Police Seek Mugger At Forest Park
Queens Tribune

Speaking two days later at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting, Sautner said there have been no arrests made related to that incident, but they do not believe this latest incident is part of the sexual assault pattern that has been ongoing at the park for the past two years, including a rape incident last year. “There’s nothing to indicate concretely that this crime is sexual in nature at all.”

Jogger Attacked, Robbed in Latest Forest Park Assault
The Forum

“There is nothing that indicates it’s the same person or pattern,” Sautner said at last week’s Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting. “Not a crime sexual in nature.” No arrests have been made, but Sautner noted that his detective squad is running down some leads.

Forest Park attack tops WRBA meeting agenda
Queens Chronicle

A recent mugging in Forest Park, a new residential home in the area and restoration of a collapsed building on Jamaica Avenue were among the top issues on the table as the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association held its monthly meeting on Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven.

Progress On Repairs Of Woodhaven Building
Queens Tribune

There could be a light at the end of the tunnel for the ongoing saga of a collapsed building in Woodhaven. Updating residents at last week’s Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting, a representative from the Dept. of Buildings, Ken Lazar, said the owner of the building on Jamaica Ave. is finally following a schedule set by a judge to complete necessary work on the building.

Forest Park Security Cameras Held Up for Months by Red Tape
DNA Info

"One of the ideas about cameras is that they serve as a preventive measure," said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, who utilizes the park on a regular basis, adding that if criminals "know that there are cameras around, they are going to behave." "Everyone agrees that [installing cameras] is a good idea, but it has to go though all this red tape."

Closing Bell: Huge Woodhaven Yard Sale Coming This Saturday
Brownstoner Queens

This Saturday, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is hosting a community-wide yard sale, with more than 80 homes expected to participate. Last year’s event proved incredibly popular, with over 60 homes participating and shoppers visiting from around the city.

Giant sinkhole in Forest Park creates hazard for runners and pedestrians
New York Daily News

“We saw the barricades and the sign that says ‘under construction,’ so we knew Parks was aware of the problem, and we assumed it would soon be fixed,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “Then another summer rolled around and nothing had been done. It had grown, and the barricades were still up.”

Great Woodhaven Yard Sale returns this Saturday by popular demand
Leader-Observer

This Saturday, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) will host its second annual Great Woodhaven Yard Sale. After last year’s success, the yard sale is back and already bigger than before. On Saturday, Sept. 27, all residents in Woodhaven are invited to participate in a coordinated day of yard sales.

Carousel experts from around the nation flock to Queens and visit two historic carousels
New York Daily News

“It’s validating,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, who helped lead a campaign to reopen the carousel during the time it was shuttered. “To have people who love carousels come in here and see their excitement -- it’s fantastic.”

Selecting Right Approach To Select Bus Service
Times Newsweekly

Like many residents of Woodhaven, I take public transportation to work, and I think it’s the most efficient and cost-effective way to get from southern Queens to downtown Manhattan. But the winter months ahead are a good reminder that we must continue to think of ideas about how to improve public transportation in New York City.

Woodhaven gets a fresh coat of paint
Queens Chronicle

Two Woodhaven civic leaders took to the streets this past weekend to fight the war on graffiti vandalism. Martin Colberg, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and his predecessor, Ed Wendell, painted 21 mailboxes, 10 fire boxes and 6 traffic control boxes across the neighborhood on Sunday that had been marred by graffiti.

Pct. Commander To Visit WRBA
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will feature two sets of guest speakers at its next Town Hall, on Thursday, Sept. 18. The first is Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, the commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, who will introduce a new Community Affairs officer to Woodhaven.

WRBA Will Welcome Special Guests At Next Town Hall
Queens Gazette

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will feature two sets of guest speakers at its next Town Hall on Thursday, September 18. The first is Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, the commanding officer of the 102nd Police Precinct, who will introduce a new Community Affairs officer. The second are representatives from HeartShare Human Services of New York.

Countdown On For Big Woodhaven Yard Sale
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven figures to be a special destination for bargain-hunters during the last weekend of September, as the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is again organizing a community-wide yard sale. Known as “The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale,” it will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at participating households in the 11421 ZIP code.

Woodhaven Cleanup Continues
The Forum

Woodhaven volunteers will hit the streets once again this weekend in an ongoing effort to rid the streets of unsightly graffiti. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Assocation first launched the latest graffiti cleanup initiative earlier this summer and have since spent several weekends pounding the pavement and repainting parts of Woodhaven.

Assembly Cmte. Vetting Forest Park Camera Request
The Forum

“It’s a scary thing,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. “When you’re [in the park] there is a lot of tension, especially for women. But I’m looking to keep my eye out; if I see someone acting suspicious or odd or unusual—even if it’s just a hunch—I’m calling the cops.”

Woodhaven fuming over building ruling
Queens Chronicle

It may be the dog days of August, but nothing seems to be slowing down for the summer in Woodhaven. The monthly meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association drew a high-energy crowd to the Emanuel United Church of Christ on 91st Avenue Saturday morning.

Woodhaven Eyesore Just Won't Go Away
Times Newsweekly

Frustration continued among Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association members during the group’s meeting last Saturday, Aug. 16, at Emanuel United Church of Christ over a lack of action regarding a Jamaica Avenue structure that partially collapsed nearly 18 months ago.

Be a part of Woodhaven's biggest yard sale
Leader-Observer

By popular demand, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will again be sponsoring “The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale” on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, September 28). Last year over 60 families participated with a good number reporting sales of well over $100 (with a few reaching even loftier goals).

Dinner to toast Woodhaven corps
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and several area elected officials have planned a Sept. 20 fund-raiser at Emanuel United Church of Christ to boost the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps’s reserves, according to the civic group’s website.

Woodhaven civic fights graffiti
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Blocks Association wants to keep 311 busy. At its Saturday meeting, WRBA director president Ed Wendell revealed a four-point plan to fight graffiti and emphasized the efficiency of calling 311.

Quality-of-life issues concern Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

Midsummer isn’t a quiet time for Woodhaven residents and civic leaders. During a town hall meeting Saturday that drew a sizable audience to Emanuel United Church of Christ, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association addressed more than half a dozen issues, most of them ongoing problems facing the area.

Woodhaven Confronts Idle Cars
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association has grappled with the immobile cars taking up spaces along the boulevard for extended periods of time and members of the group argued over the weekend that very little was being done to address the matter.

Woodhaven ‘eyesore’ will not be knocked down
Queens Courier

During a meeting on the issue, held by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, Department of Buildings (DOB) representative Kenneth Lazar told residents that construction would begin after Independence Day, according to the DOB. But after Forcina sued the DOB and Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the two settled on the October completion date.

Timeline issued for Jamaica Ave. building repairs
Times Ledger

“It would take months to fix it. They could demolish it tomorrow,” Wendell said, noting that the delays have put the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a senior center in a tough position. “It’s just like the olden days, where they used to torture people to death, slowly crushing them to death. That’s exactly what the city of New York is doing to these people.”

