Poletti Power Plant Deconstruction

NY Power Authority Works To Safely Remove Materials

March 11, 2013 / Astoria / Queens Neighborhoods / Queens Buzz. I attended a meeting on Thursday evening about the de-construction of the Poletti Power Plant, which is situated on the NY Power Authority site in the northwest section of Astoria. The meeting was sponsored by the United Community Civic Association [aka UCCA] and the event was held at the Augustana Lutheran Church on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria Heights.

The bottom line is that current plans call for the de-construction of the old Poletti Power plan to be completed by December 31, 2014. Current planning is underway to figure out how to approach the removal of the old plant materials. Some of the issues include routing of them via trucks through Astoria or via barge on the East River.
We were told that the plant is not being demolished, but rather de-constructed in a manner similar to reverse construction. The New York Power Authority, a government agency, is managing the project.

Click here for the rest of our report, including photos of the NY Power Authority & Poletti Power Plant de-construction.

Astoria Park Performance Space

Draft Plans Shown – Public Comment Sought

Februrary 21, 2013 / Astoria News / Astoria Neighborhood / Queens Buzz. I attended the Community Board 1 meeting on Wednesday night where the Parks Department unveiled their draft plans for the new performance space in Astoria Park. The presentation included a brief history of the Astoria Pool Diving area where the new performance space will be installed, as well as draft details of what is planned.

City Councilmember Peter Vallone was credited with securing $4.5 million in NYC funds for the project, which he described as a beginning. There were a number of Astoria and Queens arts groups present at the meeting and they made comments following the presentation. We’ll post more about the Astoria Park Performance space later.

Click here to go to the Astoria Neighborhood section of this site, or on the photo above for other Astoria News briefs.

We'll have more on this seminar later in the quarter.  In the meantime click here for other Astoria News briefs.

NYC World's Fair - 1939 - 1940 in Flushing Queens

Part I - Out of the Ashes Rises the Phoenix

Battle for the Heart of a Park …

... and the Soul of a Borough

January 12, 2013 / Queens Neighborhoods / Queens Issues / Queens Buzz. Over the past six months we’ve been watching with interest as events have been unfolding regarding the building of a 25,000 seat soccer stadium right in the heart of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. There are also a number of other proposals working their way through the political process / local government, which calls for the cessation of public lands to build private enterprises on various sections of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Currently four separate proposals are in process for planned developments in Flushing Meadow Corona Park. They include: 1) a chain store shopping mall / complex in the southwest corner of the Citifield parking lot [pink], 2) a housing / condominium / hotel complex on the lands the city acquired in its use of eminent domain to develop Willets Point [blue], 3) the expansion of the USTA facilities in the northwest section of the USTA franchise in the park [orange] and 4) the erection of a thirteen plus acre stadium / sports complex in the middle of Flushing Meadows Corona Park [yellowish green].

The graphic above was provided by one of the community groups opposed to the Flushing Meadow Corona Park developments. It's worth noting that most of the colored areas already have pavement or structures covering the land. The exception is that of the proposed Stadium & Concert venue [yellowish green], which would be a completely new development, replacing water vessels which were created for the Worlds Fair. See the map in the header of this series [top of page] where the dark red square represents the approximate acreage and location of the proposed stadium / concert venue.

Queens Buzz has put together a series of reports, which we will run in the coming days about the proposed developments in Flushing Meadow Corona Park. This report starts with a bit of the history of the park, which began around the turn of the last century when Flushing Meadows Corona Park was just an ashpile. The focus of this report is the 1939 NYC World's Fair which was held in Flushing Meadow Park as it was then called.

LIC Boathouse Calls For Help on Water Quality

LIC Kayakers Call For DEP Water Quality Investigation on the East River

September 17, 2012 / Long Island City / Sports in Queens & Queens Issues / Queens Buzz. I stopped by Hallets Cove to visit the LIC Boathouse kayakers to see how the season had gone.

