This Week's Forum West and South

Resident Rally in Protest of New Homeless Shelter

Local Dog Owners Devastated by Pet Abductions

Ridgewood YMCA Renovations Nearing Completion

Board Rejects Company's Trash Removal Plan

Two JFK Airport Workers Charged in Theft

Editorial: Leading by Example and Inspiration

Residents Rally in Protest of New Homeless Shelter

By Conor Greene

More than one hundred residents gathered on 58th Avenue on Saturday morning to protest the sudden opening of a homeless shelter in the middle of their quiet residential block that would provide temporary housing to 29 adults.

Residents of the Elmhurst neighborhood turned out in force to express their displeasure with the city for allowing this type of facility to open without any warning. Adding to their concerns is the fact that Queens Alliance, which is running the facility, has no history of operating these types of homes. There is also concern that 29 homeless individuals will be provided temporary shelter in close proximity to nearby schools.

“We’re here to protect what is most important to us – our children, our homes, our streets and our neighborhood... The decision was rammed down our throat without any feedback from our community,” said Linda Lam, who organized the rally with the local civic group Communities of Elmhurst and Maspeth Together (COMET). “Our children can no longer feel safe playing in the streets… To protect our children, our homes and not to let the homeless shelter destroy our neighborhood, we have to keep up the fight.”

While recognizing the need for homeless shelters in the city, Lam argued that the neighborhood, south of Queens Boulevard near the former St. John’s Hospital site, is already overburdened. “I know all communities should shoulder the burden of society’s problems that nobody wants it in their backyard; however, we have shouldered more than our fair share already,” she said, noting there is a group home located across the street.

Many of the residents were unaware of the facility until COMET held a meeting about it three weeks ago. While it is currently eligible to accept clients, none have been assigned there by the city Human Resources Administration as of Tuesday, according to Yolanda Martin-Garibaldi, vice president of Queens Alliance.

With no prior hearings or notification of the shelter, many expressed anger at elected officials ranging from Mayor Michael Bloomberg down to local City Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills), who did not attend the meeting or rally but was represented by a staff member on Saturday. The only elected official to attend the rally was Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), who represents the areas to the south of Elmhurst.

“We thank everyone for coming out today to express our anger at our mayor and our political representatives, who by their actions or omissions have shown that they do not have the best interests of our children, elders, wives and families,” said Jean-Claude Pierre, whose sister, brother-in-law and five nieces live three houses from the shelter. “Sadly I was wrong to think so highly of our elected officials. I now realize that we cannot simply rely on our mayor and political representatives.”

Residents packed the sidewalk and street in front of the shelter, located at 86-18 58th Avenue, while speakers vowed in English, Spanish and Chinese to continue the fight. Roe Daraio, president of COMET, urged the residents to “stick together” and monitor the facility to ensure Queens Alliance follows the proper health, safety and licensing guidelines, since the project is allowed as-of-right under the area’s zoning. “If we give them a lot of agida they might pick up and move somewhere else.”

Jeff Gottleib, representing state Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), told the residents that the senator will stand alongside them in this battle.

However, Vicky Morales, representing Katz, was booed loudly by the crowd due to the Councilwoman’s perceived lack of action on this issue. At the COMET meeting several weeks ago, a resident said she was told by a Katz staffer that the fight is a lost cause since the facility is allowed under the zoning. Morales told the crowd that she is looking into why the resident was given that answer, which she said is “not a usual response” from Katz’s office. “The councilmember is tired of as-of-right [projects]. We need to have community input,” said Morales.

Crowley told the crowd to continue fighting and said that “just because they have the right legally, it doesn’t mean it is right.”

Michael Cohen, who is running for the 29th District council seat being vacated by Katz, questioned the ability of Queens Alliance to properly run this type of facility, and bashed the city for giving the organization the okay to do so. “This doesn’t sound like sound social policy to me… The HRA should be ashamed it didn’t think this through rationally.”

A message left with the HRA press office on Tuesday was not returned. Martin-Garibaldi of Queens Alliance said in a brief interview that the bottom line is these individuals need a place to turn to for assistance.

“As a community person and somebody that works for the needy, my personal feeling is if we don’t help each other who’s going to do it?” she said. “Those are our people and our people need to go somewhere. I understand the fact that they don’t want the drugs and other stuff and I’m the first to say we don’t need that. It’s their community, they have a voice and they’re entitled to that,” she said of the protest.

Addressing concerns about Queens Alliance’s lack of track record, Martin-Garibaldi said the staff members are qualified from working with other organizations. “The corporation was formed a year ago. Every agency began somewhere and to create a track record you have to start somewhere.”

Still, Lam and others promised to continue protesting the facility until it is shut down. Petitions opposing the home are circulating the neighborhood, and voter registration forms were available at the rally to help the residents gain a political voice. “This is just the beginning of a long fight,” she said. “We need all of you until the shelter is closed.”

Local Dog Owners Devastated by Pet Abductions

By Patricia Adams

A trend not unfamiliar in Queens has reared its ugly head, most recently in Ozone Park, where there have been several incidents of small “designer” dogs being stolen from homes.

Last week, 40-year Ozone Park resident Ken McIntosh says his two Yorkshire terriers, six-year-old Princess and three-year-old Trixie were abducted from the family’s home on 133rd Avenue in Ozone Park.

McIntosh says the family has never had a problem with leaving the dogs out. “We have been doing it for years. Someone comes home and lets the dogs out. We always make sure the gate is closed. While they are out it’s common for us to run to the store or do another errand. We never leave them out for more than an hour or so.”

Last week when his son, 23-year-old John, came home, he let the pair out into the yard before going off to the gym, making sure that the gate was locked and the dogs were safe. But when someone arrived home a little more than one hour later, the dogs were gone.

The gate was closed and nothing was disturbed but the dogs were not in the yard. “Even when we’re out here with them, if the gate is open they never even go near it.” The family immediately started to canvass the neighborhood. “We went to every house, to find out if anyone had seen anything,” said Ken McIntosh But the attempt to get information was futile. None of the neighbors had noticed anything suspicious or seen anyone near the house and the dogs. The McIntosh’s say that since the dognapping the neighbors have been coming to the house to say how sorry they are and to see if there is anything that they can do to help.

Ken McIntosh says there’s only one person who can help us with this — “the person or people who took our dogs. We want them back so badly — you can’t imagine how this feels.” He also says that his neighbors are very concerned because many of them have small dogs and are used to letting them out in the yard by themselves.

The police were contacted but according to McIntosh were unable to make a report because no one saw the dogs being taken.

Now everyday the family returns home, hoping to find some news about their beloved pets. “It’s just not the same coming home,” said Ken McIntosh. “You walk through the door expecting them to come running up to greet you and they’re not here. My wife, my kids, me - we’re all devastated.”

Steps to find the dogs include posting pictures of Princess and Trixie throughout the area and calling anyone they can for help. When asked what he would say to whomever took the dogs, Ken McIntosh shook his head. “Wow — what would I say? I would just say to please, please bring our dogs back. No questions asked.”

