Commentary on happenings relating to greater Sunnyside-Woodside-LIC from the unconcealed POV of the writers. Agree or disagree? Send comments to SmallTownComment@ gmail.com Volume 2, Number 3
Sunday, March 24, 2019
St. Pats for All Parade 2019 Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez was serenaded before the19th St. Pats for All parade on Skillman Avenue through Sunnyside Woodside on March 3. Previous parade marshal Malachy McCourt sang an impromptu “Will Ye Go Lassie Go” outside of Claret Wine Bar in Sunnyside. With AOC now of national interest, politicians and attendees sought her out with excitement. (Image by Sandi Bachom)
This year’s parade marshals were Fionnula Flanagan and Seán Curran. St. Pats for All was spearheaded by Brendan Fay with co-chair by Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy. The parade was a merry celebration with color, sights and sounds for children, passion from marchers and onlookers for their varioius causes, and of course, elected officials hailing the crowd. ◆
FREE
NYC Public Education Debacle: Final Installment
Things Aren’t Pretty by Gabriel Nihas (See page 3)
Op Ed by Patricia Dorfman LINK TO CITY FEASIBIITY STUDY: www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Sunnyside-Yard-Feasibility-Study2017-Full-Report.pdf?
NEXT LOCAL CHALLENGE: It is a good idea, if everyone took the time in the next few weeks or months, even though perhaps a hard slog, with 206 pages and technical passages, to read via link above or at every local library, the feasibility study of overbuilding (deck(Other photos, page 6, 7) ing) and developing of Sunnyside Yards. An active train system would continue to operate beneath a massive structure above it, in places as high as five stories, with a new “city” above that, with high rises, roads and bridges. The study was approved, and paid for by the public, and the plan was found feasible by the team at NYC Economic Development CorporaSURPRISE: Sunnyside Cham- tion (EDC). The EDC works on projects ber Names Our Editor the 9th to which the Mayor is favorable. “Luke Adams Sunnysider of the FASCINATING: The study is the Year!” most comprehensive of its kind so far on the property. As these studies go, it is (See back cover)
easy to read, packed with information. The study is well done – truly, a state of the art feasibility study. Some of us find it easier to read it online rather than in hard copy. But if you wish, you can download it and print it out. Because so much money can be made from this large area of prime estate so near Manhattan, efforts to develop will continue no matter what occurs as a result of urging by the current administration. The matter is not going to go away. WHAT’S GOING ON: The study is not the final plan, and examines three different scenarios. The city is collecting input from the public, in addition to having a Sunnyside Yards Steering Committee, not all of whom favor the plan. Assuredly, the greatest desire to develop probably comes from the powerful lobbyist, the Real Estate Board of NY, the Mayor, and thus the NYCEDC, and not the surrounding communities. Most important to know is that the city is acting as though the deal in some form will happen and they are soliciting opinions (Continued, page 2)
Criminals Stepping Out Again. Crime Up: 108 NYPD 108 Precinct Community Council Meeting by Jason Greenberg (See page 5)
Sunday, March 24, 2019
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL (Continued from page 1)
Now They Want the Big One (Yards)
Small Town Confidential Editor | Publisher Patricia Dorfman V.P. | Sales Manny Gomez Cell 718-909-4806 V.P. | Writer Berk Koca Contributing Writers Jason Greenberg Christopher D. LeGras Gabriel Nihas Chris Robin Martin Scanlon Advisory Committee Mary Caulfield Toni Dorfman Richard Drake Debbie George Farley Rani Kinane Christopher Whalen 45-06 Queens Blvd. Sunnyside, NY 11104 SmallTownComment@gmail.com ©2019. All Rights Reserved
from us about it. That is because the monied and powerful want it, not that it is a done deal. THIS IS NOT LIKE AMAZON. It is like Hudson Yards, or Atlantic Yards, meaning using public money to build something said to be of benefit to the public long term. If approved, which would be a long process, the project will take decades to complete. Like all giant projects, such as East Side Access, there will be cost overruns, and delays due to unforeseen geological realities and other problems. A MEGA PROJECT: If the Yards were to be developed, it will change all our lives in Queens forever. Attempts to develop the property have occurred over 100 years to develop it but have failed. The different owners and air rights (see image below), a negative view from the public, and the immense cost were too formidable. Some say that Amtrak, which needs funds, and owns the largest area, may proceed on its own. More money would be made by Amtrak with a comprehensive plan with for all owners, so it is unclear if that is factual. But there is urgency for an informed public. WHAT WE KNOW: Not mentioned in the study are common past experience from such projects; few small businesses or residents in fragile situations can afford to stay in the areas adjacent. Sunnyside Gardens is landmarked, but cost of living, property taxes will go up around it. The area will attract wealthier people, larger businesses. There will be more residential displacement and congestion. Some local owners may relish the idea of their property value going up. But living with construction will not be easy for present or future residents.
