THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | APRIL 25, 2024

RAISING AWARENESS

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and CB 9 will present their 2nd Annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 4, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park/Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill.

Photo Courtesy of

Addabbo, CB 9 to Present 2nd Annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Community Board 9 will present their 2nd Annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park/ Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill.

During the event, participants will walk around the perimeter of the park four times. The rain date is May 18 at the same time and location.

Resources and educational materials will be distributed, and speakers such as Janet Forte, a school physiologist specializing in helping children with special needs will share their knowledge on autism and developmental disabilities. Fun activities such as Zumba sessions will also take place to keep families engaged. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be distributed.

Participating organizations will include Mercy Drive Inc., New York Life Insurance Company, EmblemHealth, Bena Homecare Agency, the River Fund, Caribbean Cabana, Trinidadian and Tobagonian USA group, NYC Sikh Community, and Heart of Gems.

“Autism can come in many different forms and affects each person with it dif -

ferently, so because of that, each person w ith Autism — and the families and loved ones that care for them — require different levels and types of care,” Addabbo said. “That is why it is vitally important that we have events like this. However, we are also walking to raise awareness of other developmental disabilities that impact so many lives right here in Queens, let alone across the country and the world.”

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings, and

for m relationships with others. According to the CDC, in 2020 more than 5.4 million adults in the U.S. — or 2.2 percent of the population — are on the autism spectrum and using data from 2020 the CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism in 2023.

“As the mother of a son with autism, I am personally excited to have Senator Addabbo sponsor this walk again along with Community Board 9,” Sherry Algredo, chairwoman of CB 9 said. “After the great success we had with the walk

last year it has become clear that this is an event that is needed in the community and must continue. This is not just a walk, but also an opportunity to engage and speak with participating families and hear about their struggles and the need for more equitable and fair services for people with special needs. We encourage folks to come out and join us in support of this great cause and keep this awareness going. I know the struggles that families of special needs children face because I have walked their path and I continue to walk their path. When my son was younger it was very difficult to access resources. Since then, we have come a long way, and we will continue to raise awareness until all families have access to fair and equitable special needs services. We look forward to community leaders and community members coming out and supporting families and to continue to raise awareness. I personally want to thank Senator Addabbo for being open to this idea and helping cultivate it.”

“I would like to thank the partners of this great event, including Community Board 9 and its Chairwoman Sherry Algredo who was instrumental in helping to plan the walk,” Addabbo said. “I also want to thank everyone who has supported this amazing cause.”

Assembly Bans Co-Pays for Insulin

By Forum Staff

The Assembly on Tuesday voted for a revolutionary change in the law for those with diabetes, or anyone who needs insulin, by banning cost sharing, or co-pays, for insulin prescriptions.

Through Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato’s (DHoward Beach) vote, individuals would have no out-ofpocket cost for insulin.

Recent reports indicate that the average person with Type 1 Diabetes incurred annual insulin costs of $5,705, with some paying less, and some paying more. It is widely known that when patients can't afford insulin, they resort

to rationing the little medication they can afford. In fact, one study found one in four people with Type 1 Diabetes admitted to not taking their insulin as prescribed due to the cost. Pheffer Amato said that this shocking statistic led her to work on legislation to make insulin affordable for all New Yorkers.

In New York, an estimated 10 percent of the population, or over 500,000 individuals, require insulin every day. Through this new law which was included in the 2024 State budget, Pheffer Amato helped ensure that individuals would not need to make a choice between their healthcare and personal finances. “This is a tremendous step forward for our State as we are removing a barrier

between people and their health. If you need this lifesaving medication, you can get it without a fear of out-ofpocket expenses. By voting yes and working on this type of legislation, I’m doing everything I can to make sure New Yorkers receive the best medical care and quality of life,” said Pheffer Amato.

Photo Courtesy of Google During the event, participants will walk around the perimeter of the park four times.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Martin Kozak

In New York, an estimated 10 percent of the population, or over 500,000 individuals, require insulin every day.

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato “This is a tremendous step forward for our State as we are removing a barrier between people and their health,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

NY’s Largest Solar Carport Launched at JFK

By Forum Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York Power Authority began construction of New York State’s largest onsite solar plus storage project: a solar carport canopy at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Once operational, the solar carport project will generate electricity to help power the AirTrain and to reduce electricity costs for residents of low-income neighborhoods in Queens. Located in the airport’s long-term parking lot 9, the JFK solar carport will be erected as a canopy, providing the added benefit of covered parking for 3,000 vehicles.

