22 THE QUEENS COURIER • JULY 6, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Queens residents
urged to donate
blood as city’s
supply falls
dangerously low
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
edavenport@qns.com / @QNS
The New York Blood Center
(NYBC) has declared a blood
emergency and is asking the public
to help donate blood.
Recent national tragedies have
the NYCB running incredibly low
on O negative type blood. O negative
blood is considered the universal
donor, making it needed
most readily in trauma situations
and emergency departments
across the country.
In order to maintain a safe blood
supply a seven-day inventory of all
types must be continually replenished.
Due to its high demand, the
local O negative, B negative, and A
negative blood supply are at a critically
low level with under a twoday
supply for each.
“By spreading the word or even
hosting your own blood drive,
inviting friends, family, and community
organizations, you may
save lives in your community,”
said Andrea Cefarelli, executive
director of NYBC. “We are in dire
need of O negative blood with a
reserve that is currently below a
two-day supply, and that is just
too low.”
The summer months have historically
been the time for blood
centers to build up its supply.
Donated blood is perishable, with
red cells lasting for 42 days, platelets
lasting for 5 days and plasma
can be frozen for up to a year.
The NYBC is urging individuals
to seek out nearby blood donation
centers and donate, helping
to prevent a summer blood shortage
and potentially saving the life
of someone in need.
If you cannot donate but still
wish to participate in bringing
crucial blood products to patients
in need, the NYCB asks that you
consider hosting a blood drive
or volunteering at a local blood
drive.
For more information, visit
www.nybloodcenter.org/blood.
Many improvements coming to
Frank Principe Park in Maspeth
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
edavenport@qns.com / @QNS
Aft er a thorough and collaborative
design process, the city Department of
Parks and Recreation unveiled the fi nal
renovation plan for Frank Principe Park
in Maspeth.
“Over the years, I have heard complaints
from countless residents, frustrated
with the conditions of their fi elds,” said
Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, who is
putting $6.8 million toward the renovation.
“In 2014, we secured the funding for
a total renovation of the fi elds, and now
we have the design that will benefi t families
right here in the community for generations
to come.”
Frank Principe Park (formerly known as
Maurice Park) hasn’t had a major renovation
since the 1980s. Th e renovation plans
seek to replace the current four natural turf
ball fi elds with one new, synthetic-turf soccer
fi eld and bleachers, and two new synthetic
turf, multi-use ballfi elds with accessible
dugouts and amenities.
Th e plans also call for a new entrance
along Maurice Avenue, as well as improved
park entry at the existing comfort station,
a reconstructed perimeter fence, new electrical
conduit and pull boxes to allow for
future fi eld lighting and enhanced site
amenities such as bleachers, misting stations
and water fountains.
Crowley held several visioning sessions
in which the community could weigh in on
what would best benefi t local families, athletes
and seniors. Aft er taking all of their
suggestions into consideration, the Parks
Department produced their fi nal design.
“Frank Principe Park honors a community
leader who fought for open space in
Maspeth. We’re proud to continue Frank’s
legacy by collaborating with the community
Photo courtesy of the Offi ce of Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley
on this great design for new soccer
and soft ball fi elds,” said Queens Parks
Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski.
“I would like to thank Council member
Crowley for her tremendous allocation to
this project, and we look forward to breaking
ground by the end of this year.”
Th e renovation project is currently in
procurement and is expected to break
ground this fall. Th e full renovation is
expected to be complete by fall 2018.
Rego Park redevelopment project
launches its fi rst 100 rooms
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
edavenport@qns.com / @QNS
Th e largest redevelopment project in
Rego Park is looking to rent out its fi rst
100 rooms.
Th e Drake, located 62-60 99th St., is a
419-unit project that off ers a mix of one-
to four-bedroom units. Modern Spaces is
launching Th e Drake’s fi rst 100 units starting
at $2,000 per month.
“Formerly known as Saxon Hall, 62-60
99th Street was given new life as Th e
Drake with extensive renovations that elevated
the building’s amenity package and
in-home fi nishes,” said Eric Benaim, CEO
and Founder of Modern Spaces. “Named
aft er a historic cinema, which was a lively
social and cultural center in the 1950s,
Th e Drake honors Rego Park’s rich history,
while delivering upgraded high-end apartments
to an area dominated by Tudorstyle
homes.”
Th e building was sold to Modern Spaces
for $135 million. As a part of the renovations,
the building was gutted and the
apartments were redesigned with high ceilings,
oversized windows and open layouts.
Kitchens were updated with light
wood cabinets, Quartz countertops, stainless
steel Whirlpool appliances and white
subway tile backsplashes.
To match the kitchen’s aesthetic, bathrooms
will feature light wood vanities,
inverted subway tiles, concrete stone fl ooring,
Kohler soaking tubs and separate
shower stalls.
In addition to the updated apartments,
Th e Drake will feature a number of luxurious
amenities, including a state-of-the-art
fi tness and wellness center, a pet spa, a resident’s
lounge, a children’s playroom and a
shared laundry room.
For additional information about Th e
Drake, or to make an appointment with
Modern Spaces to view one of the apartments
available for rent, call 718-784-2232
or visit www.modernspacesnyc.com.
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Modern Spaces
