Queens Chronicle 03-13-25

BANKS WITHDRAWN

Activists push to have live markets shut; USDA data show recent spreads Queens avian flu outbreaks continue

Aby Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

nimal rights activists were ejected from Tiba Live Poultry in Ridgewood on Tuesday when they tried to take photo and video footage inside. Workers physically blocked the doors to prevent entry, even grabbing for their mobile devices, before closing up shop until police arrived.

“They’re acting this way ... because they don’t want us to see the conditions of these birds,” animal rights activist Edita Birnkrant said at the scene.

The Chronicle was hung up on Tuesday and Wednesday when it called for comment.

Avian flu was detected at an unnamed Queens poultry market that same day, according to the state Department of Agriculture’s website. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows also that two of the borough’s live markets saw outbreaks on March 3 that affected 650 total birds.

Recent cases of the contagion have reignited calls to shut the markets down.

Following last month’s outbreaks, Gov. Hochul issued an executive order, effective from Feb. 7 to 14, for owners of live poultry markets to close and disinfect their stores

to prevent transmission of the virus. Avian flu had been detected at seven live bird markets in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

The state Department of Agriculture on Feb. 19 also announced new testing requirements for poultry entering live markets.

Tuesday’s visit was not the activists’ first venture into wet markets, as they claim that conditions there allow infectious diseases to spread. On Feb. 22, the groups Their Turn and New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets posted videos on several social media platforms in which caged birds inside some shops had open wounds.

Those in attendance on Tuesday’s trip to several markets, including Birnkrant, the NYCLASS executive director, and bird expert John Di Leonardo, who leads Humane Long Island, described similar conditions. They also pointed out clumps of feathers and feces on nearby streets.

After last week’s outbreaks, Birnkrant, of Fresh Meadows, in a press release called on Hochul to shut down the markets indefinitely until there is “a handle on the virus,” stating that there is “no way to operate wet markets in New York City during a bird flu crisis without endangering public health.”

“This was easily predicted, that there

would be a surge of outbreaks. We went back to some markets that we’ve been checking for weeks,” she told the Chronicle. “The conditions, these biohazards on the streets, the public is being exposed, the birds are sick and dying, as we’ve seen.”

Asked about the symptoms that birds infected with avian flu might develop, Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist, said chickens may experience respiratory symptoms and die quickly, but waterfowl such as ducks can be asymptomatic carriers that spread the virus.

He said also that bird flu is incubated on factory farms, where the birds originate before they are sent to live markets.

“Until we shut down these live slaughter markets and stop treating animals like merchandise, we’re looking at the next pandemic,” he said.

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa called for live markets to be shut down permanently, stating that there is “no reason” to have them in urban areas.

“They shut them down for five days and then it’s back to business. And the conditions have not changed at all,” he said. “It’s barbaric. It’s inhumane.”

“When a strain of avian flu that could be transmitted among humans emerges from

continued on page 24

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

ESQ.

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA,

As bird flu outbreaks persist, Curtis Sliwa and other animal rights activists were banned from a Ridgewood live market on Tuesday. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

Flagstar to close two S. Queens branches

Banks at Clocktower Plaza in OZP, 94th and Jamaica in Woodhaven will shutter

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Flagstar is set to close two of its branches in South Queens this year.

The banks, at 92-10 Atlantic Ave., located inside of the Stop & Shop in Clocktower Plaza in Ozone Park, and 93-22 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, will close permanently this year.

The Clocktower branch is slated to shutter on May 30, according to a letter sent to area customers, and the Woodhaven branch will close on June 13, as confirmed by a bank employee.

In the notice delivered to its patrons, sent by Jeremy Greenstein, Flagstar’s head of consumer channels, the company notes that no action is required by clients.

Current check, debit card and account numbers will stay the same, and residents can patronize any Flagstar branch or do their banking through the company’s mobile app.

Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Block Residents Block Association, posted on the group’s Facebook page to spread the news of the bank’s closures.

He also penned a letter to Joseph Otting, the president and chief executive of Flagstar, dated March 4, asking him to reconsider

the decision.

“This news has deeply concerned us,” Esposito wrote in the letter. He took particular issue with the Ozone Park branch’s closure.

“The Clocktower branch has become a vital resource for our

residents, many of whom find it challenging to access other banking locations due to mobility issues,” he wrote.

“The nearest alternative branches are located at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Ave and at 101 Ave and 99 St, both of which pose con-

siderable distance and accessibility challenges for our most vulnerable community members.”

Esposito, who two years ago successfully advocated for retaining the Clocktower branch when it was still Queens County Savings Bank, requested a meeting with

Otting and area elected officials to discuss potential avenues for keeping that location open.

The civic president told the Chronicle he had not yet received a response to his letter, but said he’s discussed the matter with elected officials and “it is all being worked on.”

Comments on his Facebook group’s post expressed frustration at the closures.

“That is insane. I am disabled and can’t drive,” one resident wrote. “I hope something can be done.”

Another commenter said, “Many from the community go to that Stop and Shop because that bank is there! The only reason I go shopping there is because my bank is there!”

In October 2024, according to multiple news reports, Flagstar announced approximately 700 job reductions and said an additional 1,200 positions would be cut after it completes the sale of its mortgage servicing unit to Mr. Cooper, a nonbank mortgage platform. The sale closed in November.

Representatives for Flagstar did not respond to multiple inquiries from the Chronicle asking for reasons for the closure and whether any of its other nearby bank locations were at risk. Q

Crime down in 106, even amidst injuries

At CB 10, precinct’s executive officer says six were hurt in the

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The NYPD’s 106th Precinct had a busy month.

Though crime is down 8.3 percent in the last 28-day period, from Feb. 3 to March 2, the command had to work a little extra hard after six uniformed members of service were injured in the line of duty.

Capt. Nigel Fenton, the executive officer of the 106, during last Thursday night’s Community Board 10 meeting at the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach, attributed the injuries to cops fighting perpetrators in domestic violence incidents.

“We were up in felony assault, and most of that was actually due to a lot of domestic violence that took place within the commands and some of those assaults also resulted in ... about five police officers and one lieutenant that was actually injured in the line of duty

due to the fact of fighting with perpetrators,” Fenton explained.

“So within a one-week span, we actually had six officers that were injured. ... But we still did our effective way to produce and actually go and still combat the crime.”

Though he did not disclose details regarding the incidents, Fenton said five of the six injured officers are back to work.

“Two of them are actually limited and one is still not back to duty as of yet,” Fenton said.

“But we’re hoping for the best for their proper return so they can be back to full duty so they can help combat the crime and help to protect and serve you in the 106th Precinct.”

Overall, the 106 saw 110 total crime complaints, down from 120 at this time last year, Fenton said.

There has been an increase in traffic enforcement within the patrol area: Within the 28-day period, the Crossbay corridor saw 12

summonses and the Rockaway corridor saw 88. At the North Conduit, officers issued 278 summonses, compared to just 23 on the South. And on Liberty Avenue, where Fenton said there had been a lot of issues with pedestrians being struck, officers issued 140 summonses.

“I thank the good work that my officers are doing despite the fact of the crime that’s been going on in the command,” Fenton said. “But we’re doing the best of our ability ... to combat it and also to help keep the 106th Precinct safe.”

On other crime, Fenton said, beware of check washing and other fraud during tax season. He advised residents to use mailboxes inside of the post office.

“If there’s an opportunity where there’s a mailbox inside of the actual post office, the preference is to actually put it inside the post office rather than leaving it dropped outside,” he said.

line of duty

Capt. Nigel Fenton, the executive officer of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct, gave an update on area crime at Community Board 10’s meeting last Thursday. SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE / CB 10

The Flagstar bank inside the Stop & Shop at Clocktower Plaza, located at 92-10 Atlantic Ave. in Ozone Park, will close in May, according to a letter sent to its patrons.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

A preview of the JFK Terminal 5 overhaul

Neir’s Tavern gets a spot; other Queens businesses are joint-venture partners

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Some beloved Queens eateries will soon reap the benefits of the revamp of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5.

As part of the $19 billion overhaul of JFK, last Thursday Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JetBlue and Fraport USA, the airport’s manager, announced a refresh of the airline’s flagship terminal.

The terminal will see more than 40 new concessions that the groups say reflect the spirit and flavors of New York, along with new amenities such as art installations and a redesigned center concourse inspired by the state’s iconic parks.

The Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program mandates that a portion of contracts be awarded to certain businesses often involved in retail, food and beverage, car rentals and other services at airports, Port Authority said. ACDBE-certified businesses gain access to concession markets that can benefit their growth, capacity and revenue.

Among the ACDBE selections are Neir’s Tavern of Woodhaven and Ranchito Salvadoreno, The Nourish Spot and M&R Concessions, all based out of Jamaica.

Loycent Gordon, the owner of Neir’s Tavern, said that under the program, the Woodhaven locale will be able to invest in the places being built in Terminal 5 — and will open its own location there as part of the 40 new concessions.

“Not in my wildest dreams would I believe that we would be in this position,” Gordon told the Chronicle. He famously rallied to save the bar, first established in 1829, from an untimely closure in 2020.

JFK Airport’s Terminal 5 will get a revamp by 2026, including new concessions, a redesigned concourse and new art, part of the airport’s $19 billion overhaul.

In addition to providing a stronger foundation to help the tavern get to its 200th anniversary, Gordon said the opportunity brings more economic viability to the neighborhood.

“Many people that go through that terminal will want to visit Woodhaven and Neir’s Tavern, and see all the wonderful places in Woodhaven,” Gordon said. “It’s not just about benefiting Neir’s, it’s also going to benefit so many other programs and organizations in Woodhaven.”

Dawn Kelly, the owner of The Nourish Spot, said the business is already an equity partner in Terminal 5 by way of investments in Bryant Park Market and Hershel Supply Store through the ACDBE program.

“Some of the new stores will become part of our portfolio as well,” Kelly, whose business is eyeing another location in Far Rockaway, told the Chronicle.

“I’m really happy,” she said. “I’m proud like a peacock. Nobody in my family ever thought this was possible.”

Additionally, the terminal’s center concourse will be transformed into a space of lush greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables and warm lighting. It will also feature a dedicated space for pop-up experiences and interactive and live events that promise to highlight the state’s culture. And more than 30 works created by New York-based artists will be displayed throughout Terminal 5.

“JetBlue and Fraport’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton in a statement. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local businesses, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the passenger journey through our region.”

“When it opened, Terminal 5 set a new standard for customer-focused airport design that reflected our mission of bringing humanity back to air travel,” said Marty St. George, the president of JetBlue. “This isn’t just about new dining and shopping — it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal. From local flavors to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said the airport’s historic $19 billion redevelopment continues to pay incredible dividends for Queens families.

“A refreshed Terminal 5 will not only give travelers a fantastic first impression of The World’s Borough, it will create good-paying jobs for Queens residents and concession opportunities for our small businesses. I’m deeply grateful to JetBlue, Queens’ hometown airline, for its investment in our borough and to all our partners for their commitment to the overall reimagining of Kennedy Airport.”

The first of the new concessions is slated to open by the end of the year, with the completion of the terminal’s overhaul expected in 2026. Q

Algredo maintains her spot as chair while new vice leadership is selected Community Board 9 elects officers

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Room 200 of Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens was packed on Tuesday evening, as members of Community Board 9 geared up to elect new leadership for their next term.

Community Board officers — the roles of chairperson, first vice chairperson, second vice chairperson and treasurer — serve oneyear or staggered two-year terms that begin on the first of April.

Sherry Algredo did not face a challenger for chairperson, but a hand vote was taken. All voted to reelect her, save for John Carter, who voted no, and Rabbi Daniel Pollack, who abstained.

Algredo, who wore a Trinidad and Tobago T-shirt under a blazer to represent her roots, thanked the members for their votes.

“While I represent Trinidad, I’m a very proud American citizen, and I did this as an American citizen, and I want to thank all of you,” she said.

Board members Andrew Taranto and Faiuze Ali were nominated for first vice chair. Ali has held the job, occupied by Esta Joy Sydell for the remainder of March, in the past.

