Community Board 9 Queens Opposes DOT Safety Proposal

Community Board 9 Queens voted down safety measures proposed by the DOT. CB9Q unanimously voted to support the single-family homeowners association (Kew Gardens Civic Association) over hundreds of residents on 116th& 118th.

CB9Q had previously voted down a request for speed humps to appease a KGCA Member not wanting to hear brakes squealing. CB9Q polled home owners, building residents votes were not counted. Kenichi Wilson, CB9Q Traffic Safety Committee, wrongly counted all persons that did not respond as being in opposition.

The second set of traffic safety measures proposed by the DOT was to convert the streets into one-way and restore parking. “Based on our observations of 116th Street, we are recommending a northbound conversion of 116th Street from Babbage to Metropolitan Avenue.” “The proposed changes will help enhance safety and overall traffic circulation for the area” Nicole Garcia, NYC DOT, Queens Borough Commissioner

The recommendation of the Queens Commissioner was not sufficient to overcome the lobby by the KGCA. CB9Q Member Rabbi Daniel Pollack, stated they must oppose these recommendations in light of the opposition from their “sister organization”, the KGCA.

This reference to the “sister organization” representing single-family home owners at the same level as a taxpayer-funded CB. Only CB Members are aware that the KGCA with their restrictive and exclusive membership policy is a “sister organization” of a taxpayer funded CB.

In a roll call vote, every member of the CB present held up their hand to vote against DOT proposed safety measures in Kew Gardens and side with the KGCA. Member Jan Fenster, who had signed the petition in support of the safety improvements when faced with the opposition by the KGCA spoke out against the DOT safety proposal and voted against implementation.

Within 24 hours of the CB voting down the proposal, Murray Berger, KGCA emailed “Many members may be gratified to learn that Community Board 9, after listening to many vigorous opinions expressed during the Public Hearing, voted overwhelmingly to disapprove of the proposed changes.” The CB9Q “sister organization” members are gratified to learn that safety proposals by the DOT have been voted down?

It is truly a sad time in our community when the Community Board Members appointed by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Council Member Eric Ulrich and Council Member Karen Koslowitzvote against safety for the children in the community. Numerous letters to the Councilmembers have gone completely unanswered. Letters to the Borough President, Queens Borough President Melinda Katzwere answered by her staff, their response, she is taking no action.

Indeed, it seems like the single-family homeowner’s association (KGCA) owns more than single-family homes in Kew Gardens.