Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together

COMET NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2018

61st Street at Flushing Avenue

Narrow Streets, Oversized Vehicles, Dangerous Intersections

Too Much Traffic - What’s the Solution?
Many of our streets are being used by motorists as a shortcut to avoid traffic on the LIE, Queens Boulevard and other major arteries.
Commercial vehicles can be seen throughout our communities paying no attention to city-wide truck route regulations.
Our buses are oftentimes overcrowded and traffic makes it hard for them to adhere to their schedule.
We have put transportation issues in the forefront and will continue to work to improve our quality of life.

If you see something, say something! If you see something, send something.
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1-888-692-7233 or 1-888-NY-SAFE You can attach photos or send information.
 The January 2018 Snowstorm
We want to thank Assemblyman Brian Barnwell and his staff
for volunteering to shovel sidewalks for dozens of senior
citizens this winter. Some folks heard them shoveling as late
as 2:00 am! It was a job well done!

The Icicle Saga

Pedestrian Problems
It took a couple of years, but NYC DOT has not forgotten to salt the many
overpasses in our area that cross the LIE as well as the railroad tracks.
We were pleased no one called us to complain about the dangerous
conditions. Great news!
However, the “Safe Streets” that was implemented by NYC DOT in west
Maspeth did not get the attention needed to allow safe passage for the
On January 15th we received hundreds of children attending area schools or folks walking to the bus
a call from a resident who during the January snowstorm. NYC DOT did shovel the sidewalk on 61st
saw large icicles hanging Street. The Block Captain called to report the Grand Avenue and 57th
from the railroad overpass Drive sides of the triangle weren’t shoveled. NYC DOT returned and
on Calamus Avenue at 74th shoveled out the Grand Avenue side but never shoveled the 57th Drive
Street and was concerned that side where folks park. We couldn’t help but notice that a very narrow
one would fall and seriously path was shoveled that is barely wide enough for one person much less
injure a pedestrian or smash for an adult with a child. Hopefully this will be resolved for next year.
the windshield of a passing
vehicle. We advised her to call
311, explain the problem and
more than likely she would be 52nd Avenue Tree Pruning
transferred to 911. As expected, the 311 operator transferred her to
52nd Avenue residents in Elmhurst
911. The 911 operator referred her back to 311. A long story short, the
were pleasantly surprised to see
resident called us back to let us know the operators couldn’t decide what
the Parks Department pruning
to do. We gave her the direct number to the Fire Department, which is
trees on their block recently.
the agency most capable of handling the problem. The resident called
the fire house and was told they would send someone to the location. Last summer, staff members of
No one responded. Councilman Dromm and COMET
volunteers Joanne Ferguson and
Several hours later a second resident called us about the dangerous
Richie Polar did a tree survey
icicles. Once again we told her to call 311 and most likely she would
on the south side of Queens
be referred to 911. She was told to call the 108th Precinct! Those of
Boulevard. When the survey was
you familiar with this area know 74th Street at Calamus Avenue is the
done a list of locations where trees
border of the 104th, 108th and 110th Precincts. We don’t know why the
needed pruning, empty tree pits
operator chose the 108th Precinct, but the resident made the call. Still
were located, and suggestions
nothing done. The following day, out of frustration, the resident called
where new trees could be planted
the offices of Assemblyman Barnwell and Councilman Holden. Alas, the
was forwarded to the agency.
Fire Department finally came to remove the icicles! We have no idea
whether the residents’ calls were finally heeded or one of the elected We hope to see new plantings
officials’ offices got the job done. in the near future that will help
beautify our community!
We’re glad these residents saw something and said something! The
lesson learned is persistence pays off. We asked Assemblyman Barnwell
to see if he can get the railroad to clean off the graffiti

