On the brief side...

Monserrate Attacks Rent Increase, Library Cuts

In separate actions last week City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate (D–Corona) called for a moratorium on rent increases and for funds to keep libraries open.

Monserrate said the proposed increases of 5.5 percent for a one–year lease and 8.5 percent for a two–year lease represent "the nail in the coffin" to many New Yorkers struggling to deal with other tax increases and higher subway fares.

Last Saturday, speaking at a rally at Langston Hughes Library in Corona, which under recent cutbacks was closing its doors to Saturday visitors for the first time, Monserrate complained that service reductions would affect thousands of library card holders and children in one of the fastest growing communities in the city.

Gianaris Pushes ‘Revitalize Astoria’ Campaign

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris is seeking volunteers to join him in planting flowers in Ralph DeMarco Park on Friday, May 23 for "It’s My Park" Day, part of his Revitalize Astoria campaign.

Ralph DeMarco Park, named after the late, respected Democratic leader, is located at Shore Boulevard between Ditmars Boulevard and 20th Avenue. Volunteers will meet with Gianaris there between 1 and 3 p.m. Call (718) 545-3889 for more information.

Nolan, Gioia Lead Graffiti Clean-up

Assemblymember Catherine Nolan and Councilmember Eric Gioia recently joined with Sunnyside United Neighborhood Network (SUNN) and about 100 neighborhood residents to remove graffiti during a Neighborhood Clean-up Day.

Nolan (D–Ridgewood) and Gioia (D–Woodside) complimented SUNN and the volunteers for coming out to attack the numerous graffitied areas of the community.

"Lew Story and SUNN are a shining example for our entire city of a grassroots, community group that has come together to fight graffiti," Gioia said.

Crowley Condemns Violence Against Israel

Congressmembers Joseph Crowley and Anthony Weiner joined recently to condemn the ongoing violence against Israel and to urge that peace efforts not be initiated until all the violence is ended.

"We must not tolerate or allow homicide and suicide bombings to kill innocent people sitting in coffee shops on the shore of the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv," declared Crowley (D–Queens/Bronx).

Crowley and Weiner spoke out on the day U.S. Ambassador Dan Kurtzner delivered the "Road Map" to Middle East Peace to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon after newly elected Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas was sworn in.

Pharmacy Responds To Avella Complaints

Prodded by Councilmember Tony Avella’s complaints to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), the CVS pharmacy at 242-24 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston has agreed to abide by the stipulations in a 1996 variance granted by the BSA.

Therefore, Avella said, "The parking lot is now locked after hours, the trash is enclosed in a roofed structure, and there are no garbage pick ups before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m. These conditions are included in the original variance to preserve the quality of life for Douglaston residents. I am glad that these improvements have at long last been achieved."

Liu Bill Restricts Minors’ Access To Internet

Responding to concerns expressed by parents, teachers and police officers about students skipping school to spend hours online playing computer games, Councilmember John Liu plans to introduce a bill to regulate internet cafes, which often attract youths.

Liu said his bill would restrict minors from visiting these internet cafes during school hours.

Mayersohn Announces Health Fair

A Family Health Fair for residents of Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill will be held this Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Atria of Kew Gardens at 117-01 84th Ave., Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn announced.

Mayersohn (D–Flushing) said that among the providers scheduled to participate are Jamaica Hospital, New York Hospital Queens, the Social Security Administration, the 102nd Police Precinct, the Fire Department, Access-A-Ride and the American Diabetes Association.