New Trees!

One small step for Brooklyn one large step for Kensington! On the north corner of Church Ave b/w Ocean Pkwy and East 5th.

Walgreens to go GREEN!

Due to a few residential requests and a very persistent community activist the regional manager of the new Walgreens on Church/Beverley has agreed to do some planting in front of the store. We are very happy Walgreens has decided to a leadership role in bringing more "green" to Church Avenue. The store will either plant trees or put in large planters.

Support Trees!

This is from the KWT:
The city planning commission will be voting in January on AmendmentN-080081@2ry. They are looking for community input. If you would like to read about this amendment here is the link:http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/street_tree_planting/index.shtml

This proposed street tree planting amendment supports MayorBloomberg's PlaNYC goals for increased street tree canopy, air quality improvement, and storm water management.Please send your letters of support for more trees to be planted in both commercially zoned and residentially zoned locations as soon as possible.
Letters can be sent to:
City Planning Commission Calendar Info Office
22 Reade Street
Room 2E
New York, NY 1007

Daily News Takes a Look at Battle w AF over Trees

Here is the update to the Astoria Federal Savings petition requesting Astoria Federal plant a tree or put planters either with a tree or plant near the entrance of the bank (or if blocking sidewalk, then a few small planters along the wall of the bank) in an attempt to bring some green to McDonald Avenues and Church Avenues. The marketing department said no. First they said they didn't have the staff to clean the planters and this was a project that they had no interest in whatsoever. Then they said they did have the staff but that they had tried planters in that corner previously and people had filled it with "unmentionables," making this request an"unreasonable" one. (Several long time residents have stated they never saw any planters on that corner.) Astoria Federal Resists the Push for Trees (NY Daily News)

Here is contact from AF (VP of marketing) email address:BEdwards@astoriafederal.com
If you are interested in dropping a note, call or email to the following which could be equally as effective.
The CEO can be reached through:
Corporate Offices: Astoria Financial Corporation
One Astoria Federal Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042-1085
Telephone : (516) 327-3000
e-mail : ir@astoriafederal.com

Astoria Federal - BIG NO to Planters/ Trees

Our local petitioner (Petition for Trees Sent to Astoria Fed.) got word from the marketing department at Astoria Federal -they are not interested in planting trees or adding planters.

Here's what we got:

AF said don't want to water them and they don't have the "resources" to clean the garbage in the tree planters if and when it collects. They just have "no interest in that at all." I told her that that was not a very neighborly approach considering they own such a large corner of the neighborhood . I asked her where she lives (Long Island) and asked her if she has trees on her commercial strip (um, yes). I also informed her that the city will go ahead and plant trees in front of their property if the community wants it (which the community does). And she said, that is fine, then the city will take care of them. I informed her that AF will have to water and clean the planters but the only difference is that the community forced them to comply with our wishes instead AF making the gesture to be a good neighbor.

We've heard some neighbors are also concerned that the main door to the bank is not locking in the evening. (Even after repeated complaints to the bank's management). AF also does not use it's 'resources' to clean in front of the bank or even add garbage cans near the main entrance (which Walgreen's did that helped cut down on litter). We got word there may be some local outreach to Commerce asking for a shuttle bus to bring elderly residents to its bank at Park Circle. We're all for it... besides these minor cosmetic complaints know many neighbors have been appalled at the service they receive at AF which was 'aired' to management at a recent ANA meeting this year.

20 Weeks 'til Spring Planting

Mayor Bloomberg's tree initiative has its own site w links like "get a tree on my block" and "know a good place for a tree?". (million trees nyc) Please request trees for Church Ave and McDonald Ave or your own block! We are supposedly on the Dept. of Forestry's list for spring planting but want them to know how much we need the green!

FYI: In order to have your street tree request considered for the spring planting season (March-May), your request must be received no later than December 1st.

Petition for Trees Sent to Astoria Fed.

A week or so ago we posted one locals quest to get more trees on McDonald and Church Ave. Specifically they addressed the dust bowl corner that is home to our local Astoria Federal. We got word she forwarded the letter below to AF a few days ago. Hip Hip Hooray! And many kudos to this dedicated local for taking the initiative. We can't wait to see what the reply is!

Below is the letter sent to AF branch manager and... in case you didn't sign it here's the petition ( http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/greenerbrooklyn/).

Ms. Martine Kimmey
Branch Manager
Astoria Federal Savings Bank
101 Church Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11218

Dear Ms. Kimmey,
We spoke about a week ago regarding the lack of green and trees on the McDonald and Church Avenue corners that Astoria Federal Savings Bank currently occupies. In that time, I briefly posted an on-line petition requesting Astoria Federal Savings Bank to please lead the way in the beautification of Church Avenue by putting trees on your property. In the 5 days I had the petition up, I received 96 signatures hoping that Astoria Federal would be a good neighbor and take this initiative. I also spoke to the forestry department who will be sending out an inspector to see if it would be problematic to plant due to the bus stop and the subway grates. I was then informed by the forestry department that if there IS a problem, then Astoria Federal Savings could put out, at their own expense, above ground planters in which you could plant small trees and greenery, flowers etc.

