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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

One of the parties responsible for the Flushing lot said neighbors should be thankful to them for clearing out a lot that had been abandoned for more than 25 years.

Two weeks ago, neighbors celebrated the clearing of a Flushing lot that they said was being used illegally as storage for a tree service. The 40-24 149th St. residential lot was taken over Oct. 12 by Fresh Meadows-based Arnoldo’s Tree Service, according to neighbor Daniel Hollingworth. The lot has been under the management of Frank Camisi of Whitestone-based Camisi Construction LLC, since last year. Neighbors believed Camisi was loaning the lot to Arnoldo’s for storage of their trucks.

But one of the parties managing the lot, who did not want to be identified by name, said neighbors have the story all wrong. He is disputing neighbors’ claims that the company was using the lot as illegal storage and said the lot was being cleared out because it was unusable and disgusting after years of neglect.

“It was not storage,” one of the managers said. “The tree company cleared up all the mess that had been there for the past 25 years. They were there for three to four months because there was a lot to clean up. DOB contacted us. We were not completely aware of what happened, but once they contacted us we completely cleared it. I’m surprised the neighbors are complaining. That place was a complete disaster, it was horrible.”

The manager said it cost almost $50,000 to clean the lot because it was in such poor condition and the owners would not have gotten insurance unless it was cleared. He also added that they understood the neighbors’ complaints about the excessive noise Arnoldo’s would make and that they were there for longer than planned, but as soon as the owners received a notice from the Department of Buildings to clear the lot, the tree service crew left immediately.

“It took that long to cut all trees and shrubs and then they brought in a lot of dirt and gravel,” he said. The manager said when contractors first began the cleanup, they thought they would find dead animals. He said he expected neighbors would be happy that someone finally took the steps to clear the lot and was shocked that they complained.

Arnoldo’s crew left the lot on April 22, but neighbors said the remaining debris is still an eyesore

“We’re happy, yes, but not 100 percent because of the way they left it,” Hollingworth said. “It stinks. If you would take a look at it, there are holes all over the place with cement blocks everywhere and left-behind wood. The dirt is all messed up and I noticed there is this white crustation. I don’t know if that’s because of chemicals that were spilled.”

The manager said the neighbors complaining about left-over logs is nonsense and that they should be on cloud nine.

“How can they possibly even compare that property to what it was for so many years, I don’t get it,” hesaid. “There were weeds 15 feet high, trees 30 feet high. The lot is parallel to the Long Island Railroad tracks and LIRR sent notices to the owners to try to clean up in case of any maintenance. God forbid if there was an accident or any repairs to be made to the retaining walls. Engineers would not have set foot on the property. Now they’re complaining because of a couple of logs. You couldn’t even open the gate with the mosquitoes and animals. We cleared away a 30-yard-long container of trash, not even counting the trees.”

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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By Tammy Scileppi

TimesLedger Newspapers

Kew Gardens is a place where art has a home.

A special group exhibit showcasing the talents of 30 outstanding local artists, is on view through June 10 at Austin’s Ale House, located at 82-70 Austin St. in the heart of Kew Gardens.

The aptly titled “Kew Gardens: A Place Where Art Has A Home” features 60 pieces of diverse works of art, capturing images of daily life in that quaint urban village — a bustling art community where creativity sines in the spotlight.

Photos, oil paintings and even a sculpture were submitted, and after the show closes, each piece will be donated to a Kew Gardens business where it will be permanently on view.

This project was made possible by a community grant awarded to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc. by the Citizens Committee for New York City.

“What started out as an idea to bring local artists together to share their favorite images of Kew Gardens and to bring artwork into our mom and pop businesses to promote beauty, interest, interaction and discussion, has taken on a deeper meaning,” said Carol Lacks, a Kew Gardens Improvement Association board member. “Kew Gardens is a unique community and our hope is to help, through the arts, to preserve a sense of place and the awareness of the importance of residents coming together to protect their home.”

Another board member, Rosemary Sherman, wrote the following for the Kew Gardens Civic Association Newsletter:

“This initiative will capture the heart and soul of everyday life. It will instill a sense of pride and help residents see what they might never have noticed about their surroundings: The classic homes nestled on our tree-lined streets, as well as the sidewalks of our commercial areas, lined with local stores. Forest Park is well represented and you will see images of people relaxing, a painting of teams playing soccer, dogs frolicking in the Overlook Dog Park, and the frog in the Overlook Playground, ready to spray water on children waiting to cool off on a hot day.

