LARGEST AUDITED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • LITTLE NECK LEDGER IN QUEENS • WHITESTONE TIMES July 22–28, 2016 Your Neighborhood — Your News® FREE ALSO COVERING AUBURNDALE, COLLEGE POINT, DOUGLASTON, GLEN OAKS, FLORAL PARK LIC Pepsi sign Bell Blvd. eyesore to be razed fi nally named Bayside shanty will be demolished for new commercial/residential building city landmark BY MARK HALLUM
BY BILL PARRY Bayside’s Community Board 11 picked up a notice It took nearly three de- from the city Department of cades, but the Pepsi-Cola sign Buildings which may hold in Long Island City’s Gantry welcome news for many who State Park is finally an offi- walk regularly along Bell Bou- cial New York City landmark. levard. The storefront at 42-07 The City Council voted 43-0 in Bell Blvd., which was formerly favor of the designation last home to Chelsea Coffee Shop, week. is officially slated for demoli- “For almost 90 years, the tion. swoops and swirls of the Pepsi- The building, which has Cola sign have welcomed visi- been in ruins for years, has tors to Long Island City and become an eyesore with open symbolized Queens’ status as windows, exposed brick and an industrial powerhouse,” doors torn out off the hinges. City Councilman Jimmy Van Pigeons dominate the dirty Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said. front awning and notices of “Today, after long last, we’ve rodent traps behind the steel officially made the sign a New gate suggest the existence of York City landmark, and this an interior ecosystem taken staggering piece of pop art will over by rats. An open window now shine forever across the in the top floor allows birds to East River.” come and go as they please. Changes in the zoning code According to the Depart- in the latter half of the 20th ment of Buildings website, the century and early 21st cen- property has collected griev- tury contributed to a reduc- ances from the community tion in the number of large, since 2014 with little action on illuminated signs, which once the part of the city. crowned the factories and Back in June of that year warehouses of Long Island one complaint said: “Vacant City’s most prominent compa- store with demolitions start- nies. The Pepsi-Cola sign was ed, front doors removed with built in 1936 and stood atop a gate down, rodents and birds massive Pepsi-Cola bottling reported getting in through plant since 1940. The storefront once occupied by Chelsea Coffee House has finally been slated for demolition by the gate, residents report foul The plant was closed in 1999 Department of Buildings after serving as a hotel for pigeons and rodents for a number of years. odors. Can we get the building Continued on Page 42 Photo by Mark Hallum Continued on Page 42 Pols call for tire dumping to stop
BY MARK HALLUM is the work of one outfit dump- and state Assemblyman David ing entire truckloads at once, Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) at Stacks of abandoned tires has been regularly required a Tuesday news conference. have been seen littering the to haul the garbage away. The “The area alongside the side of the highway around city agency has been quick to Clearview Expressway is pro- 73rd Avenue and Clearview remove the tires, diligence tected parkland, and no part of Councilman Barry Grodenchik and state Assemblyman David Weprin call Expressway in recent months. which was praised by City New York City, least of all our attention to the problem of abandoned tires on Clearview Expressway. The Department of Trans- Councilman Barry Groden- parks, is to be used as a private Photo courtesy of Councilman Grodenchik’s office portation, which believes this chik (D-Oakland Gardens) Continued on Page 18
A CNG Publication Vol. 82 No. 30 52 total pages City preps free meals Main Street sidewalks Program ensures students fed throughout summer soon to be remodeled
BY GINA MARTINEZ de Blasio’s vision for a more resilient city, and to accom- Main Street is about to be- modate the city’s remark- come a lot more convenient able growth, DDC is happy for pedestrians and commut- to partner to relieve conges- ers. City Councilman Peter tion and enhance access to Koo (D-Flushing) announced public transportation in one an upcoming project that will of NYC’s busiest pedestrian completely reconstruct four corridors,” Peña-Mora said blocks of the second busiest “We are committed to work- pedestrian hub in New York ing in the least intrusive City behind Times Square. way so as to create minimal The project, set to cost disturbance. I’d like to thank up to $7.8 million, will re- Council member Koo for his construct and resurface the help in coordinating this im- roadbed; replace manholes, portant project.” fire hydrants and sewers; and Koo acknowledged that widen the sidewalk, among construction would be dis- other things. The sidewalk ruptive for commuters but from 38th Avenue to 41st Av- said the year-long wait would enue will by widened by as be worth it. much as eight feet to create “The reconstruction of more space in an incredibly Main Street is a major capital crowded sidewalk, according improvement project for our Peter Koo (c) standing with volunteers from Hunger Free America. to officials. Construction will dist rict t hat wi l l sig ni f ic a nt ly Photo courtesy Councilman Peter Koo's office begin July 25 and is expected improve the long-term qual- to last one year. This will be ity of life in the downtown BY GINA MARTINEZ executive officer of Hunger said “Seven-day summer meal the first reconstruction of Flushing area,” he said “In Free America. “This an- service is an important tool in Main Street in more than 20 the short term, our communi- In an effort to provide free nouncement ensures that now the battle against childhood years. ty must endure an entire year meals over the summer to un- low-income children will be hunger, and I’d like to thank Koo was joined by Queens of construction at the second derprivileged kids, Hunger able eat free lunch every day of the Department of Education Borough Commissioner Ni- busiest pedestrian hub in the Free America has collaborat- the week.” and Hunger Free America for cole Garcia, of the Depart- city. My office has been work- ed with the city Department Lunch will be served from bringing this important pro- ment of Transportation, ing with DOT, DDC, MTA of Education. Hunger Free 11 a.m to 1:30 p.m on weekdays gram to our community. Department of Design and and other agencies over the America is a non profit orga- and 11 a.m to 3 p.m on week- He went on to say, “As we Construction Commissioner last year to make sure this nization that helps schools ends. In addition to the three know hunger doesn’t wait for Feniosky Peña-Mora and project moves forward with through out the country feed school sites, there are some the weekend to be over, so we other officials to make the as little pain as humanly pos- kids. The Summer Meals pro- parks, pools, and trucks that have to make sure our chil- announcement Tuesday. sible. During this time, we all gram will run in three loca- are also open seven days per dren in our community, no “In keeping with Mayor Continued on Page 18 tions in Queens, Brooklyn week. matter their income, have ac- and the Bronx. The program City Councilman Peter Koo cess to nutritious food when will provide free summer (D-Flushing) was joined by they need it.” meals to anyone 18 years old some volunteers as he spoke Koo pointed out that one in and under. last Friday in front of PS 20 five children in the city don’t The Summer Meals Pro- on 142-20 Barclay Avenue, the have enough to eat. gram is federally funded and Queens location for the pro- Breakfast and lunch will run by the USDA to reduce gram. He addressed the impor- be served throughout the sum- child hunger. It will be offered tance of free meals for young mer until Sept. 2. throughout the summer to people who otherwise cannot Hunger Free America said serve children who may solely afford to eat. the food it will provide to kids depend on free meals from “For most kids, the sum- will be nutritious and healthy. schools to eat, ensuring they mer months are a time for “We distribute high-qual- don’t go hungry when school rest, relaxation and recupera- ity, sustainably grown, af- is out for summer break. tion for the next school year, fordable produce through the “I like eating seven days but for countless low-income Farm Fresh Community Sup- a week, and so do low-income youth summertime brings ported Agriculture program,” Flushing’s pedestrian hub in the second busiest in New York City, af- people,” said Joel Berg, chief hunger and added stress,” he the group said. ter Times Square. IN THIS ISSUE HOW TO REACH US Police Blotter...... 