CB 14 notes improvements

The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has identified the Far Rockaways as one of six neighborhoods citywide that is in most need of trees.
The eastern end of the Rockaway Peninsula from Beach 59th to the Nassau County border has been designated as a Trees for Public Health Neighborhood (TPH). Officials from the Department of Parks and Recreation discussed the TPH as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Street Tree Planting Program at the Community Board 14 meeting held last Tuesday, March 11 at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Michelle Loquine, TPH coordinator, explained that the area was chosen because of its high rates of asthma amongst children under 14 and fewer than average trees. Trees reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, a common trigger for respiratory disorders in young people. In addition, trees also reduce air temperature, reduce energy costs, capture carbon emissions, and catch storm water runoff.
“One of our major goals is to work with community groups to make sure everyone is aware that the trees are coming and being planted,” she said. “We really want their support so that they can help us take care of them.”
Street planting division official Joe Acoca says that Bloomberg, through his MillionTreesNYC initiative, is pledging to fully plant all of the city’s available planting locations with 1 million trees over the next decade. A variety of trees will be planted according to the specific needs of each location.
Not everyone is happy with the addition of trees. One angry board member objected to having trees planted because of the city’s lack of attention to the maintenance issues. “I happen to love trees. I planted trees at my house. It’s my expense. I take care of them. It’s my responsibility. The city planted two trees in front of a building I own. They looked really nice for about two weeks. You haven’t been back since! Now there’s litter, dog doo, weeds. If you are not going to maintain it, why do it?” he said.
Jonathan Gaska, CB 14 District Manager, said it’s a good thing despite the criticisms. “I would hope people would want them because they are going to get one whether they want it or not.”
If you would like to have a tree planted in front of your house or need trees in your neighborhood, call 3-1-1 or contact your local community board.
Also at the meeting, Wendy Carter was on hand to inform the community of job opportunities in construction. She discussed a workforce development program that is sponsored by The NYS Builder’s Association. The non-union underwriters are giving classes and paid job training to individuals interested in pursuing a career in construction. The classes are held at LaGuardia Community College two nights a week. Classes include ‘Principles in Construction’ and ‘Carpentry and Plumbing.’ Anyone who has a high school diploma, GED, or 10th grade reading level can apply for the program. The NYS Builders Association is offering a 50 percent scholarship for all students. Some low income students may qualify to get a workforce voucher that would allow them to take the class for free. While in the program, students receive $11 an hour while working. Students take six hours of class weekly and work in construction for up to 40 hours a week. It is comparable to a union apprenticeship program. For more information, call 718-578-4108 ext. 140.
The board announced dates for the reconstruction of Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel from bridge to bridge. It’s budgeted for design in 2011 and for construction in 2012.
Additionally, they announced, there is $9 million dollars in the new budget for design and construction for the expansion of the Far Rockaway library which will start in FY 2009. An additional $10 million will be made available to finish the job in 2010.