New Dorp Central Civic Association

Meeting Thursday December 15

2011-12-13T21:41:00.001-05:00

Friends ... neighbors ... we meet this Thursday evening for a brief review of area topics followed by the raffling of our two holiday baskets and then some good cheer and conversation with friends.

Join the festivities.

Note: There will be no meeting in January ... newsletter yes ... meeting no.

Remember ... if you see something ... say something ... share the info with us.

... and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

> Joe Markowski

November Meeting Recap

2011-11-28T22:19:00.000-05:00

OK … now that the Thanksgiving holiday is beyond us and we are all busy preparing for Christmas … let me share a few remarks from our last meeting.

Jay Anderson from the Staten Island EDC spoke to us about the outlook for Staten Island and New Dorp over the upcoming years as part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project.

Most of the heavy industrial development will occur on the north shore particularly along the waterway. That is where the businesses are and that is where the zoning will permit that type of growth. It is an opportunity that exists but must be cultivated.

What type of economic opportunity are we most likely to see in New Dorp? Our neighborhood is most likely to benefit from service industries and retail growth. The Lane, Plaza and Hylan Blvd are suitable zones that can support and nourish those opportunities.

So the outlook is good for our neighborhood. It can remain a desirable location for living and working.

Our December meeting will have an update on the issues in the neighborhood followed by some merriment … and the raffling off of our two holiday baskets. (Call 718-979-6011 to buy tickets.)

Instead of a holiday grab bag we ask that you bring some items for our troops as part of our ongoing “Support Our Troops” initiative.

January we stay inside and try and keep warm … and then in February we will resume our review of our neighborhood and its future as we invite in the City Planning Team from Staten Island to talk about the zoning in our community and what it will permit.

Remember … we need your support.

Renew your membership.

Not a member? Call 718-979-6011 and join … only $18 per year … that’s a nickel a day.

And don’t be afraid to invite a neighbor to join.

Thanks for your continuing support …

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday Nov 17 - Be there !

2011-11-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

We meet Thursday night Nov 17 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road at 8pm. Our guest speaker will be Jay Anderson from the SIEDC. He will be telling us about the SIEDC's view of the future of Staten Island over the upcoming years as part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project. Plan on coming and bring a neighbor.

You Missed a Good One!

2011-10-20T22:16:00.002-04:00

At our meeting tonight Frank DiTomasso of DiTomasso Realty shared a wealth of information about the current state of our community from a real estate perspective. And it made us feel good to get an objective view of the neighborhood and its pluses and minuses. I will be sharing some of his insights with you over the upcoming days.

A nice crowd got to hear his overview.

We also heard about the numerous programs available at our local library from Jan Klucevsek of the New Dorp Branch ...

... as well as an update on our neighborhood from Community Affairs Police Office Kevin Medefendt.

Not to mention "Ann's Joke of the Month".

Yep ... you missed a good one.

> Joe Markowski

Dining Through New Dorp at Nini's Cafe

2011-09-29T18:45:00.003-04:00

We celebrated our 50th Dining Through New Dorp event last night at Nini's at 710 New Dorp Lane.

At our last meeting some of our members said we just had to try the Pork Chops with Vinegar and Peppers at Nini's.

So most all of us did.

... and they were terrific! Very tasty ... large portions ... wonderful sauce/ gravy ... truly a wonderful taste.

Just wanted to mention it.

A special thanks to Nini's for sharing their hospitality with us.

> Joe Markowski

Low Income Senior Housing Becoming Available on North Shore

2011-09-21T22:24:00.002-04:00

Greetings ... I got some information at this morning's meeting of the Aging Committee at Community Board 2 and wanted to share it with you so you could share it with anyone you know who could be interested or in need.

They are now accepting applications for new low income, subsidized, senior housing – Victory-Fiedler Senior Apartments.

This senior housing apartment building is located at 150 Victory Blvd (next to old Tompkinsville Theatre) near Westervelt Avenue . The building will have 39 - 1 bedroom apartments for persons age 62 years or older. The total annual income maximum (as listed in the ad) is:
· 1 person $28,650
· 2 persons $32,750

An ad for these units was published in the newspapers this past Sunday (Daily News, SI Advance, El Diario). Applications are reviewed on a first come first serve basis.

Sylvia Mitchell is the “Rental Director” for this SHRC (Senior Housing Resource Corporation) project and can answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions, please call Sylvia Mitchell – 718-981-6226.

[ Information supplied by Nikki Odlivak, President/CEO ]

CASC - Community Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc.
SHRC - Senior Housing Resource Corporation
56 Bay Street, 5th Fl
Staten Island, NY 10301
718-981-6226

So please spread the word.

These will be subsidized units so financial help may be available for someone in need.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting - Sep 15 - Thursday - 8pm

2011-09-13T21:36:00.000-04:00

Yes ... our first meeting of the new season is this Thursday, September 15 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road.

Come now and begin the discussion of what New Dorp should look like in 2020 ... as well as other more current concerns.

Hope to see you then.

> Joe Markowski

The End of Summer

2011-09-10T20:50:00.002-04:00

Greetings ... well … the long summer is quickly winding down. And it has been an incredible summer. What have we seen? Temperatures rising to 106 degrees! An earthquake! A hurricane! Wow … if that isn’t an incredible mix of natural phenomena … what is?

And for me it has been an incredible summer. A personal note if I may. When I was younger I used to wonder why old people talked so much about grandkids. Heck … they were just little kids. Au contraire. Now I see what they were talking about. Having one of those little ones call you “grandpa” is quite an amazing event and I’ve been blessed to have that experience. But enough about me.

Our next meeting is Thursday September 15 at 8pm. ( Our newletter will say September 18 but that was because I was still looking at the August calendar. My Bad. )

There are many things we will need to talk about this year. The new ballfield at the foot of New Dorp Lane. Kohl’s – what is it’s status? … Sterling Avenue gets repaved. ( What is your new nomination for the worst street in New Dorp? I nominate the stretch of Ross Avenue between 10th and the railroad. It is quite painful. What is your suggestion? ) … Cedar Grove Beach / Park. How did it pan out over the summer? … What’s next as we talk about the water problems that our members face?

It’s been mentioned to me that New Dorp Lane is dirtier than ever. What do you think? Is it? It certainly has more vacant stores than we have seen in a long time.

And let’s talk about the Lane. Actually I would like us to begin a discussion about the future of New Dorp. What should New Dorp look like in 2020? Or 2030? What should the Lane look like? Hairdressers, tattoo parlors, pizza places, pet stores, restaurants and empty stores. What types of businesses can the Lane support? What type should it support? What do we need in our neighborhood? We have decried attempts to allow buildings which are higher … myself included. But in a future New Dorp … if you want more people to walk the Lane and shop in its stores … would it make more sense to allow some buildings full of apartments so there were shoppers around? I know we had a presentation earlier about a large structure for seniors and it met a lot of resistance … much of it warranted. But if we do not have higher density housing near public transportation then who will be the shoppers along the Lane? How do we keep our small town feel without limiting our possibilities.

I am not saying that we need to go in that direction. I am saying that we need to start thinking about these things and talking about these things and inviting speakers in who will help us understand the pluses and minuses of the various options we have.

There are few jobs for our young people on the island. There are few places for young people to gather. There are fewer places that our young people can afford to live in. They are leaving New Dorp. They are leaving the Island. Have we created an atmosphere that prevents them from establishing roots and growing in our community? What direction are we headed? Is there room for them in our vision of the future?

And the ways we communicate with each other. The newsletter ( I hope ) still has a place in our lives. However the handwriting is quite clear that the future will be electronic and found on a smartphone or tablet or some other device. Social networks move vast amounts of information faster than any telephone calling tree. Check out Facebook and how all our politicians and businesses have taken to using it. They know where the future is. We need to recognize that as well.

We have a Facebook page which is updated much too infrequently. I need to get much better at that. I am not exactly a Luddite but when it comes to Facebook I remain really basic. When it comes to Twitter I don’t tweet. However if we want to engage the young in our community then we need to embrace these technologies. No high school or college student is going to read our newsletter. They might … just might … check out our Facebook page. We need to move in that direction. They could have input … make suggestions … become an active part of our community and a participant in the ongoing dialogue.

Ok … let me get off my soapbox. (Kids … have your parents or grandparents explain that to you.)

As I’ve said in the past, we rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

We will be sending out of membership renewals soon. Please support our efforts on your behalf.

Lastly, as I’ve mentioned and will continue to mention, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski, President

Hylan Blvd Transportation Improvement Study

2011-06-06T20:43:00.002-04:00

The MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) are working together to improve overall operations and safety of Hylan Boulevard for transit users, motorists, and pedestrians.

The goals are to:
• Reduce bus travel time and improve reliability for express and local buses
• Improve traffic flow at congested intersections
• Improve safety for all corridor users, including motorists, transit riders, and pedestrians

There will be a PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Presentation at 7:15 PM
The Renaissance
Regency Room
2131 Hylan Boulevard
(at Bedford Avenue)
Staten Island, NY

Come to the Public Meeting to:
• View preliminary treatments developed to improve bus service, traffic flow and safety along the corridor
• Learn about proposed Select Bus Service station locations and service plans
• Provide your input and talk with project team members

May Meeting - Thursday May 19 at 8pm

2011-05-18T20:32:00.002-04:00

Greetings ... Ok … we tried it one more time … the regular way … newsletter to printer … newsletter to Post Office … newsletters to you PRIOR to the meeting. How did it work this month? I got my newsletter on Tuesday. What about you?

It has been a full season for us as we have had a series of speakers to provide us with a broad range of things to consider. Councilman Jim Oddo held his Civic Roundtable at our February meeting … bringing together Community Leaders from across his district and providing us with an insight in the workings of the City and our budget challenges. In March our guest speaker was Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser talked to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Last month Randy Lee spoke to us on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. It would be called the St.James Residence. The room was full of neighborhood residents and a sizeable representation from the Business Community in New Dorp.

Originally we were to be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner, this month but due to a scheduling conflict we will need to wait until our June meeting before we can meet with her and learn of her vision for our neighborhood.

This month let’s revisit all the issues in our neighborhood … gather whatever updates we can … lay out the issues that we need to keep in the forefront as we go forward. We also will be putting together out nominations for elections next month as we prepare our organization to deal with the changing nature of our community.

We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Upcoming Meeting Thursday April 21

2011-04-18T20:28:00.000-04:00

Greetings ... OK … I am going to keep this short and sweet. For three of the last four months our newsletter has not arrived on time to allow you to attend our meeting. Three out of four months. That is a pitiful performance. So I’m hoping for a much better result this month. Thursday the 21st will tell. We were honored last month by our guest speaker Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser talked to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Community Board 2 actually won $4 thou for the first quarter of 2011. ( I think we came in 2nd.) This month we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. It would be called the St.James Residence and … well come to the meeting and hear all about it. Present your questions. Get the answers you need. In May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner. Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter. Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it. See you around the neighborhood. Joe Markowski, President

Meeting Next Week

2011-04-11T20:28:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to send out an early reminder. We meet Thursday April 21. Our guest speaker will be Randy Lee who will give us an overview of a proposal to build senior housing atop the current Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. Mark your calendars. Bring a friend. Bring your questions and concerns. I hope to see you then. > Joe Markowski

Questions for the DEP? Questions about your water usage?

2011-03-15T22:44:00.001-04:00

DEP IS COMING TO YOUR COMMUNITY!
Please join the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Council Members Vincent M. Ignizio, James S. Oddo and Deborah L. Rose for a Customer Service Outreach Event in your community.
At the event you can:
• Discuss your water bill one-on-one with a DEP Customer Service Representative.
• Learn about other payment options.
• Learn about the Water Debt Assistance Program: Customers who meet the eligibility criteria can defer their unpaid water and sewer bill until the property is sold.
• Sign up for the direct debit program: Customers who enroll in the direct debit program will receive a 2% discount on their bill.
• Learn about Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and what it means for you.
• Learn about new and existing capital projects in your community.
TIME:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
LOCATION:
Joan and Alan BernikowJewish Community Center
1466 Manor Road
Staten Island, NY 10314
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 718-595-7000 or visitDEP’s website at nyc.gov/dep

Meeting Thursday Night March 17, 2011

2011-03-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

Greetings ... with the snows behind us and heavy rains taking their place (and I’m sure most of us prefer the rain to the snow) we long for the warmer weather that Spring will bring to us … and hopefully soon.

We were honored last month by Council Member James Oddo who conducted his Civic Roundtable at our February meeting. The room was full as the Councilman updated us on the budget challenges facing the city and our need to begin confronting these realities. We were also honored by the presence of the Civic Leaders of the various associations throughout his district. (Check out our blog. I will be posting some excellent photos from the meeting … photos taken by AJ Basile of the Councilman’s staff).

This month our guest speaker will be Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser will talk to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Our meeting will revert back to its regular starting time of 8pm. Plan now on attending. And did I mention … bring a neighbor?

In April we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane.

In May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner.

We have a busy year ahead of us. Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski, President

NYPL Events for Teens in April

2011-02-26T16:35:00.003-05:00

Thinking about what can your teen will be able to do in April? Here are some suggestions ...

April 2011 Events for Teens at New Dorp Branch Library

Anime/Manga Discussion Group April - 4/6
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Talk about the latest Manga! Create your own Art in anime style or in any style! Have fun discussing the newest anime and making friends! Learn about Japanese culture! For ages 12-18.

Teen Café Remixed April - 4/4, 4/11, 4/25
2:30 – 4:30 PM Come join us for fun in the community room. Play your favorite games on the PS3 and the Wii. Come hang out with your friends! You can bring your snacks, soda, coffee, homework, iPod. Check out a laptop and browse the internet! For ages 12-18.

Teen-Art! April - 4/27
3:00 – 4:00 PM Come and be creative at your library! Have fun making your own art, any style you choose. All materials will be provided. For ages 12-18.

Learn to Knit
April - 4/6
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Drop 1, purl 2! Make a hat, scarf, potholder, and more. All materials will be provided. For ages 12 to 18.

So reach out at our local library and get involved.

> Joe Markowski

Bridge Work Impact

2011-02-25T12:06:00.001-05:00

If you are planning on crossing the V-N bridge this weekend be advised of the following ...

The work planned on the Staten Island Expressway from Friday & Saturday has been moved to Saturday and Sunday instead. What work? See below ...

Subject: DOT work may affect Verrazano traffic this weekend

Hello everyone:Just want to alert you that NYS DOT work on the Staten Island Expressway may affect early morning Verrazano-Narrows Bridge travelers this weekend.Work includes lane closures and full, intermittent closures of SIE leading to and from the bridge.NYS DOT work will take place on the Brooklyn (east) bound SIE on Friday, Feb. 25th to Saturday, Feb. 26th from 10PM to 10AM and will include full, intermittent 15-minute closures of the highway between 2AM and 5AM. During full closures of the SIE (278 East) a detour will be in place at Clove Road for traffic heading to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn.The work will be repeated in the Staten Island- (west) bound direction Saturday, February 26th to Sunday, February 27th from 11:59PM to Noon, and will include full, intermittent 15-minute closures of the highway between 2AM and 5AM.During this time, drivers should follow detour signs after going through the Verrazano's Staten Island-bound toll plaza and exit the expressway via Narrows Road/Hylan Blvd, Lily Pond Avenue, or Bay Street exits. Drivers who want to continue on the SIE can exit at the Narrows Road/Hylan Boulevard exit and follow detour signs back onto the highway.