Taranto, who co-chairs the board’s Land Use committee, won in a 28-9 vote.

“My pledge to you all is to be somebody who keeps informed on what’s going on, who speaks to our concerns effectively,” he said.

Cristal Rivera was nominated for second vice chair and faced no competition. She was elected in a unanimous hand vote, and will replace outgoing second vice chair Alexandria Sumpter-Delves.

A member of the board for years, Rivera said she will continue to work to ensure the community is supported.

“I’ve been thrilled to be participating in all the different committees, and it matters a lot to me, because I like to be a woman of action,” she said.

Kirpal Billing, the board’s treasurer, was reelected to the role, also with a unanimous

hand vote. He promised transparency in the board’s funding allocations.

“Thank you very much for your confidence, and we will make a difference,” Billing said.

In other news, Seth Wellins, the co-chair of the Education Committee, expressed frustration about the status of the Richmond Hill Library, which is slated to receive an $18 million refurbishment, first announced in 2016 and approximated then at $6 million. It has been continually delayed.

“The renovation is now scheduled to begin next March,” he said. “And the library will be closed for three years.”

Additionally, plans for the renovation of the Woodhaven Library have not been finalized, but the price tag is about $26 million, according to District Manager James McClelland. Wellins said that library also would close for about three years during its refurbishment.

Board member Carmela Isabella floated the idea of a temporary library location, similar to that at the Shops at Atlas Park when the Glen-

Community Board 9 on Tuesday reelected

ry

dale Library was being renovated.

Algredo and Rivera suggested that more action needs to be taken to get answers.

“I feel like when the moment’s right, we should definitely have the constituency show up,” Rivera said. Q

RENDERING COURTESY JETBLUE

Sher-

Algredo as its chair. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

DA: RH man allegedly brutally beat stepson

Couple indicted after 8-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A Richmond Hill resident was indicted last Friday for attempted murder, assault, witness intimidation and other crimes over the alleged brutal beating of his 8-year-old stepson, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Davien Reid Sr., 43, of 88th Avenue, allegedly hit the boy, picked him up, threw him to the ground and then repeatedly stomped on him after the child was accused of eating brownies intended for Reid, the DA’s Office said. The incident caused fractures to the boy’s neck and back, as well as multiple internal injuries. When the boy vomited, Reid is alleged to have made him lick it off the floor.

The DA’s Office said the child’s mother, 31-year-old Dayanara Vargas, whose last known address was also 88th Avenue in Richmond Hill, was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child for a separate earlier incident wherein she allegedly struck her son on the head with a broom, which required the child to get staples on his scalp to close the wound.

According to the charges, Reid and Vargas have been together for several years. Reid entered the relationship with three children and Vargas with two. The couple also has two kids together.

On April 24, 2024, Vargas called 911 and told police that her 8-year-old son was injured while fighting with his stepbrother, the charges said. Police responded to the home and found the child sitting on the bathroom floor with head trauma. The boy’s head was severely bruised and deformed with one eye swollen shut and bruises covering his back and arms.

The child was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and serious injuries to his head and spine. He had compression fractures on his neck and

upper back, a subdural hematoma, ligament injuries in his neck, rectal bleeding, a laceration to his pancreas and intestinal and abdominal injuries.

The DA’s Office said the child remained hospitalized for three weeks and required feeding tubes during part of that time. He had to wear a cervical collar for his neck injuries for approximately five months. He later told investigators that Reid had beat him.

The boy later disclosed that in November 2023, his mother struck him on the head with a broom, which caused a gash that required several staples to close. His mother took him to an urgent care facility, where she lied to doctors about the cause of the injury, the charges said.

All children were removed from the home, the charges said, and placed into care shortly after police responded to the 911 call.

Reid was indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first and second degrees, intimidating a witness in the third degree, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Vargas was indicted by a grand jury on charges of assault in the second degree, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.

If convicted, Reid faces up to 25 years in prison and Vargas up to seven years. They were ordered to return to court April 11.

“As alleged, these defendants inflicted unspeakable cruelty,” Katz said in a statement. “An 8-year-old child was beaten repeatedly resulting in fractures, internal injuries and vomiting. Afterward, the child was forced to lick the vomit off the floor. It was brutal. Thankfully, the victim and his siblings are all now safe and we will get justice for this child.” Q

Mayor touts record gun seizures, falling crime

Queens murder spike defies city trend

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Despite a spike in homicides in Queens, Mayor Adams says the murder rate across the city as a whole keeps falling, and that police are seizing a record number of guns.

Homicides are down 26 percent so far this year compared to last, the Mayor’s Office said Monday, while police statistics through March 9 show a drop of 21.5 percent in murders, from 65 to that point in 2024 compared to 51 so far this year.

In Queens, however, murders have jumped 150 percent, from six in the first 10 weeks of 2024 to 15 so far this year, as the Chronicle reported last week in an apparent exclusive.

Adams, facing a tough re-election bid, highlighted gun seizures in Monday’s announcement, saying 1,000 firearms have been taken off the streets and subways so far this year, and 20,700 have during his mayoralty, which began on Jan. 1, 2021.

“In the first two months of 2025, New York City saw the fewest number of shooting incidents in the city’s history, a 14.5

percent decline compared to the same period in 2024, and a major victory in our campaign to keep New Yorkers safe,” Adams said in a prepared statement.

A former police captain, the mayor credited New York’s Finest with getting the guns out of circulation, saying that because of their focus on firearms, “New York City continues to be the safest big city in America.”

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, named to her post last Nov. 20, said in her statement, “This is what relentless, targeted enforcement looks like, and it’s all because of the tireless work that the men and women of the NYPD do every day to keep us safe.”

Tisch echoed the mayor in saying the city just saw the lowest number of shootings in its “recorded history,” and that overall crime is down by double digits.

Citywide, the number of major, or index crimes, is down 14.34 percent so far this year, from 22,150 to 18,974, the statistics say. In Queens, it is down 18.64 percent, from 4,978 to 4,050. Q

Free CPR training in W’haven

According to the FDNY, early CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator have been shown to dramatically increase the chance of survival in victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest.

To help educate the community, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is teaming up with the Woodhaven Residents Block Association and the FDNY to host free CPR training during the block association’s monthly meeting on March 15 at noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ, located at 93-12 91 Ave. All are welcome to attend.

The training, a noncertification class that combines audio and visual instruction with hands-on participation, includes skills needed to save a life in the event of cardiac arrest or heart attack and compression-only CPR on adult mannequins with automated external defibrillation usage.

“CPR training is not just a skill; it’s a vital lifeline,” Addabbo said in a statement. “Empowering our communities with this knowledge can turn bystanders into lifesavers, making every second count in emergencies. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

EDITORIAL AGEP

No apartments on our golf courses

One thing Queens desperately must do is hold onto every inch of green space it has, if only to help mitigate our life-threatening drainage problem. It was less than four years ago that 11 people in Queens were killed when Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters raced into homes.

We cannot afford to give up any more unpaved areas that soak up water. The situation is so dire that city officials recently floated the idea of resurrecting a lake in Kissena Park that had been filled in sometime in the “pave it all over” past. They would connect that lake to the drainage system to help expel water. We like the park’s grass and trees, but another lake would be nice, too, and would address a serious problem.

Yet City Comptroller Brad Lander has a different idea for Kissena Park. He wants to build on it, specifically, on its golf course. To help alleviate the city’s admittedly severe affordable housing crisis, Lander is targeting our public golf courses. The city has 12, and he wants to build apartments on four, though he doesn’t know which yet. That will require study. The others in Queens are in Douglaston and Forest Park.

Lander, a candidate for mayor, issued an outline of his plans for the links last Thursday, as part of an extremely detailed proposal to get more housing built and make it more

affordable. Some of his ideas have merit. Many just amount to more spending on programs to help get people into homes.

But Lander’s idea to possibly build somewhere between 3,613 and 10,352 units of housing in Kissena Park — yes, those are his numbers — must be left in the sand trap. In Douglaston, he envisions anywhere from 4,318 to 12,372 units. In Forest Park, the range is 3,957 to 11,336. No way, pal.

The rebuilding of Willets Point, now underway, is set to create 2,500 new units next to Citi Field. The state plans another 2,775 on the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center grounds in Queens Village, though civics are fighting to reduce that. The City Council recently approved the mayor’s City of Yes zoning plan, which could yield 80,000 new homes citywide over the next 15 years, in neighborhoods that already exist. In addition to that, housing will be a part of whatever supplants Aqueduct Race Track once it is shut down. And one day in the far future, massive platforms will be built over Sunnyside Yard and an entire community will be created there.

Queens has enough space for new housing without taking away any of our golf courses. And if play is down, as Lander says, we should work to reverse that. Along with green space, something we all could use is more exercise.

Fix evidence laws

One way in which the state greatly helped violent criminals get away with their offenses in the insane “reform” laws of 2019 was by forcing prosecutors to conform to absurd new rules in the discovery process.

It used to be that district attorneys would spring evidence upon their targets late in the game, leaving them with too little time to respond effectively. But just as they did with the bail laws, the Legislature and then-Gov. Cuomo went too far, demanding very rapid disclosure of all evidence and making it far easier for cases to be thrown out over alleged violations without giving prosecutors time to respond. They also forced witnesses’ personal data to be given to the defense, endangering them.

Now Gov. Hochul wants to reform the “reforms,” to restore sanity to the system, and do it in the budget process. Yet neither house of the Legislature included her plans in its own budget draft. They better agree in the end. Our lawmakers really must side with Hochul, and the people, on this one.

MARK WEIDLER

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Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

You’re poor if ...

To all of our out-of-touch-from-reality politicians, this is my definition of poverty.

1) If you need more than three paychecks to pay your rent or mortgage, you’re poor.

2) If you can’t pay your utilities or the entire balance on your credit card bills each month, you’re poor.

3) If you don’t have at least two years’ of savings in the bank for emergencies, you’re poor. (Sometimes it takes that long to find a viable job.)

4) If you can’t take one domestic and one international vacation each year, you’re poor. (Domestic for relaxation, international for education.)

5) If you can’t save at least 10 percent of your salary each week, you’re poor.

Politicians constantly reference “The Middle Class.” Newsflash: The middle class hasn’t existed for a number of years and is pretty much decimated. Some people may think the five points above are outrageous but when there was a middle class, most, not all, of these goals were attainable.

Early in 2024 someone from DC was on TV touting the declining inflation. So far this year we have a new $9 tax for going into NYC, and increases coming for other tolls, Citi Bike rental, subway fares and postal rates

— and healthy food is still sky high. How’s that working for you?

Of course we’re all paying billions to fund three areas: Taiwan, Israel and Ukraine. It would be nice if Washington would throw us a bone once in a while.

Linda Carlson Woodside

Limousine liberalism

Dear Editor:

Re “‘Last Dance’ for Adams as speaker,” March 6:

Last year, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, now latest mayoral candidate, delivered her State of the City address, not at City Hall free of charge where she presides in office or, barring that, say, Flushing Town Hall but at expensively rented Brooklyn Academy of Music. She got there in appropriately high style, as per whitecollarfraud.com, citing city records

— $1,393.06 cab fare, expense item: “Pick up and return: from Rochdale Queens to BAM.” Meh, an infinitesimal drop in a $112 billion city budget. This year’s venue for the term-limited speaker’s who-cares valedictory was Jazz at Lincoln Center. Another snazzy citadel of well-heeled donor culture. As with all the mayoral candidates declared to date, she kept things within the bounds of sophisticated acceptability for her highfalutin target audience. Limousine liberal largess was personified in the young mother who did the introduction and is a beneficiary of one of the City Council’s college access programs. The usual progressive litany of discounts for bus and subway fares as well as other sure-fire Upper West Side/Park Slope barn burners like early childhood education, protecting immigrant and LGBTQ people from Trump, closing Rikers, etc.

Less about sanitation, police, sewers, water, power infrastructure — things of concern to New Yorkers in between the elites and the half-

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

fare recipients. Paramount was continued observance of that dread New York City taboo: You don’t talk about property tax. Here the “moderate” Adams is in solidarity with her leftmost rivals, on through arisen Andrew Cuomo, all the way to the most long-shot hypothetical Republican. Her ruling liberal audience has already basically told the Court of Appeals to drop dead rather than give up their annual cash tribute from the little people.

