An Unguarded Fort, and Neighbors Who See a Risk

Protesters also chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, we say safety, they say no!”

New York Times

March 22, 2009
Fort Totten
An Unguarded Fort, and Neighbors Who See a Risk
By JAMES ANGELOS

FORT TOTTEN in Bayside, Queens, sits atop a hilly peninsula near the Throgs Neck Bridge, where the waters of the East River meet Long Island Sound. The fort was built during the Civil War to guard the city against attack from the East River, but it closed in 1995, and since then, much of the land, along with many of its dilapidated Victorian buildings, has been handed over to the city.

A park now covers 50 acres of Fort Totten, and the Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Army Reserve 77th Regional Readiness Command and other groups, use some of the buildings on the remaining 100 or so acres.

Since the fort closed, the Fire Department has been in charge of security there, hiring private guards to patrol the fort and to staff a security booth at its entrance. But in February, the fort’s neighbors learned that the department would eliminate that security detail starting March 1, citing budget cuts.

The move has unleashed local fears that the park and its historic buildings, some of them abandoned, will be vulnerable to vandalism, arson and other crimes. Earlier this month, a few dozen residents held a rally at the fort’s entrance, chanting, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, we say safety, they say no!”

At one point, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. spoke on a megaphone.

“During the toughest economic times,” Mr. Vallone said, “that’s when you have to keep the community and the people the safest.”

A group of security guards who had worked at the fort watched the protest.

“There will be a lot of chaos,” predicted one guard, Alexander Bolotinskiy, as he watched a car pass the empty security booth, where the sign still read, “Please Stop and Show ID.”

Steve Ritea, a Fire Department spokesman, said the change was part of a wider cut in security expenditures that would save nearly $1.2 million annually.

The Police Department, Mr. Ritea added, will continue to include the fort in its patrols. Fire marshals stationed at the fort will also provide an element of safety, he said.

But some residents are not placated. Among them is Carol Marian, president of the Bayside Historical Society, which is housed in the fort.

“This park is not a normal park,” Ms. Marian said, pointing out the many old buildings. “We have hidden corners where people can lurk.”

Bayside activists protest lack of security at Fort Totten

Rally organizer Warren Schreiber talks with a fellow Bay Terrace resident Rosemarie Brennan at a rally outside of the gates of Fort Totten in Bayside. Photo by Christina Santucci

Times Ledger

Bayside activists protest lack of security at Fort Totten

By Christina Santucci and Stephen Stirling
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 4:37 PM EDT

Dozens of residents and community leaders descended on the security gates at Fort Totten Saturday morning to protest the recent termination of private security services in the historic park — a move they say could lead to a spike in crime in the area.

For the past two years, the FDNY has spent $650,000 annually to provide a 24−hour security detail for the fort. Due to budget cuts across the city, however, the FDNY recently announced it would not hire a private security firm to guard the area and instead turned over control of the fort to the 109th Precinct March 1. The 109th, which is based in Flushing, covers the adjacent Bay Terrace neighborhood.

The decision has not sat well with a number of residents and civic groups in the area, however, who contend the FDNY gave little notice of the decision and could unintentionally create a hotbed for crime that could spill into the surrounding communities.

“Shame on the FDNY,” said Kim O’Hanion, Parks Committee chairwoman of Community Board 7. “What they’re doing here is totally unacceptable.”

Though several of the buildings at Fort Totten are occupied by law enforcement agencies, some buildings have been long abandoned and fallen into disrepair.

Warren Schreiber, president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, said without security these abandoned buildings could become havens for vandals and vagrants who could commit serious crimes or start fires in the structures.

About half a dozen guards from PD Security in Bellerose lost their jobs at Fort Totten. Mandouh Elzab of Richmond Hill, who had been working at Fort Totten for about six years said that two to three weeks ago, at about 2 a,m. a man came to the guard station needing medical attention.

“He was in very bad condition. I called the ambulance and stayed with him. If nobody is here, who is going to help this guy?” Elzab asked.

Protesters also said they were miffed by the last−minute warning the FDNY gave before making the decision to halt security at the fort.

“They should have come to us, the parties that are interested and affected, and let us know and have a say,” Schreiber said. “There have to be ways to solve this situation. But they gave us no warning.”

