NYC’s Largest Real Estate Section Ridgewood Times SSeervvinngg QQuueeeenns AAnndd BBrooooklyynn FFoor 110077 YYeeaars THE PARTY’S OVER? Board 5 Urges City To Deny New Permit For Ridgewood Festival Twenty-two of 34 members voted against the Federazione Italo-Americana di Brooklyn and Queens application for the feast that shuts a five-block section of Fresh Pond Road, from Woodbine to Menahan streets, on four straight nights. At previous meetings, area residents complained the festival brought quality-oflife problems including increased traffic, fewer available parking spaces and some rowdy behavior. During the Feb. 11 meeting at Middle Village Christ the King Regional High School, Board 5 Chairperson Vincent Arcuri said the board’s Executive Committee was deadlocked on making a decision about this year’s festival. “We had the most information we’ve ever received from an applicant for any event,” he stated, “but the committee came up with no consensus.” Lifelong Ridgewood resident Margaret Chance reiterated previously voiced concerns over the festival during the board’s public forum. “For the past 20 years, we’ve had negative impact from the Italian festival,” Chance argued. “It’s way too long.” Chance also cited the relocation of bus stops and an excess of traffic and illegally parked cars on streets as major concerns surrounding the festival. The board narrowly recommended last year’s street fair permit, 18-15. Wednesday’s vote marked the first time the board recommended the permit’s denial. Board 5 member Lucy Dolce, who is also a member of the Federazione, made an impassioned plea to the board to approve the festival permit. “We have complied with everything this board wanted and more. We’ve done it all,” Dolce stated. “This is a festival for families. These are four days for a working class community to be able to take their children and enjoy something at a very cheap cost.” Proceeds from the festival benefit the Ridgewood-based nonprofit that provides free services to local senior citizens. According to Dolce, the organization no longer receives city and state funding and uses the proceeds from the festival to offset operating costs. Dolce refuted the charges of police complaints and crime at prior festivals. “There have been no complaints. The police department would not allow us to continue if there were complaints,” she stated. Dolce abstained from the vote due to her membership with the nonprofit. The 22nd Fresh Pond Street Festival is tentatively scheduled to begin on Thursday, Sept. 3, and run until the following Sunday, Sept. 6. The Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) will Community Board 5 voted to recommend denial of a street fair permit for the annual Fresh Pond Road festival in Ridgewood. have the final say on the matter. AMayor’s Office spokesperson told the Times Newsweekly on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the organizers have until five business days to appeal the recommendation. If no appeal is received, the SAPO will go along with the board’s opinion. Should the organizer file the appeal, the SAPO will review its contents and make a final determination. by Kelly Marie Mancuso and Robert Pozarycki After hearing complaints from Ridgewood residents, Community Board 5 recommended lastWednesday night that the city deny a street fair application for this summer’s Fresh Pond Road Street Festival. Not Again! Another Middle Village Bank Heist by Robert Pozarycki Showing his love for stolen cash, a bandit robbed a Middle Village bank on Valentine’s Day morning— the fourth such heist in the neighborhood since last November, authorities said. According to law enforcement sources, the crook— described as a black male wearing a green hooded jacket—walked into the Capital One bank at 74-11 Metropolitan Ave. at 10:54 a.m. Saturday morning, approached a teller and demanded cash. Reportedly, the employee handed over an undetermined amount of cash to the suspect, who fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. Law enforcement sources stated that the suspect allegedly held up the Astoria Bank at 75-25 Metropolitan Ave.—just a few steps from the Capital One branch—on Dec. 30 and Feb. 4. Police believe the same crook robbed the same Capital TO USPPS:: MMAAIILIINNGG LAABBEEL GGOEES HHEERREE TN/RT 021915 One in Middle Village on Nov. 24 and a Capital One branch on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood on Dec. 9. In the previous capers, it was reported, the crook passed demand notes to tellers. The NYPD Major Case Squad is investigating the robbery pattern. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers websit, www.nypdcrimestoppers.com., or can text their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential. The suspect behind last Saturday’s robbery of a Capital One bank in Middle Village. 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