This Week's Forum South and West

Census, Voting Machines and Budget the Focus at Addabbo Town Hall

By Tamara Best

The late state budget, 2010 census and the new electronic voting machines were among key issues discussed in a Ridgewood town hall meeting held by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D- Howard Beach) last week.

“No elected official has all the answers to the issues,” he told a group of approximately 40 residents who came out to IS 93 on Forest Avenue last week. “The ideas are out there among constituents and if we do our jobs right as elected officials we hear them,” he said.

***Budget wait- soon over?***

“I am more optimistic that there is a budget late this week or early next week,” Addabbo said Tuesday.

This week, the legislature was presented with Governor David Patterson’s proposed healthcare changes, which account for 40 percent of the state budget, in the form of an extender. An extender allows the legislature to vote either “yes” or “no” on an issue without the option of debate.

Though opposed to the proposal because of cuts to hospitals and healthcare providers, Addabbo said the legislature felt forced to vote, and voted in favor of the governor’s proposal to avoid more drastic outcomes.

“The reason we had to vote for it is because if we voted it down because we didn’t like it, state government would essentially be shut down,” Addabbo said, adding that voting it down could have resulted in massive layoffs and closures of public facilities. Local communities have already been dealt a major blow with the closures of three area hospitals.

Addabbo said Monday’s session has “tremendously” increased the incentive for the legislature to approve a budget, in an effort to avoid accepting more drastic cuts put forth, via extenders.

“We know we need to make cuts in every aspect of the state budget,” he said. “But it’s important to note that when we are able to do so financially, I’ll work on restoring as much of these cuts as possible.”

***2010 Census***

A pressing issue impacting the West is the lack of response to the 2010 census thus far.

Ridgewood, Glendale and Maspeth are all below 50 percent at mailed in responses, according to the Senator’s office.

“We’re down to 17 percent in some areas,” he said, adding that the low response is a combination of apathy and fear that responses will not be kept confidential.

Addabbo said an accurate count is important to enable the area to receive millions of dollars of government funds needed to function and make improvements. However, he added that filling out the census is also important to representation with district lines drawn based on population shifts.

Residents who have not filled out their census forms can still do so via phone until July 30th from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. with six different languages available. See census.gov for the corresponding number for each language.

Census takers are also going door-to-door through July to residences that have not yet completed the form.

***Concerns over the polls***

Addabbo, who is also chair of the state Senate Elections Committee, continues to express concern over the implementation of the new Electronic Ballot Marking System.

“If you want someone not to vote, frustrate them a little bit. Just a little bit and they will stay home,” he said.

Aside from concerns that cuts to the Board of Elections could eliminate training dollars for poll workers, residents also expressed concern about the potential lack of privacy when casting their ballot.

With the new system, if a ballot can’t be read by the machine, poll workers who will then assist voters may be able to see their vote.

Addabbo says he is opposed to implementing the system this year because of many concerns such as privacy and absentee voting.

He went on to express confidence in officials who will work to make September’s primary elections run smoothly. “If we have to use it [BMD] this year, somehow we’ll make it work.”

“We’re trying to make the process a little more feasible because I do foresee that people are going to be frustrated with the new machines and we don’t want to lose their vote,“ he said, adding that the “protecting the integrity” of the vote is a priority.

DOT Discusses Ways to Improve Busy Intersection

By Patricia Adams
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) made a presentation to Community Board 10 last week regarding the intersection at Liberty Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard.

The project which is nearing the implementation phase is designed to address intersection safety and traffic improvements.

The original study for the problem area was launched after a child pedestrian fatality occurred at Crossbay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue. The intersection was also identified by NYPD as a challenging location. A request for review by the Queens DOT Borough Commissioner Maura McCarthy prompted the study which falls within the Woodhaven Boulevard Congested Corridors study area.

Representatives pointed out that the area has many existing conditions contributing to congestion and safety threats. Seven bus lines, the Rockaway Blvd. subway station and an elevated train which runs over Liberty Avenue all converge on the intersection.

Other major problems include a peak traffic volume of more than 2,000 vehicles an hour, complex physical geometry and very large pedestrian volume-- a large percentage of them children.

According to a scale of severity-weighted scale ranking Queens’ intersections, Rockaway & Woodhaven Boulevard ranks in the 99th percentile with nearby Rockaway Blvd. and 94th street close behind in the 89th percentile.

A total of 207 injuries were documented from 2004-2008 with two pedestrian fatalities included.

Following the conclusion of the study the DOT has made several recommendations to
address concerns. At Crossbay and Woodhaven Boulevards, two streets will be converted to plaza space, expansion in the north bound left turn lanes and added capacity at
Rockaway Boulevard.

At Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue proposed solutions
include constructing a pedestrian refuge island,while expanding an existing one and installing a traffic signal at 96th street and a more direct crosswalk.

