Fresh Meadows, Cunningham Heights, Hilltop Village, Pomonak Houses, Fresh Meadows, Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Flushing South, Utopia, Kew Gardens Hills, and Briarwood
Queens Community Board 8
Appointed by the Queens Borough President, half on the recommendation of local Council members. Advisory, but the first government to hear about anything on your block.
Martha Taylor
chair · district manager Marie Adam-Ovide
Second Wednesday, 7:30pm
board meetings are public; anyone can speak
74
budget requests to the city this cycle
What this board asked the city for
From the city’s official register, in the board’s own words, ranked by the board’s own priority. The response is the city’s.
Upgrade existing facilities for the homelessAir conditioning is needed for the Briarwood Family Shelter. This can be achieved by upgrading the electrical system to facilitate window units. Electrical upgrades should be done automatically and not require a capital funding request from the Community Board. Cooling rooms are not sufficient. The residents should be afforded the same treatment as the staff who work in temperature controlled roomCity response (Department of Homeless Services): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a building in a parkReplace play equipment at Freedom Square Playground including swings. Equipment is old and needs to be replaced.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other senior center program requestsIncrease funding for car service for older adults.City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Develop a capital project for specific street segments currently lacking sanitary sewersThere is a ponding issue at this location. The street becomes icy during the winter. The ponding is conducive to breeding mosquitoes during the warm weather. Como Avenue (Pinto Street and and Keno Avenue), on Salerno Avenue (Keno and Clio Streets) and Highland Avenue (from Kingston Place to Dalny Road), 185th Street off 69th Ave - dead end.City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)The existing Tennis Courts flood, have cracks, need new nets and new tennis court resurfacing. The existing courts do not meet tennis courts safety standards as per the NYC parks.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Assign additional building inspectors (including expanding training programs)Hire additional inspectors to address OSHA issues and a Buildings Marshall for Airbnb.City response (Department of Buildings): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Create a new, or renovate or upgrade an existing public libraryThe Briarwood Library needs to be expanded and renovated to meet with the increase in demand.City response (Queens Borough Public Library): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Clean catch basinsIncrease personnel for the maintenance of catch basins, sewers and water mains in CD8.City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Animal and pest control requests including reducing rat and mosquito populationsExecute an extermination program to eliminate the nest of rodents from 83rd Avenue between Manton Street and Queens Blvd. in Briarwood.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Other park maintenance and safety requestsFund /purchase of potable water trucks to water Million Trees NYC newly planted trees and Green Street gardens planted throughout CD8. Fund a Green Streets beautification program for (69th Avenue, 67th Avenue and 64th Avenue) center island malls in Fresh Meadows. In addition. The Department must consult on annual basis with the community about their plans.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Increase vacant lot cleaningIncrease funding for staffing of the Vacant Lot Unit. Due to lack of funding for adequate staffing, concrete center medians were not adequately maintained.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide new or increase number of sanitation trucks and other equipmentPurchase additional garbage trucks to ensure enough capacity for organics recycling.City response (Department of Sanitation): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Repair or provide new street lightsLighting is needed on pedestrian bridge over the Van Wyck Expressway for safety.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Other traffic improvement requestsIncrease arterial highway forces for cleaning areas adjacent to highways and assign additional personnel for maintenance. Community District 8 is boarded by several arterial highways (LIE, GCP, Van Wyck and Clearview Expressway). These areas are often full of litter. They are only cleaned by DOT every three or four weeks. Cleaning is needed at least on a weekly basis.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance the Summer Youth Employment ProgramMaintain funding for summer youth employment programs.City response (Department of Youth & Community Development): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Show all 74 requests
Rehabilitate or renovate existing fire houses or EMS stationsProvide the funds to complete all work orders from the fire houses within Community District 8 and add cameras. Install security cameras/system at every fire house in Community District 8 to prevent vandalism and theft. Engine 298 - Ladder 127 - 153-11 Hillside Avenue Engine 299 - Ladder 152 - 61-20 Utopia Parkway Engine 315 - Ladder 125 - 159-06 Union Turnpike. It has come to our attention thaCity response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Hire additional uniformed officersAdditional officers are needed to address safety and quality of life issues. Funds for overtime is also needed. Funds are needed to increase police presence and visibility to deter crime.City response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital budget request for NYCHAFunding to repair community center that are located in NYCHA Housing. These centers have programming funded by DYCD.City response (Housing Authority): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.Construct a Briarwood subway station elevator extension from the mezzanine to platform for full access for people with disabilities.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide surveillance (Argus) camerasArgus cameras are needed to assist in solving crime. There has been about 50% increase in crime within our district according to the Compstat report. Suggested locations: Pomonok Area, 188th Street and Horace Harding Expressway, Main Street Wall (Manton Street and 84th Avenue)City response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide more or better equipment to a libraryFunds are needed for smart boards for the conference rooms of the Queens Public Library at Hillcrest.City response (Queens Borough Public Library): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide a new or expand an existing middle/intermediate schoolConstruct a design lab/classroom for woodworking and engineering classes at JHS 217, as per the design at Thomas Edison H.S. Construct a lab for Artificial Intelligence projects. Add AC units in the auditorium and gymnasiumCity response (Department of Education): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Additional seating in the Utopia Playground for Children, parents and spectators, especially inthe basketball court area.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other senior center program requestsEnhance funding for senior services. Funds are needed to meet the demands for services. (408202018E)City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Play equipment is damaged and appears unsafe for playing. Surfaces are rusty and have missing parts with screws visible that pose a hazard to small children.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Create a new, or renovate or upgrade an existing public libraryWe continue to support funding for the rehabilitation of the Hollis Branch Library. Funds are also needed for upgrading equipment, increasing bandwidth to accommodate additional computers and for additional books.City response (Queens Borough Public Library): This request has already been completed.
