City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. has started discussions with Parks Department officials in hopes of renovating the dilapidated diving pool in Astoria Park next to the Astoria Pool.

Vallone (D- Astoria) said that he has spoken with Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe about the project and has suggested other possible uses for the renovated facility, among them designating the area for use as a concert space during the summer.

"As space in this city grows tighter, we need to come up with creative solutions to provide recreational space, and this diving pool could once again be a great asset to our community," Vallone explained.

Vallone said that the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC), which stages a summer concert series, has been "clamoring for a performance space in Astoria Park".

Safety Program Protects Seniors

A program to provide information on common fire hazards, proper use of fire extinguishers, installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and critical evacuation methods has reached nearly 200 Ridgewood area senior residents state Senator Serphin Maltese reports.

The veteran Middle Village lawmaker, joined by FDNY Safety Education Unit Representative Todd Belton, recently met with members of the Ridgewood Older Adult Center for a Fire Safety Awareness Day meeting. Maltese arranged the session.

"These meetings will save lives in certain circumstances and also provide a comforting protective assurance at other times," Maltese said.

'Sound Off On Noise', Says Gennaro

Having just sponsored the legislation covering the overhaul of the 30-year-old city noise code, City Councilmember James Gennaro is following up with a project to disseminate information about the new code so that the public gets maximum benefit from it.

Gennaro (D- Fresh Meadows) feels that the sweeping revision of the code will have a profound effect on the city. "But for the code to work as well as it possibly can, it is important to educate people about the code and get feedback from folks on its effectiveness," he said.

Towards that goal, Gennaro will disseminate information about the new code and also solicit comments about how it is working out from individual constituents, civic associations and other community groups and businesses.

For more information, contact Gennaro at his district office at 718-217-4969.

Seeks Ban On Train Noise

Congressmember Gary Ackerman reports that the House Appropriations Committee has approved $125,000 in funding to help provide a solution to the seemingly incessant horns blaring every time a Long Island Rail Road train roars through the station in Little Neck.

Ackerman (D- Bayside) said the funds would be used to close the gaps in the gates at the Little Neck crossing.

The lawmaker explained that gaps in the gates are large enough for vehicles and people to pass through. This triggers the horn blast 80 times a day that a train passes through as mandated by federal safety regulations.

Once the gaps are closed, the lawmaker explained, federal rail officials can classify the Little Neck gates as a "quiet zone", a designation that allows trains to pass through a crossing without blasting their horns because sufficient safety measures are in place.

Lists Of Exams For NYC Jobs Available

Any eligible city resident interested in taking an examination to get a job in the New York City government can get a list of the examinations scheduled from Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer (D- Rockaways).

The exam guide covers tests scheduled from July through December 2007. The lawmaker said the guides provide a brief description of duties and education and/or experience required for the positions available.

Pheffer said some of the exam guides are available at her district offices, 90-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach (718-945-9550) or 108-14 Cross Bay Blvd., Ozone Park (718-641-8755).

Rates Drop In 'Assigned Risk Plan'

New York State Insurance Superintendent Eric R. Dinallo has announced that insurance rates for drivers in the Assigned Risk Plan will drop by an overall 7 percent shortly.

Dinallo said the new rate schedule will go into effect on August 15 for new policies and October 1 for policies being renewed. An estimated 130,000 policies will be affected, he said, saving motorists about $20 million.- Compiled By John Toscano