Trial Underway for Two Accused in Buckeye Pipeline Plot

A security camera at the Lindenwood Diner caputres the image of terror plot's so-called "mastermind", Russell Defrietas. He was apprehended moments after leaving the diner with an F.B.I. informant

By Eric Yun

The trial for alleged terror suspects Russell Defreitas and Abdul Kadir, who are charged with plotting to blow up the Buckeye Pipeline leading to John F. Kennedy International Airport began last Wednesday, June 30. If convicted, the men face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The target of the attack, the Buckeye Pipeline, is an underground pipe system that runs through Queens and supplies jet fuel and other petroleum products to JFK and LaGuardia airports.

Defreitas and Kadir were arrested along with Abdel Nur and Kareem Ibrahim in June 2007. Kareem Ibrahim was granted a separate trial for medical reasons in June. His trial is not yet scheduled. Abdel Nur pleaded guilty on June 29.

“Between November of 2006 and June of 2007, I became aware that individuals whom I had known for an extended period of time were developing a plan that had as its goal the use of explosive device or material to destroy or extensively damage fuel tanks,” Nur told the court while pleading guilty, according to a report in Bloomberg.

Nur faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced in November. Nur’s lawyer was adamant that Nur would not be used as a witness against Defreitas and Kadir.

Defreitas is accused of targeting the pipeline and the airport’s fuel tanks to create a catastrophic event that he said “even the Twin Towers can’t touch,” according to court documents.

Prosecutors claim Defreitas recruited a confidential government source to join him in the plot to destroy JFK Airport in August 2006. From there, the government tracked the two men as they conducted surveillance and recruited other men including Nur, Ibraheem, and Kadir.

Defreitas and his co-conspirators attempted to recruit members and funds from the Trinidadian militant group Jamaat Al Mus- limeen, authorities allege.

Defreitas and Kadir are charged with conspiracy to attack a public transportation system, conspiracy to destroy a building with fire and explosives, conspiracy to destroy aircraft and aircraft materials, conspiracy to destroy international airport facilities, conspiracy to attack a mass transportation facility, and conducting surveillance of a mass transportation facility with intent to attack that facility.

The Buckeye Pipeline is a 200,000-mile network of pipes that provide jet fuel and other petroleum products to the airports. Originating in Linden, NJ, the pipe travels through Staten Island, Brooklyn and into Queens, where it passes through heavily populated residential areas four feet below the ground. The pipe providing fuel for JFK runs beneath 157th Avenue through Howard Beach before heading south to the airport.

In August 2002, The Forum questioned whether the Buckeye Pipeline could be a potential terrorist target. Officials said at the time that many safety measures were in place, as above-ground signs warning of pipeline locations do not give its precise locations and any significant decreases in pressure would prompt shutdowns in the pipe either electronically or by human operators.

Joe Delcambre, spokesperson for the national Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs Department, explained in The Forum’s 2002 report why he believed the pipes would not create one catastrophic bomb. “The pipes are under pressure,” Delcambre said. “Any loss of pressure caused by a break in the pipe would immediately be picked up by sensors.”

The Buckeye Pipeline is a necessary component to keep NYC’s airports operational. Without it, approximately 380 tractor-trailers holding 10,000 gallons of fuel would be needed to meet the needs of JFK each day and 84 would be needed for LaGuardia.

While there is debate over how much damage an attack on the Buckeye Pipeline would cause, the potential for attacks to the pipes exist. The arrests in June 2007 and an incident in Sunnyside in November 2007 when a MTA construction crew accidentally punctured a tank created further concern about the safety of the Buckeye Pipes.

New York legislators responded with the Pipeline Security Bill introduced by Assemblyman Michael Ginaris (D-Queens) and Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre). Signed into law on September 10, 2007 by former Governor Eliot Spitzer, the bill gives the New York State Office of Homeland Security power to enhance security at the pipelines travelling through New York.
As the trial begins for Defreitas and Kadir, it is important to remain cognizant of the possible dangers the Buckeye Pipeline poses to along the pipeline’s route. Residents living near the Buckeye Pipelines should 911 to report any suspicious activity they observe.

