March 7: Mr. Bloomberg Comes to Douglaston

Update, 7:20 a.m.: According to the mayor's office, the announcment later today in Douglaston will center on a new program to help residents detect water leaks.

The issue of water usage has become particularly important due to the installation of new electronic meters that had some in our area .

Good morning, Little Neck!

It's not everyday that our corner of the borough gets a piece of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's traffic-stopping motorcade. Just three days after Hizzoner's less-than-stellar appearance at a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Belle Harbor, the mayor will once again travel to the city's outer ring — this time to hold a press conference at a critical piece of the area's infrastructure.

At 11 a.m., the mayor will hold a Q&A at the Douglaston Pump Station on Douglaston Parkway at 67th Avenue. More to come.

Here are your 5 Things for this soggy start to the workweek:

1. Community Board 11 will hold its at M.S. 158 in Bayside at 7:30 p.m.

2. You've read about the geographic inspiration behind the novel, "The Great Gatsby." Now a possible piece of the architectural inspiration behind F. Scott Fitzgerald's tale of Jazz Age-era excess may soon fade into history, Newsday reports.

3. Later today, check out our coverage of a ceremony honoring some local pols commitment to the area's Jewish community.

4. With gas prices still soaring, President Barack Obama is considering tapping into the nation's oil reserves.  

5. Alternate side parking rules are in effect today.