Rockaway still a hot mess

From NY1:

The mayor stayed away as city officials announced beaches are open.

In the Rockaways, long stretches of sand are less weekend paradise and more construction zone. Forget your sun visor. This is hard-hat territory.

"It looks like hell," said Kevin Boyle, a Rockaway community activist. "It's not exactly ready for the top 10 list anywhere, but it's coming along. I'm pretty sure by 2020, the boardwalk will be there and the beach will look good."

Now, bulldozer tracks are everywhere. The Army Corps of engineers is dredging sand to lengthen beaches, which will soften waves.

Ongoing work means spots will open and shut at times, though new Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver can't say exactly where and when.

But hey, don't despair! You're getting WiFi!

Ciafone strikes again

Imagine walking down the block and coming upon this staring down at you. But hey - it's got an American flag, so he must be a true patriot!

Unfortunately, the billboards erected at 687 Meeker Ave likely didn't have any permits. They wouldn't be allowed on a residential property anyway.

There are also banners hanging off the front of the building.

A couple of complaints were called in back in 2012 and have yet to be addressed by DOB.

Tours celebrate local history

From New York Shitty:

Some might recall that not terribly long ago I was contacted by a very nice fellow named Geoff. He is not only a Greenpoint resident and school teacher (!), but he calls north Brooklyn history his hobby and to this end he has a web site and is publishing a book. Upon his applying for and receiving a tour guide license, Geoff was kind enough to invite me on a tour! I had a wonderful time and learned a lot.

Darn, that's a cute old pink house setback from the street! I hope it doesn't meet the wrecking ball...

Brownstoner Queens mentioned that our esteemed Queens Borough Historian also has a busy summer tour schedule.

Interestingly, he does not appear to hold a Sightseeing Guide license.

Construction causing traffic hazard in Rego Park

From the Queens Tribune:

With the ongoing construction of new apartments at the Rego Park Mall, there is some concern of what it has done for traffic in the area.

The work being done on the 24-story apartment complex on top of the shopping center is backing up traffic on Junction Boulevard and 62nd Drive and making it dangerous for pedestrians, some residents said.

Steven Shakarchy, a Rego Park resident who lives a block away from the shopping center, said the scaffolding from the construction blocks off one lane on 62nd Drive, causing a traffic jam on that side of the street.

Shakarchy said that area is dangerous for pedestrians, with many cars speeding up on that thoroughfare to beat the light and a fatal accident could happen. He said Vornado, the company that is building the apartments, should adopt safety measures in that area.

Mark your calendars for affordable housing hearing

Hello Queens Crapper,

I hope all is well as it can be in this borough of rampant, unchecked development.

Please post this as an anonymous tip:

There will be a special Community Board #1 meeting about the Astoria Cove development on Tuesday June 10th at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Astoria World Manor @ 25-22 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102.

The developers will present their plans and their ULURP applications. The public will get a chance to provide feedback and comments. Needless to say, this is the *most important meeting* for the public to attend, especially to ensure that affordable housing is maintained throughout the project.

See this Daily News Article.

Thanks,

Anonymous