That $112 billion budget likely wouldn’t be there otherwise. And thirteen-hundred-dollar cab rides would get more attention.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Poetry old, poetry new

Dear Editor:

Love the weather change from winter to spring, helps me find hope in everything!

Earth laughs in flowers, and loves in roses, soon summer will come in all its poses!

Love you!

Eva Tortora Manhattan

A good investment

Dear Editor:

I keep hearing the stereotype of Democrats wasting money and being leftist socialists, while Republicans are the great business people. I like to do my research here. For every dollar you put into child nutrition programs you get about $62 back in terms of better healthcare options and scholastic success. You also need to spend fewer dollars on other poverty-based programs, including those related to juvenile justice issues.

I’ll take 62-1 as a return on an investment. Sign me up. Also, how do you measure suffering? And under whom are people suffering?

Please. It’s not how much money you spend but how well you spend it. When I see a kid, I don’t see a label. I see a kid being pulled like a wishbone. Where does it snap?

Stew Frimer Forest Hills

Colorectal cancer facts

Dear Editor:

As March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Services Program of Queens, located at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, would like to make sure everyone knows the facts about this disease. Here are some common beliefs that are just not true:

1. Colorectal cancer is a disease of old age. This is false. It is true that most cases are found in people over the age of 50, but there has been a steady increase in colorectal cancer among people ages 20 to 49.

2. All people who get colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease. This is false. While family history is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, family history accounts for only about 5 to 10 percent of cases. Eating a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking and drinking alcohol are some other risks for colorectal cancer. These are risk factors you can change to lower your risk.

3. Colorectal cancer is not preventable. This is false! Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Regular screening can find the growths that

lead to cancer. These growths can then be removed. This prevents cancer!

There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer until the cancer has spread. That’s why getting screened on a regular basis is so important. It can help prevent colorectal cancer — or catch it early when it is easiest to treat.

If you are age 45 or older, talk to your health care provider about getting screened. If you do not have health insurance, the Cancer Services Program is ready to help. Supported with funds from the State of New York, we offer free colorectal cancer screening to uninsured people ages 45 and older. Call the CSPQ at (718) 6701561 to determine eligibility for free screening.

Roseline Ogbonna Program Coordinator Cancer Services Program of Queens Fresh Meadows

Trump’s tariff follies

Dear Editor:

Tariffs are a policy tool that should only be used judiciously. Unfortunately, President Trump is using tariffs as a sledgehammer in order to obtain certain political results. Among the consequences of his actions is a declining stock market.

Markets hate uncertainty. When Trump saw his actions were tanking the markets he postponed certain tariffs. However, his actions just increased the discomfort the markets were feeling and the decline continued.

The tariffs are also affecting our relationships with friends (Canada and Mexico) and foes (China).

It is time for Trump to come up with a new strategy. If he does not change course, the Democrats will control both the Senate and the House in 2027.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Trump’s fine speech

Dear Editor:

President Trump on his 44th day in office gave an impressive speech to the congressional body covering his accomplishments to date and his vision for the future. Early in the speech, a congressional member was ejected since he kept interrupting the president, and as such violated the rules of decorum. Sadly, the Democrats chose to remain seated even when the president presented heroes in the audience who had displayed extraordinary courage in the face of adversity and deserved the recognition of every American, regardless of party.

The president also presented a long list of unprecedented waste and fraud in the millions and billions of dollars in the government, uncovered by DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency. This also should concern every American since that money could pay down debt that future generations will be burdened with, debt that’s on our children and grandchildren.

Our new president is truly concerned about America’s future. Let’s give him our support when needed and let him know when we disapprove. Stay vigilant.

Queens jail plan worries civic leaders

Capacity, height, deadline at issue as workshops progress

by Stephanie G. Meditz Chronicle Contributor

As the 2027 deadline to close the Rikers Island jail complex looms and the city moves forward with a plan to replace it, concerns abound for neighbors of the future Queens facility.

Members of the Kew Gardens Civic Association oppose the city’s implementation of its plans for the jail, which are developing in a series of design workshops.

They oppose its construction as it is now planned, note that the city is way behind schedule in its plan to close Rikers and have made alternative suggestions to rehabilitate the jail complex there.

“We all agree Rikers has to change. It is an untenable situation there,” KGCA Vice President Adam Whiteman said during a recent Zoom call with other members of the civic. “This is not the solution to meet the public policy goals that the city administrations have stated that they want to achieve.”

Led by former state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform launched in 2016. The group devised a blueprint to close Rikers Island in favor of smaller, local jails.

The City Council in 2019 passed legislation to shut down the complex by 2027 and replace it with four new borough-based facilities. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, a City Hall spokesperson told the Chronicle, its effects hampered the previous mayoral administration’s plans to that end.

Construction of the Queens jail is nowhere near beginning, as it is still being designed.

In 2023, with Mayor Adams’ support, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) reappointed an Independent Rikers Commission, also chaired by Lippman. Its goal was to update and refine the plan for closing Rikers Island.

But KGCA Chairperson Alfred Brand said the Lippman commission’s initial plan “fell apart” when the city began implementing it and planning for four large jails, one in each borough except Staten Island.

The Queens facility is slated to be built at 126-02 82 Ave. in Kew Gardens and house 590 men and 450 women. All the women incarcerated on Rikers Island will be transferred there, Brand said, which he believes destroys the concept of a neighborhood environment.

“Basically, it’s the same trip that you had from Rikers to other courts,” Brand said. He added that not every person will be able to go to court across the street.

Rikers Island’s population also is a concern. The city had planned to reduce the number of people in the complex by the time of closure, but that figure has increased, KGCA member Andrea Crawford noted, leading to questions of where the remaining incarcerated individuals would go.

A City Hall spokesperson said the pandemic’s extensive impact on the city’s jails and criminal justice system led to a spike in Rikers Island’s population.

At the time, however, many inmates were let out to reduce crowding. The effects of Covid then delayed the borough-based jail plan, as construction halted and costs soared.

Adams last year on GMGT Live’s “The Reset Talk Show”

noted that about 2,000 people then being held on Rikers would not fit in the new jails, adding that if the city tackles the psychiatric issues faced by many, it could cut the Rikers Island population in half. He was in favor of doing so, but defaulted to the City Council to move forward with it.

“We remain committed to completing the borough-based jails — which is what we must do to protect public safety — provide humane conditions for those in custody, and close the jail on Rikers Island in keeping with the law,” the City Hall spokesperson said in a statement. “We also remain laser focused on pursuing upstream solutions to keep young New Yorkers out of the criminal justice system wherever possible.”

Whiteman said also that raising the number of beds to 1,040 meant the city had to reduce space that would have been used for training and recreation.

A City Hall spokesperson told the Chronicle that, after a review with engineering and public safety experts, the city determined that each of the sites would include 1,040 beds, while several jails on Rikers Island have more than 1,500. The 1,040 model will optimize operations and promote the goals of the city’s “Smaller Safer Fairer” plan to close the complex, which includes robust programming, the spokesperson said.

Evacuation plans for the facility, which also prompted questions from the civic, are in the works and will be fully developed and approved before the jail is operational, according to the spokesperson. Crawford had cited concerns

that the proposed design did not include a secure area for evacuees.

Fire safety and emergency measures will be incorporated into the design as well, the spokesperson said, and they are included in the facility’s capital budget.

Architects and city agencies also said at the first design workshop for the Queens facility in January that its gymnasium, outdoor recreation space and educational, medical and therapeutic facilities will help make it state-of-the-art.

“What the city needs to do is have a system where people make mistakes, people commit crimes, they go into a facility and they come out better,” Brand said. “And we believe that’s not going to be accomplished with this boroughbased jail system.”

Size was a major concern for several members — Whiteman asked also how the city could justify building a high-rise jail in which outdoor recreation areas “look like a cage,” while contemporary jail theory promotes low, spread-out facilities. He said the renderings provided at January’s workshop were not to scale and that the facility appears smaller than it really would be.

Zoning laws allow the building to be up to 195 feet tall with 40 feet of clearance for utilities on top, and architects said at the last workshop that they aim to make it both appear and actually be as small as possible.

Brand said a basic change to improve the design would be to decrease the jail’s size, adding that a facility with 500 beds would allow for a smaller community of people in custody with more space.

“It comes across as kind of a NIMBY issue, but it impacts everything,” Brand said. “It impacts not only the community, but the confined population and the people who work there, the Department of Correction staff as well.”

The City Hall spokesperson said the Queens facility’s maximum envelope and height were determined by a 2019 Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.

The civic members cited a plan by the Bialosky architectural team to completely renovate Rikers Island for half the cost, which would include courts, mental health and vocational training facilities. When they presented it to city agents, KGCA President Dominick Pistone said, they replied that it would not work.

“This thing has just taken on a life of its own,” Pistone said. “You know, we’ve gotta close Rikers and we’ve gotta build these things, and everything else that was supposed to come of it is getting lost.”

A City Hall spokesperson said the law requires Rikers Island to close and that, due to aging infrastructure, there are challenges associated with its redevelopment.

“Their position has always been, well, the law says that we have to close down Rikers,” Whiteman said. “Well, it was supposed to be closed by 2027. That’s not going to happen, and laws can be changed.”

A City Council spokesperson told the Chronicle that the Council does not have any plans to change the law at this point.

The next design workshop for the Queens jail facility will take place on Thursday, March 27, at Borough Hall. Q

The design for a jail in Kew Gardens, one of four borough-based facilities slated to replace Rikers Island, is undergoing a series of workshops, the next of which is on March 27. Members of the Kew Gardens Civic Association voiced several concerns about the logistics of the plan.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN, ABOVE, AND ANTHONY O’REILLY / FILE

KGCA President Dominick Pistone, above at a 2019 rally, is among the group’s members who have doubts about the Queens jail design.

MONDAY, MARCH 17 th

City workers talk loss of employment

In the face of Covid vaccine mandates, many were fired or denied exemptions

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

When Covid vaccine mandates were introduced, many felt as though their rights were being challenged.

Anthony C., 30, of Rego Park, was teaching at a Brooklyn school when he learned he would have to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or lose his job.

“I considered a fake vaccination card, but I didn’t want to get in trouble or lie,” Anthony, who declined to use his last name, told the Chronicle. “I didn’t file a religious exemption for that reason, either. I’m not religious.”

At the time, in late 2021, he was fresh out of graduate school and new to teaching. He decided he’d be better off quitting instead of fighting back.

“I didn’t even consider suing or anything,” Anthony said. “I didn’t want to get into it with the Department of Education, so I left.”

He said that while he understood the gravity of the pandemic, he didn’t want to get the vaccine.

imposed in a series of orders over several months in 2021 to reduce the spread of Covid. It was rescinded in February 2023.

Anthony lived at home with his family, relying on savings until the private sector mandate was lifted and he was able to find employment. He’s now a teacher at a private school.

Jack Lin, 40, of Jackson Heights was an EMT who served the FDNY and city for more than 14 years. A member of the Dutch Reformed church, Lin said his refusal to vaccinate against Covid was a personal choice rooted in his religious beliefs.

“It’s my body, my choice,” he stated. “I know that phrase is usually used by women — and I support that, too — but it works universally. Government shouldn’t police our bodies.”

The vaccine mandate for city employees was

He was put on leave without pay in April 2022, he told the Chronicle, and terminated in June 2022 after his religious exemption was denied twice.

Jack Lin of Jackson Heights, center, seen here with family at his Emergency Medical Services graduation in 2008, was one of many who were terminated due to vaccine noncompliance. Lin was denied a religious exemption multiple times.

Lin said there were no significant discussions at work regarding the vaccine mandate prior to his termination.

“It felt like a slap in the face to report to inperson work during the height of the pandemic in 2020 only to have my constitutional religious

freedoms violated,” he said. “To be terminated two years later after the worst of the pandemic was over in 2022, after over 14 years of exemplary service to the people of NYC, felt particularly egregious.”