And McIntosh warns other pet owners, especially those with small dogs. “You’d better think a hundred times before leaving your dogs out,” he says. “Things have changed and times are different. I’m afraid there’s no sense of integrity in these people. What kind of character do you have if you can steal away a member of someone’s family? They just don’t care. Our family is ripped up over this. It’s such a shame.”

But according to others faced with the same heartbreak, there is hope of getting the dogs back. Dog owners Lisa Connolly and her partner, Rodney Flannigan from Maspeth were faced with losing Benny and Molly, their 4-year-old Peek-a-Poo (Pekingese/Poodle) and 15-month old Shi Tzu back on September 23.

The story was featured on 1010 WINS news radio and in several local TV news reports. Fliers featuring photos of the dogs had been plastered all over neighborhoods from Woodside to Ridgewood. And in early October the couple got a call from a man who said he knew where the dogs were and would arrange for them to be returned.

Luckily, they were quickly reunited with their pups having made arrangements with the caller. They forked over an $800 reward and in their happiness over the reunion failed to call police about the man who had claimed he had “found” their dogs.

Local police authorities say that the scheme involved is very simple. “Designer” dogs are easily carted off without much noise or notice. They can be readily sold to people looking for dogs but even more common is to abduct the animals, wait for their owners to post a plea to be reunited with their pets and then return the dogs to their owners, taking the reward with them.

While combating this crime against small dogs and their owners is very difficult, dog owners, veterinarians, shelters, and organizations that are concerned for these animals have this advice for all dog owners: Take your dog to a vet or any organization that will painlessly inject your pet (cat or dog) with a chip the size of a grain of rice. This chip contains identifying information that will assist people in returning your dog to you. There are internet sites that match found dogs with their owners.

Ridgewood YMCA Renovations Nearing Completion

By Conor Greene

The Ridgewood YMCA is expected to reopen this fall after extensive renovations to the Catalpa Avenue building that will allow the organization to offer additional programs
“For many, the Ridgewood YMCA serves as a lifeline to the community,” said Weiner (D-Forest Hills). “Revamping the YMCA will help ensure that young children from low-income families are able to access youth activities and surround themselves with nurturing role models.”

According to Jack Lund, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, the organization never considered abandoning the building and leaving the neighborhood, even though the 1931 building was in “very poor” condition. “We have a rule – we do not leave neighborhoods,” said Lund. “We are confident that the new, state-of-the-art Ridgewood YMCA will embody our message that we’re here for the kids and families of Queens, and we’re here for good.”

While the building has been closed for about a year, Lund said that the YMCA continued to operate “vital programs like day camp and after-school child care” during construction at locations elsewhere in the community. The footprint of the 23,000 square-foot building didn’t change, but there is about 10,000 square feet of additional usable space as a result of the renovation, which included capping and enclosing the center courtyard.

The additional space will allow the organization to expand its early childhood education center and, for the first time at this location, provide a child watch room where parents can drop their children while they work out, according to Gregory Maziarz, executive director of the Ridgewood YMCA. He noted that the facility will serve about 5,000 individuals from the surrounding neighborhoods and is affordable. “This is pretty much a place for everyone,” he said. “The community is really excited about the YMCA.”

The construction work includes roof repairs, window and plumbing replacements, electrical upgrades and interior repainting. For four decades, the YMCA has served low-income families with programs for all ages. In addition to the traditional programs offered at YMCA branches, the Ridgewood center will include affordable child care, a low-cost after-school program for kindergarten through seventh grade and a teen program that stresses personal development, community responsibility and college preparation.

Officials hope the building will be ready by September to coincide with the start of the school year. The facility will feature all new equipment when it reopens its doors, said Lund. “We’re very excited and anxious to get the building operating,” he said. “It’s going to be in effect a new building…We have a lot to do but we’re optimistic we’ll be ready.”

While the building is getting a complete facelift, it will retain many of its unique characteristics, including the large windows. The building originally housed a courthouse and was acquired by the YMCA in the early 1970s. Naturally, there were some minor delays and issues that came up during the project. “Once you get behind walls, you discover some things,” he said, adding that there were also problems with the roof. “We operate in lots of neighborhoods around the city and find a way to make it work.”

When presenting the check to Lund, Weiner called the YMCA a “community touchstone for all of us” and called the project a good example of how tax dollars should be used. “This shell is going to go from being a construction site to being the site of great activity, for which I’m grateful,” he said. “This is the taxpayers doing what I think the taxpayers should do.”

Board Rejects Company's Trash Disposal Plan

Maspeth Truck Traffic Would Increase

By Conor Greene

Waste Management’s plan to transport trash from a new facility on Review Avenue to the Maspeth rail yard for transportation to out-of-state landfills was resoundingly rejected by Community Board 5 members because it will result in more truck traffic in Maspeth.

At its meeting last Wednesday at Christ the King High School, the advisory board unanimously voted in favor of a Sanitation Committee resolution rejecting Waste Management’s current plan. Instead, the resolution suggests that the company use the adjacent Newtown Creek to barge the containerized trash out of the area, build a rail spur at its Review Avenue property or purchase part of the former Phelps Dodge property or another site where a rail spur can be accessed or built.

Waste Management has applied to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for permission to replace its existing truck-based solid waste transfer operation at 38-22 Review Avenue in Long Island City with a new rail-based transfer facility that would accept trash from neighborhoods within community boards 1-6 in Queens. However, the plan would require the company to transport the trash one-and-a-half miles from Review Avenue to the Maspeth rail yard at Rust Street.

It is this aspect of the plan, which would result in 85 round-trip truck trips daily between the two sites, that didn’t sit well with board members. “This whole plan – pardon the pun – stinks,” said Robert Holden before the vote.

“We all know how congested that area is now.” Sanitation Committee Chairman Paul Kerzner noted that the area was already backed up with traffic at 9:30 on a recent morning. “This is just going to add to it,” he said.

Holden also noted that the containerized trash will be loaded onto trains near the Clinton Diner at Rust Street and Maspeth Avenue. The transfer will take place in the open, near the former St. Saviour’s property and homes. He questioned whether the plan meets requirements that this type of facility be located at least 400 feet from homes and parks.

The resolution notes “there was significant opposition” to the plan during a public information session the company held last month at Martin Luther High School. In addition, “there was unanimous agreement that for several important reasons, a better waste transport plan needs to be found.”

The “major reasons” for the board’s objection to the plan include that it “would mean additional handling of garbage” in order to get it loaded onto trains; that “the Maspeth community would have dozens of additional movements by tractor trailers daily” between Review Avenue and Rust Street; that the additional traffic “would mean significant increased air pollution hazards to Maspeth and adjacent communities,” and because the truck traffic would cause hazards, especially navigating tight turns such as from Rust Street onto Maspeth Avenue and after leaving the rail yard.

The resolution instead urges Waste Management to barge the trash directly from its facility, build a rail support at its 38-22 Review Avenue property - which is adjacent to LIRR tracks that are only used by two passenger trains daily - or investigate other nearby properties such as the former Phelps Dodge sites.

