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COVER STORY: Loycent Gordon of Neir’s Tavern ........................ 12
COVER STORY
Neir’s owner works to preserve its history
it too vulnerable, and he faithfully believes that it must last beyond his time as owner.
“I’m now transitioning to ‘What is Neir’s like without Loy?’ and that’s scary. I’m looking at a different way that Neir’s can survive without me,” he said.
He looked at the street name, recently titled ‘Neir’s Tavern Way,’ and emphasized that owning Neir’s is an act of service — hence why it is not named ‘Loycent Gordon Way.’
As a small business owner, Gordon has faced an array of challenges.
Most notably, he was nearly forced to close the bar in 2020 following a jump in rent from around $2,000 to $5,000 plus other expenses.
With support from elected officials — including the office of thenmayor Bill DeBlasio — the community and the Queens Chamber of Commerce, an agreement was reached for a new five-year lease with a considerably lower rent.
“The small business owners have glorified jobs,” Gordon said. “They could get paid similarly or even more working for someone. But they don’t because there is a level of passion that they aren’t willing to give up — doing something for hopefully the next generation.”
For his contributions in saving Neir’s Tavern and his devotion to the bar — and by extension, the community — Gordon has been honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce as a Business Person of the Year.
However, he felt it necessary to emphasize that he alone did not save the bar.
“I can’t eat all the burgers and drink all the beer,” Gordon said. “We have to work together to make sure Neir’s presses on.”
Prior to becoming the owner at Neir’s Tavern, Gordon had never runned a bar or restaurant. He is an immigrant, coming to the United States at age 10.
Helped by a community of staff at P.S. 116, he went from being overwhelmingly behind educationally in his fourth grade class to graduating at its top, receiving a standing ovation from parents and staff at his graduation.
He recalls janitors peeking their heads through the door windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gordon crossing the stage.
This experience left a lasting impression on Gordon — an impression that made him see the failing state of Neir’s Tavern as a way for him to give forward the support that was given to him.
“I came into Neir’s Tavern seeing that it was going to close. The long forgotten place that was special, just as I felt I was, but wasn’t given the love,” Gordon said. “This was my opportunity to give back. What if I could save one of America’s oldest places as an immigrant, as my service.”
Beyond his work at Neir’s Tavern, Gordon is an active firefighter.
He was the first graduating class to be hired following the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
Neir’s Tavern offers a distinct experience to its customers. Service is part of Gordon’s identity.
From a bowl that allows people to leave behind a community memory and mementos from the 1800s, there is more to Neir’s Tavern than beer.
“It’s about preserving one of America’s oldest places,” Gordon said. “There’s not many of them left.”
BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR
Dr. Stacie NC Grant, JFK Redevelopment
By Jessica Meditz news@queensledger.com
Working as the Community Advisory Council Facilitator for the JFK Redevelopment Program, Dr. Stacie NC Grant’s proudest honor is serving the Queens community.
Among Grant’s many accolades is that she serves as Chief Brilliance Officer of C&G Enterprises Unlimited, LLC, selected to be the facilitator for the $18 billion dollar redevelopment project.
The project strives to upgrade John F. Kennedy International Airport into a world class facility, with complete makeovers to Terminal 4, Delta/JFKIAT; Terminal 6, JMP; Terminal 8, American Airlines; as well as the New Terminal One (NTO).
Grant describes JFK as “the window to the world,” and said the new development will be able to best serve the millions of passengers that come into the World’s Borough.
“We haven't had this level of investment in the JFK Airport, ever. So this is historic, what we're doing. My job is to ensure we come together to make sure that all voices are heard, represented, and that updates are given to the community,” she said. “Everyone is at the table, coming up with ideas around how the community can be better as a result of this reinvestment.”
The Community Advisory Council meets quarterly, and embodies four committees: the Business Development Committee, the Career/ Workforce Development Committee, the Environmental Stewardship Committee and the Education Committee.
Grant said she values working with all walks of life as the facilitator, from the community, elected officials and terminal developers, to the everyday business person who wants to learn more about the project and potentially become involved.
“I would say the greatest achievement is being able to introduce many community residents to the program and some who've gone on to not only become certified, but to win contracts,” she said.
In addition to the work with JFK, C&G Enterprises Unlimited has done business with the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education, providing facilitation and training and development work.
Grant is the International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., which provides scholarships, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood across the globe, and the founder and CEO of Destiny Designers University, the only training and development platform for Faithpreneurs (faith-based entrepreneurs and faith-based professionals).
She is also a bestselling author, media personality and award-winning international speaker, receiving the 2016 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service from 44th President Barack Obama.
