RPOCA Talks Energy Efficiency And Graffiti special “smart power strips” in the living room. Similar to standard surge protectors, he stated, the power strips allow consumers to reduce “phantom power” consumption from electronic devices such as televisions and computer screens. Green Team members will also install special showerheads and aerators on the bathroom and kitchen sinks designed to conserve water while providing proper flow, Parker added. Using these devices, he noted, can save homeowners and tenants hundreds of dollars annually on their electric, gas and water bills. However, team members will leave behind any replaced devices in the event residents are dissatisfied with the new products and want to switch back. Parker offered other money- and energy-saving tips to residents, such as keeping freezers full in order for refrigerators to properly work. This reduces constant reactivation of the compressor and saves energy. Parker also advised residents to replace older air conditioners for new, energy efficient models. Air conditioners installed in windows should be properly sealed to prevent drafts. Former RPOCA President Paul Kerzner suggested homeowners consider installing a ductless air conditioning system which use outdoor compressors that deliver cool air to slim-line interior air conditioners. He noted much of the cost to purchase and install the devices—which run in the tens of thousands of dollars—can be covered through rebates from the federal and state governments and Con Edison. For more information on the Con Edison Green Team, visit www.coned.com/energyefficiency. The war on graffiti The Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation (GRRC) is seeking both financial support and manpower in its ongoing fight to stop graffiti vandalism around the community, according to its executive director. Angela Mirabile stated the nonprofit group began its annual graffiti removal campaign onApr. 1, but it is only in service three days a week. In recent years, it had operated two teams of power washers, but the GRRC was forced to curtail due to funding cuts and equipment breakdowns. “It’s all we can afford,” she said of the current graffiti removal schedule. For a fee to property owners, the GRRC team will power wash spraypainted tags off brick and other building surfaces, as well as off of metal security gates. Mirabile stated the agency cleans up to 200 buildings annually, and returns frequently to remove graffiti from buildings that were previously cleaned. Charles Ober, RPOCA president and a member of the GRRC board, added that the nonprofit works closely with the 104th Precinct to help the command catch graffiti vandals in the act. Many of those convicted of committing vandalism are assigned to the GRRC graffiti removal crew as part of their courtmandated community service. The organization suffered from government funding cuts in recent years but has had some help from local banks and merchants. However, Mirabile noted, the organization depends on community residents to pitch in with whatever they can afford to donate. “It’s not a cheap program to run,” she said, pointing out it costs the GRRC about $250 per building cleaned; property owners are charged a one-time, $75 fee. “We’ll take any amount of money because it’s extremely important,” Mirabile added. “You can see the work that we do. It’s an organization right in your neighborhood, and you can see your money at work.” In addition to graffiti removal, the GRRC offers a host of other programs for local residents including consultation on various real estate matters.Mirabile holds weekly appointments at Community Board 5’s Glendale office to meet with residents and resolve matters from applying for property tax exemptions to resolving outstanding property liens. For more information on the GRRC, call 1-718-366-8721 or visit www.ridgewoodrestoration.org. Looking ahead Ober stated the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is scheduled to attend RPOCA’s June meeting to speak about a toilet replacement program, in which landlords of buildings with four or more units would be provided rebates to install high-efficiency toilets in each apartment. The next Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center, located on 70th Avenue off Forest Avenue. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 10- TIMES, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 • 54 Angela Mirabile of the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation (at left) and Lee Parker of Franklin Energy (at right) were guest speakers at last Thursday’s Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association meeting. (photos: Robert Pozarycki) Cuff Woman For Teen Assault P.O. Jared Ock of the 104th Precinct and charged with third-degree assault, sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, aggravated harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. According to court records, Alonzo was arraigned the following day in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Suzanne Melendez, who released her without bail. She is scheduled to return to court on June 11. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 11- Nab Cop For Child Porn Download Pizzeria Owner Pays For Tax Fraud 108th Council Eyes Drag Racing Bust the racing noise and danger for years. “Captain Hennessey is one of the best things that happened to us,” she said. “We made one complaint and bang, every thing was taken care of.” Cop of the Month P.O. Felix Cortez received the Cop of the Month award for arresting a suspect involved in a string of robberies in the area targeting women’s pocketbooks left in their vehicles. On Apr. 20, Hennessy stated, Officer Cortez and his team planted a decoy car with a pocketbook filled with credit cars and waited for the suspect who broke into a different vehicle. Cortez apprehended the man and made the arrest. Officer Cortez spoke briefly on the arrest thanking everyone at the meeting and his fellow officers and said, “That’s our job. That’s what we do.” The commander and Diane Ballek, 108th Precinct Community Council president, presented Cortez with a plaque donated by the Times Newsweekly.O ther news Hennessy warned Sunnyside is not immune to the “Green Dot” scam and it is still at large in Queens. Scammers target seniors and immigrants masquerading as the IRS or Immigration Naturalization Service (INS) claiming the victims owe back taxes or fines. They are then ordered to purchase a Green Dot Card at a local 7-11, CVS or Walgreens, fill it with anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to $5,000 and give the suspects the serial number in order to avoid further consequences. Once the serial number is released, the money is gone. P.O. Eli Gaini of the 108th Precinct Crime Prevention Unit, urged residents to “just hang up” if they receive such a call. He went on to say small businesses are being targeted as well when scammers pose as the utility company threatening a utility shutdown if they do not pay fines. His colleague, P.O. Robert Semler, also warned that more burglaries and robberies tend to happen during warmer weather. Generally, the crooks are looking for small electronic devices. “Be aware of your surroundings,” he said. Also, in the face of a mugging with weapons or force, “Do not fight them ... no money is worth a life.” Crime in the 108th Precinct is down one percent overall in April compared to last year, according to the 108th Precinct’s community newsletter. Felony assaults are up 66.7 percent from last year and grand larceny is up 15 percent. For the week of Apr. 21-27, overall crime was down 21.7 percent. The next 108th Precinct Community Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday night, May 27, at 7 p.m. at Sunnyside Community Services, located at 43- 31 39th St. For more information, call the 108th Precinct Community Affairs Unit at 1-718-784-5141. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 8- Selling A Home Or Car? Renting An Apartment? Let The Times Newsweekly Classified Section Work For You! Call Us At 1-718-821-7500 warrant for the officers home. In executing the search last Monday, police recovered a desktop computer which contained five pornographic videos involving minors. Wu was taken into custody by Sgt. John Kenna of the NYPD Queens District Attorney’s Detective Bureau on seven counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and seven counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child. During an arraignment hearing in Queens Criminal Court last Monday, Judge David Hawkins ordered Wu held on $50,000 bail and to return to court on May 15. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 14- Investigations Division and prosecuted by the office of Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “I commend District Attorney Brown and his team for working with us to prosecute those who attempt to evade taxes,” said Taxation Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox. “This is a perfect example of a merchant flagrantly stealing the public’s money––the type of fraud that cheats honest business owners who play by the rules.” “The sentences should send a clear message that criminal activity that cheats the government and the public out of much needed revenue will not be tolerated,” said added Brown. “New York State depends on the collection of taxes to operate its government.” Each year, New York State businesses collect nearly $25 billion in sales tax from their customers. Businesses transmit the funds to the Tax Department for state programs and distribution to local governments. Taxpayers who believe a business hasn't collected the proper sales tax, or has collected it but failed to remit the funds, can report tax evasion and fraud online at the Tax Department's Website or by calling 1-518-457- 0578. The information is kept confidential. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 10-
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