BLAZE DISPLACES DOZENS
Photo Courtesy of
Lindenwood Families Displaced Following 3-Alarm Fire
By Michael V. Cusenza
At least 30 people across 14 residences at a Lindenwood co-op were displaced Thursday by a fast-moving fire that tore through parts of their 151st Avenue building by secreting flames inside apartment walls, according to the American Red Cross.
It took 33 units and over 100 firefighters two hours to tame the blaze. Two Bravest sustained “very minor injuries,” FDNY Assistant Chief Joe Ferrante noted.
“I commend the quick and heroic actions of the FDNY in bringing this under control before even more damage was caused,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “The fire has tragically left a number of residents displaced, and my heart goes out to them. My office will be in constant contact with the American Red Cross and the NYC Office of Emergency Management to ensure they get all of the services they need, and they can get back on their feet and into their homes as quickly as possible.”
City Fire dispatchers began transmitting alarms at around 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, Ferrante reported. First due companies found fire in the walls of a 5th Floor apartment.
“As we started to open the walls up, it became apparent that the fire had extended,” Ferrante said. “This is a non-fireproof building made up of wood primarily on the inside. The fire got into pipe chases (plumbing walls) and heating vents, extended to the 6th Floor and then eventually into the cockloft area, which is the area between the top floor ceiling and the roof boards.”
A cockloft “is an often unimpeded passageway for fire to travel and spread throughout a building,” according to Fire Engineering magazine.
Ferrante said that the building sustained “extensive damage.”
Shot Cop Returns Fire, Kills Robbery Suspect in Jamaica
By Michael V. Cusenza
A wounded cop returned fire and killed the ex-con who shot him Tuesday evening on a congested patch of Jamaica Avenue.
Robbery suspect Gary Worthy, 57, was shot in the face by Police Officer Rich Wong on the busy thoroughfare near 161st Street. Worthy, who was on lifetime parole for gun possession, was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m.
Wong traded gunfire with Worthy after the man suspected of two armed robberies
on Tuesday shot Wong in the thigh. Wong is expected to make a full recovery.
Worthy’s death punctuated a wildly violent afternoon across the borough.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny, at 5:35 p.m. “patrol personnel from the 107th Precinct responded to a 911 call of a robbery in progress. This was a gunpoint robbery that was taking place inside of 164-01 Hillside Avenue. Victims told the responding police officers that a male entered the store and announced a robbery. During this robbery, one shot was fired.”
Worthy then fled to Jamaica.
“At 6:24 p.m., members of the 103rd Precinct are canvassing for the suspect from the robbery that had just occurred on Hillside Avenue,” Kenny continued. “While doing so, they are flagged down by a witness who points out a male on the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street. The witness informs the two officers that the male had just robbed a smoke shop located at 92-18 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. He used a firearm, and once again, one shot was fired.”
At 6:30 p.m., Wong and Officer Nick Pryor approached Worthy.
“They ask him to stop. He does not comply. They wanted him to stay still. He doesn’t comply. Instead, he runs eastbound on Jamaica Avenue away from the officers while producing a firearm. These two officers order him to drop the gun. He does not do so,” Kenny said. “He fires one shot, striking Police Officer Wong in his thigh, through and through injury. Police Officer Wong is forced to return fire. He strikes the suspect one time in his face.”
A 26-year-old innocent bystander also sustained a gunshot wound. She will survive her injuries, Kenny noted.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
First due FDNY companies initially discovered flames in the walls of an apartment on the 5th Floor.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
After two hours battling the blaze, FDNY officials deemed it under control.
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office Concerned cops converge on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Tuesday night.
Photo Courtesy of Google
The shooting occurred on Jamaica Avenue near 161st Street.
South Ozone Park Arsonist Pleads Guilty
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday announced that Evan Person has pleaded guilty to setting fire to cars in South Ozone Park and entering a home where he set a blaze that critically injured two of its occupants this summer.
