MOM AND BAD
Parents Punished for Kid’s
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The mother and father of a 17-year-old boy—who has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Fortune Williams, 14, a passenger in the BMW he was allegedly driving on North Conduit Avenue near 160th Street in May 2023 when it slammed into a UPS truck at more than 100 miles an hour—were sentenced this week on child endangerment charges.
Parents Sentenced in Unprecedented Case after Teen Son Allegedly Kills Girl in Ghastly Conduit Crash
driving; driving in excess of the maximum speed limit; unsafe lane change on a roadway laned for traffic; making an unlawful turn; two counts of operating a motor vehicle with a tinted windows; operating or driving a motor vehicle without a license; and operating a motor vehicle in violation of a restricted permit or license.
According to the investigation:
On May 17, 2023, at approximately 6:38 p.m., the then 16-year-old defendant was driving a red 2005 BMW 325i westbound on North Conduit Avenue near 160th Street at a speed calculated at 101 miles per hour. The posted speed limit was 30 miles per hour.
The teenager lost control of the vehicle when attempting to move from the left-center lane to the right-center lane and crashed into the back of a parked UPS truck. After hitting the truck, the BMW spun across the roadway and struck a tractor-trailer traveling westbound.
registered in his name, he had bought the vehicle for his son and that the car was his son’s.
The son had a junior driver’s license, which prohibited him from driving under any circumstances in New York City.
Three weeks after the fatal crash, on June 7, Smith told the car’s insurer that his son had driven the BMW approximately twice with him in the vehicle and that his son was a good driver.
Prior to the fatal collision, in November 2022, witnesses from the defendant’s school saw him regularly driving the same BMW and a school administrator informed the parents that their child was driving to school.
The child was also ticketed in November 2022 for driving without a license and driving while using a portable electronic device.
By Michael V. Cusenza
It seems that the sins of the son have been visited upon the parents.
In a case that Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has characterized as “groundbreaking,” the mother and father of a teen driver—who has been charged with manslaughter in the death of the 14-year-old passenger in the BMW he was driving—were sentenced for facilitating the boy’s access to the car when he was legally prohibited from operating the vehicle, Katz announced Monday.
The teen driver’s father, Sean Smith, 40, of Springfield Gardens, pleaded guilty on June 11 before Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky to endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced on Monday to three years of probation.
As a condition of the sentence, he must take a 26-week parenting class and attend the Victim Impact Panel Program.
The boy’s mother, Deo Ramnarine, 43, of Springfield Gardens, pleaded guilty last month to endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly conduct. Yavinsky sentenced her to a 26-week parenting class and to attend the Victim Impact Panel Program. If she successfully completes both, she will be allowed to withdraw her plea to endangering the welfare of a child and only the disorderly conduct charge will stand.
The now 17-year-old, who lives with his parents in Springfield Gardens, was arraigned in December on charges of manslaughter in the second degree; three counts of assault in the second degree; assault in the third degree; reckless endangerment in the second degree; endangering the welfare of a child; reckless
As a result of the initial collision, Williams was ejected from the front passenger seat of the BMW into the back of the UPS truck. She suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A UPS employee was getting into his truck just as the BMW collided with it, throwing the worker to the ground. He was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for a large hematoma to his leg, a laceration to his face and a bruise to his chest.
At the hospital where he was being treated for minor injuries, the defendant explained to police that he had picked Williams up at her home and was taking her to his grandmother’s house. His father, who was with his son at the hospital, told police that while the BMW was
His name is being withheld because of his age.
“The parents of a 16-year-old gave their son a BMW when he did not have legal authority to drive it anywhere in New York City. We allege that because of that teenager’s actions, 14-year-old Fortune Williams is now dead after she was thrown from the car when it crashed into a UPS truck at more than 100 miles an hour,” Katz said. “With this conviction, we have shown that the culpability in a fatal crash can go beyond the driver. Parents who provide vehicles to their children and let them drive illegally can be held responsible in the case of tragedies such as this one. We will continue to seek justice for Fortune Williams and her grieving family.”