DONE DEAL TACTIC: We do fear that among some on official committee, some highly qualified, but on an 18-month timetable, with specific tasks to complete and about which make recommendations, constrained to confidentiality, with no press allowed, and given a place at the table, might lead some to be persuaded that the project is “inevitable,” and they giving input on a massive historical process. And we noticed with Hudson Yards, the media has largely waited till completion find fault. So we must all research the matter, and determine if the project is a good idea, and can be halted or not. AS FOR STC, WE ARE OPPOSED: But if pressed for what we desire, it would be: 1. Half of the about 180 acres in contiguous park (not separate little spaces) for sports, LaGuardia college studying, play, environmental projects. Such a park would change lives here for the better. If people want higher property values, a giant park would provide that. 2. No luxury at all (luxury is what big real estate wants to make money and without it will presumably have little interest) but affordable housing for the poor and middle class –affordable housing not under Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, which is too expensive. We have enough luxury now in LIC and Manhattan. 3. A new train system 4. Commercial: manufacturing and tech space encouraged to bring in jobs for people here now 5. New sewer system. With decking, we lose the water absorption present now and our system is currently inadequate. One good thing about being Manhattan’s “spare room” is we have lots of cemeteries and they and the Yards are a place for water to go.
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Emily Sharpe
6. More environmental focus 7. Public access: The size of this project is gigantic, would take decades, and of course, as with all monumental public works, would run into unforeseen geological delays (as has East Side Access), and cost overruns. So transparency is important even with security concerns. NEW GROUP OPPOSED: Some of us worked on the last two pushbacks on Yards development. A new group has taken on the task, the Coalition to Stop Sunnyside Yards. They held an informative and well-attended meeting on March 10. Attorney Emily Sharpe founded the group and she has help from Michael Forest, Lynne Ellsworth, and others. They have a website to obtain more information and get more involved, stopsunnysideyards.com, and their email is: stopsunnysideyards@protonmail.com FREE TOUR: We recommend attending a free walking tour by Yards expert, historian Mitch Waxman, offered in conjunction with the group, to see firsthand what the plan is discussing – see back cover for tour flyer. PLAN ADVOCATES MEETING: The EDC’s second public meeting will be Tuesday, March 26, 6-9PM, at PS166, Henry Gradstein Elementary, 33-09 35th Ave., Astoria, 11106. Reserve free admission at eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-thesecond-sunnyside-yard-master-planningpublic-meeting-tickets-55022366379 ◆
Sunday, March 24, 2019
NYC’s Education Debacle, Part III
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL marijuana throughout a building that has spun out of control with a principal who’d rather befriend kids than enforce rules, furious teachers say.”
Teachers in the school with years of experience comment they have never seen such a breakdown in order. A majority of the teachers in the school by Gabriel Nihas have given their principal, who joined the school in 2017, a vote of In the first segment of this article, I no confidence. A follow up article on discussed the inadequacies of much February 25 documented how one of the existing NYC education system pair of parents sent their son to the that fails to teach our children what school because of its high academics, they need to know. Their time is being only for him to turn to near constant wasted and they know it. marijuana use. In the second segment, I detailed a contributing factor most of share; the addiction to cell phones. With children, however, that widespread inability to concentrate long enough to learn or solve simple problems harms them permanently. We adults are also just as distracted and addicted, but we had a chance to learn basic skills in our youth.
This travesty taking place at Forest Hills High School is a reflection of a larger trend in the school system, where suspensions are discouraged, discipline codes are rarely enforced, and students are given a pass for unacceptable behavior. Students come to my high school class high often, especially after lunch. And there’s not much I can do about it, nor is there much the administration is willing to The student’s inability to concentrate do about it. Many teachers will tell has harmed the daily process of curric- you the same thing. ulum itself. One colleague in the English department told this writer those When there are no consequences for 10 years ago, he was “able to cover five actions which in former days were adto six books a year. Now I’m lucky if dressed when I attended public NYC I can finish one.” Or, we feel we are public high school, discipline was due teaching information the students will to break down. This is a disservice to not use, and at the same time watching students, to parents and to faculty and children become addicts. This is not administration. It provides no prepahow public money should be used; to ration to meet the world’s challenges. provide a place to get children out of the house for 12 or 15 years. The second recent news story is also This third and final segment deals with a suggestion about how to address the problem. We have to question the very legitimacy of the existing system itself. I propose we replace this archaic apparatus.