Person, 35, of Linden Boulevard in Queens, was indicted by a grand jury for two counts of arson in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the second degree, burglary in the second degree, two counts of arson in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, two counts of criminal mischief in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, petit larceny and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Person pleaded guilty before Hon. Toni Cimino on Thursday, Nov. 14 to arson in the second degree in full satisfaction of the indictment and is expected by be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, to 15 years in prison.
According to the charges and investigation, Person was seen on video surveillance at approximately 4 a.m. on July 4 in front of 105-20 Van Siclen St. in South Richmond Hill lighting the bumper of a
BMW sedan on fire causing the bumper to melt. The bumper of a Toyota RAV4 parked behind the BMW melted because of the fire to the first car.
Person was then seen on video at approximately 4:12 a.m. entering the driveway of a home on 132nd Street in South Ozone Park. He was seen on video exiting the driveway at about 4:26 a.m.
Between those two times, a fire erupted in the basement laundry room of the home. All the home’s occupants, including two children, got out and an occupant of the home called 911 at about 4:32 a.m. to report the fire.
Two of the occupants were asleep in the basement at the time of the fire and were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., Person was seen on video entering a BMW on 132nd Street and removing a backpack. He then set the trunk of the car on fire.
The defendant was arrested by fire marshals following an investigation and apprehension by the NYPD Warrant Squad.
“This defendant is a serial arsonist who set fire to vehicles and an occupied home over the course of less than an hour in South Ozone Park. The defendant’s reckless actions seriously injured two of home’s occupants and they were hospitalized for more than a month after the incident,” Katz said. “We thank our partners at the FDNY fire marshals for their collaboration on this case.”
City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker added, “These reckless acts of arson endangered the lives of New Yorkers and FDNY members. Thanks to the excellent investigative case work of our Fire Marshals and our close collaboration with the Queens District Attorney’s Office, this perpetrator will be behind bars for a long time. I want to commend everyone involved for their efforts to ensure this dangerous individual does not harm any more New Yorkers.”
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
Evan Person
Addabbo Calls on City Agencies to Address Illegal Vendors on Jamaica Avenue and Liberty Avenue
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) has sent a letter to five City agencies urging immediate action to combat the rise of illegal vendor activities along Jamaica and Liberty avenues.
In his letter, which was sent to the Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Department of Consumer and Worker
Protection, and the NYPD, Addabbo highlighted the significant increase in both unlicensed vendors and licensed vendors operating outside of City regulations. This influx has had a detrimental effect on local merchants and the community at large, the senator said.
“I am writing on behalf of my constituents, who are increasingly concerned about the negative impact of illegal vending has on our local economy and
neighborhood safety,” Addabbo wrote. “It is crucial that we take decisive action on following the current laws of our city and support our legitimate business owners. I urge the city agencies to collaborate on a series of targeted enforcement sweeps to address this issue headon.”
Addabbo has proposed that these enforcement operations be scheduled over the coming weeks. He requested that
during these sweeps, licensed vendors in violation of City law be issued summonses and fines on the spot, while unlicensed vendors would face immediate fines, confiscation of goods, and a warning to vacate the area.
In addition to the immediate measures, Addabbo advocated for the establishment of monthly enforcement operations to ensure ongoing monitoring and adherence to City regulations.
Photo Courtesy of Google
A vendor on Lefferts Boulevard at Liberty Avenue.
Photo Courtesy of Google
Addabbo is calling for City regulation enforcement on Jamaica (pictured) and Liberty avenues.
FDNY Launches Brush Fire Task Force
By Forum Staff
City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker on Sunday announced the creation of the FDNY’s first Brush Fire Task Force, comprised of fire marshals, fire inspectors, and tactical drone units in response to the historic increase in brush fires occurring throughout the five boroughs. The task force will help ensure rapid and effective responses to brush fires, conduct comprehensive investigations to help determine the cause and origin of each fire, and enhance data and information sharing to prevent fires from occurring, Tucker said.
