Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together

COMETNewsletter · Winter 2015

Before fire – House on 54tH AvenueAt vAn Horn street

House in JulyAfter fire

House todAy - montHs After fire

If you see something, say something!Counter Terrorism Hotline

1-888-692-7233 or 1-888-NY-SAFE

If you see something, send something.Go to the APP Store, type in "see send".

You can attach photos or send information.

Abandoned and Empty BuildingConcerns Residents

We all wonder how long it will take to repair the structure or tear it down. Who would be responsible to do the work – the City or the property owner who is nowhere to be found?

see page 5.

Photos by Geraldine Walsh

Pg. 2 Winter 2015 COMET

NYC Green Infrastructure

We’ve noticed that many folks are improving their front yards and installing materials to make maintaining their property easier by removing grass and replacing it with concrete or other non-porous materials that eliminates the need for maintaining the lawn and shrubbery. Some folks, fed up maintaining the grass ribbon in front of their property at the curb concrete over it. Most of us don’t consider what happens to the water runoff that used to be absorbed by the grass and shrubs.

You may have noticed green spray paint on sidewalks, geotechnical investigations using drilling machines to test the underlying soil and surveyors walking through our area and

wondered what is going on. This activity is being conducted to determine the best locations to install bioswales.

Bioswales are green infrastructures that collect storm water runoff from rooftops, streets, driveways and sidewalks before it goes into the combined sewer system and contributes to Combined Sewer Overflow pollution (CSO) in surrounding waterbodies. Green infrastructure is a more cost-effective way to manage storm water in New York City and will save New Yorkers billions of dollars over the next 20 years.

As described on their website, http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/green_infrastructure/bioswales-standard-designs.pdf, a bioswale is a linear, sloped retention area designed to capture and convey water, while allowing it to infiltrate the ground slowly over a 24 to 48 hour period. The slopes are usually planted with native species similar to a rain garden. A bioswale built into a sloped area can also help prevent erosion. In order to increase the water retention capacity, perforated pipe can be placed in

Photo by John Schaffer

the trench similar to a French drain. This also allows excess flow to be directed where you want it to go. Landscape fabric is used to cover the perforated pipe to keep the soil from washing in and clogging the pipes. Larger plant material like berry bushes or fruit trees can be planted at the top of the swale to provide an additional protection against erosion.

During a typical rainstorm, the green infrastructure installation collects stormwater running off the street and sidewalk before it enters the combined sewer system. The City is responsible for green infrastructure maintenance. NYC Parks & Recreation crews will remove litter, sediment, and weeds from each installation on a regular basis.

You can help the environment by keeping grass, shrubs and trees on your property. If you are going to install a hard surface material, use one that is porous and able to soak up rainwater. We all need to do our part by taking small steps to prevent flooding.

We are showing you some photos of a bioswale taken from the website. Comet member Richie Polgar took a photo of one that has already been installed opposite Elmhurst’s Georgia Diner on Queens Boulevard.

Bioswale opposite elmhurst's Georgia diner.

Photo by richie Polgar

COMET Winter 2015 Pg. 3

104th Precinct/NYS DOT/NYPD TrafficConducts Truck Enforcement Initiative

Grand Avenue at Remsen Place in MaspethIn an effort to curtail the overwhelming

truck traffic problem in Maspeth, the 104th Precinct, in conjunction with NYS Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) and NYPD Traffic, conducted an initiative on November 4th. The operation took place during the morning and evening rush hours. Captain Gregory Mackie, 104th Precinct Executive Officer, provided us with some photos and statistics.

The summonses written for the day tour included 9 moving summonses for off-route issued by 104th Precinct Traffic Unit, 18 moving summonses for trucking violations

issued by NYPD Traffic, 4 Criminal Court summonses for truck violations issued by NYPD Traffic, 8 inspection summonses for trucks by NYS DOT and 1 truck was towed by NYS DOT. The summonses written for the evening tour included 5 moving summonses for off-route issued by 104th Precinct Traffic Unit, 4 moving summonses for no seatbelt issued to truckers by the 104th Precinct Traffic Unit and 22 moving summonses for trucking violations by NYPD Traffic Unit.

