Bd. 9: 'Pave The Way' Not Our Way

P.O. Jay Remsen of the 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Unit updates Board 9 on local gang activity. (photo: Ralph Mancini) Members of Community Board 9 raised objections over the Department of Buildings' interpretation of the city's recently-passed yards amendment pertaining to properties in New York City.

Land Use Committee Chairperson Sylvia Hack brought the group up to speed at their monthly session, held Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Richmond Hill.

Citing an example in Kew Gardens, she noted that an entire portion of a front-yard space at a house of worship, located at 82-50 Kew Gardens Rd., had been completely paved over "right up to the doorstep."

The installation of asphalt at the location reportedly conflicts with the amendment, which requires a minimum percentage of planting in front yards in R1 to R5 districts based on street frontage, according to the New York City Department of Planning.

Board 9 Chairperson Andrea Crawford, disappointed by the DOB's stance on the matter, pointed out that agency representative Anthony Juliano stated that his group would just wait for DCP to react before taking action.

"City Planning writes zoning codes and resolutions, while the DOB has a twisted way of interpreting and enforcing zoning. There's no uniformity in their interpretation," said Crawford.

Board member Maria Thomson agreed with Crawford's assessment.

"If it's on the books, it should be enforced. We should make this a focal point and tear up that asphalt," she stated.

The Woodhaven civic leader went on to suggest that the board inform City Council Member Melinda Katz, who chairs the Land Use Committee, of what's taking place.

The DOB spokesman, according to Crawford, informed the board that they could "go after" the church only if the board can prove that the property owner is renting his land illegally.

The advice given by the city official made little sense to both Crawford and Hack, who insisted, "you are not allowed to park in your front yard."

Bicycle parking Also on Hack's agenda was a proposal on the part of the DCP to create regulations requiring indoor, secure bicycle parking in residential, commercial and community facilities in all zoning districts.

"The more people we have getting out of their cars that are polluting the city, the better," said Hack.

Gangs in the 102nd Precinct

P.O. Jay Remsen of the 102nd Precinct's Community Affairs Unit apprised board members of rampant gang activity in the area.

The precinct, he said, is investigating from where the roving bands of youths are coming.

He urged everyone in attendance to alert local authorities if they have any information that may help in tracking down gang members.

The Community Affairs Unit can be contacted at 1-718-805-3215.

In response to vandalism concerns, Remsen asked complainants to provide him specific locations that have been marked with graffiti.

He assured locals that he would then forward a list of those sites to his precinct's Vandals' Task Force.

Board 9's Regina Santoro informed Officer Remsen of the plight of homeless people in the area.

She stated that many of them have no place to go due to shelter closings, and are often forced to sleep under tressels in the area of Hillside Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard.

Fellow board member Sherman Kane, on the other hand, groused over dump trucks parking overnight in the residential areas of Woodhaven Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue and 86th Road along the Woodhaven/Ozone Park border.

Remsen informed Kane that the Queens County Sheriff generally sends out his officers to monitor illegally-parked commercial vehicles.

Playgrounds

In his Education and Youth Services Committee report, Nick Comaianni called out the mayor's office.

The problem, he stated, was the imposition of building playgrounds on school property without giving principals, educators and the community their say in the matter.

"They plan on keeping them open from dusk 'till dawn and on weekends. Be aware that they can keep them open to the general public," he detailed.

Comaianni, who also serves as the president of Community Education Council District 24, told the audience that the mayor's office sets the guidelines for the park area. The principal can only give his view on the design of the new addition.

The $50,000 annual maintenance given by the city for the upkeep of the playground, he indicated, is not nearly enough due to $38,000 that must be paid to a custodian alone to open, close and sweep the area.

One of the schools slated to receive a playground is P.S. 91 in Glendale.

New bill

Hack updated attendees on a new bill that would mandate individuals with incomes of $1 million or more to pay an extra tax that would be used to support senior centers.

Liquor licenses

A letter of intent was received from 121 Atlantic Palace Inc., located at 121-09 Atlantic Ave. in Richmond Hill, for a new on-premise liquor license.

Another letter of intent for the renewal of an on-premise liquor license was received from Scooby's Bar and Lounge, located at 118-07 Atlantic Ave. in Richmond Hill.

Board 9 regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at various locations throughout Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Woodhaven. For further details, call 1-718-286-2686.