projectwoodhaven.com

Project Woodhaven is a journey of discovery that we hope you'll enjoy. Use the handy search box above to search our site and our rapidly growing Wiki . Follow us on Facebook or Twitter! This is a work in progress, and we're very open to comments and suggestions. You can contact us at info@projectwoodhaven.com.

Woodhaven Wiki Woodhaven Blog Yahoo Group Forum

Schools

Local Media Links

The Leader Observer
NY Daily News - Queens
The Forum
The Queens Courier
The Queens Tribune
The Queens Chronicle
The Times Newsweekly
NY1 - Queens

Our Representatives

Woodhaven BID
Rep. Anthony Weiner
State Sen. Joe Addabbo
State Assembly Mike Miller
City Council Elizabeth Crowley
City Council Eric Ulrich

Queens BP Helen Marshall
Community Board No. 9
The 102nd Precinct

Good Reads

Queens Crap
Lost in the Ozone
About Queens
Save Forest Park Blog

Friends of Woodhaven

WORKS Little League
Neir's Tavern
N.F. Walker Funeral Home
Leahy McDonald Funeral Home
Deneille's Dance Studio
Shorinjiryu Kenryukan Karate
James Rooney - Attorney
Queens County Savings
Abramowitz Memorials
Schmidt's Candy
Verdino's Garden Center
Community Federal Bank

Handy Reference Guide

Area Code 718 unless noted.

Emergency .............. 911 Complaint Hotline..... 311 102nd Pct. ...... 805-3200
Block Association ... 296-3735
Greater Woodhaven
Dev. Corp..... 805-0202
Jamaica Hosp .. 206-6000
Vol Amb Corps.. 296-7918
NYC Office of Emergency
Management .. 422-4800
Sanitation......... 835-3557
Transit Info....... 330-1234
Crime Victim
Hotline....... 212-577-7777
Child Abuse Report
Registry..... 800-342-3720
Emergency Children
Services..... 212-966-8000
Rape Crisis....... 212-423-2140
Dom. Violence.. 800-621-HOPE
Suicide Hotline.. 212-673-3000
Meals on Wheels. 212-962-7559
Medicare /
Social Security.. 800-772-1213

Dangerous Condition 91st Ave

Carousel Tour Sparks Optimism

The Parks Department hosted a group of potential vendors, residents and members of the media last week for a look at the Forest Park Carousel. It was a rainy day and the visit was an unhurried treat. The Carousel appears to be in great shape and in good working order. Here's hoping that a deal can be reached and the carousel opened in time for the Summer of 2012.

Leonora Lavan Profiled in NY Daily News

A Look At The South Queens' Greenway

Green walkway coming our way?

The old Rockaway Beach Branch of the LIRR has sat unused and abandoned for about 50 years. Now, local activists are hoping that a proposal to convert it into a haven for walkers, joggers and bicyclists will gain the support of residents. For Woodhaven, it would run from Victory Field to Atlantic Avenue, crossing over bridges at Park Lane South, Jamaica Avenue, and 91st Avenue.

Psst.. Snow Is Round The Corner

Holiday Spirit On Display

Residents March in Christmas Parade

The residents of Woodhaven put their Holiday Spirit on Full Display as they marched down Jamaica Avenue in the traditional annual Christmas Parade. And this year, the WRBA held the 1st Annual Parade Watching Party, getting together and cheering on the marchers. You looking for community spirit? You aren't gonna find it sitting at home. It's out there -- come and get it.!

Let There Be Lights!

Holiday Season Kicks Off With Ceremony

The Holiday Season in Woodhaven was officially started with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. About 200 people, young and old, packed the street to celebrate and cheer on the lighting of the tree. Visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty, Rudolph and Shrek rounded out the evening.

WORKS Little League Celebrates

Awards Ceremony Caps 2011 Season

The Little League formerly known as Rich-Haven marked the end of the 2011 by honoring their coaches and player in front of a packed-house at Antun's. Well over 300 parents and family members came out to honor the players and the wonderful seasons they all had. WORKS is one of the many remarkable stories in our community -- congratulations to the entire WORKS family!

Rejected Carousel Bid Revealed

Carousel Closure Enters 4th Year

A business guided by a man the Parks Department describes as a "carousel expert" has had its' bid rejected, but its not clear why. Central Park Carousel, Inc currently manages the Flushing Carousel, but without a vendor in place for 2012, thw future if both carousel is in doubt. Click inside for a visit to the Flushing Carouseland a look at the bid that was rejected.

