Goldfeder Wants LIRR Line Restored
Queens Tribune

Ed Wendell, WRBA’s president, said that residents are uninspired by both plans and the reason why they haven’t supported either idea is because they feel that both will have negative effects on the area of Woodhaven that the land runs through the neighborhood, which is 98th Street. He said that both plans would affect quality of life and property values of homes in the area.

Queensway Project Gets Study Grant—Residents Have Mixed Reactions
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association has also come out in favor of the status quo and not doing anything with the abandoned tracks.

Working Girls of Woodhaven—Residents Say It's Been a Problem For Decades
The Forum

“The issue of working girls has been a problem off and on for a number of years,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. Wendell said that his group is “very plugged-in” and usually has its ears to the street, but they haven’t heard much lately on the issue.

2013 begins with a few battles for Woodhaven
Leader-Observer


The best way to protect and preserve our community is to treat this like a union. If something bothers one resident of Woodhaven, even if he or she lives clear across the neighborhood, it needs to bother you just as much and you need to be there for them. Then, down the road, they’ll return the favor when something bothers you. And if we always stick together there are not many Goliaths we can’t handle.

What Is Going On With City Council Redistricting? A Primer
Gotham Gazette

Activists in the Queens neighborhood of Woodhaven are worried because the current map proposal divides Woodhaven in two districts and places residents with Council members they have not necessarily worked with before. Residents of Woodhaven are looking to avoid what was the decade-long fate of Richmond Hill, a neighboring community that was split among four different Council districts.

An open letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo
Leader-Observer

I have an idea. I’ll do the feasibility study for you, and for a fraction of the price you’re shelling out right now. As a matter of fact, I’ll FOC it for you…as in “free of charge.” Won’t cost the taxpayers a penny and as a result you’ll get a beautiful “public greenway” for next to nothing. All you have to do is erect a nice new sign on the “Brooklyn-Queens Greenway,” call it the “QueensWay” and we’re good to go.

Queensway closer to reality
Queens Courier

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has not taken a position on either side, but instead thinks the city should address the years of neglect. Either project would misuse state funds and be disruptive to residents living around the area — effectively ruining the character of the neighborhood, said WRBA President Ed Wendell.

A look back at the year 2012 in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

It was a busy year for Woodhaven in 2012, but it was also a successful one, and we find ourselves ready for an equally busy 2013.

‘Queensway’ park plan gets a boost
Queens Chronicle

In October, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association came out against both plans after a meeting on Sept. 29, in which a number of residents who live on 96th Street, whose backyards face the abandoned line, expressed their opposition, with some even threatening to move.

United Front To Close the Divide
Times Newsweekly

Determined to convince the City Districting Commission to put their neighborhood within a single City Council district, members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) charted a course of action toward achieving that goal during their meeting last Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Woodhaven- Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

WRBA Calls for Woodhaven To Be in One District
The Forum

Woodhaven wants to be united. That’s what the members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association are saying about what was the proposed City Council redistricting map that will now be redrawn once again.

WRBA will keep up fight for unity
Queens Courier

In an attempt to keep the community in one piece, members and residents of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association said they plan on attending and speaking at the January 14, 2013 hearing on redistricting at Queensborough Community College.

St. Matthew's Church in Woodhaven may be landmarked
Queens Chronicle

The push to landmark the church, which was built during the 1920s, was reignited last month by Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, and is supported by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

Community in Need of Captains
Leader-Observer

The Block Captain program developed by the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association could pay off in an interesting way, as it puts us in a great position to take advantage of the NYPD’s Block Watcher program, a reinvention of an old program that they have been rolling out and testing in a few precincts over the past year.

Woodhaven Welcomes Santa Claus to Town
Leader-Observer

All of these great parade participants were cheered on by store and business owners that came out of their businesses, especially the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, to wave and applaud our hearty Woodhaven wonderful marchers.

A Surprisingly Tough Question
Times Newsweekly

Do you know where Woodhaven is? You might think the question is an easy one, but it’s remarkable how many New Yorkers couldn’t answer it. Woodhaven is misidentified and mixed up with other neighborhoods all the time. We at the WRBA try to make Woodhaven a great place to live and visit, so we should at least make sure you know where we are.

Santa Claus Comes To Town & Spreads Yuletide Cheer At Holiday Happenings
Times Newsweekly

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus served as grand marshals of the annual "Welcome Santa to Woodhaven Parade" along Jamaica Avenue last Saturday afternoon. Among those wishing the couple well were members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.

In The Air, There's A Feeling Of Christmas
Times Newsweekly

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale and the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association helped the developmentally disabled adults at the Forest Park Aktion Club enjoy some yuletide cheer at the Aktion Club's annual Christmas party, held on Dec. 8.

Holiday party for Aktion Club
Queens Chronicle

Assemblyman Mike Miller, along with the Kiwanis Clubs of Glendale, Lefferts-Liberty, and Queens Boulevard and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association sponsored a Christmas party for the members of the Forest Park Aktion Club.

Aktion Club Hosts Annual Holiday Party
Queens Gazette

Assemblymember Mike Miller, along with the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, Lefferts-Liberty, and Queens Boulevard; and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association sponsored a Christmas party for the members of the Forest Park Aktion Club. The Forest Park Aktion Club is a Kiwanis group for adults with developmental disabilities.

Forest Park Aktion Club Hosts Holiday Party; AM Mike Miller In Attendance
Long Island Exchange

Assemblyman Mike Miller, along with the Kiwanis Club and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, sponsored a Christmas party for the members of the Forest Park Aktion Club. The organization is run with the support of Independence Residences Inc., a local non-profit that assists in housing individuals with disabilities.

Panel Erases District Plan
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) objected to the redistricting proposal, charging that it not only kept the neighborhood split between two City Council districts, but also swapped the areas which they represented. News of the withdrawal of the commission’s final draft was welcomed by Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director of the WRBA.

WRBA Condemns City Council Redistricting Final Proposal
Queens Gazette

“The commission decided to throw Woodhaven under the bus. It should be embarrassed about how its final proposal treats our community,” stated WRBA Director of Communications Alex Blenkinsopp. “Now that the final decision is in the hands of the city council, we want all city councilmembers to know that a vote in favor of this gerrymander is a vote against Woodhaven.”

Toy drives for Sandy victims abound
Leader-Observer

Locally, there are a number of toy drives that you can donate to. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will be collecting toys at our office at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue on Friday, December 7, and all day, Saturday, December 8.

Woodhaven continues to be split in two
Leader-Observer

When the City Redistricting Commission began work on new Council Districts following the 2010 Census, the Woodhaven Resident's Block Association (WRBA) submitted a request that the neighborhood be represented by one council member. Unfortunately for the WRBA, the new proposed lines unveiled recently complicate things even further.

A Council redistricting body finds its way
Capital

Anger from civic groups in Woodhaven and Jamaica over the proposed Council redistricting.

