The Progressive Southside

THE END

2007-11-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

THE PROGRESSIVE SOUTHSIDE

MAY 20, 2007 - OCTOBER 31, 2007

The Beginning of The End: THE PROGRESSIVE SOUTHSIDE

2007-10-21T01:46:00.000-04:00

Faithful readers, I'm sure you've noticed we haven't posted in a couple of weeks. We hope you've miss us because we've missed you. Busy lives filled with extreme change is the only words we can use to say why we haven't posted. Which leaves us to the worst news of all - we're moving. Moving out from the southside. Moving out of Queens (and back to Brooklyn).

We're behind in reporting the constant changes. Yet, we're aware of them. Are you? The new strip of stores across the street from Carmichael's Diner are getting settled in. 137th Avenue between Rockaway Blvd and Guy R. Brewer Blvd are getting new cemented corner curbs. And we heard of Universoul Circus, The Big Apple Circus, Circus du Soliel, but never of The Firehouse Circus, which opened yesterday at Roy Wilkins Park. There's some sort of art gallery or some equivalent on Guy R. Brewer and Sayres, but we didn't get a chance to investigate it. We would be wrong not to point out the changing leaves around Baisley Pond Park.

We're concerned about this blog's future. We're desperately looking for a person or two who understand the position and the purpose for this blog. That's the hard part. Many eyeballs reading the logs, but we don't know if anyone believes in actually take over. If you live in South Jamaica, Rochdale Village or Springfield Gardens and you can see yourself reporting on the positive and interesting things of this community, please contact us at progressivesouthside@nycmail.com. This is not "our" blog. This is OUR BLOG. Do you know what we mean? We've planted the seed, but you added sun and water to make it grow.

October 31st is our last day. Don't let the tree die.

Pictures from Rosedale's Idlewild Park Preserve Canoe Launch

2007-10-21T01:38:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures from Rosedale's Idlewild Park Preserve Canoe and Kayak launch, held last month. Special photo credit and thanks to Mitchell R. Miller at zenmirror.com.

Pictures From The Banner Day Picnic

2007-10-21T01:22:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures from last month's Banner Day Picnic and parade, hosted by Councilman Thomas White. The parade march down Rockaway Blvd. Special photo credit and thanks to the council staff of Councilman White.

SEARCH AND EMPLOY - This Thursday @ Ambiance

2007-10-02T01:28:00.001-04:00

SEARCH & EMPLOY
This Thursday Evening,
October 4th @ Ambiance
133-18 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11434

Alchemy is defined as "any magical power or process of transmuting a common substance, usually of little value, into a substance of great value." Those behind SEARCH & EMPLOY are musical alchemists, promoting awareness of conscious hip-hop music.

Conscious hip-hop? "That's not to be confused with gospel music or inspirational music," says Maom (pronounced May-ohm), one of the featured artists on the bill this Thursday. "It's a realm in the sense of being aware of your culture, your surroundings, but you don't have to be a radical about it."

He believes positive lyrics don't get too much of a push. Maom respects rappers like Saigon ("He's the perfect voice to make change") and Nas for giving a platform for the Queensbridge Projects in Long Island City a true voice. He says today, artists are claiming to do that, but are only creating an image for themselves. "If they don't put out music that is relevant, we're going to die out." He continued to express that songs are lacking creativity and lacking responsibility, which glorify wealth, fame and violence without any alternatives. "If you chose to speak about how they made it and how much they got out of it...but let me know it's hell in a four minute song. Give me roadblocks and let me know that I can do something else. The guy next door was just as poor as I was, but didn't choose the same path." Check out Maom's Myspace page. A track titled "Cake Revenge" he wrote deals with the pressures of having money and conformity.

Wendell Jordan, COO of I.F.A Recordings/BlackTone Music had a couple of shows, but this is their first real show. "Basically, we want to go to neighborhoods and find local talent who is pushing the envelope of true art and to have a true show." He hopes to have more shows like this in Queens and to give a clear sign that you don't have to go into Brooklyn or uptown to Harlem to hear great talent.

Don't forget to also check out Raw Stalin, Choyce and Jugga - all will be performing This Thursday. The Movement is: SEARCH AND EMPLOY.

That Wasn't There Last Month!

2007-09-28T07:49:00.001-04:00

A new house is built on 156th Street btwn. North Conduit Ave. and 140th Street (behind Burger King and across the street from Kennedy Plaza).

A house conversion (originally a ranch style home) on 144th Drive, at 175th Street.

Be Prepaed to Stop..

2007-09-28T07:29:00.001-04:00

This week, new stop signs were placed on east bound/west bound 137th Avenue, at the 161st Street intersection. Drivers will also see the "stop ahead" warning signs several yards before they reach the intersection. Looks like it will take some time for local drivers to see this. Several drivers failed to stop. The stop signs were probably placed after a car hit corner property a couple of months ago. Notice the south Rochdale Village buildings in the distance.

UPDATE: What's That Smell? It's Not Garbage!

2007-09-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

Three months ago, we posted a story about the smelly dumpsters at our local Dunkin' Donuts, located at Guy R. Brewer and 137th Avenue. We have an update. Today, we received a reply from an anonymous poster who writes, "that dunkin donuts has really improved a lot i don't see anymore garbage pilled up and i eat from there everyday and their food is good. also the employees are very welcoming."

First, whoever you are, thanks so much for posting. It's nice to have a witness in the neighborhood and it's even nicer that you took the time to express their point of view.

We can confirm that Dunkin' Donuts really HAS cleaned up their lot, but we wanted to make sure that it wasn't by chance. We recall a couple of days after we posted the alert, the rear parking lot was cleaned and the bins had lids on them! Was that by chance or is it really the power of the blog? A couple of moments as the weeks passed, where it appeared that garbage was starting to pile up again. But we concur with this anonymous poster. The garbage bins are no longer in an overflow and the awful smell is gone. Good food and welcoming employees is a bonus! I guess for starters, we can do some coffee and a bagel...