Woodhaven Still Waiting for Building Demolition
The Forum

Buildings Department liaison Kenneth Lazar told residents in Woodhaven to expect construction on the building sometime after Independence Day. He spoke at the Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting last month and said building owner George Kochabe had been ordered by a city judge to do something with the building after letting it sit vacant since its April 2013 collapse.

Woodhaven Wants Answers on Atlantic Avenue
The Forum

Martin Colberg, president of the WRBA, said Patti Eggers pushes the issues at his group’s town hall. Progress was still in the works, he said. “We are working with Patti, a few of her neighbors and the 102nd Precinct to have the issues looked into with more detail,” he said. “Some of the issues have been ongoing for some time and we really need something done very soon.”

When is this building going to come down?
Queens Chronicle

“We hope that this schedule is adhered to by the courts and by the city and this isn’t just another chapter in the long game that’s been going on,” Ed Wendell wrote on the WRBA’s blog. “We’ve been promised that time has run out and that this schedule is a strict one — we hope for the sake of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps and our seniors that this is, indeed, the case.”

End Is Near For Blight
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven residents will soon be rid of a partially collapsed building regarded as an eyesore, a Department of Buildings official told the Woodhaven Residents’Block Association during the group’s meeting last Saturday, June 21, at American Legion Post 118.

WRBA Launches Membership Drive
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has launched its membership drive for 2014 in an effort to increase the number of Woodhaven’s 39,000 residents who are part of the civic organization.

Controversial Affordable Housing Plan Tops Talk at WRBA
The Forum

A controversial component of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s affordable housing plan was on the table at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s monthly meeting at American Legion Post 118 on Saturday.

WRBA Cleans Up Woodhaven Playground
The Forum

If you notice Forest Park’s Mary Whalen Playground looking much better lately, the thanks should go the way of the 50 volunteers who took part in a clean-up of the area. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association organized Saturday’s event, which resulted in the collection of more than 100 garbage bags of leaves and other debris being collected.

At WRBA, Woodhaven Charter School Leaders Vow to Meet Community Needs
The Forum

Michael Etsep, a volunteer spokesman for Circle Academy, which, if approved by the state Board of Regents, will open its doors at 85-27 91st St. in time for the 2014-15 school year, said at last Thursday’s Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association that representatives from the charter expect a good number of their pupils to hail from the Woodhaven area because of their outreach efforts.

City Must Change 'Terrifying' Woodhaven Intersection, Residents Urge
The Forum

“This is on the top of our list when it comes to the safety of our residents,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg said of the slew of concerns with the Park Lane South intersection. “I hope they expand the islands with more cement; I really don’t think just adding stripes will do anything.”

Woodhaven Civic Releases Rest Of Meeting Calendar
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has set its calendar of monthly town hall meetings for the remainder of 2014. The sessions will alternate between two locations and will be held at several different times and days of the week.

Woodhaven Residents Rejoice Over City's Plan to Tear Down Collapsed Building
The Forum

“This is a great step forward,” said Martin Colberg, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, a community organization that spearheaded much of the movement to tear down the building. “I got a call from [Assemblyman] Mike Miller about it, and I said, ‘Excuse me, Mike? Am I hearing this correctly?’ It was amazing.”

Woodhaven Residents to City: Act Before Tragedy Happens
The Forum

“It’s something we shouldn’t stand for – the Department of Buildings has to do something – and do something now,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg said.

Maria Thomson Resigns From WRBA Board After 40 Years of Service
The Forum

Woodhaven runs in Maria Thomson’s blood. Four decades ago, the area leader launched her career as a civic activist by becoming a member of the then two-year-old Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s board of director. Now, seven U.S. presidents later, Thomson is hanging up her hat as a board member

At WRBA, Velazquez Talks Congress' New Spending Bill, Struggling Economy
The Forum

“Congress saw the light, and we passed the omnibus bill,” Velazquez said at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting. “…New York alone will get $500 million for early childhood education. We restored funding for the military, especially for disabled veterans.”

Study Reveals Woodhaven Boulevard Intersection Deadliest in Queens
NY1 News

A recent study by nonprofit Tri-State Transportation Campaign shows eight people have been killed on Woodhaven Boulevard between from 2010 to 2012, making it the deadliest street in Queens.

New Officers to Take the Helm at WRBA
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association announced this week there will be a changing of the guard at the more than 40-year-old neighborhood organization that does everything from advocate for cleaner and safer streets to working with residents on individual problems navigating city bureaucracy.

Woodhaven Residents Encouraged to Launch Civilian Patrol
The Forum

Talk of a new civilian patrol in Woodhaven and the QueensWay proposal to turn a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail Line into park space led the discussion at the monthly Woodhaven Residents Block Association on Thursday.

Richmond Hill church moving to former Saint Matthew’s Church of Woodhaven
Queens Courier

“There were a lot of concerns about what was going to happening to that church, to that building, to that property,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “To hear that a new congregation is going to make it its new home, that is really good news, because that means that the building is going to have new life.”

In Woodhaven, A Celebration of Community -- WRBA Honors Civic, Business Leaders at 42nd Annual Dinner
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association held its 42nd annual fundraiser last week to celebrate another year of protecting the South Queens community. The event, held at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant in Rego Park, honored community members hailed as inspirations in a tight-knit neighborhood and was attended by a bevy of politicians.

New congregation has plans for Woodhaven cemetery
Leader-Observer

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, views the garden as a history lesson.  “We hoped to look for a more permanent solution,” said Wendell. “It’s a beautiful spot.”

'Patrolling Our Own Backyard' -- Woodhaven Residents Look to Launch Civilian Crime-Fighting Group
The Forum

“We’ve had a number of crimes in the area, and there’s a general sense that we need to do something to feel like we have better control over what’s going on in our community,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell said of the civilian patrol he hopes is on the streets by the end of the year.

Meet the Man of the Year 2013
Leader-Observer

Over the past few years, I have had the good fortune of being involved in the selection process of individuals, groups, organizations and businesses that deserve to be honored at the annual celebration of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. This year, we are very happy to be honoring Mr. Paul Rudolph, Jr., the proprietor of Walker Funeral Home.

Thank Woodhaven Vet With Buying Dinner At Civic Gala
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven’s American Legion Post 118 will be honored at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) dinner-dance next month—and the organization is asking the public to offer a gesture of thanks by paying for a member of the post to attend the civic gala.

Fresh Thinking On Noise Woes
Times Newsweekly

In last week’s column, I wrote about noise. That column described how the warmer months bring this scourge back to Woodhaven. Noise is such a large problem in Woodhaven that I’d like to focus on it for this week’s column too. This time instead of encouraging my neighbors to hang in there and to use 311, I’m encouraging our elected officials and city agencies to take action.

