Hi All,

Elmhurst folks - please keep a lookout for, and report, suspicious people on your block! EVERYONE who uses the subway needs to be careful - especially females.  Go into nearest store and call 911 if you think you're being followed.  We gave out WHISTLES at our last couple of meetings.  Use it, if necessary!!  Keep it in your hand when walking.  If someone jumps out at you, you will not have time to call 911, but you can blow the whistle!!  Please pass on to folks in the area.  We'll bring more whistles to our September meeting.

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

Roe,

Just looking at my weekend crimes and saw an attempted Rape f/o 86-29 59 Ave (not victims address so OK to distribute) at approximately 10 PM.  An unknown male (no description given) grabbed a 54 year old female Asian from behind and put his hand over her mouth and threw her to the ground.  He took off his pants but thankfully the victim was able to fight him off.  He fled towards Seabury.

We do not know if this is related to the Rape in the 112 Pct Friday night, there is no description to match up here.  The detectives are investigating.

Please have all your members be aware of their surroundings.  If running or walking they should never have ear buds or earphones in both ears so they can hear someone coming.  Attempt to stay in well lit areas.  Run with friends when possible.  If alone, have some sort of whistle to summons help if need be.

Ronald D. Leyson
Deputy Inspector
Commanding Officer, 110th Precinct
94-41 43 Ave, Elmhurst NY 11373
718-476-9337

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Janet Mceneaney <queensquietskies@aol.com>
Date: Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 11:08 AM
Subject: New York Times Article, et alia
To:

Dear Neighbors --

Cara Buckley, a reporter for the New York Times, has written an article about the airspace redesign, NextGen and Queens Quiet Skies.  It is supposed to be online sometime today (Sunday) and in print in tomorrow's edition (Monday) in the Metropolitan section. 

Ms. Buckley and her editor were very thorough and careful about the facts.  Once we see what the article is like, there are some ways I think we can use it.  I hope you won't mind if I send you another e-mail soon to talk about that.

NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

We have talked before about the RTCA, Inc. and its NextGen Advisory Committee.  This group, based in a private industry organization, is creating the NextGen plans that are being adopted by the FAA.  As I've told you before, all the members except one are from the aviation industry, the FAA and the Air Force. 

In the beginning of June, I sent a letter to Margaret Jenny, President of the RTCA.  I asked about the Membership Balance Plan for the NextGen Advisory Committee.  That plan is required by a federal statute.  I asked how their members are chosen and what are the qualifications for membership.  This week, we received an answer.  She sent a BROCHURE of information I've already seen on their website and a brief letter in which she did not answer any of our questions.  She must think we are a kindergarten class instead of U.S. taxpayers. 

We have some plans for getting the answers to those questions.  I will let you know what happens as the saga continues.

PART 150 BILL

Gov. Cuomo has not yet signed the Part 150 noise study bill.  If you haven't told him you want him to sign it, now would be a good time to do so.   There is very likely lobbying against the bill going on in Albany, so let's tell the Governor what his constituents want him to do.

ROUNDTABLE PROPOSAL

It is the position of QQS that the roundtable proposal is a very high priority for all the people in the NY/NJ metro area.  It would require the FAA and Port Authority to work with us under a written agreement to resolve our aviation problems without shifting noise from one community to another.  We are the only large metro area in the country without a roundtable and the roundtable works well everywhere else. 

In March, the FAA regional office and the Port Authority agreed to participate in a roundtable.  That month, QQS began writing a draft proposal modeled on the roundtable agreements at SFO, OAK and ORD, which we sent out to prospective members in May.  Around the time we sent it out, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told community reps in Nassau that they should write a draft proposal based on the agreements at SFO, OAK and ORD.  We had already written it!

 In June, we received some objections to the proposal from the FAA.  We answered the FAA's objections in July, offering to compromise on almost all the issues.  One of Mr. Gallo's objections, by the way, was that the community wrote the draft proposal instead of the Port Authority.  We still haven't heard from them again, but we did hear some rather disturbing comments from Carmine Gallo at a meeting at the Borough President's office on July 22nd.  We've never heard back from the Port Authority at all.

In July, Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and many members of the House Congressional delegation from NYC, including our representatives Israel and Meng, sent a letter to the Port Authority and FAA urging them to create a roundtable.  It is a month later and I haven't seen an answer from the FAA and the Port Authority.

I asked the FAA and Port Authority to schedule a meeting with us and representatives of other organizations throughout the metro area no later than the second week of September.  There has been no response. 

I think it's time to let FAA Administrator Huerta and Gov. Cuomo know that we don't appreciate the stalling tactics of the FAA and Port Authority.  I will say more about what we can do in my next e-mail.

