To expand, or not to expand, that was the question. Community Board 11 asked and Van Nest residents responded with several suggestions for the future of dilapidated Van Nest Park.
Dozens of residents gathered at St. Dominic’s School on Tuesday, December 15 to weigh in on a proposed expansion of Van Nest Park. In order to expand the park, the city would de-map a small portion of Victor and Mead streets and then connect the three separate slivers of land to make a larger park. Most residents supported the proposed expansion.
“I’ve been in this community for ten years and I definitely think this park should be expanded,” said Joann Terrelonge, secretary of the new Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance. “Not just for my family but [for] all the families. Kids need a positive environment and recreational activities.”
Residents suggested that a flagpole be added to Van Nest Park’s World War I memorial. They also requested a higher fence to surround the park, new play equipment for children of all ages, basketball and handball courts, more lights and an area for seniors to sit.
CB11 member and Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance vice president Bernadette Ferrara hopes the expansion would also result in increased supervision of the park. Kathleen Canzoniero, a fourth grade teacher at St. Dominic’s School testified in favor of the expansion.
“It would be a huge benefit to the school,” Canzoniero said. “[Currently,] we have to take [students] to Matthews Park. It would be nice to bring them right across the street.”
Opposition to the proposed expansion hinged on traffic and parking concerns.
“More and more people are coming into the neighborhood and we’re losing [parking] spots,” 40-year Van Nest resident Stanley McKay said.
McKay expressed support for a renovation of the park but called the proposed expansion a “nightmare.”
Business owner Bob Ruggiero, president of the Morris Park Alliance, suggested that the expansion set aside room for angled parking to compensate for the loss of spots on Victor and Mead streets. Residents also discussed relaxed alternate side parking restrictions as a compromise.
Representatives from the offices of City Council members Joel Rivera and Jimmy Vacca attended the Tuesday, December 15 public hearing. Both elected officials have committed to support the expansion.
“The purpose of the public hearing was just to let our elected officials hear from the community so we can start moving forward on expansion and renovation of park,” CB11 district manager John Fratta said. “The board has already taken a strong position [on the] expansion, [which is] already our number one expense budget priority.”
Reach reporter Amanda Marinaccio at 718 742-3394 or amarinaccio@cnglocal.com