“We are breaking ground on a game-changing solar project, which will give power to the AirTrain and support thousands of families in Queens,” Hochul said. “Supporting local minority- and women-owned businesses, this project will deepen our investment in the community while pushing forward New York’s nation-leading climate goals.”

The Port Authority, in partnership with the New York Power Authority, has contracted TotalEnergies, a global leader in solar power, to build and operate the JFK International Airport solar project. With enough solar panels to cover an area large enough for 11 football fields, the solar carport will generate approximately 12 megawatts of onsite power and will include a 6-megawatt community solar generation facility. The project will also include 7.5 megawatts of battery storage that will be used to help reduce airport energy use during peak periods. When complete, the JFK solar carport will produce enough clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6,000 tons annually – the greenhouse gas equivalent of 26 million miles driven by an

average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle –and will contribute substantially to the Port Authority’s goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency’s facilities by 2050. Additionally, the project will enable designated low-income communities in Queens to support clean energy and to save on their utility bills.

Hochul cited the JFK solar carport and battery storage project in her 2024 State of the State message as an example of New York’s transformative infrastructure projects. The JFK solar carport is also consistent with Hochul’s climate agenda, which calls for a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in a way that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a robust share of clean energy investments is directed to disadvantaged communities. As with all Port Authority capital projects, development of the solar carport will adhere to the 30 percent goal for participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

The project will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will deliver energy to the airport starting in March 2025. Phase 2 is the community solar project and will deliver energy to Con Edison for the surrounding community beginning in April 2026. Through the NYS Community Distributed Generation Program, the project will provide guaranteed electric bill savings for 25 years to historically disadvantaged and environmentally impacted households. The community benefit addresses the disparity in access to clean energy among lower-income communities. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that have difficulty paying their energy bills also typically face higher energy costs – about 20 percent higher per square foot than the national average.

‘Ophelia’ Revealed Big Gaps in City’s Storm Readiness: Comptroller

By Michael V. Cusenza

“Last fall, just a few days after Tropical Storm Ophelia smacked the five boroughs, my office launched an investigation into how prepared the Adams administration was to manage the storm – and what the City needs to do before future extreme weather events,” City Comptroller Brad Lander said.

Today, we report our findings from the investigation:

“While New York City made some improvements after Hurricane Ida, Tropical Storm Ophelia revealed big gaps in our storm readiness. Stronger emergency management is required to ensure our city is storm resilient,” Lander said.

In September 2023, Ophelia made for one of the city’s wettest days in decades, with 8.65 inches of rainfall falling during a 24-hour period. It knocked out subways, flooded basements, stranded drivers on highways, and even closed down a terminal at LaGuardia Airport. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams declared a state of emergency and issued a travel advisory.

Thankfully, Tropical Storm Ophelia wasn’t fatal – but New Yorkers also remember Hurricane Ida, which took 13 lives in 2021 and laid bare the City’s lack of preparedness for flash flooding.

After Ida, the City put forward several plans to address extreme weather. Then in

2022, the Adams Administration released Rainfall Ready, which outlines actions for the City to take to address intense storms. Our investigation evaluated progress of these long-term projects and plans to manage stormwater.

In some areas, we found progress. For example, the City proactively improved its network of sensors, and activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan the day before the storm arrived. And for the first time, NYCEM paid community networks to amplify emergency notifications to hard-to-reach populations.

But the report also identifies several severe shortcomings:

• 63 percent of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) 51 catch basin cleaning trucks were out of service during the storm, leaving only 19 trucks to cover all five boroughs.

• At the time of the storm, Mayor Adams had not appointed an Extreme Weather Coordinator. The administration’s high-level and targeted communications with the public came late, well after heavy rain was already wreaking havoc.

• Only 2.7 percent of New Yorkers over 16 years old received NotifyNYC emergency alerts for the flash flooding.

• DEP has developed a cost-effective plan (just $22.5 million) to modernize many

of the city’s priority catch basins so they are less likely to clog; but unfortunately, the plan has not yet been funded or greenlighted for implementation.

• A majority of DEP’s stormwater infrastructure projects are delayed and overbudget.

New York City was not as prepared as we should have been for Tropical Storm Ophelia. Perhaps that’s part of why New Yorkers report feeling dissatisfied with the City’s emergency preparedness generally, and specifically with stormwater and sewer maintenance, according to a recent Citizens Budget Commission survey. With extreme weather now a regular part of New York’s climate reality, that’s something we have to change.

