Scams and Cons!

No matter who you are you can be conned or scammed! The first words we hear out of a victim's mouth are the words "I can not believe I fell for that!". Let me tell you, these con men (or woman) work at their craft. They train to get better at these scams like you would go to college or a trade school to get better at a discipline. So yes, it can happen to you! They are smooth talkers and if they talk their way into your home, you are on you way to becoming a victim of a crime.

The 104 Precinct ask that you do not do business with anyone who comes to your home unless you called them FIRST.

There are many scams out there, from the guy who claims to work for Con Edison, DEP or the telephone company and needs access to your home. This scam usually leads to a burglary once they gain access to you home. If someone comes to your home claiming to be from a utility company do not open the door.  If time allows, call the Utility company directly to verify or call 911 if they refuse wait or become belligerent.

How about the guy who waves you down while driving to tell you that your car is smoking and he could quickly fix the issue for a fee..... Keep driving and if your car is really smoking I would stop at a reputable location to have it looked at.

Another recent scam involves individuals showing up to your home to do repairs on your home. Again these individuals are not called they just simply show up. These individuals may claim to be a reputable company which will do shoddy or no work at all. Most victims may not realize the work was not done until they have a serious issue and a real professional shows up to correct the issue.

While most of these cons or scams target the elderly, it can and will happen to you if you let your guard down. Please remain diligent at all times! If you encounter anyone on the street or at your home and they seem suspicious call 911 immediately!

Detective Thomas Bell
104th Precinct Community Affairs
64-02 Catalpa Avenue
Ridgewood, NY, 11385
Phone (718)386-2431
Fax (718)386-2662
Thomas.Bell@nypd.org

Hi All,

Don't forget -

• Starting tomorrow, April 1st, trash and recycling cannot be put out at the curb before 5:00 pm. BeginningOctober 1st, you can put it out at 4:00 pm. Don't risk getting a summons!!
• We have been told that phony roofers have been preying on senior residents in Maspeth and Middle Village and bilking them for thousands of dollars. Please alert seniors and tell them to hire their own contractor. This is a scam that seems to occur at this time every year.
• If you don't receive a newsletter by mail it has been posted on our website.
• Comet meeting is Monday, April 7th, 7:00 pm, at the NY Bethzatha Church of God, 85-20 57th Avenue. Parking available.

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

Hi All,

Just got a call from a member. He said he went online to check his bank account. After he logged in he got a message saying that he needed to answer some "security" questions before he could access his account. He started reading the questions and saw they were very personal and his bank already knew this information. This questionnaire was so long it was more than a page!

He became suspicious and called his bank. He was told they did not ask for this information and hackers were becoming better at identity theft. Although the bank would have covered him for any lost funds, they were glad he notified them. They were surprised to hear that the "bank" site looked official and even had the lock at the top. The bank IT person said the complainant had a virus.

The bottom line is that you should NEVER disclose ANY personal information until YOU contact the bank or company personally to confirm even if they call you on the phone. If you don't have anti virus software you should seriously consider getting it!!!

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

Hi All,

Captain Hennessy, 108th Precinct, said a burglary occurred between 10:00 am and 8:20 pm yesterday, 3/24.

Unknown perpetrators entered home of an Asian family at 50 #s on 66th Street. They entered and exited through the back door and removed US currency and camera equipment.

Last week we received a couple of tips from residents and the 104th Precinct is looking into them.

Please folks, CALL 911 if you see a suspicious person(s). Some people are hesitant to call for some reason and our precincts and Comet are hearing about it after the fact. You WILL NOT get into trouble if you call 911 and are mistaken! Tell the Operator we have had a problem with burglaries and the person is acting suspicious. You can remain anonymous!!

Please tell your neighbors not to leave large amount of cash in their house!!!

This is VERY close to the 104th Maspeth/Woodside border. Stay alert!!

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

Hi All,

Senator Addabbo passed this on FYI. Please continue to make noise complaints!!
You might find the info on noise monitors interesting. 
I've highlighted contact info for those of you who don't like to read. lol

Roe
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Governor Cuomo Directs Port Authority to Address Community Concerns of Aircraft Noise Near JFK and LaGuardia
Agency will double number of noise monitors, establish aviation community roundtables and conduct extensive studies of noise issues for residents of Queens, the Bronx and Nassau

Albany, NY (March 24, 2014)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the Port Authority to take a multifaceted, comprehensive series of actions in coordination with local communities to address noise issues at its New York City airports. The agency will also be stepping up the review of noise data with the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency’s overall goal is to address noise concerns while supporting growth at the airports, which annually generate billions of dollars in economic activity and wages and support more than 500,000 regional jobs.

“Airport noise is rightly an important concern for residents of Queens, the Bronx and Nassau County and that is why I am directing the Port Authority to open a full and thorough dialogue with the impacted communities while also pursuing a noise study to better address the issue,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will listen to local residents and ensure their input is used to make both JFK and LaGuardia airports better neighbors.”

”Catalyzed by Governor Cuomo’s directive to the Port Authority on this issue, the Port Authority has taken big steps in addressing noise surrounding our airports,’’ said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “We are committed to working with all communities we operate in to address their concerns, while bringing JFK and LaGuardia airports into the 21st Century and maintaining the viability of our airports as major economic engines for the metropolitan region.”

“The Port Authority understands it must strive to be a good neighbor in the communities where its airports are located and we will seek noise mitigation with the FAA where feasible,” said Port Authority Aviation Director Thomas Bosco. 

COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

The Port Authority will commence aviation community roundtables with FAA officials and community representatives in April for JFK and LaGuardia airports. The two roundtables will include representatives of local elected officials, who have been consulted with regarding the formation and role of the roundtables.

The roundtable meetings will be held on a regularly scheduled basis and will provide an ongoing opportunity for the Port Authority, the FAA and the community to mutually seek ways to manage noise impacts. These roundtables also will provide communities with input, information and ongoing updates during the separate Part 150 noise studies. 

IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL PART 150 NOISE STUDY

Late last year, the Port Authority committed to Governor Cuomo’s request that it conduct a Federal Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Part 150 Study to better evaluate noise impacts to the communities surrounding JFK and LaGuardia airports. The agency will now hire an experienced aircraft noise consulting firm to assist with fulfilling the requirements of those studies. 

These efforts identify residences, schools/libraries, hospitals/nursing homes and places of worship adversely impacted by aircraft noise. The study takes public comment and provides official answers. It also recommends measures to mitigate excessive noise where possible and seeks to limit future development in potential problem areas.

Mitigation efforts taken at other airports that have done Part 150 studies include revamping of flight routes and approach procedures, encouraging airlines to use quieter aircraft and installing soundproofing to eligible properties.  The overall goal is to provide noise relief to communities where possible and practical, while ensuring the continued regional economic benefits of air travel.

DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF NOISE MONITORS

The Port Authority is also committed to doubling the existing portable noise monitors collecting data over flight paths for JFK and LaGuardia airports. This will allow placement in communities currently without monitors, as well as greater flexibility in moving monitors around key communities as needed to collect data.

The agency has the authority to impose limited fines on aircraft violating noise limits at JFK airport and does so as necessary.

NEW NOISE OFFICE

Additionally, the agency is establishing a new Aviation Noise Office that will be staffed by a dedicated team which will be responsible for collecting and reviewing the noise data, while also responding on an enhanced basis to community complaints.

The Port Authority has also streamlined its noise complaint hotline system at 800-225-1071, making it easier for residents to lodge specific complaints about aircraft noise.

NEW PORT AUTHORITY WEBSITE FLIGHT TRACKING SYSTEM

Residents of communities near JFK and LaGuardia airports now can track planes and flight patterns on the Port Authority’s new WebTrak system, which provides graphics identifying aircraft, decibel noise levels, altitudes, airspace location and origin and destination airports. 

This informative feature will help residents better identify which planes and aircraft patterns are causing noise issues. WebTrak, already in use at some other U.S. airports, also allows individuals to log aircraft noise complaints while on the site. WebTrak is accessible at http://webtrak.bksv.com/panynj. While the public now may file complaints on WebTrak, the public also can file noise complaints at http://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/qs114wbt.php.

The Governor commended the efforts of the many elected officials who have been involved in raising the concerns of residents who live in the vicinity of Port Authority airports, including: United States Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand; as well as United States Representatives Joseph Crowley, Eliot Engel, Michael Grimm, Steve Israel, Hakeem Jeffries, Carolyn Maloney, Carolyn McCarthy, Gregory W. Meeks, Grace Meng, Jerrold Nadler, and Jose Serrano; New York State Senators Dean Skelos, Jeffrey Klein, Jack Martins, Joseph Addabbo Jr., Tony Avella, Martin Dilan, Simcha Felder, Michael Gianaris, Terry Gipson, Martin Golden, Kemp Hannon, Andrew Lanza, William Larkin, Carl Marcellino, Velmanette Montgomery, Kevin Parker, Jose Peralta, John Sampson, James Sanders, Jr., Diane Savino, Malcolm Smith, Daniel Squadron, and Toby Stavisky; as well as State Assembly Members Michele Titus, Edwa rd Ra, Peter Abbate, Jr., Jeffrion Aubry, Edward Braunstein, James Brennan, Alec Brook-Krasny, Karim Camara, Barbara Clark, William Colton, Vivian Cook, Marcos Crespo, Brian Curran, Steven Cymbrowitz, Michael DenDekker, Rafael Espinal, Phil Goldfeder, Andrew Hevesi, Dov Hikind, Rhoda Jacobs, Charles Lavine, Joseph Lentol, Ron Kim, Alan Maisel, Nicole Malliotakis, Margeret Markey, Michael Miller, Joan Millman, Walter Mosley, Francisco Moya, Catherine Nolan, Felix Ortiz, Nick Perry, Annette Robinson, Nily Rozic, Michelle Schimel,  Michael Simanowitz, Aravella Simotas, Frank Skartados, James Skoufis, Michaelle Solages, Claudia Tenney, Helene Weinstein, and David Weprin; and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; and members of the New York City Council and local Long Island elected officials. 

Hi All,

Captain Brian Hennessy, 108th Precinct, wants to alert us about a burglary that occurred yesterday, 3/19, at 51 #s on 72nd Street in Winfield/Woodside. The burglary took place between the hours of 1:40 pm and 4:00 pm.

An unknown perpetrator(s) entered through the basement door and removed approximately $20,000 cash. This is literally across the street from the 104th Precinct and just a couple of blocks from Elmhurst.

This may or may not be connected to the burglaries in the Maspeth/Woodside section of the 104th. Everyone needs to be on high alert and report anyone suspicious hanging around. If you see a suspicious person on foot or in a vehicle, call 911. If a vehicle is involved, try to get the make/model/plate #. Tell the Operator we have had numerous burglaries in the area. If the police respond and you are mistaken, you WILL NOT get into trouble!!

The 104th, 108th and 110th Precincts are aware of what's going on. However, we need your help, particularly since some of the burglaries are occurring through the rear of the property. You know your neighbors, the police don't. Burglars move around to avoid detection so we don't know where he (they) will hit next!!

Please pass this along to others in our area.

Lastly, please DO NOT keep large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry in your home!!

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

Hi All.

Captain Manson, 104th Precinct, called to inform us of the following:

Good News

On Friday, 3/14, two 16- year old males - one white, one Asian - were arrested for scribbling graffiti on the side of a house at 73 #'s on 53rd Avenue in Maspeth. They were also observed breaking into two vehicles. One vehicle was parked outside 53 #' on 72nd Street - loose change and a charger was stolen. They stole a GPS from the second vehicle at 73 #'s on 52nd Avenue. One youth lives in the confines of the 104th Precinct and the other lives in Flushing. They were charged with two counts of Petit Larceny and one count of Criminal Mischief for making graffiti. Their "crime spree" occurred during the hours of 7:00 pm Friday to 12:20 am Saturday morning not far from the Woodside/Elmhurst border.

Bad News

Yesterday, Monday 3/17, an Asian male, who resides at 53 #'s on 63rd Street in Maspeth, received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The caller stated the "agency" was reviewing his tax records and they found he owed $7,000. He was given three options - go to jail, have his assets frozen or pay what he owes. Soon after he received a second call. This caller said he was with Motor Vehicles and was going to suspend his license because he owed taxes. He was obviously in cahoots with the "IRS" impersonator. Unfortunately, the victim made a payment of $2,000. I suppose this was his first installment.

Please pass the word and tell folks NO governmental agency will call and make such threats. If you, a family member or a friend receive such a call, hang up and call the agency directly!!!

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

Hi All,

Captain Brian Hennessy, 108th Precinct, has assigned members of his Conditions Team to be in charge of addressing specific areas of the command. The officer assigned to Woodside/Winfield is PO John Miszuk.

The following contact information can be used to address a concern anywhere within the confines of the 108th Precinct, which includes Woodside, Sunnyside and Long Island City. Information for our area will be passed on to PO Miszuk and his partner who will work Tuesday thru Saturday between the hours of 1:00 pm and 9:35 pm. His work hours might be adjusted from time to time to address a community problem.

When reporting a problem, try to be specific, i.e. address, time problem occurs, make/model of cars, etc. Mention PO Miszuk's name to insure he gets the message.

108th Precinct Conditions Team email: 108pctconditions@gmail.com
Shared cell phone for Conditions Team: 347-225-4554

Please remember all emergencies should be called into 911 so you can get an immediate response!! This info is for quality of life issues only.

This is a fabulous idea!

Roe Daraio, President
Comet Civic Association
www.cometcivic.com

We have a serious situation facing Maspeth. The Knockdown Center, located at 54th Street and Flushing Avenue, advertises itself as an "arts center" but has applied for a liquor license to serve hard liquor, beer and wine to up to 5,000 patrons at dance parties.

Maspeth is a quiet town and has never hosted a venue with this capacity. We are asking the public to write opposition letters addressed to James Martin in the Licensing Department of the State Liquor Authority and fax them to 518-473-2286 (fax is the SLA's request). Or, you can e-mail your complaint to roedaraio@gmail.com and it will be faxed for you.

Please be sure to reference the serial# and applicant name in your letter.

Information from the "Notice to Community Board"
Name of applicant: DMI Inc. (d/b/a Knockdown Center)

Date of application: 3-5-2014
Serial #: 1276855/1276856
Premises address: 52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth
Type of license: cabaret
Principals of the applicant entity: David Sklar
Method of operation: cabaret - Bar/tavern serving liquor, beer and wine
Type of music (if any): live, recorded and DJ music
Outside areas to be licensed (if any): Multiple patio areas

The SLA takes into consideration the impact a venue will have on public safety, noise, parking and traffic.

• The plans call for up to 5,000 people to be at the site at one time.  Having this many people gather at one location to drink alcohol will put a strain on police services.  There have already been documented incidents of bad behavior involving drugs and alcohol at dance parties at this location.   
• The building is not soundproofed and most of the party space is outdoors.  There are residences across the street on 54th Street and a residential community across Flushing Avenue.
• There is no parking provided in their plans.  Public transportation and parking in the area is lacking.  Their school bus shuttle system is inadequate and unsafe.
• Traffic already backs up on Flushing Avenue between Metropolitan Avenue and 61st Street, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through.  Adding more gridlock will endanger lives.
• Two people involved in this enterprise, Gina and Tony Argento, were cited by the Business Integrity Commission.  The report issued by the BIC indicates that they were denied permits because they illegally ran a waste transfer operation in Brooklyn, lied about a past DWI arrest and "lack good character, honesty and integrity".  They should not be trusted to serve alcohol.
  
  

THE STRICT DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS 3-20-2014.