10 Business ...... 24 MAIL: 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 Editorials and Letters...... 12- 13 Focus on Education...... 28 PHONE: Display Advertising: (718) 260-4521 — Editorial: (718) 260-4545 Mayoral Spin Cycle...... 14 Borobeat...... 32 FAX: Advertising: (718) 224-5821 — Classified: (718) 260-2549 The Civic Scene...... 14 QGuide...... 33-41 Editorial (718) 224-2934 E-MAIL: Editorial: [email protected] Rhymes with Crazy...... 15 Sports...... 43-45 Display Advertising: [email protected] Focus on Queens...... 20 Classifieds...... 46-51 Classified: [email protected] Photo Page ...... 22 TO SUBSCRIBE: Call (718) 260-4521 BAYSIDE TIMES (USPS#025088) is published weekly by News Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.., 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY.11361, (718) 229-0300. The entire contents of this publication are copyright 2016. All rights reserved. The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Periodicals postage paid at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Bayside Times C/O News Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, N.Y. 11361. 2 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM Boys’ Club tries to mitigate youth drowning risk ‘Learn to Swim’ program at BCNY’s Flushing clubhouse to help city kids develop water skills
BY MARK HALLUM it is a proven method to teach- a large groups, according to ing and gauging the success Frank. September marks the be- of students put through the “Knowing how to swim is ginning of the Boys’ Club of class. An added benefit to this not a requirement,” Frank New York’s swimming pro- is with a program used nation- said. “It’s not like knowing gram with the goal of helping ally between many organiza- how to read. A kid goes to to mitigate the risk of drown- tions, students are all working school and he learns how to ing for young males through- toward the same benchmarks. read, this is a requirement. out the city and the borough. “Learn to Swim can take a He learns how to add two and The club’s Abbe Clubhouse, non-swimmer through several two, that is a requirement. But located at 13301 41st Rd. in different stages of swimming it is not a requirement for all Flushing, will offer classes at competence. At the end of the American kids to learn how to its facility in Flushing based program, when he’s completed swim.” on curriculum from the Amer- all the stages, he’s not just a Frank continues to explain ican Red Cross Learn to Swim competent swimmer, but has since swimming is consid- Program. hours of swimming experi- ered an extracurricular, it is The city has more than 500 ence,” Frank said, emphasiz- easier to access for more afflu- miles of waterway and every ing the importance of the pro- ent youth. Swimming lessons day about two children 14 and gram to minority youth. “For often cost more money than younger from unintentional black, Hispanic and Latino lower income families are able drowning, according to the kids, they’re living in lower- The Boys' Club of New York is turning the page on a new year for its budget in, but BCNY member- Boys’ Club. Helen Frank, di- income neighborhoods, and Learn to Swim program, which tries to prevent drowning through swim ship is only $5 per year, mak- rector of communications for lower-income neighborhoods lessons. Google Earth ing the swimming program the Boys’ Club, said inner city generally do not have access their clubhouse in Flushing children grow up with limited to public swimming. So there parents’ country of birth, so it 62 percent advancing by one an easy option for families. access to swimming pools and is already this built-n barrier. isn’t a value that’s been passed swimming competency level. are not presented with the op- On top of that, in a lot of these down.” Situations of higher risk Reach reporter Mark Hal- portunity to adopt the skill of communities, swimming isn’t Last year, 224 out of 662 where drowning occurs most lum by e-mail at mhallum@cn- swimming until it is too late. part of their endemic culture. participants were swimmers are when children are at glocal.com or by phone at (718) BCNY uses the American It’s not something that was val- at the end of the program birthday parties and on school 260–4564. Red Cross curriculum because ued in their parents’ or grand- which wraps up in July, with field trips which put them into
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 3 Delta plans terminal NY senators unveil Port Authority warns of chronic LGA parking problems airplane noise bill BY BILL PARRY ment program effectiveness.” “This legislation will pro- Both U.S. senators from vide additional tools to assist New York state believe the communities in addressing federal Environmental Pro- excessive airplane noise by tection Agency should take re-establishing the EPA Of- the lead role in airplane noise fice of Noise Abatement and abatement. Control,” Gillibrand said. Charles Schumer and “The federal government Kirsten Gillibrand intro- must take more proactive duced new legislation last steps to address the concerns Friday that empowers the of New Yorkers who are af- EPA to oversee airplane noise fected by airplane noise, and issues across the country, in- this bill will give the EPA the cluding in the noise-plagued ability to act.” neighborhoods surrounding Under the legislation, the JFK and LaGuardia airports. EPA would conduct research The Port Authority and Delta Airlines agree on a plan for its new terminal as part of the reconstruction of While the Federal Aviation on the impacts of noise and LaGuardia Airport. Courtesy LaGuardia Gateway Partnership Administration currently provide technical assistance oversees airplane noise is- and grants to communities to BY BILL PARRY minal B. At a ground-break- Delta nearly $3.6 billion on sues, Schumer and Gilli- mitigate noise. The bill was ing last month, Gov. Andrew the new facility with its least brand explained that the EPA first introduced by U.S. Rep. The Port Authority board Cuomo announced the entire extended to 2050, according is better fit to address these Grace Meng (D-Flushing) in was set to debate later this project would cost nearly $7 to the resolution. LaGuardia matters. the House of Representatives week a tentative deal with billion, with Delta’s terminal Gateway Partners, the consor- “Communities in the New last year. Delta Airlines, which if ap- accounting for nearly $3 bil- tium of developers which en- York metro area have long Meanwhile, state Sen. Jose proved would constitute the lion of that. tered a 35-year lease on June struggled with incessant Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) final piece of the massive re- The new central terminal 1 to build and operate the air- airplane noise caused by the has launched an online form construction of LaGuardia building and Delta’s new fa- port, has its lease until 2050 as highly trafficked skies and where residents can voice Airport, the first complete cility are to be built closer to well. it’s time we set up an office their concerns about airplane rebuild of an airport in the the Grand Central Parkway, The Port Authority contri- dedicated to tackling this noise, particularly in Jackson United States in 20 years. which will create more room bution would cover the costs issue head -on,” Schumer Heights and East Elmhurst, Delta, the airport’s largest for an additional two miles of concourses and ramp work, said. “Airplane noise is a ma- two neighborhoods affected carrier, would design and con- of aircraft taxiway space and the construction of an elec- jor quality-of-life issue and by low-flying aircraft using struct a new 37-gate terminal increase flight operations trical substation, roadways, that’s why it makes sense for LaGuardia’s Runway 22. to replace Terminal C & D at a by 240 percent, according to other infrastructure and the the EPA to take the lead role “It has always been my po- projected cost of nearly $4 bil- Cuomo. “That means more expansion of the East Garage. in addressing these matters. sition that the Port Author- lion, according to the Port Au- flights coming in, and turning The rebuild, the largest This legislation will once ity should work to alleviate thority’s board resolution. around faster for departure,” public-private partnership again set up an Office of Noise traffic on Runway 22 during The new terminal would he said. in U.S. history, will create Abatement and Control at the the early morning hours, es- connect with LaGuardia’s new The Port Authority would 18,000 direct and