26 The Queens Courier • OCTOBER 17, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com RESERVOIR RESURRECTED BY LIAM LA GUERRE [email protected] The Ridgewood Reservoir has been resurrected. A crowd of politicians, civic leaders and members of the community oversaw the reservoir’s grand opening on Tuesday, October 15, which heralded the completion of phase one of the site’s revitalization plan. The nearly $7 million renovation included construction of new fencing, lighting, repaving of pathways and the addition of a handicap-accessible ramp. “This is a historic spot for Queens and more importantly the Ridgewood community,” said Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley. “It’s a natural resource that many didn’t know about because it wasn’t accessible. Now it’s more accessible.” The reservoir, situated near the Brooklyn-Queens border in Highland Park, was used to supply water to Brooklyn starting in the 1850s. Three basins make up the more than 50-acre space, which was officially decommissioned in 1990, according to the Parks Department. The plan to revitalize the reservoir started in a few years ago as a part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative. Representatives from the Department of Parks and Recreation presented three concepts of a master plan for the reservoir at a public meeting hosted by the Park Services Committee of Community Board (CB) 5 on June 27. The presentation showed dramatic changes to the reservoir to allow more people to enjoy the green space. In the first concept plan presented, the public will only have access to the third basin, while the other basins will be locked and opened only for maintenance. There will be stone paths weaved through basin three and the gatehouse between basins one and two will be restored and turned into a ranger station. There will also The view of the reservoir’s second basin from a newly paved pathway. be viewing platforms around basin two, where a large pool of water currently sits. The second plan includes all modifications from the first, but adds access to the first basin. A rock climbing wall and a meadow area will be placed in basin three, a boardwalk in basin one and a boat dock in the second basin. The final concept features the most access. This plan will contain all the mark-ups of the first two plans, plus baseball fields, a comfort station and a waterworks-themed adventure playground in the third basin. Despite the ideas to renovate the reservoir, many people in community are opposed to a complete THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre transformation of the site. “What we see as wetland portions, we’d like them to be preserved that way,” said Vincent Arcuri Jr., chair of Community Board 5. There is no money allocated to the master plan as yet and current ideas have to be reviewed and presented to the community board again. st of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law DEVIL’S ADVOCATE Q: As I was exiting the subway car, at the last stop in Manhattan, the conductor closed the doors on my ankle. A: It’s your word against his. Most likely, the conductor will testify that he invariably followed the correct procedures as to closing the doors: wait for a specified time, make an announcement to stand clear of the closing doors, and only then close them. Doubtless, the attorney for the transit authority will grill you without mercy. “Where were you coming from? Where were you going to? Was something on your mind?” The attorney will attempt to show that your ankle got caught because you were not paying attention and jumped off the train at the very last minute. “Normally the doors will close on the upper part of the body. His leg was caught between the doors because he jetted out of the subway car at the last moment. He had reason to be in a hurry and could not afford to miss the last subway stop in Manhattan. The plaintiff’s haste at the last moment, not the conductor’s negligence, caused these injuries.” Eventually, the court will instruct the jury, in words or substance, “In deciding how much weight you choose to give to the testimony of any particular witness. The tests used in your everyday affairs to decide reliability or unreliability of statements made to you by others are the tests you will apply in your deliberations. You bring with you to this courtroom all of the experience and background of your lives.” Your lawyer can never merely accept your story at face value. Tell your attorney the whole truth; leave nothing out. Afterwards, expect that – in evaluating your case and trying to help you – he or she may need to play devil’s advocate. Advertorial The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel.This article shall not be construed as legal advice Copyright © 2013 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 718-738-9800, 914-337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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