45 million each but as of this year, the state had proposed to lower their kick-in to $6 million as a result of the budget crisis. Now the city will continue with its $45 million while the state will be responsible for a $25 million contribution according to a proposal issued by Gov. David Paterson in January.

The heated debate over student fares has played out for the last several months, with politicians and public officials displaying more resistance and hostility over proposed changes for students than the agency’s plans to eliminate bus routes, subway lines and make other service cuts.

Following the announcement by the MTA to continue funding the cards, local elected officials expressed their feelings on the restoration. Councilmember Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) who vehemently opposed the cuts said, “This represents not only a victory for my constituents, but for families of the more than 500,000 city school children who rely on free MetroCards to get to and from school each day. It was totally inappropriate to use students as pawns in the budget negotiating process, and I am glad to see that the state legislature and MTA have decided
to finally do the right thing.”

State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), who earlier this year organized a petition drive in his district to stop the cuts said, “Together we rallied to send a clear message that eliminating student MetroCards that allow students to ride the subway and bus at a substantially reduced cost would be catastrophic for working families.Our message was heard loud and clear.” The MTA says it will set out to address the agency’s budget deficit as early as next month.

Ulrich Law to Crack Down on Noise

Legislation seeks to strengthen residential noise control

Noise complaints still hover at the top of the charts when it comes to 311 complaints. City
Councilman Eric Ulrich says residents in his district are continuously plagued by noise, which is causing a serious decline in their quality of life.

“These complaints continue to represent one of the main issues for residents throughout my district,” and according to the Councilman, law enforcement officials and courts need a stronger noise control ordinance, “so that inconsiderate neighbors, especially chronic offenders, are held accountable for their bad behavior.”

Statistics from July 1, 2009 through June 15th show that a total of 5,424 noise related complaints were filed through 311 by residents in Community Boards 9, 10 and 14.

The new law would close a loophole in existing legislation allowing action only against noise made by a device. Under Ulrich’s bill, enforcement officials will be able to act against all excessive noise, including that of a human voice.

Highlights of the Bill:
•Prohibits noise above 35 decibels between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and noise in excess of 42 decibels between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., as measured from the complainant’s property.
•Fines between $250 and $1,000 for the first offense. Officers have the option of issuing a warning for a first offense if the noise is below 50 decibels.
•A second violation within 72 hours, even if a warning was given the first time, results in fines of between $500 and $2,000. The person is then considered a willful violator, and the sound device can be impounded by police.
•Penalties ranging from $750 to $5,000 if three violations are received within two years for the same offense. Four violations within one year results in misdemeanor charges.
•If at any time the sound is found to be excess of 75 decibels, the individual is considered
a willful violator and the sound equipment can be confiscated, even on the first offense.

The bill only applies to residential homes and apartment buildings, and not to commercial
establishments, which are already covered under the existing noise control ordinance. It has been referred to the Committee on Environmental Protection for review.

This Week's Forum South and West

Railcar Causes Health Concerns Among Residents

By Tamara Best

Shortly after 5 a.m. as the night sky gives way to sunrise, residents in parts of Middle Village and Glendale receive their morning wake up call.

Garbage trucks rumble down residential streets and rail cars sit idling as they wait to be loaded with waste before heading to their final destination.

Though the sounds have become in some ways ambient noises to the morning routine, residents and local civic groups say the cars are not only a nuisance but pose a hazard to the quality of life. Over the last few months the battle has heated up, with discussions of waste routes taking center stage.

“We’ve always had the railroad but now they are using our backyards as rail yards and that’s what people in the community didn’t bank on,” said Bob Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association. “It affects peoples lives with the noise and pollution. These people can’t sleep and if you can’t sleep it affects your whole life.”

The trains, which operate using diesel fuel, create soot, mostly made of carbon and other gases including nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide among other pollutants. When combined, breathing them in can have adverse health impacts.

Health impacts from diesel soot in Middle Village “exceeds the risk of all other air toxics tracked by EPA combined,” for lifetime cancer risk, according to the Clean Air Task Force.

Criteria that increase the risk, according to CATF, include living near: highways and busy roadways; bus and truck depots; construction sites; major bridges, tunnels and ports, freight warehouses— and railroad yards and terminals.

“We’re not willing to compromise the effects of our health. Until someone can tell me breathing in that dust is good for me- I’m going to keep coming here,” said Laura Zimmer, Middle Village resident, during the Community Board 5 meeting last week.