FALL MEETINGS

We are planning some meetings in the next few months throughout Queens.  The first one upcoming will be on Sept. 18th in Douglas Manor.  If there are any of our members who have not yet attended one of our community education presentations, this would be a good opportunity to see one.  I will give you all the details in a later e-mail. 

We are planning, among other meetings, a community educational presentation for all the Korean-American community groups in Queens.  It is in the works for the fall and we'll give you more information once the plans are set.

Almost every day now, we hear from people all over Queens who want to know what they can do.  We are working as hard as we can to expand our scope and respond to all of them.

I hope everyone is enjoying the last of summer and I thank you, as always, for everything you do. 

Hi All,

Comet's Vice President and Community Board 2 member, Dick Gundlach, passed this on for our information.  We will provide additional information as it comes in.  There's a high probability that this work will disturb rodent nests so you need to take proper action as soon as the project begins.  Keep in mind that mice and rats can travel, so if you live within several blocks of this ongoing project, be prepared.   I'm sending this to all of you so you can pass this on to friends and relatives in the area!!

Roe
______________________________________________________________

Forgot to mention - Crooks like to take advantage of projects such as this.  They try to gain entry into you home by telling you they're from the utility company and need to check gas/electric or whatever.  DO NOT let them in unless you call company to confirm!!!  If they're persistent, call the police!!!

Hi All,

This is just a reminder - always keep your doors locked and don't open it to anyone you don't know!!  Call 911 if you spot anyone suspicious lurking on your block.

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

_______________________________________

Dear 104 Community,

On Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at approximately 1100 am two male Hispanics did enter a residence on 58-XX 79 Avenue without permission armed with a silver firearm and removed property. The residence was unlocked and occupied by two children ages twelve (12) and five (5). Neither child sustained an injury. There was a third suspect with the defendants but this perpetrator did not enter the premises.

Suspect # 1 - Male Hispanic approximately 50 years old wearing a black hat and green shirt.

Suspect #2 - Male Hispanic approximately 30 years old wearing a red hat, red shirt and blue jeans.

Suspect #3 - Male Hispanic approximately 30 years old wearing a black shirt and black boots.

Property removed from residence included jewelry and U.S. currency.

If anyone has information concerning the above crime please contact the 104 Precinct Detective Squad at 718-386-3004.

Detective Thomas Bell
104 Precinct Community Affairs
(718) 386-2431
thomas.bell@nypd.org

Hi All,

See message from DI Leyson, 110th Precinct.  Can't believe no one saw anything!!  This time burglaries occurred in an apartment building - next time it could be a private house.  Please keep your eyes open! 

Btw, don't forget to keep your ears open and report the airplane noise - they're back again today.  We're in the process of setting up a meeting with a group called Quiet Skies at Maspeth Town Hall to discuss this issue - will keep you advised.

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

Roe,

Two Apartments were Burglarized at 86-10 Grand Ave.  Both were Fire Escape entries. Both occurred in the afternoon or evening.

PLEASE ADVISE all people you can reach that they should not go out and leave the windows unlocked!!! I know the weather is getting cooler and they want to "air out" their homes but this is an invitation to thieves.

We will keep you posted

As always, if you see or hear anything suspicious, CALL 911.  Let us respond and investigate.

Ronald D. Leyson
Deputy Inspector
Commanding Officer, 110th Precinct
94-41 43 Ave, Elmhurst NY 11373
718-476-9337

Hi All,

Christina was kind enough to share these articles with us.  The article about the burglary says "Maspeth", but it's in Woodside/Winfield near the Maspeth/Elmhurst border.  The photo isn't too clear, but if you think you recognize the perpetrator, please contact the NYPD.

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

Police: Burglar Struck Same House Twice In Queens « CBS New York

Cops put the brakes on illegal truck activity in southwest Queens

Hi All,

A Block Captain passed this on to me.  Sent it to the 110th Precinct and

DI Leyson said this could also be a ploy to see if anyone is home.  He said to call 911 if this happens to you!

On Saturday, 8/10, at approximately 5:30 pm, a male and female were ringing doorbells on 54th Avenue between Seabury and Haspel Streets in Elmhurst. They were asking for donations to help a friend/relative who had been struck by a vehicle on Queens Boulevard. It is not known if anyone donated money.

They stated they had permission and a permit from Community Board 4 to do so.  Community boards don't give permission or permits to collect donations!!

Descriptions: Dark-skinned male and female Hispanics. Male was about 5'9", 35-40 years of age. Female had long hair. Resident called 911 and the 110th Precinct responded. We don't know if the officers found them.

Scammers can change their scenario as they move around and use different stories to get money or see if anyone is home.  Don't fall for it!!  Please alert your neighbors!!!! 

