Gasland Screening in Astoria, Queens at MOMI

James F. Gennaro, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney,
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas,
President United Community Civic Association, Rose Marie Poveromo

This evening's screening of Gasland at The Museum Moving Image in Astoria, Queens was very well attended. The movie raises serious questions and concerns about whether our government is moving too quickly and not being responsible regarding a potential environmental disaster right here, close to home.

Every resident needs to be aware of the big energy issues and risks involved with natural gas extraction through fracking. What laws and safeguards should be in place to protect the drinking water of over 8,000,000 residents of New York City? Which of our elected officials are opposed to fracking or pro fracking?

How has natural gas extraction affected cities and residents across the United States to date? Does New York want a wild west grab-all run by gas corporations responsible for protecting our waterways and drinking water?

These critical issues must not slip by as the consequences could be dire. Corporations need to be environmentally and ethically responsible. Residents need to stand up for their rights.

Write Governor Cuomo to ban fracking in the Marcellus Shale or place a moratorium on fracking until more conclusive information is forthcoming.

Gasland: Grave Health Concerns & Fracking CALL TO ACTION

" The industry is currently exempt from Clean Water Act standards, and companies are not even required to disclose exactly what their fracking fluids contain."



NYC residents need to know about the hydraulic fracturing plan for the Catskills and the grave consequences fracking risks with NYC's drinking water.



GASLAND (a documentary) will be shown at Museum of the Moving Image, Thursday, 3/24 @ 6 PM, free! This is a critical issue for all New York City residents.

PBS - Poll (Vote Yes, No, Don't Know)

See you there!



Wiki

NPR

Mother Jones

Vanity Fair on Fracking's Dirty Secret

Queensboro Bridge rename? NOOOOOOOOO!!!

Norwood Neighborhood Association residents in Astoria, Queens say NO!!

The Queensboro Bridge (also known as The 59th Street Bridge) appears in films, literature and songs. The connection and identification with the Borough of Queens is strong. Why, Why WHY would the Mayor even consider renaming it the Ed Koch Bridge? His contributions toward saving NYC's bridges is extremely laudable but perhaps Former Mayor Koch would be happy with recognition in a more modest and less controversial idea.

Would the city think for even a milli-second of renaming the Brooklyn Bridge the Ed Koch Bridge? NO Chance! The Queensboro Bridge is the gateway to our borough and cultural symbol beloved by Queens residents.

Renaming the Triboro Bridge cost about $4 million dollars. Though the city plans to raise funds from private sources, wouldn't you think a city in fiscal crisis might have a better way to spend a few million dollars? How about on schools, parks, transit?

Mayor Bloomberg, you don't want to be remembered by the people of New York City's largest borough as the Mayor who took away our bridge, do you?

Norwood Neighborhood Association says NO to renaming the Queensboro Bridge.

Parking Frustration among Residents

3/20/11 Update: Good news!! The parking situation is much improved with nearly 99% cooperation. "Cars towed at owner's expense" signs were recently ordered and will be installed soon. Once in place, any cars parked in the easement will be immediately towed by Spanky's Asset Recovery.

Norwood Neighborhood Association has contacted DOT to install a NO PARKING sign to STOP cars from parking in 35th, 36th and 37th Street gray zones: one gray zone is next to Frank's Bakery, between the last parking meter and before the community drive exit. The other gray zone is on the opposite side of the street at the exit near Astoria Lock as well as similar locations on 35th and 37th Streets.

Cars parked in the gray zones create dangerous situations by drastically decreasing visibility of oncoming traffic when exiting the community drive.

Cars parked in the gray zones also jut out into the drives make turning into and out of the community easement exits difficult. This situation is extremely annoying and has caused a lot of frustration among residents as the drives are heavily used every day.

The short bit of curb in front of the last parking meters right before the drives do not have enough space for a car to park comfortably. Therefore, fronts of the cars jut out into the exit areas often blocking as much as 30 - 40% (see photos) and sometimes the whole exit.

Frequently, the cars parked in the gray zone are near-by business owners' vehicles or patrons of local 36th Street and 30th Avenue shops.

Norwood Neighborhood Association has reached out to local business owners re the gray zone parking as well as parking behind stores in the easements as well. The good news is the the community and NNA has had 99% cooperation from all but one business owner who refused to park legally.

Seven Prancing horses on 36th Street

Seven sidestepping, prancing horses stopped traffic on 36th Street and drew onlookers as the horses and riders made their way up 31st Avenue.

"Hey, who are you guys?" we yelled out, thinking there was a rodeo somewhere. "Just a family out riding".

Only in New York!

CB1 March 15 - Sidewalk Permit Application 37-11 30th Ave

March 15, 2011 CB1 agenda

MexiQ a bar / restaurant is applying to CB1 for seating of 37 seats / 11 tables in front of MexiQ at 37-11 30th Avenue. Lounges and nightspots have had a huge impact for residents in the community. CB1 will hold a hearing March 15th @ 7PM Astoria Manor.

Please submit comments to norwood.astoria@gmail.com - it is important to know how the community feels about additional outdoor seating, liquor licenses and their impact on the community.

NNA will have 3 representatives at CB1 commenting on behalf of Norwood Gardens residents.

The public is welcome to attend CB1 and share their comments.

The Department of Environmental Protection said due to a serious water main break at 30-86 36th Street in Norwood Gardens, the water main will be shut off so repairs can be made. Predictions are the water will be off starting around 12:30 PM for 1 - 2 hours. A patch will be placed over the break.

Spring Registration for Astoria CSA - Community Supported Agriculture

Today, more than ever, New York City residents have many opportunities and choices for eating locally grown produce. Interest in locally sourced and sustainable agriculture has grown: please read here and here for information.

here are many benefits to buying local and Astoria / Long Island City has a number of CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) available to residents. Now is the time to register. Google "Astoria CSA" for a CSA close to you or click on the link below for Astoria CSA. Registration is this week.

Astoria CSA registration takes place March 10, 2011, so check it out.Astoria CSA