The case against the son is ongoing. If convicted of the top count, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
“We allege that because of that teenager’s actions, 14-year-old Fortune Williams is now dead after she was thrown from the car when it crashed into a UPS truck at more than 100 miles an hour,” DA Katz said.
Courtesy of NYPD
In this screenshot of the moment of impact, the BMW is obscured by the UPS truck. The parcel delivery service employee was getting into his truck just as the luxury vehicle collided with it, violently throwing the worker to the ground.
Photo Courtesy of Google
The boy’s parents appeared in court on Monday.
Man Indicted in Richmond Hill Murder
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that South Ozone Park resident Curtis Benjamin was indicted Thursday in the shooting death of 24-year-old Justin Baerga who was at a party in Richmond Hill in July 2022 while celebrating his birthday. Three other partygoers were wounded in the shooting.
Benjamin, 27, was arraigned on a 14-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, three counts of attempted murder in the second degree, three counts of attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, two counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
According to the charges:
On July 2, 2022, at approximately 9:39 p.m., Benjamin arrived in a black SUV near D-Touch Collision,
an auto repair shop on 89th Avenue in Richmond Hill where Justin Baerga, who had turned 24 days earlier, was celebrating his birthday.
Benjamin got out of the passenger seat of the SUV, walked down the street to the auto repair shop and under a metal gate which was half open at the entrance to the shop. He pulled out a gun and fired approximately 12 shots into the garage.
Baerga was hit in the head and legs and was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he died.
Three other people were hit by bullets and survived.
“A night of celebration turned into one of violence when a young man lost his life in a cold-blooded shooting that also wounded three others,” Katz said. “We will not let senseless gun violence shake our resolve to get illegal firearms and those who use them off our streets.”
If convicted, Benjamin faces in excess of 25 years to life in prison.
Photo Courtesy of Google
Baerga later died at Jamaica Hospital.
Photo Courtesy of Google
Justin Baerga was shot at this body shop in Richmond Hill.
Celebrate National Night Out and Help Create Stronger Bonds between Cops and Community
By Joe Addabbo, Jr.
It's incredible how quickly we've reached the midpoint of summer, isn't it? Once again, it's time for the National Night Out Against Crime, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6. This event, sponsored by police precincts, features great events throughout the district and across the country. The National Night Out, an annual event, plays a vital role in fostering a positive police-community relationship nationwide, contributing to safer and more vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.
The inaugural National Night Out took place in 1984, drawing 2.5 million participants from 400 communities across 23 states. Since then, communities have embraced the tradition of hosting lively parties and cookouts as part of National Night Out, creating an enjoyable environment for bringing police and residents together. In our community, we organize fantastic celebrations at local parks and playgrounds, offering food, music, games, and fun for everyone.
While the festivities are enjoyable, the enduring relationships forged between communities and their police departments are the true cause for celebration. Strong bonds between police officers and the communities they serve enhance overall safety. This partnership enables officers to become more familiar with their assigned areas, build stronger connections with residents, and gain insight into the prevalent issues affecting the community.
Community members serve as valuable sources of information for officers and elected officials, like myself, alerting us to emerging problems that require attention and resolution. Recently, our collaborative efforts with the NYPD precincts in my district have led to the closure of illegal marijuana establishments. Other issues brought to my attention by constituents and being addressed by our local police are the proliferation of illegal scooters, use of fake paper license plates, and removing unlicensed food vendors who obstruct sidewalks and medians. We are also focusing on quality of
life issues such as excessive noise, graffiti, and trash on streets and sidewalks.
To foster a closer relationship between police departments and community members, the NYPD implemented the Neighborhood Coordination Officers. These teams consist of two officers dedicated to a specific community, enabling them to build relationships with residents and gain a deep understanding of local issues. NCOs, operating within their assigned precincts, work to resolve neighborhood concerns such as noise complaints, abandoned vehicles, after-hours park activities, and other quality-of-life issues that impact our community negatively.
When the police and community collaborate, remarkable outcomes are achievable. I commend the NYPD officers and residents across my district for their joint efforts in combating crime. I value the presence of dedicated precinct representatives at community board, neighborhood street events, and local civic association meetings, as well as their regular par-
ticipation in precinct council meetings, to provide crime statistics updates and gather information on resident concerns. This level of engagement plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bonds and ensuring safer communities. Such cooperative community endeavors are essential in the present times and critical for a safer future.
