Howard Beach residents marked Memorial Day 2024 on Monday by gathering in Coleman Square to remember all who gave their lives so that all of us could live free.
“We commend all of the parents who took the time out of their day to bring their children out to see what the meaning of this weekend really is. In a time where not every classroom has a flag or the pledge is not said every day before class begins, it is so important to instill the importance of honoring and remembering in our younger generations,” the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association posted on Facebook. “Thank you to VFW Post 2565 for putting the parade together each year. God Bless America!!!!”
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) noted that Memorial Day
is more than just barbeques and quality time with family and friends.
“Let us take time to remember the more than 1.4 million American lives lost in the name of freedom, and let's all do our part to ensure that their sacrifice was
not made in vain. May we all live to uphold that for which so many have fought and died, and may we all do our part, each and every day, to ensure that the ideals of liberty, freedom, and unity may continue on for generations to come,” Ariola said.
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) recently hosted an interactive heathy vision experience at the Brewery Keenan Heiser American Legion Post 1815 in Glendale. The event was held to commemorate May as Healthy Vision Month and encourage constituents to get educated on how to better care for their eyesight.
Claudia Costabile, public affairs specialist with the National Eye Institute, travelled all the way from Maryland to be at the event and distributed virtual reality viewers, which attendees were allowed to keep. They downloaded the free app on their phone and then used the viewing boxes to experience common eye diseases in a 360-degree manner. Conditions included age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy which could be viewed at different locations such as a bus stop at night, the grocery store, the office and inside a car.
Dr. Dylan Freeman, an ophthalmologist from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, spoke about eye care and treatment – everything from dry eyes to glaucoma. He explained the conditions in a simple manner working from the front of the eye to the back
of the eye and using a diagram chart and a 3-D eye model. The attendees were also given 3-D models to take apart and explore.
The number of people with visual impairment or blindness in the United States is anticipated to double to over 8 million by 2050. Additionally, an estimated 16.4 million Americans are expected to have trouble seeing due to myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) that can be addressed with glasses, contacts, or surgery, according to the National Eye Institute.
“Investing in your vision today ensures a brighter tomorrow,” Addabbo said. “I encourage everyone to use the information they have learned at this event and take proactive steps towards preserving your eyesight. Your eyes are invaluable, and caring for them is a responsibility we owe to ourselves and our future generations.”
Representatives from Jamaica Hospital also distributed complimentary eye drops and eyeglass repair kits.
Addabbo thanked the National Eye Institute and Jamaica Hospital for their participation, and American Legion Post 1815 for the use of their space and the Glendale Property Owners for their support, allowing the event to take place as part of their monthly meeting.
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James W. Hendon on Thursday announced plans to build a new memorial honoring the 99 fallen post-9/11 service members from New York City who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. As America's longest military conflicts, these wars have claimed the lives of a total 7,057 brave souls nationwide.
The memorial will be built on the waterfront in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, the borough home to the largest number of post-9/11 service members who were killed in action. Queens is also the borough with the highest population of living veterans. The new memorial is part of the Utopia Parkway Seawall Replacement and Street Improvements project led by the City Department of Transportation and the City Economic Development Corporation that will incorporate a bike path, pedestrian walkway, and rebuilt bulkheads to revitalize the area and mitigate storm risk for the surrounding neighborhood.
Funding for the project will be sourced from private donations and public capital project allocations to cover design, construction, and long-term maintenance costs.
DVS — in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ (DCLA) Percent for Art program — will lead a public artist selection process to ensure the memorial appropriately reflects the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen service members from this generation. To ensure community input and support, a committee of veteran stakeholders has been assembled to guide artwork design and support the artist selection process.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will open on Monday, June 3rd, 2024, that will invite artists to submit qualifications and letters of interest to be considered for panel review and the opportunity to be considered as finalists for the commission of this permanent artwork. This project is open to all artists and collaborative artist teams, based locally, nationally, and internationally. A special emphasis will be placed on reviewing proposals from veteran and military community artists and de-
sign teams. The RFQ will be open through July 10, 2024.
