Queens Chronicle 03-27-25

Rikers won’t close on time: new report

Commission lays out steps to lower population, speed up the process

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Rikers Island will not shutter by the legally mandated deadline in 2027, according to a report released last week by the Independent Rikers Commission.

Reiterating the city’s conclusion that the embattled jail complex must close, the commission said that the plan to replace it with four smaller facilities will not be ready by the date set by the City Council in 2019. The new jails, one in each borough except Staten Island, are in the design process, and the Queens facility is slated for completion in 2032, the report states.

But, the commission said, that does not mean the law should be changed just yet.

“Until an agreement can be reached between the City Council and the Administration on a path forward that assures progress toward closing Rikers on all necessary fronts, the law mandating closure by 2027 will — and should — remain in place,” the report reads.

According to the commission, appointed by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), the city can build the new facilities at least a year faster than currently planned if it takes full advantage of the design-build process, under which architects and construction firms work together from the start of a project, and value engineering, a top-down review

process of the plans by outside experts.

The commission also called for significant population reductions on the road to closing the complex. At more than 6,800, the number of people housed on Rikers Island is more than the smaller jails can handle, the report states.

To reduce that number, the state’s Office of Court Administration is working to speed up cases — the commission estimates that could

reduce the population by 1,200 to 1,600 people within three to five years.

Once it is built, the Queens jail will house all the women on Rikers Island, a number that is now about 430. But the commission said its steps to lessen the jail’s population, as well as gender-specific recommendations from 2021, could lower it to about 225.

A public meeting on the facility’s design is set for 6 p.m. today, March 27, at Queens

Borough Hall.

The commission also partially ascribed the population to the volume of incarcerated people with mental illnesses, stating that Rikers is the second-largest psychiatric facility in the country. It urged the state to prioritize mental health treatment, laying out investments to lower the population further.

The group also advocated for more specialized capacity in the borough-based jail plan, including 500 new secure psychiatric treatment beds outside the facilities for people so severely mentally ill that they are unable to understand their cases fully.

Two senior point people, one from City Hall and one from the Department of Correction, must be appointed to lead the blueprint’s initiatives, the commission stated.

Adams in a statement urged the mayoral administration to implement the blueprint set forth by the commission, “so another viable plan does not go unfulfilled.”

“There is no shortcut to the work ahead, and there can be no discussions about the legal closure date without these types of commitments from the Administration,” she said. “The Council remains deeply committed to closing Rikers and ensuring it is replaced with an effective borough-based jail system that is safer for all New Yorkers.”

continued on page 12

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

J. CONZA, ESQ.

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

CYNTHIA

All the women on Rikers Island, now in the Rose M. Singer Center, above, will be housed at the Queens jail when the complex closes. A new report outlined steps to lower the female population from 430 to 225.

PHOTO COURTESY NYC DOC

Local 1022, at the HB post office, protests potential USPS privatization APWU: ‘Hands off our Postal Service’

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Nationwide, members of the American Postal Workers Union, post office retirees and others on March 20 held a “day of action,” rallying against layoffs and potential privatization of the United States Postal Service at the behest of the federal government.

Then-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in a recent letter to Congress said he intends to cut 10,000 workers through voluntary early retirement and has agreed to work with the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to achieve “further efficiencies.” DeJoy resigned Monday, the USPS confirmed, after he announced his pending departure in February.

Area Local APWU 1022, told the group rallying outside of the post office. “I am seriously concerned.”

He added, “It’s not about making a profit. It’s about providing service to every American citizen in this country. We deliver to 169 million homes every day — over 300 million pieces of mail.”

Suslak later told the Chronicle he was glad to see that people showed up even in the cold rain to get the message out.

“It’s about providing service to every American citizen in this country.”

— Ron Suslak, APWU Local 1022 president

Privatizing would likely drive up the costs of postage to create more profit for the agency, critics argue.

The Queens Area Local of the American Postal Workers Union, located in Ozone Park, took to the Howard Beach Post Office, at 16050 Cross Bay Blvd., to make their voices heard. They stood in front of the location and, while waving signs, chanted, “U.S. Mail, not for sale.” Many cars driving by honked in support.

“We know the harm privatization will cause,” Ron Suslak, the president of Queens

Raimondo Graziano, the chief of staff for state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), attended and read a statement on his behalf.

“From delivering our letters and packages to our homes, to ensuring that vital communications, medications and resources reach those who need them most — postal workers are often the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes,” the statement read.

Addabbo said people must continue to stand up for the USPS.

“It is time to recognize that the United States Postal Service is not just a business – it is a public service that strengthens the fabric of our democracy, connects families, supports small businesses, and provides a sense of security for our most vulnerable citizens,” Graziano read.

Liz Swigert, a national business agent with

the APWU and a Rosedale native, said the rallies are just the start.

Ramel Evans of Jamaica, the maintenance craft director with Queens Area Local APWU 1022, said, “Wall Street wants to get their hands in the post office because it’s a big rev-

continued on page 23

“I do believe firmly that if the American people knew that the Postal Service was really in danger of privatization, and the effect that it would have on them personally, they would be rallying with us, and they would be contacting their legislators to make sure that it doesn’t happen,” Swigert said.

Students learn about problem gambling and addiction from the experts Richmond Hill HS teens get a crash course

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) partnered with the New York Council on Problem Gambling and The Safe Foundation to host education sessions at Richmond Hill High School on the dangers of gambling addiction.

On March 18, representatives of the groups took over two health classes to present important information and share experiences with more than 60 students, according to a press release from Addabbo’s office.

Robin Singh, the team leader of the Queens NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center, gave an overview of gambling addiction and provided resources on where to get help. Alcee James, the director of NYC PGRC, was also on hand to provide support.

Singh began by explaining the definition of gambling — when someone risks something of value on a game of chance in hopes of a desired reward. Problem gambling can result in lying or stealing to pay off debt or losing money intended for bills or rent.

“The only way not to lose is not to play,” Singh told the students.

He went over the “spectrum of gambling,” starting from no gambling, to social gambling, to problem gambling and ending with gambling disorder.

Singh said the balance between social gambling and problem gambling can overlap in areas, such as the reason for gambling, expectations, treatment of time and money, reaction to loss and level of disclosure.

Ike Dweck, the founder and CEO of The Safe Foundation, shared his personal stories as a recovering gambling addict. He said he once owed the

Mafia $20,000, which took him 10 years to pay off in weekly installments of $500.

“There are no shortcuts in life,” Dweck said. “You can’t win gambling.”

He said he has not placed a bet since Nov. 3, 1987, though he still attends Gamblers Anonymous. Dweck eventually found success owning and operating several sneaker stores before founding The Safe Foundation, which he said has helped 9,435 people with drug, alcohol and gambling issues.

“Educating our youth about the dangers of gambling addiction is not just a responsibility; it’s an investment in their future,” Addabbo said in a statement. “By fostering awareness and understanding, we help them to make informed choices and protect themselves from the pitfalls of addiction that can crush their dreams.”

The American Postal Workers Union hosted rallies nationwide on March 20 to speak out against potential privatization of the United States Postal Service. Members of Queens Area Local APWU 1022 protested in front of the Howard Beach Post Office.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Robin Singh of the Queens Problem Gambling Resource Center on March 18 gave Richmond Hill High School students an overview on the spectrum of gambling.

As prez aims to shutter fed agency, officials and advocates push back Trump admin begins to dismantle DOE

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

In a long-expected move, President Trump on March 20 signed an executive order to begin the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. The task cannot be completed without congressional approval.

The U.S. Department of Education was established in 1979 during the Carter administration. The agency establishes policy for and administers and coordinates most federal assistance to education. It provides significant funding for schools through grants under Title I and other programs that support students with disabilities or English learners.

The DOE oversees the federal student loan program; provides Pell Grants; enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title IX, which requires schools to uphold standards in special education and equity.

In the executive order, Trump said closing the DOE would provide families “the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them,” citing lows in reading and math scores.

“The Department of Education is not a bank, and it must return bank functions to an entity equipped to serve America’s students,” the executive order reads. “Ultimately, the Department of Education’s main functions can, and should, be returned to the States.”

Earlier this month, the Trump Administration laid off nearly half the DOE’s staff.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a NewsNation interview on March 7 acknowledged that shuttering the DOE would need congressional approval, and said federal aid “might be best served in another department.” The Small Business Administration has said it will handle the student loan portfolio.

Trump’s executive order has been met with pushback from many officials.

loss of education funding would hurt hungry kids who rely on free meals at school.

“If that money does not come for school lunches and breakfasts — we’re doing it in the State of New York — but we need the federal money to supplement our efforts here,” she said.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said, “Make no mistake — individual states simply do not have the funding, personnel, or expertise to provide this same level of support to millions of students. President Trump is prioritizing minimal cost savings from cutting a small federal department at the expense of the literacy and math skills that will allow our kids to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs in the future.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), on X, wrote, “Attempting to dismantle the Department of Education is one of the most destructive and devastating steps Donald Trump has ever taken. This. Will. Hurt. Kids. ... Presidents cannot make departments and they cannot eliminate them either, only Congress can do that. The courts must act to uphold the rule of law and stop Donald Trump’s tyrannical power grab.”

Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, said in a statement, “We will join our national union and public education allies to protect students and educators. We are working with our partners to file lawsuits to stop this executive overreach.”

Representatives of Queens were among those to sound off.

U.S. Rep Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens), on X said Trump’s move will be “devastating for kids and parents in New York” and result in bigger class sizes and less support for students with disabilities and low-income families.

“Trump’s attack on the Department of Education is an attack on our children.”

—

State Attorney General Letitia James on Monday led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction as part of a lawsuit to stop the dismantling of the DOE, according to her office. The coalition is seeking a court order to stop the layoffs and transfer of services.

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez

James in a statement said the “illegal cuts” are an attack on educators, schools and students, and added, “We sued to stop Trump from dismantling the Department of Education, and today we are seeking a court order to protect students and their families. As a proud product of New York public schools, I will continue to defend our schools and all those who depend on them.”

During a March 20 CNN appearance, Gov. Hochul said a

U.S. Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez (D-Bronx, Queens) on X said the DOE, “among other things, is what funds special education for children with disabilities.”

She added, “Trump’s executive order will hurt kids and parents in virtually every school district in the country.”

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) on the same platform said Congress can stop the shutdown.

“I’m committed to fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to defend the DOE and ensure every student receives the high-quality education they deserve,” Meng said.

