City of Yes, Drop Dead

 

Queens Chronicle

A family feud over a notable property in Hollis has escalated into a community issue over protecting historical homes in Southeast Queens.

Marie Ashley, who was once the resident at the old Ketcham Farmhouse, a historical home that is at least 180 years old, was evicted from the residence, located at 190-21 Hollis Ave. on Wednesday.

Ashley told the Chronicle that when her parents retired in the 1990s she took responsibility for a home that her mother bought with her eldest sibling and has paid for everything from the mortgage to property taxes to landscaping, maintenance and repairs.

Since living in the home Ashley said she has helped out relatives and friends and friends of friends who faced homelessness and offered them a room at the historical house that her older sister Grace would later also assume responsibility for.

For the past few years she has been trying to landmark the property with its Italianate exterior, which is believed to be one of the two first homes to be built in Hollis. She held a rally to draw awareness about the property on Monday.

The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission said that the David and Mary Oakley Ketcham House may merit consideration as an individual city landmark in a letter dated Oct. 2, 2023 to Ashley.

Despite her and her sister’s efforts, her family wants to demolish the home to build six two-family houses.

“You can’t replace this history,” said Ashley at the rally.

The Ketcham family was a prominent family in Queens that helped to develop much of the borough from the 17th to the 20th centuries, according to Ashley, who is also the head of the Hollis Preservation Association.

May Callahan Flores, the original “Gibson Girl” in artist Dana Gibson’s illustrations of the feminine ideal, and her husband, Frederic Flores, are believed to have also lived in the home as early as 1924, added Ashley, who believes the home may also have been a passage on the Underground Railroad.

Paul Graziano, a land preservation expert, said the house is the progenitor for the entire community.

“Architecturally, it is very important, historically it is very important,” said Graziano at the protest. “That it could be demolished tomorrow is extremely concerning.”

Community Board 12 also supports preserving the house, which Ashley says has brought business to the neighborhood via her efforts in working with location scouts who helped get the home featured in commercials, TV shows and movies.

“Community Board 12 ... absolutely supports the designation of the Ketcham Farmhouse,” Graziano said in a letter sent to LPC. “In the 60-year history of the commission, we have 18 individual landmarks and one historic district — Addisleigh Park.”

Members of the Queens County Farm Museum and the Bayside Historical Society were also at the rally.

Ashley told the Chronicle that a review of her and her sister’s financials shows they invested about $1.8 million in the home.

Ashley said she has been pushed out of the home because a different older brother and her father, who obtained a majority share in the house in the 2010s, took her to landlord tenant court over the property due to their desire to make money off it.

She said a developer, which created an LLC with her family members, would create the six two-family homes in exchange for one of the homes later being given to the developer.

Graziano said that under the City of Yes housing directive, the property could end up being a building for about 20 housing units because of the huge lot size and its falling within a transit-oriented development zone.

Ashley said she was not a tenant in the home, that her mother gave her power of attorney for any transactions regarding the home before passing in 2021 and she didn’t learn about the LLC until some time after the funeral when the family was still grieving.

Graziano said he looked into the property records of the home and it appears that Ashley’s father also refinanced the home about three times. He could not be reached.

Ashley said she and her sister were unaware of the refinancing and received no money from it.

 

Preservation protest for the Ketcham House

 

WHO:            Civic and preservation groups, members of Community Board 12, concerned individuals A press conference to explain efforts to preserve the Ketcham House of Hollis, Queens 

WHERE:      190-21 Hollis Avenue, Hollis, Queens 

WHEN:         Monday, August 4, 11am 190-21 Hollis Avenue AKA the Ketcham Farmhouse is one of the most significant remaining mid-19th century farmhouses still standing in New York City. 

The building, which is at least 180 years old, is in excellent condition, with much of its original vernacular Italianate exterior details intact.

