Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Greed & Incompetence Cancels First Game At Queensboro Oval Softball Field

 "Maybe the new administration will do more to protect the interests of the 'little guys' from the ever  continuing encroachment of business interests.  All we want to do is play softball after work on a summer night. Is that too much to ask?" 



Red Clay Mud - Left Field.   Tennis Consession Once Again Overstays Its Welcome.  The Queensboro Oval softball field under the 59th Street Bridge at York Avenue is a mess this afternoon. A ball field permit was issued for this evening but the tennis concession is still there.  In 2012 the community was informed that the Parks Department had granted the city's most expensive tennis concession on public parkland year-round use in a behind close door deal. The deal displaced park users in a community that has the least amount of park and open space in the entire city. (Photo: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) click on images to enlarge.

Manhattan

By Geoffrey Croft

Ball field permit holders who use the popular ball field under the 59th Street bridge have been once again been shut out.

Players checking on the field for the opening game this evening were surprised to find out it was still a construction sight. 

Permit holder Bradley Cohen was forced to cancel tonight's game after seeing the "utter mess."

"This is further abuse to the time of our already short season.  We now have ten playing dates (vs. 11)," Mr. Cohen wrote to his players. 

Sutton East Tennis Club began taking down the tennis bubble on Friday - more than two months after the beginning of the baseball season.  

The privatization of the ball field had been an ongoing issue under the free-wheeling business first Bloomberg administration.

 "Maybe the new administration will do more to protect the interests of the 'little guys' from the ever continuing encroachment of business interests,  said Bradley Cohen, who received the permits.  

"All we want to do is play softball after work on a summer night. Is that too much to ask?"  



Home plate.   Upscale Tennis Land grab Rears Its Ugly Head Again.  The Queensboro Oval softball field is the only publicly accessible lit, non-asphalt field available for miles.


The city is allowing the private courts to operate a 38 week season ending June 7, plus several more weeks needed to build and take down the facility.  

In 2012 irate ball field users and Community Board 8 members were blindsided when they found out Sutton Place Tennis Club, run by Tony Scolnick was granted an additional six weeks to run his private tennis concession club in yet another behind closed-door deal orchestrated by the Parks Department's revenue division. 

Betsy Smith,  then head of revenue and marketing for the Parks Department and Mayor Bloomberg family friend,  and Manhattan Parks Commissioner William Castro were the point people.

According to Ms. Smith, the reason for the extension was because the concessioner made a "substantial investment" to convert the bubble to year-around.  (without first checking with the community) 

Castro publicly stated on several occasions in 2010 that the city would listen to the community in making its determination.

For years ballplayers have bitterly complained that the city was allowing the fields to deteriorate. They also said dedicated maintenance mitigation funds from a nearby building were not allocated there.

Many asked where the money was.

For over 40 years, The Queensboro Oval Field, located along York Avenue under the 59th Street Bridge in Manhattan, has been a home to baseball, softball, soccer, football, schools, leagues, families, joggers, and children learning to ride bikes and pick-up recreation activities in a beloved public park. It has been and continues to be a vital resource for countless people. It is the only publicly accessible lit, non-asphalt field available for miles. Even though this community has the least amount of park and open space in the entire city.

Mayor Bloomberg and Betsy Smith displaced children and the community by taking away this park.  

 Workers remove the white tennis lines today.


 What A mess.

Home Plate

A Walk In The Park 



Police Release Additional Photos Of Central Park Muggers


Manhattan




The NYPD released additional photos the suspects wanted in the June 5th Central Park mugging of a 28-year-old.




The New York City Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating two male suspects wanted in connection with a Robbery that occurred within the confines of the Central Park Precinct.  The details are as follows:

On Friday, June 5, 2015 at approximately 2200 hours, a 28 year-old male was walking inside of Central Park in the vicinity of Cross Drive and East Drive when two unknown males approached him from behind and pushed him over a railing onto the ground.  The suspects then began to punch the victim and hold him down while removing approximately $30 cash before fleeing.  The victim sustained injuries to his face and hands as a result of this incident. 






