Flashback: Tour The Forest Park Carousel

Freak Storm Hits Woodhaven

Halloween Displays Covered in Snow

Unbelievable! A record breaking snowstorm, the earliest recorded in this region, dumped a couple of wet, heavy inches on Woodhaven. That we still have green leaves all over the place meant that all of the snow and ice were dangerous to tree branches -- but it also made for some spectacular views in Forest Park!

PS 306's Monster Mash a Smash!

Kids Have Great Time at Annual Event

The students, teachers and parents of PS 306 outsmarted Mother Nature by having their Halloween celebration a little early, giving the kids a chance to enjoy their costumes before the snow hit. Hot cocoa, burgers, and inflatable rides were on the agenda as well as arts and crafts and everyone had a great time. Kudos to all involved for making a spectacular event!

Missing Bunny in Woodhaven

Coming Home to Woodhaven

Best-Selling Author Comes Home

Dr. Brady came home to help raise awareness of the Friends of the Woodhaven Library, a group of local residents committed to raising funds to help get renovations to the local library off the ground. Born and raised in Woodhaven, Dr. Brady spoke about his book about Chess Legend Bobby Fischer -- and as a bonus, shared memories about Woodhaven.

The Latest Carousel News

What's the Latest Spin?

Seems to be lots of news about the Carousel (see news interest at right). The WRBA sold all of the Save the Carousel T-Shirts, the Carousel made an appearance on HBO's Bored to Death (click inside to see the clip) and the Parks Department has erected a wrought iron fence around it. Lots of stuff going on!

Blessing Woodhaven's Pets

Annual Event Draws Nice Crowd

There was a nice group of residents and their pets gathered at Emanuel Church, on 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard - it was part of an annual event in which the pets are blessed. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and turtles were amongst this year's group -- and the residents were more than happy to tell everyone about their little friends.

Woodhaven Straw Poll: How Did Your Issues Fare?

Stumps and Trunks!

The Circus Bar Says Hello

It Was Bad - Could Have Been Worse

Irene Still Managed to Damage

It was a wild storm, high-winds and lots of rain -- and here in Woodhaven we had to count our blessings -- but that doesn't mean we got off unscathed. There were plenty of downed trees and property damage. We took a tour of Woodhaven after the storm to see how well everyone fared.

How Dumb Is This?

Look At What The City Did To This Tree

Mob Hit in Forest Park

HBO Film's Execution at Strack Pond

HBO's Boardwalk Empire was in Forest Park this week, filming a hit scene at Strack Pond. It was a tight set, but our intrepid reporters managed to get close enough to see the victims and hear the gunshots. Vintage 1030's clothing and vehicle were on hand -- all in all, a very cool film shoot in Woodhaven.

MTA MAKING PROGRESS

Woodhaven Deals With Heatwave

Record Temps Slam Woodhaven

Record temperatures descended upon the East Coast Friday and have remained over the weekend. With temps easily passing 100 degrees Friday, residents of Woodhaven sought various ways to beat the heat. Throughout Woodhaven, residents opened fire hydrants for kids to cool off in, but keep in mind it's only legal if you do so with a sprinkler cap. Failure to do so can result in low water pressure and dangerous conditions.

Woodhaven Fights Noise Online

Together We Can Knock Back Noise

We've all been there -- the late night call to 311 to complain about a party down the block. You just want to log the complaint and try to get some sleep. But the 30-35 minutes you spend on hold leave you frustrated and you hang up. Thus, the noisy party goes unreported. Here's a way you can report the party online -- and together we will build a database of chronic noise locations. If you don't take part in the solution, you forfeit your right to complain.

Youthful Patriotism in Woodhaven

St. Thomas Students Honor Our Flag

This is nice to see -- the students of St. Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven had a beautiful ceremony honoring our flag -- appropriately enough, on Flag Day. Each attendee received a flag, donated by the American legion, and there was a nice presentation by the kids and patriotic songs. Also, there was a good positive message of unity -- and it was refreshing to see patriotism so enthusiastically displayed.

WRBA Fights Against Noise

Submiths Residents' Testimony

Councilman Eric Ulrich has proposed a change to the noise code and the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association (WRBA) asked residents to submit their thoughts, which resulted in this document -- written testimony that was delivered to the NY City Council in support of this change. These are the words of teh residents of Woodhaven -- you will hear their anger, their frustration and their despair. A must read!

