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

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to our neighborhood, the new cafes on New Dorp Plaza – Andrew’s and Domenick’s – are offering fine foods, Ocean3 has been replaced by Francesca’s Steak House, winter has delivered us some very cold weather, and there are a host of programs being offered for our entertainment and to expand our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

Chit Chat in May

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…

Discovering New Dorp in the New Year

Greetings. The holidays are past and we are now into the new year. I hope the holidays were pleasant and gratifying for you.

I had the opportunity to stroll down New Dorp Lane this morning and I realized that it has been a long time since I did just that. Wow. What changes. So many places catering to hair and nails! And quite a few new places to get something to eat. Now that could be exciting. Then there is the new temporary location for a bank while its new office gets constructed on the corner of NDL and Edison. And to my great surprise - tattoos! Yep, you can get a tattoo on the Lane! Only, I'm not sure what that means for our community. Me? I'm unlikely to get a tattoo soon. Such is life.

I also was reminded of the fact that we all need to keep current with the technology that is being introduced into our lives. I watched a couple at an ATM on the Lane struggling to figure out how to use it. It was actually painful to watch. And they were no older than I. So don't be a Luddite. Change is coming. Try and keep in touch with it.

I also stopped in at our New Dorp Branch Library. Are you aware that it is now open 7 days a week! Wow. This is a wonderful change and make sure you take advantage of it.

I'll be reaching out for updates on many of the issues facing our community. And I encourage you to bring things to our attention. We all have a vested interest in keeping New Dorp a thriving, desirable community.

Enough for now. Stay safe and enjoy each day.

> Joe

A Visit to Ocean 3

OK... so we have been wondering what this new place - Ocean 3 - actually is. Sure, the awnings say lounge, restaurant and bar. But what actually was happening there.

So we visited tonight. We met the 3 new owners - George (the cook), Amir and Paul. They have renovated the place substantially. The main dining room is now the lounge which usually doesn't begin until 9:30 or 10 pm. ( We left before that time so I can't tell you what the lounge experience is like.) There is a large open space in the middle and low couches all along the perimeter. They expect to be open until 2-ish during the week and later on the weekends.

The dining room is in the upper section of the upper floor restaurant. The place has been painted and has all new furniture. The food offered is half Italian and half Mediterranean.

The downstairs - also redecorated - will primarily serve their pizza selections and other Italian foods. By the way, the chef from Portofino is still cooking for Ocean 3 and I would imagine he is focusing on the Italian food.

The three owners were very anxious to show us around and explain what they are trying to do there. They are aware that they exist in a residential neighborhood. So we will have to see how this plays out.

The food tasted very good, had nice presentation and was spicey. The service was good... so lets see what develops. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

> Joe

November 2007 - Chit Chat

Wow. It happened so quickly. One day Portofino Restaurant on Richmond Road was closed for painting and now it is to be replaced by Ocean 3 – a place that is being mentioned as a “restaurant, bar and lounge”. I wonder what all that will mean for us? It sounds like something we need to keep an eye on... A special thanks to Chris Maccarone at the Restaurant on the Plaza who has been including a copy of our newsletter with his outgoing orders in the days before our meetings… About that enormous structure being constructed at Bache and Edison, a building which is truly out of character with the surrounding housing, that we mentioned last month, well there has been a development. It appears that the work permits for that building are being revoked. Now I’m not sure just what that means. What will happen to the current structure? Will a new proposal be offered that will allow it to continue? Will it need to be diminished in size? We need to watch and see what happens next… And a special thanks needs to be extended to Ron Cole who coordinated a “yard sale” which resulted in a nice profit to the Association. Thanks Ron!... 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… The Sanitation Dept reminds us that they will be collecting fallen leaves in PAPER LAWN AND LEAF BAGS or unlined 20 to 32 gallon containers. Leaves placed in plastic bags are subject to fine$$$... There will be a lecture on “Dispelling Myths About Landmarking” at 7:30pm on Friday, Nov16 at the Courthouse at Historic Richmondtown. The speaker will be Tara Harrison – a staff member of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Call 718-980-1551 with questions…

October 2007 - Chit Chat

I have been told by a number of members of this organization that I should have included some information in the last newsletter which I did not. So let me make up for it now. Congratulations to Marie Markowski, NDCCA Treasurer who became a grandmother for the first time in the last week of August - a baby boy to her oldest daughter… I hope everyone enjoyed the Columbus Day Parade on September 30. The bands were magnificent and the marchers were very enthusiastic. Standing on the sunny side of the street, I even picked up a little sunburn. Thank you to Borough President James Molinaro for bringing this event to our community each year. And a thank you to Deidre D’Angelis, Principal of New Dorp High School, for the use of her facility to stage the marchers and host the Italian Heritage event preceding the parade… There is an enormous structure being constructed at Bache and Edison, a building which is truly out of character with the surrounding housing. Yet despite the zoning changes that were enacted to slow down the growth in our neighborhoods, these ghastly structures are still legal and there is little that we can do to prevent them. As we said years ago – and testified to the NY City Council – our corners are being bought up by community facilities and turned into medical centers due to the increased available parking on the streets… And as we mentioned last month. there is much for us to keep an eye on in our community. There is the former Waldbaum’s /Franks property. Now that it is not going to be a Target… what will become of it? Do we really need another stripmall? There is the developing structure at New Dorp Lane and Edison – the old Welsh property. We are watching as the structures there take shape – two structures... We now have a magnificent park down by the beach. Will we be able to get the commitment from the Federal government to keep the waterfront clean and usable or will we need to tiptoe carefully through garbage and other junk on the beach? And what can we do to support the second phase of the New Dorp Beach project that will create the bikepath linking Midland and Great Kills Parks? And speaking of the new park, did you get a chance to experience it this summer? If not, its still there. Go check it out!... 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. Call today!... A special thanks to Barbara Sanchez – our Webmaster – who has helped us get the blog up and working. We would not be where we are without her. Thanks again!!... Interested in running for public office, the League of Women Voters will sponsor six sessions at CSI beginning Oct16. For additional information call 212-725-3541… and lastly, congratulation to NDCCA members Alex and Candida Finkelstein who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Yep… 70!!!... Wow… congrats!