indirect jobs, EPA so that environmental pecially on weekends when Central Hall and 35-gate Ter- contribute $600 million and Continued on Page 42 experts can address airplane residents are at rest,” Peralta noise.” said. “While I understand Due to budget cuts in 1981, that weather conditions of- the EPA’s Office of Noise ten come into play and may Abatement and Control was dictate otherwise, it is im- Bioswales upset Flushing residents dismantled and the FAA was portant that the Port Author- given oversight into all mat- ity works to minimize use ters involving airplane noise of Runway 22 at these times BY MARK HALLUM employees marking sidewalk pollution. Schumer and Gilli- because of man-made factors space which have suitable con- brand’s “Quiet Communities such as construction.” A city Department of En- ditions for bioswales, others Act of 2016” would restore Those seeking to comment vironmental Protection proj- by word of mouth. the EPA’s office and would re- online may go to www.ny- ect to install bioswales across “There is no way a hom- quire the EPA Administrator senate.gov/questionnaires/ Flushing to clean up nearby eowner, a taxpayer, can have to conduct a study of airport jose-peralta/voice-your-con- waterways has residents fum- this forced upon them without noise and examine the FAA’s cerns-about-airplane-noise. ing over the lack of homeown- any input whatsoever.” said selection of noise measure- Peralta’s office will relay the er notification. Jena Lanzetta, vice president ment methodologies, health information to the Port Au- State Sen. Tony Avella (D- of the civic association. “An impact thresholds, and abate- thority. Bayside) and Joseph Bran- open and honest discussion zetti, president of the Friends needs to be started regarding of Fort Totten Parks and the State Sen. Tony Avella and Friends the city’s plans and an opt-out Northwest Bayside Civic Asso- of Fort Totten Park President policy – taxpayers deserve that ciation, held a news conference Joseph Branzetti called upon the choice” July 14 to call upon the DEP city to seek homeowner input pri- According to the DEP, bio- and the de Blasio administra- or to the installation of bioswales. swales are green infrastruc- tion to include residents in the Photo by Mark Hallum ture installations cut into the decision to place bioswales in pavement to absorb rain water front of their homes. about the project and how they and remove some of the burden Dozens of Flushing hom- felt about the installations. from the sewer system. The ul- eowners attended the news Many residents only found out timate goal of a bioswale proj- U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduce new legis- conference and shared their a s t hey questione d D epa r t ment ect is to clean up waterways, in lation that would return airplane issues to the federal Environmental stories about how they heard of Design and Construction Continued on Page 42 Protection Agency. Photo by Michael Shain 4 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM Martins ready for congressional run GOP state senator touts ability to fi nd common ground in bid to replace U.S. Rep. Israel
BY PATRICK DONACHIE County Executive Tom Suozzi ers,” he said. “But we have ag- is the Democratic candidate. ing infrastructure, we have Many politicians speak Martins was born in Jamai- needs here and there’s a time about the need to broker com- ca, Queens, and is the son of when we need to bring those mon ground, but state Sen. Portuguese immigrants. The same infrastructure dollars Jack Martins (R-Mineola), a family moved to Mineola when back.” Republican candidate for the Martins was a young boy, and When asked about Don- 3rd Congressional District, he eventually returned to the ald Trump, the Republican says his work in his district borough to earn a law degree Party’s presidential nominee, and Albany proves he can at St. John’s University. He lat- Martins stressed his indepen- obtain results by negotiating er served as Mineola’s mayor dence from the candidate and with people who have strong for eight years and was elected the national leadership of the and divergent opinions. to the state Senate in 2010. He Republican Party. “I can point to legislation said his decision not to run for “I’m not Donald Trump. we’ve sponsored, supported re-election and instead pursue For anyone who thinks I am a and negotiated that brought the open congressional seat person who is in any way be- people from different politi- was informed by the state of holden to anyone else in the cal spectrums together,” he the nation. party hierarchy, I’m not,” he said during an interview this “Given the nature of the said. “The opportunity to go to week with the TimesLedger seat and the nature of the is- Washington and be a moder- editor and reporters. “It is our sues affecting the country, the ate Republican voice is impor- responsibility to govern, to not fight today is in Washington,” tant.” simply believe the other side is he said. “The issues that need Martins detailed the opioid always wrong, but to find com- to be addressed are there.” and heroin crisis that he said mon ground and work from He spoke extensively about plagued every neighborhood that.” the need for economic devel- STATE SEN. JACK MARTINS in Long Island, as well as com- The 3rd Congressional seat opment and infrastructure Courtesy of state Sen. Martins' office munities throughout the coun- is being vacated by U.S. Rep. improvements, saying that try. He noted that the crisis Steve Israel (D-Melville). The the United States’ bounceback sion was insufficiently robust “For years, we have always began with an overabundance district includes parts of Nas- from the 2008 crash and reces- in comparison to past recov- been net contributors to the of prescription opioids, and sau and Suffolk counties as eries. He also said New York greater good nationally. And tighter regulations on doctors well as parts of Bay Terrace, needed more of its tax dollars that’s the nature of our tax meant addicts sought an easier Whitestone, Glen Oaks and ELECTION spent at home for necessary system, those who have more source of drugs, leading to an Floral Park. Former Nassau 2016 repairs. contribute more and help oth- Continued on Page 42 Stavisky, Jung square off Senate passes new law again in state Senate race to protect autistic kids BY GINA MARTINEZ The bill, originally pro- BY MARK HALLUM posed by U.S. Sen. Chuck The U.S. Senate has Schumer (D-NY) in March, S.J. Jung is challenging passed a bipartisan bill aims to protect young kids state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D- named in part for a Queens with autism and other men- Flushing) again as the two file autistic teen whose disap- tal disabilities by placing a petitions and raise funds for pearance set off a citywide tracking device on the chil- the Democratic primary Sept. search that lasted months. dren that alerts teachers or 13. The bill, known as Kevin guardians when they wan- Jung lost out to Stavisky and Avonte’s Law, was unan- der off. The bill would pro- in the 2014 election with about imously approved July 7. The vide $10 million in funds for 40 percent of the vote in 2014. bill was in honor of Kevin training programs to deal Stavisky has been elected Willis and Avonte Oquendo, with teens with autism and seven times to the seat she has two autistic boys who both other mental disabilities to held since 1999. died after wandering off. prevent any chances of them Former president of the Toby Stavisky (l) and S.J. Jung are opponents in the primary race for Avonte disappeared in Oc- disappearing. MinKwon Center for Commu- state Senate in District 16. tober 2013 when he ran out The voluntary tracking nity Action and board member of Riverview High School in system will be similar to of the New York Immigration for to run for Senate with 3,347 to give our children better Long Island City. His where- ones used on Alzheimer’s pa- Coalition, Jung announced his signatures filed, the minimum lives than we had,” Jung told abouts were unknown until tients. The devices vary from second run back in March and of which is 1,000. a recent rally in downtown January 2014, when officials anklets or bracelets to ones said his staff would include “Do we want to relive the Flushing. “Folks, it’s a choice discovered pieces of his body whichcan more subtly be veterans of the Obama and problems that have plagued between Groundhog Day or a washed up onto the College placed on belt loops or shoe Bernie Sanders campaigns. our community? Congestion, new day, and I think the choice Point shoreline. Willis, 9, had laces. If a child disappears, He recently announced his crime, corruption, trash in is clear. a similar fate. His body was caretakers alert the manu- campaign had exceeded the our streets? Or do we want to Stavisky announced that discovered in the Raccoon facturers, which then alert number of petitions necessary vigorously tackle these issues Continued on Page 42 River in Iowa in 2008. Continued on Page 42 TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 5 FLIP Borough musicians compete in Battle of the Bands Library hosts event at Queens College for several groups spanning wildly diverse genres