The grand total for the day for the truck enforcement totaled 8 inspection violations, 58 moving violations, 4 criminal court summonses and one truck towed.

On November 6th, 31 more trucks were summonsed. All the Criminal Court summonses were issued by the Citywide Traffic Task force for Motor Carrier Safety violations.

the photos were provided to us by Captain mackie, 104th Precinct.

Photo by John Schaffer

108th Precinct Parking Initiative in Woodside / WinfieldCaptain John Travaglia, 108th Precinct, told us his officers issued 17 commercial parking violations in our area on November 6th. Hopefully our precincts keep up the good work in our community!!

Bus Lane EnforcementIf you drive, park, or stand in a bus lane during the hours of

operation you face fines ranging from $115 to $150. The hours of bus lane operation varies from place to place and signs are clearly visible. The 104th Precinct has provided the information below concerning Woodhaven Boulevard, a portion of which is located in their command.

Important Bus Lane Information Provided by Captain Mackie, 104th Precinct:

Bus lanes are in effect Mon-Fri, 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, throughout the entire stretch of Woodhaven Boulevard. Unless

there is a sign that specifically prohibits turns, motorists may enter the red bus lanes to execute a right turn, as defined by the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1160, sub (a):

"...both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway."

And also 1163, sub (b):

"...a signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning."

Pg. 4 Winter 2015 COMET

We want to thank Assembly Member Marge Markey and Council Member Elizabeth Crowley for bringing the community’s concerns about lack of Q47 bus stops to the MTA and convincing them to add additional stops for the duration of the Calamus Avenue sewer project. Unfortunately, the temporary stops will not give any relief to our Woodside folks who live along Calamus Avenue between 70th and 74th

Streets. They have a long walk which causes a hardship during inclement weather. The new stops will give more options to those who are heading to and from Grand Avenue. See the MTA’s notification below.

MTA NotificationPrior to the implementation of our detour, MTA Bus Company

installed notices in the Guide-A-Ride boxes of each temporarily discontinued bus stop along Calamus Avenue and 79th Street, with an explanation of the need for the detour and redirecting

To eliminate any confusion which may still exist regarding these lanes, all turns must be made with REASONABLE SAFETY, which means that right turns at these locations (unless prohibited by sign) MUST be made from the red lane. We are still seeing vehicles making turns from the outer lane, and this is exactly what caused the Resort World's Casino bus accident back in August. Making the turn from the outside lane to avoid being in the bus lane while making the turn constitutes an IMPROPER TURN which is a hazardous violation and a summonsable offense. Only vehicles which are continuously driving from corner to corner in the bus lane without any intention of turning, during the posted days and

times, are in violation of the bus lane provision and are subject to enforcement.

As of now, I have no reported locations of fixed (stationary) cameras along Woodhaven Boulevard in the 104 for bus lane enforcement. However, there is a possibility of these cameras being installed on MTA Buses to catch violators (which is currently in use in Manhattan). We regularly communicate with the 112 Precinct, which covers the northbound leg of Woodhaven Boulevard, as well as DOT. If I receive any updates regarding these lanes/installation of new cameras, I will definitely pass them along to you so the community remains informed.

MTA Adds Two Temporary Stops to Q47 Bus LineDetour Still a Hardship for Some Woodside/Winfield Riders

customers to the nearest active Q47 bus stops (69th Street at Calamus Avenue or Grand Avenue at 79th Street). However, effective, Sunday, November 15, 2015, two temporary Q47 bus stops will be added in each direction on the current detour and these added bus stops will be served full-time for the duration of the detour.

