On the brief side...
Maloney Addresses North Cyprus Travel, Macedonia Issues

Congressmember Carolyn Maloney (D–Queens/Manhattan) and House colleagues recently expressed concern to the Bush Presidential Administration over the legality of an airport in Northern Cyprus used by United States citizens on trips to that country.

Maloney, co-chair and founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, also sent a letter to President George W. Bush objecting to his decision to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Maloney said that because of her concerns the State Department may have determined that travel into the northern, occupied part of Cyprus via Tymbou Airport does not violate longstanding U.S. policy toward Cyprus, she had asked Secretary of State Condolezza Rice to clarify U.S. policy regarding travel through that airport.

On the FYROM issue, Maloney requested that Bush and Rice should play active roles in the United Nations’.–sponsored negotiations between Greece and FYROM and to address the compromise proposal made recently by U.N. Mediator Matthew Nimetz.

Last November, Maloney explained, the Bush administration made a surprise decision to go against prior U.S. policy by unilaterally recognizing FYROM as Macedonia before talks were completed. Greece has since accepted Nimetz’ proposed name of Republika Makedonija–Skopje for official and international use. “The United States should endorse this compromise,” Maloney urged.

Avella Gets $1.3M For Park Comfort Station

City Councilmember Tony Avella (D–Bayside) and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe announced plans to build a comfort station in Fort Totten/Little Bay Park in Bayside. The facility will be funded by $1.3 million secured by the lawmaker in the capital budget.

Avella noted that the comfort station has been sought by the community for some time. “I am extremely pleased that with the assistance of Mayor [Michael] Bloomberg, I was able to obtain funding for this project. This beautiful waterfront park is enjoyed by thousands of New Yorkers and the addition of a comfort station will only enhance the park’s family-friendly environment,” he said.

Avella acknowledged assistance from Friends of Fort Totten and the Bay Terrace Community Alliance in lobbying for the project. Construction is anticipated to start in the fall of next year.

Library Funds Secured By Sears

Construction of a new Jackson Heights Queens Borough Public Library branch at 35-51 81st St. will continue through this fiscal year with funds acquired by City Councilmember Helen Sears in the budget, Sears announced last week.

In addition, funds have also been secured to improve service accessibility and to expand the Elmhurst branch, ensuring that six-day service will continue, Sears (D–Jackson Heights) stated.