Sunset At A Busy Intersection, Hours Into Autumn

2007-09-23T21:34:00.001-04:00

Capturing the sun setting at South Conduit Avenue and Rockaway Blvd.
(South Conduit Ave. looking west)

Show Some Love to Your Tot - Fridays @ 10:30am

2007-09-23T19:36:00.000-04:00

If you're a parent, guardian or an adult caregiver with a toddler between the ages of 18-36 months, make sure you're at The Rochdale Village Public Library for the next five weeks.

Starting this Friday, specialists will be invited to the library introduce interactive activities for the adults and tots - such as nutrition, storytime and more.

Special Toddler Program
Fridays at 10:30am - September 28th and in October
Rochdale Village Branch Library
169-09 137th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11434
718.723.4440

Springfield Gardens or Carroll Gardens? $1775 for a 1-BR Rental @ The New Yorker

2007-09-20T12:52:00.000-04:00

A one bedroom rental is going for almost $1800 a month at the new and finished New Yorker building. We're sorry we don't have pictures right now. But you've probably seen it already, since its grand opening around June. It's located at the intersection of South Conduit Avenue and Guy R. Brewer (177-50 South Conduit Avenue). It's the third in a series of luxury sister apartment complexes. The first building built was The Empire House several years ago, followed by The Liberty House

The New Yorker is the first out of the three to house residential and commercial space. Look out for more pictures of the finished New Yorker building, along with its sisters Liberty Building and Empire Building in our next post.

The New York Times Reports: LIVING IN SPRINGFIELD GARDENS

2007-09-17T02:02:00.001-04:00

Check out the article that ran in this weekend's New York Times about SPRINGFIELD GARDENS.
Among some of the topics discussed: the influx of new housing, population increase and environmental awareness - all topics of focus since the creation of this weblog. Accurate? Inaccurate? Please post your thoughts.

An expanse of homes with a note of suburban calm, Springfield Gardens, like some other Queens neighborhoods, has also been the site of feverish development in recent years as investors have gobbled up and demolished single-family houses and replaced them with multiple-family dwellings. Many residents worry that the population increase ushered in by the larger buildings is more than the neighborhood’s infrastructure can accommodate.

“People care about their homes and look out for one another,” said Yvette Kearse, an agent with Century 21 Milestone Realty. “If you want a neighborhood with manicured lawns, larger homes and not a lot of problems in this section of Queens, a favorite is Springfield Gardens.”

SEARCH AND EMPLOY - A New Hip-Hop Revolution??

2007-09-16T19:23:00.000-04:00

SEARCH & EMPLOY.
Photocopies were posted all over Guy R. Brewer Avenue, along the Rochdale Village strip a couple of days ago.

SEARCH & EMPLOY
- Support change in local hip hop and urban music
- Support local talent and originality
- Hear the music before the media gimmicks
- Take control over the course of your culture

A change in local hip hop and urban music? Take control? The Southside has birthed many rap and hip hop artists (ie: 50 Cent). We're about change, especially if it has a positive impact. If Search & Employ are spearheading a movement, then this is worth investigating.

Now, each artist has a myspace page and is featured at www.myspace.com/searchemploy. Maom, Raw Stalin, Snatch, Juggah, and Choyce will be showcased at the nightclub Ambiance on Thursday, October 4th (133-18 Guy R. Brewer Blvd). More to come. In the meantime, check out the artists myspace pages.

SE QUEENS' FIRST CANOE/KAYAK WATERFRONT ACCESS POINT

2007-09-16T04:54:00.000-04:00

For this post, we're traveling over to the farthest south and east area one can travel to in Queens - Rosedale.

The Eastern Queens Alliance will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Idlewild Park Preserve Canoe & Kayak launch at the street end just beyond the Huxley Street and Craft Avenue intersection. This will be the first waterfront access point in Southeast Queens. It is the result of a collaboration between the Eastern Queens Alliance and the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Commissioner Benepe and Queens Commissioner Lewandowski will both be speaking. They've stated that if you have a canoe or kayak (even rowboat), to bring it along. They will kayak and canoe as a group after the ceremony. For further reading, check out this article released four years ago from Queens Press, which talks about preserving this wetland area.

Idlewild Park Preserve Canoe & Kayak launch
Saturday, September 22, 2007
11:00AM
South of Huxley Street and Craft Avenue intersection
Rosedale, NY
866 372-4255 (RSVP)

The following statement is not meant to exclude any nationality or ethnic group, but BLACK PEOPLE - you have FOUR PARKS featuring fantastic (and in some cases disappearing) wildlife - Baisley Pond Park, Springfield Park, Brookville Park, and Idlewild Park. Others would kill to have such beautiful parks and waterfront property nearby. You're blessed to have them within steps of your front door. We must do our part to help preserve them. We are a people of nature. Or maybe once were. Let's not forget that. The green spaces in our backyards are beautiful, but we're asking you to go a little further out. Endorse the park near you. Be some sort of an advocate. You don't have the time to get involved? Then simply visit them.

Grown Men & Women on Mopeds: The Pleasure Cruise Ryders

2007-09-16T03:32:00.000-04:00

Grown men and women with souped up, tricked out bikes n mopeds. Have you noticed how many adults (women!) are into them? There are black biker communities all over NYC. Are more adults taking interest into this hobby or are they the teens that were riding around 10 or 15 years ago are now adults?! Regardless, they're everywhere and they LOVE their toys and the people who love them.

We go straight into the heart of the Southside to a bikers club called The Pleasure Cruise Ryders. A visit to their website reveals they're a full functioning club, with a new member application and monthly dues. And some serious rules as well. One rule reads, "In the event that we are on a road trip and you feel the need to break formation you will be fined $10.00 for every violation by the Road Captain or the Sergeant at arms." Whatever you do, don't break formation!

The Pleasure Cruise Ryders do a little more than just ride around. They boast of positive accomplishments like food drives, Toys for Tots and raffles. Next month, the gang turns three. This leads nicely into their 3rd Annual "Black & Gold This Is How We Roll" Trophy Party. Yes, wear black and gold. They'll be giving out trophies for several categories, such as "1st through the door 10 or more" and "furthest distance 5 or more." We wish them a happy anniversary and a great turnout. For more information, contact the president - Alvin BIG WILL Wilson at 917.295.1690.