Could we have prevented a tragedy?
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association had a security patrol for years, and there are still many signs in our community warning potential perpetrators that residents are patrolling. But the truth is that there has not been a civilian security patrol in a long time. To have a security patrol you need volunteers who are willing to give up at least one evening a month to drive around our community, keeping an eye on the streets.

Woodhaven residents oppose Queens 'High Line'
Times Ledger

Much of the debate surrounding the proposed QueensWay has been framed as an either-or issue: reactivate train service along the abandoned Rockaway Beach rail route or redevelop it into parkland, similar to Manhattan’s High Line. But a group of citizens who live along the abandoned rail line, including the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, have a third idea: do nothing.

Making Noise About Noise
Times Newsweekly

The season of noise—and noise complaints—has arrived. For years, noise has been among the most common sources of complaints received by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. We’ve done our best to fight excessive noise, but there is no end in sight to this battle.

Locals Honored In Woodhaven Soiree
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association announced the honorees for its annual dinner this fall during a press event held July 25 at The Avenue Diner in Woodhaven.

102nd Commanding Officer Promoted to Deputy Inspector
The Forum

“Deputy Inspector Sautner has a difficult job, and he’s been doing it well,” said Alex Blenkinsopp, director of communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “We congratulate him on his much-deserved promotion. We know he’ll keep up the great work, and we look forward to continuing to partner with him and everyone else at the 102nd Precinct.”

In Woodhaven, Honoring Community Leaders
The Forum

Gathered in a room of a diner, steps from the flood of pedestrians hurrying down Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven in the final hours of last Thursday’s daylight, a group of longtime Woodhaven civic leaders and residents raised their proverbial glasses to a group they said represented the history and future of a tight-knit community filled with hard-working families.

Woodhaven Woman Stabbed 10 Times—Attacked by Unknown Assailant on the Way Home From Work
The Forum

Civic leaders and elected officials expressed their concern over the apparent randomness of the attack. President of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association Ed Wendell posted a small piece of video surveillance released by the NYPD on the WRBA Facebook page to alert neighbors. The footage is not very clear, but police hope it will still help in the suspects identification.

Pols: Shape Up, Sandy Charities
Times Newsweekly

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo updated the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) on the status of several charity organizations that have not dispersed money collected in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the civic group’s July 20 meeting at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

At WRBA, Beating the Heat To Talk Skate Park Problems, Honoring Veterans
The Forum

Clinging to water bottles and impromptu fans hastily assembled from scraps of paper, the residents who filtered into the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting at St. Luke’s Church last Saturday were of the die-hard ilk: They came, they sweated and they didn’t leave until they covered everything from concerns over rowdy children in the newly opened skate park to supporting veterans in the community.

Millions of Sandy relief money still not spent
Leader-Observer

A recent Woodhaven Residents' Block Association meeting addressed the issue of organizations that collected money for Hurricane Sandy victims, but didn't give the money to those in need. “The block association collected a lot of blankets and a lot of money,” said WRBA board member Alexander Blenkinsopp. “We are not one of those unscrupulous organizations. Every single penny was donated.”

Community concerned over newly opened skate park
Queens Courier

Concerns about London Planetree Skate Park have been rolling since the facility opened a month go. At a recent Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting, neighbors shared their worries about safety in the park. Some attendees asked for improved lighting outside of the park, located on Atlantic Avenue. Others suggested there a crosswalk should be installed to make it easier for young skaters to cross the street.

Holiday Tree Grows Again in Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven will be getting a new evergreen to replace the one lost during Hurricane Sandy which served for decades as the neighborhood’s holiday tree. Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, explained in a column last week the organization and others in the area sought “an authentic replacement” for the evergreen to serve as the center of the community’s holiday festivities .

Historic cemetery in need of some TLC
Queens Chronicle

The Rev. Norman Whitmire Jr., the pastor of the congregation — currently worshipping at All Saints Church at 97-25 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill — has told the diocese and Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and the Woodhaven Historical Society, that cleaning up the cemetery will be a priority and that he wants the community involved.

Lending a Hand To Children in Need
The Forum

Assemblyman Mike Miller and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association are sponsoring a toy drive to help children from families in need celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr, which translates to the festival of breaking the fast, is a holiday celebrated by Muslims that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Let Us Have A Real Holiday Tree
Times Newsweekly

Within the past several weeks, we finally got that new tree—but it was not what we expected or hoped for. It’s a plain deciduous tree, looking like any other in the neighborhood. We want an evergreen to take the place of our lost one. We want a replacement that could serve as a holiday tree—one that’s distinctive and will look lively during the holiday season and will eventually grow to resemble the tree we lost.

Trains, a park, both or neither?
Queens Chronicle

A final idea, endorsed by our friends at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, is to do nothing and just let nature continue to slowly reclaim the right of way. We understand people who live up against it don’t want trains or people right behind their houses where none were before, but NIMBYism can’t be the deciding factor here. Security would simply have to be a top consideration in any plan that goes forward.

For Woodhaven Residents, Christmas in July
The Forum

Looks like it’s Christmas in July for Woodhaven. After upset Woodhaven residents called on city officials to replace the community’s holiday tree, which was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy, with something more festive than the deciduous tree recently planted by the Parks Department, the city said there would soon be an evergreen at the spot on Forest Parkway near Jamaica Avenue.

More than just a tree in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

We all had faith that a new tree would take the place of our lost holiday tree. Unfortunately, we ended up with a plain old tree. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has written to the Parks Dept., our elected officials, Community Board 9, and local civic leaders and asked them how this particular tree was chosen for such an important spot in our community, and how we can get a more suitable tree.

Woodhaven residents not happy with holiday tree replacement
Queens Courier

A tree grows in Woodhaven—but residents say it’s the wrong one. They are barking mad that the Parks Dept. replaced the nearly 30-year-old Woodhaven holiday tree, which was downed by Sandy, with a deciduous “street tree.” “We had expected that a suitable replacement would be planted in place of our lost holiday tree,” said Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director for the WRBA.

Forest Park Carousel Wins Designation As A Landmark
Queens Gazette

The WRBA submitted testimony to the commission urging the designation.  The testimony points out that the carousel is a beautiful work of art, a historic specimen that embodies our community’s heritage, and a form of entertainment that has amused generations of Woodhaven residents. The Block Association has a long track record of advocacy for the Forest Park Carousel.

WRBA Five Graduate From Citizens’ Police Academy
Queens Gazette

“The Citizens’ Police Academy taught me a remarkable amount about the Police Department’s work.  It deepened my appreciation for all that goes into policing, and it made me much more aware of how I can help the police in my community,” said WRBA Treasurer Stephen Forte.  “I look forward to applying those lessons in my civic involvement with the block association.”