Among the overall benefits, according to the DOT, is the reduction of conflict between pedestrians, vehicle and bus traffic. All intersections will be more crosser-friendly at a rate of 3.5 feet/sec and more easily navigable for both drivers and pedestrians. The plan also offers reduced crossing distances, more public space and simpler, safer left turns.

Later in the week DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy and other representatives from DOT made an additional presentation for community members and media to kick off a study to look at congestion along Liberty Avenue from Woodhaven Boulevard to the Van Wyck Expressway.

District Attorneys Testify Against Proposed Budget Cuts

The Forum Newsgroup

The city’s five district attorneys recently urged the City Council to restore cuts proposed in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s executive budget during testimony at City Hall.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown was joined by Charles Hynes of Brooklyn, Robert Johnson of the Bronx, Daniel Donovan of Staten Island and Cyrus Vance, Jr., of Manhattan at a hearing held last week by the City Council’s Finance and Public Safety committees. They were joined by Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan.

District Attorney Brown noted that in the nearly nine years since 9/11, the budgets of the city’s prosecutors have sustained cumulative reductions from the city totaling about twenty percent, which he called “deep cuts that have greatly impacted on our ability to provide the level of prosecutorial service to which the people of this city are entitled to expect and which will keep them safe and secure.”

He said the reduction in city funding “is magnified by significantly reduced funding on the federal and state levels – both in terms of direct funding and with respect to the reduction or elimination of various grant opportunities.”

In addition, the number of NYPD detectives assigned to his office has been reduced, forcing the district attorneys to hire additional personnel.

Since 1993, arrests are up in Queens by more than eighty percent – from about 42,500 to almost 75,000 last year. The proposed funding reduction from the city “would have a profound impact on our operations and on the level of essential services that we will be able to provide to the residents of Queens County,” added Brown.

“While I recognize the serious financial difficulties that face the city in the years ahead and continue to be willing to do our fair share, it makes little sense to attempt to remedy the situation by cutting public safety dollars to the point where our ability to maintain the gains of the last decade is in jeopardy,” concluded Brown.

Forest Hills 10-year-old Advances to Scripps Semifinals

By Tamara Best

Arvind Mahankali may not have won the Scripps National Spelling Bee title
but the 10-year-old has received recognition that most people never see in a lifetime— a day named in his honor.

The fifth grader, who made it into the semifinals of the Bee, said he was “really
surprised” and “excited” by the honor.

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – ForestHills), who welcomed Arvind and his
family home to the neighborhood on Sunday, declared June 6 “Arvind Mahankali Day” in Queens.

“Not only is he my pick to win next year’s spelling bee, but he’s an incredibly
nice kid,” said Rep. Weiner. “His family deserves a lot of credit for being
such wonderful ambassadors for Forest Hills and our City.”

The journey to become a spelling whiz began long before he could pronounce
the words he now spells so easily in competitions.

***From the living room to the stage***

At four years old Arvind used to sit in front of the family television mesmerized
by spelling bee competitions.

Arvind’s cousin, Sanjay Kottapalli, participated in the Bee in 2008 and 2009.

"When I was a little kid I watched Scripps and I got inspired. It's the
spelling olympics," he said with a smile.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee began in 1925 with nine contestants,gaining national notoriety when it began live broadcasting in 1946. This year, a record 273 students from all over the world participated after winning competitions at the classroom,grade, school and next levels determined by the local spelling bee sponsors.

Arvind was the only speller from within the New York City area to make
it to the semifinals. Studying the Merriam-Webster dictionary four hours every day, he uses a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to track words he has difficulty spelling.

"And even when I'm not studying,sometimes my parents quiz me on words I don't know."
Srinivas Mahankali, Arvind’s father,said they also occasionally hold informal
family spelling bees at home.

"I won once," the proud father said with a laugh.

The 5th grader also receives support from students and teachers at Forest Hills Montessori School, saying that his classmates quiz him during the first part of recess.

"The night before the race I usually study for an extra hour. I always get
nervous."

And after each successful round, he celebrates.

“I got new video games,” claiming that Pokémon is his favorite. “Occasionally,
I take a day off.”
A dream, turned reality

For Arvind, the best part of his participation in Scripps was not the actual competition but making new friends.

Still he said the trip was “mostly business” and before speaking a letter into the microphone he had a set routine.

“I just focus on the word and think I should ask all the questions and fit it together like a puzzle.”

He did just that and reached the semifinals by spelling manciple (officer of a monastery or college), pergelisol (permafrost), effleurage (a delicate stroking motion in a massage) and metarteriole (a short vessel that links arterioles and capillaries)correctly.

"When he got the word “metarteriole”right I was so proud, I didn't remember much after that,” his father explained.

And as for the word he missed, Arvind now spells it without hesitation.

"P-R-E-S-A. Presa," he said, which is defined as a cannon or round used in music.