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), the chair of the Senate Committee on NYC Education, in a statement said the executive order is an “egregious attack on school kids across the nation” and added, “Not only will this jeopardize the education of millions of children, but it stands to strip billions in

Reactions have poured in after President Trump last week signed an executive order aiming to dismantle the federal Department of Education. State Attorney General Letitia James, left, is suing with other attorneys general to stop the action. Queens’ own state Sen. John Liu, right, said the executive order is “reckless.” COURTESY PHOTO / FILE , LEFT, AND NYS SENATE PHOTO / FILE

crucial funding from needy schools in underserved communities, and undermine decades of progress in ensuring equal access to quality education. Education is, as it should be, a fundamental responsibility of every level of government, and it should not be solely relegated to states, which vary wildly across the nation in philosophy, funding, and focus.”

City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) on X wrote, “The mere thought of dismantling the Dept. of Education is unconscionable! Many families — especially with children with special needs — would be devastated!”

A member of the Council’s Education Committee, Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) in an emailed statement said the executive order raises concerns for schools in her district.

“Federal funding supports essential programs like special education, free and reduced lunch, and English language learner services — resources that help ensure all students have the support they need,” Schulman said. “It’s important that we protect these investments and continue to prioritize quality education for every child in our community.”

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), also on the Education Committee, said, “Our President, threatened by the idea of diverse and inclusive education, is now threatening our students by stripping away the protections afforded and enforced by the agency. We must take every action necessary to protect our students, our teachers, and our schools.”

Councilmember Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) declined to comment, and the other Queens members of the Education Committee, Councilmembers Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) and Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) did not respond to an inquiry from the Chronicle by press time Wednesday. Q

Enviro violations in City of Yes: lawsuit

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Residents, elected officials and community groups on Wednesday gathered outside City Hall to announce a lawsuit against the zoning changes under the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan, which passed in December.

The Article 78 complaint, filed on Tuesday night, argues that the plan violates the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review.

Quoted in a press release from the office

of Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), the suit alleges in part that the city failed to properly examine “significant areas of environmental concern.” According to the release, the City Planning Commission concluded that new development under the plan would have no significant negative impact on communities, even though many neighborhoods face issues such as flooding, pollution and overcrowded schools.

“How, with a straight face, can the city of New York say that what they’re doing is not going to have an effect on these things,

which are already overburdened and overtaxed, at capacity or beyond capacity, today?” urban planning consultant Paul Graziano said at the press conference.

“When it comes to housing, there will always be those who say, ‘Not in my backyard,’ but we stand by the city’s thorough and transparent review process and will address any lawsuit when it is received,” a City Hall spokesperson said when asked for comment, touting the plan as “game-changing work” to address the city’s housing crisis.

Q

Councilwoman Joann Ariola and several other elected officials have signed onto the lawsuit against City of Yes. NYC COUNCIL PHOTO

State’s top court struck down bid to let noncitizens cast local ballots City Council will not appeal voting case

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The City Council will not appeal last Thursday’s state court decision striking down its plan to let immigrants vote in municipal elections, the office of Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) told the Chronicle.

“No, we respect the Court of Appeals’ decision here,” a spokesperson said via email March 20 when asked if the Council might seek to go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The New York Court of Appeals last week denied the Council’s bid to allow immigrant voting 6-1, affirming the state Constitution’s integrity and language that grants that right to citizens.

The ruling by the state’s highest court marks the third time the law was declared unconstitutional, following decisions by a state Supreme Court judge in 2022 and the Appellate Division in 2024.

“Whatever the future may bring, the New York Constitution as it stands today draws a firm line restricting voting to citizens,” the majority opinion written by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson said in part.

The dissenting vote was cast by Associate Judge Jenny Rivera.

A coalition of residents and activists quickly sued to block the law, claiming the state Constitution was clear in saying that only citizens may vote. The Adams administration appealed the first ruling against it, but declined to appeal the second.

However, the City Council appealed.

Among the plaintiffs opposing the law was City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), who issued a statement lauding the high court’s nearly unanimous ruling last Thursday morning.

“This is a major victory for election integrity and the rule of law,” Holden said. “The Constitution is clear: noncitizens do not have the right to vote, and this reckless scheme undermined the value of American citizenship.

“Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams wasted taxpayer dollars defending an illegal law that violated state law and common sense. I was proud to be a plaintiff in this case, and today, the courts have affirmed what we always knew — only American citizens should decide our elections.”

Rodriguez, now the city transportation commissioner, was the bill’s prime sponsor. A

The City Council passed the law 33-14 in late 2021. Then-Mayor Bill de Blasio and incoming Mayor Adams alike neither signed nor vetoed it, so it became law a month later. It would have allowed an estimated 800,000 immigrants — most foreign nationals legally present in the city for more than a month — to vote in municipal elections.

The City Council got its last bite at the apple on immigrant voting rights before the state Court of Appeals, and was denied 6-1 last week.

spokesperson said he declined to comment, referring any questions to the city Law Department.

Other plaintiffs from Queens include resident Yan Hing “Phil” Wong of Elmhurst, a naturalized citizen, who also is running for City Council this year, and Councilwomen Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Pala-

Come to Our Lady of Grace for Music and Meditation of the Seven Last Words of Jesus Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00pm in the church

dino (R-Whitestone).

Article II, Section 1 of the state Constitution says, “Every citizen shall be entitled to vote at every election for all officers elected by the people and upon all questions submitted to the vote of the people provided that such citizen is eighteen years of age or over and shall been a resident of this state, and of the county, city, or village for thirty days next preceding an election.”

Last week’s ruling said in part, “[W]e cannot read Article II as providing a floor, allowing municipalities to enfranchise whomever they please. Instead, it precisely defines who may vote, restricting the franchise to citizens.”

Asked whether the Council would appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, the office of the speaker at first did not answer directly but did offer a statement reiterating the lawmakers’ desire to let noncitizens vote.

“With Local Law 11 of 2022, the Council sought to strengthen our city’s democratic process and increase civic engagement by enfranchising the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who pay taxes and contribute to our communities but are unable to make their voices heard in local elections,” Adams said in part, adding, “The Council, as always, will continue to support and protect our immigrant community members.”

After a follow-up email, the office said there would be no further appeal. Q

• Palm Sunday, April 12th Mass at 4:00PM & April 13th Mass times: 8:30AM, 10:30AM and 12:00PM.

• Penance Monday, April 14th

10:00–11:00AM, 2:00–4:00PM & 6:00-9:00PM

• Wednesday, April 16th at 7:00PM there will be Tenebrae in the church.

Holy Thursday, April 17th 9:00AM Liturgy of the Hour. Mass will be at 7:00PM. The church will be open until midnight

Good Friday, April 18th

• 9:00AM Prayer service

• 3:00PM Passion of the Lord

• 7:00PM Procession of the “Dead Christ and the Sorrowful Mother”.

Holy Saturday, April 19th

• Consoling the Mother of Sorrows at 1O:00AM

• 11:00AM Blessing of the food baskets. Food that will be served at your Easter table will be blessed on this day.

• 7:30PM Easter Vigil

• After the Easter Vigil there will be a Resurrection Celebration g in the gym. A ll are welcome.

Easter Sunday, A pril 20th Mass times :

• 8 : 30AM • 10 : 00AM • 11: 30AM • 1: 00PM

PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE / FILE

This impeccably maintained mother/ daughter style hi-ranch boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, beautiful hardwood floors, and abundant storage space. Walking distance to Charles Park.

EDITORIAL AGEP

Noncitizen voting nixed thrice — good riddance

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams made the right decision when she chose not to pursue the idea of noncitizen voting any further after the New York State Court of Appeals ruled against it 6-1 last week.

The move marks the first time the Council majority has made the correct call on the issue since 2021, when it passed the law despite the clear wording of the state Constitution that says voting rights are for citizens to enjoy.

First the lawmakers erred by passing the unconstitutional law, which would have allowed an estimated 800,000 noncitizens to cast ballots in municipal elections. They later erred twice more by appealing losing court decisions. Adams has wisely decided not to try the U.S. Supreme Court.

Local Law 11 passed the Council 33-14 on Dec. 6, 2021 (four of the dissenters were from Queens). It would have allowed green card holders, people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and other migrants with work permits the right to vote in elections for mayor, comptroller, borough president and City Council. Even the people who authored the measure wouldn’t try to make it apply to state and federal offices, where the constitutional blocks on it would be even more clear. (For those who might wonder,

district attorney is a state office, so it too would have been exempt from the law if it were upheld.)

The total number of active voters in the city was 4,741,026 as of a month ago, according to the Board of Elections, so 800,000 would be no small share of new people. They would not all have exercised the franchise, any more than all citizens do, but enough of them could have to change the results in some elections, especially given ranked-choice voting.

The bill’s main sponsor was Ydanis Rodriguez, now the transportation commissioner. He was very proud of the measure then. Now he is unwilling to comment on its failure.

It never was signed into law. Outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio, generally a political lefty, knew it was too toxic to touch and wouldn’t sign it even with three weeks left in his term. New Mayor Eric Adams also declined. But, apparently afraid to anger the Council majority, neither vetoed it. So under city rules, it became law, as if by magic, after a month.

Then it was left up to citizens to get it overturned, and they stepped up. A suit quickly was filed by Republican activists and office holders, along with old-fashioned Democrat Bob Holden, the councilman from Maspeth-Middle Village. They correctly argued that the state Constitution pro-

vides that citizens get to vote — no one else.

And they won. State Supreme Court Justice Ralph Porzio ruled in June 2022 that the law violated the state Constitution, the Election Law and Municipal Home Rule Law. But the bill’s backers and the Adams administration appealed. They lost again in February 2024, when a four-judge state Appellate Division panel ruled 3-1 to uphold Porzio’s decision. That time, the mayor declined to appeal. But the City Council plowed ahead, driven by its belief that foreigners who have been in New York City for at least a month should get to vote. It was a waste of government resources and, if anything, gave false hope to people who hoped to whittle down the value of citizenship. The law again was denied.

The ruling issued by New York’s Court of Appeals, the state’s highest, says in part, “Whatever the future may bring, the New York Constitution as it stands today draws a firm line restricting voting to citizens,” and “[W]e cannot read Article II as providing a floor, allowing municipalities to enfranchise whomever they please. Instead, it precisely defines who may vote, restricting the franchise to citizens.”

And that’s it. If you want immigrants to vote, you first have to get citizens to vote to change the Constitution.

MARK WEIDLER

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Dangerous e-rides

Dear Editor:

Re your March 20 article “Riders reject e-bike bill during a contentious CB 5 hearing” (multiple editions):

Duncan Ballantine of Ridgewood Rides pushing back on licensing and registering e-bikes stated when asked about e-bikes being capable of reaching speeds of 17 to 30 mph that “Speed is not the discussion at hand.”

What? Any vehicle capable of reaching those speeds without the need of human pedal power should always be a factor in their dangerousness. He also said moped riders “only” drive on the sidewalk when they encounter streets packed with cars. What about sidewalks “packed” with pedestrians? So basically what he’s saying is the answer to a metal vehicle capable of traveling 30 mph zipping down a crowded sidewalk is the driver has no choice. Is this guy serious?

