On the brief side...

Districts 24, 30 To Get $1.7 M: Crowley

Community School Districts 24 and 30 are slated to receive more than $1.1 million in federal funding, bringing their total this fiscal year for the 21st Century Learning Centers Program to $1.7 million, Congressmember Joseph Crowley announced.

Crowley initially secured $213,000 each for the two school districts in the 2001 budget for the after-school programs. Recently he secured $507,000 more for District 24 and $747,000 more for District 30.

"These programs ensure that children, particularly those that are less fortunate, have access to critical learning help in a safe environment outside of regular school hours," Crowley stated.

Break Ground For Amphitheater Restoration

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the $13.3 million reconstruction of the former Ederle Amphitheater site in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park were held last Friday, with Borough President Claire Shulman and Park Commissioner Henry J. Stern participating.

The project at the north end of Meadow Lake, funded by Shulman’s office and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, will include a lakeside deck, a children’s story telling area with animal sculptures, a lawn area for picnics, benches, and a comfort station. A new pavilion will include artifacts from the original Gertrude Ederle Amphitheater, which was named after the swimming star who in 1926 set a new record for swimming across the English Channel.

Court Upholds Vallone’s Rent Control Bill

City Council Speaker Peter Vallone’s law to protect tenants in rent-controlled apartments in New York City has been upheld by the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court.

Commenting on the court’s action, Vallone (D–Astoria) stated: "This law will prevent substantial and unfair increases for rent-controlled tenants, many of whom are seniors living on fixed incomes. I am delighted that we have been able to protect the most vulnerable in our city and all rent-controlled tenants."

Vallone filed his bill after a new method of calculating rent increases was adopted by the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The new method would have allowed the 1996–97 maximum base rent to be increased by 32.42 percent. Vallone’s law blocked this.

Annual MLK Jr. Celebration Held By Shulman

The 11th annual celebration of the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held last Thursday by Borough President Claire Shulman and the African American Heritage Planning Committee.

As part of the celebration at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, a photo exhibit entitled "countdown to Eternity" was displayed. Donated by Professor Benedict Fernandez, the photos focused on America’s struggles during the civil rights era.

The former New York Times photographer currently serves as director of the commercial photography program at the college. The world-renowned Harlem Boys Choir entertained.

Leffler Opposes Two LIC Generators

Councilmember Sheldon Leffler (D–Queens Village) has come out against the two gas-powered generators proposed by the New York Power Authority to be cited in Long Island City.

Noting the development is already proceeding "on this rich and desirable waterfront property," Leffler charged the NYPA proposal would undercut those beneficial developments and reduce the area’s value.

Mayor, Kerik Offer Rewards For Gun Tips

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik introduced a program last week which offers a $500 reward for anyone who provides information about illegal weapons.

Rewards would go to those who give information leading to the seizure of an illegal firearm and the arrest of its owner. A hotline, 1-866-GUN-STOP, has been set up to receive the tips. All calls will be kept confidential.