Can Christine Quinn fix a Council map just by asking?
Capital

Another problem with the redistricting proposal: Woodhaven. Under the new plan, 80 percent of it would have to switch Council districts, said a local block association president.

New Council Maps Jeered
Times Newsweekly

Among the proposed City Council district maps' most vocal opponents from Queens has been the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which panned the plan at their Nov. 17 meeting and repeated their criticism in both an op-ed column in this week’s issue of the Times Newsweekly and a press release sent to this paper on Monday, Nov. 26.

Disappointed By Redistricting, Again
Times Newsweekly

It was a very unpleasant surprise when we at the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association saw the commission’s final proposed City Council district lines. Amazingly, the commission did the opposite of what we urged them to do.

City Council Districting Commission should try again: Speaker Christine Quinn
Queens Chronicle

Woodhaven, for example, would be split in two under the redistricting plan, with half of it being represented by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and half by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), something the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association does not want to see happen.

Woodhaven Community Group Blasts New City Council District Map
DNAinfo

Don't chop Woodhaven. That's the word from a community group outraged by a newly proposed revision to the City Council's district map, which would carve the neighborhood into three sections. Members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association condemned the redrawn map on Monday, arguing that the lines, released Nov. 16 by the city's Districting Commission, further divide a community that is already split in two.

New Council lines inflame Woodhaven
Times Ledger

A Woodhaven civic group is drawing a line in the sand, rejecting a proposed redistricting it says will split the neighborhood’s representation in the City Council. Representatives from the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association  planned to urge the commission to adopt its initial proposal, but instead the commission discarded its original plans and sliced Woodhaven into three parts spread over two districts.

City Council redistricting map arises anger, controversy among civic leaders
Queens Chronicle

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell is urging the Woodhaven’s two council members to reject the proposal when it comes before a vote in the City Council. “This is an opportunity for City Council Members — both our current representatives, as well as those who might want Woodhaven’s support in the future — to show whether they actually care about our community,” he said in a statement.

Second Round Of District Lines Are Far Worse Says Civic Group
Queens Politics

The WRBA is calling on Crowley and Ulrich to make good on their public commentary to unite Woodhaven into one coterminous City Council District.

News flash! People are caring all year long
Leader-Observer

At the November Town Hall meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, we were proud to present a check of $500 to Leonard Licata, president of the Glendale Kiwanis, accepting on behalf of the Aktion Club.  That gift came from the hearts of the residents of Woodhaven. It didn’t take a hurricane to prompt our residents to care; it didn’t take a disaster.

Woodhaven on redistricting: Send lines back to the drawing board
Queens Courier

The newest set of proposed city council district lines, set to take effect next year, have some Woodhaven residents upset that they might once again be split into two districts. The Woodhaven Residents Block Association has taken a stand against the proposed redistricting lines, saying they would split up the neighborhood and exhaust and overlap the efforts of city representatives.

Editorial: Rockaway Beach Branch of the LIRR
Times Newsweekly

One group, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, recently held a public hearing on both ideas. Based on the comments they received, they declined to support either the rail revitalization plan or the Queensway plan and suggested the city should maintain the line, but leave it be. The group claimed that “any change to the rail line, especially reactivating it, could have a considerable negative impact on many residents.”

Carving Up Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

In a reversal from its first draft, the final proposal for the realignment of City Council districts divides Woodhaven among two lawmakers, attendees learned at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) meeting last Saturday, Nov. 17. The session also included an overview of relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy as well as a discussion on how the group can prepare for future disasters.

Council Redistricting: Final Lines Draw Praise, Criticism
Queens Tribune

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association fumed that Woodhaven was split between Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s (D-Middle Village) districts, despite remaining only in one district in the draft map proposal.

Storm shows New Yorkers' soft side
Times Ledger

While the storm may have damaged property and destroyed basements, it could not break our resolve. We ran food, clothes, blankets and batteries — anything you could think of — to those affected. People came to my office with no car and no supplies, just looking to help out any way they could. I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone who pitched in. Locally, I’d personally like to thank the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, among other organizations.

Woodhaven civic group steps up to help storm victims
Times Ledger

When Mother Nature hit Queens with a devastating blow, residents banded together to heal the many wounds. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association stepped up to the plate once again for the victims of Hurricane Sandy while continuing to support those who remain in its wake.

Coming Together After The Storm
Times Newsweekly

The amount of support I have seen for those affected by the storm has been overwhelming. I’d personally like to thank the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association and other organizations that did their part in Sandy relief efforts.

The Recovery From Sandy Continues As Groups Lend Helping Hands
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (photo 2) held a “flashlight vigil” last Friday, Nov. 9, in honor of the storm victims, with all flashlights and batteries brought to the ceremony collected and donated to the ongoing relief effort.

Still Feeling The Effects Of Sandy
Times Newsweekly

Life is not back to normal in South Queens. Nearly two weeks after the storm, some Woodhaven residents were still grappling with outages to their electricity or telephones. Yet Woodhaven has also shown itself to be remarkably fortunate and generous.

Community Groups Resistant to Proposed 'Queens High Line' Project
DNAinfo

When it comes to the proposed "Queens High Line," online momentum is meeting real-world resistance. WRBA president Ed Wendell is calling for the city to clean up the lines. "The city is good at ticketing people for not putting out garbage properly. And here is a big massive piece of property that they have let rot for 50 years," he said. "Lead by example. That place is an eyesore, and it's been that way for so many years."

Together in adversity
Queens Chronicle

Within 48 hours of the storm leaving, my office was flooded with donations. Locally, I’d personally like to thank the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, the Glendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Glendale Kiwanis, the LegacyCenter, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, Zum Stammtisch Restaurant, the Teamsters, the Brooklyn Kitchen and all the other organizations that did their part. These organizations brought supplies and transportation vehicles to aid those that were affected.

Hurricane Sandy means changes for area residents
Leader-Observer

Our elected officials are now collecting, along with our Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, baby and adult diapers, nonperishable foods, batteries and hand wipes for Hurricane Sandy victims.

Woodhaven civic group steps up to help storm victims
Times Ledger

Mother Nature’s worst brought out the best in some of Woodhaven’s residents. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association said it was astounded by the tremendous generosity displayed by inhabitants following Hurricane Sandy’s destructive path.

A Long Road Back: Queens Pours Out Heart To Help Storm Victims
Times Newsweekly

Among the volunteers who participated in Sandy relief efforts were the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which sent truck and car loads of items to the needy.

Woodhaven Does Its Part
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) thanked neighborhood residents and friends for their tremendous generosity in supporting the organization’s Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. “The generosity of Woodhaven and of our friends has been overwhelming,” said WRBA President Edward K. Wendell.

Sandy flashlight vigil Friday
Queens Chronicle

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will host a flashlight vigil this Friday for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. After the vigil, members will donate the flashlights to the survivors. The vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9 at Jamaica Avenue and Forest Parkway, where the neighborhood’s iconic evergreen tree stood until it was destroyed in the hurricane last week.