I sincerely hope he doesn’t have a family member end up in a hospital because a moped ran him down on the sidewalk. It sounds like he would visit them and say, “Hey, the moped driver had no choice.” See how that goes over.

Some of these alternative transportation activists don’t want to hold anyone accountable for their own actions unless it’s a car owner.

Sebastian Mannuzza Long Island City

Turn the HEAT Act on

Dear Editor:

Our state Legislature has the power to give us cleaner heat and lower bills by including the New York HEAT Act (S.4158/A.4870) in this year’s state budget. The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act is designed to make energy more affordable for people while also helping the state reach its self-mandated climate goals.

Energy affordability has reached a crisis level in New York State, with 1.4 million New Yorkers having struggled to pay their energy bills this past winter. As of December 2024, approximately 1.3 million New York households were 60 days or more behind on their energy bills, collecting debt totaling over $1.8 billion. It is also predicted that New Yorkers will be charged 18 percent more for heat this winter, even though the prices of gas have gone down.

This is why this legislation is so important for New Yorkers all across the state. It seeks to place a cap of no more than 6 percent of household income on energy bills. The state committed to this policy back in 2016 but has yet to

implement it. Encourage your state Assembly member and senator to support the NY HEAT Act today!

Angelie Baksh South Ozone Park

The writer is an environmental intern with the Queens College chapter of NYPIRG, the New York Public Interest Research Group.

Bird flu a big worry

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the prompt coverage of the avian flu outbreak here in our Borough of Queens (“Queens avian flu outbreaks continue,” March 13).

It’s not fair to keep the public in the dark, when the powers that be know which markets are still spreading the disease, but are keeping it a secret from the unassuming public. Please continue to report any new development, and urge the public to call the mayor’s and governor’s offices, to get these premises shut down for good.

I’m sure if there’s a continuous outbreak that

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

causes the death of cats inside and outside of the home, more people will complain, and I hope the powers that be then would respond accordingly.

Joan Silaco Queens Village

Give students a choice

Dear Editor:

Re Kristen Guglielmo’s March 20 report “Lack of attendance plagues DOE schools”:

Poor attendance is just one of many problems plaguing NYC’s Department of Education. Public school enrollment has dropped by 12 percent since the 2018-19 school year, noted the New York Post on March 13. Students are flunking, with just 33 percent of fourth-graders deemed proficient in math and 28 percent in reading. Only 23 percent of eighth-graders are proficient in math and 29 percent in reading, reports the Post. NYC taxpayers are spending $32,284 a year per pupil, more than twice the national average of $15,633, for unacceptable results.

Despite these failures, NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos is asking for “hundreds of millions more” added to the DOE’s $41 billion budget, which already devours one-third of NYC’s total budget, states the Post. Clearly, the current situation is not sustainable.

One solution is to adopt a school choice program, advocated by President Trump and other GOP leaders. Parents would receive vouchers to pay for their kids’ education in private and religious schools as an alternative to public schools. A payment of $32,284 a year will enable NYC parents to provide their children with a much higher quality of education than they receive from the DOE, which really stands for Devoid Of Effectiveness.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

CHIPS Act a good bet

Dear Editor:

If the Trump administration is so anxious to bring back manufacturing jobs, why is it gutting the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022?

A key Biden administration initiative, the bipartisan CHIPS Act, named for and expanding upon the original Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act, threw the federal government’s considerable weight behind building a domestic semiconductor industry here in the good old USA. Factories have already been built in Arizona, Ohio and upstate New York. Samsung, Intel and other chip companies have announced plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the effort.

Yet President Trump called the CHIPS Act a “horrible, horrible thing” and called for its revocation. Already, a third of the federal employees overseeing the program have been laid off.

On a related note, The New York Times reports that the American solar-energy industry witnessed record growth in 2024. Our solarpower generating capacity more than doubled, marking the largest single-year increase by any energy technology in over 20 years.

Please don’t kill the goose before it even hatches.

Neil C. Giannelli Woodhaven

Trump vs. anti-Semites

Dear

Editor:

During the last month I have written letters critical of President Trump regarding his actions on Ukraine and tariffs (“Shame on Republicans,” March 6, and “Trump’s tariff follies,” March 13). This week, I want to commend him for combating anti-Semitism at colleges, specifically Columbia University. I write this as a son of Holocaust survivors.

Last year, when Jewish students walked around the Columbia campus they did so in fear as anti-Israel protests turned into antiSemitic protests. The university and the Biden administration condemned the actions of students and outside agitators but took no action.

Now, Trump is withholding $400 million in grants and contracts until Columbia starts suspending and expelling students who harassed Jewish students and took over one of the university buildings, and until it starts to prohibit the use of masks on campus. It’s about time.

I have yet to hear any Jewish Democrats praise Trump for his actions. They appear to hate him so much that they do not want to acknowledge when he does something positive for the Jews. Trump Derangement Syndrome is alive and well.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Trump vs. veterans

Dear Editor:

I am the son of Holocaust survivors. Each day I am grateful to the Armed Services for saving my parents, who met in a displaced persons’ settlement. If it weren’t for these brave men and women, I would not be alive to be expressing my lifelong respect.

I even worked in a Veterans Administration facility when I was a very young social worker, and I tend to support vets running for office, figuring people who have been in combat possess a certain type of wisdom the rest of us don’t.

For this reason I am furious at the disrespect our current draft-dodging president has shown with the unsubstantiated firing of this generation’s talented-patriotic vets. I am furious about the proposed cuts in Medicare for vets. These people are the best of our best.

I don’t care what your party is, but if you say, “Thank you for your service” and support this president, shame on you for enabling him. Shame on you for supporting this man who knows nothing about honor, service and duty.

Thank you for your service? Get his enablers out of office. De-Musk the military. Make this the USA again.

Stewart J. Frimer Forest Hills

The Trump-Musk crisis

Dear Editor:

When I first heard about Project 2025 last year, I dismissed it as some Alice in Wonderland, dystopian plan that absolutely had no chance to be seriously considered or implemented in this country.

Well, folks, hold on to your hats!

What only recently seemed like a bad dream continued on next page

How we saw Covid: firsthand memories

New book of stories, many from Queens

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Robert Snyder may be the Manhattan borough historian, but Queens gets its fair share of attention in his new book about the Covid crisis, “When the City Stopped: Stories from New York’s Essential Workers” (Three Hills).

The book is just that, a collection of recollections about the worst days of the pandemic and the beginnings of the new normal that followed, from doctors, nurses, teachers, a hair stylist and many others.

Snyder’s goal, as he states in the introduction, was “to produce a book that would ensure that the experiences of New Yorkers during the pandemic were not forgotten.” It is achieved.

precedents neither aligned perfectly with COVID-19.”

One result was the slew of interviews conducted for efforts such as the Queens Memory Project, some of which feature prominently in Snyder’s book. Other people told their tales themselves, sometimes online.

“The stories of COVID-19 survivors and the stories of people who lost loved ones to COVID-19 were poignant,” he writes.

SARS-CoV-2 SARS-CoV-2 FIVE YEARS LATER

He and other historians saw early on that the Covid-19 pandemic was a historic event, and took steps to ensure it would be remembered by future generations.

“We were determined to avoid the unfathomable precedent of the last great pandemic to sweep New York city, the flu of 1918, which took some thirty thousand lives but was not marked by a single memorial and left no longterm impact on public consciousness,” he writes. “The AIDS epidemic and terrorist attacks of 9/11 had their memorials, but as

“Survivors who contracted COVID-19 sometimes went to a hospital and lingered for days in a shadowland between life and death. Those who lost friends or family to COVID-19 were haunted by the thought that their loved one died alone, their last earthly sensations carried to them through a cell phone, held up next to their death bed by an obliging nurse.”

One of those nurses, Patricia Tiu of Fresh Meadows, is among those whose stories are in the book. She was working at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Washington Heights when Covid hit.

On March 29, 2020, she said in a video transcribed in the book, “Even though I understand the severity of this virus, I underestimated the impact it would have on the American health care system, for damn sure.”

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

is quickly coming to fruition. Just to be clear about what we are facing, consider this. You might not get your next Social Security check next month, and soon after, not at all.

After Elon Musk indiscriminately fired 7,000 Social Security employees, there might not be anybody there to process those checks. In spite of President Trump’s promise not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Musk recently called Social Security the “biggest Ponzi scheme” and called to “eliminate” it. The writing is on the wall.

Don’t count on Medicaid or Medicare, as those are on the chopping block as well. Over $800 billion cuts in Medicaid, shredding that program’s “safety net” for lower-income Americans. Eliminating the Department of Education, with untold impact on our children’s education. Gutting environmental laws that ensure that the air you breathe and the water that you drink are healthy. Closing down agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, calling its employees “radical left bureaucrats.”

We could go on and on, but the point is that this isn’t “business as usual” when a new administration takes over. The United States is unlike North Korea, where any semblance of democratic society is gone, and everyone bows to the “Great Leader.” It’s about time to say in unison, “The emperor has no clothing,” and to stop pretending that this is all

Tiu details the crisis at the hospital and its response, such as creating new Intensive Care Unit nurses after a week of orientation, instead of the prior six months. That was not all.

“The FDA was saying because we’re so short of supplies, if you have a patient with the same disease, it’s okay to use the same pair of gloves which is disgusting,” she says, refer-

ring to the Food and Drug Administration. As for masks, she says, “The N95s: we were given one and they said keep it for a week.”

Tiu describes the horror of people going on ventilators and her fear that soon choices would have to be made on who gets one, and lives, and who does not, and dies.

Snyder’s book is divided into chronologi-

Rikers won’t close by 2027

continued from page 2

just part of the “political discourse.”

This country can’t afford four more years of Donald Trump and his assault on the very fabric of our republic!

Davor Grancaric Hillcrest

End the divisions

Dear Editor:

Sen. Chuck Schumer recently called President Trump’s supporters “bastards,” apparently succumbing to political pressure due to his party’s defeat and Trump’s impressive victory.

This is reminiscent of then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s audacity in 2017 during President Trump’s address to Congress, when she defiantly tore up his speech in protest.

It brings to mind the words of former Democratic President Harry S. Truman in support of resilience when he said, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!”

Forget the animosity. It’s time to work together for the good of the country or step aside.

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

According to Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria), missing the deadline to close Rikers Island is a failure on the part of both Mayor Adams and district attorneys who send people to the jail “despite its longstanding history of abuse.”

Cabán added that policies such as defunding health and safety programs and increasing stops and searches contributed to keeping New Yorkers on Rikers.

