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A Publication of the Broad Channel Civic Association
BROAD CHANNEL CIVIC ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER
President’s Message
This month's Civic meeting will be held on Thursday May 25th at 7PM at the VFW Hall. Come down and get caught up on what is going on in your neighborhood!!
Cashless tolls are now in operation and we hope that it will alleviate some of the traffic backup that we have experienced in the past during peak summer traffic as thousands head to the beach. The Civic has expressed their concern over two aspects of the cashless toll. One is the inability at times to make a left turn onto Demerest Road as oncoming traffic coming out of the tolls no longer has to slow down, which often in the past offered the opportunity for drivers to make the left turn onto Demerest Road from Crossbay Boulevard. We believe this will be made even much worse as afternoon summer crowds exit the Rockaway's. The second concern is that it appears that cars are now coming off of the bridge at much higher speeds and then increasing their speed even more as they attempt to catch the green light at 20th Road. The Civic has asked the community board to set up an onsite meeting with DOT and MTA reps to review options to address.
Build it Back update will be given at the Civic meeting. At this time work has increased dramatically and many of the administrative problems, i.e. design, zoning and permit issues have finally been streamlined. While we are pleased to see the home elevations and rebuilds on every block, and multiple projects underway on many streets, where we are concerned is the ability of contractors to meet the time frames that have been given to residents. The Civic Association had met with all contractors as they came into the program and one of the most important issues that we had highlighted was their ability to man these jobs every day and to meet the time frames that the community was given. These time frames we had explained were critical as families had in many cases arranged for rentals and leases based on these projections. This is one of the main focus points in our ongoing discussions with both the program administrators and the contractors and one that will be discussed at the Civic meeting.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge west pond loop trail is now reopened and the breach in the pond that occurred during Hurricane Sandy has been repaired. The Broad Channel Civic Association and the Jamaica Bay Ecowatcher's led this effort which was at first an uphill battle as many in the National Parks Service were against fixing the pond and trail. The Ecowatcher's reached out to Senator Schumer's office within weeks of the storm to ask for assistance at the federal level and then pushed the issue through the Jamaica Bay Task Force meetings. The Civic Association pushed online petitions and contacted all of our local elected officials to get their support to turn the tide on the plan for the breach. The iconic trail is now reopened and the breach is not only repaired but fortified with large natural stone. The views of both the fresh water environment and salt water marshlands are fantastic and highlighted by the back drop of the Manhattan skyline. We urge residents to take the time to go down and enjoy the walk around the pond ... you will be glad you did!
May 6th saw the annual Broad Channel Beautification day of cleaning up and planting the center mall. This annual effort has been led for years by Judy Zackieiwcz who has done an outstanding job of making this town look better for both our residents and those who drive through. Judy works on a shoe string budget to get her supplies and yet you would not know it when you see the results. It was a great day with participation by many of our residents and the results speak for themselves as the mall looks great!! --Thank you Judy!!
On May 6th we also saw the "Birds of Prey" presentation at the West 17th Road Park. This was funded by Councilman Ulrich and the kids present were not only entertained but educated as live hawks and owls were on display and the expert handler spoke to their unique habits and attributes. The councilman is also funding the upcoming Flag Day on Wednesday June 14th at 5PM. There will be children activities, arts and crafts, face painting, and also a live presentation featuring City Stompers Entertainment. Last year was a great time so bring down the kids and enjoy the evening. The flag will be dedicated in the name of John Wagner.
Quote of the Month-- “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being Shared.” --Buddha- Respectfully submitted, Dan Mundy Jr.
CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING ***** VFW Hall – Shad Creek Road – 7:00 PM *****
*****May 25, 2017*****
May 2017 Vol. 30 No. 5
This issue of the Newsletter is sponsored by
John & Thomasina Ogden.