Upcoming Meetings ... Including Ours on Thursday

2011-02-14T05:32:00.002-05:00

Greetings ... I don’t know about you … but I have had my fill of snow and shoveling and shoveling and more shoveling. I am now thinking of Spring even though I know it is quite far off and we have all of February and March to go through.

Our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Now for our upcoming year. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7pm. We will be hosting Council Member James Oddo and his Civic Roundtable. At this meeting the heads of various Civic Organizations gather to hear updates from the Council Member and raise various questions and issues to him. This meeting starts at 7pm. So mark your calendars now and let one of your New Year’s resolutions be to become more involved in your community and hopefully this organization.

Did I mention bring a neighbor?

In March we will hear from Michael Reiser on the Recycling Program in New York City and some upcoming challenges and changes.

In April we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane.

And in May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commisioner.

We have a busy year ahead of us. Also, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

ND Beach Sewer Project Meeting Recap

2011-01-26T19:26:00.000-05:00

I attended the Town Hall Meeting at New Dorp High School on Monday that focused on the New Dorp Beach Sewer Project. The meeting was arranged by Council Member James Oddo. His office sent out hundreds of flyers which were supplemented by many door-to-door invitations to attend the meeting from one neighbor to another.

Over a hundred residents attended the meeting. That is an amazingly large number … something every one in the community can feel good about. They heard presentations from the DDC (NYC Department of Design and Construction) and its contractor as well as staff from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Jim Oddo made it clear from the start that this was to be the first of many meetings … that he wanted to get this out in front of people sooner rather than later.

And after a short presentation the floor was opened up for questions and answers.

It quickly became obvious that the attendees were interested in two different water related topics.

First, there was the flooding situation that Roma and Hett endure every time we have a heavy rain. The project that was presented was meant to address that problem. The project will involve many streets between Milton and Cedar Grove from Ebbitts to New Dorp Lane. It will involve storm and sanitary sewers, 3.8 miles of new streets, curbs, sidewalks (where feasible) and lighting. Also involved in this project is the need to bring many of those streets up to the legal grade. (The earlier project around Manila and Weed streets provides an example of what the future will hold for some properties.) Over 400 properties need to be evaluated and it will be March before a more detailed picture is available for these properties. The current timeline for this project reaches out to 2015.

Second, there is the issue of the disappearing beach along the shoreline. And there clearly was a lot of interest and frustration involving this topic. There was also a lot of fear related to the impact of the next big storms that drive the tidal surge against the beach community. This project is the purview of the Army Corps of Engineers and although there was a lot of passion, anxiety and concern about this topic … it was not one that could be addressed by the City Departments in attendance. Council Member Oddo has indicated that he will reach out to the Army Corps of Engineers. My hope is that he will call another meeting, equally advertised, and give our community a chance to ask questions and get a realistic assessment of what they face.

As we become aware of more information on this topic we will put it out here on the blog. The goal of our Association remains keeping you informed about this community. We will share with you what we learn and advocate on your behalf.

Please share your insights and concerns with us. You can reach us through this blog … by email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com … by calling us at 718-979-6011 … or by snailmail to NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306.

> Joe Markowski
President, the New Dorp Central Civic Association

Meetings This Week ... and Next !!!

2011-01-16T21:01:00.004-05:00

We - the New Dorp Central Civic Association - will not be meeting this week. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 17 at 7pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. And that meeting will be a special event for us as we host Council Member James Oddo's Civic Roundtable - a meeting to which the heads of all the civic associations in his district come together. But more on that in the near future.

Meanwhile there will be a number of other meetings this week which should be of interest to you.

On Tuesday January 18 Comunity Board 2 is meeting at 1930 (730pm) at their Sea View locale for their regular monthly general meeting to which all are invited and all are also able to make a statement during the public session about items that may be of concern for them.

Also on Tuesday January 18 at the Petrides School will be a public hearing sponsored by the Staten Island Council members to review the City's handling of the Christmas snowstorm. That meeting also starts at 1930 (730pm).

On Wednesday January 19 the 122 Precinct Community Council meets at the 122 Precinct to address concerns raised by the community involving the NYPD in this precinct. That meeting starts at 2000 (8pm).

On Monday January 24 there will be a meeting at New Dorp High School from 1900-2100 (7pm to 9pm) to discuss the upcoming New Dorp Beach Sewer Project. All neighborhood residents are invited to attend to hear from the DDC (NYC Department of Design and Construction) and the DEP (NYC Department of Environmental Protection). This meeting is being provided by Council Member James Oddo. For further information contact 718-980-1017.

So start off the New Year right by participating in the events of your community. Attend a meeting. Plan on attending one each month. (Our meeting the third Thursday of each month would be a good candidate - and you can start that next week.)

As always, share your comments and concerns through this blog or our email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at 718-979-6011.

> Joe Markowski

Hearings on the Christmas Blizzard !!!

2011-01-10T22:06:00.004-05:00

As we await the newest snow of the summer you need to be aware of the opportunity to comment on how the City handled our last snow event ...

Speaker Christine C. Quinn

Council Member James Oddo

Council Member Vincent Ignizio and
Council Member Debi Rose

with THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITEE ON SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, THE COMMITEE ON FIRE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES, THE COMMITEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, THE COMMITEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS and the members of the New York City Council will hold a public hearing on the December Blizzard of 2010 ... Evaluating the City's Response ...

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 7:30pm at ...

The Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301

For more information please call: (212)788-5613 or email: events@council.nyc.gov

Have comments on the handling of the blizzard .. then come and let your voice be heard.

> Joe

Events for Adults at the New Dorp Library in February

2011-01-09T22:04:00.003-05:00

There are many events scheduled in February for our benefit ... so check them out:

Events for Adults – February 2011
New Dorp Library

Date and time: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Thursday, February 3, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Internet Básico y Como usar las computadoras en la Biblioteca.
Description: Aprenda que es el Internet, como buscar información en Internet y cómo usar las computadoras aqui en la biblioteca.

Date and time: Saturday, February 5, 2011 @ 3 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Reading
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Reading
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle and her students. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring Title of Program: Wireless Wednesdays
Description: Wireless Wednesdays is laptop tutoring. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Correo Electrónico.
Description: Obtenga su propia cuenta de correo electrónico gratuita y aprenda a mandar y recibir mensajes.

Date and time: Saturday, February 12, 2011 @ 3 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Financial InformationTitle of Program: Money Matters
Description: This class introduces savings and budget concepts. Reviews banks and banking products including debit and credit cards and introduces investment principles.

Date and time: Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring in Spanish Title of Program: Lunes de Laptops
Description: Programa orientado a personas que saben usar una computadora pero tienen dudas especíificas de como hacer ciertas cosas.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Adult Computer Class Title of Program: Word Basics
Description: Learn the basic features of Microsoft Word 2003, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Topics include entering and editing text, saving files, and formatting. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Tuesday February 15, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Writing Workshop
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Writing Workshop
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Date and time: Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Práctica y Resolución de dudas.
Description: Sesión de práctica.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Writing Workshop
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Writing Workshop
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Date and time: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring Title of Program: Wireless Wednesdays
Description: Wireless Wednesdays is laptop tutoring. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Thursday, February 24, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Financial InformationTitle of Program: Savings! Retirement and College
Description: Where will the money come from! This class describes a variety of tax advantaged accounts that individuals can set up to help them acquire the nest egg necessary for retirement and/or college bound children.

Date and time: Friday, February 25, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Book Discussion Title of Program: Stories from “A Bit on the Side” by William TrevorDescription: Book Discussion.

Date and time: Monday, February 28, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring in Spanish Title of Program: Lunes de Laptops
Description: Programa orientado a personas que saben usar una computadora pero tienen dudas especificas de como hacer ciertas cosas.

Date and time: Monday, February 28, 2011 @ 4:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Book Discussion in SpanishTitle of Program: Grupo de Lectura y DiscusionDescription: Venga y participe en nuestro grupo de lectura donde discutiremos "Zorro" de Isabel Allende. Pase un rato agradable conviviendo con sus vecinos. Puede obtener una copia del libro viniendo a la biblioteca o puede ordenar el libro por medio de nuestro catalogo. Necesita leer el libro previo a la reunión.

> Joe

History Buffs Take Note !

2011-01-04T08:51:00.001-05:00

The History of Staten Island - an eight week course on Wednesdays, March 30, April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2011, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Wagner College.

Open to the public the series will be both fun and informative.

Business and industry, transportation, ethnic groups, Native Americans, religious institutions, Slavery on Staten Island, the Revolutionary War and Colonial Period, natural history, old movie theaters, education, healthcare institutions, and much more will be featured from an historical perspective.

Through discussion, film clips, Power Point presentations, maps, and more participants will discover the fascinating history of our home borough. Cost: $169. Unable to attend all eight sessions? Why not split the course with someone else? This series is hosted by historian, author, and naturalist Patricia M. Salmon. Please respond to this e-mail if you have any questions. To register contact the External Programs Department of Wagner College at (718) 390-3221 or email the department at external@wagner.edu

Want to know more about our Island? Check it out.

> Joe

Happy New Year ... January Meeting - Not ... and New Housing !?!

2011-01-02T17:25:00.004-05:00

First let me wish everyone a Happy New Year! Can you believe its 2011? Wow ... last year sure moved by quickly.

Speaking of moving quickly, I hope that you are able to move comfortably following that nasty blizzard last weekend and the sub-par cleaning effort we all experienced. We have had snows before but the City and Island did not handle the snow removal as well as they have in the past. We are slowly returning to normal ... but it has been a difficult few days.

Just a reminder ... there is no meeting this month although you will be receiving a newsletter over the next couple of weeks. And then in February we will be meeting on the 17th and exploring a proposal / concept to build senior housing atop the municipal parking lot on New Dorp Lane.

In the meantime ... please share your concerns and observations with us either through this blog or by email to our account at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or by phone to 718-979-6011 or by traditional snailmail to PO Box 060249.

Everyone in this community is responsible for its safety and upkeep. Be proud of your neighborhood and lets continue to make it a better place.

> Joe Markowski
President, the New Dorp Central Civic Association

Meeting Thursday December 16, 2010

2010-12-15T06:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings ... although Winter is still technically a few days away, the weather outside has been closer to frightful than delightful considering what we expect at this time of year. But then again, what can we do about the weather except adjust to it.

It is the holiday season. After we deal with any new or old business at our meeting this month, we will be spending some time sharing good cheer, good conversation and enjoying each other’s company. In past years we would do a little gift exchange but we are once again replacing that with our collection of supplies for our troops, something we started last Christmas. So come to the meeting on Thursday December 16 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post … bring some goodies for our troops (you will find a list of suggestions elsewhere in this newsletter) … and spend some time with us. Good times with good friends and neighbors.

Did I mention bring a neighbor?

Just a reminder, our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

And a reminder … there will be no meeting in January. Our first meeting in 2011 will be on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 8pm. So mark your calendars now and let one of your New Year’s resolutions be to become more involved in your community and hopefully this organization. Look for our newsletter in January and check us out on the blog.

Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski, President

Meeting Monday Night - 12/13 - re Brush Fire Protection

2010-12-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

Borough President James P. Molinaro, Councilman James S. Oddo, Councilman Vincent Ignizio, and local officials would like you to join with them at a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, December 13, 2010 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Knights of Columbus, 185 Cedar Grove Avenue to speak out about the inefficient brush fire prevention methods currently in place with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and to help devise a new solution to this permanent problem.

Plan now to attend.

> Joe Markowski

Hylan Blvd Transportation Improvement Study Meeting

2010-11-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

The MTA of New York City Transit and the NYC Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting concerning the Hylan Boulevard Transportation Improvement Study.

The meeting will be Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 1830-2030 (630pm-830pm) in the Regency Room of The Renaissance at 2131 Hylan Boulevard.

This is a public meeting where you can come and learn about the goals and objectives of the study, examine display boards and talk with project team members, and voice your concerns and issues regarding transit service, traffic conditions, pedestrian safety, and curb use on Hylan Boulevard.

Holiday Lights !!!

2010-11-23T22:40:00.002-05:00

The Lane is adorned with rows of Christmas Lights.

Lots of lights celebrating the season.

Make sure you get a peek of them at night.

They are a marvelous sight!

> Joe

Meeting Thursday Night - November 18

2010-11-17T18:22:00.001-05:00

Greetings. The elections are past and we have a few new representatives working on our behalf and a good number of returning electeds. Let’s hope they can all learn to work together and do good things for us.

As all of you experienced last month, the newsletter arrived in your mailbox a little late. Fortunately that has not happened many times over the years … but it did happen last month. My apologies. Remember, you can always find information on our upcoming meetings by checking our website. However we are determined to make sure that you receive your newsletter in time to prepare yourself to attend our meeting.

I want to extend a special thank you to our guest speaker last month. Meg Ventrudo – the Executive Director of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art - shared with us the history of the museum and some artifacts from its collection. It was an interesting look at another treasure of Staten Island.

This month our guest speaker will be Elisabetta O’Connnor who will be talking to us about the Million TreesNYC Initiative. MillionTreesNYC, one of the 127 PlaNYC initiatives, is a citywide, public-private program with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the City's five boroughs over the next decade. By planting one million trees, New York City can increase its urban forest—our most valuable environmental asset made up of street trees, park trees, and trees on public, private and commercial land—by an astounding 20%, while achieving the many quality-of-life benefits that come with planting trees.

Just a reminder, our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs help to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter. (Renewed already? Look for your asterisk in next month’s newsletter.)

Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday October 21

2010-10-19T22:14:00.001-04:00

I want to extend a special thank you to our guest speaker last month - Sylvia d’Alessandro from the Sandy Ground Historical Society. Ms. D’Alessandro gave us a wonderful overview of an important part of Staten Island history, a part that is sadly neglected. We heard about a unique part of NY and Staten Island history and you can learn more by visiting their museum here on Staten Island.

This month we will look at another unique part of Staten Island. Most of us are aware of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art … but few of us have actually journeyed up Lighthouse Hill to visit it. Have you wondered about that place? Come to our meeting and hear first hand about the museum and its offerings from the Executive Director – Meg Ventrudo.

Come join us at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road at 8pm.

I hope to see you then.

> Joe Markowski

Cedar Grove Beach Tour - 9/26/2010

2010-09-25T09:52:00.004-04:00

What: Free Guided Tour of Cedar Grove Beach Community, New Dorp Beach
When: Sunday, September 26th, 4p.m.
Where: Foot of Ebbitts Street, New Dorp Beach

The Preservation League of Staten Island is providing a FREE guided tour of the Cedar Grove Beach Community on Sunday, September 26th , 4p.m. with Architect and Historian , Josh Jacobs. Meet at corner of Ebbits Street and Cedar Grove.

This is the last surviving beach community in NYC and NYC Parks plans to demolish it and this may be your last chance to see it! It is eligible for NY Sate and National Landmarking.

