P.S. 234 Parents Meet Developer
Mr. Resnick—meet the parents. Last month developer Scott Resnick met with more than 30 P.S. 234 parents about the construction of a 29-story building that began last month behind the school.

Resnick, sitting on a bare auditorium stage with his brother John and a representative from Plaza Construction, described the construction schedule. Then he faced civil, but sometimes angry and frustrated questioning about noise, pollution and truck traffic.

The noisiest part of the work will be starting this month, when they begin to pound sheeting around the perimeter of the foundation to form a watertight “bathtub.” That work will take from six to eight weeks.

Councilman Alan Gerson, who also attended, suggested that they adopt the new city noise regulations, which are not yet in effect, to mitigate the noise and vibration. Resnick said he would hire a noise consultant to see what the options may be, but committed to no specific measures.

Parents also raised questions about the construction hours. The workday, Resnick said, will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., almost exactly the same as the school day. Asked if the workers could start and end later, Resnick said that was not possible because the construction trades dictate the schedule.

Resnick also rejected parents’ request to begin the noisiest part of construction after school lets out for the summer, although Principal Sandy Bridges said that would delay the opening of the school annex that will be part of the new building.

“I was very happy they were willing to meet with us. But  I wish the property had never been sold to them to begin with,” she said.

The developer did agree to meet every two weeks with Bridges and a small group of parent representatives. The first of those meetings was held on Feb. 18. He is also providing the school with a regular two-week schedule of the upcoming work.

Kevin Fisher, PTA president, said this month they are also hoping to have a visit from representatives of Minskoff Equities, the developer of the lot to the south of the school, where construction could begin on several buildings later this year.

Small Business Tips
Ever dreamed of opening your  own restaurant or other small business? The Small Business Administration is holding free monthly talks on the topics, including tips on start-ups and how to procure commercial space in New York City. A talk on starting and running a restaurant will be held March 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 26 Federal Plaza, Rm. 3032. Registration is required. Call 212-264-9487.

On the Erie Canal
A talk and book signing with Peter Bernstein, author of “Wedding of the Waters: Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation,” will be held March 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Downtown Information Center, 25 Broad St. It is sponsored by the American Museum of Financial History and Wall Street Rising. RSVP to Kristin Aguilara, 212-908-4695 or by email, kaguilera@financialhistory.org

Back to Boating Basics
Basic boating courses for beginners or those interested in a refresher, begin March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Murry Bergtraum High School, 411 Pearl St.

The eight-week course, offered by the North River Sail and Power Squadron, covers the basics in sail or motor boating.

For more information, go to www.northriversquadron.org or call 212-217-2900.

Film Fest Volunteers
It’s not too late to sign up as a volunteer and be part of the 2005 Tribeca Film Fest, April 19 to May 1. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help with special events, the box office, screenings, the Family Festival and other events. Go to www.tribecafilmfestival.org for an application.

Singer Auditions
The Downtown Singers, a men’s community choir, will hold auditions on March 1, 8 and 15 at 74 Trinity Pl., second floor, from 6:15to 8 p.m.The choir will perform a benefit concert June 16 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. For more information call Jerry Osterberg at 516-248-7549.

Carnival and Concert
Audience participation will be encouraged this month during a performance of “Peter and the Wolf,” March 20, 11 a.m.at Synagogue for the Arts, 49 White St. The woodwind quintet performance will include an introduction to the instruments and interactive lessons in the technique and tools used by a composer. Audience members will even be asked to join in to create music. The performance is part of Purim at the Synagogue and includes a carnival, crafts, food and more. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family. For more information, go to www.synagogueforthearts.org or call 212-966-7141.