“The beauty of Kew Gardens’ venues covered with new snow, Kew & Willow Books at night, two children selling tomatoes at their tomato stand, Sophie, a neighbor’s black cat, peering out an apartment window, eyeing a cardinal in a close-by tree, are some of the other images.”

Local painter Weimin Mo is a prolific artist who strives to create something amazing almost daily. He finds his nirvana through observing and painting the everyday beauty around him. Afterward, he posts his work on his blog with memoir text. The painting of “Save the Bridge/Save Kew Gardens,” was made in a few hours on a blustery April morning.

Designer/illustrator Pauline Nunez Maruzzelli, who goes by Neene, is another exhibit participant. The School of Visual Arts graduate said she’s inspired by community-based projects such as this one.

“As a local resident, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in issues that directly affect me and my family,” she said. “It is also a chance for me to paint in watercolor and collage, which I don’t get to do as a freelance web designer.”

Neene has shown her work in other local projects, such as the “Global Art Project for Peace” and “HomeFull, a celebration of Poetry and Art in the borough of Queens.”

Another artist, Robert W. Murphy, was born into a large creative family where musical and visual art expression were encouraged. He said his personal drive is “to imbue my work with a feeling of atmosphere, a turn of a thought, or an unspoken word.”

According to Sherman, this show reflects “the timeless grace and classic beauty of our urban village.”

“As you look around at these images, I think you will be inspired. You may see things you never noticed or perhaps look at Kew Gardens with a new perspective. I know I did,” Sherman said. “Each piece tells a story. Like the two wonderful images of the Lefferts Boulevard Bridge, and Ana Reza’s exquisite black and white photo. “Let’s all come together to save our own Kew Gardens Ponte Vecchio and continue to develop Kew Gardens as a place where art has a home.”

The SaveKewGardens.com Coalition was formed to combine and coordinate the efforts of all those seeking to preserve the bridge and its stores, and to oppose the construction of any high-rises.

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

Several Queens lawmakers are relieved that Eric Schneiderman resigned as state attorney general just hours after his alleged violence towards four women were exposed in The New Yorker magazine Monday. Queens’ newest assemblywoman, Ari Espinal (D-Jackson Heights), who won her seat in the special election last month, supported the women who came forward against Schneiderman in the exposé.

“I am incredibly disgusted by Eric Schneiderman, the alleged violent acts against these brave survivors, and his hypocrisy,” Espinal said. “We must leave no doubt that any man who abuses, harasses, or assaults women should not be representing our state. In this era of #MeToo, it takes immense courage to speak up about something so personal and traumatic. I stand completely with these women and support them in their fight for justice.”

She added, “As a state and a country, we must do more to empower all victims of abuse to come forward so that we can hold perpetrators accountable and break the cycle of violence. I have complete faith in our law enforcement to investigate this matter fully.”

Schneiderman, who served the attorney general from 2011 to 2013 after 10 years in the state Senate, said the incidents involving the women were consensual.

State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) agreed with her fellow assemblywoman.

“Given the recent allegations of assault by four women, the resignation of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was the only option moving forward,” she said. “It is imperative that the reports of these courageous women are taken seriously and that the investigations continue. New York women deserve an attorney general who champions their rights both publicly and privately and we should continue advocating and pursuing a more just New York.”

The revelations about Schneiderman were particularly disturbing because he had been a champion of the #MeToo movement and women’s rights.

Barbara Underwood, 73, was sworn in Tuesday as acting attorney general a day after Schneiderman’s resignation.

Underwood had been the state solicitor general since 2007 and she held an executive position at the Queens district attorney’s office in the 1990s.

“Barbara D. Underwood is a superb lawyer,” DA Richard Brown said. “She was a key part of my administration when I became the Queens district attorney in 1991 and is very well-respected. I brought Barbara in to oversee legal affairs, develop our training program and to manage recruitment. She excelled in all of these areas and continues to be an important member of our state’s legal community.”

Underwood will serve out the remainder of Schneiderman’s term unless the state Legislature selects a replacement. Among the names being mentioned are state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and city Public Advocate Letitia James.

“The work of this office is critically important,” Underwood said. “Our office has never been stronger, and this extraordinarily talented, dedicated, and tireless team of public servants will ensure that our work continues without interruption.”

Several recent investigations in Queens will continue such as the attorney general’s probe into three buildings in Astoria once owned by Kushner Companies, formerly run by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, for allegedly falsifying documents on rent-stabilized tenants. A lawsuit Schneiderman brought against 14 anti-choice protesters who allegedly harassed women who approached the Choices Women’s Medical Center in Jamaica between 2012 and 2017 is proceeding.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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By Zach Gewelb

TimesLedger Newspapers

In the blink of an eye, the Matt Harvey era is officially over.