I spoke with Victoria Olson, the LIC Boathouse Chairperson, and Ted Gruber, Chairman Emeritus about the LIC Boathouse East River kayaking season. As you can see in the photo, they were plenty busy having averaged about 200 people each summer weekend, over about a four to five hour afternoon period, during which they host free kayaking along the East River waterfront off Hallets Cove in LIC / Astoria in Queens.

As it turns out, the LIC Boathouse has identified a possible water quality issue, which it believes needs public awareness and support, in order for the Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] to take the appropriate action required to investigate and remedy what appears to be either an ongoing and possibly growing pollution problem.

Click here to read more about free kayaking along the East River in Queens and the ongoing / emerging sewage / bacteria / water quality problem along the East River in Queens.

Queens Parks - Public Parks In Queens

July 6, 2012 / Queens Parks / Queens Buzz.  This report provides info on Queens parks, swimming pools [we still need to add Fisher, Liberty and Fort Totten], various fields and courts for athletic games and picnic and open space areas for your relaxation. Use the search function to find golf courses and the horse race tracks as they are not included them here.

Click here to view our report on Queens Parks.

Remediation Of Newtown Creek Begins In Queens & Brooklyn

After 150 Years Of Environmental Destruction, Remediation Of Newtown Creek Begins

January 21, 2012 / Long Island City, Sunnyside, Maspeth & Brooklyn / Green in Queens / Queens Buzz. Every good process begins with information gathering, so that the decision makers have all of the relevant information they need to make sound decisions. After the information gathering / research is done, and the decisions are made, then the actual execution of the [clean up] process begins.

And so it was that on October 27, 2011, I visited the Newtown Creek Superfund Public Meeting – Queens at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City. There were more than ten representatives, largely from various departments within the EPA, on hand to answer questions and provide information to the public about how the federal government process to clean up Newtown Creek.

Click here to learn more about the history and EPA clean up of Newtown Creek which shapes the border between Queens and Brooklyn.

Compost Solstice: Oh, Home On The Grange …

... no deer or antelope seen playing on Queens’ Brooklyn Grange

September 30, 2011 / Long Island City LIC / Green Queens / Queens Buzz. I took a quick trip out to the country Friday night, boarding the 747 elevator at 37-18 Northern Blvd in LIC [bordering Astoria & Sunnyside], and landing on the building rooftop where there’s a large spread of land used for urban farming called the Brooklyn Grange [we’ll tell you more about the name later in the story].

The occasion for my foray up to the rooftop farm was the Western Queens Compost Initiative’s [WQCI] first annual Compost Solstice. The fundraising event had been postponed a week due to the inclement weather last Friday. The WQCI is a program started by Stephanos Koullias with the help of some Con Ed money [won as a settlement from the 2006 blackout] and the support of Build-It-Green, which is a home improvement business in Astoria. Build-It-Green acquires and then sells / recycles building materials.

Click here to read our report on the Western Queens Compost Initiative's Compost Solstice at the Brooklyn Grange.

Greening Western Queens

Summers in Sunnyside / Sunnyside / Eco-friendly In Queens / Queens Buzz. I went to check out the Greening Western Queens event which was held in Sunnyside on Saturday morning. I went, not knowing what to expect, and found the event provided a tree-mendous opportunity to learn more about what trees do for us, how to get involved in identifying places to have trees planted, as well as how to care for them.

The Con Ed blackout in 2006 hit areas like Astoria and Sunnyside rather hard. Following the blackout there were financial settlements made with Con Ed, one of which was a $7.8 million fund that went to NorthStar for the purposes of building more sustainable – and thus energy efficient – infrastructure in these neighborhoods.

I wasn’t aware that these two neighborhoods have far less tree coverage than the city average [which is 14% tree coverage] and hence require far more air conditioning to keep cool in the summer.

Click here to learn more about Greening Western Queens - including info about tree types, tree insects, tree mapping and tree care certification in Queens. You will also learn how you can become involved in selecting public and private tree planting locations in Queens.

