There was a second meeting about the status of the building at 2800 Bruckner Boulevard later at the Crosstown Diner. This meeting was by over 150 people from the community and merchants calling themselves Throggs Neck Strong, and conducted by Steve Kaufman Esq. Mr. Kaufman explained that tenants in the building asked him for help. He said that Mr. Michael Dalessio had sold the building to Stewart Developers, and they have given eviction notices to all tenants to use the building for another use, but not what for.
Petitions were handed out against what is happening at 2800 Bruckner Blvd. Robert Jaen (the President of the Throggs Neck Merchants Association), and elected officials on hand spoke. Since one elected official was a candidate all his primary opponents present also spoke as well as a few remaining tenants of 2800, and concerned neighbors.
The person with the most information was Assemblyman (and city council candidate) Mark Gjonaj. Mr. Gjonaj said that Hamzah Alameen who is rumored to be looking to place an Islamic center at 2800 contacted him for a meeting. Besides being a candidate for the 13th council district, Assemblyman Gjonaj is also involved in MP Realty located in Morris Park. Gjonaj said that he is setting up a meeting with other elected officials, but current Councilman Jimmy Vacca said that he was not contacted. The councilman then left the meeting, which continued. There will be a small meeting with Mr. Alameen set up to find out more on his plans. Remaining tenants were told not to move out since their leases do not expire on September first. There will be another meeting shortly after the meeting with Mr. Alameen at a much larger venue to acomidate everyone who came and others.
Above - Steve Kaufman hands out petitions.
Below - Councilman Vacca, Assemblymen Benedetto and Gjonaj.
A remaining tenant of 2800 Bruckner Blvd. asks what to do, and is told not to move out.
