MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Residents of Middle Village gathered at St. Margaret’s Church on October 21 for a meeting of the Middle Village Property Owners Association, addressing local development, safety concerns, and the upcoming city elections.
Paul Pogozelski, president of the association, opened the meeting by highlighting community issues, including opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage facility near PS 128, and outlining upcoming neighborhood events. Pogozelski also encouraged residents to join the association, noting membership benefits including a subscription to the Queens Ledger and participation in local cleanups.
The meeting featured several political figures. Walter Sanchez, chairman of Community Board 5, discussed the board’s newly approved budget priorities, explaining the process by which capital and expense budgets are ranked. He noted that recent prioritization emphasized field workers for water and sewer operations over increased police presence, reflecting the collective vote of board members. Sanchez encouraged residents to attend board meetings, held at Christ the King High School, to raise concerns about neighborhood quality of life.
Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa spoke about his personal connection to the neighborhood, recounting family visits to St. John’s Cemetery and emphasizing the importance of home ownership in residential neighborhoods, particularly in the outer boroughs. Sliwa warned residents of the potential risks posed by the “City of Yes” initiative and lithium battery storage facilities, citing dozens of fires at such warehouses nationwide. He urged voters to oppose the initiative on the ballot, arguing it would allow developers to bypass local oversight, zoning restrictions, and community input.
“The most dangerous part of it,” Sliwa said, “is these lithium ion battery warehouses. Forty-five fires around the country. No fire department has figured out a way to put these fires out. If there’s a fire here, the toxic air will affect everyone.” He encouraged residents to educate themselves and vote against the initiative to protect homes and neighborhoods.
Sliwa also addressed questions from the audience about auxiliary police protections, civil settlements, and local infrastructure projects, including the proposed IBX transit line.
City council candidate Alicia Vaichunas spoke next, emphasizing her work monitoring nightlife and addressing public disturbances such as drag racing. She highlighted her open-door policy for constituents and shared her personal phone number with attendees to facilitate direct communication. Vaichunas also encouraged residents to apply early for senior benefits and to address local Department of Buildings and Finance discrepancies.
Representatives from Senator Joseph Addabbo’s office provided updates on upcoming events, including a “Trick or Treat Street” program and the Java with Joe community forum on November 8 in Forest Hills. They also explained the IBX proposal in detail and offered guidance on pre-registration for residents wishing to provide input.
Marty Dolan, candidate for public advocate, spoke about the importance of city resources for youth and middle-class residents, outlining his vision for NYCHA and budget oversight. “Public advocate is supposed to make sure resources are spread properly across the city,” he said, emphasizing financial stewardship and the role of community boards in local governance.
The association’s board of directors includes Pogozelski as president, Giedre Rogozelski as secretary, Augie Trinchese as vice president, Joe Crifasi as director, Peter Mastrandea as sergeant-at-arms, and Christopher Tscherne as trustee.
The meeting concluded with discussion of ongoing community concerns, including opposition to additional lithium battery facilities near schools, flooding mitigation projects, and coordination with local law enforcement. Residents were encouraged to participate in civic matters and upcoming elections, with early voting beginning October 25 and running through November 2.
