Latest News

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

JPCA Membership Meeting October 24

The Juniper Park Civic Association will be holding its October 2019 membership meeting on Thursday October 24, 2019. New members are welcome. We will hear from the NYPD about crime statistics, incidents and prevention and discuss other civic business.

Monday, October 7, 2019

No Garbage, Recycling or Organic Collection, nor Street Cleaning on Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2019

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that in observance of Columbus Day, there will be no garbage, recycling, or organics collection, nor street cleaning on Monday, October 14, 2019.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

JPCA honors FDNY Captain Brian P. Gill

At JPCA's September general membership meeting, President Tony Nunziato and First VP and retired FDNY member John Killcommons presented FDNY Captain Brian P. Gill, a Middle Village resident assigned to Ladder Company 47 in the Bronx, with our Hero Award.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Meet the original Mets

There has been increased interest in the history of the New York Mets as the team this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its 1969 miracle season. So, we thought you'd like to know about their very first championship and who originally was responsible for it.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Cooper Ave homeless shelter meeting Oct 7

Community Board 5 will be holding a public hearing on the Cooper Avenue homeless shelter on Monday, October 7, 2019 at Christ the King High School at 7:30pm. Please call (718) 366-1834 for more information or to pre-register to testify.

Friday, August 9, 2019

Homeless men removed from Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express, located at 59-40 55th Road in Maspeth, has been vacated by the NYC Department of Homeless Services and Acacia Network. There had been up to 200 homeless single men housed at the hotel since 2016.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

A night out at K Rico

One of the perks of manning the Juniper Berry mailbox is that you get invited to all sorts of interesting events. When my presence was requested at a renowned Manhattan steakhouse, I knew I just couldn't resist.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Call for entries at the Queens County Fair

The Queens County Farm Museum is calling on all artists, crafters, gardeners, bakers, jam makers, and livestock enthusiasts to register for the annual Blue Ribbon Competition at the 37th Annual Queens County Fair.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

It's that time of year again

It's likely that you've noticed the presence of web-like structures in trees in your yard, in our parks and lining our streets. Those mini-tents are the work of a creature known as the Fall Webworm.

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Juniper Valley Park Summer Concert Series

The Department of Parks and Recreation, the Juniper Park Civic Association, the Juniper Valley Park Conservancy, Crifasi Real Estate and Council Member Robert Holden are co-sponsoring the 2019 summer concert series at Juniper Valley Park.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Honoring Maspeth WWII hero Joseph Schmidt

75 years ago, 21-year old Joseph Schmidt of Maspeth landed on Omaha Beach. He was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star with cluster, Purple Heart with 4 clusters, Bronze Arrowhead, Distinguished Unit Badge, European African-Middle Eastern Service, Medal Combat Infantry Badge and six Battle Stars during his service.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Captain Victoria Perry is the new 104th Pct Commanding Officer

At tonight's JPCA meeting, Deputy Inspector John Mastronardi announced he would be transferring to another post and introduced his replacement, Captain Victoria Perry. Capt. Perry lives in Queens and is the first female commanding officer of the 104th Precinct in more than 20 years.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Juniper Juniors cleanup scheduled for May 18th

It's been a while but our next Juniper Juniors Cleanup is Saturday, May 18th 10am. Eliot Ave and Lutheran Ave. We will be painting!

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Tour of All Faiths Cemetery on May 11th

The Newtown Historical Society will be conducting a tour of All Faiths Cemetery on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-noon. The tour will be co-led by birding expert, Rob Jett.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Lasak, NCOs scheduled for April JPCA meeting

Democratic Candidate for Queens District Attorney Greg Lasak and the Neighborhood Coordination Officers from the 104th and 108th Precincts will be on hand to speak and answer questions at the April 25th JPCA Town Meeting at Our Lady of Hope at 7:30pm.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Help the 104th Pct reunite lost dog with his owner

The 104 Precinct found this dog by 69th place and central avenue. Please come down to the 104 Precinct located at 64-02 Catalpa Avenue or call 718-386-3004 if you have any information.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Sector D Build the Block Meeting

Meeting is Wednesday, February 27th at 6:30 at Christ the King High School. Covers Middle Village and southern Maspeth.

Monday, January 14, 2019

Ridgewood Reservoir achieves protected wetlands status

The Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park has officially been designated a wetland by the NYS DEC after 11 years of advocacy by a coalition of environmental and historic preservation activists.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Juniper Civic bids fond farewell to Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski

The Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) honored Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski with the organization's 2018 Community Service Award.

Monday, December 10, 2018

A message from President Tony Nunziato

Here we are as another year draws to a close and although we have some major concerns that we're keeping on top of, it's nice to slow down a bit and revel in the holiday season.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Federal offices closed for day of mourning 12/5

Five days after the death of the nation's 41st president, Americans will observe a day of mourning this Wednesday for George H.W. Bush.

Monday, November 12, 2018

JPCA's annual Holiday Party & Raffle is December 13th

The Juniper Park Civic Association will hold their annual holiday party and raffle on Thursday, December 13th, 2018 at 7:45pm at Our Lady of Hope Auditorium in Middle Village.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

JPCA honors hometown hero at October meeting

Firefighter Chris Gaulrapp was the recipient of the Hero Award at our October 18th meeting. His wife and children joined us in recognizing his service and heroism.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Another homeless shelter proposed for Maspeth

Juniper Park Civic Association will oppose any attempt by the City of New York to site a shelter at PS9 The Walter Reed School, a special education school in western Maspeth located at 58-74 57th Street between Grand and Flushing Avenues.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Juniper Valley Park Halloween festival October 20th

Join us at the Halloween Festival, on October 20, 2018, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Juniper Valley Park!

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

9/11 remembrances in the area

Residents of Maspeth, Glendale and Middle Village will come together for memorial ceremonies from September 8th-September 16th.

Friday, August 24, 2018

JPCA to celebrate 80th Anniversary on Sept 27th

To celebrate our continued success, we will be hosting a cocktail reception on Thursday, September 27th from 6-9pm at Villa Erasmo. We will have hors d'oevres, beer, wine, music and dancing all for $25/person.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Statement on the proposed homeless shelter at 78-16 Cooper Avenue

City Council Member Robert Holden received confirmation today that negotiations are underway for a proposed men's homeless shelter at 78-16 Cooper Avenue in Glendale, NY.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

O'Neill's seeks rezoning

O'Neill's Restaurant has requested a zoning change for their property as well as surrounding ones. The current zoning only allows for residential development. O'Neill's would like to build a 140-person capacity 2nd floor catering hall.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Juniper Valley Park 2018 Summer Concert Series

The 2018 Juniper Valley Park Summer Concert Series has been tentatively planned for 7/10 through 8/21. Dates will feature Country, Irish, Italian, 80s and Oldies music.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Remembering Stanislaw Kozikowski, hero of The Lost Battalion of WWI

One of the members of the Lost Battalion, Pvt. Stanislaw Kozikowski of Perry Avenue, Maspeth, was awarded the Army's Distinguished Service Cross for brave actions during WWI.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The need for a single-family rowhouse zoning designation

In the wake of a seeming population boom, Council Member Holden has requested the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) consider creating a single-family rowhouse zoning designation in the neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Woodside and Woodhaven.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Holden raises a red flag over Midville sewer project

"The DDC sent four representatives to my office...and they told me the project stopped because of contaminants in the soil," Holden said. "I asked one gentleman what were the contaminants in the soil. He said high levels of lead."

Monday, April 16, 2018

NOTICE ABOUT LOCAL AREA ROOF MAINTENANCE SCAMMERS

As the spring and summer approach, the warm weather is likely to encourage an uptick in roofing scams that have plagued the District 30 in years past. While serving as the president of Juniper Park Civic Association, Councilman Robert Holden saw firsthand the vicious targeting of residents, particularly senior citizens, in a roof maintenance scam that cheats homeowners out of thousands of dollars.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

De Blasio visits Middle Village, reads Juniper Berry

De Blasio also got a chance to look at the latest copy of the Juniper Berry, which Robert Holden found inside of Carlo's; the magazine is the official publication of the Juniper Park Civic Association. Holden formerly served as the association's president.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

New contractor to take over Metro-Fresh Pond Bridge project

DOT announced that Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America will assume construction on the Metropolitan Ave/Fresh Pond Rd Bridge over the LIRR. Beaver Concrete Construction Company Inc. will serve as its contractor.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

ADA James Quinn was JPCA guest speaker at March meeting

Special guest speaker at our March meeting was ADA James Quinn, talking about the closing of Rikers Island.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

NYPD Mobile Command Center stationed on 69th Street

As per the Commanding Officer of the 104th Precinct, the mobile command on Maurice Ave at 69th Street is there for added protection. There's been a string of daytime burglaries from Nassau County to Middle Village.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Meng and Velazquez Demand Inspection of Highway-Rail Crossings in Maspeth After Signals Failed to Activate

U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Nydia M. Velazquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan) yesterday sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) urging an inspection of the highway-rail crossings in Maspeth after crossing signals failed to activate at the intersection of 56th Street and Flushing Avenue.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Collection Service Alert for Presidents' Day, Monday, February 19

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that in observance of Presidents' Day, there will be no garbage, recycling, or organics collection, nor street cleaning, on Monday, February 19, 2018.

Monday, January 15, 2018

History of the Juniper Park Civic Association

The Juniper Park Civic Association was formed in 1938 as the Residents of Juniper Park Homes, the name of the homes being built in the area at the time.

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Panepintos win TV baking contest

The owner of Panepinto Bakery & Cafe in Middle Village (71-19 Eliot Ave) was featured with his daughter on an episode of Discovery Family's baking competition series BAKE IT LIKE BUDDY, featuring "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro, which aired on Saturday, January 5 at 9 PM.