priority 2Provide more information and services related to STIs, HIV/AIDS, and family planningAdditional funds for the prevention of all infectious diseases.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 2Forestry services, including street tree maintenanceAssign additional personnel to Parks and Forestry for street tree maintenance. Much funding has gone to planting new trees. With new trees the need for maintenance increases. It takes too long to have tree stumps removed. They pose a trip hazard to residents and liability for the City. No funding was allocated for FY 2021 and that is unacceptable.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Provide more frequent litter basket collectionDedicated basket trucks are needed to empty street bins more frequently. Additional funds should be allocated to ensure that all commercial areas receive the same frequency of service.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other capital budget request for DSNYEquip DSNY Enforcement with portable cameras to can catch vehicles that illegally dumping.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct streetsReconstruction/trench restoration is needed to address street depression and sinkholes. 75th Avenue (186th St. to 188th St.) 181st Street (67th Ave. & 69th Ave.) Goethals Ave (168th Street to 170th Street) Asphalt pedestrian pathway of 73rd Terrace (136th to 137th Streets)City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Other expense budget request for DOTDOT - Increase yearly asphalt allocation of highway resurfacing for Community District 8. (408202009E)City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Provide, expand, or enhance Cornerstone and Beacon programs (all ages, including young adults)Increase funding for Beacon Programs and any other after school programs in CD8. Funds need to increase to meet the growing need in the community.City response (Department of Youth & Community Development): This request has already been completed.
priority 2Provide new emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulancesPurchase MERV (Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle)This vehicle is used during disasters to treat individuals in one place.City response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other NYPD facilities and equipment requestsFunding for a robust IT infrastructure for the NYPD.City response (Police Department): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Provide technology upgradeUpgrade electrical wiring to 220 to support electrical needs of smart boards and air conditioners for P.S. 173. Electrical upgrades should be done automatically by the agency and they should not wait for capital funding requests by the Community Board.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate the Hoover/Manton Playground. The project should include renovation of the playground and handball courts.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Enhance NORC programs and health servicesProvide funding to create NORCs in Community Board 8.City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Redesign, address drainage and electrical issues at Briarwood Playground (JHS 217). Eliminate one basketball court and create a tennis court.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Provide more or better equipment to a libraryFunds are needed for computers and smart boards for the conference rooms. Pomonok Branch - 158-21 Jewel Avenue [State Senator Toby Stavisky will fund this technology upgrade].City response (Queens Borough Public Library): This request has already been completed.