Across the nation, Queens ranks in the 99th percentile for unhealthiest counties as it relates to diesel soot intake. According to a study done for CATF, approximately 21,000 people in the U.S. die prematurely each year from breathing diesel soot and 3,000 from lung cancer.

Seeking to counter the effects of the harmful emissions, New York & Atlantic Railway in April announced plans to invest $1 million to aid in emission reduction by one third and its carbon footprint by 35 percent.

In an October 2009 letter to Mary Arnold, a Glendale resident impacted by the trains, the Environmental Protection Agency touted “repowering,” replacing older engines with newer and cleaner certified engines, as the most effective way to reduce emissions.

While diesel emissions pose a hazard, odor and debris from the cars are also a cause of concern. There are primarily two types of rail cars: those that contain construction and demolition debris and those that contain solid waste.

Each type carries its own hazards, depending on how they are stored in the yards. The rail cars with solid waste, covered with solid lids, often emit foul odors during the sweltering temperatures of the summer while sitting in the yard before leaving.

“They shouldn’t leave the trains for hours on end, cooking in the hot sun, stinking up
the entire neighborhood,” Holden said.

However, Holden admitted adding that trying to contain the odor can be difficult. “No matter what you are going to do with these rail cars, the trash is going to stink.” Sealing the lids would trap methane and cause the cars to explode, Holden said.

Though solid waste cars give off pungent fumes, uncovered construction cars can be just as damaging. Though most construction cars have black netting across them, civic groups say it isn’t enough to keep dust and debris from becoming airborne.

Mary Parison, co-chair of Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, said she has stood on porches and see a cloud of white smoke coming from the cars. “There’s plenty of times that there haven’t been netting on them,” she said of the rail cars carrying construction and demolition debris.

CURES along with other groups are pushing local officials to propose legislation that would require railroad companies to utilize a tarp to cover the construction rail cars, as opposed to the netting.

Holden and Parison admit that although seeing change happen in an uphill battle, they are committed to fighting for the communities. Although there are different approaches and ideas to how to improve the situation, Parison said ultimately requires a change in mindset.

“We need to get the railroads to think differently and realize that they are going through the most densely populated areas in New York and there are changes that have to be made,” Parsion asserted.

Trial Begins in Fatal MV Arson

The Forum

The trial of the former Middle Village woman accused of setting a fatal fire during an argument with her boyfriend on Father’s Day 2008 has begun in Queens Criminal Court.

Agnes Bermudez, 48, of Newburgh, is charged with multiple counts of murder, arson, reckless endangerment and assault in connection with the fire in an apartment building at 69th Street and Metropolitan Avenue that killed her boyfriend, William Salazar, and a family of three that lived above the couple. The trial began last Friday.

This week, jurors saw raw footage of the aftermath of the fire that showed Salazar running into the ground floor deli while flames engulfed his body. They also heard a witness recount the death of upstairs resident Flor Sandoval, 48, who fell from the top floor before firefighters were able to reach the scene.

Also killed in the blaze were Sandoval’s husband, Heriberto Garcia- Vera, 68, and son Felipe Garcia, 20. Salazar died four days after the fire.

Police say the fire began after an enraged Bermudez doused Salazar with carpet cleaning fluid before setting him ablaze. The fire quickly spread to the hall and stairs leading to the upstairs family, dooming Sandoval, Garcia-Vera and Garcia. The video was taken from the Z-Star Deli, where employees doused him with gallons of water.

As jurors watched the gruesome surveillance video on Monday, Bermudez “hunched her shoulders and wept,” according to a report in the New York Post.

Her attorney refuted the authorities’ version of events and said that Salazar had actually torched Bermudez during the confrontation.

“The two people from the apartment upstairs came into the store. They were on fire – their hair and their clothes,” Mohammed Al- Matari told The Forum shortly after the fire. “We got them outside of the store and started to pour cold water on them. It was the only thing I could think to do.”

If convicted, Bermudez faces 25 years in prison.

Traffic and Crime Highlight CB5 Meeting

The Forum

Area crime, transit issues and executive committee elections were among the key issues discussed at the June meeting of Community Board 5.

Troutman Street Woes Several residents attended last Wednesday’s session at Christ the King High School to express concern over traffic on Troutman Street. Despite a “no left turn” sign at the intersection of Troutman Street and Metropolitan Avenue, residents noted that drivers
constantly make illegal turns at high speeds.