“I am deeply honored to represent neighborhoods which are home to the largest number of post-9/11 service members who fell in defense of our American values, and the largest veteran community in the city,” said City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone). “As a member of the New York City Council Committee on Veterans and the daughter of a WWII Veteran, all our vets hold a special place in my heart and I’m proud to serve those who served our country. This new memorial will stand in solemn remembrance of those who gave all in defense of our values in the Global War on Terror, and I know our veteran community and all residents of this district are looking forward to this much-deserved honor. I want to personally thank Mayor Adams on behalf of myself and the community for this much-deserved memorial, and for his steadfast and patriotic words.”
“Over two decades since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, today’s announcement of a post-9/11 service members memorial is great news,” said City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), chairman of Committee on Veterans. “We must remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and those worldwide, and I thank the city for this initiative.”
Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue on Friday announced that an arbitration panel has issued an award in the city’s ongoing negotiations with the bargaining unit representing city lifeguards. The award will functionally pave the way for the city to be able to hire more lifeguards, allow more swimming capacity at beaches and pools over the coming summers, and improve operations of the city lifeguard program.
This builds on the city’s agreement with District Council 37 earlier this year to permanently improve the pay of city lifeguards to $22 an hour as of this summer, along with a $1,000 per year bonus for returning lifeguards.
Among other things, the award will allow the city to modify the qualification for lifeguards assigned to shallow water pools and modernize the vision requirements to be more in line with state regulations and industry standards. The city will no longer require the timed component of the now-300-yard swim for shallow-water pools, but will maintain all other components of the training program, including the in-water and dry-land skill sets, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first-aid, back-boarding, and other rescue skills. As a result, lifeguards currently in the training program who meet these modified requirements established by the decision are eligible to be offered positions at those appropriate pools this year.
Additionally, the city will, starting next year, be able to use a tiered vision requirement system that allows for lifeguards with 20/70 uncorrected vision in
each eye, with 20/30 in one eye, 20/40 in the other eye with corrective lenses. With over 50 percent of Americans needing some type of corrective lenses, modernizing the vision requirements helps the city combat the lifeguard shortage, while still maintaining safety standards that are more than adequate for lifeguards working at smaller pools and retaining highervision standard for large pools and beaches. In subsequent years, lifeguards who meet these modified requirements will be eligible to participate in the training program, expanding the universe of potential lifeguard candidates.
Recruitment of new lifeguards for the 2024 summer season began last December with new policies designed to enhance the number of applicants. NYC Parks expanded the number of qualifying test sites and exam sessions – and debuted a new training course out of Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn – making it easier for candidates to complete the process, especially in the outer boroughs. Also new this year, applicants could present a letter from an eye doctor in place of taking a vision exam onsite at qualifying exams.
“Our beaches and pools are some of New York City’s gems – they're great places for our kids and families to cool off, learn to swim, and enjoy the summer,” said Adams. “Today’s big win for public safety at our pools and beaches means we'll be able to potentially hire more lifeguards for this summer and get even more in the pipeline for summers to come. All of our lifeguards will still be trained in CPR, first aid, and rescue skills, and we'll be able to have our strongest swimmers focused on our beaches, where conditions are rougher. We want every New Yorker to have a great summer of surf and sand.”