priority 3Other park programming requestsIncrease funding for DPR's enforcement personnel. Community Board 8 has many parks, playgrounds and sitting areas. Maintaining the safety of these areas of refuge for our residents is paramount. Personnel is needed to enforce infractions in the parks (i.e. dog walkers in restricted areas, smokers, etc...)City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Other cleaning requestsFunding for contract to spray weeds with non-toxic herbicide to assist with the maintenance of concrete center medians by the lot cleaning unit. These medians have been poorly maintained since the end of the prior spraying contract.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Repair or construct sidewalks, curbs, or pedestrian rampsStand alone funding (separate from sidewalks) is needed to address the curb repair backlog for all locations within Community Board 8. Installation of new sidewalk and curbs: A) 170th Street (Goethals Ave and Union Turnpike) B) 171st Street (65th Avenue and 67th Avenue) C) Utopia Parkway (73rd Avenue to Horace Harding Expressway including center medians) D) Queens Blvd medians (84th Drive to 8City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other expense request for DOTDOT Property is not being maintained. Main Street Wall requires painting.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Other FDNY facilities and equipment requestsNew life-sized mannequins [for the whole department] are needed for efficient training of firefighters. The mannequins are over several decades old and are outdated.City response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Provide a new or expand an existing middle/intermediate schoolReplace temporary mini building located in the school yard with a permanent building for M.S. 217.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Reconstruct pond. Add a new aerator system at Captain Tilly Park for the goose pond. [Part of FY 2023 tracking code 408202009C] Build new cement borders and/or add pavers,City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 4Other capital budget request for DPRProvide mobile/temporary bathrooms near ball fields in southern section of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Needed for the youth and adults who use the Park, especially during large events.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Other park maintenance and safety requestsHorticultural Maintenance Program - Funding for this program will provide staffing to maintain park landscapes, gardens, lawns and other horticultural amenities.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Other enforcement requestsIncrease personnel for Sanitation Police to increase sanitation inspection in all categories and throughout the district.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Repair or construct sidewalks, curbs, or pedestrian rampsInstall and/or repair bus pads. CB8 requested replacement of the cracked and broken bus pads since 2005. A) 188th Street & Union Turnpike B) 188th Street from Union Turnpike to 73rd Avenue C) Hillside Avenue (westbound lane) from Francis Lewis Boulevard to 205th Street. Hillside Avenue is the route for about 10 bus lines. The lack of bus pads makes it necessary for numerous requests for repairsCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Other expense request for DOTDOT Infrastructure is not being maintained. The perimeter fence of the Queens Boulevard Promenade needs to be painted.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 4Provide new emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulancesTwo bariatrics ambulances - vehicle is designed with lifts and special wheelchairs to be used for individuals over 500 lbs.City response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolReplace tables in cafeteria; replace auditorium seats; install auditorium wall padding and renovate outdoor wooded area at P.S.26Q.City response (Department of Education): This request has already been completed.
priority 4Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate Vleigh Playground. The asphalt needs to be replaced. Additional lighting is needed. This park has not been upgraded for many years.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Other park programming requestsFunding for maintenance of Brinkerhoff Memorial Cemetery. This site was acquired by DPR. We need funding to maintain and restore the 77 tombstones.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Other expense budget request for DSNYFunds to maintain the new plaza over the Van Wyck Expressway on Queens Boulevard and add waste baskets.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Reconstruct streetsGoethals Ave is partially built. As one travels eastbound along Goethals Avenue, the road narrows. It was not not built to its fully mapped width and a portion of the street has vegetation instead of asphalt.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Provide new emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulancesA mobile command vehicle and a rapid response vehicle (Sierra Pick-up Truck) is needed to respond ahead with a liaison. This is used for coordination purposes for the Borough of QueensCity response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Renovate or upgrade a middle or intermediate schoolUpgrade school technology to use parent coordinator's office as a web-based resource at P.S. 178Q.City response (Department of Education): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 5Other requests for park, building, or access improvementsFunds needed for the acquisition of the Klein Farm for use as an agricultural and/or horticultural center.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Other park maintenance and safety requestsProvide an irrigation source for landscaped areas in Freedom Park.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Other cleaning requestsFunds to maintain the area along the Manton/Main street wallCity response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Repair or construct medians, or other street assetsRepair and/or create new concrete medians on Utopia Parkway. The medians are broken and many are at the same level as the roadway.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Other FDNY facilities and equipment requestsTwo (2) FDNY Trailers are needed which are dedicated to the Borough of Queens.City response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Other capital budget request for DPRUtopia Playground - Replace soccer field with pickle ball courts. There is a growing need for pickle ball courts in the community.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 7Upgrade or create new plazasFund renovation of the Queens Boulevard Promenade bet. 84th Drive and 87th Avenue. Replace and/or repair perimeter fence. A number of the 100-year old trees have been lost to storms, fences and art ornaments have been damaged due to car accidents; benches have become worn out and unusable. The promenade has fallen behind the level of investment that the commercial district has made.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 7New equipment for maintenanceFunds are needed to purchase a packer (small garbage trucks), pick-up truck, and gator. to assist in maintaining our parks.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 8Reconstruct or upgrade a building in a parkRenovate the park's building to include tempered glass windows. Add security system. The building is not secured. It was broken into in 2022 and the agency lost valuable equipment for maintenance.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 9Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Install modern day play equipment, adult exercise equipment, lighting and add more benches.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 10Other capital budget request for DPRTrees are needed for an area that is barren.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 11Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Cunningham Park. - Add benches.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 12Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate Cunningham Park's Ballfields #11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 to address drainage issues and add new benches.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 13Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rehabilitate Flushing Meadow Corona Park and rebuild bridge over Flushing Creek at the south end of Willow Lake.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 14Reach the board
Official websitemeeting agendas and minutes live here
official197-15 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423(718) 264-7895 · qn08@cb.nyc.gov
From the city’s official community board directory and the Register of Community Board Budget Requests (updated daily). Member rosters arrive when borough president appointment lists are ingested; meeting summaries arrive with the document tier.