At a packed community council meeting on Tuesday, deputy inspector Paul Vorbeck of the 114th Precinct and his colleagues briefed the community on steps taken to curb the growth of crime in the area. Revealing the year-to-date crime figures, Vorbeck stated that overall crime in the area was down less than one percent, while rape was down 30 percent. Grand larceny had dipped 17 percent, but he noted that there was an increase in burglaries — which had spiked to 32 percent.

Vorbeck told residents not to be alarmed by the statistic and reassured them that having more police on the Astoria beat would help curb the rise in burglaries. He also cautioned residents to be aware of their surroundings, not to leave their rear entrances unlocked, and to report any suspicious activities in their area.

Citing success capturing suspects in connection with recent incidents, Vorbeck reported that Jesus Fernandez, a 23-year-old suspect who attacked an 81-year-old grand father on 47th Street and Broadway to steal his car, was apprehended by the police. Fernandez, allegedly robbed Mayer Behmoiras just outside the door of the fifth-floor apartment, viciously beating the man and fracturing his skull. Behmoiras was admitted to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center at Mount Sinai Hospital and was reportedly unable to walk.

In another case, a livery cab driver was murdered by two other men in Long Island City. Suspects Gregory Johnson, 32, and Auther Latten, 22, were charged with murder. “They thought they could just get away with the crime,” Vorbeck said.

For residents in Norwood Gardens, who saw a rash of car break-ins and stolen GPSs, there was some good news too, as the man suspected of stealing the instruments had also been nabbed. Gary Yergarian, 29, was charged with a felony and several misdemeanors for stealing GPS units from two vehicles.

The police, however, are still seeking the public’s assistance in finding two suspects wanted for robbing a Dunkin Donuts located at 33-26, 21st St. on April 22. Both suspects entered the store in sweatshirts, armed with a handgun and demanded money. Vorbeck said anyone with any tips should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or text 27437 (CRIMES) followed by TIP577. All calls are confidential.

For residents around 30th Avenue who have been complaining about the increase in noise and fights in the bars around the area, Vorbeck said their concerns regarding deteriorating quality of life will be addressed. He said that establishments that have been particularly troublesome will be scrutinized further as they renew their liquor licenses.“We can’t have people shooting and fighting in these bars,” he said. “We will review their licenses. We can’t have such establishments in the area.”

The deputy inspector said he had enough officers in his precinct to deal with any crime. Countering Councilman Peter Vallone Jr.’s concern that Albany’s budget cuts would hamstring the local police force, Vorbeck stated he had about 200 cops at the precinct. “Sure, I’ll take more cops if they give them,” but he pointed out that there was no statistical relation between the number of officers on the streets and the amount of crime.  “Many years ago, there were cops in the precinct, but there were more crimes too,” he said.

Police officers from the Transit Authority too, made a brief presentation on subway safety. They urged passengers to be wary of the electronics they use on the subway, “not have their heads buried deep into their phones,” and not to use their iPhones by the subway door, as they risk being snatched by someone outside. The officers also reminded passengers to be wary of other riders and keep an eye out for pick-pockets.

Several residents at the meeting said they were satisfied with the officers’ presentation, saying overall they felt safe living in Astoria. Vinne Marsanico, a resident of 47th Street said while Behmoiras’ assault “shook him up a little,” he felt the area where he lived in was “pretty quiet.” “The 114 does an outstanding job,” he said. There are cops everywhere. You can see them go up and down the street. They respond very quickly.”

That sentiment was echoed by Daniela Mastrogiacomo, a resident of 37th Street who said that while she avoided walking alone at night, Astoria was still a safe place. “Of course, these events make me concerned,” she said. “I don’t want to be on astreet by myself when something happens,” she added.

Agnes and Vincent Maniace, who have lived in Astoria for more 80 years, remarked that while their neighborhood had changed over the years, they felt comfortable in their area. “We have nice neighbors; we have known each other for years,” Agnes Maniace said. “I call and tell a friend if I am out. They keep an eye out on the house for me then.” Commenting on the reported rise in crimes, Vincent Maniace added, “No matter where you go, there will always be break-ins, always be crimes.”

This piece first appeared in Queens Chronicle

A photo composite showing various break-ins over the past few weeks in Astoria (Credit: Donnelly Marks)

Residents of Norwood Gardens in Astoria have been advised to keep a close check on their cars and GPS, after a rash of auto break-ins has made them nervous about leaving anything valuable in their cars.