Community Affairs Detective Kevin O’Donnell of the 109th Precinct recently told TimesLedger Newspapers that the precinct would patrol the area, but not provide a constant security detail.

“If [the FDNY] drops security, it would just become part of the regular patrol of that area,” he said. “We don’t do security, we patrol neighborhoods.”

The fort, bounded by the Long Island Sound and Cross Island Parkway, is also home to an Army National Guard unit, an NYPD K−9 unit, an emergency services unit, an EMS academy and the auxiliary Coast Guard.

Schreiber, who has been leading the fight against the cutbacks, said it is unbelievable there are so many law enforcement agencies present at the fort, yet no one manning the front gate on a regular basis.

“We feel they betrayed the community,” Schreiber said. “They made an agreement to provide security here. All we’re asking for is the status quo. We’re not asking for them to reinvent the wheel.”

Rally to Protect Fort Totten

PROTEST RALLY

*IMPORTANT RALLY*

PROTECT THE FORT!

ORGANIZED BY

BAY TERRACE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

&

FRIENDS OF FORT TOTTEN PARKS

DATE: SAT., MARCH 7, 2009 AT 11:00 AM

PLACE: FORT TOTTEN FRONT GATE

CROSS ISLAND PKWY @ 212TH ST.

GUARD SERVICE IS GOING TO BE REMOVED FROM THE ENTRANCE TO FORT TOTTEN PARK DUE TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG’S BUDGET CUTS!

THE INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR VANDALISM, ARSON & BURGLARY OF HISTORIC

BUILDINGS AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS, AND THE SECURITY OF OUR

HOMES AND COMMUNITY ARE SERIOUSLY AT RISK!

JOIN US IN PROTECTING THE FORT

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

rally-flyer

Relay to Fight Cancer

Relay For Life at Fort Totten

Queens Courier

BY VICTOR G. MIMONI

Thursday, February 19, 2009 6:08 PM EST
There’s a party on Bell Boulevard in Bayside, but it’s serious.

It’s a complimentary informational kick-off party, at the Outback Steakhouse, to spread the word for the American Cancer Society (ACS) 5th annual “Relay For Life,” scheduled for this June, at Fort Totten.

The Kick-Off Party will be held on Tuesday, February 24, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the steakhouse located at 23-48 Bell Boulevard, said event chair Stephanie Perger.

The overnight campaign will take place on Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7, on the parade grounds of the historic fort, much of which is now a park and Fire Department facilities.

“We invite you to make a difference and help us provide hope to patients, families and friends coping with cancer,” Perger.

The event committee has been holding monthly meetings at the Chabad Jewish Community Center at 26-06 213th Street in Bayside. Their next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, March 5.

“All are welcome – bring a friend,” Perger said, adding two requests: “Please enter through the back door and please, no food or drinks.” She pointed out that at the party however, “Food and refreshments will be served.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the disease affects more than 8.9 million people nationwide – more than 1.2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and a projected 555,500 will die from it this year, they say.

“Relay for Life brings the community together to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, honor those who have won their battle and encourage those still in the battle,” Perger explained.

The idea was conceived in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Washington surgeon who wanted to boost his local ACS office.

He spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him.

He raised $27,000.

While he was circling the track, Klatt envisioned the team-relay event – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Millions have joined the cause all over the world, making Relay For Life the largest fundraising event ever, according to the ACS.

Perger pointed out that party seating is limited, and asks those planning to attend to R.S.V.P. by noon on Monday, February 23. Call John Link at the American Cancer Society, 718-263-2225, Ext. 5538 or via e-mail at john.link@cancer.org.

“If you can’t attend the party but would like additional information, please let us know,” she said.

For more information, you can also visit www.relayforlife.org/forttottenNY.

Fort Totten Gate Security: An Ever Changing Story

A protest rally still remains a very real possibility.

At a meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, Fire Department Chiefs and Unit Heads decided to completely eliminate gate security at Fort Totten. This is contrary to earlier reports from official FDNY sources that the security would be provided by light duty fire fighters.

At this time attempts are being made to obtain copies of the conveyance agreement, which some interested parties believe call for FDNY to maintain gate security. As expected, FDNY is reluctant to make the documents available for review. Efforts are underway to obtain the documentation elsewhere.