More New Commercial Real Estate on Rockaway Blvd.

2007-09-14T03:14:00.000-04:00

A small strip of newly constructed stores/offices for rent
(Rockaway Blvd. and 135th Ave.).

Business Owners - Big Up Yourselves at The Annual Bash @ Baisley Pond Park

2007-09-13T08:48:00.001-04:00

Councilman Thomas White, an advocate for Baisley Pond Park and a resident of Rochdale Village, will be holding the Banner Day Picnic and Parade this Saturday. He briefly talked about this event during July's Gospelfest event. Their staff are calling this a special community relations day and they will be honoring New York's best businesses, organizations and agencies. They're expecting over 3000 to attend. If you're a business owner, this is the event to really show up and show out with your banners and/or displays. A very special shout-out to David Quintana, a political activist and blogger from "the other southside" of Queens - Ozone Park! A man who is always in touch with local political and environmental affairs. Thanks for the heads up and reminder.
Annual Banner Day Picnic & Parade
Saturday, September 15th
Baisley Blvd. and 157th St (park sign-in area)
1:00PM - 7:00PM
Parade starts at 11:00AM
at Van Wyck Service Road and Rockaway Blvd.

Progressive Southside Back in Session

2007-09-12T23:55:00.000-04:00

An apology because of the unexpected hiatus. We decided to celebrate the unofficial end-of-summer by taking a spontaneous break. Tried to enjoy the last days of the summer sun. Did you? Well, back to work covering the better sights and signs south of the southside.

NEW BAR & RESTAURANT: D'noche

2007-08-30T03:16:00.000-04:00

D'NOCHE
RESTAURANT & BAR
118-23 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11434
718.712.2929
_____________

"Ven y disfruta la mas deliciosa variedad culinaria en un ambiente elegante y acogedor. "

"See and enjoys the delicious culinary variety in a welcoming and elegant environment."

When the metallic silver awning was erected, we knew they were serious about their business. Latin flavored and Dominican-owned D'noche officially opened about a month ago. It used to be a grocery store. They must have spent tens of thousands (to say modestly) on renovations and they made it happen in a short amount of time. Management told us that there are no popular or happening Latin restaurants in this part of South Jamaica. With an attractive exterior and a romantic interior setting, which includes red and black tones, contemporary lighting and three flat screen televisions, we think they'll do just fine.

"Happy Hour" Mondays through Thursdays 5-8PM. Friday night is karaoke and they say it's their biggest night. On Sundays, it's an all day buffet.

Upcoming Event: "Salsa in Jamaica"
Satuday, September 29th - 9PM-3AM
Music by DJ Oscar de la Paz,
playing the best Latin, R&B and classics
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
Contact:
Rodrigo 646.209.3173
Bill 646.567.7085
E-Mail: mohabel@aol.com

Q111 New Hybrid-Electric Bus

2007-08-29T22:09:00.000-04:00

One of the new MTA hybrid-electric buses picking up passengers
along the Q111 route (Guy R. Brewer Blvd).

Annual Irie Jamboree This Sunday

2007-08-28T18:53:00.000-04:00

IRIE JAMBOREE 2007
Sunday, September 2nd
Gates open 12 Noon/Show starts 1PM
Roy Wilkins Park
Main Entrance - Baisley Blvd at 177th St.
Jamaica, NY
________________________________

You probably know that the big reggae and dancehall jam is back. Right on time for Labor Day and right on target for those celebrating the West Indian Day Carnival.

Go to the Irie website at iriejamboree.com to view press party pics and other information. Stephan Marley is scheduled to appear, among many others. John Roleke from the about.com Queens website has a nice one-sheet of the event.

Tickets are $60 general admission, $100 VIP.
Tickets can be purchased online at their website or at any one of these Queens vendors/locations:

Genesis 1	718-739-8443
VP Records	718-297-5802
Yard Spot Rest	718.527.2007
Jamaican Flavas	718.977.4155
Twin Thumb	718.978.0108
Clippers Restaurant	718.738.6625
Laten´s Restaurant	718.527.0339
Golden Krust, Far Rockaway	718.327.1261
GGGG SALON	718.262.9124
Golden Krust, Parsons Blvd.	718.658.0266

The Friends of Roy Wilkins Park Needs A Helping Hand

2007-08-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

The Friends of Roy Wilkins Park are looking for volunteers to assist in park fund raising events, event planning, flower gardening, and other activities. The Friends of Roy Wilkins Park is a volunteer non for profit organization whose primary focus is to assist in the preservation, maintenance and beautification of the park. According to an earlier article from The Daily Plant at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation website, the group "formed in 2003 as a group of concerned and passionate park patrons. They decided to band together in order to beautify sections of Roy Wilkins Park and advocate on the Park’s behalf. Since its beginning, the group has planted and maintained two flower gardens, successfully advocated for the installation of Life Trail exercise equipment for the track, and hosted numerous clean-up days."

They meet the first Monday of the month at 10AM at the Roy Wilkins Park Family Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd. Call 718.527.5085 or 718.528.0441 for more information. Or e-mail forwp@att.net.

SUBPRIME EMBARRASSMENT: Jamaica-Rochdale Village Tops All of Queens with 450 Foreclosure Filings

2007-08-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

The media has been talking about foreclosures and the state of the current housing market for the past week. Among the many, the Metro New York paper reported this morning on how officials are starting to step up the crackdown on predatory lenders. State Sen. Jeff Klein also revealed stats on the hardest hit neighborhoods in NYC. Sad to report that Jamaica/Rochdale Village (predominately black neighborhoods) filed for the most foreclosures for the borough of Queens.

“Unfortunately, instead of working with endangered homeowners,” (Sen. Charles) Schumer said, “unscrupulous lenders are going out of their way to push high risk loans and preventing mortgage holders from refinancing.”

“Especially in the black and Hispanic community, we’re trying to get the so-called American Dream,” said State Sen. Ruben Diaz of the Bronx. “And in our pursuit, we are being taken and now we are living this nightmare.”