Please R.S.V.P and for more info (718) 877-7367 or info@preservsi.org Meet at the foot of Ebbits Street, New Dorp 4p.m.

Sandy Ground & Cedar Grove

2010-09-23T21:57:00.000-04:00

When you missed our meeting last Thursday you missed an exciting and informative night.

Sylvia D’Allessandro provided us with a history of Sandy Ground. She walked us through its foundation until current times. She brought a number of artifacts for us to look at and touch and invited everyone to visit their museum for further information on this unique community. The museum does a lot of outreach to civic groups and schools throughout the city.

We also had a full discussion on the Cedar Grove Beach Club and Parks Department’s planned eviction of the current tenants of that site at the end of this month. Since our meeting the residents and supporters of the CGBC have rallied on the steps of City Hall, had their photo taken with Mayor Bloomberg and stirred up a lot of discussion on this upcoming change. Most frustrating is the lack of a clear plan for why the Parks Department is doing it now and where they will secure the funding for whatever it is that they plan on doing there. We have already seen their reduced level of support for the New Dorp Beach Park. The care of the plants in that park deteriorated dramatically this past summer. If Parks cannot maintain the level of support for the current Park, how will they be able to take on additional responsibilities for creating a new park in Cedar Grove?

What do you think?

> Joe Markowski

Summer Ends and We Move On

2010-08-31T22:38:00.000-04:00

Greetings. Well we have come to the end of a long, long, hot, hot, dry, dry summer. According to the newspaper I read this morning (yep, a good old-fashioned newspaper ) this summer was the hottest summer on record … since they started keeping records back in the 1860s. We often here about how summer’s used to be in “the old days”. Well, everyone got to taste how it “used to be in the old days”. Now the question is … did you enjoy it? I must admit I am not thrilled by everyone’s brown lawn. But … so it goes.

Our guest speaker this month will be Sylvia d’Alessandro from the Sandy Ground Historical Society. If we take a look at Wikipedia we see the following:

After slavery was abolished in the State of New York in 1827, freedmen from all over the state, as well as far away as Maryland and Virginia, settled in the area known since colonial times as Sandy Ground, which was located in the area around what is now the intersection of Bloomingdale and Woodrow Roads in Rossville. These early settlers were skilled in the oyster trade, and brought this knowledge with them to Staten Island. Oyster harvesting was a major business on Staten Island during the 19th century and was mainly conducted on the island's south shore. The area of Prince's Bay was the main hub and was within walking distance from Sandy Ground. Sandy Ground also served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and is the oldest continuously settled free black community in the United States.[

So come hear about a unique part of NY and Staten Island history.

As we all return from vacation and focus once again on our community, what are the things you are curious about? What are the things you are furious about? What should we be focusing on this upcoming year? What things do we worry about, but shouldn’t? What don’t we worry about enough? Who would you like to hear from this coming year? Share your thoughts, concerns, needs, desires. Start talking to us. It is your / opur neighborhood. What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? What do you wish we had more of? What do you wish we had less of?

We all need to get involved in a discussion of our neighborhood and the things that make you want to live here. What are we missing?

Our dues notices for the 2011 year will be mailed real soon. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs help finance our newsletter.

Keep checking our blog. Plan on attending a meeting. Join us for one of our “Dining Through New Dorp” meals. Volunteer some time on one of our committees. Get involved. It’s (y)our community!

Plan on attending our meeting and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.
See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Hylan Plaza Update

2010-06-23T16:12:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share some good news with you. At our last meeting attended by representatives from Kimco Realty I mentioned the peeling paint that was falling from the protective overhang in the Hylan Plaza. .. particularly in the area of the CVS and Telco stores.

I was notified today by Josh Weinkranz of Kimco that the unhealthy situation had been corrected. He even supplied four photos to substantiate the claim. So I rode by that space this morning and can confirm that the overhang in that section of the Plaza has been cleared and repainted. Nice job Kimco. It is good to know that they are listening to us and will work to correct the situations that they can.

The Advance attended the meeting and I had hoped for more details of the Kimco-Kohl’s presentation in the Advance meeting recap on Friday… but that did not happen. Perhaps they are saving that for a larger article in the future.

What was also mentioned is that Toys-R-Us will be moving back into their store in the corner of the plaza. It is unknown at this time whether it will contain a Babies-R-Us component. But that was interesting to hear.

We need more businesses and less empty stores.

Just wanted to share this info with you.

Make sure you share with us the things you are hearing.

Contact us on this blog … via email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com … or by snailmail to POBox 0600245 at 10314 … or by phone to 718-979-6011.

Stay in touch … and share your info.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Recap - Kimco, Kohl's and Elections

2010-06-19T09:20:00.000-04:00

We had a terrific meeting on Thursday night.

First, the current slate of officers was re-elected. Congratulations and thank you to each of them for all the hard work they do on behalf of this association. Who am I talking about?

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
THOMAS COFFEY, Executive Vice President
JOHN DONOVAN, Senior Vice President
WILLIAM BAUMWOLL, Vice President
RONALD S. COLE, Secretary
MARIE J. MARKOWSKI, Treasurer
RINA PIZZA, Assistant Treasurer
THERESA TROIANO, Corresponding Secretary
KENNETH LUND, Recording Secretary
VINCENT MARTIRE, Financial Secretary
Board of Advisors: ANN MARIE FINNERTY

Then we had a presentation plus a question and answer period involving the property on New Dorp Lane and Mill Road, formerly occupied by A&P/Waldbaums/Franks’s.

Who was there? The Project Manager Ethan Goodman, Geoff Glazer and Joshua Weinkranz from Kimco Realty and a representative from Kohl’s –Scott Berkes. They shared with us a copy of the site plan and a view of how the exterior of the building will look.

There is still a good amount of work to do and they have not yet made an official filing. And although the site plan is for a retail establishment and technically not for Kohl’s, the representation of the exterior of the building depicted the Kohl’s name and Scott Berkes answered our questions. (He flew in from Milwaukee to represent Kohl’s so draw your own conclusions.)

We will keep in touch with Kimco throughout this process. Should you have any questions please send them to me and I will work to get an answer from Kimco and Kohl’s.

Lastly I thanked Kimco and Kohl’s for coming to our meeting to share their vision and answer our questions. More companies and organizations should do that earlier in the process. It could make a lot of these proposals and projects proceed more smoothly.

Our next meeting will be Thursday September 16. Enjoy the summer. However our neighborhood remains important to us. So make sure you share what you hear with us either through this blog or email to newdropcentralcivic@yahoo.com or at 718-979-6011 or to us at PO Box 060245.

> Joe Markowski

Kohl's, NY1, Fitness, Music and Miscellany

2010-06-15T21:42:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder… our meeting is Thursday night and our guest speakers will be talking about the former A&P/Frank’s property and the current plans by Kimco Realty to bring in a Kohl’s Department store. Our meeting is 8pm. Kells-Grennie American Legion Post. June 17.

I hope you caught our segment on NY1 tonight on the quarter-hour about the New Dorp Lane property. Joe Malvasio of NY1 interviewed BP Jim Molinaro and Chamber of Commerce’s Linda Baran about the Kohl’s plans and both were supportive. (It will probably be replayed over the next couple of days so look for it.) Yours truly also said a few words in support of the project. We need a place to shop. We need the jobs in our community. We need the tax revenue a good store would generate.

Wednesday night – June 16 - the 122 Precinct Community Council meets at the 122 Precinct. Do you have an issue that the NYPD should be aware of? Bring your issue to that meeting. 8pm. 2320 Hylan Blvd.

Councilman Oddo informs us that the Dept of Parks and Recreation is providing free fitness classes called “Shape Up NYC” at the Greenbelt Recreation center. You can get further information at www.nyc.gov/befitnyc.

Borough President Molinaro reminds us that he will once again be providing free summer concerts in our beautiful parks. You can get more specifics at the BP’s website statenislandusa.com.

Lastly, I had asked what was happening in our neighborhood. Well, here are some of the comments we received:

- have we heard anything about the speed bumps for Rose Avenue?
- concern about the future of Cedar Grove Beach if the city has its way
- a Kitchen & Bath is opening on the Lane next to the car alarm shop
- The French Tart has closed
- rumors of a Red Lobster and/or Trader Joe’s looking for a spot in the neighborhood
- with the closing of the Sovereign Bank ATM, will they continue to support the parking lot? Or will it become expendable?
- Cedar Grove residents have been given until the end of the summer
- there will be new voting machines in November
- the New Dorp Beach athletic field has been fenced off but little work seems to be happening
- more deer sightings on Richmond Road
- and the trash cans do not appear to be getting emptied as frequently.

What have you heard? Let’s get some conversation started.

What did you hear? Let us know.

Email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or call us at 718-979-6011.
And stop by our meeting Thursday night. I hope to see you there.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting This Thursday - Find Out About the Former Frank's Property

2010-06-13T18:50:00.002-04:00

Greetings friends and neighbors. As we near the end of the school semester, the beginning of Summer and all the wonderful things that it brings, I can’t help but be excited by the upcoming months. As you know, this will be our last meeting until September. (Summer is a special time for all.)

I must confess that the latest edition of our newsletter is short and a little late in getting out. My fault. I thought I had until this week to get this to the printer and out to you. Wrong. It should have been delivered to the printer two days earlier than it was so I’m hoping it will make it to you in time for our meeting. My apologies. This information will reach our blog at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com but I’m not sure the newsletter will arrive in your mailbox in time. If it doesn’t, call 718-979-6011 and I will make sure I update you on our June meeting.

Why is June important? We have our elections for the Association’s officers for the next year. All the current officers are running for re-election. That’s part of it.

But much more importantly we will have a couple of special speakers at our June meeting. A representative from Kimco Realty and from Kohl’s Department Store will be at our June meeting to share with us their plans for the former A&P/Frank’s property along New Dorp Lane. Do you have questions? Concerns? Or are you happy that a large quality store will be coming to our neighborhood? Whatever your feeling, come to the meeting… listen to our speakers… ask your questions… and then form your opinion.

I want to extend a thank you to Kimberly Brown for her presentation last month about Island Shopres Senior Residence and all the enhancements that are occurring there. (And a special thanks to Tom Coffey who chaired the meeting and made sure it was an informative and enjoyable experience for all.)

Plan on attending our meeting and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski

Ok... What's New?

2010-06-06T19:55:00.002-04:00

Its been some time since I've been here. Sorry. Very busy at work and home.

But that doesn't mean nothing has been happening in the neighborhood!

So tell me.

What has been happening?

What have you heard?

Any good rumors lately?

Speak up... share!

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday May 20

2010-05-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

Greetings friends and neighbors. Well… help me out. Is it spring? Summer? Autumn? The weather has been so variable and changeable that I’m not sure where we are in the march of the seasons. Perhaps a glance at the calendar would help.

A special thank you to Tom Cocola who spent a challenging evening with us last month as we regaled him with tales about our concerns involving the streets and transportation.

Our guest speaker this month will be from Island Shores Senior Residence in Midland Beach. Ms. Kimberly Brown handles Community Outreach. She would like to say a little about their upcoming renovations. As the only senior housing facility near to New Dorp, their building renovations will make their facility more welcoming for seniors who are in need of housing. Their accommodations are unique because residents can receive in-house medical care but still have their freedom and enjoy an amazing ocean view.

We will also be accepting nominations for the various officer positions within the organization. Elections are scheduled for June. Get involved.

Next month we will have a special presentation on the plans for the former Frank’s Nursery/ A&P property. Come and both hear and see what is planned for that space. And it’s not a flea market!

As I’ve been mentioning for some time, a walk up and down the Lane and the Plaza clearly shows the strain that our commercial district is under. A recent article in the Advance focused on the arrival of stores and businesses usually associated with downtrodden or falling neighborhoods. These are trying times and our neighborhood is hurting. Look for opportunities to spend your money in New Dorp. Every little bit helps.

Plan on attending a meeting and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it. Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Requiem for a Heavyweight - John Sampson

2010-05-02T19:22:00.002-04:00

Our community has been in the news a lot lately. And most of it has not been flattering. But I don't want to dwell on that now. I will get to those things in the next blog entries.

Right now I want to pay testimony to a unique individual who passed away on Friday - a one of a kind gentlemen - perhaps the last of his kind - John Sampson.

The Staten Island Advance had a nice writeup about him and I am reproducing it here.

John Sampson, 101 .... By Kiawana Rich

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - John (Jack) Sampson of New Dorp, a consummate newsman and author who began his 50-year career as a reporter at the Staten Island Advance, died yesterday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince’s Bay. His age was 101.

Mr. Sampson’s own news story began when he distributed his handwritten circular on the Island after moving to New Dorp with his family from Liverpool, England, when he was 12 years old.

His first daily newspaper job came in 1926 at the Advance, where he worked for two years.

“I was very young and the paper had just been acquired by S.I. Newhouse,” Mr. Sampson said in an Advance article on Nov. 18, 1984. “I needed a job and the editor of the time, a dignified fellow named Chauncey DePew, was kind enough to a young writer.”

He later was a a shipping reporter for the New York American, working alongside such legends as Damon Runyon and Arthur Brisbane until the paper folded, then worked in London on Fleet Street for the Daily Mail, Associated Press of Great Britain and other publications. He also was a correspondent in Washington, New York and London for British newspapers.

Some of his favorite assignments were wartime conferences between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt during the 1940s, the Kennedy administration and the space program.

In the 1950s, he worked for the Daily Mirror, then joined the staff of the London Sun when it was taken over by Rupert Murdoch. He became New York bureau chief for the London Daily Herald, a post he held until retiring in 1974.

Known for his 1950s-style horned-rim glasses and slight English accent, he preferred writing features, especially interviews with notables, including Marilyn Monroe, Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham and boxer Jack Johnson.

Mr. Sampson loved animals — at one time having as many as 12 cats, including his pet cat Tiger. “More than anything he enjoyed being home with a book and having two cats draped around his neck,” said his friend of 45 years, Nerina Martire.

And he treasured books, having a collection of more than 3,000 volumes.

The books he wrote often explored his personal experiences as well as international and political intrigue. They included “In the Light of Thought,”“Masquerade in Port-Cros: A Romance of the Cote d’Azur,” and “A Tempest in Venice,” and sometimes used local settings in Egbertville and New Dorp.

Mr. Sampson liked an uncomplicated story: “I want to be entertaining. Once you start thinking of a message or a moral, you get away from the pleasure of writing.”

After all his travels, he returned to New Dorp, where a favorite pastime was a daily morning stroll through Moravian Cemetery.

A self-taught man who attended Curtis High School for a year, Mr. Sampson often joked with friends that he attended the “University of Shakespeare and other 18th century English authors,” none of whom had attended college.

In 2008, his extensive body of work was archived at the College of Staten Island.

“John’s career as a journalist reflected many changes in journalism from the 1920s to the 1970s,” Professor John A. Kaser told the Advance in a Sept. 12, 2008 article recognizing Mr. Sampson’s 100th birthday and the archive created in his name — boxes of his personal papers, newspaper clippings, historic photos, written correspondence and other chronicles for CSI.

Kaser noted that Mr. Sampson had worked under three titans of the newspaper world, S.I. Newhouse, William Randolph Hearst and Rupert Murdoch.