During the competition, he spelled it “P-R-A-S-A” and was the last contestant eliminated before the finals, which were televised live on ABC.

Arvind’s elimination was deemed controversial by some because other contestants were
allowed to advance, despite not having to spell a third word prior to moving on as a finalist.

“I was a little disappointed but now I just think I should study a little better,” he said of being eliminated.

***Moving forward***

In addition to Rep. Weiner’s proclamation,his school also threw a surprise party to celebrate his accomplishment.

Yet, rather than bask in his achievement,Arvind said he resumes training this week.
When asked if he plans on entering next year he replied without hesitation.

"Of course. I want to win."

However, Arvind said if he wins next year, he would move onto other challenges. When
asked what those may be, he said, “Like superhero training."

As for what his superhero power would be, Arvind says, "I would control gravity."

Como to Challenge Addabbo for State Senate This Fall

By Conor Greene

This fall’s showdown for the state Senate in the 15th District appears set following former Republican City Councilman Anthony Como’s announcement that he will challenge incumbent Democrat Senator Joseph Addabbo for his seat in Albany.

A report published over the weekend indicated that Como would continue to pursue a job as the new executive director at the Board of Elections instead of challenging Addabbo, who is serving his first term in Albany.

However, Como says he has since been bombarded with phone calls and messages from residents, colleagues, party leaders and elected officials urging him to reconsider and launch a campaign against Addabbo.

“What happened was, they [party leaders] have been asking me to run for quite sometime, and we have been discussing it for quite some time,” said Como on Wednesday. “I made a decision with my wife that it’s best for now, based on my experience with the Board of Elections, to not run and take the position at BOE.”

According to Como, all that changed when word spread that he wasn’t running for Senate.

“All of a sudden, I didn’t expect it, but it started snowballing and my phone was ringing non-stop. I actually got calls from constituents saying they had read the article that I wasn’t running... It was really just overwhelming,” said Como.

Como noted that polls have shown him to be either close to or leading Addabbo at this early point in the race. “I’m the only challenger in the state that is leading the incumbent, and I’m very proud of that. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve done,” he said.

Como hasn’t run a campaign since Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) defeated him in November 2008, five months after he had won the 30th Council District seat in a special election. His focus over the past few days has been getting his campaign operations up and running again.

“We’re already getting pretty much organized with non-stop meetings and phone calls,” he said. “At this point my law practice is on hold, since this is going to be a full- time campaign.”

He hopes to open a campaign office in Glendale within the next week or so, and plans on eventually opening a second campaign office elsewhere in the district.

“This is not something we’re going to do lackadaisically. This is something that a lot of people have a very important interest in,” he said. “Besides politics, a lot of people want to see change and stop what’s going on in Albany, and they know this is how you do it.”

After serving two terms on the City Council, Addabbo defeated longtime Republican Senator Serf Maltese, who is Como’s political mentor, in 2008. He said Wednesday that he was expecting a challenge all along, whether it be in the primary or general elections.

“No matter who was going to announce against me, I was going to take that person
seriously, and I’m obviously taking this campaign very seriously,” said Addabbo. “I have the opportunity to go into the district and talk about my accomplishments over the last two years with my constituents. I’m proud of the work my staff and I have done, and there is so much more to do, so I’m looking forward to talking about that.”

Addabbo counts among his accomplishments over the past two years the 13 laws he spearheaded that were signed into law, including ones protecting seniors and veterans.

“Many people tell me that is somewhat unheard of for a freshman senator,” he said.

In addition, he says he has fulfilled two major campaign promises by providing a 24- hour, operator staffed hotline so that constituents can “avail themselves of the services of the senate office” around the clock, and by opening two district offices.

“What’s important to me is the local issues that I’ve attended to,” said Addabbo.

Even still, Como will argue throughout the campaign that Addabbo is part of the problem as a member of the Democrat party now in complete control in Albany. He notes that the budget is several months late and says the state is starting to have trouble paying its bills.

“We have Democratic leaders threatening to shut everything down, and that is ridiculous,” he charged, adding that hospitals, senior centers and fire companies have all either closed or are on the chopping block as a result of the political dysfunction.

“It’s gotten to the point where we need to stop it before God forbid it gets to the breaking point, and this is the way to do it. Voters are sending a clear message that enough is enough.”

In response, Addabbo argues that voters need to evaluate incumbents on a “case by case basis.”

He says he has “certainly tried to separate [himself] from the problems that have existed in Albany for decades,” long before he was elected.

“We are going forward as much as we could with ethics reform and campaign finance reform,” added Addabbo. “We have a lot more to do, so as chair of the Elections Committee, I want to clean up elections and the Senate in general, in a more transparent and efficient manner. I see myself as part of the solution, but you can only do so much in two years.”

