High Tide

*****

Happy Spring!

*****

This week’s BHPOA meeting sure had its fair share of fireworks. Governor Hochul’s controversial housing plan, which has been included in this year’s state budget and is currently being negotiated, has certainly raised a lot of eyebrows throughout the peninsula, city and the state. Check out Katie McFadden’s coverage of the story on page 7.

*****

Reminder that the times for setting out your garbage will be changing effective Saturday, April 1. If your garbage is in a 55-gallon container (or less) with a secured lid, you may place the waste out after 6 p.m. If you are putting bags directly on the curb, you may place the waste out after 8 p.m. There are additional rules for businesses, and all the information can be found at nyc.gov/setouttimes.

*****

Another reminder that due to Sandy Rehabilitation Track Work, from Saturday, March 25 at 5:30 a.m. until Sunday, March 26 at 10:00 p.m., there will be no A train service between Rockaway Blvd. and Far Rockaway-Mott Ave. There will be free shuttle buses and rerouted S trains which will run between Rockaway Park and Far Rockaway.

*****

Adrienne’s, the new restaurant that will be taking over the Bayview location in Broad Channel, is now hiring for all positions. Send your resumés to Careers@Adriennes-nyc.com.

*****

This spring, at the Peninsula Library at 95-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., there will be a mobile food pantry delivering fresh produce, protein and shelf-stable items. The pantry will be at the library on three different Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: April 8, May 13 and June 10. 

*****

The National Park Service has announced that their 2023 summer lifeguard positions, including at Jacob Riis Park, are now available. For more information, please visit: www.nps.gov/gate/getinvolved/workwithus.htm.

*****

Rumors have been swirling around Rockaway that two houses, one on 114th and one on 119th, are in the process of being turned into halfway houses. We love a good rumor as much as the next guy, but as of now, we have not seen any facts with regards to this rumor. Local elected officials are on the case and our ear is to the ground and if we hear anything solid, we promise to let you know!

*****

St. Francis College, the alma mater of many Rockaway locals, has announced that following the Spring 2023 season, they will be eliminating all athletic programs. St. Francis College has always had a storied athletic program, with their men’s basketball program being the oldest college program in New York City, dating back to 1896. They were even charter members of the NCAA. The school’s Athletic Director, Irma Garcia, a graduate of St. Francis, said in a statement, “As we continue to compete this season, I ask that you pour love and positivity into our student-athletes. They have worked all year to play at their highest level and I will be cheering them on to the bitter end.” All current athletic and academic scholarships will be honored.

*****

With the lows of one historic New York City athletic program comes the highs for another. St. John’s University announced that they will be hiring Rick Pitino as their next men’s head basketball coach. The often controversial, yet unquestionably talented Pitino, has a long history with the Big East Conference and NY basketball in general. The Hall of Fame coach spent the past three years at Iona College, making the NCAA Tournament two of those three years. St. John’s has only made the NCAA Tournament three times in the past twenty years.