Friday, December 29, 2017

2017: Year in Review

Over the past 12 months, there were the usual civic frustrations, but many battles also came to joyous conclusions. Some of the fights were small and some were large, but all were hard fought with many of them years in the making.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Recycle your Christmas trees thru Jan. 13th

Bring your holiday tree to a designated city park to be recycled into mulch that will nourish plantings across the city! Join NYC Parks, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC to recycle your Christmas trees into wood chips. Christmas tree curbside collection begins on Tuesday, January 2. Collection will run through Saturday, January 13, 2018, weather permitting.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Queens man charged with possessing thousands of child sex exploitation videos and other vile material

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown today announced that a 56-year-old Queens man has been charged with sharing and possessing hundreds of files of child sex abuse material he collected online – accumulating more than four terabytes of data.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Rest in peace, Lorraine Sciulli

We are saddened to announce that Lorraine Sciulli, longtime Vice President of the Juniper Park Civic Association, passed away on Wednesday, November 29th at the age of 82. Lorraine was a member of Community Board #5 for more than two decades and an active participant in the life of her community for more than 35 years.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Christmas Eve on Mazeau Street, 1959

Every house on Mazeau Street had lights, Santas and reindeer in their front yards, and some even had lights on the trees and in the bushes. Grand Avenue was lit up with Christmas lights and garland hung over the street as far as I could see. The stores had lights around the windows, some with big Santa faces or snowmen in the center. All the windows had fog from the heat inside, saying, "Come on in, it's warm in here."

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Sanitation Service Alerts for Election Day and Veterans Day

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that there would be no garbage, recycling nor organics collection on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2017. There WILL be regular garbage, recycling and organics collection, on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, as the day falls on a week with two holidays.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Q&A with Robert Holden, Candidate for City Council

Robert Holden (or "Bob" as he prefers to be called) has served as President of Juniper Park Civic Association since 1990. Bob has decided to run for the City Council, 30th District, and challenge not only the incumbent, Elizabeth Crowley, but also the entire Queens County Democratic Machine led by her cousin, Joe Crowley.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Juniper Civic sponsors Juniper Valley Park Halloween Festival Oct 28th

We are so excited to announce that the Middle Village Halloween parade is set for Saturday, October 28. The parade will begin at 11:45 AM and Halloween festivities will continue from 12 noon to 4 PM on the blacktop at 80th St. & Juniper Blvd North.

Monday, October 2, 2017

The Kosciuszko Bridge: Hello and Goodbye

The new Kosciuszko Bridge was dedicated on the warm, humid, overcast afternoon of April 27th. It is certain that this was a day that we proud participants are not likely to forget anytime soon.

Monday, September 18, 2017

The true meaning of Maspeth's ancient name

On March 19, 1889, the Brooklyn Eagle focused its attention on the origin of Maspeth's name by publishing an article entitled, "The Indians Called It Mespat ‒ 'An Inundating Tidal River'". The paper consulted William Wallace Tooker of Sag Harbor who was a renowned expert on Long Island Native American names and translations.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

An Open Letter to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio

Dear Mr. Mayor: If you have any capability for self-reflection, by now, after an avalanche of vociferous criticism, you must be asking yourself, "What was I thinking?"

Monday, August 14, 2017

The 2017 Juniper Valley Park Summer Concert Series was a blast!

A special thank you to co-sponsors Juniper Valley Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Queensboro UNICO and Crifasi Real Estate.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Maspeth-Middle Village Task Force's coalition strategy pays off

Mayor de Blasio announced a major policy shift on February 28th which will eventually end the City's use of hotels and cluster sites as homeless shelters. The City now plans to build shelters in individual communities sized to accommodate the number of homeless that originate from them.

Monday, January 9, 2017

How The Trump/Pence Ticket Won

Make no mistake about it, all US Presidential Elections come down to one thing and one thing only, the economy. Soon to be former President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack H. Obama is due a great deal of thanks and respect for bringing the US economy back from the brink of collapse with the passage of the stimulus package that gave financial life to life to the US auto industry and a handful of big banks and Wall Street financial institutions.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Massive MARCH FOR MASPETH puts city on notice

On Saturday, August 27th, the entire town participated in the ‒March for Maspeth‒ protest through the streets our town. The march began at the Holiday Inn Express hotel near Maurice Avenue, the site of the proposed 220-bed homeless shelter. The peaceful but loud march which by an NYPD count stood at 1,820 residents, proceeded through the streets of Maspeth.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Elizabeth Crowley to Maspeth: DROP DEAD!

A light rain was falling as Community Board member Jerry Drake addressed about 200 protesters on Thursday night, August 25th in front of the Holiday Inn Express near Maurice Avenue and the L.I.E in Maspeth.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

200th Anniversary kicks off with 6 Free Summer Concerts in Juniper Valley Park

The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Juniper Park Civic Association present: The 2016 Juniper Valley Park Free Outdoor Concert Series Co-Sponsored by: Juniper Valley Park Conservancy, Crifasi Real Estate, O'Neill's Restaurant, Queensboro UNICO and Atria Senior Living

Monday, February 29, 2016

200th Anniversary of Middle Village, JPCA plans year-long events.

The neighborhood we know today as Middle Village would likely not exist had it not been for the towns of Williamsburgh in Kings County and Jamaica in Queens County in the early 19th century.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Towing Blitz in Maspeth nets 16 Vehicles.

On Friday, June 5th the 104th Precinct conducted an all-night towing operation in Maspeth. The operation was in reply to numerous complaints about wrecked cars, many without license plates, parked throughout the area of Flushing Avenue, Grand Avenue and 59th Avenue

Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Wizard of Odd

Have you felt lately like you were conked on the head and awakened inside a nightmare? Or maybe that your house had been picked up by a cyclone and touched down in the Land of Odd?

Monday, September 8, 2014

The Spooky Record of Marge Markey

Marge Markey is running for re-election for the ninth time on a platform that she has been "looking out for the best interest of the 30th Assembly District." Unfortunately for the constituents of the 30th AD, the only interest she has been looking out for is her own.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

No Place for a Home

The proposal for a homeless shelter (at 78-16 Cooper Avenue, Glendale) in the middle of a hazardous industrial complex is alarming on several levels. The site is located in a manufacturing zone that includes the Independent Chemical Corporation on 79th Place.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Invasion of the Bottle Snatchers

Residents have been complaining for years about bottle & can scavengers that regularly trespass onto private property. It's not a harmless act.

Friday, January 17, 2014

A Lightweight Next to the Queens Machine

Political retribution and shenanigans that came to define the once powerful Tammany Hall still persists today.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Cops hunt perv in Middle Village who stalked two teens at bus stop

NYPD promises more patrols in that section of 104th Precinct. Officers looking for the man in the red car who exposed himself. "There will be increased patrols by 104th Precinct personnel in marked vehicles and unmarked vehicles ... until further notice," Det. Thomas Bell told community leaders in an email.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

My Middle Village Memories

I recall many warm and wonderful memories of Middle Village, and want to share them so you can also share some of yours, and help to fill in specifics, so we can better complete the history of the earliest days of growing up in our very special community.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

In Memoriam Pat Santoro

It is with great sadness that the Juniper Park Civic Association announces the sudden passing of super volunteer Patrick Santoro on the morning of July 31, 2013. He was 54 years old. Mr. Santoro dedicated his life to the children of our community. Pat Santoro will be greatly missed for his passion and dedication to our neighborhood. He is survived by his wife Linda and sons Patrick Jr. and Joseph.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Water Rate Increases and the Systematic Failure of Government

Recent water rate increases highlight the systematic problems with our government. City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley issues press releases filled with benign platitudes.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

104th Precinct: Crime Scene Do Not Cross

The 104th Police Precinct has been robbed, twice this year. The culprits reside at One Police Plaza in Downtown Manhattan. They are known and are still at-large... and they are dangerous. Some of them are located in the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB).

Saturday, March 23, 2013

In Middle Village, Advocate Watches Over Fields He Once Played On

Between his post as President of the Juniper Park Civic Association, his seat on Queens Community Board 5, his job and his family life, it's a wonder Holden has time to provide such impeccable care and oversight of the fields ‒ and, for that matter, the entire park, which scored a 98, the highest grade in NY4P's 2012 Report Card on Large Parks.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Broken Muni-Meters are giving Queens drivers more headaches

Finding a parking spot in some Queens neighborhoods is a tough enough task. But now drivers say they are battling testy Muni-Meters that cheat them out of precious minutes and reject their coins and credit cards.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Carl Berner January 27, 1902-January 7, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an original Juniper Park Civic Association member and neighborhood icon, Carl Berner. Mr. Berner, as he was always fondly referred to, had a long and productive life and he left us on January 7, 2013 at the age of 110. He would have been 111 on January 27, 2013.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Visions of Sugar Plums... the little known connection of Middle Village with the Modern Day Image of Santa Claus

James Harper was born in England on April 13, 1795. At 26 years of age he lived in Newtown in an area now called Middle Village. He had four sons named James, John, Joseph and Fletcher.The Harper home had thirty-eight acres of farmland and was located across the street from the Middle Village El Station.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Middle Village & Maspeth Brace for Second Storm – High Winds & Snow hit area

HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM EST THURSDAY. WINDS... NORTH 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH. Here are updates for Wednesday, November 7th.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

SETTING GOALS FOR CONGRESS – Meng & Halloran Outline Goals For NY-6

Grace Meng and Dan Halloran battled in a debate hosted by the Juniper Park Civic Association, the Times Newsweekly and the NY Daily News.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

TENSE DEBATE IN TIGHT RACE – Addabbo & Ulrich Trade Barbs in Senate Quest

With polls suggesting that the race is nearly tied, last Thursday's (Oct. 18) debate in Middle Village for the 15th State Senate District seat reflected the heated atmosphere of the campaign, as both Democratic State Sen. Joseph Addabbo and his Republican rival, City Council Member Eric Ulrich, traded attacks and defended their respective records before voters.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Candidates for red-hot Congress, state Senate races to spar in debate co-hosted by Daily News, JPCA & Times Newsweekly

Meng, Halloran, Ulrich and Addabbo to headline Thursday forum at Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

IT'S PURE LOO-NACY!

So this is what a $2 million public bathroom looks like. "This breaks all the rules of form follows function," said Robert Holden of the Juniper Park Civic Association.

Friday, September 14, 2012

A 'CALL FOR ACTION' ASKING THAT SILVER BE REMOVED AS SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY

Elected leaders have failed to publicly denounce the actions of speaker Sheldon Silver in the Vito Lopez hush-money sex scandal. That task is now left to civic leaders.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Civics, City Council and the Big Picture

There is a disconnection between the governing political class and average citizens. The divergent priorities of organizations such the Juniper Park Civic Association and politicians are indicative of this unfortunate development in American society.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Rage Against The 'Machine'

Ranking members of the Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) publicly slammed "clubhouse" politicians who allegedly put their own self-interests before the people they represent during the civic group's meeting last Thursday night, March 8th.