shocking. Figures for admission offers for 2019 into the city elite high schools offer 10.5 percent to Black and Hispanic students. White students are also a minority, with most incoming students continuing to be Asian Americans. When I attended high school here, many more black, Hispanic and white students were accepted. Has there suddenly been a diminution in basic intelligence and ability? Of course not. Have tests suddenly become more difficult? No.
But first, let’s check the news on the unfolding disaster of the New York City Department of Education and how it relates to my theses. The first of two recent stories is one covered by the New York Post on February 23, the breakdown of discipline enforcement The problem is, firstly, as I said, that in once-prestigious Forest Hills High students are forced to sit through an School: education with no justification as to its utility for them or their future. “Students at highly-regarded ForThey need basic skills. And secondly, est Hills HS openly smoke and vape
the constant connection to outside stimulus from their cell phones, removes their ability to learn even if the curriculum was well created and discipline was enforced. So why are these worsening numbers occurring which place Asian Americans in the majority, where say, at Stuyvesant, they are 74% of the student body? In my view, it obviously because the destructive aspects to current education are hitting some of us harder. Apparently, parents of Asian Americans have been able to force their children to concentrate despite a culture that is removing that ability and a curriculum and atmosphere, which coddles, excuses and does not teach basic skills. A deeply rooted problem now is the administration above the teachers. The system in place rewards an almost robotic carrying out of orders from the Department of Education. There is an atmosphere of corporate “yes men” promulgating what can only be termed social engineering strategy coming presumably top down. Administrators routinely “talk down” to teachers in conversations and reviews, which often seem like interrogations. In private, we teachers speak of feeling as though instead of giving us guidance, we are being set up to be pushed out of the system. In a personal discussion with one administrator, I learned she was a former teacher who could no longer bear teaching due to boredom. Administrative work was a way out of the classroom and a way to make more money for less work. And yes, most administrators seem do less work. We cannot complain to them or to their supervisors, because we can be punished by bad reviews. The teachers union and teachers are often criticized get criticized for fighting for teachers’ extensive vacation days and pension packages. But all of us work many more hours than those we are paid for. There is no way to prepare lesson plans, get them approved, and fulfill our responsibility in a professional and caring way without very long days. This flawed education paradigm
Page 3 should be discarded. What is my suggestion? The solution is a decentralization of the educational process. Students must learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Computer skills should be taught starting at age six. Some physical education, art, music, civics, would add interest. A second language taught intensively the very early years, would help their learning ability for life. They must not bring cell phones to class. They must do homework without the presence of their phones. Starting at age 12, centers with more specialized learning can be set up where schools are now where students they can learn new skills that they want to learn, geared to their interest. They can also take online courses at a younger age to learn the material they need to learn for the jobs, careers, and roles in life that they want to pursue. Finding work early if they wish to would allow them to discover faster what they wish to do with their lives. Have young adults enter the workforce earlier, or go to medical school, law school, business, or engineering school earlier. Once children they hit puberty, we must start treating children like adults and demand they conduct themselves with decorum. No student should be allowed to attend school under the influence of drugs. Cheating and abusive language should be met with discipline. We’ve fooled ourselves into thinking that unearned diplomas and and degrees are a measure of something of value as they were in the past. It is no wonder that drugs, sex, the Internet; obscene popular culture is captivating children at earlier and earlier ages. The essence of education is experience, and these “kids” need more of it at a younger age. We’ve shielded them from the realities of life for too large a period of time and wasted our money and their time. Gabriel Nihas is a pseudonym for a writer who attended NYC public schools, who currently is a teacher in a public high school. ◆
Sunday, March 24, 2019