“Today a woman died on Rikers: the fourth death in Department of Corrections custody this month, according to Freedom Agenda,” she said in a March 20 statement.

“Our city must end these tragedies and human rights abuses. Rikers must close.”

Other Council members would much rather see a modernized, renovated Rikers Island than borough-based jails.

“The Commission’s report makes clear what I’ve been saying all along — closing Rikers by 2027 is unrealistic, and the mounting, undisclosed cost overruns make this project financially unsustainable,” Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) said in a statement. “Instead of pursuing an unworkable plan, we should focus on modernizing Rikers to ensure safer, more humane facilities.”

“This plan has been a train wreck from the outset because it was always a bad faith effort to indiscriminately lower the jail population, public safety and cost to the

taxpayers be damned,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “This latest commission wants to double down on this disaster, but the best way forward would be to renovate and modernize the facilities at Rikers into something that is more humane and more safe and maintains the capacity we actually need.”

Mayor Adams in a statement restated his support for closing Rikers, adding that while his administration has invested in the Department of Correction and found faster, cost-effective ways to build the new jails, it is critical to unlock additional emergency capital funds, which the city cannot do under the de Blasio-era law.

“To leave the plan as is and deny us these funds hurts our staff and is inhumane to those in our custody,” Adams said, reiterating his commitment to public safety and keeping New Yorkers out of the justice system when possible.

A City Hall spokesperson ascribed construction setbacks to Covid-related industry impacts, supply chain delays and cost increases. The spokesperson added that the Queens jail will be completed in 2031, a year earlier than the commission projected, and reiterated the city’s legal responsibility to build the jails.

Asked if the Adams administration would implement the commission’s blueprint, the spokesperson said City Hall is reviewing all recommendations. Q

Author Robert W. Snyder did not want Covid to pass without leaving a long-term mark on the public consciousness, the way he said the 1918 flu pandemic did. PHOTO, ABOVE, BY ERICA LANSNER

The joyous Phagwah Parade made a vibrant and highly anticipated return to Richmond Hill on March 23, drawing a crowd of tens of thousands of spectators and participants to watch around 40 colorful floats. This year’s 37th annual parade saw one of the largest turnouts in recent memory.

In celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, the event ushers in the arrival of spring while honoring the timeless victory of good over evil.

The procession kicked off at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street, winding its way

toward Phil Rizzuto Park on Atlantic Avenue.

The streets were filled with the jubilant sounds of Holi, with people of all ages — doused in hues of bright colors — dancing, laughing and marching in a spirited and eyecatching celebration of tradition and unity. The event culminated with a festival of lively music and other entertainment at the park.

Above, the parade’s grand marshal, Romeo Hitlall, third from left, and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. were among the revelers celebrating the day. — Kristen Guglielmo, with reporting by Michael Shain

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

Parolee allegedly groped 10-year-old

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A 53-year-old Cambria Heights man was arraigned on a five-count complaint Sunday after allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a 10-year-old girl last Wednesday in Woodhaven and exposing himself the following day on a busy commercial street in Richmond Hill.

According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, John Garrison, of 224th Street, allegedly began following a 10-year-old girl walking along 87th Road in Woodhaven on March 19 at about 3 p.m.

The child screamed, and Garrison allegedly told her, “Sit down, shut up or I will kill you,” and grabbed her chest before fleeing on foot, authorities said. The victim was otherwise physically uninjured.

The following day, at about 12:30 p.m., Garrison allegedly pulled down his pants and exposed himself at the intersection of 104th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill, according to the charges.

Police allegedly spotted the lewd act and placed Garrison under arrest as he

flailed his arms and kicked his legs to avoid being handcuffed.

Garrison on Sunday was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child and public lewdness. He was remanded on both those charges and on an open parole warrant.

Correction records show Garrison was incarcerated on May 22, 2009 for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Brooklyn.

After nearly two decades in an upstate prison, records show Garrison had a parole interview in November 2024 and was released on Jan. 18, 2025.

If convicted in the new case, Garrison faces up to seven years in prison.

“As alleged, the defendant terrorized and sexually assaulted a child as she walked down the street in the middle of the afternoon,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “Just one day later, a member of the NYPD allegedly observed the defendant exposing himself in Richmond Hill. I thank the brave survivor and her family for working with my office and the NYPD as we work to secure justice in this case.” Q

RH robbery suspects wanted

The NYPD is searching for two men wanted for robbing a store in Richmond Hill last week, within the confines of the 102nd Precinct.

It was reported to the authorities that on March 19, at around 7:50 p.m., two unidentified masked individuals entered a cell phone store at 112-02 Jamaica Ave.

The men displayed a knife and demanded the belongings of the 22-yearold store employee before locking him inside of a bathroom in order to continue their heist.

The two perpetrators removed elec-

tronics and cash from the store totaling $3,050, police said. They fled the location on foot to parts unknown, and no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to the @nypdtips handle on X.

All tips are strictly confidential. Q — Kristen Guglielmo

“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 11102 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles; and

• 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; Q — Naeisha Rose

Correction

Due to a production error, the March 20 story “New chapter for 207’s library” misspelled the name of an assistant principal. It is Chrysanthi Alifieris. We regret the error. Q

Pheffers honored by Hochul

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Gov. Hochul, center, honored former assemblymember and current Queens County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors Audrey Pheffer, left, and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato during a celebration earlier this month.

Pheffer and Pheffer Amato are the only mother and daughter duo to be elected in New York State history, according to Pheffer Amato’s office.

Getting ready to retire and want to make sure you’re on the right health plan? Retired and think you’re paying too much for health-related expenses? Connect with NYC

Pheffer served as the assemblywoman for the 23rd District, representing much of the same area now under her daughter’s jurisdiction. She served for 25 years and retired from the Assembly in 2011.

Pheffer Amato, the chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Governmental Employees, was first elected in 2017. Her office said she holds the recent distinction of having more bills signed into law than any other elected official in the city. — Kristen Guglielmo

Casino-park bill introduced

As first reported by City & State, new Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Corona) on March 14 introduced a bill to let the Citi Field parking lot house a blend of entertainment, gambling, lodging and parkland.

Bill A6781 would alienate the parking lot, which is legally parkland, so that Mets owner Steve Cohen’s redevelopment plan, called Metropolitan Park, can be realized.

There is no companion bill in the Senate, however, as area Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) opposes the plan. Hooks said in an email to the Chronicle: “I continue to have a respectful and open dialogue with Senator Ramos, and I am committed to working with any colleague who shares our vision for transformational investment in Queens.”

The real linchpin for the plan is for Cohen to win one of the three downstate casino licenses Albany is to grant. Competitors include the Resorts World racino at Aqueduct in South Ozone Park.

Hooks said her bill is based on the one introduced by her predecessor, Jeff Aubry, but has “key updates based on community feedback and technical refinements.” Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

METS 2025 SEASON PREVIEW

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The 2024 season went as well as most Mets fans could have hoped.

The team won 89 games and were able to knock off the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies in the National League playoffs before being beaten in six games in the NL Championship Series by the juggernaut known as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who then proceeded to stomp all over the Yankees in the World Series the following week.

Despite those lofty accomplishments, 2024 was often a challenge for the Mets. They were 22-33 at the end of May. The team’s ace, Kodai Senga, was only able to pitch in one game due to injuries. Nonetheless, firstyear Manager Carlos Mendoza kept a steady hand on the wheel. Even when things were going off the rails early in the season, Mendoza never showed signs of anger or panic.

Then again, the Mets were abysmal in 2023, and expectations were low in 2024. I wrote in last year’s preview that success would be finishing a game over the .500 mark. The stakes are much higher for 2025.

Starting pitching

What was long a strong suit of the Mets is currently a shaky proposition.

The good news on the starting front is that ace Senga, who missed practically the entire 2024 season, save for a few innings, because of both arm and leg injuries, appears to be in fine health. His pitches have their old bite based on the games he pitched during spring training.

Sean Manaea was signed as a free agent by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns following the 2023 season. That signing paid dividends as Manaea proved to be the Mets best pitcher in 2024 until he ran out of gas in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers in LA.

It was not just his pitching success that made him a fan favorite. Manaea enjoyed New York City. He was a frequent visitor to Central Park; took in

the city’s many cultural attractions; and liked taking the 7 train to Citi Field. He always found time to chat with every member of the press corps regardless of the size of their outlet. David Stearns made no secret of his desire to re-sign Manaea after he opted out of his contract following his big year.

Stearns then signed Manaea to a three-year, $75 million deal, much to the relief of Mets fans. Unfortunately, he suffered a strained oblique earlier this month and is unlikely to return to the pitching mound until late April at the earliest.

Manaea’s fellow southpaw David Peterson was selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft. Peterson’s Mets career has been uneven. He started 2024 on the injured list, recovering from hip surgery. He then had by far his best season in the majors, winning 10 games with an earned run average just under 3.00.

Stearns signed former Yankees star pitcher Luis Severino following the 2023 season. Severino pitched well for the Mets. Like Manaea, Severino exercised his player option. Unlike Manaea, however, Severino will not be returning to Queens as he signed a lucrative deal with an unlikely suitor, the Athletics.

Unbowed, Stearns decided to push his luck with another former Yankees pitcher, albeit one without Severino’s success, Frankie Montas. With a lifetime record of 44-46, and an earned run average just above 4.00, Montas has been the poster child of mediocrity.

on a regular basis.

Rather than re-sign Jose Quintana, who acquitted himself well during his two-year stint in Flushing, Stearns decided to go for inexpensive starting pitching depth pieces, Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning. Blackburn was acquired at last summer’s trade deadline and promptly got hurt. Canning signed as a free agent a few months ago. Mets fans should not expect much from either of them.

If these depth pieces prove to be shallow, expect the Mets’ top pitching prospect, Brandon Sproat, to be called up from Syracuse.

Bullpen

Closer Edwin Diaz spoiled Mets fans in 2022, as he was the most dominant relief pitcher in New York City since Mariano Rivera was closing games for the Yankees. The Mets won 101 games during the regular season, and Diaz was a major reason for that success. Joy turned to despair in 2023 as Diaz was lost for the season when his leg gave out from under him celebrating a win for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. 2024 was a bounce-back year of sorts for Diaz, but he showed signs of rust as his control frequently deserted him, and made Mets fans reach for the antacids in the ninth inning. If the Mets are going to improve upon their success last year, Diaz must be closer to his 2022 form.

Stearns was hoping Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner could unlock Montas’ potential. That may yet happen, but it will not be until June at the earliest, as Montas is suffering from a strained lat.

Montas’ injury should open the door for homegrown Met Tylor Megill, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also had control issues. It was that too-frequent lack of command that landed Megill back with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets for a good part of the 2024 season.

