Second Round of JVP Playground Upgrades to Begin

Parks Department unveiled their site plan at last month's Community Board 5 meeting.

After initial upgrades at Juniper Valley Park playground on 74th Street were unveiled this past summer, more changes are planned for the popular Middle Village recreation area.

The City Parks Department is ready to begin the second phase of the project, which was funded by $750,000 from Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. Designed for kids 5 to 12 years old, the playground will maintain the wetland theme that began during the first phase of the project.

“Feedback we’re getting in Middle Village is they’re so delighted,” said Dorothy Lewandowski, Queens Parks Commissioner, about the first phase of the project.

The second phase of the project will install a spray shower and bigger equipment for the older children—the first phase was intended for toddlers. A third phase is planned for the playground, but it has not received funding.

The Parks Department is estimates that a contractor will be selected sometime in November and construction will finish next summer.

Security, Stink Trains, Budget Reform at CB5

By Tamara Best

The July meeting of the Community Board 5 focused on concerns over keeping the city safe, garbage trains continue to emit foulodors and the budget crisis in Albany.

Securing NYC

Special Agent James Capozzi, of the FBI spoke about a program aimed at strengthening national security through intelligence sharing and training.

Since 1996, the FBI has implemented Infra-Guard, a program whose sole goal is to protect the nation from another terrorist attack like 9/11.

“It was god awful and it can’t happen again,” Capozzi said. “We don’t know where they’re going to next,” he said. “Maybe New York, maybe not, but we’re a high priority target.”

Capozzi said the thorough information sharing and help from the public is crucial to protecting critical infrastructure such as food, banking, finance and transportation systems among others. “In essence things that can ruin the economy or government,” he said.

“We need to make these partnerships ahead of time,” he said. “We can’t protect what we don’t own.”

The program currently has 37,000 members across the country with free membership and weekly web broadcast in addition to local training events. “You help us connect the dots, you never know what you’re going to tell us,” he said.

Bob Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association, raised concerns that law enforcement does not respond fast enough when called about suspicious behavior.

“[Calling] 911 isn’t working,” he said, adding that the program should consider implementing a hotline or make a suggestion that they city establish one.

Businesses interested in getting involved have to complete a membership application which includes a records check by the FBI. For more information contact to get involved Infra- Guard at infragardteam@infragard.org.

Stink Train Battle Wages On

During the open forum, Mary Parisen, co-chair of Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, and several elected officials expressed frustration over recent legislation regarding garbage trains being derailed.

“Our elected officials have stood with us to remediate the problems our community has had,” Parisen said, adding that the organization is receiving help on the city and state level from legislators to combat the issue. “We ask everyone to support us on this.”

During a Senate session at the end of June, Addabbo spoke on behalf of citizens living with the impacts of the trains. The legislation would create a set of standards for how solid waste containers have to be covered.

Some senators opposed the legislation, arguing that the trains already have sufficient covering. However, Addabbo, who attended the meeting, said that he will work with other elected officials until some legislation is passed.

“I’d love to get some of the senators who voted no come down here and smell that,” he said.

Haley Myers from the office of Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) said her boss is committed to helping the residents impacted by the trains. “We now know exactly what we’re dealing with now and will push the legislation,” she said.

Budget reform

In addition to the garbage trains, Addabbo expressed frustration over the budget, saying that this year’s process highlights the need for reform.

Under his plan for budget reform, the governor would not be able to pass the budget through extenders, which are sections of the budget presented for a vote one at a time. With extenders, the Senate is given the option to vote either yes or no, with no room for discussion on desired changes.

“We’re basically passing the governor’s budget,” Addabbo said of the current budget deadlock in Albany.

Traffic and Crime Highlight CB5 Meeting

The Forum

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

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

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

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

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

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

***Area Crime***

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

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

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

***Car Sharing and Transit Changes***

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

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

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

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

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