“Your fundamental legal obligation as mandated by your certificate of operation was to plan and provide for future needs,” the governor wrote to National Grid officials. “You failed by your own admission.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday sent a blistering letter to National Grid CEO John Pettigrew and President John Bruckner giving 14 days’ notice of the State’s intent to revoke the utility’s certificate to operate its downstate gas franchise.

Cuomo indicated that he came to this conclusion following National Grid’s failure to provide “adequate and reliable service,” including failing to address supply issues, neglecting the needs of their customers, stalling private development, and the associated diminution of tax revenues to local governments.

National Grid has repeatedly claimed that there are gas-supply constraints in the northeast, and it is unable to provide utility service without a new pipeline. Since NY vehemently opposes the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (a.k.a. Williams) Pipeline program for the Rockaway Peninsula—Empire State officials have shot down the plan three times—area customers are the ones that have been left, quite literally, out in the cold.

“The essential responsibility for a utility to provide adequate and reliable service is to manage the supply and demand. The very lack of supply you now point to as the reason for your denial of service to thousands of customers exhibits your failure to plan for supply needs. Your fundamental legal obligation as mandated by your certificate of operation was to plan and provide for future needs,” the governor wrote in the 874-word missive. “You failed by your own admission.”

Cuomo went on to characterize Nat Grid’s self-imposed moratorium as “either a fabricated device or a lack of competence.”

Elected officials that have been locking horns with National Grid for months said they appreciated the governor’s direct message.

“Whether Nat Grid shapes up, or an alternative provider is found, it is vital that the people are provided with reliable gas service,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer applauded Cuomo’s letter because “it rightfully highlights the coercive and abusive tactics that National Grid undertook to try to drum up support for the environmentally backwards fracked-gas pipeline.”

“Rather than letting National Grid walk away with a fine or letting their franchise be taken over by an equally profit-driven competitor, the City and State should explore the feasibility of a public takeover of the natural gas system,” Stringer added. “We need to begin to responsibly develop plans to replace gas infrastructure with renewable and electric alternatives. After years of unchecked fossil fuel expansion, it’s clear we cannot count on the utilities being cooperative partners.”

Cuomo concluded his caustic message by positing two theories “to explain National Grid’s actions: Either National Grid was grossly negligent in relying exclusively on the speculative construction of a private pipeline to meet the demands that it was statutorily required to provide; or, National Grid deliberately defrauded the people of the state by not developing or pursuing existing supply options to force approval and reliance on a private pipeline to further their business interests at the cost of the consumer.

“Either alternative clearly violates your certificate of operation in the State of New York,” he added.

 Investigators observed this St. Albans building’s cellar to be an unlawfully converted two-bedroom apartment.

By Forum Staff

 A Queens tenanat’s complaint phoned into the 311 system has landed a  New York City Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”) inspector in hot water after he was charged with endangering the lives of tenants living in two unlawfully converted Queens dwellings he owns following the inspection triggered by the 311 complaint.

Residents were ordered vacated from the allegedly illegally occupied premises as a result of the dangerous situation that had been created in the cellar – including but not limited to a lack of adequate exits and inadequate natural light.

“According to the charges, as a code enforcement inspector himself, the defendant should have known better than to allegedly try and profit through the unlawful conversion of his properties into multi-dwellings,” said District Attorney Brown. “Such illegal housing puts a strain on local city services such as parking, transportation, waste disposal and schools. But most important, such conversions jeopardize the lives of not only the buildings’ residents but firefighters and other personnel who in responding to an emergency are confronted by a maze of rooms with no way out. Working with city agencies, including the Department of Investigation, I will continue to utilize the prosecutorial and investigative resources of my office to vigorously prosecute those who profit from such illegal housing.”

The defendant is identified as Derrick Allen, 58, of 255 Street in Rosedale, Queens. Allen, who is a code enforcement housing inspector in Brooklyn and owns a second residence at 112-44 196^th Street in St. Albans, was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on a complaint charging him with second-degree reckless endangerment and two violations of the City’s Administrative Code (unlawful acts and criminal fines and imprisonment). If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail.

Building Department records indicate that Allen’s 255^th  Street address is registered as a private two-family dwelling. This registration allows for two families to reside on the main and second floors and the cellar to be used for storage. On August 18, 2016, HPD received a complaint from one of the basement tenants who notified 311 that she had various maintenance conditions in her apartment at the 255^th  Street address.

In response, according to the criminal complaint, an HPD inspector conducted an inspection on August 26, 2016, and observed that the cellar had been illegally divided by drywall into four separate single room occupancies (“SRO”) with a kitchen and bathroom. The inspector also allegedly observed that an operable gas stove was connected but pulled away from the wall, a hole in the ground where a toilet fixture had been, and that the SROs did not have two means of egress. The inspector issued violations for the SROs for occupancy of the cellar in violation of the Certificate of Occupancy, inadequate means of egress, work without a permit and illegal gas and water lines. The inspector also affixed a vacate order to the cellar doors which gave notice to the cellar occupants that it was unsafe to live there, that they must leave the premises and that re-entry was illegal.

It is further alleged that in executing a search warrant on September 1, 2016, at Allen’s 196 residence – which he owns but does not reside in – a DOI investigator and City Buildings inspector observed the location’s cellar to be a two-bedroom apartment with only one means of egress, a gas stove which was hooked up and operable, and contained two bathrooms, each with a shower. The Buildings inspector issued violations for unlawful occupancy of the cellar in violation of the Certificate of Occupancy, illegal occupancy, work without a permit and illegal gas and water lines.