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has already determined that “the David & Mary Oakley Ketcham House may merit consideration as an individual New York City Landmark” as per correspondence dated October 2, 2023

This is due to both the extant architectural expression of the exterior of the building and its siting in the landscape; and the direct connection to David Ketcham (also spelled Ketchum) and the Ketcham family, one of the most important in the development and governance of Queens County from the 17th to 20th centuries, who purchased the building and farm in 1849. 

As early as 1924, the original “Gibson Girl” May Callahan Flores and her husband, Frederic Flores, a well-known local builder who constructed several houses with his brother Charles in what is now the Douglaston Historic District, may have lived in the Ketcham Farmhouse; by 1933, they had definitively purchased it and lived their until her death in 1953. The property did not change hands again until 1967.

 Since Marie and Grace Ann Ashley’s tenure at the Ketcham Farmhouse began in 1991, their efforts to save and restore the building and its grounds have been impressive, resulting in the interest shown by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as previously stated. The designation of the Ketcham Farmhouse as a local individual landmark is crucial to the interpretation of Hollis, New York from its inception to the present day. 

It is – literally – one of the most important historic buildings if not the most important historic building still standing and, if demolished, would result in a permanent loss to the citizens of Hollis, Jamaica, Queens County and New York City. More history here:theketchamhouse.

This house just happens to be in right at the end of the zone of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan rezoning that's currently in the early phase for approval for developing higher residential buildings. Or as I like to call it "The Jamaica Of Yes"-JQ LLC

LIRR discounts for some Queens residents

From the Times Ledger:

The MTA will temporarily offer discounted rates with a pilot program for commuters traveling between Brooklyn and Queens from Atlantic Terminal on the Long Island Rail Road to experiment how offering lower fares will affect ridership.

The study, called Atlantic Ticket, will offer lower rates to LIRR riders who commute through the Brooklyn hub in an attempt to fill seats on these trains, which have greater capacity than those traveling to and from Penn Station.

The stations in Queens where commuters can take advantage of $5 rates at all hours are in Hollis, Jamaica, Laurelton, Locust Manor, Queens Village, Rosedale and St. Albans.

The $5 fare will represent a 51 percent reduction in price from the peak hour charge of $10.25 and a 33 percent decrease from the off-peak $7.50, the MTA said.

The MTA said this would make up for the $2.75 a customer would have to pay for a transfer to the subway.

DEC wants your input on contaminated site

From the Queens Tribune:

The state Department of Environment Conservation is seeking the public’s opinion on how a potentially contaminated plot of property in Hollis should be remedied.

The site, which is located at 202-16 Hillside Ave., was considered eligible for the New York Brownfield Cleanup Program, which was set up to mitigate sites with potentially harmful contaminant levels exceeding the threshold set up by the DEC. The program utilizes community feedback and oversight from the DEC and the state Department of Health to clean up spaces around the city efficiently without harming the quality of life. The Brownfield Cleanup Program services properties that are eyed for redevelopment.

To keep residents in the loop regarding the property, the state is asking that Hollis residents provide feedback on how the final plan of will be executed. Additionally, more in-depth dissection of the work being completed at the site can be collected at the Queens Library Hollis Branch, located at 202-05 Hillside Ave., or at Community Board 12’s office, located at 90-28 161st St. in Jamaica.

Explosion in number of homeless shelters in Queens

Well folks, you couldn't have come to this site over the last week or so and not have been informed that there is a shelter proposed for the Holiday Inn in Maspeth and a meeting about it was held last night. I am still sorting through all the videos and photos that were sent to me so I can report on this correctly instead of the way the media did. I can say that Maspeth did a GREAT job in standing up for themselves. So please bear with me.

In the meantime it has been brought to my attention that 3 more are opening or have opened around the borough (and that's just the ones I found out about)...


From the Daily News:

Meanwhile, the city has quietly moved 37 homeless families into a nearby Quality Inn in Woodside — despite Mayor de Blasio’s vow to phase out the use of hotel rooms to house homeless families.

The 37 families have been there since June, officials confirmed, and the city is providing full-time security and services for the families.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Queens) said local officials were never notified of the move — and he was particularly upset to be left in the dark because he’s worked with the city to welcome other shelters in the neighborhood and avoid protests.