“Part of this former Phelps Dodge site would be further from residents than the Maspeth rail yard, where there is a residential area across the street,” the resolution notes. “By reducing the handling steps associated with transporting residential garbage… barging of garbage or establishing a rail spur may prove less expensive over time.”

Under the current plan, Waste Management will build a new, fully enclosed transfer facility at the Review Avenue site. The current facility is permitted to receive up to 958 tons of garbage per day. Under the new plan, the site will be able to handle up to 2,100 tons per day and will typically receive about 1,150 tons per day, according to the company. The facility would receive 134 deliveries daily from garbage trucks, in addition to the tractor trailer trips to Maspeth. The company claims that each train will carry between 60 and 68 containers, which is the equivalent of 51 to 58 tractor trailer loads.

In response to CB 5’s vote, a Waste Management spokeswoman said the company met with the community board “and other stakeholders several times” to discuss the project and obtain input. “We are committed to continuing this dialogue with the community and to working with the city to address the issues that have been raised,” wrote Rachel Amar.

Amar noted that the city Department of Sanitation identified Waste Management’s Review Avenue property as a site for handling residential waste under the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). “The plan was developed over several years with input from environmental groups and other stakeholders and was approved by the City Council in 2006,” she wrote. “The SWMP is designed to manage the city’s municipal solid waste in a more sustainable, efficient manner over the next 20 years, by shifting NYC’s waste exports from a truck based system to a rail and barge based system, reducing truck traffic and vehicle emissions.”

Still, some residents aren’t accepting the additional truck traffic without a fight. Maspeth activist Christina Wilkinson has organized a rally at the Clinton Diner at 11 a.m. Saturday to call on the city to prevent additional truck traffic and instead preserve the former St. Saviour’s property, which is being offered for sale for $8.5 million. In addition to members of local civic groups, Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside) are expected to attend, along with other elected officials’ representatives.

Two JFK Airport Workers Charged in Theft

Two JFK Airport employees have been charged with stealing electronics from a piece of checked luggage during an integrity test conducted last week by the federal Transportation Security Administration and Delta Air Lines.

Brian Burton, 27, of Queens and Antwon Simmons, 26, of Brooklyn face charges of fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny and second-degree falsifying business records in connection with the theft of a laptop and cell phone from a piece of luggage planted by investigators during a probe into thefts from checked bags. If convicted, they each face up to four years in prison.

According to the charges, a “seeded” suitcase containing two cell phones, a laptop computer and an iPod was included as baggage for a Delta Airlines flight to Miami on July 7. It is alleged that when the suitcase cleared the checked baggage room, a laptop and T-Mobile Sidekick phone were missing from the bag and that the luggage tags had been switched – indicating a different passenger’s name and a destination of Los Angeles – to conceal the theft. A review of surveillance footage from the screening area showed Burton, a TSA officer, inspecting the bag with Simmons, a baggage handler, in the room.

“When air travelers check their luggage with an airline, there is an implicit trust that their bags and their contents will meet them at their destination,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “In this case, the defendants are accused of betraying that trust and, in the process, of tarnishing the reputation of their employers and other baggage handlers who faithfully carry out their responsibilities each day.”

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, TSA and Delta Airlines, which released the following statement:

“Delta takes the security of luggage that we transport on behalf of our customers very seriously. We applaud the work of the law enforcement partners who worked closely with us in this investigation to ensure that the airport contractors and security staff suspected of luggage theft were caught and apprehended. Delta does not tolerate this kind of activity and has aggressive security programs in place to stop luggage

Editorial: Leading by Example and Inspiration

They come in all shapes and sizes, spanning every generation and every socio-economic background. They come from every religious persuasion, every race. They are men, women, children, seniors. They are students, professionals, retirees. They are undoubtedly one of the most diverse groups in today’s society. They are united by common denominators which account for their extraordinary contributions—heart and soul. And despite their remarkable differences they are all known by the same name—volunteers.

This unique assemblage of humanitarians devotes their time and efforts to a range of projects as diversified as their own backgrounds. Some lend a hand or an ear to elderly people while others give their time to care for those who are sick or perhaps just lonely. Some give their time to clerical duties for large charitable organizations, while others offer a range of pro-bono services from accounting to medical assistance to legal advice and everything in between.

Whatever they do, the American volunteer force is one of the most valuable natural resources we are blessed with. And although pictures are worth a thousand words, we can conjure up an image of volunteers without a photo; caring, compassion, generosity, understanding, empathy and kindness. Combine that with skill, energy, devotion and patience and you have a very clear picture of these national treasures.

We commend these cherished volunteers who “Inspire by Example,” and we applaud the recognition bestowed upon them at this weeks MLB All-Star game. After President Obama threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game he was joined by all four living former presidents in a video salute to volunteers, the “All-Stars Among Us”.

The occasion marked the first time all of the living presidents participated in any sporting-event ceremony. The video messages were part of a pregame salute of 30 men and women -- each representing one of the MLB franchises -- chosen by MLB and People magazine for their community service.

In following the example set by our presidents past and present, we should all remember to offer praise to volunteers. Their jobs are done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on three hundred and sixty five days a year. In fact, every minute of every single day there are volunteers giving freely of themselves, sharing their resources and talents.

We should celebrate the magnitude of their contributions and the difference they make in so many lives on a daily basis. We must never forget to acknowledge the importance of the work volunteers do and hope that the millions of volunteers will be joined by many others like them; sharing, unselfishly and without gain, their wealth of talents with the rest of us.

Perhaps the best understanding of volunteers is expressed in the words of author Sherry Anderson: Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

This Week's Forum South and West

Field of Candidates Grows for Seminerio's Vacant Assembly Seat

By Conor Greene

The field of candidates seeking the state Assembly seat vacated by Anthony Seminerio continues to grow, as at least six local residents have announced their intentions to run for the seat representing the 38th District.

After holding the position for three decades, a disgraced Seminerio resigned on June 22. Two days later, he admitted in Manhattan Federal Court to accepting illegal payment from individuals seeking to do business with the state. Barring a special election, his successor will be chosen during November’s general election.

Among those vying for the Democrat nomination are Ozone Park attorney Albert Baldeo, Community Education Council 24 President Nick Comaianni, combat veteran Farouk Samaroo, Community Board 5 member Michael Miller and Queens College student Paul Gagliardotto. The lone Republican is Donna Marie Catalbiano, director of the Forest Park Senior Citizen Center.

Baldeo, who came within 700 votes of defeating then State Senator Serf Maltese in 2006, said he has raised about $167,000 so far in support of his assembly bid. He noted that he received 70% of votes in the Richmond Hill portion of the district in 2006, even though Seminerio publicly endorsed and aggressively campaigned for Maltese. “That helps me because I’ve worked in the district before and have the name recognition,” said Baldeo.

Baldeo listed stopping overdevelopment, preventing MTA fare hikes and service cuts, creating a specific zip code for Glendale and preserving the Ridgewood Reservoir in its natural state among his major issues. “These are the issues I’ve been championing,” he said. “I’ve gotten an enormous groundswell of support from all over the district because of my continuous work on issues that affect these areas.”

