Robberies increasing

Published
by
CWIlliams
on May 13, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

Dyker Heights was shaken this Mother’s Day weekend, as one of its own was attacked. 69 year old Carmela BoccadiFuoco was attacked in her own kitchen. The thief was under the mistaken impression that his real target, her 97 year old mother, was alone. Surprised by BoccadiFuoco, he clubbed her on the head. The wound required 27 stitches.

The neighborhood is beginning to feel targeted, and has asked that police patrols be stepped up. Borough President Marty Markowitz released this statement: “I have spoken with commanders at Brooklyn South and the 68th Precinct about the recent incidents in Dyker Heights, and they have assured me there will be increased police patrols in the neighborhood from now through the summer. Friday night’s attack on Mrs. Boccadifuoco was particularly vicious, and I assured her that my office and law enforcement will do everything possible to apprehend the thug responsible, and ensure the ongoing safety of the residents of Dyker Heights.”

Anxieties remain high. “This is becoming a trend; I keep hearing about robberies,” says Sandy Regan. “Its feels like a form of terrorism.” Retired officer Sacco, also a resident, was more upbeat. “I wouldn’t worry, now that this made news, crooks will avoid the area for a while, at least the smart ones.”
While crime is still relatively low in the area the best thing anyone anywhere can do is remain alert, and call the police with suspicious activity. Dave Koehler had his work van robbed in front of house on 12th and Ovington a few months back. “My neighbor called me but I didn’t hear the phone.” While he lost thousands of dollars in equipment, he says “I wish they had called the cops first.” Called much later, the police were unable to help as they had no leads to pursue the suspects.
To view the NY Post’s web Article click here
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Real Italian Heros

Published
by
CWIlliams
on May 13, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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A local attraction, Lioni’s Italian heroes, is a must for the connoisseur of heroes, with names that pay tribute to “acclaimed Italian role models that have influenced our lives in more ways than one.” The Salumeria offers sandwiches like the “Rock Marricino” made with sweet cappicolla ham, Lioni’s homemade fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, black pepper and salt, or The Yogi Berra, that’s, ham, bologna, white American cheese, lettuce, mayo and tomatoes. In fact, the menu consists of over a hundred and fifty in all.
It’s not just the flashy names people come for, “you can’t find a place like this anymore” says Louie Martino, a regular “It ain’t like these big chains; it’s how things are supposed to be.” It’s small, with just a few tables. Signs dominate the environment. The largest one, over the Salumeria itself, loudly proclaims, “The King of fresh Mozzarella.” When you walk in, you are bombarded with even more. The brick wall, and wood paneling do in fact import an old-world feeling. “I wish I lived here. The food is so much better than at home,” Martino jokes.
The place is not just old world, it’s Brooklyn. Everyone has the energy, accent, and attitude that the Boro is known for. “Sorry I don’t speak to reporters,” is all the counterman will say, though he smiles.
I content myself with ordering a Rocky Marrcino.It tastes every bit as fresh as guaranteed.As I’m eating, Martino comes over and volunteers, “ Hey, you know Cha-chi comes here?” An 80’s child, it takes me a second to realize what he’s talking about. Scott Baio is a Dyker Heights resident celebrity. Scanning the crowded walls, I find his autographed picture verifying this to be true. Noticing my gaze, Martino asks, “What, you don’t believe me?” Shaking his head, he saunters away, muttering “damn reporters.” Shrugging, I go back to my sandwich, thinking, “with a sandwiches this good in your mouth, who needs to talk?”
Browse the menu at www.lioniheroes.com

The “Market” on Main Street

Published
by
hkim
on May 13, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

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As the “AC Pharmacy,” the last retail store owned by Korean-Americans, finally closed its business in February, it seemed that no Korean retail stores survived on Main Street, Flushing. Since Chinese-Americans have taken over the down-town market on Main Street, Korean-American businesses were literally pushed back for a few recent years. However, the situation has been changing this year.

A Korean cosmetic shop called “Beauty-credit,” has become popular since they opened in a mall located on 39th Avenue between Prince Street and College Point Blvd in 2006. More than half of its customers are Chinese. They made a lot of effort to attract Chinese-American customers, even though they are not a well known brand.

The result of their marketing strategy has slowly appeared since they provide free samples of their products. They hired Chinese-Americans as their employee to make the customers feel more comfortable. They advertise in both Korean and Chinese.

The head of their marketing department, Youngmee Kim said, “The low prices and high quality have successfully satisfied Chinese-American customers who always look for practicality.”

As Korean-American businesses now try to come back to the “Main Street Market” with the strategy toward multi-ethnics, there will be a huge marketing competition on Main Street, Flushing.

Looking for a Job on the Street Corner?

Published
by
hkim
on May 13, 2008
in Flushing and Queens
. 0 Comments

Every morning at 6 a.m., about 100 able-bodied men gather around a local supermarket on Northern Boulevard in Flushing. A man pulls over a pick-up truck near the road, and looks out of the window. More than 10 men start to crowd round the truck, but the truck driver points to two, tall and healthy-looking men among them. After they climb in the back, the truck drives to a near by construction site where the two men work for $6 an hour.

These are day laborers. For decades, immigrants from almost every country have found work on street corners, working for an hourly wage wherever they are needed. Today, New York City still has one of the largest populations of day laborers in the country. It is estimated that there are two dozen sites in the city where approximately 3,000 day laborers wait to be picked up.

In addition to low pay, long hours, and dangerous working conditions, day laborers also face troubles within the neighborhoods where they look for work. Residents in the areas complain about the men loitering on the corners or in the parking lots.

“It is not that bad early in the morning,” said Tae Kim, one of residents on the corner of 147th Street and Northern Boulevard. “But it is a little bit annoying that those who couldn’t find a job stay there all day long and loiter on the corner.” It is not easy to solve this problem because the employers in the community want to pick up cheap day laborers on street, and the workers need a place to wait for the employers; all are illegal.

Lack of Medical Care in LIC

Published
by
jferreira
on May 13, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

One of the larger concerns the Long Island City area has had is lack of a primary care medical facility. A neighborhood that has quickly accommodated many new residents has yet to catch up with health issues. With the area only increasing in population, residents have had to look elsewhere for medical care. “We’re going through a population explosion but there’s not any new medical facilities being planned as of now’, says Joseph Conley, chairman of the Community Board District 2. He also claims that the only available hospitals for LIC residents are Elmhurst Hospital and Mount Sinai hospital in Astoria. However, with overcrowdedness in those hospitals, many patients wait until an emergency to seek medical care, and in some cases it is too late. Dr. Jason Park, a physician and medical director at the Department of Internal Medicine Primary Care Faculty Practice, claims that a lot of diseases and medical issues can be prevented with a primary care physician. “You will have more sick people, and they don’t even know it. By the time they find out, some of these people will be in emergency rooms with heart attacks, and failed kidneys. This can all prevented with primary care physician,” says Park. The lack of primary care physicans is not only a problem for patients but also for Elmhurst Hospital which is extremely overcrowded and losing money because of it.

Hunters Point Project Becoming Controversial

Published
by
jferreira
on May 13, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

According to an article posted on Curbed.com, there have been more questions regarding whether the Hunters Point Project really qualifies as affordable housing. The project was originally supposed to include 5000 units of housing, increased to 6500. and is now planned for 6,650. According to the Queens Chronicle Community Board Chairman Joe Conley, affordable housing still remains a major concern. Conley told the Querens Chronicle that, “He would like to see different tiers of affordability, as well as proposals to create housing for seniors and city workers.” There is another community meeting scheduled for the last Thursday in May where this is will be discussed. It will also be addressed by the Borough President and the mayor.

Rat Invasion

Published
by
jsoderquist
on May 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

One of the biggest disadvantages of living in the city is the invasion of rats. You have all seen them; they are in the parks, on the streets, in the garbage and in your back yard. Estimates of how many rats there are in the city varies. Many say that New York City has one rat per person, for a total of about 8 million; other information suggests that there are 100 million rats living in New York City.

When I first moved to the East Village five years ago,  I used to see them sporadically, but very rarely outside my building. Today, the number of rats that I see outside of my building on a daily basis is close to five. They are having a party every day after dark. They push garbage cans over, rip open garbage bags, in successful attempts to feed themselves and their families on leftover Chinese food and chicken.

The reasons for this invasion are many, I guess, but the increase of rats started when the parking lot next door was sold to developers and contractors started building a residential building. In addition, Mama Trini was told to stop looking after the garbage. Mama Trini has lived in the building since the 80’s and for as long as I have been there she has been making sure that residents placed their garbage and recycling in the right cans, making sure food was not spilling out from the garbage, and that the area stayed relatively clean.

Sofia Douglas said, “I have made several calls to 311 and reported this.” Douglas has a dog and is worried that he could be bitten or accidentally poisoned by rat poison.

Interior Design, Not important For The ER.

Published
by
jsoderquist
on May 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Even with your eyes closed, you could guess where you are. The smell gives it away. The smell of illness, distress and injury tells you that you’re at the Emergency Room. The ER at Beth Israel to be specific. Once you open your eyes, you see the washed-out colors of green, brown, grey, and beige, colors of depression and disease on floors, walls, chairs, sheets and curtains.

I understand one hundred percent understand and absolutely agree that the ER’s main focus should be on saving lives and making patients feel better for the moment and not on the interior design of the place. But don’t you think that the depressing colors are adding to the distress that the patients already are feeling? A splash of yellow or blue color could perhaps calm and make patients feel better. Maybe even let children come in to paint the walls with their drawings.

Sprouting Stands

Published
by
mstmaurice
on May 12, 2008
in Forest Hills, Queens and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Nuts 4 NutsTwo years ago, 71st Continental Ave., between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, was busy with fast-walking shoppers and commuters who encountered no obstacles on the sidewalk other than each other. In the past year, however, commercial stands have been sprouting up and down the sidewalk, changing the atmosphere from a bustling suburb shopping area to a Manhattan-like street.

The first to come was the fruit stand, whose workers relayed so that they were open for business 24 hours a day. Soon to follow was the Gyro stand, with its mouth-watering aroma that fills the street day and night, the “Nuts 4 Nuts” cart that occasionally shows up, and the perfume table available on the sunny days. What’s amazing about some of these stands, however, is that they manage to be open at all hours of the day and night.

On a Thursday evening, around 11:30 p.m. last year, I met a student from Turkey, who was studying micro-engineering at Columbia University. He had a full scholarship, he said, but money from the fruit stand job helped him pay for rent.

A Sunday morning at 3:30, a couple of weeks ago, Cida, an Egyptian immigrant, was working at the gyro stand. When I passed by again around 8:30, he was still there. ”I do the 9 to 9 shift on Sundays,” he explained.

And every time I walk to the train station in the wee hours of the morning, someone is sitting by the fruits, and someone is sleeping in the gyro stand. Do they rent out a piece of sidewalk from the city? Is staying there all night really profitable? It is worth a look…

Hail the Queen

Published
by
E. Acero
on May 12, 2008
in Jackson Heights and Queens
. 1 Comment

 picture by ipitimes.com

Gilia Gomez, a resident of Jackson Heights and one the organizers of the “Dia de la Raza” (A day for Race), is very happy these days. She is one of the members of the committee that is behind the prestigious Hispanic event that has taken place in Queens and Manhattan for the past 40 years, and things couldn’t be going better for the 2008 event.

On October 12, a parade of carriages featuring the different Latin American countries will take 5th Avenue in Manhattan for a day of fun, pride, and beauty. 

Every year, young women of Latin heritage participate to become the queen of the parade. They can be as young as 16 and as old as 23 in order to participate in the competition. The participants must be single and have no children. Many girls participate because the winner will receive many prizes, including two tickets to the Latin American country of their choosing.

“The main idea is to show our warmth, our pride, and obviously out beautiful women,” said Gomez. “It’s a day to celebrate our unity and our folklore.”  

To see pictures of this event, click here

Swap and Save

Published
by
vstrachan
on May 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Woodbridge is finding ways to turn garbage into gold–1.8 million dollars to be exact. Mayor John E. McCormac recently announced plans to share services in trash collection and disposal with the Borough of Carteret. This is three year deal in which the Woodbridge Department of Public works will provide 12 sanitation employees and four trash trucks to dispose of Carteret’s trash on Monday and Tuesday. In return, Carteret’s Mayor Daniel J. Reiman will arrange for its public works employees to pick up trash in Woodbridge. This plan will allow the township to increase resources by combining public services. The deal will add 1.8 Million dollars to the Woodbridge treasury and save Carteret taxpayers $300,000. “I don’t see the difference. Garbage gets picked up regardless. But saving 1.8 million dollars. That’s good budgeting,” says Bertram, a Woodbridge resident.

I also did not detect a difference. I leave for school in the mornings around the same time the garbage truck turns the corner onto my block. I did not see anything new, but can also appreciate more money being added to the town. For more info Click Here.

New Young Faces

Published
by
vstrachan
on May 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The children come out to play. They ride bikes. They play tag. They bring a sense of vitality to the Woodbridge neighborhood consisting primarily of senior citizens. These children seem to have come out of nowhere, but now that they have arrived it is easy to see that the demographics of my community may be changing. I have noticed an increase in the number of children in the neighborhood. It may be because of the warmer weather. But when I first moved to the neighborhhood there were not many young people. Most of the residents appeared to be retired, with children who most likely had grown up and moved away. Now, on my way home from school, ,I see more young people out on the streets. This suggests that older residents may be moving out and being replaced by younger residents with young children. This of course, pertains to my block only. In any case, Woodbridge has made efforts to provide educational events and recreational activities for its young people with, “Youth Month”. It is a two-month “celebration” consisting of several events including an opportunity for young writers to read their compositions at the Barron Arts center and a Woodbridge Idol talent competition. For more information Click Here

Girls for Delivery

Published
by
E. Acero
on May 12, 2008
in Jackson Heights and Queens
. 1 Comment

Jackson Heights is such an unusual neighborhood. In the two years I’ve lived in the New York City area, I am sold on the idea that it is the most diverse neighborhood out there. As such, I’ve found myself in some unusual situations.  I know where to find a $4 haircut (I won’t be doing that again), a green card, or a social security card. The latest of my unintentional findings is that of “girls for delivery.”

Allow me to explain.

A man approaches me, while I was walking around 71st Street and Roosevelt Avenue.  Figuring that I speak Spanish and that as a young latino man I have ‘needs’, he offers me a wink and tells me in almost a whisper “chicas, chicas.” (Girls, Girls)  He then proceeds to hand me a card that contains a cell phone number and pictures of topless girls (I sure doubt those are the girls they offer). In the lower left side of the card I can read “Delivery, from 11:00am to 3:00am.”

I couldn’t help wondering how these people can run such a business without getting penalized or without having anyone find out about it. I called and a woman picked up the phone. She asked me where I was calling from and I lied. I asked her to tell me how much it was to get a “delivery.” She was very hesitant in her answer and told me the driver, who would wait outside until the girls are finished with their “date,” would let me know the price. After she asked me for my address for the ‘delivery’, I told her that maybe another day, and freaked, out hung up the phone.

Rafael, a construction worker who moved to Elmhurst last year, assured me that some of those girls may walk out with up to $1000 at the end of the night since most people request them for bachelor parties and similar events. “They brought two out to Long Island one time,” he recalled. “They made crazy money because they entertained a group.”

Sleep Well in Brooklyn.

Published
by
abigail
on May 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

sleepys

The economy is at an all time low. The dollar is dweeby and milk costs more by the gallon then gasoline. What’s up? One would think in a desperate time like this people would be scared to open up their wallets let alone open up a business. Not in Greenpoint! New stores are going up left and right, but the most surprising store to open as of late is a Sleepy’s Mattress store.

Why is a Sleepy’s store so surprising you might ask? Well, when times are desperate people usually live with what they got.

“A bed would be nice, but my futon is fine for now,” James Potiez, a Brooklyn resident said peering into the new Sleepys store. “I have bills to pay and other things to buy for the time being, you know,” he smiled.

Potiez asidem there must be people interested or Sleepy’s would not be setting up shop. The most apparent reason for a new bed, (Not including Bed Bugs), is new residents. People move and many times its an excuse to get a new bed. New apartment, new life, new bed…and so on. The opening of Sleepy’s in many ways means that Greenpoint is doing OK, despite the current recession.

The mattress store has a one year finance free plan that will also attract many people who otherwise wouldn’t be splurging on new springs. ( I should have told James about it.) The opening of Sleepy’s in Geenpoint is just one more example that New York is financially separated from the rest of the country.

A Gift From the Andes

Published
by
E. Acero
on May 11, 2008
in Jackson Heights and Queens
. 1 Comment

As commuters walk at a fast pace through the busy station in Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, some can’t help but stop to listen to Alvaro Munoz and his partner deliver the soothing sound produced by their wind instruments. Alvaro belongs to the group Raices (Roots in Spanish) who, through their music from the Andes Mountains, wish to deliver their message of Indian pride.

“The problem nowadays is that people have no identity,” said 24-year-old Alvaro. “We try to educate people with the teachings that our ancestors left us in their music.”

Alvaro makes it very clear that their Andean music is not folklore, but a music genre very much like rock or country. “Folklore talks about legends or myths and that’s not what we’re about. We take contemporary music and make it our own.”

Raices uses wind instruments such as sinkus and quenas. Sinkus are composed of 13 to 15 tubes made out of of sugar canes which are tied horizontally together. Each tube makes a different sound. On the other hand, quenas are kinds of flutes that have six holes and are made from wood.

The 7 Line Riders Endure Inconveniences

Published
by
hkim
on May 5, 2008
in Flushing and Queens
. 1 Comment

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“Because of construction, there is no Flushing bound local train…” This is an ordinary announcement on the 7 line in Queens. During April, the 7 line had more “service changes” than its original schedule. When one train makes all local stops, there are no local trains working the other way. “This is annoying. I have to go to Willets Pt-Shea Stadium, to transfer to a Manhattan bound local train, and then back to 103rd St, Corona Plaza. It takes me at least 20 more minutes going back and forth,” one of 7 line commuters complains.

The frequent schedule changes on the 7 line are not only a recent problem, but a situation that had made riders frustrated because the condition has gotten worse. The train comes rarely and runs slow when service changes, so it is usually packed. The number of guides at subway stations seems to be reduced; with only service changes notices posted on the walls at station. Riders have to spend double time on their trips, using trains and enduring inconveniences.

Even though, the MTA New York City Transit announced last year that they would be improving services on the subways and buses, no improvement shows on the 7 line. “There is no change, but only fare increases,” says a rider on the 7 line.

Steeling Metal in Brooklyn

Published
by
skenney
on April 14, 2008
in Brooklyn, Graves End/Coney Island and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Yet another home is under construction in Gravesend on Avenue W between East 2nd and East 3rd Streets. On Saturday, there were no workers or penetrating screams of equipment. The building sat quietly waiting to be finished; perhaps quietly waiting to be broken into.

Tucked into a window was a yellow square of paper with a handwritten note reading, “Warning: we are not responsible if you get killed when steeling from us.” On the door is taped another message, “No Metal.” Whether an intentional playful pun, or poor spelling, referring to the apparant thievery as “steeling” is fitting.

“I know that metal can be sold, but it seems crazy to break into a building under construction just to get some,” said a local resident.

Well it may not be as crazy as it may seem. In the beginning of April, copper was trading for nearly $4 dollars a pound.

Metals theft is a problem accross the country. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. has recognized the problem and is working to combat and prevent incidents.

While metal seeking criminals remain active, felt-tip penned warnings of possible death will try to keep them at bay.

Starbucks: PS 11’s Lunch Stop

Published
by
T Vaughan
on April 7, 2008
in Chelsea, Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

starbucks

Ever tried to get a seat in Starbucks on Eighth Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Streets around noon during the work week? It’s almost impossible trying to compete with PS 11’s tween crowd out on their lunch break. The girls stroll in with pizza, Chinese food or other food items that are not on Starbucks’ menu. A few might get a coffee beverage but most just get water. Every now and then one girl might buy a pastry and take it back to her table where her friends haggle over who gets a bite. “It is quite a cafeteria scene,” said a female customer ordering a non-fat latte.

The baristas rush to serve their guests unfazed by the cloister of young girls. One staff member on his break even went over and sat for a chat with the girls before having to give up his seat to new arrivals, late in joining their friends.

But as soon as they were done with their meals they dispersed, just a suddenly as they had appeared as if they had never been.

         
 

An apple a day…

Published
by
Philip Josolowitz-Luce
on April 7, 2008
in Clinton Hill
. 1 Comment

In the last decade or so the influx of young professionals priced out of Park Slope, Ft. Greene, and other more attractive Brooklyn locales has brought many amenities to Clinton Hill, stores and services that the neighborhood has been lacking. Myrtle Avenue is now a bona fide main drag through the neighborhood; there are restaurants that are worth a trip on the dreaded G train, coffee shops, and WiFi laundromats too. One thing that the neighborhood still lacks, though, is a place to buy inexpensive, fresh produce. To be clear, there is only one supermarket that serves the neighborhood, an Associated at Myrtle Avenue and Grand St., and it’s produce selection, according to one shopper is “not great. It could be fresher and cheaper, too.”

It’s been my experience that larger supermarkets do not have a decent produce selection. What they have is expensive, unappealing, and colorless fruits and vegetables. The best produce is to be had elsewhere, at a deli or other business that specializes in fruits and vegetables. There is no such business to be found in Clinton Hill, leading to not only a dearth of delicious produce, but also compounding the wider problem of diets high in processed fats and sugars, particularly among lower income households who do not have the time to prepare nutritious, healthy meals. Produce selection alone will not ensure that people are eating healthily, but simply not having a choice virtually ensures that people will stock up on processed junk that, while being convenient, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

It’s a…

Published
by
Sunil Ramsamooj
on April 7, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

In District 29 (Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens; parts of Maspeth, Richmond, Elmhurst) council member Melinda Katz has a plan underway. Become pregnant. She is successful now and has made front page news. Of course other council members have kids but the way Katz went about it has made some raise their eye brows.

Katz has used In vitro Fertilization to get pregnant, a process where the egg is fertilized outside the womb. Katz, 42 and single claims that she has tried many times before to get pregnant but failed. She comes from a family active in the city. Her late father, Maestro David Katz founded the Queens Symphony Orchestra and her late mother, Jeanne Dale Katz founded the Queens Center for Arts. Since 1994 Melinda Katz has been involved with New York politics.

Currently Katz is running for City Comptroller and has recently voted against Congestion Pricing. She is also very close to giving birth. Katz is 8 months pregnant. She only gained 10 lbs in the process and sports only a small bump, which is why she was able to keep it a secret for so long.

L Train rated the cleanest

Published
by
Karen Mindley
on April 7, 2008
in Brooklyn and Canarsie
. 1 Comment

> Years ago, the MTA had announced that the L line was going to be the first to receive new technological advancement and modernization. As a result, the entire L train was operated almost solely by computers. Passengers were very delighted after receiving the news but they were later disappointed because of detours and delays. Two years ago, if one had asked commuters to rate the L train, they would have probably said it was starkly nerve wrecking, because of the huge time lapses between trains. The train travels from Rockaway Parkway(Canarsie) to Eighth Avenue, and West 14 street (Manhattan).
However, today, there has been a positive transformation. There is a substantial growth in ridership and a great improvement in frequency of service. Reggie Bent, a prominent businessman of Canarsie who travels to Manhattan daily said, ” I can’t believe that the train has improved so much.” The L train has been rated as the cleanest subway in the latest survey in the straphangers campaign. Although the L train has changed, it still has it flaws like most other trains, with overcrowding in rush hours.

