TIMES, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014 • 10 WDHVN. BUDGET VISION With Million To Spend, Civic Provides Some Improvement Ideas by Kelly Marie Mancuso Woodhaven residents and elected officials gathered for a participatory budgeting brainstorming session at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) Town Hall meeting held last Saturday, Nov. 15, at the American Legion Post 118. Gregory Mitchell, City Council Member Eric Ulrich’s legislative and budget director, conducted the first of many brainstorming sessions within the district. This is the second consecutive year Ulrich is bringing the participatory budgeting process to Woodhaven. According to Mitchell, the legislator allocated $1 million in discretionary capital funding to the district for use in capital projects of the constituents’ choosing. In order to be eligible, a suggested project must meet certain criteria. It must cost at least $35,000, last for about five years and must be a tangible endeavor. “It has to be a physical, bricks and mortar construction project or a physical improvement,” Mitchell stated, “not a community service.” Examples of eligible capital projects include upgrades or renovations to district schools, libraries, parks, playgrounds, roadways, firehouses and the local precinct. Some of the projects from last year’s ballot that have since been voted on and approved include upgrades at Richmond Hill Library, pathways in Forest Park, paving along Woodhaven Boulevard, technology upgrades at local schools and the installation of real-time bus countdown clocks. Most of last year’s approved projects are still in development, and will be implemented around June 2015, at the end of the current fiscal year. “Anything that was not approved of last year can absolutely go back on the ballot for this year,” Mitchell explained. Ballot measures that were not approved last year included upgrades at the 102nd Precinct, new signs for Forest Park’s hiking trails and dog run, renovations to Marco Giovanelli Playground on Park Lane South and adding trees and greenery to Woodhaven Boulevard. After Mitchell explained project criteria, attendees broke -SEE WRBA ON PG. 28- Hoping to make the season bright for disadvantaged children, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association collected a bundle of toys during its holiday drive held at its meeting last Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, at American Legion Post 118. MTA Fare Hike Coming Next Year Detective Earns Award In Ozone Pk. by Noah Zuss After developers struck a deal with the city to use union labor and increase the number of affordable units to 27 percent at the proposed Astoria Cove apartment complex, the City Council Land Use Committee approved the project last Wednesday, Nov. 12. City Council Member Costa Constantinides and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz the agreement with Alma Realty, but some housing advocates were critical that 468 out of 1,700 units is not enough to be reserved affordable. Reportedly, Constantinides called the deal “historic” after it was announced. “We’ve changed the way development happens,” he said, Alma Realty plans to build the luxury project––which the developer says will include shopping and a new school––at Hallets Cove on the northwest Queens waterfront. “The modified Astoria Cove proposal is consistent with For making a number of notable arrests this year, Det. Nathanial Tauber of the 106th Precinct Detective Squad received Cop of the Month honors during the 106th Precinct Community Council meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Ozone Park stationhouse. Tauber reportedly assisted the NYPD in obtaining 17 search warrants and making 35 arrests. The detective (center) received a plaque donated by the Times Newsweekly presented by Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff (at far right), the 106th Precinct commanding officer, and Frank Dardani (second from right), the precinct council president. Also pictured at the award presentation are (from left to right) Lt. Frank DiPreta, the 106th Precinct special operations coordinator, and Capt. John Ganley, the precinct’s executive officer. (photo: Ron Sinacori) Queens’ commitment to responsible development and is now closer to par with many of our chief concerns, namely housing, transit options and skilled labor,” Katz wrote last week. “Once built, this project will become a landmark accomplishment that we can be proud of here in the Borough of Queens.” However, some housing advocacy groups remain critical of the plan. At 20 percent reserved affordable units, Katz had disapproved of the project as well. She previously recommended the original project be turned down because of issues with -SEE COVE ON PG. 53- Dec. Public Meetings To Consider Proposals by Robert Pozarycki The long-rumored MTA fare and toll hike of 2015 appears to be one step closer to becoming a reality. In a formal announcement on increases are as low as possible, Monday, Nov. 17, the MTA stated and these options are designed to it will increase fares and tolls by minimize their impact on our four percent come March 2015. customers,” MTA Chairman and Several proposals on how it will CEO Thomas W. Prendergast be implemented were presented said in a press release. “We have for consideration, and the MTA cut more than $1 billion from our will formally adopt a plan in ongoing expenses, but a modest January. fare and toll increase is necessary “The MTA is keeping its to balance our budget against the promise to ensure fare and toll increased costs of providing the bus, subway, railroad and paratransit service that is the backbone of the region’s mobility and economic growth.” Regardless of the two fare increase proposals for MTA New York City Transit subway and bus lines, all Unlimited MetroCard users will likely pay more come January. Prices for 30-day cards -SEE FARES ON PG. 27- Affordable Housing Deal For Cove Plan Critics Say It’s Not Enough
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