With the most recent tragedy of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning on many peoples’ minds, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. (D–Astoria) issued a reminder to landlords that as of this past Sunday, a new law which he sponsored is in effect requiring installation of carbon monoxide detectors to prevent fatalities.

Vallone said the law covering homes fueled by gas or oil heat mandates that at least one detector must be installed within 15 feet of a bedroom or sleeping area.

“Unfortunately, we were all recently reminded of the dangers of this highly toxic gas,” said Vallone, council Public Safety Committee chairman. “It is now not only extremely dangerous not to install detectors, but it now will also be illegal.”

Besides being mandatory in all residential dwellings, Vallone said detectors must also be installed in schools, hospitals, dormitories, hotels and nursing homes. For more information, contact Vallone’s district office at 718-274-4500.

Gazette Cited By F.H. Action League

Western Queens Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian and this newspaper were cited by the Forest Hills Action League recently when the civic organization presented its first Merit Media Awards to the press for investigative reporting and for covering “issues that deeply concern the people of Queens County.”

The citation to the Gazette also included Editor Linda Wilson, Director Julie Wager and Editor Emeritus John Toscano. The civic organization, headed by Norbert Chwat and his wife, Estelle, was in the forefront of calling attention and advocating change for Queens Boulevard over the past five years when many pedestrian deaths and injuries occurred along that major thoroughfare. Their protests helped to bring about major design changes that have reduced fatalities along the boulevard.

McLaughlin, Liu Meet On Sewer Project

Assemblymember Brian McLaughlin and City Councilmember John Liu met with disgruntled merchants and residents situated near the Sanford Avenue and 162nd Street sewer project in Flushing and pledged to alleviate business losses and hardships resulting from the project. A recent water main break at the site added to the problems affecting local residents.

In a joint statement, McLaughlin and Liu, both Democrats, stated, “There’s never a convenient time for such a massive sewer project. The disruption will always be a factor. With a 100-year-old sewer, we know this has to be done, but we must work to minimize further economic and social impact on the lives of people in this community and assist them in this recovery efforts while working to keep the city’s project plan moving along.”

Maloney Salutes Greece’s Olympic Effort

Declaring that “there is no more fitting location in America” to celebrate the success of the recent Olympic games in Athens, Congressmember Carolyn Maloney held a program in Athens Square Park last week which saluted Greece’s presentation of the 2004 Olympic Summer Games.

The early Friday evening program in the park at 30th Avenue and 30th Street included public presentations by Maloney, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus On Hellenic Issues, and by George V. Savvaides, Greek Ambassador to the United States. Also present were leaders from the Federation of Hellenics American Societies. Astoria home to the largest Greek community outside Athens.

The program also included a tribute to two U.S. Coast Guard reservists of Greek descent who were first responders to the attack on the World Trade Center on September. Following the public ceremony, a private reception was held at the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies.

Large Turnout For Markey’s DMV Bus

Nearly 100 Maspeth residents took advantage of the recent visit of the Department of Motor Vehicles outreach van to their community, sponsored by local lawmaker Assemblymember Margaret Markey (D).

The DMV unit, parked outside Markey’s district office at 55-19 69th St., issued or renewed licenses, some strictly used as ID by non-driving seniors. Markey noted, “For many people who have to travel to Jamaica or College Point DMV offices, it’s a time-consuming experience that makes obtaining identification highly difficult.”

Markey’s staff assisted the DMV unit at the day-long program, administering eye tests and performing other services. The program is part of a statewide effort by DMV to make its services accessible to many more people, Markey said, promising to bring back the van soon.