He said that he has lived in the district for more than a year, meaning he meets the residency requirements to run for the Assembly seat. Last year, he launched a bid for the Democratic nomination to challenge Maltese for his State Senate position. However, he eventually dropped out of the race, clearing the way for Joseph Addabbo, who defeated Maltese in a landslide. “I did that for the greater good of the party and don’t have any regrets,” he said. “It was a heart-wrenching decision then, but I’m ready for this one now and have laid the groundwork.”

It turns out Baldeo isn’t the only native of Guyana to join the fray. Samaroo, of Richmond Hill, recently announced his candidacy and is returning home after serving 12 months with the Army in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to enlisting in the Army, he worked in 2003 for former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, who was sentenced in May to 10 years in prison for stealing $3.1 million. He also worked on the 2006 campaign of State Senator Shirley Huntley.

“My experience in the Legislature, and on the battlefield make me uniquely qualified to serve the people of our neighborhoods,” said Samaroo. “We deserve an Assemblyman who will serve us with honor, experience and skill… Our Assemblyman resigned in disgrace, the state Legislature is failing us, and our country needs the service of committed young men and women to lead at all levels of government.”

Also throwing his hat into the ring is Miller, a Glendale resident who, aside from his CB 5 duties, is a board member of the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, a past board member of the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council and a past president of the Glendale Kiwanis. He is a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School, Queens College and the University of Georgia CUNA Management School.

“With all the dysfunction in Albany today, we obviously need leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up to the status quo and fight for us,” said Miller. “I will be a full time representative of my district. For over 20 years, I have proven my commitment to my neighbors and my community. In the New York State Assembly, you can count on me to continue the service to this community that has defined my life.”

Among Miller’s prior accomplishments are helping to expand the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council from “a small neighborhood group to an organization with 180 employees that serves 6,000 people each year.” He has also been awarded numerous citations from the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol and the NYPD for his anti-graffiti efforts. He was recently endorsed by the Queens Conservative Party.

“I am proud of my work removing and painting over graffiti in my community, leading area clean-ups before it was popular with politicians and supervising prisoners assigned to work in our community,” said Miller, who also founded the Forest Park Aktion Club, a Kiwanis club for adults with mental disabilities.

One of the first to announce his candidacy was Comaianni, who, aside from serving as CEC 24 president, is a member of Community Board 9, the Glendale Civic Association and the Forest Park Co-op board of directors. A U.S Navy veteran, the 41-year-old father of three coaches at the RGMVM Little League and is a lifelong resident of district 38.

“I have dedicated a great portion of my life to community service and feel that I am qualified to serve in the New York State Assembly, where I can continue to work and have a greater impact on the quality of life in the community in which I reside,” he said in a statement. “I am like every other New Yorker who is upset with the dysfunction currently in Albany. If elected, I will go to Albany to foster changes, to limit special interest involvement in government and to fight for transparency. I will oppose taxes, try to restore some of the sanity in the budget process and put the interests of the community first and foremost.”

Gagliardotto is among the latest to declare his candidacy, which he did in an email sent Tuesday night to local media outlets. A lifelong district resident who grew up in Ozone Park, he now lives in Glendale and says he is “the only candidate who can truly bring the understanding of the entire district to Albany.”

The 23-year-old is a graduate of PS 60, IS 119 and Forest Hills High School and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in labor studies. “From Ridgewood to Ozone Park I have friends and relatives that span the entire 38th district,” said Gagliardotto. “They are constantly expressing their thoughts and concerns to me looking for guidance. I help them and now I want to extend my hand to all residents.”

Among his priorities would be affordable healthcare for all residents, education, preserving parks and recreational areas, lowering taxes and making sure working class constituents receive appropriate living wages.

The lone Republican, Catalbiano, said this week that her campaign has been going “non- stop” since she announced that she is running. “Even though we haven’t officially started fundraising, people have been sending checks which is building my spirits. “We’ve been calling people non-stop and I’m pounding the pavement to get my face known in areas that I might not be as well known.”

Catalbiano, who received the backing of the Queens Republican Party, is also hoping to receive the Independence Party’s support. On top of her 14 years at the senior center, she boasts a civic record that includes spearheading the push for an expansion at PS 64, which came to fruition in 1991. “I think the community needs a person like me. Over the years I have many accomplishments,” she said. “We have our forces ready and we’re giving it our best shot.”

Fisherman Drowns in Jamaica Bay

By Conor Greene

The rough, uneven waters of Jamaica Bay claimed a life this past Fourth of July weekend, when a 19-year-old drowned while fishing in Broad Channel. A second victim was saved by a witness who jumped into the water and dragged him to shore.

Mario Acatilta, a Mexican immigrant who moved to Brooklyn two years ago, drowned after wading into the waters at North Channel Beach at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. His friend, Jesus Gonzalez, was saved by midtown hotel worker Cesar Meneses, 39, a former lifeguard who was at the small beach with his wife and son. After Meneses pulled Gonzalez back to shore, a park ranger performed CPR until an ambulance took the teen to Jamaica Hospital.

Meneses returned to the water in search of Acatilta, but the only remaining signs of him were sneakers and a yellow fishing hat, floating near the spot where he went under. As sobbing relatives including Acatilta’s brother watched from the beach, rescuers searched for hours before bringing his body ashore at about 5:30 p.m.

Rescuers later said that Acatilta’s body was recovered in a deep sink hole near where he was dragged beneath the water surface. Locals said that despite the calm waters, the bay is especially dangerous for swimmers because the ground surface drops off suddenly in areas. “If you are a fisherman and you don’t know the water and are not an advanced swimmer you should be extremely careful in this area,” said FDNY Deputy Chief Bob May.

A witness described the anguish of watching Acatilta drown and not being able to do anything about it. “It was crazy because I’m actually witnessing somebody die and I can’t help him,” said the man, who didn’t provide his name. “It was crazy.”

Acatilta’s brother later told reporters that the victim worked in a supermarket and grew up in the Mexican state Tlaxcala. He is the city’s second drowning victim this year. Last year, three people drowned at city beaches.

Following the tragedy, local officials called for measures to help prevent future drownings. “This heartbreaking accident is all the more painful because it could have been avoided,” said Frank Gulluscio, a local Democratic District Leader and City Council candidate. “As many longtime residents of this area know, there are a number of common sense proposals that can ensure that our parks and beaches remain safe for everyone. We need to make sure that there is adequate signage on Jamaica Bay shore areas, not only that swimming is prohibited, but that the dangerous tides and crevices can pose a threat. Additionally, we need increased patrols on land, especially those under Gateway’s jurisdiction, during weekends and high volume days.”

Lawsuit Filed Against NYRA

Property Bidder Claims Foul on Public Auction

By Patricia Adams

The June 10th auction to sell off 64 lots belonging to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has resulted in a lawsuit filed last month by one of the bidders at the sale. John Sita, a Brooklyn resident, attended the auction and purchased a total of more than $1 million of property being offered by Maltz Auctioneers on behalf of NYRA.

Now Sita contends, NYRA says he is not the owner of three of those lots, located along Huron Street near Hawtree Street and Eckford Avenue. The lots named in the suit were, according to Sita, sold to him as the highest bidder at the auction for $233,200.

