Complaints Over PS 113 Expansion

By Conor Greene
The Forum West

GLENDALE – Complaints have been filed with the city Department of Building and School Construction Authority due to alleged after-hours work at site, sometimes as late as 11:30 p.m.

The issue was raised at last Wednesday’s Community Board 5 meeting by Brian Dooley, president of the Glendale Property Owners Association. Dooley submitted to the board a letter from resident Bob Rabold, who says he’s been subjected to “continual after hours work occurring without the proper permits posted.”

In response, the community board submitted a complaint to the city Department of Buildings “just to be careful” and discussed the issue with a project support manager at the School Construction Authority, according to the board’s district manager, Gary Giordano. He was told that the contractor removing asbestos from the property “was recently working nights at times later than the SCA normally allows because he is trying to get the work done and get a pickup from the carting company.”

“That’s not work I think they want to do when school is in session, even at night, so it looks to me like they are trying to get that done over the summer,” said Giordano. “Whether it’s the school year or [summer], once you start getting past 10 p.m. with any kind of construction that people can hear, it infringes on their sleep. To minimize anything after 9 p.m. is important.”

Rabold, who lives across the street from the property, questions whether the contractors,Iannelli Construction, ever received the property after-hours permits from the DOB. “If they did, I’m sure they would be posted,” he wrote. Rabold notes that work continued until after 11:30 p.m. on July 7, at which time he lodged a complaint with 311.

“Regrettably, I understand that contractors hired by individuals try to circumvent the law by taking short cuts, but I cannot understand when a department under jurisdiction of the governing body who passes the law allows their contractors to ignore and disobey the law,” wrote Rebold.

News of the late-night work didn’t sit well with some board members who accuse the SCA of not considering the impact their projects have on the neighborhood. “They came in and sold use a bill of goods that it’s not going to impact the neighbors,” said Kathy Masi. “They’re terrible. They’ve never been good to their word.”

Dooley stressed that he is “absolutely for the project, for alleviating overcrowding in schools, especially that school,” but noted that “there are people living literally twenty-five feet from that site.”

On Tuesday, Marge Feinberg, a Department of Education spokeswoman, said that the SCA “has reached out to the neighbors [and] understands their concerns.” She said that work has, and will continue, to only take place within the hours set by DOB. “They said they have not been working outside what is allowable,” she said.

The project includes an addition to the existing building and asbestos abatement, according to Feinberg. Giordano said that he hasn’t received any recent complaints regarding the other two local school construction projects, PS 49 and PS 128, both in Middle Village.

Street Robberies in Maspeth, Glendale

Residents are urged to be alert while walking the streets of Glendale and Maspeth after a rash of street robberies police believe are connected.

The pattern began in the early morning hours of last Tuesday, when a 20-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint while parking his car on 72nd Street and Central Avenue, according to the 104th Precinct.
Two Hispanic men pointed a gun in his face and demanded money, but fled from the scene before taking the cash, said police. The victim told police the men drove away in a white car.

A few hours later, at 4:30 a.m., four Hispanic men approached a man at the ATM in the Washington Mutual Bank on Grand Avenue and flashed a handgun before taking his wallet and cash, said police. They fled the scene in a white car, possibly a Toyota Corolla, the victim reported.

At 11:25 p.m. that night, a 16-year-old boy was approached by four Hispanic men at 80th Street and 78th Road. One suspect pulled out the handgun while another grabbed the teen by the neck and removed his gold chain and iPod. Two of the men were wearing hoods and the other two bandanas. The suspects in that robbery also fled the scene in a white car, according to police.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the precinct or 800-777-TIPS.

Addabbo Launches State Senate Campaign

Howard Beach Democratic Councilman Seeks Serf Maltese's Seat in Albany

By Patricia Adams

Not since 1974 have Democrats held the majority lead in the New York State Senate. But now, 34-years later, the Dems are poised to take back the reigns, and one local candidate is in the thick of the hunt.

City Councilmember Joe Addabbo Jr. has officially made the much anticipated announcement that he will challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Serf Maltese this November in the race for the seat in the 15th district.

The district includes the communities of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and others. As the seated councilmember already representing Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and parts of Woodhaven and the Rockaways, Addabbo is facing a primary challenge from attorney Albert Baldeo, who came dangerously close to ousting Maltese from his seat during the last race.

Addabbo’s campaign message seems to be focused on reformed change in Albany, where he says there is tumultuous change going on not normally seen there. “It’s a time for new vision, new energy,” Addabbo said. He also discussed his feelings about shortening his City Council term because of the feeling that he can do his best work in the State Senate right now.

“Republican senators are not poised to handle the progressive change that is occurring now and also very much part of the political horizon,” Addabbo explained. The son of the late Congressman Joseph Addabbo recanted words and lessons learned from his father. “My father taught me to never back down from a fight just because it was going to be difficult. I stand with the people of Queens and I will be their voice demanding that Albany finally eases our crushing tax burden, gives our schools their fair share and makes sure we can afford healthcare.”

In commenting on the incumbent, Addabbo says that in his campaigning thus far he has clearly established a link with constituents that are unsettled about the “disconnect” they feel with their present representation. “Everywhere I have been, knocking on doors and speaking to people, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, they are all giving me the same message. They feel as though there is no connection with the people and the present elected official.”

Addabbo went on to say that voters are sick and tired of elected officials whose presence is apparent only during election years. But part of his strategy is to bring with him to the Senate the foundation on which his political career has been based—a civic presence and a connection to the people every day of every year.

“I plan to be more vocal, more responsive at civic meetings, community boards and whatever it takes to keep more in tune with the community maintaining the established connection I am used to.”

Of primary concern to Addabbo, he says, is the need to make sure that vital legislation and bills no longer lay around the floor of the Senate because of the sluggish attitude of the Republican majority, or because the prime sponsors of bills are Democrats. Another focus Addabbo says is to integrate city and state resources so that key measures can be implemented for the benefit of New Yorkers.

“Legislation like that to supply pension increases for the FDNY and other city workers—is that something that should be passed over time and time again? What about Taylor law reform and mandatory requirements for out-of-state mail order prescriptions,” Addabbo asks. “Surely it is clear to see that these are things that must be addressed immediately and have not been done under the current rule in the Senate. We have much work to do and although it will be done under much scrutiny and many watchful eyes, now is the time to do it.”

