New leash law passed
CITYWIDE – The City Council recently passed Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.’s legislation that prohibits a person from tying their animal with a leash to prevent straying for more than three continuous hours. It also prohibits the use of a leash that is too heavy, a choke or pinch collar.
“We have no intention of punishing people who run into the grocery store and leave their dog outside. We want to stop people who treat dogs cruelly as a way of life,” said Vallone.
First time violators would be given a written warning or a fine of up to $250 if the animal is injured as a result of the prohibited tethering. A person who commits a repeat offense within a year would be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. The crime would carry a fine of up to $500 or by imprisonment of up to three months or both, depending on the severity of the offense. Any person violating this law would also be liable for a civil penalty of between $250 and $500.
LIC development offers deal
LONG ISLAND CITY – The Industry LIC, Long Island City’s newest residential development, is offering buyers a reason to buy now. The Industry is offering a closing cost credit for contracts signed by March 1. Buyers will receive $10,000 for studios and one bedroom apartments, $15,000 for two bedrooms and $20,000 for three bedroom units toward their closing costs. The Industry LIC, a 76-unit condominium, was developed by Silvercup Studios’ owners Alan Suna and Stuart Match Suna and includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. Prices for studios start at $393,750, one bedroom at $462,000, two bedrooms at $689,000 and the three bedroom penthouse unit is listed at $1,400,000. Located at 21-45 44th Drive between 21st and 23rd Streets, the on-site sales office can be contacted at 718-784-0880. For more information, visit www.theindustrylic.com.
JLI life skills course
LONG ISLAND CITY – The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will present Toward a Meaningful Life: A Soul-Searching Journey for Every Jew, the institute’s new six-session winter 2011 course that will begin during the week of Feb. 6.
“The objective of this course is to teach and empower individuals of all backgrounds with new life skills based on traditional Torah thought, thereby enabling them to transform the way they view their daily lives,” said Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s headquarters in Brooklyn. “The course offers an antidote to the monotony and grind of unchanging routines. It provides newfound energy and exhilaration in taking on challenges, and it offers practical strategies for developing a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction.”
Interested students may call 718-609-0066 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information. JLI courses are presented in Queens in conjunction with Rabbi Wineberg.
‘Scratchiti’ targeted by Vallone
CITYWIDE – Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. recently introduced legislation meant to further crack down on “scratchiti,” an irreparable form of vandalism often found on subway and bus windows – by regulating the sale and possession of etching pens and stencils – defined as any implement with a carbide, diamond or other hard tip designed to etch, draw, carve, engrave or otherwise alter, change or impair the physical integrity of glass or metal.
“When criminals come up with new ways to destroy our property, we have to come up with new ways to protect it,” Vallone said.
Since taking office, Vallone has made the fight against graffiti a priority in his work at the Council by writing anti-graffiti laws which include increased jail time and higher penalties.
His latest measure, signed into law last year, tracks the sale of etching acid by requiring vendors to keep track of buyers for one year. These records are made available to the NYPD as an additional resource to help locate vandals. According to the law, purchasers must be 21-years-old and present photo identification in order to obtain etching acid.