People-Powered Green Symposium

Fourth Annual Going Green In Queens

April 12, 2011 / Flushing / Green & Natural / Queens Buzz. The fourth annual 'Going Green In Queens' environmental symposium was held on Saturday, March 26th, at the Al Oerter Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Hundreds of people, possibly more than a thousand, visited the green booths set up by a number of community organizations that are working to build a more sustainable / regenerative environment in Queens.

Booths included urban composters, community parks organizations, a solar panel provider, energy saving devices / alternative energy providers, an organic food group, sailing and bicycling groups .. and more.

Click here to view our report on Going Green In Queens 2011.

American Meat - Unfinished Film

Documentary About Current State Of Food & Farming

Film Making in Queens / Sunnyside Neighborhood / Food & Wine / Queens Buzz. I managed to obtain an invitation to a screening of American Meat, which is an unfinished documentary film, at Cafe Marlene in Sunnyside. The screening was sponsored by Queens Harvest Co-op, which is an organization working to build an organic food cooperative in Queens.

The film is a rather eye opening look into how the economics of food / meat production in this country have taken us down an unsustainable path. A path which not only has significant health implications, but possibly even more dire consequences. The film provides an intelligent, behind-the-scenes look at how economics have been driving: 1) food production methods, 2) the composition of what's in the meat being sold at the grocery store, and 3) what we're feeding our children and ourselves.

The film was envisioned and began production in the spring of 2007 and the producers are hoping to finish it in 2011. Click here to view our preview of the unfinished documentary film entitled American Meat independent film at Cafe Marlene in Sunnyside and hosted by Queens Harvest Co-op.

Solar Panels & Energy In Queens

LICBDC Seminar - Solar Energy Tax Incentives 2011

March 20, 2011 / Long Island City / Queens Buzz. I just returned from a seminar detailing government incentives for installing solar on residential and commercial buildings in 2011. Based on what was presented in the seminar, anyone contemplating this sort of investment, might want to think about doing it in 2011.

The federal, state and city government are all offering tax incentives which add up to significant savings and shorten the payback period over which a building owner could recoup their investment in a solar energy system. Solar is a hedge against increases in oil prices, and demand for such systems is likely to grow. Given the tax incentives it’s possible, that as we approach the end of the year, companies selling solar energy systems might become quite busy. The photo to your left shows a roof top solar energy system.

Click here to read our report about the tax incentives for solar energy in Queens NY in 2011.

Queens CSA's

Community Supported Agriculture In Queens

Queens Neighborhoods / March 22, 2010 / Queens Buzz. Spring is here and the planting season will soon be upon us. Living in the city we're less attuned to mother nature's cadence than the farmers we rely upon who produce our food supply. But the planting / growing seasons will soon begin and hence the local CSA [Community Supported Agriculture] groups are in the process of selling shares.

Unbeknownst to many of Queens denizens there are a number of CSA's which are currently in the process of signing up members to participate in this years harvest. Essentially the way CSA's work, is to enroll participants for weekly fresh food deliveries for about five months, in exchange for a flat fee and [in some cases] for a few hours of volunteer work. But there's a bit more to the story than that, including different food options, share options, community events and CSA history. Click this link to learn more about CSA's in Queens and where and how to participate in one - including links to CSA websites.

Astoria Leaf Fest 2010

December 4, 2010 / Astoria / Queens Buzz. Leaf Fest 2010 is the annual harvest of fallen tree leaves in Queens parks along the western shorefront. Thanks to environmental activist and Leaf Fest correspondent, Jules Corkery, we have a full report about the Leaf Fest 2010 effort in Astoria Park, along with a couple of photos she provided.

Click here to read the report and view the second photo about the Leaf Fest 2010 in Astoria Park.