DOI Commissioner Peters said, “This City housing inspector should have enforced the law, instead he is charged with breaking it. The illegal basement rooms uncovered in this investigation included obstructed exits and other unsafe conditions unfit for anyone to reside. DOI worked with its law enforcement and City partners to get these tenants to safer locations and ensure that the building owner – a City employee – would be held to account.”

If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail.

By Michael V. Cusenza

The City is looking to give money back to you.

No need to tug on your T-shirt and rub your lenses clean, or squint really hard, or just chalk it up to the dreaded typo.

Yes, you have read that correctly.

Mayor Bill de Blasio this week proposed a $183 summer credit on the water and sewer bills of over 664,000 homeowners – including 277,495 in Queens.

“Well, today we’re righting a wrong. Today, we’re doing something for homeowners that should have been done a long time ago, and it’s an issue I’ve worked on for years, going back to my time as Public Advocate,” de Blasio said in Brooklyn on Monday. “I’m very proud that we’re going to be able to give something back to so many hardworking homeowners all over this city who deserve a break.”

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd, who joined de Blasio in Brooklyn on Monday, said the one-time credit results from the administration’s decision to no longer request a rental payment from the city Water Board, saving $244 million in Fiscal Year 2017 and $268 million in FY18. The mayor has the authority to request or decline to request the rental payment.

“For decades the City has been using the water bill as a cash cow for the general treasury. That’s not right. The water bill should be for one thing and one thing only – the cost of water,” de Blasio said. “Our water is safe and pure but it costs to keep it that way. This credit will provide some relief as we work to keep water and sewer bills as low as possible.”

De Blasio said the fees city residents pay will be dedicated solely to the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the water and sewer system.

“Going forward, this will provide DEP with significant additional dollars to fund the City’s indispensable water and waste-water systems, and to help us keep rates affordable,” Lloyd said. “The funds will help pay for critical capital projects, such as ongoing repairs to the Delaware Aqueduct under the Hudson River, completing work on City Water Tunnel Number Three in Brooklyn and Queens, upgrades to our waste-water treatment plants, and continued expansion of our green infrastructure program. It will also help us extend a hand to some of our more vulnerable customers.”

The $183 credit, which must be approved by the Water Board, is on top of other proposed changes, de Blasio noted, including a $250 credit per unit for multi-family residential properties that meet affordability guidelines. The $250 credit will cover 40,000 apartments or homes. Additional affordability programs are aimed at assisting the city’s most vulnerable customers, he said, including 120,000 seniors.

One to three-family households will receive the $183 automatic credit in their bills this summer, if approved by the Water Board. The decision to not take a rental payment is the first time this has occurred since the City originally leased the water and sewer systems to the Board in 1985.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

Caveat emptor.

Let the buyer beware.

That’s the message Eileen James has for anyone that needs a home contractor and is even remotely considering hiring Joe Battaglia for any part of the job.

In 2014, Battaglia lost a court judgment to Virginia James, Eileen’s mother, for $4,854 for failing to finish the job he had been contracted to complete.

Battaglia has yet to pay Virginia James’ family. The 80-year-old woman died a week after filing suit against Battaglia, who at the time was operating Battaglia and Sons Contracting.

“I was incredibly upset when I realized what he was doing to my mother,” Eileen told The Forum this week. “My mother was a wonderful woman; she was smart, genuine and caring. She made a difference in so many people’s lives. I stepped in after seven months when I realized that he was giving my mom the runaround about completing the work, producing and installing the doors and refunding her money.”

Indeed, Eileen took up for her mom, but said she got more of the same treatment from Battaglia, who according to the Department of Consumer Affairs is not licensed. Eileen said that Battaglia pledged to return her mom’s money and finish the work. Neither part of the promise has been fulfilled.

Asked what she’d like to say to Battaglia, Eileen did not mince words.

“You took advantage of my mother and caused her undue duress as a result of your unethical business practices.  She didn’t deserve the treatment that she received from you, nor the disrespect,” Eileen said.  “What you do and have done is not right.”

Asked why she continues to speak out about Battaglia’s alleged shady practices, Eileen said it’s about helping your neighbor.

“I would like to prevent this kind of situation that he created for my mother from happening to others,” she said. “Based on what I read online and the judgments that others have against him, I know that this is not the first time that he has taken customer’s money and not completed the work.”

Indeed, a quick Yelp search reveals several scathing reviews.

“Stay away from Joe Battaglia,” said Mike S. of Valley Stream. “He will act like he is your friend then he will steal your deposit. He is not licensed. Check with your local consumer affairs office to find out. He is a crook. He has plenty of lawsuits against him that he doesn’t pay back. Sue him and he won’t even show up to court. STAY AWAY.”

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

Roughly eight months after calling for a hearing to examine the City’s “broken” and “confusing” property tax system, two elected officials will have their wish granted.

Assemblymembers Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) and Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) are seeking oral and written testimony ahead of an oversight hearing by the Assembly Standing Committee on Real Property Taxation. The hearing, to be held at Assembly offices in Manhattan on Jan. 22, is intended as a comprehensive evaluation of current city property tax codes, according to Goldfeder and Rozic.

“Communities across Queens have some of the highest rates of homeownership in the whole city,” Goldfeder said. “Our families deserve to have a fair property tax system free of expensive red tape that discourages investing hard-earned dollars right here in the community. After everything we’ve seen during [Superstorm] Sandy, it’s so important that homeowners come to share their experiences and help shape the legislation that will improve the tax system.”

According to a notice issued by the committee, the hearing is intended to evaluate the current system “in its totality” and discuss possible improvements made through new state legislation.

“Queens families have been crippled by sky-high property taxes and a system that lacks accountability and transparency for taxpayers,” Rozic said. “Through this comprehensive hearing we will work to create a system that benefits our community and determine what is being done right and what needs improvement.”

