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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside will be holding a Valentine’s Day “Have A Heart” blood drive for the benefit of the New York Blood Center.

With the event to take place Feb. 14, St. Mary’s CEO Edwin Simpser is inviting the community to take part in the blood drive to be administered by in-house professionals at THE 29-01 216th St. location.

“Donating blood is one of the most generous things a person can do to help their community,” Simpser said. “We’re thrilled to be hosting this blood drive on Valentine’s Day, and hope all of our friends and neighbors in Queens come out to support them.”

The drive will be held in the Music Room between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for anyone between the ages of 16 and 75 as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and provide and bring a donor card or ID.

The hospital urges those interested in donating to eat well and stay hydrated prior to arriving.

Appointments can be schedule with Chanery Casares, who can be reached at 718-281-8707, or ccaceres@stmaryskids.org or Ariana Barongi at 718-281-8702 or abarongi@stmaryskids.org.

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

A popular cyclist from Elmhurst died after being struck by a car on 175th Street and Union Turnpike, police said.

Philip O’Reilly, 71, was fatally struck at 11 p.m. Jan. 23 while crossing the street in Fresh Meadows after attending a St. John’s basketball game.

Police said O’Reilly he was struck by a Nissan Altima driven by a 47-year-old man who remained at the scene of the accident. Police said that the driver had the right of way and that O’Reilly crossed against a red light. Police have not charged the driver.

O’Reilly suffered severe head and leg injuries and was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead the next day.

O’Reilly was a longtime cyclist and leader of the Five Borough Bicycle Club. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media.

His wake was held at the Forest Park Chapel in Forest Hills on Jan. 29

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

Elected officials and parents are asking the city Department of Transportation to reconsider implementing traffic calming measures at the intersection of 58th Road and 136th Street near PS 120.

After a December 2017 traffic study by the DOT that deemed the Flushing intersection safe, state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing), state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Council Member Peter Koo (D-Flushing) are urging the agency to revisit this request.

According to lawmakers and parents, aside from one speed limit sign, the crossroads surrounding PS 120 do not have any indicators to slow down vehicles going at high speeds due to the proximity to the Long Island Expressway. Parents are asking DOT to install speed bumps, stop signs, or any other available traffic calming measures to better protect students.

In March 2017, Rozic contacted DOT requesting traffic calming measures at the intersection, along with a letter signed by parents of PS 120. In December 2017, DOT responded that after completing a traffic study, the intersection did not merit any traffic calming measures.

The Flushing lawmakers are urging DOT to revisit the area and work with the school community to ensure all possible options are explored.

According to Rozic, parents and neighbors have witnessed close calls from reckless drivers in front of their school.

“Administrators, teachers, and parents worry daily that a collision will occur and the current speed limit sign has not proven effective enough to protect their children,” she said. “I urge NYC DOT to work immediately with the school community and find a solution to improve safety.”

Stavisky said that the heavily populated school, which has over 1,000 students, can create high traffic flow throughout the day. The senator said that according to Vision Zero data, there have been at least three people injured in front of the school over the last two years.

Don Capalbi, president emeritus of Queensboro Hill Neighborhood Associaton, said there is no apparent down-side to the requested changes, and that the only result will be improved safety of children. He added that the current safety measures in place were designed for a school with a much smaller student population and that since the population density has increased, so has the traffic volume in the area of the school. The traffic also has increased greatly after the elimination of two traffic lanes on Main Street for Select Bus Service.

PS 120 parent Michael Pineda, who has two children who attend the elementary school, said that he was very disappointed in the findings of the DOT.

“This intersection, although deemed safe in the latest traffic study, is a traffic hazard during drop off and dismissal,” he said. “I drop off my children and pick them up daily and I have seen many near calls where students are almost clipped or run over by speeding vehicles heading eastbound on 58th Road. Drivers heading north on 136th Street also don’t heed their stop sign, causing a dangerous intersection. I urge the NYC DOT to reconsider their findings and reassess the intersection. It is harder to act than to react. Let us do what we can to keep our young ones safe,”

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) wrote some fiery words last week in a letter to Megan Brennan, the postmaster general of the United States, in regard to his constituents’ receiving late mail or mail meant for someone else.

“For far too long, my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District have experienced significant and unacceptable delays in their mail service,” Meeks said.

Meeks’s district includes the Rockaway Peninsula and stretches into Broad Channel, Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, Laurelton, Queens Village, Rosedale, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, South Ozone Park, Kennedy International Airport and parts of Nassau County.