While both candidates sought to keep the focus on themselves in interviews this week, they did make it clear that they consider themselves the best for the job.

“I make it a principal not to talk about my opponent, but I’ll tell you this: in difficult times, the people deserve a full time Senator who is going to focus full time on the Senate,” said Addabbo. “I gave up my law practice, love this job and think it’s a privilege representing the people in Albany.”

In response to Como’s decision to run after abandoning his push for the BOE job, Addabbo said: “I read all the articles about him going for that position, and whatever his personal decision is for running, he doesn’t have to explain it. I just know what my focus is.”

Said Como: “He’s a good guy, but I just know I can do a better job, and that people believe in me. His campaign came out and started attacking me about backroom politics.

When you have nothing good to say about your candidate, you attack. It’s time to stand up to serious issues and fight for residents again, not only in the 15th District, but to return this state to where it once was.”

There were also rumors that Maspeth businessman Tony Nunziato would challenge Addabbo. However, Nunziato said Wednesday that he is still in discussions with party leaders to determine what is best for everyone.

“Right now, we’re looking at the options of what I’m going to be doing,” he said.

If Como does move forward with the Senate bid, Nunziato will instead once again challenge Assemblywoman Marge Markey (D- Maspeth) in a rematch of the 2008 election. In that case, Nunziato said he would support Como’s campaign against Addabbo.

“I’ll be running for something, that’s safe to say,” said Nunziato. “I work as a team as far as the party, and I’m looking to see what’s best as far as the party.”

Aqueduct Again

Six Bidders Attend Opening Conference

By Patricia Adams

Billed as the “most expensive ticket in town” by New York Lottery Director Gordon Medenica, six bidders have shelled out the $1 million entry fee to compete in the newest bidding war to operate Video Lottery Terminals (VLT’s) at Aqueduct.

At a mandatory bidders conference held at the racetrack on Tuesday, Medenica explained the details of the new process including the extraction of any political involvement in the process. Further provisions of the revamped process propose transparency, objectivity focused on making money for education and speed.

"The facility, when it reaches maturity, is probably going to be making an estimated $250 million a year for the state. And again, all those funds go to education," said Medenica.

Several bidders have returned to the process which has met with delay and been the source of frustration for both supporters and opponents. For S.L. Green Realty
Group and Delaware North, it will be their third trip to capture the “brass ring”, and the second try for Penn National.

Three other bidders, Empire City Casino Yonkers Raceway, Genting New York and the Toronto-based Clairvest Group will make their first try for Aqueduct. Clairvest was partnered with Aqueduct Entertainment Group who won the last bid but was
later disqualified.

The Lottery’s responses to open questions from the bidders revealed that entering into the final rounds of bidding could be very risky business-- the winning bidder could lose their upfront $300 million if they can’t finalize their plan and sign a contract.

Additionally, the Lottery has said they will not guarantee Con Edison’s pledge that it can bring sufficient power to the area. Further questions by the bidders must be submitted to the Lottery by Tuesday, June 15 which then has seven days to issue their responses. Proposals from the bidders are due two weeks later on June 29. An evaluation committee comprised of executives from the NYS Lottery Commission will score and recommend a winner on August 3.

Gov. Patterson is reportedly committed to endorsing the Lottery’s selection. The Lottery estimates that the opening date for the facility will be 12 to 18 months
from the date of award.

This Week's Forum West and South

Scenes from Memorial Day Parades

A View from the Inside on Memorial Day

There seems to be a lot of complaining going on in the US these days; perhaps even more pronounced than the complaints are the criticisms.

Our healthcare system is in turmoil, we don’t provide enough service to our senior population, education funding is lacking, the economy continues to ravage—the list seems endless. But Americans could never be criticized for continuing to show their respect and gratitude on Memorial Day, for every man and woman who gave their lives serving in the armed forces.

When considering the heroes we have lost and of those who continue to risk their lives, it remains evident that their importance could never be exaggerated—in fact the real danger is in not be able to ever express enough thanks and honor. While Memorial Day is the day when we remember those whose lives were lost, it also should serve, as does Veteran’s Day, as a day when we honor those who returned home from war and those who continue to serve today.

This week The Forum invites you to read what Memorial Day means to someone with an “inside view.” The rest of this editorial space is given to Sgt. Sean McCabe of Ozone Park who is currently serving on his second tour in Afghanistan. He sent along the following letter that was read by Sen. Joe Addabbo at a ceremony at the end of the Howard Beach Parade on Monday.

To everyone in attendance, my friends, family, my wife Melanie, and my daughter Kiera,

I send to you all the love in my heart. I'm writing to you on the rare occasion; as opposed to hunting Al Qaeda in eastern Afghanistan, I am sitting behind a desk. (My mother has a giant smile on her face, doesn't she???)