Residents report that areas around 35th, 36th and 37th streets at 30th Avenue have been the worst affected, with the Norwood Neighborhood Association estimating that there has been at least one break-in per night over the last few weeks.

Residents point out that the crimes spike over the weekends, when an influx of outsiders crowd bars and restaurants in the busy 30th Avenue commercial area.

Pearl Thomas was affected when her boyfriend’s parents’ luxury 2007 Audi was broken into. “You know, it’s embarrassing,” Thomas said. “I’ve lived in Astoria for the last seven years and they’ve [the boyfriend’s parents] visited us before and nothing happened. And now, we move into this area and the car gets broken into,” the 36th Street resident said.

The Audi was parked on 36th Street between 30th and 31st avenues when the incident occurred in the last week of March. Luckily for Thomas, the perpetrators didn’t walk away with too much, except for a beloved CD with a collection of sheet music.

Thomas thinks thieves were probably looking to steal the car’s GPS, but couldn’t get their hands on it, as the instrument is built into this particular model.

However 24-year-old John Wagner wasn’t quite so lucky. The photographer who works in New Jersey had his brand new Toyota Corrola broken into twice this year. “It was the first day of my job,” Wagner said. “I had come back from the weekend and get into the car. I keep a few granola bars in the car and I found they were all strewn on the passenger seat,” he said. This is when he noticed his GPS was gone. The next month, his car was broken into again.

Norwood Neighborhood Association’s Donnelly Marks says while these incidents continue to rattle residents, they don’t get reported enough to police. “People need to call 911,” she said, adding that it normally took the cops 40 minutes to get to the scene as it isn’t a high-priority crime. “People are usually in a hurry because it’s a workday — so it doesn’t get reported,” she added.

The break-ins also go unreported, said Marks, as auto insurance doesn’t normally cover the damage. She estimated that the crime rate in Astoria was higher than reported due to unreported break-ins.

While residents have been urged to be more vocal in reporting the misdemeanor crime, some Norwood residents have taken to protecting other cars from a similar fate. Wagner gathered a few other neighbors to form the 36th Street Crime Fighters, a crew that patrols the streets and puts fliers on cars that look like they might be vulnerable to being broken into repeatedly. Cars with prominent GPS on display get notices first. “If you have any evidence of GPS showing on your dashboard, your car will be broken into,” the fliers warn, urging drivers to take their GPS, holder and charger with them each time they leave the car. “We want [Council member] Peter Vallone Jr. to put up security cameras in the area,” Wagner said.

Vallone has said that while the wait for security cameras may be a long one, residents may add cameras to their private properties. “Nobody should leave GPS or any indication that a GPS exists, in their cars,” Vallone said. “I discussed this issue with Inspector Vorbeck at 114th Precinct and we’re encouraging residents to put up more private cameras, take more care with their GPS and cooperate with the police; and allow them to take fingerprints when the car is broken into.

“Often people are in a hurry to leave for work and they say they can’t wait around.” Vallone added that while the police promised increased patrolling of the area for now, Albany’s budget cuts might prohibit that. When asked who might be behind the break-ins, Vallone said he was skeptical that 30th Avenue revelers had anything to do with the rise in crime, saying people who wanted to enjoy a dinner out weren’t likely to be stealing GPSs.

This piece first appeared in Queens Chronicle

No one comes close to Anthony Bourdain when it comes to calling a spade a spade. Here he is, on a jaunt across Astoria – discovering the authentic Egyptian fare dished out at Kabab Cafe. From goat brains to kidney and balls – this is a compelling reason to stay a carnivore for life. Here’s Bourdain and his buddy Andrew Zimmern on the right way to handle balls–er, goat balls, we presume.

Read more Kabab Cafe reviews here, here and here.

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Julian "Julie" Wager, affectionately known as "Mr.Steinway Street" passed away this month. (Pic Courtesy: Queens Gazette)

Those who knew Julian “Julie” Wager would agree that Frank Sinatra’s classic tune “My Way” reflected perfectly Wager’s life — a life lived on his own terms. Wager, affectionately dubbed “Mr. Steinway Street” for his involvement in the thoroughfare’s evolution, died Jan. 6. He was 80.

Friends describe Wager as tenacious and always willing to take on big challenges.

