Quality of Life Issues: Working With Precinct #114

Last night's Community Affairs meeting was very positive. Terrific news is three NNA members were able to attend and represented our community well.

Deputy Inspector Vorbeck reported that statistically crime is down in Astoria. Precinct #114 assigned a special task force to deal with the 2 problematic clubs on 30th Avenue and issued them summonses as a warning. Revelry has been closed by US Marshall's Office, but no news yet as to the reason for the closure. Inspector Vorbeck said the Precinct will be keeping watch on 30th Avenue and Steinway nightlife over the Thanksgiving Holiday (especially this evening and into the wee hours) as Wednesday before Thanksgiving has historically been a big party night.

The professionalism of the officers present last night was very impressive. Inspector Vorbeck introduced Jackie Keating, the new Community Affairs officer. Ms. Keating has over 9 years experience and excellent people skills. We are lucky to have her as our liaison.

Tom from 37th Street brought up a parking situation on his block where contractors may be illegally coning off a large number of available meter spots without proper DOB permits. Inspector Vorbeck recommended calling 311 and reporting this to the Department of Buildings, as permits are required to reserve public parking.

NNA discovered a wealth of safety literature and tips available for download on the Precinct #114's website. The Precinct offers 2 services to residents for free:(1) home security surveys and (2) ID tagging of personal items. Please check out the #114's website

NNA would like to thank the officers of the #114 and Deputy Inspector Vorbeck for their professionalism and concern and all they do to help make Astoria a safer and better community.

A happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

New Trees for Norwood Gardens

Many beautiful tress have been planted on 35th, 36th and 37th Streets; pin oaks, silver linden and maple. They look great do so much to make our neighborhood greener and more inviting. On 36th Street Jimmy helped and encouraged many homeowners to fill out and submit trees forms. Hopefully for next spring additional trees will be planted in the remaining empty tree pits, especially those closest to 31st Avenue. If you would like a tree planted in front of your home or apartment building, please email us with your address and we'll stop by with a form and submit it to Community Board 1.

Rally Against Inappropriate Development in Norwood

A sincere thank you to all the Norwood Neighborhood Members and Norwood Gardens residents who turned out on a rainy Saturday!! You deserve a big hand.

Thank you too to Council Member Vallone, LICA President and Vice President - Brian Beard and Costa Constantinides and to Old Astoria representative John Collins. NNA hopes the big turn out at today's Rally will send a message to City Council that Astoria residents care about their neighborhoods and want to protect the quality of life and character of their neighborhood through appropriate, contextual zoning.

More to come...
Again, thank you all!!!
NY Daily News Article:

RALLY AGAINST INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT: Rain or Shine!!

When: Saturday, November 14th, 11 A.M.
Where: 30-88 36th Street (site of proposed demolition and new construction)
Who: Norwood Neighborhood Association, supported by Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr.

Mayor Bloomberg says Quality of Life is getting better for most New Yorkers. In Astoria, with out of context over-development, residents face power shortages, over crowded schools, congestion, pollution, lack of green spaces and inadequate services such as mass transit, hospitals and policing. Norwood Gardens would like to see an adequate Quality of Life Plan!

Right now on 36th Street where outdated zoning from the 1960's is still in effect, out of context development is still going on - against the will of the community! This block busting may be legal but it's WRONG.

NNA would like to see a bill reintroduced into legislature which would put a moratorium on development such as 30-88 36th Street while zoning changes are under review.

30th Avenue Liquor License Map (using GIS)

Impact of 30th Avenue Clubs & Cafes on Community

Residents are experiencing brawls at 3am, fights in the streets, urination on private proberty, beer bottles, trash and drug packets on the sidewalk, recklessly speeding cars with souped up engines screeching and revving their way down residential streets. There have been a few accidents and numerous arrests.

It's PAR-Tay time on 30th Avenue and "Happy Hours" for the cafes but Happy Hour begins about 11:30 PM and goes all night long, especially on the weekends.

If you're want to see Quality of Life return, email us a sentence or two. NNA is sending The New York State Liquor Authority letters and comments from residents re clubs and cafes with liquor licenses.

Out of Context Development: NORWOOD WANTS A MORATORIUM!!!

Is it true that three 2 family homes will be torn down on 36th Street?

Workers were pounding in construction fence posts at 36-88 36th Street and a "Full Demolition" permit is nailed to the front door.

As the commercial overlay under current R6 zoning permits huge apartment buildings on this low rise street, our community will feel the pain.

Norwood Gardens demands introducing a "Moratorium Legislation Bill" to stop block busting developers from taking advantage of outmoded laws in neighborhoods whose zoning is under review.

It may be legal to build a 50 foot 8 unit apartment building and an 80 foot 10 unit apartment building with a community facility on 36th Street but it's WRONG!

A protest rally is being planned. Stay tuned!

ELECTED OFFICIALS!
CITY PLANNING!
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS!
WILL YOU ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN?
NORWOOD GARDENS RESIDENTS DEMAND A MORATORIUM!