Forest Park carousel gets landmark designation
Times Ledger

“This is tremendous news,” Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said in a statement. “The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city. This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled. With the carousel landmarked, we know it will be around for posterity, which is exactly how it should be.”

Iconic Forest Park Carousel Landmarked, Civic Leaders Rejoice
The Forum

The Forest Park Carousel, a 1903 structure steeped in history and beloved by the community, has been officially designated a city landmark following a unanimous vote by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. “This is tremendous news,” said Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell, who for years fought alongside other civic leaders to landmark the merry-go-round.

Woodhaven Residents Graduate From Citizens' Police Academy
The Forum

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association graduated on Tuesday, June 18, from the NYPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy, an in-depth 14-week program that provides extensive training and education about the Police Department’s work.

Forest Pk. Carousel A Moving Landmark
Times Newsweekly

Generations of children will get to enjoy the Forest Park Carousel for years to come after the merry-go-round was declared a landmark on Tuesday, June 25. “The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled.”

Protecting Children From Speeding Drivers
Times Newsweekly

I have previously written in this newspaper to call for speed humps to slow speeding drivers on Woodhaven’s long, uninterrupted streets. I have also asked for NYPD surveillance cameras to crack down on hit-and-runs and other crimes. Albany took a positive—if limited—step last week to crack down on reckless drivers by approving speed cameras in school zones.

Woodhaven Citizens Graduate NYPD Academy
Times Newsweekly

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association graduated last Tuesday, June 18, from the NYPD’s Civilian Police Academy, a 14-week instructional program that provides extensive training and information on the Police Department’s work. Among the topics covered included criminal justice law, hostage negotiations, child abuse, counterterrorism and school safety.

An inside look at an officer's job
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is very proud that five of its members were among the graduates of the NYPD’s Citizens Police Academy. They were Elaine Carillo, Janet Forte, Stephen Forte (WRBA Treasurer), Marie Paz and Susan Sweeney, and we all owe them our thanks for taking part in this program.

Forest Park Carousel, Over A Century Old, Receives NYC Landmark Status
Associated Press

The Forest Park Carousel was originally made for Lakeview Park in Dracut, Mass., and was restored and moved to the 500-acre Forest Park in 1973.  "Even when I was a young boy, I knew the carousel was special," said Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director for the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association. "The carousel is here to stay, and we couldn't be happier."

Forest Park Carousel is now a landmark
Queens Chronicle

“The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city," said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. "This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled. With the carousel landmarked, we know it will be around for posterity, which is exactly how it should be.”

Forest Park Carousel becomes official landmark
Queens Courier

“This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled,” said Edward Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. The association is one of the groups that have been fighting to get the carousel landmarked.

Forest Park Carousel becomes NYC landmark
WPIX 11

“The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city.  This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled,” said Ed Wendell President of Woodhaven Residence Block Association.

Forest Park Carousel Granted Landmark Status
DNAinfo

The Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to designate the carousel, originally carved in 1903, a New York City landmark. "This is tremendous news,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, in a statement.

LPC Landmarks Forest Park Carousel
Leader-Observer

"Even when I was a young boy, I knew the carousel was special,” said Alex Blenkinsopp of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, which testified in favor of landmarking the carousel. "The carousel is here to stay, and we couldn't be happier."

It's a badge of honor
New York Daily News

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association graduated from the NYPD's Citizen Police Academy last week.

Newly Opened Woodhaven Skatepark Draws Skaters from Around the City
DNAinfo

There are also many skateboarders in the area, “but they didn’t have any place” to skate, said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. Wendell said in the past, local skateboarders would hang out at a nearby Pathmark parking lot two blocks from the park, or they would just skate in the street. “Anything that you can put together for young people is a good thing,” Wendell said.

Nights Are Too Long In Wdhvn.
Times Newsweekly

With summer drawing near, residents of Woodhaven are calling on local police to step up efforts against chronic noisemakers who hold loud parties and other activities during nighttime hours. The subject dominated last Saturday’s meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association at the headquarters of the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which recently reopened after being damaged.

Forest Park Senior Center shuts down
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said he was sad to see the center close. “It’s always a problem when you lose a senior center,” he said, noting that the neighborhood’s other facility, the Woodhaven Senior Center, has had issues, especially after a building collapse in April damaged the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps building on Jamaica Avenue.

Flag Day Traditions in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will be hosting a receptacle where you can discard your old flags. Flags should never be thrown out and there is a proper protocol to disposing of them. The receptacle, a retired mailbox, will be placed in front of the WRBA office at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue and will be painted with bright red, white and blue paint.

Woodhaven noise complaints raise concerns
Queens Courier

With summer coming, concerns about noise are among the top worries in the neighborhood, as addressed at the June 15 meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

Crack Down On Out-Of-State Cars
Times Newsweekly

Parking is a problem in Woodhaven. We at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association have heard neighbors complain frequently in recent years about how difficult it has become to find parking in the area. And we’ve experienced the problem ourselves.

Political trouble in the Twitterverse
Leader-Observer

State Senator Michael Gianaris announced on Twitter that he was looking forward to making his first visit to the neighborhood for a meeting of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, a tweet Councilman Mark Weprin felt deserved a few snarky comments.

Redistricting Almost Final
Times Newsweekly

There was one major shift in district lines which proved controversial to Woodhaven residents. The redistricting plan moves most of Woodhaven into the district currently represented by Eric Ulrich; presently, most of the neighborhood falls within the district represented by Elizabeth Crowley. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association protested the change, saying it basically amounted to a swap in coverage area.

Good men from Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

Both Joe Virgona and Roger Hennin were very involved in making our community a better place through their many years of work with the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. With Roger and Joe, action accompanied their talk. They didn’t want to get involved – they got involved. And Woodhaven is a much better place because of their involvement.

Dead Serious Parking Issue
Times Newsweekly

An auto shop on Atlantic Avenue in Woodhaven may have contributed to the pedestrian fatality that occurred on the avenue Thursday, May 16, residents claimed at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) last Saturday. Cliff’s Auto Service Center parks cars on the sidewalk and street along Atlantic Avenue, causing traffic congestion and safety hazards, said WRBA president Ed Wendell.

Former church will be day-care center
Queens Chronicle

“It’s a good investment in the neighborhood,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, who lives next door to the church. He said the church has been vacant for almost a year and even before that, has not had a regular congregation for decades.

Lights, Camera, Action! Woodhaven Student Filmmakers Ready To Hit the Red Carpet
The Forum

Students will get a chance to showcase a project that Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, and St. Thomas teacher Patty Eggers first thought of doing in order to connect younger community members with a history many of the pupils did not know existed.

Landmark Decision, Hearings To Begin
The Forum

“It’s one of those things that could be very, very good – it’s one of those things that’s all in the details,” said Woodhaven Residents' Block Association President Ed Wendell. “Do we know landmarking is absolutely the right thing to do, and will it be done the right way?”