In a campaign rally that took place on Saturday and traveled throughout key areas of the district he seeks to represent, Joe Addabbo was met at each stop by crowds of enthusiastic supporters. Addabbo was also joined by many elected officials in support of his candidacy. State Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer accompanied Addabbo to several of his campaign kick off stops where she spoke highly of her fellow Democrat.

“This is a difficult race for me,” Pheffer said, “I’ve enjoyed a good working relationship with Senator Maltese for over 20 years. However, I have also had the opportunity to work very closely with Joe Addabbo in his position as City Councilmember.”

Despite her good track record of working with Maltese, the bottom line is Pheffer is excited about the possibility of finally seeing control of the Senate returned to the Democrats. “Senator Maltese and I have worked on many projects together, but his support is for the Republican platform which I believe has outlived its right to control he Senate.”

Pheffer says that a change in the Senate majority is essential for the good of New York. “There are so many important bills that have been blocked by the Republicans in the State Senate. Now that we [Democrats] have an opportunity to gain control of the Senate we couldn’t have a better candidate to make a tremendous difference for all of us than Joe Addabbo.”

New York State Democratic Chairperson June O’Neill joined Addabbo at his announcement as did Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith who spoke of his relationship with Addabbo. “I have known Joe and his family for years and am very excited that he has decided to take on this critical fight. He grew up in a tradition of family service and there’s no elected official who works harder or more effectively for their community.”

Make no mistake, this will be a tough race,” said Addabbo, “But for too long, the families here have watched their taxes go up and funding for schools go down. Our local economy is suffering while politicians in Albany simply brush our needs aside. I am running for State Senate to change the way business is done in Albany. It’s time to improve the way our government works for the people of this Senate district.”

Sidewalk Cafe, VFW Hall and Car Services at CB 5

By Conor Greene

At its July meeting last Wednesday in the Greater Ridgewood Youth Center, Community Board 5 members discussed an application by Woodhaven House for an unenclosed sidewalk café, complaints regarding a VFW hall’s liquor license and licensing of local car service companies.

Woodhaven House Café Request

The owners of the Woodhaven House bar and restaurant will have to wait to find out whether they can place 28 tables with 56 seats on the sidewalks along Woodhaven Boulevard and Fleet Court in Middle Village. The board’s Land Use Committee will consider the idea at its next meeting, meaning the full board will not vote on it until September, according to Giordano, since the August meeting has been canceled.

The restaurant wants to use nearly half of the 15-foot sidewalks to place 12 tables along Woodhaven Boulevard and 14 along Fleet Court, according to Robert Callahan, who represented the establishment. The tables would be used until as late as 1 a.m. on weekends and midnight on weeknights, he said.

Board member Lorraine Sciulli pointed out that the area is “very close to houses” told Callahan that the Juniper Park Civic Association “has already experienced complaints from people there.” She called the proposed late hours “a problem.” Callahan responded that the wait staff is told to remind customers to be respectful to neighbors. “I don’t see the need for the midnight closing on the weeknight,” said board member Robert Holden. “There is still going to be people out there yelling. There is enough noise coming from inside the Woodhaven House – we don’t need to put it in [resident’s] faces.”

At least one resident who lives near the establishment is completely against the proposal. “Over the last three years, we have been very dissatisfied with the valet parking, noise coming out of the establishment and people blocking side streets,” said Arthur Laske, who lives at 84th Street and Penelope Avenue. “I’m not too happy with what’s going on with your establishment.”

Callahan said the restaurant has had issues with the company currently running the valet parking, which he admitted is “not up to standards.” He added that they “ask patrons to be as quiet as possible when leaving the establishment,” but pointed out that “alcohol is involved.” Laske later said that the restaurant has a “total disregard” for the neighborhood. “It’s a nightmare, this establishment,” he said. “It’s an outrage, and the community is not happy.” On Tuesday, Giordano said that the board might be forced to ask the Department of Consumer Affairs for additional time to weigh in on the matter, since the next meeting is not until September.

VFW Post Liquor License



The board has held off taking action regarding the liquor license for the VFW Post at 84-02 60th Avenue in Middle Village while awaiting clarification from the state Liquor Authority, according to Giordano.

At the start of last week’s meeting, resident Ralph DeSanto complained about “loud parties” that have been taking place in an alleyway that has recently paved over. “No one is trying to close the post, but they have to do this indoors,” he said. “We can’t live in our homes. They’re a good organization, but they’re not licensed to serve [alcohol] outside.”

Michael Brown, post commander, later responded, stressing that the establishment “is not a bar to have drinks at” for the general public. “We’re here to help the vets, especially in this day and age.” He said the post has begun to use the yard, which is their property and is “very rarely used” for parties. “I have tried my best to appease my neighbors and treat the place as if I live next doors.” He said the issue with DeSanto is due to a “constant vendetta” that has carried on since “his brother was banned from the post.”

Giordano said he is “in communication with the Liquor Authority to find out what they would be permitted to do outside” under their license. “We’ve gotten it from both sides as far as this goes,” he said. “We have petitions from each side, one saying they’re fine, the other saying that… they’re noisy and increasingly out there.”

The community board is “really in fact-finding mode right now,” added Giordano.

Car Service Licenses

Several local car companies need to have their licenses renewed, but the board decided against issuing “letters of no objection” for three of them, said Giordano. The board has received complaints about several car services in the area, with gripes including car repairs performed on the street, double-parked cars and garbage thrown on the ground.

“Services do not endear themselves to the community when they have drivers littering the streets, urinating in public and all sorts of crazy crap,” said Giordano. “They can be a difficult lot, and we’re not quick to write letters of no objection when we think there are objections. I’m not looking to be petty or overly harsh, and I don’t think the board is, but when they want us to be reasonable, they have to be reasonable. These car services should not be operating their for-profit business at the detriment of the neighborhood.”

The board has decided against issuing a letter of no objection for Fenix Car Service of Seneca Avenue in Ridgewood. “From what I know, they don’t have an off-street parking location, and are seeking a waiver for that,” said Giordano. There are also questions regarding the amount of off-street parking that Priscella Car Service has near its Wyckoff Avenue base in Ridgewood, said Giordano. He said that the companies are supposed to have at least one space for every two vehicles in its fleet within a mile-and-a-half of its headquarters.

Four One’s Car Service, which has recently moved part of its operations to 73rd Place near Metropolitan Avenue is also among the car services having parking difficulties and Giordano says the board will continue to check on the questions that have arisen before issuing a letter of no objection. Of the four companies currently up for license renewal, the only one the board will immediately issue a no objection letter for is Lindy’s Car Service on Metropolitan Avenue near Fresh Pond Road, according to Giordano. “A great benefit to them is having more parking spaces for their drivers than they have vehicles,” he said.