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL Amin Siad of the Fresh ‘n’ Save Supermarkets in Sunnyside, and CB2 Chairperson Denise Keehan-Smith asked the DOT to address the problems resulting from one lane on Skillman Avenue, part of the overall controversial “road diet.” Large delivery trucks, coupled with FDNY needing to mak the turn onto Skillman from 51st Streeet, coupled with the one remaining lane, make the corner a damgerous one for drivers, pedestrian and bicycles. Queens Streets for All (QSFA), the local coaltion to remove the road diet, and start over
A “wiring failure was described as the cause of power going out in Big Six on March 19, brought back March 20. The complex has 982 units, over 4,000 residents, and its own power generator. Longtime resident Arlene Fiorella said, “We were out and came home to it. We are older and could not walk to the 17th floor and if we got there, there was no water, heat or electricity. The Fire Department quickly got people out of stuck elevators and the Big Six staff worked steadily. We hung out at Dunkin’ Donuts for awhile, but finally we checked into the Comfort Inn to sleep till morning.”◆ Good People Thinking as One: Veysel Ucan, of the Muslim Turkish Cultural Center Queens, a worldwide organization (“Hizmet” means “service) worked to to hold a vigil March 20 at Bliss Plaza, to respond locally to terrorism in New Zealand and and Utrecht. A thank you is owed also to Jaime-Faye Bean of Sunnyside Shines who coordinated, and served an emcee. CB2 Board Member Dorothy Morehead called for a vigil the day after the New Zealand atrocities. Local Allison Logie also got busy right after the news broke, lining up elected officials. Many clerics and members of faiths and religious organizations stepped by express solidarity. Pastor Neil Margetson of Sunnyside Reformed noted we not only must mourn together for the dead abroad, we must also condemn hate here. Faye-Bean tapped Ven Geshe Tashi Dorjem Tibetan priest, to attend, and his singing startled and moved the crowd. ◆
Longtime Congressman Joseph Crowley pleased many in Queens by hosting a rousing party March 9th at the Globe Tavern. The event was always a hit at still not reopened Sidetracks. Originally, the gathering was understood to be related to politics but was reframed, due to his formation of a Washington lobbying firm. Crowley supporters showed up in such droves, there was no room to move. Joe sang and played guitar, with other musicians. Irish country music singer Sunnysider Cathy Maguire came and sang her new song written with Steve Earle. The craic on the curb was that the still very popular Crowley might be interested down the road in taking a run at the governorship, but only if that seat became vacant.◆
with a new plan, nonetheless hopes to get immediate help on that stretch and other troublesome spots. The DOT’s John O’Neill came out for a meeting February 19 and into the field to see what could be done to address immediate concerns. On March 2, a fire truck making the turn, as FDNY’s now Chief Duff had foreseen, and hit parked car on Skillman. Siad’s svideo on social media attracted a news story from WABC. Reporter Tim Fleischer came out to interview locals. Danny from TJ’s Asian Bistro spoke
Page 4 about the danger from the one lane, and the lack of parking now driving his business down 20%.
L-R: Manny Gomez, Eric Barthels, Amin Siad, and DOT’s John O’Neill
Sunday, March 24, 2019
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL how policing is collaboration with the community– if you see something, say something.
Criminals Stepping Out Again. Crime Up: 108 Council Meeting by Jason Greenberg On Tuesday, February 26th, the second NYPD 108th Precinct Police Community Council meeting of this year took place. The Cop of the Month Award was presented, sponsored by the Times Newsweekly. The honor went to two members of Anti-Crime Team for apprehending a gang member with a loaded 22-caliber pistol on Roosevelt Avenue. Representatives from Assemblyman Barnwell’s office and Councilman Van Bramer’s office also presented citations to P.O. Ames, and P.O. Rama, and Sergeant Cruz. Crime Statistics: See chart showing crimes committed for the past 28 days prior to the meeting. There are more robberies, grand larceny auto crimes, and rape this year compared to last year. (Grand larceny includes thefts from cars, and mailbox fishing. Robberies are those done in person; burglaries are not.) Although no information regarding grand larceny was given at the meeting, current information maybe found online at compstat.nypdonline.org. Commanding Officer Captain Michael Gibbs once again stated
One individual asked a question about the massage parlors as a legitimate business because some locations might conduct illegal behavior. Many are open in the middle of the night. Police officials responded that methods to address all illegal businesses are to deploy teams such as narcotics and vice, work in multi-agency collaborations, and conduct business checks such as appropriate paperwork. An establishment that serves alcohol, for instance, can involve the State Liquor Authority and may possibly result in removal of a liquor license. With a continuation of proven infractions, police can build a case, working with the courts to close down illegal businesses. Regarding burglaries, the Captain stated that perpetrators are not trying
