Jackson Heights Life

I had been thinking about starting a new thread regarding zoning, but since you mention it here I thought I'd post that Helen Sears commissioned a zoning study recently.   I've heard its completed, although no one from her office has responded to my inquiries yet.  This part of the study, as far as I understand, was focused on the commercial district of 73rd/74th street because the current zoning there (C4-3) allows for a pretty high density of building and development, and there are plans underway to take advantage of that.  They just started tearing down one of the few remaining homes on 73rd Street bet. 37th and B'way, and I would imagine there's a relatively big building going in there.  Also, last I heard plans were approved to add multiple stories to the current one story buildings on the corner of 73rd and 37th.  These are in addition to the 7 story building on that block that just about finished.

I can understand if most people in JH are not too interested in that block since they don't live near it and it's not so close to the precious historic district, but rampant irresponsible development there does seem to me to set an ominous precedent for the rest of the neighborhood.  If not many people object now, it would be hard to make a case for caring about other parts later. 

Interested parties shouldn't waste time with the JHBG, they should write directly to Amanda Burden, the City Planning Commissioner and Council member Tony Avela, chair of the zoning committee.  I suppose a copy to Helen Sears wouldn't hurt so she knows people are serious.
 

At the vet on 35th Ave. at 71st, I would only see Dr. Rhiele (not exactly sure of the spelling it's pronounced "really").  If he wasn't the one you saw there, you might want to consider trying him.   Or you can try Dr. Joanne Seinsheimer at the Astoria Veterinary Clinic on Steinway and Astoria Blvd.   It's little further afield, but she is quite sharp (and caring) and it's a very quick trip by car ($10 for car service).  They have Sunday as well as emergency appointments.  Both of these are good local options, depending on the issue, but I also still haul my cats into the city at times when nothing less than our beloved and trusted longtime vet will do.  I've never tried Dr. Tello.

You could talk to some of the store owners or workers on 37th Road, or at the barber shop down the stairs, to find out more about him.  He used to sit outside that barber shop every day.   I think someone around there must take some care of him in some way, but in any case I'm sure there's something you can do to help if you ask around.