A protest rally still remains a very real possibility.

BLOOMBERG TO FORT TOTTEN & BAY TERRACE: DROP DEAD

Fort Totten Gate Security – Update

According to reliable sources, the FDNY has decided that terminating Fort Totten gate security is a bad idea. Light duty firefighters will continue to protect the Fort’s front gate. Fire marshals will share some of the responsibility.

BLOOMBERG TO FORT TOTTEN & BAY TERRACE: DROP DEAD

BLOOMBERG TO FORT TOTTEN & BAY TERRACE: DROP DEAD

Effective March 1, Fort Totten will no longer have gate security.

BLOOMBERG TO FORT TOTTEN & BAY TERRACE: DROP DEAD

Gate security at Fort Totten will be discontinued on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Fire Commissioner Scoppetta is taking this action in response to the Mayor’s recently announced budget cuts. Termination of the security contract will threaten Fort Totten and the surrounding community.

Both FDNY and NYPD house units on Fort Totten which have high security needs. To go into detail would be irresponsible but suffice it to say that these units deal with matters pertaining to terrorism and criminal investigation.

Without security there will be burglary and vandalism concerns at night. In addition, the abandoned old buildings, many of which are part of the Historic Monument Trust, would be prime targets for arson once it gets dark. Night time criminal activity in the Fort will spill over into Bay Terrace.

Completely removing security guards from Fort Totten’s front gate is ill-advised and will eventually cost the city more in terms of increased vandalism, burglary, arson, crimes involving violence and police services. This action poses a real threat to the safety of our community.

Bloomberg has now told us to drop dead. The Bay Terrace Cafe will send him the same good wishes when election day rolls around.

19th Council District: Throw Another Hat in the Ring

Tom Cooke

The race for City Council in the 19th CD is really heating up. Tom Cooke will be officially adding his name to an already crowded field of qualified candidates. He joins Jerry Iannece, Paul Vallone, Steve Behar & Debra Markell who are all seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by Tony Avella. John Frank is also expected to soon announce his entry into what promises to be an interesting contest.

As of this date there are no declared Republicans. This is one district in which Republicans have consistently been able to run competitive races.

Fort Totten Park won’t need natural gas station unless Parks Decides Differently?

Park's Department nose grows bigger & bigger & bigger

Despite verification that the compressed natural gas tanks proposal was dead, a statement from Parks said: “The Parks Department has not made any decisions about implementing temporary or mobile fueling stations at this time.” Customers in the Cafe commented that Parks Department seems to have mastered the ability to talk out of both sides of their mouth.

Queens Chronicle

02/05/2009
Fort Totten Park won’t need natural gas station
by Liz Rhoades , Managing Editor

Although Parks Department officials said they have not made any decisions about installing compressed natural gas tanks at Fort Totten Park, the need for them has largely vanished.
In December, the nearby Bay Terrace community learned that the city was considering such a move to fuel its new tram. Otherwise, the vehicle would have to be transported frequently to the nearest city fueling area at Flushing Meadows Park.
Advertisement
Some community members, led by Warren Schreiber, who heads the Bay Terrace Community Alliance and the Bay Terrace Co-op Section 1, oppose the possible installation of tanks. They fear it might present a safety concern or be a possible target for terrorists. But it appears the city has resolved that problem by having a larger fuel tank installed on the tram.
“They solved the problem in a very creative and intelligent manner,” said state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing). “I’m happy when things work out.”
Stavisky and Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) wrote letters to the Parks Department against installing the gas tanks at the former Bayside military base. They received a reply from Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski in mid-January calling the compressed natural gas tram “a very green alternative.”
Lewandowski indicated her agency made preliminary inquiries regarding permit requirements for a fueling station, but since then, the tram has been retrofitted to triple its fuel capacity, “making the need for an on-site fueling station unnecessary,” she said.
Schreiber is ecstatic the problem has been resolved. “We’re happy it’s over,” he said. “They need to make the park accessible to everyone, but not with a miniature gas station.”
Joe Branzetti, president of Friends of Fort Totten Park, said his group met with the park administrator, Janice Melnick, who explained that the larger fuel tank on the tram will mean fewer trips to refuel.
Branzetti was also told the refueling would be done at a Con Edison facility in College Point, which is a little closer than Flushing Meadows. But Parks Department officials could not verify that.
Despite verification that the compressed natural gas tanks proposal was dead, a statement from Parks said: “The Parks Department has not made any decisions about implementing temporary or mobile fueling stations at this time.”
Last July, Borough President Helen Marshall funded the $262,400 tram to move visitors around the park. The open-air vehicle includes the lead tram car with seating and a separate all-passenger gondola.
Plans call for the lead car to be unhitched for refueling and driven to Flushing Meadows or College Point. Before the fuel tank was enlarged, it was estimated it would have to be refueled every two to three days.
Because of mechanical problems, the vehicle was not used last year. It will only be operated in warm weather.

Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza: Deputy Majority Whip

The Bay Terrace Cafe has learned that Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza has been appointed Deputy Majority Whip. This is a prestigious Assembly leadership position.

Congratulations Assemblywoman Carrozza!

Avella: Legalize Sports Betting as a Cash Cow for the City

Cash Cow aka Legalized Sports Betting

Queens Chronicle

02/05/2009
Avella attacks mayor over budget proposal
by Peter C. Mastrosimone , Editor-in-Chief

A key Queens lawmaker who intends to run for the city’s highest office blasted Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s budget plan this week as unnecessarily draconian.
City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) contends that the spending cuts and layoffs Bloomberg proposed for fiscal 2010, which begins July 1, could all be avoided if his own ideas were implemented instead.
The city is facing a $4 billion deficit in 2010, according to the administration’s latest estimate. Just two months ago, the shortfall was pegged at only $1.3 billion. And the city has already made $2.4 billion in cuts; otherwise the mayor says the gap would be projected at $6.4 billion.
The reason of course is the continuing economic slide and resultant decrease in city tax revenues.
In a budgetary statement issued last week, Bloomberg said the city needs help from the state and federal governments, as well as municipal unions here, to avoid deeper cuts. And he cited the mid-year reductions already approved by the City Council as crucial.
“The tough decisions we made over the last year prevented the current deficit from being unmanageable, and we now have a plan to close that deficit,” Bloomberg said. “We will do our part by cutting nearly another $1 billion in agency spending, and the wise choices we made when the economy was booming have helped, allowing us to pay down billions of dollars in expenses for future years.”
Avella, however, has a different take.
“I think there’s no way we should be doing layoffs in this economy,” he said Tuesday. “That’s a catch-22 situation. They have less money, they may go on unemployment; it’s like raising taxes. It doesn’t solve anything.”
Avella cited Bloomberg’s plans to delay the hiring of more police officers and to close some fire companies at night as among the worst of his proposals. “That’s stupid and puts people’s lives in jeopardy,” he said.
The councilman claimed the budget gap could be closed just by eliminating waste in city agencies and by enacting one of his longtime proposals: legalizing sports betting and turning it into a cash cow for the city.
If the city would just go after people who damage public property, it could raise as much as $100 million a year, Avella asserted, saying the Police Department alone spends $3 million annually to fix patrol cars hit by other drivers.
Meanwhile sports betting generates anywhere from $15 to $30 billion a year for organized crime syndicates, he said — money that would close the budget gap and then some.
Mayoral officials could not immediately be reached for a response, but have said in the past that Avella is just politicking when he criticizes Bloomberg. He is one of several officials who plan to challenge the mayor in this year’s election. The councilman said the fact that he has been proposing the same measures for years shows that he is sincere.

15th Annual Little Neck Bay Beach Clean-Up

Bayside Anglers Group Ltd.
Proudly presents

Bayside Anglers

15th Annual Little Neck Bay Beach Clean-Up
“Bayside Waterfront Day”
10 AM on Sunday, April 19, 2009
(Rain or Shine)

We welcome all volunteers and their families to help us in
the Spring-cleaning of one of our most popular local fishing spots.
Through the support of the NYC Dept. of Parks, Partnership for
Parks and the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation,
bags, gloves, rakes and shovels are provided for this event.
Volunteers are well cared for with food and drink. To make things
interesting, all participants are entered for a chance at raffle
prizes provided courtesy of our sponsors. Join us and help make a
difference that you can see today and for the rest of the season.

