WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES FEBRUARY 6, 2020 7
they await results of legal challenges
— which is why we participate in public
meetings and solicit feedback, including
for this site and community
— but protesting a job fair for folks in
need is a profoundly disappointing
new low. We remain focused on empowering,
not stigmatizing, those we
serve, and will continue to provide
shelter and employment services to
hard-working New Yorkers experiencing
homelessness from Queens to
help them get back on their feet.”
Meanwhile, GMVC has filed two
legal appeals against the proposal
based on its zoning and construction,
according to member Kathy Masi,
who said that the coalition filed a
legal appeal alleging that the city
failed to follow proper procedures in
doing construction on the building.
They also have filed objections
with the Department of Buildings,
that housing 200 people inside the
building would exceed its zoning
requirements. The group is still
waiting on a denial letter from the
DOB after applying last year, and
followed up by filing again more
recently with a different attorney.
Masi said that she has been encouraged
by a recent judge’s ruling on a
homeless shelter down in Rockaway
Park, which was stopped in its tracks
after a state Supreme Court justice
issued a temporary restraining order
halting all construction work at
the facility.
Torey Schnupp, an opponent of the
Rockaway shelter came to the rally to
encourage both communities to unite
over their fi ght against the city.
“All these communities have to
stick together fighting the DHS and
the mayor and what this city wants
to dish on us,” Schnupp said.
Both Councilman Robert Holden
and state Senator Joe Addabbo attended
the rally in order to assure
the angry residents that they would
keep up the political pressure on the
city.
In addition to those two electeds,
Jenifer Rajkumar — a candidate
challenging Assemblyman Mike
Miller — showed up to the protest
and appealed to the the Glendalers
who make up the northern part of
Assembly District 38.
“We need strong leadership that
stands up for our community in the
face of inappropriate development
like this right here,” said Rajkumar
addressing the crowd. “It will drive
down property values. It’s not good
for this community.”
Assemblyman Miller has also
previously stated his opposition to
the proposal.
/WWW.QNS.COM