Last May, Goldfeder and Rozic sent a letter to Committee Chairwoman Sandy Galef (D-Ossining) calling for a public hearing into disparities in the system. Both legislators and their staffs field numerous calls at tax time from constituents seeking help understanding property tax bills, filling out exemption forms, or appealing the assessed value of their property, the letter explained.

A few days after receiving the missive, Galef told The Forum that she was on board with the premise.

“Additionally to hearing today from my colleagues, Assemblyman Goldfeder and Assemblywoman Rozic, last week Assemblyman Dan Quart had approached me about holding a Real Property Tax Hearing in New York City and I told him then I would very much like to do so,” she said. “I believe this would give the people the opportunity to speak out about the issues they are facing with real property taxes and how individuals as well as businesses are affected.”

Oral testimony accepted by the committee will be limited to 10 minutes’ duration. Those testifying are encouraged provide ten written copies of their prepared remarks for submission to the committee’s record. Homeowners that do not wish to testify at the hearing may also submit written comments to Goldfeder and Rozic to inform the committee and its possible legislative efforts.

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact either Goldfeder at (718) 945-9550 or via email at GoldfederP@assembly.state.ny.us; or Rozic at (718) 820-0241 or via email at RozicN@assembly.state.ny.us.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

However, sometimes skepticism is best set aside when circumstances dictate.

And so with six parties over the course of the last four years under my belt, I’m finally ready to come out of the Pampered Chef closet and say it: I’M ADDICTED.

Thankfully this is one addiction with a happy ending––this stuff is the real deal. From a simple scraper to a garlic slicer or a skillet, the amazing Rockcrock pot, or a hand powered food processor, this is a line of products that are fashioned from top quality material and offer a level of performance in the kitchen only rivaled by other giants in the cookware industry. And Pampered Chef has another outstanding feature: they stand 100 percent behind everything they sell. They even offer replacements on any defective merchandise for up to three years after original purchase!

And so with everyone’s most favorite time of the year to enter­tain and create culinary masterpieces to celebrate with family and friends, upon us, it’s a great opportunity to discover first hand, just how easy Pampered Chef can make your life around the kitchen. And of course it’s not just around the holidays that you will love Pampered Chef products, it’s all year long.

The recipes that we chose to share with you here are but three of dozens of delicious, restaurant-quality entrees, appetizers, desserts that you can create with ease. People will be after you for your secrets and praising you prowess in the kitchen with every bite.

That’s another thing we love about this line of goodies for food­ies, the connection doesn’t end with the purchase. There’s a constant flow of information on the products to use them to their fullest and also an endless supply of recipes and suggestions that just keep com­ing. Questions are readily fielded by your Pampered Chef rep and there is an absolute wealth of support and information online and through social media.

So whether you’re buying a gift for someone else or giving hints for your own Christmas desires, we’d like to leave you with some suggestions on what we consider in the line-up of Pampered Chef must haves:

1- The double grill pan. With a totally non-stick surface, this beauty will handle meat, fish, vegetables and anything else you can slice, dice, chop or shred. And by the way, if you suffer the pangs of missing your barbeque and grill marks on you rib eye when the tem­perature drops, this baby will do the job right from your cook top––totally without smoke. That’s right, the grill pan is totally smoke free.

2-The Rock Crock. There isn’t enough to say about this pot ex­cept that it’s equally as comfortable on the stove top, in the oven, on the grill or in the microwave. Produce foolproof delectable risotto, pasta and anything else you can fit in this must have vessel.

3- The salad chopper. Absolutely the most dependable, versatile cutter/scissor type tool you’ll ever find. This is a tool that will prove its worth over and over again.

4- The shallow baker, and actually any piece in the stoneware line, is a must have for anyone who likes to bake, roast vegetables or create delectable desserts. Don’t stop there, the possibilities are endless.

Take advantage this weekend at the Ave Maria Christmas Fair (see page 19) on Sunday Dec. 6 to meet Pampered Chef rep extraordinaire, Marielena Russo, and get your Pampered Chef col­lection started. Mention you read this in The Forum and start out with a free gift!

By Patricia Adams

pat@theforumnewsgroup.com

Twice every year the Affordable Art Fair, an international show founded by the U.K.’s Will Ramsay in 1999, makes a home in New York for a few days, displaying and selling works by hundreds of artists across the globe. This fall’s fair was held from Sept. 10-13 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea and featured works from 71 galleries and collectives.

Many gallery representatives agreed that the average cost of artworks was higher than usual, and some mentioned hearing murmurs from attendees about whether the artwork on display could logically be classified as “affordable.”

“The euphemism is ‘there’s something for everyone,’” said Manhattan-based Art Angler founder Jason Dick cynically, his enthusiasm for the fair nonetheless evident.

Dick was showing some impressive mixed media pieces by an artist named Aurelio Ayela that were priced around $500, but he explained that, actually, Ayela’s larger, more costly works generally sell better, even at a venue called the Affordable Art Fair. Art collecting novices with spendable cash might buy a few key pieces in their color palette when a decorator tells them they need something to accent home furnishings — not because they genuinely love the work they’re buying.

Even though the prices had gone up, there was indeed something for everyone at the fair, and several smaller original paintings (subject matter ranging from dark and abstract to more traditional landscapes) between $200 and $500. The Art Fair’s website features a sign-up page for free personal shopping sessions, tips on framing and collecting, and even definitions of art terms. It also displays this enlightening quote from its founder:

“Buy a painting because you like it, not because you think it’s what you should be buying,” says Ramsay.

