Thursday, April 19, 2012

What a Meeting !

Tonight Bob Englert from the Borough President's Office gave an incredible presentation to us that has my head spinning.

Combining a thoughtful analysis with a concise Powerpoint presentation, Mr. Englert provided us with food for thought ... a feast of ideas and suggestions and insights that spoke to our look at New Dorp and its future ... as part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project.

Over the upcoming days I hope to share some of his insights and challenges for our consideration.

You may have missed a terrific meeting but I need you to be part of our review.

Let's use his contribution to our efforts to further our examination. Let's use his contribution to spur on our efforts.

I want to thank Bob and the Borough President for their thoughtful and rich contribution to our Project.

> Joe Markowski, President

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Meeting Thursday April 19

Friends ... neighbors ... we meet Thursday night April 19 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road.

Our guest speaker will be Robert Englert who will give us Borough Hall's perspective on New Dorp 2020/25 ... our ongoing look at what our community may / should / could look like at that time.

Come share your views ... ask questions ... and bring a neighbor.

> Joe

Monday, March 12, 2012

Meeting Thursday March 15 at 8pm

Greetings ... Ok, you win. I am not going to allude to Winter any more because it looks like we will not be having one this year. I cannot remember ever experiencing a Winter this gentle. No complaints mind you. But it just doesn’t feel right. … But so it goes.

This month we will resume our look at the future of New Dorp and what it should / could look like. We will welcome Len Garcia-Duran the Director of the Staten Island Office of City Planning. He will share with us the possibilities for our neighborhood based on what is allowable by our zoning.

Then in April we will be joined by Robert Englert from the Borough President’s office who will share with us the insights and expectations from Borough Hall.

Last month we recapped and reviewed various issues in our neighborhood – Kohl’s, the CVS on Hylan Blvd., the new ball field at the foot of New Dorp Lane, Cedar Grove Beach, the NYPD Police cameras by the train station, the impact of the muni-meters on the Lane and Plaza, slow zone streets and other issues.

As part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project, we had a visit from Frank DiTommaso of DiTomasso Realty who spoke to us about New Dorp today ... that our neighborhood remains a desirable location. Then we had a visit from Jay Anderson, Director of Projects for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, who shared the insight of the SIEDC into Staten Island and the future. We heard him talk of the possibilities that exist in the retail and service industries for our community.

Next to visit with us will be some architects and builders for their views of where we are, where we are going and where we need to be going. So look for those over the upcoming months.

To repeat, I am not saying that we need to go in any specific 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.

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

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Meeting Thursday February 16 at 8pm

We meet Thursday night at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie ASmerican Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road ... and ...

Greetings ... Ok … I know its Winter and you know its Winter but … wow … what a gentle Winter it has been. Not that I am complaining. It’s wonderful … unless you like shoveling snow, selling rocksalt and turning up the thermostat. We have another 6 weeks to go … but we already have 6 weeks behind us. So let’s be thankful for the weather up until now.

This month we will recap and review the various issues in our neighborhood – Kohl’s, the CVS on Hylan Blvd., the new ballfield at the foot of New Dorp Lane, Cedar Grove Beach, the NYPD Police cameras by the train station, the impact of the muni-meters on the Lane and Plaza, slow zone streets … and any other issues you might have. Let’s get an up-to-date status on these items and identify our next actions if any.

What should New Dorp look like in 2020? Or 2025? What should the Lane look like? We call it the New Dorp 2020/25 Project. We started this process with a visit from Frank DiTommaso of DiTomasso Realty who spoke to us about New Dorp today ... that our neighborhood remains a desirable location. Then we had a visit from Jay Anderson, Director of Projects for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, who shared the insight of the SIEDC into Staten Island and the future. We heard him talk of the possibilities that exist in the retail and service industries for our community.

Next month we will resume our look at the future of New Dorp and what it should / could look like. In March we will welcome Len Garcia-Duran the Director of the Staten Island Office of City Planning. He will share with us the possibilities for our neighborhood based on what is allowable by our zoning. In April we will be joined by Robert Englert from the Borough President’s office who will share with us the insights and expectations from Borough Hall.

After that we will welcome some architects and builders for their views of where we are, where we are going and where we need to be going. So look for those over the upcoming months.

To repeat, I am not saying that we need to go in any specific 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.

Meanwhile … as I’ve said in the past, we rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. We have sent out our membership renewals and hope you will take a few moments out to renew your commitment to our community and this organization. (An asterisk after your name means we have received your renewal.) Your support is vital both through your dues, donations and participation. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs could 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.

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Meeting Thursday December 15

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

Monday, November 28, 2011

November Meeting Recap

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Meeting Thursday Nov 17 - Be there !

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.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

You Missed a Good One!

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


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Dining Through New Dorp at Nini's Cafe

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

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Low Income Senior Housing Becoming Available on North Shore

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




Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Meeting - Sep 15 - Thursday - 8pm

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

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The End of Summer

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