Police released video of the suspects wanted in the June 5th attack in Central Park. The grainy black and while footage shows one of the suspects jogging out of Central Park to join his accomplice who is nervously looking around. They then begin to head north along 5th Avenue.   


The suspects are described as being two black males in their late teens or early twenties.

A video of the suspects meeting up after fleeing the park is attached.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.


The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Read More:


A Walk In The Park - June 8, 2015  - By  Geoffrey Croft

Central Park: Suspect Wanted In Several Robberies Caught
A Walk In The Park - June 7, 2015 - Geoffrey Croft

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Cyclone Riders Forced To Climb Down After Mid-Ride Breakdown - Again



For the second time this season Cyclone roller coaster riders were forced to climb down the steep wooden tracks to safety because the ride got struck stranding terrified passengers.    The iconic ride suffered another embarrassing episode on opening day, March 29 when the Cyclone also got stuck. The Parks Department concession has been in operation since 1927  and is the second oldest wooden roller coaster in America. (Photo: Alejandro Bachmann)

Brooklyn

Coney Island’s Cyclone screeched to a halt mid-ride Saturday for the second time this season, forcing riders to once again climb down the famed clackety coaster, according to the New York Post. 
Michael Osborn, 36, and his girlfriend, Jessica Laux, 34, were in one of the Cyclone’s rear cars when it stopped in its tracks around 2 p.m.
“The car stopped. We heard a sudden click and a brake and the car just stopped – that’s it,” said Osborn.
“Luckily, it stopped before the big drop. … We were mildly concerned, sure,” he said. “That [the walk off the Cyclone] was worse than the stop. The ladder – the rungs aren’t too stable.”
The ride was expected to be reopened later Saturday.
Luna Park in Coney Island, which manages the ride, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Cyclone also got stuck on March 29 during its season-opening public run as it climbed up a 60-degree incline to its first big drop.
More than 12 riders were left suspended dozens of feet off the ground for about 10 minutes, until they were forced to walk hand-in-hand with rescuers down the steep slope of the track to safety.
Read More:
New York Post - June 13, 2015 - By Ben Feuerherd, Khristina Narizhnaya and Yaron Steinbuch

Friday, June 12, 2015

Police ID Lead In Brutal Forest Park Tree Limb Killing



The NYPD are looking for Zoltan Forai, 44, aka Stephen Forai for questioning in connection with the brutal killing of Diego Piedrahita, 23,  who was found bludgeoned inside Forest Park yesterday.

Queens

By Geoffrey Croft

On June 10, 2015 at 1526 hours, police responded to a report of an aided male in the vicinity of Park Lane South and Woodhaven Boulevard, within the confines of the 102 Precinct.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a 23 year-old male unconscious and unresponsive with trauma to his head.  EMS responded to the location and pronounced the male deceased at the scene.  The Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

The New York City Police Department is asking the public's assistance in locating  the whereabouts of an individual wanted for questioning in connection to the above homicide within the confines of the 102 Precinct.

Details are as follows:

Zoltan Forai, 44, aka Stephen Forai.  Male, 44 years-old, approximately 5’7”, approximately 170lbs., with brown eyes, brown hair and a beard. This individual possibly frequents the Band shell Area in Forest Park and Victory Field area.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.


Diego Piedrahita, 23,  was found bludgeoned to death by a tree limb inside Forest Park yesterday. Police are looking for Zoltan Forai, 44, aka Stephen Forai for questioning in connection with the brutal killing.


Read More:

Tree Limb Used As Weapon In Queens Park Death
A Walk In The Park - June 11,  2015 - By Geoffrey Croft


NYPD seeking suspect in death of man beaten with tree branch in Queens park
New York Daily News - June 12, 2015 - By Molly Crane-Newman,  Ryan Sit , Barry Paddock



Man Who Attacked Park Worker In Rockaway On List For Environmental Cop and School Safety Officer

Queens


By Geoffrey Croft

The emotionally disturbed man who violently attacked and nearly drowned an elderly Parks Department security worker yesterday is on the list to become a environmental police officer and a school Safety officer, NYC Park Advocates has learned.