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Smell of Tammany Hall Lingers in Queens Today

Queens County has long held the unscrupulous distinction of having a corrupt and ironically undemocratic machine that runs the gamut. Our community is home to some of the biggest clubhouse politicians in NYC.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Middle Village Resident, Joanne Ruvolo, Performs the Heimlich Maneuver on Two-Year-Old Girl, Saves her Life!

College student, Joanne Ruvolo, who lives in Middle Village and works in the Met Food on Eliot Avenue in Middle Village, was in the parking lot of the store on January 3rd when she noticed that a little two-year-old girl was choking and turning blue. The little girl was with her elderly grandmother but the grandmother didn't notice that there was a problem.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Elizabethan error

With apologies to Queen Elizabeth I, whose name has become a synonym for the era which she dominated (1558-1603).

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Mayor Bloomberg signs bill Jeopardizing the safety of NYC residents

Mayor Bloomberg got an unexpected tongue lashing on Nov. 22nd from representatives of the Juniper Park Civic Association at a City Hall bill signing ceremony.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

MV parents: Investigate PS 49 rezoning proposal.

Due to overcrowding in the recently expanded PS/IS49 on 80th Street & Juniper Blvd South, the Department of Education is proposing that two areas of Middle Village be rezoned.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Quinn, Crowley & Koslowitz Approve Bill to Protect Illegal Aliens at Rikers

City Council Speaker Quinn pushed through legislation designed to protect illegal immigrants currently being held in Rikers Island.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Liz Crowley campaigning for Weprin... What's wrong with that picture?

Recently Council Member Crowley, with several aides from her office, was seen throughout the area campaigning for David Weprin.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The King who hates Queens

Joe Crowley hates Queens. The Congressman, whose gerrymandered district includes parts of the Bronx and Queens has such distain for his home borough that despite wearing the hat of chairman of the Queens Democratic Party he has abandoned us for the affluent D.C. suburb of Arlington, Va.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Turner To Congress!

On Tuesday, September 13th, Republican Businessman Bob Turner won a stunning victory over Democrat David Weprin in the Special Election for the congressional seat formerly held by Anthony Weiner.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11, 2001: The Day the World Changed

Most of us remember starting the day of September 11th 2001 saying "this has to be the most glorious day of the summer, I wish I didn't have to go to work today" or "this is a great day to be out fishing" or definitely something to that effect. All of us were either getting a cup of coffee before starting our work day, sitting on the subway dreaming about the summer past, or driving to get last minute school supplies for our children.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Missing Rep. Weiner

Rule No. 1 in Queens politics: Do not anger the Juniper Park Civic Association. One of the city's most powerful and organized civic groups, the association publishes a quarterly, 80-page magazine that goes out to some 10,000 people.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Weprin to Middle Village, Maspeth, Glendale & Ridgewood – DROP DEAD!

Living up to his reputation as a career politician relying on back door politics to survive, David Weprin canceled his debate scheduled for August 29th in Middle Village.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Irene Smacks Area, Trees and Power Affected

Hurricane "Irene" arrived late Saturday night, August 27. With the precision of a chess game NYC prepared for the storm by shutting down all their services from transportation to the Broadway shows. The streets of Times Square were eerily empty after the so called "city that never sleeps" was silenced by the threat of a killer hurricane named "Irene" bearing down with its "eye" aiming right for the heart of NYC.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Meet your next Congressman

Both candidates seeking the vacant 9th Congressional District seat in the Sept. 13 special election have been invited to take part in a debate sponsored by the Times Newsweekly and the Juniper Park Civic Association.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Queens Democratic Party boss lives in Virginia

(NY Post- July 8, 2011) He may be the king of Queens, but the borough's Democratic Party boss has his castle in Virginia.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Why are Illegal Big Trucks Operating in NYC?

The Juniper Park Civic Association led the fight for the Maspeth Truck Bypass Plan devised by Tony Nunziato and the late civic leader, Frank Principe. We also pushed for the elimination of the "Thru Truck Route" on Grand Avenue.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Weiner Heckled as He Resigns from Congress

Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner has decided to resign from office in 9th Congressional District, a seat he has held since 1999. However the Weiner speech was anything but normal. It sounded more like a political concession speech until hecklers starting shouting at him several times. The speech was a fitting end to the circus-like atmosphere that had surrounded the embattled congressman.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Rally Held to Demand Congressman Anthony Weiner Resign Immediately

The Juniper Park Civic Association, joined by residents of the 9th Congressional District, held a Rally on Sunday, June 12, 2011 in front of Congressman Anthony Weiner's office at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens to demand that Weiner resign immediately as the Congressman from the 9th Congressional District.

Friday, June 10, 2011

JPCA Calls on Congressman Weiner to Resign

Congressman Anthony Weiner has disgraced his constituents, his family and himself. He should resign from office immediately. His constituents in the 9th Congressional District should be ashamed that they are being represented by such a man.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

NYC Dept. of Parks Tennis Permits and Renewal for 2011 ‒ Fees Gone Wild!

Full season 2011 NYC Dept. Of Parks' tennis permits for adults 18-61 will rise to the astronomical amount of $200 for the full-season. That number is up 100% from last year's fee of $100.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Several City Council members struggle with own finances, high debt, home foreclosure

The City Council manages your tax dollars through the city budget, but for some lawmakers, managing their own money has been a disaster.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ed. Dept. Proposes to Smack Maspeth Again

The NYC Department of Education has put forth a proposal to temporarily house one grade of a new Maspeth high school in Forest Hills. DOE is proposing to temporarily house grade 9 of the Maspeth school at the new Metropolitan H.S. campus at 91-30 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills starting in fall, 2011.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Snow Hits Us Again & Again

Old man winter keeps dumping snow on New York City. With 19 inches of new snow on January 26th, Mayor Bloomberg announced that all NYC public schools were closed and all non-emergency City government offices were also closed. The school closing was only the ninth time since 1978 that schools have been closed because of snow.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snow Hits Us Again

(Middle Village, NY January 12, 5:30pm UPDATE) As mounds of snow still sit on the streets of Middle Village and Maspeth from the December 26th storm, our neighborhood was hit with about 9 inches of snow on January 12th.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Snowstorm 12/26/10

In a one two punch the Middle Village/Maspeth community has been hit big time in the past couple of months by Mother Nature who is definitely in a rage of anger.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Chase Bank on Eliot Avenue is now open for business!

It's about 8 months late but Chase Bank finally opened their doors for business on Eliot Avenue, corner of 74th Street in Middle Village.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Middle Village & Santa Claus

Santa Claus‒ the jolly old gentleman with white beard‒ was based on Clement Moore's poem (inspired by thoughts of his grandparents' home on Broadway in Newtown), "The Night Before Christmas." It was illustrator Thomas Nast, hired by Middle Village's James Harper, that put Santa's workshop at the North Pole.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

JPCA Helps Collect Christmas Donations for Needy Families

The Juniper Park Civic Association teamed up with Middle Village businesses ‒Silver Barn Farms, Phillies Restaurant and Steve's Pizza‒ to collect donations for needy families during this holiday season. The effort was led by the JPCA's Theresa Riley and Mary Ann Ricevuto. About $1,385 was collected at the three sites from donations at the cash registers.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Midville Dodgers' Rizzotti Promoted to Phillies MLB Roster

Former Midville Dodgers slugger Matt Rizzotti received an invitation to Spring Training after the Philadelphia Phillies added the 24-year old first baseman to the their 40-man roster.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Caution: Playing Politics With Lives

How three clubhouse politicians ended up with egg on their faces after a politically motivated press conference... One of the more shameful political press conferences we ever witnessed took place in Assembly Member Marge Markey's office on Monday September 27, 2010.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Cops sent home 35-minutes after storm devastated area

LACK OF NYPD RESPONSE LEFT MIDDLE VILLAGE TO FEND FOR ITSELF IN AFTERMATH OF STORM. After the most violent storm ever to hit New York City, the NYPD decided that the 104th Precinct could handle the chaos of downed power lines, hundreds of trees blocking streets & homes, and thousands of cars spilling off of the clogged Long Island Expressway (LIE).

Friday, September 17, 2010

Deadly Storm Smacks Middle Village, Juniper Park resembles war zone.

Thursday, September 16th.: A quick moving violent late summer storm ripped through neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens causing devastation rarely seen in NYC. At about 5:30pm in Middle Village, Queens the skies darkened and at one point lightning seemed so frequent that a strobe effect was evident.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Remembering 9/11/2001 – A Candlelight Vigil at Juniper Valley Park

A Candlelight Vigil remembering our lost loved ones will be held at Juniper Valley Park, 78th Street and Juniper Boulevards North and South at 7:30pm on September 11, 2010.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Remembering a Purely Magical Place... FREEDOMLAND, USA

When you think of theme parks of the past was there any place more exciting than Freedomland? Just a short car trip to the Bronx and before you knew it you entered an area with a footprint designed to look like the map of the United States. Magically, one left the real world and was privy to historical American events realistically portrayed by actors who were second to none for talent and creativity.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

DOB Goes Undercover thanks to JPCA

After reviewing real estate listings on Craigslist.org (an internet classified posting service), Juniper Park Civic Association president, Robert Holden contacted Department of Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri about the many illegal apartments being advertised on the site.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Bob Doocey – Our Friend and Colleague

It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dear friend and colleague, Bob Doocey, passed away the morning of May 23rd with his family by his side. His passing is a great loss for his family, friends and our community. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Linda, to his children and to his family.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Maspeth: The Way it Was ..and Where it's Going

This article is intended to provide a snapshot of Maspeth's history, demographics and its people. Most residents either don't know or have forgotten who we are and where we came from.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Get Your Box of Berrys, a Great Christmas Present, Order now!

Missed old copies of the Juniper Berry? Want to know more about neighborhood history and stories? For a limited time, while supplies last, you can order back issues of the Juniper Berry, the best civic publication in the nation.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

AUDIT: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELESS SERVICES PAID OUT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON HANDSHAKE DEALS

Liu: "Current Honor System for City Services Equals Bad Business Practice"

Monday, March 22, 2010

For many Middle Village residents it's like Living in a Rail Yard!

