Cops To Alert Residents Using Facebook
The 112th Precinct will be keeping residents in the loop using its Facebook page, it was announced at Community Board 6′s meeting, last Wednesday, May, 8.
Capt. Thomas Conforti, who commands the precinct, told residents and the board that misinformation disseminated through the media prompted the precinct’s decision.
“When we’re doing our investigating, it’s … very counter-productive when a lot of misinformation gets out there,” he said.
Such misinformation, disseminated through the media, “created a lot of fear and panic” during the robbery pattern, Conforti added.
“The minute I hear one of those inaccurate reports, we’re going to put it right to bed,” he said.
The page will be managed and updated by 112th Precinct Community Council President Heidi Harrison Chain.
Posts will receive prior approval by Conforti, she said.
The Facebook page will be used to quell speculation, but also to put out new information as it come to light, he told this paper.
Conforti said it was important that only one person handles the messaging to prevent the spread of misinformation through miscommunication.
“It’s tough for us in the police world to do our job when we’re being scrutinized by other people, but we have to understand, that’s what the public does,” he said.
Community Board 6 President Joe Hennessey told attendees that District Manager Frank Gulluscio will stay up to date and that individuals that do not have computers can call Gulluscio.
Conforti told the audience he will continue to hold safety meetings around the precinct. He said the next one will likely be the monday after Labor Day. The precinct is still finalizing the location, he said.
Cafe and liquor applications
The board approved three applications for unenclosed sidewalk cafes. the board’s Consumer Affairs Committee had no problems with any of the applications and suggested approval, it was noted.
– The first applicant requested 13 tables and 28 seats for Aged, located at 107-02 70th Rd. in Forest Hills.
– The second applicant requested four tables and eight seats for Cabana Restaurant & Bar, located at 107-10 70th Rd. in Forest Hills.
– The third applicant requested 22 tables and 44 seats for Agora Taverna, located 70-09 Austin St. in Forest Hills.
The board approved two new state liquor authority applications.
– Eddie Ed Inc. at 89-10 Eliot Ave. in Rego Park was approved for a beer and wine license.
– Forest Hills Diner of NY at 68- 60 Austin St. in Forest Hills was approved for a new beer and wine license.
The board also renewed licenses for Lucien’s Dirty Pierre’s at 13 Station Sq. in forest Hills; Thai Pot Inc. at 103-07 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills; and Tap House at 72-07 Austin St. in Forest Hills.
Those wishing to comment on any of the applicants may do so by calling Board 6 at the number listed at the end of this article.
Boxing gym KO’ed
The board passed a resolution denying a Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) application to zone 69-40 Austin St. as a “physical/cultural establishment.”
The applicant needed a variance to open a boxing club at the location, but did not appear before the committee.
“The operation of this club is a little different from a traditional gym,” said Steven Goldberg, the committee’s chair, adding the group wished to know more about the club’s operation and hours.
Currently, the area is not zoned to allow for a boxing club. The owner would need a BSA permit to operate in a boxing club at the location.
Community Board 6 meets at 7:45 on the second Wednesday of the month at Kew Gardens Community Center, Room 202, located 80-02 Kew Gardens Road. The board’s offices can be reached at 718-263- 9250. The next meeting si scheduled for June 12.
