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
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Meetings This Week ... and Next !!!
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
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
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hearings on the Christmas Blizzard !!!
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
Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Council Member James Oddo
Council Member Vincent Ignizio and
Council Member Debi Rose
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
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Events for Adults at the New Dorp Library in February
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
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
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
History Buffs Take Note !
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
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
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year ... January Meeting - Not ... and New Housing !?!
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
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
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