One resident suggested that traffic be rerouted to become one-way or that a barrier be erected to force drivers to Flushing Avenue.

Board District Manager Gary Giordano said that while measures are needed to ease the situation, they need to be implemented in a way that doesn’t adversely impact other nearby streets.

“While we understand that Troutman Street is a dilemma, the feeling is that the adjacent streets are very much residential and could cause just as great of a problem,” he said.

However, Giordano noted that plans have been drawn to create a traffic island at the intersection and to increase police presence in the area.

***Area Crime***

The board’s Public Safety Committee reported that felony assaults are up 62 percent so far this year across the 104th Precinct. In addition, auto theft is up 25 percent, with Toyotas and Hondas among the most popular models.

However, sting operations targeting underage alcohol sales and prostitution have been successful, Undercover officers visited 37 local bars and delis and issued a total of 39 summonses. In addition, prostitution stings along Starr Street in Ridgewood have also been effective. Residents have long complained about prostitution activity in that area.

Still, board members expressed concern that there aren’t enough patrol cars on the streets
between 4 p.m. and midnight. While response time for emergencies has hovered around six minutes, members say the number of patrol cars still needs to increase.

***Car Sharing and Transit Changes***

There was also a discussion on implementing car sharing programs in the area in an effort
to ease traffic and parking issues. The city Department of City Planning is currently considering a zone text amendment that would allow for parking spaces to be set aside for car sharing services such as ZipCar.

While some residents spoke in favor of the plan, others expressed concern that some cars are already violating the zoning rules in place, particularly in residential neighborhoods.

The board voted to recommend that parking for car sharing services mainly be limited to commercial areas instead of residential areas.

Beginning on June 28th the V and M trains will be merged, with the new line retaining the M line designation. The new route will run between Forest Hills and Metropolitan Avenue, with service to midtown Manhattan instead of downtown. Beginning on September 12, the Q58 bus will begin making limited stops.

The Transportation Committee also noted that it is seeking to have Flushing Avenue resurfaced at night so that necessary improvement can be made without disrupting traffic in the area.

Local Martial Arts Instructor Helps Area Special Needs Children

By Tamara Best

Almost every Sunday for the last five years, Tim Bevan has spent his mornings at All the Buzz dance studio on Myrtle Avenue.

There in a room accented with bright green and purple walls, Mr. Tim as he is known at the studio, teaches autistic children tae kwon do.

“I try to cater to each kids individual needs,” said, Bevan, adding that the children ranging from being almost non-verbal to having advanced communication skills.

But regardless of level, he said each student has potential to grow.

“We always start with baby steps, everything is progression.”

The idea for the classes began with owner Sandra Olenick, whose friend had an autistic son and was looking for physical activities to strengthen and challenge her child.

“All kids should be able to take whatever they want, they all have the right to enjoy different things,” Olenick said.

Physical activities, such as martial arts, can help promote increased attention, calming, improve motor planning, decrease stereotypical behaviors and body awareness in autistic children, according to Deborah Riccardi, of Association for the Help of Retarded Children, a local group offering services to those with developmental disabilities.

Louise Marchini, with AHRC, said that inclusion in physical activity is important for children with special needs and teaching children tolerance.

“Kids with autism are no different than the next kid—they experience both the mental and physical health benefits of fitness just like everyone else,” she said. “Too often, people with developmental disabilities are segregated within the community, even at school or other extra curricular activities.”

And area parents say they are thankful for the outlet.

“It’s so hard tough to find classes for special needs children,” said Nelli Muller, whose 10-year old son Paul, attends the class. “When he came it was impossible to get him to sit on the floor. He has changed dramatically,” she said. Joe Sasso, who often accompanies his 10-year-old grandson

Joe to the class, said Bevan’s background helps the students make progress.

“The teacher is unbelievable, he’s worth his weight in gold,” he said with a smile.

Bevan, who caps each of the classes at five students, said smaller size classes helps students from getting “lost in the shuffle.”

Students go through a series of exercises such as the superman stretch, where they lay on the floor with their arms and legs in the air, imitating the flying motion of Superman, to help them warm up and focus.

And then the work begins.

Legs and fists fly in the air as they hit a punching bag as they track their progress via full length mirrors at the front of the room. And after all the jumps, kicks and punches, students prepare for the “Four Way Punch.”