Lin said he kept appealing a denial of unemployment benefits and kept getting rejected. In September 2024, he had a second hearing to

discuss the specifics of his faith, and was yet again denied.

“From June 2022 to December 2022, the six-month period I really could’ve used the financial help from unemployment insurance, I received no help from NYS [Department of Labor],” Lin said. “It’s important to note and remember that during that same period, there was a private sector mandate that was in effect along with the public sector mandate and there were extremely limited opportunities if any to find work.”

He relied on financial and emotional help from family and friends until he was able to find employment after the private sector mandate was lifted. Lin is now involved in various ministry work.

Asked if he pursued litigation following his termination, Lin said, “I waited and held off on any legal action for about two and half years hoping that the FDNY and NYC would recognize their error and rectify it and make me whole. However, they have not reinstated me with backpay and back time to date and I am currently part of a lawsuit for [Equal Employment Opportunity] and Human Rights violations.”

continued on page 24

COURTESY PHOTO

After the pandemic: long Covid’s impact

There is room to join the sleep clinical trials for hypersomnia,

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The coronavirus, which emerged in China in late 2019, may no longer be a pandemic, but five years after governments ordered shutdowns due to the spread of the infectious disease, many Americans are still plagued by symptoms from a condition known as long Covid or long-haul Covid.

A person who has long Covid experiences symptoms of the disease for more than 28 days after the initial illness under the United States’ definition, said Dr. Alan Roth, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and Ambulatory Care and chief of the Division of Integrative Pain and Palliative Care Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

The World Health Organization defines a person still experiencing symptoms after three months as having long Covid, Roth said.

“Long Covid is symptoms that persist after the initial acute infectious process,” Roth told the Chronicle. “Sometimes the long Covid symptoms are not necessarily related to what the Covid symptoms were. If the initial Covid symptoms were respiratory or neurologic, many of the Covid symptoms are just very different in how it presents.”

Common symptoms of long Covid are fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches, a racing heart, gastrointestinal issues, changes in smell and taste, and chest, joint and body pain, said the family medicine chair.

“Long Covid is a postviral syndrome,” said Roth. “We see long viral syndrome with the flu, for example, and other viral illnesses. A condition called fibromyalgia is thought to be a postviral syndrome. People who have fibromyalgia present with body pain and fatigue, and it is a huge source of disability in our nation.”

irregular rest

are more prone to long Covid, but none of this has been validated in a study at this point. There is nothing you can do to prevent long Covid. If you don’t have long Covid at this point, it is unlikely people are going to get it, unless we see flares of the disease again.”

When it comes to clinical trials, the NIH created the Recover Initiative to study 13 possible interventions or treatments for long Covid.

There are eight Recover clinical trials seeking to address five key aspects of the disease.

One trial is attempting to stop the virus from multiplying, another is trying to improve cognition and memory, two are striving to protect the heart and body, two are building the body’s endurance and two are aiming to address sleep-related issues.

Dr. Mariana Figueiro, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan, is one of the principal investigators researching treatments for sleep-related problems.

COURTESY JAMAICA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, LEFT, AND ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Dr. Alan Roth, left, shared his experience with long Covid and his hospital’s help for patients. Dr. Mariana Figueiro is using light therapy and melantonin to address irregular sleep patters due to the disease. PHOTOS

a smaller percentage ... have body pain, fatigue and brain fog” still.

Roth, who worked during the height of the pandemic, says he is a long Covid sufferer.

“I have the classic triad,” he said. “Fatigue, muscle pain — muscle soreness, especially postexertional. You take a walk, then after the walk everything just hurts. The worst one for me is brain fog ... It comes on suddenly.”

Roth said he was able to better recall patient names, but now he struggles with that even when they introduced themselves just moments ago.

A postviral syndrome can last months or years, said the palliative care medical chief at JHMC, which has a long Covid clinic.

The clinic offers primary care, mental health counseling and specialty care.

“We have counselors who have been through long Covid themselves,” said Roth. “We also work with specialists. If it is a cardiac symptom, such as palpitations or racing heart, we might work with cardiology. If it is a neuro symptom, such as smell, taste, headaches, we would work with our neurologists. We work as a comprehensive team to make it happen.”

The clinic opened in either late 2020 or early 2021, he recalled.

“It is estimated that we have might have 30 million in this country with long Covid symptoms,” said Roth, referencing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If symptoms continue to persist among even 5 percent of the about 30 million afflicted with the disease, Roth said, that’s still a huge number of people facing a possible lifetime of pain and suffering. “Somewhere between 10 to 30 percent of people who got Covid, got long Covid. Of those people who got long Covid, most people had it for three to six months, but

The only thing he considers far worse than long Covid is the emotional trauma doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff at hospitals, along with families who have lost loved ones, endured during the pandemic.

“The trauma of healthcare providers is huge,” he said. “Covid today is a different disease than when it came. It is much milder and rarely causes death anymore. It rarely causes hospitalization anymore.”

Roth said there is no evidence-based treatment currently for long Covid and that any management of the disease is symptomatic, or action toward handling the symptoms, but not the disease itself.

Having an anti-inflammatory diet or good nutrition helps.

“Lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs and keeping away from meat and dairy products and frying things with oil,” may help manage long Covid symptoms for some, said Roth. “A very clean, healthy, as close to plant-based diet as someone could get.”

Movement therapy, or doing yoga or tai chi, helps keep the body moving.

“Alternative kinds of therapy like meditation,” are also helpful, said the doctor. “Many supplements have been tried. There are no proven supplements.”

Anecdotally, some patients of his said they turned to turmeric and elderberry, Tylenol and muscle relaxants, neutralizing stabilizing

agents such as Gabapentin, which is used to treat fibromyalgia, and have gone to mental health counseling, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, to address their symptoms.

Some also have taken to adding more beans, strawberries and blueberries, ginger, chamomile and green tea to their diet and excluding dairy. Despite that, there is no long-term study of what works, Roth emphasized.

“It’s too new,” he said.

JHMC is not conducting any clinical trials, but Roth is aware of the CDC and the National Institutes of Health’s work.

“The study of long Covid is looking at various inflammatory markers in the brain and other parts of the body and trying to find out what neurotransmitter pathways or chemical pathways in the brain and other parts of the body are not working properly, that are either hyper- or hypoactive in patients ... so that more directed treatments can happen.”

Doctors are treating the symptoms or patients’ bodies with nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, mental health and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The school is also conducting research as it relates to cognition and preventing disease spread. NYU Langone in Brooklyn is also tackling cognition, Weill Cornell College of Medicine in Manhattan is working to prevent the spread of the disease and NYU Langone Health in Manhattan is addressing endurance. Figueiro said the sleep studies are aiming to help people who struggle to stay awake during the day or have developed irregular sleep patterns after having long Covid.

As the director of Icahn’s Light and Health Research Center Department of Population Health Science and Policy, she is using bright light therapy and melatonin to come up with a treatment prototocol for irregular sleep sufferers. Another researcher is repurposing two narcolepsy and sleep apnea drugs, modafinil and solriamfetol, to tackle hypersomnia. The drugs keep patients awake longer.

“People with hypersomnia have a lot of difficulty maintaining wakefulness during the day,” Figueiro told the Chronicle. “There isn’t a complete understanding of why Covid leads to that.”

“I have the classic triad.”

“It is more common in women,” said Roth. “It is across the ages, but has nothing to do with the severity of the disease. There are some people who got severe diseases who didn’t get long Covid and some people had mild diseases, but it never went away. Most people’s smell and taste came back. Some people, it never came back and it is unlikely to come back.”

— Dr. Alan Roth

Roth did not find any research that explains why more women have the disease.

If Covid were to strike again, Roth said, the vast majority of Americans have some immunity and antibodies against the disease.

“There is contradictory evidence as to whether the Covid vaccine helps the immunity or if it worsens it as far as your risk of long Covid,” said Roth. “There are some studies out there that said if people got the Covid vaccine close to the time they got Covid it might have hyperstimulated their immune system and they

Those with irregular sleep patterns can’t sleep for six to eight hours without waking up in the middle of the night and end up napping in the day, said the professor.

Those with sleep apnea are not a part of the trial groups, to maintain research accuracy. People also have to fill out a questionnaire that helps to determine how bad their sleep has gotten to participate.

For the irregular sleep pattern trial, people either get a placebo, warm active light at 3,000 lumen (20 to 25 watts), pure melatonin or a combination of active light in the morning and melatonin in the evening.

There are 150 people in the irregular sleep trial and 100 in the hypersomnia trial so far. Researchers want 600 and 400 people, respectively, to be in the trials. People interested in participating may send an email to recoverresearch@duke.edu.

“Mount Sinai is one of the sites,” said Figueiro. “I urge people to contact the sites, too.” Q

him to resign Pols press Adams at sanctuary hearing

Lawmakers inquire into quid pro

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Mayor Adams and other leaders of sanctuary cities fielded pointed questions from Congress members about immigration laws at an oversight hearing March 5, but his criminal charges took a leading role in some lawmakers’ questions.

Multiple representatives asked Adams whether he had engaged in quid pro quo agreements with the Trump administration. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-California) asked him directly whether he is “selling out New Yorkers” to save himself from prosecution.

“There’s no deal. No quid pro quo. And I did nothing wrong,” the mayor replied.

He maintained that stance when later asked by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens) whether anyone representing him had agreed or alluded to an agreement with the Trump administration to change city policies in exchange for reconsidering the charges.

Adams has aligned himself with some of the federal administration’s immigration agenda, particularly in terms of targeting violent criminals who are in the United States illegally. He has promised border czar Tom Homan partnership to that end.

Last month, Adams said he would issue an executive order to allow U.S. Immigra-

quo accusations, urge

During a heated congressional hearing on sanctuary policies, some lawmakers pressed Mayor Adams about the charges against him.

tion and Customs Enforcement agents back onto Rikers Island, a move that prompted mixed reactions from City Council members. Some said it could violate sanctuary laws, which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal agents.

That announcement was made following the Department of Justice’s order to dismiss the charges against him. Ocasio-Cortez at the

hearing recalled that seven federal prosecutors resigned after the order was issued.

“It appears, to me at least, that you are selling New Yorkers out,” Garcia said, criticizing Adams for collaborating with Homan, whom he called “the architect” of family separations.

“I personally agree with the majority of New Yorkers and think, Mr. Mayor, that you

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should resign,” he continued. “You should do the right thing. You should step down and resign today.”

Homan last Wednesday took to X in Adams’ defense, calling the accusation “simply disgusting.”

“Mayor Adams is trying to protect New Yorkers from violent illegal aliens. He is trying to protect the NYPD from being attacked by illegal aliens,” he wrote, also referencing Laken Riley, a 22-year-old woman who was killed last year by an unauthorized immigrant from Venezuela.

Also at the hearing, Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Alabama) said Adams is “being attacked” because he has agreed to cooperate with federal officials to “uphold the laws of the United States.”

“To be clear, a sanctuary city classification does not mean our city will ever be a safe haven for violent criminals,” Adams said in his opening statements, during which he reiterated public safety as his top priority. “It also does not give New York City the authority to violate federal immigration laws.”

Following the hearing, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said at a budget hearing of the City Council’s Committee on Immigration that the dollars spent on the “newest New Yorkers” pale in comparison to the cost of Trump’s immigration plans. Q

PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE / FLICKR

Charter Schools are for all children

Charters schools are for all students

Did you know that charter schools are free public schools open to all New York City students?

Today, there are nearly 300 of them serving over 140,000 students, including English language learners and students with special needs. Charter schools don’t select students based on their academic b ackground. Parents simply fill out a short application and students are admitted through a random lottery. Charter schools serve students from Pre-K through high school and are located in all five boroughs of NYC.

Charters prepare students for college and career

Studies show that New York City has one of highest performing charter school sectors in the country. The most recent available testing data shows charter school students consistently passed the state academic tests at higher rates than their district counterparts, especially Black and Latino students.

Charters innovate!

Charter schools operate independent of the NYC Department of Education. This allows them to be more flexible in the ways that they run their schools, design their academic programs and hire staff. Many charter schools not only emphasize the core subjects of English and math, but

also offer arts, science and language programs. Charter schools often use innovative approaches to learning, such as longer school days and a longer school year, which contribute to students’ success in preparation for college and career.