So where do we go from here?

First, the City should get all those trucks fixed – budget cuts eliminating mechanic positions at DEP and DSNY sure aren’t helping – and promptly fund and implement catchbasin upgrades before the next storm hits.

The City should improve and expand emergency communication beyond the limited number of New Yorkers who currently receive NotifyNYC, and communicate flood risks to more diverse, at-risk communities earlier on.

We can’t let capital projects drag on forever. The State Legislature should swiftly approve legislation allowing the City to flexibility to utilize “design-build” approaches for stormwater and climate resiliency projects.

Photo Courtesy of Kat Capossela for the Office of the City Comptroller City Comptroller Brad Lander addressing the media alongside Chief Climate Officer Louise Young.

NYPD Pension Fund Bill Passed

By Forum Staff

New York State Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee member Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., (D-Woodhaven) and prime sponsor of legislation to provide equitable benefits for experienced police officers in the police pension fund, announced its passage as part of FY 2024-25 Adopted State Budget.

“Noting the need to improve the incentive for police officers to continue serving in the NYPD beyond the required minimum number of years for retirement, we need to retain their experience and leadership,” said Addabbo. “My bill provides a much-needed incentive to keep our most experienced police officers in the ranks for their entire career.”

The current police officer recruitment and retention crisis in New York is projected to continue at historic levels, leading to an increase in police overtime and crime that impacts New Yorkers. Addabbo’s bill enacts important pension benefits that would help to enhance public safety and prevent the loss of vital public services.

More specifically, a first-grade police officer who has served in the rank of a police officer for 25 years, would have the same rights in the police pension fund as a police thirdgrade detective who has served for two years at the highest salary rate for the rank. Additionally, when a first-grade police officer has served for 30 years, the officer has the same police pension fund rights as a sergeant who served for two years at the highest salary rate for a sergeant.

“Creating a retirement benefit incentivizing NYPD longevity is common sense because it goes beyond maintaining experienced, knowledgeable officers who will enhance public protections through their understanding of the job, while also improving the safety of freshman officers who train from skilled, veteran officers,” Addabbo added. “Effectively fighting crime, protecting residents and businesses in our neighborhood, while helping to improve the safety of all law enforcement are just some of the reasons why the passage of my bill has a significant impact on all New Yorkers,” Addabbo said.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN IN SUMMER: AFTER SUN BLOCK…

We are all happy about the appearance of a shining sun on several days this past week. Not to put a damper on the summer spirit swiftly approaching but we need to remember that there is much to be wary of when we expose ourselves to the sun. This week we offer some hints to saving your skin in summer.

1. SELF TANNER - WHY NOT?

Instead of lying for hours in the sun, get that sun kissed glow with a self-tanner. You can purchase an inexpensive self-tanning lotion at your local pharmacy. Just remember to exfoliate before you apply selftanner to remove any dry skin that could lead to an uneven appearance.

2. MOISTURIZE AND NOURISH WITH OILS

Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth.

3. GIVE ’EM LIP SERVICE

Use a lip sunscreen with SPF agent even if you’re putt ing lipstick on, too.

4. REMEMBER HAIR CARE

Th e beating sun will hit your hair hard, but there are a number of sprays containing SPF that you can put on aft er you wash your hair.

5. EXFOLIATE HEAD TO TOE

If you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove and your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.

6. BE KIND TO YOUR FACE

Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and other products containing glycolic acids and retinoids should not be used if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Try Mineral Makeup available in your local pharmacy.

7. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy--summer fruits and vegetables have many benefi cial components. Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as fresh produce, fi sh, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.

8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Th e sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Just be careful you don’t drink too much.

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500

Hochul Extends Mayoral Accountability

Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday released the following statement after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an extension of mayoral accountability for two more years:

“With the inclusion of mayoral accountability in the state budget, our administration has now secured every single one of our legislative priorities in the budget. Every. Single. One.

“In the 22 years since mayoral accountability was implemented, New York City’s public schools have transformed — increasing our students’ reading scores, math scores, and graduation rates; reducing the racial disparity gap; allowing the implementation of critical initiatives like ‘NYC Reads’ and universal dyslexia screenings, and ensuring a seamless and timely coordination with partners to welcome, enroll, and support thousands of newly-arriving students and their families on a citywide scale.

“The continuation of mayoral accountability is important to New York City families, students, teachers, and the entire school community, and we thank Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and the Legislature for delivering for our students and allowing me and Chancellor Banks to continue to provide bold and necessary programs for the betterment of our children.