“He was an exceptional person, with a great can-do attitude,” said Tony Barsamian, editor of the Queens Gazette, where Wager worked for some time. “The greatest lesson he taught me was that nothing is impossible. If there is an obstacle, there is always a way around it. … He was driven by an inner desire to achieve.”

“If you knew Julie, you would have loved him,” said longtime friend and associate George Stamatiades. “If you didn’t know him, you were at war.”

On Friday, an estimated 300 people packed into the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue to bid final farewell to Wager. Many people at the services didn’t know him personally, but they appreciated his contributions in making Astoria what it is today.

The founder of the Queens Festival in 1979, a 30-year member of Community Board 1 and the founder and president of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC), Wager understood the relationship between community and business.
“If the community does not have a viable business district, then the community will die,” said Stamatiades, executive vice president of CALDC. “And if the business community does not have a thriving community, then the business will die. It’s a partnership. And Julie made sure everyone understood that.”

Stamatiades referred to the parking lot on Steinway Street between Broadway and 31st Avenue as a good example of that understanding. He said Wager recognized that for customers to shop on Steinway Street, it was important to have good streets and better parking.

“He intimidated my father,” recalled Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), whose father, Peter Vallone Sr., served on the Council from 1974 through 2001. Wager reportedly called the former councilmember ten minutes after he had been elected.

“Julie took my dad up and down Steinway Street, saying it didn’t need to be repaved, but redone,” said Vallone. “Thanks to Julie’s tenacity, instead of throwing some asphalt, they went three feet down and made a new road.”

Not just new roads, Wager also brought together business establishments in the area under the common umbrella of the CALDC so businessmen would have a stronger voice and better bargaining power against City authorities.

Wager wasn’t all business, though. He was also instrumental in setting up Central Astoria’s waterfront concert series and movie nights.

“The movies on the waterfront was a big hit,” said Marie Tornielli who worked with Wager at the CALDC. “A couple of thousand people showed up when it was set up.” She added that “when he saw a need for something, he went out and got it.”

The Independence Day fireworks at Astoria Park were also something Wager held close.

“The fireworks show — that’s Julie’s baby,” Vallone said. “When we were told by the mayor’s office that it would not happen, Julie politely suggested I try harder. And that’s when it happened.”

Julie did not know the meaning of “no,” said Stamatiades. “He would wear people down till he got what he wanted, and he wanted the best for the community.”

In 2000, Wager was paralyzed by a spinal cord injury, but that did not slow him down. A native of Astoria, he continued to serve the organizations in his community. He was president of his synagogue, Astoria Center of Israel, and worked as advertising director of the Queens Gazette.

In 2008, The Powhatan and Pocahontas Regular Democratic Clubs honored Wager’s tireless efforts for “this, that and what was the other thing.” State Sen. George Onorato recognized Wager’s leadership with a proclamation which joked that Astoria would have to be renamed “Wagerville” if Wager chaired or joined any more boards, committees, clubs and associations.

“You missed out,” said Stamatiades, referring to people who did not have a chance to meet the robust community leader. “But he would have also made you crazy.”

He would have, after all, as Sinatra sang, be doing things his way.

Wager is survived by six daughters and nine grandchildren.

This piece originally appeared in Queens Chronicle

Astoria's L'Incontro has been rated by Zagat as having the best Italian food in NYC. Eat dust, Manhattan!

Eat this, Manhattan!

Astoria restaurant L’Incontro has been rated by Zagat as having the best Italian food in NYC. The restaurant at 21-76 31st St. in Astoria topped the Zagat 2010 NYC Restaurants Survey, which was released in October.

The list includes more than 300 other restaurants in the five boroughs, of which just slightly less than one-third are from Queens, writes yournabe.com

In addition, Woodside’s Sripraphai, at 64-13 39th Ave., was ranked in the survey as the best place for Thai food in the city.

L’incontro and Sriphraphai have both been cited several times in the Michelin Guide as two of the borough’s best places to eat.

Yum! Now, we know where we are eating over the weekend! Have you eaten at these spots? We would love to hear what you ordered and what we should get! Drool alert.

The MTA is getting set to eliminate the Queens bound W train, drawing howls of protest from Astoria residents (Pic Courtesy: The Daily News)

The “W” line that runs from Astoria, Queens, to Manhattan’s South Ferry is the quintessential middle child. It has trouble attracting attention and competes with its three other siblings, the N, Q, and R lines.