Uprise Art, based in Manhattan, displayed these original works — ranging in price from $420 to $600 each — by Jessica Simorte. Forum Photo by Eugénie Bisulco

Beyond framing postcards (a great way to add pizzazz to a humid, non-art-friendly bathroom) or mass-produced posters of iconic paintings, starting a legitimate art collection is well within the grasp of the un-wealthy art ingénue. Many artists will take a table at a flea market or set up impromptu street sales, hawking original pieces for under $25. Naturally, smaller works tend to be less expensive, because there are fewer materials and less labor involved in creating them. Frame a row of smaller pieces for a similar effect to that of hanging one large showstopper. If bigger pieces are a “must,” start by buying numbered and signed limited edition prints or photographs. Works on paper should not be placed in exposed rooms, as over time sunlight will wreak havoc and degrade the paper, causing fading or other damage. At the fair, framers were on-site to handle professional, archival matting and framing for those shoppers who purchased unframed works but wanted to leave with them ready-to-hang.

The spring Affordable Art Fair will be held March 30 – April 3 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18^th Street. For more information and plenty of how-to advice, check out affordableartfair.com.

By Eugénie Bisulco   eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com

As the weather begins to cool down and seasonal clothes are going back to the attic, it’s a good time for a closet clean-out. But one (wo)man’s trash is another’s treasure, so why not have a yard or garage sale? Not only will you get your significant other off your case for your hoarding ways, or for taking up all the space in the attic/closets/basement, but you will also – if you do it properly – make a chunk of tax-free cash.

It’s all gravy. This is money earned for things you weren’t using. It’s money for things you didn’t even remember you had. And in some cases, it can be money made for things you are tired of seeing around. We’re not recommending you go behind your spouse’s back and sell his old X-Box, but…well, it is an option.

Here are some tips for having a proper, money-making yard sale.

First, the bigger the better. Go in with a neighbor for even more to sell and/or more space to display things. Invest in or borrow some cheap clothing racks (use them after in the attic for off-season items) and folding tables. Make sure items are spread out so that buyers can peruse comfortably and see everything without having to dig through gigantic piles. Boxes can be flipped over and stacked to display things, also. Very few people will want to bend over and sort through boxes of your old junk.

Advertise. Put a classified ad in at least one local paper (for example, The Forum, which lands on every doorstep in Howard Beach). If you are selling any unique items, list them in the ad. Other words, like “huge” or “multi-family” or “low prices” will be compelling to a potential yard sale-goer.   Make signs with big black lettering, preferable on neon posterboard in a uniform color. (All signs should be alike, so that people will look for that particular sign when trying to locate the sale.) When the sale is over, pick up ALL your signs. No one likes to go out of his way even a couple of minutes only to find that the yard sale ended the day before and no one took down the signs.

Have a rain plan. If you can do it “rain or shine,” advertise accordingly.

Price everything in advance, preferably using general, logical prices. For example, all books 50 cents, all clothing $2. It’s okay to go a bit higher, but then you should let people know they can bargain. Don’t bother trying to sell something you’re not actually ready to part with; you’ll ask too much money for it, and a yard sale is not the appropriate venue to sell high-end or sentimental items. Price to sell, and sell you will. Mark prices clearly. If using individual stickers (as opposed to signs) to indicate the prices, make sure they are the kind that won’t melt in hot sun and leave an annoying and difficult-to-remove residue. Masking tape is usually not a good idea.

You might want to offer buy-in-bulk prices, and have a 10 cent box and/or a box of free items. There will be kids that pick things up out of sheer boredom. Make the gesture and give something away. Parents will appreciate that and take more time to look.

If it’s a hot day, sell water or other drinks. More money! But don’t charge too much. You’re not Barclay’s.

Whatever is left unsold at the end of the day, GET RID OF IT and move on. Arrange in advance to have (one of many) local shelters or charitable organizations pick up the leftovers. If that doesn’t work for you or you have bulk items, Craigslist.com has a free section where you can get rid of almost anything within hours, as does freecycle.org.

Happy selling!

By Eugénie Bisulco    eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com

Home appraisals compare your home to neighboring properties to determine your home’s current market value. Homeowners can facilitate the process by having certain information readily available for the appraiser:

• lot size respective to other lots in community.
• upgrades made to the house since last appraisal, big and small (new roof, insulation, fencing, siding, closets, etc.) Any documentation on this should be supplied to the appraiser.
• proof of participation in sustainability or energy-saving projects, just as the use of green building materials or the installation of solar panels.

A real estate appraiser is a licensed professional who will do his or her best to determine the value of your home. The appraisal provides banks with information that can tell loan officers if the house is worth the loan amount. In the case of a sale, the appraisal fee is generally included in closing costs. A recent bank-contracted home inspection in Ozone Park was $445.

Keep in mind that the appraiser is not an engineer or an architect and thus is not giving you a “guarantee of condition” but rather an idea of general condition based on a brief walk-through, inside and out. He or she also will compare your home against a few others in the neighborhood, which are known as comparables, or comps. Appraisals will be based on recent prices of comps as well as other factors, such as square footage, modernization features, and overall quality of construction.

It may be worth it to invest some money into the property before having an appraisal done.

Apart from improvements done to the home, there are other ways to get a higher appraisal. The appraiser will consider its overall maintenance, thus it is wise to consider curb appeal and ensure the property is clean, mowed, etc. when the appraiser arrives. Minor repairs and merely tidying up can make a big difference. Removing clutter will make the home appear larger, thereby possibly increasing its valuation.

An appraiser spends merely 30 minutes in a home, so it’s an important, briefly-made impression. Following the appraiser around during an inspection can raise a red flag that something is wrong with the house that you don’t want seen. Turn lights on throughout the house, make sure the heating or cooling system is functioning at full capacity, and keep pets locked away. Move items that can impede access to any part of the house.

