Fwd: Idlewild Under Threat--News from Eastern Queens Alliance Inc.

[isa...@aol.com]

First they chop down the trees - AT THE HEADWATERS OF JAMAICA BAY-  then they start filling in part of Jamaica Bay?????

-----Original Message-----
From: Eastern Queens Alliance Inc. <e...@easternqueensalliance.org>
To: isanoff <isa...@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 15, 2013 11:35 pm
Subject: Idlewild Under Threat--News from Eastern Queens Alliance Inc.

Eastern Queens Alliance Inc. Press Release Eastern Queens Alliance Inc. Announces Idlewild Park: Under Attack by the PANYNJ? Over 700 Trees in Idlewild Park Preserve Threatened by the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey's Ax! For the more than ten years, the Eastern Queens Alliance (EQA) has been working to save Idlewild Park Preserve. In 2003, we protested against the rezoning of 25.4 acres of the parkland that the city sold to International Air Cargo, Inc. to build an air cargo industrial park. It turned out this was a "done deal." Now we are struggling to preserve over 700 trees on the western side of this valuable 325 acre preserve which forms the headwaters to Jamaica Bay. Is this a "done deal" too?    The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey (PANYNJ) has flagged 722 trees for removal. In fact, they have been in negotiation with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (NYCDPR) to remove the trees. Half of the trees they claim are current hazards to aviation. But one has to question: Why now? The trees didn't miraculously have a growth spurt within the last several months or year or two. They didn't mention this at the October 4th public meeting. What makes them suddenly a hazard? Is it possible this is just a pre-emptive strike in anticipation of the proposed extension of Runway 4L/22R which has not yet been approved? The other half they claim will need to be removed if the runway is extended. Most of these trees don't appear to be over 35 feet tall. Many are not taller than the two-story houses just a block away. There are those that are shorter. Is all of this then just a ploy to prepare for the Extension of Runway 4L/22R which, if completed, will result in aircraft flying much lower over our communities-perhaps 100+ feet lower?  Is this a case of environmental injustice? Will Idlewild become just an extension of the JFK runways rather than the valuable ecological preserve that it is? In effect,  this is what will happen if these trees are removed, clearing a huge swath of land through Idlewild Park Preserve between 228th Streets and Springfield Boulevard on the western side of the park!   The PANYNJ is moving swiftly ahead on the proposed plan to extend JFK Runway 4L/22R  for which the final Environmental Assessment (EA) has not been approved. How is this possible? A final EA needs to be issued. Comments to the draft EA need to have been answered. This has not happened. EQA has called for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposal which requires much more public involvement. The PANYNJ needs to follow NEPA guidelines and honor Environmental Justice Policies. It needs to give full consideration to the communities it is so negatively impacting.   The Eastern Queens Alliance,  Inc, a federation of civic associations in Southeast Queens, has been calling for the restoration of Idlewild and are eagerly awaiting the construction of the Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Learning Center which Borough President Helen Marshall made possible through the allocation of $5 million in the 2009 budget. Until then, we offer the forerunner of that center out of a small office trailer on the western edge of Idlewild. Idlewild Park Preserve is an integral part of that center. The park serves as a natural laboratory where learning about the importance of the environment, how to take care of it, and enjoy nature at its best happens.   Over the years we have planted trees, shrubs and wetland plants, built trails, took children on field trips through our environmental education program, and collaborated with NYCDPR on the building of an Idlewild canoe/kayak launch. Concerts, fitness classes and tours have also taken place here. Much of this has been possible through the acquisition of small grants.  Now all of this is threatened by the "taking of parkland"  by the PANYNJ for the airport.   NB: Idlewild is a critical ecological area in Southeast Queens, in the Jamaica Bay watershed and in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary. Why are we working to save the park and restore the wetlands? Wetlands perform very important functions. The EPA tells us that wetlands provide flood protection by serving as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface-water, rain, snowmelt groundwater and floodwaters. The trees, root mats and other wetland vegetation slow the speed of floodwaters. The combined water storage and slowing action lowers floodwaters and reduces erosion. Where wetlands lie downstream of urban areas, they counteract the large volume of surface water runoff that you get from pavement and buildings. The wetlands in Idlewild Park are critical in flood protection of the low-lying communities of Springfield Gardens and Rosedale areas. In fact, the destruction of wetlands over the years probably contributed to much of the flooding that our neighborhoods have experienced.   It is important to note, the wetlands in the Idlewild Park Preserve also contain the largest expanse of high quality marsh along the shores of Jamaica Bay. The tidal creeks running through the park are the most extensive in, and provide the largest volume of freshwater to, the Bay. These wetlands help to protect our open waters from pollution by serving as natural filters, replenishing groundwater, and controlling shoreline erosion. There has been much talk within the last few years about saving Jamaica Bay. Saving Idlewild Park Preserve is a critical component in that process. The powers-that-be need to realize this.   Also, be aware that more than one-third of the threatened and endangered species in this country live only in wetlands. The EPA tells us that nearly half use the wetlands at some point in their lives, particularly for nesting, feeding and breeding.   Furthermore, wetlands provide wonderful parkland for recreation, the enjoyment and appreciation of nature, and are great resources for environmental education.   Finally, Idlewild Park lies just south of the Springfield Gardens and Rosedale communities and immediately north of JFK Airport, or Rockaway Boulevard. It serves as a natural buffer between the airport, airport-related businesses and the residential communities.  We need to protect our communities against unbridled encroachment.    Idlewild Park has been designated as a Forever Wild Preserve by the Department of Parks and Recreation of NYC. In that title, they recognize that it needs to be protected, along with other such natural areas, against the constant threat of infringement and degradation in the name of development.    Eastern Queens Alliance Inc. Contact Persons:  Barbara  E. Brown, Chairperson Patrick L. Evans, Vice Chairperson Telephone/Fax: 347 824-2301 Email: e...@easternqueensalliance.org URL: www.easternqueensalliance.org Be ready to heed our call to Action! If you are concerned about this issue, be on the alert for a call to action.  Keep in touch with the Alliance. Sign up to participate on our Environmental Justice Task Force for airport-related issues.