Queens helps out during Sandy's aftermath
Leader-Observer

In Woodhaven, it was Assemblyman Mike Miller's Office and the Woodhaven Residents Block Association that contacted Woodhavenites to drop off clothing and canned food for our neighbors that are so destitute. It always has been said that when in need angels are sent to help, and they responded. People were lined up dropping off clothing, blankets, and canned goods. The generosity of our Woodhaven's “angels” continued with volunteers sorting, packing and transporting the collected items to the needy locations.

Block Association Thanks Woodhaven For Generosity During Hurricane Recovery
Queens Gazette

Due to the selflessness of Woodhaven’s residents and friends, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association was able to raise thousands of dollars, as well as nearly 50 carloads of clothes, food, water, and other supplies. Dozens of volunteers contributed numerous hours to sort, pack, and transport the donations, all of which went to Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Breezy Point, and other neighborhoods south of Woodhaven that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

Leave Rockaway Branch alone and let city clean it up
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association announces its official position on the defunct Rockaway Branch rail line, which runs along 98th Street in Woodhaven. The two leading proposals for the rail line are to return the tracks to use for an active train line, or to convert the route into a walkway and bike path dubbed The QueensWay.

How to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy
Queens Courier

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is collecting blankets, shirts, socks, sweaters, jackets, old sneakers, non-perishable food, pet food, cat food, dog food at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue.

Aid heads to Hurricane Sandy survivors
Queens Chronicle

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association also joined in on collecting supplies for residents affected south of the Belt Parkway and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) is also accepting donations.

Group rails against plans
Times Ledger

At a special forum in Woodhaven last month, two groups laid out opposing plans for the abandoned Rockaway rail line, while the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association said it would refrain from taking a position until further notice. But notice came last week and the WRBA decided to stay off the tracks and not support either plan for the rail line.

Senate Candidates Tussle At WRBA
Times Newsweekly

Two days after participating in a debate in Middle Village, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo and City Council Member Eric Ulrich went at it again in Woodhaven at a town hall forum during the Saturday, Oct. 20 meeting of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association at the Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The two lawmakers gave opening statements, then took questions from the crowd.

‘Queens high line’ faces Woodhaven opposition
Queens Chronicle

After sitting on the sidelines for a while and examining the proposals, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, representing a neighborhood through which a big portion of the right of way passes, has made a decision where to throw its support. “After carefully considering a multitude of viewpoints expressed by Woodhaven residents, the WRBA has decided not to support either of the proposals at this time,” the group said in a statement last week.

WRBA Opposes Both Track Plans
Queens Tribune

After a packed town hall meeting on Sept. 29, the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association decided that due to the noise and privacy concerns of Woodhaven residents who live near the tracks that pass by 98th Street, it would not endorse either proposal.

A 'Wonderful' Time In Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

Among the organizations that also participated in the festival was the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA), which offered t-shirts bearing the neighborhood’s 11421 ZIP code and recruited new members. Among those pictured below at the organization’s table were WRBA President Ed Wendell, Vice President Janet Chan-Smith, Communications Director Alexander Blenkinsopp and members Steven Forte and Arlene Annunziata.

Woodhaven Civic Supports Council Maps
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association has submitted testimony to the city’s Districting Commission praising the body's proposal for placing nearly all of Woodhaven within the same City Council district.

Reaching Every Corner Of Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

We at the WRBA recognize that our organization is so much more than its leadership, and that without a wide base of involved residents from every corner of our community, we will never be able to serve Woodhaven as effectively as we could. That is why we have made numerous efforts to reach out to all parts of Woodhaven—and why we will be ramping up that effort even more intensely in the coming year.

WRBA Says 'No' To Rail Plans
Times Newsweekly

Neither brand new rail service nor a bike path on the former Rockaway Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) are good alternatives for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which publicly announced its opposition to both ideas in a press release issued on Monday, Oct. 15.

Woodhaven civic likes redistricting
Queens Chronicle

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association submitted testimony to the Districting Commission praising the body’s proposal for placing nearly all of the community within the same City Council district. The WRBA testified in a written statement, following the Districting Commission meeting at LaGuardia Community College Oct. 10.

Jamaica Avenue hosts annual street fair
Queens Chronicle

Woodhaven Residents' Block Association members are joined by Assemblyman Mike Miller outside their office at the Woodhaven Street Fair.

Woodhaven Holds Annual Street Festival
The Forum

Members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association had their own table set up at the street festival this past Sunday. They sold t-shirts that read “WDHVN 11421.”

Wonderful Woodhaven Street Fest: 32 years of success
Leader-Observer

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, was selling t-shirts and books about the history of Woodhaven. The goal wasn't just making a few dollars for the nonprofit civic group, though, it was also letting the community know that the group is here to help.

Done Deal?
Queens Courier

At the recent Woodhaven meeting hosted by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, the turnout by the community was impressive. Those community members who arrived and had taken no position to either have a nature walkway or revival of the LIRR certainly decided after the presentations were made.

WRBA Supports City Council Redistricting Proposal
Queens Gazette

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has submitted testimony to the city Districting Commission, praising the body’s proposal for placing nearly all of Woodhaven within the same City Council district. “We are firmly in favor of the way the Districting Commission’s Preliminary Draft Plan unites nearly all of Woodhaven. It is a huge step forward,” the WRBA states in its testimony.

Working To Keep Woodhaven United
Times Newsweekly

When it comes to redistricting, 2012 has been very busy, with mixed results for Woodhaven. City Council redistricting has received less attention than the other line-drawing processes, but the stakes are still high for Woodhaven. Our experiences with redistricting at the state and congressional levels underscore how important it is for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association to fight for its neighborhood’s interests when it comes to the City Council lines too.

Woodhaven block almost returns to 'Hell'
Leader-Observer

The volunteer members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association were not going to be satisfied until the residents of 90th Street were satisfied. In that regard, we are very much like a union. We hope that our efforts have brought some much deserved relief to these neighbors of ours. We hope they feel like 90th Street is theirs again.

Round 2 of Rail Debate
Times Newsweekly

A forum on the future of the Rockaway Beach Branch of the Long Island Rail Road packed the Queens Tabernacle in Woodhaven on Saturday, Sept. 29 with local residents eager to loudly voice their opinions. Sponsored by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, the forum featured two speakers: John Rozankowski, a Bronx community activist pushing for the line to be used once again for mass transit; and Andrea Crawford, the chairperson of Community Board 9 and an advocate into transforming the line into a public park dubbed the “Queensway.”

Civic weighs park and rail plan
Times Ledger

Many of the residents attending the forum, held by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association at Queens Tabernacle, at 86-03 96th St., voiced their concerns about a revived rail. Some cited train noise, while others questioned what train vibrations would do to the structural integrity of the older houses in the area.