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major American health concern. It is responsible for 1 out of every 3 deaths in this country. There are over 2 million strokes and heart attacks reported every year. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) are primary contributing CV health risks. These conditions affect more than 80 million Americans each year. Along with the huge loss of life comes the tremendous financial burden resulting from cardiovascular disease. Because of the crush imposed by cardiac diseases on the economy, Medicare, Medicaid and private payers, have really applied the push for health-care teams to manage disease collectively and efficiently. The role of the pharmacist here is very clear: ensuring cardiac patients are compliant with their meds thereby preventing hospital readmissions. Cardiac medications include many types of drugs including Lipid-Lowering Therapies like statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, Blood Pressure Meds like Beta Blockers, Diuretics and ACE inhibitors and Thyroid meds like Levothyroxine. These are just a few of the myriad of meds that a cardiac patient can face. With new drugs constantly turning up, physicians are realizing the value of pharmacists'' expertise in medications– it
is an essential piece in saving the lives of patients. At your local pharmacy there exists a real opportunity to learn about your meds. Not only what they do for your conditions, and safeguarding that you always have the ample supply you need, but whether you’re on the right one, at the appropriate dose. Another component monitored by your pharmacist is the possibility of any potential drug interactions between your particular medications. The role of the pharmacist as a member of your cardiac health-care team is recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) which both recommend a team-based approach, which includes pharmacists, in the treatment of hypertension. Community pharmacists are making a huge difference by provide services like blood pressure screenings, as well as offering advice to patients on many lifestyle issues, such as diet and exercise. You can turn to us with any difficulty you’re experiencing, even when trying to stop smoking. The bottom line is that your pharmacist is in an ideal position to help manage blood pressure and cholesterol medication therapy. Talk to us and take the opportunity to get heart healthy!
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated the following in response to new developments threatening the potential development of New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal for the Citi Field parking lot.
“There is very little generational wealth in Northwest Queens, where survival work is prevalent, public services are lacking and hard-working immigrant street vendors are displaced and demonized. That’s why the families of this community so badly deserve the 25,000 good-paying union jobs, the $163 million community investment fund, the Taste of Queens food hall designed for borough-based vendors, critical support for communitybased organizations, rising property values and more that the Metropolitan Park proposal puts forth,” said Richards. “We are in a state of emergency in Northwest Queens, which was hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and which continues to struggle as the cost of living rises. The Metropolitan Park proposal will create countless avenues for generational wealth building right here in Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and other communities surrounding the proposed site, which is currently a parking lot that sits empty for more than 200 days per year. By no means should acres of asphalt block the ascending of financial and societal ladders to the middle class by families deserving of upward mobility.
“Queens is growing like never before, and we must never turn our back on unprecedented economic development opportunities for communities that have historically been left behind. No one single elected official should be the sole arbiter of this $8 billion investment in our borough, so I strongly urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Senate to explore other avenues in order to bring the Metropolitan Park proposal to life and ensure that Queens continues to get the money we are owed and deserve.”
Mayor Eric Adams and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday led a coalition of 40 Cities for Action (C4A) mayors and county executives in calling for over 2 million work authorizations for both recent arrivals and longstanding undocumented immigrants, in the absence of long-awaited comprehensive reform by Congress.
Extending work authorization to both newly arrived and longstanding immigrants would be an economic benefit to the entire nation. Authorized work leads to higher wages and reduced exploitation, enhancing workplace safety and dignity. By extending work authorizations, the Biden-Harris administration can take a significant step towards supporting these valuable community members who contribute extensively to the U.S. workforce and economy. This initiative is supported by more than 80 members of Congress; the American Business Immigration Coalition’s more than 300 employers, CEOs, and associations; as well as labor organizations like UNITE HERE, the Teamsters, and United Auto Workers.
“New York City is living proof that ‘The American Dream Works’ — our city wouldn’t be the greatest city in the world without generations of immigrants who have rolled up their sleeves and worked to shape this city,” said Adams. “But we know that the only way to make the American
Center, which has already helped submit more than 50,000 applications for asylum, work authorization, and temporary protected status. Last August, Mayor Adams hosted “The American Dream Works” — a rally with hundreds of asylum seekers, union members, business leaders, and elected officials calling for expanded work authorization for asylum seekers. Last year, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.
Dream work is if we let people work, because work is the foundation of that dream.
In the absence of any long-overdue comprehensive reform by Congress, expanded work authorization for immigrants is a win-win-win: it allows immigrants to do what they came to this country to do and provide for their families, it prevents exploitation of workers, and it relieves some of the financial and logistical burden that shelter systems across the country have
been under.”