The creation of the task force comes on the heels of historically dry months this October and November in the Big Apple, causing an unprecedented uptick in the number of brush fires. In the two-week period from Nov. 1 — Nov. 14, the FDNY responded to 271 brush fires citywide — the highest amount in a two-week period in city history. This compared to just 200 in the entire month of October for the last three years.
The task force’s operational strategy will focus on three key areas:
Pre-Fire Operations
• Risk Assessment: The task force will use drones and ground-based inspections to assess at-risk areas. Drones will be used to conduct pre-fire surveillance to assess high fuel load regions and environmental conditions.
• Data Collection: The task force will gather intelligence on wind patterns, topography, and fire-prone areas for strategic planning.
• Public Education: The task force will inspect and enforce fire safety codes in at-risk zones and educate residents on fire prevention methods.
Ongoing Brush Fire Operations
• Tactical Support: The task force will utilize tactical drones to provide real-time situational awareness to keep first responders safe, map fire spread, and identify hot spots.
• Investigation Support: Fire investigators will utilize drone footage to assess fire origin and behavior.
Post-Fire Operations
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina,
• Cause and Origin Investigation: Task force members will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the burned area to gather evidence and help determine the cause and origin. This includes using evidence such as burn patterns, weather conditions, and witness reports.
• Post-Fire Inspections: Fire Protection Inspectors will evaluate nearby properties for compliance with fire codes, identifying mitigation strategies.
• Damage Assessment: Tactical drone units will provide detailed aerial images for property damage assessment, aiding in recovery efforts.
Interagency Collaboration: Fire marshals will collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for potential arson investigations when arson is suspected.
The task force will also enhance internal communication and external coordination to help prevent fires and keep first responders safe while on the ground. Internally, the FDNY will establish clear communication protocols between investigators, inspectors, and drone operators. This includes utilizing radios, mobile apps, and drone-linked systems for real-time updates. Externally, the FDNY will coordinate with regional fire departments, law enforcement, New York City Emergency Management , the City Parks and Recreation Department, and environmental agencies to ensure unified action and support. The Branch Chief of Wildfire Policy at the U.S. Fire Administrator will consult with the task force and offer their wildfire expertise.
Following each brush fire:
• The task force will conduct a thorough after-action report to assess performance, identify gaps, and improve future operations.
• A joint report will be compiled summarizing findings, actions taken, and recommendations for improving fire prevention and response strategies.
• The task force will share key findings and recommendations with the public to enhance awareness and encourage fire safety measures.
It used to be a common perception among physicians and other health care professional that the role of the community pharmacist was basically limited to filling prescriptions and following their orders.
But thankfully with progression of time and the advances in technology, the role of the community pharmacist in their patients health care has escalated to a point that serves the pool of patients dependant on their medications in ways it never has before.
Today, whether it's a matter of the complex reporting of medication histories to health databases or the simple act of sending a fax, the need for pharmacies to collaborate and communicate with prescribers on many more levels than ever before has led to increased health and awareness among patients.
Common sense tells us that pharmacists are like first responders where medication is concerned. The integral role we play in today's complicated health care system is continually expanding and contributing to ensuring a standard of excellence in patient healthcare that can save more lives.
To begin with, pharmacists are well aware that we can’t always rely on patients to remember some important details or in some cases, to tell the whole truth when faced with questions about their medication adherence. Key communication with physicians and other members of a patients healthcare team is working every-
day to address these critical issues.
Over 95% of community pharmacists and physicians agree that mutual cooperation among themselves is a vital tool in improving patient outcomes.
Additional areas of the benefits of healthcare professionals working together include making recommendations to modify patient's drug therapies and providing drug information to aid in the selection of medications.
Pharmacists play a key role in assisting with medication insurance claims, helping patients navigate their way through the often frustrating and confusing world of health coverage.
We also now assist in the adjustment of medication dosages, provide information about drug interactions, help patients adhere to a proper schedule of medication and the management of side effects.
