6 The Courier sun • october 31, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Knocked down, but not out BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com The Knockdown Center is not backing down. The Department of Buildings (DOB) recently reviewed and disapproved the center’s plan for a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (PA) on October 24, but Knockdown’s manager said they will tweak their proposal until it meets regulations. The PA is required for a site that seeks to have 75 or more people gathered indoors or more than 200 outside. “We are committed to ensuring we have the optimal building plan from the DOB perspective, and have found the plan reviews very helpful, and believe that our plans will be approved soon,” said Tyler Myers, the center’s manager. The Knockdown Center, a former glass and door factory turned arts hall, has hosted everything from weddings, Tiki Disco parties and even a mini-golf art exhibition, since last year. The center became a hot controversial community issue after a representative announced they were considering applying for a license from the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to serve alcohol at future events at the 52-19 Flushing Avenue site. At the Community Board 5 October meeting, the Land Use Committee rejected granting a liquor license for the center, although Knockdown could still make a case to the SLA for the license. Residents and politicians in the community are split on the center, some feeling that it could bring jobs and is a good use of the more than century-year old building. Others believe it will create a club environment in a neighborhood where many residents live. “There is some evidence of people being carried out, a lot of evidence of people partying and loud music, and there is evidence of love making right in the open,” said Bob Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association. “We’re concerned that it will lower the quality of life.” Photo courtesy of Knockdown Center/ Ariana Page Russell The Knockdown Center is still standing although residents and politicians have been rallying to bring it down. “The Original” Adrian & Rocky’s Catering Presents a Thanksgiving Day Feast “Free Delivery on Thanksgiving Day” “Just Heat and Eat” ANTIPASTO SUPREME Choice of: Penne a la Vodka or Lasagna 5-7 PEOPLE PACKAGING INCLUDES: Antipasto Whole Turkey (14lbs. With Gravy) Stuffi ng with or without Meat Choice: Candied Yams – Mashed Potatoes – Sweet Potatoes Peas, Carrots & Mushrooms or French Bean Almondine Garden Salad Cranberry Sauce & Dinner Rolls $179.00 (Plus tax & gratuities) Have A Happy & Safe Thanksgiving from Adrian’s Delivered To Your Home (Within the 5 Boroughs & Nassau Country) Call: 718-845-5525 Fax: 718-845-5643 132-08 Cross Bay Blvd., Ozone Park, NY 11417 www.adrianscaterers.com All major Credit Cards Accepted RECESSION SAVER Whole Turkey (18lbs. with Gravy) Stuffi ng with or without Meat Potatoes & Vegetables $149.00 (Plus tax) 18lb. Raw Washed & Seasoned Turkey $60.00 A la Carte: 18lb. Whole Cooked Turkey with Gravy $75.00 Spiral Ham $79.00 Fresh Fruit $49.00 Macaroni & Cheese $35.00 Chicken Fingers $35.00 Stuffed Mushrooms $10.00/Doz. Stuffed Artichoke $6.00/Each Brussel Sprouts $25.00 Eggplant Rollatini $35.00 Pies $10.00/Each Apple, Pumpkin or Coconut Custard Whole Turkey (18 lbs. with Gravy) Stuffi ng with or without Meat Choice of: Candied Yams – Mashed Potatoes – Sweet Potatoes Choice of: Peas, Carrots & Mushrooms or French bean Almondine Gorgonzola Salad w/Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing Cranberry Sauce & Dinner Rolls – (1) Pie $279.00 (Plus tax & gratuities) Carved $15.00 Extra Serves 10 to 14 People Pick-up Only Roasted Sweet Potatoes Roasted Sweet Potatoes Authentic Italian Food From OSTERIA ITALIANA 57-59 61st Street, Maspeth, NY 11378 • 718-894-4391 OSTERIA ITALIANA is proud to announce Chef Michael Zampitelli’s return to Queens Prime Quality Meats Fresh Fish Bought & Served Daily Homemade Pasta & Dessert Children’s Menu Available We Now Serve Whole Wheat Pasta And Gluten Free Pasta FREE DELIVERY • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 12PM - 11PM Jamaica Station celebrates 100 years BY MAGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com The bustling Jamaica Station recently celebrated a century as the transportation hub of southeast Queens. “We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jamaica Station assured that it will continue to play a strategic role in the future of mass transit in our region,” said Thomas Prendergast, MTA Chair and CEO. The station opened in 1913 and today takes in 150,000 daily commuters and is the transfer point for 10 of the LIRR’s 11 branches. Jamaica Station was completely rehabilitated a decade ago, including the addition of the AirTrain terminal. Looking towards the future, the LIRR’s century-old headquarters building on Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard is going to be restored. “We hope, with this restoration, to be here at least another 100 years,” said Helena Williams, LIRR President. The station building is home to the oldest railroad in the country still operating under its original name. In the coming years, the MTA and LIRR are planning more than $300 million in infrastructure improvements as part of the first phase of the Jamaica Capacity Improvements Project. This phase will create a path from the station to Grand Central Terminal and East Midtown for the first time, among other additions. The MTA Police Honor and Color Guard, railroad officials, MTA members, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) and local elected officials joined the 100th anniversary ceremony on October 23. Carlisle Towery, GJDC President, said the station has been “key” to the organization’s efforts to revitalize the downtown Jamaica area.
SC10312013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above