Stearns’ most surprising off-season move once again involved a Yankees pitcher, as he signed Clay Holmes to a three-year contract. That would not raise any eyebrows if he did it to bolster the Mets bullpen. That is not the plan, however. Stearns sees Holmes the way his predecessor, Billy Eppler, should have seen Seth Lugo, namely, as a starting pitcher. Holmes has the required pitching repertoire to start games. The question is whether he can go six innings

Max Kranick has had every pitching ailment from the need for Tommy John surgery to pulled hamstrings and more. This spring the 27-year-old Kranick was pain-free and very impressive in his Grapefruit League appearances. We will see if that translates to the regular season.

Jose Butto was once thought to be a part of the Mets starting rotation. While he was serviceable as a starter, he found his footing as a long reliever, something the Mets have needed but not had since Lugo.

Just as injuries have wreaked havoc on Mets starters, the bullpen has also been affected by health issues. Lefty AJ Minter had a fine career with the Atlanta Braves, and he was one of Stearns’ marquee free agent signings. He missed the first half of spring training as he was still recovering from 2024 hip surgery.

Dedniel Nunez was a name few heard of at this time last year. He was a revelation as he mowed down opposing hitters with ease. Unfortunately, he incurred a flexor tendon strain in his right arm and missed the second half of last season. He did not pitch until late in spring training.

Reid Garrett was a journeyman reliever who achieved his best season with the Mets in 2024. Expect Mendoza to employ him in high-leverage situations outside of the ninth inning.

Like Garrett, Ryne Stanek has had to pack his suitcase numerous times to stay in the majors. The Mets acquired him mid-season from the Seattle Mariners. Stanek throws hard, and he was able to get hitters out most of the time. He will be called upon often early in the season,

Catcher

For the second consecutive season, Francisco Alvarez will miss at least the first month of the season recovering from hand surgery. Strangely enough, neither injury was incurred from his work behind the plate.

When healthy, Alvarez has shown he can hit for power, but he is also a streaky hitter who goes into prolonged slumps by chasing bad pitches. He told the media on Amazin’ Day at Citi Field that he had been working on a new swinging strategy with a hitting guru in Atlanta. We may have to wait until June to see whether he has cut down on flailing at pitches out of the strike zone.

Backup catcher Luis Torrens was acquired from the Yankees at the end of last May in exchange for $100,000. That may have been the best return on investment for Steve Cohen since he bought the team in late 2020. Torrens showed adequate pop in his bat, but more crucially, his defense was superb, and pitchers liked his pitch selection. Mets fans must hope Torrens was not a flash in the pan.

What is puzzling is there has been

no buzz about promoting Kevin Parada from the minors to the varsity. Parada was chosen in the 2022 MLB amateur draft. He is a few months older than Alvarez. If the Mets do not think he is good enough when they are shorthanded behind the plate, why is he still in their system?

Hayden Senger, who has spent seven years in the Mets farm system, appeared to be the favorite to be the backup catcher for Torrens as spring training was ending. Expect Stearns to be looking at last minute roster catching cuts from other clubs.

Infield

Most Mets fans felt relieved when Pete Alonso agreed to return for the 2025 season after testing free agency for the first time in his career. Alonso, and his agent, Scott Boras, did not find the market as welcoming as they would have liked. To his credit, Pete made no secret of his preference to stay in Queens, and Mets fans reciprocated by chanting his name at a panel featuring Cohen and Stearns on Amazin’ Day in late January.

Alonso struggled at times in 2024 as the pressure of playing for a new contract appeared to get the better of him at times. He was lunging at bad pitches, and he showed his frustration, breaking bats over his knee when he struck out. Nevertheless, hitting 34 home runs in the regular season is not an immaterial accomplishment. Hitting a dramatic homer in the ninth inning of the deciding game against the Milwaukee Brewers cemented Alonso’s legacy. It should also help him relax a bit more at the plate this season.

continued on page 20

The Mets signed Juan Soto, one of the best hitters in baseball, to a record 15-year, $765 million-dollar contract in December. PHOTOS COURTESY NY METS

Former Yankee reliever Clay Holmes, now a starter, is expected to take the hill on Opening Day for the Mets.

Mets 2025

continued from page 18

Mendoza made it clear early that Jeff McNeil would be his starting second baseman. The veteran struggled at the plate last year, batting a very pedestrian .238 after leading the National League two years earlier with a lofty .326 average. My guess is that the 32-year-old McNeil has not lost bat speed but rather tends to fancy himself as a home run hitter instead of a contact hitter at times. The Mets have enough other sources of power. It is more important for McNeil to get on base.

He suffered an oblique strain during spring training, however, and will start the season on the injured list. That means prospects Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty will get a chance to play. Acuna, who was acquired from the Texas Rangers as part of the Max Scherzer trade in July 2023, was impressive when he was called up in September. Baty was the Mets’ 2024 Opening Day third baseman, but he was so overwhelmed at the plate, he spent most of the year playing in Syracuse. He did have a solid spring training. It is to be seen whether that performance, and some added maturity, will help him live up to the David Wright-like expectations for him.

Mark Vientos was the most pleasant surprise for the Mets lineup last year. The alwaysupbeat Vientos began 2024 in Syracuse but was recalled in mid-May. He wound up hitting 27 homers, and most of them were of the prodigious variety.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor finished second in the 2024 National League Most Valuable Player Award voting to the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani. Strangely enough, Lindor, although he

has been the team leader and finishes every season with gaudy stats, has never made the All-Star team as a Met. That is because he has always struggled at the plate the first two months of the season in his Mets tenure. The Mets cannot afford to have Lindor be a virtual no-show for a third of the season yet again.

I would be remiss if I did not mention one infielder who is no longer with the Mets as he signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. Jose “OMG” Iglesias provided a muchneeded spark for the Mets with his clutch hitting and with his singing ability as well. Mets fans and the media wanted him, but being 35 worked against him. Stearns wanted younger talents such as Acuna, Baty and Ronny Mauricio, who is still recovering from a torn ACL, to fill his roster. Nonetheless, Iglesias, whom Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos called the National League’s “real MVP,” will be missed.

Outfield

an All-Star. Sadly, he appeared to have forgotten how to hit a baseball in the second half. On Amazin’ Day, Nimmo, to his credit, did not attribute his poor showing to pain. Nevertheless, he said he is battling knee pain and plantar fasciitis, an ailment that has plagued many. There is no timetable for full recovery, but it hasn’t keep him out of the lineup.

Starling Marte has battled both groin and knee issues during his Mets tenure. When he is healthy, he is a dangerous hitter and can still run well. At age 36, however, recovering from even minor flare-ups takes considerable time.

The Mets should make it to the postseason.

The Mets acquired Jesse Winker at the 2024 summer trade deadline. Winker had been a thorn in the Mets’ side for years, and Stearns was aware of that. When the Mets obtain an old nemesis, he rarely does as well for them as he did against them. Winker shattered that trope by being a tough hitter all through the postseason. He is an adequate defender, but Mendoza will prefer to utilize him as a designated hitter.

The forecast It is time for the Debbie Downer portion of the preview.

Historically, the Mets have played well when little is expected of them and have tended to disappoint when expectations are high. The latter is certainly the case for 2025.

The National League East is an extremely competitive division. While the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals are unlikely to contend, it can easily be argued that the rosters of both the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are just as good, if not better, than that of the Mets.

The Braves played most of last season without top pitcher Spencer Strider and slugger Ronald Acuna, Jr. because of injuries. Despite those key Braves personnel losses, the Mets finished with the same record as them. Strider will be rejoining a solid Braves rotation that features reigning Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale and the formidable Spencer Schwellenbach. When healthy, the Braves have dominated the Mets over the last 30 years.

In a personnel move that received scant attention, the Mets signed free agent outfielder Juan Soto in early December. OK, I am kidding. I want to make sure you are still paying attention.

There is little I can say here to add to the obvious in that he is one of the best hitters in the game and is a dramatic difference maker. Soto has rarely been hurt. Let us hope wearing a Mets uniform does not change his luck in that regard.

Health issues have plagued Soto’s fellow starting outfielders, however. Brandon Nimmo’s 2024 was a tale of two seasons. He enjoyed a torrid first half and should have been

Tyrone Taylor, acquired last year in a trade with the Brewers, and Jose Siri, obtained from the Tampa Bay Rays this past winter, should receive significant playing time. Both are elite defenders and respectable hitters. Taylor is better at contact, while Siri is an all-or-nothing guy, who will either homer or strike out.

The Mets got 24-year-old Alexander Canario in a low-stakes deal with the Chicago Cubs as training camp was starting. Canario has had a solid spring but there may not be roster space for him. He is out of minor league options, so the Mets must keep him on the 26-player-roster or risk losing him to another club.

The Mets did beat the Phillies when it counted most last year, in the National League Division Series. While Phillies fans were calling their local sports radio stations demanding that the team be dismantled, team president Dave Dombrowski kept a cooler head, and wisely so. The Phillies have a strong lineup led by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm. Their starting rotation is led by ex-Met Zach Wheeler, and Aaron Nola is one of the best pitchers in the majors.

If the postseason taught Mets fans anything, where you finish the regular season is not as important as just qualifying for the postseason. The Mets should be able to do that in 2025. Q

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Energy Assessments involve a detailed examination and evaluation of your home to determine which energy saving and weatherization enhancements, such as insulation and air sealing are required. They involve tests such as:

Combustion efficiency and safety tests to ensure your heating system’s optimal operation

Inspecting walls, attics or roof cavities for insulation

Use of thermal imaging, and blower door testing to assess draftiness and verify the correct placement of insulation

When homeowners combine proper whole home insulation with thorough air sealing, they can expect to:

1. Achieve reduced energy bills.

2. Enjoy greater temperature consistency throughout your home.

3. Reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems.

4. Enhance indoor air quality.

5. Experience year-round comfort in your home.

BENSOL TECH LLC

Big Apple changed dramatically by Covid-19

Open streets, roadway dining, strained EMS system and more

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The onslaught that was the Covid-19 pandemic has changed New York in sweeping ways, some that many agree are for the better and others they probably would say are for the worse.

The virus highlighted the need, or at least the desire, by many for more open spaces, roadway dining, remote work and more. It also illustrated how stressed the city’s emergency system is and how certain industries are faring as more people tighten their purse strings in an ever-changing technological landscape.

More space for play

Open Streets, a program in which a community may advocate to take a street and largely block it off for pedestrian use, expanded rapidly over the past few years. The program was created during the pandemic.

As of 2024 there were 33 open streets in Queens, and the city will finalize its first round of 2025 locations soon, according to the city Department of Transportation.