“We will continue to partner with the nearly 1 million students, their families, my colleagues in government, the unions representing school personnel, and the entire New York City community to provide an education system free from bureaucracy and one that allots them the certainty they deserve, provides historic investments in our schools, and changes the way we approach learning in New York City.”

Photo Courtesy of Caroline Rubinstein-Willis/Mayoral Photography Office

File Photo

“[W]e need to retain their experience and leadership,” said Addabbo.

Photo Courtesy of Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Office Addabbo’s bill enacts important pension benefits that would help to enhance public safety and prevent the loss of vital public services.

Hochul Announces Historic Investments of State Budget

By Forum Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the historic investments included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted Budget which was passed by the Legislature last weekend.

The $237 billion budget makes investments in the people of New York without raising income taxes. It includes hundreds of new initiatives that will help fight crime, fix our mental health system, and build more housing so people can afford to live and thrive in New York.

Landmark Housing Deal

Hochul’s housing agenda includes:

• A l andmark plan to build more housing in New York City, including establishing the new 485-x tax incentive to construct affordable housing, extending the 421-a tax incentive for six years for projects already in the pipeline, changing the outdated 12 FAR density cap, creating incentives to convert unused office space into affordable housing.

• New initiatives to spur housing creation statewide, including a new 421-p tax incentive to construct housing outside NYC, mandating that $650 million in discretionary funding goes to Pro-Housing Communities, allocating $500 million to build up to 15,000 new homes on state land, and incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

• Historic protections for tenants and homeowners, anti-price gouging measures for renters, stronger protections from evictions, and new enforcement and preventative measures to protect homeowners from deed theft, and reinforces the law that squatters are not tenants.

• More than $600 million in capital funding to support housing statewide.

• Combating housing discrimination against Section 8 voucher recipients and affordable housing providers.

Creating a Safer New York

The Budget makes major investments and reforms to improve public safety, crack down on organized retail theft, combat the rising tide of hate crimes, prevent gun violence and domestic violence, and reduce recidivism and improve reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals across New York State.

The FY 2025 Budget includes:

• $347 mi llion to continue New York’s efforts to reduce and prevent gun violence.

• $40.2 mi llion to crack down on retail theft by expanding enforcement and increasing penalties for offenders who assault retail workers and a $3,000 tax credit for business owners to invest in security resources.

• $35.8 mi llion to prevent and prosecute crimes of domestic violence.

• $35 mi llion to fight the rising tide of hate by expanding the number of offenses that can be prosecuted as hate crimes and investing in the Securing Com -

munities Against Hate Grant that protects houses of worship, religious schools and other at-risk sites.

• $7.1 million to reduce recidivism and improve reentry into the workforce by providing more intensive supervision of individuals on parole, expanding transitional housing opportunities, expanding college programming to all state prisons, and providing transportation for visitors to and from State Correctional Facilities.

Improving Healthcare for All New Yorkers

Hochul’s FY 2025 Budget provides record funding to keep New Yorkers healthy, while also setting the Medicaid program on sustainable long-term fiscal footing.

A historic $37 billion Medicaid investment maintains the State’s commitment to supporting the health care safety net and transforming the health care delivery system, while simultaneously making bold

for medical debt and implement other protections to improve access to financial assistance and mitigate the deleterious effects of medical debt on New Yorkers.

The FY25 Budget advances critical health care priorities including:

• $3.2 billion to support distressed hospitals throughout New York State, inclusive of $550 million annually to support the transformation of New York’s safety net hospitals through a Medicaid Global Budget initiative supported by the 1115 Waiver.

• $825 mi llion in temporary reimbursement increases for hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living programs, in addition to substantial rate increases over the previous two budgets.

• $315 mi llion to provide health insurance subsidies for low to middle income individuals enrolled in Qualified Health Plans.

investments to expand access to services and support the workforce. The Budget includes support for the State’s recently approved Medicaid 1115 Waiver amendment, investing $7.5 billion in federal and state funding to promote health equity across the State.

The FY25 Budget also advances the governor’s priority of improving maternal and infant health care outcomes. New York will become the first state in the nation to expand access to prenatal care for pregnant women by granting up to 20 hours of leave for eligible employees to attend appointments, without impacting the existing twelve weeks of paid family leave.

