I am enclosing an editorial from the October 19 issue of The Queens Courier regarding the dilapidated state of the Flushing Main Street LIRR station. A number of elected officials and I met President Dermody in April to discuss this situation. I would appreciate an update on all steps taken since our April meeting to ameliorate these problems.
Toby Ann Stavisky
Senator, 16th District
Assistant Minority Whip
Editor's note: We await an update on this deplorable situation too! If you would like to express you opinion about the LIRR Flushing Main Street station please write to: Mr. Ray Kennedy, Acting President, LIRR, Jamaica Station Building, 93-02 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435.
Doth Protest Too Much
As a homeowner in Auburndale, I want to state the fact that the car service centers are not here as of right. The land use is zoned M1 which means light manufacturing only. These five car service centers are anything but light manufacturing.
Since the existence of these car service centers, our quality of life has been non-existent. The car service centers bring nothing but pollution, noise, congestion and dangerous traffic conditions to the people who must live among them. Only after the much-needed establishment of the Station Road Civic Association did the quality of life become somewhat manageable.
Once the Jersey barrier closed off the illegal exit, the residents were able to have the use of their street again and feel reasonably safe coming to and from their homes. If the car service centers cannot comply with the safety of the residents and zoning laws, they should not file an application to waive the 50 feet rule that protects the residents. They should relocate, keeping in mind, they are not M1 (light manufacturing) and are here illegally to begin with.
Unsigned email
Editor's Note: After checking with the Community Board, we regret to inform the anonymous email letter writer and all the members of the Station Road Civic Association that no matter how much you write it, or how many times you email it to this paper - the truth is that the auto service centers are not on the property illegally and are in fact allowed to do business in an area zoned M1.
Requiem For Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld has done the right thing by resigning but he should have done it earlier.
He, in my opinion, has bungled our involvement in Iraq, and to a certain extent has caused the death of many brave men and women who have died there. It was clear to many in the military that we had far too few troops to provide the security necessary to stabilize Iraq after the U.S. invasion. Our president, George W. Bush, should have fired him long ago before things got so out of hand in Iraq and before there was so much death and destruction in Iraq. Now hopefully Robert Gates is approved and can get the job done.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
The Mayor Delivers
I want to express my appreciation to The Queens Courier for the opportunity to voice a grievance via the “Ask The Mayor” column. After two and a half years of fruitless attempts to get the tree in front of my house pruned, I decided to send a letter. Two and a half weeks later, the Parks Department trucks pulled up and did the job. Your newspaper certainly provides a valuable service for the community. In addition, thank you so much, Mayor Bloomberg, for demonstrating that you listen to the people of the City.
Ann Sultan
Flushing
Happy Readers
Last night I read Christine Santucci's article “From China With Love.” I was so impressed, I almost wanted to call Stanley's mother, but it was already at midnight.
This is such a very well-written article. During 2-hour interview, we talked about many aspects, about Stanley, shows, and their personal story. It was not easy for Christine to put these together, but she did such a great job, with a loving tone!
Thank you so much Christine, for great writing. It was really appreciated!
This morning, I picked several copies of The Queens Courier from the Main Street stand, and gave them to Stanley's mom. An hour later, she called me and asked where she can get more copies, since she wants to give them to her friends, and teachers at Stanley's school. She is very excited.
Crystal Liu
NTDTV Event Specialist
One Happy Teacher
As a citizen of this city, a town much less troubled than it used to be, I am delighted that Mayor Bloomberg hammered out, with a friendly hammer, an agreement with the United Federation of Teachers. As a member of that union of professionals, I obviously have, in a way, a “special interest.” It's a special interest that I share with every other member. That special interest is the kids who we serve, and the parents who put their trust in us.
Now let us roll up our collective sleeves, educators and everyone else alike, and beef up our forces to create safer schools, lower class size, and build on this refreshing new optimism for the good of the community of all cultures.
Ron Isaac
Fresh Meadows
