6 The Courier sun • SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com 104TH PRECINCT BOSS TALKS DERELICT CARS, CRIME AT JUNIPER PARK CIVIC MEETING The Rockaway Theatre Company, Inc. In partnership with N.P.S. Gateway National Recreation Area proudly presents : Directed by Peggy Page Press 6 Shows Only October 2, 3, 9 & 10 @ 8:00PM October 4 & 11 @ 2:00PM For best seats call RTC Hotline at 718-374-6400 Or visit our website: www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org *All performances are given at the historic Post Theater- Ft. Tilden, Breezy Pt, NY This program is supported, in part, by public funds from N.Y.C. Department of Cultural Affairs and The New York City Council ADULTS- $15.00 SENIORS/CHILDREN-$12.00 Call Now & End Your Tax Nightmare! • Owe the IRS more than $10,000? • Being Audited? • Unfi led Tax Returns? • Wage & Bank Levies? Co-Author of the best selling book “Breaking the Tax Code” (T) 877-TAX-1040 (F) 718-894-4476 Salvatore P. Candela, EA, ATA, ABA Enrolled Agent - Tax Advisor scandela@thetaxadvocategroup.com www.thetaxadvocategroup.com BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO editorial@queenscourier.com @KellyMMancuso Civic leaders, elected officials and local law enforcement were on hand to discuss quality-of-life issues plaguing the area during last week’s Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) meeting held on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village. One of the larger concerns involved the presence of derelict or nonworking vehicles on the streets of Middle Village and Maspeth. Capt. Mark Wachter, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, explained that he and his team recently carried out a “major blitz” against American Auto Body and Recovery, located at 60-05 Flushing Ave., near 59th Street, in Maspeth. According to Wachter, 15 vehicles were towed from the surrounding streets on May 29. Wachter then partnered with Capt. Gregory Mackie, the precinct’s executive officer, in Operation Clean Sweep to tow an additional 22 vehicles within an hour from the auto shop on Aug. 26. In addition to the massive towing operation, Wachter explained that the Department of Consumer Affairs revoked the repair shop’s tow license. “We’ve received numerous community complaints,” Wachter explained. “We went in with full force and cleaned up the area.” In an open Q&A session, many residents expressed similar concerns about the loss of street parking to derelict automobiles. One resident observed such conditions on 61st Road in Middle Village between 67th and 68th streets, while another pointed to 69th Road as a problematic area. Wachter said that 17 derelict vehicles have been towed throughout Middle Village in recent months. He indicated the process begins with the placing of letters or notices on vehicles, as well as chalk marks on tires, by the NYPD. If the vehicle has not moved within the next seven days, the NYPD will then return to tow it away. Residents also voiced concerns over the abundance of massage parlors and suspected prostitution within many of the establishments. The captain assured residents that the precinct is tracking and arresting violators. “We’re tackling it,” Wachter explained. “We definitely have our eyes on the problem.” Drug use is another major issue plaguing the area. According to Wachter, a total of about 16 narcotics arrests were made in and around Middle Village in recent months. The captain credits tips from the community with being able to make these busts. “We still have active investigations going on in the Middle Village area for drug sales,” he explained. JPCA President Robert Holden joined members and the precinct in honoring three officers and two Middle Village residents for their brave efforts in apprehending four suspected car thieves on Aug. 19. Photo by Kelly Marie Mancuso (l to r) Resident Brian McGoldrick , Officer Jonathan Ku, Captain Mark Wachter, Officer Onur Cumur and Officer Radoslaw Zbikowski were honored by JPCA President Robert Holden for their arrest of car thieves in Middle Village in August.
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