2009 will mark our 15th year of clearing debris from the back
of our beloved bay. To celebrate this 15 year milestone, we are
expanding this project to cover the entire 3 mile stretch of public
shoreline here in Bayside.
Directions to sign in booths

Booth 1: Bass Beach is accessed by walking to the southern end of the bay
along the bicycle path adjacent to the Northbound Cross Island Parkway.
Take Cross Island Parkway to Northern Blvd. West. Go about 1⁄2 mile and
make a right onto Bell Blvd. Continue about 1 mile and make a right onto
35th Ave. Bear left and park at end. A footbridge to the bicycle path is up the
hill opposite Crocheron Pond.

Booth 2: Little Bay Park: Cross Island Parkway North to Exit 32 (Bell
Boulevard) make a right at the light into Little Bay Park. Park in the lot on the left.

Fort Totten on the “Fringe”

The "Fringe" can now be seen on FOX

FORT TOTTEN ON THE “FRINGE”

On Thursday February 5, 2009 the TV show “FRINGE” is  scheduled to shoot interior and exterior scenes at Fort Totten Park.

Approximate time:    9am – 6pm

Vandalism = Adult Sports?

The  individuals responsible for this illegal posting in Bay Terrace seem to believe that vandalism is now an Adult Sport. Our community is dedicated to stamping out graffiti, illegal posting, stickers and any other form of vandalism. The irresponsible people who deface our neighborhoods should face criminal charges, pay for the clean-up and be publicly embarrassed.

Click Each Thumbnail For The Full Size Image

FDNY: Mayor’s Budget Proposal “Is Not Good” – Fort Totten Security to be Cut

FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta

FDNY: Mayor’s Budget Proposal “Is Not Good”

From MSNBC

FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta reacted quickly to Friday’s budget announcement by Michael Bloomberg.

The mayor proposed heavy cuts in city jobs, cuts in services and increases in costs for everyday New Yorkers.

Among the agencies that would face heavy losses is the FDNY.

Scoppetta said that included in the cuts would be Security Services for Randall’s Island, Fort Totten and Maspeth, which will be discontinued by March 1, 2009.

More………………

“Idiots, start your engines!”

From the Daily News

Just ‘Idiots’ in shopping cart race in Queens

BY CAITLIN MILLAT and JOE JACKSON
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Sunday, February 1st 2009, 4:00 AM

“Idiots, start your engines!”

That’s what hundreds of contestants heard Saturday at the start of New York’s sixth annual Idiotarod – a local take on Alaska’s Iditarod dog-sled race that replaces dogs with people, and sleds with shopping carts.

Teams of four runners and one driver navigate homemade carts from checkpoint to checkpoint along a mystery route only revealed as the race goes on via text messages. Organizers say the map is kept secret by design in order to keep police from intervening along the way.

More…………………….

Fire Damages Baybridge Condos

Update From NY1

The Blaze occurred in the Baybridge Condos.

Several Queens residents were left out in the cold after a fire in Clearview Friday evening.

Witnesses say the fire started at Jordan Road.

As firefighters battled flames on the second and third floors of a condo, the flames it spread to a neighboring building.

“They crashed our windows, so we don’t know what damage is done or how bad it is,” said neighbor David Linker. “We’re right next door to all the damage though so I’m sure there’s smoke damage and significant damage.”

All the residents left safely.

Officials were still investigating the cause of the fire on Friday night.

See the NY1 Video

Additional Photos

Fire Engulfs Homes in Bay Terrace Queens

FOX NEWS

Fire Engulfs Homes in Queens

NEW YORK CITY – Firefighter fought a fast-moving fire that tore through some houses in Bay Terrace, Queens, Friday night. The fire went to three alarms, authorities said.

SkyFoxHD was over the scene, where firefighters battled the flames while engulfed in thick smoke. The fire spread quickly from one house to another.

The homes are near the Clearview Golf Course and the Clearview Expressway.

Watch Super Bowl Ads Today, Get Stuff Done on Sunday

If you’re one of the many who aren’t that into football but stay glued to your TV on Super Bowl Sunday for the commercials, you can head on over to Adweek right now to catch several of this weekend’s big campaigns.

