MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CREEDMOOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

School  boundary shocker....

88TH AVE. RESIDENTS DENIED AS-OF-RIGHT ACCESS TO DIST. 26 SCHOOLS

Residents of 88th Avenue are up in arms over a discovery that, according to the NYC Board of Education, their homes are not in School District 26.

For the past three decades, our neighborhood children that live on 88th Ave between Moline St and 242 St have attended schools in Queens' best school district. That seems to have come to a sudden halt. Residents became aware of this when one parent tried to enroll her child at PS18 and was told her home was outside the district's boundaries. She was bounced from PS18 to PS33 to PS133 as conflicting records confused even the schools' office staff.

At the request of the parent, the Creedmoor Civic Association contacted both Councilman Weprin and the Board of Education's zoning office. The response from both offices was similar: our section of 88th Ave does not fall within SD26's boundaries. The Board of Education said that variances were apparently given to the residents. The residents say they were never told this.

State Senator Frank Padavan was able to obtain assurances from SD26 Superintendant Claire McIntee that variances would continue to be granted until this problem is resolved. This did not satisfy some residents, who feel that because their homes are no longer with SD26, the value of their homes has been substantially decreased. Some homeowners have even discussed suing the real estate brokers who sold the homes, saying that they were misled.

Sen. Padavan sent a letter to Burton Sachs, a chief executive at the Board of Ed regarding this conflict. Mr. Sach's written response stated that the decision of 88th Ave homes being within SD29 boundaries was correct. Sen. Padavan sent a letter to the affected families stating that he will continue to fight this matter. As of this newsletter's press time, residents were gearing up to attend both SD26 and SD 29 meetings on September 5, 2002 to let their opinions be known.

DISTRICT GIVING BRADDOCK THE BUSINESS

The Joint Bellerose Business Development Corporation which until now has concerned itself only with Jamaica Avenue/Jericho Turnpike, will be expanding its services to include Braddock Avenue up to Gettysburg Street.

Although the JBBDDC's 1997 constitution includes Braddock Avenue up to Gettysburg Street, the board of directors felt that the new group shouldn't take on more than it could chew, hence Braddock was not included in any programs until now.  Jim Trent, the sole Creedmoor Civic representative on the Business District's board has lobbied for the Braddock inclusion.  

We mentioned this in the June issue of the Creedmoor Civic News, but it is no longer being "discussed", it is now reality. The timing is perfect because never before has theBusiness District had so much money to spend and so many programs available.  Currently, a new Business Directory is being   prepared   and   this   second  edition  will  include Braddock.  Also, Braddock store owners who have graffiti they want removed, can participate in a free graffiti removal program just for the asking. This is a new program that was not in existence when the June issue went to press. The possibility of bringing the lamppost banners up Braddock is being explored, but no decision has yet been made.  And lastly, a facade improvement program which will match a store owner's investment by 50% up to a cap of $2,500 of District funds is being opened to Braddock businesses as well. One Braddock business has already applied. This exciting program, already well received on Jamaica Ave./Jericho Turnpike has several "catches:"
  
Participating stores must remove solid steel roll down gates, if they exist, (they have long been banned in Bellerose Village) although open mesh gates may be substituted (but not in Bellerose Village.)  In addition, certain design standards must be adhered to, which, in summary, requires minimal sign clutter, and a respecting of the building's original architecture: no space age modernizations that are out of character with the period look that is trying to be preserved.  The purpose of the standards is to improve the aesthetics of Bellerose by creating a distinctly unique look that ties the entire district together as a 1920s-30s development.  

Our thanks to State Senator Frank Padavan (Bellerose) who has provided $620,000 for these new programs, to State Senator Michael Balboni (Mineola) who has provided $25,000, and to Assembly Member Barbara Clark (Queens Village) who has contributed $5,000. 

And finally, the JBBDDC will be holding its Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 19 at 1 PM at Nancy's Fireside.  Tickets are $25 for a complete quality lunch. For ticket info call Jim Trent at 343-8830.
 