The elimination of the “W” line drew howls of protest from local commuters who take the train to and from Astoria, but what about commuters downtown – who take the train from Manhattan to South Ferry?

Kiwi Grady, who commutes from New York University to Whitehall each day, says she could easily take other trains if the “W” doesn’t show up. “As long as the “R” runs I will take that. I can also take the 4 or 5 which are faster but more crowded.”

Grady believes the elimination of the “W” would hit commuters to Queens the hardest. “Down here in Manhattan, you have a lot of options. But for those in the outer boroughs, they’ll be hit hardest”. Fred Willis, who hopped on the “W” at 42^nd Street, agreed. “I don’t think, it makes a big difference downtown,” he said, adding, “it is just a convenient connector.”

The axing of the “W” line is just one of the several service reductions outlined in the MTA’s 2010 budget. The “Z” train and 24 bus routes are also to be canceled, and free student MetroCards will no longer be offered. The cuts are meant to close a $383 million budget gap.

But for commuters on the downtown “W” line, crowds are not a worry. “It is crowded only in rush hour,” said Davawn Cassidy, a package delivery man from Brooklyn who rides the train more than ten times each week. “The R train runs on the same line, and the N is an express – so no worries,” Cassidy smiles and draws his big bag of packages around him in a car that has only two other people in it.

So, will commuters downtown miss the “W” when it is finally guillotined?

“I missed it now,” puffed Maria Bido, as she watched the train pull away from the platform.

Read more:

Commuters in LIC/Astoria protest “W” train cuts.

Why the “W” should stay

Traffic problems, noise and trash dropped by party goers annoy Norwood Gardens', Astoria, residents ( Pic courtesy: Donnelly Marks)

For the last couple of months, Norwood Gardens, Astoria resident Helen Carter has been waking up on weekends to find broken liquor bottles in her backyard. Donnelly Marks, another Norwood resident filled an entire bag with trash found on her block even as she walked her dog one Saturday morning.

The long time Astoria residents have been noting with increasing dismay the deteriorating quality of life in the quiet Astoria neighborhood of Norwood Gardens- thanks to a huge influx of bars and drunken visitors on 30th Avenue between 36th and 37th Street.

“People treat the street as their own private trash cans,” said Marks, referring to the bar-goers on 30th Avenue. “They empty their ashtrays on the street, dump trash, and broken bottles. People who come here don’t have any investment in the community,” she said

Over the last two years, Astoria’ 30th Avenue has seen a huge spike in the number of outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. While the neighbors have welcomed the commercial activity in the area, they are annoyed by increasing noise levels in the area and the inconsiderate party-goers.

“They are waking working families at 3 and 4 a.m. with their street brawls,” said Marks, who lives off the busy commercial avenue. “They rev their engines, speed day and night and are destroying our private property, she said, adding a resident’s dog had been run over by a speeding SUV.

During the first six months of the year, noise in Community Board 1, which includes Astoria and parts of Long Island City, sparked more than 3,400 complaints to the city’s 311 line.

Precinct #114 that patrols Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights and Woodside went as far as assigning a task force to monitor holiday revelers over Thanksgiving at 30th Avenue and Steinway.

While two bars were issued summonses over the Holiday, residents are skeptical of the task force’s efficacy in the long run. “The task force is not a band aid that can fix this problem in one weekend,” said Marks.

“It is a complex set of issues,” she said. “We don’t want to be adversarial,” said Marks referring to the business establishments in the area. “But if you are a business owner, you have to be responsible about your patrons,” she said.

“It is a double edged sword,” said Astoria resident Benjamin Duffey, echoing Mark’s sentiment.

“We’re trying to keep Astoria family friendly and business friendly,” he said, emphasizing the residents in the area were not anti-commerce.

Meanwhile, Frank Arcabascio of the 30^th Avenue Area Merchants Association says noise and activity go hand in hand. “I feel for the residents, I really do,” said Arcabascio, who runs a hairdressing salon on 30^th Avenue, “But when you have a busy street, you get trash,” he said. “You have to make an effort to address the issue, sure, but when you have a vibrant street, this is what you get,” he said.