As I represent most areas within the 102, 104, 106 and the 112 police precincts, I look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming National Night Out events, as I aim to attend each gathering in my district. For more details about an NNO event in your area, please contact my office at (718) 738-1111.
Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is a State Senator who represents the 15th District.
Law Increases Line-of-Duty Death Benefits
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
By Forum Staff
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) that will provide a 3-percent cost of living (COLA) increase for those receiving the special accidental death benefit (SADB).
Often referred to as the “Widows COLA Bill,” the new legislation will provide financial assistance to those receiving SADB dating back to before 1970, and as recent as 2023.
In the city, this law will impact the families of fallen members of the NYPD, FDNY, along with the Department of Sanitation, Housing Authority, Transit Authority, Department of Correction, Health and Hospitals Corporation, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Pheffer Amato said. The law is expected to help over 1,300 families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
Pheffer Amato recounted how one woman emailed her to thank the assemblywoman for introducing and passing the bill. “My husband died in the line of duty in 1976 and through your help, I have been able to take care of my family,” the woman wrote.
“There are no words to express the gratitude and condolences our City and State have for the families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice. Governmental employees selflessly work to keep our community moving forward, and it was my honor to pass this expansion of their benefits because we have an obligation to take care of these families. I hope that this increase, along with our eternal appreciation, will provide some relief,” Pheffer Amato added.
Additionally, the new law guarantees that SADB will continue to be paid to the child of a fallen hero if they are the beneficiary until they are 18 years old, or 23 years old if a student.
In today’s ever changing technology landscape there are options for our newborn children that could never have even been dreamt of in past years.
Medical technology has progressed to a point where harvesting the blood from the umbilical vein in the cord during birth provides a supply rich in stem cells. These harvested stem cells are then banked in a medical facility and stored in the event that a child becomes ill and is in need of these potentially life saving cells.
Cord blood contains blood-forming stem cells that can be used in the treatment of patients with blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as certain disorders of the blood and immune systems, such as sickle cell disease and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Because chemotherapy kills both cancer cells and the healthy blood-forming stem cells, transplanted stem cells from cord blood can help re-grow healthy blood cells after the administration of chemo. Regeneration of blood-forming cells is a process facilitated by successful stem cell implantation.
Cord blood is an FDA-approved treatment for nearly 80 diseases including numerous types of malignancies, anemia, inherited metabolic disorders and deficiencies of the immune system. It has saved thousands of lives around the world through more than 40,000 transplantations.
Cord tissue research continues in clinical trials for the hopes of treating diseases including ALS, Alzheimer’s, heart disease,
Lupus, Parkinson’s stroke and many other illnesses.
But consumers must be aware that choosing a reputable facility for these procedures is a time consuming and tedious process. It is a daunting task for those with-out medical knowledge and familiarity.
There are many avenues to be explored and many companies who offer the services. We at Cross Bay Chemist recognize that many of the families in the communities we serve are considering these life saving options for their unborn children.
As a result we are looking forward to offering information to make your research easier and help you to make informed and life saving decisions for your children.
In weeks to come we will be providing you with information supported by both science and the laws regulating these procedures. If you are considering ay of these options we caution you to act with extreme care and caution before committing to any specific companies. This is not an area in which a YELP or online review provided by individual companies is an appropriate platform on which to base your decision.
Consult with your Ob-Gyn as well to determine their familiarity with the collection process and make sure your hospital is prepared for collection of blood and tissue.
We will be back with much more information on this topic.
Until Next Week…
Good Riddance
After a frustrating year of dealing with a bumbling bureaucracy just to get an eyesore trailer removed from a busy Ozone Park thoroughfare, area residents turned their understandably angry eyes to an elected official. And he delivered.
With the help of State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), the trailer that sat on Liberty Avenue between 90th and 89th streets finally was hauled away, according to the Ozone Park Residents Block Association.