Pg. 2 Spring 2018 COMET

 SBS Proposal
We have been hearing from quite
a few people who have a concern
about the proposed SBS bus on the
Q58 route that would eliminate the
now “limited” buses. They don’t
know how this long articulated bus
will navigate some turns and fear
more parking will be eliminated.
We reached out to Councilman
Dromm’s office in January and were told an SBS bus doesn’t necessarily
have to be the articulated ones we see in Manhattan. In response to a
follow up, the MTA explained that the plans for a route are still premature
and there is no plan in place yet. The MTA and DOT have identified the
corridor, but the route has not yet been developed. We were assured by
Councilman Dromm’s office that they would let us know of any updates.
At this point we think we should keep an open mind and make a decision
once a route is proposed and we’re sure the community can submit
comments. Those of you who are commuters would love to get to work
faster. Let’s hope this proposal benefits riders with no adverse impact
to traffic.
A west Maspeth resident sent us this photo of an SBS bus parked on 61st
Street at Flushing Avenue in a B57 bus stop on New Year’s Day. We were
told folks have seen these buses driving down 61st Street but never saw
one actually parked in our area. We are curious why these buses are
cutting through our community when they don’t have a route here.
54th Avenue at 69th Place and
69th Lane
At the request of IS 73, NYC DOT installed a “bump-out” where 69th
Place and 69th Lane intersect at 54th Avenue to make it safer. Motorists
oftentimes used this intersection to make a U-turn back to Grand
Avenue, but with the “bump-out” in place they are now forced to get
back to Grand Avenue by driving down 54th Avenue and turning up 71st
Street. While taking the longer route via 71st Street is an inconvenience
when school is not in session, it turns out to be a big problem during
dismissal. School buses and MTA buses take up much of 54th Avenue
while waiting for students.
We suggested to DOT that they consider keeping the bump-out but
making a turn lane between the bump-out and sidewalk to allow
motorists to turn and avoid the congestion at the school. We have not
yet heard back from the agency. They plan to concrete this area in the
spring.
Improved Lighting for
51st Avenue
In response to a Woodside resident’s question, NYC DOT states Elmhurst
and Woodside residents will see improved lighting along 51st Avenue
between 72nd Place and Jacobus Street during the second quarter of
2018. There are plans to upgrade lighting throughout the city to energy
efficient LED lights.
55th Avenue Sewer Debacle
Still Not Resolved
When 55th Avenue residents reported a water main break last year
they were stunned to hear that the city was not liable to repair it
because prior residents had decided to “opt out” and not have their
water main as part of the city’s responsibility. The NYC Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) decided to repair it at the last minute
because of the impending snowstorm. Residents now want to “opt in”
to avoid a problem like this happening in the future.
After a year following up, Councilman Dromm was told that DEP saw no
reason to allow residents to “opt in”. The Councilman strongly disagrees
and sent a rebuttal to the agency on February 14th. A portion of the
letter reads as follows:
“Most notably, title to this street was vested in the city through a series
of conveyances beginning in 1930, ending with a final decree on May 10,
1935 (topical documents were enclosed from the Engineering Department
of the office of the President of the Borough of Queens). As this is indeed a
public street, I maintain the position that private homeowners should not
bear the responsibility of the water main.
I ask that DEP reconsider its position and provide my office with details
of its determination that there is no legal basis to claim responsibility
for a water main on a street owned by the city. Placing this undue and
inequitable burden on New York City homeowners is contrary to public
policy.”
COMET Spring 2018 Pg. 3
Calamus Avenue and 70th Street
Sewer Project Update
On Friday, February 9th, COMET President Roe Daraio was invited to
a meeting at Assemblyman Brian Barnwell’s office to discuss issues
concerning the Calamus Avenue sewer reconstruction as well as
the upcoming 70th Street sewer project. Other attendees included
representatives from offices of Congresswoman Grace Meng and Senator
Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, a representative for
Comptroller Scott Stringer was on the phone, Councilman Holden and
Gary Giordano, District Manager of Community Board 5, representatives
from the Department of Design & Construction (DDC), Department of
Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection (DEP) and MTA.
Calamus Avenue Project
The new sewer ends at 70th Street and isn’t connected to anything and
residents had a concern that water was running into the street under
their homes. DDC stated that the sewer is “capped” and any overflow
would go into the existing sewer. If anyone experiences a backup they
should call DDC and they will arrange for CAC, the contractor, to be on
site. It will also be necessary for the homeowner to have their plumber
on site as well. This decision was made as a result of a Calamus Avenue
