February Community Board 14 Meeting Recap

By Katie McFadden

The February Community Board 14 meeting was held on Tuesday, February 10, at the Knights of Columbus, and like the month of February, it was the shortest meeting in a while, as some presenters on the agenda were not available.

The meeting opened with reports from the NYPD. New commanding officer Captain Sachi Singh, of the 100th Precinct, said crime was down overall over the last 28 days. There was a reported homicide, but it was for a crime six months ago, in which a man who was engaged in a fight was pushed down the stairs and died. The medical examiner recently ruled this a homicide, so it counted toward recent stats. Grand larceny is down 50% with four crimes. One arrest was made. Most instances involved phone call or text scams. There were two grand larceny auto incidents, and Singh reminded folks to not leave keys inside vehicles. There is a focus on vehicle break-ins, but those have also reduced by 25%, with only three crimes this period.

Captain Racino of the 101st Precinct said there has been an uptick in crime from 47 this 28-day period compared to 37 last year. There were eight robberies, 27 felony assaults, which were mostly domestic issues, two burglaries, and nine grand larceny incidents, including credit cards stolen from vehicles. The 101 recently lost some footposts as 35 officers were promoted and went to other commands, but they anticipate getting more officers in early March.

For Transit District 23, Lt. Hughes said they had no index crimes in the last 28 days. They have been focusing on waking up sleeping passengers who have property visible, making them targets for theft, so they wanted to make people aware of that effort.

Jose Reina of Congressman Gregory Meeks’ office provided some federal updates. On January 16, the U.S. Dept. of Education announced they were delaying involuntary collection for federal student loans that are in default. During this time, borrowers can decide on a repayment plan by heading to studentaid.gov/IDR. Most existing income-driven repayment plans will be eliminated on July 1, however those with loans from before then may still be eligible for income-based repayment plans. A new repayment plan will become available at that time, which can help borrowers waive interest if they make payments on time. Borrowers can also make tax deductions on interest paid on federal loans with the 1098 E form. If anyone did not receive their Social Security payments, they can contact Meeks’ office at 718-725-6000.

Carl Brown of Senator James Sanders’ office said Sanders is hosting a workshop on homeowner scams to prevent people from falling victim to property fraud, identity theft, and foreclosure. It will be February 19 at 6:30 p.m. at 145-02 Farmers Blvd. in Jamaica. Sanders is accepting nominations of female military members to be honored on March 22, through February 27. Call 718-327-7017 for more info.

Renee Taylor of Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers’ office spoke about some upcoming events. Her office is doing a black small business round table for Black History Month. The roundtable, on February 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Swift River in Rosedale, will feature economic development leaders who can provide resources. Her Far Rockaway office is hosting free tax prep services. Brooks-Powers will be giving a state of the district address on February 22 at 3 p.m. at Merrick Academy (22106 Merrick Blvd.). There will be transportation offered from the councilwoman’s Far Rockaway office. Contact 718-471-7014 for info.

Stacy Spataro of Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s office said the councilwoman and chief of staff Phyllis Inserillo met with the new commanding officer of the 100th Precinct, Captain Singh, to discuss how they can work together. She announced that the COPA bill was vetoed and not overridden in City Council. The ALMA Realty proposal for Surfside is undergoing an environmental impact study. The Little Mermen, a Disney-themed band, will perform at the Knights of Columbus on March 19 at 7 p.m. Property tax exemption requests are due by March 16. If eligible or would like to find out more, call the office at 718-318-6411.

Dan Brown of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office said she recently announced the return of two homes to rightful owners, who became victims of fraudulent deeds scams. The homes were stolen due to a deed scam and sold to third parties. Four people were convicted. Since 2020, Katz’s office has helped return 23 homes to rightful owners. For those who think they may be victims, call Brown at 718-286-6593.

Janine Agard of Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson’s office spoke about upcoming events. There will be a utility assistance clinic at the Far Rockaway office (1931 Mott Ave.) with PSE&G and National Grid on February 24. Anderson will host his state of the district address on February 27, 6:30 p.m. at P.S. 105. For Women’s History Month, they are accepting nominations for exceptional women in the district, through March 7. For info on any of these items, call 718-327-1845.

CB14 chairwoman Dolores Orr said she attended a Zoom meeting on the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises to discuss a development proposal for 14-10 Beach Channel Drive, which CB14 rejected. Board member John Cori attended in person to testify against it. She said Councilwoman Brooks-Powers convinced the developer to change the proposed 118 studio and one-bedroom units to 98 units with 57 one bedrooms, 30 two bedrooms and 10 three bedrooms instead. Orr is concerned because the developer didn’t mention the ongoing issues with the Inwood Material Terminal project across the street that is creating dust and debris that is disturbing neighbors at Redfern. IMT is allegedly operating without a proper permit. She also brought up flooding issues on the peninsula, the fact that 9,500 units are already in the pipeline to be built, and the Office of Emergency Management still hasn’t released an evacuation plan.

At the last meeting, CB14 discussed bylaws, and one issue was not being informed about street co-namings by local councilmembers. Councilmembers have been hosting co-namings without notifying CB14. They reached out to the councilwomen, who responded that they are permitted to exercise discretion with co-namings, but they will continue to work with CB14 on future co-naming considerations. Orr remains doubtful.