"It’s outrageous that they would move the families in without even notifying anybody," he said.
__________________________________

"Since this opened earlier this year, the unemployed residents are seen wondering aimlessly around the streets and hanging out on the steps of the buildings at all hours. An assortment of shabby looking women are regularly seen hanging around the complex.

We asked for affordable housing and services for our seniors, but, DeBlasio ignored the pleas of the locals who voted for him and saddled us with more homeless housing."

__________________________________

It sounds like "supportive housing" is the new name fauxgressives have chosen for "homeless shelter".

Assembly Member Barbara Clark has died

From the Times Ledger:

State Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village), who represented parts of southeast Queens, died at the age of 76 Monday night, a representative from her district office said. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Clark had been serving the 33rd Assembly District since 1986. The district includes Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Queens Village, Hollis and Bellerose.

She played a key role in converting Andrew Jackson HS into four small magnet high schools and served as a primary sponsor of the 1996 New York City Governance Law, which mandated parental involvement in school policy decision-making.

Clark also supported the plaintiff in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity vs. State of New York lawsuit, which resulted in a $5.5 billion increase in funding for city public schools and authored a bill to establish the age of 6 as the statutory age for full-time attendance in school.

Satanists may be responsible for park bones

From the Daily News:

Cops are investigating a possible satanic connection to the human bones found in a Queens park, police sources said Friday.

The black garbage bag containing a skull, a jaw bone and other bones found at Peters Field Park in Hillside on Thursday was next to another bag that contained a machete and a rope.

The rope had been fashioned into a cross, police sources said.

Vibrant! Diverse!

City Hall rally against Hollis homeless shelter

From DNA Info:

Jamaica residents and elected officials will rally outside City Hall Wednesday, hoping to apply pressure on the city to stop building homeless shelters in the neighborhood.

Twelve out of about two dozen shelters in Queens are located within Community Board 12, which covers Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans and Springfield Gardens, according to Yvonne Reddick, the board's district manager.

The rally is being organized as homeless veterans have just started moving into a controversial complex on Hollis Avenue, between 202nd and 204th streets, according to CB12.

Meeks occupies mansion illegally

From the Daily News:

Rep. Gregory Meeks has been living in his 6,000-square-foot Queens mansion for nearly a decade — without city authorization.

He never got a required certificate of occupancy for the custom-built Hollis home, finished in late 2006.

A temporary certificate of occupancy, which he needed to get his mortgage, expired Jan. 4, 2007, and was never renewed, city records show.

The home has created controversy for Meeks.

He borrowed $624,000 to buy the $830,000 property and took out a $78,000 line of credit.

Then, in 2007, Meeks got a $40,000 “loan” from businessman Edul Ahmad that he said went to furnishing and other household needs. He made no payments on it and claimed to have lost the loan paperwork.

It was paid only in 2010 after the FBI began probing Ahmad, later indicted in a mortgage-fraud scheme.

The House Ethics Committee opened a probe after Meeks failed to report the loan. It dropped the matter after Ahmad refused to help.

To repay Ahmad, Meeks borrowed $60,000, taking out a mortgage with a company belonging to Democratic donor Dennis Mehiel.

Christmas in Hollis

From PIX11:

Darryl McDaniels, part of Run-D.M.C., returned to Hollis, Queens during Christmas time with a gift for kids — and he said it was better than toys.

McDaniels said he's trying to push them to explore the creative side of their minds.

"Not everyone has to be a baller it's okay to play piano or study ballet," McDaniels said.

"That was my house over there. I use to hop the fence and come over hear to rap on the corner," McDainels said while he walked through the streets of Hollis, where the creativity all began for him.

The town now has a mural on a wall at 198th Street and Hollis Avenue dedicated to his musical achievements.

McDaniels, who's now a comic book creator, is making it his mission to mentor kids. He spent Tuesday at Queens Central Library with community kids and families. He had one important lesson for them — to read as much as you can and expand their skills to be competitive adults.

