TIMES, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014 • 12 ‘BIG DECISION’ LOOMS IN F.H. Civic Group Debates QueensWay Proposal by Kelly Marie Mancuso The controversial QueensWay plan sparked a passionate debate during the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association (FHCCA) meeting last Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the American Legion Continental Post 1424. “This is the biggest public relations battle that I have seen in Queens,” declared Community Board 6 Chairperson Joseph Hennessy. Residents and board members clashed over the plans to create a park similar to Manhattan’s High Line along the long defunct Rockaway Beach rail line, which spans from Rego Park in the north to South Ozone Park. FHCCA President Barbara Stuchinski moderated the debate among residents and group members while presenting new information on the proposed project. “The QueensWay plan has the backing of the elected officials of this area and our borough president,” Stuchinski explained, “but the elected officials of the Rockaways are actually not in support of the plan. They would rather see the Long Island Rail Road reactivated there.” Stuchinski unveiled an informational pamphlet and map at the meeting. “Our area is called the Metropolitan Hub,” she stated, referring to the area between Fleet Street and Forest Park. According to the map, the proposed QueensWay park would feature outdoor classrooms, educational planting areas, a temporary farmer’s market, playgrounds, an orchard area, as well as spaces for picnics and barbecues. Despite these promises, many in the community remain skeptical and voiced their apprehension over issues such as funding, security and quality of life concerns. Forest Hills resident and former FHCCA Vice President Claudia Valentino called for indepth public meetings on the matter. “We need to see to it that this is a process of community review,” she stated. “This will have an impact of one kind or another on our neighborhood, as well as the neighborhoods on the entire line.” Valentino voiced concerns over how the proposed QueensWay project will be both paid for and maintained. “They want to make the point that this like the High Line in Manhattan,” she explained, “but it happens to be quite different.” LIC Partnership Award Luncheon Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan attended the Long Island City Partnership Trade Show and Luncheon at the Astoria World Manor held on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Along with State Sen. Michael Gianaris, she introduced the keynote speaker, Kenneth Adams, New York State commissioner of the Empire State Development. “I am happy to always support the Long Island City Partnership” said Nolan. “Congratulations again to K. Thomas Elghanayan, Frederick Elghanayan and Joseph Conley for being this year’s honorees.” Nolan is pictured with (from left to right) Community Board 2 Chairperson Joseph Conley; Adams; President of the Long Island City Partnership Elizabeth Lusskin; Silvercup Studios and Long Island City Partnership Board Member Gary Kesner; and Con Edison Director of Public Affairs Carol Conslato. -SEE FHCCA ON PG. 53- GOT A TOOTHACHE? Need it fixed fast at your convenience? Want quality work at an affordable price? Want clean and sterilized instruments...guaranteed? THEN YOU WANT... Dr. Santa LoCascio ©Times Newsweekly - 2014- DR.^LOCASCIO Try Our New Plan Complete Cleaning Package $9900 (Including X-Rays & Exams) Any Filling, Extraction Or Emergency Visit $9900 We Also Accept Most Insurances. Providing Dental Care For The Entire Family For Over 20 Years Dr. Santa LoCascio D.D.S., P.C. 70-16 Fresh Pond Rd.,Ridgewood, NY 1-718-628-6588 Like Us On Facebook
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