TIMES, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 • 24 WRBA Annoyed With Neighborhood Eyesore That Won’t Go Away elevated J/Z subway line, Housing and Preservation Development needed permission from the MTA to demolish the building, it was noted. This was granted, but a judge again delayed the razing after the building’s owner sued the city. The senior center was forced to relocate, and the ambulance corps is now struggling to survive, some members noted. Though the ambulance corps has secured a pro bono attorney to represent them in court, “they still have to pay taxes and they still have to pay insurance,” and are fighting to remain solvent, according to former WRBA president Ed Wendell. “But they have no money coming in. I don’t know how long they can hang on,” he said. Wendell announced that a spaghetti dinner will be held next month to raise funds to support the the ambulance corps. “They’ve got legal fees that they have to pay to stay alive,” he said. “They’re in limbo.” State Sen. Joe Addabbo has penned a letter to Pineda-Kirwan urging that a timely resolution be brought about. At Saturday’s meeting, an aide to Addabbo, Neil Giannelli, read it aloud to attendees. In the letter, Addabbo asks the judge to allow the city to “proceed with the demolition of said building for the betterment of the Woodhaven Ridgewood Rezoning Agreement Provides Over 40 Affordable Apartments narrow scope, making it difficult to be creative in our efforts to maximize the benefits and resources available to our communities,” Reynoso said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “There is a mandate set forth by the 34th District to build affordable housing. Any project that runs through a ULURP (uniform land use review) process will need to meet demands of real affordability, and I’m pleased we were able to achieve that here.” To accomplish this plan, Reynoso explained, Slate Property Group will file a follow-up application to expand the structure’s density. It would also seek inclusionary zoning to make 20 percent of the apartments permanently affordable. Earlier this year, developers pitched the rezoning proposal and accompanying construction plan for 176 Woodward Ave. to Community Board 5 and its Land Use Committee. At meetings held in the spring, many expressed concerns that the apartments would be unaffordable for most local residents in one of the most popular real estate markets in the city. Rachel Namuche of the Ridgewood Tenants Union, an organization formed this year among those concerned about rent spikes, told the Times Newsweekly on Tuesday she was pleased with the arrangement. “It’s a better agreement than what was originally proposed,” she said. “Thankfully, Reynoso really fought hard for affordability.” Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano also welcomed the news, stating the affordable rents would be a great opportunity for working class residents to stay in Ridgewood. “For a lot of people, rent is very high in New York City,” he told this paper. “It could be a godsend for those people who get that opportunity and would otherwise have a hard time affording market rent.” According to Reynoso, Ridgewood’s AMI is currently $51,000 for a household of 2.9 people. The 88 apartments proposed for 176 Woodward Ave. will be an unspecified mix of studio, onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The affordable housing breakdown is as follows: • six units will be reserved for those making up to 40 percent of the area AMI (between $23,000 and $33,000); • six units will go to individuals and families making up to 50 percent of the area AMI (between $29,000 and $42,000); • ten units will be provided to those making up to 60 percent AMI (between $35,000 and $50,000); • six units will go to households making up to 100 percent of the AMI (up to $83,000); and • seventeen units will be reserved for those making up to 125 percent of AMI (between $72,000 and -CONTINUED FROM PG. 1- community and its residents ... In my opinion, Mr. Kochabe has directly negatively impacted the health and safety of my constituents in Woodhaven,” he said. “Our elected officials have been backing us on this,” WRBA President Martin Colberg said. Colberg said he sent an email to the Department of Buildings in July, and recently followed up with another message. He also urged more letters from group members. “We’re on it,” Giannelli said. “We’re sending letters and making phone calls.” After the building was damaged, inclement weather brought copious amounts of moisture and water into the ambulance headquarters. Many WRBA members, including Colberg are concerned that if a resolution is not reached by the fall or winter, it will receive further damage. “We’re getting into winter. With every snow, every rain what’s going to happen,” Colberg said. “The damage continues ... every time it rains,” Wendell said. The owner bears much of the responsibility for the collapse, according to WRBA member Vance Barbour. “He took down bearing walls ... and the roof caved in,” and “has a history of not doing what is required of a property owner,” he said. “The guy had 40 something violations before it even collapsed,” Wendell said. He told the Times Newsweekly on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that it’s been 465 days since the roof collapsed, but Kochabe’s lawyer continues to claim it is not a danger to the community. Wendell however believes the damaged building, the forced relocation of the senior center and the negative impacts to the ambulance corps have all damaged the community. “It leaves a hole in the sense that what they provided will no longer be there,” he said of the all-volunteer ambulance corps. Colberg expressed his frustration with the months long process and said, “I think it just shows some of these laws and procedures are out of date.” Crime update P.O. Jose Severino of the 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Unit updated the group on the deception burglary scam which has become prevalent in the area. He explained that crooks “walk around pretending to be from a utility company,” to gain entry into a house, Severino said. Phony workers will knock on doors in neighborhoods while dressed like service workers, and “they prey on the elderly,” he said. Severino advised residents to always ask for identification before letting anyone inside their home or answering any questions, and that all city and state employees must have -CONTINUED FROM PG. 1- P.O. Jose Severino of the 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Unit came to the Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting Saturday, Aug. 16 to alert the group to prevalent crime issues in the area. (photo: Noah Zuss) proper identification. “So don’t be conned, question people,” he said. He also touched on the importance of keeping aware while walking to avoid injury and emphasized the importance of street safety. “A lot of people walking, crossing the street have their heads down in their phone,” he said. “Sometimes the pedestrian is at fault too.” The next scheduled meeting of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 118, located at 89-02 91st St., in Woodhaven. A rendering of the four-story, mixed-use building to be constructed at 176 Woodward Ave. in Ridgewood. $105,000). It was not disclosed as to how many of each type of apartment would be designated as affordable housing. The remaining 43 apartments will be made available at market rate. Before ultimately approving the rezoning proposal and development, Board 5 members also expressed concerns over the loss of manufacturing space in the community. As part of the agreement, Reynoso and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz also worked to reclassify the building’s commercial space under C2-3 zoning, opening the door for light industries such as 3-D printing, plumbing or electrical contractors and raw material suppliers for metal workers or artists. “This type of commercial use will not disrupt the character of the surrounding industrial zone,” Reynoso added. Finally, the development includes 3,000 sq. ft. of community space that will be made available to local artists and community groups for just $10 per year. Reportedly, the developer— in consultation with Reynoso—will select those who will use the space. The rezoning will take effect if and when the full City Council passes it. If You See Breaking News On Your Block... Contact The Times Newsweekly Call 1-718-821-7500 • Email [email protected]
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