Issues Discussed in Queens Special Election
May 16th, 2008
While the resignation of Councilmember Dennis Gallagher received wide ranging coverage, the resulting special election for his seat in Queens has gotten less attention - as is generally the case. But a historic preservation coalition recently released a wide ranging voter guide. Although the focus of the guide is decidedly on preservation, it covers a number of development issues, touching on PlaNYC, industrial zoning, eminent domain, and transparency in government.
On the topic of “demolition by neglect“, Anthony Como, a former prosecutor, said that allowing a building to deteriorate to the point it has to be demolished to get around preservation rules is “congruent to criminal neglect.” Former Councilmember Thomas Ognibene said that the city should place a lien on such properties in order to fund repairs for the buildings.
Asked about St. Saviours Church, a building in Maspeth valued by preservationists but in the process of being disassembled, both Charles Ober and Joseph Suraci said they would commit city funds to rebuild it. Ognibene committed to a precise number, offering $50,000 in council initiatives.
Reactions from the candidates to the proposal in PlaNYC to utilize the abandoned Ridgewood Reservoir were mixed. The plan to set aside two of the three reservoirs as a nature preserve and alter the other for recreational use had the support of Como and Suraci, both Republicans. But Elizabeth Crowley and Ober, Democrats, called for the preservation of the entire area. Ognibene, another Republican, thinks the whole thing should be preserved as a back up reservoir.
Asked what the worst aspects of PlaNYC were, Crowley, an adult educator, responded that it lacked community input and Suraci, a trial lawyer, dissed congestion pricing.
The topic then turned to areas zoned for light manufacturing. Suraci recommended these areas be used to relieve school overcrowding and open space.
Another question from the coalition was about illegal conversions. Ognibene called for more building inspectors. Ober, a community activist, called for cyclical inspections on multiple dwellings and inspections of properties before they are sold, refinanced or altered.
The transparency of city agencies was of concern to the coalition as well. In response, Ober said he would support legislation mandating that the deliberations and decisions of the Buildings and City Planning Departments, as well as from the Landmarks Preservation Council, all be posted online.
The guide is much more detailed, and this is just a review. But if you prefer to see somebody speak, or want even more, the Juniper Park Civic Association - one of the members of the coalition - is hosting a debate on Tuesday, May 20.
For more, you may also want to check Voting Links in the News.
By Mike Muller on May 16, 2008, 2:50 pmIn category: Voting
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May 16th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
On Wednesday, May 21, theres a candidates forum sponsored by the League of Preservation Voters and the Historic Districts Council. It’s at 7 p.m. at P.S. 49, 79-15 Penelope Avenue in Middle Village.