“John’s life really reflects what I term the final days of the culture of literacy,” he said.

Mr. Sampson was a member of the New Dorp Central Civic Association.

“On one hand, he was a sophisticated man who traveled the world during his long career,” said his friend, Mrs. Martire. “On the other hand, he had a childlike innocence — a sense of wonder which was so endearing.”

The funeral will be Monday from the Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Richmond. Burial will be in St. Andrew’s Cemetery, also Richmond.

(Note: I made one change, namely, to our association's name.)

Jack lived a full life and many of us are better for having met him.

Jack... I sip a glass of sherry tonight in your honor.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday April 15

2010-04-13T19:54:00.002-04:00

Greetings friends and neighbors. I don’t know about you but the past few months have been brutal from a weather perspective. Sure we had a wonderful Easter weekend. But when I think back at the snowstorms followed by the rain and the terrible rainstorm which ripped up our neighborhood, I am looking forward to some nice boring predictable weather.

Our guest speaker this month will be Department of Transportation Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola. Mr.Cocola will be talking to us about the traffic situation in New Dorp with emphasis on the Safe Streets for Seniors program that was first implemented in our community.

Next month we will have a special presentation on the plans for the former Frank’s Nursery/ A&P property. Come and both hear and see what is planned for that space. And it’s not a flea market!

What about the Lane Theatre/ Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club? Been there? What do you think about it? Any recommendations?

Did you remember to complete and send in your census form? It is the only way we can ensure that we get what we are entitled to.

And you are aware of the upcoming hearings on the water rate hikes and the Charter Commission Revision hearings… right? Get involved. Read up on these things. Your future, your children’s future and your grandchildren’s future will be impacted by these things.

As mentioned last month, walk up and down the Lane and the Plaza. I have not seen this many empty stores in a decade. Many people are being careful with their money as they wonder about their jobs or continue searching for jobs. As long as the credit markets remain cautious the stores will reopen slowly as more of our people weigh very carefully the wisdom of opening a new endeavor. These are trying times. Look for opportunities to spend your money in New Dorp. Every little bit helps.

And I’m not even going to talk about our roads again. That too is getting a good amount of publicity. Moonscapes. Roads that were recently fixed are already cratered. Seams where new roads were joined together are scarred with holes. What happened? Yes, I know it snowed. It snows every year. Never before have I seen such widespread cratering. What gives? Has the mixture of asphalt they use changed over the past year? Or are the crews less skilled ? Or are they more rushed? Why is every trip down the road a challenge?

Plan on attending a meeting and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday March 18... but until then !

2010-03-11T21:54:00.002-05:00

Greetings friends and neighbors. Our guest speaker this month will be Linda Perez from NY Methodist Hospital. She will be speaking to us about the warning signs of stroke, something about which we all need more awareness. Whether it’s your own health, someone in your family or a neighbor, it is important that we recognize the warning signs early and take action quickly. Come. Protect yourself. Learn.

Next month our guest speaker will be Department of Transportation Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola. Mr.Cocola will be talking to us about the traffic situation in New Dorp with emphasis on the Safe Streets for Seniors program that was first implemented in our community.

There are three things I would like to talk about briefly.

First, Spring cannot get here too quickly. Enough of winter. Enough of snow… at least from my perspective. I enjoy the seasons. Each has its own special characteristic. Yet this winter seemed to drag on and on and the late season snowstorms made it all that more oppressive. (And when Groundhog Day comes next year I’m thinking I will need to very carefully measure the indication given by Staten Island Chuck. He wasn’t even close this year.)

Second, we seriously need for our economy to pick up. Walk up and down the Lane and the Plaza. I have not seen this many empty stores in a decade. Many people are being careful with their money as they wonder about their jobs or continue searching for jobs. As long as the credit markets remain cautious the stores will reopen slowly as more of our people weigh very carefully the wisdom or opening a new endeavor. These are trying times. Look for opportunities to spend your money in New Dorp.

Third, I cannot remember when our roads have been in such poor shape. Moonscapes. Roads that were recently fixed are already cratered. Seams where new roads were joined together are scarred with holes. What happened? Yes, I know it snowed. It snows every year. Never before have I seen such widespread cratering. What gives? Has the mixture of asphalt they use changed over the past year? Or are the crews less skilled ? Or are they more rushed? Why is every trip down the road a challenge?

We need to look beyond the “traditional walls” that define our association. Meetings and newsletters remain a vibrant part of our outreach. However we recognize that there are new ways that we must reach out if we are to remain relevant in our community. Check out our newly updated and redesigned webpage at http://www.ndcca.com/. Along with http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com/ and our email account at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com. We are reachable in many ways. Oh yes, our telephone still works at 718-979-6011 or our Post Office box at PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306.

Plan on attending a meeting and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

Lastly, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com/ for continuous updates.

I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski

Meeting on Thursday 2/18

2010-02-15T20:30:00.002-05:00

As I wrote these words I was thinking back to Staten Island Chuck’s claim on Groundhog’s Day that we will only have two more weeks of winter. Well between the last storm and the fact that it is snowing again, what am I to think of Chuck? Thank goodness that by the time our meeting rolls around on Thursday, February 18, 2010 we will be rolling in Spring. As per Chuck!

It will be our first meeting for 2010. Mark your calendars. Plan on attending and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

Our guest speaker this month is Juliette Lewis from the Consumer Affairs Dept of ConEdison. Ms. Lewis will share a presentation with us that focuses on efficient use of electricity. In this day and age we need to consider every opportunity to save money.

Future speakers will be Linda Perez in March from NY Methodist Hospital speaking about the warning signs of stroke and DOT Boro Commissioner Tom Cocola in April speaking about the traffic situation in New Dorp.

So what’s been happening? Councilman James Oddo relocated to South Avenue and we attended his Civic Roundtable in January where Mr.Oddo introduced us to his staff, updated us on the budget challenges the city faces, possible FDNY closures, MTA service cuts and more water rate hikes.

What else? The MTA will hold hearings March 2 at CSI concerning the upcoming service cuts. Yes, I know. You think it is a waste of time and that their minds are made up. And although that may be true, it is definitely true that no things will be changed if no one comments or complains. Let your voice be heard. Attend the hearing. Speak up!

As mentioned last month we will continue collecting useful items for our troops. See the list elsewhere in this newsletter and give us a call. We will even pick them up.

I would like to have a few people who take public transportation (buses, trains, ferry) serve as our eyes and ears and share their experiences with us so we can advocate on behalf of improved transportation in our area. If you would be willing to participate, call 718-979-6011 and leave your name and number and we will reach out to you.

We need to look beyond the “traditional walls” that define our association. Meetings and newsletters remain a vibrant part of our outreach. Our blog recognizes that there are new ways that we must reach out if we are to remain relevant in our community.

Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Lastly, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.
Joe Markowski

Update on "Safe Streets for Seniors" by DOT Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola

2010-01-13T23:11:00.003-05:00

At this morning’s CB2 meeting of the Aging Committee, DOT Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola gave us an update on the preliminary results of the “Safe Streets for Seniors” program. Based on the initial stats the number of pedestrian and vehicular injuries over the first eleven months of 2009 were significantly lower than the average over the preceding six years.

Specifically, there were 9 pedestrian injuries in 2009 in this area compared with the average of 18 from 2003 to 2008 – a decrease of 50%. And there were 53 vehicular injuries versus an average of 100 per year – a decrease of 47%.

Clearly the numbers show a wonderful improvement within the areas impacted by this “Safe Streets for Seniors” initiative.

There was also discussion of the choice of bollards used in this project, as well as studies currently being conducted near various schools in our area and discussion of the tragedy on Thanksgiving Eve by Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.

> Joe Markowski

2010... This and That... Outreach... and You!

2010-01-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. I know I had a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

As we move into 2010 I want to remind you that we will not have a meeting in January. We will be putting out a newsletter and our first meeting for 2010 will be on Thursday, February 18, 2010. Mark your calendars and plan on attending and bringing a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

So what’s been happening? Councilman Oddo relocated to South Avenue, Uncle Vinnies Comedy Club continues bringing laughter to our neighborhood, the new cafes on New Dorp Plaza – Andrew’s and Domenick’s – are offering fine foods, Ocean3 has been replaced by Francesca’s Steak House, winter has delivered us some very cold weather, and there are a host of programs being offered for our entertainment and to expand our knowledge.

Over the next few days we will be talking about those and other topics. What should you do if you see a deer in our neighborhood? Has Gene’s Deli really closed? Have the changes on Hylan Blvd made that road safer to cross? What will become of Cedar Grove?

And did you notice the interview with Theresa Myrhol on the NYPL’s web page? Remember Theresa? She managed our branch library on New Dorp Lane for years and is now the Seward Park Library Network Manager. Theresa makes an interesting observation when she states: “One has to think beyond the traditional four walls of the library. Embracing the opportunities that social networking brings is essential. It is a vehicle that fosters new relationships with users while strengthening existing partnerships. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and video will continue to shape and expand ways to share the wealth of information The New York Public Library has to offer.” We too need to look beyond the “traditional walls” that define our association. Meetings and newsletters remain a vibrant part of our outreach. However as this blog recognizes, there are new ways that we must reach out if we are to remain relevant in our community.

An important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?

Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment here on the blog.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Update ! Water, Pouch and Winners !

2009-12-17T22:34:00.001-05:00

Wow! What a great meeting tonight. There were representatives from Councilman Oddo’s office – Michelle Melamed - and from Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer’s office – Stanley Mroz.

Mr.Mroz spoke about the threat that upstate drilling could pose to NYC’s water supply. He circulated a petition opposing such drilling.

Greenbelt Conservancy President Kathy Vorwick spoke to us about the urgency of protecting Pouch Camp from development and she urged everyone to call or write to their elected representatives and express their desire to protect all the 140 acres from development. Pouch Camp is a critical piece of the Staten Island Greenbelt.

The membership voted to send letters to our elected officials opposing development of the Pouch Camp property.

The holiday basket was won by Theresa Troiano and the 50/50 was won by Ann Finnerty (not George Vorwick).

Lastly, we collected about 10 bags of goods that we will provide to S.I. Project Homefront for our troops overseas.

Mark your calendars - there will be no meeting in January and we will resume our monthly meetings in February on the 18th.

Look for our newsletter in January and check us out here on the blog regularly.

In the meantime you can share your comments, concerns, information and whatever with us here on the blog or by calling 718-979-6011 or sending an email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

Everyone… Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

> Joe Markowski

Rose, Cedar and Our Meeting

2009-12-16T22:23:00.003-05:00

Just a few quick things...

The speed bump requested for Rose Avenue by the residents of that block was approved by Community Board 2 last night. The concern centers around New Dorp Baptist School and the children who enter and leave that facility. The request will now be forwarded to the Department of Transportation who will conduct their study on the feasability and need for that item.

The letter to Commissioner Benepe of the NYC Department of Parks by our elected officials has not yet been responded to.

And we will be having our monthly meeting Thursday night at 8pm in the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. During that meeting we will be celebrating the holidays following our conduct of business.

If I don't see you (and even if I do) have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

> Joe Markowski

Our Electeds Challenge the Commish

2009-12-11T21:15:00.001-05:00

The ball now appears to be in the court of the Commissioner of Parks. Our elected officials – Congressman McMahon with Councilmen Jim Oddo, Vin Ignizio and Ken Mitchell – have sent a letter to Commissioner Benepe asking him to delay the eviction order for a minimum of a year.

I wanted to share their request with you. As you can see in the following letter our electeds are in vehement disagreement with this action. Here is their letter:

December 9, 2009

Mr. Adrian Benepe, Commissioner
NYC Parks Department
Central Park – The Arsenal
830 Fifth Avenue
New York , NY 10065

RE: Cedar Grove Beach Club

Dear Commissioner Benepe:
We would like to take this opportunity to address the termination of the license agreements for our constituents in the Cedar Grove Beach Club. As you may or may not remember, we had written you on August 11th requesting a five year extension for the inhabitants. We received your written response on September 18th in which you stated that “once you received a briefing from your legal department you will be able to more fully address this situation”.

Apparently, that briefing has taken place because our constituents received certified letters dated December 1st from Staten Island Parks Borough Commissioner Thomas Paulo informing them that their license agreements have been terminated effective December 31st, 2009. Additionally, New York City Parks is mandating that they remove all of their personal belongings no later than the end of this month.

While we vehemently disagree with your decision to terminate these agreements at this time, it is even more outrageous that the Parks Department is essentially evicting these families with less than one months notice. It is patently unfair to demand that they be expected to remove their personal items during the holiday season. Our constituent Edith Holtermann summed it up perfectly in today’s edition of the Staten Island Advance:
“They are Scrooges to do this at this time of year, when we are so busy and it's so cold there. To go and try and get everything out at this time is so difficult," said Edith Holtermann, who has spent all her 72 summers at Cedar Grove Beach .

As you well know, this community has existed for over 100 years and many of these homes have passed down from generation to generation. You just cannot expect them to pack up all of that history without ample notice. Additionally, we would like to know what exactly NYC Parks has planned for this site. These property owners have maintained these grounds impeccably at their own expense. NYC Parks has been maintaining the adjacent properties ( New Dorp & Oakwood Beach ). We encourage you to go take a look and see who has done a better job. In the same article I referenced above in the Staten Island Advance; a NYC Parks spokesperson stated, “The plans are not ready to release. I do not have the details”.

Therefore, we would like to request that you rescind your termination of these license agreements. The residents should be granted an extension at a minimum of one year with the understanding that NYC Parks is planning to open this property up to the general public in the future. NYC Parks simply needs to communicate with our offices and these residents in a much more open fashion regarding the future of this property. The families that have invested so much to that community deserve a certain level of communication and honesty in return.

We would like to thank you for your re-consideration of this matter and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you regarding the future of this property in greater detail.

Sincerely,

Michael E. McMahon Vincent Ignizio
Congressman, NY-13 Councilman, 51st District

James S. Oddo Kenneth C. Mitchell
Councilman, 50th District Councilman, 49th District

CC: SI Borough Commissioner Thomas A. Paulo

*************************

How will the commissioner respond?

Share your comments with us.

Comment on this blog, call us at 718-979-6011 and leave a voicemail or email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

> Joe Markowski

Bullets and Cedar Grove

2009-12-09T00:41:00.000-05:00

It seems that news in New Dorp runs in cycles and we are now amidst one of those cycles.

You could talk about bullets being shot through the front windows of two stores across from Miller Field. During the early morning hours. Sure seems strange. Fortunately no one was hurt. But it still seems strange. And there was no cause? No message being sent? It was motiveless?

And then there was the news about the Cedar Grove Beach property and the city’s intention to oust the current tenants and make changes.

My first question is… to what purpose? And other questions come to mind… Why end the leases now? What is the plan for the property? And was it really necessary to give them only 30 days notice to vacate? What are the plans for the property? If this is something that they have been considering for a while then they must have a number of options in mind. Why the secrecy? Telling me that they want to link Oakwood and Midland Beaches tells me little. That is the view from 30,000 feet. But how does that look at the street level? What exactly will happen? What will we see? And how soon? Was it necessary to evict the tenants to achieve those goals? And where will the money come from? Parks did not have enough money to plant a wide variety of flowers in New Dorp Beach Park as they did the first year and they will now be undertaking this?