Aqueduct Bidders Get Axed; One Remaining

By Eric Yun

The tumultuous quest to build and operate video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Racetrack took another turn this week when state Lottery Commission rejected SL Green and Penn National’s bids. This leaves Genting New York as the only remaining bidder for the “racino” project.

Neither SL Green nor Penn National is a stranger to Aqueduct’s bidding process. Both groups submitted bids last June when the Aqueduct Entertainment Group was selected to operate the casino. Aqueduct Entertainment Group’s bid was eventually dismissed after a political battle and charges of favoritism.

In a press release explaining its to reject the two bidders, the Lottery says SL Green and Penn National Gaming failed to comply with mandatory requirements in their proposals, which were submitted on May 11.

Both groups were uneasy about the possibility of the Shinnecock Indian Nation building a new casino within 50 miles of Aqueduct. SL Green asked for compensation if a new casino is given more favorable taxes. Penn National wanted a guarantee that no casino would open with 50 miles or com- pensation if one were to open.

The $300 million minimum payment for the project was another point of contention. Both groups requested the money be held in escrow until all conditions have been met. Penn National also requested a refund if there were unfavorable changes state laws.

Other changes requested by SL Green include the ability to award operation or management contracts to third parties. Penn National’s other changes include the ability to abandon the Aqueduct project if they operate at a loss for four consecutive quarters

“Most of SL Green’s and Penn National’s proposed changes were raised during the course of the Lottery’s three rounds of questions and answers,” Lottery Commission said in its statement. “It was made clear to all bidders that non-conforming bids would be disqualified.”

SL Green and Penn National will be refunded the $1 million payment made after submitting their bids back in May.

Originally, six bidders were interested in operating the casino at Aqueduct racetrack: SL Green, Penn National Gaming, Genting New York, Clairvest Group, Delaware North and Empire City Yonkers Raceway. Delaware North and Empire City dropped out before submitting a bid, and Clairvest joined SL Green in an attempt to strengthen their bid.

The state is still reviewing Genting New York’s proposal. Genting operates Asia’s largest casino, in Malaysia. If their bid is not approved, New York Lottery will be unsuccessful for the fourth time to find a group to operate the casino at Aqueduct racetrack. New York Lottery hopes to make a final recommendation by August 3.

Community Board 10 will hold a public hearing on July 15th at 6 p.m at Aqueduct Racetrack. Representatives from Genting will make a presentation of their proposal to operate the VLTs at that time.

Proposed Legislation Targets Mobile Food Vendors

By Tamara Best

New proposed legislation aimed at mobile food vendors is receiving mixed reviews from business owners and customers.
According to the legislation, mobile food vendors could have their license revoked if they receive a certain number of parking tickets or other related violations within a year.

The legislation proposed by Council Members Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and Jessica Lappin (D-Manhattan) would allow the city Department of Health to suspend a permit if two tickets are received within a 12-month period for infractions such as idling, or revoke the permit of a truck operator who receives three parking tickets in a 12-month period. The law would only apply to food trucks, not carts.

Koslowitz said she and Lappin are not trying to impact the livelihood of the vendors but improve the quality of life for those who live in areas heavily populated by food trucks.

“Not too long ago I saw a vendor on Queens Boulevard feeding the meter... which they’re not supposed to do,” said Koslowitz. “I got a lot of complaints from people who live in the neighborhoods. Many of them keep their motors running to keep their food refrigerated and it’s a hazard to the health of people who live there.”

Koslowitz said the food trucks are particularly a problem in Jackson Heights, Forest Hills and Kew Gardens.

“These are public streets and nobody has the right to use them exclusively,” said Lappin. “People were willing to look the other way, until it was being abused. It’s against the law but clearly the penalty [parking tickets] is not severe enough to make people obey the law.”

One location that is home to a large number of food vendors is the area surrounding the Queens Center Mall at the intersection of Queens and Woodhaven boulevards. On Monday, several operators of trucks said the proposed legislation unfairly targets them.