Stephan Gleich, Sita’s attorney told The Forum that the three lots were the only ones being held up by NYRA and that there were no problems with the rest of his client’s purchase.= Gleich says that Sita got a signed contract from NYRA on the day of the auction and that copies of that document were filed as part of his client’s lawsuit.

According to Gleich NYRA agreed on the day of the sale to Sita’s bid but decided not to honor the sale after having received a higher bid from a party who did not even attend the auction. “It is my client’s position that when an auction is held and all the rules of the seller are followed and you put up your money and are the highest bidder then the process is complete,” said Gleich. “It is unconscionable to think that the auction would continue to force bidders to pay more than the original agreement.”

Gleich further explained that if NYRA did not want to sell the property for less than a certain amount they could have entered a reserve on particular lots which would pre-empt the sale at anything less than their target price.

Rules for the auction were posted on the website for Maltz Auctions prior to the sale and clearly stated that successful bidders would meet immediately following the auction with David R. Maltz & Co. Inc. representatives to complete the necessary documents. Within 48 hours after the auction, a total deposit and buyers' premium equal to 16% of the high bid at auction must have been received.

Gleich states that his client followed through with every requirement, but notification never came within 48 hours of the auction. What did come however was a phone call from Maltz to inform Sita that if he wanted the three lots he thought he already owned, he would have to fork over an additional sum to match a bidder that came in roughly $70,000 higher than his bid.

“My client has a signed contract and there was failure of notification. If that does not secure the property for Mr. Sita then I am confident that the fact that the process is inherently unfair will prevail in this matter.”

According to Dan Silver, NYRA’s Director of Communication and Media Relations, "NYRA conducted the auction with full transparency and to the letter of the rules that were widely published and known to all auction participants. That being said, NYRA will not comment on the particulars of any pending lawsuit pending resolution of the matter through the judicial system."

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Sita in late June must be answered within twenty days of service. A spokesperson at Maltz Auctions refused comment in the matter.

Eight Years After Terror Attacks, Statue of Liberty's Crown Reopens

By Conor Greene

For the first time since the 9/11 attacks, visitors to Liberty Island were allowed to make the 354-step climb to Lady Liberty’s crown this past Fourth of July.

While Liberty Island was reopened three months after the terrorist attacks, the statue itself remained closed to the public until 2004, when portions, including the statue’s pedestal and observation deck, were reopened. However, the crown remained closed, despite objections by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Forest Hills) and other officials.

Last summer, the National Parks Service finally issued a request for quotes on a security plan that would allow the crown to reopen. That document outlined a one-year timeline to prepare a report on how to provide safe, secure access to the crown – exactly what Weiner said he had requested NPS to prepare four years prior.

“July 4th represents a glorious day for Lady Liberty and her many visitors. She becomes the last national monument that was closed on 9/11 to reopen,” said Rep. Weiner. “A true symbol of American values again stands tall…An era of foot-dragging and excusemaking comes to an end.”

The crown’s reopening marks both a symbolic victory in the nation’s recovery from 9/11, and a “victory over the bureaucratic naysayers that have kept the crown closed for eight years,” said Weiner. “They said it shouldn’t be done and they said it couldn’t be done. For years, the American people and I have disagreed,” he said. “I am thrilled that this odd chapter in the history of the Statue of Liberty is closed. But it is hard not to ask: ‘What took them so long?’”

On Independence Day this past Saturday, events marking the crown’s reopening kicked off at about 8 a.m. on Liberty Island with a ceremony for seven military personnel who are among the nation’s newest citizens. “The idea of freedom is why I moved to this country, and this moment means more than I can even describe with words,” 26-year-old Sameh Zaki, aa native of Egypt, told the Daily News.

About an hour later, the first of the 240 lucky individuals who scored tickets to visit the crown on Saturday gathered at the base of the statue. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony by officials including United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, New York Governor David Paterson, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and Rep. Weiner, the first group of 30 began the long climb to the crown, which rises about 265 feet high.

“We are going to open up the crown to the people of America and to the people of the world,” said Salazar. In a statement released this week, Weiner recalled a vow made by Interior Secretary Gale Norton from the observation deck of the Hoover Dam on December 12, 2001. “Even though atrocities such as those of September 11 can affect us, they cannot close us down.”

The effort to having the crown reopened to the public picked up steam last August, when the National Parks Service awarded a contract to a Baltimore firm to conduct a emergency management study for the Statue of Liberty. This past January, newlynamed Interior Secretary Salazar toured the site with Weiner before announcing in May that the crown would reopen for this past Fourth of July.

First in line on Saturday morning was Barbara McLean, 56, of Atlanta. “Being able to look out from the crown is what this country is all about,” she told the Daily News.

And, while the statue is a symbol of the nation’s liberty, one could say that 26-year-old Aaron Weisinger of California said goodbye to his freedom after proposing to girlfriend Erica Bender inside the cramped crown. “I was beyond surprised,” Bender told the New York Times. “It’s the perfect place for both of us,” she added of the location, as both had relatives who immigrated to America through New York City.

Tickets to take the ferry to Liberty Island and tour the statue cost $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $5 for children and are only available at statuecruises.com. Tickets for the next 12 months are currently on sale, but tours are sold out through mid-October. While those who cannot wait unit then should avoid purchasing a ticket on secondary markets such as E-bay or Craigslist (each ticket has a specific name printed on it), some spots could open up due to cancellations. Check the Website or call (877) 523-9849.

Streets Renamed for Nancy Cataldi, Frederick Haller

By Conor Greene

Streets in Richmond Hill and Glendale have been renamed after two notable members of the neighborhoods, announced City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley.

The Union Turnpike mall between Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue in Glendale will be named the Frederick D. Haller Way, and 109th Street between 86th Street and Jamaica Avenue will be known as Nancy Cataldi Way. The ceremonial names were approved on June 30, when the City Council passed legislation to rename streets throughout the five boroughs.

“I am proud to honor both Nancy Cataldi and Frederick D. Haller for their leadership and dedication to preserving the character of our community and improving the lives of our members,” said Crowley (D-Middle Village) in a statement. “Both Nancy Cataldi and Frederick Haller demonstrate how each of us, when we work hard and remain dedicated, can make lasting change in our community. That is why I believe it is important to recognize those who are proactive about improving the lives of all our neighbors, and documenting our history.”

Nancy Lucia Cataldi settled in Richmond Hill is 1963 and had many of her photographs published in prestigious magazines. In 1994, with boyfriend Stefano Palo, she purchased a 1905 Victorian House in Richmond Hill at 86-22 109th Street. She marveled at its romantic and historic allure and developed a deep interest in the neighborhood. The house was tenderly restored and refurbished. Through research she learned that the house was designed by noted Richmond Hill architect Henry E. Haugaard.

In 1996 with the help of Dr. Stanley Cogan, Queens Borough Historian, her house received one of the first Queensmark awards for historical, architectural and cultural merit. In 1997 she and other residents formed the Richmond Hill Historical Society, and by 1999 she was President of the organization. In 2000, during a House and Garden Tour, her beloved mother Lucia passed away. Teaming up with Richmond Hill Historian Carl Ballenas, the idea of writing a book on the history of Richmond Hill evolved. Working with Arcadia Publishing they gathered many vintage postcards and newspaper articles. The book has over 200 photographs and many informative historical accounts.

