Open street blocks fire engine from fire

Open Street organizer and creator falsely maligns community group run by a gay man as homophobes

 Jackson Heights Post

 A heated dispute has erupted between opposing sides of the 34^th Avenue Open Street program in Jackson Heights — with the initiative’s co-founder saying he was the victim of homophobic slurs leveled at him by members of an opposition group.

Jim Burke, a well-known LGBT activist (and volunteer capo for Transportation Alternatives-JQ LLC) and co-founder of the 34^th Avenue Open Streets Coalition, says a dispute surrounding the use of 34th Avenue led to him being verbally abused.

The 34th Avenue Open Street Coalition have been staunch advocates for the corridor to be made a permanent open street, while a rival group, the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance, opposes the concept, arguing that is unfair to drivers who need to park their cars and that it makes it tough for emergency vehicles to traverse.

Burke, in an interview with the Queens Post Tuesday, said he was called a “c**k-sucking f****t,” by an SUV driver who he believes is a member of the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance. However, Burke said that he wasn’t 100 percent sure that the driver is a member of the Alliance since he doesn’t know all the people that are part of the group.

Ricardo Pacheco, the leader of the Jackson Heights Coops Alliance, was critical of Burke for making the accusations and is demanding Burke provide further evidence. He said the accusations are slanderous and are just a means to undermine his group.

Pacheco also criticized local leaders, such as Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, who held a press conference Monday accusing the alliance of bigotry. He said Krishnan did not investigate the allegations and his actions were malicious.

Burke also said there have been various instances where passers-by on the street have uttered racist epithets at volunteers. He said that his partner Oscar Escobar, whose first language is Spanish and speaks English with an accent, was asked by two opponents to show his “papers.”

Burke, however, said he doesn’t know for sure if the racist comments were made by members of the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance, although he assumes so.

Burke said he has been targeted because of his role with the 34th Avenue Open Street program. His group advocates for making the 34th Avenue Open Street program – which runs 26 blocks from Junction Boulevard to 69th Street along 34th Avenue – a permanent fixture in the neighborhood.

The strip — which is currently closed off to traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays through Sundays under the program — is being converted into a series of pedestrian plazas and traffic-restricted zones, in accordance with a plan released by the Department of Transportation in October.

Advocates for the open streets plan, known as Paseo Park, argue that the open streets initiative has been a huge success since it creates much-needed public space in the neighborhood.

Opponents of the plan, however, say the plan eliminates much-needed parking and makes it harder for emergency vehicles to access local residents.

Burke wrote that the e-mail led to unnecessary strife in the neighborhood by directing hate toward the volunteers of the 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition.

“Purported members of this group have used homophobic, xenophobic, and racist slurs against our volunteers and program participants, sometimes in the presence of children and community members,” Burke wrote. The letter did not go into specifics about the alleged hate-filled incidents.

He called on Richards to investigate the Board’s leadership for sending out the email.

On Monday, the LGBT Network, a group advocating for LGBT people in Queens and Long Island, held a press conference along the 34^th Avenue Open Street to bring attention to the alleged incidents against members of the Coalition and called for an end to hate in the neighborhood.

Burke attended the press conference and was joined by Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, former Councilmember Danny Dromm, and David Kilmnick, president and founder of the New York LGBT Network.

Krishnan stood with Burke and the activists to condemn the alleged bigotry.

“I am appalled at the homophobic harassment that 34th Avenue volunteers like Jim Burke and many others have had to experience by members of the so-called Jackson Heights Coops Alliance,” Krishnan said.

“No matter how their members may feel about 34th Avenue, there is no excuse to engage in hate. Jackson Heights Coops Alliance must condemn its members’ actions now.”

  The press conference sparked an almost immediate response from the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance, which released a statement late Monday condemning the media event.

“The malicious accusation directed at us by Councilmember Shekar Krishnan and the 34th Avenue volunteer Jim Burke without concrete evidence is disturbing, if not pure slander,” the statement, written by Pacheco reads.

“We demand any evidence that supports this claim.”

Furthermore, Pacheco, who is an LGBT activist, alleges that his group was not contacted about Burke’s claims before the press conference was held.

On Tuesday, Pacheco wrote an open letter to Krishnan, labeling the councilmember’s actions as “malicious and libelous.”

“Without a shred of evidence, nor even a preliminary investigation, you proceeded to make malicious, baseless, unfounded, unverified and hateful allegations against the Jackson Heights Coops Alliance,” the letter reads.

“This was nothing less than a precalculated attempt to embarrass, discredit and defame our name as a community organization and attempted to portray me as being a homophobic bigot.”

“As the president and a gay man myself who has a long history and proven track record of advocating for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ community, I would never tolerate such bigotry from our alliance or from anyone else.”

Pacheco also called on Krishnan to make a public apology for his actions.

Krishnan responded to Pacheco’s open letter on Wednesday with a brief statement to the Queens Post.

“We take every instance of hate speech brought to us very seriously,” Krishnan said.

“It’s shocking that when a victim comes forward, the response by some is to discredit and vilify rather than condemn the harassment.”