Since the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis began, New York City has taken fast and urgent action — opening more than 200 emergency shelters to provide a roof over the heads of migrants. The city has also stood up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolled tens of thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and launched the Asylum Application Help
“As the Mayor of North Miami, a city enriched by the diversity of cultures brought by immigrants, I strongly advocate for expanding Employment Authorization Documents. In our beloved city, we recognize the invaluable contributions of our immigrant community,” said North Miami, Florida Mayor Alix Desulme. “Granting EADs to our long-term immigrant residents is not just an act of justice; it is a crucial step toward harnessing the full potential of our community. This policy change would empower countless individuals with the right to work legally, thereby fostering economic growth, enhancing public safety, and promoting the inclusive, vibrant spirit that defines North Miami.”
Each year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation probes thousands of crimes involving hundreds of thousands of victims.
The FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) informs and assists victims navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process. One piece of that mission involves coordinated outreach to victims to support their needs, a specialty that falls under the FBI Victim Outreach Support and Strategy (VOSS) Program.
The VOSS team develops and implements strategies to communicate key notifications and resources to victims of crimes investigated by the FBI and to offer opportunities for victims to voice their experiences to law enforcement.
"Our bread and butter is connecting people—connecting victims to specialist teams and resources and then connecting investigative teams to victims and giving them a platform to speak," said Benjamin Shannon, VOSS Program manager.
Established in 2017, the VOSS team specializes in outreach in cases with 150 or more victims. They have worked on cases including the Boston Marathon; the Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting; and the Maui wildfires.
Most often, the VOSS team develops "Seeking Victim Information" questionnaires that can be valuable to the investigation and essential to receiving accurate victim contact information. Although they are not meant to supplement interviews, these questionnaires can narrow down a large victim pool to victims most affected by the crime, act as a line of communication to victim specialists, and offer an opportunity in real-time for the FBI to warn victims about ongoing crimes. The VOSS team also creates accompanying web pages with resources, case updates, and other victim-specific support information on fbi.gov. Any of these materials are translated into a foreign language as needed.
By the time most cases reach the VOSS desk, the FBI investigative team may or may not know the specific population of people affected in a case. Cases where the victim population is unknown—called zero victim population cases—require the VOSS team to do a bit of their own detective work: They need to distribute calls for victims to come forward to be able to offer any services and support.
One case involved a schoolteacher who had abused children over the span of 20 years in a specific town. Over time, those children may have moved to another city,
state, or even another country. As they grew up, their names may have changed. Determining how to reach them in the present day is part of the VOSS team’s work.
As the VOSS team strategizes the communications channels that are most likely to reach certain demographics, whether nationally or internationally, they will tap partners across FBI divisions, other government agencies, and private organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children (NCMEC) and AARP, to help get the word out and publicize the questionnaires and resource pages. Tactics range from creating posts across social media platforms that potential victims may view to leveraging local and national news outlets.
Once someone fills out a Seeking Victim information questionnaire, the VOSS team will compile the data and turn it over to the investigative case team and victim specialists.
Mayor Eric Adams recently released released the following statement after the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and New York City Council Committee on Land Use both voted to approve Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” proposal.
“When we came into office two years ago, we had a mission: protect public safety, rebuild the economy, and make this city more livable for working-class New Yorkers. Today’s votes advancing the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ out of the City Council’s Zoning and Land Use Committees are important steps towards achieving these goals. This historic initiative will remove outdated limitations on businesses and ensure that local retail streets and commercial centers across the city remain lively places that sustain our neighborhoods. I want to thank Speaker Adams and Chairs Riley and Salamanca for their dedication and collaborative effort to make thoughtful modifications that balance public input while maintaining the purpose and intent of the proposal. We urge the full City Council to adopt these regulations in the coming weeks.”
In June 2022, Adams laid out a proposal to use the City’s zoning tools to support
small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability. The vision includes three major citywide amendments: Zoning for Economic Opportunity, Zoning for Housing Opportunity, and Zoning for Zero Carbon.
“We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood,” Adams said. “These proposals focused on economic recovery, affordable housing, and sustainability will remove red tape for small businesses, expand housing opportunities in every neighborhood, and accelerate the transition to our energy future. New Yorkers are not going to wait around while other cities and other countries sprint towards a post-pandemic world, and now we won’t have to.”