Recycle Fest In Astoria

Environmental Activism In Astoria Queens

This is a rolling summary of brief reports about green activities in Astoria and along the East River waterfront of Queens NY. To date we have a story about Queens Green Drinks and one about the Recyclefest held in Astoria in Spring 2009. Transportation Alternatives and government agencies will also be covered in this section as well as in separate reports.

Queens Green Drinks Event In Astoria 2008

Queens Green Drinks started hosting monthly events in the borough in May of 2008. Helen Ho picked up the mantle after attending one such event sponsored at the Queens Botanical Garden in September of 2007. She schedules six months of events in advance, many of which will be posted on this site each month. The following is the story of one such event, held on October 25th, 2008 at Build It Green in Astoria.

Waterpod: A Good Idea That Floats

Flushing / September 26, 2009. Today, amidst all the reasons for cynicism and despair, I found a refreshing glimmer of hope in, of all things, a waterpod. It's a waterpod that contains within it a couple of beings, which if properly funded could spread a good idea like appleseeds across the land, perhaps the globe, and enable all of us to help shape the future of the world in which we live.

Mary Mattingly and Ian Daniel are modern day, Ghandi-like activistics. They have guided the good ship Waterpod into and out of eight different harbors along the New York City network of waterways, carrying with them an art performance eco-friendly message that makes a huge statement in very small ways ... but in every moment of each one of their days.

Click here to read the rest of the story on The Waterpod in Queens. Scroll down to the next two stories to read the weekend events postings and / or click into the Queens Events section of this site.

Queens Botanical Garden

This story describes the Queens Botanical Garden in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens NY. The Queens Botanical Garden is run by the municipality and is located along Main Street in the Flushing Queens.

Queens Botanical Gardens

Aphrodisiac Class & Other Plant Classes @ Botanical Gardens

Flushing / Queens Buzz. This is a report on a class taught at the Queens Botanical Garden in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens NY. The class was intended to enhance one's understanding of the nature, effect and care of herbs which may be used as aphrodisiacs.

How To Create A Green Agenda For Jackson Heights?

Jackson Heights / November 7, 2009. How can a handful of people, say twenty or so, create a Green Agenda for Jackson Heights? This is a quest undertaken by a vibrant and growing group of community activists in Jackson Heights, but which has also caught the attention and garnered some support from around the borough. What exactly the agenda will be won't be known until next Spring, but if you're interested in having your voice heard, now is the time. This report is about their first meeting and includes links to their home page. Click here to read a full report about the Green Agenda for Jackson Heights.

MulchFest 2010 In Jackson Heights Queens

January 9, 2010 / Jackson Heights NY. MulchFest 2010 appeared to be off to an auspicious beginning Saturday morning, as in spite of the freezing cold temperatures and a blustery wind chill of some 15 degrees, many hardy Queens residents came out to Travers Park, their tree in tow, to make a contribution to the MulchFest 2010 ... and to the long term health of the planet.

We spent a bit of time inquiring who was involved and watched the mulching taking place, compliments of the Queens division of the NYC Parks Department. Representatives of the JHBG and Queens Botanical Gardens were also there serving hot chocolate, having previously publicized the event through their organizations. Click here to read the full story of MulchFest 2010 in Queens with photos.

Public Transit To & From JFK Airport

Air Train & Buses Connect To Subway

Jamaica / Queens Buzz. The Jamaica Train station is the LIRR hub and the busiest transportation complex in Queens.

The Jamaica Train station serves as the nexus for LIRR trains heading to / from New York City, to / from JFK airport via the new air train, and to / from all destinations on Long Island, save the Port Washington line.

Click here to read more about public transit from JFK to Manhattan via Queens.  This brief provides some info, photos and a map showing the location of the complex.

Queens Takes 2nd Snowfall In Stride

January 12, 2011 / Long Island City LIC & Sunnyside / Queens Buzz. Last night approximately seven inches of snow fell in Queens. The snowfall in Queens was of the light fluffy kind, as the temperatures remained below freezing through the early part of the morning. The snow had quit falling in the wee hours of the morning, providing plenty of time for the sanitation department and Queens residents to dig themselves out.

