Civic and community leaders from throughout the city gathered in front of City Hall to support City Councilmember Tony Avella’s introduction of three pieces of legislation designed to reform the little-known Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). Avella declared, “While most people do not know this agency even exits, it has had dramatic and damaging effects on the residential character […]
Gennaro Calls For Cut In Proposed Water Rate Increase
Reacting to the New York City Water Board’s proposed 9.4 percent water rate increase, City Councilmember James F. Gennaro called on the board to cut the proposed increase and commit to minimizing future rates. Noting that the proposed 9.4 percent increase would be the largest hike in 15 years, Gennaro, chairman of the council Environmental Protection Committee, also asked the […]
Scoutmaster Guilty In Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Case
The scoutmaster of a Great Neck Boy Scout troop has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing and taking sexually explicit photographs of two 13-year-old members of his troop on numerous occasions over the past several years. The incidents took place in the Little Neck church where the troop held its weekly meetings and at the defendant’s residence. He is expected to […]
Street Renamed For Walter Kaner
Amboy Lane between Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard was renamed “Walter Kaner Street” in ceremonies at the intersection of Amboy Lane and Springfield Boulevard last Sunday. City Councilmembers David Weprin (D-Hollis) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) introduced the resolution to rename the street after the columnist and philanthropist last December. Kaner died at his Port Washington home June 26, 2005, […]
Board 4 Honors Corona Soldier Who Died In Iraq
The agenda was uncomplicated: a proposal to convert a portion of 102nd Street from two ways to one way and a zoning application for a tax exemption. But following the usual recital of the Pledge of Allegiance at the Flanders Field Post No. 150, a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting hall filled with reminders honoring past sacrifices of U.S. military […]
Crowley Cool To Port Security Bill
Congressmember Joseph Crowley announced last week that the House had approved comprehensive port security at ports throughout the United States and also track and protect containers en route to the U.S. However, Crowley complained that measure does not mandate 100 percent scanning of containers bound for the U.S. The Queens/Bronx Democrat maintains that inspecting all U.S.-bound cargo is the only […]
Lawmakers Deal With Ways To Lower Gas Prices
The Democrat-controlled Assembly for the first time has come up with a proposal to relieve motorists of some of the pressure created by skyrocketing gasoline prices. A bill in the lower house of the state legislature could clear the way for some sort of compromise legislation for saving drivers some money since the senate has had a bill in the […]
JH Library To Close May 19
The Jackson Heights Community Library will be closing May 19 for approximately 10 weeks for renovations. Scheduled improvements are to include: customer service improvements; fast RFID self-service check out; a new young adult area; expanded collections with more books, videos and music as well as more computers and a bright new dcor. To borrow or return materials, the closest Queens […]
Meet With Music Legends
During his recent visit to Queens Borough Hall, singer Tony Bennett, an Astoria native, was enlisted by Borough President Helen Marshall in efforts to publicize “Spring Into Queens,” the month-long campaign to boost retail establishments and cultural institutions. In Albany, state Senator Serphin Maltese (R-C, Middle Village) greeted legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck, who was honored by the senate in […]
On the brief side…
Part Of Graffiti Law Reinstated A judge’s ruling that would have allowed 18to 21-year-olds to purchase spray paint and felt-tipped markers was overruled by a Manhattan federal appellate court judge last week. The decision said the controversial anti-graffiti law authored by City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) will remain in force until it can be reviewed by a separate panel […]