"Permanent, affordable housing" for vets = bunk beds

From DNA Info:

Six long-abandoned apartment buildings on Hollis Avenue could become affordable housing for homeless veterans despite locals protests, officials said.

“We are working on making this permanent affordable housing for veterans as part of the national effort to end homelessness for veterans,” said a spokeswoman for the Human Resources Administration in an email.

The spokeswoman did not elaborate on the proposal, which was first reported by the Times Ledger, and did not say how many people would live in the complex or when it would open.

But locals, who for several months have been holding protests in front of the Hollis development, which is located between 202nd and 204th streets and has approximately 120 units, are upset that the administration did not discuss the plan with the community.

“We need our civic, faith-based and community leaders to stand with us to send a loud and clear message that the reported proposal for the property will have a negative impact and we as a community will not be silent about our displeasure,” state Sen. Leroy Comrie wrote in an email sent out to residents last Saturday. “We are calling on the City to respect the voices of our community.”

The property, which belongs to Rita Stark, have been deteriorating for more than 20 years, attracting squatters and drug users. But in April the buildings were leased to The Bluestone Group, a private investment firm, based in downtown Manhattan, according to local elected officials.

Since then, the property has undergone substantial renovations. Bunk beds, which can be seen through the windows, were placed inside.

Ongoing protests against Hollis shelters

Every Saturday residents protest to stop more shelters from opening in the black neighbourhood. Last Saturday Sep. 26th., was no different. Residents have information that shelters are slated to be built at Hollis and 203rd. street area. There are about 300 units of vacant apartments.

Residents took turns in giving testimonies of the destruction associated with shelters.
Residents shouted and demanded the presence of councilman Miller.

Al, a representative for Miller arrived. He informed residents that councilman Miller was unable to attend due to another engagement. However, demands for Miller got louder and louder.

Surprise, surprise, Councilman Miller appeared. He gave a speech, saying that he met with other leaders; and there are no concrete plans to build shelters.

In essence, residents said that Queens has the highest portion of shelters. They said that the people who live in shelters; roam the streets, sit around, and exhibit negative activities that tear down the neigbourhood.

Their fears are a reality. Below are photos of early morning activities from a shelter. Location,164 th. place & 108th. avenue. These women are early risers. They smoke, drink, and sit around all day long.

Monday morning, bright & early, Sep. 28 th., time 7: 43 a.m. This is their norm.

This is a perfect example of why Hollis residents want to keep shelters out of their area.

Hollis residents said; that they fear for children who have to walk to and from school. Shelters, harbour derelicts that prowl by day; because during the daytime shelters have to be closed.

A parent is taking her child to school.

Senator Comrie and congressman Meeks are aware of the Saturdays' protests; they remain NO SHOW.

The protests will continue and continue and continue........We will Not be ignored.

P. Hazel: Social Media Journalist for Justice.

Hollis apartment buildings may become shelters

From DNA Info:

Residents and elected officials worry that six long-abandoned apartment buildings on Hollis Avenue in Hollis will be turned into a homeless shelter or transitional housing.

Locals became suspicious after bunk beds, which can be seen through the windows, were placed inside the buildings between 202nd and 204th streets, which have undergone substantial renovations in recent months.

“Who furnishes their apartment building with the same bunk beds in empty rooms?” asked Community Board 12 Chairwoman Adrienne Adams, who has protested with a group of residents in front of the development every Saturday.

Local Councilman Daneek Miller said that the landlord, Rita Stark, who inherited a number of properties in Queens from her late father Fred in the late 1980s, allowed the complex to deteriorate for more than 20 years.

"Summer All Out" campaign will target high crime areas

From the Daily News:

Hundreds of cops will flood city streets beginning Monday as part of an aggressive NYPD initiative called “Summer All Out” to stanch the rise in murders and shootings.

More than 330 new police officers will take to some of the city’s grittiest blocks and precincts in an effort to bring this year’s homicide statistics back in line with last year’s historic lows.