“You don’t need that much to block it off,” said Dawn Siff, executive director of the Alliance for Paseo Park, the 34th Avenue open street in Jackson Heights. “Sometimes they use police barricades, sometimes they use planters and then that street is given back to the community, for programming, for play, for restaurant seating, for relaxation just so that people can have more open space.”

gathering place,” Siff said. “It gave us community, it gave us a place for people to come out and exercise and see one another and it gave us hope in this dark time.”

Dining al fresco

In 2019, there were approximately 1,000 outdoor dining sites, primarily sidewalk cafes, in the city, but most were centralized in Manhattan, according to official data. An Open Restaurants in New York 2022 report said 30 percent of outdoor dining spots were in the four outer boroughs pre-pandemic. By 2023, the figure was 51 percent.

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced last month that the city’s new program is so popular he is going to cut red tape in the application process for more eateries, ahead of the roadway dining season launching on April 1.

“New Yorkers love outdoor dining and it has made our streets more vibrant and welcoming public spaces,” Rodriguez said in a statement on Feb. 28. “Outdoor dining on our sidewalks and roadways has been a lifeline for many restaurants, and we are cutting through red tape to ensure that thousands of restaurants will be up and running as the weather warms.”

The city estimates that 2,000 sidewalkbased establishments and another 600 roadway setups will be approved by April 1.

Work from home

city every day,” Adams said in a statement last week. “The extension of this successful pilot allows the continuation of flexibility for our workforce and the protection of the core services that New Yorkers rely on every day.”

For those who are not able to work remotely, the city in 2023 also agreed to a compressed work schedule in that would not affect city services. The program extension will run through May 31, 2026.

MacKay also said that video calling platforms such as Zoom may have taken another five to 10 years to become ubiquitous for workplace meetings, but Covid-19 moved up the timeline.

“We were heading that way anyway,” MacKay said. “Without Covid19, “it would not have happened as fast ... It forced the issue. People started working from home and in the end some were like, ‘I kind of like it.’”

school communities for putting the safety and schooling of our youngest New Yorkers first.”

In addition to virtual learning, students can receive online therapy through NYC Teenspace. Offered by the city Health Department, the program connects teens ages 13 to 17 with a licensed therapist.

The DOE also has one fully virtual and one fully hybrid school, and students may sign up for accelerated and advanced courses via the Virtual Learning Classrooms program.

Entertainment options

Despite the recent closure of the College Point and Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas, MacKay said the film industry is bouncing back.

something they wouldn’t do before.”

MacKay said he is noticing that if people are feeling sick, instead of forcing themselves to go to events out of obligation, they put their health first and simply stay home.

The city Department of Health said it does not have data on mask wearing.

Ambulance strains

Oren Barzilay, the FDNY EMS Local 2507 president, said emergency response times have jumped significantly since the pandemic.

There are also open street programs next to schools, Siff said, because a lot of city schools, especially in Jackson Heights, do not have space for play outdoors.

“Council District 25 ranks last per capita in park space in all of New York City,” said Siff. “Our closest park is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and to get to that park we would have to cross a highway ... There are seven to nine public schools within a block of the open street and a lot of these schools are Title I schools.”

Kids flood Paseo Park after school is let out, said Siff.

According to a 2020 report from the city Independent Budget Office, Jackson Heights had as little as 2 square feet of park space per resident. There also is a lack of community centers in the area, said Siff.

“This open street has become a

A lot more people are working remotely or have a hybrid schedule, as noted by Rob MacKay, the community deputy director for Queens Economic Development Corp.

“It’s not necessarily bad for Queens,” said MacKay. “If people are working at home instead of going into Manhattan, they are more apt to spend their money on lunch in Queens.”

The Mayor’s Office said on Monday roughly 25,000 to 30,000 city employees work from home.

Last Tuesday, Mayor Adams and District Council 37 announced a oneyear extension of a remote work pilot program previously agreed to by the city and the union May 31, 2023.

“As we continue to settle into our post-pandemic reality, we must ensure that we continue to make city employment an attractive and accessible option for the working-class New Yorkers who serve and run this

MacKay said he went from probably using Zoom a few times a year to three times a day.

Virtual education

Gone are snow days at New York City public schools.

Before the pandemic, the city Department of Education did not have a formal remote education program, but now it employs remote learning during weather events that prevent students from traveling.

“The pandemic was a time when every member of our school communities stepped up, from the school food service workers feeding the community, to our IT teams distributing devices, to our educators making the quick pivot to remote learning, just to name a few,” said a DOE spokeswoman. “We are grateful to our partners across the city, at the [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], and most of all to our

“The Museum of the Moving Image is cranking and the commercial ones like Midway in Forest Hills, Kaufman in Long Island City are still doing fine,” he said.

In 2019, response times to lifethreatening medical emergencies were four minutes and 38 seconds to six minutes on average, citywide, but in Queens, they are about eight minutes and 19 seconds now.

“New Yorkers love outdoor dining.”

While MacKay acknowledges that streaming platforms such as Netflix have taken a bite out of the film industry’s profits, he said its real competition are videogames.

— Ydanis Rodriguez, DOT commissioner

“Yes, you can watch a movie on Netflix, but it is a completely different experience than a large screen and people are missing that,” said MacKay.

MacKay, who is also the director of the Queens Tourism Council, said he has noticed less mask wearing since the height of Covid-19 but varied impacts socially.

“It’s fair to say we are back and roaring again,” said MacKay. “You don’t have to show whether or not you are vaccinated anymore. People are even going to small theaters,

Barzilay told the Chronicle that EMTs and paramedics are the lowest-paid emergency professionals and after the deaths of several during the pandemic, combined with the low wages and the stress of the job, they are leaving in droves for the FDNY and other city jobs.

“The city is scrambling to take people who have offline positions,” in operations and administration “to staff the ambulance,” said Barzilay. “They are anticipating 1,500 [EMS workers] leaving in the next year. A thousand people will become firefighters, but the rest will just resign.”

“I sit on the state EMS Council,” he added. “We have less and less people interested in joining or becoming an EMT or paramedic.” Q Find more Covid remembrance stories tagged “SARS-CoV-2: five years later” in print or at qchron.com throughout March.

Jackson Heights residents including Myrna Tinoco, loudspeaker in hand, rallied in 2020 to make Paseo Park, first called the 34th Avenue Open Street, a permanent fixture in the neighborhood.

PHOTO BY RON DUNN

Covid book

continued from page 12

cal sections, and Tiu returns with an update in late May 2020. “My hair is finally growing back, which I wasn’t too worried about,” it begins. “I wasn’t the only one who lost hair due to stress.”

The book has 72 entries, spanning from early 2020 to 2023, along with Snyder’s introductions and conclusion. Among the other Queens people featured is Damien LaRock of Douglaston, a special education teacher at PS 148 in East Elmhurst. He recalled the unplanned final day of in-person school in spring 2020.

“Friday, March 13, was the last day that teachers and students were all together in the school building,” LaRock says. “My coteacher and I said, ‘Okay, all right, kids, it’s Friday afternoon, we’ve got the weekend ahead of us. Things are changing so quickly day to day. Take your math book home, take your writing folder home.’”

The students did not return Monday, and not for a long time to come.

“When the City Stopped” is available from the Cornell University Press, Amazon and elsewhere for $19.95. Q

Find more Covid remembrance stories tagged “SARS-CoV-2: five years later” in print or at qchron.com from throughout March.

Postal workers union rallies

continued from page 4

enue game. We made about $80 billion last year, and Wall Street would love to get their hands on it. And the only way for them to get their hands on it is to privatize it. And once things go private, it’s all about profits.”

He continued, “We’re the United States Postal Service. Keyword is ‘service.’ We provide a service to the American public.”

Evans said that USPS provides something called “last-mile delivery” — meaning the agency works with other shipping companies to complete the final leg of deliveries when it’s not profitable.

“So, if it gets privatized, you can forget about people who live in rural America, or 50 miles away from a post office,” he said. “They’ll be severely impacted.”

At one point during a rally, a man wearing a President Trump hat walked through the crowd and proceeded to egg on the protestors, jeering, “Go Trump!” at some of them, who were undetered. After around a minute or two, he left.

Asked about that, Evans said, “Everybody is entitled to who they vote for. This is not about Donald Trump. This has nothing to do with what side of the aisle you’re on — this is about the Postal Service. Whether you voted Democrat or Republican, you’re still a customer of the Postal Service. It’s not like if you voted for Donald Trump, you get a discount if it gets privatized.”

Evans shared a memo from Wells Fargo, which did research on the potential privatization of the postal service.

Wells Fargo, in the memo, suggested splitting mail and parcel businesses with maintaining mail operations as a government enterprise.

“Parcel could be carved out and sold or IPOed,” the memo said. “In any feasible scenario of improvement at USPS (privatization or profit improvement plan) we believe raising prices would be likely, which would be positive for FedEx & UPS.”

The authors estimated that USPS would need to raise prices 30 to 140 percent.

“It’s all clearly about profit,” Evans said. “And we want the people to know that this is your post office. Don’t let them take it.” Q

PS 45 wins a library grant

A South Ozone Park school is one of two lucky winners to receive a Vital Instructional Transformative Accessible Learning grant for its library program, the city Department of Education announced last Friday.

PS 45, the Clarence Witherspoon School, at 126-28 150 St., was chosen from a pool of 136 applicants to receive $50,000 for its library and the formation of a library advisory committee.

The VITAL Libraries initiative aims to reimagine school libraries in high-need environments by enhancing their function, purpose and overall potential, the DOE said in a press release. The library advisory committee will help develop a sustainable program that directly benefits and empowers its students.

The grant’s selection process included in-person interviews with the finalists, who were evaluated on their vision, administrative support, current library development and plans for using the grant funding. The other winner was Edward R. Reynolds West Side High School in Manhattan.

—

Q

Kristen Guglielmo

A supporter of President Trump briefly jeered at some protesting outside of the post office.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

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 classification.

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 Current Rates 04/01/25

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 First 10 therms or less $371.43 $393.86

10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.2308 $0.2373 Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.2965 $0.3047

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

Monthly usage Current 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 Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/25

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00 Over 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

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

S.C. No. 1BR, 17-1BR-Residential Heating Service

First 3 therms or less

47 therms, per therm

04/01/25

$35.00

$0.3857

Current Rates 04/01/25

First 3 therms or less $41.33

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

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

997 therms, per therm

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

Monthly

Over 1,000 therms, per therm $0.3692 $0.3992

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

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per

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

Current Rates 04/01/25

$48.00

$55.00

$0.3920 $0.3559

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

S.C. 4A, 17-4A – High Load Factor

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

S.C.

–

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).

Chronicle wins four awards in contest

Coverage of religion, tech special, photo spread and editorial pages

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The Queens Chronicle won four awards at the New York Press Association’s annual spring conference, held last Thursday and Friday in upstate Saratoga Springs.