Over the past few years, Middle Village has been bombarded with a markedly increased amount of railway activity. This is mostly due to the transportation of solid waste.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Memories of Fairyland

While many articles written in the Juniper Berry create interest and discussion, few resonated to the extent of "Return to Fairyland" in the December 2009 issue. It jogged everyone's memory with questions and curiosity. By popular demand, in this follow-up "Memories of Fairyland" we will attempt to give our readers the sense of impact the article had on our members. It is almost like we've awakened a "sleeping giant!"

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Please Join Marge Markey in Celebrating 10 Years of Deadly Truck Traffic in Maspeth

On Friday March 5, 2010 six politicians gathered at the fork of Grand & Flushing Avenues in Maspeth for a grand photo op.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Storm Smacks Us Again & Again

(Friday, Feb. 26, 2010) Another winter storm hit Middle Village and Maspeth, dumping over 20 inches of snow on our community. Residents who are in need of help shoveling snow are urged to call a few enterprising neighborhood teens who are in business during the hours and days following the storm. Call Tim 646-623-7517 or Marcin 917-330-9797 or Joey 917-226-6530.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS LAUNCHES CITYWIDE CAMPAIGN ON THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL CONVERSIONS

The Department of Buildings has launched a citywide campaign to educate New Yorkers about the dangers of illegally converted living spaces.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Mayor Should Practice What He Preaches on Snow Removal

"The Mayor should get his own house in order before threatening home and business owners (with fines for not shoveling snow)," said Robert Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Assoc.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

SENATOR ADDABBO TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS AT 3 QUEENS LIBRARY SITES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Will Discuss Constituents' Issues, End of Saturday Service at Three District Libraries

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Kosciuszko Bridge Project Public Open Houses

Public Open Houses have been scheduled to bring the public up-to-date on Final Design activities related to replacement of the Kosciuszko Bridge. The Open Houses will primarily focus on the four (4) conceptual bridge designs for the new main span of the bridge (the portion of the bridge that crosses Newtown Creek) that NYSDOT has decided to advance. Please join us to share your thoughts and let us know your preference.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Amazing Mr. Berner is 108!

Today, January 27th is Carl Berner's 108th birthday! Mr. Berner is a neighborhood treasure. He spent a good deal of his life in Middle Village helping neighbors and fighting for the community.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Crooks posing as Con Ed workers burglarize Middle Village home.

On Monday, January 18th an elderly Middle Village couple was victimized by a pair of crooks posing as Con Edison workers. The scammers, described as two male whites, rang the doorbell of the couple's home on 60th Drive saying that they had to investigate a possible leak in the home. Upon entering they stole $900 in cash. The 78-year old woman and her 87-year old husband called police but the perpetrators were long gone.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Merry Christmas from the JPCA

The JPCA Executive Board members all kicked off their shoes, put on their Sunday clothes and partied the night away at La Bella Cucina as they celebrated their 2009 Christmas Party.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Juniper Civic Paints Eliot Avenue Bridge

On Friday, December 4th, volunteers from the Juniper Park Civic Association painted the railroad bridge on Eliot Avenue between Lutheran Avenue and 74th Street. Since 1991 the civic association has been maintaining the bridge area by painting over graffiti and sweeping the area (see before photo from 1991).

Friday, November 27, 2009

Return to Fairyland

"Back in the Day," as the saying goes, there was a magical place called Fairyland Kiddiepark, which was located where the mammoth, 1,000,000 square foot Queens Center Mall now stands. We plowed through the history of the 1950's, as well as memories of the baby boomers and their parents.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Juniper Juniors help clean Pullis area of Juniper

Friday, October 23, 2009

Bloomberg Ignores Queens, again and again and again and...

In late September, we wrote a letter to Nazli Parvizi, Commissioner Community Affairs Unit (CAU), Office of the Mayor to formally register our complaint regarding the tow truck chaos in Maspeth near the Flushing Avenue Viaduct.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

OGNIBENE DECRIES CITY WASTE OF FUNDS ON MULTIPLE LANGUAGE MANDATES

Recently the New York City Independent Budget Office (IBO), at the request of the City Council Republican delegation, analyzed the costs to the city of the various translation and interpretation mandates on its agencies. In a letter, dated September 18, 2009, IBO gave their response: $~26.9 million in 2009 with incremental costs to increase by about $1.9 million in 2010

Monday, October 12, 2009

Juniper Juniors Clean Eliot Ave Construction Site

The Juniper Juniors once again have volunteered to improve the quality of life in our community. This time they cleaned a construction site on the corner of 74th Street and Eliot Avenue. Photo: Front row, l- r: Theresa Doocey (Senior, St. Francis College), Eddie Gutierrez, Camille Mendoza, Julia Remache (7th Grade, Resurrection Ascension) Nicolle Portilla (IS 119). Back row: Ed Kampermann, Councilwoman Crowley, Angelo Raneri, Bob Doocey.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Crowley's bill on behalf of Robert Ogle Moves Forward in City Council

Council Member Elizabeth Crowley was joined by Brendan & Mei Ogle as well as JPCA President Robert Holden, to testify at City Hall hearing in favor of the Robert Ogle bill.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Maspeth neighborhood fights for survival.

For three and a half years, residents of Maspeth along Flushing Ave. near 63rd St. have been reporting that tow trucks regularly block driveways, park on sidewalks, double and triple park, block traffic, both auto and pedestrian.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Vandals Attack Trees Again in Juniper Park

Sept 14th: Juniper Valley Park has once again fallen victim to mindless vandalism. Twelve young trees were cut down Sunday in a shocking display of premeditated arborcide. A reward of $2,500 has been offered to catch the individuals responsible for the attack.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Joseph Magnus... The Resonant Voice

If you read our March 2009 Juniper Berry you know about the early life of Joe Magnus. This is what you read and it is a prelude to his life story, entitled, "The Resonant Voice."

Thursday, September 10, 2009

How many ways can we taxpayers be ignored? Why don't we count the ways.

• Car parked at a fire hydrant for at least 53 days before removal, though reported repeatedly.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

City Creates Maspeth Eyesore on Toxic High School Site

One of the arguments put forth by the School Construction Authority (SCA) for building a high school on the corner of 57th Avenue and 74th Street is that the old Restaurant Depot warehouse was unsightly.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Midville Dodgers Regional Champs! Earn trip to World Series in Jackson, Mississippi.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Council Member Crowley's letter to Waste Management Inc.

...in carefully analyzing your current Review Avenue plan composed for a waste transfer station, I have several concerns. I believe I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say the current proposal must be adjusted before our community can embrace this plan. It is my understanding that Waste Management aims to reduce the long hall trucking of waste, but to do this by adding trucks per day to the streets of Maspeth seems unnecessary.

Monday, July 20, 2009

THOMPSON AUDIT: "ALARMING" FINDINGS AT FDNY INSPECTION UNIT -Nearly half of the Self -Certified buildings audited by the FDNY failed inspection- -City missing out in revenue due to under-billing and stagnation in inspection rates-

According to an audit released today by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., the FDNY is placing public and firefighter safety at risk by not properly monitoring the self -certifications of fire alarm systems in buildings such as schools, hospitals, and hotels throughout the City.

Friday, July 17, 2009

AUDIT: CITY LETTING NY METS SLIDE ON RENTAL PAYMENTS

An audit released today by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. found the City is striking out by letting the New York Mets slide on $2.5 million the team owes from their rental agreement for Shea Stadium.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

St. Saviour's Reconstruction Funded for 2010!

Borough President Helen Marshall has notified the Juniper Park Civic Association that she has allocated $1,450,000 in the City Capital Budget for Phase I reconstruction and restoration of the former St. Saviour's Church for fiscal year 2010.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Juniper Valley Park 2009 Summer Concert Series

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Juniper Park Civic Association presents the Juniper Valley Park 2009 Summer Concert Series

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Slocum Disaster Anniversary

Slocum Disaster Anniversary was held in All Faiths Lutheran Cemetery on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Slocum Memorial Monument. Speakers included former Councilman Tom Ognibene, Slocum historian Kenneth Lieb and JPCA President Robert Holden. All Faiths under the leadership of Dan Austin has continued the tradition of remembering the 1100 Slocum victims and the 61 unidentified buried at All Faiths.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Beloved Neighborhood Spiritual Leader retires ...but he's not going anywhere

Monsignor Nicholas Sivillo, pastor of Our Lady of Hope R.C. Church will be retiring on June 30th. As we bid farewell to Monsignor Sivillo and thank him for his approximate twenty-one years of service to Our Lady of Hope and to our community, there is a sense of sadness that the years have gone by so quickly and that changes in life are inevitable.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Civics to File Lawsuit on Toxic HS Site

The Juniper Park Civic Association and COMET (Citizens Of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together) will file an Order to Show Cause (OSC) in State Court against the New York City School Construction Authority concerning several issues with the proposed construction of an 1100 seat high school in Maspeth.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Juniper Civic's ED NUBEL Passes Away

It is with deep shock and sadness that the Juniper Park Civic Association announces the untimely death of longtime JPCA board member, Ed Nubel on Tuesday, May 26th. Ed dedicated his life to the community including distribution of the Juniper Berry, setting up town meetings and testifying at hearings. He was a mainstay at community meetings for over 20 years.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Despite heavy opposition, City Council green lights high school

The City Council Land Use Committee, followed by the full City Council, voted "yes" on the project, against Council Member Elizabeth Crowley who voted "no" but did not ask her fellow council members for support.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Residents Upset Over Maspeth Building Rental

JPCA and community board members are unhappy that a local business is advertising office space for rent, after gaining a variance on the basis the additional room was needed to accommodate its growing business.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

JUNIPER CIVIC CALLS ON COUNCIL SPEAKER QUINN TO CENSURE COUNCILMAN CHARLES BARRON

The Juniper Park Civic Association is calling on City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to publicly censure Councilman Charles Barron for his conduct during the March 31 Public Siting Subcommittee Meeting regarding the proposed Maspeth high school at 74th Street and 57th Avenue.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Crowley shocks Juniper Civic meeting attendees

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley shocked the crowd at the last Juniper Park Civic Association general membership meeting by vowing to vote in favor of the proposed 1,100-seat public high school at 54-44 74th Street with the only stipulation being that it be zoned for local students.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Why Liz Crowley MUST nix the Maspeth HS (in her own words)

Photo: IS73 students waiting for Elmhurst/Corona-bound bus block Grand Avenue sidewalk. There is no plan to increase bus service should a public high school be built on 74th Street.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Remembering St. John's Queens Hospital 1891-2009

In 2004, the staff of St. John's Queens Hospital created a video to celebrate the hospital's history. We present part of it here, covering the years 1891-2000.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

End of the road for 2 Queens hospitals

St. John's Queens and Mary Immaculate hospitals are shutting down because their operator recently filed for bankruptcy. It was dead silent inside St. John's Queens Hospital on Saturday night. No beeping machines, no ringing phones. Just the sound of the end.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Hearing scheduled for Maspeth high school this week

Juniper Park Civic Association is urging all concerned residents to testify against the proposed high school at 74th Street and 57th Avenue in Maspeth at an upcoming hearing Thursday, February 26th at 4pm at the School of Heroes (PS58Q) on Grand Avenue.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Thompson Approves Design Contract at Ridgewood Reservoir

The contract calls for the architect to issue "three conceptual plans" concerning the overall construction and design of the reservoir, including one design dedicated to "passive" recreation.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

JPCA joins St. John's Hospital protest

Members of the executive board of the Juniper Park Civic Association, on Friday, February 13th, 2009, joined elected officials, staff and concerned community members at a rally to keep St. John's Queens Hospital open.

