6 The Courier sun • february 28, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Small biz burdened by fines BY TERENCE M. CULLEN tcullen@queenscourier.com Queens small businesses are suffering because of excessive fines from city agencies, while Manhattan is left practically untouched, according to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. Fine revenue from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and Department of Health (DOH) on Queens businesses has risen by $54 million between fiscal years 2002 and 2012, de Blasio said at a Tuesday, February 25 press conference. The public advocate alleged the city had continued to inconsistently fine business in the outer boroughs, particularly Queens, to drive revenue for the city in what he called “shocking, clear patterns.” It was from disproportionate fines on small businesses, he said, that the city had continued to make money as part of budgetary plans. “It’s time to stop balancing the city budget on the backs of small business,” he said. The announcement is part of a push by the public advocate’s office to show the discrepancy between how Manhattan businesses were treated in comparison to other areas of the city. Richmond Hill, where de Blasio delivered his address, was one of the hardest hit areas in the city, he said. Because many of these business owners work long hours, and more than the traditional five days, going to court and fighting fines is nearly impossible for them. Vishnu Mahadeo, president of the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, said the city had consistently picked on the immigrant communities. Andy Jarbandhn, a business owner on Liberty Avenue, said he had gotten hammered with fines from DCA on matters he had never been informed of. Jarbandhn said he had racked up thousands of dollars in fines because of issues he tried to remedy — only to be hit with a follow-up fine. “It seems we’re being led down a dark alley where we have no idea what the rules are,” he said. The data provided by de Blasio’s office shows a major spike in fine revenue beginning with the economic downturn from 2007 to 2008. The public advocate said these “ill-gotten gains” were to balance the city budget at the expense of uninformed business owners. THE COURIER/Photo by Terence M. Cullen Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, flanked by businesses owners in Richmond Hill. CB 5 OK’S FESTIVAL BY MAGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com The annual Fresh Pond Road Street Festival in September has been subject to opposition for decades, and this year is no exception. “It certainly presents its shared difficulties,” said Gary Giordano, district manager of Community Board 5. “It makes things difficult in that area of Ridgewood.” The festival closes down Fresh Pond Road from Woodbine Avenue to Menahan Street and stretches over a four-day period; some days, the fair gates don’t close until midnight. Select community board members see no reason in having it last for as long as it does, or as late. “Most members would prefer that it be just on a Sunday, like the other festivals are,” said Giordano. “It’s a very busy area. Fresh Pond Road is a major north-south artery,” which many residents depend on. Having it closed for so long can affect people during their day-to-day commutes, he noted. Despite the opposition, the Community Board voted for the festival to go on as planned, with 22 for, 14 against and one abstention. The event brings economic benefits to the area, and is very popular when the weather is nice. “With every passing year, there’s less opposition,” admitted Giordano, who also said it is very popular among the neighborhood’s children. This year, residents can attend the festival from September 5 to September 7 from 5 p.m. to midnight, and September 8 from 5 to 10 p.m. OBITUARY Beatrice DiStefano Beatrice DiStefano, beloved mother of Ellen Buonpastore, has passed away. Buonpastore is a member of the Lindenwood Alliance and vice president of the Dorchester Cooperative, as well as a lifeline to the community during Sandy. Arrangements are being handled by the Franklin Funeral Home, with a funeral on Friday, March 1 at 9:30 a.m. at St Catherine of Sienna Church, 22 New Hyde Park Road Franklin Square. Block Watchers: Looking out for Woodhaven BY ADJANI SHAH editorial@queenscourier.com They’re keeping an eye on your street. A representative from the Block Watchers, a citizens’ patrol initiative, informed and trained members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) at the civic group’s February 20 meeting. There are about 70 registered Block Watchers in the Woodhaven community thanks to the meeting. Officer Dion Harris, of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, said the program’s intent is for residents to serve as watchdogs for the police. This includes knowing which situations require a call to 9-1-1, or 3-1-1, observing situations and not getting physically involved in altercations. Harris also taught residents how to identify a perpetrator or a vehicle to better inform police. Another item was how to identify a street, even if signs were not visible. “Think about what you saw, that’s what you will report,” he said. For more info about getting involved in Block Watchers, contact the WRBA at 718- 296-3735. Congrats! Baby Ulrich baptized Congratulations to City Councilmember Eric Ulrich and his wife Yadira Moran-Ulrich on the baptism of their daughter Lily this past weekend. The important rite of passage happened at the Church of The Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Lily was born on October 31, 2012 and the proud dad dubbed her the “the sweetest treat.” Photo Courtesy Michelle Kawka
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