By Bill Parry
Hundreds of Corona residents packed into the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 150 last week for a town hall meeting hosted by state Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights). Representatives of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the state Liquor Authority, the 110th Precinct and Community Board 4 were all on hand to answer questions and discuss steps that can be taken to improve the community’s quality of life.
“Not only do we get the opportunity to let our neighbors know what’s happening in the neighborhood and what their elected officials are in the process of doing to help their quality of life, but, more importantly, we get to hear from them on what issues they have, what concerns them the greatest, and even offer suggestions that may help,” Moya said. “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who participated in the panel’s Q&A session, because it took community engagement to the next level, offering residents the opportunity to ask specialists across a broad spectrum of expertise whatever questions they may have.”
Moya discussed enforcing his Curbstoning bill with the NYPD to tow illegally sold cars which take up already scarce parking spaces, and discussed how these unlicensed dealers often sell cars in dangerous or poor condition to unsuspecting buyers. He also elaborated on the recently negotiated 111th Street plan with the DOT, which will increase safety along the road and create a bike lane without the extreme parking and traffic lane sacrifices of the original plan.
“From safety initiatives to state-of-good repair efforts like roadway resurfacing, Assemblyman Moya’s town hall is a welcomed opportunity to get insights on the vital role streets and sidewalks play in enhancing neighborhood experiences,” DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia said. “Hearing directly from residents and business owners will inform the important work DOT does to improve residents’ quality of life in Queens and across the city.”
Moya also addressed the proliferation of bars and liquor stores along Roosevelt Avenue with the State Liquor Authority. Residents were quick to mention the frequency of late night parties as well. The 110th Precinct explained they were taking steps to approach repeat offenders during daytime hours, which they explained was a more successful preventative approach.
“I believe it is very important that the agencies hear directly from the community the complaints and suggestions we have been voicing to the assemblyman and other officials,” Corona resident Damian Vargas said. “While there was a great turnout at the meeting, true success would be to follow up with the agencies to see that they are in fact addressing the many reasonable concerns that were voiced.”
As the population growth of Corona has exploded in recent years, Moya discussed the overcrowding it causes in schools forcing many students to learn in trailers and how downzoning South Corona would allow infrastructure to catch up to the current population and restrict over-development. Residents mentioned other consequences of over-development, such as scarce parking and illegal driveways in the neighborhood.
“Bringing this many agencies under one roof to help improve the quality of life of our constituency is an overwhelmingly gratifying feeling,” CB 4 District Manager Christian Cassagnol said. “Our residents have a voice, and the fact that they have a chance to express their concerns at these yearly meetings is a positive and effective way of letting them know that we are here to listen and assist in any way we can.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