With no meeting scheduled for August, the next CB 5 meeting is tentatively slated for Wednesday, September 10.

FAA Announces Safety Changes After Second Near Miss at JFK

by Conor Greene

In the wake of a second close call between two planes at JFK Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration this week announced steps it’s taking to improve runway safety, including additional lighting and changes to the use of perpendicular runways.

The announcements come after planes nearly collided at the busy airport twice within a week. On July 5, a Cayman Airways plane nearly collided with a departing LAN Chile plane after the pilot aborted the initial landing attempt. According to air traffic controllers, the two planes came within 100 feet of each other. Then, on Friday, an inbound Delta flight from Ireland almost collided with departing Comair Flight 1520, coming within 600-feet vertically and a half-mile horizontally.

The FAA and the airlines have downplayed both incidents, which are based on accounts of air traffic controllers and are still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Both involved the use of perpendicular runaways, prompting the FAA last week to change its policy for planes taking off and landing at JFK.

“Severe runway incursions are down,” Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell told reporters at a press conference announcing the new lighting system. “And, we’re putting technology and procedures in place to keep it that way. We’re making changes on the runway and in the cockpit that are going to make a significant difference.”

The FAA will install lighting systems at 21 major airports around the nation within the next three years that will change colors to signal pilots that it is safe to enter or cross a runway. Much of the attention in recent weeks has focused on perpendicular runways used at JFK, which increase the chances for departing and arriving planes to cross paths.

Sturgell said that officials are still evaluating takeoff and landing procedures and that changes could be made in the future. He said that a preliminary investigation determined that both incident were due to communication issues.

On Tuesday, the Port Authority accused the FAA for failing to provide the authority with details about the recent near misses, according to reports. “It is simply unacceptable for the FAA to keep the local airport operator in the dark when the safety of our passengers and the efficiency of our airports is at stake,” PA Chairman Anthony Coscia and Executive Director Chris Ward wrote in a letter. The authority only learned of the incidents from media reports, according to the New York Post. The PA was also not informed that the FAA had ordered the changes at JFK regarding the use of perpendicular runways, the paper reported.

The incidents have also prompted questions about the airport’s air traffic controllers, whose union says it is understaffed. The FAA is now offering $100,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers working elsewhere around the nation to work in the New York area’s major airports. It is also targeting high school students with campus visits and advertisements on Websites including craigslist.com and myspace.com. By 2011, it is expected that 59 percent of controllers will have less than five years working experience.

Water Sports for Wounded Warriors

By Patricia Adams
The Forum South

For the fourth successive year, residents of Breezy Point opened their hearts and their homes to host the Adaptive Water Sports Festival for four days last week. The residents took part in a program begun by Rockaway’s GrayBeards organization formed after 9/11, in which servicemen and women who have been severely injured during the war on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world.

The Rockaway community was one of the hardest hit on Sept. 11, 2001 and ravaged again by the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 just two months later. Yet, the community proved resilient and responded with a surge of empathy, and charitable endeavors. Most notably, the GrayBeards were formed, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need. It is through the GrayBeards, Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA, that this event is again possible.

This year, the GrayBeards again coordinated all housing, travel and entertainment for 42 U.S. soldiers & Marines plus eight English (BLESMA) soldiers visiting from Great Britain. As part of the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, a partnership between Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA, soldiers had the opportunity to learn adaptive water skiing, scuba diving and other water sports.

Specially trained volunteers from the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) were on hand to teach these sporting skills to those with amputations and other severe injuries. In addition to the generosity of all the participating Rockaway residents, one Howard Beach businessman also played a big part in making the weekend a success.

Angelo Gurino, owner of Ragtime Gourmet Deli, heard about the event and asked friend and GrayBeard member Joseph Mure what he could do to help. “Do what you do best,” was Mure’s answer, “feed the people.” And so on Saturday afternoon, Gurino and some staffers arrived at the Breezy Point Yacht Club with one of his catering trucks and enough heroes, pasta, assorted hot dishes and salads to feed hundreds of hungry mouths. “For all the sacrifices these men and women have made for us, this is a small way to contribute and show them some thanks,” Gurino said.

“I look at them, with such severe disabilities and see them really having a good time -- it’s just a great thing to be part of how inspirational they are.” On a final note the father of three said, “I wish everyone could be here to see the courage and strength of these people—you look at what’s happened in their lives and you realize there’s not too much you can complain about.”

Retired Fire Captain, father of seven and GrayBeard member Flip Mullen is considered a driving force behind the project and was on hand for Saturday’s festivities at the Yacht Club. Mullen’s commitment and enthusiasm was evident in his animated and touching description of all the events involved in the program. “The people here really look forward to this. I get phone calls from residents who are screaming at me saying, why didn’t I get a soldier this year.”

It’s people like Mullen and the GrayBeards who really embody what it is to show the spirit of giving. If you would like to learn more about the many programs offered to benefit the Wounded Warriors and find out how you can help out, please visit their website at woundedwarriorproject.org, you may also visit the website of the Graybeards to learn more about them at graybrd.org, or write to GrayBeards, Ltd 436 Beach 129th Street Rockaway, New York 11694.

Teacher Charged with Raping Disabled Student

Taught Queens Boy at Upstate Residential School

by Conor Greene

A Dutchess County special education teacher has been charged with having sex with a 15-year-old disabled student from south Queens.

Mandi Weeks, 27, of Hannacroix has been accused of third-degree rape and other charges for abusing the child in his home and a nearby parking lot. She was arrested last week by detectives from the 102nd Precinct. The boy is a student at Devereux New York, a residential special needs school, and was at home on break at the time of the alleged attacks.

“The charges are very disturbing,” said District Attorney Richard Brown. “The victim is believed to have a 50 IQ, making him particularly vulnerable to a teacher who is supposed to have his best interest in mind.”

The investigation began after the victim boarded a subway in an effort to meet up with Weeks but got lost, according to Brown. His mother reported him missing to police, and discovered inappropriate e-mails from the teacher on her son’s computer, said Brown. She is accused of raping and sexually abusing the boy on June 25th inside his home, and then sexually abusing him while sitting inside a car in a parking lot on June 6. She then allegedly raped and sexually abusing him later that day inside his home.

She was arraigned last Tuesday in Queens Criminal Court on an eight-count indictment charging her with rape, criminal sexual act, endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse. She was ordered held on $15,000 bond and is due back in court on August 11. If convicted, she faces up to four years in prison.