“Jumbie… cross… step back…low block… target… step…punch!” Bevan calls out to students, who repeat the routine turning 90 degrees each time, until they have completed a circle. “They learn initially through imitating me, then it’s something they do on their own,” he said.

At 2 p.m., Bevan leaves after completing another day of training. And his assessment of progress made is based on a simple formula.

“I measure success by if a kid wants to come back.”

Gillibrand Announces Proposed Anti-Gang Legislation

The Forum

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a conference call Tuesday emphasized the need to crackdown on gang activity as a way to curb substance abuse and violence throughout New York.

“We can never allow the lure of gangs to surpass opportunities for our children to grow and achieve their full potential,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Too many communities are seeing increasing gang activity and the violent crime that comes with it. It’s time to fight back with better resources for our law enforcement, tougher penalties to lock up offenders, positive role models to guide our children to success, and unite communities to keep our families safe.”

According to statistics provided by the Senator, there are more than 22,000 gang members in New York City with more than 670,000 suffering from substance abuse as a result of gang trafficking. It is estimated that there are between 2,500 and 3,499 gang members in Queens.

In an effort to help combat the issue Gillibrand is introducing legislation which she says would combat gang activity, keep at-risk youth out of gangs, and keep our communities safe and economy growing.

On Long Island, there are as many as 5,000 gang members and more than 335,000 people suffering from substance abuse fueled in part by gangs trafficking drugs.

Gillibrand is cosponsoring the Youth PROMISE Act, aimed at preventing children from joining gangs through policy development.

In addition to prevention, Gillibrand said it is also important to have access to youth mentoring and is cosponsoring the JUMP Act. It would also authorize the Department of Justice to continue funding for quality mentoring services. The program implements one-on-one mentoring between responsible adults and youth.

While, reaching youth is important. Gillibrand is also hoping to give law enforcement agencies more resources to combat gang related crime. Co-sponsoring the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2009, the legislation creates tougher penalties for gang related offenses in addition to authorizing the Attorney General to expand the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program and the Safe Streets Program.

A media campaign would also be launched to help inform people on the dangers of heroine.

Gillibrand is also working to restore funding cuts to state grants administered through the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools that were eliminated in budget cuts.

Queens Couple Benefits from Free CityParks Seniors Fitness Classes

The Forum

Queens residents, Richard, age 87, and Erma Hill, age 86, hit the tennis courts at least twice a week to practice their serves, work on their volley skills and socialize with friends at CityParks Seniors Fitness free tennis classes at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

For the couple, who met while attending George Washington High School in Manhattan, City Parks Foundation’s exercise program provides an outlet for them to stay activein their golden years. The two, who have been playing tennis since they were 18, have been participating in CityParks Seniors Fitness program since it began in 2006 and credit the classes to keeping them going everyday.

“There is no excuse for seniors not being able to get active with the free program City Parks Foundation offers,” said Ms. Hill. “Over 35 years ago I was diagnosed with leukemia and given six months to live. Now I’m on the tennis court multiple times a week, thanks to our tennis classes. The more you stay active, the more you can do.”

Mr. and Mrs. Hill are just two of the seniors who are currently participating in CityParks Seniors Fitness. The spring program offers free tennis, yoga and fitness walking instruction to adults over 60 in 11 parks across the five boroughs.

In Queens, classes are offered at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Astoria Park, Cunningham Park and Roy Wilkins Park. Each fitness class, including free use of equipment, is offered twice a week for one hour and encourages participants to maintain regular attendance to maximize the health benefits.

CityParks Seniors Fitness, which has served over 3,400 participants since it began in 2006, provides older adults the opportunity to learn a new activity and make new friends, while aiming to promote neighborhood parks as a great place for community activity.

The program also encourages seniors to stay active, as exercise, even in moderate amounts, can help participants feel and look better, maintain or lose weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes,
and minimize the symptoms of arthritis.

CityParks Seniors Fitness Spring Program runs through June 25th. For more information, please call the Sports Department at 718-760-6999.

Founded in 1989, City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. CPF works in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level.

CPF’s programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.

For more details, please visit www.CityParksFoundation.org.

Seniors Under Siege

Budget Cuts Threaten Local Centers

By Patricia Adams

Among the many casualties of proposed spending cuts by the Bloomberg administration is $44 million slated to be slashed from the Department for the Aging (DFTA). The result of such a cut will be the shuttering of 50 senior centers throughout the city by the end of June. The closures are expected to save the city $4.2 million.

