Oct. 16, 2023 by Anthony Medina
Community Board 9 met inside Queens Borough Hall for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, and voted to remain in the Kew Gardens building after some discussions.
At the top of the night, the community board recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of mammogram screening. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women.
The board also acknowledged the atrocities occurring overseas in the Israel-Hamas War. The conflict has resulted in at least 2,800 deaths on both sides since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7, according to the Associated Press.
On Friday morning, Israel’s military directed the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of civilians from Gaza City, ahead of a potential ground offensive, according to additional reporting by the AP.
The crisis continues to develop, resulting in more loss of lives. Community Board 9 held a moment of silence for war victims and called for peace and conflict resolution.
Following the acknowledgment of global events, the board continued to hear from residents in the public forum portion of the night. Ongoing loud music conditions in the district and an incident involving a child at a local school allegedly attacked and harassed on Sept. 11.
Capt. Jeremy Kivlin, the 102nd Precinct Commanding Officer who was in attendance at the board meeting, spoke to the resident and reassured him the issue would be discussed with the school. Community Board 9 Chair Shery Algredo also said she would connect with the school’s principal regarding the student incident.
The board then heard from Sam Esposito regarding 1st Vice Chair Faiuze Ali wearing a hat during the pledge of allegiance.
Later on, the board reviewed liquor license applications and soon after, put forward the motion to keep the meeting location at Queens Borough Hall. The board was a majority in favor of the stay, as safety concerns and accessibility to the venue were taken into account.
Algredo ended the night by reminding board members to follow meeting rules and more so for those speaking from the public to act respectfully — not targeting board members personally in a public manner.
“I will not tolerate disrespect anymore and this will be addressed at the borough president’s office,” Algredo said.