Woodhaven Man Killed While Crossing
The Forum

Woodhaven Resident Block Association President, Ed Wendell said he had spoken to an eyewitness to the accident who informed him of a serious issue. “… They said you had a sidewalk that was blocked – a business has blocked a sidewalk,” Wendell recounted, “so this elderly man had to walk out into Atlantic to get around the vehicles and he was struck.”

Roger Hennin Remembered—Beloved Woodhaven Civic Activist Passes
The Forum

For more than two decades, Hennin was a board member of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. Hennin and his wife were the very first members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association Hall of Fame in 2010.

Senator Gianaris Attends Woodhaven Town Hall
Queens Gazette

Senator Michael Gianaris addressed dozens of attendees at the Woodhaven Residents Block Association Town Hall meeting on Saturday. Woodhaven residents offered their opinions on topics ranging from broad  issues such as transportation and public cleanliness to more specific issues like the future of a recently collapsed building on Jamaica Avenue.

Woodhaven shares Astoria's state senator
Leader-Observer

Parts of Woodhaven are getting a new state senator. Well, not exactly new. State Senator Michael Gianaris, who currently represents parts of western Queens, had a slice of south Queens added to his district making for a strange-looking map. The state senator attended the Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting last Saturday to introduce himself to his newest constituents.

A 'Garden' grows in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

I have had the privilege and honor to get to know several of the veterans of Post 118, two gentlemen in particular, and this will be the first year that their names have been placed in the Garden. Our good friend Joseph Virgona, who passed away last fall, and Roger Hennin, a Director of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association who passed on just last week will be added to the garden.

Residents want landlord held responsible for Woodhaven building collapse
Queens Courier

At a May 18 meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, many voiced their desire to see the landlord held responsible for alleged negligence that led to the vacant building’s collapse. According to the Department of Buildings’ (DOB) website, the structure had 35 violations and a partial vacate order before the collapse.

More and More Find Haven in Woodhaven
Wall Street Journal

Ed Wendell, who grew up in Woodhaven, Queens, used to dream of moving to a small town upstate where he and his wife would know all their neighbors. Then he became involved in local organizations in Woodhaven and met its residents. "It turned out we were living in the small town we were looking for—we'd been there all along," says Mr. Wendell, now the president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.

Forest Park Carousel set to spin for Landmarks
Times Ledger

Residents lobbied for the carousel’s landmark status before New York Carousel took over and it looked like a possibility that Woodhaven could lose the ride, according to Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. “When it was sitting there empty, we were all gung-ho about getting it landmarked because we wanted it protected and not chopped up and sold,” said Wendell.

Landmark Plan Goes For A Ride
Times Newsweekly

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, added that the organization and others in the neighborhood “want what’s best for the carousel,” but expressed a desire to know more about the potential impact of landmarking the carousel on its operation. “The devil is in the details,” Wendell said. “I’m sure they have the best interest of the carousel in mind.”

Cleaning Up Woodhaven Again
Times Newsweekly

With warmer days upon is, it’s time for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association to hit the streets and stamp out graffiti again. Last summer, we launched an effort to eliminate vandalism on mailboxes and fire call boxes throughout the neighborhood. With the help of numerous volunteers we painted over graffiti on this public property.

Woodhaven may join G-COP
Queens Chronicle

President of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association Ed Wendell could not yet speak to the plans. “I was approached and we talked about it but we haven’t made any plans yet; at least, nothing has been finalized,” he said.

Students document Woodhaven history
Queens Chronicle

A group of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Thomas the Apostle School are producing a film about Woodhaven’s history. The students put it together with the help of Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Historical Society and Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “They told me they wanted to do a film about Woodhaven’s history and I thought that was great,” Wendell said.

Forest Park Carousel eyed for landmarking
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, took a lead role in pushing the Parks Department to find a vendor for the carousel during its three-year closure. He said the idea of landmarking could prove to be attractive to the vendor. “Giving it landmark status may make things a little more attractive than putting the costs of refurbishing it entirely on the vendor,” he said.

Woodhaven Film Set To Premiere
Queens Tribune

Patty Eggers, a history teacher at the school, said they first got the idea to do the film after speaking with Ed Wendell, who runs the Woodhaven Historical Society and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and coming up with a way to tell the neighborhood’s historic past.

Landmarks Preservation Commission to open landmarking procedure for historic Forest Park Carousel
New York Daily News

“We all just want what’s best for the carousel,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, who used a Facebook page to keep attention focused on the site when it was closed. “It would be exciting to have something landmarked in the community,” Wendell added. “But we really want to hear more about what the plans are, and what landmarking means.”

The Sanitation Dept.'s Unfair Enforcement
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has an office at 84-20 Jamaica Ave. As the owners of a storefront on a commercial strip, the WRBA has experienced firsthand some of the problems faced by businesses on the avenue. One of the most annoying we’ve encountered recently is the Department of Sanitation’s unfair habit of issuing fines to Jamaica Avenue properties in the middle of the night.

Securing Valuables At Woodhaven Event
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association and the 102nd Precinct held a VIN etching event last Saturday, April 27. The force etched identification numbers into electronics to facilitate recovery in the event they are stolen.

Pols Recycle At Earth Day Event
Times Newsweekly

Assemblyman Mike Miller and State Sen. Joseph Addabbo hosted a bi-annual recycling event last Sunday, Apr. 28, in the Forest Park Band Shell parking lot. Among those pictured are Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) Vice President Janet Chan-Smith and WRBA member Richard Smith.

Eliminate Illegal Front-Yard Driveways
Times Newsweekly

Is it really too much to expect fellow Woodhaven residents to follow the law, and for New York City agencies to enforce the law? When it comes to illegal frontyard parking, it seems so. Across the neighborhood, some residents and homeowners have paved over their front yards and started to park cars there, although it’s against the law.

Fed Up With Fines, Woodhaven Leaders Fight City Over Tickets
The Forum

Woodhaven leaders are urging the city Department of Sanitation to change its policy on trash removal after property and business owners said they have been unfairly slapped with tickets that are more about lining the city’s coffers than protecting residents. “This is not about keeping the streets clean,” said WRBA President Ed Wendell. “This has everything to do with putting more money in their pockets.”

Collapse Leads To Inquiries Into Nearby Buildings
The Forum

Following a building collapse in Woodhaven that sent a storm of bricks crashing, area residents are mobilizing to gather data about neighborhood buildings. “It’s really aggravating because there’s an open complaint for this building in which they said, ‘hey, this could collapse,’” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell said.

Safeguarding The 'Forest'
Times Newsweekly

Enhancing security at Forest Park and bringing a faster form of bus service to Woodhaven Boulevard were hot topics raised by lawmakers who visited the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting last Saturday afternoon, Apr. 20, at Emanuel Church of Christ.

