LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

When Frank Henry was the association’s president in the later ’80s, he was advocating for an additional (new) precinct back then. I attended a meeting at Queensborough Community College with board member Charles Bremer about it four years ago. I spoke to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards about the necessity for a new precinct. I was told to talk to the mayor.

I later attended a type of town hall meeting with other members of CB 7 and First Vice Chair Chuck Apelian. He spoke to the mayor directly about the need for an additional (new) precinct.

As a member of CB 7 and president of the Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association I applaud the board for moving this to a top-priority position. The communities of Whitestone, College Point and Bayside have been waiting too long for this.

Meters and buildings go up

Dear Editor:

Miss an article or a letter cited by a writer? Want breaking news from all over Queens? Find the latest news, past reports from all over the borough and more at qchron.com.

According to a recent article in the Queens Chronicle, just in time for Halloween, streetparking rates in Queens will be going up by at least 20 percent (“Parking meter rates up 20 to 33 percent,” Oct. 19). For example, in Downtown Flushing the rate will go from $2 for the first hour to $2.50. In response to questions, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Rodriguez’ office sent your reporter, Peter C. Mastrosimone, a mendacious e-mail that stated that this 25 percent increase in parking meters in Flushing “will also reduce congestion and double parking, while supporting the local economy.”

Kim F. Cody President Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association Whitestone

Hills top Glen on buses

Dear Editor:

Re “Pols see problem of the route on the Q23” (Oct. 12, multiple editions):

Naturally, Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) get it wrong about problems with the Q23 bus.

Other than door-to-door service provided to the Forest View Crescent Apartments, the current and proposed routes squander an easy opportunity to provide access links between Forest Hills and East Glendale. The Q23 leaves the neighborhood via the inaccessible Woodhaven Boulevard ramp from remote Union Turnpike. The return trip is even further away. Simply have it continue straight down Myrtle to 80th, and continue up Yellowstone via Cooper Avenue at Atlas Park and back the same way. Assuming the goal is service optimization.

Another dis to Glendale, those four have no problem with the planned end to Q47 service from Atlas Park, now providing access links between Glendale and the Roosevelt Ave./71st Street hub and on to La Guardia Airport. Addabbo and Hevesi act otherwise, but these are their constituents, too.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

An uncommoner candidate

Dear Editor:

There is even more to “Longtime QC prof honored” (Oct. 12, multiple editions). Barry Commoner should also be remembered as founder of the Citizens Party. He ran as its presidential candidate in 1980, winning 233,052 votes.

Larry Penner Great Neck

No mention by the DOT political hacks on how overbuilding has increased traffic congestion. NuSun Tower, a new 21-story condominium tower at 136-18 Maple Ave. has just opened, shoehorned in and built on a parking lot. The rumor is that this former East restaurant parking lot was previously owned by a political player. Condos can sell at NuSun for $750,000 each and higher. In Queens, as always, politicians have their price.

Gerard Reiss Richmond Hill

Israel’s war with Hamas

Dear Editor:

In conducting its defensive war against Hamas following Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7, Israel can take the following steps to minimize harm to Gaza civilians.

1. Hamas has constructed an extensive network of underground tunnels through which fighters and weapons are moved and stored. But Hamas has neglected to build any air-raid shelters to protect Gaza civilians from Israeli airstrikes. During World War II, British civilians in London and Russian civilians in Moscow found refuge from German bombs inside the subway systems of their respective cities. Why doesn’t Israel publicly advise civilians in Gaza that they should demand permission to find shelter inside the Gaza tunnels during Israeli airstrikes?

2. Convoys of trucks have begun carrying aid to Gaza through the Rafah Crossing at Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. Israel wants to be involved in inspecting the shipments for weapons. Why doesn’t Israel insist that the aid trucks should not return empty? Instead, they should return filled with weapons surrendered by Hamas.

3. The Erez Crossing, in the north of Gaza, is the only crossing point for people and goods coming from Israel into Gaza. Prior to the attack by Hamas, several thousand Gazans passed through this border-crossing daily to work in Israel or the West Bank. Despite Israel’s warning to move south, many civilians remain stranded in northern Gaza. To provide these civilians with humanitarian aid, why doesn’t Israel open the Erez Crossing to aid trucks? These trucks should be required to return carrying freed hostages.

Theodore Sheskin Flushing