September 2007 - Chit Chat

There is much for us to keep an eye on in our community. There is the former Waldbaum’s /Franks property. Now that it is not going to be a Target… what will become of it? Do we really need another stripmall? There is the developing structure at New Dorp Lane and Edison – the old Welsh property. We are watching as the structures there take shape – two structures. And the Hess gas station on Hylan and New Dorp Lane is being redesigned. Will the new layout prove efficient and successful or will it add to the pain at that intersection?... We now have a magnificent park down by the beach. Will we be able to get the commitment from the Federal government to keep the waterfront clean and usable or will we need to tiptoe carefully through garbage and other junk on the beach? And what can we do to support the second phase of the New Dorp Beach project that will create the bikepath linking Midland and Great Kills Parks? And speaking of the new park, did you get a chance to experience it this summer? If not, its still there. Go check it out!... Do you know someone who would care to display their business card in our newsletter? Tell them to call 718-979-6011 and inquire about advertising to our community… 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. Call today!... The Staten Island Museum is offering a number of interesting programs over the upcoming months from “All Aboard: The History of the Staten Island Ferry” on Oct18, to “That Ever Loyal Island: Staten Island and the American Revolution with Professor Phillip Papas” on Oct27, to “Filmmaking on Staten Island: The Early Days” on Nov4, to “The First Staten Island Know-It-All Bowl” on Nov9. You can call Maria Fiorelli at 718-727-1135 ext 115 for additional information… State Senator Andrew Lanza is coming to the New Dorp Branch Library on Sep19 where his office will be able to provide support on a host of issues and he is hosting an Open House at his district office (3845 Richmond Ave) on Sep20…. so don’t just sit there… get involved!... and lastly… don’t forget the Columbus Day Parade on Sep30. Lets line the Lane and enjoy this special event.

June 2007 - Chit Chat

JUNE 2007

Chitchat

Open Letter to the Membership

Sit down. Give me a few minutes. We need to talk. Our Association, like most other Associations and Civic groups, is facing the challenge of maintaining and increasing its membership.

This challenge was clearly pointed out at a recent meeting held by Councilman James Oddo in his Staten Island office and attended by many representatives of civic groups throughout his district and the Island.

Citizens are no longer attending civic meetings in sizeable numbers unless their neighborhood is under a direct threat. Show me a huge threat to the neighborhood and I will show you a well attended meeting. Otherwise, it’s a meeting of the regulars.

Why is that? Are our neighbors not interested in our neighborhood? That’s probably not true because they sure complain to us and each other whenever we meet. So what is it that makes it so difficult to attend one meeting a month? Are we that busy? Is our neighborhood that low on our list of priorities?

Or is it something else? Does the Association not fulfill your needs – the needs of its members? Are we not responsive enough? Are we too hard to reach? We are accessible by telephone, voicemail, letter and email. Do we need another method? What would that be? If you have a suggestion or recommendation, I need you to share that with me. But more on that later.

What will work for you? More frequent meetings? Meetings earlier/later in the day? More frequent newsletters? More information on our webpage? Less frequent meetings?

I need your thoughts and suggestions. Please take a few minutes out over the next few days and tell me what you think about us and this organization. (We are tough; we can take it.) Tell me how we can reach more people. Who should we be talking to that we are not currently talking to? How would we go about doing that?

Telephone me at 718-979-6011 and leave a message with your suggestions and comments. Send us a note to NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306 and send us your suggestions and comments. Email us at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com and offer your comments and suggestions.

We need to expand our membership. We need to expand our reach. And we need you to help us achieve that. Don’t be bashful. Share your insight. Our entire community will be better off because of it.

I want to gather your comments, thoughts and recommendations which I will share with you before I share with you some of the comments made at the meeting in Jim Oddo’s office.

As I’ve mentioned over the past few months… to ensure our continued vitality and to deal with the issues of the future we must bring in new members. We must reach out to our neighbors. So I ask each of you this year to resolve to invite one neighbor to join our Association. The next time you are chatting with or visiting with your neighbor, suggest they give us a call and join with us as we work to ensure that this neighborhood is second to none.

Thank you. Joe Markowski, President

Chit Chat - May 2007

MAY 2007

Chitchat

There has been a lot of woods clearing activities taking place at the top of the block for our neighbors on Summit. What’s going on there? We are reaching out on a number of fronts. Come hear an update at the May meeting and if you have additional information call us at 718-979-6011… Do you know someone who would care to display their business card in our newsletter? Tell them to call 718-979-6011 and inquire about advertising to our community… The Preservation League of Staten Island is hosting a presentation featuring: “Women’s Places: Architecture and Design in the 19th Century” with Professor Denise Rompilla on Friday, May 18 at 7:30pm in the Court House of Historic Richmondtown. Requested donation is $3.00. Call 718-9880-1551 to reserve your spot… Lastly, now is the time to consider whether you want to get more involved with your community and our organization. You can make a difference by running for office as a member of our Association. Nominations will be made in May with our elections in June. And even if being an officer seems too intense for you, 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. Call today!