 
 
 

AROUND THE TOWN

Welcome New Neighbors: Welcome packages have been delivered to the following new families: the Pemander Family of 89-09 Moline Street, and the Bose Family of 88-31 238th Street. We hope they enjoy their stay in our fine community.  If you know of any families newly moved into our community, please let our president know by calling the Civic Hotline 464–3369.

Condolences to: the family of Joe Quartano of Moline Street who passed away this summer.

Congratulations to: the Thomas Family of 88-18 Lyman Street on the birth of their baby girl Merin in May. 

You can bank on it: Local gossip has it that Washington Mutual is taking over the EAB building on Jericho Turnpike.  You would think they would just move in, since it is already set up for banking, but contractors are demolishing the interior including digging up the floor. 

Voter Alert:   Due to reapportionment, your election district number has changed.  Check your voter notification card from the Board of Elections carefully to determine where you are voting, then check carefully at the poll to determine which Shoupe machine you are voting at.

BRADDOCK/242 ST. GETS GREEN LIGHT

The Creedmoor Civic has learned from the Dept of Transportation that an oft-requested traffic signal for the intersection of 242 St and Braddock Ave has been approved and is expected to be installed by the end of the year. One CCA officer's reaction was, "Finally, after 40 years!"  The request had been given to CB13 Chairman Richard Hellenbrecht when he was our guest speaker for our March meeting.

"NO PARKING" SIGN REMOVED ON 242 ST.

The Dept of Transportation recently removed a "No Parking Anytime" sign on 242 St near Braddock Ave. The request had been made at our March meeting. Now that a traffic signal has been approved for the nearby intersection, it's very possible that it may need to be reinstalled.

SPEED HUMP FOR PS18

In February of 2000, the CCA requested that a speed hump be installed on 235th Court near PS18. Although this is outside of our civic area, it was requested with the approval of Barney Aquilino, president of the Rocky Hill Civic Assn. Our request was denied. We recently received word from Community Board 13 that, because of a request by Sen. Padavan, the Dept of Transportation has approved the speed hump for that area.

ST. GREGORY'S SCHOOL VANDALIZED

In the early morning hours of August 31, vandals pulled down the marble statue of St. Gregory from the front of the school, causing severe damage. The 7-foot statue had been residing in front of the school for almost 40 years. It was estimated that a new carving would cost more than $10,000.
The police are labeling this a bias crime. Anyone with information should call (800) 577-TIPS. 

ANOTHER MONSTROSITY ON MOLINE ST?

One home on the west side of Moline St with a large plot of land was recently sold and the residents are worried that overbuilding on this property will create traffic and parking nightmares.

Rumors have surfaced about multiple homes being built on this extra large property. Right next door are large box-like three-family homes that have many long-time residents shaking their heads in disgust every time they look at them. "If you tried, you couldn't find a home that looks any more out of place than these," one homeowner complained.

This section of Moline St. is zoned R4, which allows for multiple family homes.

Con Edison recently disconnected the power lines to the existing brick home.  The CCA has asked CB13 for any information on new building.

CEASE AND DESIST IS BACK

The United States Court of Appeals has ruled that cease and desist lists are NOT unconstitutional and may be used.

In June 2001, the courts ruled that these lists violated real estate agents' first amendment rights. Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, at the request of State Senator Frank Padavan, filed an appeal that same month.

Cease and desist lists allow a homeowner freedom from solicitation by real estate agents. 

All homeowners who had signed up for the list prior to June 2001 will remain on that list. Any homeowners who signed up after the June 2001 ruling by the court will have their names placed on the State's new list by the end of this year.

LOCAL BIKE LANES

This summer, bike lanes were painted on several streets, including Winchester Blvd. Most drivers are unaware that you may not cross these solid lines unless pulling into a parking space. These lanes have especially created confusion at the intersection of Hillside Ave and Winchester Blvd. When a vehicle is waiting to turn left, drivers behind are hesitant to move to the right to pass. The CCA has e-mailed Andrew Vesselinovich, of the Dept of Transportation, asking that certain changes be made at this intersection to facilitate traffic flow. No response has been received as of press time.