Frederick D. Haller helped organize the first Home School Association at Sacred Heart School in Glendale and was a charter member of the Monsignor Sherman Council, Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, founder of the Greater Ridgewood YMCA, board member and past president of the Glendale Kiwanis Club and a member of Community Board 5, serving as chairman from 1972 to 1983. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Wyckoff Heights Hospital for forty years and served as Chairman of the Board for more than fifteen years (1982 – 1998), the longest chairmanship of the hospital in its more than 100 year history.

The new names are ceremonial, meaning they will not replace the official name on maps. The new signs are expected to be installed by the fall.

A Cakewalk Through Forest Hills

By Steve Tiszenkel

As a Forest Hills loyalist, I’m always looking for ways in which we trump all other neighborhoods. I continue to believe that FoHi is pound for pound the best nabe in New York, but where is our dominance indisputable? We’ve got great public transportation, pretty streets, top-notch schools, great housing stock, an eclectic collection of restaurants, shopping galore—but we’re hardly the only place around that can make those claims. Yes, Cottage Living Magazine named Forest Hills Gardens the No. 1 cottage community of 2007, and I feel fortunate every day to live right around the corner, but if you don’t actually own a cottage of your own there—to say nothing of your ability to take advantage of the enclave’s restricted parking—that distinction is as much frustration as triumph.

But seemingly out of nowhere, in the darkest depths of the Great Recession, when storefronts sit sad and empty for months — even years — at a time, Forest Hills has slowly but steadily been developing a secret weapon, an embarrassment of riches that the most precious South Brooklyn neighborhood can only hope to equal.

Bakeries.

Yes, bakeries. Haven’t you noticed? The offerings weren’t too shabby before—over on the little block of Ascan just north of the Gardens, one of the Hills’ poshest stretches, Bonnelle has been turning out perfect fruit tarts and shortbread cookies for years, and a co-worker who grew up in the area has been begging me to pick him up a chocolate babka from Andre’s Hungarian way on the other side of town. Jay-Dee maintains one of the neighborhood’s coolest old neon signs, a true landmark on Queens Boulevard. And even with all the local culinary luminaries who set up shop at the Forest Hills Community House’s Taste of Forest Hills event a couple of years back, Metropolitan Avenue’s La Dolce Italia managed to make a huge impression on me—and probably my waistline—with its beautifully done Italian cookies and pastries.

But those places are old hat. Ever since Astoria import Martha’s Country Bakery opened a Forest Hills outpost and quickly found it had to install one of those take-a-number systems to help with crowd control, we’ve experienced a bakedgoods renaissance. Fay Da has brought good and, not unimportantly, dirt-cheap Chinese buns to the neighborhood, and Brooklyn-based newcomer Oko has given the old Queens bakery a minimalist twist. Manhattan chain Europan Café — I believe the name means “European bread café” in European — is still setting up shop on the corner of the 70th Road Restaurant Row.

What’s truly remarkable is that at a time when business owners can’t seem to catch a break, in a place whose picture Merriam-Webster Unabridged could use to illustrate “saturated market,” all these bakeries seem to be thriving. The only failure has been Broadway Bakery, but it doesn’t take Ray Kroc or Sam Walton to figure out that you don’t open a new location a block away from your old location and keep the old one open—and anyway, Broadway was always an also-ran in the bakestakes, in taste if not in inexplicable success. No matter—a new Italian bakery has moved into the space, and things look like they’re doing fine in there.

Bakeries seem like an oddly specific business to be booming right now, but it does make sense—baked goods are a relatively inexpensive luxury, and they make you feel good, at least until they make you feel very bad. It’s sort of like buying overvalued real estate with a variable-rate mortgage. I’m not complaining. Sure, it would be nice to see some more variety out there, but unlike the endless banks that proliferated in better years, at least this is something we all can enjoy—except diabetics, of course.

Giant cookies are good. And being the best at something is even better.

The writer, Steve Tiszenkel is the host of the website queenscentral.com. Log on to read more about Forest Hills and surrounding neighborhoods.

Interview with a... Thespian

By Mickey Hornung

This interview is not being done by Christian Slater to a vampire Brad Pitt about his life and struggles with Tom Cruise, but with a local Howard Beach’er transplanted down to Rockaway Beach. Our very own thespian, Thaddeus Schneider who I banter and tell him whenever I meet up “Hey it’s the handsomest man in old Howard beach!”

All joking aside we have a man living the hard life of ups and downs of being an actor. So I ventured into his world asking 20 or so questions into the mind of hoe he sees his art—acting. The following questions and answers from this affable man and his artiest I was able to get him to fit me into his schedule off the set of his 1st action film in NYC.

Q – Where did you get the bug to act?

A- My first taste was a ADIDAS commercial with Brooke Shields in central park. To say I caught the acting Bug was after a scene with Angeline Jolie in the movie “Hells Kitchen” and I gota teacher and casting agent, that’s when I really felt drawn in.

Q- How has your environment affected your art?

A- Being a bartender you pick up a lot of different emotions good and bad and carry on a conversation on with every wanting person that ponies up to the bar.
Q- How do you keep financially afloat when you are in your down periods?

A- Mostly picking up bartending gigs and the residuals from my TV shows.

Q- What is your ultimate goal and what do you want to achieve?

A- Focusing on producing a project, A NYC script and looking for investors.

Q- Is there anyone in the family who is artistic?

A- Yes My cousin April Deveraux who is an actress and model on the west coast.
Q- Your status?

A- Single – father.

Q- Your likes?

A- Surfing and bike riding in Coney Island.

Q- Your Dislikes?

A- Negativity.

Q- Do you have any other artistic outlets?

A- Photography, writing, scripts, and I support
independent films in all forms I can.

Q- Who are your mentors or who do you look up to as actors on and off the silver screen, TV, and on Broadway?

A- It fluctuates from year to year; I would like to work with Clint Eastwood as a Director

Q- I know it is about the art of acting, but what awards have you been up for or won?

A- Best actor in the NY International Film and video festival I was up for Best Supporting role LA international Film and Video Award, I also won Best actor in Hunter College Film Festival.

Q- Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

A- Directing and producing.

Q- Are there any people you especially like to work with?

A- Patricia Arquette, Dennis Farina, Angelina Jolie, Jesse Martin, Danielle Sun Jha.

Q- After winning the NY Best Acting Award, where did you go from there? And have you benefited from it?

A- Because of it, I shot a TV pilot called, “Skells” I was also introduces to a large agency in NY which has now gotten me into producing.

Q- Weren’t you involved in NYC parks lifeguarding?

A- Yes I also received the highest award for saving woman while off duty!

Q- Do you have an Agent? And what do they do?

A- I have no agent, its hard in NYC where as in LA they scope you right up.

Q- How long do you give it to make it?

A- It takes 20 years to become a overnight success.

Q- How do you prepare for your roles?