BY PATRICK DONACHIE participating sent in audition it played the song “Cupid” live tracks and judges selected the on WNYC. Enterprising bands from seven bands that competed at “Music is my life. I’ve been throughout the borough the battle. rapping since I was 10 years graced the stage of the Colden “I was surprised at how old,” he said, and mentioned Auditorium at Queens College diverse the genres are,” said that he hoped Chiv Culture on July 14 for the Queens Li- Kevin Matharu, the guitarist would be releasing a record brary’s second annual “Battle for the band Noise on 93rd. by late this year or early next of the Bands.” A fast-moving “It’s kind of exciting, because year. thunderstorm did not deter we usually do shows where As he waited backstage to the excited crowd of family, it’s just one genre, but our introduce the next act, Mc- friends and fans. More than most successful shows have Daniels spoke about his work 2,000 free tickets were distrib- been when there’s all types of at the library and the prepara- uted and by the time the first bands.” tion that went into the compe- band hit the stage many seats Matharu also enjoyed the tition. He said he hoped that were full. dichotomy of a library known the Battle of the Bands would “It’s really nice to be having for peace and quiet contempla- inspire new bands to form in a battle of the bands,” Queens tion also hosting a collection the borough. Library President Dennis M. of raucous rock bands. “It’s easier to book a DJ Walcott said in his introduc- “Queens Library doing a now, so the fact that we’re tory remarks. “These bands battle of the bands?” he said. doing this is kind of like a represent the best of the best.” “The irony in this is just so throwback,” he said. “I think Ralph McDaniels, the good.” with the young people, their Queens Library’s hip-hop co- The array of groups ranged Akinyemi (c), the frontman for Chiv Culture, performs with the band QNA musical tastes are all over the ordinator and co-creator of from singers belting Adele’s at the Queens Library Battle of the Bands competition held at Queens place. And their tastes mean Video Music Box was the em- “Hello” to punk bands skirt- College. Photo by Pat Donachie that they can play anything.” cee for the evening. The con- ing the limits of speed records test was open to bands of all and volume. The winner of crowd as he wove powerful had only had one rehearsal Reach reporter Patrick different musical genres with the competition was Chiv exciting rhymes into a musi- to prepare for the event. Ak- Donachie by e-mail at pdonach- members ranging in age from Culture, headed by Akinye- cal backing provided by local inyemi mentioned that Chiv [email protected] or by phone at 13 to 22. Bands interested in mi, who expertly worked the band QNA, who said that they Culture gained traction after (718) 260–4573. COLLISION EXPERTS WE’LL DO THE JOB RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. We work for you, not the insurance company. Have us negotiate your claim and we'll repair your car to pre-accident condition. DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS? www.liabra.org IT’S YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW! According to Section 167C of the New York State law you have the right to have your car repaired in the registered shop of your choice. “Your insurance company cannot direct you otherwise.” SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS ALL YOUR AUTO BODY NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF GOLDEN AUTO BODY 131-09 14TH AVE. COLLEGE POINT Monday - Friday 8am-5:30pm. Call for Saturday Hours. 718-939-2006ÛÝÛGoldenAutoBody.com Do not settle for substandard repairs!!!
6 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM FLIP Dr. John rocks boro STORE DINETTE CLOSING! & FURNITURE CENTER at Satchmo’s festival
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Legendary piano man Dr. John performs some of his greatest hits at a festival celebrat- ing fellow New Orleans jazz great Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong in Flushing Meadows Corona PRICES Park. Photo by Bill Parry SLASHED! BY BILL PARRY immense cultural legacy and raises awareness of Kupferberg’s three per- Flushing Meadows Corona Park formance spaces and community was transformed into the Big Easy as events. Monday & Thursday 10am-7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-6pm 718-225-6626 Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John “We are spreading culture to all 216-21 Northern Blvd. headlined the third annual Louis of our neighborhoods with over 150 Saturday 1pm-6pm Bayside, New York Armstrong’s Wonderful World Festi- events a year in libraries, schools Sunday 12-4pm val Saturday. and community spaces,” Queens Col- The 75-year-old legend from New lege Assistant Vice President Jeffrey Orleans’ Third Ward shuffled onto the Rosenstock said. “This event is a cul- stage near the New York State Pavilion, mination of those efforts and it’s a way using a voodoo staff as a walking stick, to build our brand. Last year Lauren and joined his band, The Nite Trip- Hill’s performance drew 20,000 people pers, for a powerful set of his signature and 80 percent of them were from out- swamp funk, a hybrid that combines side Queens. We added 10,000 names blues, zydeco, and boogie woogie. to our mailing list. This year, all 7,000 When the six-time Grammy Award- that reserved ticket were added to winner was inducted into the Hall in the list. Basically what we’re doing is Your town 2011, Dr. John said New Orleans music building our data base.” was not invented. The lineup included jazz trumpeter “It kind of grew up naturally, joy- and singer Kermit Ruffins, a fixture at fully, just for fun. That’s it. Just plain Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz is my town. down-to-earth happy-times music,” Festival and a scene stealer in the HBO Dr. John said. “When I was growing post-Katrina series “Treme,” which up in the Third Ward, I used to think also featured cameo appearances by ‘Oh, man, this music makes me feel the Dr. John. best.” A beer garden set up inside the The thousands in attendance ap- lobby of the Queens Theater served peared to agree, singing along to some potent Hurricanes, adding to the Bour- of his biggest hits such as “Right Place, bon Street feel of the evening, but there Now proudly serving Bayside. Wrong Time,” “Such a Night,” and “Iko were no gumbo or traditional po’ boy I live and work here just like you. So I’m right around the corner Iko.” Many danced as Dr. John pound- sandwiches served by nearby vending when you need me. I can help protect the things you own and the ed his Yamaha piano, adorned with a trucks. There was a band without ties people you love. Call or stop by today for a free quote. skull staring out at the crowd. to the Crescent City that fired up the Jazz legend Louis Armstrong grew crowd just before Dr. John took the Sean Cohen up in the Third Ward as well, but lived stage. 718-353-3500 his final three decades in Corona. His Soulive, a jazz/funk trio that origi- 212-45 26th Ave., Ste. 1B house at 34-56 107th St., which was de- nated in Brooklyn, said they thorough- Bayside signed by New York State Pavilion ar- ly enjoyed playing their set at Flushing In Bay Terrace Shopping Ctr. chitect Robert Johnson, was given to Meadows Corona Park. Guitarist Erik Professional Office Suites. the city after his death in 1971. Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and his [email protected] It is a National Historic Landmark organ playing brother Neal were all fa- owned by the city’s Department of miliar with the old World’s Fair site. Cultural Affairs and administered by “The crazy thing is me and my Queens College, the largest cultural brother grew up in Brooklyn and we campus in the borough, whose Kupfer- used to see this place from the highway berg Center for the Arts presented the all the time,” Alan Evans said. “But daylong free event Saturday. it’s our first time stepping foot on the © 2014 Allstate Insurance Co.