Jermyne Beaton, 27, attacked a 64-year-old woman, dragging her into the water and forced her head underneath. 

According to Department of Citywide Administrative Service records,  Jermyne Beaton is a candidate for DEP Environmental Police Officer and a School Safety Agent.

Beaton has been on the DCAS police officer list since Nov. 21, 2014 and school safety officer since July 31, 2013.

This morning he was transferred to a  Queens hospital for a psychological evaluation because he was, "acting up,"  in his holding cell according to city sources.

Beaton, who lives on Beach Chanel Drive,  was charged yesterday with Felony Assault and Harassment.  
 
Read More:


Rockaway Beach Attack: Disturbed Man Almost Drowns Elderly Park Security Worker
A Walk In The Park - June 11, 2015





Parks Dept. Increases Beach & Pool Access For People With Disabilities
































Park workers installed a Mobi-Matt at B.73rd Street in Rockaway Beach before the beach season opened in May.  The mats are made of polyester from recycled bottles and are anchored into the sand by 20-inch heavy-duty staples made from bi-chromated steel.  The newer mats are 6 1/2’ wide versus the older mats which are 5’ wide.  (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on images to enlarge


City-Wide

By Geoffrey Croft

For beach and pool goers who are mobility challenged or impaired help is coming.

Access to the city's beaches, pools and even the ocean will be dramatically increased this summer for people with disabilities, NYC Park Advocates has learned.

The Parks Department increased the number of mobi-mats by more than fifty percent. 

The popular light blue mats allow people in wheel chairs access to the beach and near the water. The mats are also popular with beach goers with strollers and coolers.

In total the city has purchased 112 new mobi-mats, 5,600 feet.  The new mats are also a foot and a half wider, going from 5 feet to 6 and a half feet wide. 

An elderly woman and her aid utilize the Mobi-Mat on Coney Island.


The city has also purchased a number of ADA beach wheelchairs which allows access on to beach and into the water itself, more than doubling the previous number of accessible wheelchairs. 

They have also purchased a number of pool lifts to replace outdated models. 

In total, 16 Hydraulic ADA Pool Lifts,16 ADA Beach Wheelchairs and 5 Pool wheelchairs were purchased.  All of the Parks Department's adult outdoor and indoor pools now have an ADA pool lift according to the agency.   

Before the new arrivals the city had 220 mats, 7 beach wheelchairs and 3 pool chairs.  

Rockaway Beach is seeing the largest increase of matts by far.  The beach,  currently undergoing a massive restoration after being battered by Hurricane Sandy, is receiving 4,200 feet of mats.  The city has also placed mats over sand berms.


Beaches:              Beach Mats Ordered:                             Beach Wheelchairs Ordered:    
Bronx:                   500’ (10- 50’ rolls)                                                          2
Brooklyn:             500’ (10- 50’ rolls                                                            6
Queens:               4,200 (84- 50’ rolls)                                                         5
Staten Island:       400’ (8-50’rolls)                                                               3
 
Totals:                 5,600’ Mats (112- 50’ rolls)                                           16 ADA Beach Wheelchairs
 
Pools:         Pool Lifts Ordered:                                              Pool Wheelchairs Ordered:
Bronx:                 3                                                                                          2
Brooklyn:            9                                                                                         2
Manhattan:         0                                                                                         0
Queens:              2                                                                                         0
Staten Island:     2                                                                                         1
Totals:                 16 Hydraulic ADA Pool Lifts                                           5 Pool Wheelchairs

Source: NYC Parks 


The pool wheelchairs - The AquaTrek Aquatic Wheel Chair is a submersible mobility aid. The chairs will be located at pools in the Queens, Bronx, Faber Pool in Staten Island and Sunset Park in Brooklyn.   