Congestion pricing?

Published
by
mstmaurice
on April 7, 2008
in Forest Hills and Queens
. 3 Comments

With increasing talks about congestion pricing and the plan’s imminent deadline, many differing opinions surround the issue. The mayor’s position has been clear since the beginning - being the mind behind the idea, he is all for it. And anyone following the news knows that Mayor Bloomberg has been pushing for the plan to make it through the state level and enter in competition with other cities to get federal support and funding.Bloomberg is so intent on the plan being accepted, that recently I noticed an ad at a bus stop in my neighborhood. “If we had congestion pricing, your bus would already be here.”Quite blunt, if you ask me. But it also seems like a smart and effective way to reach the people who are most likely to support the plan: the commuters who spend hours each week just waiting for public transportation to get them to their destination. The ad is simple yet clear, and as I looked at the long line of people waiting for the bus I couldn’t help but think that they would all be in favor of Bloomberg’s baby.”Well, put like this, of course, it sounds like a good idea. But who knows if it will really work? We’ve been promised so much by the MTA already, and all we got was increased fares,” said Edith Malrone, who had been waiting for 15 minutes to take a bus home. Another commuter, Lionel Jey, says he supports the plan. “It’s not only gonna get the buses here faster, it’s also going to help with the environment.”On Tuesday, April 8th, the people of New York will wake up and find out whether or not the mayor’s congestion pricing plan made it through a slew of opponents. I can’t wait to see how fast those ads will be taken down should the plan fail to survive.

Price vs. Quality

Published
by
cpare
on April 1, 2008
in The Bronx
. 0 Comments

For the past 15 years Happy Wok has been the most popular Chinese restaurant in the 10451 zip code area. The restaurant sits on the corner of 157th Street and Gerard Avenue, and it has been untouchable by competitors. Over the past five years three other Chinese restaurants have opened up on the same block and were forced to close. These other new restaurants tried everything to save their business but they didn’t stand a chance against Happy Wok.

This just goes to show how new businesses operate; they slash prices and cut quality to increase sales and profit. However, it is businesses like Happy Wok that mainly focus on the quality of their food in order to keep their customers satisfied, who survive.

Time, Money and Congestion

Published
by
skenney
on April 1, 2008
in Brooklyn, Graves End/Coney Island and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

photo courtesy of abcnews.comOn Monday night, the city council passed a measure urging the Albany legislators to vote for the approval of congestion pricing. This means the city will charge an eight dollar fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Great, right? Who doesn’t want fewer cars in the city? They are noisy, polluting, and everywhere. It has been promised that the revenue collected will be used to improve the bus and subway system. If you live in the outer part of the outer boroughs and travel daily into Manhattan, it may not be so great. “Commuters in our city will be able to benefit immediately from mass transit improvements that you will see literally within months,” said Mayor Bloomberg at a news conference. I live between the Neptune Avenue and Avenue X stops on the “F” line. The ride itself takes 45 minutes, plus the walk to the train and from the train to my destination. The closest express train is too far away for the shorter ride to equal a shorter total trip. Short of adding an express train, improvements to the system will do little to change anything for residents who ride this line. Two hours of travel each day is exhausting. As a remedy I purchased a Vespa. Riding along the Belt Parkway into Manhattan, travel time is cut in half. However, the city has said there are no plans as of now to charge reduced fees for scooters or motorcycles. Now we wait to see if Albany will follow the city council’s lead. Eight dollars a day just to go to work or school or two hours or more of traveling? I imagine there will be many drivers asking themselves the same question, debating what is more important, time or money.

T is for Tea, at the Salon

Published
by
E Alvarez
on April 1, 2008
in Meatpacking District
. 1 Comment

If you’re looking to get a basic cup tea or something far more exotic, then look no further to T Salon, located in the Chelsea Market. There is perhaps no tea that can’t be found within this establishment as, once inside, it seems to be a vital component for supporting the ceilings.

In addition to selling over 400 different blends of tea in looseleaf, which are stored within a multitude of large glass containers lining the inside walls, the “Salon” also sells coffee, alcoholic beverages and gourmet food that includes tea ingredients. “[Miriam Novelle] trained me to be knowledgeable about the teas but the most difficult part was memorizing some of the names,” said Jaya Saliem, the manager of T Salon. All employees at the Salon are required to be proficient with each of the teas’ names, backgrounds and medicinal purposes.

Operating for several years in Soho since its establishment in 1992, it then moved two more times until re-opening in the Meatpacking District in May, 2007.

One of the Salon’s staples is its ccommitment to the environment. The interior’s construction is composed of bamboo, which is produced with little to no environmental damage. Ink used for printing on all of the store’s products is derived from soy, which is both non-toxic and biodegradable. Many of the cups used for selling tea are made from “corn plastic” that is made from, you guessed it, corn, and is also eco-friendly.

In addition to the upscale clientele that visit the store like Anne Hatheway, Sandra Bernhart, Whoopi Goldberg and Giselle Bundchen, it’s the everyday customers, according to Mr. Saliem, that make working at T Salon a pleasure. “[Everyone] is young and respectful. There isn’t a sense that we’re on different levels…we call people by their first name.”

Gridlock

Published
by
mburzo
on March 31, 2008
in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn
. 0 Comments

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The drone of car horns can be heard rattling any resident’s ears. The complaints may be even louder by driver’s who are sitting and staring at the same view of blinking red brake lights. Bay Ridge is the lead into three boroughs. The Verrazano Bridge takes you to Staten Island, the Belt Parkway to Queens, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Queens and Manhattan.

The two biggest problems with residents in Bay Ridge are getting in and getting out. Many residents, even though they have cars decide to take public transportation out of Bay Ridge. A local resident Ryan Dawson says, “Unless it is the weekend I don’t touch my car because of the traffic, and the parking when I finally do get home”.

The worst of the three trips, many residents say, is getting to Staten Island from Bay Ridge which is across a 4,260 foot bridge. It seems as if there is never-ending construction going on somewhere on this bridge. Right now, the bottom level is being worked on so one may want to steer clear and head up top. No matter what level one takes from about 3:30P.M.-7:00P.M. one will be sitting in traffic as the Belt Parkway and BQE both flood into the Verrazano Bridge.

A Staten Island resident, Jessica Hughes said, “I used to attend John Jay and in the morning I sat in an hour and a half worth of traffic. After a long day on the way home I sat in another hour and a half worth of traffic on the Verrazano Bridge.” Now traffic cops are present in the afternoon but many residents complain that they cause more traffic and accidents than if drivers obeyed the street lights.

Now the question asked by many local residents is when will the traffic gridlocks stop and what is the solution.

Trendy Hotels On The Bowery

Published
by
jsoderquist
on March 31, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Walking around in the East Village, one can be sure to see the signs of gentrification that the neighborhood has been going through over the past years. Instead of bodegas, there are trendy cafes selling small sandwiches with coffee for $15. Where affordable housing used to be are tall glass buildings, charging $3000 for a one bedroom apartment.

The newest addition to the already visible signs of gentrification is high-rise boutique hotels, charging $400 per night. These hotels are popping up all around the neighborhood, but in particular around The Bowery. The Bowery used to be a historical street, at first home to flop houses and then home to many artists, authors, and filmmakers. Today, residents are being pushed out by landowners so that they can sell their buildings to hotel developers. According to the Bowery Association Network some of the major developments include the Bowery Hotel at 335 Bowery, the Avalon Bay buildings centered on Houston St., and the New Museum at 235 Bowery. In addition, seven more hotels are being developed on The Bowery. The primary issue is obviously that the long-term residents are being pushed out, but residents are also concerned with the character change that the expensive hotels are bringing.

Green. Greenpoint.

Published
by
abigail
on March 31, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

earthhhh

Greenpoint residents understand the importance of going green. On Saturday April 19th Greenpoint will hold, for the first time an Earth Day  celebration spectacular. The celebration will be held at McCarren Park and there will be much to do like a scavenger hunt, live music and recycled artwork will be featured as well. There will also be health and wellness vendors, yoga, granola, tree hugging and a bunch of vegans….I bet. One thing for sure it will be interesting if you have never been to an event at McCarren Park before. Quite a crowd gathers.

Our planet is in pretty bad shape and Earth Day should be seriously celebrated across the globe. You never know, if people get a little more interested and learn what they can do themselves to better the world maybe, just maybe they will get out of their Hummer and into a Prius.

What I think is important about this celebration spectacular is that they will be giving lessons on what individuals can do to make a change. Teaching environmentally sound ways of life is what will truly help change, people will no longer have the excuse that one person can’t change the world or that they don’t know what they as an individual can do to change.Say NO to plastic bags at the bodega!

Don’t Hold Your Breath

Published
by
vstrachan
on March 31, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

With the quiet blow of the wind comes a heavy, “industrial” stench–don’t bother holding your breath. The smell of factory smoke in Woodbridge can arrive in currents-without warning, seeping under the door, filling the room, and remaining until one contemplates opening a window to air it all; but that would be of no help.

Occasionally, these currents of foul air arrive and make breathing even outside uncomfortable. There is one factory I can see far off in the distance from my bedroom window. But I do not know where exactly the source of the scent comes from or how safe it is to breathe in. New Jersey is notorious for a skyline billowing with gray smoke. And occasionally one must deal with the waft of a stinky smell intermingled with the breeze, even in the small, clean town of Woodbridge.

 ”It can be annoying. When I’m on my way home I smell it sometimes and I have no idea where it comes from. It’s probably safe but its unfortunate we have to breathe that stuff in anyway,” said one resident.

New Jersey’s Air Quality Awareness Week begins April 30th through the fourth. This time is set aside for residents to pay closer attention to what we put out into the atmosphere, and what we breathe in. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website offers information on how residents can do simple things at home to improve the quality of air in their communities. For more info click here: (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/aqaweek/tips.htm).

When a dollar no longer makes the cut.

Published
by
abigail
on March 28, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

 dollar storeManhattan Avenue, the main street in Greenpoint Brooklyn has been experiencing more store closures than ever before. On my usual walk from the L train on Bedford Avenue to my apt. located just off Manhattan Avenue, I counted four dollar stores that were in their final days of closing or were already closed.”I think that they are just not making money anymore. I mean how many dollar stores do you really need on one street anyway,” said Phillip Osher,23 a Greenpoint resident.Last year while walking from one end of Manhattan Avenue to the next I counted a total of 13 Dollar stores. Now, this number has certainly dwindled. Since the dollar is at record lows wouldn’t it make sense for dollar stores to be doing better then ever as just a few bucks can go a long way in these shops?I guess the answer is no. Store owners can’t afford to stay open selling their cheap laundry hampers, discount sodas and paper towel dispensers. My question is what will open in their place? This quickly changing neighborhood has already experienced the opening of half a dozen banks and a Starbucks; what kind of store will it take to prevail through the declining dollar?I hope one of the discount stores is replaced by an American Apparel.

Golf, Everyone?

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 26, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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(Pictured, left sandtrap, right clubhouse)

Scheduled to open this July, the exterior of the Dyker Beach Park Junior Golf Course has been completed. Located on 14th Ave, and Poly Place, when it opens, all kids aged 6-17, can bring a parent and use it for free. Currently, a clubhouse learning center is under construction.
Many are excited by the project. Mayor Bloomberg hopes “To be able to introduce more young New Yorker’s in all five boroughs to the great game of golf.” (http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/index1.aspx?BD=19655).)
However, some residents wonder at its usefulness. Not everyone shares Bloomberg’s enthusiasm. Brinda Onisco, an administrator at P.S.112 , wonders, “What do they need a golf course for? Couldn’t that money go to schools, who are dealing with some major budgets cuts?” The Project is expected to cost over $3 million for construction, with another $3 million being put away for future costs. The project is receiving $1.5 million from the state; the difference is being raised by Senator Marty Goldman and the Cityparks Foundation.
Still, residents have other questions. “Whose gonna come all the way out here for golf?” asks Eric Eaton referring to the relative inaccessibility of Dyker Heights. “You gotta take a local train to a bus (B8) at the end of Brooklyn!” Dyker Heights can be a hard place to get to, especially when you don’t have a car, (like the average teenager). Eaton is referring to taking the R to 86th in Bay Ridge; an alternative route is to take the D train to New Uctrect and walk. “It’s a big waste of time, and money,” he decides.

Opinions vary, on the value of a kids’ golf course, but it is a fact that outdoor activities improve psychological, and physical health. (For more on benefits of golfing http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-and-Golf&id=218442
Mary McKie is a mother of 3; two of her children, are teenagers “I wish I could get them out!” she says heartily “but to be honest, I feel like, there is less and less for them to do.” There has been a decline, in recreational activities as banks, and chain stores begin to dominate this part of Brooklyn.
“We used to go bowling, and skating, now all I see are big chain stores!”There’s softball and football leagues, but McKie comments “Not everyone is into that, and things get too competitive.”The Cityparks Foundation responded to the questions raised, by calling them “fair,” but they would not give a quote.

Communitea for the Community

Published
by
jferreira
on March 26, 2008
in Queens
. 1 Comment

On the corner of 47th Street, and Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, stands a cafe known as Communitea. This low-key, contemporary space, filled with tranquil ambiance has become a home to many locals, and nearby small business owners. However, Communitea is slowly becoming appealing to people all over the city. Communitea is a cafe that clearly distinguishes itself from any other place in the LIC area, with ambient music playing in the background, and the delicious and rather refreshing smell of Chai Lattes. Though Communitea is a small unpretentious cafe in a newly gentrified neighborhood, it has not only been successful in drawing locals, but even appealing to big time sitcoms like CW’s Gossip Girl. Employees at the cafe claim that the show has even helped quite a bit in promoting the cafe. “People come in and they are like, this is the same spot, oh that’s so cool,” says Michael Richter, an employee at Communitea. “And I believe in the episode someone was drinking tea, and that’s an important thing, because though we serve other things, we were initially a Tea House,” he says. The sitcom is filming their next episode at the cafe this Thursday, March 27th, 2008.

Hooligans in Jackson Heights

Published
by
E. Acero
on March 26, 2008
in Jackson Heights and Queens
. 1 Comment

El Abuelo Gozon, by Simon Calle

by Simon Caller (flickr.com)

One of the reasons I find Jackson Heights fascinating is because of its diversity. However, what really draws me to look into this area is soccer. For me soccer is not a sport, it’s a passion that I live fervently everyday. When I walk around Jackson Heights, I find myself visiting dozens of stores offering my favorite team jerseys, all kinds of soccer balls, and different videos from past tournaments.

Unfortunately, the ugly side of soccer has also reached Jackson Heights; mainly in “El Abuelo Gozon” bar, where soccer aficionados get together for some soccer, some beer, and some trouble.

Soccer hooligans have been terrorizing stadiums for many years, and the fights carry on at this bar to the extend of having police constantly around the site on Sundays, when most of the games are played. Javier, a soccer fan who didn’t want to give his last name because he has fought in different occasions just outside of “El Abuelo Gozon,” recalled being ambushed by supporters from other teams because he was wearing a soccer jersey from the Colombian side “Millonarios.”

“My girlfriend and I were attacked by five guys at least,” he said. “I wasn’t hurt badly so I went back the next week with friends, but nothing happened.”

The manager of the establishment has been unavailable when I have visited. I imagine he is probably busy preparing the place for the upcoming international game featuring Colombia against Honduras. Hopefully there won’t be any trouble once the final whistle blows.

Distorting The Neighborhood

Published
by
T Vaughan
on March 25, 2008
in Chelsea, Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

The posting of posters in Chelsea is prolific and unattractive. Posters can be found on the temporary walls around every construction site in the neighborhood, even though there are signs that read, “Post No Bills.” The content on some of the posters contains subjects that should be censored from young children. However there seems to be no stopping these overnight vandals. Since according to Section 145.30 of the New York penal code the law prohibits affixing advertisements to someone else’s property.

A Stroll in the Park

Published
by
Joanna Padovano
on March 24, 2008
in New Dorp and Staten Island
. 0 Comments

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Even though the temperature today wasn’t especially warm, Staten Islanders still flocked to Gateway Park to enjoy the sunny skies and refreshing breeze.

Local citizens found themselves enjoying the outdoors today in unity, although their choice of activity varied.  Some jogged vigorously while others walked leisurely.  Some drifted down the paved trail on rollerblades while others were on bike.  Some skateboarded, and some small children rode their scooters.  Two friends could be seen tossing a football in the field.  A mother watched over protectively as her young child played in the playground.  A loving couple sat together in front of the dock by the boats looking out at the water and enjoying the serenity of the day.  In the distance, you could see model airplanes flying around.  “It is such a lovely day to be outside.  My friend and I like to come here when we can to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise,” says 20 year old avid rollerblader Linda Torricelli.

It was a picture perfect day in Gateway Park on Monday, March 24, 2008.  No matter what activity was being pursued, no one could deny the joy that comes out of taking a break from routine life and enjoying some fresh air (as fresh as the air can be on Staten Island) in a scenic setting.  Everything was quiet and everyone was relaxing, even if it was only for a little while until they were forced to return to the monotony and responsibilty of everyday life.

Gateway National Recreation Area has many locations that are spread across three boroughs and even part of Northern New Jersey.  To learn more about a location near you, please visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_National_Recreation_Area

LIRR in the Gardens

Published
by
Sunil Ramsamooj
on March 24, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Located right off of Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard, The Long Island Rail Road is a staple in Kew Gardens. On schedule the Rail Road rumbles under the hill letting off passengers. They walk up the hill to find the Q10 or the beautiful Kew Gardens landscape. The Rail Road was created in 1875 so mourners could get to Maple Grave Cemetery several blocks away. I often wondered though how locals can stand the noise of the railroad. A normal conversation is between 60-70 decibels while the train is around 95. Asking around I went to the long time staple, Dani’s Pizza. Workers always go into the back to get supplies and have to hear the Rail Road. I camped out in the back acting like I was waiting for the train, when a worker ran out back I just asked casually “Do you ever get use to the noise from the rail road”. In an itallian accent he shouted “I don’t care” as he walked into the storage room outback. I’m not sure if he meant he didn’t care about my question asking or if he meant I don’t care about the noise. None the less, you really do get use to the sound. I don’t live any where near Kew Gardens so the first couple of times walking the neighborhood I was a little startled. It seems like you just get use to it though. When the train isn’t stopping it roars past the station and shakes the earth. Looking around it seems like it really isn’t a big deal. I guess it has just become a way of life for locals in Kew Gardens. Maybe the same way people who live around airports deal with Air Plane noise the locals deal with the rail road noise. LIRR

Glenwood Senior Center

Published
by
Karen Mindley
on March 24, 2008
in Brooklyn and Canarsie
. 0 Comments

One might feel a bit depressed after leaving a loved one at a senior center. However, one can rest assure that their loved ones are in safe hands at Glenwood Senior Center. This institution is a focal point bringing older adults together as one big happy family. The staff makes it their sole priority to ensure that members are treated with respect by making a connection with each individual. Healthy nutrition is very important and is highly promoted at the center. They offer a balanced diet of whole grains, greens and protein.
The center realizes that there are diverse needs and hobbies, thus providing a wide range of activities for its members. On Fridays, the seniors are given the opportunity of bringing along their grandchildren. If one should visit the center on a Friday, I can guarantee that their hearts will be deeply touched by the beautiful picture painted. Seniors are engaged in fun indoor and outdoor activities; in the summer time one could see them enjoying the beautiful sunshine and laughing and talking together. Members also get a chance to express their creative side by taking part in arts and crafts and displaying their own individual uniqueness. The staff knows that exercising is also a very important aspect that is even more vital at an older age. Thus, aerobic classes are offered where members get a chance to be flexible and stretch their muscles and keep in good shape. On a visit to his grandmother, Roger Powell claimed “I could hear the seniors bellowing in a state of excitement from playing a game of bingo.” The seniors have no problem showing off their bodies, some of them are eager to wear their bathing suits into the beautiful pool that is provided for them. Trevor Mcclear said, “I just feel a sense of tranquility when I come into the pool.” But the center goes further, they even offer fieldtrips where members get the chance to leave Avenue H and go to different places. Computer lessons are also offered so that members can keep up-to-date with technological advancements. There are rumors going around that a creative writing and dancing class will be offered.

Graffiti City

Published
by
skenney
on March 20, 2008
in Brooklyn and Graves End/Coney Island
. 1 Comment

NYC Graffiti

     Graffiti has been a part of New York City culture since the 1960’s. On nearly every block of every neighborhood a name or design, born of spray paint, melds with a city surface. Even the sound of the word, “graffiti”, seems to mimic the motion inherent in its meaning. An artist takes hold of the can and with the wave of his arm, like a magician casting a spell, the surface is transformed.
     For some, graffiti is about putting their names in as many places as possible, known as ”bombing“. For others, it is an elaborate art executed with a painstaking attention to detail. They take time to plan their designs, choose its location and breath life into imagination with the hiss of a paint can. A graffiti artist named “CRASH” has even had his work displayed in art museums.
Still, building owners are not always happy when the sometimes indecipherable markings adorn their walls;  and the City would like to see the urban canvas wiped clean.    To help continue its efforts, the City has invested in 23 new vans dedicated to the “graffiti-free” initiative enacted by former Mayor Guiliani.                                                                                                                  “The Bloomberg administration’s successful efforts to combat New York City’s seemingly intractible graffiti problem has helped make the City a better place to live and do business in all five boroughs,” said Giovanni Taffa, head of the Graffiti-Free New York operation. 
    For no charge, a graffitied wall will be repainted or power-washed.  All it takes is a call to 311 and filling out a form.  In 2007, the 62nd precinct, which includes Gravesend, received the fourth highest number of graffiti complaints. There are more than 30 graffiti clean-ups pending in the area since the middle of October last year.
Despite the City’s actions, it is hard to imagine a completely “graffiti-free” city. Not just because of the logistics, but also what an unmarked city would be like.  There is something so NYC about graffiti; the different forms it takes, different styles, the new pieces constantly popping up and the images that have never faded.  For five decades paint has covered the City.  Graffiti artists will no doubt continue to paint the town red, and every other color of the rainbow.

Saint Patty’s Day

Published
by
mburzo
on March 19, 2008
in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn
. 0 Comments

l_4d5bd5cf1c3f2cf3d3e05e59939d7b4a.jpgIrish eyes are smiling. Adults and children of all ages join the festivities. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Bay Ridge on Sunday, March 30th.

The parade, which usually falls the Sunday after the actual Saint Patrick’s Day, was moved back as a result of Easter Sunday. Every year the Irish and many other nationalities from Bay Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods join the fray.

The day begins with a 9:30 A.M. mass at Saint Patrick’s on 95th Street and 4th Avenue, followed by a parade at 1 P.M. that runs from 95th street all the way to 59th Street. After the parade, the day is nowhere close to being over.There is not an empty stool in any of the neighborhood bars. Many local bars offer Irish menus including corned beef and shepherd’s pie, accompanied by enough drink to get your fill.

Many local residents mark this day as Local 40 worker Joe Nicholson says, “with all the various jobs my friends have it is hard to get together, but not on Saint Patty’s Day.” If you enjoy shamrocks, beer and a fun crowd you may want to take a trip down to Bay Ridge next Sunday, to either have a good time or maybe even change your face.

The Trouble Behind All the Noise

Published
by
vstrachan
on March 18, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

One morning I wake up to the sound of shrieking, a kind of yelping noise that moves me out of bed. Slug-footed, I follow the crying to my window where I find a dirty, cream cat staring back at me with one good eye.  Recently, I have noticed a slight increase in stray cats furtively crossing streets, sitting unperturbed in alleyways, and perching near the shed in my backyard.

