Mark Lanes is history in Bay Ridge, but thanks to Maple Lanes there are now two leagues proudly bearing the name Mark Lanes. Starting in the fall Tuesdays at 1 P.M. will be housed to the Seniors mixed, and Wedensdays at 6:45 will be Mark Lanes mixed league. You can visit for more details at the new official site of Mark Lanes at www.marklanes.net/Link: http://www.marklanes.net/ and view my new article on the end of Mark Lanes at http://SearchWarp.com/swa81887.htm , look for new updates on the release of the Closing of Mark Lanes DVD, as well as another update on my thoughts of the new Mark Lanes league's coming this fall, and are they worth the price of admission.

The day has come as of July 12th, 2006 Mark Lanes on 423 88th Street is history, a footnote sadly. Walking in on the last day, and seeing the beginning of the end was a sad day not just for me, but for the many youths, seniors, and everyone else who enjoyed the bowling alley like I did. Just passing by it, and seeing the gates closed to me words cannot explain what I feel about this loss. Bay Ridge now has become a place not for the middle class, but for bars, vacant stores, and over expensive property. It's becoming just like every other neighborhood sadly. Mark Lanes was a special place it's loss will not be forgotten I will with this site continue to keep the memory alive. I am working on merchandise with the alley's name, I am very close to having the film we shot distribuited, and I am continuing working on a book called the "Death of Old New York." I ask everyone to sign my petition just to show your opinion of what this bowling alley meant, and I am also working on shooting another video possibly to be released as a second disc called the "Rise and Fall of Mark Lanes". It has meant a lot to thousands, I can tell you this a parking lot won't mean a thing to thousands like Mark Lanes did. Thank you Mark Lanes 1959-2006

I must comment on what is currently happening. Some of you or some of you may not have heard, Mark Lanes is closing it is now closing in a few weeks, and around the first week of July will be no more. As I was just there earlier today it hit me what a horrible, sad, and tragic loss this is not just for Bay Ridge, bowlers, but a remberance of what is going on around the country today. More and more small time businesses are being sold, destroyed in favor of parking lots, condo's, and shopping malls. I understand the need to build, and Century 21's right to build on something they own. But what about something all of us can use, this will only benefit those who drive, and shop in the community. I have talked to many seniors, and young families over the past few weeks, and there feelings of frustration, anger, and sadness hit home. I will continue to try and hold on to the great years of joy everyone at Mark Lanes gave me. Every time I step foot in there it is a reminder of my past, and the bleak outlook of the future. I also must comment on I am continuing to work on my book, and the video I have completed called The Closing of Mark Lanes is very close to being released through some major distribution companies, and I can only hope this film will educate those who have a problem like this in their community to take action, and do something about it. Also before I go please continue to look at this page for more updates, and view my new petition stop the closing of walgreens, at www.petitionspot.com/petitions/nowalgreensLink: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/nowalgreens , and check out some of the articles I have wrote, and videos I have been featured as of late. I cannot thank enough everyone who has helped support me, Mark Lanes, and this webpage, thank you....

BACKGROUND INFO:

Mark Lanes has been in this community since 1959. thousands, and thousands of bowlers have bowled at Mark Lanes.They serve Fort Hamilton high school, almost all the elementary schools, and the guild for exceptional children, which probably is the alley's biggest supporter. Bowling gives so many people a great time, a place to go, fun, friends, and meeting people of all walks of life. I have bowled there since I was 11 years old (I am 21 now)at Mark Lanes every Saturday for 10 years. Mark Lanes has been the place I look forward to going to. It gives me somewhere I belong, and as well for thousands of others.

This affects everyone from all walks of life, granted this is a transaction we can't stop, but what about a place where our kids can go, the loss of Mark Lanes is greater than ever. We used to have several movie theaters, and bowling alleys generations went too, and loved. Now there very soon to being gone, we need to give our community a place to go. This is happening all across the country, this is not just a Bay Ridge Issue, but a national issue!

Now I understand the need for parking, but last I checked Bay Ridge wasn't built for the handling of thousands of cars, that's why there is public transportation. What about our environment, Why sarcifice the last place to have a good time, for parking?

And, by the way, just look at what's going on with the Alpine theater, whose lease runs out in the summer. I kid you not mark lanes keeps a lot of kids off the streets, and gives them a place to go, a place of belonging, I know it did for me. If they wanna build a parking lot, why not choose where the old Eckerd's and 99 cent store used to be on the corner of 87th st and 4th av. or the many other stores that are vacant, but I guess we are all just in their way!, You be the Judge?

Many of you have heard the news Mark Lanes declined a six month extension from Century 21, as of now the lanes will close on August 1st, with Century taking over the property, this is a major loss to everyone involved. Look for an article soon with this of my thoughts. Also keep in eye on the video we shot here with open plans, I thank everyone who worked on the video, we are currently invovled in the editing process, and we are hoping a release on several public access stations, and my website in the upcoming weeks/months. I have also began work on the book I am writing on this situation, I won't say who is interested, but this book will be a must read to everyone who has bowled at Mark Lanes, or cares for the community, and bowling in general.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Sign my petitionLink: http://www.petitiononline.com/rush06 .

2. Check the new petition on my war against cell phone, and electronic device bans in NYC High Schools here is a link, and look for a page of mine against this outrage.

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/yesoncellphonesLink: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/yesoncellphones

Check out this week's New York Bowler as it has my score of 212 in there, and several of my Saturday night league teammates.

