BY GEORGE HAVRANEK
Winter weather arrived and once
again our Department of Sanitation
rose to the occasion. A big thank you
to New York’s Strongest for their
dedicated, diligent efforts; adeptly
performing snow removal and garbage
collection duties while battling
harsh weather during an abbreviated
holiday schedule.
Neighborhood concern grows
over the potential Knights of Columbus
building sale at Ampere and Research
avenues. This building of
cherished memories is a prime component
of the neighborhood heartbeat
and our Election Day voting location.
The Knights of Columbus,
former home to International Caterers,
was the community site for many
milestones family events. This place
of community fraternization also
served as meeting space for multiple
organizations including A.A.R.P. and
Spencer Estate Civic Association.
The property is owned by Guiding
Star Council Homeowners Inc.,
which according to public record has
501c designation. Complexity can be
attached to the sale of 501c-owned
properties. Research indicates an
easy pathway for sale is to another
501c organization. Organizations
such as 501c serve a variety of functions,
some community assets, others
possible detriments. The Guiding
Star Group’s surprising lack of
transparency and unwillingness
to discuss the site’s future with our
community, although within their
right, is an example of improper community
relations.
Spencer Estate Civic Association
has reached out to newly elected
Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez,
state Assemblyman Michael Benedetto
and Community Board 10 District
Manager Matt Cruz. We confi
dently pray they will follow the
example of New York’s Strongest and
rise to the occasion during our time
of need.
Food for Thought: Once upon a
time Carnegie Hill Institute, a prominent
substance abuse treatment facility,
reputedly sought a location in
close proximity of the Community
Board 10 District Offi ce. Quick intercessions,
across the political spectrum,
led by Cruz and staff altered
this potential course of action.
Spencer Estate is a small, intimate
community. Less than 3/8-square
mile in size, this neighborhood is
neither large enough nor equipped to
absorb a major community altering
event. Clearly, at this point in time,
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BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 58 JAN. 21-27, 2022 BTR
the request for infl uential interventions
to eliminate community concern
is justifi able and necessary.
To express concern please contact:
Councilwoman Velázquez: 718-
931-1721
Assemblyman Benedetto: 718-892-
2235
Bronx CB10: 718-892-1161
Community Footnotes:
Spencer Estate Civic is lobbying
for crime camera installation at Middletown
Road and Bruckner Boulevard
northbound near Pelham Bay
Park. During the past two years violent
criminal behavior has accompanied
the plethora of petty crimes
and nuisance issues that plague
our neighborhood. Our low-density
neighborhood will not reach the metrics
required for increased police
presence. A crime camera at this
strategic location will complement
an existing camera at Bruckner Boulevard
and Wilkinson Avenue.
DOT has approved requests for a
speed hump along Stadium Avenue
between Pelham Bay Park and Ampere
Avenue; the exact location to be
determined.
Temperature is bone chilling
cold. The errand will take a quick
minute; the car is warm, temptation
sets in. Please shut off the engine and
lock car doors. Based on 2020 statistics,
30% of vehicles stolen within the
45th Precinct footprint were left running
and unattended. Don’t become a
victim.
Monthly meetings resume in
March; however, the traditional winter
break is likely to be interrupted
by circumstances requiring ad hoc
attentions.
If we want to keep and reap the
blessings of our fi ne quality of life,
we must endure the fatigue of supporting
it. Our community has traditionally
exhibited a “We are Family
attitude.” Now is the time to let
it shine. Communicate; make that
phone call, text message or email.
Please check on family, friends and
neighbors especially the elderly and
vulnerable. Any area homeowner or
renter interested in the Spencer Estate
Civic Association send-email to
spencerestatecivic@gmail.com.
R e m e m b e r :
Community=Common-Unity and Inclusion
brings Solutions.
Knights of Columbus, located at 3243 Ampere
Ave. Photo courtesy Google Maps
CIVIC CENTER
Spencer Estate
Civic Association
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