This is the Bay Terrace Cafe’s way of thanking all our loyal customers for their continued patronage

New plans announced for Bay Terrace Shopping Center at community meeting

New plans announced for Bay Terrace Shopping Center

Queens Chronicle

New plans announced for Bay Terrace shopping
by Laura Shin, Chronicle Contributor
01/29/2009

Consumers who frequent the Bay Terrace Shopping Center have several changes to look forward to in the coming months. Cord Meyer Development Co. representatives revealed new plans for the property and addressed concerns at the Jan. 22 meeting of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance.
Empty space on the second level may soon be home to new eateries such as a steak house and an Italian restaurant. “Unfortunately, things are slow because of the economy, but we are working on some nice things,” said Mary Hughes, vice president of leasing for Cord Meyer.

Hughes explained that there had been a deal with Petco for that space, but it did not work out. Rumors that a Trader Joe’s was coming to the shopping center had circulated, but Hughes said that is not possible due to lease restrictions with Waldbaum’s.
Reports about a Panera Breads opening in the FedEx Kinko’s and Camelot space, however, were confirmed. “We should see construction plans in about three weeks and an opening by early summer,” Hughes told attendees of the standing-room-only meeting.
She also dispelled rumors about a New York Sports Club coming to the center, explaining that a gym facility would require a change of use in the lease agreement and there is no guarantee for such a change.
The five representatives of Cord Meyer, including Anthony Colletti, its chief financial officer, stood at the head of the crowd as local residents and community leaders offered praise, questions and concerns.
“We are accountable,” Colletti said. “We don’t just build and leave; we’ve been there for a long time,” he said, assuring members of the community that all complaints would be heard.
Cord Meyer has a 104-year history and a 60-year history at the shopping center.
Colletti responded to one resident’s concern about the ever-popular Ben’s Deli. “We are pleased they are staying,” he said. “We wish them to stay forever.”
After months of negotiations and no resolution, the deli reported last November that it would leave the property. Earlier this month, however, the deli renewed its lease and will remain at its current location.
State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) made an appearance at the meeting and offered good words about Cord Meyer and encouraged everyone to “come out and patronize the stores.”
Community members eagerly raised their hands hoping for their chance to speak. Some complimented Cord Meyer for the cleanliness of the property and good security. Others expressed concern over traffic and pedestrian safety.
Cord Meyer officials explained that they are not able to write traffic summons and that traffic laws are not enforced in parking lots in New York City.
In response to various suggestions, Cord Meyer officials said installing a trolley on the site is not feasible due to expense, liability and traffic. They also said having a sidewalk run across the parking lot is “impractical.”
Representatives from Waldbaum’s were also present at the meeting. Community members commented on various issues such as prices, availability of organic foods and the lack of delivery service.
“I’m here for you. I listen to every word you say,” said Bill Reilly, representative for Waldbaum’s, as he wrote down every comment. “Some things we can do, other things are harder.”
BTCA President Warren Schreiber ended the meeting by assuring attendees that the civic association is working on a community survey in which residents will be able to report their concerns and suggestions.

City accused of bias against blacks, Hispanics in ex-con jobs ban

Meet the hospital's newest employee

New York Daily News

BY THOMAS ZAMBITO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Tuesday, January 27th 2009, 3:24 AM

A city ban on hiring ex-cons for hospital jobs is unfair to blacks and Hispanics, a city woman claimed in a complaint to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Shanae Leath, who was convicted for her role in a mugging nine years ago, lost her shot at a clerical job at Bellevue Hospital when her record came to light. Leath, 28, said the city Health and Hospitals Corp. ban discriminates.

“Years ago, I made a mistake, but my life is in order now,” Leath said. “It really hurts because Bellevue seemed to recognize that I would be a good worker.”

Leath’s attorney Justin Swartz says the Health and Hospitals Corp.’s “blanket ban” on hiring applicants with criminal convictions disproportionately affects Hispanics and African-Americans.

Victims of violent crimes will most certainly be grateful that the miscreants who attacked them, will now be part of the hospital team tending to their injuries.

Smoking Ban Hits Home. Truly.

January 27, 2009
Belmont Journal
Smoking Ban Hits Home. Truly.
By JESSE McKINLEY

BELMONT, Calif. — During her 50 years of smoking, Edith Frederickson says, she has lit up in restaurants and bars, airplanes and trains, and indoors and out, all as part of a two-pack-a-day habit that she regrets not a bit. But as of two weeks ago, Ms. Frederickson can no longer smoke in the one place she loves the most: her home.