“We are proud to say that Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. got this resolved and moved in
Photo Courtesy of OZPKRBA
Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
In the city, this new law will impact the families of fallen members of the FDNY and other NYC agencies.
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
“I hope that this increase, along with our eternal appreciation, will provide some relief,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.
City Takes New Actions to Help Prevent Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, Promote Safe E-Bike Usage
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Monday launched the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator to ensure safe e-bike usage and charging, and to prevent deadly lithium-ion battery fires in the Big Apple. As a part of this accelerator, the City Department of Transportation will propose a rule to expedite approvals for property owners to more quickly install e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, removing barriers to their installation and making them accessible and usable for e-bike users.
Additionally, DOT will launch the nation’s first municipal trade-in pilot program for unsafe e-bikes and other powered mobility devices and their batteries, allowing eligible food delivery workers to replace their unsafe devices with certified, high-quality e-bikes and batteries.
And the City Fire Department will launch a $1 million public education and awareness campaign on the dangers of unsafe lithium-ion batteries, following new data showing that 59 percent of 2023’s lithium-ion battery fires started when those batteries were not charging.
“[W]e are doing everything in our power to put a stop to these deadly fires and make use of safe lithium-ion batteries more affordable,” Adams said.
Illegal and unregulated batteries pose significant risks to residents and first responders due to their potential for explosive and deadly fires. Since 2019, lithium-ion batteries have started 733 fires, killing 29 New Yorkers and injuring 442 more. Notably, in 2023, 133 fires started from lithium-ion batteries that were not charging, compared to 91 that occurred while they were.
To address fire safety concerns and promote the safe use of electric micromobility devices, DOT is proposing a rule to expedite approvals for property owners to install electric micromobility device battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, which is currently prohibited. This rule will enable property owners, or commercial tenants with the property owner's consent, to apply for a permit to install a battery swapping and charging cabinet in front of their business on the sidewalk. Each cabinet must comply with specific siting and dimensional requirements and undergo FDNY and Department of Buildings review and approval.
To support this effort, the FDNY will hire additional staff to allow for expedited safety inspections and approvals of equipment for use in Gotham. Once fully staffed, approval decisions are anticipated to take no more than six weeks, with prioritized approvals for new technologies. The City will publish guidance for building owners on how to improve charging safety in their buildings. The FDNY will also update its website to
the five boroughs and the dangers that uncertified batteries pose — even when they are not charging. Batteries must be safety certified by a national, accredited testing laboratory, like UL, and should never be repaired but rather replaced.
Of the $1 million, $750,000 will be used for ads online, on subways and buses, on digital kiosks, in targeted newspapers, and on the radio. Translated into 10 languages, these ads will highlight the destructive potential of battery fires and will be strategically placed in neighborhoods that have a high incidence of lithium-ion battery fires. Ads will feature imagery promoting proper battery usage and include QR codes linked to fire safety education tips, including best practices for usage; will include input and safety messaging from agency partners citywide; and will incorporate feedback from delivery workers. The final $250,000 will support educational materials and advanced firefighting equipment, including technology that allows firefighters to safely extinguish fires without opening lithiumion battery packs.
make it easier for companies that sell lithium-ion battery storage and swapping cabinets to receive agency approval.
A public hearing on the administration’s battery swapping and charging cabinets rule will be held online on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. Applications for the program will open at the end of 2024.
Currently, many food delivery workers utilize uncertified e-bikes and heavier electric and gas-powered mopeds, which cannot be registered with the State Department of Motor Vehicles due to the lack of Vehicle Identification Numbers. DOT’s e-bike trade-in program will focus on exchanging unsafe e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries for new devices. Selected participants will receive a ULcertified e-bike and two compatible, ULcertified batteries in exchange for their unsafe devices and batteries.
The program offers trade-ins of both e-micromobility devices and lithium-ion batteries to help ensure that unsafe bat -
teries and devices are fully removed from city streets and that batteries are compatible with the devices they are powering. Participants must reside in the five boroughs, be at least 18 years of age, own an eligible, working device, and have earned at least $1,500 over the prior year as a food delivery worker to be eligible to participate in the program. Participants will receive two batteries because many delivery workers report that a full day of work often necessitates the use of two batteries.