Two Communities Rally To Save 294

Jamaica Ave Firehouse Site of Rally

On Sunday, June 5th, the residents of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill joined forces to make noise and make the point that closing Engine 294 was a reckless idea, one that is dangerous, and one that will cost lives. Residents, community activists, and elected officials came out to cheer on Engine 294 and to make their opinion well known.

Woodhaven's Historic Cemetery

Colonial Era Cemetery for Queens Founders

Buried behind St. Matthew's on 96th Street, down the alley of the Cordon Bleu, behind the fences of residential homes -- lies a cemetery that goes back hundreds of years, containing the graves of the families that founded Woodhaven and its' surrounding communities. But with St. Matt's up for sale, residents and historians are concerned about what is to happen to this historic spot.

The MTA Makes Progress -- Latest EL Train Pics and Schedule

Touring St. Matthew's

Historic Church Set To Close This Week

Woodhaven's historical St. Matthew's Church is set to close this week after servicing local parishioners for over 100 years. If you've never been inside St. Matt's this 2-page update will be a treat, albeit a bittersweet one. The church itself is a very European, English, gothic building and the grounds are beautiful. Inside, the stained glass windows are a sight to behold. And out back is Woodhaven's very own historic graveyard. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to see the 2nd Page of the update.

Bored to Death in Woodhaven!

Woodhaven Plays Host to HBO Series

HBO's "Bored to Death" spent a few days in Woodhaven last week filming scenes for their upcoming season. A few weeks ago they were at the Carousel, and this week they were at C-Town on 76th Street and Jamaica Avenue. Our intrepid reporter, Mr. Woodhaven was on the scene and met series star Ted Danson. Set pictures and video inside. The scenes filmed in Woodhaven will air on HBO this Fall.

Foggy Woodhaven: A Picture Tour

Spring Cleaning!

Woodhaven Residents Clean Up Graffiti

Last Saturday, volunteer residents took to the streets of Woodhaven with paint, brushes, and spray cans and painted over graffiti vandalism. This event was sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Miller and was a terrific success. Around 75 instances of graffiti vandalism were cleaned up and painted over -- a real good first step. But we're far from finished -- we'll be doing it again on Sunday, May 22nd at 11 AM. See the story for details on how you can help.

Highlights from Woodhaven Town Hall Meeting for April 2011

Ship Ahoy! on Jamaica Avenue

Tour the Forest Park Carousel

Local Gem Spins Again - Just For A Bit

This is a real treat. The Parks Department opened the gates of the Forest Park Carousel for vendors interested in taking it over. We were fortunate enough to be on the tour and, as a result, you get to go on the tour as well. It was great to see the old gal back in action again, even if it was just for a few minutes. We present just a few of the pictures here, along with a beautiful video.

El Train Facelift Has Begun

As Of 3 PM Friday We Are Covering 33% of Woodhaven -- 45 Block Captains / 70 Blocks
Click The Map To See If Your Block Is Covered

Important News For Residents:
Rezoning Woodhaven - A Proposal - Click Here For All The Details, maps, Charts, Etc.

* * * * *

http://wrba.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/free-mammograms-in-woodhaven-sponsored-by-sen-addabbo/

The Man Who Built Woodhaven
(Leader-Observer)
Florian Grosjean and his impact on Woodhaven will be discussed at the Woodhaven Historical Society on Wednesday January 25th at 1 PM at Emanuel Church.

Rare Glimpse of Woodhaven's Treasure
(NY Daily News)

Woodhaven Businesses Against Muni-Meters
(Eyewitness News)
With video.

Woodhaven Is Against Street Conversions
(Leader-Observer)

Luna Park Creators Interested In Carousel?
(NY Daily News)

Coney Island Execs Eye Forest Park Carousel
(The Forum)

Amusement Bigwig: Forest Park Carousel "An Easy Fix"
(DNA Info)

Woodhaven Says Street Changes Not Acceptable
(The Forum)
Some details about the plan to convert the old LIRR Tracks to a walking path.

Residents Differ on Rezoning
(Queens Chronicle)
The plans to Rezone Woodhaven and Richmond Hill are in their final stages. Public meeting January 21 at the Ambulance Corps.