To add, here are two heartbreaking foreclosure stories. Now, we may not know the whole story of Michele McIntosh from Far Rockaway and Helen Rice-Lyles of Staten Island, but after analyzing their situation, they were foreclosure cases waiting to happen. Someone lied to them. And they lied to themselves.

Nocturnal noises of summer

2007-08-27T03:34:00.000-04:00

Observation of note, depending on where you are in the Southside:
Listen to the nocturnal noises of summer.
A pleasant noise.
Late at night, sometimes all night.
Robins sang strong in July.
Crickets and other critters clicking in August.
Many of them are calling tonight.
Always better than gunshots!

New Bus Shelters Near Rochdale Village South/LIRR Locust Manor Station

2007-08-21T03:58:00.000-04:00

Located at the intersection of Bedell Street and 134th Road on the Q85 route.

New Homes Over Yonder & A Small Change To The Local Map

2007-08-21T01:02:00.000-04:00

Virtual maps will need a little updating. A tiny new community of new homes now exists just north of the Locust Manor Railroad Station. United Homes erected several two family homes that were built over the past several months. New roads were recently tar paved. 132nd Avenue and 133rd Avenue were extended to meet with Garrett Street, also a street extension. Originally, Garrett Street started south of Railroad Park.

You can see the new homes from a distance on the
LIRR Locust Manor platform.

Looking north standing on Garrett Street cul-de-sac
from Railroad Park.

Looking north on Garrett Street, at the intersection of
132nd Avenue. Notice the newly placed wood guardrails
to the left. Beyond the guardrail is undeveloped land.

Looking east on 132nd Avenue. The foreground displays
the new two family homes. Further down the block are
older tudor-style homes.

Looking east on 133rd Street, south side of the street.
More new homes to the right. More older tudor homes
are down the block.

Standing on Garrett Street, looking south toward the
cul-de-sac and Railroad Park.

Standing near the Railroad Park entrance. The Garrett
Street cul-de-sac in the rear.

Railroad Park, closer to the LIRR platform. Notice the
vegetable patch near the fence to the right. Undeveloped
land in the rear.

New Development Riles 176th Street Residents [Times-Ledger]

Brick Towers Greet You on 157th St & North Conduit Ave.

2007-08-12T02:32:00.000-04:00

Stanchions can add a look of class and prestige to any block. They're common in historic districts. It simply states "affluent" or "private property." Some are well kept. Others are neglected. These two brick columns greet you when you're making a right turn off of the North Conduit onto 157th Street. They stand a little over six feet. Not sure as to when they were built, but they're not historical. Sad to say, it appears they've been neglected as well. Many stanchions have cement flower bowls as a crown or perhaps a cement globe. With these columns, it appears that whatever was at the top was knocked off. A closer look shows that there's a thick cable (or two) that pokes out at the top. Perhaps they were crowned with a large classic globe or a lantern that lit up at night? That would give a warm welcome at night. We also found it interesting that the columns were placed on the property, and not between the sidewalk and the curb. Also, the stanchion on the west side of the street has been fenced in while the stanchion on the east side sits on an open lawn.

The Progressive Southside Makes it to RADIO!

2007-08-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

We made it to public radio! I (Kel) represented this blog on WNYC's (FM 93.9/AM 820) The Brian Lehrer Show this morning's live broadcast. I joined bloggers Meg Cotner of OuterB and Joey in Astoria and Steve Tiszenkel of Queens Central to discuss what Queens bloggers are blogging about.

Media can sometimes paint a one-sided view about a community. And negative always triumphs over the positive. Our prayer is to represent the progressive and interesting Southside Queens that you just don't see or hear about. Some good news, as people like to say. We're only a couple of months old! So we're still growing and learning. Southside - if you're reading, please post/e-mail some encouraging words. We'd like to hear from you!

Tornado Warning This Morning

2007-08-08T09:25:00.000-04:00

Conditions were ripe for a tornado early this morning. A tornado warning was issued as a severe thunderstorm cell passed over Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island a couple of hours ago. The strong cell hit JFK between 6:30 and 7:00am. The tornado warnings for Queens and Long Island were canceled at 7:15am. This photo was taken this morning around 6:50am and the streetlights were still on.

11434 Block Associations?

2007-08-07T14:14:00.000-04:00

Question: Do neighborhood block associations still exist? They used to be very popular around 20 years ago or so. Do neighbors even care about uniting like they used to? If you know of any active block associations or united block groups in this code, please contact us.

We're Losing Our Capes! Part 3

2007-08-07T13:52:00.000-04:00

More signs of the times. For this post of "We're Losing Our Capes!" we go to 175th Street at 144th Terrace. Eight months ago, a cape cod home stood here. No signs of reconstruction at the time. Now stands TWO semi-detached, two-family homes. So a one-family home has been replaced with a four-family.

Check out this short video clip of the cape-lined street. At the very end sits the conversion.

Retro Split-level Homes

2007-08-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

These are actually more impressive on site.
(133rd Ave. & 150th St.)

Neighborhood Diner Remains In Limbo Two Years Later

2007-08-03T20:33:00.000-04:00

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18631045&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574905&rfi=6

Carmichael's Diner Update

2007-08-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

Last week, The Queens Chronicle reported a small, but important update about Carmichael's Diner. We haven't met anyone who has actually ate there, but the word is that it really was a great soul food joint.

Pedestrian Memorial

2007-07-31T16:32:00.000-04:00

In memory of William Chaftain. This was a hit and run.
(140th Avenue and 156th Street)

From The Street Memorial website:
The Street Memorial Project began in early 2007 to honor and remember pedestrians that have been killed by cars and trucks in New York City. Every time a person dies in our streets we place a memorial plaque at the site.

Flip This House! Classic Colonial

2007-07-31T00:41:00.001-04:00

A rare find around these parts. This New England styled Colonial sits on a quiet block, located on 175th Street, between 146th Ave. and 146th Road. Up close, the house screams out potential. Check out the wood shingles on the side! We would love to see what could be done to this house.

Walkers, Joggers, Runners, Skaters

2007-07-31T00:22:00.001-04:00

Late afternoon at Baisley Pond Park's athletic track.