The Great Debate: Revived Train Line or Bike Trail
The Forum

QueensWay and rail line advocates got to present their side of the coin at a public forum held at the Queens Tabernacle on 96th Street in Woodhaven. The meeting was put on by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and was primarily centered on Woodhaven residents getting their chance to hear both presentations and vocalize their questions and concerns about each proposal and how both would affect their daily life.

Problems return to Woodhaven home
Queens Chronicle

WRBA President Ed Wendell said in September that the owner has been out of contact for a long time and neighbors did not know who he is or where he lives. City records show the owner is a man by the name of Hector Sanchez and that he has received repeated violations from the city due to the situation at the house, but has done nothing to alleviate it.

Vandals strike cars, wall in Lindenwood
Queens Chronicle

In Woodhaven, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association implemented a plan this summer that resulted in cleaning the neighborhood’s mailboxes. WRBA President Ed Wendell said he wanted to use noticeable patterns, such as which mailboxes are hit most often or similar tags in different locations, to help the police catch and arrest vandals.

Woodhaven holds forum on LIRR line
Queens Chronicle

In realizing the potential and effect both a QueensWay or a reactivated rail line could have on the neighborhood, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association held a forum on Saturday afternoon at the Queens Tabernacle, where supporters of both plans pitched their ideas to the community.

Farewell to Joe Virgona
Leader-Observer

His name was Joe Virgona and he loved his family, his country, his church and his community. Whenever you spoke with Joe, you were assured that you’d end the conversation in a better mood than you were in when it started. Joe was a good man and an important part of Woodhaven.

Residents Consider New Rail Options
Queens Tribune

Woodhaven residents packed the Queens Tabernacle on Sept. 29 for a forum hosted by the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association to voice their opinions about what should be done about the abandoned rail tracks in their backyards. Two distinct proposals, at odds with each other, were offered for residents to consider, though many stuck to the belief that the tracks should be left alone.

Residents debate future of rail line
Leader-Observer

While local residents seemed to be on the fence about converting the inactive Rockaway Rail Line into a park, most seemed to be sure about one thing—they didn’t want to reactivate it. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association hosted a public forum on Sept. 29 to give people a chance to discuss the issue.

Mocker update on inactive railway debate
WPIX 11

There was a hot neighborhood meeting about whether to convert the inactive railway tracks into a High Line. About a 150 people in Woodhaven heard both sides. We're going to hear a lot more about this.

QueensWay vs. LIRR debated at public forum
Queens Courier

As the fate of the land that was once the Rockaway Beach rail line remains uncertain, residents of the area are divided between a nature walkway and revival of the LIRR. At a public forum on Saturday, September 29, hosted by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, there were advocates for the QueensWay and for the reinstatement of the LIRR line.

What to do with abandoned railroad tracks in Queens?
WPIX 11

There will be a meeting Saturday at Queens Tabernacle in Woodhaven where everybody can get out there and talk about it, because it will come down to what the community wants to support.

QueensWay supporters and opponents to face off at forum
New York Daily News

“We have not taken a position on this yet,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which is hosting the meeting at 1 p.m. at the Queens Tabernacle, 86-03 96th St. “We want to hear from the residents who are going to be affected the most.”

Fate of defunct Queens rail tracks to be debated
Queens Courier

The future of 50-year defunct rail tracks that run from Rego Park to the Jamaica Bay will be debated on Saturday, September 29 at a public forum hosted by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association.

Carousel Could Receive Landmark Status
The Forum

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) said that land marking the carousel would be a first for New York City, because the carousel isn’t a tradition building. “Everybody knows that it is a one of a kind carousel,” said Crowley, speaking at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting earlier this month. “It truly is a work of art and we want it to stay here serving our community.”

Sisters Honored At WRBA Dinner
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association held its annual dinner dance on Friday, Sept. 21. At the event, Sister Catherine Feeny accepted a proclamation on behalf of her fellow sisters from Notre Dame Educational Center.

Teens breach sealed Queens house
Times Ledger

“Neighbors heard the young men come back shouting, cursing and bemoaning that it had been sealed,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Block Association. “The next thing they heard was a giant crash. Cinder blocks are good, but not when the cement is still wet.”

Woodhaven meeting on Rockaway railbed set
Times Ledger

This meeting has been organized by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. Its members are reaching out to ensure the residents’ opinions and concerns in the decision of the restoration are heard. This meeting will give them the opportunity to voice their views on each proposal, since they have not taken a formal stance.

Celebrating a productive year for WRBA
Leader-Observer

A sellout crowd gathered at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant last Friday for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s annual dinner dance and fundraiser. We had a terrific slate of honorees and celebrated a successful year for the WRBA.

'Queens High Line' to be Debated at Hearing
DNAinfo

The future of the potential Queens High Line will be up for debate at a public hearing on Sept. 29. The hearing is sponsored by the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.

Continuing The Battle Against Abandoned Homes
Times Newsweekly

The WRBA is working hard to combat the problem of vacant homes, and we’re pleased our recent town hall served as a forum to discuss some of the root causes. Now we hope to help our elected officials in their effort to ensure that all homeowners, including financial institutions, cooperate with the NYPD in safeguarding vacant houses.

Bad neighbors top issue list in 102nd
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association backed DeLeon’s assertion that the summer had been quieter than usual. “I can confirm concerning noise complaints that we had a good summer this year,” he said. Wendell did bring to the precinct’s attention an apartment building in Woodhaven where violence and drugs have been a problem.

WRBA to hold rail line forum
Queens Chronicle

The debate over what to do with the defunct Rockaway Beach Long Island Rail Road line has fallen into two major camps—those who want to restore service and those who want to turn it into a green space. The future of the line is a key issue for Woodhaven, for which the right of way serves as a border with Richmond Hill and runs just behind people’s homes. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will host a forum for Woodhaven residents on the rail line on Saturday. Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

Stolen wallet restores faith in Woodhaven community
Leader-Observer

Over the past few years, with the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, we’ve spoken to residents who have been victims of robbery, but it’s entirely different when it happens to you.

WRBA Discusses Abandoned Home At Their Latest Meeting
The Forum

The Woodhaven squatter house on 90th Street that has received a lot of attention from the news media was a big topic at this month’s Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting. Civic members, local officials and community members all discussed the past problems at the property and how to combat a similar problem like that one in the future if it happens again.

Woodhaven Eyes Abandoned Line
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven residents will get the opportunity to provide their input regarding the proposed reuse of the long-abandoned Rockaway Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) during a forum sponsored by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 29.

Woodhaven house of horrors finally sealed by city
New York Daily News

That the three-story house remained open for more than a year after the tragic slaying was an “utter failure,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. “That place should been sealed before they had the candlelight vigil,” he said. “This one was a no-brainer.”