The FY25 budget also includes bold new legislation to protect low-income New Yorkers from medical debt lawsuits by banning hospitals from suing patients earning less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, or $120,000 for a family of four. The legislation would also expand hospital financial assistance programs for low-income New Yorkers, limit the size of monthly payments and interest charged

• $300 mi llion and regulatory flexibilities to support a new Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program.

• $200 million in Medicaid savings through improved oversight and efficiency in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).

• $148 mi llion to increase rates for primary care delivered through New York’s innovative Patient-Centered Medical Homes model.

• $116 mi llion in additional funding for various Aging and Public Health programs, including $27 million for DOH nutrition programs and $10 million dedicated to SOFA to finance additional unmet need services.

• $19.5 million in funding to support a 5 percent rate increase for in person services under the Early Intervention Program, as well as a 4 percent rate modifier for rural areas and underserved communities.

• The Enacted Budget authorizes the State to engage with the federal government to develop ways to maximize health care revenues that are available to

support the Medicaid program, including a tax on Managed Care Organizations.

Tackling the Mental Health Crisis

For too long, New York’s mental health care system has suffered from gaps in care. Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic left a lasting impact on many New Yorkers, exacerbating mental health challenges and highlighting the need for appropriate levels of care statewide.

To address the unmet mental health needs of many New Yorkers and building on Hochul’s $1 billion multi-year mental health plan, the FY 2025 Budget investments include:

• $84 mi llion to increase reimbursement for services provided at certain sites treating mental health conditions.

• $55 mi llion to establish 200 new inpatient psychiatric beds statewide, including three additional 25-bed Transition to Home Units (THUs).

• $90 mi llion in opioid settlement funding to continue to lead the country in the disbursement of money received from settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

• $33 mi llion to improve engagement with individuals living with mental illness and involved in the criminal justice system.

• $20 mi llion for school-based mental health clinic satellites, making it easier for students and their families to access clinical services.

• $19 million to provide critical care to young people outside of school environments, including increasing resources for youth receiving treatment in the community and in residential settings.

• $2 mi llion to increase mental health supports for first responders including suicide prevention efforts.

Shutting Down Illicit Cannabis Operations and Protecting the Legal Marketplace

Hochul pledged to end the proliferation of illicit cannabis operations, and the FY25 Budget includes reforms that empower the Office of Cannabis Management and localities to do just that.

The comprehensive plan includes:

• Author izing OCM and localities to padlock illicit storefronts immediately following an inspection if they are selling illicit cannabis and pose an imminent threat to health and safety.

• Cracking down on landlords who turn a blind eye to the illegal activity under their purview.

• L aunching a statewide task force to carry out civil enforcement to close illegal stores.

• E xpanding local authority to allow cities and counties to adopt laws related to regulate unlicensed cannabis businesses.

• Granting New York City immediate enforcement powers to inspect, issue violations, and seize cannabis and padlock stores.

Photo Courtesy of Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the $237 billion balanced State Budget.

Schumer Delivers $250M for NY to Help Families Get Access to Solar Power

By Forum Staff

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a whopping $249,800,000 in federal funding for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to deploy solar technology for residents that live in disadvantaged communities and low-income households.

The funding comes from $7 billion in grant awards through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects nationwide through Schumer’s Inflation Reduction Act, which created EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is powering a major $250 million boost in residential solar power for families across the Empire State. This is a win-win-win: helping New York fight climate change, lowering costs, and creating new, good-paying jobs,” said Schumer. “Solar is the most cost-effective form of electricity and one of the easiest ways to help families lower their energy bills every month. I was proud to support NYSERDA’s Solar For All application and this Earth Day, the future of New York’s energy grid is looking sunny, clean, and bright thanks to the historic investments of our Inflation Reduction Act.”

Specifically, the funding will support NYSERDA’S capacity to enhance the state’s existing portfolio of highly successful and effective solar deployments, technical assistance, and workforce development programs to benefit millions of residents that live in disadvantaged communities and low-income households. NYSERDA will also implement new programs that target specific barriers to solar deployment for low-income New Yorkers, partnering with

HCR, the City of New York, and HPD to do so.

The EPA Solar for All award will fulfill a critical need to build out New York’s proven, robust rooftop and community solar programs serving residential customers. The funding will expand solar access for the New York City low-income market with support to allow for infrastructure upgrades, provide increased benefits to disadvantaged residents, and tackle the barriers of affordable and multifamily housing solar deployment. It will also allow for the continuation of crucial workforce development programs and extend the reach of residential solar to diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state.

The finalization and execution of award agreements is expected by this summer, at which point NYSERDA will work with coalition partners and stakeholders to design and implement Solar for All funded programs over the five-year program period.