Historical Changes
(The Forum)
Leonora Lavan steps down as President of the Woodhaven Historical Society after 20 years.

WRBA Proud of 2011
(Leader/Observer)
The WRBA looks back on a busy, successful year.

Hunt is On For Hit and Run Driver
(Leader Observer)
Victim struck at 87th and Jamaica.

The Sitter at the Carousel in Forest Park - Warning Bad Language

Greenway Coming to Woodhaven?
(Queens Chronicle)
Some details about the plan to convert the old LIRR Tracks to a walking path.

HBO's Boardwalk Empire in Forest Park - Final Scene

Top Honor For Woodhaven Christmas Tree
(Leader Observer)
Our tree is voted 4th Best in NYC.

Woodhaven Loses a Beloved Teacher
(Leader Observer)
PS 60s Eleanor Roth, who taught many local students French and Italian, is remembered.

Seeking to Landmark The Carousel
(NY1)
Our efforts to get the Forest Park Carousel landmarked gets the attention of NY1.

Landmark Commission Reviewing Carousel Eligibility
(NY Daily News)
As the WRBA launches a fight to get the Carousel landmarked, we get an encouraging comment from a Landmark Commission spokesman.

Woodhaven Book Discussion Group Seeks Readers
(Times-Ledger)
For over 4 decades this group has met and discussed books. They meet monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 2 pm in the Library.

JHS 210 Students' Vandalism Angers Residents
(Leader-Observer)
Damaging property, jumping on cars, intimidating seniors -- these little darlings have gone too far. See related coverage here and here.

WRBA Launches Fight To Landmark Carousel
(Queens Chronicle)
An effort to protect and preserve the Forest Park Carousel is underway. Related coverage here.

Woodhaven Man Charged With Murder
(NY1)
Mustafa Omran was arraigned in court for the Oct 24th Murder of Yasmees Rabbani of 88-05 91st Avenue.

Woodhaven Man Charged With Murder
(NY1)
Mustafa Omran was arraigned in court for the Oct 24th Murder of Yasmees Rabbani of 88-05 91st Avenue.

Woodhaven Buther Gets 20 Years
(NY Daily News)
Edwin Fuentes led police to the last remains of his wife in Forest Park, gets 20 years.

What a Family Faces After Murder
(NY Times)
A look at what the family of a murder victim faces the first week - using the murder here in Woodhaven as a backdrop.

Parks Dept Rejects Bid To Operate Carousel
(NY Daily News)
Vendor with decades of experience has bed rejected.

Jamaica Ave Businesses Complain About El-Painting
(NY Daily News)
They say traffic and parking disruptions are costing them dearly.

Woodhaven's Concerns About Raccoons
(Leader-Observer)
More and more residents are reporting issues with these animals.

  Illegally posted Signs Irks Woodhaven
(The Forum)
Ulrich, Miller, WRBA plan to fight unsightly signs illegally posted on poles and trees.

City Finds No Operator For Carousel
(Queens Chronicle)
Will anyone ever agree to run our beloved carousel?

Leader-Observer Honored at WRBA Fundraiser
(Leader-Observer)
The 100+ year old newspaper was honored as Business of the Year.

WRBA Celebrates 40 Years
(Queens Courier)
It was a terrific night for the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.

Woodhaven Celebrates
(The Forum)
Over 160 residents gathered at Joe Abbraciamento to raise funds for Woodhaven.

Woodhaven's PS 60 Excels in DOE Report
(NY1)
Our very own PS 60 excelled in city-wide study -- congratulations

Thousands of Electronics Recycled Safely
(The Forum)
Coverage of a very successful recycling event in Woodhaven.

Illegal Sexual Activity in Forest Park
(NY1)
This happened right where the recent attempted rape happened.

J Line Tagged Already
(PW)
Makes you sick, doesn't it?

Call For Mounted Cops to Return to the 102
(Queens Chronicle)
A call was made to bring back the mounted police at the recent 102 Pct Meeting.

WRBA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
(Cueens Courier)
The WRBA's Fundraiser is September 23rd at Joe Abbraciamento -- buy tickets here.

Police Seeking Verbally Abusive Crook In Woodhaven
(QueensLyfe)
Take a look at this guy -- see if you recognize him.

Local Man Charged in Attack
(The Forum)
21-year old Kevin Pazmini was arrested at his home in Woodhaven.