Getting Up Early To Write Tickets
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) is protesting summonses it recently received from the Sanitation Department for having recyclable refuse dumped in front of its Jamaica Avenue office—but according to the group’s president, the tickets came while no one was awake to notice. Ed Wendell, WRBA president, said the ticket was issued at 2:45 a.m. on Jan. 8, while the office was closed.

Keep your valuables safe and secure
Leader-Observer

The 102nd Precinct and the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association are partnering up to help protect your valuables through Operation ID, a multifaceted program which is offered free of charge by the New York City Police Department.

Woodhaven small businesses getting late-night fines
Leader-Observer

At roughly 2:45 a.m., Jamaica Avenue is mostly deserted, but that’s precisely the time the Woodhaven Residents Block Association members say the organization has been receiving violations from the Department of Sanitation for improper garbage disposal.

102 Pct. talks park safety, burglaries
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, brought up the issue of noise. “We get tons and tons of calls from people,” he said. “Particularly, there are a number of repeat offenders.” Captain Hank Sautner, the commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, said he often meets with people who make repeat 311 calls to see what the problems at the site are.

Innovative bus system could alleviate traffic in Queens
New York Daily News

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said locals would welcome the change to Select Bus Service. “During rush hour it’s a nightmare,” he said of Woodhaven Blvd. “That kind of upgrade would make the traffic go faster.”

An inconvenience, but not a tragedy
Leader-Observer

Tons of bricks poured down on to the sidewalk, crushing a vehicle nearly flat. Tons of bricks fell onto, and then through, the roof of the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, badly damaging the kitchen and rear exit. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will be relocating their Saturday, April 20, meeting as a result.

Century-old building in Woodhaven collapses
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association said the collapse damaged the kitchen used by the senior center, but much of the ambulance corps building is structurally sound. “It’s not as bad as initially feared,” he said.

'Could Have Been A Lot Worse'
Times Newsweekly

Ed Wendell, president of the WRBA, stated last Friday’s collapse would most likely be a hot topic of conversation among guests. While “it was just a pure blessing” that there were no injuries related to the episode, Wendell stated it “raised some questions” about the long-term structural integrity of other buildings in the neighborhood, many of which are about 100 years old.

Landmark St. Matthew's Church
Times Newsweekly

By historical measures, one of Woodhaven’s most important places is St. Matthews Episcopal Church on 96th Street. St. Matthew’s Church should be landmarked. Landmarking would be official recognition of St. Matthew’s historical significance.

Woodhaven library opens basement
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said he has not seen any outside repairs completed but has noticed ongoing first-floor renovations. “You can see that they’ve done a lot of work on the first floor when you pass by,” he said. “Renovations are still underway.”

Woodhaven on the airwaves
Leader-Observer

Radio Free Woodhaven is our community’s weekly radio show that airs over the Internet every Friday night at 10 p.m. People can listen to it live each Friday, but it is archived so that they can listen to it afterwards (we recently topped 2,000 weekly listens in the archives). It has provided an additional outlet for our elected officials to engage the residents of Woodhaven.

Queens man collared for crime spree against motorists
New York Daily News

“These are the crimes that have been going on since the beginning of time — misdirection and distraction,” said Edward Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, located in the 102nd Precinct, where two of the incidents took place. “You don’t want to tell people not to trust people but it’s just a matter of being alert and being aware,” he said.

South Queens’ own Big Ben won’t strike noon
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and Woodhaven Historical Society, said construction crews were working on the tower recently, but he was told the work was only on the tower’s external structure. “It would be great if that clock was working again,” he said. “But I imagine it would cost a ton of money.”

Making Woodhaven A True Neighborhood
Times Newsweekly

A neighborhood is more than just a number of people living in the same geographic area. If those people ignore each other or have no regard for each other’s wellbeing, there is no neighborhood. At the broadest level, what the WRBA has been trying to do is to make Woodhaven a true neighborhood—a place where people care about their neighbors.

WRBA forms new clubs & committees
Leader-Observer

At the March town hall meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, we announced the formation of a few new committees and clubs. We are looking for members to fill out the rosters of these groups; if interested, contact us. These groups and clubs will meet separately from the WRBA, but will be affiliated with the organization and report back to the Board of Directors.

Ready For A Rail Revival
Times Newsweekly

Still other groups, including No Way Queens Way and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, have called for the defunct Rockaway Beach rail line to be left as it is, charging that either option would negatively impact the security and quality-of-life for residents living in the immediate vicinity of the branch.

Woodhaven's Hero
Times Newsweekly

Nineteen years ago today, the world lost Jimmy Young. Jimmy was a New York City firefighter and a son of Woodhaven. He died a hero. Everyone in this neighborhood, even newcomers, should know who Jimmy Young is. And today, almost two decades after that terrible loss, we should all take a moment to remember him, a Woodhaven resident who made the supreme sacrifice.

When good people are forced to do bad things
Leader-Observer

We feel that residents are at the mercy of Sanitation Department agents looking to write tickets in the middle of the night – taking advantage of a policy that does little to resolve the situation of improper disposal.

Woodhaven graffiti surges
Queens Courier

About 60 percent of mailboxes in Woodhaven are tagged right now, according to Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) president Ed Wendell. By the end of last summer, nearly, if not all, mailboxes and fire poles in the neighborhood were graffiti-free, he said.

Rockaway Beach line restoration gets federal support
Queens Courier

Members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association are for better north-south transportation in Queens and reducing traffic on Woodhaven Boulevard, said communications director Alex Blenkinsopp. Because the rail line would run so close to homes, however, they are against this type of development. “They’re not even trying to convince Woodhaven at this point,” Blenkinsopp said.

'Petrified' Of Youths
Times Newsweekly

Unruly students walking home from school, neglected properties and improvements at Forest Park were among a host of issues raised by attendees at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting last Saturday afternoon, Mar. 16, at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters.

Felony assaults up in 102nd Precinct
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, told Captain Elwood Selover, commanding officer of the Citywide Vandals Task Force, that vandals had been tagging mailboxes and volunteers cleaned them up last summer. “We’re going to go back out and do it again,” he told Selover.

Rockaway Beach rail plan to be backed by Reps. Jeffries, Meeks
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which came out against both plans, said a pro-Queensway piece in the New York Times didn’t address any of the organization's misgivings. “If they don’t address the concerns that residents have, then it’s really just more puff,” he said.

Woodhaven residents fret over group home
Queens Chronicle

HeartShare did accepted an invitation to speak at a meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association last summer. Ed Wendell, president of the WRBA, said he appreciated their outreach by coming, but said he has not been satisfied by the level of communication since then, though HeartShare says they have been in constant email contact.

DOT study proves that residents should look both ways
Leader-Observer

Currently at the top of our agenda is an idea that has supporters and detractors, and that idea is speed cameras. The speed limit in New York City is 30 miles per hour. Residents of Woodhaven are fully aware that this law gets broken regularly on Woodhaven Boulevard and with disturbing frequency on Jamaica Avenue and other side streets.