Through her work with the JFK Redevelopment Program, Grant seizes the opportunity to build a great legacy for “our children’s children’s children” here in Queens, and feels honored to be recognized as a Business Person of the Year by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
“It's humbling to know that others see your efforts in trying to create space for others…Even during COVID, keeping the community encouraged through a very challenging time by offering free resources and using media as a way to connect and to create space for a very confusing time we were all witnessing,” she said. “I believe wherever you live, you should also serve — and it's my honor to serve Queens.”
Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Dime
By Matthew Fischetti mfischetti@queensledger.com
Kevin O’Connor has served as the CEO of Dime Community bank since 2020.
The bank has over 60 branches across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Long Island; 800 employees and $12 billion in assets -- making it one of the largest community banks in the region. O’Connor recently led the creation of the Dime Community Bank Foundation, which was designed to expand the bank's charitable operations.
Before his role at Dime, O’Connor was the CEO of Bridgehampton National Bank for 13 years, leading the Long Island bank through a period of growth and financial stability. The Long Island native has focused on organic growth, strategic acquisition and communitybased customer service and culture in his financial leadership positions throughout the years.
O’Connor sits on the boards of Pursuit, the New York State Bankers Association, the Hauppauge Industrial Association, and the Long Island Association. He is also on the board of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and is part of their affiliate entity, Brooklyn Alliance Capital. O’Connor also is a current member of the Board of Trustees of Suffolk County Community College and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
“I am thrilled that both Dime Community Bank and I are being honored this year. Dime Bank has been a fixture in Queens for over 100 years and has been the home to many ‘firsts’ for the people in that borough – Dime is where they got their first savings account, their first mortgage, and their first business loan.Dime Bank is proud to be an integral part of community in Queens,” O’Connor said in a statement.
BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR
Rachelle Antoine, Port Authority of NY NJ
By Jessica Meditz news@queensledger.com
Rachelle Antoine serves as the Manager of External Affairs & Community Outreach at Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for the massive $18 billion JFK Redevelopment Program.
A Queens Village resident, Antoine strives to keep members of her community informed about the happenings of their local airport utilized by folks around the globe.
The JFK Redevelopment Program seeks to transform JFK Airport into a modern, 21st century airport, which will offer unified terminal layout, updated amenities, redesigned on-airport traffic pattern and enhanced security among more upgrades.
The idea of a redevelopment was born with the intention of accommodating for the projected growth of the airport, which is expected to reach 75 million passengers a year by 2030.
“On a daily basis, we have to conduct a lot of outreach, touch base with businesses to provide access and opportunities on the program and I’m also in charge of developing these community initiatives on behalf of the project,” Antoine said of her role.
The JFK Redevelopment Program has a Community Advisory Council consisting of 45 members to provide updates on the project and review proposals that come from the community.
Antoine also operates the Community Outreach Center, which provides an environment for locals to pose their own questions pertaining to JFK.
“This is a major project happening in Southeast Queens, so when we are thinking of opportunities that are right here in our backyard, I always say these two words: outreach and engagement. We're doing our part by conducting the outreach, but the engagement is the piece that is vital for the community, because there's jobs, there's access, there’s construction jobs and there's aviation jobs that are available,” she said. “So I think in terms of outreach, it’s important for the community to get access to these opportunities.”
Antoine will hit the two-year mark in her role as Manager of External Affairs & Community Outreach at Port Authority in March of 2023.
She filled the shoes of now-Councilmembers Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, who served in the position prior.
“They needed someone to ensure that the work continues,” Antoine said. “Nantasha and Selvena started, but the pandemic hit, so there was a major pause on the program.”
“They helped get the program off the ground, but the actual drive is on me now because right after the pandemic, a lot of work needed to be done.”
Her past career endeavors include serving as budget director for the New York State Assembly, a data analyst for NYC Administration for Children's Services and a social worker for the Office of the New York City Public Advocate.
She earned a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University, specializing in community-based matters.
Antoine feels proud to be honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce as a Business Person of the Year for her work in the borough, as well as grateful to wake up every morning doing something she’s passionate about.
“I think what I love the most is meeting someone and providing them with access…whether it's connecting the person to a terminal developer, or helping a local firm getting their MWBE certification, I think, for me, what makes me really happy is just connecting folks to possible opportunities,” she said. “Small businesses sometimes have little hiccups and issues, so to get them funding or to connect them with another organization, even though they may not be able to get a project or some sort of bid, but that little work that we can help them to get one step closer to bettering their business is what actually makes me happy.”