“I don’t think it’s fair. Everyone gets tickets at some point,” said a worker at Raspados on 57th Avenue, which sells shaved ice treats.

Another vendor selling hot dogs, bagels and pastries on 56th Avenue agreed. “It could affect people’s livelihood,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair at all.”

Smitty’s Hot Dogs at Crossbay Boulevard and Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park said the proposed legislation and other changes over the years have made business increasingly difficult for mobile food vendors.

“It’s a lot of different laws, it never stops,” said a worker at Smitty’s on Tuesday. “You can change things and then the next year you have to do something else and a lot of times they don’t notify the vendors properly. They’re pushing a lot of small businesses out.”

But New Yorkers are split in their opinion of the proposed legislation.

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous – where else are they supposed to go?” said Leslie Winter. “It’s not like the carts where they can be on the sidewalk. Being on the street is the only way they can make money. If taxi drivers get three tickets in a year should their license be revoked too?”

Other residents disagreed.

“I think it is fair,” said Sal Caruso. “A lot of food carts place themselves in front of other eating establishments, creating competition for store owners who have overhead and other expenses that they don’t have.”

One area resident said the new legislation would help drivers in the area.

“I think that they should have their license revoked,” said Sandy, who declined to give her last name. “It’s not fair to other drivers who need the parking spaces. It’s not like they are paying rent for it.”

In a letter to Koslowitz, Patrick A. Wehle, director of City Legislative Affairs for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, objected to the legislation.

“While well intentioned, the emphasis on the violation of Administrative Code Section 24-163 (which prohibits truck idling) is misplaced.” Wehle said the trucks often operate off legal generators and expressed concern that the penalties are “too punitive for such routine, and arguably, unrelated offenses.”

Wehle called the measure of license revocation “unnecessarily excessive,” noting that no other industry which operates on city streets can have their license revoked for the accumulation of parking tickets.

Groups including the The Street Vendor Project have been compiling petitions to fight against the proposed legislation.

“We think it’s a bad idea,” said Sean Basinski of The Street Vendors Project. “We agree that there are some violations that a permit should be revoked for, but a parking ticket is not one of them.”

Local Impact of City Budget (South)

By Eric Yun

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

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

Approximately $165 million of the city’s budget will go to council member’s discretionary funding. These funds help support non-profits in the council member’s district and borough.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) was able to secure $578,321 in discretionary funding and $4.2 million in capital projects for his district. Last year, Ulrich received $360,321 in discretionary funds.

Among the many projects secured by Ulrich is $9,000 each for SAT prep classes at John Adams High School, Franklin K. Lane High School, Chan- nel View School for Research, Robert H. Goddard High School of Communication Arts and Technology, and Beach Channel High School.

Various community projects will also receive funding. The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation is receiving $35,000 to help clean graffiti throughout District 32. The Department of Parks and Recreation is also receiving $10,000 to support movie and family nights. The Lindenwood Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps will receive $5,000.

Capital projects on the councilman’s agenda will help fund community programs and schools in the district. Cross Bay Boulevard will have a guardrail installed on the southbound approach to Broad Channel. Sidewalks will be repaired and trees will be planted. London Plane Tree Park will be renovated and new fitness equipment will be installed.

Schools throughout the district will receive funds for various projects. John Adams High School was allocated $300,000 to buy 15 security cameras and to create a student computer lab. PS 108 will receive $150,000 for a student computer lab as well. PS 232 will receive $500,000 for a science lab upgrade. PS/MS 47, MS 202, PS 63 and PS 146 will receive $35,000 each to purchase in- teractive white boards and a computer station for teachers.

“At the end of the day, my constituents send millions of dollars in taxpayer revenue to City Hall,” Ulrich told The Forum, “It’s a wonderful feeling to bring some money back into their neighborhoods and keep critical programs and services available to them. It’s just very rewarding.”

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

Reading Program Seeks to Foster Discussion, Curb Violence

By Tamara Best

Books offer a perfect way to help people escape.