Admittedly there are some concerns with barriers that exist in the expanding integration of pharmacists and physicians, such as the potential for the fragmentation of patient care, concern over liability where shared responsibility and information exists and of course the amount of time needed to invest. But none of those have put a damper on the willingness to work together to guarantee the better health of our patients.
And it is obvious in the medical community that there is a widespread desire for the continuance of these relationships that clearly benefit our collective.
Addabbo Donates Flag in Ozone Park
On Veterans Day this year, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DWoodhaven) delivered an American flag to the administration of the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Medisys Health Network. The new Stars and Stripes, which replaces a tattered flag, will be flown at the Clocktower building on Atlantic Avenue in Ozone Park.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
There has been an unprecedented uptick in the number of brush fires across the five boroughs.
State Announces Plan to Help Riders during Rockaway A and S Train Line Project
By Forum Staff
Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced a substitute service plan to support transit riders in the Rockaways as the A and S lines undergo resiliency and rehabilitation work this winter.
The MTA will be completely reconstructing and rebuilding the Hammels Wye Viaduct, an elevated structure that allows A train service to split between west-bound to Rockaway Park and east-bound to Far Rockaway. The project also will make critical repairs to the South Channel Bridge. Together, Hammels Wye and the South Channel Bridge link the Rockaway Peninsula with the rest of Queens and are part of a $393 million investment to ensure reliable service on the Rockaway Line for the next 50 years.
To accommodate resiliency and rehabilitation work on the viaduct and bridge across Broad Channel — from Jan. 17 until May 2025 for approximately four months — A trains will not run between Howard Beach–JFK Airport, Far Rockaway–Mott Av and Rockaway Park–Beach 116 St. Additionally, Rockaway Park Shuttle trains will not run to or from Broad Channel.
During this time free shuttle bus service will be available to riders along two routes. The Q97 will run between Howard Beach and Far
Rockaway via Nassau Expressway. The Q109 will run from Howard Beach to Beach 67 St. via Broad Channel and Beach 90 St. LIRR will offer steep discounts for trips at Far Rockaway Station on the Far Rockaway Branch, bringing the cost of a ride to $2.75, less than the cost of a subway ride. Customers are reminded the Far Rockaway Branch provides connections to Atlantic
Terminal, Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
Starting Monday, Jan. 20, a fare-free shuttle will operate, serving all stations on the peninsula between Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park for the duration of the outage.
For additional direct service to Manhattan, customers can take the QM16 and the QM17
for express bus service. NYC Ferry also connects the Rockaways with Pier 11 at Wall St.
Customers are reminded the Q52 SBS and Q53 SBS provide a direct connection to the train at Rockaway Boulevard, and the Q35 provides a connection to Brooklyn at Flatbush Av – Brooklyn College 2, 5.
All trains to the peninsula must cross Hammels Wye, an elevated structure that allows for service to split between west-bound to Rockaway Park and east-bound to Far Rockaway. Decades of exposure to the elements have caused significant wear and tear to the structure requiring it to be completely reconstructed. A complete reconstruction can only be safely and efficiently done during a service outage, MTA officials noted.
The South Channel Bridge must swing open to allow boats to cross Jamaica Bay. Aging mechanical and electrical infrastructure causes delays in returning the bridge to its closed position resulting in service disruptions to the Rockaway line. MTA Construction & Development will capitalize on the time needed to repair Hammels Wye to overhaul the electrical and mechanicals components of the bridge providing more dependable functionality and ensuring more reliable service for A train riders.
“Substantial completion” of the project is expected by the summer of 2026.
MTA Board Approves Phasing in the Congestion Relief Zone Toll
By Michael V. Cusenza
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board on Monday approved a new feature of the Congestion Relief Zone tolls adopted in March – a plan to phase in the new tolls over six years.