Peter Kapsalis of Cine Magic LIC
By Matthew Fischetti mfischetti@queensledger.com
Peter Kapsalis, The owner and CEO of Cine Magic LIC Studios, a roughly 100,000-square-foot studio operation in Queens, came from humble beginnings.
Starting in 1993 as a film equipment manufacturer and rental company, Cine Magic pivoted into the studio business in 2006, using funds and clientele to open up their original 3,000-squarefoot studio on Elizabeth Street. In 2008 they expanded to a larger 144,000-square-foot location on the Williamsburg Waterfront after getting calls for bigger jobs. And by 2011, they expanded into a 5,000-square-foot larger studio on the Greenpoint waterfront, known as Cine Magic East River Studios.
“We like to open the biggest studios because they tend to get sets that stay up between seasons and give you continuous type of tenancy, which, you know, who wants an empty studio?” Kapsalis said.
And the philosophy has been working.
Kapsalis’ studios work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hulu, Disney Plus and Showtime – having hit shows such as “Billions and “Only Murders in the Building” filmed at Cine Magic studios.
Kapsalis emphasized the transit connectivity into Manhattan, the other studios in the area, and that the location is zoned as an industrial business zone as some of the reasons for the 2020 LIC expansion.
“The opportunity for us was that you can find a full city block that we’re able to basically lease and see the area around there for potential expansion beyond the initial LIC expansion. We're looking to expand as we speak,” he said.
Kapsalis said that although he was raised in Brooklyn, he’s a Mets fan so he has always been around in Queens – and is humbled by the honor of being a Queen Chamber Business Person of the Year. “The Queens Chamber people are very nice people, they seem to be very engaged with the businesses, and they’ve helped us introducing different parties that build studios.”
QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
Two Expat New Yorkers are Turning Investment Back into NY
Richard Scola, is a lifelong New Yorker, who spent four years in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War (1990-94), joined the NYPD (1996-97), and continued to serve NYC as a member of the FDNY (1998-2006). When rescue and recovery efforts at ground zero on 9/11 severely affected his health, Richard made the difficult decision to take his family and relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina.
As a Service Disabled Veteran, Richard was seeking a change and a fresh start in life with a new career in Real Estate, and partnered up with fellow New Yorker, Adam Levinson back in 2007. Richard Scola
Queens is a Major Beneficiary
Together they built a successful real estate business across the Southeast and in 2019 their passion, faith, and nostalgia for the city of New York is what caused them to return an investment back into the city they love so much.
They saw great potential in this investment in a time when most were turning their back on the city.
Richard and Adam recently joined forces with George Kyrimes and Michael Gatzonis of TriArt Construction and Gatsons Electric Inc, local Queens entrepreneurs with a similar mindset and passion for the “Big Apple.” The Tri-Art and Gatsons portfolio of work has many impressive projects for companies such as Tishman Construction, Columbia University, Catholic Charities, the East River Towers, 20 stories with 75 units; View 59, 12 stories and 39 units, and many more.
This new synergy of passion has developed into what is now a group with its overall core competency being the ability to manage the construction of ground-up developments and complex gut renovations in various phases. This is an important characteristic not only to the company itself, but to many clients as well and adds value to their relationships.
Despite the fact that many have seen the recent years as a period of decline in New York City, Richard and Adam look at this as an opportunity to continue to invest and support the community by partnering and hiring local talent and continuing to build local businesses. They feel that these two principals will help continue to bring success to their companies, partnerships, and New York City as a whole.
New York City will always be full of potential, but will sometimes still need the help of men like Richard and Adam.
These men are confident in these investments, knowing the city will reciprocate somehow, some day. In the meantime, they can focus on their successful careers while they slowly build up the city once again as they have great visions for the future.
QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS Mom and Dad Just Aren’t the Same
By Teres Rodnet, CSA
Holidays are the perfect time to spend quality time with our families. Whether you travel from out-of-state or the neighboring city, the holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for families to gather and make new memories and reflect on old ones. It’s also an opportunity to observe your elderly adults physical, spiritual, and mental capabilities.
Unfortunately for some families, the good times can often be overshadowed by the concern for a loved one. So, what happens when a family member mentions that “Mom and Dad just aren’t the same?” Home – it’s where “the heart is” and the place where most aging adults will say that they wish to live.
The ability to do this safely is crucial to remaining as independent as possible, with the lowest level of care needed, and in one’s chosen environment. It can be a difficult moment when you come to realize that your Mom and/or Dad need senior care, whether in their home or in a setting like assisted living.
Just as our parents kept us safe, sheltered and secure when we needed it – there comes a time when we’re called upon to return this same love to our parents. Some of us will provide care to our parents in our own home for a period, but this is not always possible for all families, or always desired by the children or parents themselves.