The city is spending close to a hundred and eighty-thousand dollars for the new equipment.

“NYC Parks looks forward to significantly increase accessibility at beaches and outdoor pools across the city with these new mobi-mats, beach wheelchairs and pool chairs,” the Parks Department said in a statement. 


Before installing a Mobi-Mat near the lifeguard station in Brighton Beach,  lifeguard Miguel Castro had to place his son Vencel Castro onto a stretcher. His colleagues helped transport him to the shoreline.  Vencel has Cerebral Palsy and Seizure Disorder. 

Miguel's colleagues helped carry his son Vencel to the water.



Miguel enters the surf with his son Vencel where he practices swimming.  


Miguel Castro, 57, has worked as a lifeguard for the Parks Department for the past 42 years,  for the past 21 years as Chief Lifeguard for section 3 in Brighton Beach near Coney Island.

He knows first hand the enormous challenges of providing access to the beach for people with disabilities.

His son Vencel Castro, 24, has Cerebral Palsy and Seizure Disorder. 

For years Miguel had to carry his 120 pound son, sometimes with the help of his colleagues, three hundred feet from the boardwalk to the ocean.

Last year the city finally installed a mobi-mat at Beach at  2nd Street near lifeguard station which he says made the world of difference.  

"It's vital for him.  It's made life so much easier,"  said the proud father and single dad.  

"So many people use it. It makes the beach so much more accessible not just for people with disabilities but for older people,  mothers, people with children and carriages. It's such an important thing to have."

Castro also stressed the need for land chairs which allow access to the water.

"Everywhere else you go around the country they have them."

We hope they put one over here, there are a lot of people who can use it over here," he said.


Before installing the matts the city forced parents and caregivers to drag wheelchairs through the sand. For most people that was not even an option.   (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on images to enlarge


 The city has come a long way since it first installed the first four mobi-mats in 2007 which enabled disabled access close to the water’s edge for the first time in the city's history. 

Before the city began installing the mats parents and caregivers were forced to drag wheelchairs through the sand. For most people that was not even an option.

Disabled advocates have long complained about the lack of access to basic facilities in the park system including to the city's 14 miles of beaches.   

On June 19, 2007 several disabled people in wheelchairs accompanied by NYC Park Advocates attended a press conference announcing the pilot program at Brighten Beach. 

While acknowledging the significance of the day advocates discussed the city's terrible track record providing access and noted that a width of just 25 feet was now available after providing zero accommodations for more than a century.  (They also questioned the rational of installing a mat where the closest subway station was not ADA accessible)  

Then Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe wasted no time in embarrassing himself and the city. 

Benepe shot back when asked to comment on the criticisms telling a New York Times reporter that advocates for the disabled, “should be ashamed of themselves for complaining about this on this great day.”

"Strike that from the record,  strike that from the record,"  he ordered the reporter waving his hands dismissively.

The paper did not comply.

Read More:

New York Times - June 20, 2007 - By David K. Randall

New York Times - June 19, 2007 -  By Sewell Chan 











Thursday, June 11, 2015

Rockaway Beach Attack: Disturbed Man Almost Drowns Elderly Park Security Worker



Queens


By Geoffrey Croft

An emotionally disturbed man attacked a Parks Department security worker this afternoon and nearly drowned her, NYC Park Advocates has learned.

The man attacked the 64-year-old woman at around 1:00pm at B. 38th Street in Far Rockaway.  He dragged her into the water and forced her head underneath.

The victim said she was praying while the man held her under the water. All of a sudden he let go.

After the attack the assailant exited the water,  calmly sat down in the woman's chair under the green Parks Department umbrella and began drinking her water.

She called for help. 

Several Park Enforcement Patrol officer's raced to the scene in ATV's and caught the man.

Jermyne Beaton, 27,  Hispanic, a resident of Beach Chanel Drive, Queens was charged with felony assault and harassment.

