An open letter to state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose):
In looking back on your tenure as our senator, we acknowledge your stellar record of achievement. You have always been available when called upon and you have made significant contributions to our community. These efforts on your part have improved our lives and will have a positive impact for generations to come.
In 1973, you were largely responsible for the legislation that enabled the Queens Farm Museum to take over 47 acres. Today, the Queens Farm Museum is one of the most successful attractions in our city.
During the Koch administration, a men’s shelter was placed in a building on the Creedmoor campus. This frightened many of the homeowners in the area, causing a selling spree. There was significant “block busting” by real estate interests. There were numerous protests by area residents. It was you who filed a lawsuit against the state, forcing the closing of the facility. The facility was subsequently replaced by a residential care facility for the mentally challenged which has been well-administered, causing no problems for the community.
The local Little League, HBQVB, was once renting the property it used from the state for $1,000 per year. This property was always in danger of being taken away if the state found a more lucrative offer. You initiated legislation allowing the Little League to purchase the 14 acres, making payments over a three-year period. This occurred between 1970 and 1980. Later, you helped make available, for a modest fee, a tract of land that ran behind the fields that had been part of a rail spur.
In the 1970s, the city tried to either close our local elementary school, PS 18, or redistrict it into School District 29. We and our children are in your debt for the successful fight you waged to keep the school open.
In the 1980s, the YMCA on Hillside Avenue needed to expand its facility. You made state-owned property available for its use.
In the 1990s, there was an attempt to build senior housing right next to St. Gregory’s Church. Many of the local residents had strong concerns as to the wisdom of the location. The issue was resolved when you enabled the passage of legislation to make available property on the grounds of Creedmoor.
In recent years you helped acquire land from the state to build the beautiful new Glen Oaks school compound. In recognition of all the effort and assistance you gave in bringing this project to fruition, the complex has been named the “Frank Padavan Campus.”
These are only some of your achievements in our local area that come to mind. The number of valuable day-to-day services you have provided to your constituents surely number in the thousands. You have been our senator and a true friend to our community.
We can honestly say, “If it were not for all you have done during your tenure as our state senator, we would not have this great community of which we are so proud, one that has remained a place where families chose to live and raise their families.”
Bernard Aquilino
Bellerose Manor