The Wakefield Senior Center in South Ozone Park is one of 10 centers in Queens that could face the budget axe, and members of the center say they are devastated.Rose McGreevy, 78 is one of dozens of seniors who says she doesn’t know what to do about the possible closing.

“This is like our home away from home. If we don’t have this, there is really nothing. I guess we
would have to stay home and watch television if we can’t come here.”

But television, alone and at home, is hardly a suitable replacement for the joy and companionship so many seniors rely upon. Card games, bingo, trips to concerts and parks, parties, exercise and fitness, movie nights—not to mention the friendships forged and the company of peers. There is even some romance floating through the air between some of the seniors at Wakefield.

On Friday, about four dozen of the Wakefield seniors joined State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), outside the center on Lefferts Boulevard at a rally to halt the cuts. Also on hand with Addabbo were Assemblywoman Michele Titus (D-South Ozone Park) and chair of Community Board 10, Betty Braton.

“Four million dollars will be saved, but in a budget of over $65 billion, surely he can find ways to save money without cutting senior centers,” the senator said. “Today, we are fighting for our seniors — seniors who saw no increase in their Social Security and who are so concerned about the future of their health care programs; seniors who are now facing locked doors on their local centers.”

According to Assemblywoman Titus, there is much more to the center than fun and games. She says considering some of the crucial “hidden” factors is essential. “These particular seniors are living in an area that has one of the highest foreclosure rates and predatory lending in the city,” said Titus.

“Wakefield, like so many other centers offers free programs and services that help the seniors understand the legal process and how they can be defrauded as victims of scams.” The centers “serve as a lifeline for thousands of seniors throughout the city and help them lead safe, successful and independent lives.”

Presently, there are more than 21,000 senior residents in the neighborhoods of South Ozone Park, Ozone Park and Howard Beach with only three centers available to them. It is estimated by Plan NYC 2030 that the senior population will grow by approximately 10,000 more within the next 20 years, in those communities alone.

Yet another key factor in maintaining the centers has been overlooked by the Bloomberg administration, according to CB 10 chair Betty Braton who notes, “The city’s criteria for judging the need for a center is the number of meals served.” According to Braton such criteria is faulty because most of the seniors, especially in Queens are not impoverished.

“While they may enjoy their meals here,” she says, “that is not what they are coming here for. These people are coming for the activities offered and to share times with their friends. That simply cannot be overlooked.”

And she is quick to point out that adding up all the seniors in the area clearly demonstrates an already severe shortage of centers without closing any. Although the city’s fiscal crisis and the uncertainty of the proposed cuts have been highly publicized, some seniors were still under the impression that a final decision had already been reached. Addabbo offered assurance that there was still time to make a difference.

“We are going to continue to fight for you and you can help by calling 311 and complaining about the cuts.”

“We have to speak up for our rights,” said 72-year-old Alexandra Kartsimabis, “good times are important for older people — if they get depressed they can get sick and have to spend more money on medicine and hospitals.”

In an effort to explore possible funding sources to keep the senior centers open, Addabbo is asking the Bloomberg administration to take a close look at city spending— especially on people who work for the city.

“Take for example city marshals who do the same work as the city sheriffs,” said Addabbo, “in 2008 they earned $43 million yet they only paid the city $2 million.”

The senator also brought up the fact that philanthropists should be allowed to sponsor the senior centers much like the agreement for charter schools. Ultimately he said, “The mayor and others can point fingers at the state, but that’s politics and right now our people are being victimized by politics.”

Should the Wakefield facility actually close, seniors from there would have to consider using the nearest open center in Howard Beach. But that is still miles away and for many, traveling there would require using public transportation.

“Even for seniors who don’t have a problem with their health the travel would cause disruption to their routines and bring on unnecessary stress,” said Betty Braton.

Albany lawmakers have also proposed cuts to funding for seniors and they are still trying to work out their final numbers, more than 10 weeks after the original budget was due.

If the cuts do go through, in addition to Wakefield, other Queens closures are the Woodhaven Senior Center, St. Mary’s Senior Center in Long Island City, Jackson Heights Senior Center, Astoria Senior Center, Whitestone Senior Center, Conlon in Jamaica, Foster Laurie Senior Center in St. Albans, Holliswood Senior Center, and South Jamaica Senior Center.