Weeks worked at the school, based in upstate Red Hook, since February 2007 and “was subjected to a rigorous screening process and criminal background check” before being hired, according to John O’Keefe, executive director of Devereux Foundation New York. “There was nothing in either to cause concern,” he said in a statement, adding that Weeks has been fired and is not permitted back on campus.

The defendant says on her myspace.com page that she got married last October and lives in a log cabin with her husband and six cats. “I work in a residenial [sic] school for students with multiple disabilities which is extremely stressful,” she wrote. ‘My students verbally and physically assault me almost on a daily basis. And people wonder why I started smoking. Hey, at least they are ultra lights... as if Klonopin 3 times a day wasn’t enough.”

She lists Law and Order among her favorite television shows and her mom as her hero. She also likes to “just connect with my friends from work” in her free time and describes herself as Christian. She puts her income at $30,000 to $45,000 and says she would like to have children “someday.”

“The Devereux staff is shocked and saddened by such a charge,” said O’Keefe’s statement. “The welfare of our students is our top priority. We will cooperate fully with law enforcement officials and we will review our internal policies and procedures in order to insure the safety and security of those we serve. We have reached out to the family of the student to express our concern and regret and to do what we can to help them address the issues that arise from such a matter.”

Phony Attorney Charged in Scam

Claimed to Represent Man Facing Deportation

By Conor Greene

RIDGEWOOD – A Seneca Avenue man not licensed to practice law has been charged with providing legal representation to a man who was eventually deported.

Robert DelCarpio, 63, of 783 Seneca Avenue was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court last week on charges of third-degree grand larceny, a felony, and practicing as an attorney without being admitted to the bar.

According to the criminal charges against DelCarpio, a Brooklyn woman, Angela Forde, retained him to represent her son, who was facing deportation to England due to a felony drug conviction. Forde had received DelCarpio’s name and phone number from her son, who was in federal immigration detention in Texas. DelCarpio allegedly agreed to appear in court as her son’s counsel in connection with the appeal of the narcotics conviction and the pending federal deportation proceedings.

According to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, the defendant, operating under a purported business called Criminal Legal Research, Inc. and identifying himself as an “Appellate Attorney,” told Forde that he would prepare and file legal motions and appear in Brooklyn Supreme Court to have her son’s conviction overturned.

Between December 2006 and May 2008, Forde paid DelCarpio more than $7,000, according to Brown. According to court records, the defendant is not admitted to practice law in New York State and no appeals were filed by DelCarpio or anyone else in connection with the criminal case involving Forde’s son.

“By allegedly portraying himself as a duly licensed attorney when he was not actually licensedor admitted to practice law, the only hope the defendant could offer his client was false hope,” said Brown in a statement. “In the end, the client lost her son and thousands of dollars in unwarranted legal fees.”

If convicted, DelCarpio faces up to four years in prison. He was ordered held on $100,000 bond after his first court appearance. Brown said the case “will be prosecuted vigorously and swiftly to ensure the defendant never again has the opportunity to prey upon trusting individuals in need of proper and qualified legal representation.

The District Attorney’s office is asking anyone who believes he or she may have been the victim of the defendant’s alleged scheme to contact his office at (718) 286-6560. The investigation began after a clerk with the state Appellate Court referred the matter to Brown’s office.

Former Queens Woman Sentenced to 130 Months for Adoption Fraud

By Conor Greene

A former Queens woman has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for defrauding the state and city out of more than one million dollars through an adoption scheme. She is now facing criminal charges in Florida for allegedly abusing nearly a dozen adopted children.

Judith Leekin, 63, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., pleaded guilty in May to stealing about$1.68 million in adoption subsidies meant to pay for the care of her 11 adopted children, many of who were physically or mentally disabled. On Tuesday, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced she has been sentenced to 130 months in prison by District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan federal court.

“For almost 20 years, Judith Leekin manipulated a system intended to protect the welfare of New York City’s neediest children,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia. “Today, she will begin paying for the years that she spent caring more about the $1.68 million she stole than she did for the children she was entrusted to protect.”

Leekin is now to return to Florida, where she is scheduled to appear in court in August on abuse charges stemming from her treatment of the children under her care. She is accused of beating, starving and restraining the children and faces life in prison if convicted on those charges.

Judge Berman also ordered Leekin to surrender two homes she owns in Florida and pay back the stolen money. While the plea agreement finalized in May called for a prison sentence of six-and-a-half to eight years, the judge was allowed to sentence her for up to 20 years for each of the two counts.

In the weeks leading up to the sentencing, officials including Rose Gill Hearn, commissioner of the city Department of Investigations and attorneys representing the abused children wrote to the judge urging him to issue a harsh sentence.

“Leekin perverted New York City’s adoption subsidy program and in so doing crush the childhoods of children she adopted by causing them irreparable pain and suffering, including by keeping the children locked away,” she said following the sentencing.

Leekin adopted the children in New York between 1988 and 1996 before moving for Florida. When applying to the state Office of Children and Family Services and the city Administration of Children’s Services, she used four different fake names and lied about how many other children were in her care. She “used the money to support a lavish lifestyle for herself” while neglecting the children, said authorities.

While living in Queens with 12 children (authorities are unsure as to the whereabouts of the twelfth child) in 1997, Leekin forced the 11 adopted children to live in the basement and forbid them from going outside or to school. Several were restrained while in bed to prevent them from getting up.

After moving to Florida, the 11 children “lived in a similar manner,” with 10 of the children forced to live in a storage room next to the garage, only allowed to enter the house to use the bathroom or kitchen. Several “were restrained using plastic ties,” said authorities.

(AP Photo/St. Lucie County Sheriff's Dept., File)

This Week's Forum West and South

Is this the American Dream?

Two Planes Nearly Collide Over JFK

Video of Boxing Match in JVP Draws Parks Ire

Local Residents Busted for Illegal Dumping

Lawn Litter Enforcement Begins in August

MTA Raises Fare Beating Fine

Metro Ave Warehouse Raided

Kosciuszko Replacement Delayed Again

Officer Dies in Afghanistan

Is This the American Dream?

By Steve Tiszenkel

Sometimes it seems like nobody wants to talk about the hot potato of Forest Hills life. Your typical FoHi local will go on and on about restaurants, shopping, public works, crime, government, you name it. And sure enough, the Forest Hills residential construction boom is often a hot topic—who doesn't have an opinion on the monstrous, ornate houses with paved-over yards that have been sprouting in the neighborhood for years, towering over the modest ranches they're increasingly replacing?