This is far from an epidemic. The streets of Woodbridge Township are not crawling with fearless, bug-eyed felines. My observations pertain specifically to the area surrounding my block. But other neighbors have noticed the increase as well.

When asked whether or not the cats were a problem, one neighbor said, “Yes, and they’re having babies. I see the younger ones in my backyard.” They become a real problem when she walks her dog because they are not afraid. She believes the number of strays have increased with each year.

While the cats I’ve seen may not be getting the home they look for, Woodbridge Housing Authority and the Health Department’s Animal Control Staff have partnered to create the senior “Adopt a Cat Program.”  These cats are meant to offer a sense of companionship for the elderly. Adoption fees, which were usually $25.00, are now $5.00 for seniors. For more info on pet adoption in Woodbridge click here: http://members.petfinder.org/%7ENJ254/

Do Not Feed The Animals!

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 17, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

2-bunnies.jpgwhite-bunny.jpgducks-in-pond1.jpglokigoose.jpg
Easter, is almost here again. This is the time of year everyone remembers rabbits, buying and giving them as Easter presents. Not only are most of these rabbits discarded once the novelty wears out but many suffer at the hands of kids unaware that these animals have very delicate spines. Children tend to drop them, leading to a broken spine or legs and sometimes ending in death. For those of us who don’t have time for pets, but still like to look and if you live near Bay Ridge or Dyker Heights take a walk along side Poly Prep Country Day School in Dyker Heights. It maintains a little pond with a surprising number of animals, scattered through out the property. There are rabbits, swans, ducks, geese, chickens, roosters and turtles.
The pond itself is private property, but many people come daily to feed the birds through the fence all year round. “It gives me a reason to get out,” says Victoria Cassini, a senior who lives nearby.
“My granddaughter loves to come with me and it’s something we like to share.” A major problem arises though; the regular feedings encourage the animals into too relaxed a state, often wandering out into 7th Ave. to be victims of traffic or picked off by raccoons.
“The school takes a lot of pride in it, and it’s something the community really seems to enjoy, but that causes it’s own share of problems,” said Carl Masstif a security guard at the school.
Another common problem, after Easter, when the novelty of the rabbits die off, people leave their pets at city parks, or places like Poly Prep.” It’s sorta notorious around here,” said Marie August, a receptionist at the school. “Over the course of a few weeks more and more spring up!” The school does not add additional security, but some around the campus express anger, “People make bad choices, but then choose not to deal with them,” said Ms. August.
While a walk down 7th Ave. can be enjoyable, often you will find some things are better left as they are found. Poly Prep moved to its location in 1916 from 99 Livingston Street where it had become one of the largest prep schools in the country. Notable alumni include Arthur Levitt Jr., the longest serving chairman of the S.E.C, and actress Bonnie Somerville.
The school today still adheres to the founding father’s pledge of excellence “in all those studies and attainments that can enlarge the understanding, develop the mental action, cultivate the mind, and beautify and adorn the intellect and the heart.” You can visit their website at polyprep.org

A school song below.
FAR DOWN ON THE HEIGHTS CALLED DYKER
Far down on the heights called Dyker,
Overlooking New York Bay,
Stands a school with a tall white tower,
Greeting ships that ply their way.
Her young, as they leave her portals
With visions of world-wide fame,
Carry with them the fight of Poly,
Where they learned to play the game.
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!

Bus Stop Shelters Being Constructed

Published
by
hkim
on March 12, 2008
in Flushing and Queens
. 0 Comments

photo-0268.jpg

There will be no more harsh waiting on a windy and rainy night. Starting last year, the City’s Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) constructed elaborate, glass bus stop shelters in Flushing, New York. They were originally completed on the major roads such as Northern boulevard and Whitestone expressway. Now, they are reaching local areas in northern Flushing. “We will replace every bus shelter and install an additional two hundred by 2011,” announced on the official site. They will be working with community leaders to identify the best locations for the additional two hundred shelters. The locations will be selected to ensure that the shelters serve more bus-commuters and the public. D.O.T. is also panning to add more features to the shelters; not only seating, but new technologies like Bluetooth, L.C.D. screens and real-time bus arrival information. “It looks much nicer. The bus will not just pass by this stop especially late at night,” says a pedestrian at the bus stop, pictured above. It is located at the corner of Linden Place and 32nd Ave, where Q25, Q34 and Qx1, three buses are supposed to stop. “Even though it does not change my waiting time for the bus, I appreciate that the city started to do something for this neighborhood.”

Two pizzerias, both alike in dignity. In fair Kew Gardens where we lay our scene.

Published
by
Sunil Ramsamooj
on March 10, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Walking up the hill towards Austin street on Lefferts BLVD might get you a little hungry. You’ll pass a Chinese food store, walk a couple blocks and see another. But the best thing about this area is the pizza. The only problem is deciding which place you’re going to eat at. Theres two pizzerias and they are right across from each other. The first is Dani’s. Dani’s pizza is a little restaurant/pizzeria. It sits on a corner on the hilly landscape, much of it is restaurant but their is a pizzeria in the front. You can sit on stools and eat your pizza at the counter. Beer from around the world is advertised and as you eat the restaurant is a buzz with people. After 5 there is normally a line that goes out the front door, mainly because people just come out of the railroad and are looking for a quick snack.

Dani’s has been around for over 40 years, making them the only pizza shop in the area. However during 2005-2006 there was major renovations going on across the street. A sign read “Singas Famous Pizza Coming Soon”. One customer shook his head when asked about how he felt when he found out another pizzeria was opening, “It’s stupid, how you gonna open up a pizza shop across from a pizza shop”. Well, Singas soon opened and Dani’s waited, what would happen. Nothing much actually, turns out that they both had different approaches.

Danis pizza was a thinner traditional New York style pizza. They had a much more sweeter taste to their pizza than normal pizzerias. Their pies were large and cooked in a brick oven. One slice cost $2. Singas on the other hand sells a pie for $4, however their pies are small and really equal about 2 of Dani’s pizza, so in a way their pretty much the same in terms of cost and size. Singa’s pies have a unique taste, its a little more savory than sweet. They cook their pizzas in 2 giant gas ovens unlike Dani’s. However the atmosphere at Singa’s is more pleasant. Walk in and you’ll find clean tables with benches, a real upgrade over Dani’s small stools. You won’t hear a a commotion of people at Singa’s as you would at Dani’s, because theres no restaurant attached, its just a pizzeria. The lights at Singa’s are bright and shine down on the stainless steel oven like a piece of jewelry. The bathroom is clean and theres even a small sink in the corner of the restaurant for people to wash off pizza grease. Best of all Singas delivers so I can get my pizza fix without waiting on line. As much as I like the traditional place (Dani’s), Singa’s just does pizza right. If your ever in the neighborhood (Austin St. and Lefferts in Kew Gardens) stop by and judge for yourself, I’m betting you’ll like Singa’s though.

Singa's Dani's

Wifi Comes to Laundromat

Published
by
Philip Josolowitz-Luce
on March 10, 2008
in Brooklyn and Clinton Hill
. 3 Comments

Because I’m cheap I’ll walk an extra two blocks to the laundromat further from my house if I have a lot of laundry and need to use the big washers.  Fortunately this doesn’t happen often.  However, on Saturday I found myself making my way, in my last pair of clean underwear, through buckets of rain, to the laundromat to do some much needed laundry.  As I approached the front door I noticed a sign that read, “we have Wi-Fi.”  This was somewhat surprising as nothing else about the laundromat suggests that it would have wireless internet capabilities.  No new stainless steel washers and dryers.  No modish sculpted plastic chairs to sit in while you wait.  Nothing like that at all.  Sure enough, though, the sign was telling the truth.  Shirking the copies of the Carribean News next to the bench several young people, presumably Pratt students, engrossed themselves in their laptops while a red t shirt spun and flipped end over end in the dryer.

Anything you can do to differentiate yourself from the other guy with coin operated washers and dryers is probably a good thing.  On the Ohio State University campus, just a few blocks from where I grew up, there is a laundromat that also has a bar and serves pizza.  Which makes more sense in some ways; don’t you have enough to carry to the laundromat already?  Do you really want to bring a laptop too?

While there is no denying that wired is the way of the future it is somewhat surprising that a laundromat in Clinton Hill is leading the charge.  Despite the surprise and whether or not it is in my opinion a worthwhile addition to a laundromat to have Wifi it is nice to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Clinton Hill.

Hess Gas Station Finally Reopens

Published
by
Joanna Padovano
on March 10, 2008
in New Dorp and Staten Island
. 0 Comments

hess-station.jpg

For over six months, New Dorp residents have had to deal with the inconvenience of driving a couple of miles out of their way just to fill up their gas tanks.  The Hess station that is located on New Dorp Lane had been closed for half a year due to construction on a new design.

As of last Monday, the New Dorp Lane Hess station finally reopened for business with a new and improved convenience store to go along with it.  Prior to its reopening, local residents had to travel as far as Midland Avenue to get their gas, or they had to deal with the traffic and congestion of traveling all the way down to the other end of New Dorp Lane to fuel up.  There was another gas station located on Tysen’s Lane which was just a few blocks away from the Hess station on New Dorp Lane, but that has been closed for almost a year now.

Staten Islanders in the New Dorp area happy about not having to waste gas to get gas; and they are also happy about not having to empty out their wallets, entirely that is.  The new and improved Hess station in New Dorp offers regular gas for as low as $3.29 a gallon.  The lowest price for a gallon of regular gas on the Island at the moment is $3.23, and that is at the Hess station on Bay Street and Willow Avenue.  The most expensive regular gas currently is at the Exxon on Amboy and Annadale Road, which goes for $3.59 a gallon- over $0.30 more per gallon!  Richard, a local resident of New Dorp for four years says, “While it’s really good that you can get gas for such a low price for now, don’t expect it to last.  They are only doing this as a come-on to try to entice their former customers to bring back business.”

http://www.newyorkgasprices.com/Staten_Island/index.aspx

 

Dirty meets clean at the Laundromat

Published
by
Karen Mindley
on March 10, 2008
in Brooklyn and Canarsie
. 0 Comments

It was a beautiful Saturday morning March 8 when Marie Johnson went to Bubblet Wash laundromat at Rockaway Parkway Avenue, Carnarsie. Johnson was eager to wash her loads of whites but to her surprise she was welcomed by a homeless man lying on the seats at the laundromat. There was a huge bag blocking the front door containing his belongings.The air was filled with an unpleasant aroma that would stifle customers in an instant.

Distorted Johnson hastily made a complaint to management who didn’t seem to care much about the situation. Management claimed that he was a friend of one of the workers, rumors had it that he use to live in the projects across the street. Johnson decided to stay despite of her concerns and she wasn’t willing to give up the great parking space outside. She also complained about the stagnant water that was draining beside one of the washers which she had intended to use. Johnson said “this was the worst experience I ever had at a laundromat in the past five years.”

Where is the Neighborhood Going?

Published
by
T Vaughan
on March 10, 2008
in Chelsea and Manhattan
. 0 Comments

somewhere in chelsea

Strolling down 22nd Street pushing a stroller with my charge, I strike up a conversation with an accompanying mom of two. The subject is the number of stores closing in the community. “Are you aware that the hardware store on the corner of Ninth Avenue and 23rd Street will be closing in 3 months?” she asks. It was my turn to be shocked. The news that Dan’s Chelsea Guitar, an icon of Chelsea might be closing up shop and moving by the end of summer had barely been digested, and then this. Where is the neighborhood going?

“Whoever came up with this idea?” asked Danny, the owner of Dan’s Chelsea Guitar. “Do they think Europeans fly here all the way from Europe to see shopping malls! What are they going to do? Buy a Jamba!” He continued in his scorn against the commercializing of the community. Chelsea is fast losing all its originality and with the asking prices for rent, only high-end merchandise stores might be moving in.

New Condos, New Look for Gravesend

Published
by
skenney
on March 6, 2008
in Brooklyn, Graves End/Coney Island and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The housing market in the country is still reeling from the subprime loan fiasco. NYC, though, is a real estate world all its own. There is construction for luxury apartments,coops and condos sprouting from the concrete like bamboo. If there is space someone will build certain that someone will cough up the dough to live there.Space is just as precious here. Construction of what workers say will be condominiums is currently taking place in what appears to be an undesirable location. Located on a corner lot, these homes will hear the thundering of the elevated F train, steps away from the Neptune Avenue stop. There is a unhindered view of the Belt Parkway on the horizon of the second story window. Gravesend bay, accross the street, is currently being dredged and clean, men and machinery buzzing about.”It’s noisy, but it will be really nice,” said a worker on the building. He hit nail on the parquay floor. Gravesend homes sell for nearly twice the price of homes in nearby Coney Island. And according to Trulia, sales in Gravesend have far outpaced those in the four surrounding neighborhood from Nov. ‘07 - Jan. ‘08.Gravesend, Brooklyn, a largely residential community, many homes are also recieving face lifts. And much like homes built in the 1970’s have a noticible style, Gravesend is seeing a trend in home design. The drab brick is transforming into a more modern look, reminicent of large suburban homes, with smooth outer walls, lighter and softer colors, and embellishments of columns and window dressing. There are even homes built on several lots, mansion-like in appearance.It remains to be seen if sales in Gravesend will slump, but for now look for construction workers, masons and smiling real estate agents.

Landlord Puts the Sqeeze on Pinoneer and His Restaurant

Published
by
E Alvarez
on March 5, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Of all the restaurants and bistros in the Meatpacking district that pioneered chic and posh culture, few came close to that of Florent’s diner. Located at 69 Gansevoort Street, the restaurant opened in 1985 and has been a staple of of the neighborhood for over two decades. Due to rent increases, however, it is running the risk of being closed. 

Florent Morellet has owned and operated the trendy eatery since its conception in the mid 80’s. He may have to shut down unless he strikes a deal with the landlord, Joanne Lucas. Unfortunately, there are no laws permitting commercial rent control. Ms. Lucas plans on raising the rent from the original $6,080 to a whopping $43,000. According to her lawyer, there is $24,074 in unpaid rent whereas Morellet’s attorney states that he has in fact overpaid taxes connected to the property by as much as $27,000.

Ms. Lucas’s ability to adjust the property’s rent at a whim highlights the double edged sword that exists with commercial development in the Meatpacking District. There are a variety of establishments in the area that have grown from pre-mature beginnings during the early to mid 90s into thriving businesses.

Restaurants like Florent’s must battle with landlords given the demand for space in the district. Offers from higher paying corporate conglomerates cancel out those of small businesses that give character and identity to a neighborhood. He states that, “It would be a mistake to open another Florent because everyone would compare it to this one. Florent began organically from the space itself - you can’t recreate that.”

735, a Nuisance to 311

Published
by
cpare
on March 4, 2008
in The Bronx and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Since January 2008 there have been over 153 noise complaints to 311 from the 10451 zip code area in the Bronx. This Bronx area is ranking at number one right now as the most noise complaints to 311.

This comes as no surprise, in building 735 Walton Avenue on 156th Street, resident Andrea James makes a noise complaint to 311 at least once a week. “The Latinos in the building seem to have a party everyday,” she says. Ms. James states that she calls 311 and make a noise complaint then they send the cops who ask the noisy resident to tone it down. However, here is where the problem comes in, the noisy resident has their stereo on full blast and after the command from the police they turn it down to half blast which is still very loud.

“The government should fine the noise makers after a certain amount of complaints against them,” says Ms. James. This would not be such a bad idea since 311 receive hundreds of noise complaints per month.

SUBWAY!!!

Published
by
mburzo
on March 3, 2008
in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn
. 0 Comments

479_deli.jpg This word uttered after a hero is completed will put a smile on any person’s face who enjoys a hot roast beef sandwich. John’s Deli established in 1967 is famous for its roast beef sandwiches which contain fresh mozzarella, fresh onions, and their special gravy.  Upon walking passed a store front on 89th and 3rd avenue in Bay Ridge, one will see a sign that the owners of John’s Deli on 86th Street and Stillwell Avenue are opening another brother store. Neighborhood resident Greg Coyle said,”Nothing is better than a roast beef after a long night out”. If anyone has attended this landmark on Stillwell Avenue, they will agree with this statement. The roast beef is not the only thing that the deli offers, even though this is the most popular sandwich. They offer anything else one can dream.  Many local neighboring delis may not be happy about the insertion of the land mark in Bay Ridge.One of these places, Paneantico is located three blocks away offers most of the same sandwiches. Now any place in the vicinity will face stiff competition from anyone who has been to Stillwell Avenue. But overall the community residents are happy about not having to travel as far for their hot roast beef.

Winter recess cancelled?

Published
by
jsoderquist
on March 3, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

The other day when I picked up James, the boy that I care for three afternoons a week, I noticed that despite the cold temperatures, it was 25 degrees, he wasn’t wearing more than one shirt under his jacket, and he was without a hat, a scarf and gloves. I asked him about it, and he said he was fine. It made me wonder about lunch recess. Don’t the children play outside after lunch? Will they not be cold if that’s all they’re wearing when they play outside? I asked him about it and he said, “We don’t go out when it’s cold, or when it’s raining outside.” I was more than surprised. I was shocked. Whatever happened to “dress according to the weather report”? I later asked his older sister and my husband about it, who both were not surprised at all. Their responses were something like, “Of course, it’s cold outside.” I started looking into different schools’ policies regarding recess during the winter months and came across an article in The New York Times discussing exactly that. In other places around the country, outdoor recess gets canceled when the temperature drops below -20degrees. Maybe it’s me who is overreacting; I grew up in Sweden and the winter months are both long and cold. Despite that, we were never allowed to stay inside during recess. But the fact is that child obesity is a very big concern in this country and I think that a little daily exercise could really help to lower the number of obese children, which for me makes this an important issue to write about. This incident is not at all isolated to the schools in the East Village, but I bent the rules a little. I’m going to continue looking into this to see if there is a pattern in other schools around the city as well and to try to find out why the children are not let out to play when it gets a little cold.

Williamsburg Hotel

Published
by
abigail
on March 3, 2008
in Brooklyn
. 0 Comments

  This just in….a hotel is now open in Williamsburg Brooklyn with all the amenities of a Manhattan hotel at a fraction of the cost. A significant perk  this hotel offers  is it’s view of Manhattan, one you certainly can’t get in the 212 area. Many Brooklyn residents  have had a recent cloud of confusion form over their heads after the late 2007 opening of Le Hotel Jolie. Located just above the BQE’s Metropolitan exit, the hotel is being referred to as, “Williamsburg’s first hotel”, by Robert Gaeta the general manager of a sister hotel called Le Hotel Bleu, which is also located in Brooklyn. Le Hotel Bleu has found a great deal of opposition since its inception as it is a little more high end then Jolie and rooms are going for almost $500 a night. Of course many Brooklyn Bloggers had their opinions about the pricey hotels skyrocketing up in their neighborhood. Gaeta, however, had a come back, “I think some of these people writing these blog sites may not be able to afford $400 a night.” Brownstoner: A brooklyn inside and out website/ blogsite who was reporting on the issue concurs with Gaeta that the locals will probably not be able to afford the rooms, but this is not the issue at hand. Locals don’t want to stay in hotels; they have their own homes in the neighborhood. One thing for certain, the erection of a hotel in Williamsburg means that a.) it is a neighborhood where people from out of town might potentially want to stay. b.) It is a hip neighborhood with a great culture and great late night spots and c.) change in this neighborhood is inevitable.The hotel when first opened had rooms ranging from $200-$350 a night. Looks like business is not doing so well because now you can reserve the nicest room, The Elite King suite for just $207, after taxes. It’s amazing what just one bridge can do to the price of a hotel room. It makes sense to me tho. When visiting a foreign land or city, don’t you want to be right in the center of it all? You want to be right where everything is going on.

New School?

Published
by
mstmaurice
on February 26, 2008
in Forest Hills
. 0 Comments

Unfortunately, I have no updates as of yet on the pizzeria owner; but I have not forgotten about it and plan to call in this Thursday. Another story caught my interest as I was doing my interviews for a profile story, however.

On Metropolitan Ave., a few minutes from where I live, there is a big Home Depot store and a Sports Authority that have been there for years. Then, last year, a Trader Joe’s and another store were built on the oversized parking lot that was allocated to Sports Authority. And now, according to Marie Lopresti, the city Board of Education is planning to build a school there as well. This would be very  interesting because it will serve as a catalyst for the already changing Metropolitan Ave. ”It would mess things up even more,” as Mrs. Lopresti had put it.

I have not yet been able to find information to confirm the project, which could be done as soon as 2010, but have emailed some people at the Board and see what happens!

Golden Krust Is At It Again…

Published
by
cpare
on February 26, 2008
in The Bronx
. 0 Comments

golden-krust.jpg

Golden Krust has done it again; hopefully they will get it right the 111th time around. In a matter of two years Golden Krust has closed and opened a location on the same street. The first restaurant was located on 161st Street on Grand Concourse that was shut down in early 2006 and in September of 2007 the Franchise started the construction of a new location on 161st Street on Gerard Avenue.

With 111 restaurants across eight states, Golden Krust has become the official masters of closing and reopening a restaurant. Founder, Lowell Hawthorne has 10 siblings, so it comes as no surprise when I step into a Golden Krust restaurant in the Bronx and the owner’s last name is either Hawthorne or Clark. The franchise is an open one but I have to say that even when visiting a relative in Suffern, NY the Golden Krust in that neighborhood was owned by a member or the Clark. When I work at a Golden Krust in 2004 in Yonkers, the restaurant was owned by Mrs. Clark, the sister of Lowell Hawthorne, and when she sold the restaurant in 2006, it was sold to her cousin, a Hawthorne. The Golden Krust that reigned on 23rd Street for about two years was also owned by a member of the Hawthorne family.

It currently stands that there is not any one zip code in the Bronx that does not have a Golden Krust restaurant in its area. Golden Krust is so obsessed with franchise numbers that they fail to do a proper market analysis of the intended area and a proper financial assessment of its future location owner.

New Dorp Says Goodbye to O.T.B.

Published
by
Joanna Padovano
on February 26, 2008
in New Dorp and Staten Island
. 0 Comments

otb.gif

As of Sunday, the Off Track Betting in New Dorp on Staten Island has been officially closed. This OTB, along with other locations in New York City has been struggling financially for months now. It is said that while OTB does bring in a lot of money, the amount that has to be handed over to the state has resulted in minimal profit.

There are a total of four Off Track Betting locations on the Island. The one in New Dorp closed this past Sunday, and the other three in Port Richmond, New Springville, and Eltingville are safe for now. The NYCOTB company has been successful for decades, but is now planning on laying off over one thousand of its employees this coming June. As of right now, it is unclear whether the company is going to shut down completely.

The closure of this particular branch of OTB is one of many closures taking place in New York City to help cut costs in an attempt to save the company as a whole. This branch was home to thirteen employees who have been transferred to other locations. “It is very surprising to hear. I mean OTB has been here [in New Dorp] for years. There are lots of lonely old guys who hang out there everyday. I guess they’re going to have to find somewhere else to go now,” says Phil, a retired cop and someone who frequented the New Dorp branch of OTB.