'House of Horrors' still a problem in Woodhaven
Queens Courier

Some people in Woodhaven are still worried about what has been labelled the “House of Horrors.” Residents voiced continued concerns at the September meeting of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association about the house at 87-19 90th Street, where last year an 18-year-old was murdered.

Crazy Squatters Finally Barred From Abandoned House
WPIX 11

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, said it took the street away from residents. "They couldn't come out and sit on their porches," he said. "And thanks to you and other people shining a big light on this problem, we're seeing a lot of progress."

Neighbors say shut house
Times Ledger

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Block Association, said he worries if the house is not dealt with the neighborhood could see a repeat performance of the senseless murder that took place there more than a year ago. “All of the ingredients for a repeat tragedy are in place,” he said.

One-Armed Woodhaven Thief Arrested
The Forum

WRBA president Ed Wendell said that the civic is elated that the bandit was caught and the camera that the residents had outside their house played a huge role in leading to Peralta’s arrest almost two months after it occurred. “It really points out the importance of home surveillance cameras,” he said.

Squatters Driven From Woodhaven House
The Forum

Woodhaven Residents Block Association president, Ed Wendell, said that the organization was happy with the swift response that the city had in boarding up the house and that they will look into how a situation like an abandoned house can be treated in the future.

City seals problem house in Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, wondered how no trespassing charges were filed against the organizers of the 2011 party or any other party that the police have dispersed at the house since. The house is a part of the reason Wendell has undertaken a project to identify and report any abandoned home in the neighborhood and get ahead of any other possible problems.

Good guys get a break
Leader-Observer

Sometimes, the good guys get a win. Such was the case last week when it was announced that a crook was apprehended. The brazen thief struck around 6 p.m. on Monday, July 23, near 94th Street and 86th Avenue, opening a front gate, calmly walking up the steps and making off with a package that a UPS Driver had dropped off just moments before.

Queens tops city in illegal conversions
Queens Courier

Many neighborhoods throughout the borough are speckled with complaints against residences they believe may be unlawfully harboring multiple families. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said his organization receives several calls each month regarding illegal conversions. “If you walk by a two-family house and they have 17 satellite dishes, you know there’s a problem,” he said.

Two Arrested for Graffiti in Woodhaven
The Forum

According to the 102 Precinct Community Affairs Officer Jose Severino, two males were arrested on Thursday, August 30, for graffiti found on several mailboxes in Woodhaven. Severino said the WRBA’s work of keeping track of the graffiti in the area helped in finding other graffiti cases related to those tags.

Facing The Problem Of Abandoned Homes
Times Newsweekly

There are not many abandoned houses in Woodhaven, but those that do exist are a significant problem deserving our community’s attention. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has fought hard against quality-of-life problems in our neighborhood. So we’re not minimizing those problems when we say that abandoned houses represent more than a quality-of-life issue. They represent a clear threat to safety in our neighborhood.

What has changed in 18 months?
Leader-Observer

Eighteen months after Anthony Collao's fatal beating, all of the ingredients for a repeat tragedy are in place. The house at 87-19 90th Street is still abandoned, occupied by squatters. Local residents say that the two men who threw the original party are still living at the house, which has been the scene of recent police activity, including an arrest for drug possession.

Many Woodhaven mailboxes stay graffiti free
Queens Courier

They delivered for you. Much of the graffiti that littered the blue or green mailboxes in Woodhaven has been painted over, and the boxes have stayed clean for the most part, said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

39th Annual Park Fair
Leader-Observer

Organizations such as the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association and the Richmond Hill Block Association are the eyes and ears of their respective communities; the boots on the ground. What happens in our neighboring communities does, in fact, impact our lives.  So on Saturday, September 8, take the family out to support our good neighbors to the east, enjoy some great food, take the kids on some rides, and enjoy a wonderful day.

Graffiti Cleanups
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association is making a difference in the community by regularly taking to the streets and painting over graffiti-vandalized mailboxes.  Two months ago, close to 60 percent of mailboxes in Woodhaven were tagged.  Today 96 percent of Woodhaven's mailboxes are clean and we hope to get that up to 100 percent on our next cleanup mission.

Keeping Another Eye On Our Community
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven needs NYPD surveillance cameras. Time and again, cameras have proved helpful in solving crimes in our community and providing the police with valuable evidence. The people of Woodhaven are simply asking for the same protection that other communities have received. We could use an NYPD Argus unit—and you don’t need a high-powered camera to see that.

Carousel Rides For Charity
Times Newsweekly

Locals took an evening ride on the Forest Park Carousel last Friday, Aug. 17 for a fund-raiser for the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Among those pitching in were Vance Barbour and President Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association.

State Assembly Candidates State Their Case at WRBA
The Forum

With the September state primaries on the horizon, a current state assemblyman and his challenger looked to persuade community members and voters as to why they should represent them in Albany at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting on Saturday, August 18. Assemblyman Michael Miller and his challenger, Etienne David Adorno, both spoke at the block association meeting, which was the first time both candidates discussed their candidacies at the same public event.

Graffiti hits vans on Sutter Avenue
Queens Chronicle

Southern Queens had been hit with a rash of graffiti vandals recently, leading some to declare war over the quality of life issue. In Woodhaven, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association went to battle with vandals who tag mailboxes in the neighborhood, seeking to repaint every one and working to identify a pattern for repeat offenses to make it easier to catch graffiti vandals.

What makes a community
Leader-Observer

You aren’t going to find a caring community sitting in your living room.  You need to make that leap of faith and reach out to your community. Get involved. Looking for a place to start? Try the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. Visit our website at woodhaven-nyc.org and read up on the things we care about. Reach out to us and you will find people who care. And you’ll find yourself caring about your community just a little bit more.

Block association focuses on upcoming elections
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association was business as usual, including discussions for improvements on graffiti clean-up, fundraisers and catching a one-armed thief. However, guest speakers made the meeting an important time to discuss upcoming elections.

Woodhaven rezoning vote protects area
Times Ledger

“This assures people that the character of our neighborhood is going to continue,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. “It also encourages people to come in and invest in the neighborhood because they know what it’s going to look like many years down the road.”

Failed Street Change Tells Long Tale
Queens Tribune

In the case of altering 84th Street, a proposal struck down by Community Board 9 in March and later abandoned by the DOT, records now show that flipping the direction of the street drew close interest beyond the DOT.

Business at the Carousel Booming Since Its Reopening
The Forum

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said that he has heard a positive response from people in the neighborhood. “A lot of people will tell us when they’ve been over there,” he said. Wendell added that he think he’ll hear more stories of people visiting the carousel once they add more rides to the surrounding area.

Motorcyclists Continue Disturbance in Forest Park
The Forum

Attendees at recent concerts at the Forest Park band shell have been irked by motorcyclists riding through the parking lot and street area while the shows has been in progress. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block association, recalled one specific incident during an Irish Night concert back in June of this year.