Yep… still too many questions.

That’s what I think. What do you think?

> Joe Markowski

Library Offerings

2009-12-04T22:14:00.001-05:00

The New Dorp Branch Library at 309 New Dorp Lane offers a host of programs for all ages. Make sure you take advantage of these great offerings right here in our neighborhood. What programs you ask?

1. Children’s Programs
- a pre-school program for ages 2.5 to 5 and caregiver on 12/11 at 9am
-“Science of Toys, Play Time!” ages 6 to 12 explores the science behind classic toys – 12/10 at 4pm
- winter stories and movies for ages 4 and older on 12/17 at 4pm
- toddler rhyme time for ages 13mos to 24mos and caregiver 12/18 at 1030am
- “tween scene” – holiday craft for ages 8 to 12 on 12/22 at 4pm

2. SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives on 12/15 from 6 to 8pm
- want to start your own business? Want to expand the business you have? Free and confidential business consultations. Call 718-351-2977 to schedule an appointment.

3. Stay Well Exercise Program for Senior Citizens
- an exercise program geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in performing daily tasks. Classes last 40-50 minutes.

4. Free Basic Computer Training for Seniors (Pre-registration required)
- “introduction to computers” on 12/10 at 1030am
- “word processing” on 1/14/2010 at 1030am and 1/28 at 1030am
- “internet” on 2/11/2010 at 1030am
- “on-line shopping” at 2/18/2010 at 1030am
- “on-line communication” on 3/4/2010 at 1030am and 3/18 at 1030am

5. Book Discussions
- 12/11/09 - All My Sons – Arthur Miller
- 1/29/10 – Martha Quest – Doris May Lessing
- 2/26/10 – August: Osage County – Tracy Letts
- 3/19/10 – The Road – Cormac McCarthy
- 4/23/10 – The Book of Salt – Monique Truong
- 5/14/10 – The Professor and the Madman – Simon Winchester
- 6/18/10 – The Moneychangers – Upton Sinclair

If you have any questions about any of these programs call the branch at 718-351-2977… and tell them the Civic Association sent you.

Best of Times; Worst of Times

2009-11-30T21:17:00.000-05:00

The best of times… the worst of times. How else can I describe the past few days here in New Dorp?

The worst of times. Peter and Lillian Sabados killed on New Dorp Lane as they crossed the street on their way to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on the eve of Thanksgiving. With so much to be thankful for, we are deprived of that joy as we mourn this tragic event.

Much less tragic but troubling nonetheless is the threat to Pouch Camp and its integral part of our Island’s Greenbelt. But how do we protect that land in these difficult financial times?

But wait. All is not lost.

It is also the best of times. The holiday season is upon us. New Dorp Lane is decked out with new holiday lights – brighter and more numerous than ever! What a magnificent scene at night! Make sure you journey on the Lane at night during this holiday season.

And new street toppings for some of our roads. First Street. Rose Avenue. Eighth Street. We can all do without extra bumps and potholes.

Our meeting in December will be on the 17th. We will review these and other issues of the neighborhood and celebrate the arrival of the holidays with a little party and good cheer. Instead of the usual holiday grab bag I am asking everyone to bring some items for our troops overseas. But more on that in the next blog entry.

Have news to share? Concerns? Comments? Email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or call 718-979-6011.

> Joe Markowski

The History of Staten Island

2009-11-22T19:07:00.002-05:00

Thinking about catching up on your knowledge of Staten Island? Then you want to look into these programs being offered by the SI Institute of Arts & Sciences:

The Staten Island Museum invites you to attend:

The History of Staten Island Part II

(Participation in The History of Staten Island Part I – NOT necessary!)

Sign up for the series or sign up for individual programs!

Tuesdays, January 5th – Transportation Staten Island Style: The Staten Island Ferry

Tuesday, January 12th – Institutionalization on Staten Island

Tuesday, January 19th – Our Environmental Past: The Museum, Parks, & Preserves

Tuesday, January 26th – Cultural Institutions and Historic Preservation on Staten Island

Tuesday, February 2nd – Historic Movie Houses/Movies Made on Staten Island

Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. at the History Archives & Library of the
Staten Island Museum, Building H, Snug Harbor Cultural Center Campus,
1000 Richmond Terrace

Led by Staten Island Museum Curator of History, Patricia M. Salmon. Advance registration is required. Series cost: $12/$8 Museum members per program or $50/$30 Museum members for the series of five. Advance payments can be mailed to: Staten Island Museum , 75 Stuyvesant Place , Staten Island , NY , 10301 . Credit card payments accepted at 718/727-1135.

The Staten Island Museum has been fostering and sustaining the scientific and cultural heritage of Staten Island since 1881.

So mark your calendars and catch up on some of these programs.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Notice, Streets, Cafe's and Laughs

2009-11-16T16:20:00.002-05:00

Our monthly membership meeting will be this Thursday at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Hall at 2750 Amboy Road. Our guest speaker will be from the 122 Precinct Community Affairs Department and will be speaking about holiday safety. Plan on attending and bring a neighbor.

We’ve seen a few of our streets milled in preparation for re-surfacing. Let’s hope the re-surfacing gets done before the cold and nasty weather gets here.

By the way, any deer sightings lately?

Have you had a chance to visit any of the new cafes on the Plaza? Dominick’s Bakery & Cafe and Alan & Andrews Café now provide a light dining option for us. Try them.

Speaking of dining, we dined at Restaurant on the Plaza on Thursday the 12th. It was part of our Dining Through New Dorp program. Wow… it was a wonderful night filled with good company and plenty of food. Thanks to Chris and his staff for making it such a joy.

And speaking of joy, Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club opened in the Lane Theatre on Friday the 13th. They also had two shows on Saturday. Did you get a chance to go? What did you think of the way the theatre looks? What did you think of the experience? Speak out. Let us know.

Have information you want to share with the community? Send us a email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or a voicemail at 718-979-6011 and we will help you spread the word!

> Joe Markowski

Preservation League Pasta Night

2009-11-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

The Preservation League of Staten Island invites you to attend and enjoy:

Preservation Pasta Night, Saturday, November 14, 2009, 6 p.m.
Eltingville Lutheran Church , 300 Genesee Avenue , Staten Island.

Cost: $19.77 for adults/$4.95 for children 10 and under.
Adults will receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer.

Featuring the old world recipe of Grandma Angelina Fiorelli! Delicious pasta and meatballs, insalada mista, Italian bread, soft drinks, demitasse, coffee, tea, and desserts are included. Additional beer and wine will be available for sale.

The festivities will include a lively talk with the one and only Maria Fiorelli on The Italians of Staten Island !

Make checks out to the Preservation League of Staten Island and mail to Patricia Salmon, 45 Sawyer Avenue, Staten Island , New York , 10314 .

For information write to: SalmonF@aol.com or call Bonnie Nalwasky at 917/335-9917.

Seats are going fast!

Join us for this special fundraiser that enables the Preservation League of Staten Island to promote and advocate for Staten Island's historic built environment!

Elections Over? What do we do now?

2009-11-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

With the elections behind us, what is there to look forward to - you ask? Well plenty if you happen to live in New Dorp. We have new places to eat and new sources of entertainment.

First. Let’s talk about food.

There are two new places on New Dorp Plaza that you can visit for a meal or late night snack. There is Dominick’s Bakery & Café at 31 New Dorp Plaza. It offers fresh bakery goods and an extensive lunch menu. Have questions? Call them at 718-351-0040.

Then there is Andrew and Alan’s Café located at 61-63 New Dorp Plaza. They also have a wide selection of pastries and a nice lunch menu Have questions? Call them at 718-667-9696.

My wife and I have eaten in both places and enjoyed them.

Then there is entertainment.

There is the opening of Uncle Vinnies Comedy Club located at 168 New Dorp Lane. The premiere show stars Gilbert Gottfried and has its auspicious beginning on Friday the 13th of November. On Saturday there will be two shows at 8 and 10 pm featuring Joey Kola. You can find out all you want to know about the venue at www.unclevinniescomedyclub.com or you can call for info at 1-877-UNCLE-VIN.

And did you catch the Advance tonight (Thursday, Nov 5) ? There is mention of our last blog entry concerning deer in the neighborhood. And you heard it here first!!!

Share your news about the neighborhood and I will share it will all in this blog. Write to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or call 718-979-6011.

So enjoy New Dorp… it’s a wonderful place to live!

> Joe Markowski

Oh Deer... Literally !!

2009-10-20T21:49:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share an incredible story that I was told tonight at the Community Board meeting. Last Thursday morning, a colleague was waiting for the 15X express bus at Amboy Road and First Street when he was suddenly confronted by a large male deer. Yep, a full-antlered, multi-point buck. There was a brief moment of indecision for my friend as he was confronted with this relative of sweet Bambi. What do you do? The animal is significantly larger than you are. And there is no place to hide. Fortunately he was rescued by the approaching express bus which provided the necessary shelter.

This same person said that a few days earlier his wife had seen a large male deer at the top of New Dorp Lane by the gas station. Was that deer also waiting for the bus? Do we need to supply our deer population with Metrocards? Or will we need to provide shelters at the bus stops to protect our citizens? Perhaps the merchants are planning on gracing the Lane with live reindeer this holiday season instead of the traditional streetlights. Wow.

You have to love this neighborhood!

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Notice (Its Tomorrow Oct 15)) and other Comments

2009-10-14T08:27:00.001-04:00

So here comes the second newsletter of the new year and we are already feeling the first touches of Autumn. It is dark in the morning when we rise and the sun sets so much earlier than it did just a few short weeks ago. I don’t know what it is about sunlight but its absence makes everything seem not quite as full of life.

The newsletter last month was a little different from the usual fare. It was more of a call for some dialogue or a quest for suggestions than anything else. And in all candor it did not elicit a great outpouring of comments or suggestions.

I ended my remarks last month by asking for three things. Well, our membership renewal envelopes have been mailed so I hope you will take out a few minutes and renew your commitment to this community. I then asked that you let me know what you think. Hey, don’t be bashful. Let me have it! What ideas do you have? And lastly I asked each of you to pass along the enclosed membership form to a neighbor and ask them to join. Remember? Let me refresh your memory.

I am going to ask you for three things:
Renew your membership in our organization. At $18 per year that is a little less than 5 cents per day.
Let me know what you think. What ideas do you have for this organization? Leave a voicemail at 718-979-6011… or send a note to… NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306… or send an email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com. Speak up! Share your thoughts and suggestions.
Pass the enclosed membership application to someone in the New Dorp area and encourage them to join.

Our guest speaker this month will be David Shear from LifeWorks. What is LifeWorks? It is a Wellness Arts Center providing holistic healthcare for body, mind, heart, and spirit. What does all that mean and how does it pertain to you? Come join us and find out. Thursday. October 15. 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road.

We have set up our next Dining Through New Dorp event. As you recall, we started this program over fifteen years ago in May 1994 as a way of supporting the restaurants in our neighborhood while providing our members and their family and friends an opportunity to get together socially for food and good conversation. Over those years we have purchased over 1300 meals and spent over $32 thousand on our restaurants. So plan now on joining us.We will be eating at Restaurant On the Plaza at 50 New Dorp Plaza on Thursday November 12 – not Wednesday November 11 as originally mentioned - at 7pm.
What will we be eating? Assorted hot appetizers, antipasto salad, an assortment of pizzas, soda, coffee, tea and desert… all for $23 per person. Mark your calendars and plan now on joining us. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservation.

An article in October 7th’s NYTimes talks about declining involvement in our civic life. Specifically it talks about the poor turnout for the runoff in the Democratic primary. In a number of polling districts not a single voter showed up. Zero. None. Let’s make sure we do not suffer the same fate here in our community.

I sometimes worry about these appeals. Isn’t it like preaching to the choir? Well, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound.

Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood…

Joe Markowski

*************************************************************************************************************
Our next meeting is Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post, 2750 Amboy Rd at 8pm.

More Movie Info

2009-10-01T16:40:00.003-04:00

Speaking of entertainment and films, there is some equipment temporarily being placed on the former Frank's/A&P/Waldbaum's property on NDLane that is being used by Columbia Pictures. They are filming a movie - starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg (?) - at various locations throughout Staten Island and they needed a spot to locate some of their equipment for a short period of time. Thought you might like to know.

> Joe

Excitement in New Dorp: Movies and Parades

2009-10-01T14:00:00.001-04:00

And for those of you who do not feel there is enough excitement in our neighborhood, how about the movie they are filming on Sterling Avenue by Clawson? It’s for a Feature Film Production entitled “The Other Guys”. Current plans call for them to be taking everything down on Friday.

Sunday is the 19th Annual Columbus Day Parade up New Dorp Lane sponsored by Borough President Jim Molinaro. Plan now on watching this wonderful event which starts at 1pm at New Dorp High School. The Grand Marshall this year is the Honorable Thomas D’Addone , Mayor of Crespina, Italy. Make sure we line the streets of the Lane as we welcome this wonderful event.

Lastly, our dues envelopes are in the mail. Please renew your membership and invite a neighbor to join. This is a terrific community and we need to remain strong and protect it.

Have news to share? Need a membership application? Leave a message at 718-979-6011 or email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

> Joe Markowski

SIAdvance, Alzheimer's and Dining

2009-09-29T19:27:00.003-04:00

I hope you had a chance to catch the article in last Sunday’s SI Advance about Anne Finnerty, her late husband Bill and her bus driver friend. Ann is currently a member of Community Board #2 and the former President of the New Dorp Central Civic Association. Make sure you check it out.

There will be an Alzheimer’s Walk this weekend on Sunday October 4 at Pouch Camp at 1465 Manor Road at 0930 am (the rain date is Oct 11). For more information call the Alzheimer Foundation at 718-667-7110.

We have set up our next Dining Through New Dorp event. As you recall, we started this program over fifteen years ago in May 1994 as a way of supporting the restaurants in our neighborhood while providing our members and their family and friends an opportunity to get together socially for food and good conversation. Over those years we have purchased over 1300 meals and spent over $32 thousand on our restaurants. So plan now on joining us.

We will be eating at Restaurant On the Plaza at 50 New Dorp Plaza on Wednesday November 11 at 7pm. What will we be eating?
• assorted hot appetizers
• antipasto salad
• an assortment of pizzas
• soda, coffee, tea and desert…
• all for $23 per person.
Mark your calendars and plan now on joining us. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservation.

Heard anything new? Give us a call at 718-979-6011 or drop us a line at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Alas! Summer Moves On!

2009-09-13T20:37:00.001-04:00

Then summer came to an end. Maybe not technically ended – that will happen on the 22nd. But we all know that once school resumes in September the end of summer cannot be far behind. And a strange summer it was - filled with rain at the start and nice days at the end.

As we begin our 33rd year as a Civic Association there is much to ponder.

What has been happening in our neighborhood? I can remember when I was associated with the 122 Pct Community Council. I said that I would welcome the day when we had a meeting and no one came because there were no issues to discuss.

Can the same thing be said about a neighborhood? Perhaps not because good things can also be happening in a neighborhood and a neighborhood such as ours is in a constant state of change.