For more about O.T.B. closings, visit:

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=5967167

BQE a noisy nuisance for nearby school

Published
by
Philip Josolowitz-Luce
on February 25, 2008
in Brooklyn and Clinton Hill
. 0 Comments

Benjamin Banneker Academy,  one of the city’s most prestigious high schools, sits on the corner of Park Avenue and Clinton Avenue, right next to an elevated stretch of the BQE.  While most highways are placed below grade or are surrounded by retaining walls to minimize the noise of traffic the BQE has no such amenities as it makes its way from downtown Brooklyn to Williamsburg.  Unfortunately for those located nearby it is quite loud.  There is a steady drone of engines and tires rushing over pavement.  The whooshing sound of cars blowing by at sixty miles per hour punctuated by a horn or a dump truck rattling over the potholes every so often.

For students at Benjamin Banneker the noise can be a disturbance.  Says one Benjamin Banneker student, “I usually don’t even hear it anymore I’m so used to it.  Some times though when I’ve got to concentrate it’s too loud.”  Unfortunately Benjamin Banneker is an exception in that most of the buildings near this stretch of elevated high way are warehouses, auto body shops, and self storage.  While other elevated sections of highway in the city have retaining walls to keep the noise withing acceptable levels it seems unlikely that they will be coming to Brooklyn anytime soon.

Two More Depart, Heralding Chelsea’s Changing Face

Published
by
T Vaughan
on February 25, 2008
in Chelsea and Manhattan
. 0 Comments

french-dry-cleaners.jpg

Chain and Mom and Pop stores, alike, are unable to withstand the exorbitant rent increases in Chelsea. Recently two more stores have joined the ranks of the departed. Ben and Jerry’s, the ice cream chain on 23rd Street between Seventh and Eight Avenues, seemed under renovations over the past few weeks, but on investigating the site, it proved to be closed. Neighbor, Royal Choice French Dry Cleaners at 320 W23rd Street, between Eight and Ninth Avenues is also closing its doors on Friday of this week.

“I have used them for 5 years,” said Mary S., 43, a mother of two, who has a busy schedule and depends on the dry cleaners reliability and close proximity to her home. With the store closing down due to a rent increase of five to seven thousand dollars, the owner, who got a lease extension last year, has no other choice but to close up shop.

“There is a place across the street from him,” said Mary S., “but they look so crowded.” She, like others in the community, is struggling to find substitutions for the stores they have loved and trusted.

B42 Canarsie’s nightmare

Published
by
Karen Mindley
on February 24, 2008
in Brooklyn, Canarsie and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Waiting for the B42 has become a fear for residents of Canarsie. The bus route goes from Rockaway Parkway to Canarsie Pier. Sharon revealed, “Waiting in the morning is a total nightmare. I usually wait half an hour and when the bus arrives it’s always overcrowded and passes me like a gust of wind.” The bus is over-packed with students who are attending Canarsie High School, leaving little or no space for others. The journey from Canarsie Pier to Rockaway Parkway is relatively short so there is no limited bus available. According to Debra, “The only good thing about the bus is that when it is overcrowded, I have to force myself through the back door and I don’t have to pay any fare.” Another good aspect of the B42 is that it carries passengers directly inside the train station at Rockaway Parkway; therefore one doesn’t have to pay or transfer to get on the train.
Residents who lives in the middle of the route such as Ave K and J sometimes walk five blocks to the train station in the mornings to prevent themselves from being late for work. The weekends and the nights are terrible as one has to wait 45 minutes or more before getting a bus. Peter claimed, “the B42 is like the lottery; it’s all about luck, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t.” One can feel more assured in the daytime as the B42 usually runs more frequently.

Richmond Hill Filled.

Published
by
Sunil Ramsamooj
on February 23, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

In Kew Gardens the closest high School is Archbishop Molloy. The only problem is that it costs $6,720 + $200 non-refundable registration fee. Another option is the Shaar Hatorah High School but that is also a private high school. The only other option is Richmond Hill high school which isn’t even in Kew Gardens; it’s located in the heart of Richmond Hill. It’s a short bus ride down Lefferts Blvd but that’s not the only inconvenience. Richmond Hill High School is severely over crowded. It is meant to hold 1,800 students but it is now home to 3,600. The grounds of Richmond Hill High School are filled with little red trailers that house freshmen. These trailers weren’t meant to be used this long so now they are falling apart. The high school itself is filled with students making it hard to move from room to room. To try to enforce kids getting to class on time Hall Sweeps were created. If a student was standing in the hall after the bell he/she was sent to the office for detention. These little steps will fail in the long run as the High School becomes more and more packed. As Nadia Somwaru, a student at Richmond Hill HighSchool notes, “The hallways are mad crowded and I’m aways getting to class late”. Richmond Hill High School

Looking Through the Glass

Published
by
E Alvarez
on February 23, 2008
in Meatpacking District
. 0 Comments

As I walked West on 14th Street, the surrounding area began to open up around Eighth Ave. Tall high-rise buildings descended into eclectic sequences of lofts that exceeded no more than five stories. Asphalt streets receded into cobblestones that produced a retroactive aesthetic contrast to that of the modern, architecturally infused buildings; I had traversed into the Meatpacking District.

Just below the Highline (a soon to be park renovated from a 100 year old section of freight railway) there hides a clothing boutique with a blue banner above it saying, “Destination“. A ground to ceiling piece of sheet glass separates the interior from the rather cold, exterior. It was quiet on Ninth Ave and Little West 12th with few people on the street at 6:00pm.

I talked with Kazuki Yammto, a 28 year old Japanese-American assistant manager at “Destination,” about his experience working in the neighborhood. Originally from Niigata, Japan (a snow covered mountain village), he has been a resident of the city for 13 years and an employee at the boutique for two. “It’s pretty dead during the daytime” he said, “but when it gets later, the area becomes really crazy.”

During his time working at “Destination,” he has seen such celebrities as Mike Tyson, Nikki Taylor and Donald Trump frequent that particular area. “One of the places I see a lot of celebrities visit is Buddha Bar, which is right across the street”. Although more a fan of performing with his punk rock band at local downtown venues, he says that “It’s a very cool neighborhood to work in because there are always something going on.”

Superintendent Kills Daughter Over IM

Published
by
cpare
on February 21, 2008
in The Bronx and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

amd_mateos-arrest.jpgResidents at this 7 story Walton Avenue apartment building are still in shock after 34-year-old Miguel Matias their superintendent strangled and stuffed his 14-year-old daughter in the boiler on Saturday morning.

This brutal violence came after a heated argument between Anna Matias and her father when he caught her using instant messenger to chat with a boy on his computer. Tiffany Hopkins a building resident explains that Miguel’s sister was in the apartment at the time of the murder in the other room and she said that she heard them arguing but she “didn’t think anything of it.” Little did Miguel’s sister know that Anna was in the other room taking her last breath.

Ms. Hopkins described him as “quiet.  He always said hello when passing and he seemed normal.” She also described Anna as happy, playful, and always dressed in the latest fashions.

Anna Matias lived with her mother in Pennsylvania and only visited her dad on the weekends. This arrangement came after her father dosed a car that she and her mother Jocelyn was in and tried to burn them alive.

Teary eyed Ms. Hopkins shakes her head, “It makes no sense; he tried to burn her alive before and he was still allowed to have unsupervised visits. It seems like he finally finished the job and I hope he burns in hell for it.”

anna-matias.jpg

Walgreens comes to Clinton Hill

Published
by
Philip Josolowitz-Luce
on February 21, 2008
in Brooklyn and Clinton Hill
. 1 Comment

These days the stretch of Myrtle Avenue from Ft. Greene Park to Classon Avenue is no stranger to development. In the last seven or eight years it has evolved into something of a main drag for Clinton Hill residents, with banks, laundromats, restaurants and bars taking root one right next to the other. With the exception of one Connecticut Muffin all of the new businesses on Myrtle Avenue have not been chains, until now.

Right in the corner of Clermont Ave. and Myrtle Ave. a new building, which will contain condominiums and street level retail space, including a Walgreens, is being erected. The fencing around the construction site bears an illustrated rendering of the finished building, complete with bustling street-scape and blue, cloudless skies. Adjoining this sign is another from Corcoran Group, proudly proclaiming the arrival of this new development in the neighborhood. Both of these signs are unique. What is more typical is fencing or plywood around a construction site with only the contractors name and the required permits affixed to it, no superfluous fanfare. Never before have I seen a sign announcing, celebrating the arrival of a new building on Myrtle Avenue.

Which brings us to Walgreens. As I mentioned, this building will have a Walgreens on the ground floor. It’s not that the neighborhood doesn’t have drug stores, it has many drug stores, at least two of them on Myrtle Ave. within walking distance from my house. What has changed is that Walgreens feels as though it can make some money in Clinton Hill where there was no money to have been made before. So is this a sign that the end is near, that property taxes are going to take a giant leap and scatter all of the long time Clinton Hill residents to points all over the map? Maybe. If it is though not everyone seems to mind. “I think it’ll be convenient. It’s big, they have a really good selection,” says Lucinda, a Clinton Hill resident. Other people were fairly ambivalent and feel as though the arrival of Walgreens and the condos is inevitable. Some even herald its arrival feeling as though it will bring in more businesses and services that Clinton Hill had been lacking.

Perhaps Walgreens is inevitable. Starbucks probably is too. The challenge then might not be how to keep certain businesses out, but how to make them work for you, for your neighborhood, your community.

walgreens

Another One Bites The Dust

Published
by
T Vaughan
on February 21, 2008
in Chelsea and Manhattan
. 0 Comments

ClearviewLiving and working in Chelsea over the past 6 years has made clear that nothing is permanent. With so many luxury apartments being constructed and the neighborhood property values increasing, it is no wonder so many businesses are closing out and families moving to the other side of the river to Brooklyn.

The most recent business to go is the Clearview West Theater, which has been in operation for 11 years. The theater which sports twin auditoriums and is known in the neighborhood mainly for its big movie premiers, showcasing celebrities such as Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg, has had poor attendance in recent years.

So it’s not that great a surprise that it is closing and that so few people are aware that it is no longer in operation. “It’s closed!” exclaimed a front desk staff member at New York City Sports Club, located on Eight Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets, on Friday when asked if he knew of the closing. An usher at Clearview Theater to the East of Eight Avenue on 23rd Street, confirmed the closing, however he was unclear as to what would be replacing the theater, “Possibly a parking lot,” he suggested, which is greatly needed around here.

However, through further investigation it has been uncovered that the School of Visual Arts will be using the venue as a showcase and laboratory for the arts produced by the school in film and moving image. It won’t be a commercially operated theater anymore, but will boast a full calender of special events.

Where are all the restaurants going?

Published
by
Joanna Padovano
on February 21, 2008
in New Dorp and Staten Island
. 1 Comment

pizza-hut.jpgIf you have been to Staten Island, you know that it’s pretty small and you will most likely notice when your favorite places to dine have been closed.  The most recent closing of a food place occurred a few months ago in New Dorp.  A Pizza Hut had been located in the Hylan Plaza shopping center for years, so it came as a shock to many when all of a sudden it was shut down.  “What happened?  I used to eat there all the time!” inquired many of its former patrons.  A failing score on a food inspection is what happened.

According to the statistics on nyc.gov, the percentage of food service establishments failing initial inspection in the New Dorp Area of Staten Island has increased from 9.7% in 2005 to 16.3% in 2007.  The way the scoring system works is as follows; any food establishment that is inspected is evaluated according how many violations they have.  Each violation has a point value, and basically each food establishment is allowed to have violations that are under the amount of 27 points.  If the violations add up to 28 or more points, then the establishment is required to have a follow-up inspection.  If they have not significantly reduced the amount of violations they had on the initial inspection, then they will be shut down by the NYC Department of Health.  

I work for a restaurant called Chevy’s Fresh Mex, which is also located in the Hylan Plaza shopping center in New Dorp.  Chevy’s was recently inspected on December 3, 2007, and received a total of 20 points worth of violations.  When asked about the results of the inspection that took place two months ago, Supervisor Mike P. (he asked that his last name not be revealed) commented the following; “I think that one of the main reasons we didn’t do so well on our last inspection was because the criteria for the inspections has recently changed and the [Apple Metro] company was not sufficiently informed about these changes.  We got some stupid points off for not labeling the food containers properly.  Honestly, I have probably worked in about ten different restaurants in my life, and I would have to say that Chevy’s is the cleanest overall.”

So if you notice that your favorite restaurant in New Dorp has been shut down, check to see the score on their last inspection.  It makes you question how clean the establishments that you eat in really are.

To check the most recent scores on the inspections of restaurants in the New Dorp area, please visit this website: http://nyc.everyblock.com/restaurant-inspections/locations/neighborhoods/new-dorp-midland-beach/

To learn more about the inspection process, visit: http://167.153.150.32/RI/web/howVPWorks.do

Schools in Canarsie……on the road to destruction

Published
by
Karen Mindley
on February 20, 2008
in Brooklyn and Canarsie
. 1 Comment

Will Canarsie ever retain the strong educational system it once had? This has been a constant debate plaguing the minds of locals in the neighborhood. Is the only solution closing down Canarsie and South Shore High and replacing them with several smaller schools? South Shore High was listed on the City’s most dangerous schools list in 2006 and its graduation rate has fallen to 32.3%. The Department of Education has predicted that South Shore High School will close down by 2010. For several decades South Shore has been rapidly slipping away. Its graduation rate has declined and test scores have deteriorated. The school has created an environment in which some students claimed that they feel unsecure and parents are continually worried about their children’s safety. Its major problem lies with its inability to provide a strong educational background for its students. The Department of Education reported South Shore as one of the least popular high schools in demand. Although Canarsie High seem to be doing better than South Shore, it is far from picture perfect. It has also been said to be less sucessful than previous years and its principal was removed in June of 2007. The State Department of Education declared Canarsie High as a School Under Registration Review. The school came up with a plan to implement a new problem solving class so that students will be able to assess any problems they have. Was it too late? Some locals are angry with the Department of Education; they argue that Canarsie High has a lot of potential and can be fixed. In the meantime, the schools remain hanging and residents are confused.

Nowhere to GO!

Published
by
mburzo
on February 20, 2008
in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn
. 2 Comments

A growing problem facing teenagers today is staying out of trouble. The parents may call them troublemakers or say they are up to no good. But the problem, especially in Bay Ridge, is that teenagers have no place to hang out. The cops patrol the streets and parks at night. Also, the bars are off limits unless kids have fake identification to show.

Over the past couple of years in Bay Ridge two landmarks, Leemark Lanes Bowling Alley and the Fortway Movie theater were shut down. A Century 21 parking lot and a Food Dynasty supermarket replaced these two landmarks. The lone movie theater that remains the Alpine was also going to close until a private company purchased it. This theater plays half the movies that are out at the time, and is in dire need of a renovation. The only places left for a child to hang out are pool halls, and this is not a memory that residents hold of the past. So with all of this going on, the question is posed: where are teenagers supposed to go?

This pizza is not going down!

Published
by
mstmaurice
on February 19, 2008
in Forest Hills and Queens
. 7 Comments

I walked on Austin Street in Forest Hills this weekend when I saw a large white board in the window of A&J Pizza. Written in colorful markers on the board was the clear message that: “A&J is not leaving. We are here to stay!”

This cozy pizzeria that is always busy and has a live Italian singer every Sunday night is known around the neighborhood as having some of the best pizza in Queens (the online reviews certainly present it as being the greatest). So I was obviously intrigued by this sign and chose to inquire. I spoke to Ernesto, who works there, and when I asked about the sign he got slightly flustered. “Someone started a rumor that we were closing, but we’re really not,” he said a bit angrily.

I asked a few more questions, but all I got from him was that they didn’t know the identity of the person who started the rumor. “If we knew, we’d crush him.” Simple enough.

There is still more I want to know about this pizzeria that will, on March 26, mark its 25th anniversary. Ernesto told me to call or stop by Thursday and speak to the owner, so we’ll see what he has to say about this!

New Jersey Transit Works with Woodbridge

Published
by
vstrachan
on May 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Mayor of Woodbridge, John E. McCormac confirmed that New Jersey Transit will be a partner in the second phase of the township’s plan to revamp its business district.

Woodbridge Township’s “visioning plan” includes a study that will identify areas of traffic congestion and parking resources that will encourage business and increase transportation accessibility for residents.

Mayor McCormac believes new parking options offered by the proposed plan will encourage people to use nearby trains. Because of this Woodbridge may even receive funds from New Jersey Transit.

If you would like to read more about this topic check here:   http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/WDBG_NEWS/mainstreetvisioningstudy.html 

 

Woodbridge Officials Predict Brighter Future

Published
by
vstrachan
on May 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Woodbridge officials have high hopes for the township’s downtown business district. Senator Joseph Vitale served as interim Mayor for Woodbridge Township for four months, after the death of Mayor Frank. G Pelzman. During this period he helped obtain a 50,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community affairs, money that is now slated to help revitalize the downtown area of the township.

Senator Vitale hopes the Main Street Business district will lead to the renovation and restoration of historic buildings. The improvement of storefronts and new living opportunities above the storefronts.

“…the downtown area should always look to reinvent itself form time to time as an ongoing process of study, said Senator Vitale in reaction to the proposed plan.

Though Vitale is not working directly with development plan now, he says he will assist the local governing body in obtaining additional grants for other projects.

 If you want to read more about this article check here: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/WDBG_NEWS/mainstreetvisioningstudy.html

Woodbridge Pushes Forward with Plan…

Published
by
vstrachan
on May 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The “visioning plan” for Woodbridge township is well on its way to becoming a reality. Since the last article I posted the Municipal Council officially approved the township’s use of the New York based architectural firm, Argest and Gandelsonas.

The first phase of the transit -oriented plan includes three community based meetings. Mayor McCormac finally confirmed that the first meeting will start in June. Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the use of a 50,000 grant given to the township by the New Jersey Department of Community affairs.

If you would like to read more about this story click here: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/WDBG_NEWS/mainstreetvisioningstudy.html

 

Museum Wing is Linked To the Seaport.

Published
by
metheridge
on May 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The South Street Seaport Museum that is rich in it’s local history is honoring a new wing for the Seaport.

“With the near-completion of a $22 million gallery complex inside the early 19th-century buildings of Schermerhorn Row, the South Street Seaport Museum has sailed into greater prominence than ever before. The galleries lie on the top three floors of the Federal-style brick buildings on Fulton St. between Front and South Sts.”

For the full story on this visit:http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_25/museumsnewwing.html

The SOuth Street Museum is a great local place to visit. It is often a target for tourist but it is worth it for the locals to visit.

Go ahead, it may surprise you.

Really?? A Hotel in Greenpoint?

Published
by
abigail
on May 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

A hotel is opening on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The hotel is located on the BQE at Withers st.. Not the most attractive of sites, but bottom line is some company be it a Days Inn or a Motel 8 has decided that there is money to be made in the area as they believe people from out of town would like to stay in the neighborhood.
The hotel is 7 stories tall and will have 54 rooms, its still early on but very exciting as it will surely raise opposition and  some eye brows.

 

Mega Mom

Published
by
skenney
on May 16, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

     Betty Hinton has eight adopted children, ranging in age from nine to 27. Her personal as well as professional life focuses on providing homes for children who do not have one. Ms. Hinton works for You Gotta Believe!, a not-for-profit organization that specializes in finding homes for the children of the NYC foster care system age 10 and up.
     Ms. Hinton speaks to prospective parents and can provide them with personal wisdom of what it means to bring a child into your home. Though she reminds them that “nothing can prepare you for actually parenting, hands-on is where you learn”.
     At 28 when Ms. Hinton adopted her first son, she describes a feeling of excitement. A teacher at the time, she thought that she was going to do great things, “make such a difference in their lives”.
She would buy gift after gift in an effort to make up for all that her son had missed out on. She recieved a phone call from his teacher one day informing her that he had been giving away his belongings to the other children.
     It was at this moment that she learned an important lesson. The material possessions did not matter to him. She learned that nothing she buys will make up for the past, nothing can. All she could do was be there for him. “I’m still gonna be here”, she said. That was what he needed. Now at 27, she still is there for him, she is still mom - to him and 7 others.

Know the facts when finding a Nanny job

Published
by
T Vaughan
on May 15, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

park

So you have decided that you are good with kids and you would like to become a nanny instead of working in an elementary school. The one on one situation suits you better. Some of the ways in which to go about finding yourself a job would be through an agency, an online nanny service or on your own; searching newspapers, walking the parks, pediatrician offices and other children/parent friendly atmospheres. After you have decided which route is best for you, find out what you will need and what to expect.

There are few laws that protect domestic workers, hence when entering the field make sure you know what you are getting into even if you are only doing the job to pay the bills and don’t intend to make a career of it. The NannyNetwork.com provides valuable legal information that many individuals entering the field are not aware of.

I conducted a survey in Thomas Moore Park in Chelsea and at the Chelsea Piers yesterday and was disappointed to find that approximately 60 percent of the 10 nannies interviewed did not get there taxes paid by their employers.

I then called a mentor of mine in the field to share the information with her and find out if her employers of six years paid her taxes and was told, “Taxes! Oh no they would never do that.”

Coming soon…a school dance festival

Published
by
skwong
on May 14, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The students at the Benson Elementary school, P.S. 200 continues to rehearsal for the annual dance festival. This event allows students to show their creativity and school emphasizes on visual and performing arts as an extra cirriculum activity. The event will take place in the beginning of June on their first half day. This free event will be taken place outside on their school yard. Anyone and everyone is invited. Just show up early and get a good spot. Neighbors, friends, and families gather around the school yard to watch the children perform. Each grade performs to a different song that is chosen by the teachers of that grade level. The choreography is also taught by their teachers. But sometimes people from neighboring churches volunteer to help them out and contribute their ideas for the choreography and costumes. The costumes are usually simple. The students may paint or dye their shirts, wear colorful clothes, wear sunglasses, or some type of head wear that they create on their own. But the students in each grade has to have similar costumes or outfits. Here are some parent reviews of the school.

Where’s my Caribbean music?

Published
by
jreynolds
on May 14, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Caribbean music is full of rhythm and exotic beats played by all types of instruments, especially the steel pan. It is the type of music that you dance to, with sways, gyrations, foot-tapping and any other kind of movement that is in sync with the beat. Even though some of the Caribbean genres of music were derived from different nations, it has been embraced by all of the Caribbean. Some of the more popular genres are calypso, soca, reggae and zouk.

Many new songs of these genres are released during national celebrations like carnival. In New York, the West Indian Day Parade takes place on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn and is a version of carnival that is held in all the Caribbean nations, except as a united celebration. West Indians get a chance to meet friends and family that they had not seen in a long time, while enjoying the music, the costumes of the revellers and the wide variety of Caribbean food.

Those who want to enjoy the music on a regular basis and not just on the Labor Day weekend, must find other means. “I usually go on youtube and google to find the latest soca music,” said Shaun Caleb, an international student, “and I look forward to family gatherings when West Indian music is played.” Caleb also added that he can enjoy himself at clubs that play other genres, but a few West Indians songs would make it even better.

Others just go to nightclubs that play Caribbean music or have special themed nights while some go to house parties held by West Indians. “Some of the good clubs that West Indians party at in Brooklyn are The Base, Cafe Omar, Caribbean City, The Elite Ark, Temptations and Cafe 400,” said Christopher Polius, a Brooklyn resident, “they play good West Indian music.”

I personally just look forward to going home to Guyana where I can really enjoy the Caribbean experience on my own home soil. Although i like other genres of music, it make an effort to stay up to date with what’s hot in Caribbean music since it helps me fit right back in when I return home.