National Night Out Against Crime
Leader-Observer

Each of these communities has their own civic groups that are there, not just for residents to complain about what ails them, but for those who wish to contribute to the betterment of their community. And it is important, now more than ever, that people of all makes and models come together to turn that from being wishful thinking into welcome reality.

Woodhaven Grapples With Graffiti
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has been hard at work this summer cleaning up graffiti. We’re focusing on mailboxes and fire call boxes, which are inviting targets for vandals. We have made it our goal to keep them clean and to repaint them as often as necessary. During our meetings and clean-up sessions, we’ve received many questions about our efforts. Here are answers to the most common ones.

Woodhaven Residents' Block Association Seeks Neighborhood Help To Catch a Thief
The Forum

Ed Wendell, president of the WRBA, hopes the attention will make the suspect turn himself in. “The best ending would be if this guy sees his face plastered all over the place and says, ‘I think I’m better off turning myself in.’”

Woodhaven residents wage war on mailbox graffiti by cleaning it off to lure vandals to strike again
New York Daily News

Fed up with mailbox graffiti, Woodhaven residents created a unique plan to brush out the unwanted art. Members of the Woodhaven Neighborhood Block Association employed a new comprehensive mapping method to combat the old problem of graffiti. Residents said they also found a new community zeal in the program that aimed to map every United States Postal Box in the neighborhood, brush over graffiti, and monitor when the culprit strikes next.

One-armed bandit swipes package from Qns. home
New York Post

He only needed one hand to pull off this heist! A one-armed bandit was caught on camera swiping a package from a Woodhaven home, cops and residents said. "It appears that he has one arm, I’d bet money on it. I think that it would help narrow it down," said Edward Wendell, 47, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. "We hope this person is caught! This was a quirky crime, and the fact that it was caught on video is great."

One-armed bandit caught on tape in Queens
Fox 5 NY

A UPS delivery was swiped off a stoop in the Woodhaven section of Queens by a man who appeared to have only one arm. The Woodhaven Residents Block Association posted surveillance video of the one-armed bandit in action.

One-armed bandit strikes in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

If a crime like this happens to you, report it to the police and to your local civic group, the WRBA. It is important that we share this information with each other and, as a community, remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings. Remember: silence is the thief’s best friend.

Woodhaven Asks For Help Catching A Thief
Queens Gazette

A recent theft in Woodhaven was caught on camera, and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) is confident that someone will recognize the thief and help bring him to justice. The culprit appears to have only one arm.

One-Armed Bandit Sought for Stealing Package in Queens
DNAinfo

Woodhaven residents are asking for the public's help in finding a one-armed man who was caught on tape swiping a package from the porch of a neighborhood home.

Package thief wanted in Woodhaven
Queens Courier

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) is seeking the public’s help in catching a one-armed thief who stole a package off a resident’s porch near 94th Street and 86th Avenue.

Woodhaven Residents Rid Their Streets Of Graffiti
NY1 News

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association doesn't like the message graffiti sends about their neighborhood. So they're working to fix that -- one stroke at a time. "We tried to get out here and clean everything up, and hopefully we can stop it," said WRBA Vice President Janet Chan-Smith.

Op Ed: Reclaiming our streets
Queens Courier

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association recently took to the streets of our community to paint green and blue mailboxes as well as red fireboxes. By no means are we claiming to have won the war. But we are actively engaged in the battle and feel good about our chances. Why? Because we are able to go out and proudly paint in broad daylight, unafraid of getting arrested. When we remove criminals’ tags from public property, we are literally reclaiming our streets.

New Zones Protecting Homes
Times Newsweekly

“This is great news for our community,” said Alexander Blenkinsopp, communications director of the WRBA, in an email to the Times Newsweekly on Tuesday, July 31. He added that the organization “has long supported the rezoning. The residences we have in Woodhaven are a major part of our neighborhood’s character and feel. This new plan will help ensure Woodhaven does not suffer dramatic and detrimental changes from overdevelopment. We thank [the Department of] City Planning for their work to make rezoning a reality.”

Woodhaven Cleaning Up: Civic Tackles Noise Polluters, Graffiti
Times Newsweekly

Recent campaigns to combat noise pollution and graffiti vandalism around Woodhaven and plans for the creation of a group home for developmentally disabled adults in the neighborhood were hot topics during the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting last Friday night, July 27.

Woodhaven's war on vandals escalates
Queens Chronicle

On July 14, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and neighborhood volunteers cleaned graffiti from every mailbox in the eastern portion of the neighborhood. Using a map he created, WRBA President Ed Wendell and his team of volunteers set out and painted over graffiti on every tagged mailbox between Woodhaven Boulevard and the Richmond Hill border.

Night Out Against Crime is Tuesday
Queens Chronicle

Richmond Hill’s 102nd Precinct will set up at Buddy Monument, located at Park Lane South and Myrtle Avenue, at the entrance to Forest Park, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and Wendy Browne, president of the Richmond Hill Block Association, will speak.

Woodhaven Residents' Block Association Combats Noise and Graffiti
The Forum

Cops in Woodhaven say they’re tightening enforcement on noise complaints, and residents are running their own crackdown on graffiti.

Council approves new zoning rules
Queens Chronicle

“This will hopefully encourage some development along the avenue and protect some of our homes,” Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association said. The section of Jamaica Avenue east of Woodhaven Boulevard into Richmond Hill is economically stagnant and has thrived less in recent years than the more bustling section west of the boulevard.

Road repair causes co-op parking woes
Queens Chronicle

There was also some confusion over whether or not residents could utilize the parking lot at Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, a short walk to the co-ops. Originally, they were told they could not use it, which surprised Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

Residents are using mailboxes to fight graffiti war
PIX 11 News

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association has been proactive in cleaning up graffiti.  WRBA President Ed Wendell says the group is committed to wiping out tags for good.

WRBA reveals honorees for 2012 dinner
Leader-Observer

This year’s celebration will take place on Friday, September 21, at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant, which is located at 62-96 Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park. Each ticket to the fundraiser is $65 and includes a four-course dinner with wine and beer.

Uphill battle in Woodhaven fight against graffiti
Queens Courier

On a recent rainy Saturday afternoon, Ed Wendell stopped the car every few blocks to inspect one of the graffiti-covered mailboxes in his neighborhood. If untagged, he and fellow Woodhaven Residents Block Association member Alex Blenkinsopp felt it a small victory. If retagged, Wendell rolled down the window, despite the raindrops, and snapped a picture of the graffiti on the box.

Refurbished Forest Park Carousel enjoys a summer rebirth as crowds rediscover ‘jewel’
New York Daily News

“As much as we wanted the carousel just to be open again, it was more important to see it entrusted to people who would care for it as much as we did,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “Two months into their stewardship, we’re happy to say that this is the case.”