• Shall we talk about the PS41 schoolyard?
• Or the new Sports Bar on New Dorp Lane across from Miller Field?
• Or the new car service also on New Dorp Lane across from Miller Field?
• Perhaps you noticed the new tennis courts being installed at S.I. Technical High School?
• Or the closing of Ocean3 and its new paint job? And a new restaurant?
• Could you be thinking about New Dorp Beach and the nice spread in the SI Advance about the history of that area… something that we experienced firsthand at our May meeting?
• Or the recent story (also in the SI Advance) about Cedar Grove and its unique status in Staten Island?
• And then there was the return of Pathmark.
• And a comedy club coming to the old Lane Theatre.

A lot is happening in our neighborhood – even in the best of times

Then there is the whole issue of membership in an organization such as ours. We face enormous challenges. We need to find better ways of spreading the word and involving our citizens.

• How do we reach the parents of our schoolkids who have such a large vested interest in our community?
• How do we squeeze ourselves into their busy schedule? They are already involved in their kids’ sports programs and music programs and who knows what else.
• How do we ask them to give us a night a month when there are no extra nights? How do we reach them?
• As our membership ages, how do we get those younger community members involved? That is a major challenge of this and every organization.
• Whenever a major challenge or threat surfaces, everyone comes out of their house to protest and fight the beast! But once the beast is met, everyone returns to their regular life. Can that behavior be changed?
• How do we involve everyone in the neighborhood when there is no common information source for the neighborhood? Newspapers once filled that role but we have seen their use decline.
• How much can we depend on the new electronic outlets? Websites? Blogs (such as ours)? And what will come next? How do we link all these people together and support the needs of this neighborhood?

I am going to ask you for three things:
1. Renew your membership in our organization. At $18 per year that is a little less than 5 cents per day.
2. Let me know what you think. What ideas do you have for this organization? Leave a voicemail at 718-979-6011… or send a note to… NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306… or send an email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com. Speak up! Share your thoughts and suggestions.
3. Pass the enclosed membership application to someone in the New Dorp area and encourage them to join.

Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood…

Joe Markowski

Mrs. Rosemary

2009-06-30T21:40:00.001-04:00

We mourn the passing of a wonderful lady who made our neighborhood a better place and enriched the lives of thousands of dancers. Our condolences to her family.

> Joe Markowski

The Beach and Other Things

2009-06-08T21:41:00.003-04:00

What a glorious weekend we just had. The weather was such a treat after days of clouds, drizzle and rain.

I journeyed down to New Dorp Beach Park and walked some of the paths down to the waters edge. Then I strolled along the beach looking for signs of hotels and hospitals like the ones Josh Jakob had spoken of at our meeting. I tried to imagine the enormous structures that stood at those locations. I let my eyes follow the pilings out into the water, imagining the piers used by the hotels and hospitals. It was fascinating.

I felt I stood atop large concrete slabs that once held the St.John's Guild Hospital in place. Was I right in that imagining? And long lengths of pipe that once channeled water into the ocean.

Now the beach can surely use help. Oodles of bottles and other plastic junk marred the shoreline. But I look at the beach as a disheveled friend, cherished but one that could use just a little cleaning up.

I then crossed the street and looked up at the structure designed as the latest Elmtree light. And I looked at the structure which I was lead to believe was used to look out for German submarines during WWII. The timing was amazing, it being the weekend we remembered the invasion of Normandy. The structure looks very WWII. And it still stands guard to this day.

As for NDBeach Park, many of the colorful flowers we looked at last year are missing. Hopefully the Parks Department will find some to grace the spray area.

Tomorrow morning I'm hoping to witness the ribbon-cutting of the new playground for PS41. Have you seen it lately? It looks terrific!

And lastly, Alberta Brescia will be at our next meeting on June 18... talking to us about "kicking the smoking habit" as well as other cancer-related concerns.

But for now, I'm remembering the wonderful view of the ocean, the breeze, the solitude and the wonder that is our beach.

Stay in touch.

> Joe Markowski

POSTPONED !!!!! Boardwalk Bash Health and Fun Fair - Friday, June 5, 2009

2009-06-04T06:46:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share this email we received from CB#2:

The 6th Annual Boardwalk Bash, a health and fun fair, is scheduled for Friday, June 5 from 10 am to 1 pm in Midland Beach near the Turtle Fountain, Jefferson Avenue and Fr. Capodanno Blvd. The annual health and information forum gives senior citizens and their families the opportunity to learn about a wide range of programs and services that can benefit them.

The event is sponsored by Assemblywoman Janelle Hyer-Spencer and is produced in cooperation with North Shore SIUH, Health Plus, the city Parks Department, the FDNY and the NYPD.
Debra A. Derrico
District Manager, Community Board Two

What a Meeting !!!

2009-06-01T22:06:00.003-04:00

Our meeting focusing on things related to New Dorp Beach was a terrific night and a wonderful experience for everyone who was there... and the hall was full! We chatted about the sports bar at 702 and Dom Griffo the owner answered everyone's questions about what he intended to run there. We talked about the car service moving into 658 NDLane and we were treated to an amazing presentation by Josh Jakob who walked us through the history of NDBeach in word and photo. I think we all learned a few new things about New Dorp Beach.

We are pursuing additional information on the second phase of the New Dorp Beach Park plan which involves bike paths along the waterway. We are also checking on the athletic field proposed in honor of John D'Amato.

As they used to say... stay tuned.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Thursday Night - New Dorp Beach Month !!!

2009-05-18T23:30:00.000-04:00

Greetings. Well, I don’t know about you, but the rain and lousy weather of late have made me long for the summer time. And when I think of the summer I think of the beach. So what better time than now to have our salute to New Dorp Beach.

Founded in 1976, our Association’s charter runs from Grant City to Oakwood, and from Egbertville to the Atlantic Ocean. It includes New Dorp Beach and we will celebrate that fact with New Dorp Beach Month !!!

This month we will have a special guest – Joshua Jakob - who will provide us with a “History of New Dorp Beach”. He will be bringing his research and knowledge and photos of the beach area. So mark your calendar now, call your friends from the beach area and plan to be at our meeting so you can hear his presentation, share your knowledge and experiences and get your questions answered.

We will also be visited by Dominick Griffo who will be opening a sports bar at 702 New Dorp Lane, across from Field #4 at Miller Field. Mr. Griffo already successfully manages the Broadwalk Bar on Hylan Blvd. So come hear what he has in mind and let him answer your questions first hand.

We can also talk about the car service that will be returning to New Dorp and will work out of 658 New Dorp Lane.

Or maybe you will want to talk about New Dorp Beach Park… or the second phase of that project… or the proposed football field.

Yep, there is quite a bit of activity happening in New Dorp Beach and we will be talking about all of that at our next meeting.

We will meet on the third Thursday of this month. Our meeting is Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!!!... especially one who lives in New Dorp Beach!!!

And… remember to check us on-line at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com.

See you around the neighborhood, stay safe and enjoy each day!

Joe Markowski

More on 658 New Dorp Lane

2009-05-05T06:01:00.002-04:00

The owner of New Richmond Car Service will be bringing a fleet of ten cars to the 658 location. Those vehicles currently operate out of Bay Street. He formerly operated in New Dorp but moved out about three years ago when the building he was operating out of was sold. Now he wants to return to this community.

The building at 658 contains King Deli as well as a small office to the right which he will be occupying. His vehicles will have use of the side parking lot when they are not on the road. Many of the vehicles are driven to their home at the end of each shift so there should not be a parking problem. No servicing or washing of the vehicles will happen on the premises.

We expressed concern about the temptation his drivers will have to go down Finley to enter the parking lot. (Finley is a one-way street emptying into NDL.) The parking lot is surrounded by a six foot high solid wooden fence and provides no visibility from Finley to NDL or vice versa. We are concerned that someone will be trying to exit Finley and will meet a car entering Finley to access the lot... and they will meet head-on. That would be a painful experience for both his driver and our resident.

This issue will be taken up with the owner of the building. There is a very definite safety issue here and we expect this issue to be addressed before we can feel comfortable with this move.

We expect to hear what action, if any, will be taken to resolve this problem within the next few weeks. The owner of the car service is looking for support from Community Board 2 before the end of the month when the Taxi and Limousine Commission will be meeting. Our civic association cannot endorse this action without some resolution to this traffic concern.

> Joe Markowski

When It Rains... It Pours !!!

2009-05-04T22:05:00.002-04:00

First there was mention of the carnival in April... then talk of a Sports Bar at 702 New Dorp Lane... then comes a Comedy Club in the old Lane Theatre... followed by rumors of possible new stores in the Hylan Blvd area... while burglers are scowering the Grant City and New Dorp area... then comes the closing of the Ocean3 Restaurant (?)... and that leads us to where?

Now a car service will move into 658 New Dorp Lane (a former New Dorp business looking to return) ... to be followed by another carnival in the Frank's property from May 15 to May 25... as the Flea Market returns...

For so long quiet... now things are bursting out all over.

Ah... be careful what you wish for.

Our next meeting is May 21 with many of the topics focused on New Dorp Beach, such as, the History of New Dorp Beach presentation, discussion about 702 New Dorp Lane and now 658 New Dorp Lane.

Plan on attending our meeting. Bring a neighbor.

> Joe Markowski

Updates on the Comedy Club, Sports Bar and Safe Streets for Seniors

2009-04-22T21:07:00.002-04:00

At our meeting last Thursday we heard from Dino Ibelli who is now working in the Lane Theatre preparing to make it "Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club". He gave us an overview of his hopes for the theatre and provided an overview of what he will be offering there - Comedy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fundraisers on Sunday. Movies in 3D in Monday. He will have security at the venue and expects most shows to be over and the theatre vacated by 2am-ish.

Want to know more about this comedy club? Check out..

http://www.unclevinniescomedyclub.com/

At our next meeting we will hear from Dominick Griffo who currently runs the bar "Under the Boardwalk" on Hylan Blvd. He will be opening a sports bar at 702 New Dorp Lane across from field 4 in Miller Field. Dominick hopes to be open for business by late summer. He will have wide screen televisions and a juke box. No live music.

Last night and throughout today on NY1 you saw the new project – Safe Streets for Seniors - by the Staten Island DOT. Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola presented the project at Community Board #2 last night. The designs will work to provide safer crossings of Hylan Blvd. for seniors and students. You can see all the details of the project at the DOT website. You can key the following to find additional details:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/safeseniors_hylan_newdorp_si.pdf

It would have been nice if the Aging Committee of CB2 had been given a heads-up on this project. They discussed safety for seniors on Hylan Blvd at length over the past few years focusing much of their discussion on getting the buses to alter their routes so that seniors would not have to cross Hylan Blvd to get to the shopping plazas. And it would have been nice if our Association had been contacted prior to the announcement. Indeed.

And remember, Joshua Jakob will be our guest speaker at our May meeting – May 21 – to talk about the History of New Dorp Beach. Yep, May 21 will focus mainly on New Dorp Beach.

Mark your calendars. Bring your neighbors.

> Joe Markowski

702 New Dorp Lane Update

2009-04-14T22:29:00.002-04:00

Tonight at the Area 2 Committee meeting of Community Board 2 we heard from the man who is planning on opening a sports bar at 702 New Dorp Lane. His name is Dominick Griffo and he is the current owner of Boardwalk Pub at 1719 Hylan Blvd.

We have checked with both CB2 and the 122 Precinct and Mr.Griffo has run a very reputable operation at 1719 Hylan.

His current plan is to purchase the building at 702 NDL along with his brother. He will be living there in one of the two apartments on the second floor. He expects the establishment to hold between 100 and 110 people although no formal floor plans have been drafted.

He can set up the establishment at 702 "as of right".

... and he has offered to attend our May meeting and explain his proposal to our Association.

Would you be interested in having him at our meeting?

We are already scheduled to have Joshua Jakob speak on the history of New Dorp Beach... so May 21 will be New Dorp Beach night at the Civic Association.

Mark your calendars. Plan on attending the meeting with your concerns and interests.

Let me know what you think.

> Joe Markowski

Its April and Our Meeting Is Thursday

2009-04-13T21:02:00.000-04:00

Greetings… well they say that April showers bring mayflowers… (and we all know what mayflowers bring… ) So enough already. Bring on the warmer weather!

This month we will hear from someone who is interested in opening a Comedy Club in the Lane Theatre – Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club. Dino Ibelli and his brother already operate two clubs/restaurants in New Jersey and are looking to open a location here on Staten Island. Plan on attending and bring your neighbors and friends. It is a chance for you to get answers to your questions and make your views known.

In May we will have a special guest – Joshua Jakob - who will provide us with a history of the New Dorp Beach area. So mark your calendar now and plan to be at our meetings so you can hear these presentations and get your questions answered.

I have asked… What will you do to strengthen this organization and make its voice more robust? Share your ideas and thoughts with us. Send an email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or leave a voicemail at
718-979-6011.

Lastly, we continued our Dining Through New Dorp program March 24 with a visit to King’s Chef. It was our 46th meal in support of our neighborhood restaurants and good conversation. See chitchat for details.

We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month. Our meeting this month is Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!

See you around the neighborhood, stay safe and enjoy each day!

Joe Markowski

Oceans, Comedy, Sports, Ferries and a Carnival... Oh My !

2009-03-25T21:14:00.004-04:00

Its time to catch up on a few things from around the neighborhood:

1. Ocean 3. The NYPD informed us at our meeting last week that they were being evicted from their presence on Richmond Road. That's good news for the community and the surrounding neighborhood.

2. The proposed operator of a comedy club at the Lane Theatre - Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club - will be addressing the membership of our Association on Thursday April 16. Plan now on attending and bring your questions.

3. A new sports bar is proposed for 702 New Dorp Lane. Any questions or concerns?

4. "Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry" - six short plays from around the US about our favorite boats - is playing at the New Dorp Moravian Church on March 27, 28 at 8pm and the 29th at 3pm. For reservations call the Sundog Theatre at 718-816-5453.

5. And a carnival is scheduled for the Frank's property from April 2 to April 12.

Yep... there is a lot happening in our neighborhood.

What are your concerns?

What have you heard about?

Let us know.

> Joe Markowski

March Meeting Coming Soon !!!

2009-03-15T14:02:00.001-04:00

Greetings… I wonder if all of you are feeling like I am right now, namely, enough of this winter stuff. Lets move on to Spring.!

Our guest speakers last month talked about Crime Prevention, volunteer activities / community service activities for high school students and the various offerings under the Medicare programs. They were full of information and ideas for us.

Our guest speakers this month will be from the American Heart Society and I expect they will focus on our hearts. Our other guest speaker will be from the 122 Precinct’s Community Affairs Division and they will provide us with an update on the burglaries which have been occurring in the Grant City – New Dorp area. You won’t want to miss either presentation.

Next month we will hear from a person who is interested in opening a Comedy Club in the Lane Theatre. Plan now on attending and bringing your neighbors and friends. It is a chance for you to get answers to your questions and make your views known.

And in May we will have a special guest who will provide us with a history of the New Dorp Beach area.

So start marking your calendars now and plan to be at our meetings so you can hear these presentations and get your questions answered.

I asked you last month: What will you do to strengthen this organization and make its voice more robust? Share your ideas and thoughts with us.