With this new feature, all initial toll rates will be 60 percent of the initially approved rates in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Automobiles will be charged $9 during peak periods and $2.25 overnight. All other toll rates, including those for trucks, buses, and motorcycles, as well as all crossing credits, will be 60 percent of the initially approved rates.
From 2028 to 2030, the rates will stand at 80 percent of the initially approved rates – $12 for automobiles during peak times and $3 overnight. The full undiscounted rates will begin in 2031.
“As I said from the start, a $15 toll was just too high in this economic climate. That’s why our plan cuts the daytime toll to $9 for cars,” said Gov. Hochul, who, in June, directed the MTA to indefinitely pause congestion pricing because, according to Hochul, the planned system “risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time.”
All mitigation measures agreed to by the Project Sponsors and described in the Environmental Assessment and the June 2024 Reevaluation will proceed as previously
announced, including the low-income discount, and place-based and regional mitigation measures: programs totaling $100 million for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Newark, N.J., Fort Lee, N.J., East Orange, N.J., and Orange, N.J., and $55 million in regionwide mitigations.
The toll collection is scheduled to begin Jan. 5, 2025.
The MTA is resuming the public education campaign that began on
April 26 and was put on pause on June 5.
In conformance with the Environmental Review process, the three project sponsors – the MTA, New York State Department of Transportation and New York City Department of Transportation – will submit a re-evaluation document to the Federal Highway Administration. The tolling authority would be conferred through an agreement with the Federal Highway
Administration, pursuant to that agency’s Value Pricing Pilot Program.
“Transit has to be preserved, expanded and improved or New York won't be New York,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “New York couldn’t exist without transit and I’m proud that with Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re able to make more of those investments, so thank you to the Governor for getting us back on trackand to the MTA Board who along with the advocates and millions of everyday New Yorkers have never wavered – have never stopped fighting for better transit, a better city, and a better metropolitan area.”
MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo added, “Moving ahead with the implementation of congestion pricing advances the final 23 ADA stations in the 2020-2024 Capital Plan and is a major win in our efforts to keep delivering accessibility projects at an unprecedented pace. Congestion pricing means a more equitable and accessible system beyond installation of elevators. It funds the purchase of new electric buses, reduces traffic for better bus service, and enables the MTA to perform necessary state-of-good repair work to the more-than-a-century old transit system to provide more reliable service – better reliability is better accessibility.”
To learn more about the program benefits, toll rates, and frequently asked questions, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info.
File Photo
The Central Business District Tolling Program, more commonly known as congestion pricing, has been renamed Congestion Relief Zone Tolling by the MTA.
For about four months next year A trains will not run between Howard Beach–JFK Airport, Far Rockaway–Mott Av and Rockaway Park–Beach 116 St.
Ariola Secures $8.7M in Funding for Goddard Educational Campus in Ozone Park
By Forum Staff
Staff members from the office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) made their way to the Robert H. Goddard Educational Campus in Ozone Park last Wednesday to present the students and faculty with a check for $8.7 million. According to Ariola, $8.45 million of these funds will be used to pay for a complete renovation of the Rocket Park playground
and schoolyard, with the rest going towards much need technology upgrades and a new phone system in the school.
“When I was elected, I made a promise to improve the quality of education throughout District 32, and to give our communities the parks and playgrounds they deserve,” Ariola said. “Through this funding, and funding like it for other schools throughout the district, I am making good on that promise. Our students and
families deserve to have modern, engaging facilities, and that is exactly what I plan to deliver for them.”
“This project has been years in the making,” said Dr. Joseph Birgelles, principal of Robert H. Goddard High School. “I know myself and Principal [William] Fitzgerald [of MS 202] have been dedicated to having this schoolyard and Rocket Park renovated, so it can be something that will be a magnet to the community – something we can
be proud of and a place where people can come not only to exercise but to relax and reboot from a stressful day. Without Councilwoman Ariola’s support and advocacy this never would have happened. We tried to get this done and funded in past, but it always fell on deaf ears until Councilwoman Ariola came in. We are so grateful and appreciative of her dedication to the Ozone Park community, to District 32, and to the Robert H. Goddard Educational Campus.”