Three of the four were for first place, and one for second place.

Submissions to the contest are always judged by members of another state’s press association to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. This year it was Missouri, judging work done throughout 2024.

The judges offered brief comments on the winning entries, as is tradition.

One of the Chronicle’s awards was in the Historical, Anniversary, or Progress Editions category. The paper won first place with its 27th Annual Celebration of Queens special supplement, “On the cutting edge.”

“Good variety of topics showcasing progress in a specific location,” the judge said. “Technical but easy to comprehend.”

With articles on artificial intelligence and other tech advances in a variety of sectors, all with a Queens focus, the supplement is found at qchron.com/special_sections/ celebration_of_queens.

Another first-place honor came in the Coverage of Religion category, with more than a dozen articles submitted for that.

The 27th Annual Celebration of Queens special supplement, “On the cutting edge” won a first-place award, as did a photo spread on the Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill and the Chronicle’s overall coverage of religion, including stories on the challenges faced by parishio ners at Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, whose worship has been compicated by the Jamaica Avenue Busway.

“The coverage of the different denominations/relations and the eyecatching photos set this apart,” the judge said.

Photographer Michael Shain won a firstplace award in the Picture Story category, for his photo spread on the Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, curated and laid out on the page by Editor Kristen Guglielmo.

“Entries throughout this category captured good moments,” the judge said.

“Images by our winner captured a fabulous spirit of active subjects and their color splattering. Fun to view. Vibrant little moments. Moments are our friend.”

The Chronicle also came in second place in the Best Editorial Page category, for work

mostly done by this writer and Production Manager Gregg Cohen. The paper had to submit three sets of opinion pages to enter.

“Lots of important local content/art and cartoons,” the judge said.

The contest saw 132 newspapers participate, with 2,082 entries submitted in 68 categories, NYPA said. Q

B SPORTS EAT

End of the dance

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

In the end, St. John’s University Red Storm men’s basketball fans will have to settle for their team winning their first game in the N CAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 25 years. Any dreams of the Red Storm commemorating the 40th anniversary of Chris Mullin and Walter Berry leading SJU to the Final Four came crashing down last Saturday afternoon in Providence when the University of Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the Johnnies, 75-66.

The Red Storm were done in by extremely poor outside shooting. They only hit two threepointers and were clanging shots off the rim in the final three minutes when they desperately needed to trim the Razorbacks’ lead.

It is natural to wonder if all the necessary second-half comebacks the Red Storm had to make in March games may have finally caught up with them Saturday.

The big media story leading up to the matchup with Arkansas was that their legendary head coaches, Rick Pitino and John Calipari, did not like each other. The two made it clear that rumor was patently false. Both showed class and humor in dealing with the press inquiries. “John has nothing to worry about. My jump shot is long gone!” Pitino cracked.

If there is any consolation for Red Storm fans it is that the NCAA selection committee

placed them in the West regional bracket instead of the East. Had they placed St. John’s in the East regional they would have played the Sweet 16/Elite Eight round at Prudential Center in Newark. If SJU had left Providence victorious, they would have been in San Francisco this weekend, a tougher road trip for the fans.

It would have been interesting to see if there would have been cries of favoritism had St. John’s made it to the Final Four in San Antonio, as Queens native Ian Eagle will handle play-byplay duties. He is a pro who calls things down the middle, but when did that ever stop keyboard warriors from making spurious complaints?

The CBS and Turner March Madness broadcasters did an impressive job paying tribute to the late Greg Gumbel, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in December. Gumbel was a fixture hosting “Selection Sunday,” as well as anchoring the studio desk for NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for years. Adam Zucker has done an admirable job replacing Gumbel.

The passing of two-time heavyweight boxing champion and 1968 Olympics gold medalist George Foreman elicited an outpouring of tributes. Foreman was the last surviving member of the triumvirate of heavyweight legends who fought each other in the 1970s. The other two of course were Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Q

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

Neir’s gives Mets fans nights to remember

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Chuck Rammelkamp, 86, has been a New York Mets fan since April 1962, after having his heart broken when the Brooklyn Dodgers left for Los Angeles. But he’s been a Neir’s fan even longer.

Rammelkamp’s first visit to Neir’s Tavern, at 87-48 78 St., was in the late 1950s — and he’s been making memories there since. His new favorite memory at Neir’s happened last month, when Mr. and Mrs. Met, the team’s mascots, headed to the tavern to meet and greet fans.

Rammelkamp, who sometimes goes by the moniker Mr. Met himself due to his penchant for wearing team colors and merchandise, was delighted to have his two favorite things, Neir’s and the Amazin’s, in one place.

All Mets fans can make their own memories at Neir’s this baseball season, as many fans gather there to cheer on the team together. Even the bartender gets in on the fun, using a bullhorn to incite

“Let’s go Mets” chants. Kim Cherevas, the executive assistant at Neir’s, said in a statement, “We bleed blue and orange here, from the first pitch on Opening Day to the final game of the season, which hopefully this year will culminate in a World Series win for our favorite NY team!”

Chuck Rammelkamp, left, is a lifelong Mets fan and longtime regular of Woodhaven’s Neir’s Tavern, owned by Loycent Gordon, right. PHOTO COURTESY NEIRS TAVERN

atsfun

March 27, 2025

CULTURE & LIVING

by Michael Gannon

Have you ever looked to combine an international food extravaganza with competitive shopping and a walking tour of the five boroughs?

Welcome to the annual Street Vendor Scavenger Quest, a three-week event in which teams of up to 10 members compete for prizes, bragging rights and bargains on food, clothing and other merchandise, all while meeting and supporting the city’s street vendors. It is run by the Street Vendor Project, part of the Urban Justice Center, a citywide group based in Manhattan.

It runs this year from April 5

through 25 — around the clock if contestants can find a participating vendor operating late or overnight.

Team up now for Street Vendor Scavenger Quest

“It’s a fun competition that all New Yorkers can participate in,” said Mohamed Attia, managing director of the Street Vendor Project. “Folks sign up to play and form teams. The groups upload an app that gives them challenges and missions. And over the span of three weeks people are competing.”

Each mission is assigned a given number of points.

At the end of the competition, the top groups win prizes. Information on registration and the Scavenger Quest in general can be found at tinyurl.com/5xd72fuf or at (646) 923-8935. The entry fee is $45 for teams from one to five players and $75 for six to 10.

“People really compete,” Attia said. “You can keep working on challenges — day or night. Over

the weekends.”

An assignment could be to meet a given food vendor in Brooklyn or buy a certain ethnic dish or delicacy from Corona or Flushing.

“A mission could be food,” Attia said. “It could be merchandise. It could be an artist working on the street.”

Teams gain points by uploading photos of themselves with a certain vendor or with an assigned purchase such as an article of clothing or jewelry to prove they have completed the mission.

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Cunningham parked it in Forest Hills in 1930

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

William Arthur Cunningham was born in Manhattan on Oct. 6, 1894. He graduated Fordham Law School in 1915. He went to war, serving as a major in World War I, was decorated for bravery and received the Purple Heart. He married Agnes Quinn in 1927. They had two sons and moved from Brooklyn to 68-10 108 St. in Forest Hills in 1930.

As a soldier, businessman and lawyer, he ran on Mayor LaGuardia’s fusion ticket in 1933 for city comptroller. He won with no political experience. Upon entering office he discovered how deeply in debt the city was.

On May 6, 1934, while horseback riding with the son of the Brooklyn borough president, he suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 39 years old.

In 1935 the Board of Aldermen decided to rename Hillside Park Cunningham Park. In

June 1936, his 7-year-old son unveiled a statue of him in the dedication ceremony. The city continued to add parcels to the park from 1940 to 1944. It also lost some space to road and other projects, and now totals 358 acres. Today people who knew Cunningham are gone and he is largely forgotten. The park, however, has become more famous than he ever was for his short time in office. Q

The home of former New York City Comptroller W. Arthur Cunningham was at 68-10 108 St. in Forest Hills. Following his sudden passing, Hillside Park was renamed in his honor. NYC Parks debuted this bust of Cunningham in 1941.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; NYC PARKS PHOTO, INSET

Rocking the boat with laughter in Middle Village

by Stephanie G. Meditz associate editor

All aboard the Faiths of All Nations cruise for a little escape from reality in the form of a variety show inspired by the Catholic and Jewish faiths, plus all that unites them.

Maggie’s Little Theater’s production of “Meshuggah-Nuns!” in the St. Margaret Parish Hall at 66-05 79 Place, reviewed on Sunday, allows audiences to set sail on a musical journey full of heart and silliness, a perfect getaway from life’s daily stresses.

When Dan Goggin, writer of the “Nunsense” series, places his beloved Little Sisters of Hoboken on the ship, the entire cast of the planned production of “Fiddler on the Roof” falls seasick, save for Howard Liszt, the actor playing the lead role of Tevye. It is then up to the nuns and one Jewish man to provide entertainment, which they do through song, dance and audience interaction.

“It’s a mash-up of multiple religions and how there’s a whole lot that they have in common, and it’s just a real wacky, beautiful, zany show,” director Monica Maddock told the Chronicle.

Shortly after the characters walk around the theater and welcome attendees individually, one of the earliest moments in the show is a magic act by Sister Mary Paul, or

“Meshuggah-Nuns!”

Amnesia, played by Alie Campbell. Campbell’s unassuming, playful demeanor onstage is such that even she seems a bit surprised when she performs her tricks successfully — the character got her nickname after she was hit in the head with a crucifix.

But weaved into the silliness is a palpable sense of acceptance. Alan Perkins, who plays Howard, told the Chronicle that his character is personable and truly has fun

bonding with the nuns, about whom he knows nothing at first.

In the song “Say it in Yiddish,” Howard informs both the audience and Reverend Mother, played by Maddock, just how many commonly used words come from the language, including “schlep” and “glitz.”

Later on, when Sister Mary Amnesia tells Howard she brought him a comfort meal of bagels and lox, neither he nor the audience

expects her to reenter carrying a plate of padlocked rolls.

“They all just kind of get to know each other and get to know each other’s cultures,” Perkins said. “It’s a fun role.”

Maddock said part of her directorial vision was to bridge the gap between the show’s roots, as it premiered in 2002, and the modern era. The show does exactly that, as characters crack jokes that resonate with audience members young and old.

When the show resumes after intermission, theater buffs can chuckle at its hilarious blend of modern musicals and religion — “My Shot” from “Hamilton” gets a Catholic spin about fasting, and Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” evolves into “Lent.”

“The choice of this show was very exciting for us, because we’ve been feeling just in general that the community needs something fun and light and uplifting, and this show really hits all of those marks,” said Dolores Voyer, one of the show’s producers who also does its lighting. She and her husband, Ed, handle the sound effects as well.

