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
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Meeting on Thursday 2/18
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
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
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Update on "Safe Streets for Seniors" by DOT Borough Commissioner Tom Cocola
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
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Bullets and Cedar Grove
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
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
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sanitation and Presidents' Day
The Department of Sanitation has announced that on Monday - Presidents' Day Feb 18 - there will be NO garbage or recycling pickup or street cleaning.
Residents who normally receive a pickup on Monday should put out their garbage after 4pm on Monday.
They should NOT put out their recycling until next week when it will be picked up on the 25th.
Residents who normally receive a pickup on Monday should put out their garbage after 4pm on Monday.
They should NOT put out their recycling until next week when it will be picked up on the 25th.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Meetings and Thanksgiving
If you missed our meeting last week you missed an update by Angela D'Aiuto on the Preservation League of Staten Island.
If you miss our meeting next month on December 20 you will miss a presentation by Gladys Schweiger, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island.
If you sleep through the next 72 hours you will miss Thanksgiving.
From all of us at the NDCCA... Happy Thanksgiving!
> Joe Markowski
If you miss our meeting next month on December 20 you will miss a presentation by Gladys Schweiger, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island.
If you sleep through the next 72 hours you will miss Thanksgiving.
From all of us at the NDCCA... Happy Thanksgiving!
> Joe Markowski
Sunday, October 28, 2007
UPDATE - Richmondtown Roadway Improvement Project
The NYC Department of Transportation is inviting all interested parties to view the most recent designs for the captioned project and learn about the progress of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
These materials and this information will be on display in the Court House at Historic Richmondtown at 441 Clarke Avenue, 2nd floor.
The days and hours are as follows:
Thursday, Nov8 from 1 to 8pm.
Friday, Nov9 from 1 to 5pm.
Saturday, Nov10 from 1 to 5pm.
Monday, Nov12 from 1 to 5pm.
Tuesday, Nov13 from 1 to 5pm.
Wednesday, Nov14 from 1 to 5pm.
You can view the displays online at:
http://nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/richmondtown.shtml#richmondtown
You can submit comments via email to:
Richmondtownproject@dot.nyc.gov
Our community abuts Richmondtown.
Changes to that community could greatly impact us.
You need to be concerned about changes to that neighborhood.
Check it out!
> Joe
These materials and this information will be on display in the Court House at Historic Richmondtown at 441 Clarke Avenue, 2nd floor.
The days and hours are as follows:
Thursday, Nov8 from 1 to 8pm.
Friday, Nov9 from 1 to 5pm.
Saturday, Nov10 from 1 to 5pm.
Monday, Nov12 from 1 to 5pm.
Tuesday, Nov13 from 1 to 5pm.
Wednesday, Nov14 from 1 to 5pm.
You can view the displays online at:
http://nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/richmondtown.shtml#richmondtown
You can submit comments via email to:
Richmondtownproject@dot.nyc.gov
Our community abuts Richmondtown.
Changes to that community could greatly impact us.
You need to be concerned about changes to that neighborhood.
Check it out!
> Joe
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
New Dorp Beach Sewer and Water Relief
As I look out my window at the first rainfall we've had in a number of days I think back on the comments I heard last night by Melissa and Patricia. They live on Roma Ave and they were telling us about the water problems they have suffered and endured for many, many years. Unfortunately they did not hear about any quick fixes that will alleviate their problems in the near future.
What we did hear last night at a Community Board 2 meeting were the beginning details on a project which will bring new water mains as well as sanitary and storm sewers to a number of streets in the New Dorp Beach Community - Cedar Grove Avenue, Milton, Finley, Hett and Roma, as well as a number of the streets running down to Cedar Grove Ave, such as Marine Way. Some streets will get all three - new water, new sanitary and storm. Other streets will get less. Many of those decisions will depend on the age of the current structures and the width of the streets.
The project is fully funded... so it will happen. Final details of the project will not be available for about two more years. Hopefully soon after that our New Dorp Beach neighbors will be able to begin getting relief and improved services for much of that neighborhood.
> Joe Markowski
What we did hear last night at a Community Board 2 meeting were the beginning details on a project which will bring new water mains as well as sanitary and storm sewers to a number of streets in the New Dorp Beach Community - Cedar Grove Avenue, Milton, Finley, Hett and Roma, as well as a number of the streets running down to Cedar Grove Ave, such as Marine Way. Some streets will get all three - new water, new sanitary and storm. Other streets will get less. Many of those decisions will depend on the age of the current structures and the width of the streets.