The first citywide text amendment — Zoning for Economic Opportunity — will provide local businesses with the flexibility to repurpose their space for a post-pandemic city, Adams said. According to Hizzoner, the amendment will:
• Remove unnecessary geographic limitations on certain businesses, including life sciences, custom manufacturing, makerretail, and nightlife;
• Eliminate obstacles to repurposing space, allowing the city’s businesses and economy to evolve over time; and
• Create flexibility for local businesses
to expand without relocation and without triggering needs for additional parking.
“It’s crucial for us that New Yorkers know that zoning laws can restrict housing supply. We have a 1 percent housing vacancy rate and when you look at affordable housing, it’s down to almost zero. We know that if we innovate, we can continue to expand and grow as a city, but it also is an opportunity for us to see what opportuni-
ties are still out there and attract new businesses to the city,” Adams said.
The mayor characterized his plan as “a set of 18 zoning changes that would update decades-old zoning codes. It will modernize regulations in an effort to support new business and create jobs. It will help revitalize commercial corridors, build vacant storefronts and boost our economic recovery across the board.”
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Dante Hunter and Shamel Capers have been arraigned on an indictment charging Hunter with murder and Capers with attempted murder in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Joshua Taylor in Middle Village on July 23, 2023. Evidence uncovered during the investigation of the incident indicated that the round which struck the victim was fired by Hunter.
Hunter, 25, of Far Rockaway, was recently arraigned on a seven-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and reckless
endangerment in the first degree.
Capers, 24, of Brooklyn, was recently arraigned on the same indictment charging him with attempted murder in the second degree, four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree.
According to the charges:
On July 23, 2023, at approximately 3:17 a.m., Joshua Taylor of Brooklyn was with several other individuals in front of 79-28 Metropolitan Ave.
A friend of Taylor’s threw a drink he was holding in the general direction of Capers and Capers’ friend, both of whom had exited a nearby convenience store at the time.
A verbal dispute followed between the two groups, with Hunter joining Capers.
Several minutes later, the argument escalated into a four-way shootout with Hunter drawing his firearm before the others.
Taylor was caught in the crossfire and hit by a single round in the chest. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
More than two dozen 9 mm shell casings were recovered at the scene and an investigation was launched into the incident.
Capers was subsequently identified using surveillance footage from nearby locations and financial records for a credit and debit card he used immediately before the incident.
Hunter was already in custody on a parole warrant at the time of the indictment.
Capers was arrested on May 16 in New
Jersey and extradited last month to face charges.
“Gun violence has caused immense tragedy in our neighborhoods, steering too many of our young people toward choices that negatively impact the rest of their lives. It is a challenge that we continue to address,” Katz said. “Following a painstaking process of evidence gathering, we have secured an indictment on very serious charges against both defendants for the early morning shootout that left one person dead. We will continue to dedicate all resources at our disposal to combating the scourge of gun violence in this borough.”
If convicted of the top count, Hunter faces up to 25 years to life and Capers faces up to 25 years in prison.
Six months after launching “NYC Teenspace ” — a free tele-mental health service available to all New York City teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years old —Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan on Thursday updated New Yorkers on the program’s progress, announcing that more than 6,800 teenagers have already signed up for the service.
Early data shows that 65 percent of users reported improvement in their mental health and provides valuable insight into teenagers’ reasons for seeking help. Additionally, underserved neighborhoods, including Brownsville and East New York, led the city in signups while 80 percent of users identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), biracial, or Native American. NYC Teenspace — created in partnership with online therapy platform Talkspace — allows City teens to connect with a licensed therapist through phone, video, and text on any mobile device completely free-of-charge.
service with direct input from New York City teenagers, convening focus groups to best understand their mental health needs and to build a platform that is as useful and responsive as possible to those using the platform. By leveraging telehealth tools, this approach also reduces physical and financial burdens for young people.
Early results show that between the program’s Nov. 15, 2023 launch and April 1, 2024:
• Teenage girls were more likely to seek help. Almost 70 percent of users identified as female, compared to roughly 23 percent who identified as male.
• More than half exclusively engaged with their therapist via messaging.