The Parks Department assigned Margarita Melian, 64, by herself to a desolate stretch of closed beach to monitor a nesting area for the Piping plover, a federally designated endangered bird that nests in several areas along the beach. 

Melian, who works as a City Seasonal Aid in the agency's Parks Security Service division,  saw Beaton swimming in the closed off area.  She approached and told him he had to get out.  He became irate. He grabbed her and pulled her under the surf.   He held her down.  She swallowed water while she struggled with the deranged man. 

The terrifying ordeal lasted a few minutes then he suddenly let her go.

She was treated at St John's Hospital for multiple lacerations and bruises and released. 

Local 983 president Joe Puleo points out that PEP and Park Rangers, licenced peace officers, used to staff this and many other areas. 

"These workers are not trained to deal with these situations. They can't make arrests,    said Mr. Puleo who represents the CSA' s and PEP.

"These people's lives are at stake due to the Parks Department's negligence. They abandoned her alone in a desolate area, this woman almost lost her life." 

 He once again called on the City Council to hire more officers.

The proposed City Council budget  for the upcoming year does not allocated funds for a single new officer.  

Read/View More

CBS2 Exclusive: Parks Worker Nearly Drowned In Rockaway Attack
CBS -  June 11, 2015  - By Matt Kozar


Body Found Hanging From Chain Link Fence On Randall's Island


Randall's Island

The body of an Asian man was found hanging from a rope attached to a chain link fence on Randall's Island, NYC Park Advocates has learned. 

Police believe the man was in his late 20's. 

The body was discovered on Sunday night at approximately 7:00pm on the southern end of Randall's Island Park (technically Ward's Island)  opposite Field 63.

The cause of death was an apparent suicide according to authorities.  

- Geoffrey Croft

Tree Limb Used As Weapon In Queens Park Death


Queens

By Geoffrey Croft

Law enforcement officials believe a tree limb was the blunt object that killed a 23-year old man in a Queens Park.

The body of Diego Peerahita, 23,  a resident from Booth Memorial Blvd in Queens was found yesterday at 3:30 pm in Forest Park.

Two park goers were walking when they saw blood and followed the trail.

The body was discovered by the abandoned railroad tracks in Forest Park not far from Victory feild  near Forest Park Drive & Woodhaven Blvd.   

Police believe it was a murder. 

The tree limb was not found and police believe the killer may have taken the weapon with him. 

The motive remains unclear,  the victim had his ID and wallet on him.

Read More:

Body Found In Forest Park With A Head Injury
A Walk In The Park - June 10, 2015 - By Geoffrey Croft 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Body Found In Forest Park With A Head Injury


ESU flood lights and an NYPD crime scene vehicle this evening in Forest Park. (Photo: Ed Wendell)

Queens

By Geoffrey Croft

The body of a 23-year-old hispanic male was found this afternoon with a blunt head injury in a Queens park, NYC Park Advocates has learned. 

The body was discovered by the abandoned railroad tracks in Forest Park not far from Victory feild  near Forest Park Drive & Woodhaven Blvd.  

Two park goers were walking around 3:30pm when they saw blood and followed the trail according to a law enforcement source. 

Police have set up a very active crime scene.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.  An ID was found but police have not yet released the name of the victim pending family notification.

A park user playing on Victory Field said they saw police activity in that area of the park on Tuesday night.

Another posted comments on facebook.

Edwin Gardiner Jr Last night after leaving the game after 8PM the firemen and an ambulance showed up looking around for a way to get down. But I was driving off already so I did not hang around but that was on Myrtle Ave. side of Victory Field.


Edwin Gardiner Jr Guess they did not realize the other bridge. So I guess that body was there for a day at least.



Central Park Rowboating Returns With Floating Dock - Still Not ADA Compliant



A Boathouse rowboat concession employee helps a returning rowboat onto the new dock.  Workers are now easily able to guide the rowboats  on to the dock via rollers. Row boating in Central Park returned after $ 200,000 partly taxpayer-funded renovation.  The new dock however is not ADA compliant and the city did not require it.   (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on images to enlarge.

