SLA Welcomes Input To The Editor:

A January 10, 2007, [Gazette] article titled "Community Board 4 Rejects Liquor License Applications" [by Richard Gentilviso] on the 500- Foot Rule reported, "The law limits new liquor licenses where three or more licensed places already exist within 500 feet of each other. But the SLA rarely, if ever, enforces it."

In 2006, in addition to the four-month-moratorium on new 500-foot licenses in Manhattan, the members of the SLA acted on 19 500-foot applications in New York City. Of the 19, the SLA denied nine and approved 10. Of the 10 approved, eight received community board support.

I want to let your readers know that notices for all 500-foot hearings are posted on our Web site (www.abc.state.ny.us), including the address of the proposed premises, the applicant's attorney and the community board for the proposed premise. I encourage all concerned citizens to testify at the hearings or to provide the SLA with written statements. The SLA places substantial weight on input from community boards, local law enforcement and members of the community during our licensing process. Sincerely, Daniel B. Boyle Chairman New York State Liquor Authority

Hate Crime Solved To The Editor:

On June 10, 2006, an individual stated he was walking down the street when eight (8) unknown white males hit him over the head with a baseball bat. This occurred at approximately 0110 (1:10 a.m.) hours at the intersection of Broadway and 34th Street. The victim sustained a deep laceration to his head and forehead. The perpetrators fled the location and a canvass of the surrounding area was conducted with negative results. Upon further investigation, this was believed to be an anti-gay incident and the Hate Crime Task Force took control of the case (carried under Complaint #2006- 114-5992).

As a result of the investigation, on January 10, 2007 at approximately 2145 hours (9:45 p.m.), Detective Caban of the Hate Crime Task Force apprehended three individuals for this incident. Their pedigree information is as follows:

+Daniel Shamenti, m/u, 22 years of age, of 175 Lincoln Ave., Albany NY- ARREST#Q07602121.

+Hector Dika, m/u, 21 years of age, of 34-07 36th Ave., Astoria, (resident of the 114th Pct.)- ARREST#Q07602076.

+Armando Uka, m/u, 20 years of age, of 70-06 Woodside Ave., Queens Village (resident of the 105th Pct.)- ARREST#Q07602066.

The perpetrators did yell anti-gay and antiblack epithets at the victim, along with several others, which resulted in a fight, at which time they proceeded to punch, kick and strike the victim with a baseball bat. The other victims who were menaced were able to flee the scene.

This appalling incident was a hate crime targeting gay men and was solved with tenacity. I would like to take this time to commend the dedicated and thorough work of the Hate Crime Task Force. I maintained a rapport with the investigators throughout and can assure you much time and effort was expended into bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. Respectfully, Brian McCarthy Inspector 114th Police Precinct Commanding Officer

Hails Humble Hero To The Editor:

I would like at this time to commend a New York hero named Wesley Autrey, who saved Cameron Hollopeter. Here is a young man who suffered a seizure and fell on to the tracks and where Wesley, a military veteran, jumped in to save him. We all have seen on television and on the news the bravery of this man and to see all the accolades he did receive and to hear his astounding humility, where after the incident he said, "I just saw someone who needed help", now that's true humility in my book. Mayor [Michael] Bloomberg, when he bestowed the city's highest civilian medal to Wesley Autrey said, "the word hero, I think, we use much too frequently, but you really are." I somehow think that God intervened that day and protected and led Wesley into doing what had to be done. For when you think about it, a 370-ton train roared over their bodies, and that was a true miracle. And here is a man that risked his own life to save another human being and, after all is said and done, asked his fellow New Yorkers to do the same. I wonder how many of us would do the same? I think Wesley is an example and an inspiration to us all. Sincerely Yours Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose Downzoning, Landmarking To The Editor:

Many areas of Northeast Queens have been contextually rezoned in the past few years. Other neighborhoods, including Auburndale, are patiently awaiting their turn. I believe rezoning has been successful in helping to reduce the size of newly constructed homes in rezoned neighborhoods so that they are not out of context with the pre-existing housing stock. This is particularly true of areas rezoned R2A, a zoning designation that was created to limit the size of new homes while still allowing almost all homeowners the ability to expand their current homes if they choose to do so.

There is still much to do to ensure community stability. Loopholes that encourage overdevelopment in other residential zoning classifications need to be closed. The Department of Buildings must enforce all zoning and construction regulations and deal with those who break the law. The issue of granting tax abatements to certain types of development must be reviewed and discussed.

City landmark designation is another tool that will prevent the destruction of older buildings and neighborhoods that have historical and/or architectural and/or cultural significance. In recent years, there has been limited progress in landmarking areas of Queens and the other so-called outer boroughs. Manhattan seems to be the favorite child. More needs to be done by the Landmarks Commission to treat other boroughs fairly.

Areas in Queens such as Douglas Manor and Douglaston Hill have been granted landmark status after much effort. Communities such as Broadway Flushing are seeking landmark designation. Community Board 7 had a hearing several months ago to consider Broadway Flushing's desire to seek this status. Dozens of people testified in favor of landmarking. They included community residents and representatives from civic associations and preservation groups. No one spoke in opposition to it. Community Board 7 then voted unanimously in favor of the proposed landmarking of Broadway Flushing. It is a highly desirable and sought after status.

During the week, I attended two presentations dealing with this subject. One dealt with possible historic districts in Bayside, the other with those in Auburndale. In both cases, the audience was shown examples of remarkable structures that should be preserved and protected. They are what make our communities special and desirable to those who choose to live there. If we destroy these examples from our past, our communities will have a bleak future.

What have demolished homes been replaced with during the past several years? Buildings with charm and balance? In most cases, the new structures are brick boxes with cement yards. Gone are the streetscapes, gone is the variety in architectural style.

Yes, if your home is landmarked, you must get approval in order to make exterior changes. It is a review process similar to those in many localities across the country. But this is a small price to pay if it ensures community stability and preservation. You won't wake up one day to find a "bubble-gum pink" house next to you or a house that has been messed up architecturally by unknowing homeowners.

And landmarking increases the value of a property. Buyers are eager to purchase homes in stable and protected communities.

There is legislation under consideration by the city council that addresses many of the development problems we face in our communities. We all need to work together to maintain our vital and desirable neighborhoods. Henry Euler Bayside