Remembering Dario Paiva
Times Newsweekly

Monday, July 30, marks two years since the death of Woodhaven resident Dario Paiva. Dario was fatally stabbed at the 85th Street-Forest Parkway J train station. He was 27 years old. His loss was a real tragedy for his family, his friends, and the Woodhaven community. Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turn slowly. We are still waiting for those responsible to be held to account.

Vanilla Ice to renovate Woodhaven couple's backyard
Queens Courier

Alex Blenkinsopp, vice president of the WRBA, and a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, has known Pavon since he was a child. “It was terrific news to find out that he and his wife won this contest. It couldn’t have happened to anyone nicer,” said Blenkinsopp.“I agree completely with Vanilla Ice. Woodhaven is a warm and inviting neighborhood.”

Richmond Hill Feeling The Heat
Queens Tribune

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, did not agree that a lack of cooling centers was a pressing issue for the Woodhaven community. He expressed concern that Carey did not speak with him about the letter. “Our office fields a lot of complaints but we’ve rarely heard complaints about cooling centers,” Wendell said. “I’m not saying it’s not a problem, I don’t want to minimize it, but there are a lot of other issues.”

The Fight Vs. Graffiti Goes Small With Big Results
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association fired a new salvo in its ongoing war against graffiti this past weekend. Accompanied by Assemblyman Mike Miller, volunteers hit the streets of Woodhaven with cans of paint, turning a segment of Woodhaven from 44-percent tagged to 100-percent graffiti free.

At The Center of It All
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven is a great neighborhood in its own right. But part of what makes it truly exceptional is how close it is to so many other terrific sites and neighborhoods. Perhaps the most underrated—and seldom-mentioned—positive feature of Woodhaven is how well-located it is.

Woodhaven declares war on mailbox graffiti
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, spent four hours driving down every street in his neighborhood making a note of how many mailboxes were bombed with graffiti.

Heat wave help
Leader-Observer

Over the past 10 days, as temperatures remained steady in the mid to upper 90s, the streets of Woodhaven have been under water as residents desperate for relief open hydrants to cool off. However, they should be aware that opening hydrants can be a danger to themselves and others and should heed recently issued warnings from the Department of Environmental Protection.

And the Survey Says...
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association recently surveyed their entire neighborhood and found that out of 77 mailboxes, both green and blue, 44 of them (or 57 percent) had been tagged by graffiti vandals. “Some of these mailboxes were painted over just a few weeks ago as part of our graffiti cleanup. We’re going to have to be just as persistent as the vandals,” said WRBA President Edward Wendell.

One month operating, carousel is booming
Queens Chronicle

“They seem to be making a lot of the really good, smart moves,” said Ed Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association.“That gives me the confidence that they’re going to be there long term.”

The Case For Using 311
Times Newsweekly

Nobody likes to wait on hold, or to navigate an automated menu on the telephone. As a result, many people have been scared away from using 311. Do not be one of those people.

A Beautiful Day For A Block Party In Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association held its first annual block party last Saturday, June 23 at the Forest Park picnic grove.

An old-fashioned Woodhaven block party
Leader-Observer

The residents of Woodhaven gathered at the picnic area in Forest Park on Saturday for the first annual Woodhaven Block Party.

Block party in Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association and the Woodhaen-Richmond Hill Kiwanis are holding a block party at the Picnic Grove in Forest Park on Saturday, June 23.

Do you agree that #nycisbroken?
Leader-Observer

For those of you unfamiliar with Twitter, you can attach “tweets” that cover a similar theme with a "hashtag" so that they are grouped together and others can find them easily. And we encourage residents of Woodhaven (and other neighborhoods) to vent a little and shed light on the ways they feel that New York City is broken.

As elections heat up, concerns over new districts
Queens Courier

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said divvying up Woodhaven has made it hard for the advocacy group to direct residents to the right representative. “We’re the only Queens portion of that [district],” he said. “So obviously there’s concern there – we’ve been split apart from Queens.”

Supporting Code Quest
Times Newsweekly

You don’t need to live in Glendale to recognize it is a distinct community that deserves its own ZIP code. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s t-shirt proudly features our 11421 ZIP code. Woodhaven residents love these shirts—they sold like hotcakes—because they display something we all have in common that is also unique to us. I hope Glendale will soon be able to enjoy 11384 the same way Woodhaven enjoys 11421.

With or without convention center, a push to revive Rockaway LIRR
Queens Courier

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said while the railway could be a good idea, the community would have to have its say once plans were drawn up. Wendell had been hopeful the line would be back, but with the news of the convention center plans shutting down he said it’s now less likely.

WRBA to host second annual yard sale
Leader-Observer

If you are planning a yard sale this summer, please hold off and have it that weekend and be part of a larger neighborhood-wide sale. Call our office at 718-296-3735 and leave your name and a way to contact you, or email us at info@woodhaven-nyc.org. Let us know if you are doing just the one day (if so, which one) or the whole weekend (both Saturday and Sunday).

Star of Queens: Alexander Blenkinsopp
Queens Courier

Alex Blenkinsopp is the director of communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA). "When I joined the WRBA in 2009, I hoped to give something back to my community. Through the Block Association, I met many people who had the same goal. Our successes the past few years show that a group of passionate, generous residents can make a real difference in the character of a neighborhood."

Have Patience
Queens Tribune

The folks at NY Carousel have done a remarkable job considering how little time they had to get everything up and running for the holiday weekend. Keep in mind that the deal was struck less than a month ago. The fact that it was open at all was a small miracle.

Red Rover, Red Rover
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association along with the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Kiwanis is sponsoring a Block Party at the Forest Park Picnic Grove near the bandshell on June 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will be serving free hot dogs (while supplies last), but residents are encouraged to bring their own food as well, just like they used to do at the old-fashioned block parties you used to see around Woodhaven.

Police search for Richmond Hill rapist
Queens Chronicle

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has printed flyers with the police drawing of the alleged attacker, and members are distributing them throughout the area.

Our Beloved Carousel I
Queens Chronicle

Looking at the big picture, we at the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association welcome NY Carousel to our long and continuing relationship with the Forest Park Carousel. We’re very happy with the progress they have made so far, particularly the removal of the “prison-style” bars, which kept anyone watching the carousel distant and apart from the action.

Police Seek Richmond Hill Rapist
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has been getting the message out to residents in both Woodhaven and Richmond Hill. The civic group produced a flyer and has asked for help in distributing it on its Facebook page.

Forest Park Carousel opens after three-year hiatus
Times Ledger

Earlier this month, the Woodhaven Residents Block Association announced after an aggressive letter-writing campaign that Parks had selected a new operator for the famed attraction, which had been shuttered in the park’s west side since 2008.

Graffiti Plan's 'Gonna Fly Now'
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven’s fight against graffiti was captured by Woodhaven Residents Block Assocation cameras as part of a plea to get neighbors on the phone to 311 at the civic group’s Wednesday, May 23 meeting at Emaunel United Church of Christ.