Schumer said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced 60 selectees that will receive $7 billion in grant awards through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects to over 900,000 households nationwide through his Inflation Reduction Act. The 60 selections under the $7 billion Solar for All program will provide funds to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits across the country to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar, lowering energy costs for families, creating good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advancing environmental justice, and tackling climate change. Nationwide, the program will

reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years and generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/U.S. Senate Photographic Studio “This is a win-win-win: helping New York fight climate change, lowering costs, and creating new, good-paying jobs,” Senator Schumer said.

Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams Invest Over $22 Million in Cultural Organizations

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on Monday announced that, thanks to strong fiscal management, the City will make multiple investments in New York City’s cultural sector by allocating more than $22 million over the next three fiscal years for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget. The investment includes $18.3 million over the next three fiscal years for the 34 members of the Cultural Institutions Group. These institutions — including museums, performing arts centers, historical societies, zoos, and botanical gardens — operate on city-owned property and serve as community anchors and economic engines for neighborhoods in all five boroughs. Over the next two fiscal years, the FY25 Executive Budget will also allocate $4.3 million to the Cultural Development Fund, which supports over 1,000 cultural nonprofits across the city annually, investing in a wide range of groups that represent the backbone of the city’s remarkable cultural community.

“Our people, arts, and culture are the heart and soul of New York City, and they are the cornerstone of our econom -

ic rebound,” said Mayor Adams. “New Yorkers, alongside tourists from every corner of the globe, enjoy our worldclass museums, theaters, performing arts centers, and more. Our strong fiscal management has enabled us to put money back into the cultural organizations that do so much for us, and with this investment of more than $22 million we are reaffirming our commitment to this vital sector.”

By stabilizing the city’s budget and fiscal outlook, the Adams administration has been able to invest city and

state recurring dollars and protect $22.6 million for cultural institutions. Cultural organizations continue to engage New Yorkers and attract visitors to New York City, as the city boasted its fourth highest year for tourism in 2023 and projects even more visitors in 2024. According to the Mayor’s Management Report, attendance at CIG-member institutions increased more than 60 percent in FY23 over FY21.

Mayor Adams, DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, and other members of the administration have collaborated

on many new initiatives to support the city’s vibrant cultural sector and bring the arts to all New Yorkers. In February, DCLA announced more than $52 million in grants for 1,031 nonprofits through the CDF, which is part of this budget investment for FY25 and FY26. With support from Mayor Adams, the City Council, and borough presidents, DCLA also announced more than $222 million in new funding for cultural capital projects across the city, in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

“New York City must invest in the success of our cultural institutions if we are to remain the cultural capital of the world — continuing to benefit from the estimated $110 billion in annual activity the cultural economy generates for our city,” said Speaker Adams. “Today’s joint announcement with Mayor Adams is an important down payment for our cultural sector in the Executive Budget that establishes a foundation to build upon for the final city budget. Our arts and cultural institutions are essential pillars of our city's communities that the Council has consistently championed adequate funding to support. We look forward to our continued work with the administration and all stakeholders to deliver a budget that invests the necessary funds for a healthy and robust cultural sector.”

Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams Protect Over $500 Million in Key Education Programs

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on Friday announced that, thanks to strong fiscal management, the City will make multiple new investments, including more than $500 million in city and state funding for educational programs for young New Yorkers in Mayor Adams’ Executive Budget this week.

First, the city will protect $514 million — the majority of which will be baselined with recurring dollars — in City Department of Education programs that were only previously supported with tem-

porary stimulus dollars, including mental health care, career readiness, and literacy programs for New York City public school students in the Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget.

The Adams administration will also launch a $5 million outreach effort to maximize the number of children enrolled in 3-K and Pre-K programs across New York City. Additionally, the city will invest $25 million in funding to provide special education classes and related services within district schools to Pre-K students with special needs who would otherwise be on waiting lists at contracted providers. Finally, Mayor Adams announced the city will invest $8 million toward the MyCity portal, making it easier for any New Yorker to apply for subsidized child care and other city services.

Currently, the City has tens of thousands of empty early childhood education seats that remain unfilled every day. The city’s $5 million outreach effort aims to maximize the number of children enrolled in child care, and by focusing on populations and neighborhoods with low enrollment rates, the administration will help ensure the promise that any child who

needs an early childhood education seat can access one. Since taking office, the Adams administration has prioritized making accessible and affordable child care available to any parent who needs it, boosting the number of children enrolled in child care by nearly 36,000 — a 27 percent increase — and reduced the per child co-pay from an average of $55 per week to less than $5 per week.