“Sometimes, customers do get noisy,” admitted Athen’s Café manager Jimmy Naula, “they start smoking inside, and then I have to send them outside,” he said, adding once they are out of the restaurant, it is up to the customers to behave themselves. The café is one of the many locations that serve liquor on 30^th Avenue.  Jimmy’s views are echoed by Mike Degnan, who works as a bartender in the area. “When you are a bartender, you can only control the bar,” he said, adding “You can’t control what goes on outside.”

Residents also worry about the number of new liquor licenses being handed out to business establishments on 30th Avenue. “There has been a dramatic increase in the number of establishments that serve liquor,” acknowledged Edwin Negron of the NYPD Community Affairs Unit that handles Precinct 114. There are over 24 establishments in a four block radius that serve alcohol on premises. “There has been increased enforcement on our part,” he said, adding merchants were already approaching the police with requests for permits to operate all night on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“The challenge is to balance this [commercial activity] with the right of homeowners to peace and quiet,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria). “I plan to work with the homeowners and merchants to carve out a balanced solution,” he said.

Precinct 114 has also promised increased vigilance. “We will be patrolling [the streets] more often,” said Officer Negron. “There will be zero tolerance for outdoor consumption and public urination,” he said.

But more than the noisy bars, the lack of parking spaces and the party goers, residents say they are just asking for a little consideration from the revelers even as they mourn the loss of their neighborhood’s character.

“When I came here,” recalls Maloney, “it was called Doctor’s Row, because everybody worked in hospitals and what is now Mt.Sinai, Queens. No matter what the time, people walked around. It was extremely safe then,” she said, adding wistfully “It was such a pretty block.”

Read more here.

This piece originally appeared in Queens Chronicle

Residents rally for safer streets on Astoria's 21st Avenue; a lack of stop signs and traffic lights from 21st St to 28th St make crossing the roads impossible

Astoria residents are hopeful that 2010 rings in not just new tidings but also better traffic safety regulations on 21st Avenue. A seven block stretch on this Avenue, from 21st Street to 28th Street has been the object of much concern over the last two years as rising accidents have made residents nervous for their safety.

A lack of stop signs, speed bumps, or street lights in the area cause traffic to fly by – leaving residents to cross their fingers as they cross the road. They are now hopeful that a recent plea made by Community Board 1 to the Department of Transportation will see a change in status quo.

In 2008, there were 18 accidents in that stretch. 2009 saw 18 car accidents and four deaths – including the fatal accident of 65 year old Konstantinos Stayropoulos. He was killed in November, crossing the street at the intersection of 21st Av and 23rd Street.

Long time Astoria resident, Robert Giunta was a witness. He recalls seeing the elderly Stayropoulos cross the street, only to be hit by an SUV. Mr. Giunta said the detective handling the case told him the driver was not arrested, as Mr. Stayropoulos was “crossing the street at the wrong place.” “What is an elderly person supposed to do,” asked Mr. Giunta, referring to a lack of crosswalks in the seven block stretch. “Is he supposed to go up three blocks or walk down three blocks, just to get across,” he said.

Residents point out that it is not just concern for elderly folks but also children in the area that is pushing them to ask for better traffic calming measures. There are two schools in the area – PS 122 and St. John’s Prep – plus Kid Krazy day care center. “As a mother, you get anxious,” said Kimberly Lancial, an active proponent for better safety measures on 21st Avenue who also has a seven year old son. “There are schools, the day care center and also a lot of Apartments on 21st Avenue.”  She pointed out that in summer, youngsters speed their motorcycles down the Avenue as it presents a clear street for their “crotch rockets.” “Luckily, they haven’t had any fatalities, but this clear stretch is really dangerous,” she said, adding that drivers also use 21st Avenue as a bypass to avoid the traffic of Ditmars Boulevard, effectively rendering it the speed lane of Astoria.

In December, concerned residents and community leaders held a rally for a safer 21st Avenue. Democratic District Leader Costa Constantinides, who helped organize that rally pointed out that the community had warned the Department of Transportation of the unsafe stretch. “Instead of being proactive, the Department of Transportation just waited for something bad to happen,” said Constatinides, referring to the fatalities on the stretch. “Hopefully this time, they realize that there needs to be some traffic calming measures on this stretch.”

Robert Piazza, who is on CB1′s transportation committee said that a petition signed by 400 residents was submitted to the CB and the Department of Transportation. “When we look at the area, you will see there is no place an older person can take his time to cross the road, or someone in a wheelchair, or a lady with a baby,” he said.