Woodhaven Woman Bilks Elderly in CT
(Stamford Advocate)
She committed identity theft -- do you know this woman?

New Raccoon Law Has Bite - But Will It Do Anything?
(NY Daily News)
"In a statement, the Health Department said Hevesi's bill "will not impact" how the city handles raccoons."

Forest Park Rapist Gets 32 Years
(Your Nabe)
The animal that committed this heinous crime in our community was sentenced to a "maximum" of 32 years in prison. We hope he serves every single year.

Noise Pollution Upsets Woodhaven
(NY1)
A video report on noise in Woodhaven and the bill that Councilman Eric Ulrich has proposed.

City Budget Passed
(The Courier)
Firehouse 294 - Saved. Tacher's jobs - Saved. Woodhaven Library & Children's Librarian Jobs - Saved.

From Wiseguy to Wordsmith
(The Leader Observer)
Great story of local man who turned his life around.

Noise Complaints Rise In Woodhaven
(The Courier)
Residential noise complaints on the rise as summer hits its stride. See also coverage here and here.

Charges Upgraded to Murder in Fatal Beating
(The Leader Observer)
Charges against the animals that beath young Anthony Collao to death are upgraded to murder.

Residents Lodge Surge of Complaints
(The Leaver Observer)
Residents complain of illegal conversions and gangs.

Residents Urge Action At Overcrowded House
(Queens Chronicle)
Woodhaven details how illegal conversions destroy their peace and quiet.

Residents Flock to 102 Pct Meeting
(The Forum)
Local residents call for action to resolve 2 trouble spots in Woodhaven.

Residents to Bloomberg: Don't Close 294
(The Forum)
Coverage of the June 5th Rally.

Residents Stand Up For 294
(Your Nabe)
Coverage of the June 5th Rally.

Residents Rally
(Leader Observer)
Coverage of the June 5th Rally.

Residents Fight To Keep Engine 294 Open
(CBS Radio)
Coverage of the June 5th Rally.

The Battle To Keep Engine 294 Open
(Queens Chronicle)
Reminder: The Rally is set for June 5th at 1 PM.

Woodhaven's Garden of Remembrance
(The Forum)
The students and ROTC of Franklin K. Lane team up with American Legion Post 118 to create a beautiful Memorial Day ceremony.

A Church's Last Rites
(NY Daily News)
A real good article about St. Matthew's and the historic cemetery behind it.

Mama Meena's
(Eyewitness News)
A great profile of Mama Meena's Restaurant on 95th and Jamaica.

Engine 294 Slated to Close
(NY1)
Jamaica Avenue firehouse that serves Woodhaven and Richmond Hill is on the closure list.

  St. Matthews to Close
(Queens Chronicle)
A Woodhaven historic institution is closing its' doors.

WRBA Paints Woodhaven Clean
(The Forum)
A feature piece on the recent grafiti cleanup. The next clean up is Sunday, May 22.

Pitching In For Neighborhood Causes
(The Forum)
An overview of various clean up efforts.

Queens Neighborhoods - Where to Draw The Lines
(NY Daily News)
Interesting article about the difficulties of defining a neighborhood.

Illegal Conversion A Deadly Issue
(Queens Crap / NY Daily News)
This is one issue we need to focus on in the upcoming few months.

Parks Dept. Shows Off Carousel
(The Forum)
A bleak, but accurate, look at yesterday's tour of the carousel.

Forest Park Carousel Audit
(The NY Daily News)
Shoddy bookkeeping, poor maintenance plagued our Carousel.

Carousel Getting Closer
(The Forum)
Parks Department released request for proposals.

  Woodhaven Woman Had Small Arsenal
(Your Nabe)
Resident had assault rifle, handguns, pot and coke.

The Hidden Street Causes Problems
(The Forum)
A feature on Clemente Court, the hidden street of Woodhaven.

  Woodhaven Kiwanis Looks For More Members
(Leader Observer)
Once quiet organization is on the rise.

The WRBA Continues Fight Against Abandoned Homes
(The Forum)
The WRBA meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 78-15 Jamaica Avenue.

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Accident Waiting to Happen on 89th St

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

Classic Photo of Old Restaurant

"Drop the Proposal" for 89th Avenue

"Drop the Proposal" for 89th Avenue

"Drop the Proposal" for 89th Avenue

"Drop the Proposal" for 89th Avenue

"Drop the Proposal" for 89th Avenue