It's hard to find words that truly express what Memorial Day means to me. Mainly because ever since I got to Baghdad in '05, every day has been Memorial Day. I've stood next to men who have laid down their lives in defense of their country. I've fought alongside heroes who have sacrificed themselves to save me, and my fellow soldiers. When I was younger, I just thought this weekend meant a day off from school, a barbeque, a baseball game - I even failed to fully appreciate Memorial Day as I got older. It wasn't until I came home after my first tour that it all dawned on me. An entire neighborhood lining the streets, the colors flying above Coleman Square - Pat Connolly's voice reading the names of our fallen brothers.

This is the day we remember those who gave everything to ensure our freedom. Men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion on foreign soil.

Today is a day we set aside, to honor what their courage and sacrifice has given us.

It is a gift. A gift I will never throw away for as long as I live.

I love you all, I'll be home soon.

SGT Sean McCabe

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Above: Sgt. Sean McCabe uses binoculars to scout out enemy patrol on his assignment to overwatch patrol. In modern warfare, an overwatch unit is responsible for providing cover and unobstructed lines of fire for advancing friendly units.

Council Approves Business Owners' Bill of Rights

The City Council has approved the Business Owners’ Bill of Rights, which aims to fully inform business owners of all their rights during agency inspections. It was sponsored by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who chairs the Consumer Affairs Committee.

The Business Owners’ Bill of Rights came as a result of the findings of the city’s Regulatory Review Panel, which surveyed and listened to the business community in every borough to see how the city could help businesses succeed in a difficult economy.

The bill requires that the Mayor’s Office of Operations distributes to business owners, during or following each inspection, a document listing their rights to: consistent enforcement of agency rules, complain about or compliment an inspector’s work, contest a violation before the appropriate tribunal, an inspector who behaves in a professional manner, an inspector who can answer questions or promptly make a referral and an inspector who is knowledgeable of rules, regulations and laws.

The bill marks the first sponsored by Koslowitz to be signed into law since she returned to the City Council this year. She called small businesses “the lifeline of the economy” and noted that the city has the most small businesses of any municipality in the nation, with more than one million. That means nearly half of all the small businesses in the entire state are within the five boroughs.

“Keeping small businesses informed of government policies and regulations will empower owners with their rights,” said Koslowitz. “The bill of rights will guarantee consistent enforcement of agency rules, fair inspectors, and the ability to contest a violation… This is just the beginning of a movement, by Speaker [Christine] Quinn and my council colleagues, aimed at improving the business environment for our small merchants.”

Quinn (D-Manhattan) said the new bill is a signal that the city intends to work with its merchants, and not against them. “We are moving away from an enforcement-driven inspection process to one that is much more customer-service orientated,” she said. “I am confident that we will make the city a more welcoming place for entrepreneurs to thrive and prosper. Making life easier for our business owners is the key to building a diverse and thriving economy.”

Councilwoman Diana Reyna (D-Bushwick), who is chair of the Small Business Committee, said the bill “sends a clear message to the small business community that the City Council is working to ease the regulatory burdens that have too often delayed the transformation of great ideas into successful businesses.”

Mercury Spill at MS 202

Emergency vehicles were dispatched to Middle School 202 located at 138-30 Lafayette
Street in Ozone Park on Tuesday morning after a barometer broke in the school’s science lab spilling mercury out into the room.

Students were quickly removed from the lab and the room was closed and cordoned off.

According to Department of Education (DoE) spokeswoman Marge Feinberg, air testing and cleaning of the room was conducted overnight and as of the start of class day on Wednesday, the room remained closed with further testing was scheduled.

There were no injuries reported and no students were treated as a result of the spill.

Cooper Ave Underpass Project Expected to Begin in 2011

DOT Might Reverse 74th Street Traffic Flow

By Conor Greene

The Cooper Avenue underpass reconstruction project is expected to move forward early next year and will likely include reversing the traffic flow along part of 74th Street, according to the local community board.

Gary Giordano, district manager at Community Board 5, said recently that construction of the Cooper Avenue underpass has been pushed back from its expected start in September, likely to early 2011. Despite the delay, he expects the project to move forward eventually.

“We have every indication to believe the funding is secure,” said Giordano, adding that the project is expected to cost about $6 million. The project includes replacing the deteriorating panels above the retaining wall, which will also be shored up, according to Giordano. New sidewalks and curbing will be installed along Cooper Avenue from the vicinity of 74th Street to 79th Street.

However, nothing is planned regarding the two stairways, one of which has been closed off to pedestrians, added Giordano. He wasn’t sure if the city Department of Transportation is planning to install guardrails along the north side of Cooper Avenue, as the board requested “to better protect pedestrians, especially the school children, since its downhill and traffic moves much too quick there,” said Giordano.

“We’re the ones who originated the request for this project, and have been advocating for this project,” said Giordano. The city DOT didn’t respond to a message seeking additional information on the planned work.