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Councilwoman Ariola’s Budget Director Ciara Donley presents the check to members of the Goddard Campus administration.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola Goddard students and faculty celebrate the funding.
Adams Elevates Drought Watch to Warning, Pauses Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Monday elevated the citywide drought watch to a drought warning and paused the final phase of the Department of Environmental Protection’s largest ever infrastructure repair project –the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project – amid a historic and continued precipitation shortage.
As such, Adams ordered City agencies to implement a range of drought protocols to conserve water and reminded New Yorkers to continue to do their part in saving water wherever possible. Pressing pause on the repair project will allow the City to reopen the aqueduct soon, restarting the flow of water from four additional reservoirs.
In order to initiate that final phase, the City stopped the flow of water from the four reservoirs that feed into the Delaware Aqueduct. However, the lack of rain upstate has meant that water reserves across all reservoirs are not where they need to be to complete the project in the spring. In the coming days, the city will begin the process of reopening the aqueduct to resume the flow of water from those reservoirs to New York City.
Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in city reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage, administration officials said. Adams first issued a drought watch back on Nov. 2.
City and State agency water-saving measures include:
• The Department of Sanitation is suspending street flushing activities and reducing vehicle washing.
• The Police Department and Fire Department are assisting in closing illegally opened hydrants and reducing vehicle washing.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation is limiting water use for foun-
tains and golf courses and no longer providing make-up water for artificial ponds and lakes unless they are habitats for fi sh or other wildlife.
• The New York City Housing Authority and City Department of Housing Preservation and Development are requesting plumbing leak surveys and appropriate repair work, seeking to install low-flow plumbing fixtures wherever possible and restricting lawn watering.
• The City Department of Education is initiating water conservation awareness programming for students.
• The City Department of City Administrative Services is conducting leak survey and leak repair activities where necessary at city facilities and is no longer washing the exteriors of city buildings.
• The City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is communicating with food service establishments about reductions of water use.
• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is reducing fleet washing.
The City has been successful in conserving water for decades, according to the Adams administration. The city’s average daily water demand has decreased by approximately 35 percent over the past several decades, even as the city’s population has grown by more than 1 million people. During its peak, in 1979, the city's average water usage was 1.5 billion gallons of water a day. Thanks to improved management strategies – systemwide leak detection and repairs, replacing old meters with automated meter readers, and providing an online platform for customers to track and monitor water usage and quickly detect leaks in their buildings – the city now uses just 1.1 billion gallons a day on average, and under 1 billion gallons during the winter months.
Manager and Enforcer of Borough-Based Sex
Trafficking Ring Convicted of Assaulting Sex Workers
By Forum Staff
A federal jury in Brooklyn on Monday returned guilty verdicts on all counts against Siyang Chen and Yichu Chen in connection with their roles in a Queensbased sex trafficking and prostitution ring, according to prosecutors.
As proven at trial, between April 2019 and September 2021, defendant Siyang Chen helped lead a nationwide prostitution business that trafficked women. Members of the organization directed and carried out violent attacks on commercial sex workers to protect the enterprise’s turf and deter the victims from working for rival organizations or independently. Siyang Chen was a manager of the criminal enterprise, who advised the organization on strategies to improve profits, including by using violence—and specifically, by targeting and attacking sex workers. The victims of the organization were subjected to extreme brutality. Evidence admitted at trial demonstrated that members of the organization ziptied the victims’ hands and viciously
beat them with breaker bars, hammers, wrenches, and other blunt objects, leaving the victims bloody, terrified, and, in many cases, seriously injured.
Siyang Chen planned and participated in robberies and assaults across several states. WeChat messages shared among members of the ring graphically depicted violence that occurred during
the assaults. Videos of the assaults were circulated to senior members of the enterprise to show that the beatings were sufficiently severe and to sex workers to cultivate an atmosphere of fear. The videos showed victims screaming, struggling while they were bound, bleeding and being beaten with hammers and other blunt weapons.