Lastly, we will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program on March 24 with a visit to King’s Chef. It will be our 46th meal in support of our neighborhood restaurants and good conversation. Interested? Email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com and we will save you a seat.

We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month. Our meeting this month is Thursday, March 19, 2009 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!

See you around the neighborhood, stay safe and enjoy each day!

> Joe Markowski

Be a Docent for the Conference House Museum in Tottenville

2009-03-15T13:53:00.003-04:00

The office administrator at the Conference House Museum in Tottenville is looking for volunteer docents to help with weekend tours of the Conference House and, later this fall, they hope, with tours of the 1950s Rutan House. Docents (tour guides) don’t need to be experienced—they’re looking for people with an interest in history and good interpersonal skills.

If you are interested or want more information call 718-984-0415 or email Education@ConferenceHourse.org.

Feb 19 Meeting Followup - Crime Prevention

2009-02-25T19:59:00.002-05:00

As promised, here is some more information from our meeting. Trish Curulli from the 122's Crime Prevention Unit offered us these suggestions for safeguarding your house:
1. Make sure your doors and door frames are solid.
2. Your locks should be a dead bolt with a highly pick resistant cylinder. You should protect the cylinder with a guard plate and use a licensed locksmith.
3. Make sure the locks on your windows work... and that you use them.
4. Motion-sensitive lighting around the perimeter of your house is very effective.
5. Use timers in the house with variable times.
6. Shrubbery should not obstruct your view from inside or outside.
7. Air conditioners should be secured to the window opening so they cannot be pulled out or pushed in.
8. If your garage is attached to your house, treat it just as securely.
9. Alarms can be helpful... but only if they are activated.

You can also get your valuable possessions, such as, televisions and laptops, etched so they are identifiable as yours. Call 718-667-2266 to make arrangements.

And you can have a survey done of your house to identify potential security risks.

Lastly, as we have said many, many times, if you see something, say something. Call the 122 Precinct desk at 718-667-2241 to report your concern.

> Joe Markowski

Feb 19 Meeting Followup - Medicare

2009-02-24T20:10:00.004-05:00

As promised, here is some more information from Eric Hausman, our speaker from the Dept of the Aging who spoke on Medicare.

First of all, he said if you ever have a question about medicare and its coverage call 311 and ask for "medicare". There are different "parts" to medicare covering different aspects of health care. There also exists coverage for the gap between what medicare covers and the deductible.

There is also coverage for drugs. Unfortunately there are 51 different plans in NY state and that can be quite confusing. Yet if you call 311 and ask for "medicare" there are counselors who can work with you to identify the most appropriate plan for the medication you need. You can also call 1-800-medicare or check it out on-line at http://www.medicare.gov.

And there is also help for people on a low income.

If you have questions... call... and ask.

Our next meeting update will be about some upcoming programs at the New Dorp Branch Library... to be followed by info from a 122Precinct Crime Prevention officer... to be followed by an update about the activities of "Where to Turn".

So keep checking in regularly for information important to our neighborhood!

> Joe Markowski

WARNING - BAD GUYS in the Neighborhood

2009-02-23T21:33:00.002-05:00

Neighbors... if you haven't heard on CBS radio or read in the SI Advance there are some bad people operating in our neighborhood.

You can help by reporting any unusual or suspicious activities on our streets to 911 or the 122 Precinct at 718-667-2241.

Tell your neighbors. We all need to be on the lookout.

Here is the article that appeared in today's Advance:

Heartless thieves steal priceless memories
Burglars have hit New Dorp homes at least 8 times since December, twice making off with wedding bands

Monday, February 23, 2009

By PHIL HELSEL
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A pair of burglars who have struck homes all over New Dorp aren't just making off with televisions, jewelry and cash -- at least twice, they swiped wedding bands, victims said.

"That was heartbreaking to me," said a Locust Avenue widow whose husband of 42 years died in 2004. "They took things I never expected to lose, things I can't replace".

The burglars have broken into at least eight homes in New Dorp since Dec. 3, and most recently on Feb. 10. Usually they use a garbage pail or some other low-rent tactic to reach a rear window, police said.

Frank Frascati's Otis Avenue home was broken into just a few weeks ago, when what are believed to be the same pair got in through a rear window, and they stole his wedding band from a 20-year marriage.

"I was upset, but what are you gonna do?" he said.

Some of the break-ins happened in the middle of the day while others, like the Feb. 10 burglary that led to a security camera taking the thieves' pictures, occurred at night, police said.

The burglars have struck three homes on Bancroft Avenue; twice on Otis Avenue, and once each on Bryant, Bache and Locust avenues over the last two months, police said. At their last job on Bancroft, a home surveillance camera caught the duo on video.

The string of burglaries around New Dorp is at least the fourth ongoing burglary pattern on Staten Island.

Police are trying to crack groups of related burglaries in the Todt Hill and Emerson Hill area, West Brighton and on the South Shore.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS; they can also log on to the Web site at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text their tips to 274637 (crimes) then enter TIP577.
Phil Helsel is a news reporter for the Advance. He may be reached at helsel@siadvance.com.

If you see something, say something.

> Joe Markowski

Meeting Highlights and Surprises

2009-02-20T04:56:00.007-05:00

Its early Friday morning... coming up on 5am... and I just wanted to get a few quick comments out there to update you on our meeting last night. It turned out to be a session full of speakers ( one planned and three wonderful surprises ) and I want to start getting some of their information and comments out there before we get into the heart of today.

We heard from Eric Hausman from the NYC Department of Aging who spoke to us about Medicare, its various "parts" and the alternatives that a person has in providing themselves with coverage. More about that later. We heard from Dennis McKeon who is the Executive Director of "Where to Turn" who spoke about the various projects and efforts his organization is involved in. More on that later. We heard from Yolanda Gleason of the New Dorp Branch Library who spoke to us about upcoming Albany Day and the many various programs at the New Dorp branch for people of all ages - from toddlers to seniors. More about them later. And we heard from Trish Curulli from the 122 Precinct's Crime Prevention Unit who spoke to us about keeping our houses safe especially in light of the recent burglaries in our neighborhood. More of her tips on keeping our property safe later. Wow... a lot of info to share and we will be putting it out here for you in our upcoming blog entries.

We also talked about the various things in the neighborhood that we will be following up on and exploring this year - from the outbreak of outdoor dining to the Frank's Nursery property to the effect of Ocean3 on its neighbors to flooding in New Dorp Beach to the new playground at PS41 to Congressman McMahon opening an office on New Dorp Lane to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and Hylan Blvd which has already had 38 accidents since January 1st.

Yep... a lot to talk about. So keep checking in regularly over the upcoming days as we share that information with you.

Lastly... and it remains very true today... if you see something, say something. See some suspicious activity on your block? Call the NYPD. See something in our neighborhood that you are curious about or doesn't look right? Call us at 718-979-6011 or email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or ndcca@excite.com or leave a comment here.

Together we can protect and enhance our community... but it will take all of us. Be part of the solution.

> Joe Markowski

February Meeting Coming Up

2009-02-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Greetings… we begin our meetings this winter with wildly varying temperatures and an economy that is hurting… effecting the businesses in our neighborhood and our neighbors… for they too are hurting. It is a time to look out for one another, care for one another and be supportive of our community for these are difficult times. Remember last year? We saw wild temperature swings and stock market swings of hundreds of points daily and thousands of points over the course of the year. And the madness continues!

Our guest speaker this month will be from the NYC Department of the Aging. The focus will be on long term care and Medicare. Come and get educated.

What do you want your Association to get involved in this year? You will find a number of things listed inside… but don’t be bashful. Reach out to us and share your concerns and let us work with you to find answers. You can find our most current updates on the blog. Check it regularly. And remember to reach out to us if you have information that is important to the community.

What will you do to strengthen this organization and make its voice more robust? Share your ideas and thoughts with us. Email us at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment here.

We will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program next month with a visit to King’s Chef. It will be our 46th meal in support of our neighborhood restaurants and good conversation. Look inside for details.

This is our first meeting for 2009. We will meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month. Our meeting this month is Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!

See you around the neighborhood, stay safe and enjoy each day!

Joe Markowski

Warning About a Scam !

2009-01-27T22:33:00.000-05:00

Resident reports scam in Staten Island's Dongan Hills section
by Staten Island Advance
Monday January 26, 2009, 4:55 PM

There appears to be a new scam Staten Islanders need to be wary of.

The perpetrators have been ringing door bells in Dongan Hills during evening hours claiming to be Con Edison workers needing to check electric bills, a resident reported to the office of Councilman James Oddo.

When notified by the politician, Con Edison said its workers check customer bills through computer databases and do not ring bells asking to see them.

Furthermore, employees of the utility do not visit customers at night without an appointment or on an emergency basis.

Con Edison urged customers to ask to see a photo identification card, which all employees carry, or ask for a phone number for the employee's supervisor.

"Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals are out there and we should all be exceedingly wary at all times," Oddo said in a press release. "Take appropriate caution to protect yourself against scammers who are only interested in stealing your money."

Earlier this month, the Advance reported on a band of thieves posing as employees of the city's Department of Environmental Protection who were attempting to talk their way into Staten Island homes.

Those perpetrators told homeowners they needed to check out pipes or collect money for unpaid water bills.

122 Pct Community Council Update & More

2009-01-22T21:18:00.004-05:00

Last night at the 122 Pct Community Council meeting at the 122 station house a location in New Dorp got a lot of discussion. Ocean 3 - formerly Portofino Restaurant - is apparently causing a lot of grief for neighbors on the surrounding streets. (Reminds us of the problems the neighbors of Bistro had.)The NYPD assured the residents that the location is being closely monitored and invited those neighbors to return next month and report on the results.

And... in today's Advance is mention that the King Kullen (formerly Pathmark Supermarket) is closing creating a large vacancy in our neighborhood. Not good.

Then there is the new sign on the Frank's property offering various sized storefronts for rent. Sounds like a strip mall to me. Not sure I like that.

And lastly the Borough President is giving his State-of-the-Borough address tonight at CSI. We will have to read in the papers tomorrow about what he said. Guess there was no room at the inn for all the Civic Associations.

> Joe Markowski, President

No Meeting This Month... However...

2009-01-20T22:21:00.002-05:00

... if you have some time and some issues of concern you can attend the 122 Pct Community Council meeting at the 122Pct at 8pm on Wednesday night January 21.

And as always, you should bring your issues and concerns to us at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

See something? Say something.

> Joe Markowski

Brain Tumor Screening

2009-01-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

The Road to Early Detection Campaign to Come to Staten Island

Brain tumor screening truck to provide free MRI screenings to Staten Islanders from January 12 to 26 in the Staten Island Mall parking lot. Staten Islanders are urged to call 877-SCAN NYC (877-722-6692)to schedule free screenings.

Staten Island, NY – The Road to Early Detection, a project of The Brain Tumor Foundation (BTF) will provide free brain tumor screenings for Staten Islanders in their “Bobby Murcer Mobile MRI Unit” on weekdays from January 12 – 26. The Mobile Unit will be parked in the Staten Island Mall parking lot on the Richmond Avenue side. Staten Islanders should call the toll free number 877-SCAN NYC (877-722-6692) to schedule an appointment for a free screening, which will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the 14 days the Unit will be on Staten Island. The scan takes approximately 8 minutes and appointments will be scheduled every thirty minutes. Those coming for a screening should bring their primary care physician’s contact information so that results can be sent to the primary care physician.

Sponsored by the New York City Council and supported by Councilman Oddo.

2009

2009-01-04T21:43:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! Yes, we have begun a new year and I wish everyone a healthy and safe new year.

Just a reminder... there will be no meeting in January. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 19, 2009. Mark your calendar and bring a neighbor.

As always, you can bring your issues to us and we will work with you to find a resolution. We will honor your request to remain anonymous but we will need to discuss the matter personally with you before we go making any claims. We cannot and will not put forth unsubstantiated claims or charges.

Reach out to us at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com. Or you can call and leave a message at 718-979-6011.

You can be an important part of what happens in this neighborhood by sharing any information you gather with us. As the MTA says... if you see something, say something. And we can explore it together.

This is our community. Lets protect it and enhance it... and lets have a wonderful 2009.

Donate Blood

2008-12-15T23:20:00.003-05:00

There is still time to donate blood. This is a special gift which is often in short supply at this time of year so think about making a donation. You can donate blood at the following locations on the following dates:

Thursday, December 18
- South Shore Rotary Club, 141 Mansion Ave 10308
- Fred Limeri 718-227-0808

Monday, December 22
- Richmond County Criminal Court, 67 Targee Street 10304
- Andrew Hassall 718-390-8410

Friday, December 26
- 123rd Precinct, 116 Main Street 10304
Andrew Hassall - 718-390-8410

Sunday, December 28
- JCC Bernikow Center, 1466 Manor Road 10314
- Janice Salerno 718-475-5214

Monday, December 29
- NYPD School Safety, Petrides HS, 715 Ocean Terrace 10301
- Vivian Russo 718-816-0681

Wednesday, January 7
- Richmond County Civil Court, 927 Castleton Ave 10310
- Maria Emmanuel 718-390-5425

- Richmond University Medical Center, Bayley Seton Campus,
75 Vanderbilt Ave 10304
- Jennifer Sammartino 718-818-2100

Thursday, January 8
- Richmond University Medical Center, 355 Bard Avenue 10310
- Jennifer Sammartino 718-818-2100

Friday, January 9
USCoast Guard, Fort Wadsworth - DLA Building 203 NY Avenue 10305
- Lt. Nasif Gordon 718-354-4163

Give the gift of life.

CERT - Looking for Volunteers

2008-12-10T22:44:00.001-05:00

The NYC Office of Emergency Management is currently seeking motivated individuals to start up the Staten Island Community Board 2 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT program, run by OEM, is part of a national initiative to prepare individuals on a community level to better respond to emergency situations. The CERT members are trained in various methods of disaster response, including light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, fire safety, and terrorism awareness. After the 11-week training concludes, the CERTs are tasked with not only responding to events but also getting out into their community and teaching their neighbors about the different ways they can prepare at home for any sort of disaster that they may face.

Training is free. It consists of 11 sessions once a week, each lasting roughly three hours long. The location for the training is always within the boundaries of the community board in which the team exists. As of right now, Staten Island Community Board 2 does not have a CERT, and as part of OEM’s mission to ensure optimal response across all five boroughs it is a priority to establish a SI 2 CERT. Training is set to begin on Wednesday, March 11 2009.

Interested individuals can give us a call on the CERT hotline at (718) 422 – 8585 or send an e-mail to cert@oem.nyc.gov. This is a great, cost-free way to give back to your community by helping yourself and your neighbors prepare for an emergency. Don’t hesitate to get prepared!

S S S S & V

2008-12-01T21:25:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to mention a few things for your consideration:

1. SI Ferry. A new book on the history of the SI Ferry entitled - The Staten Island Ferry: A History - will soon be available. On Wednesday, December 10 at 6pm at the St.George Branch of the Library there will be a discussion of the book and book signing. The talk and discussion are free. Call 718-727-1135 x123 to register and the book will be available for $22. Need a nice gift to give for the holidays?