The officers taking part in the crimefighting program will be assigned to work peak crime shifts — 4 p.m. to midnight and midnight to 8 a.m. — in areas like the 75th Precinct in East New York, Brooklyn (11 homicides through May 31), the 67th Precinct in East Flatbush, Brooklyn (seven homicides), and the 113th Precinct in St. Albans and Hollis, Queens (seven homicides).

They will also concentrate on public housing developments with the highest crimes rates.

Illegal gates make parking more difficult

Hello,

Love your blog. It's wonderful to see someone keeping an eye on the borough. Here's a piece of crap from my neighborhood (Hollis) that drives me crazy. Some illegal "no parking" signs in front of unapproved gate. What drives me even more crazy is that, in the three years I've lived there, the gates haven't been open once. Ahhhh!!! Thanks for letting me vent.

- Anonymous

Middle class blacks are leaving

From the Daily News:

The city's black middle-class population is receding, according to a study.

The report, prepared by the nonprofit Citizens Housing and Planning Council, showed that the black middle class declined 18%, as the black population dropped across the city by 5%.

Once solidly middle-class strongholds in Hollis and Jamaica, Queens; East Flatbush, Brooklyn; and Woodlawn, the Bronx, had significantly fewer middle- and upper-income black families in 2010 than they did in 2000, and significantly more low-income families, the study reported.

In Hollis, longtime residents said they had felt the change.

“All of our neighbors have left,” said Peyton Smith, 81, who’s lived on 205th St. since he bought the corner house at 109th Ave. in 1965 for $23,000.

Smith said his neighbors have largely have packed up and left town in the past 10 years, pushed out by rising property tax rates.

Most have headed back to the South, Smith said, where many like himself hail from originally.

“We’ve had brand-new neighbors for the last 10 years,” he said.

Other residents said that after the foreclosure crisis, real estate agents and speculators descended on the community, buying up houses and splitting single-family homes into two or three units.

We’ve had brand-new neighbors for the last 10 years.

“Every day, you see people stopping you, or putting things in your mailbox, wanting to buy your house,” said Winston Byndloss, 73, who moved up the block from Smith in 1978.

“How they cut them down nobody knows. I would love to see what size the bedrooms are.”

Skeeter spraying at sites across borough tomorrow

For more info, click here.

Elevator woes at Hollis building

From Eyewitness News:

Residents of a Queens apartment building are frustrated.

Many of them who are elderly are living without a working elevator.

It's been broken for nearly three months.

For those with serious medical conditions getting up and down the stairs is agonizing.

Tenants say the building's super posted a sign back on January 7th saying it would take four to six weeks to repair the elevator.

Now going into week 12, they say their complaints are falling on deaf ears.

Poor paving job on Hillside Avenue

Dear Queens Crap--

The attached file contains zipped hi-res photos of an MTA Bus Stop at Hillside Avenue at 205th Street, which is in terrible shape.

It appears that the blacktop was not allowed to set properly before traffic drove over it.

Besides being rather unsightly, it constitutes a serious tripping hazard.

Who got paid for this lousy job?

When will it be repaired?

Deacon Marlon Campbell
Executive Director, Theatre of the Living Word
Presbyterian Church of Saint Albans

DEP working on Hollis flood relief

From the Daily News:

Every time the weather forecast predicts rain, residents of several Hollis blocks leave work or cut their vacations short to secure their homes against floods.

Homeowners on the corner of 90th Ave. and 183rd St. have lobbied the city for decades to install sewers that will alleviate the flooding that overwhelms their streets and basements with anywhere from several inches to several feet of water and raw sewage.

Now, the city is installing a new storm water sewer on nearby 90th Ave. and 182nd St., angering residents and local officials who note that 183rd St. is the lowest point in area. Water runs down to their block when it rains heavily and has cost them tens of thousands of dollars in damages, they said.

But work on a new storm water system on their block is in the planning stages and isn’t slated to start until next summer, according to the city Department of Environmental Protection. The agency is looking for opportunities to move the start date forward.