• Early results showed 65 percent of users already reported an improvement, with this group growing steadily.
NYC Teenspace provides young people with valuable resources to bolster mental health, including a coping skills toolkit, and access to a licensed therapist by phone, video calls, or messaging sessions, giving teenagers control over how they engage. The virtual setting takes place on a secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant platform and is designed to reduce barriers to care.
The city and Talkspace designed the
• 6,800 teenagers signed up for NYC Teenspace.
• Nearly 60 percent of NYC Teenspace users identified as Black or Hispanic.
• Eighty percent of users identified as Black, Hispanic, AAPI, bi-racial, or Native American.
• Neighborhoods that led the city in signups are: 11212 - Brownsville (Brooklyn); 11208 - East New York (Brooklyn); 11236 - Canarsie (Brooklyn); 10456 – Morrisania (Bronx)10467 – Norwood (Bronx)
The most frequently cited reasons teenagers gave for using the platform included: feeling down or depressed, improving relationships (which was first among girls), becoming their best self, anxiety (which was first among boys), and difficulties at home or school. When it came to engaging in therapy, more than 42 percent of users utilized both live video sessions and messaging. Four percent of users engaged in live video sessions only, while 54 percent exclusively used messaging.
DOHMH and Talkspace are actively working with partners across government and on the ground to promote NYC Teenspace. Representatives have connected with members of the school community and with partner agencies that work with young people outside of school settings.
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim on Wednesday closed out “NYC Small Business Month” by announcing the administration’s investment of $10 million to seed the city’s next major small business loan fund, the “NYC Future Fund.”
The fund will accelerate the growth of hundreds of new small businesses in New York City by addressing the gap in access to affordable capital faced by small business owners, particularly early-stage businesses, as well as Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and women entrepreneurs that otherwise often cannot obtain traditional bank financing.
Adams and New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball also on Wednesday released a new report on small business growth in New York City, showing that NYC currently has more small businesses than ever recorded in its history. As of 2023, there were 183,000 small businesses across the city — over 1,000 more than pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the report found that 62,000 small businesses were created in the past two years alone,
representing one in three small businesses in the city. While new business formation remains concentrated in central business districts, including Midtown Manhattan, net business growth has been strongest in the outer boroughs. North Brooklyn continues to lead the city’s small business recovery, adding 1,000 small businesses since 2019.
Today’s announcement was made as the city concluded its second annual “NYC Small Business Month,” a five-borough celebration of local businesses with resource fairs and events led by SBS, local Chambers of Commerce, and Business Improvement Districts citywide. The first-ever city-run “Small Business Month Expo” capped the month’s activities with hundreds of free services, programs from more than 40 city, state, and federal agencies, and other partner resources, all under one roof to support the city’s 200,000 local small businesses.
Under the Adams administration, over $265 million in grant and loan funding has been facilitated or administered to small businesses through SBS. The NYC Future Fund, being developed by SBS, will add another resource in the expanding toolkit of resources that have been announced since the start of the Adams administration to catalyze small business growth,
fill vacant storefronts, and revitalize commercial corridors. The fund builds on the success of the landmark $85 million “NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund,” which provided loans of up to $250,000 to over 1,000 businesses, with 69 percent of loans going to BIPOC-owned businesses. Designed to help businesses access both start-up and operating capital, the new fund will employ an innovative revenuebased revolving loan structure with flexible repayment schedules that meet the unique needs of businesses as they grow. SBS will also develop a coalition of pri -
vate-sector partners this year, including local community financial development organizations, before launching the fund, to supercharge new business formation across all five boroughs.
“When we create the conditions for small businesses to succeed, our entire city wins,” said Adams. “We have reached a record number of small businesses under our administration as a result of being laser focused on three core principles of our vision: protecting public safety, rebuilding our economy, and making our city more livable for working-class New Yorkers.”