The festival celebrates Armstrong’s Continued on Page 42 173949 TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 7 FLIP
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8 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM FLIP 9/11 objects removed Hundreds camp out from hangar at JFK Hopefuls spend weekend on sidewalk to land union jobs BY PATRICK DONACHIE held a 40,000-pound piece of the North Tower’s massive In the aftermath of the television antenna. terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, The foundation hopes to 2001, Hangar 17 at John F. eventually house the artifacts Kennedy International Air- in a permanent exhibition, port was put into service to according to John Hodge, the house artifacts recovered foundation’s chief operating from the site—from battered officer. The organization also ambulance cruisers to retail created a mobile exhibit that clothing covered in ashes. travels throughout the coun- Now, Hangar 17 is being try, educating visitors about cleared of the artifacts, and the attack. the final significant pieces NYPD Chief of Citywide were removed Tuesday in a Operations Thomas Pur- ceremony to honor the lives tell spoke about the mas- lost and the memory of the sive undertaking of rescue attacks. and cleanup in the attack’s “This hangar collected aftermath and the logistics history. It told stories of peo- that were employed. He re- ple running from around the called the Red Cross Tent and city to the World Trade cen- Bellevue Hospital’s on-site More than 1,400 people waited in line all weekend for the right to apply for the apprenticeship program at UA ter. It told stories of people morgue, as well as the Fresh Plumbers Local 1 in Long Island City. Photo by Bill Parry running through the tunnels Kills landfill where debris to the tower,” FDNY Assis- was sent, but he noted the one BY BILL PARRY ways good to have something at getting in. My brother did tant Chief Joseph Pfeifer said place that had never been de- else to do.” this two years ago and our during the ceremony. “But mobilized was Hangar 17. They began arriving soon Nick Aloisi arrived on 37th father did it himself, so it’s a the steel behind us has more “This is burned in our after last Thursday’s fero- Street Friday after coaching family tradition.” to do than just remember- psyche,” he said. “We will cious thunderstorm and began a youth baseball game in his The 1,000 applications were ing. It provides us hope that never forget this.” stakingout spaces along 38th hometown of Huntington, L.I. handed out Monday morning we will again run into those The foundation’s work Street just south of Queens “I’m already a plumber in without incident, according dangerous situations.” was a testament to Siller’s Boulevard in Long Island City. the union in the B service,” he to Plumbers Local 1 business The event was conducted family and friends, accord- Many more came streaming said. “I’m hoping to get in so I agent Ray Rondino. He ex- by the Stephen Siller Tunnel ing to Catherine Christman, into the neighborhood on Fri- can move up to A. That would plained the to Towers Foundation, which Siller’s cousin. She said the day evening and by Saturday be like hitting the jackpot.” applicants need only a high is named in honor of an FDNY foundation’s annual Tunnel morning more than 1,400 peo- A father and son, who did school diploma and will leave officer who ran through the to Towers Run, which re- ple were camping out along not want to be identified, got a the program with an associ- Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to traces the path Siller took to several blocks waiting for an room at the LaQuinta motel on ate degree from SUNY Em- reach his squad on the day reach his FDNY companions application for the UA Plumb- 37th Street and Queens Boule- pire State College. Professors of the disaster. He died along on Sept. 11, came about or- ers Local 1 apprenticeship pro- vard and they took shifts hold- travel to Long Island City and with 11 other members of his ganically in the aftermath of gram that would be handed ing their place in line. The son teach the apprentices at the engine. the loss. out Monday morning. was in the room watching an Trade Union Facility at 37-11 In a parking lot adjacent “One of his friends said, Jeff Durant, a 33-year-old afternoon Mets game and the 37th Ave. to the hangar, multiple speak- ‘Why don’t we just do what physical therapist from Bel- father would use to room later ers took the podium, their Stephen did that day?’” she lerose, was one of the lucky in the evening and watch the One thousand applications voices amplified above the said. “They could have cursed ones. When he arrived Friday Yankees game. were handed out meaning sound of taxiing jets nearby. the darkness and been bitter, night, he found a spot on 37th Many people set up camp- more than 400 were disappoint- Behind the podium were two but they did this.” Street under some construc- ing gear with tents or folding ed after waiting all weekend. flatbed trucks holding the Christman said there tion scaffolding and as the canopies and watched portable Arthur Klock, the director of last artifacts. One truck held were 2,500 participants at the temperatures reached 94 de- TVs or listened to radios. Oth- training at the Trade Union a 35,000-pound express eleva- first race in 2002, and she is grees Saturday, he was thank- ers had laptops and coolers full Facility said other unions tor motor and a 40,000-pound expecting between 25,000 and ful for his luck. of beer, water and food. have tried more modern elec- column from the Twin Tow- 30,000 for the upcoming run “We’re in a good spot right Ronnie Bullum, 26, came tronic or computer methods ers’ underground parking on Sunday, Sept. 25. More in- here,” he said, glancing at doz- from the Bronx prepared with but Department of Labor fair- structure, while the other formation on joining the run ens of shirtless men exposed a folding chair, a huge contain- ness rules make it more dif- can be found on the founda- to the midday sun just a few er of watermelon and a deck of ficult so it’s more efficient to tion’s website. feet down the street. Durant cards. He played poker with line the applicants up over the With an NY PD color guard explained that Local 1 would some newfound friends who weekend. and bagpipers on hand, the be handing out applications were also waiting for Monday “It a recruitment process flatbed trucks slowly exited for the five-year program that morning to come. and we’ll end up with 500 to 600 the lot on the way to a new requires an apprentice to have One of the poker players ranked places on the list that storage space. Hodge said the over 10,000 hours of on-the-job had heard that between 200 will fill openings in the pro- Port Authority, which had training as well as more than and 250 slots in the program gram over the next two years,” operated the hangar and of- 1,070 hours of classroom edu- would be open this year. Bul- Klock said. “A lot are disquali- fered space for the artifacts cation from certified instruc- lum did not seem to mind wast- fied because they don’t meet in the years since the attack, tors. The average hourly wage ing a weekend considering the the requirements, and some were incredible partners. for an “A” plumber is $67 per long odds of getting into the of the applications don’t even Daniel Rodriguez sings the “This is the end to another hour in New York City while program. come back. That part mysti- National Anthem during a cere- era,” he said. “This building a “B” plumber averages $40 “This is what I do all sum- fies me because they just spent mony marking the removal of ar- and the people who have been an hour with benefits and job mer long. I sit in this chair at a the whole weekend on the side- tifacts from the Sept. 11, 2001 at- in it have been great stew- security. beach or some music festival,” walk.” tacks from Hangar 17 at JFK. ards.” “It would give me plenty of Bullum said. “This is much Photo by Michael Shain options,” Durant said. “It’s al- more productive taking a shot TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 9 FLIP Do you know a Student of Distinction? POLICE
TimesLedger Newspapers and Community Newspaper Group invite your school to participate in our feature highlighting Blotter young people who are excellent students as well as role models for their younger peers. Wallet stolen, credit card used at Astoria CVS Nomination requirements are: ASTORIA - Police were looking A) That the student excel in academics in addition to for two men who stole a wallet from a participation in extra-curricular school activities. parked car last week and then used the victim’s credit cards to make purchas- es at a nearby CVS store. B) A nominating letter from your school’s guidance The two suspects allegedly grabbed counselor and instructors describing the student’s abilities the wallet from inside the victims car which was parked in the vicinity of and why they would be worthy of this recognition. 77th Street and Ditmars Boulevard around 5 a.m. on July 15, according to C) Please make sure that the student’s bio and a recent the NYPD. The two men made purchas- es at the CVS located at 31-10 Ditmars photo are included with the nomination. Blvd., the NYPD said. Police describe the first suspect as a D) Categories are: white or Hispanic man last seen wear- 1) Middle School 2) High School 3) College ing a black-tan top and gray shorts. The second suspect was last seen wear- ing a white T-shirt, with a white shirt Please send nominations and information to: wrapped around his head, according to the NYPD. [email protected], or mail to: Anyone with information is asked One of the suspects in a July 14 grand lar- to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers ceny at 77th Street and Ditmars Boulevard. S. Rossi – 41-02 Bell Blvd., 2nd Floor, Bayside, NY 11361 Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. Courtesy NYPD If you have any questions, you may contact me at: 718-260-4522 Man hit by LIRR train near Qns Village station