Many families find themselves searching for senior assisted living for loved ones who aren’t safe living alone. If you see that your loved ones need assisted living care, here are some steps that can help you find the right care:
1. Get Your Loved One Involved -- The more involved your parents are in the search, the better.
Of course, you can do much of the legwork for them, but have discussions with your parents about their desires and preferences and, ideally, present them with a range of options.
2. Determine What You Can Afford -- Like it or not, money is going to be a factor in most families’ searches. Realistically consider what your family can afford monthly. Look into Veterans benefits, long term care insurance, life insurance policies with a long-term care rider, and assets. Look for creative ways to pay for care.
3. Get Connected with Senior Industry Professionals -- You can consult a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) at any point in the transition process, but it’s helpful if you have already done a little investigating into what your family can afford. Most CSAs offer free services to seniors and their families. Your CSA can provide a list of senior communities that meets the needs and preferences you have already established, and ones that are in your price range. This list of communities is an excellent starting point for your search. From there, a logical way to proceed with the decision-making process is through the process of elimination.
4. Tour Senior Communities -- No amount of time viewing photos, brochures, floor plans or reviews can substitute for an in-person visit to a community and visit more than one. A good time to tour is during a meal so your loved one can try the food and get a good sense of the community’s culture because residents tend to be more active during mealtime. Narrow down your search of favorites and perform follow-up tours.
5. Come to a Decision Whether -- your parent is choosing the community themselves, or whether you need to make that decision for parents impaired by dementia or Alzheimer’s, try to make sure that everyone in your family feels good about the choice. When possible, have conversations with your parents discussing the pros and cons of each option and try to find consensus about the right decision. Your CSA can provide feedback about your favorite communities; help evaluate issues such as care requirements, finances, and amenity preferences to help you make an informed and confident decision.
6. Make the Move -- When families and seniors select an assisted living community, it’s a life changing decision. It can be such an intimidating choice that many families come down with analysis paralysis and postpone a move out of fear of making the wrong choice. It’s risky to procrastinate when a loved one needs care, as the delay can lead to avoidable accidents and medical problems. Have confidence in your choice and make the move. Every family situation will be unique and will require different solutions. It takes everyone’s willingness to observe, discuss, and change to have the greatest effect with this transition process. There are no perfect answers just the best answers to meet your family’s dynamics.
Remember, senior industry experts are available to help seniors and their families adjust to a new environment. So don’t be afraid to acknowledge that “mom and dad just aren’t the same.”
Teres Rodney. CSA Certified Senior Advisor Oasis Senior Advisors, NYC
QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS Rock-Rock Rockaway Beach Jacob Riis Bathhouse, Summer 2023!
By Maria Iacovone, Principal & COO ads ENGINEERS. DPC
Rock-Rock, Rockaway Beach - We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach! …. Dee Dee Ramon said it best, back in 1977 he wrote a song about his favorite hangout and the home of Joey Ramon.
Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY has been a diamond in the rough since the early 1930’s. It has an amazing history and is the largest urban beach in the United States. Because of its surf friendly waves, it is popular with surfers and the only place you can legally ride a surfboard in the New York Metropolitan Area. Also, home to Jacob Riis Park, located on the southwest portion of the Rockaways.
Jacob Riis Park, signature Bathhouse built in 1932 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, has been in the news as of late due to the $50 million renovation it is undergoing. Currently, it is the home of pop-up vendors under the banner of Riis Park Beach Bazaar, but that is all going to change by the Summer 2023!
For years the bathhouse has been underutilized and almost dormant. After surviving Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy there was some clean-up due to the storm damage, but it still is a shell of what was once there. For the past 10 years the entire community has concentrated on survival and resiliency due to the catastrophic damage Superstorm Sandy brought upon this area. Resilience is exactly what the Rockaway community has shown. Now 10 years later there will be a full restoration of the Historic Bathhouse that will once again grace this community. The restoration and renovation will include a hotel, catering hall, rooftop lounge, restaurants, bars, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor music venue, and retail shops. This will be a historic revitalization and something that ads ENGINEERS is proud to be a part of.
A great deal of ingenuity and expertise is behind this phased reopening of the bathhouse that will begin the summer of 2023. Our firm, ads ENGINEERS, along with CBSK Developers, Brooklyn Bazaar and renowned architectural firm Beyer Blinder Belle have been working on this important community project since 2018 to restore the bathhouse to its original 1932 design while adding some incredible amenities.
This project is a reason to celebrate how far we have come since Superstorm Sandy, and the bright future ahead that will bring jobs and strong commerce to the Rockaways.