The DEP Still Hard At Work

2007-07-27T00:22:00.000-04:00

They're back. A hazy shot of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection sucking the soot out of the sewers. 140th Avenue is a heavy assignment. A worker confirmed that the area sewer systems haven't been cleaned in a LONG time. (140th Ave. & 155th St.)

Storefront Renovations Across the Street from The Courtyard Marriott JFK

2007-07-27T00:11:00.000-04:00

Two residential/commercial storefronts in the renovation phase. Not sure what will become of them. Located at Rockaway Blvd., between South Conduit Ave. and 144th Ave. - across the street from the Courtyard Marriott.

A Well Kept Corner Cape

2007-07-25T02:48:00.000-04:00

We like this homeowner. She's always taking care of her summer garden.
(137th Ave. & 157th St.)

The Sidewalk Doesn't End After All

2007-07-25T02:35:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we posted a few pictures of homes that were missing sidewalks. It appears that the city officials also contacted this property about sidewalk regulations, as we spotted workers preparing a path for some concrete.

The Rochdale Mall Shopping Center

2007-07-25T01:46:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month, we posted pics of the Rochdale Shopping Center on the north side of Rochdale Village. Today, we present Rochdale Mall, located on the south side (at 137th Ave. & 169th St.). It's unique because of the outdoor courtyard-styled design. It's still a bit outdated, but not like the indoor shopping center. Albeit smaller, it feels a bit more contemporary and intimate, with green park benches, Wax Begonia plantings and a couple of Honey Locust trees. With all the necessities in one area, it's definitely a meeting spot and more than likely, you'll bump into someone you'll know.

(looking north, before entering the mall area)

(standing from the center of mall, looking south)

(Looking north. A security guard chats with some of the residents.
Note the promenade in the background.)

Repaving One of Rochdale's Shady Malls

2007-07-25T00:48:00.000-04:00

Rochdale Village has quite a few grassy walkways and promenades. Workers started repaving a portion of this popular walkway. This one is particularly used because as you walk south, it leads you right into the court-styled Rochdale Mall. This promenade is especially beautiful to stroll along during the daytime, with the rows of Honey Locust trees and Wax Begonias.

More Canoeing @ Baisley Pond Park

2007-07-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

Another canoeing event is scheduled. Canoeing may not be your thing,
but it's something different. It's a very relaxing activity for all ages.
This Saturday, July 28th @ 11AM

Annual JAZZ FESTIVAL at St. Albans Park

2007-07-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

Neighboring St. Albans will host their annual JAZZ FESTIVAL this Saturday.
Jazz legend and saxophonist Lou Donaldson is scheduled to appear, as well as others.

St. Albans Memorial Park
MERRICK BLVD, 173 PL, SAYERS AVE

Contact Black Spectrum Theatre for more information at (718) 723-1800.

Observation: Signs of Overpopulation?

2007-07-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, the DEP trucks were hovering around the Baisley Park Pond area during morning rush hour. They were around for about two weeks, drilling and making lots of noise. We thought it was routine sewer maintenance, since flooding has always been a problem in Southeast Queens. A neighbor said that the DEP were on assignment, upgrading and expanding all of the water pipes and adjusting pressure starting from Linden Blvd., and working their way south. She says they haven't upgraded in decades. So why are they doing this now? She said she was told that the water pressure has to be readjusted because of the overwhelming demand and use from the growing two-family and multi-family homes in the area.

Sorry, Kitchen's Closed

2007-07-17T05:46:00.000-04:00

Sad. Not sure when or why it closed. It still has the classic 50s look. People recall it was a great soul food diner at one time. The New York Times "Eating Out" gave a breakfast review back in 1998. Not that there was a ranking, but Carmichael's was number 3 on the list. We actually hope it'll make a comeback.

3. Carmichael's Diner
+++
(718) 723-6908
117-08 Guy Brewer Boulevard, near Baisley Boulevard
Jamaica, Queens
$ Cash only

Carmichael's Diner is a classic, old-style rectangular diner with a counter that holds a fountain and glossy cakes under plastic domes. Booths are covered in orange vinyl, and each has its own jukebox. But ceiling fans keep things cool, the Formica tables and terrazzo floors are sparkling, and service is friendly and gracious.

This is one of the few places in New York where you can get slices of authentic country ham, tough, leathery and salty but wonderful with grits and red-eye gravy. Salmon croquettes, a Southern breakfast staple, are flat, meaty and delicious. Home fries are savory and biscuits are buttery. Go with an appetite.

We're Losing Our Capes! Part 2

2007-07-17T04:35:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of more examples of cape conversions. This house, located on 156th Street, just behind August Martin High School...

...used to look like the humble brick cape to its right. The house was abandoned and neglected for awhile for reasons unknown. Rather than restoring it to its original beauty, it was gut renovated and turned into a two-family.

This house is located further south on 156th St. The original cape was sold in August of last year. FOUR MONTHS later, the mini mansion was completed. There was nothing wrong with the original cape home. We recall clearly. Noticed how it stands out among the other capes.

Located right at Baisley Pond's east end (Lake View Lane & 122nd Ave), reconstruction of this home happened FAST. We don't recall seeing this a couple of weeks ago! We're not sure if this house was a cape, but there are three to the left of it.

Gimme Shelter!

2007-07-15T18:57:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the first new bus shelters planted in South Jamaica. It's apart of Mayor Bloomberg's street furniture initiative, designed by Cemusa. Shockingly, this one is located on the corner of Guy R. Brewer & Foch Blvds. along the Q111/Q113 route - right in the heart of the Baisley Pond housing projects. The city still hasn't learned - glass is such an easy target for vandalism.
It doesn't matter what neighborhood you're in. How many times have you waited at a bus shelter that was littered with broken glass because someone kicked down one of the glass walls? Let's look to Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn as our example. No one would destroy a newly installed Cemusa bus shelter in THAT neighborhood, right? We're going to be optimistic. Man, we're going to try to be optimistic.

Suddenly Ending Sidewalk

2007-07-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

Part two of "Where The Sidewalk Ends." This is on 158th Street.

More Than A Gospelfest @ Baisley Pond Park

2007-07-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

Singing, chilling, canoeing, eating, art and face painting...