DSNY Should Let Residents Help Them Fight Litterbugs
Times Newsweekly

You see a crime in progress. You photograph it. The pictures are perfectly clear what’s happening and who’s responsible. You share the photographic evidence with law enforcement. You expect them to do something with that evidence. Right? Well, if the Department of Sanitation is the agency in question, you’d be wrong.

Carousel tops talk at WRBA
Queens Chronicle

Many issues were addressed at last Wednesday’s Woodhaven Block Association meeting, including the reopening of the Forest Park carousel, area sanitation issues on Jamaica and Atlantic Avenues, and the installation of speed humps on a few Woodhaven streets.

Finally! Forest Park Carousel reopens
Queens Courier

“Just in that initial first couple of days, seeing a new generation coming in and having their first ride and having their first experience was wonderful,” said Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, of the more than 100-year-old ride. “We’re just traveling through; the carousel will hopefully be here for a very long time.”

Forest Park Carousel has triumphant return
Leader-Observer

Councilman Eric Ulrich commended the WRBA and Community Board 9 for advocating on behalf of the carousel, calling the reopening "another example of the community working with elected officials and the city, proving that we can accomplish great things when we work together."

Civic announces honorees for fundraiser
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association has announce the honorees for its 41st annual fundraiser, which will take place on Friday, September 21, at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant.

The Case For Using 311
Times Newsweekly

Nobody likes to wait on hold, or to navigate an automated menu on the telephone. As a result, many people have been scared away from using 311. Do not be one of those people.

Spring Cleanings On Their Weekend To-Do List
Times Newsweekly

Members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association are pictured in the bottom photo outside their Jamaica Avenue office before they embarked on a graffiti cleanup of their neighborhood.

Candidates promise to focus on Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

Alex Blenkinsopp, of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and Community Board 9, told Dilan the WRBA has repeatedly tried to contact his office about the murder, but has never received a response. Dilan did not reply to the complaint that his office was unresponsive, but he did say he will keep on top of the 75th Police Precinct to arrest Rosario’s killer.

Forest Park Carousel opens for new generation
New York Daily News

Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, who started an aggressive campaign to re-open the carousel, said he is convinced the new operators will take good care of the carousel. “Today, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief,” he said.

Woodhaven fights graffiti
Leader-Observer

This past weekend over a dozen volunteers hit the streets and painted over more than 75 incidents of graffiti vandalism in Woodhaven.

A sad situation but Woodhaven is still safe
Leader-Observer

People reacted to a sad recent event by saying that Woodhaven "has changed." A lot of these people are looking at the past with nostalgia-tinged glasses. But if you feel differently, if you look at our neighborhood and feel despair, there's no better prescription for your ills than to become involved.

CB 9 To Close The Bar Door?
Times Newsweekly

One resident came with a 98-signature petition calling on Board 9 to support the 98th Street speed humb, claiming that mirrors of parked cars have been smashed by oncoming traffic. Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association also announced that the civic group is in favor of all three humps.

Parks says carousel will open by Memorial Day
Times Ledger

The city Parks Department has selected a new operator for the Forest Park Carousel in Woodhaven and the famed attraction will be welcoming riders again by Memorial Day, according to the Woodhaven Resident’s Block Association.

Call To Make Streets In Woodhaven Safer
Times Newsweekly

A bump in the road is not usually a good thing. But in Woodhaven, it could help save a life. Woodhaven’s roads are unusually long and straight—an invitation to many drivers to speed. The need for new speed humps is especially apparent to those who live in this neighborhood.

Slow Down! Woodhaven woman wants speed hump
Queens Courier

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, thinks a speed hump is just what 98th Street needs. "We are absolutely in favor of speed humps any place," said Wendell. "A lot of streets in Woodhaven are very long and there are a number of places in Woodhaven that could do with some speed humps."

Residents Weigh In on Potential Speed Humps
The Forum

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA) said that over the three years that he has been involved in the WRBA, he has been getting increased complaints about people speeding in the neighborhood. He said that he is in favor of installing those three speed humps and adding more wherever possible.

Body found on fire in Forest Park
Leader-Observer

Ed Wendell, a community activist and president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, said the park is relatively safe. "Police travel through there at different times monitoring activity," he said. "And around that time, the park is already moving with joggers and dog walkers."

Burned body found in Woodhaven's Forest Park – NYPD
Queens Chronicle

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell said it seems plausible that the man was killed elsewhere and dumped in Forest Park. “It didn’t seem like he was killed in the woods,” Wendell said. “You set someone on fire, and they tend to scream — no one reported anything like that.”

Police discover body in Forest Park brush fire
Times Ledger

Ed Wendell, of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said he walks through the park at night sometimes and never runs into any unsavory activities.

At Forest Pk., caring for century-old horses
Queens Chronicle

“The carousel is part of our community’s identity,” Woodhaven Residents Block Association President Ed Wendell said. “We couldn’t be happier that the Parks Department has done the right thing, something we’ve requested for years, and gotten a deal done so that our community can enjoy it again. The ride is a beautiful work of art, an historic specimen that embodies our community’s heritage, and a form of entertainment that has amused generations of Woodhaven residents. We’re overjoyed to have it back.”

Forest Park Carousel Will Open by Memorial Day
The Forum

“It’s like an old friend has come home, like a member of the family has come home,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “It’s a really good feeling.”

Carousels Will Spin Once More
Times Newsweekly

According to a press release issued by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA), the Forest Park Carousel could reopen in time for Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. “The carousel is part of our community’s identity. We couldn’t be happier that the Parks Department has done the right thing—something we’ve requested for years—and gotten a deal done so that our community can enjoy it again,” said WRBA President Ed Wendell.

Carousel To Open By End of May
Queens Tribune

“The carousel is part of our community’s identity. We couldn’t be happier that the Parks Department has done the right thing something we’ve requested for years and gotten a deal done so that our community can enjoy it again,” said Woodhaven Residents Block Association President Edward Wendell, who has been pushing for the carousel to be reopened since it shut down in 2009.

Forest Park: Queens' Park, Woodhaven's treasure
Leader-Observer

Anyone who has been following the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association knows how important the issue of the carousel has been to us and we look forward to the world’s greatest ride being open for business at Woodhaven’s First Annual Block Party, Saturday June 23rd at the picnic area.

Concessionaire selected for Forest Park Carousel
Leader-Observer

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced last week that the Forest Park Carousel will reopen on Memorial Day weekend after landing a new concessionaire. The news comes as a warm welcome to many Woodhaven residents, who refused to give up hope that the historic carousel would run again.

Woodhaven Hails Reopening Of Forest Park Carousel
Queens Gazette

For more than three years, the Woodhaven Residents Block Association has fought to make the carousel at Forest Park operational again. These efforts have finally paid off with the announcement of the city Department of Parks and Recreation’s announcement that a concessionaire to operate the carousel has been found.