One may visit maggieslittletheater.org or call (347) 286-8508 for more information. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and children 15 and under. The remaining performances will take place on March 29 and 30 and April 5 and 6. Q

Finding food and fun on the streets of the city

continued from page 27

Most of the vendors have been made aware through meetings, social media, email blasts and other means.

“But we do ask that folks get consent from a vendor before taking a picture,” Attia said.

Last year’s theme was “Law & Order,“ with challenges based on the long-running police procedurals that have filmed in New York City for decades.

Crossword Answers

But Attia said the game’s origins were very serious, its genesis in a New York City that was emerging from the Covid pandemic, which hit the immigrant community and the street vendor industry hard.

“We were trying to find a way to engage people, getting them out and about and engaging with vendors,” he said.

The money raised will go toward the Street Vendor Project’s efforts in support of and advocacy for its 3,000-plus members

Joaquina Varillas began vending in Corona in 2021, and has participated in the past.

She sells chalupas, gorditas and tlacoyos that she learned to craft in her native city of Puebla in Mexico.

Speaking through an interpreter, she said vendors and their customers all can enjoy the Scavenger Quest.

“It’s an opportunity for everybody to come out and get to know the different types of product vendors sell,” Varillas said.

“Not just Latinos, but all nationalities.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come out and support street vendors, who are being faced with a lot of challenges in the current climate. It is great for people to come out and just have a nice, family-

Two participants from last years “Law and Order”-themed quest get into character and some barbecue. On the cover: Contestants find food and fun in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge.

friendly time out in the sun, visiting street vendors and traveling all around the city.”

And yes, Attia said, not even a Staten Island challenge will cause a die-hard to think twice.

“They jump off the ferry and say, ‘Where are the vendors?’” he said. “They go to Richmond Avenue to find some vendors, get some food, some products, take their pictures and get the points!” Q

at Maggie’s Little Theater transports audience members to a cruise ship for a silly, fun show with themes of love and acceptance.

PHOTO BY DOLORES VOYER

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NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, CMG MORTGAGE INC, Plaintiff, vs. JON PHILLIPS, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 10, 2024 and Order Appointing Subsitiute Referee entered on February 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the second floor in Courtroom 25 Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 119-35 219TH ST, CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NEW YORK 114112004. 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, Block: 12779, Lot: 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $625,961.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 705439/2018. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. All parties shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies concerning Public Auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term Website (https://www.nycourts. gov/LegacyPDFS/COURTS/11jd/ supreme/civilterm/partrules/ Foreclosure_Auction_Rules.pdf

For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832.

MICHAEL CERVINI, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -against- JOHN DERGOSITS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on January 13, 2025, wherein JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and JOHN DERGOSITS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on April 11, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 41-33 PARSONS BOULEVARD, UNIT 8A, FLUSHING, NY 11355; and the following tax map identification: 5051-1118. THE UNIT KNOWN AS UNIT NO. 8A (THE “UNIT”) IN THE PREMISES KNOWN AS AND BY 33 PARSONS PLAZA CONDOMINIUM AND LOCATED AT 41-33 PARSONS BOULEVARD, FLUSHING, NEW YORK, 11355 QUEENS COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED AS UNIT NO. 8A IN THE DECLARATION ESTABLISHING A PLAN FOR CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP OF THE BUILDING AND THE LAND ON WHICH IT IS ERECTED (HEREINAFTER CALLED THE “PROPERTY”), UNDER THE CONDOMINIUM ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (ARTICLE 9-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED 5.2632% INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE PROPERTY (HEREINAFTER CALLED THE “COMMON ELEMENT”). ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 700901/2023. Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Legal Notices

Sapphire Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing of Central Queens Non-Discrimination Policy In Accordance with State And Federal Law, that, Sapphire Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing of Central Queens shall ensure that no person in the United States Of America shall, on grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, religion, handicap or mental disability, age, marital or family status, blindness, source of payment or sponsorship, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, activity provided by the facility, including but not limited to, the admission, care and retention of residents.

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Restaurant-Liquor License, NYS Application ID NA-0340-25-106326 has been applied for by 3938 Bell Enterprises Inc d/b/a Papazzio to sell liquor, beer, wine and cider at retail in an on-premises Restaurant-Liquor establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 39-38 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361.

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.

50-94 194 STREET LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/17/25. Office: Queens County. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Danielle Winfield, 23 W. 69 St., Apt. A., NY, NY 10023. Purpose: any legal purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY FRANK BIANCANIELLO and JOSEPH GULOTTA v. ZDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LLC, et al. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated September 17, 2024 and filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Queens County on October 9, 2024, bearing Index no. 715701/2022, I will sell at public auction on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 am in the second floor, Courtroom 25 of the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, the premises known as 25-54 12th Street, Unit 5A, Astoria, NY 11102 (Block: 904, Lot: 1013) and 25-54 12th Street, Unit 5C, Astoria, NY 11102 (Block 904, Lot: 1015). Premises sold subject to filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $1,031,821.72 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the Unified Court System Safety and Operational Protocols in effect at this time. Auction location and time are subject to revision based on Court policy, current protocols and health conditions. Arthur Nicholas Terranova, Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Restaurant-Liquor License, NYS Application ID NA-0340-25-105761 has been applied for by Soothr Koon Limited to sell liquor, beer, wine and cider at retail in an on-premises Restaurant-Liquor establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 25-20 43rd Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101.

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Open House

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 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Beach, 1 BR. Gas & electric incl. Asking $1,600/mo & security dep. 917-371-1324

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Fabulous & spacious 4,000 sqft, 60x100 lot. 5 BR, 3.5 baths, 3 levels, resort style yard, 1.5 car attached gar. Asking $2,745,000. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

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Legal Notices

590 Quincy Street LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/28/2025. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 21-14 Elk Dr, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: any lawful act.

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.

Howard Beach, Sat 3/29 12-3pm, 164-33 97 St. Impeccably maintained mother/daughter style hiranch, 4 BRs, 2 1/2 baths, hardwood flrs & abundant storage space. Walking distance to Charles Park. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175

Howard Beach, Sat 3/29, 2pm-4pm, 159-29 92 St. Updated Mother/Daughter HiRanch. 5 BRs, 3 bathrooms, Solar Panels, Large aboveground swimming pool, private drive. Jerry Fink Real Estate, Call Richard 347-600-5860

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sat 3/29, 1pm-3pm & Sun 3/30 12pm-2pm, 78-07 153 Ave. Bell #2. Greentree Condo Townhouse, 3/4 BR, 2 baths, 2 terr, granite kit, SS appli, Immaculate cond. Asking $519K, Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sun 3/30 1pm-3pm, 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 $1,375,000. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

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Legal Notices

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.

Notice of Formation of BOOKS TO TAX SOLUTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/01/2024 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: NICK TYLIPAKIS, 244-27 61ST AVENUE, DOUGLASTON, NY 11362. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Howard

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST SIMONE K. ISAACS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on April 25, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 220-32 137th Avenue, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13125 and Lot 28. Approximate amount of judgment $861,881.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #717460/2022. Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-002535 84834

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.

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 SALE SUPREME

COURT QUEENS COUNTY

QUEST TRUST COMPANY

FBO ELIZABETH HAUG IRA #3101621, Plaintiff against CLARA YRVANIA DIAZ, et al

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstCHITROWTIE GHANESS, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on August 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CHITROWTIE GHANESS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at THE QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on April 25, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 90-23 184TH STREET, HOLLIS, NY 11423; and the following tax map identification: 9905-58.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 700221/2021. Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES

Notice of Formation of DEEDESIGNS4U LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/11/2024. 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 LLC, 6641 69TH ST APT 2C, MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 19, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 91-52 112th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Block 9318 Lot 14. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $238,421.55 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 714155/2021. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Lamont R. Bailey, Esq., Referee File # 20-0966

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.

Notice of Formation of SETSBYLANAH, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/11/2025 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: ALANAH KLEIN, 64-46 AUSTIN ST, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY ASPEN PROPERTIES GROUP, LLC AS TRUSTEE OF AG3 REVOCABLE TRUST, Plaintiff against ELAINE HUITT, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 10, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 18918 Keeseville Avenue, Saint Albans, NY 11412. Block 10440 Lot 9. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $116,642.80 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 712333/2020. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Michael Cervini, Esq., Referee File # 6918741

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.

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.

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS FORECLOSURE ACTION Index No.: 709883/2017 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 94-35 199th Street a/k/a 9435 199th Street a/k/a 94 35 199th Street Hollis, NY 11423 Block 10831 Lot 15 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST 2006-FRE2, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff, v. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE JACQUES HILAIRE A/K/A JACQUES H. HILAIRE A/K/A JACQUES U. HILAIRE IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, MARIE J. HILAIRE A/K/A JOCELYNE HILAIRE, CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, MARK HILAIRE AS JOHN DOE #1, VANESSA HILAIRE AS JOHN DOE #2, CYNTHIA HILAIRE AS JOHN DOE #3, SHALIA HILAIRE AS JOHN DOE #4, TRACY HILAIRE AS JOHN DOE #5, TROY WATSON AS JOHN DOE #6, RICHARD ABEL AS JOHN DOE #7, MARIE ABEL AS JOHN DOE #8, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, 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 thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, 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 is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Laurentina S. McKetney Butler Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 20th day of February, 2025, at Queens County, New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: Block 10831 Lot 15 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hollis, in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, and bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southeasterly side of 199th Street, formerly Howard Place, distant 334 feet Southeasterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southeasterly side of 199th Street with the Southerly side of Jamaica Avenue; RUNNING THENCE Southeasterly at right angles with 199th Street 105.72 feet; THENCE Southwesterly parallel with 199th Street, 34 feet; THENCE Northwesterly and again at right angles to 199th Street, 105.72 feet to the southeasterly side of 199th Street, and THENCE Northwesterly and along the said southeasterly side of 199th Street, 34 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 94-35 199th Street a/k/a 9435 199th Street a/k/a 94 35 199th Street, Hollis, NY 11423. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072

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 being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having 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 interest 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 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 and Unknown Heirs of 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, 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 publication 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., Mortgage 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 DOMX LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/25/2025 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: THE LLC, 8824 242ND ST, BELLEROSE, NY 11426. 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 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.

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, -against- LINDA NATALUK KLOOCK, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THE MARYANNE NATALUK; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARYANNE NATALUK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; DENNIS NATALUK, Defendants - Index No. 706419/2018 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. 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 Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 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. That this Second Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 3, 2025. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an or der of the Honorable Claudia Lanzetta, J.S.C. Dated: February 3, 2025 Filed: February 7, 2025. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 5818 190th Street, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Dated: October 10, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo Regina, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 P: (212) 5245000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982

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.