Last year a single Zoom meeting was held to obtain feedback on improvements to the Juniper Valley Park blacktop/softball field. No permit holders were consulted, and we initially were told that possibilities would not only include resurfacing the blacktop, but also installation of plantings around the edges and improved electrical wiring for the concert stage. Earlier this year, a council candidate with inside information posted a leaked diagram of the design. When asked, Parks said it wasn’t correct and that they were still working on it. Then in April, Parks informed CB5 that they were planning to present the design to their parks committee and the preview showed a design very similar to the one that was leaked. It replaced the softball field with pickleball and basketball courts, a play area for small kids to bike ride, and adult fitness equipment. There would have been no room for National Night Out, our summer concerts, or any of the other events that happen there throughout the year. After a bunch of stakeholders balked, Parks withdrew the plan and said they would work on accommodating the traditional uses for the space. Why didn’t they just ask in the first place?
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SERVING MIDDLE VILLAGE AND MASPETH SINCE 1938.