2. Smoking Study. The NYC Department of Health is doing a study on families with both smokers and non-smokers living in the same household. For their time and effort, family members who are eligible and participate will receive $50. To learn more about the study and find out about your eligibility, contact Kari Lundwall by phone at 212-676-2369 or by email at klundwal@health.nyc.gov.

3. Snow Shoveling. Where-to-Turn's snow shoveling program is still looking for volunteers who will help shovel snow for seniors during the upcoming winter. To learn more about the program go to http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?=42. If you are a senior or know a senior who would like to apply for help with shoveling, call 718-966-6531.

4. Stigma. The Family Diversity Project has created six award winning traveling photo-text exhibits that tour communities. The Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family exhibit is currently on display at the South Richmond Mental Health Clinic located at the South Beach Psychiatric Center and will be available for the community to view on December 6, 2008. It features photographs and interviews with families whose lives have been affected by mental illness. It is a moving and worthwhile exhibit.

5. Vision for Staten Island. This not-for-profit group is holding public brainstorming sessions to glean residents' wisdom, impressions and aspirations for an Island at the crossroads. Afterward, ideas from those in attendance will be posted online at http://www.sivision.org/. The session in New Dorp will be Monday, December 8 from 7 to 9pm in New Dorp high School.

Those are just a few things for your consideration.

And remember, if you have an issues in the New Dorp community, make sure you bring them to our attention at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

> Joe Markowski

PS41 Schoolyard Update

2008-10-29T23:46:00.003-04:00

I was able to attend the PS41 PTA meeting Tuesday night. During that meeting the final design for the new schoolyard was displayed. In most ways it resembled the designs presented a few months ago. However the omission of the gazebo already makes the tightening city budget a reality.

The overall design should please most people. The children will see the design elements they wanted. And very real steps have been taken to minimize the factors that might be disruptive to the neighbors. Many trees breakup the open spaces. What was most surprising - and wonderfully so - was the inclusion of a butterfly garden. How unique! The first of its kind to be built in the city schoolyards.

Construction will begin on or about November 3. It will run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. No night construction. No weekend construction.

The plan is to have the new schoolyard completed by May 2009.

I hope they can meet that commitment. It will be a beautiful thing for the school and the community.

> Joe Markowski

Meetings & Mournings

2008-10-14T20:19:00.002-04:00

Wednesday night the 122 Precinct Community Council gets together at the 122 Precinct on Hylan Blvd. at 8pm. Have a concern? Need some guidance? Plan on attending. Hear about the concerns of your neighbors.

Thursday night is our regular monthly meeting. We get together at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. Come join us and your neighbors as we work to make our world a better place.

Lastly, we mourn the passing of Marie DeFazio, a longtime NDCCA member who played an active role in our Association for many years. We will miss her.

Columbus Day Parade - October 5

2008-09-30T06:02:00.003-04:00

Borough President James Molinaro will be sponsoring the 17th Annual Columbus Day Parade up New Dorp Lane this Sunday. This is a special tribute to our community and deserves our support and attendance.

The parade starts at 1pm at New Dorp High School and then marches up the Lane to the railroad tracks where the reviewing stand will be set up.

This is a wonderful event for our community and I encourage everyone to make sure you attend. Plan now on spending some time on the Lane, meeting your neighbors, visiting the merchants, and then watching this wonderful spectacle. Bring your friends, your relatives, your neighbors.

The Grand Marshall this year is Nicholas Scoppetta, the Commissioner of the Fire Department of New York.

There are numerous good vantage points all along the Lane. So make sure you join the members of our Association along the parade route, cheering on the marchers.

I hope to see you there Sunday.

> Joe Markowski, President, NDCCA

The Germans Came !!!!!

2008-09-17T22:39:00.005-04:00

After talking about it for over two years the magic day finally arrived and it went by in a flash. 78 Minutes to be exact. But a wonderful experience was had by all. And a special thank you to the Boy Scouts for hosting our little get together...

... they were wonderful hosts and performed an inspiring flag ceremony. Also, a thank you to the Borough President for the proclamation we were able to present to our guests celebrating today - September 17 as "Staten Island/Duisberg-Neudorf Sister City Day"...

... as Joe Markowski, President of the New Dorp Central Civic Association presents the Borough President's proclamation to Harald Jeschke, President of Burgerverein Duisberg-Neudorf e.V.

Want to know more? to see more photos? Attend our meeting tomorrow night - Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post, 2750 Amboy Road.

And we will also talk about other things effecting our community. However this was one special day. Wow!

> Joe Markowski
President, New Dorp Central Civic Association

Back to Work - 10 Items to Discuss

2008-09-08T20:24:00.005-04:00

With the summer vacation season now over and the season of autumn just two weeks away, it is time to focus on issues/items involving our community. So lets chat briefly about a few things.

1. The Germans are coming. Yes, you've heard me talk about their upcoming visit. Well they are due to arrive here the afternoon of September 17. Are you available? Then meet us at the New Dorp Train Station at 3:15pm. They will be arriving at 3:30pm and need to catch the 7pm train back. So we will share about three hours together. We will stroll around the neighborhood and then meet for a snack and some talk... but more on this over the next few days.

2. The primary elections are tomorrow - Sep 9 - followed by the general elections in November. People who represent our neighborhood are asking for your vote. Take the time to learn what each person can and will do for you and then cast a meaningful vote.

3. NationalGrid (aka Keyspan) has dug up many trenches throughout our community. Have they repaired your street in a smooth manner? Let us know if they have disappointed you in what they did. (Of course, you may also compliment their work.)

4. Ah... the Flea Market. Are you enjoying it? How do you feel it contributes to the neighborhood? What would you like to see there?

5. Construction is beginning at the PS41 schoolyard as they work on their new play area. Check out their progress. We will be reaching out to the school to see the final approved plans.

6. Did you notice the tables and chairs atop Ariana's catering hall on New Dorp Plaza? Yep, on the roof. We've been told that is against the zoning for this area... yet the tables and chairs remain. What gives !?!

7. New Dorp author and journalist Jack Sampson - who will be celebrating his 100th birthday this month - will have his collection of papers, articles and writings on display at the College of Staten Island on Wednesday 9/10 at 1:30pm. If you can, check it out.

8. The building at 58 New Dorp Plaza is being demolished. At this time we have not learned what will replace it.

9. There is still time to donate blood as part of the Borough President's 9/11 Blood Donor Drive. Call Joanne Nuzzo at 718-816-2133 to find the next location and schedule your appointment.

10. The John M. D'Amato Athletic Field will be built in New Dorp Beach Park at the foot of New Dorp Lane overlooking the beach. Construction on the artificial turf field is scheduled to begin this fall.

So... there are ten things we can begin working on now that the summer vacation season is gone.

What are your thoughts?
Your concerns?
Reach out and let us know.
Get involved.

Comment on this blog. Send us an email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or ndcca@excite.com

> Joe Markowski

Flea Market

2008-07-17T22:53:00.003-04:00

OK... most of you have heard about the flea market scheduled to open this weekend in the former Waldbaums/Franks property.

What do you think of the idea? do you hope its permanent? temporary?

What do you think should be built there?

What worries you about the prospect? What pleases you?

We still think a big box store would be preferable...

... but what do you think?

PS 41 Update and Upcoming Presentation

2008-05-22T23:05:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday morning I met in Councilman Oddo's office with his Chief of Staff Steve Matteo and Marie Carmody-Lafrancesca.

Ms.Akily Shenoy -the Senior Program Associate managing this project for the Trust for Public Land - joined us.

Ms.Shenoy shared one of the potential designs for the renovation of the playground.

The design incorporated many features requested by the students at PS 41.

Based on a review of the design the playground would include:
- creation of a garden area
- a stage with seating area
- a gazebo
- continued use of the existing playground with removal of the fences
- additional play equipment
- three half-court basketball courts
- a small track
- a small soccer area surrounded by trees
- a handball court.

A second design would include all those elements but in a different arrangement.

There is no space for hardball or softball. No place for use by organized leagues.

I was impressed by the design and the commitment of the Trust for Public Land to be sensitive to the needs of the young students and the school's neighbors.

I can understand the neighborhood's nervousness following years of pain prior to the installation of the playground. No one wants to go back to those days.

The current plan will not be a return to those days.

Lastly, at PS41's next PTA meeting there will be a display of the two preliminary designs for the playground. The meeting will be held on Tuesday May 27 at 7pm in the PS41 cafeteria... and you are invited to attend !

You will have an opportunity to view the designs, learn about the Trust for Public Land Playground Program and share your suggestions.

Concerned? Curious? Come to this meeting and put your fears to rest.

- Joe Markowski, NDCCA President

Our Monthly Meeting & PS41 Playground Plans

2008-05-15T22:11:00.005-04:00

At our meeting tonight a number of neighbors from the PS41 vicinity came to express their concerns about the plans to change the PS41 schoolyard. They are particularly concerned about the short timeline between when they heard about it - and we heard about it - and the planned display of the "final" proposals... in just 12 days!

To our chagrin we have not yet been contacted by the organization planning this work - the Trust for the Public Land (?). Why the secrecy?

We need feedback from anyone who has had experiences related to that schoolyard.

We also need to hear what you think would be appropriate for that location.

Speak up !

Comment here... or send an email to ndcca@excite.com ornewdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

We need for you to get involved... now!

> Joe Markowski, President

Chit Chat in May

2008-05-13T20:32:00.002-04:00

OK… we actually did believe that someone would speak at our meeting last month about the Greenbelt Rec Center. However we received a call the afternoon of the meeting saying they could not make it. And they didn’t. Well, now we are told that some one will attend our meeting this month and give us an update on the Center so make sure you attend on Thursday May 15 for an update on the goings-on at the Greenbelt Recreation Center on Brielle Avenue… The cell phone tower that is now situated behind Neuhaus Realty is a “first responder” cell tower dedicated to those services and ensuring they have the bandwidth needed to do their job effectively. No commercial entities should be utilizing that tower… We have not heard back from our German friends since our last correspondence with them. In that message we had informed them that we could not commit at this time to a “town twinning” as they were hoping. That certainly disappointed them and may lead them to alter their plans. We shall see… And we wonder whether Detective Maria Gilsenan will continue in her role as Community Affairs Officer now that she is a Detective?... Also, who will be our new regional librarian now that Theresa Myrhol has moved on to Manhattan? I guess only time will tell… As for the Franks property, aside from the approved demolition work there is still no indication of what will be happening in that space. Admittedly the current real estate market makes all these decisions more challenging but we are certain that such prime real estate will sooner or later be back in play. Our concern is whether the new occupant of that space helps make our neighborhood a better place… Hey, did you see that we are going to be getting a new park down at New Dorp Beach. Wow, first the park with the walking paths and sprinkler and now swings and slides (?) for our kids. That is a terrific change for that space in such a short period of time. Hopefully we can get some information on exactly what is planned for exactly where… And speaking of parks, the playground at PS41 will be undergoing some changes. We have not yet seen the specifics of those changes but we have already heard from some of our neighbors in that vicinity who have some concerns about what those changes could mean for them. We invite those neighbors to come to our meeting and share their experiences and concerns with us so that we can work with them to maximize the benefit of these changes… And we have heard from a former neighbor who is looking for pictures of the original New Dorp train station to help him as he looks to re-create that facility in a model he is building. If you have any such photos, give us a call at 718-979-6011 and we will make sure those photos get to this creative neighbor… In the meantime, if you have something you would like to share with us – leave it on our telephone line at 718-979-6011 or email us. We welcome your insights and observations…Want to get more involved with your community and our organization? You can make a difference. There are a number of other ways you can contribute by joining or chairing a committee. Call 718-979-6011 and let us know that you are interested…

Cop Calls and Cell Phones

2008-05-12T20:32:00.003-04:00

Cop Calls
If a cop calls for money, it's not a cop. It's a con. The NYPD never solicits charitable donations. If you receive a call, write down as much information as possible, ask for written material and report them to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau at 212-741-8401.

Cell Phones
Here are some hints about your cell phone that we learned from our Community Board:

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.) There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND

Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

THIRD Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

FIFTH Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

Nini's, Neuhaus, Keyspan, Parks and Franks

2008-04-30T21:11:00.003-04:00

So whats been happening? We had our 45th Dining through New Dorp experience last week as we dined at Nini's on New Dorp Lane. We were treated wonderfully and the food and company was terrific! You should plan on joining us the next time we dine. Hey... you gotta eat!

Neuhaus Realty has a large cell tower sticking up on their property at the intersection of Rockland Avenue and Richmond Road. Actually its one of the new towers that are being placed throughout the city and are dedicated to carrying traffic for the city's first responders. We have been assured that no commercial traffic will be using that facility... and it can be erected on commercial property as of right.

Meanwhile Keyspan - soon to be known as National Grid - has been digging up many of the streets throughout our community... digging long trenches along many of the streets south of New Dorp Lane. We have reached out to Councilman Oddo's office looking for his help in making sure that they put our streets back together when they are finished. As you are aware, Councilman Oddo is one of the City Councilmen proposing legislation that will require that our streets be put back together following any excavation.

And it seems that our Borough President is proposing to construct a park in the New Dorp Beach area. That is wonderful news for our community... and it's completion should not be that far away.

Lastly, the old Franks property has seen some excavation on that property recently and it is all part of a demolition permit that was granted for that property. As to what will happen there... no news yet.

So thats a quick synopsis of the goings on in the neighborhood.

What news do you have for us? Come on... share it and let us hear what you have to say !!!!

> Joe

Our Meeting is Thursday Night

2008-04-14T20:50:00.001-04:00

Our meeting is Thursday night. Plan now on attending.

Our speaker will talk about the Greenbelt Recreation Center.

We will talk about the possibilities for the PS41 playground.

And what about what Keyspan is doing to our streets?

Come share your views and insights.

> Joe Markowski

Upcoming April Meeting News

2008-04-09T09:54:00.001-04:00

Greetings. Spring is finally in the air… or at least it is supposed to be in the air. Just as Winter was not very wintry… Spring has not been very Springy… so far. But its early. Keep the faith. We know what April showers bring… and then what Mayflowers bring….

Last month we were fortunate to have a number of speakers update us on a number of matters. Police Officers Maria Gilsenan (check out chit chat) and Kevin Medifendt gave us a number of safety tips to remember as the warmer weather approaches. Doctor Dennis Blumfield representing the S.I.Heart Society spoke to us about the risk factors of heart attack – focusing on the things we cannot control and the things we can control. And Ron O’Loughlin informed us about some upcoming fund-raisers by Boy Scout Troop 24. And Yolanda Gleason told us about all the wonderful programs at the New Dorp Branch Library.

This month we will hear about the changes and new offerings at the Greenbelt Recreation Center on Brielle Avenue. Come hear about what is available to you at this location.

We will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program with our 45th visit to a wonderful neighborhood restaurant – Nini’s. Look inside for details and plan now on joining us for good food, conversation and good company. We will be dining out Wednesday, April 23. We have purchased over 1278 dinners from our neighborhood restaurants and spent over $31,300 since 1994. It is a program of which you can all be proud.

Our meeting this month is Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!

What's New???

2008-03-05T22:19:00.002-05:00

Hey... New Dorp... how are things going in your neck of the woods? What's making you happy? What's making you troubled? What would you like to see done in our neighborhood?

Share your thoughts and comments.

> Joe