Planting Trees

Published
by
schow
on May 14, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

This morning around 9 AM when I was walking to the train station I passed by Lt. Joseph Petrosino Park and I noticed something unusual. Along the side of the park I saw a large quantity of soil dug up from the ground and when I looked up I saw six small trees leaning against the fence, ready to be planted. I also noticed that people who passed by the park on their way to the train station did not stop and take a look at what was happening.
I found this interesting yet unusual because I have lived in Bensonhurst for 21 years and I never saw trees being planted at the park or maybe because I never took the time to notice. I found this interesting because it means that there is someone or some people who actually do care about the park. I personally believed that people did not care because no actions were taken against the people who vandalized the park facilities or dumped illegal garbage there. After seeing new trees are being planted it made me feel happy because it meant someone probably requested a tree planting, but I also wondered whether others cared to know that new trees had been planted.

trees at park

Photo taken by Sandy.

Are You Safe In Your Own Neighborhood?

Published
by
smorris
on May 14, 2007
in Queens
. 0 Comments

The federal prison is owned and controlled by the GEO group Inc., a privately run correctional and detention management company. GEO is one of the largest for-profit prison corporations in the world. According to an online source, Geo represents 63 facilities worldwide including United States and United Kingdom; their profits rely on rising crime rates, tough sentencing and immigration policies. Now, they have invaded Springfield Garden with no intention of leaving.www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/orfp97.htm

Freedom

Published
by
smorris
on May 14, 2007
in Queens
. 0 Comments

“I did not know that there was a jail on 150th Avenue,” said Kathleen Richars, a resident of Springfield Garden who has lived there for the past 15 years. “Oh my God, a prison! This is unbelievable.” With plans in motion for extending the facility, residents are more determine to put a stop to this madness. When asked about his perspective on the prison Councilman James Sander said, “Heaven forbid what can happen under these conditions. They can break out and take the buses.” www.federalprison.com

SHUT IT DOWN

Published
by
smorris
on May 14, 2007
in Queens
. 0 Comments

The residents of Springfield Garden continue to protest regarding the federal prison in their neighborhood. Councilman James Sander, encourages the residents to rally and march around the windowless prison. The building was owned by the Wackenhut Immigration Detention center in 1995, which housed illegal immigrants arrested at JFK airport. However, the federal prison acquires prisoners that are waiting to go on trial. The residents are worried about their safety. www.bop.gov

Starbucks baristas plea for better working conditions

Published
by
Jessica Baptiste
on May 13, 2007
in Manhattan
. 3 Comments

caramel_mocha_frap.jpgstarbucks-logo.gif        

Credit: marynewton.typepad.com and carryonamerica.com

Starbucks coffee shop is a popular establishment which serves as a meeting place, hangout spot, office space, reading room and other uses. In the high traffic Starbucks in areas like Union Square, the store serves about 2,000 customers a day. With such a high volume of customers, baristas don’t have the time to look out for crime, which has become a problem. “We’re supposed to be keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, but we have a lot of customers,” said Tomer Malchi, who works at the Union Square East Starbucks.

The Starbucks’s toilets in Union Square and in other areas of the city are often in decrepit conditions since they are open to public. Malchi said that they often find needles in the bathroom and suspects that people do drugs there.

Along with the crappy toilets are the low wages. Malchi believes that this all the CEO cares about - keeping wages low. Malchi belongs to the Starbucks Union, an organization fighting for better wages and working conditions for Starbucks employees.

Put Down That Phone and Just Drive!!

Published
by
csetaro
on May 13, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

    New Jersey legislators are pushing a (very intelligent) plan to make it illegal to text message while driving.  It was only a matter of time that such a law would eventually be brought to the table considering it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving.  In fact the texting ban should have come first!  Driving while texting takes your most important and obvious sense away…your vision!  I can’t imagine much opposition to this plan, but of course there will be.  “I have a right to do what I want in my car,” I heard one idiot say.  No you don’t sir, not if what you are doing can harm others…you know, like texting someone thus taking your eyes completely off the road.  New Jersey is not alone in this potential ban.  Arizona, Connecticut and Washington are the other states smart enough to consider this plan of a ban.  Studies show that one out of five people text while driving, and that number sky-rockets to one out of every three for people in the 18-34 age group.  So to all of you offenders out there…you better kick the habit! 

Read more @ http://wcbstv.com/local/local_story_130144621.html

Fort Dix a little safer after six men are arrested

Published
by
csetaro
on May 13, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

   

                As more details surface about the terror plot to attack New Jersey’s largest army base, it seems evident that hatred for America is still going strong.  A total of six men have been arrested for this horryfying plot, and what seems surprising to me is that two-thirds of the men were born in the former Yugoslavia.  This is not just a wake-up call for NewJersey residents, but for all Americans nation-wide.  It turns out that these young men had been planning this attack for months.  Dritan Duka, one of the men involved in the plot, had been training himself in the use of firearms, collecting weapons and watching terrorist training videos.  He was quoted as saying that he wanted to “light the whole place up.”  These men planned on getting their hands on rocket-propelled grenade launchers to shoot at the Hummers on base.  I don’t want to get off topic, but how are these people getting these kinds of weapons so easily??  It doesn’t even take a sane person to purchase firearms anymore, just take the Virginia Tech shootings as an example.  That kid had a history of mental illness!!  I think it is a relief that at least the government seems to be vigilent in stopping potential attacks.  Read more @ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/08/us/08cnd-dix.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087&en=2e28586df8be2d6d&ex=1194235200&excamp=GGGNnewjerseynews

Chaos in Springfield Garden Part one

Published
by
smorris
on May 11, 2007
in Queens
. 0 Comments

Springfield Garden residents have noticed a nondescript building for more than three years located at 150th Ave and 82nd St. No one seemed to know what it was. Residents have recently learned that it is a federal prison awaiting prisoners to go on trial. Residents are scared for their children as well as themselves; the federal prison is three blocks away from the closest home, schools and a women’s shelter. For more information you can visit this website. www.bordc.org/threats/detention.php

Greenpoint is Percolating.

Published
by
abigail
on May 10, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

After the May 30th opening of Starbucks in Greenpoint many residents are torn between the new consistent brew that can be found anywhere in the city or to stick with their local caffeine drip.

Brooklyn Label,a hip organic coffee shop attracts many residents because of the laid back artistic atmosphere and the tofu potato breakfast specialty it provides. Assistant Manager of the coffee shop Jessica Higgins believes that her shop does not have to worry about the new coffee house in town she said, “What they have to offer does not compare to what we have at Label. If anything, especially in this neighborhood I think it will encourage people to come here for anything different.”

Although the outlook is positive at Brooklyn Label, which is just one of the local coffee houses in competition with Starbucks. Some residents can’t help but wonder if the new coffee giant chain that entered the neighborhood will bring down some local flavors.

(above is a photo inside Brooklyn Label)

Westchester’s Got Talent!

Published
by
tjose
on May 9, 2007
in Not New York and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Just recently Mount Vernon native Asia Nitollano, was added as the newest member to worldwide hit girl group, the PussyCat Dolls. In a contest broadcast by CW11 ’s hit reality show the PussyCat Dolls Search for the Next Doll, Nitollano won judges and audiences with her enthusiastic stage performance of singing and dancing.

I’ll admit it, I watched the show rooting for the Westchester resident. I don’t really watch reality shows but when someone from your town or area ends up a finalist you can’t hepled but being pulled in to watch it hoping that person will win to represent your “hood.”

” People are always like I hate Westchester, but as soon as something like this where celebrity status associated with the city people begin to have immense pride for Westchester,” said Stephanie Gitlitz, New Rochelle resident and reality show fanatic.

Westchester is also the home of two-time academy award winner Denzel Washington (Mt. Vernon), Platinum recording artist and multiple Grammy winner Mary J. Blige (Yonkers) and many others.

New Rochelle may not be the breeding ground for the talent but it’s the setting. New Rochelle was the setting of the Dick Van Dyke Show and Catch Me if You Can.

How To Lose A Cat In 10 Minutes (on purpose)

Published
by
jcassermere
on May 9, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

 Surprised cat               Kamikaze kitten               Vicious

     They shred curtains and rip the upholstery on chairs.  They shoot to and fro like lightning bolts, knocking plant stands over and tripping up unsuspecting pedestrians.  And when actual lightning strikes, they painfully cling to their owners’ lower legs and shoulders with vehemence. Cats, otherwise known as felinus catus, are the #1 pet in the US.  Despite cat habits and quirks, many cat owners say they love their furry friends too much to ever let them go; but there are times when they must.  “I was moving and I just couldn’t take my cat Sam with me, so I took her to my local shelter,” said James Cassermere, an Ossining resident.

     Shelters like the SPCA take in unwanted cats and dogs as well as provide low cost spaying and neutering.  Ossining and Briarcliff residents like having the SPCA in the neighborhood.  “Lots of people I know got their pets from the SPCA,” said Sarah Rijos, a dog owner, “And I know of people who have rescued dogs and cats and taken them there.” 

     Cassermere’s local SPCA accepted Sam, despite the fact that she was not “fixed.”  However, about a week later, Sam was spotted near Cassermere’s former residence.  “People mentioned that they had seen Sam outside my house,” he said, “So I watched out for her for a few days, but I never saw her, just some other ones that hang out in the neighborhood.”

     Some is an understatement.  Upwards of six furry little friends had joined up and created a feral cat colony. A major issue in cities like Atlantic City and San Diego, even NYC and its suburbs have a problem. 

     The Briarcliff SPCA started a Feral Cat Task Force last year to address the situation in the suburbs, offering rental cages to catch the cats to be brought back to the SPCA for treatment and evaluation.  According to Westchester.com, following treatment, some cats are put up for adoption and others are spayed or neutered and returned to their colonies.  So if you happen upon a pride of cats in your neighborhood, seek out a local shelter or organization offering humane feral cat services. 

Pictures: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/, illustratedlibrarian.blogspot.com, falafelsex.blogspot.com

A Debate Over Change

Published
by
lmohamed
on May 9, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

In a time where the “it” places to live change faster than fashion trends, communites all over New York are seeing drastic changes. But how does one know when the changes have gone too far? Where can the line be drawn between improving the quality of life in a neighborhood and transforming said neighborhood into the next trendy, happening place to live?

This is what residents of Kensington are worried about. Some fear that recent talk of bringing entertainment in the form of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants will turn the small neighborhood into a new hot spot, specifically another Park Slope. No offense to nearby Park Slope, but some residents prefer Kensington to keep its small town feel  On the other hand, some new and old residents alike are welcoming the idea of bringing in new businesses.

The battle for and against the gentrification of Kensington is fairly recent but has already stirred up much debate. Living most of my life in the neighborhood, I have seen it change and still remember the shock on people’s faces when they opened up a Subway sandwhich shop on Church Avenue. A newcomer to the neighborhood that I spoke to couldn’t see what the big deal was saying, “A little change isn’t so bad, is it?”

As the debate wears on, here’s a little bit of it from Kensington’s neighborhood blog started just over a month and a half ago. It starts out talking about the price of retail space and then becomes a heated discussion about the future of Kensington. Have fun.

Kensington’s Blog

The Unempty Nest Syndrome

Published
by
Simone
on May 8, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 6 Comments

            Young adults are finding it harder and harder to leave the nest. Not only is it scary to try to make it on your own, without the comfort of mom and dad to support and bail you out, the constant increase in rent can give a person more to worry about. Because of this, more adults are choosing to stay at home or to return home, home of course is referring to their parents’ house.

           This is a prevailing phenomenon in Cambria Heights. At a time in an individual’s life, where they are old enough, they are holding down a good job and possibly mature enough to strike out on their own- they choose to stay with mommy and daddy.

           “Leaving mom’s embrace has its expenses,” said Jennifer Jones, a college student. She describes the obvious drawbacks of striking out on one’s own. Ms. Jones knows of many young adults who refuse to leave home.

           Living in this neighborhood has provided a standard of living that would be hard for one to continue without some help. “I will not leave my parents’ house until I can maintain the lifestyle they have given me wherever I go,” declared Whitney Jones, a 21-year old resident who has lived in Cambria Heights all her life.

           It’s becoming increasingly difficult to leave the nest when considering the obstacles and time it takes to eventually own a home in a similar quiet, middle-class neighborhood.

Saving St. Saviours.

Published
by
Moliva
on May 7, 2007
in Queens
. 1 Comment

(I took this photo!)

The Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) has made it their responsibility to save St. Saviour’s Church in Maspeth from demolition. Instead, the JPCA has suggested that the city convert the space into a park and give the church landmark status. St. Saviours, built in 1847 and designed by master architect Richard Upjohn, is a Carpenter Gothic country church made with redwood and at one time was surrounded by nothing but trees. Today, St. Saviours is surrounded by abandoned factories, congested traffic, and 18-wheelers. It stands adjacent from a set of train tracks and lies hidden behind a fence made of plywood (which is tagged up with graffiti). I’ve lived in Maspeth/Ridgewood for 9 years and have passed the church countless times, never knowing it’s history or name…in other words, I took it for granted. Recently, I moved within a block of St. Saviours and believe that a park or some sort of green space is what this neighborhood needs. The church could serve as a buffer to this highly industrial area…What’s difficult for me to understand is why the city hasn’t shown much interest in saving St. Saviours…Maybe because it’s not in Manhattan? Elected officials have no love for Queens.

(This one too)

Professional and Personal “Separate but Equal”

Published
by
T Vaughan
on May 6, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

The article referred, The New Nanny Dairies Online, is two years old, but provides a good example of the conflict between a nanny’s personal life and her job. The nanny in the article may not be showing good judgment in what she reveals about her personal life and where she does it. However, the issue discussed is a common struggle for most members of the profession, “How to perform the job and have an active personal life at the same time that doesn’t conflict with the job. How to find the energy and the attention needed for both without short changing the other.”

Sandy, a nanny, said, “I went on a date recently, and I found it hard to maintain a conversation. I have gotten to the point where I only know how to converse with parents and kids. It’s hard to talk with single people.”

The demands of the families that nannies work for are high and all consuming. There is a lot of overtime, weekends and traveling with very little personal time or space. Time-offs are almost impossible to get because there are no nanny assistants.

Illegal Dumping

Published
by
schow
on May 6, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Over the last two years and even up to today, there have been incidents of illegal garbage dumping at the Lt. Petrosino Park in Bensonhurst. The garbage is not the ordinary soda bottles, paper, tissue kind of litter as seen on the streets and parks. The kinds of garbage that someone or some people throw out is in large black garbage bags that are sitting by the entrance of the park. The massive amount of garbage consists of household waste, building rubbish, other types of debris and bulk items – sofas, mattresses and microwaves.

Nearby residents realize that someone threw out the garbage during the late hours of night because when they go to work the next day they see the pile of garbage that was not there the previous day. Volunteers/workers at the park are only there two times a week to tidy up the park by picking up trash from the ground. Salvatore, who volunteers to clean at city parks said, “I don’t know who threw it there. It is not part of my job to clean that. The Sanitation Department should do it.” The pile of garbage by the park entrance is not picked up weekly, so sometimes after a couple of weeks the garbage accumulates into a small hill.

looking for diversity

Published
by
jdixon
on May 6, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

The Old Birdge Police department in New Jersey has been looking for its department diversity for many years.  In an effort to create more diversity on the police force, officials are looking to make some changes to the Old Bridge’s police hiring ordinance.The idea is to recruit officers  from other municipalities  for potential officers into the township. Right now there are two women police officers in the whole department and only one African American. The township Mayor, Jim Phillips says that,” our town is certainly more diverse than our police department, so we need to do something about that.” The amended ordinance which had its first reading at the council’s April 23rd meeting, proposes that Police Chiel Thomas Collow be given the ability to recruit two existing police officers per year to come and work on Old Bridge’s force. These officers will be subjected to a phisycal examination, interviews and psychological tests, but not written and physical tests . www.gmnews.com

The Noisy Heights

Published
by
Matty V
on May 4, 2007
in Manhattan
. 7 Comments

noise

Image avaliable at vivrlatino.com

With the summer approaching many residents of Washington Heights are looking forward to the sunnier days, fireworks, and the ice-cream man. A growing number of residents however, are dreading the the season for it brings more kids (since school is out), more block parties, and more noise.

“These kids don’t have to get up to go to school, but I still have to get up to go to work,” said Juanita Vasquez, a community resident, on the noise the summer brings. “I go to bed at 12 o’clock just to get awakened by the noise three or four hours later.”

According to community board records, noise complaints to the 33rd and 34th precincts spike in the summer months. Andrew Capul, deputy inspector of the 34th precinct stated that school being out, a rise in block parties, and the opening of many nigthclubs were factors for the spike in noise complaints, at a recent community precinct meeting.

The close of April brought two rather warm and sunny days and also brought over one hundred calls to 311 over quality-of-life related complaints in the Washington Heights area. It seems this is a sign of things to come. With the opening day of summer about a month away, both local precincts and many local neighborhood-watch groups are gearing up for what is sure to be a sticky, noisy, complaint riddled season.

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG.

Published
by
krivero
on May 3, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Police and Civilians

Photo taken from NYPD photo gallery.

Within the last several months, news reports of violence erupting between police officers and civilians have plagued the media. Surges of all too familiar headlines have plastered the front page of local newspapers: A police officer gunned down by residents or an innocent person murdered by police officers. Protests, court hearings and trials usually follow the event ultimately creating tension between everyday people and civil workers.

“I’m nervous now,” said Stanley Heriveax, a 25-year-old Brooklyn College student. “When I see them [police officers] I cringe because I don’t know what they’re about to do.”

While the fear of locals may be well documented, police officers’ concerns are similar. “We have a dangerous job and a huge responsibility to the community,” said P.O. Michael Echols of the 77th precinct in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. “When situations between a police officer and a civilian are publicized, we have to be extra careful of individuals who may seek retribution.”

In a community such as Crown Heights, Brooklyn where there is a history of malice between the dominant racial groups (Hasidic Jews and Black West Indians), the increased presence of police officers create tension between them and the locals, and should be paid close attention.

Richard Greene, a long-time community leader and the Founder of Crown Heights Youth Collective, a group that focuses on the prevention of violence among the children in the neighborhood, agrees. Since the 1980s, this organization has been an active force in bringing peace to the street corners of Crown Heights.

According to an interview aired on CW11 news at ten, Greene believes that with the proper actions on the civilian’s part, the violence can be avoided. His views are well respected by the dwellers of the parks and corners he unofficially supervises. Along with other leaders like Connie Cuttle, Founder of SAVE and Henna White, co-founder of Mothers for Mothers, Greene helps maintain a calm atmosphere by interacting with residents and suggesting ways for them to cope with the increase presence of police in the neighborhood.

“He’s a cool dude. I’m always willing to listen to what he has to say, cause he understand where I’m coming from,” said a 22-year-old male who referred to himself as ‘G’, “I just hope that someone is talking to them cops.”

Fear of Gentrification

Published
by
lmohamed
on May 3, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Many residents of the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn are fearful of a possibility of gentrification. The neighborhood, which many describe as a small town in a big city, has recently seen an increase of new comers who have been priced out of Manhattan and nearby Park Slope. They want to add coffee shops, restaurants, and bars into the neighborhood which doesn’t have any.

While change is needed in the neighborhood, by way of cleaner streets and road improvements, many long time residents, including myself, are afraid that the new comers desire for more businesses will lead to gentrification, in particular the possibility of Kensington becoming a second Park Slope. Kensington does lack business (in fact there are little except for Bangledesh, Mexican, Pakistani, and Chinese food places) nail salons, and 99 cent stores, but the idea of bringing in new businesses leads many to believe that Kensington will soon be lost to gentrification. Caroline DiSimone, a long time resident of the neighborhood, is vocal about the possibility of gentrification. “People move to Kensington because it does have the atmosphere and appeal of a small town,” she says. “The proposals for adding new businesses in the neighborhood threaten that. This is a family-oriented neighborhood. What are we gonna do with bars?”

Here is a link to an article from Newsday where Kensington is profiled. They discuss the residents fear of gentrification and even speak to the founder of the neighborhood blog, who is an advocate for new businesses in Kensington.

Con Headaches

Published
by
mleonard
on May 3, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

For years Con Ed has been the source of many headaches for New Yorkers. Recently their white and baby blue vans can be seen on the streets becoming ever more increasing in numbers. They are on the streets “repairing” who knows what, and constantly causing traffic and sidewalk obstructions. There were numerous cases of dogs being electrocuted due to exposed wires, left out by careless workers. The street lamps go on and off on random days and are rarely fixed in a timely manner. Their lower east side plant has been the cause of blackouts, fires, manhole explosions, and at one time was the cause of the highest asthma rates in the country. The unfortunate part is that Con Ed almost has a monopoly on the city’s power supply and there is little to be done when it comes to changing their work habits.
Now that the city is filling up with more and more people, as well as bringing in more and more money, Con Ed’s work ethic is going to have to change in order to appease everyone. I am also interested in seeing if they are going to be adjusting to the newly popular “green” mindset.

Graffiti paintings in woodside

Published
by
hsin
on May 1, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 4 Comments

When you take the 7 train which transfers you from Flushing, Queens to Manhattan, look out the right side of your train near 33rd St. Station in Sunnyside.  You will see so much graffiti on the buildings along the 7 train track.  Numerous buildings are covered all over with graffiti, including the areas of steep and high terraces, tops of the buildings, broken windows, and every else where that graffiti artists are able to draw.

But Sunnyside neighborhoods do not welcome graffiti artists.  The Sunnyside United Neighborhood Network is seeking to ban graffiti works and to clean up them in area of Sunnyside.  “There is a lot of graffiti that has crept back into our neighborhood,” said Julie Story, a Sunnyside resident.  “The vandals must know that illegal graffiti is not welcome in Sunnyside!!”

for more information about Sunnyside United Neighborhood Network, visit http://www.sunnysidechamber.org/members/antigraff.html

PETA’s plight to stop elephants’ cruelty in circuses

Published
by
Jessica Baptiste
on April 30, 2007
in Manhattan
. 2 Comments

 

elephant.jpg 

Credit: circuses.com

This is a picture of the elephant sculpture that PETA wanted to install in Union Square Park

Circuses are seen as wonderful attractions – trapezes, clowns, jugglers, lions and elephants coming together to do amazing tricks beyond our wildest dreams. While circuses have a glamorous side, there is also a dirty side – cruelty to animals. According to a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) fact sheet “Circuses: Three Rings of Abuse,” it documents all the decrepit working conditions that animals, especially elephants are subject to including confinement to small spaces in cages while traveling across the country up to 11 months a year in the famous Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

For example, PETA’s fact sheet states, “physical punishment has always been the standard training method for animals in circuses. It is standard practice to beat, shock, and whip animals to make them perform—over and over again—tricks that make no sense to them.”

PETA submitted a proposal in March to the Parks Department for a permit to install a baby elephant sculpture for three-four weeks in Union Square Park in May or June 2007, in protest against the harsh treatment of circus animals.

In the April 12 Community Board 5 meeting, the board voted in denial of the proposal saying, “Community Board Five questions whether the sculpture should be considered art for it would not be reviewed by the Art Commission and appears more in the nature of a political billboard.”

On the decision, Bob Chorush, the Special Projects Coordinator for PETA’s Captive Animals and Entertainment Issues, reaction is, “It seems that Community Board 5 would prefer art with no message, since it cannot be rationally argued that Harry Bliss’ rejected elephant sculpture is a message with no art. The discussion of this work was heated and prolonged speaks to the impact, influence and feelings that this work of art evokes.”

Have Brooklyn neighborhoods reached a church saturation point?