To address the issue of his constituents’ receiving the wrong or late mail, he had scheduled a meeting with a senior official at the U.S. Postal Service for Jan. 18, but he found out last-minute there was no longer a discussion planned that day.

“I was irate when I learned that your office had cancelled this important meeting,” Meeks wrote. “This is simply unacceptable.”

Throughout the southeast Queens and Nassau County area, Meeks learned that prescriptions, W-2 forms, paychecks, bills and packages were regularly delievered late to his constituents.

“I expect an immediate and thorough briefing on the USPS’ failure to deliver my constituents’ mail in an appropriate and timely manner,” the congressman wrote.

Meeks’s district wasn’t the only one affected by lackluster service from the USPS. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) worked with Meeks on a joint letter rattling off their constituents’ problems in receiving the right mail on time.

“Many of our constituents report severely delayed mail, sometimes taking weeks to arrive, significant problems with package delivery, and frequently receiving incorrect mail addressed to individuals who live many blocks away,” the representatives wrote. “The current mail delivery problems plaguing the residents of Queens must be addressed immediately.”

USPS did respond to the comments made by the officials.

“We share the members’ concerns and are committed to working with them to resolve issues identified by their offices,” said Xavier Hernandez, a spokesman for USPS. “We will continue to work to ensure all customers receive the level of service they expect and deserve.”

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by email at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

More than 1,600 winter coats were distributed to families and people in need after state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) teamed up with Burlington Coat Factory, Delta Airlines, Delivering Good and New York Cares during his 7th annual coat drive. In the past eight years more than 10,000 coats were delivered to local and faith-based organizations.

“Sadly, some hardworking families and neighbors cannot afford to buy winter coats as they struggle to make ends meet. This is why it is very important to me we ensure they can keep warm during the harsh winter months,” Peralta said. “Every year we are able to donate winter coats to those who need them, and this is possible thanks to the cooperation of our co-sponsors, in this case, Burlington, Delivering Good, Delta Airlines and New York Cares. They are the ones that make this possible winter after winter.”

The inaugural coat drive in 2011 collected 250 winter jackets, but now his initiative is in full drive with more co-sponsors.

“This year our LaGuardia Airport employees donated 250 coats to organizations and individuals in need,” Delta Airlines Managing Director for LGA Operations said. “We are honored to give back to communities in which we live, work, and serve.”

Many of the winter jackets went to several shelters for homeless families in Peralta’s district.

“Families who are living in shelter rarely have the funds to purchase coats that will keep themselves and their children warm throughout these cold winter months, but thanks to Sen. Peralta, parents and children at the Kings Inn and the Landing Family Shelter will be provided for this winter,” CAMBA President and CEO Joanne Oplustil said. CAMBA is the service provider for the shelters.

Other organizations receiving winter jackets were the Muammadi Center of Jackson Heights, the Elmcore Youth and Activities Center, Saint Mark AME and Catholic Charities.

“It’s a great day when we can come together in this way to help struggling families make ends meet,” Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, said. “Many of our clients are low-income residents from the senator’s district facing economic hardships and lacking affordable housing. This event ensures that those in need will stay warm these coming months and we look forward to working with the senator as he continues to serve our brothers and sisters in his senatorial district and the larger community.”

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

An 8-year-old LeFrak City girl died early Monday morning from the flu, according to multiple reports, after physicians visited her home because she was having trouble breathing.

She was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where she died at around 6:30 a.m., CBS reported.

“The tragic death of a child due to the flu is a reminder of the devastating effects this illness can have on people of all ages. The influenza season is far from over, and it is not too late to get the flu shot. We urge parents to protect themselves and their families by getting this potentially life-saving vaccine today,” the city’s Health Department said in a statement. “In addition to health care settings, flu vaccines are also available at pharmacies for children as young as two years old. People with a compromised immune system, children, pregnant women and those aged 65 and older who develop influenza-like symptoms should seek medical care as early as possible. For more information about where to get vaccinated, New Yorkers can call 311, visit nyc.gov/flu, or text “flu” to 877877.”

Although officials did not confirm it was the flu, they said the girl had flu-like symptoms.

According to ABC7, the medical examiners office conducted an autopsy and said “death indicates the circumstances and cause were natural.”

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Police were looking to identify an unknown male found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Flushing.