Ms. Frederickson lives in an apartment in Belmont, Calif., a quiet Silicon Valley city that is now home to perhaps the nation’s strictest antismoking law, effectively outlawing lighting up in all apartment buildings.

“I’m absolutely outraged,” said Ms. Frederickson, 72, pulling on a Winston as she sat on a concrete slab outside her single-room apartment. “They’re telling you how to live and what to do, and they’re doing it right here in America.”

And that the ban should have originated in her very building — a sleepy government-subsidized retirement complex called Bonnie Brae Terrace — is even more galling. Indeed, according to city officials, a driving force behind the passage of the law was a group of retirees from the complex who lobbied the city to stop secondhand smoke from drifting into their apartments from the neighbors’ places.

“They took it upon themselves to do something about it,” said Valerie Harnish, the city’s information services manager. “And they did.”

Public health advocates are closely watching to see what happens with Belmont, seeing it as a new front in their national battle against tobacco, one that seeks to place limits on smoking in buildings where tenants share walls, ceilings and — by their logic — air. Not surprisingly, habitually health-conscious California has been ahead of the curve on the issue, with several other cities passing bans on smoking in most units in privately owned apartment buildings, but none has gone as far as Belmont, which prohibits smoking in any apartment that shares a floor or ceiling with another, including condominiums.

“I think Belmont broke through this invisible barrier in the sense that it addressed drifting smoke in housing as a public health issue,” said Serena Chen, the regional director of policy and tobacco programs for the American Lung Association of California. “They simply said that secondhand smoke is no less dangerous when it’s in your bedroom than in your workplace.”

Read more………..

Civilians, cops tag-team vs. graffiti

BTCA Graffiti Busters

Queens has made major strides in the war on vandalism.

Graffiti complaints dropped dramatically across the borough in 2008 — including a 20% decline in Queens’ northern precincts — even as citywide totals jumped more than 10%, according to preliminary NYPD stats.

The number of graffiti complaints includes calls from the public to report vandalism to the NYPD, as well as all graffiti-related criminal charges the NYPD files against suspects after they’re arrested.

In addition, cops collared 214 fewer taggers in Queens than they had in 2007 — a 23.1% drop that contrasted with a 10% leap citywide in graffiti arrests, NYPD records show.

Skeptics warn the numbers may indicate only a lack of vigilance in reporting graffiti and catching offenders — not a true dip in the colorful crimes — but others view them as a major accomplishment.

In 2008, the 109th Precinct reported 182 graffiti complaints which resulted in 55 arrests. During that same period, the 111th Precinct received 117 graffiti reports which resulted 27 arrests.

BTCA’s Graffiti Busters can often be seen removing grafitti, stickers, illegal postings and other forms of vandalism in Bay Terrace. Any one of their regularly schedluled clean-ups will often result in the removal of 30-50 tags and markings. All of these volunteer community groups should be applauded for their efforts.

For more on this story……….

Parks Dept. Says Fort Totten Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station Unnecessary

CNG Explosion - Algeria

Customers of the Cafe were pleased to learn that NYC Parks & Recreation has decided an on-site CNG fueling station in Fort Totten is not necessary. According to Queens Parks Commissioner Lewandowski, the Fort Totten tram will fuel at Park’s fueling site in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It’s possible that community pressure had a lot to do with DPR’s determination. The Bay Terrace Community Alliance, Councilmember Avella and State Senator Stavisky all expressed strong opposition to Park’s original plans.

It should be pointed out this problem could have been averted if DPR had done sufficient research prior to purchasing a vehicle which ultimately proved to be inappropriate for its intended use.

Jack Fein Documentary and Last Interview

Jack Fein being buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery

On March 28, 2008 at 5:32 in the morning, Jack Fein the unofficial historian of Fort Totten passed away. Fein who spent 36 years in the military is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Jack Fein has been higlighted as Fort Totten’s last protector since the bases closing in 1995. Jack Fein has devoted his time to safeguarding the military bases ever fading history. Fein who has been intereviewed by The New York Times and other local papers has recently completed his final interview with Alex Lamburini. In the interview, Fort Totten’s unofficial historian reveals secrets concerning the military base as well as many of his tramatic experiences serving in the United States military. The interview also contains never before seen footage of Jack Fein’s historical workplace.