Charter schools offer families a choice

NYC families have many public school options, including free, public charter schools. There are more than 400 charter school campuses, serving PreK- 12th grade students, across all five boroughs.

Every school is different

Since they are independent from the NYC Department of Education, charter schools have more flexibility when it comes to running their schools. Some charter schools focus on the arts, while others specialize in STEM. There are dual language charter schools and those that serve students with dyslexia. Every charter school is different!

Finding the school that’s right for your child

Families are encouraged to learn more about what each charter school has to offer. Attend an Open House and be sure to ask questions!

How to apply

Don’t Miss the Deadline!

The application period starts each October and ends by April 1, so don’t forget to submit your application on time!

There are 3 easy ways to apply to a charter school:

1. You can submit an application through the Common Online Charter School Application where you can apply to multiple schools at once.

Visit charternyc.org/apply-online/ today!

2. You can visit a school of your choice and pick up an application in person.

Visit nyccharterschools.org/schoolsearch to find charters in your neighborhood.

3. Or you can visit any school’s website and download an application.

— Courtesy nyccharterschools.org

NYC Charter center launchesonlinedirectory

Last Wed., the New York City Charter School Center officially launched a new NYC Charter School Finder.

This eDirectory serves as a definitive catalogue of the city’s 281 charter schools located across more than 410 campuses in all five boroughs. Students and families will be able to use the expansive database to search for campuses based on criteria including grade level, borough, neighborhood, and/or Community School District.

The directory is the most comprehensive database of its kind in New York, collating information on each school and individual campus across the five boroughs to deliver families the best match for their individual criteria. Each campus has its own directory page with contact info, location, grades served, and school data, including achievement available.

“New York City families have a choice in public education – with the NYC Charter School Finder, we’re working to make that choice as easy as possible,” said James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center. “By putting critical information about the City’s hundreds of public charter schools at families’ fingertips, we’re empowering them to find the schools that best meet their children’s needs. We’re confident that this tool will make researching our City’s unique charter schools more straightforward and accessible.”

The NYC Charter School Finder eDirectory can be found on both CharterNYC.org and the Charter Center’s website.

— Courtesy nyccharterschools.org

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At both Adams’ alma mater, primary an afterthought

Mayoral faceoff with Bayside HS classmates Eric and Adrienne barely registers

by Haidee Chu THE CITY

This article was originally published on March 6 at 2:50 p.m. EDT by THE CITY

As a school bell rang on a recent March afternoon, students at Bayside High School in Queens began to descend the building’s main staircase, which has not changed much since two City Hall characters attended the school together in the late 1970s.

The first is Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who lived with undiagnosed dyslexia while at Bayside and struggled in school — and who is currently facing corruption charges while seeking re-election in a crowded mayoral primary in June.

The second is Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council and a former Bayside cheerleader and gospel choir founder, who last Wednesday night announced her run against her former classmate.

The fact that the local election this summer will feature two highprofile Bayside High alums named Adams, however, was news to many students THE CITY spoke to there, including seniors now eligible to vote for the first time.

The local primary has, after all, generally yielded low turnouts across the city in past years, and turnout among 18 year olds has always been abysmal.

“Imma be completely 100 percent honest with you, I have no idea. I have no information — actually, I just hear names,” Richard Surprise, a senior who is turning 18 in April, said.

Of the students who spoke to THE CITY at dismissal time this week, some knew Mayor Adams while only a few had heard of Speaker Adams.

Even fewer knew of the gamut of other contenders in the rankedchoice primary.

“What does that mean?” one student posed when asked about the rank-five voting method. “When is the election?” another asked. A third mistakenly assumed Adrienne Adams was Eric Adams’ sister (they are not related), while several others assumed that she was a man named “Adrian.”

Surprise, for one, said he hasn’t kept up much with politics since his government class in sophomore year. Local politics, he said, has never made for popular casual conversations among his peers anyway.

“I should inform myself, but I’m not gonna go out of my way to do

that,” he added.

But Surprise did know one thing about the election — also related to a Queens native: “Isn’t Cuomo running again or something like that?” he asked, referring to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “It wasn’t bad when he was a governor or something. It was cool, so I mean, if he runs for mayor maybe he could win, because he has more experience.”

Xavier Greene, a senior who was hanging out with Surprise at a park across the street from the school, let out a side-eyed glance upon hearing Cuomo’s name.

“I just don’t want — wait, what’s Mayor Adams’ first name?” said Greene, who is turning 18 in May.

“Oh yes, Eric! I don’t want Eric. He didn’t do nothing for us. He came to visit and he just walked around. He didn’t do nothing.”

Another Bayside senior, however, shared a different impression of the mayor while heading toward a bus stop.

“I think he cares about the school. Like, he’s funding the field for the football team and everything,” said Stephen DiFazio, referencing a $3.5 million package from the city to renovate the school’s

often influenced by his parents’ political views, but is coming to opinions of his own.

“I want to make sure that when I go to school and take the bus, that I feel safe, or that my parents are able to afford groceries,” he said. Odua said he plans on voting for Eric Adams in the mayor’s race “as of now” but added that he hasn’t heard much about the candidates.

Several feet away, a group of friends who were hanging out by the school gate were a little more skeptical about the mayor, having also formed some opinions based on posts on social media.

She continued: “I was helping out in the ESL class, and one of my favorite students got deported. I feel bad for them because a lot of people I know have parents that are immigrants, so I’m more lenient.”

Belkhatir recalled the time when she witnessed an immigrant vendor being arrested in Flushing, where she lives, while getting off the bus from school.

“The cop was just manhandling her. She was just selling mangoes and strawberries,” she said. “I think they’re not helping, and it’s just a power play for them. Like, I know there’s so many other things they could do over there.”

2.69-acre multipurpose athletic field — $2 million of which was funded by the Mayor’s Office and $150,000 from the speaker.

“I think that he does care about the city,” DiFazio added. “I think he has his flaws, but he always tries.”

‘A lot of embezzlement or something’

Ehis Odua, also a senior, said he doesn’t know much about Eric Adams’ policies but recalled witnessing the mayor doing exercises in the gym when he visited his alma mater about two years ago.

“That was pretty funny and pretty cool,” Odua said.

The 18-year-old added he is

“The only thing that I’ve heard is that Eric Adams is corrupt, and I’ve heard he’s done a lot of embezzlement or something — I haven’t heard anything good,” said Izzy Matles, who learned from a history teacher that she could participate in a mayoral election now that she’s 18 years old.

Haley Walton, who is turning 18 in August so isn’t eligible to vote in the primary, chimed in: “I also heard that he just wasn’t acting like a mayor — like whenever he was outside doing public things, he’s like in a club, popping bottles — like babe, you’re mayor, what’s going on?”

While many in the group have yet to make up their mind about the primary, many noted immigration as a top issue they’d consider.

Senior Mila Andric, a Glen Oaks resident who lives near the Creedmoor tent shelter, said she has encountered many migrants while riding on the bus. She’s had plenty

of positive experiences interacting with them, she said, but has also felt some discomfort at times.

“Everybody deserves to come here and make a life for themselves,” said Andric, whose father is from Serbia. But “when I take the bus, there are so many of them on the bus. And some of them are fine, and some of them are — when you’re the only teenage girl back there, it’s really weird.”

Matles, for her part, said that the influx of migrants starting her sophomore year has exacerbated overcrowding inside Bayside.

“Our school is already overpopulated, and getting more students, it really made the hallways more crowded.”

Malak Belkhatir, whose family is from Morocco, dissented: “I don’t know about all that immigration stuff, because I’m an immigrant.”

“I don’t feel any safer with more cops — that’s a huge problem,” added Kuno Callender, 18, while noting safety in public transit as a top issue for him while considering a mayoral candidate. “We need more community-based stuff.”

Asked whether they plan on voting in the primary race in June, though, the group returned an overlapping cacophony of responses: “Um, probably not, let’s be honest,” one said.

“Sure?” responded another.

“Honestly, yeah,” a third said, while a fourth said: “I’m 18 — why not?”

A fifth voice emerged as the others quieted down: “It depends on whether they look good or not — whether what they’re providing is good or not.”

He elaborated: “Someone who, you know, gives back to the community.” Q THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hardhitting reporting that serves the people of New York.

Then-Mayor-elect Eric Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams visit their Queens alma mater, Bayside High School, Dec. 22, 2021. ERICADAMSFORNYC / INSTAGRAM VIA THE CITY

Mayor Eric Adams shared his ID from Bayside High School during a video played during his State of the City address.

SCREENSHOT / MAYOR ADAMS / INSTAGRAM VIA THE CITY

Clockwise from the top left, Bayside High School students Izzy Matles, Malak Melkhatir, Kuno Callendar, Richard Surprise, Xavier Greene and Jonathan Jadbir. PHOTOS BY ALEX KRALES AND, ABOVE CENTER AND RIGHT, HAIDEE CHU / THE CITY

Avian flu outbreaks continue

continued from page 2

one of these markets, it’s going to spread like wildfire before public health authorities are even aware of it,” Donny Moss of Their Turn said. “Did we learn anything from the Covid pandemic, which could very well have emerged from a similar market?”

Michelle Morse, acting commissioner of the city’s Health Department, said in a press release issued last month that humans remain at low risk for bird flu, as there is yet no evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people.

A spokesperson for Gov. Hochul told the Chronicle in an emailed statement that, under her leadership, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets has strengthened prevention measures against avian flu in live bird markets and continues to conduct routine inspections.

“New York State will continue its coordinated, cross agency strategy to help stop the spread of avian flu, catch cases as soon as possible, and protect public health,” the spokesperson said.

Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) last Thursday also wrote a letter urging federal officials to support the development of a vaccine to bring down egg prices and promote public health. A USDA overview published March 7 states that the wholesale price in New York for formula trading of large cartoned shell eggs delivered to retailers declined to $7.18 per dozen.

Covid vaccine

continued from page 14

The lawsuit was filed in December 2024, Lin added.

There are also plenty of advocacy groups that are still fighting for the rights of terminated employees due to vaccine noncompliance, such as Teachers for Choice and Bravest for Choice, which represents firefighters, medics and EMTs.

In government, the employees have allies in members of the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus, including its co-chairs, Queens Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) and Joann Ariola (R-Ozone

The retail price in Queens typically remains above $10.

A March 6 press release from Gillibrand’s office states that avian flu was found in 44 of the state’s counties and has forced farmers to cull more than 150 million birds across the country.

“Avian flu is decimating bird populations, and the subsequent shortage of egglaying hens is making eggs unaffordable for working New Yorkers,” she said in a statement. “President Trump must act now to contain this outbreak.”

The USDA on Feb. 26 announced a $1 billion strategy to curb avian flu, protect the poultry industry and lower egg prices. Included is funding for biosecurity measures, financial relief for farmers and $100 million for vaccine research.

The agency said it will explore options for temporarily increasing egg imports and decreasing exports to supplement domestic supply, subject to safety reviews, according to a USDA press release.

Asked how the spread of avian flu factors into the price of eggs, Di Leonardo called for people to incorporate more plantbased foods in their diets.

“Just like we saw with Covid, avian influenza is going to stick around. The price of eggs is going to continue to surge,” he said. “We need to look at new alternatives, and thankfully, there are a lot of tried and true ones.” Q

Park), and Councilmember Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone).

“Every night during the pandemic, we clapped for our city workers — then the government turned its back on them when they were fired, forced to resign, or retire due to unjust mandates,” the caucus said in a joint statement to the Chronicle.

“Most people have moved on from that terrible period in our city’s history, but those workers are still fighting to get their jobs, their lives and their dignity back, while the city is spending millions in taxpayer dollars to fight them in court. That’s why our Caucus will never turn our backs on these heroes and will not stop fighting until they are lawfully reinstated and rightfully compensated.” Q

Save lives by donating blood

“Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage.

To help via a blood donation or a financial gift to the nonprofit, visit nybc.org.