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see her, call 911. to target individuals in person, and they do not want to interact with dogs, The public and press is welcome to cameras – they only wish to steal and the next meeting of the 108th Preleave the premises. He once again reitcinct Police Community Council: erated the importance of lights, locking things up, and security cameras. Tuesday, March 26 at 7pm Sunnyside Community Captain Gibbs warned about a young, Services female walking around with a baby 43-31 39th Street, Sunnyside stroller stealing packages that are left at residents’ doors. She is very active in Sunnyside, Woodside and LIC. If you
Sunday, March 24, 2019
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL
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Sunday, March 24, 2019
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL
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Sunday, March 24, 2019
Surprise: Sunnyide Chamber Selects Our Editor as LukeAdams Sunnysider of the Year by Berk Koca
Patricia Dorfman
Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce president Melissa Orlando announced on February 8 that Patricia Dorfman was voted by the Chamber as the “The 2019 Luke Adams Sunnyside of the Year.” The ninth award gala will be held Tuesday, April 2, starting at 6:30pm, at Tangra’s large event QUEENS DISTANCE RUNNERS announces The Fourth Annual Queens Marathon Sunday, April 21st
SMALL TOWN CONFIDENTIAL space, on Queens Blvd. at 40th Street. Dorfman said, “I was stunned. With a younger people in charge with other fish to fry, I was amazed they would consider me. I am thrilled.” Pat said she began the award in 2011, while Chamber VP, in order to recognize Luke Adams, and afterward, one person a year for community service, without fundraising, affiliation or political reasons. “Luke did not shy away from telling people his opinion,” Pat laughed, “but everyone knew his heart was Sunnyside. He helped put the area on the map. He helped Lily Gavin and others make this a small town in the big city.” Recipients following Adams were in 2012, The Very Rev. Father Brian P. Dowd, Pastor of Queen of Angels Church, and Frances Schmidt in 2013, of the Lions Club and Community Volunteer. In 2014, Donald McCallian, President, United Forties, 108 Council, received the honor, and in 2015, Oguzhan Turan, Exec. Director, Turkish Cultural Center, and Hurricane Sandy Relief. In 2016, the nod went to Angel Gill Orrios, known worldwide as artistic director of Thalia Spanish Theatre, and in 2017, Anthony Lana. Lana for 40 years was the Sunnyside Drum Corps and Kiwanis Flag Day parade organizer. Last year, beloved businessman Tony Tang of
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the UPS got the nod, for his 30 years of community service. Being honored the same night in a new category, “Queens Rising Star Awards” is Suryaside Yoga’s Roque Rodriguez, a yoga teacher and singer. Roque volunteers teaching yoga at Rikers Island. Also recipient of the Rising Star Award will be Eric Barthels, founder and creator of Cooldown Juice, who holds the free Health Expo under the elevated. Both helped with the recent Sunnyside Fire Relief efforts, as did Dorfman. Dorfman founded the non-profit Sunnyside Artists in 2007, is unpaid director of Queens Streets for All, and serves on the steering committees of Justice for All Coalition and Access Queens. She worked to create a successful free coding class for children from 5-8, KidCodeQ, and organized the annual public singing to Ethel Plimack. She was successful in getting Bliss, Rawson and Lowery back on the stations and 7 trains, and was VP of the 108 Council for 12 years. Pat has locally pushed back a BID on Skillman, and promoted the SBJSA Act. She was valedictorian of the NYPD Citizen’s Police Academy. Dorfman moved to Sunnyside after a career as filmmaker and TV commercial executive producer. She illustrated the noted book. “On Food and Cook-
We invite you to register at https://elitefeats.redpodium.com/april-21-the-2019-queensmarathon-qdr
ing” by Harold McGee. Pat is married to Richard Drake, a retired financial executive and former Yale professor. Chamber Board Chairman Manny Gomez, says, “We are selling out. Step and repeat spots are gone. Call me for tickets at 718-909-4906, or go on line to https://squ.re/2Yof YqW The event features dinner, a champagne toast, music, dancing, with live performances. Dress is formal, but come to party! This is going to the gala to remember in Sunnyside. “
Roque Rodriguez, Queens Rising Star
Eric Barthels, Queens Rising Star
USATF certified looped course that gives runners, volunteers and spectators a chance to bond over the course of the race. All proceeds from the marathon go to our growing non-profit
501(c)3 organ which produces the “The Kids of Queens” program. The Queens Marathon is an official qualifier race for the 2020 Boston Marathon. The course is relatively flat with few inclines. More info: Co-Founder Kevin Montalvo, kevin@qdrunners.org, We have removed most of the tight turns along the course to give 347-884-7803 you the best chance to run your best marathon. Our race features a