Quick Summer Snapshots

2007-07-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

Garden footbridge sits below a willow tree. [134th Ave & 154th St]

Quiet block, quiet afternoon. [155th St. looking north from 134th Ave]

Raising the Roof

2007-07-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

Exactly one year ago, this house used to look...

...like the house to the right of it.

Someone bought the originally ranch-styled house, raised the roof, added a second floor, and is now RESELLING it. The workmanship is awful. The house is located on 155th Street, between 137th and 140th Avenues. Even if you're not a building contractor, you can spot at least five errors. Click the pics for the details. It's not a pretty home at all.

THE DOOR Needs A Website!

2007-07-14T01:33:00.001-04:00

Quite a few web users are searching for The Door. Too many for The Door not to have a website. The Door has always been hot, but the place must be getting hotter. Did something happen recently that we don't know about? The take-out restaurant gets packed during the evenings. Even a hipster or two have been seen going in or coming out.

So why do you go through The Door?
Hit us up. Let us know.

REMINDER: GOSPELFEST at Baisley Pond Park

2007-07-13T04:03:00.000-04:00

Just another reminder that tomorrow's GOSPELFEST starts at 3:00PM! The event is sponsored by the Partnerships for Parks and The City of New York Parks & Recreation.
Scheduled groups to perform are The Bethel Gospel Choir, CTH Mass Choir of the St. Albans Baptist Church, Growth in Christ Community Choir, Echols Temple Choir, and many more.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

2007-07-13T03:07:00.000-04:00

We were walking around Baisley Pond Park one day and realized that several houses do not have sidewalks. We wondered WHY?

Without the sidewalks, it really feels suburban. Almost like the country. There had to be an explanation. We just so happened ask a woman, who just paved the side portion of her property about a month ago.

She explained that her house consists of two lots. Her house sits on one lot and the corner lot belonged to a person who lived in the south. The corner piece of land just isn't large enough to even build on it. Eventually, they bought the piece land. She uses the land for gardening. She said that a couple of months ago, she received a letter from the Department of Transportation (or from another city/state official) stating that all properties must have a sidewalk. We were wondering if the other homeowners without sidewalks received such a letter. She's the only one that has taken action.

We're Losing Our Capes!

2007-07-10T19:46:00.000-04:00

This post is the first in a series we'll call "We're Losing Our Capes!"
Southern and Eastern Queens are filled with what we call a Queens-style cape home. They were obviously built in the 1950s and have individual charm. Some have partial brick fronts. Others have a couple of extra dormers. Regardless, they say "here's a taste of the suburban life."

Well, times have changed. The trend over the past couple of years is to take an existing home and turn it inside out. Make them bigger. Buy a one-level ranch - then build a second story to it. The biggest thing we've noticed are the ones that are taking these cape homes and turning them into small palaces. Yes, we know the home ownership rules has changed. It does benefit a homeowner when they have a two or multi-family home because having an extra tenant can help pay the mortgage. They say it also makes for a better tax break.

It's one thing to buy a plot of land and build a home up from scratch. But we're against those who strip a perfectly in-tact cape home (or any home for that matter) apart and refurbish it into a McMansion. Our motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Our pics for this post features a brick McMansion, located on 130th Avenue.

We don't have proof, but we're willing to be a million dollars we don't have that it used to be a Queens cape. Usually where there's one cape, there's two. You'll see the neighboring cape below.

Update: Wild Rabbits?? False Alarm!

2007-07-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

We reported a couple of weeks ago that we thought spotted a wild rabbit and questioned if it was or not. Well, we saw the rabbit late at night again in the same grassy backyard. There's some small evidence that it looks like it's a pet rabbit after all. A smart pet rabbit. We'll simply conclude that the Skittles rabbit has found a new home.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE QUEENS PARK!

2007-07-08T21:29:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already, go to queens.about.com and vote for your favorite Queens park! See more info to the left. Out of the two Southeast Queens parks on the list, we're rooting for Baisley Pond Park, but Roy Wilkens Park is winning. Nevertheless, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the clear winner so far!

The Bungalows on 129th Ave

2007-07-08T21:24:00.000-04:00

between 161 St. & Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Fireworks 'Round the Way

2007-07-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Someone or some groups around Baisley Park and south of Baisley really put on a fireworks display last night. Usually in the 'hood, it's about the noise - how long and how loud of firework are. But there was an impressive visual display of brocade, willow and star effects. There was no reason to go into the city. Thanks for the show!

Pitcher Mounds

2007-07-04T16:11:00.000-04:00

Last week, we spotted the Parks Department workers digging and moving dirt at the southern tip of Baisley Pond Park (the same location where the Gospelfest will take place). There's about 20 or so mounds of dirt. Pitcher mounds. Kind of like the one Charlie Brown would stand on when he's playing softball. Any clue what these dirt piles are about?

GOSPELFEST at BAISLEY POND PARK!

2007-07-04T15:44:00.000-04:00

Southern Queens Gospelfest
Saturday, July 14th - 3PM to 8PM
Next Saturday is Gospelfest at Baisley Pond Park. It's a free festival featuring local choirs and performers. Free refreshments and arts & crafts for the kids. Bring a blanket or folding chair. The backdrop of the event is Baisley Pond. See nature at it's best!

Rockaway Blvd. between Sutphin and Baisley Blvds.

A Perfect Summer Day

2007-07-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

Monday and Tuesday were TOP TEN SUMMER DAYS (unlike the overcast skies today). If you weren't able to go outside and enjoy the weather, you missed a treat. Low humidity, clear blue skies, cumulus clouds. On those two days, Baisley Pond Park was a great place to be.

Frozen In Time: Rochdale Village Shopping Center

2007-07-01T00:20:00.000-04:00

Rochdale Village has two shopping malls. The mall located in Rochdale North is called The Rochdale Shopping Center. It's on Baisley Blvd., right off Guy R. Brewer. The main entrance is between Rite Aid/GNC and the post office.

You can tell that this community mall for "a city within a city" was once in full swing about 30-40 years ago. When the Jewish and white population left, it looks like the finances, cares and concerns left with them. The interior design and space appears to look exactly the way it was when they left, too.