Officers responded to a report of a man who had been assaulted at 85-14 160th St. last Friday around 6:40 p.m. and, upon arrival, discovered the victim shot twice; once in the head and once in the groin.

EMS responders transported the victim to Queens General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities.

Surveillance footage showed the victim walking with two other men wearing black on 160th Street from Parsons Boulevard. Shortly after the trio moved beyond the field of view of security cameras, the two men accompanying the victim are seen walking quickly back toward Parsons Boulevard.

Police released a sketch of the deceased to help identify the victim.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

After being closed since 2012, the polling site at Latimer Gardens housing complex in Flushing will re-open.

Last week Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced that the New York City Board of Elections agreed to her request to restore the Flushing polling site, which has been closed for nearly six years.

The site, which was originally opened in 2006, was shut down when voting was done in the complex’s community room. It was closed because the room had accessibility problems for those with disabilities. But the usage of the gym now makes the location handicap-accessible.

According to Meng, since the polling place was closed tenants of the complex and those who live in the surrounding area, have been forced to travel a half a mile away to PS 214. Meng said since most of the tenants are senior citizens who rely on canes, walkers and wheelchairs, the trek is an ordeal that has made it difficult for these individuals to vote.

In November, Meng wrote letters to both the head of the New York City Housing Authority and BOE calling for Latimer Gardens to be reinstated as a polling location.

Meng thanked the BOE for listening to the concerns she raised and said she looks forward to this restored voting location benefiting the Latimer Gardens community, and the area surrounding it, for many years to come.

“The decision to bring back the polling place at Latimer Gardens is great news and I’m thrilled that local residents will once again be able to cast their ballots there,” Meng said. “It will make it much easier for these voters to access the ballot box and it knocks down the barriers that residents faced in exercising their right to vote.”

In her letter she emphasized that the vast majority of Latimer Gardens residents were minority voters over the age of 65 and that it was a priority for BOE to reactivate the site after addressing any outstanding issues.

“Anything less results in the disenfranchisement of senior citizens living in Latimer Gardens and all those who have relied on that poll site for decades,” she wrote.

The Latimer Gardens polling place is expected to be restored in time for this year’s elections. According to Meng, it will be the polling place for approximately 2,000 voters and be housed in the complex’s gymnasium.

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

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

The city Department of Sanitation has hired a consultant to draft a proposal to offer incentives for homeowners to recycle garbage and while possibly including a nominal fee.

The “Save As You Throw” program is still in its early phase and details of how the fee would be implemented are sparse, but the request for proposals and the subsequent hiring of a consultant have already drawn the opposition of Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens).

“There was a stakeholder meeting in fall 2015. At that point, we started developing an RFP for a ‘Save As You Throw’ consultant,” DSNY spokeswoman Belinda Mager said. “The purpose of the RFP was to help DSNY develop a blueprint for a new user system that would create an incentive for households to recycle residential waste and organics by providing a benefit, like a rebate or tax-based credit, for the amount of materials recycled by a household.”

She pointed out that the approach could include a nominal fee for a bag or a tag required to dispose of residential taste. Mager said the department wants to understand how to develop such a program in the city.

Grodenchik sits on the Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management and claimed the nominal fee could have a negative impact on residents who are already restricted to putting out six bags per pickup.

“There are several problems with it; you will start to see people dumping on the streets, you start to see people dumping in our parks, you will start to see people putting garbage in their neighbor’s garbage. You’re also creating a bureaucracy that doesn’t need to exist right now,” Grodenchik said. “Our property taxes have continued to go up, New York City residents are paying a personal income tax, we have a the state income tax; it comes down to nickel and dime-ing people.”

According to Grodenchik, more people are recycling in the city as it is with pickup that allows them to divide their refuse and the launch of a compost program last year.

In 2016, Grodenchik opposed a City Council bill to tax retailers for plastics bags which would require them to charge customers five cents per bag. Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped in and placed a moratorium on the bill to stop its implementation, which Grodenchik applauded on the grounds that the fee would place a burden on low-income New Yorkers while having little positive impact on the environment.

Mager said in the two years the agency has been at work on the proposal, the only progress so far has been hiring the consultant. The contract term is three years with two years of possible extension.

“At this point, it’s too early to be able to answer any specific questions around timing or what the program may look like; it’s too early in the process,” Mager said. “The Department of Sanitation is committed to including a broad range of stakeholders through the process and coming up with an equitable plan.”

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

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Source: Times Ledger