Fossella to tender his resignation?

The much anticipated resignation of troubled 13th district congressman Vito Fossella could come some time within the next 72 hours - reports MSNBC.

According to New York political reporter Jay DeDapper, the state's top Republicans -- who believe the resignation could come as early as Friday (Monday the latest) -- weighed how best to preserve the House seat, in the face of a growing Democratic lead.

State Republicans believe nothing could be gained by Fossella remaining in his seat, and want Fossella gone 'ASAP' to make way for a special election with a strong candidate for the upcoming fall election against Democrat Steve Harrison - while Staten Island Republicans felt Fossella should at least be allowed to serve out the remainder of his term.

Fossella's hometown paper, the Staten Island Advance, called for Fossella's swift resignation following the DUI arrest, which lead to a series of scintillating revelations involving a double life led with an ex-congressional Air Force liaison in Virginia, with whom the Staten Island congressman fathered a 3-year-old daughter.

photo courtesy: Daily News

CB10 appoints local lobbyist to zoning & preservation subcommittee

Responding to a report investigating 'zoning and preservation issues' in Bay Ridge [no doubt spurred by the Green Church imbroglio] Community Board 10 has formed '11 subcommittees to handle 15 specific areas of concern identified in the Preservation Zoning Report,' according to today's Brooklyn Eagle.

Among those appointed to chair one of Community Board 10's new subcommittees is George Fontas (committee on lack of parking), a former staffer to Councilman Vincent Gentile, and lobbyist with Manhattan based Capolino and Company; which, ironically, counts among its clients - the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church.

Records indicate that Fontas' firm was hired by the Untied Methodist Church and paid upwards of 17 thousand dollars for services described as "community consultation and mediation" between the Methodist Church, Community Board 10 and his old employer - Councilman Vincent Gentile.

Preservationists will no doubt seize on this as an opportunity to say: 'well, another example of money spent on a sale, instead of repairing the church' -- or something to that effect -- rather than focus on the more relevant issue of a known lobbyist with a peculiar conflict of interest between his company's Methodist Church clients, and a councilman who touts himself as a devout preservationist.

Vito, you are the father

In much the same style Vito Fossella chose to address the circumstances of his arrest in Alexandria last week on a DUI charge -

Today in a press conference, the Gentleman from the 13th district confirmed reports that he did in fact father a 3yr old girl with 'friend,' retired Air Force lieutenant, Laura Fay.

The same woman who came to the aide of the Staten Island/Brooklyn congressman the night he was arrested just outside her Alexandria home.

Fossella's statement:

I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a three-year-old daughter. My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry. While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind. Over the coming weeks and months, I will to continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused.

On the heels of the DUI arrest and today's paternity revelation, Vito's supporters - both personal and political- are reportedly already distancing themselves from the embattled congressman.

According to the New York Post: Fossella's wife, Mary Pat, whom he has three children, may not be standing by her husband after the dust settles.

While Gothamist, citing a NY Sun piece, says the campaign arm of the GOP is slowly backing away from Fossella as well.

local blogger to start Bay Ridge preservation group

Local blogger Left in Bay Ridge has decided to enter the very thorny field of Bay Ridge civic life, by taking a stab at what he hopes will be the first truly independent and accessible Bay Ridge Preservation Group - and he wants you to be part of it.

Lefty, better known as Mark Brown, is a Brooklyn native with a genuine enthusiasm for his Bay Ridge community. He's been a staunch proponent of thoughtful preservation, with an emphasis on the long term environment impact of different kinds of infrastructure, such as the building of condos vs. much needed school construction.

e-mail Mark Brown to get involved.

Gentile: 'the church will be saved'

Last Thursday's town hall meeting with Councilman Gentile and Assemblywoman Janelle Hyer Spencer was a night for revelations.

Gentile promised the restless and, at times, ornery crowd, the Green Church 'can and will be saved.'

It was a tall order from a man short in stature, and on details; who, according to the Brooklyn Eagle, claimed to have been in contact with 'other developers' about reusing the space, and lauded the prospect of using the Green Church as a performing arts center.

The question remains, however, whether or not Councilman Gentile and Assemblywoman Spencer are working with the congregation, or simply flying solo on this one again.