Thankfully, the vast majority of property owners in Middle Village & Maspeth take pride in the appearance and well-being of our neighborhood. But a few property owners have a total disregard for the condition of their property. So we induct these properties into this month’s Hall of Shame. If you see properties in disarray, call 311. And please send them to us for possible inclusion in our neighborhood hall of shame. Graffiti images on this page have been altered to not give vandals notoriety. Send to: info@junipercivic.com or mail to: Juniper Berry Eyesores, PO Box 275 Middle Village, NY 11379

IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR PARK SLOPE?
This pedestrian plaza which NYC Parks has dubbed “Park Slope” is in need of a major overhaul. There exist the remains of benches past, and surely the entire uninviting space at 61st Street and the LIE can be put to better use than as a locale for occasional skateboarding and frequent loitering. Perhaps a capital project is called for.

GYM RATS
We’re not sure why this assorted trash sits next to the Coliseum Gym on 75th Street near Cooper Ave, but it’s been there for months. Tires have routinely been stacked there for more than 6 years. Perhaps as the final leg of strongman training patrons could compete to see who is fastest at hauling this junk to a Sanitation garage.

THE CITY HAS US STUMPED
It took about two years for the city to remove a half dead tree right across from PS58’s entrance. After two more years, the stump continues to be a hazard to pedestrians. Why would someone want a tree in front of their home if the city won’t maintain the tree or remove a dead tree and stump and replant with another tree in a timely manner? The sidewalk is also damaged by the tree and the homeowner was assured by the city that they would repair it but has been given no timeframe for this. – Richard Polgar