On the flip side, homeowners may seek to appeal an appraisal that has assessed the property higher than market value, resulting in a higher property tax obligation. Just as when a higher valuation is sought, documentation of any home damage or required repairs will be important to provide to the appraiser so that a fair(er) assessment can be made.

By Eugénie Bisulco

eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com

But why spend $9 on unknown meat dried with unknown preservatives, when you can make your own healthier version, impress your friends, and learn a new skill for less?

Jerky can be made from any lean meat, and you don’t need a dehydrator to make it. If you’re choosing beef, most people go with brisket or flank steak, but other cuts will work; the key is to remove all visible fat before getting started. If you leave fat on, the jerky will spoil more quickly.

Just about any meat can be used to make jerky, but the leanest cuts should be selected and all visible fat trimmed off. Photo Courtesy of rachelent1, Flickr.com

Some jerky-makers use small, flattened slabs of meat two to three inches wide. The standard, most effective size to make your jerky is in thin strips (1/2”) less than 1/20” thick. The meat can be frozen beforehand for a few hours to make it easier to slice.

Some people opt to marinate the meat first for up to 24 hours, for enhanced flavor. Numerous marinade recipes can be found online, with liquid bases of vinegar, Worcestershire, pineapple juice, or beer. This is an optional step, as the additional moisture can make the dehydration process take longer. Asian-style jerky might have ginger or lime in the seasoning, while African jerky might have clove and cumin. Dried spices should be added as a rub right before dehydrating the meat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasoning combinations.

Space out the meat adequately on cooking spray-coated racks of a dehydrator. (Dehydrators start at around $40 for small ones and go up to around $200 for large professional ones. You can also build your own solar dehydrator…if you’re bored.) After two hours, the consistency of the jerky needs to be checked every thirty minutes. To do this, check a piece by cutting into it. The color should be like dark chocolate or prunes. Depending on the meat’s consistency, the process will take up to six hours.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, use an oven set to 165˚ F, just hot enough to destroy bacteria and allow the moisture to evaporate, but not so hot as to actually cook the jerky. In using an oven, the jerky should be placed on a wire rack with a tray underneath to catch drippings. Ovens cut your drying time exactly in half, with the process ranging from 1-3 hours. In this case, the jerky should be checked after 90 minutes, and then every 30 minutes thereafter.

The fresh jerky should be placed in airtight containers (like mason jars) or be vacuum-sealed, then put in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer.

You may be looking for a sweet follow-up to your spicy jerky. Ice pops — which are becoming more and more ubiquitous in hipster-run artisanal food shops — can be made quickly and easily in your own home using just about any ingredients you choose.   Looking for something creamy? Use avocado, banana, yogurt, or all three. Into the juicing trend? Make your own veggie juice and freeze it into a pop. If you don’t have pop molds, you can use paper cups or even a loaf pan. (As the mixture freezes, put in popsicle sticks, then slice the loaf like bread to serve the pops.) Get kids involved by asking them to select ingredients like fresh fruit chunks, or layer the pops (freezing one ingredient at a time) for a fun and colorful snack. Looking for more of an “adult” ice pop? Wine and beer freeze well (think: sangria pops for that Fourth of July party coming up), and liquor like Bailey’s and Kahlua will freeze in moderate amounts. The key is to blend ingredients well to avoid making pops laden with ice crystals.

As you prepare your own jerky and ice pops, the key is to enjoy the experience; always an ingredient in the best recipes, fun will make your creations even more delicious.

We’d like to hear from you! To share your jerky- or ice pop-making stories, email eugenie@theforumnews.com.

Home-made ice pops, like the peach and kiwi ones shown here, can be made with a variety of sweet, or even savory, ingredients such as fresh whole fruit and herbs. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Chalt, Flickr.com

Sichuan-style beef jerky can be made easily in your own home, without a dehydrator. Don’t forget the Sriracha sauce! Photo Courtesy of Robin, Flickr.com

The first thing to do when considering planting even the tiniest plot is budget – not just money budget, but time budget. How big of a project can you take on, either financially or within your schedule?   Start small on both fronts, and buy your plants, bulbs, or seeds based on the season in which you have time to begin. Time on the front end, to find and buy the plants, as well as planting and maintenance time, should all be factored into your selection process. Even 15 minutes and $1.00, with no time for maintaining, weeding, and watering will get you four packs of wildflower and other seeds that you can scatter and leave to nature to transform your property.

Easy-grows like wildflowers are a good choice to plant when you haven’t figured out yet what you want long-term. Lettuce is another good garden-starter in early spring. While it can’t handle much heat, it grows quickly, and you’ll see a return in the form of fresh baby green salads in just a matter of two or three weeks. Another wise choice for temporary plants that grow easily and quickly and will cover an area with lush vegetation in little time is sweet potatoes. The plants themselves are hearty, dark green, and quite attractive. By the time you figure out what you want in the long run, you’ll have a harvest of tubers. Sweet potato plants pull out easily at harvest time and can be composted. Like small shrubs, they’re good if you’re prone to changing your mind frequently. In gardening, change is a good thing. Annuals, or plants that live for only one growing season, can always be rotated from year to year to see what works best. Even some perennials, or plants that last for more than two growing seasons, can be moved relatively easily, as long as their root structure doesn’t go too deep.

After you’ve got some easy filler-plants or flowers in, you can consider longer-term issues like drainage, water source, and sunlight. By simply reading the recommended sunlight, water, and climate on packaging, and/or speaking with nursery staff, you can choose the best spots for planting. If your existing soil is claylike or full of giant rocks, you’ll have to spend time to loosen it with a hoe or a tiller, depending on how large the area is. You can also add a layer of rich store-bought topsoil to make your job a little easier.

