Firehouse renovation set in Auburndale

Some CB 11 members were concerned about response time when the Auburndale facility closes, but overall they were optimistic regarding the move to Engine 306.

As board Chairman Jerry Iannece pointed out, Engine 306 was on the chopping block last year during city budget talks, but the mayor eventually found funds to keep it and 19 others around the city open.

“If Ladder 167 is going to Engine 306, there may be less of a chance of the city putting it on the closing list,” Iannece said, noting that additional firehouses are already being considered for fiscal year 2013 elimination, although none have been named.

During the public participation session of the meeting, Gregg Sullivan, former executive director of the Bayside Village Business Improvement District, announced he has set up a video recording website at Baysidelivetv.com. He will tape profiles of area leaders and make reports on sports events and other happenings.

In other CB 11 business, a hearing was held to demap Thebes Avenue between 248th Street and Overbrook Street in Douglaston. Members approved the change 27-7.

The owners of two of the five properties on Thebes Avenue, Mel and Rosemary O’Donohue, have no plans to build, they just want clear property rights. That 60-foot-wide part of the street is privately owned and has no public access.

The proposal still has to clear the Department of City Planning, which is not expected to be a problem.

Iannece was re-elected to another one-year term as were the other CB 11 officers: First Vice Chairperson Christine Haider, Second Vice Chairman Dennis Novick and Third Vice Chairperson Laura Jones.