Published
by
jreynolds
on April 29, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Brooklyn neighborhoods like Brownsville and Flatbush are saturated with all church denominations. Some churches are separated by just a wall while others are less than a mile apart. With so many options, congregants must have different reasons for choosing a particular church. It appears that churches in these areas have memberships that are similar to the backgrounds of their leaders, especially among the West Indians.

West Indians may come from different nations but there is some commonality among them. Many of their folklores, colloquial terms and foods are similar except for the few variations. It is easy to understand why people of similar backgrounds are drawn to each other. The church leaders can make reference to anecdotes that are familiar as well as invite guest pastors from the Caribbean that are already familiar to the congregation.

In the Bible, believers are warned to avoid false prophets, which mean that choosing a place of worship is a very important decision to make. “My grandmother introduced me to Restoration Temple Assembly in Flatbush,” said Seon Hannibal, a Brownsville resident, “I stayed there because I felt that Bishop Cummings was teaching according to the Bible which I was able to confirm from my own knowledge of the Bible.” Hannibal added that he had also visited other churches in Brownsville but did not feel a connection to any of them like he did at his church. The presence of other West Indians in Restoration Temple Assembly made it easier for him to communicate and form a connection.

Some Churchgoers in the Brooklyn neighborhoods seem happy to attend churches that are miles away and require some amount of traveling, even though there are churches right next to their homes “I started going to Good Tidings Gospel Chapel because there was a link between this church and the one I attended in Guyana,” said Luke Heywood, an International student living in the Brownsville area, “so I don’t mind having to travel to get to church.”

Others feel that having clusters of churches all over the Brooklyn area can only have negative effects rather than create a sense of unity in the Christian community. “It is wasteful and it harbors a sense of divisiveness” said Colletta Hinckson, from the Brooklyn area, “it forces churches to compete for space, people and influence in the community.”

The one good thing about having a melting pot is that you can always find a place to connect not only with your God; but with people you can have relation. Thus, considering the sense of community that pervades each church, perhaps the diversity of choices does more to connect the members of each church than to draw distinctions between the separate congregations.

Woodbridge Makes Plans for “Transit Village”

Published
by
vstrachan
on April 29, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

It’s the middle of the day and the lights in the store front of Pavilion Mortgage are dim again. The brand new business wedged between two beauty salons and an empty Greek restaurant used to be a lady’s shoe store only a few months ago. While it is still to early to tell if this business will suffer the same fate as it predecessor–the odds are high along Main Street.

Woodbridge officials hope the concept of a “transit village” will help revitalize the township’s Main Street business district.

The “Visioning Plan” financed through a $50,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, will focus on issues ranging from traffic and parking, to zoning and economic revitalization.

The Municipal Council is expected to approve the New York-based architectural firm of Agrest and Gandelsonas to develop a Transit-Oriented Development Vision Plan for the area.

The first phase of the effort to develop a Transit-Oriented Development Vision Plan will be to hold discussions with business owners and residents. The process will include three community-based visioning meetings within five months that will seek public input and comment on the overall future of the area.

For more information on Woodbridge’s plans check here: http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1175576103253290.xml&coll=1

Out of the Darkness

Published
by
jdixon
on April 29, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

It is an overnight walk that begins on June 9th  in the dark and long streets of Manhattan and it ends at sunup  the following morning in the same place that it began, The South Street sea Port. It is a 20 mile walk to raise money  and provide solidarity for people who have dealt with depression and suicide in many aspects of their lives. The event asks participants to raise $1,000 to help fund suicide prevention. It will be a “healing” event because not only will raise money but walkers get a better chance to get to know one another and share the same experiences as they have.  The walk was previously in San Franscisco and Chicago but now it has come to NYC. According to the AFSP nearly 1 million people  make a suicide attempt eah year in the United States. It is the forth leading cause  of death in th US. There will be 2,000 to 3,000 expected  walkers. William Grard who is the director of development for the AFSP said that “This is the single largest successful event for suicide prevention to date.” For most walkers this is will be a commom bond that they all can share. For more information on the walk visit www.theovernight.com or AFSP

 

“Cushy”: A nanny’s job

Published
by
T Vaughan
on April 29, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

An acquaintance once, in a moment of amusement, told me that I had a cushy job. My first reaction was to laugh the statement away, but in retrospect she made me think about what other members of my community might be thinking when they see a nanny pass by on the street pushing a stroller or sitting in the park while the children we take care of run around. I wonder if they know the responsibilities that our job involves. The risk, the discomfort we experience knowing our every action, every word is being scrutinized, not just by our employers but by almost every resident we come in contact with in the community, even the children we take care of.

“Cushy,” its an interesting view of a nanny’s job. Speaking with a fellow nanny, Helen, on Thursday on the subject of what nannies experience on his/her job she said, “We are treated as one dimensional beings on the job, as if we don’t have lives outside of our jobs.” Most adults we come in contact with still treat us as if we are in the 19th Century, like servants not professionals.
With the re-emergence of the decade old case involving convicted babysitter, Audrey Edmunds, 45, for the death of 7-month-old Natalie Beard, I am freshly reminded of the risk my colleagues and I take each day we go to work. We are expected to always have a clear head. Moments of anger can be detrimental, not only in the extreme cases like Audrey Edmunds but on a mental level. Most of us, nannies, are integrally involved in the first five years of the children we care for, hence a fit of anger, that could be seen as normal with another adult, is “scary” to a child.

President Bush in Harlem???

Published
by
jlafontaine
on April 26, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

President Bush came to Harlem to push his No Child Left Behind initiative to parents.  President Bush is also an advocate for charter schools as well.  He however did not impress all of the Harlem natives, as many are highly upset with him because his intiatives have not been clearly proven in the inner cities of Harlem as well as other boroughs not to mention the Iraq issues at hand, such as spending money on a war that could better be utilized in the schools.  Check out the article from the New York Amsterdam News…

 

http://www.amsterdamnews.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=78246&sID=4

Corners

Published
by
rjohnson
on April 26, 2007
in Not New York, The Bronx and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Like the leaves that fall off the trees at autumn and slowly reappear at springtime, so it is with the guys who stand on the corner. During the harsh winter months they vanish only to return with the sunlight of spring. It is anyone’s guess what they are doing, but the residents of East Tremont have one thing in mind, illegal activity. “The neighborhood has come a long way,” said Charmaine, a one-time resident of East Tremont. “With police patrolling the streets it has become better,” she continued. There are some things, though, that seem to linger. Added pressure from the police department will no doubt continue to fight any illegal activity that inhabits the street corners and back roads of East Tremont. “I don’t walk on the Marmion side of the building,” said a resident of the neighborhood, “because I don’t want the police to think I am involved in anything,” he continued. Some people believe that the police are watching that section of Marmion.

And the Beep Goes On….and the beep goes on.

Published
by
LSapir
on April 26, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

img_2636.JPG

Although Mayor Michael Bloomberg finally answered the calls of advocacy groups to relieve the traffic on New York City streets, his proposal given this Sunday, April 22nd on the steps of city hall, has residents sounding their horns.

The Mayor’s plans to ease the congestion, is a part of his PlaNYC 2030 Sustainability Initiative, which includes attempts to improve travel times, achieve the cleanest air of any big city in the U.S., reduce global warming emissions, reach a state of good repair on our transportation systems and put every New Yorker within a safe, ten minute walk of a park, then by 2009 he needs to lessen traffic, make streets and traffic safer for bikers and walkers of all ages and make more efficient use of streets and other public space.

Christine Berthet co-founder of Chekpeds a local organization working to influence traffic in our community, said in a recent email to community residents that, “The Traffic Relief Coalition applauds the City for the great initiatives they propose and hold them accountable if the PlaNYC 2030 agenda doesn’t meet our standards.”

This is not the first time the initiative has been brought to light.  Last year at a speech in Queens the Mayor’s office said, “By 2030, our City will add nearly one million more people. We’ll be relying on infrastructure networks completed nearly a century ago. And we will face an increasingly unpredictable environment.”

“It is time to PLAN again for New York City’s future. It is our city. It is our responsibility. And it is our choice.”

More than 10,000 pedestrians are injured each year on the city’s streets, and 170 were killed in 2006. When Bloomberg stood on his soap box at city hall to profess pedestrian safety, commuter traffic and congestion, I stood on my fire escape on West 44th street and 9th avenue near the Lincoln Tunnel where the congestion is unaffected  by Bloomberg’s ambitious speech.  If Bloomberg wants to talk the talk he needs to walk the walk.

Check out the video I shot from my firescape….TBA

Will Starbucks lead the corporate change in Greenpoint?

Published
by
abigail
on April 26, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Greenpoint, once a working class neighborhood has recently become home to many young professionals who made the voyage across the East River due to Manhattans soaring rise in rent. The changes in this North Brooklyn neighborhood have never been as clear as they are now, after the April 9th opening of a Starbucks coffee shop in the heart of Greenpoint.

Starbucks means a lot more than just another coffee shop opening in the neighborhood. It means competition for private coffee businesses. Starbucks is a corporation that stands for none of the artistic, vegan, and anti-Manhattan vibes that many residents of Greenpoint thrive upon.

The coffee shop opened in what was once a Polish theater called “the American”, and in an attempt to hold true to the history of the neighborhood, it features a marquee adorned with Hollywood movie bulbs and reads “Starbucks coffee now open”
Starbucks welcomes a rise in rent as it gives prospective residents reason to believe that the neighborhood is just a cheap and convenient 15 minute train ride to the city. Many fear that the neighborhood will lose the middle class feel of the once highly populated Polish neighborhood where kielbasa is being replaced with venti mocha lattes. Bottom line, Starbucks welcomes gentrification.

For a full article on change in Greenpoint click here,Times

Looking for fugitives

Published
by
hsin
on April 26, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

3 policemen  stopped all passengers and cars crossing the street in the area of Fresh Meadows yesterday night.  It was rigth after I saw many “wanted” posters on the street near the subway station.  The policemen made each driver in the car roll the windows down and gave to them a  card. This card showed a picture of a fugitive who the policemen were looking for.

Policemen in Queens are diligently struggling to find Queens’ 10 most wanted fugitives, described as ruthless men who knew their victims.  The 10 stand accused of society’s worst crimes, including murder and serious assault. One case goes back 21 years, but police continue to seek the public’s help in tracking down and prosecuting these individuals.  It is believed that some may have fled the country while at least two have been spotted in Queens, but escaped before police could nab them. For more informations, go to the website of Ciy of New York Police Department http://www.longislandexchange.com/nypd_most_wanted.html

PS.31 Needs New Computers

Published
by
gcandel
on April 25, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

District 26 is one of the best school districts in NYC, however P.S 31 one of the elementary schools in the district has not received computer upgrades for over 8 years.  In the 2006 quality review by the Department of Education the school received top scores; however resources are scarce for 600 students that attend computer classes every week. 

 http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18234391&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=551067&rfi=6

Fall of The Great “Empire”

Published
by
krivero
on April 25, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Empire Roller Skating Rink. NY Times Pic

Picture taken from NY Times Website.

April 23, 2007. The lime green walls that surround the maple floors of Empire Roller Skating Rink in Crown Heights, Brooklyn lovingly known as “Empire” to residents, will officially be home to a storage company. Residents are outraged at the community gem being ripped from their grasp. “I just don’t understand why this is happening,” said Diane Louis, a former employee of the facility. “Skating is the only activity that my family does together. Empire was close, convenient and the music was great to groove to.”

The closing comes just several months from the closing of the famed Roxy roller rink in Manhattan and almost a year after the closing of Bronx’s Skate Key. “It seems like there is a mission against skating,” said Michael Nichols, a 35 year old professional skater from Bedstuy who frequently skated at Empire. “The only rink that’s left in the five boroughs is in Central Park and I’m sure the music and ambiance is nothing like Empire.”

A rally of two hundred participants gathered last week in front of the facility to show their support. Individuals signed online petitions in support of the rink, leaving comments recapping their experiences there. Their efforts were in vain as the 66 year-old-establishment was sold by the building owner for $4.5 million to facilitate a storage company.

Throughout the cries of resentment, shouts of joy can be heard. “I’m glad to see it go,” said Marcus Cunningham, a 55 year-old -man who lives around the corner. “Maybe now I can park my car near my house or walk around the block without fearing that I would be walking into a fight or even gunfire.”

Violence has erupted several times in the past after the skate sessions let out. The most publicized event was a shooting that left four injured on January 3rd of this year. According to a NY1 article, Michael Feiger, the owner of Empire for the last six years, has been cited with criminal summons in the past for fights and shootings outside the rink. Feiger insists that he follows all laws and that his security team enforces strict rules to make sure no weapons enter the building. “We do our jobs to ensure the safety of the patrons as well as ourselves,” insisted Teon Harmon, one of the long-term security guards.

The closing of Empire Roller Skating Rink has attracted major attention. A landmark to the community, it will be missed greatly, but to those who embrace the change, victory prevails.

Published
by
krivero
on April 25, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Development near South Street Seaport.

Published
by
metheridge
on April 24, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

The New York telephone company has purchased a block near South Street Seaport from the city for 8 million dollars and has entered into a contract to sell it to  JAck Resnick and Sons for 13 million dollars.

Burton Resnick, the president of Jack Resnick & Sons, said that he hoped to proceed with an office building ”as quickly as possible.” He said that the sale included development rights for an additional 120,000 square feet. The development rights were created more than a decade ago when the city acquired much of the property in the South Street Seaport area. For the full story please visit : http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE4DF1539F932A35750C0A967948260

Mary Immaculate Hospital aka “The Death Hospital”

Published
by
khutchinson
on April 24, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

“The hospital killed her,” says Camille Carby, who lost her grandmother in January 2006. “She went in to get her blood pressure checked, ended up being hospitalized, suffered a stroke and died within ten days.” This is the common belief that a lot of South Jamaica residents have concerning Mary Immaculate Hospital. Locals refer to Mary Immaculate, along with Jamaica Hospital, as “The Death Hospitals.”

Another young lady, also a South Jamaica resident, who asked not to be identified, lost her father three years ago, also at Mary Immaculate Hospital. Her father was complaining of chest problems, and when the ambulance arrived her mother pleaded with them not to take him to Mary Immaculate. Instead, she wanted to go to Jamaica Hospital which was closer. “I knew once he went there he was not coming out alive,” says the young lady. She was right. While, at Mary Immaculate he suffered a heart attack and because of the number of patients and the lack of staff, he died at the age of forty.

Despite these two stories, on the Department of Health’s website, between April 2005 to March 2006, Mary Immaculate’s heart attack care performance was at 95%. Their heart failure care rate about 93%. “I guess things got better but I doubt that,” states the young lady. Carby, on the other hand, thinks that statistics are “fake.” “They are just trying to make themselves look good,” says annoyed Carby.

Twenty-two year old Larry Bethea, on the other hand, was “lucky” to make it out of the hospital alive. In 2006, he was shot in the right leg and was at Mary Immaculate for three months before he was released with crutches. “I’m happy that I made it out of there with crutches and not in a body bag.” His statement is in response to the number of friends and family members who were not as lucky. “There is just not enough staff,” states Bethea. “There are probably like two nurses for every 50 people.” Bethea’s statement may be an exaggeration but while he was there he had to wait anywhere from 15-30 minutes before a nurse was able to see him. When she finally did arrive, Bethea states that “she would come for ten seconds and then leave.”

School Dance Festival

Published
by
skwong
on April 23, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

A dance festival is held each year at the Benson Elementary School, P.S.200. The performance is taken place outside of the spacious school yard, with loud music blasting from speakers that are quite large. Parents and neighborhoods gather around the school yard to watch the performances. Residents who live across the street sit outside of their homes and some even bring lawn chairs into the school yard. Each grade level has a different song and dance that they perform to. Grade K comes out first to perform, and then it continues up to grade 5. The students dance to songs like the Electric Slide, Macarana, and much more. They dress colorfully in bright clothes and accessories like bows and ties. The students also create their own instruments from bottles and cardboard tubes from paper towels.

Here is some information about the school.

We are Not One, but Individuals

Published
by
schow
on April 23, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Over the past week there have been many news stories on the Virginia Tech. shooting. This has affected many people–the victims, their families, friends, staff and students on that campus and other campuses. I read on-line that Korean students and their families are afraid of backlashing on campuses or other places where Koreans live or work.

I personally feel that not only Koreans are being looked at in a different way, but the Asian communities in general are also being looked at as if we were all part of the shooting. Asians share similar features, which makes many non-Asians think that we are all the same. On Thursday, the cover page of AM New York, a free daily newspaper sponsored by ads, had a picture of the Virginia Tech. shooter. My sister was taking the train to school and this non-Asian man stood in front of my sister while holding the AM New York paper and pointing at Cho Seung-Hui and then pointing at my sister and said, “You and him are the same.” My sister ignored him and he got off the train at the next stop.

On Friday, my mother witnessed two non-English speaking Asian boys in my neighborhood around 14-15 years old who were being targeted with small rocks and water balloons by three non-Asian teenagers around the same age. Just when my mother walked past the three teenagers started throwing water balloons at my mother and yelling out names and one of the phrases that one boy shouted was, “Kill all Asians!” My mother yelled back at them saying they were crazy, but they still targeted her. Luckily, a man who was non-Asian drove by, saw and yelled at the three boys saying he would call the cops and that scared them off. My mother and the two other boys were okay and this was not reported to the police because no one was hurt.

The shooter of Virginia Tech. is an Asian person, but this does not mean all Asians are the same. The shooter could’ve been anyone no matter what their ethnic background is.

Crime, Still A Big Deal

Published
by
Matty V
on April 20, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Once nicknamed “Crack City” for the amount of the drug peddled on the streets of this neighborhood, it seemed that Washington Heights had come a long way. Two recent events have shocked local residents and police and questioned how far the area has really come. In late March 2007 on the corner of 161st Street and Broadway a late night shooting left one man dead and another seriously injured. The Drug Enforcement Agency, with the help of local police, also seized over 700 marijuana plants in the raid of an apartment on 154th Street and Amsterdam. “We have come very far as a community, but still have a long way to go,” said 157th Street resident Martha Hernandez. “This neighborhood is still home to some nasty people, though some might think otherwise,” said City College student Junior Garcia . Related issues are sure to arise at the 33rd and 34th Precinct Council meetings on the 25th of April, where the precincts discuss their crime rate statistics for the month.

Ignorance is not bliss.

Published
by
plassiter
on April 19, 2007
in Not New York
. 1 Comment

    Co-op City has made the news and this time it’s not about the parking. Ms. Iris Baez, former Co-op City board president, was charged with bribery and conspiracy. $100,000 out of the $3.5 million contract would have gone to Ms. Baez for teaming up with a specific contractor. 

    Will this cause problems for future contracts?  It has already taken more than 4 years to fix the garages, which might leave residents to question where their maintenance fee is going. If residents were more interested in their neighborhood there might not be room for inside deals. As Ms. Gloria Wharton, president of building 9B, said ” People complain about things but they don’t do anything to follow up on it. What do they expect?” 

Breadlines in Queens

Published
by
khutchinson
on April 16, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 5 Comments

Seventy years ago when the Great Depression hit the city, people from all walks of life were forced to stand in breadlines to help feed their families. Today, breadlines are mostly occupied by the homeless or extremely poor people. In South Jamaica, Queens it’s a different story.

About two weeks ago while riding the bus, I noticed that two nearby churches had people standing on the lines with shopping carts and bags waiting to get food. Mt. Moriah Community Church and Universal Calvary Church Incorporated give food to anyone who joins that line. Mt. Moriah Community Church is located at 110-22 Sutphin Boulevard. Universal Calvary Church Incorporated can be found a block away at 109- 20 Sutphin Boulevard.

What actually made me take notice was seeing a lot of neighbors and old friends waiting on the line.–many of whom I knew had good income and could afford to buy their own food. “They only go because it is free food,” says Maleka Aiken, a 20-year resident of the neighborhood. “I know plenty of people on that line who have a good job and own a home with two cars in the driveway.”

Most of the food is donated from local supermarkets or people in the neighborhood. The pastor asks if people are willing to buy food and drop it off or bring in canned goods out of their pantry. Twice a week as early as seven in the morning to as late as noon, people line up to receive bread, canned goods, meat, juice, etc. “Take as much as you need,” yells one of the volunteers passing out the food. These churches have been doing this for nearly four years and consider it a way to give back to the community.

Brittney Dickens, has lived in the neighborhood all of her life and “never goes to these churches for Sunday service, but I do come to get the food.”

Would New York be ready for its own “Hurricane Katrina”?

Published
by
obodrunova
on April 16, 2007
in Staten Island and Uncategorized
. 4 Comments

Heavy rain and wind caused major flooding throughout parts of the tri-state area, on Sunday, April 15, 2007. For the most part, warned residents were able to prepare their homes as well as arrange their commute for the intense weather conditions. However, there were plenty of residents who were unable to stay indoors and were forced to get around their communities in the storm.

The concern here is not only large cities, but also small areas such as South Beach, Staten Island. Towns that are constantly deserted during the snow storms, with small blocks not being cleaned for up to a week after the hit; but aside from the size of these areas, there is another factor which makes this weather condition especially dangerous-these towns also happen to be on the water.

The rain storm on Sunday can be looked at as a nightmare for the South Beach community, since most of the homes are located on or by the water. If you were to leave your house Sunday night, you would be in for one very rough ride. One of the main streets in South Beach, was flooded so bad that if you were to open your car door in certain parts, water would actually flow into the car. The fact that it is a small neighborhood, with uneven roads is bad enough, but the waterfront factor in a rain storm made it that much worse.

The Office of Emergency Management advised the public to stay inside and have emergency supply kits on hand while the Red Cross urged the residents to stay tuned to radio and TV reports for more information. But after seeing the neighborhood on Sunday, and all the people stuck or struggling to get around, my question is whether or not that’s the best our city can do?

How safe is it to play on the streets?

Published
by
skwong
on April 16, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

When the weather get warm, children like to go out and play outside. They usually go out onto the sidewalk to play ball, ride their bikes, and play with neighboring children. But sometimes the playing outside can be dangerous. At anytime the children may run out onto the streets when they are unattended by their parents. So in order to increase the children’s safety of playing outside, much more of these road signs are being put up onto lamp posts for drivers to drive with caution.

How safe is Starbucks?

Published
by
Jessica Baptiste
on April 15, 2007
in Manhattan
. 4 Comments

starbucks-outside.jpg starbucks-inside.jpg

[Sources - starbuckseverywhere.com (left) and beta.plazes.com (right)]

On February 15 while I was interviewing a source for an article in the crowded Starbucks on 41 Union Square West (next to McDonalds; near 17th St), a teenage girl went hysterical when she discovered her missing book bag, after leaving it unattended to go order. A cop arrived and started to jot down a report, as though this was a routine action. He eyed a homeless man close by and started to question him. The homeless man looked either too drunk or drugged to answer. He slowly gathered his belongings and left the coffee shop pushing a shopping cart.

Several seated customers, many surrounded by laptops and blackberries, stared at the unfolding action. One young man in his twenties said that he visits this Starbucks location often and witnesses people getting their belongings stolen all the time. The baristas behind the registers do not seem to be frazzled by the commotion, since none of them stopped by to see what has happened.

According to the most recent 13th Precinct crime statistics for the week of April 2 to April 8, grand larceny was the biggest crime with 29 incidents in this area. One police officer, who asked to be anonymous, believes that pick pocketing especially in this Starbucks is the biggest crime in the Union Square neighborhood. He stated that stolen laptops in the coffee shop occur very often, since it is a popular hangout where one can have access to the internet. Many times, the victims are non-NYC residents, who leave their belongings unattended while they order their coffee, he said. There is also another Starbucks in the area on 10 Union Square East.