Bay Terrace Community Alliance – Meet Your Local Merchants Night

It was standing-room-only at the BTCA’s January meeting. The huge turn-out on January 22nd, solidified the BTCA’s reputation as the “Voice of Bay Terrace.” In addition, the organization’s credibility was further enhanced by the presence of State Senator Stavisky, Gene McSweeney from Assemblywoman Carrozza’s office, Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky, four announced candidates for City Council in the 19th District, a former candidate for the State Assembly, Mac Harris who is head of FDNY operations on Fort Totten and members of the press.

Bay Terrace Shopping Center

There is no doubt that the representatives from Cord Meyer Development (Bay Terrace Shopping Center) and Waldbaum’s Super Market heard the community’s concerns loud and clear. Both companies should be applauded for caring enough to not only accept our invitation but also their willingness to answer any and all questions. There are high hopes that the suggestions, comments and in some cases criticisms which were offered will result in positive change.

No Explanation Needed

This was submitted by one of the Cafe’s regular patrons.

Thieves target running cars

BY VICTOR G. MIMONI
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:31 PM EST

Numbers of northeast Queens residents don’t want their cars to get cold, so they leave them running with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked – and then find that they are suddenly “hot.”

Crime prevention officers in both the 109th and 111th precincts report several incidents of running-car-theft in just the last few weeks, and they want to help you avoid being a victim.

The story falls into two categories – people who warm up their vehicles in the driveway while they breakfast at home, or those who frequent a convenience store “just for a minute” and leave the car running in the parking lot.

“It’s like you’re just teasing somebody to steal your car,” said Detective Gary Poggialli of the 111th Precinct. “You need to be a little self-conscious of what you’re doing,” he stressed.

He pointed to two incidents on Tuesday, January 13, within an hour of each other. At 8 a.m. someone grabbed a 2006 Mercedes Benz idling near 33rd Avenue and 212th Street in Bayside – at 9 a.m. a 2003 Honda Civic was driven away from 64th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard. Both were running with keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked.

“Those are about two of the most stolen cars there are,” Poggialli pointed out. But he cautions that you shouldn’t think your car is immune from theft because it isn’t new. “Even older cars are worth something to somebody,” he observed, adding “Your car may not be worth a lot, but it won’t be cheap to replace it.”

Queens Courier

January 22nd Meeting in Bay Terrace – Important Shopping Center Updates

The Voice of Bay Terrace

BAY TERRACE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE, INC.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

THE BAY TERRACE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE WILL WELCOME REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH CORD MEYER DEVELOPMENT & WALDBAUM’S WHO WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE UPDATES CONCERNING THE BAY TERRACE SHOPPING CENTER.

Special Guests Include:

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky

Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky

The next meeting of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM sharp. The meeting will take place in the Benenson Family Center/Chabad of Northeast Queens located at 212-12 26th Avenue, Bay Terrace, NY.

Councilman proposes community service be required for high school graduation

Councilman proposes community service be required for high school graduation

By Kathleen Lucadamo
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Saturday, January 17th 2009, 8:49 PM
City Councilman Eric Gioia is calling on Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to make community service a requirement for graduation.

City high school students would need to complete 20 hours of volunteer work to earn a diploma under Gioia’s plan, which he will release today.

“The service requirement would invest high school students with a spirit of volunteerism and the knowledge that they can make a measurable difference in their neighborhoods and the world,” said Gioia (D-Queens).

Activities could range from cleaning parks to serving on a neighborhood revitalization board, he said.

Several cities across the country – including Seattle, Chicago and Washington – require community service for high school graduation.

New York State allows local school boards to set up additional graduation requirements, meaning only Klein can create the new rule.

Teens who volunteer have a 22% higher chance of graduating from high school than those who do not, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a Boston-based nonprofit.

For many years now our local civic group, the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, has been presenting Annual Community Service Awards to students of P.S. 169. The recipients who are selected by their teachers are presented with a Certificate of Merit and a U.S. Savings Bond in recognition of their outstanding achievements.