Friday, February 13, 2009

St. John's staff still fighting to keep hospital open

Although the focus of our February 12th meeting was our much anticipated rezoning, staff members of St. John's Queens Hospital made an impassioned plea to members of the community to help them keep the medical center open.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thompson calls on State DOH to reconsider hospital closures

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. has called on the New York State Department of Health (SDOH) to reconsider or delay the closures of Mary Immaculate and St. John's Queens hospitals planned for the end of the month.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Hospitals pray for last minute miracle

The Board of Caritas, the entity that runs St. John's Queens and Mary Immaculate Hospitals, has chosen to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As no federal or state money has been forthcoming, they are planning to close the hospitals by the end of the month. There will be a rally at the State Capitol in Albany this Wednesday.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

KEEP THEM OPEN!!

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009: Elected officials, hospital workers and concerned community residents descended on City Hall to call attention to the plights of Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica and St. John's Queens Hospital in Elmhurst which are threatened with closure.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Rally to save St. John's Queens Hospital

Members of Juniper Civic attended a rally on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 sponsored by Queens Community Board 4 and the staff of St. John's Queens Hospital aimed at keeping the hospital open. Both St. John's and Mary Immaculate in Jamaica are in bankruptcy and threatened with closure.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Abolish the Board of Standards and Appeals!

If the framers of the Constitution/Declaration of Independence were still alive today, I am confident they would cite the operation and existence of the City's Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) as a perfect example of unrepresentative government. It is time for this unresponsive, undemocratic bureaucratic body to go!

Monday, January 5, 2009

JPCA & Councilman Avella protest the Maspeth cell tower

The Juniper Park Civic Association started off 2009 by calling attention to the recent Board of Standards and Appeals decision to allow a cell tower atop a residential property adjacent to Frank's Deli at 53-20 72nd Place in Maspeth.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

PA Gotbaum: City Must Issue an Immediate Moratorium on the Installation of Artificial Turf

Public Advocate Gotbaum, a former New York City Parks Department Commissioner, and Geoffrey Croft of NYC Park Advocates today called on the city to issue an immediate moratorium of the installation of artificial turf fields until physical testing of all current artificial turf fields has been completed.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Board of Standards and Appeals approves Maspeth cell tower

The Board of Standards and Appeals has voted 4-0 to allow a 13-foot tall cell tower atop a residence at 53-20 72nd Place in Maspeth despite the unanimous rejection by Queens Community Board 5 and the Borough President.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Maspeth Residents Say Dangerous Intersection Is Worse Than Ever

A plan to make a dangerous intersection in Maspeth safer has only made the problem worse, according to neighbors. Watch NY1's report featuring interviews with JPCA officers.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Trucks jumping curb at 64th Street and Grand Avenue

The intersection of 64th Street and Grand Avenue is becoming more dangerous because of tractor trailers jumping the curb. This is at the site of the triangle reconfiguration detailed in the latest issue of the Juniper Berry.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

JPCA brings its 70th year to a close

We celebrated the end of our 70th Anniversary year with a Holiday party and Raffle on Thursday, December 11th and are looking forward to starting our 71st year. Click below to see photos.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Concern over reconfiguration of Grand Avenue triangle

The DOT is reconfiguring the intersection of Flushing and Grand Avenues in order to facilitate the implementation of the Safe Streets to School Program for St. Stanislaus Grammar School in Maspeth. The Queens DOT commissioner has been contacted about the traffic problem that has resulted.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Final BSA hearing held for Maspeth cell tower

Two Juniper Park Civic Association Board Members, Manny Caruana and Tony Nunziato, testified against the proposed cell tower at 53-20 72nd Place in Maspeth on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at the second Board of Standards and Appeals hearing.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Juniper Civic congratulates Liz Crowley and Joe Addabbo

The Juniper Park Civic Association congratulates City Councilwoman-elect Elizabeth Crowley and State Senator-elect Joseph Addabbo on their decisive victories this Election Day.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Juniper Civic celebrates 70th anniversary

Robert Holden accepts a proclamation from Borough President Helen Marshall at our 70th anniversary party at Abbracciamento's restaurant on the evening of November 1st, 2008. The plaque declared the date to be "Juniper Park Civic Association Day" in the borough of Queens.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Como ducks JPCA debate (again)

A spirited debate for the State Senate was followed by two "get-to-know-me" sessions after 2 candidates failed to show up at the last meeting of the Juniper Park Civic Association on October 30th, 2008.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Choose your councilperson carefully

Anthony Como promised to attend our May debate but canceled at the last minute without a valid reason. He promised in writing to attend our debate on October 30th but once again was a no-show. Since becoming our councilman, Como has not shown up for one JPCA meeting and has not called us to discuss the needs of the neighborhood.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Juniper Juniors clean up and plant at Juniper Valley Park

The Juniper Juniors, under the direction of JPCA Executive Board Member Robert Doocey, cleaned up the area around the Pullis Farm Cemetery and planted spring bulbs as part of the Partnership for Parks' "It's My Park! Day" on Saturday, October 25th, 2008.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Juniper Civic wins neighborhood preservation award

Tony Nunziato, representing the Juniper Park Civic Association, accepted the 2008 Neighborhood Preservation Award from the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance at the awards ceremony which took place at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Juniper Civic hosts candidates' debate tonite

The Juniper Park Civic Association will host a candidates' debate tonight – Thursday, October 30th – at 7:45pm at Our Lady of Hope Auditorium located at 71st Street and Eliot Avenue in Middle Village, Queens. The following candidates have been invited to debate:
State Senate District 15: Serphin Maltese and Joe Addabbo
State Assembly District 30: Marge Markey and Tony Nunziato
City Council District 30: Anthony Como and Elizabeth Crowley

Friday, October 17, 2008

Extending Term Limits Through the Council is Un-American

The sanctity of the voters will is so very precious to protecting the rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence and in the United States Constitution, that even the horrific events of 09/11/2001 would not be sufficient justification to forego the November 2001 Mayoral election for The City of New York.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Eminent Domain abuse is nothing more than theft

State Senator Serphin Maltese is strongly urged to remove his name from the Willets Point letter and immediately reach across the aisle in the NYS Senate to propose and pass legislation that would bring NYS in line with the 42 States that have amended their constitution to prohibit the taking of private property that is not for public use.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

CURTAINS

Why is the "will of the people" so sacred when the election is over and the a candidate takes office, but, "the will of the people" is garbage when the office holder is now required by law to leave office?

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tony Nunziato Launches Grassroots Campaign

Despite the inclement weather, friends and supporters alike gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Tony Nunziato for State Assembly campaign headquarters on Saturday, September 27th.
Nunziato's campaign office is located at his business storefront, Enchanted Florist & Greenhouse (65-10 Grand Avenue), which he has owned and operated for nearly three decades. Also unveiled was Nunziato's state-of-the-art campaign website, www.tonynunziato.com.

"I will be a performer, not a seat warmer," Nunziato quipped in reference to his opponent this November.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

DOT dragging its feet on Maspeth Bypass

In 2006, then-Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall said her agency was committed to solving the problem of truck traffic on Grand Avenue, and would have something finalized by that summer. Two years later, a DOT spokesperson said the agency is working on a plan but adds that more studies are needed.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Thompson examining ways to compensate for 2007 flooding

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. is probing ways to compensate many New Yorkers affected by last year's massive storm-triggered floods in April, July and August, and has offered to extend the deadlines for claimants to sue with the expectation of resolving the claims before litigation becomes necessary.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Lawn litter enforcement is underway

Enforcement has begun of Section 397-A of the New York State General Business Law, a.k.a the "Lawn Litter" Law, which allows property owners to post a sign in a visible area in front of their homes to let advertisers know not to place unsolicited advertising material on their property.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Truck wheels stolen within minutes

On July 3rd of this month at 59-22 69th Lane in Maspeth at 2:45am I was awoken to the sounds of my truck alarm going off. I went downstairs to deactivate my alarm, and to look at my vehicle to find all the wheels in my truck gone and my truck balancing on two cinder blocks. All of this happening only two houses down from mine.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Juniper Civic Declares Victory Over Huang

JPCA is today claiming victory over notorious developer, Tommy Huang, who was forced to alter an illegally constructed house at 57-39 Mazeau Street. After pressure from JPCA for two long years, the developer has finally conformed to Department of Buildings directives and zoning requirements.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

West Nile virus found in Middle Village

The West Nile Virus has been reported within zip code 11379 (Middle Village). It is therefore important to take necessary precautions and eliminate the threat of mosquito bites.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Miracle in Maspeth

The driver of this vehicle walked away with just a cut on his lower lip following a horrendous crash the afternoon of Wednesday, July 23rd at the intersection of Maurice and Borden Avenues in Maspeth.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

THERE'S NO STOPPING A MAN INTENT ON BREAKING LAWS

As taxpayers, we are entitled to have the answers to all our questions regarding buildings violations by Anthony Como. If we don't get answers, or we get unsatisfactory answers, we have to decide whether to permit the man to continue in office as a lawmaker.