Hospice Care Network

Published
by
Sthomas
on April 12, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

The Hospice Care Network is a not-for-profit organization that offers care for terminal patients and families in Suffolk County and Nassau County. The organization focuses on what is best for patients and provides care and comfort for those who are terminally ill. The organization has been up and running since 1988 and continues to expand its services to local communities. The New York Islanders promoted Hospice Care Network at a game and raised $3,000 for programs and services.  My mother works for a health clinic for the local hospital where information is posted weekly to inform the community about what is going on and how they can help those in need. This was one of the organizations that reached out to the local communities near my neighborhood for help with fundraising.

Published
by
Sthomas
on April 12, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Congress of Curious Peoples

Published
by
skenney
on April 12, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 4 Comments

 by pierpaulopasolini, flickr.com

 picture by pierpaulopasolini, flickr.com

The first Congress of Curious Peoples will begin friday April 13 at Coney Island with “superfreak weekend”. Coney Island has a long history of sideshows including sword-swallowers, fire-eaters, tattooed bodies, and bearded ladies. Unknown to many is that there also exists a sideshow school where anyone can learn how to be a sideshow freak or burlesque dancer! The event will take place at the Sideshow by the Seashore at the Coney Island Amusement Park through April 22, ending with an alumni show featuring performers who worked at the sideshow from the mid 1980’s on.

Cricket Fever in the West Indies

Published
by
jreynolds
on April 11, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 9 Comments

 

 

West Indians entertaining themselves while waiting for cricket. ( picture taken from http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2004-04-26/mainpic2.jpg)

Cricket in the West Indies is more than just a sport to its fans. Their love for the game unites them to look beyond their own nationalities to share one identity-West Indian. West Indians may emigrate far and wide but can easily become enthusiastic whenever cricket is mentioned in conversation, however, infrequent. For those whose interests never dulled, they can now enjoy cricket on a grand scale in their part of the world, since World Cup Cricket is being hosted in the West Indies for the first time from March 10 to April 28, 2007.

“I think it’s great that World Cup Cricket is finally being held in the West Indies,” said Candacia Greeman, 21-year-old college student, “It gives West Indians pride in their cricket culture as well as tourism to the individual countries.”

The World Cup one-day matches will be played in the countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. Cricket fans from all over the world are expected in the West Indies to support their teams. The average cost of cricket tickets is US$100.

There are 16 participating teams from 5 different continents. These teams that will vie for the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2007 are England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Bermuda, Kenya, Scotland and Ireland.

In New York City, a diverse Metropolis, cricket is only popular among die-hard cricket fans. One particular neighborhood in which cricket is an actual topic of conversation is Brownsville, Brooklyn. The percentage of the foreign-born population who is Caribbean and non-Hispanic is 65.6%.

West Indians in the Brownsville area have caught the cricket fever but many have to forego the instant gratification of seeing a live feed of the daily cricket matches. Rather, they have to settle for internet updates on cricket websites or reports from their fortunate friends and families who can afford the cricket packages offered by their satellite or cable providers.

“I enquired from my dish provider about adding on the cricket package,” said Courtney Hinckson, a Brownsville resident, “but $199 with tax was too expensive for me.” The only other provider of cricket packages is Verizon DirecTV which offers a regular package that costs $225 a year and includes live cricket action, but if matches in India are included the cost increases to $319 per year.

Some of the very fortunate were able to fly to their hometowns in the West Indies to view the cricket live. “I want to experience the World Cup Cricket for myself, so I’m flying home to Guyana to see the matches to be played there,” said Royston Jeffrey, Brownsville property owner.

And for the not so lucky who can neither afford to fly to the West Indies nor pay for cricket packages, they must resort to second-hand information or internet updates. Some were depending on websites like youtube.com for the free cricket match uploads; only to be disappointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) who placed a ban on youtube.com from showing any cricket matches.

A Home for the Homeless

Published
by
T Vaughan
on April 6, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 6 Comments

As summer approaches many homeless people will be taking to the parks and street corners in New York City. In the five years I have worked and lived in Chelsea, this has been the pattern. Some of these street side residents are teenagers who have been sexual and physically abused, put out by family members, or are suffering confusion due to their sexual-orientation.

I am grateful to learn from the Chelsea Now, that the Safe Horizon’s Streetwork Project will be opening a brand new 24-hr shelter program in Chelsea for young people living on the streets.

Do You Know Your Neighbors?

Published
by
tjose
on April 6, 2007
in Not New York and Uncategorized
. 10 Comments

Just recently my sister received a notice from the New Rochelle police department notifying her and all other tenants of the sex offenders located around the vicinity. When going through the list, we were shocked to find that one of those listed was one of my sister’s former classmates. I was even more shocked to discover that the person on the top of the list convicted with the most deviant crime was a man who lived literally two doors down from my house. I was outraged. We never received any letter from the police department.

Later, I told my friend and neighbor about the letter to see if she had received one or even heard about the situation. She said that the man had been living there for a year now and that she only found out from one of the residents in the apartment building across the street. I was appalled. I could not believe that the residential homes were never given notification. Many of these homes that have young women and children were never warned of the potential danger around them.

When looking to buy a home many people check to see if the neighborhood is safe especially those who have children. It’s scary to think who lives around you. There are many websites that allow you to search the registered sex offenders in your area. The suburbs are a place where people raise families. They are supposed to be safe, but how safe are they if residents are not notified about potential harm?

“People are always scared to go out into the city fearing that they’re going to be violated in some form, but honestly I’m more afraid to walk the streets of New Rochelle, the town that I grew up in at 9:00pm at night, than in the city at 1:00am wasted as a college kid,” said Teena Kurian New Rochelle resident and Cooper Union Alum.

Help Wanted: Community Board 12

Published
by
Matty V
on April 6, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Picture avaliable at http://www.umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects/fp/images/WashHeights.jpg

The members of Community Board 12 recently met to discuss important information. At the board’s monthly meeting, held on March 27, 2007, they released their list of district needs for the 2008 fiscal year. The list included additional monies for local libraries, community centers, and schools. The following week on March 4, 2007 a meeting was held to brainstorm different uses for the George Washington Bridge Redevelopment Project. The multi-million dollar project is meant to stimulate local businesses and services. Both the list of district needs and the brainstorming process seem to be an attempt from the neighborhoods to thwart the negatives of gentrification. The list of district needs called for additions to affordable housing and the brainstorming process listed possible local recipients of the project’s money. As always both meetings were held open to the public at the familiar Columbia University auditorium. For further information and updates on both communities, visit the Community Board 12 website.

Woobridge Raises Awareness with Flag

Published
by
vstrachan
on April 3, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Woodbridge Township raised a 4-foot-6-inch flag at town hall in recognition of autism awareness for the month of April.

Woodbridge is the first in the state of New Jersey to fly the autism awareness flag. Mayor John E. McCormac held the flag-raising ceremony before the Township Council meeting on March 27th.

The Program for the Advancement of Children’s Education– (PACE) runs a summer program for children throughout the township who have autism as well as other disorders.

PACE hosted its fourth annual Autism Awareness Program on April 2nd at Matthew Jago Elementary School No. 28.

The Autism Awareness/PACE fundraising event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 28 at the Java Moon Café.

To read more about Woodbridge’s flag click here:http://ws.gmnews.com/news/2007/0404/Front_Page/004.html

Sneaker Ornaments

Published
by
schow
on April 3, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 9 Comments

Have you ever noticed sneakers hanging from high above on telephone wires? When I was a child, I always walked pass them and I always wondered why people hang their fine pair of sneakers on the wires. Sometimes I also wondered whether those sneakers ever fell down because the shoelaces become worn out from the seasonal changes throughout the years. Hopefully no one was injured due to fallen sneakers from above.

According to the NY Times article, “Shoes-on-wires are a tradition as old as the notion of hanging utility lines on poles. No one knows who did it first or why.” I also heard that where sneakers are hung on wires it symbolizes that drug dealing occurs there, but there has been no fact to prove if this was true or not. Check out the NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/15/nyregion/15ink.html?ex=1171947600&en=c1e9d6135c2bbfb1&ei=5070 **

**You have to login or register (free) to view the article.

sneakers

sneakers upclose
Photos taken by Sandy

With a Familiar Face Absent, a Preschool Grows Grim

Published
by
dcorrica
on April 2, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

An elderly school official gets the boot from the Riverside Church school for revealing personal information about certain students and their problems to others which caused problems for incoming students and their parents. Morningside Heights With a Familiar Face Absent, a Preschool Grows Grim

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By EMILY BRADY Published: April 1, 2007 DURING her four years as director of Riverside Church Weekday School, a preschool in Morningside Heights, Linda Herman has built a reputation for being full of energy and enthusiasm and wearing a constant smile. Middle-aged with short, auburn hair, she has roamed hallways and classrooms, greeting the 146 students by name, remembering the little things, like one boy’s obsession with macaroni. Even when Ms. Herman dealt with cancer a few years ago, her presence at the school barely faltered. So it came as a great surprise to parents when on March 7, Ms. Herman suddenly disappeared from the school, which accepts children ages 2 to 6 and has an annual tuition of up to $16,900. That afternoon, parents and baby sitters arrived at the school, on the sixth and seventh floors of the renowned progressive church, and found notices taped to the children’s cubbyholes saying that Ms. Herman had taken a two-week leave of absence for unspecified reasons. Over the next week, parents would learn that the church had suspended Ms. Herman over allegations that she overstepped privacy boundaries in discussing students. Yet many parents complain that the matter was handled too secretly and criticize the timing - during the kindergarten admissions process, when some parents are applying to private kindergartens and need Ms. Herman’s recommendations. “Everyone is whipped up into a frenzy,” said Willie Reale, a television and theater writer, whose son Leo, 4, attends the school and whose older son, Gus, 6, is an alumnus. “In the minds of a lot of parents, the church reacted very strongly to rather trivial allegations.” Through a spokeswoman, Amanita Duga-Carroll of Rubenstein Associates, Riverside Church declined to comment, saying that it was inappropriate to discuss personnel matters but that the suspension decision had been made in the best interest of the students and the school. Jeremy Orden, a lawyer and school parent who is representing Ms. Herman, gave an account of the allegations in a March 22 e-mail message sent to other Riverside parents. Among the claims, he said, Ms. Herman was accused of discussing one child’s low score on a kindergarten assessment test with another child’s parent and of speaking with a school admissions director about that same child without informing that child’s family. In appraising the claims, Mr. Orden said, “We have entered the realm of the surreal based on allegations that are false and/or immaterial.” Many parents expressed shock at the school’s behavior. Nancy Ulrich, a clinical psychologist whose 4-year-old son attends the school, said, “What felt bewildering and upsetting was the magnitude of their response and their suddenness and secrecy.”

Killed Auxiliary Officers Ensure Future Safety

Published
by
mleonard
on March 30, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

The tragic loss of  two auxiliary police officers Nicholas Pekearo and Eugene Marshalik who were killed on March 14th paved the way for future auxiliaries to not have to work in fear.  Police commissioner Ray Kelly announced that auxiliary officers will now be issued bullet proof vests as well as receiving better self defense training.  After Pekearo and Marshalik were shot in Greenwich village, the city found out the hard way that the auxiliary force was very under equipped when it came to dealing with violent offenders.  The mayor alloted $3.3 million in order to equip the approximately 4500 current officers with vests and offered $617,000 annually to continue to give new auxiliary officers as they join the force. Hopefully these new precautions will help prevent future volunteers from suffering the same unnecessary consequences as their fallen brethren.

Brooklyn Neighborhood Thrown a Safety Net

Published
by
krivero
on March 29, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments
boro_banner11.gif
Picture taken from nyc.gov website.
Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week the sounds of blaring sirens are constantly bouncing off the buildings in New York City. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights in Brooklyn have become accustomed to the heavy presence of the NYPD. Crimes ranging from armed robbery to petty larceny are some of the illegal activities that residents face on a regular basis. With a slew of drug dealers, drug addicts and petty offenders littered throughout the community, the feeling of safety does not come easy.

“I’m scared to walk down Kingston Avenue, especially at nights,” said Kwame Johnson, a Crown Heights resident. “It’s eerie and dark, and so many things have happened here in the past.”

One unspeakable crime in June of 2006, where the body of a sixteen year old girl was found in a garbage bag on Kingston Avenue sent the community in an uproar. The murder of this child remains unsolved and the safety of the remaining residents hangs in the balance.

With the rapid gentrification of the neighborhood, occupants of this area wish to have the crime rates reduced. “It’s one thing to build these beautiful new buildings and houses here, but are the people in those buildings and houses going to be safe,” asked Anita Brouder, a homeowner in the neighborhood.

That wish may become a reality as there seems to be a slither of hope for safety with the presence of uniformed police officers patrolling the blocks on foot. They appear to be concentrated in problematic areas such as Albany Housing Projects, Kingston Avenue and Nostrand Avenue, with Nostrand Avenue having a command center.

The efforts of the two precincts in this neighborhood, the 71st precinct and 77th precinct, established programs in hopes of creating a secure environment for residents. Programs such as Security Surveys which allow a crime prevention officer to check and evaluate the sufficiency of your business or home are in effect. The problem is, residents are unaware of these services.

“We can’t know about these programs if they don’t make it known,” said Johnson. “Maybe they should consider informing us so we can help them help us.”

The Hole Story

Published
by
jcassermere
on March 28, 2007
in Not New York
. 2 Comments

potholes4.jpg potholes5.jpg potholes2.jpg

Each year, in the months following major snowstorms, drivers and pedestrians alike can place sure bets on one thing, there are going to be massive potholes on major and minor thoroughfares. For suburbanites, that means remembering the exact location of the craters, because both main and back roads resemble the cheek of an acne-afflicted teenager hell bent on picking at the scabs. The faces made in reaction to that last sentence mirror the faces of motorists in Ossining, NY. “They create a hazardous situation, not only for the driver,” said Andrea Carson, Ossining resident, “But also for others on or around the road.”

Not to mention damages to vehicles. If a 2005 Toyota Camry, the 3rd top selling vehicle in 2005, according to Automotive News, hit a pothole and popped the right side tires, it would cost over $160 to replace them at Mavis Discount Tire in Ossining, NY.

In 2004, however, New York State responded to complaints concerning the holes by setting up a hotline. So if you happen to be on a NYS thruway or highway and you spot what looks like a meteor impact site, be a good citizen and dial up the state at 1-800-POTHOLE.

*photos

From Super Hip to Super Expensive

Published
by
agrzegrzolka
on March 28, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment
Just a few years ago Williamsburg, Greenpoint was considered to be one the hippest and coolest neighborhood in Brooklyn. However, last year when the city officials passed the plan to rezone the last industrial areas in Williamsburg, the neighborhood went from hip to extra expensive. When the rezoning plan was first proposed, it included the construction of new luxury condos and apartments. The residents of Williamsburg quickly opposed the idea and officials changed the plan. They agreed that 20% of the apartments should be affordable housing for the working class. However some of the working class can’t afford the affordable housing because the rent prices are very high. So as the rent prices go up and new luxury condos are being constructed, where should the middle working-class go? To read more about this issue visit:
http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/statesmanhomes/03/11/11gentrify.html

ROCHDALE VILLAGE

Published
by
smorris
on March 28, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

After four months of renovation Queens Library in Rochdale Village reopened last Friday. The branch had a new installation of a self-checkout counter, new carpets and furnitures.The Library renovation cost an estimation of $300,00 which came from the  state funds and budget.The Residence was very happy to see such as improvement within their neighborhood.Councilman Thomas White, Vivian Cook and state Sen. Shirley Huntley, took part in a ribbon-cutting cermony. Rochdale Library is the 15th branch to be renovated in Queens. Remember, your Library could be next. For more information about Queens Library you can visit the following website.

www.queenslibrary.org

 

Construction Disturbance

Published
by
Simone
on March 27, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Imagine this, you finally board your bus, it’s going along on its route, you press the bell to signal your stop but the bus continues on. It makes a few turns causing you to wonder where you are and why the bus driver is being a pain today of all days. Frantic to get to your destination, as you hurriedly exit the bus to start your walk back to your intended stop, you notice the customary orange construction cones.

This was my fortunate discovery while riding the Jamaica bound Q4 down Linden Blvd a few weeks ago. I usually take another bus, but I do take the Q4 bus every now and then because of its frequency. From flyers posted in some Q4 buses, it is stated that from 6AM November 20, 2006 to November 2007, the bus route would be rerouted for a number of its stops to a wide residential street a few blocks away from Linden Blvd.

In Cambria Heights and nearby communities, orange cones dot many quiet, residential as well as busy, main service streets. Over the last few years, Cambria Heights’ residents have been seeing a lot of construction on their streets. Although this is good news to some neighbors, to others it’s a major annoyance and inconvenience.

“All the construction is a good thing for the neighborhood,” said Tiffany Bates, 21-year old resident, “we are getting our tax dollars put to good use in our own community.”

With construction, traffic interruptions are expected and even tolerated to a certain point. However, when open ditches with pipelines exposed are left for weeks at a time, newly paved streets are bumpier than before, and blocked off streets with no relief in sight, and construction vehicles and orange cones are left on residential streets with no construction workers seen for weeks, some residents are seeing red.

“They would not be able to get away with this in white neighborhoods,” said an outraged Angela Webb, a 20-year resident, “cars are being put through the ringer every time drivers are forced to drive down those streets.” Newly paved gravel streets ruin tires on cars, while deep ditches cause unsuspecting drivers to swing out into oncoming traffic. Complaints have been circulating among neighbors for years on the lack of respect and professionalism the construction people have shown.

“They have dug up all of Linden Blvd and will continue to do so in the surrounding areas,” proclaimed Tiffany Bates, “because there is no adequate sewage system in the area.” The accuracy of her statement is questionable, but apparently she and perhaps others feel that all this construction is just another showing of upheavals the neighborhood will continue to have to bear until the city feels that the neighborhood is up to city standards.

Is this the answer to drug use?

Published
by
jdixon
on March 27, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Some high school kids  in the state of New Jersey are randomly being called out of class through an intercom  in order to be tested for drug use. They have to walk to the nurse’s office and urinate in a plastic cup. This has become source of a routine for a number of  schools in the state of New Jersey. The state was one of the fastest state to adopt and agree  on such testings. Students feel that it “invades  their privacy” because they never know when and who they will be calling out next.  If a student happens to be tested positive, parent will be notified and the student will be banned from the school until they  receive counseling. http://www.nytimes.com/intheregion.

 

In Memory Of…

Published
by
lmohamed
on March 26, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

In honor of the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War and the 3,200 men and women in the arm forces who have died, 75 people stood outside of Borough Hall in Brooklyn last Monday. MoveOn.org, a political action group, sponsered the event. It was one of 1,000 vigils that was held all over the city. The group wanted to remember those who have died and protest the war in Iraq. Regardless of what our political views are, we should always keep in mind those who risk there life or have died for our freedom.

Click here for more information.

A new plan for a banquet hall fumes the neighbors

Published
by
obodrunova
on March 25, 2007
in Staten Island and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

A debate erupted when Staten Island residents learned that another place they loved and appreciated is being distorted in order for the city to raise income. The City has approved the plan of The LaTourette Golf Course, Staten Island to build a catering hall on the property. While the plan sounds harmless and profitable to the city, the residents are upset about the fact that they are losing yet another property for which Staten Island is known. It seems that not only will this addition cause a disruption to the neighborhood, it will also take away another calm and serene area.

The natural and wooded areas of this borough are being rapidly urbanized throughout the last decade; and it is difficult for the residents to come to terms with this change. Aside from the traffic problems and evening commotion this project will present to the community, the residents see a larger issue at hand. This replacement is one of many–where land and environment is being replaced with buildings, business and disturbance; and the residents only see the problem increasing.

“This is a small thing,” said Julia Arshin, a near by resident, “but these small things start to add up.”

Rising number of NYC restaurants closings after rat swarming video

Published
by
Jessica Baptiste
on March 23, 2007
in Manhattan
. 3 Comments

Recently, Coffee Shop, a trendy Union Square restaurant, was closed for a few days when the Department of Health slammed it with 102 health violation points, the blog Gothamist pointed out. It found issues with its inadequate hand-washing stations for food preparers, contaminated food, food utensils not properly used, ‘choking aid poster’ not displayed, plumbing problems, and other concerns.

The abrupt Coffee Shop closing has raised eyebrows. “Even if it’s done as a scare tactic for the other restaurants in the area, I agree that it’s a severe health violation. Since I live in the area, I feel personally affected by what’s been in the news lately,” said Baruch senior, Glenn Geis who lives in Alphabet City, a neighborhood that is near Union Square.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has been closing down restaurants ever since a video of rats invading a KFC/Taco Bell in Greenwich Village was released on February 26. City records show that at least 235 New York restaurants failed a health inspection in the nine days after the rats video, said the Associated Press.

With all these violations surrounding unsanitary restaurants, there is concern about whether the Health Department is trying fill overdue quotas or have began to crack down on restaurants?

The owner of Coffee Shop, Charles Milite told The New York Times that he felt the eatery was “caught in the cross hairs of this unfortunate Taco Bell Situation,” since Coffee Shop had operated for 17 years without incident.

143858383_2295de17e6.jpg

Fordham and University Heights in the Bronx

Published
by
mpierre
on March 22, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

A Grocery store near Fordham university in the Bronx, is owned by a man and woman who are from Cambodia. A wall in their store is dedicated to contemporary Cambodian movies and karaoke videos, and the shelves are laden with Cambodian fashion magazines. The neighborhood of Fordham and University Heights has raised the awareness of Cambodian Culture. Mr. Vandy the store owner, has been introducing his new bride to the neighborhood that is populated with Cambodian residents

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/nyregion/thecity/18camb.html

 

Fire

Published
by
rjohnson
on March 22, 2007
in Not New York and The Bronx
. 0 Comments

 

Recently, a Bronx fire claimed the lives of eight children and one adult.  It has been called one of the worst fires in history. However, it serves as a reminder of another deadly fire that took place in the Bronx neighborhood of East Tremont almost seventeen years ago.

      On March 25, 1990, at about 4 am, the Happy Land Social Club was set on fire by Julio Gonzales after he was thrown out of the club due to an altercation with another guest.  That morning, eighty-seven people lost their lives.   As the anniversary approaches, there are signs that the neighborhood has recovered but also that the people in the community still remember that dreadful morning.

      Across the street from where the Happy Land Social Club was located, a memorial was built to honor the 87 victims who died that day. The site of the club has undergone changes since the fire. It was split into two separate establishments; one of which is a beauty shop and the other an income tax facility. Each business is accessible from the other; thus creating two exits instead of the one exit that the Happy Land Social Club had.

Despite the alterations, the burgundy color of the Happy Land Social Club is still visible above the awning of both establishments. There are no indications that they plan to change the color, perhaps honoring those who died in a different way.

Each of these stories also reminds us that it is very important to be prepared in case there is a fire.

Overweight and Obesity threaten Public health in New York.

Published
by
jreynolds
on March 21, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

New York State like the rest of the nation is faced with increasing overweight and obesity  rates in both its children and adults. Without any intervention, children are predicted to have a life expectancy shorter than their parents. As a means to preventing and reducing these rates New York State has developed a Strategic Plan for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, which promotes healthy eating habits and at least 30 minutes of daily moderate physical activity.

“The goals and objectives of this plan seem quite lofty,” said Asha Bobb-Semple, a 24-year-old Queens’ resident. “I hope that for all our sakes these do not just remain ‘goals’ but are actually implemented soon.”