The new, temporary Q47 bus stops will be added at the following locations:

Northbound Q47 to Jackson Heights:Grand Av at 73 Street and 69 Street at 52 Drive

Southbound Q47 to Glendale: 69 Street at 53 Av and Grand Av at 73 Street

We believe that the addition of these two new temporary bus stops will improve access to the Q47 by reducing the walking distances for some of our customers affected. We will be updating our Guide-A-Ride box information along the existing route path and along the detour. Our online timetables will also reflect these changes. PLEASE NOTE: Upon completion of the Calamus Avenue DDC project and the reopening of Calamus Avenue to regular traffic, we plan to restore the regular Q47 route, thereby discontinuing the detour thus removing these new temporary stops.

October 17th Recycling, Paper Shredding, Rain Barrel Give-a Way, VIN EtchCosponsored by Maspeth Federal, Council Member Crowley, 104th/108th Precincts and COMET

COMET Winter 2015 Pg. 5

Block Captain Howard Moskowitz has been reporting sinkholes that are cropping up in the vicinity of Kneeland Avenue, Hillyer Street and Manilla Street. NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has been filling them with asphalt but residents suspect more is going on under the street.

Howard gave us a brief history concerning the sinkholes and subterranean deterioration on Kneeland Avenue. He said that during June of 2014 a large sinkhole was reported at Kneeland Avenue and Hillyer Street and believes it was repaired that August. During February 2015, a leaking water main combined with seeping salt from Department of Sanitation trucks caused an electrical fire in the same area. As a result, an explosion occurred and electricity on Kneeland Avenue was shut down for several hours. The water main repair took place over the next several days.

During this past summer Howard noticed another sinkhole forming at the intersection of Kneeland Avenue at Hillyer Street as well as yet another one along the curb on Kneeland Avenue. Once again the condition was reported and NYC DOT filled them

What’s Happening to the Streets in Elmhurst’s “Valley”?

The Elmhurst Gate Saga Continues

Sinkhole forming at Kneeland Avenue at Hillyer Street

Another sinkhole on Kneeland Avenue at Hillyer Street - before

sinking catch basin on manilla street

with asphalt. He also reported a crumbling pedestrian ramp on 51st Avenue at Jacobus Street and what appears to be a sinking catch basin on Manilla Street. We are all beginning to wonder if this is not a NYC DOT problem but rather an issue that needs to be researched by the Department of Environmental Protection. If there are water leaks under the street asphalt will not help and the streets will continue to sink. The last thing residents need is another power outage this winter.

Michael Mallon and Sebastian Mcguire from Councilman Daniel Dromm’s office took a ride-a-long with Comet President Roe Daraio and Comet Treasurer Geraldine Walsh on Friday, November 13th, to see our concerns on the south side of Queens Boulevard first-hand. Geraldine hopped out of the car and to our amazement started pulling up wet and sinking asphalt from a sinkhole in a parking spot on Kneeland Avenue that had been repaired and has now begun to sink again. We were assured that Councilman Dromm’s office will have the agencies look into the problem and determine what can be done to rectify it.

Photos were taken by Howard moskowitz.

We previously reported to you that the gates on 85th Street at 57th Road and 84th Street and 57th Road were unsecured. Vandals were hanging out at the 84th Street location and youth were seen throwing rocks at Long Island Railroad (LIRR) passenger trains at the 85th Street location which is NYS Department of Transportation property. The good news is that these gates are now locked. However, when we went on our tour with Councilman Dromm’s staff members Michael Mallon and Sebastian Mcguire, we found yet another gate, this one located on 85th Street near 57th Road. This gate had a latch that can be easily opened allowing people to access the LIRR tracks. His office has promised to find out if this gate belongs to NYC DOT or NYS DOT and hopefully get it secured quickly.

