2 times • JUNE 23, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com Glendale steamed over one-way change BY ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@ridgewoodtimes.com @A_GiudiceReport Some Glendale residents are hoping for a reversal of fortune on their block. Earlier this month, the city Department of Transportation (DOT) changed the flow of traffic on 81st Street between 80th Street and 78th Avenue — from a northbound flow to a southbound flow — to the chagrin of the residents of the block who claim the change has been nothing but a hassle for them. Residents are complaining that the new traffic flow restricts them from getting to their houses on 81st Street from the south, restricts access to driveways, and that motorists are not stopping at the newly installed two-way stop sign. “It’s just a hassle in general. I have to go literally four blocks out of the way just to get on the block to park my car,” said Rodney Otero, resident of 81st Street. “It becomes a hassle in the morning at the 78th Avenue and 81st Street intersection with the Q29 bus as well.” The residents of 81st Street and the surrounding area created a petition requesting that the DOT change the flow of traffic back to its original orientation. The petition has gained around 50 signatures. “This change in traffic direction has created nothing but havoc on the block. The stop signs that were warranted on 77th Avenue haven’t helped,” Joann Hartnerr, resident of 81st Street, told the Community Board 5 (CB 5) Transportation and Public Transit committees at their joint meeting on Tuesday, June 21. “You can’t get out of the street in the morning between the bus and the oncoming traffic coming off 80th Street … it’s out of control.” The traffic reversal was part of a safety plan for the area after years of complaints about a lack of appropriate crosswalks in the area, blocked line-of-sight issues and speeding cars. The DOT also installed two new crosswalks and added a two-way stop sign. In a show of support for the community and their concerns, the full board of CB 5 voted earlier this month 29-3 in favor of a resolution requesting that the DOT reinstate the original flow of traffic along the roadway. Members of the committees said that they would follow up with DOT regarding the direction of traffic as well as the proposed curb bump-outs that were originally presented as part of the safety plan. A representative from DOT said that all of the implemented safety improvements at the intersection were made possible due to the reversal of the traffic flow on 81st Street, and they will continue to monitor the location. RIDGEWOOD TIMES/Photo by Anthony Giudice The new “Do Not Enter” sign on 81st Street at 78th Avenue in Glendale. Would-be rapist slashes woman’s throat in Bushwick Burglars are targeting vans and gym lockers in Ridgewood, Glendale, Maspeth and Middle Village By Suzane Monteverdi editorial@ridgewoodtimes.com @RidgewoodTimes Money-hungry thieves are targeting commercial vans and gym lockers in their search for valuable items, the commanding officer of the 104th Precinct told residents in Middle Village on June 21. Captain Mark Wachter addressed residents at the 104th Precinct Community Council meeting. While he reported an overall decrease in residential burglaries, Wachter said the command saw a spike in vehicle break-ins, specifically with goods being stolen from work vans. “If a van gets broken into, and it has tools or equipment that you use for a business, it’s classified as a burglary. That’s just how the law is written,” specified Wachter. In the last three months, there were 19 incidents of work vans being broken into within the precinct. Wachter noted that perpetrators have targeted both vans marked with names of businesses, as well as plain white, unmarked vans. Popular stolen items include a variety of plumbing and construction tools. “We’re actively investigating that. And it’s all over the command. It’s not one neighborhood in particular where this is happening,” Wachter said. “We’re working on some leads as we speak.” Wachter also cautioned residents to be extra careful when placing their valuables in a locker at any local gym. He said that multiple incidents have been reported over the last few months at various local gyms, including the Planet Fitness on Wyckoff Avenue in Ridgewood. “If you go to the gym, lock your property with a very good combination lock,” Wachter warned. He further advised residents not to use any of the lockers, adding that, “I would put my driver’s license, my credit card, my cash in a little plastic bag. Stick it in your socks, stick it in your shorts — it’s the safest way.” BY ROBERT POZARYCKI rpozarycki@ridgewoodtimes.com @robbpoz The NYPD released a video late in the night of June 19 of a man who slashed a woman’s throat on a Bushwick street while attempting to rape her earlier that morning. According to authorities, the incident occurred at 5 a.m. in the vicinity of Wyckoff Avenue and Starr Street, where the suspect approached a 25-year-old woman from behind, placed a sharp object at her throat and told her to bend over. Police said the victim screamed for help and got into a brief physical struggle with the perpetrator, who slashed her across the neck with the sharp object. The victim managed to get away from the suspect and ran to a nearby store for shelter; the attacker fled the scene. Officers from the 83rd Precinct and EMS units responded to the location. Paramedics brought the victim to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition and treated for a 4-inch laceration to her neck. Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male between 20 and 30 years of age, standing between 5 foot 6 and 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighing between 170 to 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black and red baseball cap, a black long-sleeved shirt and dark-colored pants. Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800- 577-TIPS, visit their website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
RT06232016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above