Days after being designated for assignment, Harvey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday in exchange for former All-Star catcher Devin Mesoraco. This has to be considered a win-win scenario for the Mets.

The Mets were ready to move on from their former ace who, at the top of his game, was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. But injuries kicked in and Harvey never truly recovered. He was booted from the rotation and moved to the bullpen early this season and the results were not great.

Then there’s his issues off the field. Harvey’s party boy reputation has followed him his entire career. It was something the Mets could cope with when he was an ace. But as a struggling reliever, there was no need to put up with his antics any longer.

Recent reports had him partying in Los Angeles the night before the Mets were set to take on the Padres in San Diego. There are worse things that could’ve happened, but it was a bad look for the struggling Harvey. General manager Sandy Alderson said he couldn’t get upset when the news broke about Harvey’s recent partying.

“Usually I get upset if a report is unexpected, so I guess the short answer is no,” Alderson said.

Alderson made that comment May 1. Harvey was designated for assignment May 5 and was traded May 8.

It doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines. The Mets had come to expect that kind of behavior from Harvey and the team was clearly frustrated.

The team tried sending him down to Triple-A, an assignment that Harvey refused, leading to the eventual trade to Cincinnati. The Mets told teams they wanted a catcher, which was a huge need with Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki both injured, and the Reds had the best to offer.

That the club managed to acquire a starting catcher for a player they were ready to release has to be a steal for general manager Sandy Alderson. Yes, Mesoraco has his warts — he, too, has an ugly injury history — but he has the potential to do same damage at the plate if he can remain healthy.

The Mets got more than they could have hoped for in return for Harvey. Now, the pitcher formerly known as The Dark Knight will try to resurrect his career in Cincinnati, where he will have a chance to stick in the starting rotation for the last-place Reds.

Meanwhile, Mesoraco will try to help the struggling Mets bounce back from their rough stretch and keep them in the playoff race.

It seems as though the Mets got the better end of the deal. But perhaps a motivated Harvey can turn things around in Cincinnati. Time will tell, but regardless of the outcome, this was a move the Mets had to make.

Reach reporter Zach Gewelb by e-mail at zgewelb@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4539.

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Borough President Melinda Katz issued a recommendation Thursday to approve a zoning change that would allow developers to build 13 stories instead of 10 on an empty lot in Elmhurst with a set of conditions.

The city Board of Standards and Appeals will now make the final decision whether or not to allow the widely opposed building slated for 40 percent affordable housing and a Target center.

The developers changed recently course on the project by adjusting the rental rates they intended to establish for low-income residents after public outcry at a series of advisory board meetings.

Sun Equity Partners and Heskel Group revealed their revised plan for the 13-story housing and retail structure, with a Target store slated for the ground level, to an advisory land use hearing before Queens Borough President Melinda Katz May 3.

Katz only request that the developers maintain a minimum of 30 percent affordable units, manage traffic congestion and that the Target hire neighborhood residents only.

Community Board 4 had already voted against the requested zoning change to allow the developers to build three stories taller than the 10-story cap at 40-31 82nd St. Instead, CB 4 recommended the city Board of Standards and Appeals downzone the property to prevent gentrification.

At the May 3 hearing, attended by anti-gentrification groups from western Queens, Sun Equity attorney Nora Martins said they were shooting to accommodate $41,000 annual median income combined per household now as opposed to the earlier proposed $61,000.

“We decided to go with a deeper affordability option under the mandatory inclusionary housing program, which requires 20 percent of that to be an average of 40 percent annual median income, which is considered very low income,” Martins said. “We heard the feedback from the community and we’ve been speaking with the Council member and the borough president, and we understand that we have to serve this community as part of this project.”

But the hearing at Borough Hall, although well-attended by opponents of the housing and retail structure slated for a Target store, was in stark contrast to the March CB 4 meeting, which saw the auditorium at Elmhurst Hospital packed with protesters.

This time supporters of the housing and retail structure had the majority with 19 out the 31 public speakers arguing there is not enough of the current housing stock, which is old and deteriorating, to support the crowded neighborhood, while Target could bring economic benefits.

Bishop Mitchell Taylor, the CEO of Urban Upbound, which advocates for affordable housing, backed the plan because of the overcrowding in Elmhurst, where he said “people are living on top of each other in the neighborhood.”

Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Grech supported the plan for its potential to create jobs.

“From our back and forth with the folks involved, over retail 200 jobs [are expected from the Target location] in an environment where retail is under assault in many parts of the country for lots different reasons, but we support this project based upon the inclusionary housing… as well as the community space being offered,” Grech said.

City Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) issued a letter to Katz’s office in support of the project as his predecessor Julissa Ferreras-Copeland did, but his support was only based on the developers’ agreement to meet more affordable rates.

Queens Neighborhoods United members were also at the hearing in force to challenge the perception that the Target would create jobs while bringing new and affordable living arrangements.

“I will see my community completely displaced if this rezoning happens,” said Tania Mattos, organizer for QNU, who claimed to have over 600 petition signatures and 15 business owners from 82nd Street who are opposed to the Target project. “If there is a Target, we’re going to boycott that Target.”

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, a candidate for Congress facing U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) in the upcoming primary election, said she opposed the project because there are three times the amount of vacant units in the city as there are homeless people, which ranges between 60,000 and 70,000.

“The problem isn’t space, its unaffordability,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “[Forty] percent of these units are unaffordable, that means that [40] percent of the people in this community will not be able to live here or to stay, which is the core of the problem of displacement.”

Those against the rezoning remembered the movie theater that used to occupy the space as one of the few in the city to offer Spanish subtitles for the heavy Latino population in the area. The building formerly occupied by the theater is no longer standing.

The borough president’s office has yet to release its advisory decision on the Sun Equity’s rezoning request, which will go to the city Board of Standards and Appeals for a final determination.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon came back to Queens to help plant trees in Jamaica Saturday.

The actress, who was born in Jackson Heights, appeared in collaboration with the New York Restoration Project, and NYC Film Green Saturday to plant 20 fruit trees she donated at NYCHA’s South Jamaica Houses in Jamaica.

In 2015, NYRP helped South Jamaica Houses grow a small garden into a large and vibrant community space through the Gardens for the City program, which lends materials, labor, and support to neighborhoods throughout the city. In the last three years, residents have grown tomatoes, sweet potatoes and kale and shared it with elderly residents living in the houses.

Sarandon complimented the South Jamaica House residents on their thriving garden and said she was sure the fruit trees were going to be well taken care of.

“I was born and raised in New York in Jackson Heights and I raised my kids here,” she said. “So I’m very proud to be a New Yorker, as are my kids, and the city has been so generous to the film and TV community, so it was a really easy thing to talk to people about offsetting their carbon footprint by planting trees. It excites me so much, everybody was enthusiastic about the project. In the future I look forward to showing everybody where the trees went and to be able to say more tree are being planted.”

Eleanor Ince-Roberts, a resident of the houses and the Green Committee captain, said she was thankful for Sarandon’s investment and that she has loved caring for the community garden.

“I want to teach others how to grow their own food because I believe your diet should be life-giving, not life-threatening,” she said.

NYRP Executive Director Deborah Marton said the organization hopes to expand its footprint and make a difference in all five boroughs to create a safer, healthier, and happier city.

“We’re here because we know everyone who lives in South Jamaica Houses believes in the power of green spaces to forge stronger communities,” she said. “At NYRP we know access to nature is a fundamental human right and that clean, safe and beautiful open spaces make for safer happier communities. Susan is here because she is an incredible advocate for NYC and social justice.”

Other donors to the NYC Film Green program include producer Ryan Murphy, and actors Ben Stiller, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.

Singer, actress Bette Midler founded New York Restoration Project in 1995 to plant trees, revive public gardens and bring green back into city life.

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Ferry service will be getting a major boost from the city’s executive budget, just in time for summer.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the expansion of the NYC Ferry program with $300 million from the FY 2019 executive budget, which will mean twice as many boats in the fleet, while bringing more of the larger craft and improving piers.

“It will allow us to immediately increase service this spring and summer because we saw what happened last summer. Demand was astronomical,” de Blasio said. “So, we’re going to be able to increase service right away and cut wait time in the process. We’re going to be doubling the size of our fleet and there’s going to be a lot more of the bigger boats that will allow us to get a lot more people where they’re going and reduce the wait, reduce the lines.”

The city plans to increase its capacity on the water at the beginning of summer and double its fleet with normal-sized ferries, which carry about 150 passengers, and the larger boats, which transport about 350, with three of the heftier vessels arriving for beach season, according to the mayor’s office.

The $300 million slated for the expansion tacks onto the $325 million investment already made by the city, as well as the $30 million required for annual operations.

“Not only is this about people getting around more easily and having more and more New Yorkers not have to live a life of frustration in that traffic jam or on that crowded subway train,” the mayor said. “This is also about fairness, reaching a lot of communities that were underserved, getting a lot of people opportunity that didn’t have it, and fairness because it’s creating job opportunities for a lot of New Yorkers who deserve them.”