By stabilizing the budget and fiscal outlook, the Adams administration has been able to invest city and state recurring dollars and protect 15 DOE programs that were supported under the last mayoral administration with expiring federal stimulus dollars. In the Executive Budget, the Adams administration will apply a combination of $514 million in city resources and recurring state funds, to backfill programs, including:

• Supporting the citywide 3-K expansion as it transitions from its original stimulus funding source ($92 million, FY25);

• Supporting nearly 500 social workers and psychologists who provide mental health supports in schools ($74 million, FY25+);

• Maintain funding for special education Pre-K providers to increase service hours, and resources for DOE-related services and evaluation teams ($56 million, FY25+);

• Funding for the 113 Community Schools that were supported with stimulus ($48 million, FY25+) and Program to Eliminate the Gap restoration that would have impacted 170 Community Schools ($8 million, FY25+);

• Pathways program that facilitates career pathways programs in high schools, offering apprenticeships, career-readiness, and access to college credits ($53 million, FY25+);

• A rts funding programming ($41 million, FY25);

• Funding for Learn to Work at transfer schools and Young Adult Borough Centers, which offer counselors and internships to at-risk adults and older youth at 66 sites ($31 million, FY25);

• The Public Schools Athletic League ($27 million, FY25+);

• L iteracy and dyslexia programs and academic assessments for both English language arts, and math ($17 million, FY25+);

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“Our people, arts, and culture are the heart and soul of New York City, and they are the cornerstone of our economic rebound,” said Mayor Adams.

Photo Courtesy of NYC The City will protect $514 million — the majority of which will be baselined with recurring dollars — in City Department of Education programs that were only previously supported with temporary stimulus dollars.

Meng Brings Greece’s New Ambassador to the U.S. to Queens

By Forum Staff

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), brought the Greek Ambassador to the United States to her congressional district in Queens.

Meng and Ambassador Ekaterini Nassika held a luncheon on Monday with the borough’s Greek American community at a local Greek restaurant where they talked about the importance of the U.S.-Greek relationship and their efforts to further strengthen it.

Prior to the luncheon, Meng and Nassika toured St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing. They also visited its day school and preschool and met with Church and school officials.

Nassika, who traveled to Queens from the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C., is a career diplomat. She was appointed as Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S. in November 2023 after serving as the Ambassador of Greece to the Russian Federation.

Meng invited Nassika to visit Queens last month after the two had an introductory meeting at the Congresswoman’s office on Capitol Hill. Also joining the luncheon and tour was Dinos Konstantinou, the Consul General of Greece in New York.

“It was an honor to host Ambassador Nassika here in Queens and I thank her for visiting our borough,” said Meng. “I am so proud to represent thousands of constituents who are of Greek descent and to support and help grow the crucial ties that exist between the United States and Greece, and between the American and Greek people. Greece is at the forefront of tackling many shared challenges from strengthening democracy and tackling climate change to helping to support our allies Israel and Ukraine and bring stability to the Eastern Mediterranean. I am excited to continue working with Ambassador Nassika and I’m thrilled that I was able to introduce her to the vibrant and thriving Greek American community in my district. She is welcome in Queens anytime.”

“It was great to come to Flushing, Queens and meet with the local Greek American community,

a strong and vibrant link between Greece and the United States of America,” said Ambassador Nassika. “I was also very glad to see Congresswoman Grace Meng, an active member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. We both highlighted the importance of further strengthening the ties between Greece and the U.S. and work closely together in this direction. The contribution of members of the Congress in promoting bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and close partners and allies, like Greece, is always of significance.”

Corona Man Convicted of Murder for Hire in Fatal Shooting Outside Karaoke Bar in Flushing

By Forum Staff

On Tuesday, a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict against Antony Abreu on both counts of an indictment charging him with murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire conspiracy in connection with the Feb. 12, 2019 killing of 31-yearold Xin “Chris” Gu, outside of a karaoke bar in Flushing.

As proven at trial, Abreu was hired to murder Gu as part a revenge scheme orchestrated by Gu’s former boss, Allen Yu. Allen Yu’s business, Amaco, lost substantial business when Gu left to start his own property development company. Enraged at Gu’s perceived disloyalty, Allen Yu hired co-conspirators You You and Zhe Zhang to kill Gu in exchange for payment. Zhang in turn hired Abreu to carry out the murder.

