On the brief side...

Monserrate Delivers For Dominicans

After leading a broad coalition of community and Latino organizations in a humanitarian drive to aid disaster-stricken Dominicans and Haitians, City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate (D–Corona) personally delivered a shipping container of food, clothing and medicine to flood victims on the island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic and Haiti share.

Monserrate said that in delivering the aid, "I was overwhelmed by the resilience of the people and the courage and strength they have to rebuild their lives."

Monserrate, chair of the Council Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, said "I am proud that as an elected official from one of the most diverse communities in the United States, I was able to represent the countless New Yorkers who gave to help these men and women in what will be a long process of rebuilding."

New York City has the largest Dominican and Haitian populations in the United States.

Negotiator Chosen For Bus Workers

The United States Department of Labor has chosen veteran labor negotiator Joshua Javitz to arbitrate almost 150 claims by nonunion workers whose jobs may be in danger if the MTA takes over operation of Queens’ private bus lines.

The threatened workers charge that the Bloomberg mayoral administration and the MTA have not recognized federal job protection laws in their quest to take over seven Queens bus firms. The workers petitioned the Labor Department to choose an arbitrator a year ago.

The takeover had been scheduled to be completed by June 30 but was extended to December 4.

Weprin Honors Glen Oaks VAC

City Councilmember David Weprin (D–Hollis) recently presented a proclamation and a check to officials of the Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps to mark the opening of a new headquarters. The previous headquarters building was destroyed by fire in 1999.

Joining the lawmaker on this occasion were Anne Krzyzanowski; Ted Rabinowitz, Frank Racaniello and Jerry Gelbard, all Glen Oaks VAC members. Founded in 1973, the corps serves residents of Glen Oaks, Floral Park and South Bayside.

Grodenchik Liu Lead Park Cleanup

A Youth Action Team organized by Assemblymember Barry Grodenchik and City Councilmember John Liu, both of whom represent Flushing, has been conducting a daily cleanup of Kissena Park under the direction of the city Parks Department.

The Liu–Grodenchik team is made up of a group of high school student volunteers who have given their time and energy to this summer project. Beside the chores they do, they have also educated others in the community about keeping the park clean.

Katz Honors 9/11 Victim

Councilmember Melinda Katz recently honored September 11 victim Stephen G. Hoffman by changing the name of Manse Street between 68th and 69 Avenues in Forest Hills to Stephen G. Hoffman Way.

Hoffman, who had been employed by the Cantor Fitzgerald financial service firm at the World Trade Center, grew up in Forest Hills, 11 of 12 children. He was involved in the Queens Falcons football program and the Run to Daylight program, which he founded with one of his brothers.

Lafayette Avella Report New Traffic Lights

Acting on a request by Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette (D–Jackson Heights), the city Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved a new traffic light at 25th Avenue and 78th Street in Jackson Heights. It is expected to be installed by November 30, but an All-Way stop sign will be installed as a stopgap measure.

City Councilmember Tony Avella (D–Bayside) reports the DOT has approved a new traffic signal at 203rd Street and 26th Avenue in Whitestone, also scheduled to be installed by November.