A public hearing on the administration’s new trade-in program will be held online on Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Applications for the program will open at in early 2025. The e-bike and battery trade-ins will take place in 2025, using $2 million in funding.
This month, FDNY will launch a $1 million education campaign to further raise public awareness about the historic increase in lithium-ion battery fires in
Adams also noted that FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh has visited Washington, D.C. four times in the past two years to advocate for legislative changes to promote lithium-ion battery safety. On her most-recent trip, she met with bipartisan lawmakers, attended the inaugural World Fire Congress, and participated in a panel with global fire experts to discuss lithium-ion battery safety. Kavanagh also testified before the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in July 2023. Subsequently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1797, the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” which mandates that the CPSC establishes safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in devices like e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent fire risks. That bill is expected to be voted on by the Senate by the end of the year.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Task Force — made up of FDNY fire marshals, Bureau of Fire Prevention inspectors, and City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspectors — have conducted hundreds of inspections at ebike and e-bike repair shops throughout the city. More than 1,000 violations, 46 criminal summonses, and 16 vacate orders were issued last year alone. The enactment of Local Laws 39 and 40, which make uncertified lithium-ion batteries illegal, has led to increased enforcement efforts and fewer of these dangerous devices being utilized on New York City streets. FDNY has also produced multiple Public Safety Awareness ads on both digital and television platforms. FDNY Fire Safety Education teams conduct events throughout the city every day, highlighting best practices for lithiumion battery use, Kavanagh said.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office Mayor Adams said that his administration is “doing everything in our power to put a stop to these deadly fires and make use of safe lithium-ion batteries more affordable.”
Donate Food, Personal Care Items to Area Pantry
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Wednesday announced that both of his district offices will serve as drop-off sites where residents can donate personal care items and food to the Sacred Heart Parish Ministries pantry.
Donations can be dropped off at Addabbo’s Woodhaven office, located at 84-16 Jamaica Ave.; or at his Middle Village office at 66-85 73rd Place. Business hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Fridays (during the summer) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive will be held from Aug. 1 to Sept. 3.
The Glendale pantry is closed during August and uses this time to replenish its supplies to get ready for the fall season as children go back to school and there are numerous fall and winter holidays.
“After the long summer, the shelves of our charitable pantries are nearly empty. Donating food and personal care items to our local church pantry is a meaningful way to ensure that our neighbors in need have access to essential resources,” Addabbo said. “By coming together to support this cause, we can make a positive impact and foster a sense of unity and compassion within our community. I encourage everyone to join me in contributing to this important cause, as together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. No donation
is too small. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.”
Personal care items are often an overlooked donation necessity when it comes to food drives, nevertheless they are greatly needed items that Sacred Heart clients struggle to afford, Addabbo noted. “I truly appreciate the years of dedicated work by the Sacred Heart Pantry and know that a drive like this could make such a difference to the families which are assisted on a regular basis,” the senator said.
Suggested personal care and cleaning items:
· Hand Soap
· Dish Liquid
· Laundry Detergent
· Shampoo/Conditioner
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
· Facial Tissues
· Deodorant
· Toothpaste
· Toothbrushes
Food items:
· Flour · Sugar
Vegetable Oil
· Shelf Stable Milk
· Pasta Noodles
· Pasta Sauce
· Peanut Butter
· Jelly
· Tuna Fish and Canned Salmon
· Mayonnaise
· Canned Soup
· White Rice
· Canned Meats like Chicken, Spam or Ham
· Coffee/Tea
· Cereal
· Macaroni and Cheese
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Ramen Noodles or Cup-a-Soup
· Condiments such as Ketchup and Mustard
Photo Courtesy of State Senate
Senator Addabbo’s Woodhaven office is located at 84-16 Jamaica Avenue.
Photo Courtesy of Google Addabbo’s Middle Village office is at 66-85 73rd Place.
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Congestion Pricing Lawsuits ‘so Imperative’: Lander
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Comptroller Brad Lander on Monday updated New Yorkers on the legal action against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s halt on Congestion Pricing.