Manhattan

By Geoffrey Croft

One of Central Park's most popular attractions has returned.

The Loeb Boathouse reopened its popular rowboat concession after a more than $ 200,000 - partly taxpayer funded renovation,  NYC Park Advocates has learned.  

The dock,  including its sixty-two year infrastructure were completely ripped out and replaced with a plastic floating dock.

The redesigned deck, made of brown colored polyethylene, will rise and fall with the lake and not be susceptible to flooding as the wooden planks were since they were first installed. It will also be safer. 

"Wood was missing people were falling in, " said a worker helping a family from Florida out of a boat.

"It was rotted, it's way better now. The rollers make is much easier the boats slide right up. The grip on the floor is much better,"  the worker said.


A Boathouse rowboat concession employee in Central Park helps a family returning to the new dock. 


Over the last several months The Lake in Central Park had been eerily quiet as The Loeb Boathouse rowboat concession quietly underwent a massive renovation.   Usually teeming with boating enthusiasts park goers arrived to find the concession hidden behind a green mesh construction fence with no clue as to what was going on. 

In April workers began disassembling the deteriorated deck.  Wearing waders the construction crew trudged through the murky water and removed the rotted slabs, carting them away one by one.

April, 2015.  Demolishing The Deteriorated Dock. Workers haul away the rotted wooden decking from the old dock.  


The modular system dock arrived in multiple sections two weeks ago and crews quickly began assembling it.

The city shared the costs which are supposed to be the responsibly of the concessionaire.   

One design feature did not change however - the dock is not ADA compliant.

The city did not require that a system be installed that would allow people in wheelchairs to access the boats.  This can be accomplished by installing either by a lift or transfer station. No word whether or not the city will require that when they release a new RFP. 

Both the Parks Department and the Boathouse concessionaire owner Dean Poll refused to respond to questions despite several requests.

"It was nice and sturdy," Danielle Boivin, 23, an actress who recently moved from St. Louis said of the new dock.


The modular system dock arrived in multiple sections two weeks ago and crews quickly began assembling it.


"The rowing was really fun. It's so beautiful. We got our workout for the day."

Boating on the Lake has been a popular pastime from the Park's earliest days.

Located on the East Side of the Park between 74th and 75th Streets, boating on the park's second largest water body has been a favorite since the park opened more than 150 years ago. 

Row boating is normally available from April through October.

"It was seriously fun,"  said Kanchalee Wijakpaisarn, 28, a film maker. 

"It (rowing) reminded me of Harry Potter. It was beautiful."

Rowers are able to pass under the iconic Bow Bridge (1862) which is currently closed and partly enclosed in a white tent to prevent debris from falling into the Lake. The beautiful cast-iron bridge, and the second oldest in America. 


For the first time rowers are also able to pass under the iconic Bow Bridge (1862) for an up close and personal inspection of the repair work underway.  The cast-iron bridge, the second oldest in America,  is currently closed and partly enclosed in a white tent to prevent debris from falling into the Lake.

Row boats can be rented at the Loeb Boathouse daily, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The boats must be returned by 6:30 pm. Rentals cost $15 for the first hour and $3 each additional 15 minutes.  Note: The website has not been updated and still states that the dock is under repair. Also the $ 12 cost to row for an hour was raised last year to $ 15.  

Photo Gallery:   (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on images to enlarge.


 In April demolition crews began removing the wooden dock, including its sixty-two year infrastructure

Wearing waders, the demolition crew removed materials in the murky water.

The old dock was carted away.  


The old dock, including its sixty-two year infrastructure were removed completely.

A crew unloaded the modular dock system which arrived in multiple sections.

Workers quickly began assembling it.


Smooth Sailing. A Boathouse rowboat concession employee helps a returning rowboats onto the new dock.