While the Department of Transportation considers the CB’s request, Constantinides hopes action will be swift. “It will be a victory for us, if the DoT puts in lights and signs,” he said, adding “I don’t want to look at the next victim’s family and tell them we have failed.”

This piece originally appeared in Queens Chronicle

No need to worry. With the smorgasbord of ethnic communities that make up Queens, you can stay local but shop global — and not break the bank.

From Dragon statuettes and Tibetan artifacts to handmade soap and scents, Queens has unique stores with big ideas and small price tags.

Ticket to India

Holiday shopping at the Butala Emporium, Jackson Heights (Picture: Julie Court)

No need to fork out $1500 on a plane ticket to India. Instead, find your inner peace — and gifts from the subcontinent — in Jackson Heights at Butala Emporium.

Pamper your senses with the natural, musky aroma of incense from India. Boxes of the scented sticks are cheap and make great gifts.

If you’re looking for something more decorative, head down to the basement, where you can find traditional hand-crafted puppets from Rajasthan and wall hangings with cute elephants and camels. The bright blues, reds and yellows will help brighten up any dreary day. Prices start at $15.

Butala Emporium is located at 37-46 74th St., Jackson Heights. (718) 899-5590

Tryst with Tibet
If Indian artifacts don’t calm your quest for inner gift happiness, then Tibet might hold the key to holiday salvation. Jewels of Buddha, neatly tucked away in Astoria, is a treasure trove of pretty jewelry from Tibet, Nepal and India.

The hand-crafted sterling silver drop earrings with colored stones are classics and can be used to add a dash of the Orient to spice up any outfit.

The store also stocks hand-printed tunics and scarves, traditional Buddhist ritual bells, conch shells, prayer beads and felt bags.

Jewels of Buddha is located at 31-90 37th St, Astoria. (646) 784-7875.

Trees and cheese

Hand made wooden toys at the Czech-Slovak store (Pic: Julie Court)

Need some new tree ornaments? Check out the tiny Czech/Slovak gift store on Jackson Avenue near 50th Avenue.

From tiny, hand-crafted wooden angels imported from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, to hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, you’ll find items that are simple and artisanal.

If you feeling really adventurous, you can also make a go of gifting some Czech or Slovak food items, such as Slovak bryndza, or sheep’s milk cheese, which is similar to feta or parenica cheese.

Slovak-Czech Varieties is located at 1059 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. (718) 752-2093.

Kenyan masks at the Nubian Heritage store in Jamaica (Pic: Smriti Rao)

Next stop, Africa
Don’t feel like trudging up all the way to Harlem to shop for something Afro-centric?

Then check out Nubian Heritage of Jamaica.

With traditional scented oils to soothe frayed nerves, organic bath salts and herbs, the smells of Mozambique, Kenya and Liberia hang heavy in the store’s air.

The shop also boasts handmade silver jewelry, earrings and necklaces made of conch shells and Egyptian prints and artifacts.

Owner Chris Best, who is Liberian, imports his goods directly from the continent, stocking up not just on handmade leather pouches from Kenya, but also drums, masks and other African-themed knicknacks from countries as diverse as Mozambique and the Ivory Coast.

For the bookworms, there’s a wide variety of literature exploring the black, African and the Caribbean experiences.

Don’t forget to check out the Voodoo Handook of Cult Secrets (to unhex a spell that has been cast on you).

If the handbook doesn’t do the trick, try out the “Go Away Evil” soap.

Nubian Heritage of Jamaica is located at 155-03 Jamaica Ave. (718) 291-5105.

Feeling low? Here’s some Bamboo
If the recession continues to bog you down, why not try some feng shui to ease those blues?

At Lucky Bamboo Flower Shop on Flushing’s bustling Main Street, pick up gifts the Chinese believe will fetch you love, luck, money or even a job — like the Lucky Bamboo!

The Lucky Bamboo plant is not really a bamboo plant, but a member of the lily family meant to be a symbol of good fortune.

Practitioners of the ancient Chinese science of feng shui believe the bamboo represents the wood element, which influences life energy, growth, vitality and physical energy.

While buying your Lucky Bamboo, keep in mind that the number of stalks you buy has significance: three means happiness and longevity, five means wealth.

Other items at the store include dragon statuettes, representative of fame and career prospects, a collection of Chinese wall art, lucky jade figurines and several laughing Buddhas.

