FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com february 21, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 3 PIG POLITICS RULES SOUGHT TO ALLOW POT-BELLIED PETS $7M in renovations for library branch BY MELISSA CHAN needs,” said Queens Library [email protected] President Thomas Galante. Galante said the “dramatic The Kew Gardens Hills façade and green roof” library will soon close to will be “ like a new library make way for a $7 million for the community.” renovation. David Kirschner, co-president An extra 3,000-square-feet of the Kew Gardens of space will be added to the Hills Civic Association, 72-33 Vleigh Place branch, said the expansion could library officials said. There not have been done without will also be twice as many longtime community leader computers, a bigger meeting Pat Dolan, who was struck room, larger separate spaces and killed in November for adult, teens and children 2011 while crossing the and an energy-saving roof. Gardens Hills serves so diverse range of educational street. “Queens Library at Kew many people who have a and informational “We’re thrilled primarily because this was one of her pet projects,” Kirschner said. “She really worked for years to obtain approval for an expansion of the library. She was finally able to get it but never able to finally see it happening.” The branch will close on February 22 and reopen in 2015. A temporary library will be available mid-March at 71-34 Main Street during construction. Nearby branches are also located in Hillcrest, Briarwood and Pomonok. Photo rendering by Queens Library The Kew Gardens Hills library will close Friday for renovations. BY ALEXA ALTMAN [email protected] Despite citations, several swine owners are refusing to fork over the pork. State Senator Tony Avella wants to overturn city guidelines prohibiting residents from owning domesticated pigs as pets after constituents squealed for support. “I try to get the city to crack down on illegal construction, illegal contractors where workers have died, where neighboring property owners have been disenfranchised and they have to sue, and I can’t get the city to do as much enforcement on those serious construction sites as they are doing with one family with a very small pet,” said Avella. “The city should be consistent with the level of enforcement it conducts across the board.” Lou and Danielle Forgione picked up their porky pal after Danielle’s brother Peter was killed in a motorcycle accident in March 2012. Searching for a pet to lift the spirits of their six saddened children proved tricky when their six-year-old son Nicky displayed a severe allergy to pet dander. A pediatrician suggested they consider a pig. Ten months ago, the Forgione’s adopted Petey, named after Danielle’s late brother. “Petey brings joy right back to us,” said Lou. “The kids were suffering in school. My wife was suffering from depression and anxiety. It brought the cheer right back to the family. He’s doing his job and he’s fantastic. You can’t ask for anything more.” Since adopting Petey, the Forgiones have received several citations from the Health Department, including one that asked they “dispose” of their beloved pet. The co-op board of their Whitestone complex recently threatened to evict the family. Rather than relinquish Petey, the Forgione’s set their sights on more “pig friendly” pastures, selling their home and moving to Suffolk County. “We really love him,” said Joseph, the Forgione’s 13-year-old son. “He’s a part of our family. He’s like a brother to me.” Avella believes the rule against owning a pig is a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) regulation, rather than a law that will need to be amended. Navy veteran Nadine Barsanlal takes her 50-pound pet pig Wilbur to visit patients at hospitals and nursing homes and students at elementary schools. Barsanlal, who while in the service contracted bacterial meningitis that paralyzed her stomach and left her requiring the use a feeding tube and a pain pump, said she was “shocked” to discover the city outlawed ownership of the animal that brought happiness to her life and the lives of others. “Pigs are gentler, they’re kinder, they’re more intelligent and they’re cleaner. They are just lovely animals to have,” said Barsanlal. “Not only does he help me out but I kind of want to give back and help others out.” The College Point resident trained her precious piggy to complete small tasks, including retrieving items Barsanlal accidentally drops to keep her from having to painfully bend over. While Wilbur provides physical assistance, it’s the emotional support he gives that makes him more than just a pet. “He’s a companion. He gets me up and going in the morning and helps me not think about my illness,” said Bersanlal. “It’s a lot that I’m dealing with, but I can deal with it because I’ve got my little baby.” Drivers feeling GAS PAINS BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aa [email protected] Over the past month, drivers have been digging deeper into their pockets as gas prices have gone up about 20 cents per gallon. “Owning a vehicle today is out of the question. At this rate, our children will be paying $10 or more a gallon,” said teacher Elizabeth Gutierrez, 24, as she gassed up her sedan on Monday, February 18. With prices only going up, AAA has created a “Gas Watcher’s Guide” narrowing down tips to save gas and most importantly, money. “To conserve, we must slow down and find ways to do more with less. The benefits of fuel conservation include financial savings, improved road safety and a healthier environment,” said a brochure. When it comes to driving, AAA emphasizes slowing down. As well as following safe driving methods, drivers should try to condense trips when going out to run errands. “To me it’s not good because I’m retired and make no money, it’s ridiculous. I don’t like it, but I need the gas for my car,” said Francisco Alonzo, 68, as he filled his car up at a Mobil station on 164 Street in Jamaica. AAA also suggests drivers keep their eyes open for lower fuel prices, yet should not waste gas to save a few cents at another station farther away. Also, drivers should be aware of the correct starting procedure of their vehicles, especially during cold weather when an engine must thoroughly warm up. Although the increase in prices has most drivers frustrated, other drivers see the increased costs as a way to control how people drive and consume. “I feel that gas prices are both a win and lose situation. The increase in price means a decrease in our pockets; however I still look at it as a win because it means it’s moderating how much people use. Hopefully this means we start to use our fuel wisely and preserve as much as we can,” said Neilmarlon Santiago, 20. THE COURIER/PHOTO BY ALEXA ALTMAN State Senator Tony Avella thinks the Health Department’s anti-pig policy is flawed because it does not distinguish between different species of swine.
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