The sale of Creedmoor land to the Indian Cultural and Community Center was made possible by legislation sponsored by ex-state Sen. Frank Padavan and ex-state Assemblyman Mark Weprin.
Because of this, Sen. Tony Avella has introduced legislation that would require the state attorney general and state comptroller to review and approve land sales worth $100,000 and higher to private companies.
A senator who once served on the City Council wants the state to have greater say in city fiscal transactions because the South Asians bought the property for too little money.
It is a good idea to eliminate loopholes that allow private entities to acquire state land at discounted rates, and there should be oversight to make sure these deals are fair.
But we do not believe the state comptroller can do a better job regulating city affairs than the city comptroller. And the attorney general already has the right to examine any deal that results in favoritism and lost revenue.
In the Creedmoor deal, the state Dormitory Authority sold a 4 1/2-acre parcel of Creedmoor land to the ICCC, which plans to build two nine-story senior housing towers and a community center. Some community leaders have said the buildings are out of character with the surrounding area.
This deal is a problem only the city should deal with.
Taking on Cyberbullying
Elected officials held a news conference at a Queens high school that they hope will raise public awareness about cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying occurs when a person uses electronic or social networking means to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying has resulted in suicides by too many young people.
State Sen. Jeff Klein and state Assemblyman William Scarborough have co-sponsored a bill that would makes cyberbullying a misdemeanor if it is “likely to cause a fear of harm, or emotional distress to a person under the age of 21.” If the cyberbullying leads a sufferer to commit suicide, it becomes a felony.
We support the legislation, but schools must make certain victims have an outlet where they can be safe.