Rochdale residents and surrounding neighbors patronize the independent businesses, but no one remembers the stores by their name. They're known as "the discount store" or "the sneaker store." You can find great deals, but they lack individual personality. There is a West Indian bakery and a Chinese restaurant, but it feels like "take-out," not "eat here and join us." Shop signage for most part is dull.

The L-shaped layout also have a couple of public displays that were removed. You'll see a couple of empty pits with a railing surrounding it. You'll also see a structure which resembles a life-sized birdcage. It sits in a large opened area, which is wasted space. If this is art, no one pays attention to it.

Nevertheless, it's a place to pick up last minute items. Key Food is also one of the main attractions. It also remains to be a meeting place for Rochdale's senior population.

Wild Rabbits???

2007-07-01T00:11:00.000-04:00

On a personal note, late Wednesday night in a large grassy backyard on 159th Street, between 137th Ave. and 140th Ave., I spotted a rabbit. Mostly white with a spot of black and it was rather large. I'm not sure if it got loose or what. But I would imagine that if someone had a rabbit, they'd keep closer watch. Just like the time I saw a GUINEA PIG chilling out on a lawn in NOVEMBER on 157th Street.

Would someone let a guinea pig out just to roam wild in late November..in Queens? Now I know we have possum and raccoons that run around wild, but rabbits and guinea pigs??

Beautifying New Jerusalem

2007-06-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

New lawn sprinkler installation and horticulture beautification at New Jerusalem Baptist Church today, located on Baisley Blvd. and Smith Street. Thanks for taking care of "God's property!"

Observation: A Real Estate Prediction

2007-06-21T20:51:00.000-04:00

HAPPY SUMMER to all! Enjoy what summer has to give in our neighborhood. Don't forget to check out Baisley Pond Park. It's wildlife in your backyard.

Here's a house on the corner of 129 Ave and 160 St. that's for sale and needs some TLC. PREDICTION: By this time next year, this house will be totally renovated and refurbished into a Southeast Queens "McMansion."

South Jamaica's Playhouse: The Black Spectrum Theatre

2007-06-20T02:39:00.000-04:00

This summer, there's SO much happening at The Black Spectrum Theatre at Roy Wilkins Park, including the shows above, youth summer camp and their traveling mobile stage. Check out their very informative website, filled with clips and pics.

"Founded in 1970, Black Spectrum Theatre Company produces and presents theatre, films, and videos examining issues of concern to the African-American community, particularly African-American youth. At our 325-seat state-of-art theatre, we serve more than 20,000 audience members annually. We reach many thousands more through our nationally distributed social issue video series and fours and workshops for underserved communities. Black Spectrum is the only professional theatre company reaching out to people of African descent in Queens NY. We serve the large African-American, Caribbean-American, and Latino populations of Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, and Laurelton, and diverse audiences throughout the country."

Old Charm: Raised Ranch Split-level (159th St)

2007-06-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

What's That Smell?

2007-06-15T17:31:00.000-04:00

Cheers to the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins store located on the corner of Guy R. Brewer and 140 Avenue, only because it’s an alternative to the usual bodega or 99 cent discount store. But JEERS to the dumpsters located on the side of the store. Two large dumpsters without lids take up about two or three parking spots, usually overflowing with garbage and debris. On top of that, the dumpsters encourage others to dump their garbage AROUND the bin. Sometimes you can smell a nasty odor during the evenings. Enough for anyone to lose their appetite. You’ll even catch an employee or two taking a break within inches of the dumpsters. Real classy. If you buy your coffee and donuts from here, please let us know how good it is.

Same Trouble on West Outer Drive is Happening Here

2007-06-11T04:09:00.000-04:00

You're probably wondering where West Outer Drive is. You're also probably wondering what the trouble is, too. West Outer Drive is a street in Detroit in which several hard working, middle-class Black homeowners are in jeporady of losing their home due to subprime mortgages. Check out this article from The Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB118047548069017647.html
The article focuses on the 5100 block of West Outer Drive. On this block alone, seven families are struggling to pay their mortgage or risk getting evicted. You'll see pictures of the beautiful Colonial brick homes on the interactive map and you'll read their heartbreaking stories. Some of us can relate. South Jamaica and Southeast Queens is facing the same exact problem. We see new homes built from scratch in just a matter of weeks. We see one family ranch-style or bungalow homes that are turned into "Southeast Queens McMansions."

It's great to see such a great change. We're striving for the American dream to own a home. But at what price?

The JFK Terror Plot: What's Your Opinion?

2007-06-07T20:19:00.000-04:00

A few days have passed since the JFK terror plot news was released, accusing four men of Guyanese and Trinidadian descent. Southside has a decent Guyanese and Trini population. What's your reaction. Also, anyone considered that parts of south South Jamaica is only a mile or so away from the airport's epicenter? What are people saying on your block? Shock? Anger? Concern? What are your thoughts? We'd like to know.

Flip This House! Corner Cape

2007-06-02T15:33:00.001-04:00

This large Cape Cod corner property beauty has so much potential and is in desperate need of a makeover. A plus that the owner keeps the lawn mowed. When it's not, the house looks totally abandonded.

(134th Avenue and 156th Street)

Foreclosure Town Hall Meeting - Tuesday, May 31st

2007-05-27T23:17:00.000-04:00

South Jamaica residents are well aware of the major problems of predatory lending (and who they target and who usually are the victims). To say modestly, dozens of Southeast Queens homeowners will lose their home this year because they won't be able to pay their mortgage. There will be a foreclosures forum this Tuesday at York College. We want to be homeowners, but we must do our homework. Read more about this neighborhood problem in the article below, as published in the Times Ledger this week.

SE Queens foreclosures set stage for York forum
By Craig Giammona
05/24/2007

The white piece of paper on the desk in front of state Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) tells a troubling story. Labeled "Foreclosure Patterns - 2006," the map is of Queens County and the dots, each representing a mortgage default, are tightly clustered in her district, which comprises a large swath of southeast Queens.