But who's building those houses? Everybody knows the answer, but few can discuss it without raising their voices above a whisper. But this under-the-radar issue exploded into Forest Hills' collective consciousness last week. And in this day and age, when people who have never met can become the closest of friends by connecting through blogs and message boards and social-networking sites, it took the oldest of old media institutions—The New York Times—to do it.

“To the Bukharian Jews of Central Asia,” the Gray Lady announced in Saturday's local edition, “a big house is an essential tradition ... Nowhere has their love of big homes been on more opulent display than in a section of Forest Hills known as Cord Meyer, an upper middle class neighborhood long cherished by its residents for its tranquility and architectural charm.”

Consider the powder keg officially blown. The Times' take on the Bukharian McMansion situation, rightfully deemed a “must-read” by the comprehensive blog Splitting Hairs in Forest Hills, was chock full of great quotes that offered some rare, valuable insight into the thought process that goes into building the controversial houses. Forest Hills is a heterogeneous community, and I continue to firmly believe that relations between its divergent groups are some of the best you'll find in New York, possibly some of the best in any major American city.
But pan-ethnic harmony is a lofty goal, and the fact that we're doing better than others doesn't mean that we couldn't be doing a lot better. Truth be told, those old-line Queens types don't make many attempts at communication with the Bukharians whose enormous houses they deplore, and vice versa.

Fortunately, The Times has done the heavy lifting. For Bukharian community leaders, the age-old American dream narrative predictably comes into play: “We're dreaming of this freedom! We were dreaming to build big house,” the president of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of the U.S.A. and Canada told the paper. Certainly, many an immigrant group has wanted to stake a claim in its new home.

But others interviewed by The Times made comments suggesting a troubling, fundamental disconnect in values between themselves and their neighbors. One Bukharian rabbi, born in Uzbekistan and raised in Kew Gardens Hills, called front yards “useless” and a “waste of time,” seeming almost disgusted as he observed the very thing many in the neighborhood would fight to save.

I have no doubt there's a strong thread of xenophobia running through many protests against the Bukharian houses. Newcomers' arrival and old timers' visceral reaction against them and their traditions is the story of America, of New York in particular, and of Queens even more specifically. Nobody hates immigrants more than the children of immigrants. But when two sets of beliefs are so radically different, it's easy to see some validity, maybe even a whole lot of validity, in the incumbents' complaints.


So. What do I think about the McMansions when I force myself down from my moralizing pedestal? Well, you want the honest truth? I think they're a blight on the neighborhood and need to be stopped by any legal means possible. I think they're both ostentatious and generic.

I think that they're in horrible taste and that no serious architectural critic anywhere in the world would find any value in them whatsoever. I think that despite the protestations of their builders, they are, in fact, a deliberate display of wealth by people who don't understand that the most effective and tasteful way to convey success is to go the understated route.

I think the concept of stone lions standing guard at a private home is ridiculous, and I think that just because something is shiny, doesn't make it look good. But then, I grew up more than 6,000 miles from Uzbekistan, here on an island where a different generation of immigrants once aspired to get away from all the concrete and own a little green plot of their very own.

Steve Tiszenkel is also the author of queenscentral.com. Log on to read more about Forest Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Two Planes Nearly Collide Over JFK

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SAY PLANES CAME VERY CLOSE

By Patricia Adams

Air traffic controllers at both JFK Tower and New York Tracon used the word 'ugly' to describe the near miss of two planes over JFK on Saturday night. A spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controller’s Association (NATCA) New York-JFK tower facility, Barrett Byrnes, said in a statement Monday, “One Tracon controller said it was the ugliest go-around they had seen in 24 years on the job."

The events have still not been confirmed and a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board is expected by the end of this week or early next week. But air traffic controllers insist that there was a near midair collision at JFK. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Cayman Airlines flight was landing at the airport as another plane was preparing to leave. Cayman Airlines flight 792, a Boeing 737-300, needed to circle back around after a missed approach, as it was about 300 feet off the ground, but just as that was happening, a Linea Aeroea Navional de Chile flight 533, Boeing 767-300, was beginning to take off on a perpendicular runway.

The FAA reported that when air traffic controllers realized that the two flights were heading toward each other, orders were given for them to turn in opposite directions. The NATCA says the orders to turn came “too late,” and as a result “the paths of both jets crossed.”

Preliminary FAA radar data has put the two planes no more than a half mile apart horizontally and 300 feet vertically at their closest proximity, however, air traffic controllers maintain it was closer than that. NATCA claimed the two planes were approximately 100 feet apart. Controllers say that using perpendicular runways simultaneously is common at Kennedy and a number of other airports nationwide, and this near miss shows why the practice should be prohibited.

Despite the fact that most air traffic experts agree on the fact that perpendicular runway use is a problem, experts are also quick to identify other issues at the core of near miss incidents, such as Saturday’s. According to reports released by the Department of the Transportation Inspector-General, inexperienced air traffic controllers are a growing problem due to the rising number of retiring controllers and the scramble by the FAA to train and hire new ones. In fact, the FAA expects to replace nearly its entire workforce over the next decade.

Reports say that although the FAA caps the number of controllers who can be in training at a given site to 35 percent, 22 percent of the coutry's facilities do not adhere to that limit, and the Inspector-General’s office has questioned whether the limit is too high to begin with. The NATCA is insistent that the turnovers mean too many inexperienced employees will be directing traffic, perhaps dangerously, across the skies. The union said the FAA job openings illustrate just how dire the situation is to appeal to those with more experience.

"It's a sign of desperation that staffing is so bad at these facilities that the FAA has to offer such an outrageously high sum of money instead of negotiating a reasonable and logical solution to the mess it has created," said Patrick Forrey, president of the National Air Traffic Controller's Association, in a statement on Wednesday. Evidence of the push for hiring in New York, the FAA in January, was offering air traffic controllers $27,000 for relocation. In addition, those willing to commit to a three year assignment would get a bonus of up to $25,000. Seven months down the line, however, the bonuses have gotten even better, further supporting the theory that the FAA is desperate to recruit experienced workers. For those signing on by July 8 there would still be the $27,000 for relocating, but a four-year commitment would yield a $75,000 incentive bonus.

