We were so focused on other property conditions at 67-70 Yellowstone Blvd. [QC, 5/30/14], in addition to Queens Crap’s prior story on the cemented tree pits on the sidewalk [4/24/14], that we somehow missed this heartbreaking sight on the property’s 68th Ave. side. This tree looks as if it would scream if it could, another testament to the property's criminally negligent management. Last we heard, the neighborhood was still called Forest Hills, not Gasping-Tree Gulch. There are many tree stumps and moribund trees on the actual property, where, unfortunately, Parks has no jurisdiction. Several trees in the rear dump...oops, we mean yard...have gone or are on their way to tree heaven.
Who needs tornadoes or hurricanes with management like this? We note that the owners have a Long Island business address:
Assuming they live out there, we’re going way out on a rotting tree limb to bet their own trees are doing just fine. However, we see no indication that they maintain any aspect of their Forest Hills property without being forced to, as they seem to have no shame.
Case in point: Online research reveals that the late, unlamented illegal sidewalk on 68th Ave. resulted in a DOT lien against the property. So they didn't replace it because it was an unsightly mess that had posed a hazard to pedestrians for years. They replaced it because they got busted, although they waited almost a year and a half to do the work, despite the DOT’s 45-day stipulation. No shame. We love love love it when property owners crap crap crap on the neighborhoods where they do business. Ka-ching!
Now, to recap regarding just a fraction of the attempted arboricide on this property:
By the way, the building is the former home of Gilberto Valle, the cop who was convicted of supposedly aspiring to, well, you know. [We could live without the tabloid nickname.] We're suggesting an upside to his situation: He no longer lives there. Cheer up, fella!
(Mucho thanks to Queens Crap for publishing these pieces. You're doing a service with your blog by calling out all things crappy in Queens, big and small. Quality of life is very important. What seems small today can grow unchecked. It's important to shine a light on ALL of it. Keep up the great work.) - Forest Hills Wanderer
8 comments:
The owners sound like they haven't a brain or clue to manage a property. They are probably performing some illegal mumbo jumbo with their tax returns as well. Hello IRS and NYS Comptroller, are you paying attention to this property?
It would suck if parts of that tree just started cracking because it is so dry and fell on top of someone's car!
This is a direct result of politicians hollowing out communities by undercutting organizations that are trying to fight for quality of life in favor of developers who pay for elections and politicians career advancement.
Absentee landlords, encouraging resident turnover, and ignoring regulations that are already in place is well on the way to destroying Queens.
The fact that the public is letting the pols do this is perhaps an even larger issue:
if you don't play you pay.
Wow very sad. People can't even appreciate a living part of nature. Horrible cement job as well.
So many are to blame for quality of life issues in NYC, starting with the mayor then filtering to city agencies and council members to community boards and residents who don't say anything, but the brunt of it falls onto our leaders who just refuse to address these issues.
And where the hell is the Public Advocate in all of this. I mean what is the point of having such a position if issues are not being addressed properly.
Good point on the Public Advocate, Joe.
Quick, dear Reader, what has the Public Advocate ever advocated that came into fruition? Seems like a cross-your-feet-on-the-desk kind of job.
What did de Blasio as Public Advocate ever advocate? Joe, you ever get intouch with Public Advocate James and haul her ass 'round the streets of Jamaica?
A violation was issued for the cemented tree pits. There were several 311 calls plus neighborhood activists contacted elected officials. It's considered vandalism to cement tree pits and carries a hefty fine. It's really sad that Parks can't get on these jerks for the destruction of trees on the private property. The whole grounds area front and back is in pretty bad shape and not clean. We can see that yard from our building and we used to see a guy doing boxing practice on the trees on a regular basis, which seems like more vandalism. The guys who work there would even be doing some chores out there while he boxed and they didn't seem to care. Pretty low class vibe. Our super would never allow anything like that. He gets upset if one bud doesn't bloom on his flowers.
And how can they just not register with HPD?
Too bad the city doesn't go in a right these problems and bill the owners.
Put up a wrought iron fence, fill the base with flowers and charge the owners.
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