The project is fully funded... so it will happen. Final details of the project will not be available for about two more years. Hopefully soon after that our New Dorp Beach neighbors will be able to begin getting relief and improved services for much of that neighborhood.
> Joe Markowski
Monday, October 8, 2007
New Dorp Lumber / Strip Mall
Well we have finally found out what will be going into the former New Dorp Lumber main building. A local real estate company is advertising "Prime Retail Space For Lease". They describe the offering as "New Dorp Strip Mall (New)... 7 Upscale Storefronts at Train Station, 1000 to 4000 Sq.Ft. at $25/Sq.Ft." I hope the location brings some interesting new businesses to our community. We shall see.
As for the other New Dorp Lumber property, it is becoming three houses despite what the builder may have told local neighbors. (I heard that he told them two.)
> Joe Markowski
As for the other New Dorp Lumber property, it is becoming three houses despite what the builder may have told local neighbors. (I heard that he told them two.)
> Joe Markowski
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Graffiti
Councilman Oddo will be pulling together a group this Thursday to look at the growth of graffiti throughout our neighborhoods. As I walked up the Lane on Sunday I could see more graffiti than I would have liked. (I would have liked none.) Crazily, much of the graffiti is on the second story level meaning that some people (vandals) are climbing atop our commercial buildings so they can leave their tag. That is both ugly plus dangerous.
Hopefully this group will come out of the meeting with some action steps that we can take to stem this ugly tide.
What are your suggestions for fighting graffiti?
> Joe Markowski
Hopefully this group will come out of the meeting with some action steps that we can take to stem this ugly tide.
What are your suggestions for fighting graffiti?
> Joe Markowski
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
New Dorp Beach Park
Located at New Dorp Lane and Cedar Grove, here is what you see once you walk in and sit on one of the benches. Of course, you would also have had to turn on the sprinkler... as I did.
Enjoy it ! I did !
> Joe Markowski
Thursday, September 13, 2007
New Dorp Beach Park Needs Water
As you can read in tonight's SI Advance the new park has suffered from our recent dry spell. However Parks and the contratcor have pledged to replace the plants which did not make it. And we will look for them to do just that.
Make sure you visit this wonderful new peaceful place in New Dorp.
Make sure you visit this wonderful new peaceful place in New Dorp.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Community Hot News
06/22… At our meeting last night we had elections and the current slate of officers was re-elected. We spent most of the meeting talking about the Association and its role in our neighborhood. We brainstormed about different methods for reaching out to the various groups in our community. How do we reach those people who are not members and make sure they hear about us?
We will continue exploring various options over the next few months… so if you have suggestions, ideas, comments, send them to us via email or snailmail… or give us a call. Find out how to reach us in the “Contact us” section.
We will continue exploring various options over the next few months… so if you have suggestions, ideas, comments, send them to us via email or snailmail… or give us a call. Find out how to reach us in the “Contact us” section.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Community Hot News
06/15 … Lets talk about civic groups… our civic group… and what it needs to become in the 21st century…look for some questions about our Association and the ways we reach out to the members of our community in the next newsletter… or you can begin your review right now by going to our “chitchat” section. Then take a moment out and give us your feedback. Send us an email at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.
06/15 … Get involved with your community. Volunteer to help us in our work. Even an hour a month would help! Call 979-6011 and tell us you want to help.
06/15 … Get involved with your community. Volunteer to help us in our work. Even an hour a month would help! Call 979-6011 and tell us you want to help.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Community Hot News
05/10 … Meet Councilman James Oddo and Robert Englert, the Director of Land Use for the SI Borough President’s Office at our May 17 meeting. Plan now on attending.
05/10 … And while you are making plans, mark May 30 on your calendars and join us for our 43rd Dining event at the Restaurant on the Plaza at 7pm. Bring your family and friends… and those who you would like to make friends with to this event. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservation. Check our Dining Program page for additional details.
05/10 … And while you are making plans, mark May 30 on your calendars and join us for our 43rd Dining event at the Restaurant on the Plaza at 7pm. Bring your family and friends… and those who you would like to make friends with to this event. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservation. Check our Dining Program page for additional details.
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