homeowner being displaced for nearly two weeks after he was told to
call his plumber who then discovered the problem was on city property.
DDC explained nasty odors emanating from the catch basins are a
result of “hoods” not being replaced. This will be done when the final
resurfacing is done. DDC said that trees would be replanted according to
the sites identified by the Parks Department. The MTA representative
said the Q47 bus is definitely returning to its original route by Memorial
Day when the project is officially completed.
Calamus Avenue 70th Street
70th Street Project Delayed
At a meeting held at IS 73 in November by former Council Member
Elizabeth Crowley, residents were given information about the
upcoming sewer project that will affect not only 70th Street but other
blocks including 54th Avenue, 71st Street and Mazeau Street. You can
find out specifics of the project and all the streets affected by going to
our website and reading our winter newsletter.
Residents were told back in November by DDC that the project would
most likely start in November 2018. At the meeting in February, the
agency told Assemblyman Barnwell and other attendees the project has
been delayed and will not start until March 2019. DDC said that weather
Pg. 4 Spring 2018 COMET
was one of the reasons, as well as submittals of documents by the
contractor who wins the low bid and is officially awarded the contract.
The complexity of the job requires the contractor to submit various
drawings and safety plans. As of now, the design is still proceeding
forward.
74th Street in Middle Village
We were assured no trees would be removed and supposedly no
sidewalks, etc. will be affected. It’s too early to get answers about where
the construction material and vehicles will be stored but we certainly
don’t want to contend with quality of life problems like the 74th Street
residents in Middle Village.
Diary of a Calamus Avenue
Resident’s Sewage Nightmare
On December 23rd after the Calamus Avenue
sewer project was completed and the street
temporarily resurfaced, a Calamus Avenue
resident noticed a backup and strong odor
in his house during a minor rain storm.
As luck would have it, the resident had
enrolled for insurance to cover this type of
issue. The insurance company dispatched a
sewage company to come and clear his line.
Unfortunately, the “snake” line was unable to
get to the connection between his line and
the city’s main sewer and there was a fear that
the fragile clay pipes could have collapsed.
The plumber told the homeowner not to flush
or use any water because the backup would
get worse and before he could continue he
would have to get permits to do excavation
work. The homeowner was told work would
resume on December 29th. The homeowner
and his family had to be displaced while other
folks were enjoying the holidays at home.
On December 29th the front yard was
excavated up to the sidewalk. When the
workers got to the pipe at about 15-feet deep,
raw sewage water was back-flowing into the
excavated opening. Eventually that portion of
the pipe was replaced, the line was still not
 cleared and the plumber had to return on
January 3rd to escavate into the sidewalk.
On January 3rd we were hit with a snowstorm
and the project had to be postponed
January 8th the project resumed, the brand
new sidewalk had to be broken up and a new
pipe was installed but more problems with
the pipe beyond the curb were discovered.
The cameras revealed the sewage line was
clogged by dirt and rocks and a high pressure
water hose was only able to get the sewage
flowing minimally.
On January 8th and 9th DDC and the resident
engineer was contacted numerous times
putting pressure on them to fix the problem
as soon as possible since the family was
displaced since December 23rd.
On January 10th and 11th the contractor
fixed the issue. Unfortunately, after the work
was done the sewage cap was left open in
his basement causing nasty sewage gas to
pollute his entire house.
So far everything is running smoothly and Maspeth’s Historic Streetlights
the nightmare for this homeowner, the
second resident to have a problem, is over. At It was probably the coldest day of the winter but it didn’t deter Block
Assemblyman Barnwell’s meeting this problem was raised and it was Captain Richie Polgar from taking a stroll down Grand Avenue and
decided that any future problems will necessitate both DDC’s contractor looking to see what problems need to be addressed or need a followed
and the homeowner’s plumber to be on site to jointly resolve the issue. up.
He discovered that some of the historic light pole covers that he reported
loose or missing to NYC DOT were just taped back onto the pole rather
55th Avenue Footbridge than secured properly. We were surprised to see how many poles need
repair: 65-54 Grand Avenue, 65-03 Grand Avenue, 65-23 Grand Avenue,
Strip Cleaned 65-35 Grand Avenue, 65-43 Grand Avenue, 66-53 Grand Avenue, 69-
45 Grand Avenue, 72-15 Grand Avenue. Standard lights needing repair
were located at 71-00 Grand Avenue, 69-00 Grand Avenue and the LIE
at Grand Avenue.
We reached out to NYC DOT’s Queens Deputy Commissioner Jason
Banrey who said that new covers are on order and will be installed as
soon as possible.
Thanks Richie, as usual you’re doing a great job!!