Woodhaven residents upset over slow response to sewage issue
Queens Courier

Woodhaven residents want to know why it took so long to stop the sewage that was spewing into the streets of their neighborhood. At the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association March 16 meeting, several members inquired why the feces-ridden puddle continued to be a problem, considering how close it was to a nursery school.

Woman mauled by dogs in Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said the dogs were unknown to him, and he expressed concern about where the attack occurred — in the middle of the heavily residential area where people often walk. “It’s scary,” he said, noting how close the attack occurred to PS 60, where students were in class at the time of the incident.

Woodhaven Blvd., Danger To Pedestrians
Queens Tribune

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said that he was not surprised that Woodhaven Boulevard finished first in the report for Queens because it has long been a street that has been dangerous to pedestrians, especially for the elderly. “It’s a big, long boulevard and it’s as dangerous as it gets,” he said.

Our Success Is In Your Hands
Times Newsweekly

The large majority of what the WRBA accomplishes is the result of volunteers taking time out of their busy lives to focus on issues of importance to the community. We can’t do it on our own, though. We need our fellow residents’ help.

Woodhaven home no longer a stinky issue
Queens Chronicle

The house in Woodhaven that has been leaking raw sewage into the street for some time has been fixed. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said he saw the work being done last week and was happy the situation was resolved. But Wendell wants to meet with elected officials over the city’s response to the issue and a number of problems he saw. “It ain’t over,” Wendell added.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Woodhaven split irks civic
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association wants to unify the neighborhood — a difficult task when redistricting carves up the community. Members of the WRBA visited the TimesLedger Newspapers office last week, and among the topics discussed was the association’s distaste for the way Woodhaven was divided in the congressional and state Senate redistricting.

Woodhaven Blvd. nets worst road designation
Times Ledger

“It’s never good to wake up and learn you live near the deadliest road,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “But it really is not a surprise.” Wendell said the safety of pedestrians routinely comes up at these meetings and he believes there are two important steps that officials can take to lower the fatalities.

Woodhaven library will have work done
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, reported the renovations on his blog. He lauded the Queens Library’s decision to open a temporary space in the basement. “Many times, while a library is being renovated, you need to make do with a mobile library,” Wendell wrote on his civic’s blog. “We are very fortunate to be able to keep a portion of the library open.”

Block Watchers: Looking out for Woodhaven
Queens Courier

They’re keeping an eye on your street. A representative from the Block Watchers, a citizens’ patrol initiative, informed and trained members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) at the civic group’s February 20 meeting. There are about 70 registered Block Watchers in the Woodhaven community thanks to the meeting.

Looking Out For Blocks In Wdhvn.
Times Newsweekly

Learning how to be extra sets of “eyes and ears” for local police was the focus of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting last Wednesday night, Feb. 20, as the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau provided instruction on the department’s Block Watchers program.

Broken sewage pipe soils Woodhaven street
Queens Courier

A broken pipe in Woodhaven has residents concerned about public safety after gushing water, rife with human waste, has soiled the corner of 85th Street and 88th Avenue. “It’s disgusting,” said Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) president Ed Wendell, who’s been tracking the problem for a few weeks now. Wendell and other WRBA members have contacted city agencies about the problem.

‘Guardian Angel’ Meets Vol. Patrol In Glendale
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association have taken advantage of the NYPD’s Block Watcher Program, in an effort to keep their community more informed and safe.

Beetle Search In Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

State and federal agencies have sent inspectors to Woodhaven to conduct searches for the Asian long-horned beetle, according to the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. The beetle is an invasive species that devastates trees. Official inspectors are going door-to-door, requesting access to the area around residences to determine whether nearby vegetation is harboring any Asian long-horned beetles.

Seeing The Good And The Bad
Times Newsweekly

The WRBA won’t just praise Woodhaven while turning a blind eye to its problems. Our view of our neighborhood is balanced. We want to hear about the bad things as much as we enjoy learning about the good things. In fact, we might be more aware of Woodhaven’s problems than most fellow residents, because so many of our neighbors call us when they have a problem.

Asian longhorned beetle search leaves Woodhaven doorbells ringing
Queens Chronicle

The USDA and state agents have been ringing doorbells in Woodhaven seeking access to backyards to look for evidence of the beetle. Ed Wendell, president of the WRBA, said he found out about the investigation from residents who called and complained about plain-clothed officers claiming to be from “the city” or “the Parks Department” asking for access to backyards to search for the beetle.

Slow on sidewalk sewage
Queens Chronicle

Many thanks to The Queens Chronicle and Associate Editor Domenick Rafter for highlighting the ongoing problem at 80-87 88 Ave. This is a health hazard to our residents as well as to the many children who attend the nursery school that abuts this property. This was a massive failure on many levels, and even after repairs are completed the residents of Woodhaven deserve answers on why this was handled so poorly.

Raw sewage spilling onto Queens block causing a stink among baffled neighbors
New York Daily News

“This is not your normal neighborhood complaint,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association. “Someone needs to step in and stop this. This is a serious public health hazard. It’s disgusting. It’s a complete failure that nobody has dealt with it.” Homeowners in the area said they are baffled by what steps to take next.

Woodhaven Residents Want to Bring Back Neighborhood Watch Program
DNAinfo

Woodhaven residents are hoping to bring back a neighborhood watch program to help fight crime and to improve the quality of life in the area. Members of Block Watchers programs are trained by the NYPD in how to detect suspicious behavior and activity. They are given Block Watcher identification and instructed how to give useful specifics when they report to the police.

Woodhaven home stinks up the joint
Queens Chronicle

The home at 80-87 88 Ave. in Woodhaven has been leaking raw sewage from a broken pipe on the side of the house for months and the problem appears to have only exacerbated. Now, the sewage has frozen into a dangerous sheet of yellow and brown ice along the sidewalk and in the street. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said the home has been a problem for a while.

New City Council District maps approved by Districting Commission
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, was resigned to the new district boundaries, which split Woodhaven down Forest Parkway and 80th Street, leaving the areas to the west in the 30th District — which includes Maspeth, Middle Village and Glendale on the other side of Forest Park — and the eastern two-thirds in the 32nd District, which includes Howard Beach and the Rockaways.

Commission OK’s 3rd Council Map
Queens Tribune

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association had petitioned the commission to put them in a single district and has expressed disappointment that it did not listen to their request. “The Districting Commission did the wrong thing, pure and simple,” WRBA Communications Director Alexander Blenkinsopp said. “They took a community that has shown that it is united and they instead split us apart.”

A nice little story about Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

These are the kind of things that aren’t supposed to be happening anymore. In a time where people supposedly don’t watch out or care for their neighbors, we heard one story after another that contradicted that belief. It was news that we were happy to hear and made us proud of our residents.