The community would greatly appreciate you taking our request seriously and leading the way to a healthier and greener Church and McDonald Avenues. The environmental issues such as global warming and increased asthma rates in children are becoming important issues to many new and old residents. I am enclosing for the consideration of your marketing department, the petition as well as the tree planting permit application. Of course, you can also download the request for the city to plant trees free of charge on your property. (The city is backlogged and there may not be a visible difference to that corner for several years so we hope you will consider planting trees or if not possible, please put out large planters).

Petition Astoria Federal for Trees!

One Kensington resident stopped into Astoria Federal on Thursday and reached out to the branch manager, Martine Kimmey, about adding some trees to that bleak corner. Ms. Kimmey was unaware that trees could be planted and explained she would need to discuss it with marketing. She also suggested local residents ban together and request the trees from Astoria so the Kensington resident started an i-petition! Sign the petition for trees in front of Astoria Federal here (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/greenerbrooklyn/). You can also cut and paste the bit below and send Ms. Kimmey a letter via post (Martine Kimmey, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, 101 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218).

Dear Ms. Martine Kimmey
We would like Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association to consider improving the corner property on Church Avenue and McDonald Avenue. As a large business serving the community, we hope you will lead the way in helping to make our part of Brooklyn greener.

After the loss of so many trees from the recent Tornado, it became apparent how valuable trees are to our community. Homeowners of course can request trees from the parks department, but this takes time to process. A large local business like Astoria Federal, can of course request free trees from the parks department or, in a gesture to your local customers, Astoria Federal can plant park approved trees at their own expense in order to improve the area more quickly. We hope you will consider planting trees and making your corner property greener.

Federal Funds for Tornado Mess

We've sort of been wondering when repairs will start on local sidewalks. The recent tornado uprooted trees so that the surrounding concrete came up with them. There are at least 4 spots that we know of that still look like the picture above. Hello, this is now over a month and basic repairs have not been made to Kensington's sidewalks!

Whether it has been the recent kick in of federal funds (Bush releases tornado relief funds to Brooklyn) or the city finally making there way to Kensington we did see one spot on Albemarle yesterday with cones and signs. Unfortunately, this is not a trend and didn't see any workers at that spot this morning. We urge you to call 311 about unsafe sidewalk conditions to get these repairs done more quickly. Also request tree replacements for these locations!

Speaking of Trees and the Tornado

Before the tornado there was a beautiful tree in the spot pictured above on the north east corner of Church Ave and Ocean Pkwy. Unfortunately, the spot was quickly concreted over! This spot really needs that shade and is right near the express bus stop! We want our tree back!

Comprehensive Tree List Needed ASAP

Good News! Check out the email sent to the KWT yahoo group from de Blasio rep, Tom Gray. We included our little list of trees below so please add in the comments section OR email Tom directly.

After speaking with the folks at the Parks Dept. it looks like we have a plan to get storm damaged trees replaced ASAP. I will need your help generating a list of locations that will need new trees. You can email or call me directly with the following information: Address where the tree was located, if there is a stump that needs to be removed and if the sidewalk was damaged.
I hope to get this information to Parks next week but need help, please spread the word.
Tom Gray, District Director, City Council Member Bill de Blasio
gray1@gmail.com, (718) 854-9791 (718) 854-1146 Fax


Replacement trees
3 trees in front of 135 Ocean Pkwy (sidewalk damage stump to be removed)
1 tree Albemarle Rd b/w E5th and OP service road (sidewalk damage stump to be removed)
2 trees on Chester b/w Louisa and Church Ave (stump to be removed)
1 tree 398 E.2nd St

Dead trees
west side E5th St. directly off Caton
Church Ave (in front of _____)

Tree spot without a tree!
2 spots in front of 531 Church Ave (Ocean Pkwy Pharmacy)1 spot on east side of E4th St. (side of computer store)1 spot in front of ___ E5th St. b/w Church Ave & Beverly
various locations down Ocean Pkwy
2 spots 535 Ocean Pkwy

Channel 12 News - Looking for Tree Huggers!

Channel 12 News will be in Kensington doing interviews on the downed trees from the recent tornado. They are looking for the following:
We are hoping that we can talk to someone from your community about any particular tree that was significant to them, or important to the neighborhood. I read the blog postings and a few comments seem to have concerns over this issue. Please get back to me as soon as possible since we are working on a tight deadline.
Anyone gonna be home today around 2pm that could do an on-camera interview? Get in touch with Connie, cjkargbo@news12.com, ASAP. You can also email us at kensingtonbrooklyn@gmail.com since we'll be meeting with the Channel 12 team.

Trees - Lets get some new ones!

We are simply devastated about the amount of trees that were lost to the recent storm. Before elected officials can forget the devastation felt through out the area we plan on starting to bombard them w tree requests for replacement trees. Help us compile a comprehensive list to send to the 'powers that be' including the PlaNYC tree guy who someone tipped us to. (We hear through this program you no longer need to be the owner of a residence in order to request a tree for an existing spot, only a new spot). Also list other locations for trees in one of the following areas.

