34 The Queens Courier • AUGUST 15, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Brownfield cleanups: Law would alert community boards BY MELISA CHAN [email protected] The state is set to begin notifying community boards when cleanups of contaminated land are planned in their areas. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently approved a bill that would make the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) responsible for alerting community boards of brownfield site cleanups. Quoting Public Law, the DEC defines a brownfield as “any real property, the redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a contaminant.” Brownfields can include industrial sites or abandoned gas stations with hazardous waste or petroleum. The DEC currently notifies adjacent property owners, nearby schools and local newspapers in the event of a cleanup. There is a 30-day public comment period after a cleanup request is made. Under the new law, residents who attend their community board’s monthly meetings will be given more time to develop a comment before scheduled public hearings. State Senator Tony Avella, who sponsored the bill, said the advanced warning is needed because significant Photo Courtesy of State Senator Tony Avella Marilyn Bitterman and Eugene Kelty of Community Board 7, Braunstein and Avella at the Waterpointe-Whitestone brownfield cleanup site in May. environmental brownfield cleanup projects often lead to large developments that can affect locals. “Community boards are our first line of defense in protecting our quality of life,” said Assemblymember Ed Braunstein, who introduced the law. The cleanup of the Waterpointe- Whitestone brownfield site sparked the legislation, lawmakers said. Community Board 7, which represents the area, said it was never informed of the initial cleanup application. “Providing board members with information about brownfield sites will ensure that the community has eyes and ears on the ground to make certain that all remediation is done appropriately,” Braunstein said. A TRAIN RUNS THRU IT Resorts World subway station gets $15M makeover BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] This “one-of-a-kind destination” now has one-of-a-kind ease of access. Resorts World Casino celebrated the grand opening of the $15 million subway station at the Aqueduct Racetrack, complete with a walkway to the casino. “By plane, train or automobile, the excitement of Resorts World Casino is now accessible to all,” said Edward Farrell, president of Resorts World. “We built the station because we want it to be more convenient and we expect it to grow.” The racetrack subway stop will allow the A train to pass through 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the Rockaways up to Inwood. Now nearly all Manhattan residents will be able to use the train to get to and from Resorts World in less than an hour. A SkyBridge walkway connects the stop to the casino through an enclosed, temperature-controlled path. Prior to the renovations, the subway stop was an antiquated facility that only operated on race days. After its multimillion dollar makeover, the stop now meets all city safety codes and has elevator and stair access on both sides. Calling Resorts World Casino “a great neighbor,” State Senator Joseph Addabbo said the subway stop’s new addition continues the gambling center’s positive relationship with the community. THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes Resorts World Casino officially opened its new subway stop along the A line. “Resorts World is a world-class partner in this community,” said Assemblymember Phillip Goldfeder. “They made an investment for the benefit of the entire community.” Transportation to and from the casino also includes the Q37 bus and a shuttle between the facility and Jamaica Station. Later this year, there will be shuttle buses from Manhattan as well. “I’m very proud and thankful we were able to pull this off,” Farrell said. “This is a very local, homegrown place.” Incredible Support That Will Never Be Forgotten Sinai Memorials respects all Jewish traditions and customs, has a compassionate staff that is second to none, and has three generations of experience serving New York’s Jewish families. Funeral Directors & Planners Dignified and comfortable chapel, located in Fresh Meadows, Queens Funeral services at locations throughout the New York Metro area Costs are reasonable and all family budgets are accommodated DVD and real-time webcast of chapel services, at no additional cost Our staff Rabbi is available to answer your questions Experts to guide monument selection or FDIC insured pre-planning Sinai Chapels Funeral Directors & Planners 162-05 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718.445.0300 or 800.446.0406 We are here 24 hours, to serve your family. We offer FDIC insured pre-planning. www.JewishFunerals.com
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