Zenon Get-together

Our group photo at Zenon

Norwood Neighborhood Association had a terrific January meeting at Zenon Taverna in Astoria. Turn out was great and the Cypriot food excellent! Before getting into the eats, we talked about last year's accomplishments and discussed ideas and goals for the upcoming year.

With warm weather right around the corner, the group decided a mid-April spring cleanup would be wonderful for our neighborhood spirit. Target date is for the weekend when schools are closed as we hope to have kids of all ages out there helping to make our blocks look great!

A future project on the NNA "to do" list is removing graffiti from the back of the 30th Avenue stores.

Exciting news bulletin: more new trees are slated for 35th, 36th and 37th Streets. If you would like a tree request form, please e-mail norwood.astoria@gmail.com and we'll send you one right away. We can also arrange to pick it up or have a drop-off place so NNA can present CB1 with a batch of tree request forms at once.

More very good news for Norwood residents hot off the press: City Planning's Zoning Proposal has been certified by the City Planning Commission which means that the review process has officially begun. Please take a look at the rezoning web page for maps and important dates.

Community Board No. 1 will hold a public hearing Tuesday February 16th @ 6:00pm

Place: Astoria World Manor (2522 Astoria Boulevard Astoria, NY 11102)

Please mark this important date on your calendar.
We need strong turn for this meeting to show our support of the rezoning.
We fought hard for this. Let's follow through.

Statement to CB1 re Residential Streetscape Text Amendment

Norwood Neighborhood Association members met Saturday January 16th, to discuss the Streetscape Text Amendment. The consensus was residents are in favor of supporting the Residential Preservation Streetscape Text Amendment as originally stated and intended by City Planning.

In the experience of Norwood Gardens, residents have seen that developers and absentee landlords will always find loop-holes to exploit, often to the detriment of the community.

Low rise neighborhoods of special character need more protection from development, not less.

Statement in form of a letter to Community Board 1can be read here.

Blizzard of 2009: 12" of Snow

Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment

Please read : City Planning's proposed text amendment

Norwood Neighborhood Association is urging Mayor Bloomberg, Queensborough President Helen Marshall, Council Member Vallone and Community Board 1 to lead the way and support The City Planning Commission's proposed city wide Residential Streetscape Preservation text amendments. These proposals to amend zoning regulations will help protect and promote more livable neighborhoods by closing some of the loop-holes currently being exploited by developers*** who turn a blind eye towards quality of life, architectural continuity and preserving green spaces in our community.

***curb cuts, parking requirements, front yard plantings and requirements

LICA Safer Streets Rally 12/07 @ 11 AM

Photos by Donnelly Marks

Come support LICA Rally today for safer streets!!
21st Avenue 2 blocks east of 21st Street @ 11 AM

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.