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[DANIEL MUNDY]

Once again the Port Authority proves that they are the biggest threat and the largest negative impact to the National Park which is Jamaica Bay! Not satisfied with dumping unlimited quantities of harmful De icing fluids directly into the bay ,when there are recapturing methods available ,now they seem intent on "deforesting" huge sections of natural habitat in a never ending quest to squeeze more air traffic into JFK. Power and funding drives a philophy that refuses to explore the numerous opportunities that exist to tap into additional airports for volume overflow, Stewart Airport ( where they wasted hundreds of million of dollars for upgrades they did not follow up on) , westchester airport ( where the millionaries have manged to "CAP" their airport traffic to a ridiculously low level ( they dont like noise) to Mac Arthur airport so close by all offer opportunities to reduce JFK volume. However the Port Authority does not consider JFK to have a FINITE limit on flights rather they believe that this already overcrowded airport can continue to cram more and more flights into their daily flight schedule.  We had a situation not long ago where NYC was guilty of harmful practices in the operation of their waste treatment plants greatfully they have agreed to take action to reduce their impact and to engage in restoration projects within the bay . Perhaps the same type of focus needs to take place to bring the port authority into the 21st century  Or maybe even the 20th century
 
Dan
 

---

To: jamai...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Jamaica Bay] Fwd: Idlewild Under Threat--News from Eastern Queens Alliance Inc.
From: isa...@aol.com
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:02:09 -0400

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[James Scarcella]

This needs to be halted until all the impacts are fully examined 

[isa...@aol.com]

I know that everyone is worn out from dealing with Sandy. But there have been an awful lot of new threats to the Bay & its watershed, that in previous years, would have generated outrage and action. Doesn't anyone care anymore????

 

Let's go down the list:

 

* EQA reports that over 700 trees, at the headwaters of the Bay, which soak up storm water, provide habitat, reduce soil erosion, reduce siltation,  etc are scheduled for destruction.