According to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) the obesity trend in adult New Yorkers who are 5′4″ and overweight by 30lbs was 20%-24% in 2005-more than doubled the 1985 percentage.

Even worse, children as young as 2 years old are suffering with this very epidemic. In fact, trends in overweight and obesity in both children and adolescents from ages 2- 19 years are alarming. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) the trends show that obesity rates have almost tripled in 2004 when compared to 1971 data.

Finding affordable ways for both children and adults to be involved in physical activities have become much easier. For the self-disciplined, strolls in the park, biking and even climbing stairs instead of using the elevators can provide the required amount of exercise. For the less motivated, New York City offers membership to its Recreational Facilities in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan. Some of the facilities offered are swimming pools, basketball courts, gyms, dance studios, game rooms and even after-school programs for the children. The annual fee for seniors (55 and up) is $10; adults (18 and up) is $50 for those facilities without indoor pools and $75 for those with pools; for youths under 18, all facilities are free.  For classes like aerobics that require an instructor, an additional fee might be added but would still cost less than enrolment in a private gym, which can often exceed $80 a month.

In addition, the Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn offers a program called Live Light, Live Right that incorporates both healthy eating habits and physical activity for the entire family. “It’s an opportunity for parents and their children to learn about eating the right foods,” said Jerry Childs, Deputy Center Manager, “ while doing physical activities together.”

 Even as scientists do more research into the benefits of exercise, the need for New Yorkers to incorporate it into their daily lives continues to rise. According to Eric Nagourney, writing in the New York Times, “Exercise, researchers have found over the years, appears to help people fight the natural memory loss that comes with aging.”

Children in the vicinity of Queens College

Published
by
hsin
on March 21, 2007
in Queens
. 0 Comments

   About 200 cars from Queens College come down to the local streets, which cover 10 blocks around Queens College, to find street parking every morning.  It looks so dangerous watching our children walking down the street.  A man who lives in Flushing said that he is concerned about his children being hit car.               

   There are several schools including two elementary schools, PS219 and PS499, in the area of Queens College which is located in Flushing.  About 600 kids in this area are passing by Queens College to get to their schools every day.  Because of the limited parking space in Queens College, such young and inexperienced drivers drive out of Queens College to the local area, and these drivers even do illegal u-turns in the street when our children are walking down the street.

http://www.wnbc.com/news/5679404/detail.html?subid=10101421

A New Subway Line

Published
by
jlafontaine
on March 20, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

A new subway line has been approved to begin construction in East Harlem…yes folks, the most talked about 2 Avenue line has been approved! The first phase of the project is supposed to start from 125 St to 96 St.  Stay tuned…

 

http://www.mta.info/capconstr/sas/index.html

http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/features/n_10109/

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nysub125126765mar12,0,5452239.story?coll=ny-nynews-print

Blood diamonds…i mean oil.

Published
by
Andrae Freitas
on March 20, 2007
in Announcements and Not New York
. 0 Comments

When was the last time you saw an 8 page article in vanity fair. I can’t remember. Much less an article like this. With all the recent blockbusters featuring citizens of various African nations i don’t mean to bore you with more of the same but you should take a look at this. It has nothing to do with my neighborhood directly but indirectly it affects us all and our economy; can you say gas prices. At least it its a riveting piece of ‘wordsmanship” just like that word i made up that i believe you would find rather entertaining. Take a chance and read all eight pages if your not entertained i guarantee you your money back.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/junger200702

The New Jamaica Avenue

Published
by
khutchinson
on March 20, 2007
in Queens
. 2 Comments

Years ago, Woolworth, May’s Department store, and Macy’s occupied Jamaica Avenue, affectionately referred to as “the Ave” by locals. After awhile, lower-priced stores such as Conway, Price Mart, 99 cent discount stores and Pretty Girl made up the shopping strip. While these stores still exist, other stores such Jimmy Jazz, Mony, and PayLess make up the majority of the shopping district. Currently, big chains like the Gap and Old Navy are operating near the movie theater on the Jamaica Avenue shopping strip. Stores such as Nine West, Home Depot, and Radio Shack are also making their way onto the busiest shopping centers in Queens. These changes are part of the rezoning effort by the City of New York for South Jamaica, Queens.

According to the PlanNYC website, developers are planning to make South Jamaica an “Airport Village.” With the AirTrain located towards the beginning of Jamaica Avenue, near the LIRR, this will allow tourists to spend their money in Queens rather taking the train to Manhattan. Many residents of South Jamaica think of this idea as a convenience for them also. MaryAnn Louis, a 20-year-old college student enjoys the fact that her “favorite shoe store, Nine West, is going to be so close to home.” Instead of going to Green Acres Mall or Queens Center Mall, both more than a half hour away, she can take a five-minute cab ride to Jamaica Avenue.

Article on the changes:www.therealdeal.net/issues/APRIL_2006/1143732822.php

PlanNYC Website:www.plannyc.org/QN-12

Astroland no longer

Published
by
skwong
on March 19, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

The amusement park known as Astroland in the heart of Coney Island is no longer there. Astroland is under going development to create an amusement park that will be bigger and better. Over the years Astroland has been looking more and more unattractive. Some of the areas look dirty and many games and rides that were once there have been shut down. The Coney Island Development Corporation decided to develop a new amusement park in place of it, that will be available year round as a tourist attraction and to the local residents. The new and enhanced amusement park with seaside attractions will be known as the Steeplechase Plaza. The idea of the Steeplechase Plaza is to bring in more visitors and increase the economic opportunities. It will have a lot more entertainment and nightlife.

Here is more information:Coney Island

Music Presented by the Brooklyn Philharmonic

Published
by
schow
on March 19, 2007
in Brooklyn and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

On Saturday, March 17th the Brooklyn Philharmonic featured Music Off the Shelves at the New Utrecht Public Library in Bensonhurst. This free 1-hour concert is to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and is open to the public.

In the basement of New Utrecht Library, folding chairs, a piano and two music stands were set up. There were 25 people who came to this free event and listened with enjoyment to the four musicians. The musicians are David Wechsler on flute, Diane Bruce on violin, Lanny Paykin on the cello, and Peter Basquin on the piano. Some of the pieces they played are: Beethoven’s Op. 105, No. 5 “Irish Air,” Beethoven’s Op. 105, No. 4 “The Last Rose,” Cowell’s “The Voice of Lir,” and Farewell to Culcullain (“Londonderry Air”).

Irish Airs
Photo by Sandy

For more information or listings of events presented by Brooklyn Philharmonic: http://www.brooklynphilharmonic.org/special_performance.php

Abandoned Firehouse

Published
by
metheridge
on March 17, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Five years ago the Henry Street firehouse has been close when they realized it is too late to renovate in order to save it.

It is now being considered to serve senior citizens. Officials of the Henry Street Settlement, Catherine Cullen, chief officer for operations, and Kathleen Gupta, chief officer for development, say they would use the space to expand their senior citizen- and youth-centered programs. They also would like to install a much-needed elevator in the former firehouse, which would allow for handicap access to not only the “new” building, but also to the settlement’s three neighboring rowhouses and to a building they own behind the firehouse.

The city planning commission voted in favor for this plan. It is now being considered by City Council.

(this is a link for the whole article.)
http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_201/henrystsettlement.html 

This is a wonderful idea that will utilize empty space that at this time is servicing no one. It is a great way to involve the youths and senior citizens in the neighborhood as opposed to letting it be snatched up by residential developers.

Snow Day!!

Published
by
jcassermere
on March 16, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

snowflake.bmp

To children, snow days are gift from above. Where exactly? Clouds. When fat, frosty flakes fall at warp speed covering everything uncovered, what was supposed to be a day of education quickly turns into a day of recreation.

However, many in the “real” world have an altogether different experience. “Snow days are actually broke days for me,” said Allison Brown, music teacher and teaching assistant, “because I work two part-time jobs and get paid by the hour.” Similarly, many working parents are forced to take personal days because their children are home, babysitters can’t get to them, and day care centers are closed. And even those who find childcare are faced with extremely dangerous road conditions and extended commuting times.

Unfortunately, residents also pay a considerable price due to the cost of snow removal. In the Village of Ossining, taxes increased 10% this year. According to the budget, $361,440 was budgeted for snow removal this year, up almost 12% from last year.

With that said, there are some working adults sharing in the kids’ merriment over snow days. Village workers, snow plow operators, and yard shovelers wake up extra early to greet the day and earn some pay. Michael James, freelance plower and yard maintenance worker, welcomes snow days with open arms. “When the snow stops, it’s easy money. If you work for the Village, it’s easy money too because you’ll be working even beyond when it stops, and you’re getting paid time and a half.”

*Snowflake template

Tax Help

Published
by
Matty V
on March 16, 2007
in Manhattan and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Image appeared on stefanella.blogspot.com/2006 03 01 archive.html (image may be scaled down and subject to copyright)

Washington Heights is a community made up of many poor, immigrant families. Having financial issues is a common occurence amongst these families. Thanks this year to The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights (NMCIR), tax season won’t be one of those. NMCIR has recently instituted a program called “Cash Back 2007″ which is meant to assist recent immigrant and low-income families, who are residents of upper Manhattan, with their taxes free of charge. Services are available from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Anyone seeking further information should contact them by phone at (212) 781-0355 or by email at info@nmcir.com.

Parking in Co-op City, yeah right!

Published
by
plassiter
on March 15, 2007
in Not New York
. 2 Comments

Co-op City is known for its affordable housing and mini-malls that surround the neighborhood, which is why many people consider moving there. However if you have a car, you might want to think twice.

The parking garages in Co-op City have been under construction for about 4-5 years now. Riverbay Corporation tried to alleviate the situation by allowing drivers to park in th Peartree lot and the Greenway. Unfortunately Riverbay recently let residents know that they can no longer park in the Peartree lot; also that drivers from certain garages may not park in the Greenway or else they will be forced to tow cars.

To make matters worse, the city has started construction on the streets so most of the day many blocks can’t be used to park. Once the workers leave for the day, they park their huge trucks on the street taking up space that could be used for residents. When asked about the parking situation Ms. Gloria Wharton, President of building 9B, said “Oh, oh, oh yeah the parking. The restoration started about five years ago. We hope to have one lot finished soon– at least one.”

Woodbridge Driving for Cleaner Air

Published
by
vstrachan
on March 13, 2007
in Not New York
. 2 Comments

New Jersey, though notorious for its smoked filled sky line, and mysterious whiffs of factory smoke, took steps to address concerns over C02 emissions in the air; Woodbridge is one of several townships equipping their municipality fleet with cost efficient hybrid vehicles, and making a statement about where they stand on issues of the environment.

Woodbridge officials added 12 hybrid cars to the township’s fleet, its largest ever purchase of environment-friendly vehicles. Mayor John McCormac and the township environmental commission presented the new Ford Escape SUV’s during a meeting at town hall. The cars arrive officially in April and will be used by the township’s engineering and code inspection officers. Woodbridge also applied to be apart of the New Jersey Bio-Diesel Fuel Rebate Program which will help to make 139 of its vehicles run on biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel fuel is a substitute made from renewable organic sources such as soy bean oil, usually blended with petroleum.

Other notable efforts have taken place in Highland Park with its “Green Challenge”, an initiative launched this month, which ties all of their environmental endeavors into one united effort. High land Park took several steps already to bring awareness to this cause. One such example can be seen with their municipal hall which operates under solar panels.

In the annual fifteen minute walk I make from my house to the Woodbridge train station everyday, I can’t help but have a greater appreciation for the environment, and even greater need for it to be at its best . I am excited about the steps some townships in New Jersey took towards going green. While, they are just small steps hopefully this attitude toward our environment will spread and we can make more of a national effort to decrease our dependency on foreign resources and protect our environment with cost efficient alternatives.

To read more about Highland Park’s efforts to go green check here: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/middlesex/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1173591995133590.xml&coll=1

To read more about Woodbridge’s purchase of hybird cars check here: http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-2/117273017774610.xml&coll=1

Neighborhood Art Project: “Take a Seat”

Published
by
agrzegrzolka
on March 13, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments
 
22 year-old, Caroline Woolard, a Cooper Union student received more attention for her art installation then she bargained for. Her project “Take a Seat” was all about reclaiming public space, and she did just that when she installed plastics seats in outdoor places, in Williamsburg- Greenpoint and the East Village, where she felt the general public would benefit. The blue seats are bolted through holes on poles of “no parking” and “no standing” signs. Unfortunately, her art installations are to be removed because according to the City Wide Vandalism Task Force, installing anything on to street signs is vandalism. For complete story click below…
http://www.blockmagazine.com/block_stock_barrel.php

Islip Seeks Help from its Community Members

Published
by
Sthomas
on March 13, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

In search of somethng to call its own, the Islip Chamber of Commerce presented a business proposal to the community in which a new center of the arts would open up. Due to the loss of the Islip movies, theater members of the community feel like it’s time to try something new. The new arts theater would include original productions, popular plays, classic plays, children films and a combination of comedy club and night club. The only problem is that the group does not have enough finances to get this project started. They also lack the support of local businesses and sought help from the town board hoping to gain its support.

Cultural Change for the Last Half Century

Published
by
Simone
on March 13, 2007
in Queens and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Many residents of Cambria Heights remember the 1970s when they were the minority in the neighborhood. The once predominantly white community, has know become a middle class black, mostly Caribbean community.

In this NYTimes article, the writer presents two different views on why Queens is becoming a middle class black borough. Not only have blacks surpassed whites in regards to income, but also West Indian blacks have outshined black Americans in economic status. This is evident with the background of business owners located in Cambria Heights.

One side of the article talks about the substantial impact of the large and continuing migration of whites to Long Island and elsewhere for the approximately the last forty years.

Mrs. Pendleton, a black woman, moved into the neighborhood June of 1969. August of the same year her next-door neighbor moved. One day while in her backyard, she overheard the owner of the house behind hers mention to another neighbor that she had to move before she was “stuck” because of the foreseeable drop in property value. “I have the benefit of being right there without the high property taxes”, stated Mrs. Pendleton. Like Mrs. Pendleton, many blacks either cannot afford to leave Queens or face more opposition by moving into Long Island.

The other side, states that blacks are using the opportunities available, and West Indian blacks especially value them. More blacks are graduating from college and working in professional careers. Angela Webb, an RN and her husband, a business owner came to the US from Jamaica to seek a better life. “Lack of participation and appreciation that black Americans portray in their everyday lives contribute to their failures”, stated Webb. She feels that native blacks have not used the available resources to make their lives productive and successful.

The neighborhood is still changing with the recent sprinkling of Latino, Jewish and Asian residents. Cambria Heights is just another example of the melting pot that makes this country so unique and the continuing change of its demographics.

Bloomberg, give Pedestrians a helping hand!

Published
by
LSapir
on March 13, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

img_2544.JPGSunday March 4th–The Citywide Coalition for Traffic Relief and their supporters gathered on the steps of city hall to demand pedestrian safety. 

One hundred concerned community leaders and activist rallied to demand safety improvements to city intersections and a laundry list of other concerns they want Bloomberg to address. 

Alongside demonstrators stood families of victims who lost their lives in fatal accidents.  Among the families, Audrey Anderson, the mother of Andre Anderson, a four year old boy killed by an SUV in September 2005, who wants justice and harsher punishments to traffic violators.  This is the only way we are going to get changes, said Anderson.

Transportation Alternatives proposed a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan that includes….

● Fixing the most dangerous streets and intersections

● Adopt a Street Maintenance Policy that prioritizes pedestrian safety measures

● Eliminate turning conflict

● Extra protection for the most vulnerable New Yorkers  

●Criminalize and prosecute traffic fatalities

While Karla Quintero of Transportation Alternatives gave a bilingual mission statement, her supporters held white paper hands high in the air when asked by Quintero,

“How many of you have been affected by pedestrian injuries and fatalities.” 

Quintero explains, “The hands represent the simple humanity of each crash victim.  Their stories should not be reduced to statistics.  Each victim had a life, dreams, a family–they should be honored and respected, not discarded and forgotten.”

 img_2523.JPG

What is to follow the Greenpoint Warehouse fires?

Published
by
abigail
on March 12, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

On May 2nd of 2006, a dramatic seven alarm fire blazed through and virtually destroyed the Greenpoint, Brooklyn warehouses. The warehouses which occupied just over 3 blocks along the East River were mostly vacant at the time of the tragic fire, there were no casualties. The culprits of this great blaze were 2 homeless men that claimed to have been igniting copper cabels with gasoline.
Today, the warehouses are an eyesore to say the least. With property values and the growing desire to move to this north Brooklyn neighborhood on the rise, what will become of the old burnt down warehouses? As the one year bench mark since the fires approach many residents have grown curious as to when work on the dead buildings will start and when apartment complexes will arise. However, when the new apartments are built will they take away the beautiful views of East Manhattan that many Greenpoint residents love about their neighborhood? One thing for sure is that controversy and disagreements regarding the aftermath of the fires will follow for the inhabitants in this up and coming neighborhood.

More stories

Photos

A New Vacation Spot for a loved one

Published
by
obodrunova
on March 12, 2007
in Staten Island and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

            Since we are concentrating on businesses in the neighborhood, there has been a particular place which has been getting a lot of attention, even media coverage in South Beach, Staten Island. A prestigious hotel, where the guest are treated like royalty, an on site hospital and rooms with themes. However, you and I can not stay there –only our pets can.

           The Bay Street Animal Hospital’s Dog Hotel and Catnip Chalet, is considered one of the best pet hotels in the tri-state area, and it is located in the very small, not too familiar part of Staten Island. The hotel is extremely well kept, and the animals are well taken care of, being walked and fed three times a day, with a 24 hour on call veterinarian, and plenty of staff to offer companionship. However what this particular hotel is being praised for; is their Themed Suits. The hotel has suites which are decorated to fit a particular theme, so the pet can feel as though he/she is on vacation too. The suits include a Beach room, filled with beach chairs, tropical print towels and pillows. Among many other themes, there is a Princess room, a pink room filled with fluffy pillows and blankets and a Grand Prix room, where the walls are decorated with steering wheels.

            So the next time you are hesitating to go away while leaving your beloved pets behind. Know that there is a vacation spot for them, right here in Staten Island. A hotel, which to them might be better then your own.   

NYU promises long term development plan

Published
by
mleonard
on March 9, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

New York University for a long time has been a source of frustration for East Village residents.  NYU is constantly erecting new buildings and dorms, as well as expanding old ones. The buildings usually do not compliment the surrounding neighborhood, and the only residents occupying them are college students which do not mesh well with families and the elderly.  A major complaint among the community is that NYU does what it wants without informing anyone in the neighborhood.  A common request is that NYU proposes a long term plan involving their new buildings.  Finally with the help of a newly formed task force and an  architecture firm to be named later, NYU will project a final plan for it’s long term developments throughout the city, reportedly by May of 2007. For the full story click here.

Students Join Columbia Expansion Protest

Published
by
dcorrica
on March 8, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Columbia University has been trying to expand its campus to make room for plans for more university buildings. Local residents are not amused because they are facing a massive eviction from a major private Ivy League school. In this case plans to expand the campus arise again this time into West Harlem. Students and faculty members are joining in the protest of opposing such a project. View the link: http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-columbia0220,0,1060045.story

High rise in Harlem

Published
by
jlafontaine
on March 8, 2007
in Manhattan
. 1 Comment

As some of you may already know, The Athena Group is building a high rise condominium in Harlem on 110th and Lenox Avenue, across the street from Central Park.  Prices for them are starting at $1.5million…which means that people who have been in the area forever will never be able to afford to move in, and may be forced out….

http://www.111centralparknorth.com/

http://www.theathenagroup.com/

 

Immigrants protest “Slave Wages” in Maspeth

Published
by
Moliva
on March 7, 2007
in Queens
. 1 Comment

Recently, a group of immigrant factory workers protested outside of two local factories and a supermarket in Maspeth accused of paying “slave wages”. The protesters, accompanied by the activist group Make the Roads By Walking and several unions, hoped to raise awareness of their poor working conditions and hold businesses accountable for paying wages far below the minimum. Jose Vaquero, a former employee of one of the alleged underpaying factories, said that his friend was “only making about $280 a week, but they were working somewhere between 60 or 70 hours a week”. That calculates to about $4.30 per hour for back-breaking work. The employers refused to give sick days, overtime pay (even after 12 hour shifts), and docked what little money they actually paid out if the workers were a few minutes late.

Immigrants work at jobs that no “respectable” American Citizen would take on and are consistently underpaid and put through hell for their “off the books” salaries. They subject themselves through these abuses because-without papers- they cannot get “respectable” jobs that pay “respectable” salaries. Why should anyone work 70 hours in a week without proper compensation? (who the hell wants to work that much anyways?) It’s difficult for many of these workers to come forward in a country whose government has deportation and a Great Wall of Mexico on the agenda….The exploitation of immigrant workers needs to end; put that on your agenda BUSH.
Here’s an interesting OP-Ed article about a day laborer living in long island that was in today’s paper…
Inside the Immigration Maze, With No Answers

Brooklyn Neighborhood Gone to the Dogs

Published
by
krivero
on March 7, 2007
in Brooklyn
. 2 Comments

The streets of North Crown Heights, Brooklyn are filthy despite the efforts of residents who pack their trash in bags before their pick up by garbage trucks. Even the alternate side parking rules to allow for street sweepings are followed, but to no avail. The unwelcome guests-the stray dogs-seem to think that they have a right to grunge for food when all is quiet.

According to the NYC Administrative Code §16-118(2) and §16-118.1, “all commercial premises should be maintained (the sidewalk and the area 18 inches from the curb) at the beginning and at the end of the day.” Restaurant owners claim to comply with these rules profusely, sweeping the sidewalks in the evenings and placing their trash in the designated areas. However, upon their arrival the following morning they are confronted with a disgusting spillage throughout the block.

Residents of this neighborhood admit that sanitation comes by on their regular schedule to do their part to keep the streets clean. But the stray dogs that occupy this area will not allow the inhabitants and the city workers to have a hygienic dwelling.

About three stray dogs of mixed breeds live in a makeshift shack in an empty lot on Albany Avenue. During the time that the restaurants are closed, the dogs tear open the trash bags filled with putrid food in hopes of finding dinner.

The owners of these establishments are left to clean up the smelly mess. They complain of large rodents and the overall health risks that this condition brings forth. Yet, the dogs still roam free, terrorizing the defenseless trash leaving a community defeated and left to deal with the disorder.

No longer satisfied with being the place close to Manhattan.

Published
by
Andrae Freitas
on March 6, 2007
in Not New York and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Jersey city has always been known for being the city closest to Manhattan and pretty much nothing else. For a long time its residents have wanted to separate from the image of being the town right across the Hudson and create an identity that has basis in its own right and no ties to the ever so present New York City. The city has used this appeal of proximity to its advantage in its latest en devour of becoming the next big art district in the tri-state area. This is a technique employed in NYC quite frequently which usually results in the appearance of a trendy neighborhood which then leads to a rise in the area’s rent prices then it becomes populated with people in their late 20’s and early 30’s forcing the artistic community to move elsewhere example park slope. Jersey city is going to build a 52 story condominium/ hotel designed by internationally acclaimed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.It is proposed to be the heart of this new district. it will be quite an impressive undertaking which will hopefully improve the more commonly seen dilapidated infrastructure of its immediate, post industrial surroundings. More info about this and the very artistic design proposal can be seen at the link below.
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/LIFE/703050372

Grades or Safety: What should a High School Student be concerned with?

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