A- It is personal.

So you think it’s that easy becoming an actor or actress, it certainly isn’t. You give up so much of your life for minutes of recognition or payment for your art. So remember the next time out, tip that bartender or waitress a little above because they are probably someone committed to some degree of the arts which e all enjoy, and have enjoyed all though the ages.

See ya around the beach!

This Week's Forum West and South

Relay for Life 2009: Middle Village

By Patricia Adams

Middle Village was a hangout for Superheroes this weekend, as the neighborhood hosted its 7th Annual Relay for Life. The theme for this years event—Superheroes, defined as “fictional characters of unprecedented powers, dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest". While the term may conjure up images like Superman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man or Spiderman, Juniper Valley Park was filled with real heroes this weekend - the cancer survivors that came out to celebrate their personal victories over the disease and to remember friends and loved ones lost to the disease.

The survivors were joined by throngs of caregivers and supporters, friends and family members who formed teams to walk the running track through the weekend, raising money in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS).



And in the crowds of people there were real life heroes—the stories of their triumphant struggles against the life-threatening disease and the people that helped them in their quest.

There was Margaret Browne of Masepth. Two years ago, the Maspeth Federal Savings employee was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Now she is cancer-free, back at work at Maspeth Federal Savings and in remission according to family members who were busy setting up loaves of Irish soda bread, lemon muffins and a variety of baked goods for sale to benefit the ACS.
The team named “Margaret’s Miracles” formed in her honor was, according to Margaret’s daughter Catherine, named for the miracle of her cure and for the “extreme” family support that went into it. “We never treated her differently. We all went through this together,” Catherine said. “We went for chemo with her and we just did everything we had to. Together. And we got a miracle.”

And there were others. Now nine-years-old, Caroline Watters of Ozone Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, (AML), seven years ago. AML is a myeloid line of blood cells, in which rapidly growing abnormal white blood cells accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with "Haematopoiesis" the production of normal blood cells.

In need of a life saving bone marrow transplant, it was her sister Lisette, then 4, who was a perfect match. The successful procedure has left the sisters with the opportunity to share a lifetime of healthy years together.

Then there were those who came in memory of their loved ones. Lifelong Glendale resident Loretta DeVita passed away last year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about nine months prior. Her granddaughters Shannon and Katie Hatton formed team “All About Me” in Loretta’s memory. Their team was comprised of 14 members each wearing t-shirts with one of the words the team offered up as the “advice and tools” needed to deal with cancer. Shannon came up with the clever concept using the words and her sister Katie served as the team’s co- captain with Michele Cimigoia.
Believe. Fight. Conquer. Laugh. Live. Remember. Endure. Hope. Strength. Cure. Faith. Courage. Celebrate. Love. Much more than words to the crowd gathered at Juniper Valley Park, the messages carried through offered inspiration and hope to everyone in the crowd.

Also inspiring was the total money raised for the event. A whopping $140,000 to support research, prevention and the myriad of support services offered by the ACS.

One of the corporate sponsors, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, has been on board with the Relay since its inception. David Daraio, assistant vice president, spoke to the crowd at the opening ceremony. In an emotional moment, Daraio congratulated his community and provided some very reassuring information. “This community can count on Maspeth Federal Savings as a sponsor of this event for many years to come.”

Funding Allocated for St. Saviour's Reconstruction

Church to Become Community Center

By Conor Greene

The reconstruction of St. Saviour’s church can move forward now that nearly $2 million in city funds has been allocated for the effort, according to the Juniper Park Civic Association, which led the effort to prevent the historic building from being demolished.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall has allocated $1,450,000 in the city’s capital budget for the first phase of St. Saviour’s reconstruction and restoration, announced JPCA President Robert Holden at his group’s meeting last week. In addition, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) secured an additional $500,000. The church will be rebuilt on donated land in Middle Village for use as a community education, cultural and performance center that integrates aspects of “green technology.”

The church, designed by renowned architect Richard Upjohn, stood on a hill in Maspeth for 160 years until the owner of the Rust Street property decided last year to demolish the building and ready the site for development. With the church minutes away from the wrecking ball, Holden convinced to owner to give the JPCA one month to dismantle the building and remove it from the property. A group called Save St. Saviours, Inc. was created, and the 1847 Carpenter Gothic structure was painstakingly labeled and packed in two trailers for storage with assistance from experts including the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

While the JPCA also pushed for the city to preserve the St. Saviour’s property along with the building itself, officials were unwilling to pay $10 million for the land. Holden said that the civic group is “still trying to convince Mayor Bloomberg that the historic St. Saviour’s property in Maspeth” should be acquired for a public park. “Although it’s a long shot we have not given up hope in returning the church to its proper location.”

Instead, Dan Austin, president of All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village, has donated a small plot of land that is unsuitable for burials to serve as the building’s future home. Assuming the city doesn’t pursue acquisition of the Maspeth property, St. Saviour’s will be reassembled at 69th Street and Juniper Valley Road. “Juniper Civic has worked extremely hard to save St. Saviour’s for so long, and we would be honored to have such an historic building on our property,” said Austin.

At JPCA’s meeting last Thursday, Holden called allocation of the funding “a milestone” and reminded the crowd that “St. Saviour’s was just minutes – literally minutes – from demolition… We were all out there preparing for the worst, and then the miracle happened,” he said. He noted that there currently are no official landmarks or historic buildings in Maspeth or Middle Village. “This is fantastic news and another chapter in the miraculous story of St. Saviour’s,” he added in a statement released this week.

“I am pleased to lend this vital support to the Juniper Park Civic Association that provides frontline services to the residents of Queens and our city,” said Marshall.

Crowley noted that the funding came at a time when city council members had to work hard just to restore funding for critical services such as firehouses, education and libraries. “Furthermore, I am proud to announce that we were able to secure $500,000 to reassemble, restore and transform St. Saviour’s into a green and sustainable building,” she said. “This is a huge victory for the people of Queens, especially for those living in Maspeth and Middle Village.”

Under phase one, the new site will be graded and the building’s frame and roof will be reconstructed for use as an open air performing arts center. The exterior walls will be closed in and the interior will be finished during phase two, at which point the building will be available for use as a community center. According to Holden, phase one could begin as early as next spring, with the project taking up to three years to complete. In all, the two phases are expected to cost a total of $4 million.

Aqueduct Bids Move Forward; Senate Will Not Hamper Project

By Patricia Adams

In mid-April, Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced the reopening of a solicitation for proposals by interested entities seeking to be selected to build and operate the planned Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) facility at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

The decision to reopen the bidding was a result of a collapsed deal with Delaware North Companies. Delaware had been selected by the State in October 2008 as the winning bidder and most observers felt Delaware's selection was predicated upon the company's proposed large “up front” payment which was due to the State at the end of March. Subsequently, Delaware was unable to come up with the money and the deal with the State fell apart.

The reopening of the bidding process required proposals to be submitted to the State by May 8th. Seven entities entered bids for the upcoming selection process. Below is a profile of the contenders for the bid which will be decided by August 1st. Governor Paterson has also announced that the facility must be fully operational by October 2011.