 Wow, Jimmy is the Jussie Smollett of open streets. For someone who claims that his open street brings people together its hysterical how he never bothered to communicate with his neighbors from the co-op alliance. But it's clear that he chose to feud with them instead and weaponized his connections with elected officials to close 25 blocks from residents, delivery people, and city emergency and sanitation services who need to drive on them. And he didn't even bother to find out the alliance leader was a gay man like him and tried to weaponize bigotry to his and his political allies advantage. 

All for a stupid fake park and anti-car agenda. 

Freedom drive isn't free

In light of the news of Mayor Eric Adams and the asshole NYC Health Commissioner Vasan insisting on keeping mask protocols going for toddlers, I passed by the "open street" shortcut Freedom Drive in Forest Park and saw these equally ludicrous signs on the obstruction gate at what used to be a convenient short cut for drivers who need to go to the northern and southern parts of this World's Borough of ours.

 

Distancing??? Washing hands??? Face touching??? Masking??? WE'RE FRICKIN OUTSIDE!!!

Interesting how the City Department of Health doesn't have their logo on this.

Department of Transportation Alternatives only give two open streets to east Brooklyn nabes

 

Patch 

  A new Open Street on its way to the Brownsville Community Justice Center is so far the only car-free street this year in Brownsville and East New York, according to 2022 locations unveiled by the city.

The Open Street — which will close traffic on a Watkins Avenue block in the summer — is the only spot in the two neighborhoods on a list of 150 locations across the city that will take part in the program, which started in the pandemic as a way to give more room for pedestrians, cyclists and outdoor activities.

Brownsville and East New York previously had at least four Open Streets on Blake, Livonia, Williams and Stanley avenues, though studies showed that they were rarely active, likely given the lack of a designated organization to keep them up and running.

Transportation officials did not answer questions from Patch specifically about why the previous Brownsville and East New York Open Streets were not returning, but did say that several former locations were not on the 2022 list because "community partners" who had run the sites did not reapply.

The Open Streets program accepts applications for sites on a rolling basis, meaning more locations could be added as the year goes on, a spokesperson said. The city is working with nonprofit Street Lab to find partners in neighborhoods that have not had Open Streets yet and will offer help to those that join the program.

The city gives $20,000 in funding and a package of barriers, locks and other materials to each nonprofit running an Open Street, according to the department. (Even with the funding, many Open Street organizers have had to set up fundraisers to bring in the thousands of additional dollars needed to run the Open Streets each year).

"Since summer 2021, DOT has been providing full barrier operational support, sanitation, and horticultural maintenance at over 20 Open Streets across the city," the department said. "This precious resource is already being deployed in underserved communities and DOT plans to continue to grow this type of support, which will enable the agency to have a more equitable Open Streets program."

The DOT added that it helped provide local nonprofits and organizations with funding for metal barriers, traffic signs, programming, and movable furniture. The exact hours for each uptown Open Street are not yet set.

"On Earth Day and every day, we are showing the nation how to reimagine our public space at scale and build a greener, healthier, and safer city," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release. "My administration's commitment to the Open Streets program remains steadfast."

 And 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights has 25 blocks of D.O.T. support 24/7/365 and is run by a top member of Transportation Alternatives. 

 

AOC's optical illusion open street campaign rally

If you ever feel discouraged or question if organizing is worth it, just take a look outside. Peoples’ movements and successes rarely make the mainstream, but the ground we’re gaining is powerful.

Thank you NY for an incredible day. Let’s get that ballot!
📸IG: christopherhall__ pic.twitter.com/3yGQ42QGKi

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 27, 2022

AOC's perception of a movement...and the reality of one she tried to hide

 

34th Ave open street freeze out

As the disabled/elderly on @34_ave still can't get ACCESS A RIDE, word on the street is ... well, there's no one to talk on the street. But @Dromm25's folly continues, with @NYCMayor supporting the discrimination on the 'crowded' & 'well used' open street. @voteshekar, help them? pic.twitter.com/HQAvM94xTK

— Rob Roszkowski (@RobRoszkowski) November 27, 2021

@NYC_DOT one down and more to go...
See how busy the OS is in Jackson Heights. Wow so many.... Let's meet with @communityboard3 and talk about the future. We are waiting for the studies, in-person surveys and remember we volunteered to help. Contact @34Compromise @BKBoroHall pic.twitter.com/Msa9TIPVpd

— Shelley Brevda (@earbears) November 27, 2021

Definitely too windy for the OS in Jackson Heights today. only a few venture out today. Glad no one was hurt. This is vehicle weather and the 160,000+ who live here need this 26 block avenue back. The traffic jams are growing. @NYC_DOT contact @34Compromise now. pic.twitter.com/hPKiJgQZcf

— Shelley Brevda (@earbears) November 27, 2021

Dante de Blasio and his college pal his dad hired are producing propaganda videos to legitimize 34th Avenue open streets program and to make his daddy and mommy look good

“The people will rise!”

Open Streets brought light and life back to our city after the darkest days of #COVID19 and they’re here to stay. Get out enjoy this beautiful day, New York City!