Mayor Eric Adams, City
ComptrollerBrad Lander, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and trustees of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) recently announced an investment of up to $60 million to preserve rent-stabilized housing units impacted by the sudden collapse of Signature Bank last spring. The investment was made in Community Stabilization Partners — a joint venture led by Community Preservation Corporation with Related Fund Management and Neighborhood Restore HDFC — leading affordable housing providers in New York City. The investment represents the largest single investment by NYCERS in preserving New York City’s rent stabilization stock and will both advance the stabilization of much-needed affordable housing and deliver competitive returns for retirees.
When Signature Bank collapsed in March 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed receiver for its portfolio of real estate loans, which included a substantial concentration of rent-stabilized housing in New York City. In December 2023, as part of an RFP process managed by the FDIC, Community Preservation Corporation, Related Fund Management, and Neighborhood Restore partnered to create a new venture, Community Stabilization Partners, which purchased a 5 percent equity in-
terest in Signature Bank’s rent-stabilized loan portfolio, with the remaining 95 percent held by the FDIC. The portfolio totals approximately 1,140 buildings and 35,000 units with over 80 percent rent regulated and representing approximately 3 percent of New York City’s entire rent regulated housing stock. Through the $60 million investment — which NYCERS voted on in March 2024 — NYCERS has become a 25 percent partner in Community Stabilization Partners. NYCERS is partnering with Related Fund Manage-
ment, Community Preservation Corporation, and Neighborhood Restore due to their extensive expertise and deep roots in preserving and expanding affordable housing. Community Preservation Corporation has been a decades-long partner of NYCERS in their efforts to secure strong returns for pension members and beneficiaries, while investing in expanding the city’s affordable housing supply.
This investment is part of the Economically Targeted Investment program of the five
New York City Retirement Systems, managed by the New York City Comptroller Office’s Bureau of Asset Management, and is aimed at achieving strong returns for members and beneficiaries while helping to preserve some of the city’s stock of rent regulated housing. Including today’s investment, NYCERS has invested nearly $700 million in rental apartments in the city, with 19 real estate fund managers.
Trustees of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System are:
• Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments Director Bryan Berge (Mayor Adams’ appointee);
• Comptroller Lander;
• Public Advocate Williams;
• Borough Presidents: Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Mark Levine (Manhattan), Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), and Vito Fossella (Staten Island);
• Henry Garrido, executive director, District Council 37, AFSCME;
• Richard Davis, president, Transport Workers Union Local 100; and
• Gregory Floyd, president, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.
“Today, we are proud to announce a $60 million investment from our NYCERS pension fund that will go toward preserving 35,000 units of affordable housing,” Adams said. “This housing is critical to making our city more affordable and livable for workingclass New Yorkers.”
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 Luu-Valdez, 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.
Notice of Qualification of 168-35 ROCKAWAY PROPERTY OWNER, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/25/24. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/04/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of PAPER PLATE
ASTORIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/22/24. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Andrew Kaplan, Esq., Epstein Becker Green, P.C., 875 Third Ave., NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Operation of a fast served casual restaurant.
P’TITE MAISON LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/24/2024. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 13443 CRESCENT ST. APT 2N, ASTORIA, NY, 11106, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
Notice of Qualification of 168-35 ROCKAWAY PROPERTY OWNER, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/25/24. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/04/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of SPEECH AND SWALLOW WELLNESS PLLC. Arts of Org filed withSecy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/30/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against PLLC to 5750 79th Street FL3, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of EVOCATIONSTUDIO LLC Arts of Org filed withSecy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/24/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
BALDALLAC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/23/24. 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, 8407 89th street, #2, Woodhaven, NY, 11421, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of JJY887 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/20/23. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to the registered agent of LLC: Bili Zhang, 7431 44 Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, shuchenyu1@aol.com. Purpose: any lawful activity.
2034 STANHOPE STREET LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/10/2024. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 5 Oreilly Ct, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. Purpose: any lawful act.
Bridgeport Enterprise LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/16/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 33-38 156th St, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose
Allison Zheng LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/17/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Registered Agent Solutions, Inc., 99 Washington Ave, Ste 700, Albany, NY 12260. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of FOUR LEAVES GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/21/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process to: 53 14 94th street, ELMHURST NY, 11373 Purpose: Any lawful activities.
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