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Continued from Page 11 about Arverne, Belle Harbor needs to care about Roxbury, Rockaway Park needs to care about Far Rockaway, etc. Going forward, Congressman Meeks intends to gather us all for a de-briefing. Hopefully, the many areas of Rockaway will be able to form a concise, clear list of needs so that all of the agencies see that there is less confusion and chaos in our own understanding, as a peninsula, of the hard work that needs to be done. It was an inspiring, frustrating, educational, and hopeful day. Thank you, Congressman Meeks, for this authentic opportunity. In a few weeks, it will be the 5th anniversary of Sandy. Rockaway has come so far, but we all know how much work needs to still be done. The Rockaway Storm Protection group will be hosting a rally on the beach at 2 p.m. on October 28. St. Francis de Sales has kindly offered their parking lot for the event. Not that any
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017 of us need it, but the recent hurricanes should serve as a harsh reminder that living by the ocean can be precarious. Please come out and demand better storm protection for our beloved Rockaway. We cannot be forgotten. Jean Belford More Than an Eyesore Dear Editor: On September 28, 2017, CBS news reported from the abandoned building, (formerly Chai Assisted Living), located at 125-02 Ocean Promenade, concerning the declining health of a local resident, whose health condition has been further compromised due to the unsanitary and hazardous conditions of the abandoned building. A search of the New York City Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), www.nyc.gov/acris, (for search purposes the block is 16235 and the lot is 0039), reveals the present owner to be Chai Bonim, LLC. The identity of the owner(s) behind the
limited liability corporation is unclear as the property has changed hands quite frequently over the past few years. The trustee is listed as Abraham J. Backenroth. A search on the New York City Department of Buildings website, www.nyc.gov/buildings, reveals a long list of open hazardous violations. The New York City Fire Department has marked the abandoned building with a “boxed x” as a warning to first responders that the building is unsafe. The New York City Police Department has frequently responded to the abandoned building due to quality of life complaints, including trespassers, graffiti and public urination. A search on the New York City Lobby website, www.nyc. gov/lobbyistsearch, reveals the owner Chai Bonim, LLC, has spent $61,516.50, since 6/22/15 to present, targeting City Planning Commission (CPC), Department of City Planning (DCP), Borough President-Queens, Communi-
The Rockaway Times ty Boards, and New York City Council Members. Lobbyists are hired to persuade someone in authority, usually an elected member of a government, to support laws or rules that give their client an advantage. The community has held a rally. Elected officials were present, demanding that the owner be held accountable for the hazardous conditions that are a blight upon the neighborhood. The local newspapers have reported on the hazardous conditions, even publishing photos of the “eyesore” building. Complaints have been filed with the New York City Department of Buildings. Neighbors have shared information concerning the dangerous conditions on social media. The health and safety of the local community and first responders is at risk due to the dangerous and hazardous conditions of the abandoned building located at 125-02 Ocean Promenade owned by Chai Bonim, LLC. Erin M. O’Grady
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