Hochul stunned the Empire State in June when she abruptly pressed pause on the MTA Board-approved Central Business District toll program. Under the plan, passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles – sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and small vans – paying with a valid E-ZPass would be charged $15 during the day and $3.75 at night, when there is less congestion, to enter the congestion relief zone in Manhattan below 60th Street.
“Circumstances have changed and we must respond to the facts on the ground — not from the rhetoric from five years ago. So, after careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned Congestion Pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time. For that reason, I have directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the program,” Hochul said last month.
Hochul’s authoritative instruction “leaves a $15 billion hole in MTA’s budget – which means no improvements to MTA stations to keep passengers cool, and no capital projects to improve service and cut down on delays,” Lander said, characteriz-
ing the move as “illegal and ill-conceived.”
“Congestion Pricing is one of those rare policies that will deliver benefits that every single New Yorker is clamoring for – cleaner air, less traffic, better service – no matter who you are or where you live. It should have been implemented on June 30,” he added. “But instead of investments for on-time trains and acces-
sible stations, working New Yorkers now face preventable subway delays, worsening gridlock, air quality alerts, and service cuts.”
“That’s why our legal coalition and upcoming suits on Congestion Pricing are so imperative,” Lander said.
In a joint statement issued last month, MTA Chief Financial Officer Kevin Wil-
lens and MTA General Counsel Paige Graves wrote that Hochul’s announcement “regarding the future of Congestion Pricing has serious implications for the MTA’s 2020-2024 Capital Program and likely other aspects of the agency’s financial condition.
“The MTA cannot award contracts that do not have a committed, identified funding source. Until there is a commitment for funding the balance of the 2020-2024 Capital Program, the MTA will need to reorganize the program to prioritize the most basic and urgent needs.
“As such, the MTA Board will be evaluating what changes need to be made to the Capital Program… Modernization and improvement projects like electric buses, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible stations and new signals will likely need to be de-prioritized to protect and preserve the basic operation and functionality of this 100+ year old system.
The comptroller noted that last Wednesday the first lawsuit was fi led by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Transport Workers Union of America Local 100 on behalf of bus and transit riders.
“It’s the first stop along the legal suit journey, and we expect our coalition of transit riders, disabled commuters, and environmental advocates to make more announcements concerning litigation in the coming weeks,” Lander said.
Borough Pols React to Biden’s Decision to not Run for a Second Term
By Michael V. Cusenza
President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he will not be seeking to serve a second term in the Oval Office.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a statement. “For my part: my very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump.”
Reaction to Biden’s decision poured into The Forum.
“Throughout his career in public service, President Joe Biden has always put his country first. Under his leadership as President, we have made historic progress and passed once-in-a-generation legislation expanding healthcare access, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, addressing gun violence, creating millions of jobs, rebuilding our economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, defending democracy around the world, and so much more,” Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing). “Thank you, Mr. President for your decades of service, belief in the promise of America, and dedication to making communities like Queens a better place for hardworking families, seniors, veterans, and students. Your legacy will undoubtedly create a better future for generations to come.
and under his administration, our state has received billions to improve everything from our roads to the environment. I am proud to have served as New York’s representative on the House Regional Leadership Council which has worked to promote and implement the historic legislation he signed into law, and I’m thrilled that Queens has reaped the benefits of many of these bills.”
New York State Young Republicans Chairman Peter Giunta said, “If there’s one issue that has united all Americans, it’s that Joe Biden has been the worst president in the history of our nation. Today, Biden’s decision not to seek re-election affirms his realization of this brutal fact.”
“I will also never forget how President Biden delivered for New York,” Meng added. “He visited Queens after our borough was devastated by Hurricane Ida,
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “Here in Queens, we’ve seen President Biden’s empathy and love of country first hand. In the wake of Hurricane Ida’s destructive flooding that claimed a dozen lives, he not only came to East Elmhurst to mourn with us, but he invested millions of dollars to upgrade our infrastructure. He visited our borough to shine a spotlight on our crisis management system as well, calling our cure violence groups a national model for how to uplift at-risk youth. Queens has never had a better friend on the federal level than Joe Biden. With American democracy once again on the jagged edge, I commend President Biden for demonstrating his unmatched dedication to this country by stepping aside. In Vice President Kamala Harris, we are lucky to have yet another unshakable ally in Washington. This November, I wholeheartedly believe she will shatter that glass ceiling once and for all and I look forward to working with her in continuing to move America forward.”