QUEENS VILLAGE — A man was The crew stopped the train and inves- fatally struck by a westbound Long Is- tigated the scene and found the body land Rail Road station near a Queens on the tracks close to the intersection Village train stop, according to a of 245th Street and Superior Road. THE NEW SOUND OF spokesman for the MTA. The body was taken by Nassau The incident occurred at about 5:45 County Medical Examiner, and offi- p.m. Tuesday afternoon, according to cials have not yet determined the rea- the MTA. The man, who has not yet son why the unidentified man was on been identified, was trespassing on the the tracks, the MTA said. BROOKLYN tracks when he was struck by a train The incident, accompanied by sig- from Ronkonkoma heading towards nal problems at the Jamaica LIRR sta- Penn Station. The spokesman said the tion led the MTA to suspend service for The Community News Group is engineers of the train heard a noise approximately 45 minutes. Service was proud to introduce BROOKLYN that indicated the train had struck restored shortly after 7 p.m. and there PAPER RADIO. Join Brooklyn something but did not see anything to were residual delays, according to the Paper Editor-in-Chief Vince indicate someone was on the tracks. MTA. DiMiceli and the New York Daily News’ Gersh Kuntz man every Thursday at 4:45 for an hour of talk on topics Brooklynites hold Police seek suspects in Astoria shooting dear. ASTORIA - A man was in critical to Elmhurst Hospital Center in critical Each show will feature in- condition after being shot once in the condition, according to the NYPD. neck in Astoria Sunday, according to Police described the first suspect studio guests and call-out the NYPD. It was just after 4 a.m. when as 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-10 and 220 segments, and can be listened WITH two individuals got into a verbal dis- pounds, wearing a white T-shirt and to live or played anytime at your pute with a 23-year-old man in front of red shorts. The second suspect is convenience. 28-03 Steinway Ave., police said. 5-foot-10, between 200 and 220 pounds One of the suspects gave the second and was seen wearing a light-colored SPONSORED BY assailant a firearm. He fired several baseball hat, a black T-shirt and dark shots at the victim who was stuck in pants. JOSEPH the neck, police said. Anyone with information is asked LICHTER, The suspects fled south on Stein- to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers way Street and the victim was taken Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. D.D.S. VINCE DIMICELI GERSH KUNTZMAN
LISTEN EVERY THURSDAY AT 4:45PM ON Got tips? BrooklynPaper.com/radio Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), text 274637 (CRIMES)and enter TIP577 or log on to nypdcrimestoppers.com.
10 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM FLIP
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 11 EDITORIALS GAME CHANGER
Republican nominee Donald Trump, in keeping with the new unorthodoxy, broke the rules at the GOP convention in Cleveland, flouting tradition by turning the political rites into a TV spectacle. But The Donald, a Queens native and reality TV veteran, is not alone in challenging the rigid way things have been done in the past. He is adept at harnessing the new forces of social media that are transforming the world and has been among the first in the political area to recognize the near limitless power of the new technology. There is also a revolution afoot in the West un- leashed by cell phones, iPads and Facebook, but it might have happened anyway—albeit at a slower place—without the high-tech boost. As Trump plastered the campaign trial with his rapid-fire tweets, House Democrats in Washington staged a sit-in to protest the Republicans’ refusal to bring gun control legislation to a vote. After receiv- ing training sessions from Twitter on how to master social media, the Queens delegation hauled out their cell phones to alert constituents and the media to their protest. They and their colleagues defied the chamber’s protocol, to the dismay of the old guard Washington establishment. In an ironic twist, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who dislikes social media and tried to ban Twitter in his country, went on Facebook Live to beat back the military coup that threatened to drive him from power. There was the president using an iPhone to keep his job. THER OICES Social media values instant reaction and a sense O V of familiarity that marks a departure from the more scripted communication of the past. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg may have been influenced by the new openness when she publicly criticized Trump and called him a “faker,” a Beat the heat while saving the earth headline-grabbing shocker since the justices are expected to steer clear of electoral politics. Circumspect is no longer the case in buttoned-up New York’s first heat wave of heat waves from growing even against climate change. Ulti- England, where Boris Johnson—the top cheerleader the summer arrived this week as more frequent and severe. mately, we should build a zero- for Brexit—was named foreign minister. He is the temperatures soared into the 90s. So let’s take ambitious state- emission electricity system that British version of Trump, known for his undiplomat- Across the area, people looked for wide action to protect our cli- does not put our climate or our ic pronouncements and character assassinations. ways to beat the heat. mate. communities at risk. But then again he is American-born, so Britain can Hitting the pool and turning Governor Cuomo should If we work together, we can blame us in part for his gaffes. on the air conditioner are always strengthen the Regional Green- beat the heat and minimize the Trump may be the standard bearer for a brave popular choices. But considering house Gas Initiative to accelerate impacts of global warming. new world or just the first guy who exploited the that scientists continue to warn our progress in cleaning up car- 140-character tweet to savage his political opponents us about global warming, we bon pollution from power plants, Heather Leibowitz on a grand scale. need to dig deeper. We’re in con- while increasing the amount of Director, Stay tuned. This is one Trump show where we trol here. By slashing pollution in power we get from clean, renew- Environment New York could all learn more about ourselves in Queens and New York and across the world, able energy sources. New York the rest of the country. we can prevent these kinds of should take the lead in the fight
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12 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM READERS WRITE Studies strand transit riders Vote your beliefs
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $5 ous elected officials are noth- LOGIC, EMOTION, POLI- careful or careless. It’s amaz- million study to look at the ing more than placebos de- TICS AND MURDER ing how many people want feasibility of constructing a signed to placate demagogues All of the above words are, my vote. I have received tunnel from Long Island to ei- who are not regular users of unfortunately, connected at telephone and mail requests ther the Bronx, Westchester or the numerous public transpor- this trying time. from both the Democratic Connecticut, which he proud- tation alternatives that have And, consideration of top- and Republican camps and ly announced months ago, has been available for decades. ics should determine how from personal representa- yet to begin. There is still time The real problem is finding you will decide for whom to tives of both and I have made to spend these funds for bet- money to make things happen. vote this coming November. a decision. ter purposes. The concept is All too often funding for many I will not concern myself I will vote for the candi- nothing new, has been consid- studies would have been better about which party you, the date I determine to be the ered for decades and deemed spent on real capital and oper- reader, endorse. What is of best for the future of my/our unfeasible. ating service improvements greater importance is the country and I fervently hope Property condemnation instead of just lining the pock- fate of our country. that you will decide to do the at either end could displace ets of consultants. How many The person you choose same. thousands of residents and studies end up on the shelf of to be our president might businesses. By the time all the planners just collecting dust? turn out to be either wise or James Cohn court cases would be resolved, How many times do we end up foolish, generous or selfish, Douglaston it could take years and cost with a series of press confer- billions. Add the costs for con- ences and news releases de- struction of any tunnel and it GOV. CUOMO signed to provide free publici- would be billions more. The ty for elected officials to assist estimated cost for the Gateway construction of a new tunnel them in greasing the wheels of Weigh in on the issues that matter Tunnel, which would connect across Long Island Sound also future elections. These same to Queens by writing a letter to the editor. New Jersey with Penn Station, has been previously studied by elected officials promise a is $24 billion. Crossing Long various planning and trans- bright future but leave riders Send your opinions or comments to Island Sound would be a far portation agencies going back holding an empty bag [email protected] greater distance than the Hud- decades. son River. Can you imagine the Too many transportation Larry Penner cost of this project? Proposed studies championed by numer- Great Neck