If you’re going to attempt amateur landscaping yourself, the key is to have fun with it. Ask yourself what you like. Group things according to scale, color, and light requirements, and play around with the variables as if you are creating a three dimensional collage.

For more ideas and tips on landscaping for beginners, visit Better Homes and Gardens at bhg.com, or simply make a trip to your local greenhouse, botanical garden, or plant shop.

By Eugénie Bisulco

eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com

HELPFUL TIPS FOR HOME FENCING

By Eugénie Bisulco

So you want to try a new fence around your property, but you aren’t sure where to begin.  There are myriad styles and materials to consider — along with the height, placement, and, of course, your budget.

The first thing to decide is what your real purpose is and to prioritize your needs:  defining borders, protecting your pets, or adding privacy are all likely reasons for installing a new fence.  In most cases, multiple purposes will be served with one border, and it’s not unheard of to use a combination of types depending upon what part of your property is being fenced.

Keeping in mind that your neighbors and your community will also be affected by your selection, it will be important to consider their interests, such as leaving their views unobstructed, as well.  Before beginning work, always study property drawings or order a new survey to be absolutely sure where your property lines begin.  A new survey will cost between $500 and $1000, but it is worth the cost to ensure that your fence does not encroach even an inch upon your neighbor’s property.  Once constructed, moving the fence back is a costly hassle no one should have to endure.

Always have a conversation with your neighbors first and be mindful of local laws with respect to sidewalk proximity, fence height, and other issues.  In New York City, no permits are required for fencing (or hedges) up to six feet high, but if you have just cause to put up higher fences (due to street noise or other disturbing activity), you or your fencing contractor can apply for a permit at www.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/.  Whatever height you select, it is common courtesy to make sure that the finished side of the fence goes outward.

Next, climate and location must be heavily weighed.  Due to our cold climate, concrete anchors need to accompany fence posts, at least 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in freezing temperatures.  In wet areas, wood fencing might be a poor choice, because it is subject to rot and warping.

Generally considered the most economic choice, chain link fencing is made of galvanized steel wire that comes in rolls in a variety of gauges.  It runs from 3-12 feet high.  The smaller the gauge, the heavier the wire.  Chain link fencing may not be the most attractive choice, but it is certainly utilitarian.

Another common sort of fence is wood panel, which is usually made of cedar, pine, redwood, or spruce.  The panels can be stained, painted, or left natural.  They come in pre-assembled sections that are 6-8 feet long, 4-6 feet tall, and either dog-eared or pointed.  Due to wood’s propensity to warp, it will inevitably require some attention.  If you opt to leave it natural, you may want to consider adding a sealant for protection.

You might instead choose vinyl fencing, which is easily maintained.  Like wood paneling, vinyl comes 4-6 feet tall.  It is also rackable, which means that if there are slopes on your property, the panels can be adjusted up or down.

An unusual look for this part of the country would be split rail or post and rail fencing, which typically creates a rustic or “country” atmosphere and is almost purely aesthetic as it won’t keep animals or people on or off your property.  Still, it’s an attractive option that will define areas as well as any other, resting 3-5 feet off the ground and available in a variety of materials.

There are materials and types of fence for every personality and budget, and there are even styles that can be installed by the average fence-naïve homeowner.  Whether you opt for chicken wire or bamboo, modern sculptural fencing or traditional-looking decorative metal, seek out a reliable local fence installation contractors and businesses that can help you get exactly what you want.

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HOW TO COOL YOUR HOME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

CAPTION: A combination of ceiling fans and splits can help cool a home very efficiently. Make sure fan blades spin in the right direction for the season.

Mother Nature is consistently inconsistent these days, when 30-degree Mondays might be followed by 60-degree Tuesdays. Fickle weather is often accompanied by large fluctuations in temperature, strong storms and unseasonable conditions, making it difficult for homeowners to maintain comfort levels in their homes.

As a result of fluctuating temperatures, home heating and cooling systems have been heavily taxed. Growing reliance on HVAC systems has also driven up energy bills, as moderate weather synonymous with spring has given way to more days of extreme heat or extreme cold. As summer approaches once again, reducing cooling costs is a priority for many homeowners. The following are a few ways to cool your home’s interior without causing a spike in your energy bill.

• Reduce sun exposure. Much of the hot air inside of a home can be attributed to sunlight exposure throughout the day. Walls and windows on the south and west sides of a home will bear the brunt of the sun’s rays, so close shades and drapes on this side of the house to maximize coolness. Shades and curtains can save you up to 7 percent on your bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Homeowners also may want to think about installing a retractable awning on areas of the house that get a lot of sun. Planting shade trees is another way to naturally cool down hot sides of the house.
• Draw more air into the attic. Hot air rises, and in the summertime hot air can get trapped beneath the roof in the attic and eaves of a home. While an attic should have vents, homeowners can speed up the exchange of hot air with a simple trick. Open up a window on a shady side of the home, and then open the attic door or take out the access panel and place a box fan inside to blow air up into the attic. This will disperse the hot air and help force it out through the vents.
• Use fans productively. Using box fans to suck cool night air in from east- and north-facing windows and to push out hot air from west- and south-facing windows is another way to increase circulation through a home. Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise. This will pull cooler air up from the floor and create a wind-chill effect.
• Switch to LED or CFL bulbs. Ninety percent of the energy used for incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat. This not only wastes electricity but also can make conditions hotter inside a home. Switch to cooler, more efficient light bulbs.
• Reduce humidity levels. Humidity makes hot temperatures feel even hotter. Clean laundry, take showers and run the dishwasher at night or early in the morning before the day heats up. Don’t forget to vent bathrooms and kitchens by turning on exhaust fans when water is in use.
• Rely on a programmable thermostat. Setting a thermostat to adjust the air conditioning system automatically means homeowners can keep the temperature raised when they’re nothome and then have it lowered shortly before they arrive home. The thermostat also can adjust temperatures for day and night use.
• Keep doors closed. Do not cool rooms that are unused. Maximize the cool air in lived-in spaces by blocking off rooms that do not need to be cooler.
• Invest in more insulation. Insulation does not just keep homes warmer in the cold weather. Insulation also prevents hot air from infiltrating living spaces while keeping cooler air where it’s needed. Sealant around windows and doors also will prevent unnecessary air exchange.