➡️ https://t.co/X5NrxFTZXq pic.twitter.com/tKYgWQuDi2

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 17, 2021

  

THE CITY

 Dante de Blasio was first introduced to most New Yorkers when he appeared in a campaign ad for his father’s 2013 mayoral campaign, at age 15.

Now he’s moved behind the camera, bringing along a friend from Yale to shoot short video spots highlighting some of Bill de Blasio’s accomplishments as the two-term mayor gets ready to leave office and potentially launch a run for governor.

The first video focused on the “Open Streets” section of 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, and was shared on the mayor’s official social media channels without mention of Dante’s involvement.

A person close to the production told THE CITY Dante actively worked on the spot.

“A registered volunteer [Dante] promoted a beloved city program alongside a qualified freelancer — they created a great video,” Danielle Filson, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said in an email in response to questions about the circumstances of the younger de Blasio’s working for City Hall.

 Filson said the freelancer was hired and paid through a temp agency used by the city for freelance projects, which she described as standard practice. The administration has worked with 20 video and photography freelancers over the years, she said, but declined to say how much he was being paid.

The freelance filmmaker happens to be James Nydam, who attended fellow Yale University at the same time as Dante de Blasio and has worked on at least two personal film projects with the mayor’s son. Their most recent production shot in August, according to Dante de Blasio’s social media accounts.

 

So this officially makes NYC's "gold standard" open street a total farce and it's a sure bet Blaz jr. also directed this dry heave in bodily motion

We must ALL come together as one big global family to beat COVID-19. I am proud to lend my voice (and my dance moves!) to the #WeAreFamily campaign with Kim Sledge, @The_WorldWeWant @thewhof in benefit of @WHO.

To learn more or sing with us, visit https://t.co/N4e6VDIR9I. pic.twitter.com/PKDbp3rFvZ

— Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) December 1, 2020

Bike takeover on Sunnyside avenue

 

 Queens Post

 The Department of Transportation announced today that it will start construction on its 39th Avenue Bike Boulevard in Sunnyside in September.

The installation of the bike boulevard will bring significant change to portions of 39th Avenue and Barnett Avenue in Sunnyside.

The plan involves converting segments of 39th and Barnett avenues into one-way zones in order to create space for a protected bicycle lane and other traffic-calming measures.

The plan received the backing of Community Board 2 in June and has the support of Council Member Van Bramer.

Advocates for the bike boulevard say it will increase traffic safety, while provide a key bike connection from Jackson Heights to Sunnyside. It also comes at a time when Citi Bike is about to expand into Sunnyside.

The avenue is one of five stretches across the city that will be transformed into a bike boulevard by the end of the year. The DOT plans to create one bike boulevard per borough.

For the love of Dave: Entertainerpreneur soliciting funds for lesbian bar

  

Time Out

Queens has exactly zero lesbian bars, and one local lesbian is trying to change that.

Kristin Dausch, a performer, nanny and aspiring entrepreneur who has lived in Astoria for over 12 years wanted to bring a lesbian bar to her neighborhood: Dave's Lesbian Bar. After running a local predominantly queer open mic for over year years, and seeing how the community came together for the event, Dausch thought to herself, "Oh wow, this would be great if I could do this every day." Prior to the pandemic, Dausch had Broadway aspirations, but once the idea for Dave's struck earlier this year, they wanted to see if they could get community support to make it happen. 

 "Since I've put it out in the world, I've received nothing but green lights, a hard and fast, 'Yes, we need this,'" Dausch said. They very much want Dave's to be in the neighborhood they lived in for over a decade, "built by the community, for the community." In June, Dausch launched a GoFundMe, seeking $70,000 to open Dave's. So far, the project has raised almost $6000, with several people offering support with social media, video editing and more skills to help open Dave's. 

"Whatever your strengths are, if you want to lend them to this space, they're welcome," Dausch said. "If everybody gives a little bit, and I give everything I've got, which is a whole lot, we're going to make this thing happen." They envision Dave's as a queer-centric mutual aid hub by day, and lesbian bar by night. The space can be used for a community fridge, a drop-off site for the Astoria Food Pantry, a free store, a queer rolling library, and more. "We're investing in community instead of this individualistic mindset," Dausch said, noting the pandemic's mutual aid efforts inspired the vision for Dave's. 

Astoria isn't completely without queer venues: Icon, a club, hosts parties, while Albatross, which was formerly a lesbian bar, offers a divey space perfect for group hangs and drag shows. But with only two lesbian bars remaining in New York City, both in Manhattan (Cubbyhole and Henrietta Hudson), Dave's will certainly fill a void. 

Dave's first pop-up will be on Saturday, July 24, starting at 2pm and raging as late as possible. The bar will be outdoors, thanks to an open street permit, adjacent to Heart of Gold, a casual beer bar at 31st Ave. and 37th St. in Astoria. The first event will feature queer haircuts by Hairrari, live music by seven "dyke-led" bands, a tattooing station and more. Dyke Beer will be served, along with more drinks for sale. A suggested donation will also be requested at the door. The business will be doing pop-ups monthly until a full-time space is secured.