Ferry service, however, is perhaps the only transit infrastructure project de Blasio is eager to subsidize.

In the release of the city’s $89 billion budget, the mayor made his animosity clear toward the state and MTA for their budget, which required City Hall to pay for half of the $836 million Subway Action Plan to bring stable service to the failing public transit system.

De Blasio has long held his ground in the belief that infrastructure under the purview of the MTA should be paid for by the state despite criticism urging his office to fund the $212 million Fair Fare proposal — half-priced fares for low income New Yorkers — and bus improvements.

Wait times will also be cut in half from 35 minutes to 25 between boats and express service to the Rockaways, which saw heavy ridership last summer, will be introduced from Pier 11 at Wall Street.

James Patchett, CEO of the city Economic Development Cooperation, said the current fleet was based on projections, which set an expectation of 4.6 million riders per year, but that number has now gone up to about 9 million per year.

Following last summer’s economic boom in the Rockaways, along with freshly installed boardwalk up and down the beach, ferry service was recognized by the city for its role bringing day-trippers back to the peninsula and bring in money to businesses in those communities.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Residents in the Jackson Heights community along with safety advocates and elected officials gathered Saturday at IS 230 for a rally and vigil in remembrance of 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero, who was hit and killed by a driver on 70th Street along Northern Boulevard April 28.

Upon entering the IS 230 schoolyard located at 34th Avenue and 73rd Street, dozens of residents were given a photo of Giovanni Ampuero to tape to their jackets. The community shared their suggestions about improving traffic road safety along Northern Boulevard and offered support to Giovanni’s father, Raul Ampuero, mother Karen Manrique, and brothers Giancarlo, 14, and Johnathon, 20. Afterwards, they walked in silence to a makeshift memorial site adorned with flowers, candles, teddy bears, and photos of Giovanni where they said prayers and offered condolences to the family.

Street safety organizations such as Make Queens Safer, Families for Safe Streets, and Transportation Alternatives Queens Volunteer Committee organized the vigil and rally.

Hours before the vigil, Raul Ampuero, 46, of Fresh Meadows, visited the park where he used to take his son Giovanni and buy ice cream afterwards.

He remembered Giovanni as a “tremendous, happy, loving kid with pure eyes” who enjoyed playing with other children at the park.

“Giovanni will always be in our hearts, and in my heart for the rest of my life,” said Ampuero. “I want to thank the community and every single person here for their support.”

Ampuero had contacted Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office to offer suggestions of how to make Northern Boulevard safe for children and to express the grief he is feeling after Giovanni’s death.

“I know his agenda is busy, but at least a phone call would be nice,” said Ampuero. “It hurts me as one father to another that he didn’t reach out to me. I don’t believe I have the support of the mayor and that’s what hurts me.”

Ampuero said he would like to become involved in community efforts to prevent wreckless driving along Northern Boulevard. His goal is to make sure another child does not suffer the same fate as his son, and a parent mourning the loss of their child.

“I would like to see speed cameras that would prevent or minimize a lot of pain,” said Ampuero. “I notice kids like to go to the park on the weekends and they want to go with mommy to Wendy’s and get ice cream. It would help if we had cross guards at certain point areas because that’s an extra life you’re going to save.”

According to Make Queens Safer, an organization formed by two Queens mothers fighting for safer street designs and stronger enforcement of traffic laws, Giovanni Ampuero is the fifth child killed in less than six years on Northern Boulevard from Broadway to Junction Boulevard.

“We are asking the New York City Council to adopt the Vision Zero design standard to prevent dangerous driving and prioritize safety, expansion of speed safety cameras, hit-and-run legislation to increase penalties, and a comprehensive school traffic safety plan,” said Christina Furlong, co-founder of Make Queens Safer,

Other parents voiced their concerns and suggestions for safe roads in the neighborhood.

“One child’s death is one too many,” said Shekar Krishnan, 33, who has a 2-year-old child learning to cross the street. “Let’s never forget this moment and take action together to stop this, because if we don’t, we are failing as a community, our hearts and conscience.”

Lucy Martinez, 41, a parent of two children, said the installment of speeding cameras and more policing around the neighborhood should be considered.

“I always have to remind my kids to look both ways before crossing the street,” said Martinez. “Maybe something can be done this time around if we all come together. We’ll have to try and see.”

Ampuero said there are no words that can give him comfort or that can relieve the pain he’s going through of losing his son. He would like to have a sign of Giovanni’s name placed on 70th Street where he died.

“I want everyone to know that Giovanni didn’t die for no reason,” Ampuero said. “I want this to be a good reason to improve the streets and to do something on behalf of Giovanni.”

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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