Says It Would Invade Privacy Of F.H. Locals
The City Council representative for Forest Hills stated her opposition to the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach rail line at Community Board 6′s Wednesday, May 9 meeting at the Kew Gardens Community Center.
“I am adamantly against it,” City Council Member Karen Koslowitz told Board 6. “I understand the Rockaways need transportation, but not on our backs.”
The stance pits Koslowitz against Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, who supports the reactivation of the line.
“It’s an intrusion on people’s privacy,” she explained.
While several Board members suggested Koslowitz examine alternatives, such as the proposed greenway, Koslowitz stated that no alternatives have been explored, and her focus is on preventing the line’s reactivation.
BSA application
Architects Gerald Caliendo and Sandy Anagnostou unveiled their plans for a four story residential facility and medical office at 65-39 102nd St. in Rego Park.
According toAnagnostou, the site is irregularly shaped. The proposed building whose width would taper from 22 to 17 feet across.
The facility’s first floor would be used for the medical office, with the three top floors consisting of marketrate apartments.
According to Caliendo, the lot is so narrow that “we don’t conform to the yard regulations.”
The developer is also looking to add an elevator to the facility per Board 6’s suggestion. Two parking spaces will be included.
A local family who lives adjacent to the site expressed concern that it would infringe on neighbors’ privacy.
“The building is going to shadow the house next door to it,” said the family’s son. “It would shatter what privacy we have.”
Steven Goldberg, who chairs Board 6’s Planning and Zoning Committee, suggested two stipulations- that the medical facility operate during standard business hours, and that it does not operate diagnostic equipment such as MRI or CAT scan machines. The proposal was approved by the full board.
Other news
Chairperson Joseph Hennessy announced that the Memorial Day Parade in Forest Hills, which was “on the rocks,” was saved by members of the community.
“We gotta show-whether it’s two guys or 20 guys at the local American Legion hall-that they’re deeply appreciated and you can only do that on Memorial Day,” he said.
District Manager Frank Gulluscio announced that P.S. 174 will hold a community day event on May 12 at Painter’s Playground, on Alderton Street and Elwell Crescent in Forest Hills.
The North Forest Park branch of the Queens Library is currently under reconstruction, with a new roof being installed, Gulluscio said. A mobile library will be parked nearby.
New liquor licenses for Redwood Foods, at 118-08 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills, and Miller’s Ale House, at 61-35 Junction Blvd. in Rego Park, were approved by Board 6.
Board 6 approved a plan for a greenmarket on Queens Boulevard between 69th Road and 70th Avenue in Forest Hills that would run on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 8 to Nov. 18.
Community board budgets were restored in the latest drafts of the city budget, Koslowitz informed the crowd, but Beacon programs in the neighborhood are still under fire.
Community Board 6 usually meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Kew Gardens Community Center, located at 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd.