Monday, July 21, 2008

... AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

Let's stop accepting the dregs that the career politicians and party hacks find running with the cockroaches. We can take control if we just examine the candidates palmed off on us by people who couldn't care any less for our interests.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Juniper Park 2008 Summer Concert Series Ends With Irish Night August 21st

Starring Tommy Flynn and the New York Showband With Special Guest Mattie Conolly Concert starts at 7:30pm • Bring Your Own Lawn Chair Location: 80th Street & Juniper Boulevard South For more information please call 718-651-5865.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Keep the Ridgewood Reservoir Wild

A visit to the Reservoir as well as a tour of the park is the most way to inform yourself of the facts, and decide for yourself whether or not the Ridgewood Reservoir should be destroyed to make way for athletic fields.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Onderdonk House burglarized by kids

Are you aware that the Onderdonk House was recently vandalized by adolescents who broke into the property and structure?

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

JPCA honors 2 local police heroes

P.O. Robert Sowden and P.O. Collin Wynter of the 104th Precinct received Community Service Awards from the Juniper Park Civic Association at their meeting at Our Lady of Hope on June 26th for capturing one of the perpetrators of an armed home invasion in Middle Village on Tuesday, June 17th.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Old Tyme Base Ball at Juniper Valley Park

Old Tyme Base Ball returned to Juniper Valley Park on June 28. T'was a beautiful and glorious day to play base ball in Middle Village, Queens. The home town New York Gothams hosted the visiting Flemington Neshanock to play two splendiferous games on this fine day.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Sand avalanche in Maspeth!

A truck hauling sand tipped over while making a turn from the LIE westbound service road onto Grand Avenue the morning of Thursday, June 26th. It closed down the westbound LIE. No one but the driver was hurt, but it could have been much, much worse.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Juniper Valley Park 2008 Summer Concert Series

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Juniper Park Civic Assoc. & Commerce Bank present: The Juniper Valley Park 2008 Summer Concert Series

Monday, June 16, 2008

American Flag Etiquette

In the month of June and with Fourth of July right on the horizon it seems an appropriate time to publish American Flag Etiquette. The following was culled from Internet sites and will give you an idea of appropriate protocol for flying our beautiful red, white and blue.

Friday, June 13, 2008

After Near Tie, Como Wins Queens Council Seat

The Queens County Board of Elections commissioner, Anthony Como, will represent the 30th district in Queens in the City Council after winning a special election to replace Council Member Dennis Gallagher, who resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Como and Crowley in too-close-to-call race

With 100 percent of the vote in, Anthony Como has a 70 vote lead over Elizabeth Crowley. But there are almost 200 absentee ballots that still have not been counted, so the race is not officially over yet.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

JPCA marches in Maspeth Memorial Day Parade

The Juniper Park Civic Association marched in the Maspeth Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24th along Grand Avenue. It was a beautiful day and we were honored to take part in the remembrance of those who died for our freedom.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Candidates debate on NY1

Watch a video of NY1's Inside City Hall taped Friday, May 23rd where the candidates for Council 30's special election debate each other. The general consensus of people who have watched the debate is that Tom Ognibene was the most skilled debater, having been councilmember for 10 years and Charles Ober came across as knowledgeable and competent. Anthony Como and Elizabeth Crowley made it clear that they are both totally unqualified for public office.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Como, Crowley wimp out of JPCA debate

After initially confirming that they would attend, Elizabeth Crowley and Anthony Como wimped out of a debate hosted by the Juniper Park Civic Association at the last minute.

Friday, May 16, 2008

JPCA wins Grassroots Preservation Award

On May 15, 2008, the Juniper Park Civic Association received the Historic Districts Council's Grassroots Preservation Award for our efforts to save St. Saviour's Church.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Charles Ober Responds to Crowley's Attack on His Character and His Loyalties

Charles Ober sat back last night in amazement and disbelief that instead of Elizabeth Crowley condemning this horrible letter, sent to all the voters, she used this time to question his loyalties and sought to malign his credentials as a Democrat.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Stolen Dog Found at All Faiths Cemetery

Sargent is the Mastiff that was stolen out of a vehicle on Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village, Queens, NY earlier this week. At 1am on April 10th Sarg was found at All Faiths Cemetery.

Friday, March 28, 2008

St. Saviour's to be moved to All Faiths Cemetery

At a press conference Monday, March 31st at 1pm, JPCA President Robert Holden and All Faiths Cemetery CEO Dan Austin announced the tentative agreement to move St. Saviour's to the cemetery.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Admitting Sexual Abuse, Gallagher Resigns

City Councilman Dennis P. Gallagher resigned from office and pleaded guilty on Monday to two misdemeanors, admitting that he sexually abused a woman in his district office in Middle Village, Queens, last summer while he was intoxicated.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

JPCA and Councilman Avella protest St. Saviour's demolition

On February 29th, JPCA held a protest at St. Saviour's Church featuring Councilman Tony Avella. It was attended by 35 protesters, 6 police officers and the Queens press corps. No elected officials besides Avella attended the rally.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Gallagher's false funding promise may doom St. Saviour's

Dennis Gallagher claimed to have secured $1 million in the 2008 budget for St. Saviour's because he never thought he would be asked to produce it.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Rally to Save St. Saviour's tomorrow

RALLY TO PROTEST DESTRUCTION OF ST.SAVIOUR'S Join Councilman Tony Avella, Juniper Park Civic Association and Newtown Historical Society in calling for the city to stop the destruction and acquire & convert the historic former St. Saviour's Church property into a museum, community center and public park for the people of Maspeth.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Washington's Birthday storm snow removal rules

Snow should be removed from sidewalks 4 hours after the end of the storm. If the storm stops after 9pm then you have to remove snow by 10am the next day. Don't push snow into traffic lanes. Fines start at $100.

Monday, February 11, 2008

St. Saviour's may be saved!

All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village has stepped up to the plate in the battle to save neighboring Maspeth's historic St. Saviour's Church. They have agreed to receive the building as long as funds are raised for the move.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Bloomberg hires St. Saviour's lobbyist for presidential campaign

The Juniper Park Civic Association is calling for an investigation into the connection between the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit and the Parkside Group lobbying firm after this Sunday's published report by New York Magazine.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

2nd BSA hearing on Maspeth cell tower 4/15

Members of the Juniper Park Civic Association testified against Omnipoint's plan to erect a cell tower atop 53-20 72nd Place in Maspeth at the Board of Standards and Appeals on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

WHERE'S CUSTOMER SERVICE?

In New York City, the organization that can be described as Customer Service is known as Community Assistance Unit ‒ or, CAU. The Queens Director of CAU is a lady named Jennifer Manley, previously a reporter for the Queens weekly newspaper, the Queens Chronicle until she took up with the City Job at CAU in mid-2007. It's been difficult to determine how reporting for a local paper is qualification for elevation to Queens Director of CAU.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Changes for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 21st, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal, state and city holiday.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Gallagher propositioned constituents; bragged of using position to secure city job for family member

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Avella Calls Upon AIA To Withdraw Zoning Text Proposal

Council Member Tony Avella joined leaders from various civic organizations and Community Boards at a press conference today to call upon the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to withdraw their zoning text amendment application.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Civic Officers for 2008-2010

During our last meeting, the slate of officers for the 2008-2010 term was unanimously accepted by the membership present.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Curbside Christmas Tree Pickup 2008

The Sanitation Department has begun its annual Christmas tree curbside collection and recycling program. The program will run through Wednesday, January 16th.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Old Christmases

When Clement Clarke Moore composed the immortal Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" at his home in New York City, he was in all probability thinking of the home of his grandparents in Newtown Village.

Monday, December 17, 2007

St. Saviour's parsonage demolished

St. Saviour's parsonage was demolished on Wednesday, December 12th. Neighbors report that the building was knocked down by a bulldozer in a matter of minutes.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

JPCA's Holiday Party & Raffle Another Success

JPCA held our annual holiday party and raffle on Thursday, December 13th, 2007 at Our Lady of Hope Auditorium in Middle Village. We used this occasion to welcome in our 70th anniversary year.

Friday, November 30, 2007

St. Saviour's plan withdrawn by developer

Councilman Tony Avella and Queens Director of City Planning John Young have confirmed that Maspeth Development, LLC has withdrawn their application for rezoning of the St. Saviour's property from M1-1D to R5B.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

JPCA protests illegal Mazeau Street houses

JPCA and Councilman Tony Avella held a press conference on Sunday, December 2nd on Mazeau Street in Maspeth. This marked the one-year anniversary of our first press conference that called for DOB to step in and force the demolition of a building on the street.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Walgreen's on Eliot will not be open 24 hours

George Christides, manager of the Walgreen's at Eliot and Caldwell Avenues has stated that the store will NOT be open 24-hours and will probably close daily at 10pm.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Trees destroyed at P.S. 49

The 20 or more trees here were expeditiously cut down on Friday, November 2nd by the School Construction Authority, even though the SCA assured a Community Board 5 member just days earlier that they would not be touched.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

For Dodgers, Fall Season Just Perfect

Midville Wins 2007 MABL Wood Bat Fall Season Championship, Undefeated at 11-0
MIDVILLE: 3
LI TIGERS: 1
A truly historic feat!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

FEMA, DEP flooded with complaints at JPCA meeting

FEMA and DEP attended our last Juniper Civic meeting on Thursday, October 25th. Many attendees expressed their displeasure with how the city and feds have treated them since the floods this summer.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

News from the Department of Buildings

October 2007 Newsletter from the NYC Department of Buildings.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

10/11: Flooding hits Maspeth, Middle Village again

Behold the flooding I witnessed on my way home from work today. – Christina Wilkinson, Secretary, Juniper Park Civic Association (open for videos of flooding)

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Sanitation rules for the rest of the year

The Department of Sanitation provides regularly scheduled curbside refuse and recycling collection services for every residential household, public school, public building, and many large institutions in New York City.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Maspeth, MidVille irate over flooding

About 1/2 of this 350-member crowd raised their hands when asked who had been affected by flooding.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A letter from Kuwait

"I just wanted to drop a line back to my family, friends and communities of Middle Village and Maspeth from the "Sand Sailors" of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom."