Yichu Chen was part of the organization’s “hit team.” Specifically, acting at Siyan Chen’s direction, Yichu Chen was recruited to beat a woman who was engaging in commercial sex work for a rival prostitution business at a location in Centreville, Va. Siyang Chen instructed Yichu Chen how to zip-tie the woman’s wrists behind her back and, subsequently, Yichu Chen beat her with a metal breaker bar. Yichu Chen robbed the victim of money and a cell phone. Members of the organization paid Yichu Chen an additional $400 for carrying out the attack, which a member of the organization contemporaneously described as a “super severe” beating.
Ten co-defendants charged in the superseding indictment have pleaded guilty to various charges for their roles in the organization and are currently awaiting sentencing. Four others that committed crimes at the enterprise’s direction have been convicted in related cases and are awaiting sentencing.
When sentenced, Siyang Chen faces up to life in prison and Yichu Chen faces up to 20 years in prison.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Adams first issued a drought watch back on Nov. 2.
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NY
Siyang Chen
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NY Yichu Chen
Ariola Welcomes St. Helen Student to City Hall for Polish Independence Celebration
By Michael V. Cusenza
Earlier this month, City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) welcomed 9-year-old Nicholas Laurusevicius, a 4th grader at St. Helen Catholic Academy in Howard Beach, to Council Chambers to celebrate Polish Independence.
Nicholas was given a behind-the-
scenes tour of City Hall, met many lawmakers and influential Polish Americans, and even joined Ariola and Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), as well as WABC radio personality Rita Cosby, in presenting Konrad Fijo�ek, mayor of the city of Rzeszów, with a council proclamation.
“It was so exciting to be part of such a special event that honored my mom’s
home country. Seeing City Hall in person was cool, and I loved meeting different people from Poland and our local area,” said Nicholas, who also attends Polish school at St. Faustyna in Ozone Park every Saturday. “I really enjoyed listening to the speakers, and the best part was the Polish American kids’ choir! They sang beautiful songs and performed folk dances that were fun to watch. I felt proud
to be there and celebrate this important night. Thank you to Joann for inviting us and for giving a shout-out during her speech—it made the evening even more memorable!”
Ariola called the night “a beautiful celebration and I am honored not just to have been a part of it, but to have brought members of my community to be a part of it as well.”
City Announces First-Ever Civil Service Exams for Multiple Public Safety Positions
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday announced a first-of-its-kind civil service exam series that will allow candidates to qualify for multiple critical public safety positions with a single exam.
The first of the three public safety combination exams will help fi ll nearly 900 positions available across multiple city agencies, including the Police Department, School Safety agents, NYPD traffic enforcement agents, special officers of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Finance, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Sanitation enforcement agents, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation, the New York City Housing Authority, City Public Schools, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, and Manhattan DA’s Office.
Following the launch of the public safety combination exam, which is currently open until Nov. 29, two more exams are planned — the second in spring 2025 with a third to follow. These combination ex-
ams will offer opportunities for over 2,000 vacant positions in various additional public safety titles, including City Department of Probation officer, Department of Parks and Recreation urban park ranger, Department of Environmental Protection police officer, NYPD police officer, and Correction officer.
The application period for the first exam is open now through November 29, 2024. Interested candidates can apply for the “Public Safety Exam, Level 1” online through the New York City Online Ap-
plication System or in person at one of DCAS’ Computer-based Testing and Application Centers. There is a one-time application fee of $47 for the “Public Safety Exam, Level 1,” making applying for public safety-related jobs more affordable for applicants. Prior to this Level 1 combination exam, candidates would have had to pay four separate application fees totaling $209. Candidates may be eligible for an application fee waiver if they are veterans, unemployed, or receiving public assistance.