An Elmhurst resident took a photo of workers with the Department of

Sanitation (DSNY) on 55th Avenue at 85th Street near the footbridge
and was pleased, but curious as how they chose to come to this location.
We reached out to Councilman Dromm’s office and DSNY responded:
“Those are our Alternate Service Workers we that get assigned to
community service from the courts. We use them all over the zone to
address chronic dirty areas or complaints when applicable.”
It’s great to see DSNY working with the Alternate Service Workers to
clean up our neighborhoods.

COMET Spring 2018 Pg. 5

 LIE Exit at 69th Street
Safer for Motorists

“For Sale” Vehicles Irk Residents

After a young motorist was killed when he hit an illegally parked tractor
trailer on the 69th Street exit ramp of the LIE, Assemblyman Brian
Barnwell reached out to NYS DOT and NYC DOT asking that safety
measures be implemented to help deter tragic accidents in the future.
We were pleased to hear that NYS DOT installed the bollards and
motorists say this exit is much safer. Thank you Assemblyman Barnwell!!
Elmhurst residents are fed up with people leaving cars for sale on the
street taking up valuable parking spaces. They can be seen parked on
Grand Avenue as well as side streets.
We reached out to our Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs)
and asked them to look into enforcement options that would deter this
activity.

Commuter Vans Continue to 61st Street Traffic Problems

Make Unauthorized Pickups
Calamus Avenue It’s been more than 20 years since
at 72nd Place, Woodside the Taxi & Limousine Commission
(TLC) gave authorization for
commuter vans to operate
in portions of Elmhurst, not
Woodside which was part of the
commuter van company’s original
request. Once the business
was given authorization, they
disregarded the zone designated
to them by TLC and began picking
up customers along Calamus
Avenue in Woodside and streets in Elmhurst which were not part of
their designated route.
Years have passed and there are now three companies operating in our
area. They have spread their wings and now make pickups not only in West Maspeth residents on 61st
Elmhurst but Maspeth, Woodside and Middle Village. Street between Flushing Avenue
and Fresh Pond Road can’t seem
Unless we put the pressure on them to come and enforce their
to catch a break from the heavy
regulations, TLC is nowhere to be seen. These companies do whatever
vehicular traffic, including trucks,
they please and only get a slap on the wrist if they get caught. In the
and the Q39 bus cutting through
past they’ve been summonsed for various violations and in a couple
their block in both directions. NYC
of instances the vans were towed because the drivers didn’t have the
DOT will not install speed bumps on
proper driver’s license.
a bus route and we were told this is the best route for the bus. These
We have asked the 104th, 108th and 110th Precincts to reach out to TLC photos were taken last summer. You can see the street is not wide
and take whatever measures necessary to get these businesses to stay enough to allow oversized vehicles to comfortably pass another car.
within their authorized zone. The city is quick to summons drivers if their
We don’t like to take “no” for an answer and will continue to pursue this
parking expires or if their inspection sticker isn’t up to date, but seems to
with the agency. A member of our group came up with a couple of ideas
look the other way when these vans operating contrary to the agency’s
and we’ll see what response we get.
regulations. Hopefully something will be done to address this problem.