New City Council lines released; controversy remains
Queens Chronicle

“A majority of residents are going to be represented by a council member who never represented them before,” said Ed Wendell, president of the WRBA, who fought to have the neighborhood united. “It’s disappointing, but not surprising. Our case was very simple. We’re looking at it as a community point of view whereas there are other people who have other interests that they are protecting.”

There's Strength In Numbers
Times Newsweekly

According to the last census, Woodhaven’s population is approximately 39,000. That means that if we have 100 residents show up at one of our town halls, that’s only about two-tenths of one percent of Woodhaven’s population. Surely we can do better than that. That minuscule percentage shouldn’t be a reason for despair. Instead, it should be a reminder of how much potential Woodhaven has.

Wdhvn. Plea Is Unheeded
Times Newsweekly

“We’re extremely disappointed by the Districting Commission decision,” the WRBA’s Alex Blenkinsopp told the Times Newsweekly. “It is painfully obvious that our neighborhood should not be split. The block association made its case over and over, but our arguments were ignored.”

Final redistricting lines released
Queens Courier

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) opposed the December map, as the neighborhood would continue to be divided between two councilmembers. Members spoke out against the lines at a January 14 hearing. WRBA President Ed Wendell said he was disappointed, but realized at this point change probably would not have come.

Landmarking Carousel Could Make Operating Ride Difficult, Some Say
DNAinfo

Ed Wendell, the president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, said that his organization had been in favor of landmarking in the past, but wanted to make sure that the operator was not subjected to "restrictive guidelines of operating."

Neighborhood Opposes QueensWay Plans
Queens Tribune

No Way QueensWay made themselves publicly known for the first time at last week’s Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting to garner more support for their movement. The meeting served as the perfect platform for the group as the WRBA has also come out against both projects.

Keeping Woodhaven Wooded
Times Newsweekly

It’s called “Woodhaven” for a reason. This neighborhood has always been a very wooded one. The many trees lining our blocks and the acres of foliage in Forest Park are one of Woodhaven’s defining features. It is time for fallen trees across Woodhaven to be replaced, and for remaining trees to be looked after better than they have been.

New Web Site Opposes Building Queens High Line on Abandoned Railroad
DNAinfo

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association has also questioned the proposals. “One of their selling points was that it would bring a lot of people to the area,” said Ed Wendell, the association’s president, referring to the QueensWay. “But where are these people going to park?”

The residents of Woodhaven have spoken
Leader-Observer

A standing room only crowd of residents packed this month’s Woodhaven Residents' Block Association Town Hall meeting to vote on the Top Ten issues that we, as a community, should be focused on solving.

Not Everyone's So Crazy About The QueensWay
Gothamist

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association has raised issue with the increased need for parking the park would bring.

Cuomo's Elevated Ideas
The Architect's Newspaper

Not all community groups have taken sides on the future of the railroad. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association announced in October on its website that its members would not support either plan. Their list of grievances about the QueensWay includes concerns about high costs potentially imposed on residents, in addition to privacy and parking issues.

Using old-school approach to figure out modern problems in Woodhaven
New York Daily News

Woodhaven civic leaders took an old school approach to find out the most pressing problems in their neighborhood. Illegal conversions, noise and plans for the abandoned Rockaway rail line topped the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s first official straw poll. More than 75 people crowded into the group’s meeting last Saturday and cast their vote by dropping straws into drinking cups.

Cops Hunt Brazen Bike Thief
The Forum

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said there’s been a perception about the thief that he rides up from behind people on the sidewalk. “But it’s not just on the sidewalks,” Wendell said in an email statement. “People need to know that they have to be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Battle To Keep Areas Together
Times Newsweekly

“We just know that when we are divided, it weakens our position,” said Wendell, who noted that the commission’s original plan united the community in one Council District. Wendell implored the commission to give Woodhaven “a chance to show what we can do as a united community.”

Chips Down On Rail Line
Times Newsweekly

The ongoing debate over the future of a long-abandoned rail line and a straw poll on the issues to be addressed in the new year were the focus of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting last Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters.

Coward on the prowl in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

The issue of crime in our streets remains a top concern of the residents of Woodhaven and we appreciate all of the hard work the officers of the 102nd Precinct do to keep us safe from criminals like this. And the residents of Woodhaven are committed to helping the 102nd Precinct with that task by seeking out involvement with the NYPD’s Block Watcher Program.

Editorial: Woodhaven and Redistricting
Times Newsweekly

If we are ever going to have a government that’s truly “of the people, by the people and for the people,” we have to start by recognizing the importance of neighborhoods and giving them the proper and singular voice they need to properly function. Woodhaven residents are clamoring for one City Council member to represent them, and they’ve campaigned for it strongly. Let them get their wish.

Woodhaven Takes Fight to Districting Commission
Leader-Observer

“A neighborhood is defined by the people that live there. I live in Woodhaven, that is my neighborhood,” said Colin Bucca. “I moved there, I invested heavily there. And now with a wave of a pen, what I chose and what I decided to make my life is not what it was. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword; please, do not attack us with a deadly weapon.”

It’s back to the old redrawing board
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said he would not tell the commission why splitting Woodhaven in two was a bad idea. He didn’t have to. “What is a neighborhood? What is a community?” asked Colin Bucca, one of a handful of Woodhaven residents to speak. “It’s not numbers on a spreadsheet or lines on a map. It’s people.”

Residents Want Council Lines Redrawn
Queens Tribune

Residents of Woodhaven also came out and pleaded to the Commission to draw their neighborhood in one district. A previous version of the map had the majority of Woodhaven in Council member Elizabeth Crowley's (D-Middle Village) district, but the latest drawing has it once again split between Crowley and Councilman Eric Ulrich's (R-Ozone Park) district.

Woodhaven Squawks Over Redistricting
The Forum

Residents of Woodhaven came out in full force at Monday’s redistricting hearing in Long Island City to protest proposed district lines that divide the neighborhood into two different districts. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has been adamant about their opposition to a proposal that would again split Woodhaven into Councilman Eric Ulrich and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s districts.

Residents fight against redistricting division
Queens Courier

“This isn’t about which district we end up with, this isn’t about which representative we get,” said Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) President Ed Wendell. “We just know that when we’re divided, it weakens our position.”

Group gets grant to study Rockaway Land Line
Times Ledger

Following a special forum in Woodhaven in October at which QueensWay and transportation advocates presented opposing plans for the abandoned line, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association said it would not support either proposal.

Woodhaven's Year In Review
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association capped off an exceptionally successful year by recruiting dozens of residents to join the NYPD’s Block Watcher program, a Police Department initiative that trains residents to serve as supplementary eyes and ears for the local precinct.

Queensway plan gets boost from state, criticism from opponents
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association reiterated his group’s opposition to both ideas, preferring instead for it to be left as is with the city cleaning up overgrowth and litter. The WRBA endorsed leaving the rail line alone after overwhelming opposition from the residents.