Now, one local writer hopes to use them to foster discussions among children about issues in the community.

Angelica Harris, a Glendale resident, is beginning “The Excalibur Reading Program” in conjunction with several local organizations.

“If I can use reading and positive heroes to create a voice, it creates a way to open up their hearts and minds, find their own voice and bring them into the arts in the same way,” Harris said.

Though aimed at all children, the program is specifically targeted towards those with impoverished means and those with special needs.

Harris, who is a writing coach and author of three books, said she first got the idea after talking to a friend. It later came to fruition after a conversation with Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D- Middle Village).

“She said, ‘you have such a beautiful, innovative idea for the community,’ and after that we formally met and decided to start it,” Harris said. “They loved my idea of taking the characters from books as a way to get children to read and discuss other issues.”

Funding for the program is being provided by Crowley’s office, TD Bank, Astoria Federal Savings Bank and Amnesty International.

The program will be held at A Place to Dance on 69th Street in Maspeth on Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 for children ages 3 to 5 and Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. for 6 to 10 year olds through the summer and fall.

In an effort to start dialogue about community issues, Harris said she makes the reading interactive. Children choose which character they would like to be, holding a picture of them while the book is read while taking on the persona of their respective character.

“Children are learning through the voice of the characters to enjoy the book,” she said. “They’re not just sitting down and listening, they are part of the story through the character.”

After the reading, Harris prompts the children with questions about statements made
by and between the different characters and have a discussion on everything from friendship to violence.

Harris, a survivor of domestic violence, said having conversations with children at young ages is crucial to breaking the silence often associated with violent and abusive situations.

“Even children of domestic violence need to learn to recognize warning signs and other harmful behaviors.”

Harris said she hopes to eventually start a similar group for older teens.

For details, contact Harris at angelica@angelicaharris.com.

Senior Center Saved Just in Time

By Tamara Best

Five days.

That's the amount of time seniors at the Glenridge Senior Center, which was in danger of closing due to lack of funding, had left to enjoy what many call their second home.

"If this place goes under, we all go under," said Marge Koehler, 76, said last Thursday. Koehler has attended the center for the last 10 years, serving as a volunteer. "It's a shame because we rely on these centers.”

But, just when the situation looked bleak, the center was saved after Councilwoman Diana Reyna secured funding in this year’s budget to keep the center open.

“Senior centers are essential to thousands of New Yorkers, even if they are treated as nonessential in the city budget,” said Reyna(D-Bushwick). “For community residents in Queens, Glenridge Senior Center is a welcoming community magnet for folks who rely on services, which improve their quality of life by providing a safe environment.”

Reyna thanked Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and Elizabeth Crowley (D- Middle Village) for the financial and moral support in saving the center.

On Wednesday, approximately 40 seniors braved the sweltering heat and greeted Reyna with hugs and teary eyes when she arrived outside the center for a press conference.

As she made her way through the crowd, Reyna told the seniors, “We’re not going to shed a tear. We’re celebrating today.”

On any given day, management estimates that between 60 and 98 local seniors spend time at the center. With their funding cut by the Department for the Aging for the 2011 fiscal year, the center located on Summerfield Street in Ridgewood was in jeopardy of closing its doors after 37 years of serving the community.

Although the center was initially going to close on July 2, seniors held a bake sale and flea market in an effort to raise funds. Though the sales were enough to keep the center on life support for a few extra days, it wasn’t enough to keep it open through the year.

"The fact that seniors fundraised to keep us open shows their commitment," said Thaisha Anglero, assistant director of the center.

Albert Juszczak, the Senior Center’s Executive Director, said, “It means she had to deny others in order to help us stay open and that means a lot. Council Member Diana Reyna has once again proven her high dedication to the cause of the poor, the helpless and the forgotten.”

***Home away from home***

At a table by herself, Patricia Consolazio, 65,methodically arranged six bingo cards before an afternoon game. As she arranged them, she moved her fingers slowly, a not so subtle reminder that her rheumatoid arthritis was once again rearing its ugly head.

