Residents attending the Wednesday, October 1st Locust Grove Civic Association meeting at the St. James/St. Matthews Lutheran Church in South Ozone Park arrived to find the church hall festooned in Halloween ornaments and spooky characters rolling around.
Locust Grove Civic Association Executive Board
Albert Gentile - Recording Secretary,Tony Caruana - Sgt.- at -Arms, Donna Gilmartin - President, Doris Petersen - Vice President and Miriam Marsala - Financial Secretary (l-r)
LGCA President Donna Gilmartin told the assemblage that Senator Serphin Maltese had canceled late in the day due to other commitments, but his community rep, Mitch Udowitz was present.
NYPD 106th Precinct PO Potter
The on-going problem with the Department of Homeland Security to provide parking for the TSA workers was discussed at length.
The LGCA feels that TSA employees should have parking alternatives on airport property and not have to use street parking. Numerous residents have complained over the past few years that about security personnel that reportedly park their vehicles illegally by blocking driveways, throw litter in the streets or get undressed inside their cars, within the confines of the LGCA.
PO Potter
Community Board 10 Chairperson Elizabeth Braton told civic members that she and the Community Board are working towards facilitating the LGCA's ends.
PO Potter talks to Tony
Another ongoing concern of the community is the issue of large trucks parked throughout the LGCA area after 9 p.m. , LGCA President Donna Gilmartin, suggested that residents report all truck sightings to the 311 help line.
She also told audience members to always proceed with caution when encountering any commercial vehicle in the evening hours due to South Ozone Park's proximity to JFK Airport. Members of the civic felt there should be a much greater emphasis by law enforcement on this issue, due to the threat of a terrorist attack being made upon the airport.
Community Board 10 Staff - (l-r) Marcella, Karyn & Mary Ann
Residents cited a large number of 18-wheelers which regularly have been seen traveling through smaller side streets and parking there overnight.
Marcella, Karyn & Mary Ann (l-r)
One community member gave the location of two trucks that he stated hadn't been moved for over a month.
Mary Ann Turso (left) with her daughter Nicole Turso
LGCA President Gilmartin also spoke briefly about the ongoing situation with Aqueduct racetrack. She stated that the decision is up to Governor David Paterson, she hopes a decision is made soon since - "The state is losing $1 million a day from VLT revenue".
Mary Ann & Nicole
Of the three companies vying for the contract and currently being vetted by the state, Capital North and SL Green Realty Trust have both reached out to the community. She stated that some remain apprehensive about Delaware North not effectively seeking community feedback.
After the meeting, there was coffee, cake and good conversation for all in attendance.
Albert Gentile with his son Frank Gentile
