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Activists, pols rally for Bushwick Inlet Park

Local activists, politicians, and community members gathered along the Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront last week to advocate for the complete construction of the long-promised Bushwick Inlet Park.
The event was organized by the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, a community group that has been fighting for the project for nearly two decades.
In 2005, large portions of Williamsburg and Greenpoint were rezoned under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In addition to new development, elected officials promised an expansive, miles-long park along the area’s formerly industrial coastline.
Although North Brooklyn has since experienced a boom in new development, the promised park remains elusive 16 years down the line.
“The population growth along the North Brooklyn waterfront initiated by the 2005 rezoning has exceeded the city’s estimates by historic proportions,” said Steve Chesler, an organizer with the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park. “Yet, the creation of Bushwick Inlet Park promised to help mitigate this new neighborhood density is happening at a snail’s pace.
“After 16 years and counting, only 8 acres out of 27 are built or in progress,” he added. “For our health and well being, the city must speed up its execution and funding for completion of this public green space and fulfill its commitment to its residents.”
“Sixteen years into the redevelopment of the neighborhood and we have 20 percent of the park we were promised,” said Ward Dennis, another Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park organizer. “We hope to at least make some progress and get rid of this building.”
The building in question is a large, storage warehouse along the waterfront. In 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city bought the site for $160 million, rekindling hope that the full Bushwick Inlet Park would become a reality.
However, there are currently no plans in place to demolish the structure.
“We are here to celebrate the capital investment of Mayor de Blasio,” said Catherine Thompson. “We are grateful because he secured the future of Bushwick Inlet Park. Now Mr. Mayor, tear down this building!”
Thursday’s rally was attended by multiple local officials and members of the Triboro United Youth Soccer Club.
“I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio for picking up the broken pieces left by the Bloomberg administration and the mostly disastrous 2005 rezoning,” said Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher. “Mayor de Blasio, we are almost there and your term is almost up. Let this be a part of your legacy.”
Counciman Stever Levin said he is currently working to include the park project in the soon-to-be-finalized city budget, with a special focus on demolishing the warehouse. The budget must be finalized ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
“Justice delayed is justice deferred is justice denied,” said Levin. “That is what we are seeing right now. There is a generation of kids in North Brooklyn who need this space.”

Beauregard J. Robinson, Jr. MD

Beauregard J. Robinson, Jr. MD passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at the age of 75. Beloved Father of Beauregard (Suzanne) Robinson III, Leopold Robinson, Christopher Robinson, Lindsay Robinson, Mark Robinson and Michael Robinson. Loving Grandfather of MacKenzie and Riley. Dear Brother of John Robinson, Beth Steinkelner and Robert Robinson. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Private Cremation held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at All Souls Crematory, East Elmhurst, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Richard C. Varnis

Richard C. Varnis passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at the age of 73. Beloved Father of Charles, Craig and Kevin. Cherished Grandfather of Andrew, Kyle and Justin. Loving Brother of Michael and Charlene. Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 11 AM. Interment followed at Lutheran All-Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Carmela Trifilio

Carmela Trifilio passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the age of 84. Beloved Wife of the late Ippolito Trifilio. Loving Mother of Anthony Trifilio, Steven Trifilio, Frank Trifilio, Maria Mirra and the late Josephine Como and Mother-in-Law of Enza, Michelle, Gianni and Antonio. Cherish Grandmother of Josephine (Dominic), Melissa (Paul), Christina, Carmela, Marygrace, Nicole, Sabrina, Annamarie (Pietro), Steven, Gianni, Luca and Lia Grace and Great-Grandmother of Giuliana, Giancarlo, Olivia and Emma. Dear Sister of Rosa Aloe, Antonette Trimarche, Francesca Morretta, Rocco Ruggiero, Salvatore Ruggiero and the late Vincenza Molinaro and Maria Spatola. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Athanasius Church on Saturday, May 29, 2021 9:45 AM. Private Cremation followed at Green-wood Cemetery-Crematory, Brooklyn, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Maspeth remembers the nation’s veterans

Despite the rainy weather, dozens of veterans, community members and elected officials gathered on Saturday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
The annual Memorial Day tradition, led by the United Veterans & Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, included wreath-laying ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park, the World War I Memorial at Garlinge Triangle, and the monument at Memorial Square, where 128 of Maspeth’s war dead are remembered.
“These brave souls deserve our gratitude,” said Ken Rudzewick, a veteran and longtime member of the organization who hosted the day’s events. “It’s because of them and the many Americans who went before them that we enjoy the great nation we live in today.”
Assemblyman Brian Barnwell acknowledged that his generation often forgets the sacrifices that were made by older veterans.
“That’s why it’s so important to do what we are doing today and share the memories of those who fought for our country,” Barnwell stressed.
Korean War veteran Constantino Carbone Jr., who helped lay the wreaths at each of the sites, noted that 36,752 American soldiers died in Korea.
“These kids gave their lives for freedom,” said Carbone, who served 15 months in combat and will be one of the grand marshals of next year’s Memorial Day Parade, which has been cancelled the last two years due to COVID. “But that’s what we were fighting for.”
Families of fallen soldiers lost in more recent wars also attended the services. Moura Hernandez and her son Juan came to Memorial Square to honor her brother Robert Rodriguez, who was only 21 when he was killed in Iraq in 2003.
Residents said the rain couldn’t dampen their commitment to pay their respects to those lives that were lost.
“They fought in the rain so we can come out in the rain to remember them.” said Marianne Kiskorne, who held a sign adorned with hearts and the words “Thank You.”
Two wreaths were later placed at the American Legion monument and the Civil War Memorial in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Maryanna Zero, president of the United Veterans & Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, said she feared the day would be a wash but felt proud that so many from the community participated.
“Next year we’ll have our parade,” Zero told the crowd, “a parade that is going to be not just the best of this borough, but the best of all boroughs.”

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