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 13 COLUMNS What a legendary journalist taught us
That book made it to the big of 9/11. screen (“The Killing Fields”) Sydney Schanberg grace- and the relationship between ydney Schanberg wasn’t your fully told me that he under- Schanberg and Dith, played S stood our poor timing and by Sam Waterston and Dr. Ha- typical columnist. He always spoke that he was going to move on, ing S. Ngor, was witnessed by but to keep in touch if we ever millions who learned of this truth to power, going after rapacious wanted to revisit the City Hall brutal episode in history. newspaper idea. Schanberg was a prickly, developers like Donald Trump I eventually was able to hen I went to Columbia hard-bitten journalist who and Harry Macklowe, and shining launch that newspaper in 2006, Journalism School in didn’t suffer fools. When he five years later, incorporating 1985, we were taught returned from Cambodia, he a light on other miscreants in Gotham. some of Sydney’s ideas and Wthat good journalism was on the fast track at The zeal for covering government. “comforts the afflicted and af- New York Times: first as met- And now, as I plan the 10th flicts the comfortable.” ropolitan editor and then as cades. newspapers in Manhattan. I anniversary issue and gala Sydney Schanberg life’s an op-ed columnist, covering I got to know Schanberg had an idea to start a political for the publication we first work embodies that motto. metro matters. A column at in 1985 at The Times when I weekly newspaper titled “City conceived in 2001 (now called Schanberg died July 9 and The Times is generally akin interviewed to be his assis- Hall.” I was looking for a high- City and State), comes word of the perilous craft of investiga- to an appointment to the Su- tant. We had a candid conver- profile editor. I called Sydney Sydney Schanberg’s death at tive journalism lost yet anoth- preme Court—you either re- sation, he seemed to like me Schanberg. He was available 82 of a heart attack. er of its finest. tire or die in that post. and I walked out feeling good and he liked my idea. I hope that his passing can He was best known for his But Sydney Schanberg about my prospects. And then For the next few months be a lesson to all of us who toil courageous war-zone report- wasn’t your typical columnist a phone call from him came we worked together on the pa- in media that we can give in ing from Cambodia during and he wasn’t your typical two days later. “I’m not going per. He was happy to create a to the better angels of our na- the fall of Phnom Penh in 1975 Timesman. He always spoke to hire you,” were the disarm- hard-hitting publication that ture and be more like Sydney and his chronicling of the sav- truth to power, going after ra- ingly candid words he uttered. would shine a light on malfea- Schanberg. His reporting from age genocide by Pol Pot and pacious developers like Don- “But I’d like you to freelance sance in city government. He Cambodia, his extraordinary the Khmer Rouge. He won a ald Trump and Harry Mack- for me and do research for mocked up a number of front friendship with Dith Pran, his Pulitzer for that but, more lowe, and shining a light on some of my investigative col- pages and interior sections tough-nosed columns about importantly, he showed the other miscreants in Gotham. umns, OK?” in pencil, all with creative New York’s rogues gallery of world another side of himself His unrelenting criticism Sure, I replied, and we ideas and biting sensibility. characters, they all added up through his close relationship of The Times’ coverage of vowed to get together in a few This was in August 2001. We to an extraordinary career. with his Cambodian inter- Westway, a controversial wa- weeks to discuss this poten- planned a launch date of Octo- preter, Dith Pran. terfront road project that will tial gig. ber that year. Tom Allon, president of City Schanberg and Pran saved forever be linked to Donald It never happened, howev- But alas, the Twin Towers & State NY, was a Republican each other’s lives during this Trump, ultimately led to his er, because shortly thereafter came tumbling down a few and Liberal Party-backed may- period and forged a bond that demise. He was unceremoni- his column was discontinued. weeks later and it was not a oral candidate in 2013 before was recorded in Schanberg’s ously dumped from the op-ed Fast forward 15 years later propitious time to launch a he left to return to the private best-selling book, “The Death page and he became a media and I was the publisher and newspaper in Lower Manhat- sector. Reach him at tallon@ and Life of Dith Pran.” wanderer for the next few de- co-owner of a group of weekly tan, where the air still reeked cityandstateny.com. Civic associations improve their neighborhoods
fracking. Although fracking same. They thanked Council- children early and don’t have its members that if they are Bob is illegal in New York state, man Paul Vallone for his help to make two trips to school. A concerned that there may this toxic wastewater can be in this matter. monthly weeknight exercise be lead in the water in their Harris sent into the state and could be Gloria Boyce-Charles, a class, a weekend tennis club house, they can call 311 to n used to deice roads. member of the board of the and a health fair help families obtain a free testing kit from The Civic Several members of the Rosedale Civic Association have better health. Principal the DEP. Scene Auburndale civic attended a Inc. wrote a full page praising Bailey said she attended pub- The October 2015 Bayside rally held by the Broadway- PS 195 in Rosedale. She spe- lic schools in nearby District Hills Beacon printed a thank Flushing Homeowners As- cifically mentioned Principal 28 and is just giving back. you to member Jo-Ann Skutch n the March-April 2016 sociation to demand that the Beryl Bailey, who has been The February 2016 Fresh for her efforts in maintaining Newsletter of the Auburn- Landmarks Preservation there for 14 years. Bailey was Meadows Homeowners Civic the planters, shrubs and flow- dale Improvement As- Commission grant city land- singled out for the way she Association Inc. Newsletter ers on the malls and other Isociation Inc. First Vice mark status to the communi- works with teachers, parents warned residents that they green spaces in Bayside Hills. President Henry Euler told of ty. President Terri Pouymari and the children. It seems may live in an illegal apart- Also praised for their work in several activities by the civic. and Euler sent a letter prais- that many children come into ment if they live in an attic, beautifying the community He gave information about ing the city Department of the building in the morning get electricity with an ex- were Marrianne Downes, City Council Intro 446, which Finance for permitting prop- and sit on her lap and often tension cord, live in a cellar Ron Keil, Barbara Feder, Jack would ban the discharge, dis- erty owners and homeowner give her a hug. Zero Periods (half of your bedroom is un- Niedermeyer and Sebastian posal or use within the city of associations to record exist- three days a week help chil- derground) or lock the door D’Agostino. This is a commu- New York of any wastewater ing restrictive covenants into dren prepare for the statewide with a padlock. These apart- nity making itself better. or natural gas waste produced the agency’s Automated City assessment tests. There are ments are often dangerous. from the process of hydrau- Register Information system even adults available so par- Landlords can be fined up to lic fracturing, also known as and hope the state will do the ents can bring in their young $25,000. The civic informed 14 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM COLUMNS Pokemon Go gets the fear mongers going