On the evening of Feb. 11, 2019, and into the following pre-dawn hours, Gu’s new company hosted a celebration of the Lunar New Year at Lake Pavilion restaurant in Flushing.

and shot Gu multiple times at close range, killing him. In exchange for committing the murder, Zhang gave Abreu a luxury Richard Mille wristwatch valued at over $100,000. In the days after the murder, in an effort to avoid detection, Abreu sold the car he used in the murder to a relative and sold a burner phone used to facilitate the murder. In the following months, Abreu repeatedly bragged about committing the murder to various associates and posted on social media about the wristwatch Zhang had given him. After his arrest, Abreu obtained a contraband phone in jail, which he used to attempt to intimidate and retaliate against government witnesses in the case and to make payments to potential defense witnesses. You You pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire conspiracy in June 2023 and is awaiting sentencing. Allen Yu and Zhang were convicted at trial in October 2023 and face mandatory life sentences when they are sentenced. When sentenced, Abreu faces a mandatory term of life in prison.

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng Meng and Nassika visiting the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church’s day school and preschool.

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng Meng and Nassika touring St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing.

After dinner, Gu and a smaller group went to a karaoke bar, Grand Slam KTV in Flushing. When Gu left the bar and was getting into a cab, Abreu approached

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of NY When sentenced, Abreu faces a mandatory term of life in prison.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of NY Abreu repeatedly bragged about committing the murder to various associates and posted on social media about the wristwatch Zhang had given him.

Legal Notices

142-43 249TH LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/14/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JOEL MOREAUX, 249-10 139TH AVE, QUEENS, NY, 11422, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

30-16 ASTORIA LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/18/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-11 74th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

GLASS SKIN NYC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/11/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41

STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SSC PARTNERS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/08/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SHEFFIELDERS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/13/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SUNNY 80 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/25/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the SUNNY 80 LLC, 58-27 197TH ST., FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PUSH AMPERSAND PULL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/15/23. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 60-06 69th Lane, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

FLORES SPECIALTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/25/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the FLORES SPECIALTY LLC, 31-00 47TH AVENUE, SUITE 3100, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 111013013, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ALPHA LANE HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/18/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LUIS FABIAN PULLUTASIG CRIOLLO, 814 WYCOFF AVE, #2F, BROOKLYN, NY, 11237, USA.. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ATM Services 3000 LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/27/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Jean-Joseph Negouai, 76-10 34th Ave, Apt 3J, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. General Purpose

Citrus Garden LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/22/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 104-19 177th St, 3FL, Jamaica, NY 11433. General Purpose

CAPSIDE, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/03/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to: Oksana O Lipinchuk, 116-16 Audley Street, Apt 1A, Richmond Hills, NY, 11418, USA. General Purpose

Notice of Qualification of Nimbus Group LLC, fictitious name: Nimbus Express LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/25/24. Office location : Queens County. LLC formed in Deleware (DE) on 06/06/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to : 24177A Oak Park Drive, Little Neck, NY, 11362. Address to be maintained in DE: 16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958. Arts. of org. filed with the Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Suite 4, Dover, De, 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activities.

DROGBA STUDIO LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/08/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to THE LEGACY ADVISORY FIRM LLC, 225 REFORMATION PARKWAY, SUITE 200 #9, CANTON, GA 30114. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ILLYRIAN BUSINESS GROUP, LL -

CLLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/06/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to EGLI TUNDO, 45-12 46 STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY, 11404. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ILLYRIAN BUSINESS GROUP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 1/06/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: EGLI TUNDO, 45-12 46TH STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY, 11104, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

ILLYRIAN BUSINESS GROUP, LL -

CLLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/06/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to EGLI TUNDO, 45-12 46 STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY, 11404. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LUNAR LOTUS WELLNESS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 3/8/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lillian LuuValdez, 11132 126th st. PD, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

MARIC 191 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/15/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 1953 46th St Astoria NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEROY REALTY HOLDINGS LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/19/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Michael Kessler, 42-09 235th St., Douglaston, NY 11363, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

GLADE PROPERTIES LLC, Art. Of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/06/2018. Office in QUEENSCo. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1244 Clintonville St, 1C#38, Whitestone,NY11357 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ROSA PELIGROA LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/24/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to BLANCA DIAZ, 1873 CARTER AVE, 1S, BRONX, NY, 10457. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 292 Madison RF Investor LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/8/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 42-15 235th St, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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