The FAA job posting makes it clear; the salary for air traffic controller specialists in the New York area who are responsible for ensuring "the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic" ranges from $98,814 to $137,732 per year. The NATCA union claims that the New York facility has lost 13 percent of its certified controllers in the past two years and has not brought on any certified controllers since September 2006. As a consequence of the shortage in air traffic control personnel, passengers will also feel the crunch. Fewer people in control towers will bring on the slowing down of traffic overall and lead to delays on the runways.

To check the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board in this investigation, go to their website at ntsb.gov.

Officer Dies in Afghanistan

An NYPD lieutenant assigned to the 112th Precinct died on July 4 from injuries suffered in Afghanistan while serving with the National Guard.

The Department of Defense on Monday announced that Lt. Daniel Farkas, 42, of Fort Greene, Brooklyn died from injuries suffered from a non-hostile incident in Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. He was a 20-year veteran of the NYPD assigned to the Forest Hills-based precinct.

The incident is currently under investigation, according to the DOD. He joined the National Guard in 1992 and was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based out of Syracuse.

He is reportedly survived by his mother, who he lived with along with two sisters and two nieces. His family declined to speak with reporters, but an officer with the 112th Precinct described Farkas as an “extraordinary” person who was “very-well liked by his peers and his subordinates,” according to the Daily News.

Farkas was honored several times during his law enforcement career, including for helping arrest an Elmhurst man charged with setting a series of fires in Middle Village, Maspeth and Rego Park and for helping a federal marshal subduing a rowdy airline passenger in 2003.

The announcement comes just weeks after the death of another local National Guardsman, Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks of South Ozone Park, who was killed in Kandahar City, Afghanistan from wounds suffered when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

The deaths come at a time when casualties of American troops in Afghanistan have increased as forces battle the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Video of Juniper Park Boxing Match Draws Ire of Parks Department

Above: The YouTube video of a boxing match in Juniper Valley Park.

By Conor Greene

MIDDLE VILLAGE – A video of an amateur boxing match apparently held in Juniper Valley Park – complete with a makeshift ring and several dozen spectators – was recently posted on YouTube and has gained the attention of residents and city officials.

The nearly eight-minute video has garnered nearly 1,000 hits since it was posted by user mikereka on June 23. It features a three-round fight between “Little Mark the Spark from Juniper Park” and “Brian the Abductor.” It opens with interviews of each conducted at the park by the referee, “Billy Bottles” using a beer bottle instead of a microphone.

The video then cuts to “The Ring,” which appears to be set up, complete with ropes, in the upper portion of Juniper Park. With a large group of spectators surrounding the ring, the two fighters exchanged words before squaring off. The interview videos appear to have been shot at the park during the day, while the match seems to take place at dusk, as the park lights can been seen in the background.

Round one begins with the two men, wearing boxing gloves, exchanging jabs and punches.

The crowd can be heard yelling things such as, “Fight each other” and “Jab him right in the mouth, Mark.” About one minute into the round, Little Mark connects with a right hand to the side of Brian’s face, knocking him to the ground. The crowd whistles and yells “Get up, get up!” as Brian sat on the ground for about five seconds, appearing slightly dazed before getting up, with some help.

The fight eventually ends in round three after Mark connected with several shots to Brian’s face. Even thought Brian was able to stay on his feet, the ref ended the bout, a decision disappointed at least one spectator.

“That ain’t the right, no way, somebody’s gotta get knocked out,” someone is heard yelling.

As of Wednesday morning, the video had been viewed 946 times on YouTube. A second video, just showing the first round knockdown punch, has been viewed 344 times. It features several slow motion replays of Mark punching Brian’s face, with the caption, “Strong effort but game over kid.”

The videos, which can be viewed at youtube.com/mikereka, caught the attention of the Juniper Park Civic Association, which represents 1,700 families in the neighborhood.

Its president, Robert Holden, called it “disturbing” and said it “demonstrates the need for regular police patrols” in the park. “The park attracts thousands of people a day during the summer months and it is imperative we get police coverage for Juniper,” Holden said.

The Parks Department also was not pleased that a video depicting a boxing match in a public park has been created. “This violent behavior will not be tolerated in New York City parks, because of the potential for serious injuries and disruption of the peace in the surroundings neighborhoods,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “The Parks Department is working with NYPD to stop similar incidents from happening in any city parks.”

According to the person who posted the video, mikereka, the attention being paid to the video is not warranted. In an e-mail message, he said he is “unaware of a boxing match taking place at JVP.” He said, “If you look closely you can see the fights are not ‘real.’ These videos have been enhanced using software such as Final Cut Pro… No crime has been committed by any persons seen in these videos. I cannot say I’m sorry, but it’s unfortunate that a lot of residents and local officials are upset by these videos.”

Mikereka argues that he doubts “such a large group of people could actually get away with having a boxing match in a NYC park” without the NYPD responding “immediately to shut it down.”

A follow-up message was sent to mikereka seeking clarification as to whether the activities took place in Juniper Valley Park and whether the fight was staged. “The short answer is yes the footage seen on my page was staged for a lack of an in depth explanation,” he wrote. “It was not a fight. No fighting occurred in a public place.”

He adds, “The intent of the video is/was not to receive negative press/publicity. However, I guess it’s not bad that it’s been recognized by The Forum West… Again, the intent of the video on youtube/mikereka was not to anger residents & local officials. To set the record straight Billy “Bottles” & Reka “The Saint” just make funny videos.”

At least one local resident who viewed the video and has experience using Final Cut Pro software doubts that the fight was staged. “After Effects is really just a compositing program and can’t fake punches to the face,” said Rob Jett.

“Creative editing could make some things look more convincing, but not in that video.”

Local Residents Busted for Illegal Dumping

Sanitation Reports Ridgewood, Middle Village Violators

By Conor Greene

Nine vehicles used to illegally dump garbage have been seized from owners around the city, including from a Middle Village man and two Ridgewood residents, announced the Department of Sanitation.

Throughout June, the department’s Citywide Illegal Dumping Task Force seized and impounded nine vehicles allegedly used to illegally dump items at sites in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. The task force, comprised of plainclothes Sanitation Police Officers, monitors known dumping site across the city and seizes vehicles of owners caught in the act.

“Illegal dumping is against the law,” said Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty. “If you do it, you will get caught. The Illegal Dumping Task Force is the city’s front line defense against illegal dumpers who shamefully use our streets and lots as their personal dumping grounds.”

The June impoundments included three vehicles seized in connection with dumping at locations Queens, including Maspeth, along with five in Brooklyn and one on Staten Island. In addition, George Strang, of 66th Drive in Middle Village, was caught using his 1998 Peterbilt dump truck to leave approximately 15 cubic yards of dirt and rocks on an Ingram Street lot.