SCAM ALERT

Residents of the Bellerose Manor area have recently been visited by persons claiming to be working with Con Ed to "ensure that you are not being overcharged on your kilowatt hours". The residents are then told that just a quick look at the electric meter is all that is needed.

Con Edison says that anyone working with their company should be wearing a uniform and must show the official ID when asked. If the person in question is not wearing a uniform (which is fairly common, especially in the summer), the ID must be prominently displayed at ALL times.

It is not known if this method is being used to gain access to the house at a later date. It's possible that basement window locks could be unlocked very quickly for future access.

According to a Con Ed representative reached by telephone, a resident's account number can be taken from a quick viewing of the bill, and that same account number can be used to "slam" the resident's electric service to another utility company.

If you are visited by such a person, ask for ID. Close the door and call 911 if this request is refused.

AREA CODE CHANGES COMING

Effective February 1, 2003, all callers in the NY City area will be required to dial 1 + area code + the seven digit phone number for ALL local calls.

For example, if you are in Queens and your phone number is 718-555-1212, and you want to call 718 464-3369, you will now have to dial ALL eleven digits (1 718 464-3369) every time.  The charges for these calls will still count as local calls.   This rule comes down from the Federal Communications Commission which requires the dialing of 11 digits when more than one area code covers the same neighborhood.  Calls to 911 and 411 will not require additional digits.

Currently, NYC area codes are: Manhattan: 917, 212, 646. The remaining four boroughs: 917, 718, 347.

Please prepare yourself in advance.  You will need to reprogram your computer modems, fax machines, alarm systems, call forwarding, speed dialers, business cards, invoices and stationery.  

CIVIC GROUPS STILL FIGHTING FOR F & G TRAIN RESTORATION

Transit advocates around the City are increasingly restless over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's high-handed attitude about subway train routing and routing of new construction.

Still smarting over the MTA's refusal to bring the F train back to 53rd Street, and the MTA's insistence that the Second Avenue Subway will be only two tracks, some transit advocates are threatening to work to pull the funding on the SAS.  Civic workers were right on the money when they warned that the new V train was not going to work, and truncating the G train was unfair to those riders.  The MTA's attitude as been one of belligerence and obstinacy.  They won't be told by mere civilians how to run their railroad.

Advocates have pointed out that there is no way to program the SAS to run routes into Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx with only two tracks, and forget about extending the line into Staten Island.  In fact, under the current design, the line won't connect to anything (other than connections to return the trains to the yards).  It will run the length of Manhattan, but not continue into any other borough.  At 125th Street, passengers will have to change trains to continue into The Bronx.  

Furthermore, the distance between stations at some points is 14 blocks.  Street wisdom is that older and infirm people will continue to ride the Second Avenue bus, and others will continue to walk back to Lexington Avenue to catch the express train, rendering the SAS fairly useless.  

The Queens Civic Congress is pursuing transit alternatives with a number of transit groups. There are some plans afoot to expropriate the railroad tunnel under Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn from the Long Island Rail Road and turn it into subway service.  This is a complicated proposal that in places will have both LIRR and NYCT trains operating on the same track.  It will require LIRR passengers to change to a subway shuttle at Jamaica Station, but you would still have to change again at Flatbush Avenue to continue the trip into Manhattan.  It seems nothing is gained but complications in signaling, mixing of labor unions and engineering standards between the two modes of transportation.  The plan would also run subways on the LIRR's Atlantic branch out to Green Acres shopping center in Nassau County. 

Another annoyance is the worsened service to eastern Queens when the E train was diverted to Archer Avenue.  None of the subway construction in the last 30 years has led to new service to any new neighborhoods, and in fact, has in every case led to worse service on existing lines.