As part of the project, the DOT is considering reversing the flow of traffic along 74th Street, which is currently one-way south, according to Giordano. “The DOT looked at various traffic situations there, and in doing that, they determined they would like 74th Street to become a one-way north, at least between 78th Avenue and Edsall Avenue,” he said. “I think their reasoning is that people are making left turns from Cooper Avenue onto 74th Street southbound, and they thought it would be safer to prohibit that.”

The change in traffic flow will impact parents and school buses dropping children at IS 119, noted Giordano. He said school officials weren’t “necessarily opposed to the idea of changing the direction of 74th Street.”

The DOT is also planning to add a bike lane in each direction and possibly widen the sidewalks, reducing the width of the traffic lanes, said Giordano. “That is not an easy mix [to accommodate] because our streets are pretty narrow,” he said.

This Week's Forum West and South

Rego Park Four-Alarm Fire Under Investigation

Neighborhood Stores Gutted in Blaze

By Conor Greene

The cause of a huge fire in Rego Park that destroyed several small local businesses on Sunday remains under investigation this week, according to FDNY officials.

A dozen firefighters and one police officer suffered minor injuries in the four-alarm fire that broke out near 99th Street and 66th Road just after 8 p.m. All are said to be recovering, but the same can’t be said for several destroyed mom and pop stores.

The scene attracted large crowds of residents, who watched in shock and horror as 168firefighters worked to keep the fire from destroying adjacent buildings including the Tower Diner, which sustained smoke damage. While the building housing the Ohr Natan synagogue was saved, members rushed into the building as firefighters battled nearby flames to save sacred artifacts in case the fire had spread there.

Many residents said this is the largest fire they can recall in the neighborhood since a 1972 blaze near 63rd Drive and Austin Street destroyed several businesses and the local library branch. Michael Perlman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council, who was among the residents gathered near the scene, said he has “never seen such a potent local fire.” He added that some of the “way over 100 residents” watching the scene were reduced to “tears and shock” watching the businesses burn.

“A number of long-term mom and pop businesses which are dear to the neighborhood, such as the candy/convenience store, Laundromat, barber, fruit store and dress shop, amongst others, were affected on the 99th Street side,” said Perlman. “Thankfully, nobody was killed, and the pets [in the animal clinic] were rescued.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of Tuesday, and is believed to have started in the corner bodega. The majority of the injuries to firefighters occurred when an explosion brought down the ceiling of one of the businesses, which allowed the fire to grow out of control.

Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said she spoke with fire officials and was told that all the injured firefighters are recovering from minor injuries. She said the synagogue suffered “very, very slight damage to the back” of the building and that the diner seems to only have sustained smoke damage. The animal clinic also only suffered minor damage, and all the animals were rescued, confirmed Koslowitz.

However, four stores in the area of 66th Avenue and 99th Street were “really heavily damaged,” said Koslowitz. “This was the worst that I can really remember, and I’ve been living here a lot of years,” she added. “It wipes out a lot of stores that served the community around here.” She will work with the city’s small business division in hopes of assisting the displaced business owners. “We’re going to get them together and see what we can do, possibly rebuild them and get them back.

“Thank God nobody was [seriously] hurt, but it’s very sad when you see it in your neighborhood,” said Koslowitz. “It is so depressing when you walk by – it still smells like smoke, which is a constant reminder.”

Hamilton Beach: Still Under Water

By Patricia Adams

The residents of Davenport Court in Hamilton Beach have had enough. After more than 20 years of flooding along their street, frustration rises with the dangerous and destructive tides that threaten their safety and continue to destroy their quality of life.

“I used to have a basement,” says Michael Caspare, who lives with his wife and daughter near the end of the street. A quick tour of Caspare’s home leads to a small staircase and what has now been transformed into little more than a crawl space. “I filled it in with six feet of dirt and then poured four inches of concrete over that.” Without the fill, the basement would have kept taking on water—eroding the foundation and inviting a host of complications into the family’s home.

Caspare’s wife, Margarita Bravo stands nearby holding a stack of correspondence that’s been sent to “every city official I could find.” But she says the writing, the meetings, the complaints and the outcries have not resulted in a remedy. She has been fighting — seemingly in vain — for years. Despite the deaf ears she has faced, Bravo continues to be hopeful the damaged duct pipe at the end of the street will be repaired. “It should be draining the water from the street into the adjacent canal,” Bravo explains. “The last time it was fixed was more than ten years ago.”

But on Monday night at a site meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Councilman Eric Ulrich may have brought a little hope to the hearts of Hamilton Beach residents—that is until the tide rises again. The situation is extremely difficult and complicated according to Ulrich. A long term solution would involve reconstruction and repair of a faulty, inadequate drainage system, installation of a proper seawall and bulkheads and elevating and pitching streets affected by constant flooding. Problems arise in the fact that the job that would have to be handled as a collaborative effort between the DEP and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

“The long term solution is obvious,” Ulrich said.” In addition, he notes, there are environmental laws in place that regulate what is permissible construction for the area. But he says, for the people who live with this on almost a daily basis, what is far more crucial is what can be done now.

