Friday, November 6, 2009

Silver Road Residents Want Peace and Quiet by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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A group of Silver Road residents are seeking help from the 106th Precinct in restoring tranquility to their once quiet block, located between Sutter Avenue and Rico Place in Ozone Park.

At last week’s community council meeting, residents complained about 20 unruly neighbors allegedly living in one house on the block, whom they say have been blaring music, drinking alcohol and cursing at them when asked to lower the volume. A spokeswoman for the group said the occupants are often out on the street until very late at night. She alleged that one individual opened the fire hydrant on the block without the required sprinkler cap, causing water to flood onto the street.

Members of the Silver Road group also complained about two large pit bull dogs, allegedly owned by the residents of the house, who, they say run loose up and down the block.

“We just don’t know what to do,” the spokeswoman said. “We’re praying for snow.” She added that her house is now up for sale, but that she can’t sell it because of the individuals sitting outside — drinking, eating and playing games until all hours of the night.

“How can you help me?” she asked.

Precinct Conditions Unit Sgt. Peter Iemma told residents he drives by the location every night and stops in front of the house for about 20 minutes.“They are not outside when I am there,” Iemma said. He added that he does not hear loud music coming from the house.

Deputy Inspector Joseph Courtesis, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, told residents he has reviewed their related 911 and 311 calls and understands their frustration. Courtesis noted that he had listed each call by date and time so he could specifically target when the problems are occurring.

Frank Dardani, the community council president, asked residents if an absentee landlord is aware of the problems and ignoring them, but they said they are unsure if the landlord knows about the situation. Dardani said the council would write a letter to the landlord, making him aware of what is going on in the house.

“We’ll try whatever it takes to try to help you,” Dardani said.

Apparently noisy neighbors don’t just live on Silver Road. A South Ozone Park resident living near 125th Street and Sutter Avenue complained that his neighbors have their friends over for parties that generate loud noise. The revelers allegedly leave beer bottles and garbage in the street, as well. The resident said the parties are usually held every Saturday between 12 and 4 a.m.

Courtesis promised that his complaint would be addressed.