FORUM TIP: If you are considering a new heating/cooling system for your home, we suggest looking into a system which is comprised of units called mini-splits or splits. These units supply both heat and air conditioning. We have had them throughout the office for two years now and although their initial cost was much higher than conventional type units, we have seen a reduction in electric and gas bills of nearly 40% since their installation. In addition they are very easily maintained and feature easily removable filters for cleaning. They operate with virtually no noise and maintain true temperature better than any air conditioning or heating system we have used in the past including individual air conditioners, or central air units for cooling and radiator or baseboard units for heating purposes.

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CURB APPEAL AT ITS FINEST

By Patricia Adams

Among the beautiful new color choices available in vinyl fencing is an entire series of wood tones, including this rich walnut.

A sloped picket design adds an elegant touch to the gated sections of the fence.

While practically none of us wake up in the morning thinking about fencing, one could successfully argue that there is no better feature that you can add to increase the value and marketability of your home than a beautiful perimeter fence, made from top-quality materials and professionally installed and maintained.

The most obvious benefits of installing a fence include privacy, the clear identification of your property boundary, security around your home, and, of course, keeping a closer eye on children and pets. New options in materials and installation techniques can provide homeowners with many more opportunities to enhance their properties than ever before.
Gone are the days when choices were limited to chain link, wrought iron, wood, or white vinyl. Today’s market offers a spectrum of colors that rivals a paint chart, as well as wood grains made to look like the real thing, without the maintenance and woes that accompany wood and other materials.
For the purposes of this story we are going to confine our discussion to the most common fencing choice—vinyl–commonly referred to as PVC.
One of the best things about purchasing your fence and having it installed is that, armed with the right questions, you can choose your “fence destiny” and have whatever outcome for your home and your property that you choose.
Probably the single most important decision for the consumer is in selecting the materials. In purchasing a fence, virtually everything that’s important begins and ends with the material.

Efforts to save money will most often result in choosing a lesser-quality product that’s made with something called regrind, a ground, pulverized recycled material. While your fence might have a shiny new face when it’s first installed, you can certainly count on that look to fade, chip, peel, crack, and become brittle and warped long before its counterparts made with quality material.

Look for fence that is constructed with material subjected to stringent testing and certification. What this all adds up to is when using prime materials you can basically shed many concerns over extreme temperatures and the transitions that occur from season to season which have been known to cause irreparable damage to products manufactured with substandard material. Many unhappy homeowners have found themselves dealing with warping, corrosion, fading, and cracking before their new PVC fence even sees a full cycle of seasons.

There is only one thing actually that can screw up good fence material, and that’s poor installation. Even the finest of materials can be sent to an early grave with an inexperienced or lazy installation crew.

There are so many variables that the homeowner needs to look at when choosing an installer, and we’d like to share with you what you should make sure of before sinking your new little beauty into the ground.

Succinctly put, there are so many things that could go wrong — the exact placement of the fence, resolving property line issues, code adherence issues, the slope of the land vs. the type of fence, the type of soil, excessive tree roots, large boulders, wet soil, weather, underground wire or pipe, and worst case scenario of all – if an uninsured worker incurs injury on your property – that the money and aggravation you save in the long run, as well as the fence itself, will be well worth it if you look into these issues before getting started.

Here at The Forum we recently had occasion to install fencing around the office. After exhaustive shopping and research, we decided to purchase our fence from Citiwide Wholesale Fence in Kew Gardens.

Their American-made vinyl inventory is not composed of regrind, and their manufacture is subjected to the most stringent of testing. Citiwide had the most to offer in terms of selection as well.

We pride ourselves on always focusing on the benefit for our readers when offering opinions or endorsements of any product. We just don’t say they’re good because their advertising appears; they have to prove their worth to get our endorsement, and this is one company that really fit the bill.
From the start of our encounter with Citiwide, they met every mark—from outstanding frontline representation at the office, to their sales staff and installers. This is one company we don’t hesitate to recommend.

If you’d like to take a look at their handiwork along with some of the most beautiful vinyl fencing you’ve ever seen, feel free to pass by the office and take a look. And when you call Citiwide, tell them you read about them in The Forum, and let them know they’d better live up to their great reputation!

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TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS ON THEIR FIRST RENOVATION PROJECTS

Home renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have with their homes.

But few home renovation projects go from start to finish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners working on their first renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.

• Plan well and know what to expect. When working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. Photo references can help guide contractors and architects. Ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from demolition to the punch list. Knowing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.
• Discuss work each day and set payment schedules. Make payments contingent on work completed. This can help keep contractors on schedule. Paying for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a disadvantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and efficient. Check in with workers to get daily progress reports.
• Have reasonable expectations. A renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.
• Accept the mess. Construction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fill up rooms. A home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.
• Establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improvement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it difficult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require you to navigate water shutoffs. If your project is scheduled to take several months, establish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you don’t have access to your stove.
• Plan your escape. Sometimes the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford yourself time away by visiting relatives or staying at a hotel. Even a single night away can provide the relief you need.