Lucky Bamboo Flower Shop is located at 41-42 Main Street, Flushing. (718) 939-3385.

Happy Holidays!

This piece first appeared in Queens Chronicle

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., left, and residents of Norwood Gardens protest the construction of two new apartment buildings in Astoria. PHOTO BY SMRITI RAO

At first glance, the empty lot at 36-88 36th St. in Astoria looks like any other construction site in the city. But the mere presence of this parcel in a quiet, leafy stretch of Astoria makes the neighbors angry.

Days after the Norwood Neighborhood Association reached a compromise with the Department of City Planning about new, tougher zoning regulations, the community learned about two neighboring demolition and development proposals on 36th Street, including the lot at 36-88, which would result in eight- and 10-story buildings on a block mostly consisting of two-family homes.

On Saturday morning, angry neighbors and residents of Norwood Gardens, an area bounded by 35th, 36th and 37th Streets between 30th and 31st Avenues, gathered despite the rain to protest the construction and development of the two sites.

“These houses in blocks [are] what makes Astoria beautiful,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) referring to Astoria’s quiet streets and modest homes. The building of a highrise in a quiet neighborhood, despite being legal, goes against the wishes of the community, Vallone said.

The residents can’t stop the construction, but they wish to make their displeasure clear.
“We want [the developers] to be good neighbors,” Vallone said. “There is no excuse for them to come into this community and destroy its character. This property is violating the character of the entire neighborhood.”

The developers of the site could not be reached for comment.

The two new structures on 36th Street are to be 8-unit and 10-unit apartment buildings. Such dwellings comply with the zoning of the area, which allows tall structures, but a new plan the city is considering would restrict development to make it harmonize more closely with existing structures.

Some residents are unhappy the new rules aren’t already in place. “We want to send a message to the City Council that we want the new zoning laws to be passed as soon as possible,” said Donnelly Marks, a member of the Norwood Neighborhood Association, which represents families living in one- and two-story houses in Astoria.“The building may be legal, but it is wrong. With the new buildings, there will be 18 more families in the area. How can we accommodate more parking and other issues?”

Complaints about out-of-context projects are common in Astoria. “We are trying to halt the development of these tall structures,” said Astoria resident Benjamin Duffey.“As long as they retain the aesthetic of the neighborhood, it’s fine, but look at them,” he added, pointing to two tall older buildings at the end of the block, “they stick out like sore thumbs!”

“These buildings will destroy the character of the neighborhood; they go against our community,” added resident Patrick Comasky. “With highrises and single-bedroom homes, you are getting a community that is transient. We need family-type housing, that keeps families and kids here.”

Others said they fear the incoming families could be a burden on the area’s existing infrastructure. “They are building homes, offices,” said James Mazlun, who has lived in Astoria since 1926. “We have one regular school, one hospital. Where are all these people going to go? If they have empty areas, they should build schools and hospitals.”

With the new housing, Duffey predicted problems with parking and noise pollution. “Con Ed won’t be able to support the demand in this area,” he added. Mazlun also noted that Astoria has become an increasingly popular place to live over the past few years and said newcomers don’t realize how much and how quickly the area is changing.

Part of the residents’ anxiety also stems from the commercial development on 30th Avenue. With a slew of bars and clubs, neighbors complain of the increase in bar brawls and noise pollution. “There are more people drunk on the streets — more fights that start at four in the morning,” said resident Karin Afrides. “There is screaming, yelling, breaking glass. It is just a matter of time that someone pops a gun and shoots someone.”

The neighborhood blog, norwoodneighborhoodassociation.blogspot.com, provides details of weekend chaos. Residents talk of brawls at 3 a.m., fights in the streets, urination on private property, beer bottles, trash and drug packets on the sidewalk, recklessly speeding cars with souped-up engines screeching and revving their way down residential streets.

While the NYPD reports a reduction in crime in the 114th Precinct over the past few years — rapes went from 33 in 2001 to 22 in 2009, and robberies dropped from 288 to 256 — residents feel the numbers are high.

Afrides’ husband, John, worries not just about what he sees as a deteriorating quality of life on 36th Street, but also about a potential increase in property taxes which could accompany big new development.
“Houses here are worth $800,000 to $1,000,000, so with this development, our property taxes will go up,” he said. The Afrides are also concerned about old trees being destroyed during construction.

This piece first appeared in Queens Chronicle