Photo Courtesy of Jose LaSalle/MTA New York City Transit
“[I]nstead of investments for on-time trains and accessible stations, working New Yorkers now face preventable subway delays, worsening gridlock, air quality alerts, and service cuts,” Comptroller Lander said.
File Photo
Biden said he will “focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Truck Driver Indicted in Fatal Sunnyside Hit-and-Run
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Boubacar Barry was indicted on Tuesday in the death of 16-year-old Jael Zhinin who was struck by Barry’s water delivery truck as she was crossing 46th Street in Sunnyside along with her younger sister, who was also hit and seriously injured. Barry allegedly continued making deliveries after striking the sisters.
Barry, 28, of Manhattan, was arraigned on an 11-count indictment charging him with two counts of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, criminally neg-
ligent homicide, assault in the third degree, two counts of failure to yield, failure to yield the right of way when making a left turn, two counts of drivers to exercise due care and two counts of failure to exercise due care.
According to the charges:
Video surveillance shows that on June 26, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Barry was driving a Ford truck with “Ready Refresh” branding on it westbound on 47th Avenue in Sunnyside before making a left turn onto 46th He failed to yield to a yellow school bus that was approaching from the eastbound lane of 47th Avenue and, upon turning, narrowly avoided hitting a bicyclist.
As he made the turn, Barry did not appear to be looking ahead of him, but rather at the rear driver’s side of his truck.
As he entered the intersection, Jael Zhinin, 16, and Leslie Zhinin, 8, stepped into the marked crosswalk – with the walk signal — and began crossing 46th Street. When they approached the middle of the crosswalk they were hit by Barry’s truck and thrown to the pavement.
The truck then drove over the sisters and continued southbound without stopping.
Video surveillance then shows Barry making a left turn off 46th Street and double parking his truck, getting out and
Comptroller Touts New Investment Standards to Protect Tenants
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Comptroller Brad Lander on Tuesday announced that the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) is adopting new standards that will require their private residential real estate asset managers to honor tenant protections.
“Our new standards protect tenants in buildings owned or managed by asset managers on behalf of NYCERS, and in doing so safeguard the long-term sustainability and profitability of our realestate investments,” Lander said. “Right now, there is no set uniform standard or regulation for property management practices in residential real estate across the country. Instead, a set of inconsistent patchwork landlord-tenant laws are in place. This is unacceptable.”
Lander later lauded his office’s new “Rental Property Management Standards” – the first of their kind adopted by a public pension fund in the U.S. – for keeping landlords from jacking up the rent or failing to provide 30 days’ notice for eviction filings.
According to Lander, investors have
an economic and moral imperative to manage the properties they own in fair and equitable ways that improve resident stability and long-term well-being and enhance the health of the rental housing marketplace. Ignoring this responsibility poses real risks, the City’s chief financial officer warned, and the benefits for acknowledging this responsibility are clear. They include, but are not limited to:
• Improved long-term investment risk and return through resident stability: Strong practices in property management lead to lower resident turnover and eviction rates, decreasing the significant burden of turn costs.
• Preserved and enhanced property values: Increased capital expenditures and investments in housing quality positively impact property values and lower risk. Investment in one property contributes to an increased value for surrounding properties.
• The tools to navigate new regulatory environments: New regulation in this market is becoming increasingly likely, as negative sentiment over institutional landlords grows. Smart investors will preemptively strengthen their property management practices helping main-
tain their profitability in new regulatory environments.
• A decreased potential for reputational risk: As investors increase their involvement in the rental housing market, their exposure to reputational risk as a result of poor property management increases in parallel.
Why develop property management standards now?