There were foreclosures throughout the borough in 2006, the map shows. But in areas of America's most diverse county, where the population is more than 50 percent black or Hispanic, the problem is particularly severe.

Outside of southeast Queens, there is dense pack of red dots in Corona on the 2006 map."People go basically and buy homes they can't afford," Huntley said. "I'm not saying they're not smart, but they're not experts in this area and they're taken advantage of."The issue of foreclosures has risen to the forefront in Queens in the last few months, shining a light on the so-called predatory mortgage brokers and real estate agents that many believe are fueling the problem.

The Website PropertyShark.com released a report in April indicating that foreclosures had skyrocketed in Queens during the first three months of 2007. In fact, the report said that more homes had been sold at auction in Queens than in the four other boroughs combined during the first quarter.In addition, PropertyShark, an online clearinghouse for real estate information, said of the 20 zip codes in New York City with the most foreclosures for January through May, 16 were in Queens and 12 were in 114, an area that includes Jamaica, Hollis, Laurelton, St. Albans, Cambria Heights and Queens Village.

Overall there were 554 foreclosures in the first three month of 2007 in New York and 319 were in Queens. "Something needs to be done," Huntley said, acknowledging that she is still working to determine the best route for lawmakers to take in combatting the problem.

The first step will be a town hall meeting at York College on May 31 that will bring together several state and city agencies for a discussion with area politicians, including Huntley and Councilmen Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans).The office of Queen District Attorney Richard Brown and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo will also be represented, Huntley said.

The event will take place at York's Performing Arts Center at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard and is scheduled to being at 6:30 p.m.Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.

©Times Ledger 2007

UPDATE on Development: 125th Ave & Merrill Street

2007-05-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

What a difference a week makes! We posted pictures of this very house exactly a week ago. Roofing, windows and siding has been added. Another new two-family home to add to the South Jamaica private home renaissance.

GOOD EATS: The Door

2007-05-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

THE DOOR
163-07 Baisley Blvd. (at Guy R. Brewer Blvd.)
Jamaica, NY 11434
718.525.1083
________________________________

If you're not going anywhere this Memorial Day weekend and you're in a mood to dine out, consider The Door..."An Elegant Jamaican Restaurant." This Jamaican restaurant lives up to its name. In fact, it may be the ONLY elegant Jamaican restaurant in South Jamaica. Cherry wood furnishings and contemporary lighting creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. There's also a bar area. Vegetarians and Vegans: try the stewed tofu with rice & peas. Famed Jamaican comedian Oliver Samuels has endorsed The Door in ads that has aired on Carribbean International Network (CIN).

No worries if you're not in a mood for formal dining. There's a take-out kitchen adjacent to the restaurant. BE SURE to place your order in advance.

Out of The Ashes: Rap and the Crack Era in South Jamaica, Queens

2007-05-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

Check out this powerful exhibit, currently on display at JCAL (Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning) 161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432

http://www.jcal.org/visual_arts/programs.html

"A Jamaica Queens Thing":*
Rap and the Crack Era in South Jamaica, Queens
Curated by Herb Tam, guest curator
*Exhibition title references “ Memory Lane ” from the CD entitled Illmatic by Queens native and rapper Nas.

April 14, 2007 through June 2, 2007
Artist Reception on Saturday, April 14, 2007, 4-7 pm.
Artists' and Curator's Talk: Saturday, June 2, 2007, 4-7 pm

In the mid 80s, crack cocaine hit the streets of America and began to devastate the landscape of inner-city communities like South Jamaica, Queens, the neighborhood adjacent to downtown Jamaica . Incorporating art with historical material, this exhibition reflects on the trauma of the crack epidemic (1986-90) and its deep influence on the course of rap music. Thus, the exhibition title references Queens native and rapper Nas' song, “ Memory Lane ”, from the CD entitled Illmatic . The art works on exhibition act as characterizations of certain elements in the narrative of South Jamaica during that period. Specifically, the works deal with police authority, hip hop culture, drug addiction and suburban desire.

Karlos Carcamo 's neon sculpture White Line – Kosuth Remix for Grandmaster Flash re-constructs minimalism into a cold symbol of the lure of drugs. Corey D'Augustine shows 1/2 Car , an unwanted car split down the middle of its long side with light effects illuminating it from underneath. Jocelin Donahue presents T-shirts that glorify some of rap's most memorable lines about crack and hostility and drawings of key characters from South Jamaica 's crack era. Joshua Abram Howard shows a new sculpture of the skeletal armature of a sports utility vehicle with “tricked out” tire rims. The piece speaks of the ultimate emptiness and wastefulness of the crack game, in spite of the fast lifestyle and shimmering materialistic gains it produced. Daragh Reeves ' video Night Moves is a compilation of passing cars in the night appropriated from films, setting a lonely, ominous tone. He will also show a selection of ink drawings that hint at the narrative arch of South Jamaica 's drug dealers. Greg Santos presents dueling mixtapes featuring songs culled from past and recent rap rivalries, including the one between South Jamaica 's 50 Cent and Hollis' Ja Rule. A selection of Sol'Sax 's sculptural and video work references hip hop culture and its inseparability from the politics of street life, personal spirituality and global history. Xaviera Simmons will be showing photographs taken in Southern California that interpret suburban desire, a powerful force in the development of South Jamaica . Nick Stillman 's columns of photographed, computer graphic ‘paintings' coated with lip gloss mirror the suffocating design of housing projects and the swift degradation of surface enticement.

Also on view will be a collection of rap music that grew out of the crack era, a timeline tracking the key events of that period in South Jamaica , newspaper articles, and other historical paraphernalia.

Visuals: A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood

2007-05-21T18:29:00.000-04:00

A beautiful afternoon at Baisley Pond. One observation - the lily pads are growing in nicely. They were badly scorched during last year's heat waves. Look at the sun's rays as it hits the water. The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork! Across Baisley Blvd., the last picture shows the football team practicing on the August Martin High School field.

Development: 125th Ave & Merrill Street

2007-05-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

This corner patch of land was vacant for awhile. Signs of change came last month, when the land was cleared and an excavator was on site. Location is one block over from Merrick Blvd.