“I am determined to put a short term solution in place for now. The people who live with this deserve and have every right to demand immediate relief.” To that end, the freshman Councilmember arranged for DEP Deputy Commissioner James Roberts - who directs the city’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations - to attend the site meeting.

The man that runs every sewer in New York City listened to the complaints of a group designated to represent the community. One by one they reiterated what they say they have been telling city officials over and over for years.

“We had 18 inches of fill on this street but some of the neighbors decided they didn’t want that so the city came in and took it out,” said Roger Gendron, whose life on Davenport Court for the last two decades has been punctuated by a painful lack of response from the city. “If the check valve was on the pipe at the end of the block like it’s supposed to be, we’d be fine. Pointing to the pipe, Gendron uses his hands to show the diameter of the holes he says contribute to the pipe’s inability to drain water from the street. “This is more than mechanics,” Gendron says. “There are serious issues of toxicity connected to this water.”

The rain and high winds that have plagued much of the city in recent months has caused flooding on many streets in other neighborhoods, but in Hamilton Beach, the floods come year-round, rain or shine. The area’s close proximity to Jamaica Bay causes flooding in the area as often as two weeks out of every month.

Now, at the urging of Councilmember Ulrich, a meeting to address the problems between the DEP and DOT will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. “The fact that Commissioner Roberts has come to the site himself is encouraging to me and should be to the community,” said Ulrich. “We are going to address this problem and give these people some of what they want. They have to get something to alleviate their problems. And they have to get it now.”

According to Ulrich, Roberts will return to the site — most likely during high tide -as will DEP’s citywide Commissioner Caswell Holloway, to assess the situation further and determine what measures can be put in place readily to combat the flooding problems.

Although Hamilton Beach residents can say they’ve heard that song before — from a string of Ulrich’s predecessors — there seems to be an air of confidence in the young elected official who is trying to put a plug in the situation now. “He’s pushing for us and we have faith in him,” says Margarita Bravo. “People say we should just move out—that we are like prisoners in our own homes. But we’re not going anywhere. And we want it fixed.”

Crime News: Shooting in MV, Burglary in Maspeth

By Conor Greene

Police provided details on several incidents that occurred recently within the confines of the 104th Precinct: a shooting in Middle Village, and a residential burglary in Maspeth.

Daniel Pizzuli, 18, and Daniel Pizzuli, 40, both of 52-30 65th Place in Maspeth, face charges of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, assault and menacing following a dispute and shooting on May 23rd in Middle Village.

According to police sources, the pair was arrested after assaulting a 25-year-old man at about 7:35 that evening near the corner of 79th Street and 68th Avenue. The victim was first hit with a bat and then shot in the hand, police said. Both of the suspects were charged in the incident, but the Queens District Attorney’s Office didn’t have any additional details.

Police also reported that a home near 60th Street and 59th Drive in Maspeth was broken into on the night of May 20 while the family was home and asleep. Police say the suspects entered the home through a window, likely after cutting out the screen. They took a wallet and credit cards before fleeing the scene in the family’s vehicle after locating the car keys.

The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made yet.

Remembering Middle Village Community Activist Robert Doocey

Middle Village resident Robert Doocey, who was active in many local causes around his neighborhood, died on Sunday morning surrounded by his family at Calvary Hospital.

Doocey, who was a longtime member of the Juniper Park Civic Association, was honored on the organization’s Website by neighbor Lorraine Sciulli. “His passing is a great loss for his family, friends and our community… Bob Doocey was a neighborhood activist in the true sense of the description,” wrote Sciulli. “There wasn’t a topic you could mention where Bob Doocey didn’t have an opinion.”

Robert was bon on Jan. 20, 1940 in New York City, the third of eight children of the late Frank and Margaret Doocey of Jamaica Estates. In 1955 the family moved to Allentown, Pa. Robert graduated from Central Catholic High School and attended Georgetown University for one year. In 1961 he joined the Army and was honorably discharged after four years of service.

Robert married Zenaida Rellosa on Dec. 30, 1967. Their children are Terence Edward Doocey of Alaska and Timothy Edward Doocey of New York. After an annulment, Robert married Linda Koh on Aug. 8, 1980 at Our Lady of Hope Church in Middle Village. Their children are Thomas Edward Doocey and Theresa Elizabeth Doocey, both of Middle Village.

In the 1960s, Robert launched a career in the then new field of computer programming. He spent over four decades in that industry, and was a gifted problem solver and a dedicated and valued member of his technology teams. As a pioneer in a constantly-changing industry, Robert was interested in both continually learning and teaching his trade. He taught computer programming classes at several universities and colleges.