Aqueduct Entertainment Group, LLC is headed by Richard Mays, Sr. and proposes construction of three levels of gaming, a new parking structure, and a hotel. Its gaming partner is the Navegante Group which has developed casinos and gaming projects throughout the world. The company has a website which displays some renderings regarding the proposal at aqueductentertainment.com.

Aqueduct Gaming, LLC is Delaware North and its gaming partner, Saratoga Racing and Gaming. Its plan calls for construction of a VLT gaming facility with ancillary space for restaurants and the like and a parking garage.

Development Associates, LLC, a subsidiary of Wynn Resorts led by Steve Wynn, proposes to construct the VLT facility along with a new entrance lobby and related amenities and a parking facility.

Peebles Corporation & MGM Mirage is headed by Florida real estate developer R. Donahue Peebles who was involved in the prior Delaware North project. Both Peebles and Delaware have confirmed he is not affiliated with the current Delaware proposal. Peebles also has a website where additional information is available at www.TheAqueductCasino.com.

Penn National Gaming, Inc. operates casino properties in Pennsylvania and also operates racetracks and associated OTB facilities. SL Green Realty Corp. in partnership with Hard Rock International is proposing a VLT facility, parking facility and new entrance lobby. Further phases of development could include a hotel, retail, and entertainment uses.

The seventh proposal was from Mohegan Sun but was essentially an offer to operate a VLT facility if the State constructed it.

Further information was due to the State last week from the entities seeking the franchise to be the State's VLT developer at Aqueduct. At this point it is unknown whether all did so.

As with the prior selection of Delaware North, the decision is in the hands of Albany's “three men in a room”: the Governor, the Assembly Speaker, and the Senate President Pro Tem. Some fear that recent events occurring in the State Senate's leadership may impact on the decision-making process now underway, although bidders in the process do not seem to think that they will be affected.

A spokesperson for the Peebles group told The Forum, “We have no indication from the state that there will be any change in the time frame established. We are moving ahead exactly as planned.”

Marissa Shorenstein, a spokesperson for the governor, said there are no expected delays because of the unrest in the state Senate.

Another bidder, SL Green is also proceeding with their plans to capture the bid in August. Executive Vice President Edward Piccinich explained his company’s thought on the pending deal.

"We realize that a project such as this has to be completed in as seamless and functional way as possible. For nearly two years, we've been working closely with NYRA, the local Queens community, and the state in refining our development proposal for Aqueduct, in order to ensure that we meet this goal. When completed, the SL Green / Hard Rock plan will create an entertainment destination for New York state, city, and the local community."

The winning bidder will pay the full amount of their proposed upfront franchise fee no later than ten business days following the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with the State.

Personal income tax bonds will be issued by the state through the Empire State Development Corporation in the amount of $250 million to finance eligible VLT project costs. The net amount borrowed would then be advanced to the selected bidder to be used for project capital costs incurred in the construction of a VLT facility at Aqueduct.

The VLT facility will be constructed by the selected VLT Vendor, who will be responsible for its design and construction subject to the terms of the MOU and applicable laws and regulations. Neither ESDC nor the State will be responsible for construction or cost overruns.

The State will enter into an agreement with the winning bidder for a fixed period of 30 years, with a possible 10-year extension based on the attainment of reasonable benchmarks that ensure satisfactory performance.

Ridgewood Reservoir Plans to be Presented in Fall

Survey, Meeting Results Released by Parks Dept.

By Conor Greene

The city Parks Department will release three conceptual plans for the future of Ridgewood Reservoir this fall, now that the results of public input generated through listening sessions and paper surveys have been released.

At a meeting Tuesday night in Oak Ridge, the findings of the March 30 and May 2 listening sessions was presented, along with the feedback of 253 paper surveys distributed at prior meetings and in parks. Using this information, landscape architect firm Mark K. Morrison Associates (MKM) will present the three plans to Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe in late September. The plans will also be presented to community boards.

Under an agreement with city Comptroller William Thompson, one of the three plans must be dedicated to passive recreation, with no major development of the basins. The others will likely include athletic fields and other facilities for active recreation.

According to the combined results of the two listening sessions, residents favor construction of a boardwalk as their top choice for all three basins. The only options among the top three priorities for any of the basins that involve development was at basin three, where a nature center was the second choice, followed by recreational opportunities.

However, some audience members took exception with the paper surveys, questioning where they were distributed and why they weren’t handed out to all meeting participants or sent to local community boards. Also, some questioned why the results of a 2007 survey on Ridgewood Reservoir were not taken into consideration. Of the 253 paper survey respondents, 11% ranked baseball or softball fields as the highest priority in terms of the new facilities they would like build at the reservoir site.

Kevin Quinn, the department’s Queens team leader for capital projects, stressed that the surveys don’t take into account the wishes of every resident. “We didn’t go around and ask every single person in Queens what they want,” he said. “It’s not going to be statistically perfect, but I think it’s a good start… What I want to know is, do you disagree with the results?”

When asked why the 2007 survey was dismissed, Quinn said there were concerns that it was flawed or not thorough enough. “We spent a lot more time on this survey,” he said. Still, many in the room felt the prior results should also be taken into account. “To me, its mind boggling that you threw it out,” said Lou Widerka.

Ozone Park resident David Quintana also questioned the validity of the paper surveys, and accused Parks of using them to get the results they favored. “These surveys have no transparency at all,” he said.

Several others questioned whether those surveyed knew the questions pertained specifically to Ridgewood Reservoir, as opposed to the entire Highland Park property, which includes the reservoir along with existing ball fields that are in poor condition.

“I really feel there should have been a distinction between Highland Park and Ridgewood Reservoir because a lot of people don’t know about the reservoir,” said Woodhaven resident Maria Thompson. “If you wanted a survey of Highland Park, you should have made a survey on Highland Park.”

Quinn said that Parks saw this as a chance to also solicit information about Highland park in general. He said that that contract with MKM only pertains to the reservoir section, but that Parks is looking into the overall conditions of Highland Park.

Widerka and several others also argued that if the city would simply fix the existing fields at Highland Park, there would be no debate over whether or not the basins should be preserved. “If you fix Highland Park, there would be no issue of ballfields in the basins,” he said. “Fix Highland Park, preserve the reservoir and then everyone will be happy. It’s easy and here we are banging our heads against the wall.”

Vincent Arcuri, chairman of Community Board 5, said that the city needs to “bite the bullet” and look at the conditions at the existing fields. “We have not paid proper attention to Highland Park in recent years,” he said. “You ask anyone what’s needed at Highland Park and they’ll tell you the same thing – those fields are garbage.” Instead of building fields in the reservoir basins, Arcuri said Parks has to “be realistic” and address the existing fields.

Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), who was represented at the meeting by Jeff Gottleib, and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), who was in attendance, both said they don’t want the basins developed.

While the future of the actual basins remains up in the air, everyone seems to agree that the perimeter area around the basins is in need of upgrades to improve access and safety. As a result, contract bid documents for phase one work, which includes new fencing, lighting and pathways, will be completed by the end of the summer. If a contract is awarded by late fall, construction could begin in early winter 2010.