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for larger version       CB 14 Committee Hears Parkland Proposal
In an attempt to turn a vacant piece of city land nearby the boardwalk in Far Rockaway into a park, members of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance went before Community Board 14's Parks Committee on March 1 to explain their plan and to get the backing of the board. During the committee hearing, held at Peninsula Hospital Center, Jeanne DuPont- the Alliance's executive director- spoke about the group's hopes for the land. "This is a poor area. It has no recreation activities. [This is] a valuable opportunity to make use of this space," said DuPont. Under the proposal, the almost eight-acres of land, located off the boardwalk from Beach 26 Street to Beach 31 Street, would include a children's garden, landscaped space for public events, a natural children's playground, a Japanese-inspired rock garden and an outdoor environmental classroom.
Several schools including PS 43 and PS 106 would benefit from a park in the area. DuPont's organization has already been using the land as an outdoor classroom for students with the help of the Parks Department and Partnerships for Parks. "[One day] we identified 30 indigenous and evasive animals and plants," DuPont said. "Each of the children were designated one plant or animal to report on." The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance has been meeting with elected officials about their plan. "We had a meeting with Congressman [Gregory] Meeks and other agencies," explained DuPont, who said everyone they have spoken with were supportive but wanted a commitment from the Parks Department before allocating any funds. "We would like you to write a letter of support to Dorothy Lewandowski, the Queens Commissioner [of Parks]," requested DuPont. "If she hears from others she will put it on the priority list. If it gets on the priority list, it can get funding." The Parks Department has estimated the proposal would cost $8.6 million. Because of that, Dan Mundy, Chairman of CB 14's Parks Committee, suggested doing the plan in phases. "Save the biggest expense for last so that you can take control of the whole park," said Mundy. Two problems that did come up was the ownership of two parcels of land within the desired area. One piece is currently owned by the Department of Education. "Parks is trying to do some kind of transfer [with the DOE]," DuPont said about the piece of land. The other is a tiny piece of privately owned land whose owner is unknown. While those issues and some others about parking, possible demapping and studies on storm water management may need to be resolved, Mundy seemed convinced the park idea was something the board could support. "It's important to keep open spaces and green areas," he said. "Your plan falls right in line with that." The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance will now work on the suggestions made by the committee and arrange to appear before the entire Community Board to discuss the proposed park.
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