There are four places in and around Eastern and Southeast Queens listed now to donate:

• St. John’s University, Taffner Field House room 202, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, March 27, at 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Paul Lazauskas;

• Holy Child Jesus Church, gym, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 30, at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles;

• Queens Preparatory Academy High School, auditorium, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at 143-10 Springfield Blvd. in Springfield Gardens; blood drive coordinator Kevin Bednar; and

• Greater Allen AME Cathedral, banquet hall, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at 110-31 Merrick Bvld. in Jamaica; blood drive coordinator Doris Trotmann. Q — Naeisha Rose

She will have to go toe-to-toe with Cuomo, Mayor Adams and more Speaker launches campaign for mayor

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) launched her run for mayor March 5, one day after making her final State of the City address, which laid out her focus for her last year in City Council, while perhaps signaling at her prospective campaign proposals for the Big Apple.

“New Yorkers can’t afford to live here, City Hall is in chaos, and Donald Trump is corrupting our city’s independence,” Adams said to the Chronicle via text. “It’s time to stand up.

“I never planned to run for Mayor, but I’m not giving up on New York City. Our city deserves a leader that serves its people first and always, not someone focused on themselves and their own political interests.

She also wants to aid minority entrepreneurs, help middle-class parents with childcare, ensure nonprofits get paid in a timely manner, expand mental health access, restore seven-day service to libraries, create a pipeline for those interested in civil service work and increase funds for parks.

“I will bring a competent, ethical, and results-driven team to City Hall.”

“I’m a public servant, mother, Queens girl and I’m running for Mayor. No drama, no nonsense — just my commitment to leading with competence and integrity.”

“We need solutions more than slogans, service rather than saviors, and partnership over patriarchy,” said Adams during her State of the City address. “The dignity and trust in government leadership has been shaken in our city, and it must be restored. If we remain true to our values and stay united, we will not only overcome the challenges of today, but also advance the progress each of us deserve.”

— City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

During her address on Tuesday, Adams said she intends to close out her speakership advocating for more housing vouchers, protecting the rights of immigrants, tackling maternal issues and helping older adults return to college.

At a kickoff rally held at the Rochdale Village Shopping

Center on Saturday, Adams was endorsed by state Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park), Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), former District 27 Councilman Daneek Miller, former Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields, City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias (D-Bronx), Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and five

several opponents including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced his candidacy on March 1.

Cuomo is attempting a political comeback after stepping down from office following sexual misconduct allegations in 2021.

She is also up against embattled incumbent Mayor Adams — no relation — a former Bayside High School classmate of hers, who is now facing corruption charges.

Cuomo was leading as a contender for mayor with 38 percent support, according to a Honan Strategy Group poll taken before he entered the race. The mayor had 10 percent support and the speaker had 2 percent. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), a farleft candidate, had 12 percent.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, seen here at her campaign kickoff rally, will have about a month to get on the ballot ahead of the June 24 primary.

City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, former Assemblyman Michael Blake (D-Bronx), and state Sens. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) are the other major Democratic candidates.

COURTESY PHOTO

other councilmembers from Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan.

“I will bring a competent, ethical, and results-driven team to City Hall that puts the people first,” Adams said at the rally. “No drama, no scandal, no nonsense.”

The speaker will have to battle it out against

Curtis Sliwa, founder of Guardian Angels, an anti-crime organization, and the 2021 Republican candidate, is running on the GOP side, along with Pastor James Manning.

Petitioning to get on the ballot started Feb. 25 and runs through April 3. The primaries are June 24. Early voting is from June 14 to 22. The general election will be held on Nov. 4. Q

NEW HEIGHTS CONSTRUCTION LLC SPRING SIDING SPECIAL

Eyes on Big East, San Antonio

St. John’s Red Storm seeking long postseason run

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

St. John’s University’s men’s basketball team is anticipating a busy and fruitful long weekend with the Big East Tournament running March 12 to 15; and the release of the NCAA’s 2025 March Madness playoff bracket on Selection Sunday, March 16.

The Red Storm finished with a 27-4 regular season record. As of Monday the team was ranked sixth in the nation in the weekly Associated Press poll, and fifth in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.

The team is seeded No. 1 in the Big East Tournament.

Starting today, March 13, at noon, St. John’s, with a first-day bye, will play the winner of Wednesday’s Providence vs. Butler match-up. It will be a virtual home game, as the tournament takes place at Madison Square Garden.

The winner of the Big East championship will receive an automatic bid to the “Big Dance” on Sunday, though St. John’s is considered a lock to receive one regardless of the tournament’s outcome.

The school last received a bid in 2019. The team advanced to the Final Four in 1952, when it finished as runner-up; and in 1985

Head Coach Rick Pitino, left, and Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis lead the St. John’s Red storm in their effort to put the finishing touches on a highly successful regular season starting this week at Madison Square Garden

SJU PHOTO / FILE, LEFT, AND PHOTO COURTESY BIG EAST

under the late coach Lou Carnesecca, who died in November at age 99.

Following play-in games for teams on the bubble on March 18 and 19, the first round with 64 teams runs March 20 to 21.

Survivors of the four regional playoffs will gather at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, for the pair of Final Four games on April 5.

The championship match is scheduled for April 7 in San Antonio.

In the meantime, individual postseason honors for the Red Storm have begun rolling in. On Wednesday the Big East announced that junior RJ Luis Jr. has been named 202425 Player of the Year, and that Head Coach Rick Pitino has been chosen as Coach of the Year.

In its announcement, the Big East cited Luis’ team-leading 18.1 points per game to go with 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals. His scoring average ranked fourth in the conference. He is St. John’s first Big East Player of the year since Walter Berry in 1985-86.

Pitino, as per the conference’s comments, has become the first coach in college basketball history to lead five different schools to regular season conference crowns.

He is the winningest active college coach with 881 victories. St. John’s tied a school record with 27 regular season victories and tied the league record with 18 regular season wins.

Luis also was named Tuesday to the AllBig East First Team, along with junior forward Zuby Ejiofor.

In addition, the AP on Tuesday named Pitino as its unanimous choice for Big East Coach of the Year, while Luis was named conference Player of the Year. Q

SJU fencers vie for titles

Nine members of the men’s and women’s fencing teams at St. John’s University have qualified for the NCAA championships, which will take place March 20 to 23 at Penn State University.

On the men’s side, Vlad Covaliu (saber) and Daniil Mazur (epee) won their events at the Northeast regionals on March 9 at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Darii Lukashenko (saber), Jan Nowak (foil), Igor Wozniak (foil) and Samuel Imrek (epee) also qualified in their matches.

For the women, Julia Cieslar (saber), Catinca Dumitru (saber) and Antonina Lachman (foil) garnered invitations to Pennsylvania for the championship tournament. Q — Michael Gannon

Make the switch to Medicare Advantage & more

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At Wellcare, we want to make finding the right Medicare Advantage coverage as easy for you as possible. By connecting you with real people who can answer your questions, you can have access to the information you need to choose the benefits and coverage that are just right for you, $0 or low monthly plan premium

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Your Spendables® card balance rolls over every month so you never lose a cent. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, limited income, recently lost employer coverage, are turning 65, or you’ve just moved, you may be eligible for benefits you don’t have today.

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Washington residents: Health Net Life Insurance Company is contracted with Medicare for PPO plans. “Wellcare by Health

Health Insurance Company of Washington, Inc. “Wellcare” is issued by WellCare Prescription Insurance, Inc. Louisiana D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Louisiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website at https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid or https://www.louisianahealthconnect.com. To request a written copy of our Medicaid Provider Directory, please contact us. Notice: TennCare is not responsible for payment for these benefits, except for appropriate cost sharing amounts. TennCare is not responsible for guaranteeing the availability or quality of these benefits. Any benefits above and beyond traditional Medicare benefits are applicable to Wellcare Medicare Advantage only and do not indicate increased Medicaid benefits. Texas D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Texas Medicaid benefits, please visit the Texas Medicaid website at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaidchip-members/starplus. To request a written copy of our Medicaid Provider Directory, please contact us. Wellcare By Allwell (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by Superior HealthPlan, Inc. Wellcare (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by WellCare of Texas, Inc., WellCare National Health Insurance Company, and SelectCare of Texas, Inc. Benefits mentioned are a part of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill. Not all members will qualify. In addition to being

Vlad Covaliu, left, and Daniil Mazur. PHOTOS COURTESY SJU

Division of Transportation Planning and Management cordially invites your company to submit a competitive seal bid for the following Solicitation.

EPIN 84124B0019-Transportation and Inventory of Jersey Barriers, Blocks and Planters throughout New York City. This Best Value Competitive Sealed Bid (CSB) is being released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this RFP/RFx

To access the RFP/RFx, vendors should visit the PASSPort Public Portal at https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/about-p assport.page then click on the rectangle captioned “Procurement Navigator,” whereupon you will arrive at the Portal. To quickly locate

respond to the RFP/RFx, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they

A Pre-Bid conference via TEAMS/ZOOM is scheduled for 03/17/2025. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link no later than 03/14/2025 by 3:30PM. The deadline for the submission of questions is 04/02/2025 by 3:30PM.

The bid due date (submission via PASSPort) as well as hard copy as instructed is due on 04/23/2025 no later than 11:00AM.

Date of Bid Opening: 4/23/2025 at 11:30 AM. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://zoom.us/j/91423169820?pwd=VREdlsD A0L8P3gux9HHRBZ4dTYkBim.1 Passcode:886324

Phone one-tap: +16465189805,,91423169820# US (New York) +19292056099,,91423169820# US (New York) Webinar ID: 914 2316 9820

Affordable Housing for Rent

95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS

22 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT

WALTHAM

APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more

When is the Deadline?

Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 28th 2025 Late applications will not be considered.

What Happens After You Submit an Application?

After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to submit documents to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Applicants are usually contacted from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to submit documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income.

Español Presente una solicitud en línea en https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 28 de abril 2025

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. “CHINESE”

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 28 2025

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 “KOREAN”

Kreyòl Ayisyien Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ . Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat avril 28, 2025].

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 25-95 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 ARABIC 28 2025

Polskie

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 „POLISH” 28 2025

Français Pour déposer votre demande en ligne, rendez-vous sur le site https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ . Pour recevoir une traduction en français de cet avis ainsi qu’un dossier de demande papier, envoyez une enveloppe libellée à votre nom et votre adresse à l’adresse suivante : 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. Inscrivez le mot « FRENCH » au dos de l’enveloppe. Les demandes doivent être envoyées par la poste ou soumises en ligne au plus tard le 28 avril 2025, le cachet de la poste faisant foi.

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ - 95-25 WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211

“BENGALI” 28, 2025

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/t 95-25

WALTHAM STREET APARTMENTS c/o Reside New York, 349 Keap St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 URDU [28 2025

Mayor Eric Adams • HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“Commission”) proposed tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, April 1, 2025.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0226. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to April 1, 2025) to rates effective April 1, 2025 by service classifi cation.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$21.75 $25.85

$2.8472 $2.9324

$0.8453 $0.8928

S.C. No. 1B, 5-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 5-1BR – Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$24.59 $25.50

$1.9054 $2.0482

$0.4487 $0.4823

S.C. No. 1B-DG, 5-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$34.89 $37.00

$0.2849 $0.3133

S.C. No. 2-A, 5-2A – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$41.50 $45.00

$2.0820 $1.9393

$0.4931 $0.5376

$0.3269 $0.3987

S.C. No. 2-B, 5-2B – Non-Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

S.C. No. 3, 5-3 – Multi-Family Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 997 therms, per therm

Over 1,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$41.50 $45.00

$2.0026 $1.9397

$0.6285 $0.7136

$0.4947 $0.6311

Current Rates 04/01/25

$83.95 $90.00

$0.6617 $0.6929

$0.4315 $0.4802

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Current Rates 04/01/25

$ 42.44 $ 45.00

Over 3 therms, per therm $ 0.7771 $ 0.8215

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/25

$169.75 $180.00

$0.2909 $0.3073

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/25

First 3 therms or less $245.19 $260.00

Next 497 therms, per therm $2.1568 $2.3195

Over 500 therms, per therm $0.3698 $0.3976

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 1 – Less than 1MW Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less $204.38 $216.73

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.2308 $0.2373 Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar)

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/25

10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar)

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

usage

Rates 04/01/25

First 10 therms or less $1,074.32 $1,139.22 Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.0572 $0.0588 Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.0779 $0.0803 Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $6,252.00 $6,252.00

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1

Rates 04/01/25 First 10 therms or less

$375.00

10 therms, per therm $0.2231 $0.2853

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/25

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1784 $0.2279

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15,2024 in Case 23-G-0226. Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No. 12 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, April 1, 2025.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0225. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to April 1, 2025) to rates effective April 1, 2025 by service classification.