One of our intrepid reporters arose early today to capture Queens digging out and dusting off the snow as they set out for work today. Click here to read the rest of our report as well as to view numerous photos of the snowfall in Queens taken in Long Island City and Sunnyside.

Queens Eats For Local Food Co-op

November 18, 2010 / Long Island City LIC / Queens Buzz. Wednesday night hundreds of foodies, environmentalists and the local intrepid converged at the Foundry on 13th Street in LIC where the Queens Harvest Coop hosted Queens Eats, a fundraiser. Guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres, or what one chef once described to me as grazing food. In addition to the food, there was wine and a generous number of raffle prizes; the proceeds of which will go toward starting a natural food co-operative in Long Island City sometime in 2011.

The photo to your right is looking up toward the second floor / skylight at the Foundry LIC, with the moon and neighboring vine laden brick wall in the background.

Click this link to view a slide show and obtain a bit more info about the Queens Eats / Queens Harvest Co-op event. Salud.

Kayaking On The East River

Biking Queens

Bicycling Queens in 2011

Queens Neighborhoods / Queens Buzz. The good weather has arrived and bicycling is about to begin in earnest. Queens is blessed with one of the most interesting arrays of biking trails in the NYC metro area and provides the added pleasure of not being so crowded ... yet.

But there are pitfalls too. Queens Blvd is one of the most dangerous streets in all of the city as some motorists seem to drive it more like a highway than the city street that it is. So caution is always important to bear in mind, but that is true for any sport, be it swimming, football or skiing.

In our soon to be posted report we'll provide you with a view of the biking landscape in Queens. We'll highlight the key biking events, show you a rough outline of Queens biking trails and finish up with a few biking maintenance tips including links to neighborhood bike stores in Queens. Stay tuned, the full story will be posted later this week.

Click here to view our report about biking / bicycling in Queens 2011.

Queens Parks - Public Parks In Queens

July 6, 2012 / Queens Parks / Queens Buzz.  This report provides info on Queens parks, swimming pools [we still need to add Fisher, Liberty and Fort Totten], various fields and courts for athletic games and picnic and open space areas for your relaxation. Use the search function to find golf courses and the horse race tracks as they are not included them here.

Click here to view our report on Queens Parks.

Queens Farmers Markets

June 5, 2013  Check HOURS, MAPS, ITEMS / SELECTION of the 13 BEST Farmers Markets / Green Markets in Queens, w/ savvy shoppers' tips. This report includes the Astoria Farmers Market, Sunnyside Farmers Market, Jackson Heights Green Market, LIC Long Island City Green Market, Flushing Farmers Market, Corona Farmers Market, Jamaica Farmers Market, and in between.

Click here for dates, times, locations of the Queens Farmers Markets.

Farmers Market In Sunnyside Queens

The Farmers' Market in Sunnyside opened in April 2008 for the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. At the market they sell freshly caught fish and other seafood, fresh produce and meat, and baked goods.

Click here to view the Sunnyside Farmers Market story.

Queens Green Drinks Events In Sunnyside NY

Queens Green Drinks Springs Into 2010

April 26, 2010 / Sunnyside / Queens Buzz. After about a six month hiatus, Queens Green Drinks has resumed making the rounds. The first event was co-sponsored by Queens Harvest Food Coop and held at the Claret Wine Bar in Sunnyside. Helen Ho, environmental activist, eco-super model and academic was on hand to greet the newly energized group of offline environmental social networkers. You can find more about Helen in other stories such as the Queens Is Green Fashion Show [sorry MIA], prior Green Drinks events, the Tour De Queens and other eco-friendly events, by using the search function at the end of each story or in the upper left corner of the site. Click here to view the first of the Queens Green Drinks events in 2010.

Snowfall In Queens NY

There are two stories on snowfalls in the Sunnyside section of Queens NY. Both of them occurred in February - but one in 2009 and one in 2008.