Could Fold If No New Leaders Are Found
June’s meeting may be the last for the Middle Village Property Owners/Residents Association (MVPORA) as its top officers are resigning, explained the group’s president during its Monday, May 12, session at St. Margaret Parish Hall.
Salvatore Candela stated Recording Secretary Jean Sausa, Corresponding Secretary Augie Trinchese and Vice President Arlene Micom are all stepping down next month. Candela himself said he would also resign if no successors are elected next month; with no leadership in place, the organization would ultimately fold.
Sausa gave a formal resignation in writing: “I have a conflict and I will not be able to fulfill my duties.”
Trinchese followed and submitted an informal resignation, stating this too would be his last year to serve.
Usually in June, the group would vote on nominations for officer positions, but no one has showed interest in volunteering to carry on the group which will lead Candela to step down as well.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone wants to do anything, I haven’t gotten any volunteers who want to step up,” said Candela. He asked the room for volunteers, but the sparse group of attendees provided none.
The power vacuum threatens the existence of an association which has met monthly (excluding summers) since 1932, providing Middle Village property owners and residents an outlet to voice complaints and concerns about their neighborhood and connect with local officials so their needs are met.
Turning to other matters, Trinchese informed the room of Board 5’s May 22 public hearing at Christ the King High School concerning the proposed homeless shelter on 78-16 Cooper Ave., which would house 125 families.
“It’s extremely important … please tell your friends and neighbors to please come out and speak about this,” Candela appealed. “Even if you want to say just a few words it’s very important you come out and support this cause because, again, it’s right next door to us.”
The proposed structure is scheduled to be renovated to house 125 homeless families. The NYC Department of Homeless Services and Samaritan Village, which are overseeing the controversial project, will both be at the meeting Thursday.
Anyone planning on speaking at the meeting is asked to register by calling Board 5 at 1-718-386-3004; everyone will be limited to two minutes. Also, attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, as parking will be limited.
Neil Giannelli, a representative of State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, updated the group on the Knockdown Center in Maspeth, describing it as a “hipster hangout” as young residents of Bushwick begin trickling east into the neighborhoods of queens.
He said the venue’s 600 plus liquor license application was shot down recently but they are investigating their alleged “bring your own beer” (BYOB) policy.
The former factory turned entertainment venue has been under scrutiny by many local residents, as its liquor license was denied.
One of two shows scheduled by activist and musician M.I.A. was cancelled recently. As reported in this newspaper, it was just one of several setbacks in the venue’s attempts to become established in the community.
Giannelli also reminded the group about the senator’s May 30 “50 and over” job fair. Over 20 employers will be at 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd. in Kew Gardens ready to hire.
The next Middle Village Property Owners/Residents Association meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Parish Hall, located on 79th Place south of Juniper Valley Road.