S.C. No. 1A, 17-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 17-1AR Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates

$19.00

04/01/25

$20.50

$4.0519 $4.2751

$2.0040 $2.1827

S.C. No. 1B-DG, 17-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates

$33.00

$0.3297

S.C. No. 2-1, 17-2-1 – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or

S.C. No. 3, 17-3 – Multi-Family Service

04/01/25

$35.00

$0.3857

Current Rates 04/01/25

S.C. 4A-CNG, 17-4A-CNG – Compressed Natural Gas

Monthly

1,000 therms, per therm $0.3692 $0.3992

S.C. 7, 17-7 – Seasonal Off-Peak Service

Monthly usage

First

$48.00 $55.00 Over 3 therms,

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

usage

S.C. No. 1B, 17-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 17-1BR-Residential Heating Service Monthly usage Current Rates

First 3 therms or less

S.C. No. 2-2, 17-2-2 – Non-Residential Heating Service

S.C. 4A, 17-4A – High Load Factor

S.C. 4B, 17-4B – Year Round Air Conditioning Service

S.C.

Rates

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct)

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar)

Current Rates

$896.00

$0.0450

$0.0628

04/01/25

$1,003.00

$0.0511

$0.0710

Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $5,729.43 $5,611.19

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service –

Tier 1 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service –Tier 2 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

Over 10 therms, per therm Current Rates

First 10 therms or less

Rates

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15,2024 in Case 23-G-0225. Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

B SPORTS EAT

Art Shamsky’s new memoir

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Art Shamsky is a beloved member of the 1969 Miracle Mets. Although he was born in St. Louis and only played in Flushing for three seasons, the erudite Shamsky has long been a part of New York City life. I had the chance to speak with him on the phone a few weeks ago about his new book, “Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends” (Triumph Books), which was cowritten with frequent Mets author Matthew Silverman. It hit bookstores this week.

“With the possible exception of the 1927 New York Yankees, the 1969 Mets are the most famous baseball team in history,” Shamsky said. Given the Mets’ futile history in the first seven years of existence, in which they finished in the cellar five times, and next-to-last in the other two, it is hard to disagree with him.

The 1969 Mets certainly transcended pop culture. “We recorded an album for Buddah Records a few hours after we won the National League East title, and we were on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ the Sunday after we beat the Orioles to win the 1969 World Series. A few weeks after that we were booked for 17 days at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. I got to meet Elvis!” He and six of his teammates sang such fitting tunes as “The Impossible Dream” and “You Gotta Have Heart,” as well as engaging in humorous banter.

While there are countless books about the ’69 Mets, little has been written about why the team could not repeat the magic in 1970. Shamsky candidly writes about the reality of staying on top being harder than getting to the summit, as well as his life since hanging up his spikes. His biggest regret was retiring at age 30 following the 1972 season.

“I had a variety of injuries and had been released three times by different teams, so I called it a career. I felt a lot better in 1973 and I should have attempted a comeback. I coul d have had a far larger pension now,” he said wistfully.

Art has had many jobs in “the real world.” He teamed with former Yankees infielder Phil Linz to run a popular Upper East Side restaurant called Mr. Laff’s. He later joined Ron Darling to run 17 Murray Street. He dabbled in broadcasting with a show on WFAN and nine years reporting for Channel 5’s “Sports Extra,” hosted by the legendary Bill Mazer.

He was surprised when I told him watching “Sports Extra” at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday nights was appointment viewing for my dad an d myself. “I appreciate your dad! Most baby boomers tell me they had to watch the show in their basements because their parents wanted to go to sleep!” Q

See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com

Mr. Smoothie gets new digs

Chris Samatas has been serving the neighborhood of Old Howard Beach in an ice cream truck for more than two decades, known affectionately by families in the community as “Mr. Smoothie.”

Now, Samatas is expanding his reach into New Howard Beach and Lindenwood after acquiring the neighboring route and its Mister Softee truck.

“The ice cream business is crazy,” Samatas

told the Chronicle. “And it all fell into place.”

Samatas said he plans to have another driver take care of the route, so he can stick with his original truck in Old Howard.

“Everything’s going be pretty much the same,” he said.

Asked what has kept him in the business for so long, Samatas said, “It’s multiple reasons, but the biggest reason is because of the neighborhood.” — Kristen Guglielmo

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Stephanie G. Meditz

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, a new Glendale gallery invites visitors to daydream about outdoor bike rides and all the experiences they bring.

Through a series of photographs taken during his frequent trips, Tom Wilson’s exhibition, ”Divine Spot,” will bring the beauty of the natural world and the cacophony of urban life to the walls of Ptolemy, located at 67-33 Central Ave., from March 14 to April 13.

A science teacher at the Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women, Wilson focuses on natural landscapes in his practice, but also is influenced by the built environments he encounters as he navigates the city on his bike.

“I’ll always have a camera with me, and whenever I’m out riding, I’ll just kind of see something, either it’s a landscape or a person or whatever catches my eye or looks different from what my normal bike rides are, I’ll stop and take a photo,” he said.

The photos also carry mystery and uncertainty, Wilson said, as it may not be immediately clear why an unconventional landscape looks the way it does. In one photo, smoke peeks out from behind boulders such that its source remains undetectable. The exhibit does not provide any answers, either, leaving the viewer to contemplate what those situations really were.

New pics, book and gallery are a snap in Glendale Photo finesse

“I’m really interested to see the impression that people have when they see something that I think isn’t quite obvious right away or what questions people might have,” Wilson said.

He said also that the photographs give him a way to remember his trips, similar to how some people make albums documenting vacations.

Coinciding with the exhibition will be the launch

of a collaborative photography book between Wilson and Patrick Reynolds, the gallery’s founder. Entitled “What is the Continental Divide?,” the book chronicles the former’s 2021 bike trip from Mexico to Canada. Photos from his journey make up the first section of the book, while journal entries can be found in the second half.

continued on page 33

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Walter Becker struck a rockin’ chord in Forest Hills

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Henry “Carl” Becker was born Dec. 24, 1906. He built up a successful paper-cutting machinery business on Van Dam Street in Long Island City. After a divorce, he married England-born Joan Harvey Palmer, almost 15 years his junior, on Oct. 25, 1949 in Greenwich, Conn. She gave birth to a son, Walter Carl, on Feb. 20, 1950 in Queens. The marriage failed and she moved back to Kent, England. They never legally divorced.

Walter, his father and grandmother lived well at 144 Hilburn Road in Scarsdale, NY. Young Walter was told his mother was dead. Upon the death of the grandmother, father and son moved to a luxury apartment at 11220 72 Drive in Forest Hills in 1961.

Walter started out on the sax but soon switched to the guitar. He found out his mother was alive and well, and the family betrayal hurt him. At Bard College he met Donald Fagen and they began writing songs.

Working for ABC Records, they moved to California in 1971 and with other musicians formed Steely Dan. The band had hits starting with “Do It Again” and was world-

famous by 1974. Personal setbacks paused their relationship in 1981, but they re-formed in 1993 and found new success.

Becker died at age 67 on Sept. 3, 2017 from esophagal cancer. The Forest Hills block where he lived has been co-named Walter Becker Way. Q

Correction

Due to an editing error, the March 6 I Have Often Walked story’s headline misstated where Robert Chambers lived. It was Jackson Heights. We regret the error. Q

The childhood home of Steely Dan’s Walter Becker was in the complex at 112-20 72 Drive in Forest Hills. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET PHOTO BY ARIELINSON / WIKIPEDIA

Hands-on learning and exploration at Idlewild

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

If you’re looking for fun, educational ways to keep your children and teens occupied, look no further than the ongoing workshops at Idlewild Environmental Center, at 149-20 Springfield Lane in Springfield Gardens, an initiative of the Eastern Queens Alliance. From reading and creative expression, to urban planning and fun science experiments, there’s truly something for everyone.

Registration is required for all activities. For details, call (347) 824-2301, or visit linktr.ee/eqa4all.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., students in grades eight through 12 are welcome to the Build Your Own City Urban Planning workshop. Using a program called Cities: Skylines, the students can build their own cities from scratch.

Sandy Persaud, an environmental instructor with the Eastern Queens Alliance, said, “They’re going to learn how cities are designed, and how certain decisions, like where a road will go, impact the lives of their citizens.”

On Fridays through April 4, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., students in grades five through eight can dive into the planet’s oceans with the Earth Explorers workshop. Developed

During the Whiz Kidz Science Zone Workshop at Idlewild Environmental Center in Springfield Gardens, kids conduct engaging and educational science experiments each week, like this water wheel project from June 2024.

by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the program educates students on the connections between the climate, oceans and weather.

New to Idlewild, the group this week introduced an aquaponics workshop for grades four through eight on Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“They’re going to learn how to build their own ecosystem, and learn how fish and plants kind of work together to grow food,” Persaud said.

Also new and starting next week, children ages eight to 10 can attend the Junior Naturalist workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“It’s basically just exploring the secrets of spring and the changing season,” Persaud explained. “It’s a nature-based, hands-on program, so we’ll be spending a lot of time outside.”

Other activities include the Whiz Kidz Science Zone workshop, for children in grades two through seven; Idlewild Science Book Nook, for ages nine through 12; and Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade, a volunteer group for ages 13 through 20.

Whiz Kidz Science Zone meets on Saturdays, from 10 to 11 a.m., and participants can expect to do a different fun and engaging science experiment every week. The program is led by instructor Kenton Archer, who in 2024 told the Chronicle the center is “a good place to learn about science and to meet others.”

The Idlewild Science Book Nook allows kids to discover the world through reading, writing and creative expression on Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Participants in Roots and Shoots do a variety of activities, depending on what the instructor has planned for the day.

“They’ve worked on community cleanups and community gardens,” Persaud said. “They also talk about different issues that are going on in the world, and what they can do about it.” Q

Snapshots of the natural and industrial in Glendale

continued from page 31

“It’s nice because the photo series can kind of exist as its own singular entity, but then if you want that additional context, or if you want the narrative to attach to it, you have this written documentation as well, along with an index that connects the entries in the journals to the images within the book,” Reynolds said.

“Hopefully, it encourages other people to do similar things like go for a bike ride or try

Crossword Answers

something that they didn’t think they could do, or see a new place, or take more photos or anything like that,” Wilson said.

The pair met when Reynolds moved in with Wilson’s brother after he first came to New York, and their shared love of photography brought them together.

“Pat’s always been a really great friend, and he’s always been super supportive of my photos in a way that I haven’t experienced with anyone else,” Wilson said.

Although Reynolds said having his own gallery was “an abstraction in my mind” for a while, he opened Ptolemy in November after he saw a storefront open up in Glendale, where he has lived since 2022.

He also hopes to host events, programs and workshops at the gallery. He said he is adding a small shop, where guests can buy items such as records, mugs and art books.

“I always love meeting my neighbors and meeting more people around the neighborhood, so I’m hopeful that the gallery can be something that really serves the community around here,” Reynolds said.

Admission to Ptolemy is free, and the gallery is open from 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Q

Launching concurrently with Tom Wilson’s exhibition at Ptolemy in Glendale is his photography book, above, done in collaboration with gallery founder Patrick Reynolds. On the cover: Wilson snaps the intriguing sights he sees from his bike.