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

Hi All,

Please pass along.  Alert NYPD if you recognize anyone on poster.

Roe

________________________________________

Hey Roe,

I don't know if you've put this out.  This is a big city wide scam.  Fortunately it hasn't hit the 110 Pct but has hit the 104 and 108 Pct.  Below is a synopsis of the pattern. Please alert your group and have them pass to all they can reach!

The pattern consists of  twenty eight (28) cases involving two to three male whites who pose at utility workers claiming they need to observe pipes for leaks, check water pressure, or check possible electrical problems. While the perp accompanies victim to tend to such water issues, an additional perp ventures to locations in the residence, stealing US currency and jewelry. All incidents involve elderly victims. (median age 79)

The latest incidents predominantly include an electricity driven M.O... Bad guys have used the ruse that a  transformer "blew" and they need to check the electricity, or observe an electrical panel.

Be well,

Ronald D. Leyson
Deputy Inspector
Commanding Officer, 110th Precinct
94-41 43 Ave, Elmhurst NY 11373
718-476-9337

Hi All,

Captain Manson, 104th Precinct, advised us that we had a burglary of a van at 53#'s on 63rd Street on 8/8 between the hours of 12:30 pm and 11:00 pm. (If a van or truck is broken into, it is classified as a burglary). Plumbing equipment was stolen.  Description of perpetrator is male white, 5'10" tall, thin.  No age provided.  Please don't leave anything in your vehicles!!

Btw, if you still have your head in the sand, pull it out for a minute and listen to the planes.  Nothing will be done unless we all file a complaint.  It only takes a minute.  It should be done every day, if necessary. Check out the Plan Tracker and see the planes in real time.

Aircraft Noise Complaints for JFK, LGA, EWR, TEB, & SWF Airports Click here to electronically file a noise complaint

OR

Call the Airport Noise Complaint Line:1-800-225-1071

LaGuardia Plane Tracker: http://www4.passur.com/lga.html

Roe 



Hi All,

Captain Manson, 104th Precinct, was going through his crime reports and found one in our area.  Last night, between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am, 53#'s on 65th Place, someone stole a Sony radio worth $130 from a 1998 Honda Civic.  There was no sign that the car was broken into.  This vehicle, and the  van previously reported to you, were parked on the street.

This occurred on the Plateau, but it can happen anywhere.  Please secure your vehicles and don't leave anything of value in them even if it's parked in your driveway.  I know you guys know all this already - but your neighbors obviously don't.  Please pass this along.

Roe Daraio, President

Comet Civic Association

www.cometcivic.com

Hi All,

FYI from DI Leyson, 110th Precinct!!  Please pass on to friends/family.  This can happen to anyone, anywhere.

- Roe

______________________________________________

Roe,

Please inform your members that there are several scams going around the area.  They vary slightly on "Who" is calling but the results are the same.  The calls may come from "Con Ed" or "Time Warner Cable" or the "IRS" or someone from a "Law Enforcement" Agency (the most recent was California).

If it is "Time Warner Cable", they call and offer a package deal that sounds great. 

If it is "Con Ed" or another "Utility", they call and threaten to turn off your lights or other service.

If it is the "IRS", they claim that you owe a certain amount of money from back taxes and if you don't pay you will be arrested.

If it is from a "Law Enforcement" Agency, they say a relative has been arrested and needs to be bailed out.

Any or all of these scams, or similar scenarios, may sound "unrealistic" to your members but I can guarantee that several people every day are being scammed out of hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

When the phone rings, it may even say the name of the "Utility" or "Time Warner Cable" with a 1-800 #.  There are very inexpensive Apps for phones that allow you to change the name and number as they appear on people's caller ID that make people think the caller is legitimate.

The common denominator is that they instruct you to go to the local drug store and buy a "Money Pack" and call them back with the serial number on the card.

Common sense tells you that any legitimate business that you have an account with, or legitimate Law Enforcement Agency is not going to tell you to go get a cash card and read off the serial number to them over the phone.  Unfortunately people fall prey to these scams all the time.  Remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. If the little hairs on the back of your neck raise up, pay attention to your intuition.

What needs to be done is to tell the person on the other end of the phone that you need their call back and extension and you will get back to them. Any legitimate business will comply with your request.  A "Scammer" will push the issue to be "resolved" right away.  Then they need to look up on the computer or on their utility bill the "REAL" number for the company allegedly calling them and check with them to find out if the "offer" or "outstanding bill" is legitimate.  DO NOT call the number they give you, it is already set up for them to answer and confirm that they are "legit".

Report all scams to your local precinct.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Ronald D. Leyson
Deputy Inspector
Commanding Officer, 110th Precinct
94-41 43 Ave, Elmhurst NY 11373
718-476-9337