Monday, September 17, 2007

St. Saviour's a priority at CB5 hearing

Christabel Gough from the Society for the Architecture of the City and Nadezhda Williams of the Historic Districts Council, as well as Christina Wilkinson of JPCA, spoke in support of saving the historic structure at the September 12th budget hearing at Community Board 5.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Bush declares Queens a disaster area

On September 1st, President Bush declared Queens County to be a federal disaster area. The federal government will therefore provide monetary assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Maspeth Christmas tree torn down

Maspeth's town Christmas tree, which we believe is on NYC Parks Department property at 69th Street and Grand Avenue, was unceremoniously ripped down this past weekend, and a circular wall was built in its place.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

GALLAGHER MUST GO

New York Daily News editorial:
City Councilman Dennis Gallagher of Queens has been charged with rape and sexual assault in a 10-count indictment that likely contains the most serious criminal charges ever lodged against a member of the municipal legislature. He should resign forthwith. Facing up to 25 years in prison, Gallagher will be consumed by defending himself. He won't be able to represent his constituents effectively, and where he goes, disgrace will follow.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Neighbor decries St. Saviour's tree destruction

"I live diagonally across from St. Saviour's and have watched the systematic annihilation of one of nature's most beautiful gifts. It is so disheartening to see that Bloomberg didn't deem this to be a worthy enough issue to fit into his agenda."

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Midville Dodgers Capture Westchester Crown, Advance to Eastern Finals

After heavy rain washed out the first day of action, the Midville Dodgers Senior team (18 and under) opened the AABC Regional Playoffs on Friday July 20th.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

JPCA & Councilman Avella denounce tree cutting

An emergency press conference was held at the site of the former St. Saviour's Church in Maspeth yesterday to denounce the cutting of more than 170 trees present on the sacred site.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Statement from the Historic Districts Council Re: St. Saviour's Church

Statement from the Historic Districts Council Re: Emergency Press Conference at Saint Saviour's Church in Maspeth, Queens

Friday, July 13, 2007

JPCA calls emergency press conference at St. Saviour's

JPCA will hold an emergency press conference on Saturday, July 14 at 12 noon at St. Saviour's Church to denounce the destruction of the trees and birds on the property at the hands of the developer.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Juniper Valley Park 2007 Summer Concert Series

Sponsored by NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Juniper Park Civic Association, RCN & Commerce Bank. • All Concerts start at 7:30pm • Bring Your Own Lawn Chair • Location: 80th St & Juniper Blvd North

Monday, July 2, 2007

JPCA & Avella rally to save St. Saviour's

JPCA and Councilman Tony Avella were joined by more than 80 concerned city residents at St. Saviour's Church in West Maspeth on July 1st to call for the conversion of the property into a park by the city.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

JPCA & Councilman Avella hold city hall press conference

JPCA and Councilman Tony Avella held a press conference at City Hall in lower Manhattan on the afternoon of Saturday, June 30th to protest overdevelopment and the NYC Department of Building's refusal to put an end to abuses by rogue developers.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Councilman Tony Avella honored by JPCA & Maltese

Councilman Tony Avella was honored by the Juniper Park Civic Association on Thursday evening, June 21st. Mr. Avella was named Man of the Year for all he has done on behalf of the communities of Middle Village, Maspeth and the rest of Queens.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Senator Maltese concerned about artificial turf

State Senator Serphin Maltese wrote to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation after reading Robert Doocey's June 2007 Juniper Berry article about the potential dangers of artificial turf in NYC parks.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Assemblyman Hevesi pushes for DOB accountability

In the next week, a package of legislation that will require greater transparency and accountability from the Department of Buildings will be passed by the New York State Assembly.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Flag Day is June 14th

Congress adopted Flag Day, which is celebrated on June 14th, in 1777. The Stars and Stripes represent the emblem of our nation. However, it was not until August 3, 1949 that it became law, giving official recognition to June 14th as the date to celebrate the flag.

Monday, May 28, 2007

JPCA honors our fallen heroes

The Juniper Park Civic Association joins the rest of America in thanking all veterans for their service to our country in times of both war and peace and we pay special tribute to those who have lost their lives defending freedom and democracy.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Parks Dept Sends Kids to Picnic in Dog Area

PS89 students directed to eat and play in area where dogs regularly relieve themselves. Teachers express concern.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Rubberized pellets on synthetic playing fields

The following is an e-mail from Queens Community Board 5 – Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum Calls for Independent Testing of Pellets Used in City Parks – Health risks to New Yorkers playing on synthetic turf remains unknown.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Rest in Peace, Margaret Magnus

"As difficult as it is to let go of her right now, I can honestly say that I have very few regrets. This is a person I had a wonderful relationship with down to the last minute."

Saturday, April 28, 2007

DSNY, NYPD & Kampy receive JPCA 2007 Community Service Awards

The Sanitation Department, a member of the 104th Precinct, and JPCA's 2nd VP were honored for their commitment to improving the quality of life of Maspeth and Middle Village residents at our last JPCA general membership meeting held on Thursday, April 26th, 2007.

Friday, April 27, 2007

St. Saviour's plans unveiled

The JPCA has unveiled an architectural rendering of what the St. Saviour's Church and Parsonage will look like after both they and the historic grounds upon which they sit are saved and fully restored.

Friday, April 27, 2007

JPCA celebrates Arbor Day

Street trees make any neighborhood beautiful and actually increase property values, to say nothing about their huge contribution to our environment.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Rebuttal to Councilman Gallagher's April 9, 2007 Letter

Through his association with the Queens Democratic Party, Councilman Dennis Gallagher has been successful in carrying out his taunts to remove Ed Kampermann from CBQ5, however, we will not allow an empty suit to deny him his right to freedom of speech.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

JPCA vindicated by Parks decision

So you may be wondering how JPCA feels about the recent decision by the NYC Parks Department which encourages people to unleash their dogs in parks that belong to us, the taxpayers – a decision that puts us, the taxpayers, at risk.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Gallagher continues his ruthless war against JPCA

Strangely, Councilman Dennis Gallagher continues to portray himself as a "victim" of the JPCA. We'll let you decide for yourself who the real victims are here.

Monday, April 23, 2007

MIDVILLE DODGERS WIN OPENER, BURIK STRONG IN ROOKIE DEBUT

The Midville Dodgers kept their 3-year opening day win streak alive with a 5-1 victory over the Long Island Panthers. The Dodgers took advantage of some control problems from the opposing pitcher and jumped to an early 2-0 lead.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

JPCA to Honor DSNY for Outstanding Service

The JPCA will present two community service awards to the DSNY for outstanding contributions in the neighborhood and the City of New York.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

JPCA Moves Against Realtor Encouraging Illegal Conversions in Maspeth

On April 4th, a member of the Juniper Park Civic Association observed an online real estate advertisement for the newly constructed "Maspeth Mews" development at 60-51 Flushing Ave. on the "Queens Crap" website. The ad blatantly encourages potential buyers to convert the garage and basement into an illegal apartment.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

JPCA and Forgotten-NY tour Middle Village

The Forgotten New York tour of Middle Village on Sunday, April 1st was a great success, attracting 48 participants, including tourgoers from all over New York City, as well as many curious locals.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Benefit for lifetime Maspeth resident stricken with cancer

Come Join Us for Mark "Mick" Snadecky's Birthday Bash Benefit, Saturday, April 7th, 2007 from 4pm to 11pm at the Martin Luther High School Auditorium.

Monday, March 19, 2007

St. Saviour's Property Contains Historic Artifacts & Possibly Graves

In two shocking revelations, both the NYS Office of Historic Preservation and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) have admitted that the St. Saviour's site contains the potential for recovery of archaeologically significant materials, including human remains.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Two Firefighters Chosen for 2007 JPCA Community Service Awards

The Juniper Juniors really enjoyed meeting FDNY heroes at our last town meeting on Thursday, March 22nd.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Rust Street too polluted for housing

The air is bad now at St. Saviour's, but it will soon be much worse. Is allowing the destruction of the 1.5 acre green space that buffers surrounding homes from all this pollution part of the city's 2030 plan to clean the air?

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Gallagher, Saint Saviour's, Anthony D., and Written Flatulence

Anthony D. is amused because he says we are "trying to destroy the name and livelihood of Councilman Dennis Gallagher." How we would accomplish that remains a mystery; only Gallagher can destroy his own name, which is about his only successful accomplishment.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Maspeth Company Feeds Troops on St. Patrick's Day

This year, the "Fighting 69th" assembled to lead the St. Patrick's Day Parade having enjoyed a full traditional Irish breakfast served at its regimental headquarters in Manhattan, compliments of Tommy Moloney's, America's largest provider of authentic Irish food products.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

An open letter to Mayor Bloomberg

Please come and explain to Deanna why her Buddy isn't around anymore. Please come and explain to her trusting, two year old little mind what we can not. If nothing else come and apologize for failing her, as the mayor of the city we live in, that is exactly what you did.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Vivi Still Missing in Action

Champion show dog "Vivi" remains missing since escaping from her cage at Kennedy Airport on February 15th, 2006, just a day after winning an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. A dedicated group of Queens searchers has continued their quest to find her.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

It's much a-'doo' about droppings

Denis Hamill recently wrote an article about the problem of dog waste left behind in city parks, and members of the off-leash lunatic fringe responded in their typical insane manner. The Parks Department, ever in denial, went so far as to tell Mr. Hamill that what his kid stepped in twice was not made by dogs, but by geese, as if he didn't know the difference.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

An open letter to Mayor Bloomberg

Dear Mr. Mayor: Once again, under your direction and control, a pack of dogs menaced Middle Village resident Gary Colter, his wife and two sons, this time as they walked through Juniper Park to attend Sunday Mass.

Friday, February 23, 2007

NYC DOG's sick obsession with JPCA

NYC DOG and other off-leash organizations are made up of people who value the ability of their dogs to run free more than they value their relationships with human beings. Therefore, their attempts at tearing down the reputation of groups that would dare to try to impose limits on the animals that they live their lives through come as no surprise.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Barefoot in the Park? Don't Try It!

I recently took my 7-year old son to Crocheron Park in Bayside to toss around a football. I was teaching him the buttonhook when the game was called on account of dog crap. Who let the dogs out to defecate all over our parks? Judge Peter Kelly, Parks Department Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Health Department Commissioner Thomas Frieden, that's who.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

DOGNAPPED!