BMW somewhere in Missouri could choke!), playing baseball around you. Slow car parallel- tling neighborhood, Jackson Lenore for waiting in a secluded area (they could get hit by a bat!) ing a person on foot might be a Heights, when I saw one mom Skenazy and robbing the Pokemon play- and attending school (what if sign it’s a getaway car.” showing another mom the app. ers who stopped by. they fall off the stage during a Um, yeah. Except that with The explainer had her 10-year- ■ So if you are part of the vast production of “Annie”?). literally 15 million people play- old son with her. “Can he go Rhymes web of Very Concerned Adults As delightful as Pokemon ing this game across the entire out on his own to play?” I (a whose life’s purpose seems to Go is to play—I love it and I’ve country for the past week, we stranger!) asked. with Crazy be dreaming up terrible things never played video games (or have that one BMW in Mis- “Oh no, no, no,” she said, that can happen to kids when whatever this is) before—it souri to point to as an actual as if I’d queried, “Would you they venture beyond the kitch- seems to be more exciting to menace. bathe your child in acid?” The y now even if you have en, you can relax. You’ve got the authorities who can spit Meantime, over in England, other mom agreed: No way. not yet played Poke- your stranger-danger stories. out a new set of warnings faster which you’d think has bigger “What age do you think mon Go, you are more Following this incredibly than you can say “Air time.” problems to freak out about, the you’ll let them play on their Baware of it than your predictable script, a bunch of And so all the way across authorities are warning that own?” own breathing. You have read our local television stations the country, the San Fran- the app could be used to make Answered Mom #1, grimly that the app has been more are solemnly warning us about cisco Police Department took children “easily accessible to laughing: “28.” downloaded than any other scenarios they have made up it upon itself to tell moms and criminals”—and they don’t The Pokemon game is so app, ever, and that it has actu- in their heads: Reports CBS dads that they should “know even have the game there yet. fun, so simple, so shareable, it ally convinced kids to leave New York, “there are worries where your kids are going It is almost like there’s a par- is as if the company invented the house to go play outside—a that sex offenders might use when playing with the app” allel universe out there: Game the 21st century equivalent of miracle! the app to lure children.” And, and “set limits”—as if parents players get points for finding the ball—a toy kids can play But you have probably also says NBC New York, the app couldn’t possibly figure this Pokemon, and the warning with on their own, or in a heard about the player who “could potentially put young out for themselves. As if this class gets points for dreaming group, or when they’re walk- stumbled upon a dead body, people at risk.” whole “kids going outside” up Hollywood horror movie ing down the street. and the two guys who walked Note to news editors: Wor- thing is just so new and crazy. plots. But the warners also But the ball came of age off a cliff (but lived), and the ries are not the same as “re- The ’Frisco Fear-mongers get massive publicity, because before the warning industry, 15-year-old who didn’t look up alities.” What’s more, pretty also published this Pokemon nothing sells like kids in peril. indeed before the dawn of his- and got hit by a car. (She’s alive, much anything can “potential- Go Safety Tip: “Know your sur- Even if they aren’t in peril. tory, so kids simply got to go too.) And then there were those ly” put young people at risk, roundings and pay attention to So the other morning I outside and play with it. four guys arrested in a black including eating dinner (they where you’re going and who is was walking around my bus- Imagine that.
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 15 New subway car planned for MTA: Cuomo
BY BILL PARRY tems, and focusing on our core mission to renew, enhance and expand.” Riders of the beleaguered No. 7 sub- The new cars will also feature way line have been dreaming of open- much wider doors to reduce delays by gangway subway cars for years as an allowing passengers to enter and exit answer to the chronic over-crowding more quickly, a host of new amenities on their trains. When Gov. Andrew including WiFi, USB chargers and Cuomo announced Monday that he has customer information displays and se- a plan that will bring 1,025 new subway curity cameras to promote passenger cars, including 750 “Open Car End” de- safety. The exterior will include a new signed cars, to the MTA, hope ran high blue front with large windows, LED on social media. headlights, and a blue stripe with gold But the new cars, which are de- accents along the sides. signed to increase capacity, will not “The governor gave the MTA a man- roll on the No. 7 subway line because date to implement new, world-class de- they wouldn’t fit and the line recently signs as quickly as possible for all new received new cars, according to the subway cars and that’s what you’re MTA. The open-gangway cars won’t seeing today -- innovation making the run on any numbered lines but only lives and commutes of all New York- on the lettered lines, according to the ers easier,” MTA Chairman and CEO MTA. Thomas Prendergast said.” “That’s a shame, because they The initiative includes a new and are really wonderful,” 7 Train Blues New gangway subway cars are included in Gov. Cuomo's plan for the MTA, but don't look for improved design standard for sub- founder Melissa Orlando said. them on the No. 7 subway line. Photo courtesy Gov. Cuomo's office way stations. Extensive renovations The open-gangway subway cars are planned for 31 stations across the have a new design that replaces the wonderful new cars but it’s disappoint- renovations were announced as part of five boroughs, but it is not clear which door between cars with an accordian- ing to know we won’t be getting them,” the MTA’s $27 billion, five-year capital stations in Queens will be selected or like connector that eliminates separa- 7 Train Blues Founder Melissa Or- plan. when any projects would begin. . tion between cars and increases capac- lando said. “Even when the new CBTC “New York deserves a world-class “We are going to do more than reno- ity by as much as 10 percent. It creates signal system is up and running in transportation network, worthy of its vate, we are bringing subway stations longer, open spaces, allowing for great- 2017 and we will have two extra trains role as the heartbeat of the 21st century to a higher standard than ever before,” er passenger flow, and they are grow- each hour, we still won’t have enough economy,” Cuomo said. “The MTA de- Cuomo said. ing more popular in London, Paris and capacity for the growing population ex- sign team developed a bold and vision- Toronto. plosion in western Queens where all of ary reimagining of the quintessential Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail “I’m really happy for New York City our lines are pushed to the limit.” commuter experience, incorporating at [email protected] or by phone at Transit that they are getting these The new cars and major station best practices from global transit sys- (718) 260–4538.
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16 TIMESLEDGER, JULY 22–28, 2016 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM Zemser honored by Far Rockaway
BY GINA MARTINEZ
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) announced the renaming of the corner of Seaside Avenue and Beach Channel Drive in SUN-SATIONAL Far Rockaway as “Mid- shipman Justin Zemser Way” for the late Queens JUSTIN ZEMSER resident who died in the 2015 Amtrak crash while up the new street sign, so on his way to visit family we can continue to honor in the Rockaways. The Midshipman Justin Zem- City Council passed leg- ser’s life.” islation to approve sever- Howard Zemser, al renamings in the five Justin’s father, praised boroughs. Ulrich and his team for The train was en route their efforts. from Washington, D.C to “We thank Council SAVINGS Penn Station and crashed member Ulrich and his in Port Richmond, Pa., staff for getting this done near the Philadelphia and fighting to honor train station. The derail- Justin,” he said “We’re % ment killed eight pas- looking forward to put- sengers and injured 200. ting up the new sign and NYCB ELITE RATE 1 Investigators from the inviting the community to join us.” 1.11 APY National Transportation 11-MONTH CD Safety Board determined Zemser was an active it was caused by the en- member of the Rockaway gineer, who became dis- community. He would 3466 / tracted and lost control often visit and give mo- of the train. He lived in tivational speeches to NYCB Elite* " Forest Hills. high schoolers while in NYCB Elite Gold Checking account and maintain $100,000 or his midshipman’s uni- Zemser, 20, was re- 2 membered as a bright form. Joseph Feather- more in combined balances . young man with a great ston, assistant principal future ahead of him. He of Channel View School graduated from Chan- for Research, believes nel View School for Re- the street renaming is search as valedictorian the perfect way to honor in 2013 and was in his Zemser. second year at the U.S. “The signpost bear- Naval Academy at the ing his name will be a time of his death. During constant reminder to high school he kept busy Channel View’s students by serving in student that they should live government, volunteer- their lives following the ing and was captain of ‘Zemser Way’ — patrio- +&