Cuomo Calls For AirTrain To LGA Would Connect To Subway, LIRR Speaking before a meeting of the Association for a Better New York at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Manhattan, Cuomo proposed constructing an AirTrain connecting LaGuardia’s terminals with the Willets Point stations on the 7 line and the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington branch near Citi Field. “You can’t get to LaGuardia by train today, and that really is inexcusable,” he said, “and that we’re going to change over the next several years.” The governor said the 1 1/2 mile-long line would run along the Grand Central Parkway, minimizing interference with neighborhoods; it would be similar to AirTrain lines that the Port Authority presently operates at John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty airports. “New York is a world-class location, but our airports are outdated and lag behind our competitors,” he said. “For LaGuardia, the main problems are limited public transportation. It’s a bad use of space and very few of what we would now call modern amenities.” Last October, Cuomo announced a design competition to upgrade four airports serving the New York metropolitan area, including Republic Airport in Farmingdale, L.I. and Stewart International Airport in upstate Newburgh. The AirTrain proposal, along with a high-speed ferry system connecting points in Manhattan with a revamped Marine Air Terminal, were two ideas that designers presented to the state for renovating LaGuardia Airport. Other concepts included constructing a modern hotel and business center, people-movers within the terminals and state-ofthe art restaurants and other amenities. Cuomo also touched on other infrastructure ideas during his speech, including keeping up with ridership growth on public transportation systems. According to the governor, ridership on trains and buses is expected to increase by 15 percent over the next 15 years. In response to that projected growth, Cuomo noted, the MTA is adding 900 new subway cars and 1,800 “next generation” buses to its fleet. The authority will also move to expand its communications based train control tracking system, upgrade track signals and expand bus rapid transit within the five WINNING THE WAR ON CRIME 106th Pct. Targeting Larcenies, Car Thefts story and photo by Kelly Marie Mancuso Following another successful crime-fighting year, the 106th Precinct looks to tackle an increase in grand larcenies and auto thefts, the precinct’s commander reported during the 106th Precinct Community Council meeting last Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Ozone Park stationhouse. Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff told residents major crimes dropped 6 percent in 2014; this translates to a reduction of nearly 100 major crime incidents. According to Schiff, this marks the first time the 106th Precinct has “won crime” since 2009. The precinct saw a 17 percent reduction in robbery, a 6 percent drop in assaults and an impressive 28 percent reduction in burglary. The precinct, however, did see an increase in both grand larcenies and stolen vehicles. “Grand larcenies are hurting us,” Schiff explained. The most common forms of grand larceny throughout the precinct are identity theft and auto parts theft. According to Schiff, theft of auto parts such as headlights, airbags and tire rims rose to 20 percent. The precinct saw a recent 18- incident pattern of auto parts theft. According to Schiff, the area surrounding 85th Street in Lindenwood was one of the hardest hit areas. Thieves struck within this area six times, typically targeting late model -SEE 106TH COUN ON PG. 30- TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 • 6 by Robert Pozarycki LaGuardia Airport should have its own AirTrain system, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in a speech outlining his economic agenda for 2015 and beyond. The NYPD seeks the man pictured at right wanted for breaking into a Glendale gym locker last week and later using a stolen credit card at a Bushwick store. Law enforcement sources said the theft occurred at 9 a.m. last Wednesday, Jan. 14, inside Retro Fitness at 65-45 Otto Rd. in Glendale Reportedly, the crook picked the lock of a locker used by a 23-year-old customer and removed a credit card. Hours later, police noted, the crook used the stolen card in making a purchase at Discount Deal, located at 300 Wyckoff Ave. in Bushwick. The larceny was reported to the 104th Precinct. Authorities describe the perpetrator as a male standing 6’-tall and between 20 and 30 years of age. Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. All calls and messages will be kept confidential. For her efforts to stop four robbery suspects, P.O. Jennifer Martinez was presented with the Cop of the Month award during the 106th Precinct Community Council meeting last Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Ozone Park. Martinez is pictured with Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff (at left), the precinct’s commanding officer, Frank Dardani (at right), precinct council president, and members of her family. The plaque was donated by the Times Newsweekly. -SEE AIRTRAIN ON PG. 30- Cops Seek Glendale Gym Locker Bandit ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - VILLCASH
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