The first incident of illegal dumping in Queens last month came on June 3, when a Washington state man was seen dumping five cubic yards of trash from a 2003 GMC truck in front of 131-02 40th Road in Flushing. On the 19th, three individuals –from Jamaica, Hollis and Mt. Vernon – were seen dumping three cubic yards of trash from a 1996 Ford Econoline at 95-10 Tuckerton Street in Jamaica.

The following day, Michal Mosur of 66th Place and Patryk Laszckowski of 68th Road, both in Ridgewood, were caught dumping one cubic yard of stones at 54th Road and Laurel Hill Boulevard in Maspeth.

The Department of Sanitation has two programs that include public participation in stopping illegal dumping. Under the Illegal Dumping Award Program, a person who sees illegal dumping and completes and affidavit leading to the conviction of the violator is eligible to receive up to 50% of the fine collected by the city. The individual must appear at a hearing if the accused appears before the Environmental Control Board to challenge the summons.

Under the Illegal Dumping Tip Program, residents can remain anonymous, but must provide information that helps the department catch the dumper red-handed. The tipster’s identity remains confidential, and they don’t have to appear at a hearing, but are only compensated if the department subsequently catches the person.

The city urges residents to follow these guidelines if they observe somebody illegally dumping materials on a sidewalk, street or property:



Observe the vehicle
•Do not make your presence known;
•Do not touch the discarded material
•Report the vehicles, not the individuals.


Record vital information
•License plate number
•Vehicle description
•Nature and quantity of material dumped
•Time, date and location of occurrence

File a citizen complaint with the Sanitation Police. Check nyc.gov/sanitation or call 311 for details on these programs.

Lawn Litter Enforcement Begins in August

RESIDENTS CAN FILE COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUSINESSES

By Conor Greene

Residents tired of having unwanted circulars, restaurant menus and other fliers dumped on their lawn can fight back starting next month, when the city begins enforcing a new law intended to reduce the amount of “lawn litter” left on private property.

The city Department of Sanitation will begin enforcing the new law on August 2, according to Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D -Little Neck), who co-authored the bill with Senator Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose). Fines will range from $250 for first time offenders to $1,000 for repeat offenders. The law was passed in January, but enforcement was put on hold until the Department of Sanitation finalized its procedures for assessing fines to violators.

Under the adopted rules, homeowners can place a sign stating: “Do Not Place Unsolicited Advertising Materials On This Property.” To report violators, residents can submit a signed complaint form (available online or by calling 311) and the unsolicited materials to the Department of Sanitation. Weprin called it a “great example of government responding directly to constituents’ concerns.” He was motivated to take action against this quality of life issue after “people around the city complained for years about receiving unsolicited advertisements on their property.”

Aside from the quality of life issues, the law was also motivated by safety, said Weprin. “Plastic bags become slippery when wet, elderly and disabled residents sometimes have difficulty bending down to pick up paper from the ground, and a pile of uncollected advertisements can be a signal to burglars that homeowners are away,” he said.

The final version of the enforcement rules were tweaked after civic organizations and elected officials complained that too much of the onus was placed on the resident. Under the proposed rules released earlier this year, residents would be required to have the form notarized before sending it back to the Sanitation Department’s enforcement unit.

That aspect of the law prompted Weprin and Padavan to write a joint letter to the Sanitation Department arguing, “It may be difficult for one reason or another for people to get to a notary.” The representatives expressed concerned that the requirement of a notarized complaint… may well discourage citizens [from submitting] complaints.”

While the notary requirement was considered to prevent false complaints against businesses and to add credence to resident’s complaints, it was deleted from the final requirements. Instead, residents submitting complaints “must certify that the information is truthful and accurate, and acknowledge that false statements in the complaint form are punishable” under state law. If necessary, they must also be available to testify before the Environmental Control Board.

In their letter to Sanitation, Weprin and Padavan noted that there appears to be widespread support for the initiative, which they compared to the “Do Not Call” registry. “From our personal observations, to complaints from community boards, civic organizations and our neighbors, unwanted literature, advertisements and fliers left on private property is not only a blight throughout Queens but a safety issue as well.”

MTA Raises Fine for Fare Beating

HIKED FROM $60 TO $100 THIS WEEK

Jumping turnstiles with hopes of a free subway or bus ride has gotten a lot more expensive, with the MTA raising the penalty to $100 starting this week. It is the first such increase in nearly a quarter century.

The MTA board unanimously approved the hike last month, and it went into effect this past Monday (July 7). Since 1984, the penalty for slipping past a bus driver without paying or jumping over a subway turnstile has been $60.

A memo sent to MTA officials last month as the increase was being considered reportedly argued that “virtually every other form of civil fine in the region has increased, in many cases quite substantially.” NYC Transit President Howard Roberts told the New York Post that the authority is “looking across the board to see how to raise [fines].”

Through July 6, transit police issued 41,090 tickets for fare evasion and made an additional 8,437 arrests, the New York Times reported, citing police data. That equals 263 tickets or arrests out of more than five million riders each weekday around the city. That is in stark contract to 1990, when an estimated 200,000 people hopped the turnstiles each day. By 1997, that number had dropped to about 35,000 a day, the paper reported.

“Clearly, we believe that a deterrent such as a higher fine will get the attention of some people who would contemplate evading the fare,” a New York City Transit spokesman told the paper. “It’s not going to stop everybody, but the fact of the matter is, when they’re hit with that fine, that will give them a pause the next time they’re thinking about doing it.”

On its website, the Times presented a primer explaining “what exactly constitutes fare beating,” including situations where a turnstile machine refuses to accept a valid MetroCard. It warns that entering a station without swiping the card will lead to a ticket, even if you are in possession of a valid card.

The Times piece garnered dozens of comments from readers, including one who said she received a ticket for entering through the open emergency exit, even though she had a 30-day unlimited card. Once inside the gate, she was issued the fine. “Feeling that I was unjustly penalized for a minor infraction, I went to the Transit Adjudication Bureau to fight it,” wrote Emily S. Reub. “I explained the scenario to the officer, and although she seemed sympathetic with the situation, I was still slapped with the fine because I didn’t physically swipe my card before I entered. Who is right?”

Another reader met the move with cynicism. “How typical – focus on the low level misappropriation of service and ignore the brazen thievery and special privileged treatment at the top,” wrote Karen. “Have they given back all the free EZpasses yet?”