The multiple-choice exam will take place at DCAS’ testing centers across the five boroughs beginning on Jan. 10, 2025. Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on an eligible hiring list ranked by exam score and may be called for interviews to fi ll one of the nearly 900 public safety roles currently available for school safety agents, traffic enforcement agents, and special officers. The hiring list will remain active for four years to fi ll new positions as they become available, including for sanitation enforcement agents.
Candidates hired in these roles will receive comprehensive benefits, which may include union protection, pension plans, and opportunities for future salary increases, Adams noted.
“The prerequisites to prosperity are public safety and justice, and public safety cannot exist without dedicated members of our community willing to make a difference,” Adams said. “We want the best of the best working for New York City — and that includes hundreds of thousands of hard-working residents of the five boroughs. The new public safety combination exams will help recruit the talented and dedicated public servants we need, while ensuring that applying for a meaningful career makes our city more affordable for everyone.”
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Councilwoman Ariola and Nicholas Laurusevicius (r.) present Mayor Fijo�ek with a proclamation.
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office New York City boasts a large, vibrant Polish community in each borough.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“The new public safety combination exams will help recruit the talented and dedicated public servants we need,” Mayor Adams said.
SHOP UP LLC filed w/ SSNY 8/13/24. Off. in Queens Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the FRANCISMAR MIQUILENA, 239-15 88TH AVE, BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Any lawful purpose.
WYNONA CREATIVE AND EVENTS
LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/30/24. 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 BIANCA WYNONA ALEXIS CABALDA PLANAS, 58-12 QUEENS BLVD, SUITE 2 #1024, QUEENS, NY, 11377, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
180-01 JAMAICA PROPERTY LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC uponwhom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 84-84 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of 130 BEACH 137 LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 2/27/2024. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to:THE LLC, 140 BEACH 137TH STREET, BELLE HARBOR, NY, 11694, USA. PURPOSE: ANY LAWFUL ACTIVITY.
J & K ASTORIA REALTY, LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/03/00. 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 Vasiliki Troianos, P.O. Box 570136, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
OMNI JADE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
RIKA MASON GROUP LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/27/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: RIKA MASON GROUP LLC
138-12 NORTHERN BLVD APT 3B, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Legal Notices
31-59 30TH STREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/27/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZAAR FUNDING CORP., 45-11 LITTLE NECK PKWY, LITTLE NECK, NY, 11362, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Nyngan Holdings LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 10/19/24. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 136-21 Roosevelt Ave Ste 310, Flushing N 11354. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.
JEKKI ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/23/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any L awful Purpose.
CORE88 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
J & K ASTORIA REALTY, LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/03/00. 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 Vasiliki Troianos, P.O. Box 570136, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
CHESS INTELLIGENCE LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/04/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
GENERATIONAL SOLES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/24/2024. 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, 156-15 86TH STREET, HOWARD BEACH, NY, 11414, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
JUST CALL ME KIKI LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
OPTIMUS FOOD MANAGEMENT
LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/01/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of C&L Transit Builders, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 10/28/24. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 54-08 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101, principal business address. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
Notice of Formation of 29-10 Thomson Avenue LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 7/17/24. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 31-10 Thomson Ave., Rm. E409E, LI City, NY 11101. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Cogency Global Inc., 122 E. 42nd St., 18th Fl., NY, NY 10168, regd. agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful activity.
LIFE IS A PARTY LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/20/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose
SIGNATURE LIMO LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/11//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: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
ATTUNING DIGITAL LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2024. 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, 55 REID AVE, BREEZY POINT, NY, 11697, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
PARKER TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/07/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Stavros Gounaris, 43-23 35th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of Pasos Rosados LLC Article of Organization filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 09/25/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ming Lou E. Rosado at 169-19 81st Avenue, Jamaica, NY, 11432, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
LEGACY DELIVERY SERVICE LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/13/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose
Hatchio LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 09/11/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Xiaoyue Hong 4321 161st St, Flushing, NY 11358 General Purpose
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