Welcome to the
Woodhaven Residents' Block Association's
"The Guardian of Woodhaven"
Official Website

At our February meeting  -   we held an Open Forum on Illegal Apartment and Building conversions in Woodhaven. I remember 25 years agao, this was a problem just beginning at that time. It seemed that everyone was converting their attics and basements illegally. This was due to greed for the "tax free" rent money that they collected. Also, the avaricious Real Estate agencies, for selling homes to those who could not afford their mortgages, then suggesting to these buyers illegally renting their basements and attics as a means of additional income. This led to overcrowding in our Schools, Communities, and the over burdening of City Services. At that time Hon. Edward I. Koch was Mayor and he came to Woodhaven for a Town Hall Meeting. When asked about this "epidemic" of illegal conversions, he stated "They have to live someplace." Then as now this was not an acceptable answer. Presently the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association resolves to take the lead in Queens to report every Illegal Conversion to the Buildings Department to be inspected, violated and fined. Although Woodhaven has made every report, through our Organization, enforcement has always been a problem. As has been often stated, there are laws for every violation on the Books but enforcing these laws is the Key! Through the years, the enforcement location brought to our attention in strict confidence and following up on every report. In attendence at our February meeting was Hon. Joseph P. Addabbo, NYC Councilman. The Councilman stated that he is committed to assisting the WRBA in introducing legislation to strengthen Building Inspection Laws, and to increase the staffing of Buildings Department Inspectors for Queens. In this he has the support of Hon. Dennis P. Gallagher, our NYC Councilman and the WRBA. Our March Meeting will continue this discussion with the effect of illegally converted homes and apartments on our NYC Fire Department.

Fly our American Flag Proudly, All year round and replace it often. Never Forget! Never Again!

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITAL) PROGRAM -  Free assistance in the preparation of income tax returns is again available at the WRBA office on Wednesdays from 10am - 1 pm from February 16th through april 6th. The VITA Program is a service for taxpayers with simple returns; in particular, for the handicapped, those with low income and senior citizens. A big Thank You to Joseph Virgona for administering this program for the benefit of our Communities. Remember this service is free of charge. You may call 718-296-3735 for an appointment or just walk into our WRBA Office.

Good News For Woodhaven  -  Our own NYC Councilman, Hon. Dennis P. Gallagher, has secured monies to improve our Woodhaven! The Project includes the complete renovation of our Forest Park Plaza area, with new planters, shrubbery, trees, seating, a new Bulletin Board and lighting. With the highlight begins the installation of an "Antique Clock!"   Along Jamaica Avenue there will be improved additional lighting and trees. This will be a boom to our Jamaica Avenue, our Woodhaven's main street and a lift to us, the Woodhaven Residents Quality of Life! Also Hon. Joseph P. Addabbo, also our NYC Councilman, has committed to extend these amenities to the Brooklyn Border, his Councilmatic District. These two programs will be administered by the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation.

102nd Precinct -   one year ago allegations were made by the Internal Affairs Bureau against our own Community Affairs Officer Det. Rudy Toolasprashad and three other Police Officers. The Allegations made at that time have still not been proven The other Officers charges have been resolved; our Det. Rudy's case is still in "limbo." To Rudy and his family, we extend our heartfelt consolation. Hopefully, this sad disturbing time will come to a conclusion soon, it has been 1 year now and it is time!. The 102nd Precinct covers Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens and all of Forest Park. The telephone # is 718-805-3200, CPOP 718-805-3247, Community Affairs Office 718-805-3215. Anti-Terrorism 24-hour Hotline is 1-888-NYC-SAFE, Emergencies and Suspicious Persons Dial 911. The Commanding Officer of the 102nd Precinct is Deputy Inspector Michael A. Blake. Crime is down 11% compared to 2004!

Calendar Dates to Be Noted: The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation 26th Anniversary "Welcome Spring to Woodhaven Dinner Dance," Friday May 13, 2005; the "Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival," Sunday October 16, 2005; and the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association 34th Anniversary Dinner Dance, Friday November 18, 2005.

IMPORTANT! PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY VALUES If you receive a Real Estate solicitation, please submit it to our WRBA Office with your name and address. The WRBA will then pursue it on your behalf. Report All: 1)   Real Estate Agents that encourage illegal conversions when handling a sale or purchase of a home; 2)   All illegal conversions in any home and their exact accurate address; 3)   Report all sanitation, traffic, street lights, hydrants, disruptive neighbors, illegal conversions and noise complaints to the WRBA Office with dates, times and accurate addresses; 4)   Report all chronic Police Problems with date and time to the WRBA Office for follow-up. (24-Hour Number: 718-296-3735.)

THE G.W.D.C. -  still has Home Improvement Loans available at 2 1/2% and 5% interest. Call to see if you qualify, 718-805-0202.


Shop in Woodhaven, on your Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue. Woodhaven, a "Haven in the City"

THE WRBA SUPPORTS
Our NYC Police Dept.
New York's Finest
Our NYC Fire Dept.
New York's Bravest
Our NYC Sanitation Dept.
New York's Strongest
Our NYC Correction Officers
New York's Boldest