Photo was taken by Geraldine Walsh

Pedestrian ramp at Jacobus and 51st Avenue

faded crosswalk lines on 51st Avenue near our schools

Pg. 6 Winter 2015 COMET

Elmhurst – 54th Avenue

In July, a huge fire broke out at an abandoned house on 54th Avenue at Van Horn Street in Elmhurst. This house has been abandoned for years and the property has racked up thousands of dollars in fines during this time. Prior to the fire the property was not maintained and during the snowy winter months pedestrians heading to work or school had to slip and slide across the sidewalk.

After the fire, residents are stuck looking at this building which most likely is structurally damaged. The windows in the front of the building have been concreted up. During our ride-a-long with Michael Mallon and Sebastian Mcguire from Councilman Dromm’s office we visited this location and let them see what nearby residents must contend with. We asked them to find out why this property wasn’t taken over by the City for unpaid fines or why the property owner, wherever he may be, isn’t being forced to either tear down the house or repair it, if possible. They have promised to research this for us.

Maspeth – Flushing Avenue

A local resident called our attention to the property at 60-90 Flushing Avenue which has been lying vacant and which has become an eyesore for residents and businesses in the area. We referred the problem to Roman Paprocki, Chief-of-Staff at Council Member Elizabeth Crowley’s office. Roman visited the site and took photos of the dumping

and discovered that the permit for the scaffolding had expired.

He reached out to the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), the agency that is handling this site, to see what could be done to clean up the property. He also mentioned the expired scaffolding permit that was issued to the contractor, who was awarded the contract to repair the property, as well as the lighting under the scaffolding that is inoperative. The lack of lighting under the scaffolding is a concern especially during the dark winter months. HPD said they will look into the issues raised and take steps to rectify the problems.

Neighborhood Eyesores

Comet UpdatesTo get the latest Comet and neighborhood news all in one place,

please join our new Google Group - 'CometUpdates'.

If you do not already have a Google account - please create one at: https://accounts.google.com

Then search and subscribe to 'CometUpdates' by entering your email address at: https://groups.google.com

Photos by Geraldine Walsh Photos by roman Paprocki & tom Porembski

Co-Street NamingMaspeth Avenue/Frank

Kowalinski WayOn Wednesday, November 11th, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley officiated a co-street naming ceremony in honor of Frank Kowalinski. Veterans from the Kowalinski Post and American Legion proudly attended.

Maspeth Avenue between 61st and 64th Streets was co-named "Frank Kowalinski Way". Kowalinski was the first Polish-American to die in WWI. The Polish Legion of American Veterans named their Maspeth post after him.

DSNY Rules and RegulationsGood news! The Department of Sanitation tells us that residents can now place their trash

and recycling out for collection at 4:00 pm all year long.

Snow & Ice RemovalEvery owner, lessee, tenant or other person having charge of any lot or building must clean snow and/or ice from the

sidewalk within 4 hours after the snow has stopped falling, or by 11:00 am if the snow has stopped falling after 9:00 pm the previous evening. Snow may NOT be thrown into the street. If the snow or ice becomes frozen so hard that it cannot

be removed, the sidewalk may be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust or similar suitable material within the same time limits. The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as the weather permits.

FINE: $100-$150 for the first offense; $150-$350 for the second offense.

Report Plane Noise http://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/qs114wbt.php

Photos by richie Polgar

Upcoming C.O.M.E.T. MeetingsSt. Adalbert Parish Center, lower level, 52-40 84th Street, 7:00 pm.

Check our website at www.cometcivic.com to see if a meeting is canceled due to inclement weather.

No meeting in January.February 1, 2016

March 7, 2016

Newsletter CommitteeMike Fordunski, Tom Porembski, Geraldine Walsh, Richie Polgar, Roe Daraio, Dick Gundlach, Maspeth Press

Thank You!This newsletter is made possible by funding from Council Members Elizabeth Crowley, Daniel

Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer through the Department of Youth and Community Development.

C.O.M.E.T., INCP.O.Box 780151Maspeth, NY 11378

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Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together

COMETNewsletter · Spring 2015

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