The Flag will fly in June for
Carl Eckman,
US Army, WWII
ST. VIRGILIUS / ST. CAMILLUS: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: Please visit
our website (www.stcstv.com) or call the Rectory (718-634-8229) to register your child for our Religious Education Program. Every Catholic child who attends a Public School (Grades 1 to 8) is urged to register for our Religious Education Program. There is no Registration Fee. Classes will begin in September. ST. VIRGILIUS GOLDEN AGE Club meets on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the American Legion Hall. ST. VIRGILIUS ROSARY-ALTAR SOCIETY meets on the THIRD MONDAY at 12:30 p.m. in the American Legion Hall. A.O.H. IRISH FESTIVAL: The FIFTH Annual A.O.H. Irish Festival will take place in the Church Parking Lot on Saturday (June 3rd) and Sunday (June 4th) from 11AM to 8PM. Music — Unlimited Free Rides and Entertainment for children — Irish Dancing — Food — Raffle & Prizes. All are welcome! The following bands are scheduled: Willie Lynch Band, Andy Cooney, Shilelagh Law, U2 Unforgettable Fire Band, Cunningham Brothers, Brooklyn Bards, Ed Deacy “Rubble” Band. “THE THRILLA IN CAMILLA” FDNY Bravest Boxing vs. West Midlands Fire Service from Birmingham, England — Outdoors & Under the Stars at St. Camillus. Parking Lot (Shore Front Parkway between 99th & 100th Streets — Friday, July 7th. Gates open at 6PM. The first bout is scheduled for 7PM. General Admission: $25, Ringside: $50. Children 12 & under are FREE and must be accompanied by an ADULT. Tickets on sale at www.FDNYBOXING.com. Proceeds to benefit veterans. WELCOME: We welcome all veterans — especially from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the 10AM Mass at St. Virgilius Church SUNDAY, May 28th for MEMORIAL DAY. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE The Beautification Committee would like to thank all the neighbors and friends who came out on Saturday, May 6th to plant along CrossBay Blvd. It was a great day and a perfect day for planting. All together we not only planted 26 tree pits, but were able to add two new tree pit boxes on the corner of 17th Road. Special thanks to Matty Conklin and Jen Hahulski for their help in getting the plants delivered, Fernando from Lisena Landscaping, who worked with us in purchasing the supplies, to Mark Zack, who donated his time and materials for the new boxes and the Vollies who came out and watered the tree pits. Thanks a million!! Don't forget - The Beautification Committee is holding a Photo Contest. We are looking for photos, old or new, that exemplify Broad Channel at its best; it uniqueness, charm and community appeal. (people, places, activities, etc.) Last entry will be accepted on June 1. You can submit up to three (3) photos, but only one per e-mail. Send them to [email protected] include your full name and e-mail address. There will be a 1
st prize $75, 2
nd prize $50, 3
rd prize $25 and
a $25 prize for best black & white entry. Winners will be announce at the Mardi Gras parade. Now here’s the legalese – “by submitting an entry, you give the sponsor (the BCBC) the right to re-use, copy and/or publish the photos at will.” (some may be printed in the Historical Calendar)
The MetroCard Van will be at the Broad Channel Library on Wednesday, May 31st from 1 PM to 3 PM. Seniors will be able to obtain Discount Metro Cards at this time.
NY STATE 6 HOUR DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS Tuesday, June 13th and June 20th
Springman Hall, Beach 100th Street, Rockaway Park 7PM to 10 PM
Fee $45 – Payment guarantees a seat! For attending BOTH NIGHTS, you will receive 10% discount off liability, collision & no fault insurance for 3 years and up to a 4 point reduction off your driver’s license. No test will be given. Call Helen 917-553-2409 or Don 917-553-2408.
Refreshments will be served. Proceeds benefit St. Camillus Catholic Academy. Parking is available in St. Camillus lot.
Material to be printed in the next Newsletter is due by June 10
th
GLIMPSE OF THE PAST This history of Broad Channel appears as the Introduction to Images of America: Broad Channel by Liz and Dan Guarino and was written by Barbara Toborg.
A Brief History of the Community of
Broad Channel …..continued
If a coat of arms would ever be devised for families in Broad Channel, a pair of boots or waders would be very apt, for “Wellies” and waders come in handy during an exceptionally high tide, a nor’easter, or a hurricane. Times of high tide are carefully noted in a community with an average elevation of three feet, with some areas of town actually below sea level. While much damage was sustained by the community during hurricanes in 1938 and 1944, it was the “Nor’easter of 1992” that “Old Timers” describe as the storm of the century. Another emblem on the coat of arms would be the American flag. The town has sent its youth to war and welcomed them home, continue to hold parades and services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and fly the flag all year round. Events are promoted by the VFW and the American Legion. In September, 2001, residents gazed in horror at the column of smoke clearly seen across the water in Manhattan. Firemen, police, and emergency service personnel living in Broad Channel rushed to the World Trade Center, some by private boat. A town ambulance was destroyed when the towers collapsed. The town would mourn the great loss of life, including that of a resident and two former residents. The foregoing history covers only the “bare bones” of the growth of a vibrant American community. The authors and the Broad Channel Historical Society hope that this book will whet the reader’s appetite to learn more about Broad Channel. Visit the local library where the historical collection is housed and read the many first-hand accounts of living in Broad Channel over the years. ~End~