Check out my brand new article on the need for Bay ridge to have more funding for community projects in today's New York Sun.
If you have any questions on this situation, or community issues in general contact these peoople who are the leaders of our community, and let them know how you feel.

3. Councilman Gentile -- 718-448-5200
Senator Golden -- 718-238-6044
Congressman Fossella-- 718-630-5277
Boards of Standards and Appeals-212-788-8500, Fax 212-788-8808
Community board 10 at communitybd10@nyc.rr.comLink: mailto:communitybd10@nyc.rr.com
(Look for today's Post and see my letter on the Mets recent moves)

4. Visit www.markandmelody.comLink: http://www.markandmelody.com/ give them your thoughts, and how you can help.

5. Visit http://www.markandmelody.blogsource.com/Link: http://www.markandmelody.blogsource.com/ , and read some of my candid thoughts about this.

6. http://www.wnbc.com/technology/9290648/detail.htmlLink: http://www.wnbc.com/technology/9290648/detail.html (Brand new video with my thoughts on Police Id'ing people's Ipod's.)

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/attack_on_big_mac__riveras_fast_food_folly_letters_.htmLink: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/attack_on_big_mac__riveras_fast_food_folly_letters_.htm (Article on my thoughts on the proposed fast food ban proposed by Councilman Joel Rivera)

http://www.silive.com/letters/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/115150142635000.xml&coll=1Link: http://www.silive.com/letters/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/115150142635000.xml&coll=1 (Brand new article which is also mentioned on my Park and Ride page regarding a possible Walgreens coming to Staten Island)

http://www.nysun.com/article/35005Link: http://www.nysun.com/article/35005 (Article on thoughts regarding Immigration)

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/letters/Link: http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/letters/ (New Article on thoughts of the recent election in New Orleans)

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/66622.htmLink: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/66622.htm (New Article also on the recent election in New Orleans)

http://www.silive.com/letters/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/114882220378800.xml&coll=1&thispage=2Link: http://www.silive.com/letters/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/114882220378800.xml&coll=1&thispage=2 (Article about Vito Fossella and what he has done for the 13th district.)

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/419272p-354069c.htmlLink: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/419272p-354069c.html (Brand new article on my thoughts about the loss of Imette St. Guillen the John Jay Student who was brutally murdered)

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/68534.htmLink: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/68534.htm (Brand New article on my thoughts about Hillary Clinton)

http://www.gothamgazette.com/community/43/views/postLink: http://www.gothamgazette.com/community/43/views/post (Brand new article)

http://bayridgecourier.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16659171&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=576294&rfi=6Link: http://bayridgecourier.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16659171&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=576294&rfi=6 (Brand new article on Mark Lanes, with my candid thoughts)

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16054831&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8Link: http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16054831&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8 My article about Mark Lanes, and has candid thoughts from the bowling alley.

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16184884&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8Link: http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16184884&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16139811&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8Link: http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16139811&BRD=2384&PAG=461&dept_id=551971&rfi=8

http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_20/29_20bp.pdfLink: http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_20/29_20bp.pdf (Brand new article on Mark Lanes with brand new updates)

http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_05/29_05br.pdfLink: http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_05/29_05br.pdf (Scroll to the letters to the editor, you will come and see my letter on Saving Mark Lanes)

http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_08/29_08br.pdfLink: http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_08/29_08br.pdf (Click on the bowled over article, it has a few thoughts of mine.)

http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_10/29_10br.pdfLink: http://brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol29/29_10/29_10br.pdf (scroll to the editors page, and it's the article off the mark, which I wrote about my thoughts)

http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5061EFA3E5A0C718DDDAB0894DE404482Link: http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5061EFA3E5A0C718DDDAB0894DE404482 (Ny times coverage of the story, you have to register an account to view it though)

http://www.gothamgazette.com/community/43/views/362Link: http://www.gothamgazette.com/community/43/views/362 (An editoral from the gotham gazette, with my views on the story, but my opinion only.)

http://bayridgebrooklyn.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_bayridgebrooklyn_archive.htmlLink: http://bayridgebrooklyn.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_bayridgebrooklyn_archive.html (check the story on February, 6, there is some mention of the situation, and I have commented some thoughts in some of the posts.)

http://bayridgeconservative.com/Link: http://bayridgeconservative.com/ Scroll down to April 3rd, Save Mark Lanes, I am mentioned in the article.

http://bayridgetalk.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=15&page=1#Item_8Link: http://bayridgetalk.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=15&page=1#Item_8 Great site, and gives a link to our site, and an article I wrote there.

7. http://www.brooklynx.org/bcat/features/breview/archive.aspLink: http://www.brooklynx.org/bcat/features/breview/archive.asp Click, Mark Lanes, you can view a 1 minute clip sampler of my thoughts, as well as councilman gentile, and the owner of Mark Lanes.

Also look for my video here with Open Plans to appear soon.

8. http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=4916Link: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=4916 (Another article on the story)

http://www.daikynguyen.com/eet/print_archive/united_states/new_york/2006/03-Mar/20/B8.pdfLink: http://www.daikynguyen.com/eet/print_archive/united_states/new_york/2006/03-Mar/20/B8.pdf (Article on the story in the Epoch Times.)

Check out today's New York Sun on my thoughts on Immigration, and look for a story on me regarding real estate on cribstown.com