After retiring in September 2001, Robert found a new passion with his deep involvement with the JPCA. He was a member of the group’s executive board and assistant editor and columnist of the Juniper Berry magazine. He often spoke proudly of his work with the Juniper Juniors, a neighborhood youth organization focused on graffiti removal, planting flowers in local parks, community cleanups and other projects including It’s My Park Day.

Unwavering in his principals of honesty, friendship, loyalty and forgiveness, Robert earned a reputation as a man able to stand his ground, especially in the face of controversy. He patented his own brand of loyalty and bestowed upon his children the gift of cultivating lifelong friendships. He always meant what he said, and while he set an example to those in his public life as both a professional and gentleman, he taught his family the simple and priceless lesson of saying “I love you” every chance he had.

Robert donated his remains to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons for the advancement of medical science.

“Rest in peace, Bob Doocey, you made your mark on our world and while you left us far too soon, we will always remember you for your kind, giving, generous personality, and let’s not forget your very funny dry sense of humor, understanding you always had the best interests of the other guy at the top of your priority list,” wrote Sciulli.

Robert’s family will be holding a memorial mass at Resurrection Ascension Roman Catholic Church, 85-25 61st Road, Rego Park, on Saturday at 9:45 a.m.

Queens Library Rally Rocks City Hall

Faced with the prospect of closing 14 local branches, reducing hours at an additional 34 locations and laying off as many as 400 employees, Queens Library officials and City Council members rallied Tuesday outside City Hall to draw attention to the drastic budget cuts the system is facing.

The proposed city budget currently includes about $17 million in budget cuts for Queens Library, which boasts the highest circulation of any library in the nation. As a result, more than 300 employees have already received notices that their jobs might be eliminated in August, and additional cuts are possible, depending on the outcome of the overdue state budget.

In an effort to inform the public of the impending cuts, and to convince Council members to work to help restore funding, more than 400 Queens Library supporters, trustees, union members, residents and City Council members rallied on the steps of City Hall this week. The mayor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 would reduce funding to Queens Library by $16.9 million, on top of cuts sustained this past year.

In all, a total of $28.3 million in funding has been cut from Queens Library’s budget since 2008, when funding was provided to keep all libraries open on Saturdays. During this past year, funding cuts caused the closure of all community libraries on Sundays, and the library’s workforce has been reduced by 160 jobs through attrition. The proposed 2011 funding levels would be the lowest on record.

“Demand for library services continues to grow and grow,” said Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante at Tuesday’s rally. “It is an indication of how much people in Queens rely on Queens Library to be their lifeline to information, education, literacy, jobs and job readiness. We will continue to fight to save service and save jobs for the 50,000 people who use our libraries every day.”

City Council members in attendance included Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), who chairs the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee, Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Dan Halloran (R-Bayside), Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), Julissa Ferreras (East Elmhurst), Peter Koo (R-Flushing) and others.

“Libraries are an essential part of our communities,” said Van Bramer. “These educational havens provide vital resources during such pressing times – now more than ever New Yorkers need libraries.”

As a result of the proposed cuts, some 412 employees would be laid-off early in fiscal year 2011. Fourteen branches would close completely, and 34 would be closed four of five days a week. That would mean just twelve branches would be open five days a week, one would be open six days a week, and one branch would be open seven days a week. It would also result in deep reductions in books purchased, programs, building maintenance, furniture and needed equipment.

Deadline Approaches to Enroll in Metro Ave HS

With the city Department of Education’s deadline approaching for parents and students to file appeals regarding school assignment, several local officials are urging locals to consider enrolling in the Queens Metropolitan High School this fall.

The deadline for the DOE’s appeals round is the close of business on Tuesday, June 1. In the meantime, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and school Principal Marci Levy Maguire are encouraging students who live within the school’s zoning boundary to apply to attend there in September. Students who wish to be considered for the Queens Metropolitan HS must file an appeal through their middle school guidance counselor, with give to families that live within the zone.

The Queens Metropolitan High School will open this September with 350 9th grade students. In a victory for students and parents, both Koslowitz and Andrew Hevesi fought to make sure the Queens Metropolitan High School would be a locally zoned school. In 2010 the school will first accept students in the designated zone, followed by students who reside in District 28 and 24. After both zones, the school will be open to all Queens and New York City residents.

“The Queens Metropolitan High School will be one of New York City’s finest public schools. Yet, in order to make the local zoning agreement a reality, we need local students and parents from the zone to participate in the appeals round exercises by making the Queens Metropolitan High School their choice,” said Council Member Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills)

"We fought very hard to ensure that the residents of our neighborhoods would be able to send their children to this new local school. It is now crucial for parents to take advantage of this opportunity and fill out an application to have their child considered for placement at the Metro School," said Hevesi (D-Forest Hills).