* More runways = more decicing fluids, hydraulic fluids, etc going into the Bay.

* The USDA is has proposed a seven mile kill zone around JFK (or is it even larger by now?) for any bird that has the audacity to belong to a particular species. The kills will occur  

   even within the borders of the wildlife sanctuary.

* A gas monitoring facility is being built in not one but TWO of the old historic hangers at Floyd Bennet. And NPS is patting themselves on the back about what a great deal they

  made. Oh yeah,  the pipeline people will even throw in a few bucks for marsh restoration as compensation. So anytime that anyone wants to screw up something in the Jamaica

  Bay area, all they have to do is buy some Spartina and all will be forgiven.

* The whispers in the wind are hinting that BIG... NEW... DEVELOPMENT is coming to Floyd Bennet. And it ain't gonna be a wildlife habitat.

* NYC recently turned over a portion of Four Sparrow Marsh to Kristal Auto Mall so that the folks who come to buy cars have nice, tree shaded places to park. Who cares if the land

   was supposed to be parkland?

* Then there are those three windmills planned for a US Marine facility at Floyd, so that "alternative energy sources" can be explored. Haven't they ever heard of solar power? Oh  

   my, I just remembered: Floyd Bennet is part of a national park! And its on a migratory bird path! So what if a few birds get chopped up?

 

Aaaah, but there is good news on the horizon: Millions have been allocated for marsh restoration! So as long as marshes are getting restored, nothing else matters.

 

What is going on here is troubling.  Maybe I'm the one who's crazy for thinking that people still care about protecting the Bay.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: DANIEL MUNDY <mundy...@msn.com>
To: jamaica-bay <jamai...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Tue, Apr 16, 2013 9:09 am
Subject: RE: [Jamaica Bay] Fwd: Idlewild Under Threat--News from Eastern Queens Alliance Inc.

Once again the Port Authority proves that they are the biggest threat and the largest negative impact to the National Park which is Jamaica Bay! Not satisfied with dumping unlimited quantities of harmful De icing fluids directly into the bay ,when there are recapturing methods available ,now they seem intent on "deforesting" huge sections of natural habitat in a never ending quest to squeeze more air traffic into JFK. Power and funding drives a philophy that refuses to explore the numerous opportunities that exist to tap into additional airports for volume overflow, Stewart Airport ( where they wasted hundreds of million of dollars for upgrades they did not follow up on) , westchester airport ( where the millionaries have manged to "CAP" their airport traffic to a ridiculously low level ( they dont like noise) to Mac Arthur airport so close by all offer opportunities to reduce JFK volume. However the Port Authority does not consider JFK to have a FINITE limit on flights rather they believe that this already overcrowded airport can continue to cram more and more flights into their daily flight schedule.  We had a situation not long ago where NYC was guilty of harmful practices in the operation of their waste treatment plants greatfully they have agreed to take action to reduce their impact and to engage in restoration projects within the bay . Perhaps the same type of focus needs to take place to bring the port authority into the 21st century  Or maybe even the 20th century
 
Dan
 

---

To: jamai...@googlegroups.com

Subject: [Jamaica Bay] Fwd: Idlewild Under Threat--News from Eastern Queens Alliance Inc.

From: isa...@aol.com
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:02:09 -0400

[Bill Woodroffe]

One can only be reminded of some advice that was given to women who were about to be rapped. “Don’t resist, think pleasant thoughts”

 

The forces of greed wear cloaks of civility, distort our collective sensibility, and bankrupt our integrity. “Practicality” is the standard while it is descends to the lowest common denominator, never rising to anything more than platitudes without conviction or moral sense.

 

It is Spring, yet hope seems a distant island that can’t be sailed to. What is going on here is indeed troubling. 

 

Bill

[Karen Orlando]

There doesn't seem to be anything practical in the idea that communities and people effected by these projects and their questions regarding environmental concerns or about how we will use our public spaces are absent almost entirely from the processes by which these projects move forward or are decided.