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QC12082016

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com DECEMBER 8, 2016 • THE QUEENS COURIER 3 Despite progress, Bayside residents still have concerns over new school at Keil Brothers site NEWS BRIEFS BY SUZANNE MONTEVERDI smonteverdi@qns.com @smont76 The construction of a new school in Bayside is running on schedule, but the community still has concerns about the project. Michael Mirisola, a representative from the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA), attended Monday’s Community Board 11 meeting to update attendees on the construction progress of P.S. 332Q at 210-07 48th Ave. The school will open in September 2017 in time for the new school year, he said. “We’re on schedule,” Mirisola said. “It’s moving along very well.” The four-story, 468-seat elementary school being built on the former site of Keil Brothers Garden Center and Nursery has been a source of tension for the community over the last few years. In July 2013, residents and politicians held a rally at the site protesting the proposal, claiming the community was not involved in the department’s decision to place a school there and cited parking and traffi c concerns. Despite protests, construction began in the summer of last year. Despite attempts by Mirisola to reassure attendees, residents strongly voiced concerns about the new school. “Why wasn’t the community shown renderings of the building before it was built, or told about the size it was going to be?” board member Henry Euler asked. Mirisola responded he did not hold his position at that time and could not provide an answer. Attendees also raised concerns about whether the job would in fact be done by September 2017. “This job is awarded a certain amount of money,” Mirisola said. “The contractor has an obligation to get the job done and get kids in that building in September 2017.” Concerns were also raised about traffi c impact, property values and whether the building fi ts in with the character of the neighborhood. “There are houses now I would think are unsellable sic because the school is in their backyards,” one board member said. “There’s no such thing as a perfect space,” Mirisola said. “There is no such thing as a perfect school … We have to make allowances; we have to make exceptions.” “Those renderings: they’re wonderful. The school is magnifi cent,” board member Ocelia Claro said. “It just does not fi t in this neighborhood. It does not fi t at that site.” Claro’s statement received applause. P.S. 332 will serve students in pre-K through fi fth grade. Queensbridge Houses have new roofs More than 6,500 residents living in the Queensbridge Houses now have new weatherresistant roofs thanks to repairs that were part of a $87 million dollar capital investment by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). On Dec. 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye announced the completion of comprehensive roof replacement work months ahead of schedule. The project brings major capital improvements and enhanced quality of life for residents at the Queensbridge Houses. The houses, being North America’s largest housing development, had old roofs prone to leaks that caused mold, which greatly damaged the buildings’ interior. With the $87 million invested in these new roofs ensures that the buildings are now weather-resistant, which will decrease the number of leaks and protect the buildings’ infrastructure. Awura Ama Barnie-Duah Raid reveals big drug & cash stash Big bundles of dollar bills and an assortment of illegal drugs were recovered by detectives who raided a St. Albans home last week, police said. The raid occurred at 6 a.m. on Dec. 1 at the home of 38-year-old Nelson Donigan on Brinkerhoff Avenue near Merrick Boulevard. Law enforcement sources said on Dec. 2 that the raid that the 113th Precinct conducted was the result of an ongoing investigation. Detectives found more than $41,000 in cash; various quantities of heroin, marijuana and cocaine; drug paraphernalia; a loaded, .40-caliber Taurus fi rearm; and a bulletproof vest. Donigan, who was taken into custody at the scene, was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a fi rearm. Robert Pozarycki Jackson Heights woman hoarded 67 cats A Jackson Heights woman was indicated on counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and additional 132 related charges after investigators found dozens of neglected cats and dogs in her home earlier this year. According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, Elizabeth Grant, 48, of 82nd Street kept the animals locked up in her home where veterinary professionals found them suffering from a variety of health problems. Cops found the animals during a January wellness check. The animals suffered malnutrition, respiratory infections and many other painful conditions. At least one dog had to be euthanized. Grant was charged with four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 66 counts of overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal and 66 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. Angela Matua Photo provided by the New York City School Construction Authority A photo of construction progress at the site presented by a representative from the New York City School Construction Authority at a meeting in Bayside on Dec. 5. Rendering of P.S. 332 Michael Mirisola speaking at the Community Board 11 meeting


QC12082016
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