A home that is undergoing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environment. But homeowners who have never before lived through a renovation project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

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Landscaping Tips for the Beginner

By Eugénie Bisulco

Starting out with something simple and relatively sparse is the best bet for beginning green thumbs. Using a combination of hearty groundcover and vibrantly colored flowers will yield a beautiful space

With a small piece of land, the novice gardener or even a brown thumb can sculpt out a couple of patches of interesting greenery.

The first thing to do when considering planting even the tiniest plot is budget – not just money budget, but time budget.  How big of a project can you take on, either financially or within your schedule?   Start small on both fronts, and buy your plants, bulbs, or seeds based on the season in which you have time to begin.  Time on the front end, to find and buy the plants, as well as planting and maintenance time, should all be factored into your selection process.  Even 15 minutes and $1.00, with no time for maintaining, weeding, and watering will get you four packs of wildflower and other seeds that you can scatter and leave to nature to transform your property.

Easy-grows like wildflowers are a good choice to plant when you haven’t figured out yet what you want long-term.  Lettuce is another good garden-starter in early spring.  While it can’t handle much heat, it grows quickly, and you’ll see a return in the form of fresh baby green salads in just a matter of two or three weeks.  Another wise choice for temporary plants that grow easily and quickly and will cover an area with lush vegetation in little time is sweet potatoes.  The plants themselves are hearty, dark green, and quite attractive.  By the time you figure out what you want in the long run, you’ll have a harvest of tubers.  Sweet potato plants pull out easily at harvest time and can be composted.  Like small shrubs, they’re good if you’re prone to changing your mind frequently.  In gardening, change is a good thing.  Annuals, or plants that live for only one growing season, can always be rotated from year to year to see what works best.  Even some perennials, or plants that last for more than two growing seasons, can be moved relatively easily, as long as their root structure doesn’t go too deep.

After you’ve got some easy filler-plants or flowers in, you can consider longer-term issues like drainage, water source, and sunlight.  By simply reading the recommended sunlight, water, and climate on packaging, and/or speaking with nursery staff, you can choose the best spots for planting. If your existing soil is claylike or full of giant rocks, you’ll have to spend time to loosen it with a hoe or a tiller, depending on how large the area is.  You can also add a layer of rich store-bought topsoil to make your job a little easier.

If you’re going to attempt amateur landscaping yourself, the key is to have fun with it.  Ask yourself what you like.  Group things according to scale, color, and light requirements, and play around with the variables as if you are creating a three dimensional collage.

For more ideas and tips on landscaping for beginners, visit Better Homes and Gardens at bhg.com, or simply make a trip to your local greenhouse, botanical garden, or plant shop.

The first thing to decide is what your real purpose is and to prioritize your needs: defining borders, protecting your pets, or adding privacy are all likely reasons for installing a new fence. In most cases, multiple purposes will be served with one border, and it’s not unheard of to use a combination of types depending upon what part of your property is being fenced.

Keeping in mind that your neighbors and your community will also be affected by your selection, it will be important to consider their interests, such as leaving their views unobstructed, as well. Before beginning work, always study property drawings or order a new survey to be absolutely sure where your property lines begin. A new survey will cost between $500 and $1000, but it is worth the cost to ensure that your fence does not encroach even an inch upon your neighbor’s property. Once constructed, moving the fence back is a costly hassle no one should have to endure.

Always have a conversation with your neighbors first and be mindful of local laws with respect to sidewalk proximity, fence height, and other issues. In New York City, no permits are required for fencing (or hedges) up to six feet high, but if you have just cause to put up higher fences (due to street noise or other disturbing activity), you or your fencing contractor can apply for a permit at www.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/. Whatever height you select, it is common courtesy to make sure that the finished side of the fence goes outward.

Next, climate and location must be heavily weighed. Due to our cold climate, concrete anchors need to accompany fence posts, at least 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in freezing temperatures. In wet areas, wood fencing might be a poor choice, because it is subject to rot and warping.

Generally considered the most economic choice, chain link fencing is made of galvanized steel wire that comes in rolls in a variety of gauges. It runs from 3-12 feet high. The smaller the gauge, the heavier the wire. Chain link fencing may not be the most attractive choice, but it is certainly utilitarian.

Another common sort of fence is wood panel, which is usually made of cedar, pine, redwood, or spruce. The panels can be stained, painted, or left natural. They come in pre-assembled sections that are 6-8 feet long, 4-6 feet tall, and either dog-eared or pointed. Due to wood’s propensity to warp, it will inevitably require some attention. If you opt to leave it natural, you may want to consider adding a sealant for protection.

You might instead choose vinyl fencing, which is virtually maintenance-free as it is not subject to rot or fading. Like wood paneling, vinyl comes 4-6 feet tall. It is also rackable, which means that if there are slopes on your property, the panels can be adjusted up or down.

An unusual look for this part of the country would be split rail or post and rail fencing, which typically creates a rustic or “country” atmosphere and is almost purely aesthetic as it won’t keep animals or people on or off your property. Still, it’s an attractive option that will define areas as well as any other, resting 3-5 feet off the ground and available in a variety of materials.

There are materials and types of fence for every personality and budget, and there are even styles that can be installed by the average fence-naïve homeowner. Whether you opt for chicken wire or bamboo, modern sculptural fencing or traditional-looking decorative metal, there are many local fence installation contractors and businesses that can help you get exactly what you want. To let someone else handle the heavy lifting from start to finish, visit americanfenceassociation.com for a list of local contractors, fencing options, and an online form for price quotes.

By Eugénie Bisulco

eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com