In “Rental Property Management Standards,” Lander wrote that property management practice in residential rental real estate varies considerably across the industry and is further complicated by an inconsistent patchwork of state and local landlord tenant laws. The absence of robust standards exposes investors to a variety of risks including higher capital and operating costs associated with low resident satisfaction, higher turnover rates, difficulties retaining management employees, and a growing array of regulatory and reputational challenges. The standards provide assurance to investors with diverse national portfolios that the properties in which they invest are maintained and operated to a consistent standard of quality that provides expected financial returns, assures fair and equitable
speaking to someone. Barry began to unload water from his truck.
Jael Zhinin sustained severe head and torso trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Leslie Zhinin was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. She is receiving ongoing care.
“No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child and our thoughts are with the family of these young sisters,” Katz said. “It is imperative that pedestrians be able to cross our streets safely and it is incumbent upon every driver to make sure the crosswalk is clear before turning.”
If convicted, Barry faces up to seven years in prison.
treatment of tenants, and enhances longterm value. Implementing a uniform set of standards for quality property management protects the long-term sustainability and profitability of rental housing market investments.
“Our investments do well when we do right by the people – and protecting the housing security of thousands of people while protecting New Yorkers is one of the strongest possible investments we can make,” Lander said.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/MTA Comptroller Lander posited that “protecting the housing security of thousands of people while protecting New Yorkers is one of the strongest possible investments we can make.”
Photo Courtesy of Google
Jael Zhinin, 16, was killed crossing 46th Street with her younger sister.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Kiran891 Barry, driving a truck with “Ready Refresh” branding on it, allegedly drove over the sisters and continued southbound without stopping.
111-47 126 LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/6/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Devi Lisa Hariprasad, Navindra Ramsaran, 111-47 126 St, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. General Purpose
57-01 Northern Boulevard Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/23/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Hochheiser & Akmal PLLC, 910 Franklin Avenue, Ste 220, Garden City, NY 11530. General Purpose
KETONE RECORDS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/04/18. 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 : Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
MANSTA’S CARD HOUSE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/04/18. 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 : Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Pretect Solutions LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/7/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Mr. Angelo Mottola, Claddagh/Pretect, 10-21 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101. General Purpose
JLL 93 SOUTH COUNTRY LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/01/18. 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, c/o Lenny Pereira, 106-17 153rd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
FENIX DESIGN CONSULTANTS
LFG, LLC, filed articles of organization with the NY Secretary of State on MARCH 10,2024. Office: QUEENS COUNTY. SARA NGAN is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NY Secretary of State shall mail copy of process to SARA NGAN at 5-11 47TH AVENUE, APT 4Y, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of REMYV LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/30/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to RENE VIVALDO, 8309 BREVOORT ST, APT. 1B, KEW GARDENS, NY, 11415, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Legal Notices
KAKES BRANDS LLC. Filed 10/5/2023. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 54 STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: General..
Notice of Formation of ASSETACE
LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of TN CONSULTING LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of PARADIES LAGARDERE @ JFK T1 RETAIL, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/25/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activ ity.
Notice of formation of RISING ESTATE of MP LLC. Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/17/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 24-30 46th Street, Astoria, New York 11103. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
LENA METELEV REAL ESTATE GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/10/24. 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, 18724 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
CLAUDIA JETTE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/12/24. 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 ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of 8227 Tryon Place LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 7/8/2024. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 82-27 Tryon Place, Jamaica, NY 11432, principal business address. Term: until 12/31/2070. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NISAA ADVANCING MATERNAL HEALTH EQUITY LLC NISAA Advancing Maternal Health Equity LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/02/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 30-06 29th Street, 2F, Astoria, NY 11102-2501. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
JJC COMMUNICATIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/12/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. JETTY-JANE CONNOR, 85-10 34TH AVE, APT 613, QUEENS, NY, 11372, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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Notice of Formation of TJB BASKETBALL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 7/11/2024. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: TIM BUCKLEY, 212-16 38TH AVENUE, FLUSHING NY, 13361, USA. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
NEW YORK FACILITY MAINTENANCE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed w ith the SSNY on 07/18/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon w hom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: A ny lawful purpose.
QC PRODUCTIONS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JOHN CARL MURACO, 15910 95TH ST.,HOWARD BEACH, NY, 11414. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
BRX 1 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/19/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 37-20 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
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