District Manager Felicia Johnson said the Joseph P. Addabbo Healthcare Center has agreed to host CERT (community emergency response team) trainings. She encouraged those in housing developments and clergy members to sign up for training to be a resource for others. Training will be in the spring. Johnson and Orr attended the opening of the Seaside Library on February 5. They may consider holding committee meetings there. Current CB14 board members have to reapply to serve on the board by 5 p.m. on February 13. Johnson warned that many still hadn’t reapplied.

Johnson learned that the community affairs unit for the Mayor’s office no longer exists, but there is an Office of Mass Engagement, which Rockaway’s former liaison, Kevin Morris, is now the head of. A new representative from the mayor’s office has not yet been assigned to Rockaway. The office of Cannabis Management is going to launch a grant reinvestment fund, so when legal cannabis shop permit holders reapply, they have to include the ways they gave back to the community.

At an emergency Zoom meeting with Assemblyman Anderson, Johnson was told that ICE made an appearance this week around Beach 25th and Far Rockaway Blvd. The NYS Office of Parks and Recreation is putting forth a proposal for Vernam Barbadoes public access and recreation improvements. CB14 sent a letter to NYC Dept. of Planning against the upzoning for 14-10 Beach Channel Drive, and Planning Commissioner Botero voted against the upzoning based on CB14’s concerns. CB14 sent a letter to all NYS elected officials, Nassau County legislators and the NYSDEC asking for IMT to be denied the special permit they are requesting, as they’ve been operating out of compliance since 2013.

CB14 sent a letter to NYC Parks Rockaway Administrator Walsack about their request to be less restrictive on the event permitting for Beach 17th Street. At a recent Borough Cabinet meeting, ConEd warned of rate increases on bills. This will affect Broad Channel residents. NYC DOT is seeking individuals and businesses interested in operating concessions in public plazas. Johnson advised people to Google “DOT Concessions” to apply. Johnson got notification for a new affordable housing development at 10-16 Beach 19th Street, which can be built as of right. Construction will begin in June.

Mayor Mamdani came to Beach 41st Houses to announce a $38.4 million investment in heat pumps for the buildings. CB14 wasn’t made aware he was coming, so they weren’t even at the event. After a letter was sent to the MTA regarding issues with the Q22, Johnson said she plans to invite them to the next Transportation Committee meeting at the Clinical Learning Center at Episcopal Health Services on February 24.

NYC Parks announced construction delays for Nameoke, or Augustine Playground’s restroom building, as the HVAC system was discontinued. The completion date has been moved from March to June. Bay Breeze Park was supposed to be completed by this month after delays, but Johnson hasn’t heard any updates.
There will be an Economic Development Committee meeting on February 12, 6:30 p.m. at Far Rockaway Library on a liquor license application for El Doro lounge, and on a new apartment building at 10-18 Beach 20th Street, requesting to change their commercial space from a medical space designation, as they can’t find a medical partner. Margert Community Development Corporation has expressed interest. There will be an Environmental Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, also at the Far Rockaway Library, to discuss a recycling act moving through the Assembly, and a proposal to bring a desalination plant to Fort Tilden.

During public speaking, Rose Marie Duggan Gulston spoke about the Community Action Board, which advises on the use of community grants to combat poverty. They work with neighborhoods to identify specific needs. A community needs assessment was done, and Gulston announced a town hall on the matter on Wednesday, February 11. She also advised nonprofits that are looking for funding to hire more youth to check out dycd.gov to apply. Mike Scala, who serves as legal counsel for QueensLink, said there will be an event at Pilot House on Beach 69th Street from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 13, for people to learn about this potential transportation option. There will be drink specials and music.

Deborah of MCU announced that their new branch at Beach 69th in Arverne by the Sea will open sometime in the spring. Sarah Hennig of the Arverne Community Library wanted to bring awareness to the library at Beach 54th Street. It offers resources like tax help, job and business help, technology classes and more. They are also currently hosting programming for Black History Month and will be hosting events for Women’s History Month.

A woman named Alice brought more attention to the issue of ICE being seen in Rockaway, as they were allegedly seen at the McDonald’s on Mott Ave. on Tuesday morning. She advised people to follow Assemblyman Anderson on social media for live updates on sightings and information about what rights people and businesses have.

Bill Schact of Resilient District Design gave a presentation. Although not a Rockaway resident, Schact worked with the late Dr. Williams on Ready Rockaways, and he is interested in getting Rockaway designated as a “Resilient District,” so it would open the community to funding for certain things. His presentation was a practice run for a larger presentation he hopes to have with elected officials in the future, as he feels Mayor Mamdani would be willing to help Rockaway. Schact is part of a roundtable of professionals in resiliency including architects and other association with NYU, Columbia and Pratt University, who are interested in making Rockaway more resilient by bringing a backup emergency power system micro grid to certain areas, but they lack funding to do so, so he is working on a grant application and trying to bring more attention to the matter ahead of a potential bigger town hall.

In new and old business, Orr said that a new Public Safety Committee and an Arts and Culture Committee will be coming to CB14 by April. Another member brought up a new stop sign at Beach 91st Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd., which is causing traffic buildups, especially with buses stopping in the area, so she asked Johnson to notify DOT. Member Jack Epter asked folks to start compiling information on bus stops being missed on the Q22 due to overcrowding.