On January 27th, a home in Middle Village was burglarized. Jewelry and money was stolen. But the robbers left the house with something even more precious. They stole the family pet.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Gallagher rejects St. Saviour's park proposal

The call for unity to save the entire St. Saviour's site has fallen on deaf ears. Councilman Dennis Gallagher has rejected the plan to save the parcel and continues to help Maspeth Development, LLC obtain a required a zoning change that would allow them to build housing on the property.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Maspeth-Middle Village Firebug Caught

The arsonist terrorizing Maspeth and Middle Village has been caught. Fire Marshals arrested him Friday, January 19th. Two graffiti vandals were also apprehended by the NYPD, who had increased patrols in our area to look for the firebug.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Buildings Department system not up-to-date with current zoning

JPCA has discovered that last year's downzoning of parts of Maspeth and Middle Village has had no effect on buildings permits issued in our communities. Architects and engineers are still self-certifying building plans that do not conform with the new zoning criteria and the DOB approves them based on the old zoning.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Principe in favor of park plan for St. Saviour's

Lee Principe, son of late Maspeth activist and community leader, Frank Principe, wrote a letter to CB5 asking them to work together with elected officials and JPCA to save St. Saviour's Church. Lee said in the letter that his legendary father had envisioned the site as a park for West Maspeth.

Sunday, January 7, 2007

No Garbage Collection on Martin Luther King Day

In observance of Martin Luther King Day, there will be no garbage or recycling collection, or street cleaning on Monday, January 21, 2008. Residents who normally receive Monday garbage collection should place their trash out at curbside Monday after 4 P.M. for pickup.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

NYPD catches developer Huang violating stop work order

A JPCA board member observed men working on the property owned by Tommy Huang at 57-39 Mazeau Street in Maspeth on January 3rd. The NYPD responded to the scene.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Be quiet, Fido!

Residents of the Juniper Valley Park area have become the unwitting victims of nuisance noise. Early morning hours are now a cacophony of barking dogs. Juniper Valley Park is completely surrounded by residential housing and NYC Parks never considered that dogs bark, and quite loudly at that.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

JPCA needs your help to save St. Saviour's

The Juniper Park Civic Association has been fighting to save St. Saviour's Church for almost a year now. Thus far, we have been successful. The developer took over the property on December 26th of last year, and a week shy of the one-year anniversary of this event, the church is still standing, now with a "for sale" sign on the fence.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Young girl assaulted by off-leash dog at Juniper

At 11:30am on Sunday morning, Dec 16th, a Middle Village resident was walking her granddaughter in Juniper Park when a big black dog jumped onto the child and knocked her down.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Thank you from Middle Village

You did it again, another great issue of the Juniper Berry, especially the article on "Redlining of Middle Village, Maspeth and Glendale." I'd also like to add to "keep fighting," as it's so nice having an organization such as yours standing up for us.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Councilman Avella Receives 2006 JPCA Community Service Award

Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) was honored for the work he has done on behalf of Maspeth and Middle Village.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Testimony at the New York State Assembly Health Committee's Recent Public Hearing

While Queens BP Marshall applauds the stated goals of the Berger Commission, she feels it missed the mark in Queens by not strengthening patient access to high level services.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Community Board 5 Votes Against DOH Leash Law Revision

At the Community Board 5 meeting on Wednesday, December 13th, a vote was taken regarding the recent DOH leash law revision. CB5 voted overwhelmingly against the DOH action, re-affirming their stance against off-leash recreation in parks throughout the district.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Parks Dept installs fence at Juniper to curb dog nuisances

The NYC Parks Department installed a fence along the eastern edge of the area currently used by a handful of dog owners as an off-leash area. This was done to keep dogs from running on the ballfields and harassing park users.

Saturday, December 9, 2006

St. Saviour's Stop Work Order Violated Again

JPCA received a phone call from a neighbor of St. Saviour's Church who stated that there were workers on the property who were ripping out the windows in the rear.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Good Faith, Bad Faith – What's the Difference?

When a lawyer asks a witness a question in bad faith, the opposing side has the right and the duty to issue an objection, claiming the bad faith of the question. The offending attorney is questioned in chambers, and, if unable to prove the good faith of the question, is then questioned by the opposing attorney in front of the jury.

Monday, December 4, 2006

Councilman Oddo to JPCA: GO BACK TO QUEENS!

Members of JPCA who were denied the opportunity to testify at the Queens public forum regarding the Department of Buildings were silenced yet again, this time at the meeting in Manhattan.

Monday, December 4, 2006

Poll: Overwhelming majority of city residents want dogs leashed

More than 1700 votes were cast in the AM NY poll, and out of those, more than 1500 people voted "yes" while just over 200 voted "no" to the question of "Should dogs always be on leashes in city parks?"

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Councilman Avella & JPCA Hold Press Conference on Huang Horror House in Maspeth

Councilman Tony Avella and several activists visited Maspeth on December 2nd to join JPCA in our fight against overdevelopment.

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Letters to the Editor

Our community is very fortunate to have an association as caring as you. A "Thank You" is not enough for your support and ideas in helping us manage to deal with the misery of the development next to our home.

Friday, November 24, 2006

How Low Can a Publisher Go?

The Queens Ledger was once considered to be the "gold standard" of community newspapers, with excellent reporting of issues of neighborhood concern and fantastic local history articles. Walter Sanchez quickly turned it into something that now is good for no more than to line the bottoms of pigeon coops.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Juniper Park's Upper Ball Fields are "for the birds" this winter

As winter approached, Peter Scully thought the small triangle between the upper ball fields, which are closed for the season for reseeding, would make a good refuge for the birds that decide to stay at or pass through Juniper Park. Peter contacted JPCA with his idea to install bird feeders and Steve Fiedler made sure it happened.

Monday, November 20, 2006

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: BE CAREFUL!

Here we are again, another busy shopping season. The best news would be that we all experience a safe, harmless time this year. But, we all know that we have to be alert to accomplish that goal.

Monday, November 20, 2006

JPCA & Forgotten NY tour Elmhurst and Maspeth

Forgotten New York, a website chronicling "the infrastructure of a lost metropolis," in conjunction with JPCA, offered a tour of Elmhurst and Maspeth focusing on neighborhood history, culture and architecture on Sunday, November 19th, 2006.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Boondoggle Basics

In Maspeth and Middle Village, we certainly have our own problems with rezoning and overdevelopment, but we haven't yet had the pleasure of battling eminent domain that benefits no one except a private developer as is currently happening in Brooklyn. A problem like this in any city community is a battle that every city community should be aware of, as it costs us all and we should remember that it could just as easily happen here at any time.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

QCC Research re: Unleashed Dogs in NYC

Since, by dog advocates' own admissions, after 20 years of off-leash courtesy hours we are still experiencing a myriad of problems, then it is time that this "experiment" is terminated as a complete failure.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

104 civic groups across Queens want dogs leashed

The Queens Civic Congress represents more than 100 civic and other community organizations across the borough of Queens. QCC sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Department of Health asking him not to relax the leash law in city parks. Member groups also unanimously support JPCA's lawsuit against the Parks Department.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Penelope Avenue House of Horror Raided by Cops

Police from the Queens Narcotics Squad together with the 104th Precinct Narcotics team raided a Middle Village house on November 9th and found what was described as a house of horrors.

Friday, November 3, 2006

Meet our new 400-million-year old neighbor!

When a giant 400-million-year old boulder was unearthed in Brooklyn recently, Queens Parks Commissioner Dottie Lewandowski promptly took action, and on November 2nd, a flatbed truck transported the boulder to the former Keyspan site on Grand Avenue in Elmhurst. It now awaits incorporation into the design of our much-anticipated future park.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Juniper Park Halloween Festival a Giant Hit!

Hundreds of kids and adults took part in a fun night of free entertainment featuring country & classic rock music, prizes, games and contests on Halloween night at Juniper Valley Park.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

DOH hearing brings out the worst in off-leash advocates

JPCA members who offered live testimony with regards to the Department of Health's proposal to allow unleashed dogs in city parks were subjected to catcalls, booing and hissing by members of the Juniper Valley Park Dog Association, FIDO Brooklyn, NYC DOG and other off-leash advocates.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Prospect Park dog owner offers account of DOH hearing

Firsthand account of DOH hearing by a non-JPCA member, documenting the testimony given in support of off-leash hours.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

JPCA detractor Truman Harris determined to be fake

Someone using the pen name "Truman Harris" has been submitting letters to the editors of local Queens newspapers comparing JPCA President Robert Holden with mass murderers and dictators. The problem is that Truman Harris does not exist.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

JPCA & Juniper Juniors Participate in It's My Park Day

On October 21st, volunteer kids and adults planted bulbs, bushes and trees and reseeded fields during It's My Park Day.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Elected Officials, New Civic, Developer & Realtor Co-Sponsor Fall Festival

It's nice to see that our local elected officials and new "civic association" are no longer hiding their connections to developers and realtors. Thanks for being honest for a change!

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Pit Bull Attack In Juniper Valley Park

NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe has encouraged dog owners to bring their dogs to city parks during the hours of 9pm to 9am to exercise them off of their leashes.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Nunziato's ouster from CB 5 politically motivated: Holden

Juniper Park Civic Association leaders said they believe longstanding Maspeth activist and civic member Tony Nunziato is being thwarted politically after being voted out of Maspeth Town Hall in March, where he acted as president, and removed from Community Board 5 in April.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

JPCA tried to work out dog issue – but got rejected

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and I attended Benepe's announcement about the City's new sidewalk repair program for homeowners with sidewalks damaged by tree roots just about a year ago, on March 31, 2005.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Fine Diamonds, Locked Away; City's Best Ballparks Are Reserved for League Play

While only 64 -- or about 10 percent -- of the city's total diamonds are kept locked, the Parks Department has increasingly turned to locking its fields as a solution to overuse and vandalism.

Monday, August 15, 2005

NY Harbor tunnel a drain on worthier transit projects

Someone has got to set priorities, and they ought to begin by telling Mr. Nadler his tunnel is dead.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

Vile and Ugly

This is a story of a vile and ugly columnist and an unapologetic hateful newspaper that prints vile and ugly columns. Fortunately, the newspaper is insignificant. But small people and small papers that spread hate are dangerous.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Community Character: Bob Holden

"This town's not big enough for the both of us," is the message Bob Holden usually tells real estate developers looking to build big box stores, multi-family homes, and commercial space in his neighborhood.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Community Character: Tony Nunziato

Tony Nunziato's own friends will admit that when the florist goes to a meeting, he is "a pit bull." Peering out of the windows of Enchanted Florist in Maspeth is the store's namesake: a florist who doubles as a community activist. His activism against over development and excessive truck traffic leave him fighting for Maspeth into the wee hours of the night.