Replacement trees

3 trees in front of 135 Ocean Pkwy

1 tree Albemarle Rd b/w E5th and OP service road

2 trees on Chester b/w Louisa and Church Ave

Dead trees

west side E5th St. directly off Caton

Church Ave (in front of _____)

Tree spot without a tree!

2 spots in front of 531 Church Ave (Ocean Pkwy Pharmacy)
1 spot on east side of E4th St. (side of computer store)

1 spot in front of ___ E5th St. b/w Church Ave & Beverly
various locations down Ocean Pkwy

Also as a back-up or extra, request your trees on-line at NYC.gov here.

Casualties of the Storm

First off we heard there was no F train service at Church Ave b/w 7 and 8 am this morning. We were told local car services had a wait of at least 45 minutes and buses were packed. (We bicycled after watching NY1).

Besides the morning commute trees are down all over the neighborhood. We saw a huge tree was down on Albemarle Road b/w the OP service extension and E5th St. The tree looks as if it was pulled up from the roots and the surrounding sidewalk came up with it. The fallen tree extends across Albemarle from sidewalk to sidewalk making entrance to OP impossible. There were also 2 cars pretty much totalled from the fall. The pictures above are from a reader, Jeff, and seem to be near 135 Ocean Pkwy. A Kensington resident is even featured on Gothamist this morning talking about the tornado. Wild Wednesday Weather - Gothamist

Any other horror stories on the morning commute or local damage?

No Natural Trees!

Last Saturday we saw a parks worker finally clean up the median between the Ocean Pkwy Service Road and Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. What we thought was weird is he tore out about 5 trees that had sprung up naturally along the fence. Yup, it had been that long since they tended that little area.! Personally, we liked the trees and are sure keeping them would eventually save Bloomberg a couple bucks in the PlaNYC green movement. Why did the trees have to go?

ANA Meeting Re-Cap

Councilmember Brennan had an unavoidable conflict and sent a representative to the meeting. Shawn Campbell announced that the Cortelyou office will now be staffed 4 days a week, 9-5 Mon-Thurs. She requested that anyone wishing to visit should call ahead in case they leave for a meeting and are not there. Also, John Keith will now work out of this office a couple days a week. It was mentioned that the Cortelyou office will no longer provide immigration services.

Other Business:
Letters to the Liquor Board were sent from the Temple, School and ANA opposing the issuance and opening of the Old Brick Oven Cafe.

During the next meeting ANA President, Larry Jayson, is going to put together a certificate presentation to the Doe Fund workers cleaning up Church Ave. (Readers: This is a very worthy recognition and we hope you attend to convey your support!)

TREES, TREES, TREES - The city planted 3 new trees on the corner of Albemarle and E2nd. ANA will be requesting more in hopes of getting the whole street lined!!!

Post office has received mixed reviews on the ongoing improvements. Some say service is great - 10 minutes or less. Some say line is out the door without relief. Who's right??? (Readers: Please stop by de Blasio's office to sign service kiosk petition!)

Upcoming:
The next ANA meeting will be on Albemarle Rd between E4th and E5th outdoors. That's right it's the annual outdoor meeting! It will feature a local physician and the pharmacist from Silverod to discuss medical and pharmaceutical services.


(Thanks to Scott for the info and rundown!)

Trees Planted in Kensington!

Three trees were planted in the front and side of 114 Albemarle Road (near East 2nd). We made a request for this location a few weeks ago but are pretty sure the requests were out there much much earlier since it usually takes at least 6 months to get one.

If you'd like to make a request for a tree (either in an existing or new spot) stop by de Blasio's office for the form. Once you get the building or home owner to sign the form return it to de Blasio's office so CB 12 can approve it at the next meeting. Yippee for green!

Bloomberg Hearts Trees!

I'm a huge fan of trees. I wish everyone who knows of an empty tree spot would request one. I also wish Coney Island Ave, McDonald Ave, and of course, Church Ave. would get some more trees. I guess Bloomberg likes trees too so request a tree today and Mike and I will both be happy!
Mike: Apple to Limb-er Up NY Post 4/22/07

More on Trees

Maybe Only God Can Make a Tree, but Only People Can Put a Price on It (NY Times)

If you know of a space that is slated for a tree but without one email me and I'll request one using the Parks Department website or you can do it here.

Replace The Trees!

Along our tree lined streets there seems to be many trees removed for various reasons without being replaced. I heard a rumour that in order to get a replacement tree the owner of the building near where the tree was growing must make a request to have it replaced. Well, I'm just gonna submit a tree request to replace the following:

1. 3 empty spots on north side of Church b/w Ocean Pkwy & E5th (#'s 511-531 Church Ave)
2. 1 empty spot near Church Ave. on east side of E4th (on side of computer store)
3. 1 empty spot near McDonald on Albemarle (near subway entrance).

Add more to the comments and I'll include them on my list.