Pg. 6 Spring 2018 COMET

 Deter Burglars from Support your community!
Targeting Your Home! COMET Dues for 2018 $10.00
PO Eli Gani, 108th Precinct Crime Prevention, passed along some tips Checks or money orders please
that may help deter a burglar from targeting your home:
Lighting – Illuminate the perimeter of your house and door areas with
enough light to see.
NAME:
Timers – Use timers throughout the house that have variable time
changes. ADDRESS:
Mailbox – Avoid displaying the first names of family members on the
mailbox.
Shrubbery – Cut or trim shrubbery so that it does not obstruct viewing
from inside or outside. EMAIL (optional):
Window gate – On the first floor, or on any emergency exit window (fire
escape), use a window gate – commonly known as the “ferry” or “safety
gate” – approved by the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals.
Alarms – There are a variety of alarm systems available in different Existing Member New Member
price ranges. Get estimates for your alarm needs from at least three
established alarm companies.
For further information about safeguarding your home, call your
precinct as ask to speak with your Crime Prevention Officer. He or she
Mail to: COMET
will be glad to come to your home and give you tips on how to better P.O. Box 780151
secure your residence. Maspeth, NY 11378

LOCKS
• Use a deadbolt lock with a one- inch throw
bolt or a heavy duty drop-bolt lock.
We need
• Install a highly pick-resistant cylinder. your support
• Protect the cylinder with a guard plate. to continue
our efforts in
• Do not use a double-cylinder lock; that is, the community.
a lock that has a key on both sides. It can be
deadly if a fire breaks out.

Report Plane Noise

http://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/qs114wbt.php

C.O.M.E.T. Meetings
St/ Adalbert Parish Center, lower level, 52-40 84th Street parking available. In the event of inclement weather, meetings will be
cancelled. Check for updates on our website: www.cometcivic.com
Monday, April 9th; Monday, May 14th; Monday, June 4th

Newsletter Committee
Mike Fordunski, Tom Porembski, Richie Polgar, Christina Wilkinson, Geraldine Walsh, Howard Moskowitz, Teresa Marrero,
Lucille Winsko, Dick Gundlach, Roe Daraio, Maspeth Press

Special Thank You

This newsletter is made possible by funding from former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley; Council Members Daniel Dromm and
Jimmy Van Bramer through the Department of Youth and Community Development

COMET Spring 2018 Pg. 7

 C.O.M.E.T., INC PRSRT STD
P.O.Box 780151 U.S.Postage
Maspeth, NY 11378 Paid
Flushing NY
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COMET
MARCH 22ND – 9:00Newsletter
AM – 4:30Spring
PM 2012
Mobile mammography van at Maspeth Federal co-sponsored by
Assemblyman Barnwell & Councilman Holden
Call Assemblyman Barnwell's office to schedule an appointment at 718- 651-3185

APRIL 14TH - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Earth Day event at Maspeth Federal co-sponsored by Maspeth Federal, Assemblyman Barnwell,
Councilman Holden, 104th & 108th Precinct and COMET
Paper shredder, electronics recycling, pet adoption, 104th/108th Precinct VIN Etch, more

APRIL 15TH - 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

To find out more about C.O.M.E.T.
East Coast Car Association’s Car Show, Maspeth Feral Bank Parking Lot
check out our website at
www.cometcivic.com
MAY 21 – 8:00 PM
ST

United Veterans & Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth’s Candlelight Vigil - 69th Street at Grand Avenue

MAY 27TH – 1:00 PM

Memorial Day Parade Printed by www.MaspethPress.com