Brooklyn DA Raids Metro Ave Warehouse

COUPLE ARRESTED FOR MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RING

By Conor Greene

RIDGEWOOD – An investigation by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office into whether baseball caps are being marketed to street gang members led to the discovery a warehouse filled with counterfeit goods worth millions of dollars.

Jianfeng Guo, 29, owner of Eastern Trading, Inc, is accused of running the substantial counterfeiting operation of out a warehouse at 50-03 Metropolitan Avenue, several blocks from the Brooklyn boundary. He was arrested after authorities seized two truckloads of bogus goods last week.

Authorities estimate the value of genuine merchandise at about $4 million, but the knock-off versions were worth about $600,000. Receipts seized during Guo’s arrest indicated that the illegal business brought in about $16 million so far this year alone. Since 2005, Guo is believed to have netted $61 million from the business, costing the city and state $7.6 million in lost tax revenues.

Also charged with Guo’s girlfriend, Saile Gao, 27, who is also described as his employee, according to Kings County District Attorney Richard Hynes. Both are charged with third–degree trademark counterfeiting and face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

“This type of counterfeiting and black-market dealing affects everybody’s bottom line,” said Hynes. “Merchants operating in this underground economy are able to sell their goods at lower prices than legitimate shopkeepers and deprive the city millions of dollars in lost tax revenue.”

The investigation began after Hynes’ office received complaints from Mothers Against Gangs that companies were designing and marketing baseball hats to appeal to gang members. With assistance of Major League Baseball, detectives from the district attorney’s office began making purchases from local stores to see if any were selling counterfeit items. That investigation eventually led authorities to the warehouse used by Guo’s business.

According to authorities, Guo ran his company, Eastern Trading Company, out of the Metropolitan Avenue warehouse, which was filed with three floors worth of counterfeit baseball caps, high-end clothing, razors, sunglasses, toys, cell phone cases and other items. Among the counterfeited brands were Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the National Football League, Duracell, Gillette, Dove, Chanel, Nike and Northface. The goods removed from the warehouse filled one 40-foot trailer and a 20-foot box truck, according to Hynes.

The items were to be sold at locations around the city, including by sidewalk vendors and in discount stores. Guo’s inventory was manufactured in China and shipped by boat through the Panama Canal to New Jersey’s Port Elizabeth. They were then trucked to the Queens warehouse, said authorities.

DA Hynes stressed to the public that counterfeit goods can be dangerous, as knockoff batteries often contain mercury, counterfeit clothing is unlikely to conform to American fire safety regulations and painted items may contain lead. Samples of the seized items are now being tested for the presence of heavy metals or other dangerous compounds.

Guo pled not guilty to the charges in criminal court last week, with bail set at $500,000.

Kosciuszko Replacement Delayed Again

Business Owners Left in Limbo

By Conor Greene

MASPETH -- The state has decided to replace the aging Kosciuszko Bridge with two parallel structures, but the effort has once again been delayed, to the frustration of property owners being forced out for the project.

Businesses and homeowners that will be displaced were informed that the project has been delayed for about two months so that the federal government can review the project’s timeline and costs, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The latest bad news for property owners comes after the project was already delayed for six months by the Historic Preservation Department, which had argued that the aging span carrying the Brooklyn Queens Expressway over the Newtown Creek between Maspeth and Greenpoint should be saved.

When breaking the news of the delay to business owners, state DOT officials were able to inform them that a decision has been made regarding the new structure’s design. It is expected to cost $630 million to demolish the existing structure and replace it with two parallel bridges. The construction phase is expected to begin in 2011 and take about five years to complete.

The plan is to build a four lane span, demolish the existing bridge, and then complete the second span. For the several dozen businesses and three homeowners that must move to make way for the project, the latest delay is beyond frustrating. George Kosser, vice president of Karp Associates, said the news is “very difficult on us and upsetting” because it has prevented them from purchasing a new piece of land elsewhere. “For the past 18 months we have been looking for buildings,” he said. “We recently found one that is a good fit, but we can’t move on it.”

According to the state DOT, the current delay is due to federal regulations requiring that state projects costing at least $500 million must under go a “risk assessment.” The federal review is expected to take place by the end of this week, in hopes that DOT can submit its formal plans to highway officials in Washington.

"It was unexpected," said state DOT spokesman Adam Levine. "We had spoken with the New York division office of the Federal Highway Administration, which said it wouldn't be a requirement, but the Washington office stepped in and said we have to."

The feds first told the state DOT that the study couldn't take place until October, but then agreed to perform it immediately, according to Levine. "We told them, and the division office told them that it is unacceptable because we are so close to completing the environmental study. It could have been worse, but it still is not anything we're pleased with."

With 100 employees, Karp Associates, which has been in Maspeth for 52 years, is the largest of the companies being forced to move. Before the project was announced, the company purchased additional land near its current location at the foot of the bridge so that it could expand its operations. “We had already hired an architect over four years ago, and then heard about the potential for the project and put everything on hold,” said Kosser. “We’re overcrowded beyond belief internally, and it’s hurting us.”

The problem now is that Karp can’t move ahead with a purchase of new land until it is assured that the project is moving forward, otherwise the funds currently earmarked to relocate businesses won’t be available. “Any risk that we take prior to the formal commitment from the DOT to us is strictly at our risk,” Kosser said. “If I go and buy a building and they don’t [move ahead with the project], I don’t have any recourse.”

Kosser indicated that any further delays might force Karp’s hand and force ownership to move ahead with the expansion project. That in turn would cost DOT money, as the amount they must compensate Karp for taking the land would increase. “I can’t stop forever,” he said. “We cannot continue down the path we have taken up until this point if the DOT can’t give us a firm date we can hold.”

The DOT says it sympathizes with the property owners and understands that “delay and uncertainty make it difficult to move forward with new leases.”

For Kosser and business owner Adam Gold, one positive of the whole ordeal has been the support it has received from the community. “We are overwhelmed,” said Kosser. “The residents and people from the community board literally stood up at meetings and told the DOT it was unfair what they are doing to Karp and other businesses. When [the process started], we thought for whatever reason that the community would never care about that happened to businesses. The community has been unbelievably supportive of our position, I can’t say that strongly enough.”

This Week's Forum West and South:

Comptroller Rejects Ridgewood Reservoir Contract

Residents Frustrated by Stalled Downzoning Effort

Truck Overturns on Grand Avenue in Maspeth

Neighborhood Crime Discussed at COP 104 Meeting

Mayor, Council Agree on $59 Billion City Budget