"I used to play with boards covering half the table," she said with a smile. More important than the memories and countless wins she has racked up over the years at Glenridge, she said the center helps her remain in good health.

"It's difficult to cook, so I depend on the hot meals," she said.

Seniors at the center receive breakfast and a hot lunch, prepared by a former chef. Once a month they also have a movie night at which dinner is provided. Many of the seniors said the lunches are vital to them eating well, because physical limitations hinder them from cooking the way they used to when they were younger.

Aside from hot meals, the center provides something perhaps more important and priceless— fellowship.

"I have nothing else to look forward to," said Dorothy Hochreiter, 93. Hochreiter said with most of her family living in other states and being a widow, the other seniors have become part of her extended family. "It's very nice and very helpful.”

Many seniors echoed similar sentiments about the center and said they are happy that their extended family will be together for at least another year.

“I was just rejoicing and happy for everyone,” said Neireda Lopez. “The next thing is getting the staff back that was let go.”

***Saving Glenridge***

All around the cafeteria during lunch last Thursday, before the last-minute funding was secured, seniors sat talking in hushed tones. The main question at the center of most conversations: Is the center closing?

Towards the end of lunch, an employee addressed the seniors in an attempt to answer that question. The employee said that the center would not close July 2 as many had heard but remain open until July 13, just one day after the center would celebrate its 38th anniversary.

However, the announcement that there would be no breakfast or dinner and movie, among other services this week led some seniors to draw conclusions on the center's fate.

"All of this what we're hearing is not good," said Koehler, banging her fist on the table and shaking her head. "It's not good."At the beginning of this week, seniors were greeted with news that the center would remain open.

Yesterday, Koehler was all smiles. When asked how she felt about the center being saved, she raised her eyes to the sky, bringing her hands together as if to pray and mouthed a silent “thank you.”

For the 2011 fiscal year, senior centers will receive $33.8 million less than last year with the Department for the Aging proposing that 50 senior centers across the city be closed by the year’s end.

“The budget is not about numbers, it can’t be balanced on the backs of seniors,” said
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-Ridgewood) who attended the conference.
“The next year will give us time to look for solutions. The city has to do right by its seniors.”

Reyna said that despite the center being saved, there is much work to be done.
“This is not the end of a victory, it’s only the beginning,” Reyna said. “It’s a battle, we have won this one but there are still more.”

And seniors at Glenridge said they are ready.

“I fought for this center and I will continue to fight for it until it closes,” said Consolazio.

Local Impact of City Budget (West)

By Eric Yun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reporter Tamara Best contributed to this story.

FDNY Battles Heat and Flames in Elmburst

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

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

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

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

This Week's Forum South and West

2nd Annual Howard Beach Relay

The Forum Newsgroup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

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

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

been in remission for the past four years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relay for Life facts:

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

Three Groups Submit Aqueduct Bids

The Forum Newsgroup

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

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

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

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

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

JFK's Longest Runway Reopens On Time and On Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Council Passes Budget

Ulrich Nets Almost $5 Million for District

By Patricia Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Council Passes 2011 Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling MetroCard Van Visits Ozone Park Senior Center

The Forum Newsgroup

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal Apartments Continue to Plague Neighborhood

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JPCA Tackles Crime, Trash Trains and West Nile

By Tamara Best

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

Crime in the 104th Precinct

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

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

Garbage Train

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

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

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

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

West Nile concerns

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

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

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

Jamaica Avenue El to Get Facelift

By Eric Yun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week's Forum South and West

Fabulous Feast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Straphangers Campaign Ranks M Train City's Dirtiest

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Authorities Look to Curb Underage Alcohol Sales

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***Booze and Consequences***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overcrowding, Standardized Tests Key Concerns In District 24

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

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

***Standardized Test Performance***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Tamara Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baseball Ticket Fees Add Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student MetroCards Saved

By Patricia Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ulrich Law to Crack Down on Noise

Legislation seeks to strengthen residential noise control

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

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

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

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

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

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