PHOTO BY KENTON ARCHER / FILE

PHOTOS COURTESY PTOLEMY / TOM WILSON AND, RIGHT AND COVER, BY TOM WILSON

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Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Long Island Care Center located at 144-61 38th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. A participant in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs does not discriminate in its policies regarding Admissions, Employment or the provision of services because of Race, Creed, Color, National Origin, Ancestry, Handicap, Source of Payment, Religion, Sex, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, Age or Gender Expression.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 2021A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs -againstMILDRED RABRY FACINELLI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on January 29, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY on March 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 9177 Lot 130 on the Queens County Tax Assessment Map. Said premises known as 85-65 98 STREET, WOODHAVEN, NY Approximate amount of lien $13,270.52 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 726155/2022. HETTIE V. POWELL, ESQ., Referee Phillips Lytle LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 28 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Rochester, NY 14614

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in and action entitled NYCTL 1998-2 Trust v. Sereth T. Hosty, et al., bearing Index No. 91862011 before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, IAS Part 6, Justice Tracy Catapano-Fox, on or about February 26, 2024, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on March 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Queens County Supreme Court located at 8811 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11435, the mortgaged premises designated as Block 11190, Lot 37 in the City of New York, County and Borough of Queens, State of New York and known as 223-23 109th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429, directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The approximate amount of the judgment is $299,772.53 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances and the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale.Dated: February 20, 2025 New York, New York Richard Gutierrez, Esq. Referee 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-0663

DAVID P. STICH, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421

Notice of Formation of 21245 26 AVE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/10/25. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Cord Meyer Development LLC, 108-18 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, NY 11375. 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: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS CROSBY GIBRALTAR, LLC; Plaintiff v. GANESH ARORA; et al.; Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 6436677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 8/5/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM Premises known as 57-65 75th Street, Queens, NY 11379 Block: 2814 Lot: 93 All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $1,568,659.05 plus interest and costs. Docket Number: 726628/2022 Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee

Notice of Formation of Sonder Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 1/28/25. Office location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Capitol Services, Inc., 1218 Central Ave, Ste 100, Albany, NY 12205. Purpose: practice the profession of nurse practitioner in psychiatry.

Notice of Formation of SUNAINA & LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/03/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SUNAINA RAO, 7711 35TH AVE, APT 5H, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiffagainst - TRAVIS GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 25, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on the 28th day of March, 2025 at 10:00 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Premises known as 620 Beach 69th Street, Arverne, (City of New York) NY 11692. (BL#: 16029111) Approximate amount of lien $676,203.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 705844/2023. Carolyn Salian Clyne, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: January 7, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

Notice of Formation of SAS PROPERTY GROUP LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/15/2025 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SAS PROPERTY GROUP LLC, 3731 73RD ST, APARTMENT 2E, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Edgemere/Rockaway, Mint cond. Legal 2 fam. 4 Brs, 4 baths (2 over 2). All new kitchen & baths. Pvt dvwy. Asking $729K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

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Legal Notices

TRI-STAR HOSPITALITY SERVICES

LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/27/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Roy Chi, 250-10 Northern Blvd., #75, Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of WAHOO TREEHOUSE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/25/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: WAHOO TREEHOUSE LLC, 240-19 JAMAICA AVENUE, BELLEROSE, NY 11426. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Howard Beach, Sat 3/15, 2pm-4pm, 159-29 92 St. Updated Mother/Daughter Hi-Ranch. 5 BRs, 3 bathrooms, Solar Panels, Large above-ground swimming pool, private drive. Jerry Fink Real Estate, Call Richard 347-600-5860 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 3/15 12pm-2pm, 88-12 157 Ave. Center Hall Colonial. 50x100 lot. Generous yard, 3/4 BRs, 3 full baths, walk-in closets in 3 BRs. Lg kitchen w/sliding doors to yard. Fin bsmnt w/high ceilings. Det gar in yard. Asking $1,399,000. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of ANATOLIKO LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/19/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ENTITY PROTECT REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES LLC, 447 BROADWAY 2ND FL. - #3000, NEW YORK, NY 10013. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

ATM MASPETH LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/11/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 44-17 54th Dr., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No.: 701796/2025 SUMMONS WITH NOTICE

Plaintiff designates QUEENS County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is Plaintiff’s’ residence. Plaintiff resides at 103-25 168 Place, Jamaica, NY 11433. Vivienne J. Moore, Plaintiff, -against- Benjamin E. Egbadon, Defendant. ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above-named Defendant:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: January 21, 2025, Theresa E. Agunwa Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff 149-27 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 4 Jamaica, NY 11435 (718) 487-3007. NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties, on the grounds: DRL Section 170 subd. (2) -the abandonment of the Plaintiff by the Defendant for a period of more than one year. The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. The nature of any ancillary or additional relief demanded is: That the Family Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the Supreme Court with respect to any future issues of maintenance and support. That either party may resume the use of a prior surname. That I am not seeking maintenance as payee as described in the Notice of Guideline Maintenance (the “Notice”). The parties have divided up the marital property, and no claim will be made by either party under equitable distribution. That the Court grant such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.

Notice of Formation of DOGRU CONSULTANTS LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2024

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 6466 ELLWELL CRES APT 2, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of EdgeSide LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/20/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3705 88th Street, Apt C6, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of EXELTHIOR’S KINGDOM LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/10/2025

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RICK D’ANDREA, 31-10 23RD STREET, 3B, ASTORIA, NY 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of EXPERT SPEAKERS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 2/23/2025. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 108-11 95th Avenue, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

INDEX NO.: 718843/2021 Date Filed: 06/29/2023 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE MORTGAGED PREMISES: 398 Beach 25th Street, Far Rockaway, New York 11691 Block: 15776 Lot: 7 Plaintiff designates QUEENS County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate. STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-QO8, Plaintiff, vs. The Estate of Merdies Forston, and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs -at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; Unknown Heirs at Law to the Estate of Merdies Forston, and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; New York City Environmental Control Board; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America o/b/o Internal Revenue Service; Valencia Forston, as Heir-at-Law to the Estate of Merdies Forston; Melissa Forston, as Heir-at-Law to the Estate of Merdies Forston; John Doe #1 through #6, and Jane Doe #1 through #6, the last twelve names bein g fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, h aving or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $345,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York on October 6, 2006, in CRFN No. 20060000564730, BL #: 15776-7 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mor tgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendants and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises. TO the Defendants The Estate of Merdies Forston, and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interes t of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, as signees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husb ands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein sta ted and Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Merdies Forston , and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, t rustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated, the foregoing Supplemental Summons with Notice is served upon you by publica tion pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Denise N. Johnson, J.S.C. of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, dated November 21, 2024 and filed November 25, 2024. Dated: December 9, 2024 /s/ Christhie M. Montero Christhie M Montero, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, New York 10170 Phone: 347.286.7409 Fax: 347286-7414 Attorneys for Plaintiff, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mortga ge Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-QO8 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department’s website at www.dfs. ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

Notice of Formation of Family Policy Insights, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/03/2025. 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: Laurie C. Maldonado 110-55 72nd Road, Apt #105 Forest Hills, NY 11375 Purpose: Any lawful act or activity which LLC may be organized under the NY LLC Law.

Notice of Formation of FREEZE SECURITY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/27/2024 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 17506 DEVONSHIRE RD APT 5F, JAMAICA, NY, 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: HONGXING REGIONAL CENTER LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/03/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 58-97 57th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378 Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity

Notice of Formation of IH EGC II LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 1/23/25. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Infinite Horizons, LLC, 142-05 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11436. Purpose: any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SULLIVAN Index No. E2024-410 Date Summons Filed: March 8, 2024 SUMMONS HYUNG KEE CHOI Plaintiff, -againstCHANGHO KIM Defendant. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT Changho Kim: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to submit to plaintiff’s attorney your answering papers on this motion within thirty (30) days after the service of this notice where is made in any other manner than personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to submit answering papers, summary judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice of motion. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. The Plaintiff filed a motion for summary judgment in lieu of complaint. The object of the above captioned action is (1) to renew a lien on real property pursuant to the previous judgment dated January 14, 2011 (Index No. 854/08) and (2) permit Plaintiff to record the deed on the real property located at 123 DeBruce Road, a/k/a 1 DeBruce Road, Livingston Manor, County of Sullivan, State of New York, also identified as being in Section 26, Block 2086, Lot 12.1 (“Property”) without the signature or the social security number of the Defendant and for such other and further relief as to the court may seem just and proper, plus the costs of this motion, upon the ground that this action is based upon a prior judgment pursuant to CPLR 3213. The basis of the venue designated is SULLIVAN County, New York, as it is the county in which the subject real property is located. Dated: February 14, 2025 /s/ Michael Song Attorney for Plaintiff Michael W. Song, Esq. 400 Sylvan Ave., Suite 106B, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Tel: 201-568-3136

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 720502/2020 FILED: 10/9/2023 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. Plaintiff’s principal place of business is 5114 Buford Highway NE, Doraville, Georgia 30340. METRO CITY BANK, Plaintiff, -against- DANYAN XING, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NINA CHEN A/K/A RONGBAO CHEN, BICHUN LI, CUIHONG LI, LONGJIN LI, PINGYU LIN, YUECHAO LIN, SHURU LU, AIXIAN SHI, XINGYING SHI, HAILI XUE, SHOUQIANG YAN, LIANMEI YANG, YOUBIN YANG if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff, XIUFENG YOU, MEIWEI ZHANG, SHUIXIAN ZHAO, JUNFEI ZHENG, AIFANG CHEN, AIZHAO CHEN, DEFA CHEN, FENGXIN CHEN, JIANXIN CHEN, JIANYUN CHEN, LIYUN CHEN, PEIQIN CHEN, QICHUAN CHEN, RONGFANG CHEN, RONGPING CHEN, RUIZHEN CHEN, SHUPING CHEN, XIUQIN CHEN, XUERONG CHEN, YAN CHEN, YING CHEN, HUIYING CHEN, MINGLIN DONG, YONG DONG, YUMEI DONG, WENJIN GUO, JINRU JIANG, LIN JIANG, MEIZHU JIANG, QIUPING JIANG, XIA JIANG, XUEYING JIANG, YONGSHENG JIANG, YONGXIN JIANG, YUYING JIANG, BIFEN LI, BIYU LI, HAIBIN LI, JIANHUI LI, LIYUN LI, XIUQIN LI, YIZHONG LI, YUBING LI, ZHOU LI, BAORONG LIN, BIJU LIN, DAN LIN, DAN LIN, LIQIN LIN, MEIRONG LIN, QIUQIN LIN, QIURONG LIN, SAIZHEN LIN, SUXIANG LIN, XUEZHI LIN, YUFENG LIN if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff, YUYING LIN, ZHIQIANG LIN, QUAO CHEUNG LIN, CUILING LIU, SHUBAO LU, BIZHONG QIU, LANHUA SHAO, BICHAI SHI, BIYU SHI, GUANGXIONG SHI, WANGPING SHI, XIUXIANG WANG, XUEXIAN WANG, BIYING WEI, QIUYING WENG, HUIYU WU, WENYI WU, ZHIYI WU, YIJUN XIAO, SHANFEN XU, JINRONG YANG, YING YANG, BIJIN YE, XUEFANG YOU, YIXIANG YU, BIZHEN ZHANG, JINYU ZHANG, MEIHUA ZHANG, MEIYU ZHANG, MINGQIN ZHANG, QIUPING ZHANG, TIANRU ZHANG, TONGHUA ZHANG, YUHUA ZHANG, BIYUN ZHENG, CAIYING ZHENG, FENG ZHENG, JINYAN ZHENG, MEIJIN ZHENG, MEIYA ZHENG, MINGCHUN ZHENG, QIAOSHENG ZHENG, QIAOYAN ZHENG, SUQIN ZHENG, XIURONG ZHENG, YAN ZHENG, YAYING ZHENG, YUEYING ZHENG if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff, ZHUOYING ZHU, WENQIN ZOU, XIUYING ZOU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, JANE DOE #1, Defendants. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This action was commenced to foreclose a mortgage against real property located at 94-39 56th Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Tax Parcel ID No. Block 1901 Lot 31. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Caren Bailey, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 1 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25, Melville, NY 11747. (631) 812-4084. (855) 845-2584 facsimile. File #20-303080. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non- profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 16-12-20*

Notice of Formation of IMAGINARY FINISH LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/29/25. 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 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity