Queens Chronicle South Edition 01-05-17 by Queens Chronicle

C M SQ page 1 Y K SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XL

NO. 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

QCHRON.COM

MAKING PROGRESS? Build it Back reaches 60 percent completion

PAGE 4

Serving The Senior Community of Queens

PHOTO LINEUP ‘East of East River’ lensman captures LIC and Astoria

SEE qboro, PAGE 27

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

PAGE 23

A train ties for last place in service report PAGES 6 AND 8 Hordes of people wait for a Manhattan-bound A train at Lefferts Boulevard early Wednesday morning, a common sight on the line. Due to its tendency to be overcrowded and unreliable, the line earned the honor of being named the worst in the city by the Straphangers Campaign.

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High grades for Gov. Cuomo’s tuition plan Queens native stands beside U.S. Sen. Sanders to offer free college for many by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

tanding with the man who popularized the idea of making college free of charge across the nation, Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday announced his proposal to offer hundreds of thousands of New York residents the chance to attend SUNY and CUNY fouryear and community colleges without having to pay tuition. “The rule of the game was everybody has a fair shot at success — that is America,” Cuomo said at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City. “And when you take that away, you take away the spirit and the values that made this country this country ... College is a mandatory step if you really want to be a success.” The program, called the Excelsior Scholarship, would make it so full-time students from households making less than $125,000 would not have to pay tuition. That threshold, however, would be $100,000 at the start of the 201718 school year, $110,000 the next and finally the $125,000 starting in 2019. The Queens native made his announcement alongside U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who during his presidential campaign last year proposed making all colleges tuition free. “If we are going to have an economy that creates the kinds of jobs that we need for our

Gov. Cuomo, left, introduces U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, center, at a press conference at LaGuardia Community College to propose free tuition at public universities in the state. They are joined PHOTO COURTESY NYS by Bill Thompson, chairman of the CUNY Board of Trustees. people, we must have the best-educated workforce in the world,” Sanders said. “And today what Governor Cuomo is proposing is a revolutionary idea for higher education and it’s an idea that is going to reverberate not only throughout the State of New York, but throughout this country.” The proposal, which requires legislative

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approval, received high marks from Queens elected officials. “In today’s world, college has become not a privilege, but a necessary step for working individuals of all fields,” said state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), a member of the Education Committee who has previously sponsored similar legislation. “Unfor-

tunately, college comes with a price tag that few can afford without burdensome loans. The proposal presented by Governor Cuomo and supported by Senator Bernie Sanders is an important step toward equal access to higher education.” State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), also an Education Committee member, said “whenever we can drop the tuition costs, even make it free, that’s great. “Nothing pleases me more than free, quality education for our residents,” he added. If approved, the Excelsior Scholarship would be paid for using existing state admission aid programs, such as the Tuition Assistance Program — which already shells out close to $1 billion in education aid per year. The state estimates that once in full effect, the scholarship will cost $163 million per year. There are 940,000 households statewide with college-aged children who could apply for the program, according to Cuomo’s office, which added that 80 percent of households make less than $125,000 a year. Although SUNY and CUNY colleges are considerably cheaper than private colleges — for example, a year at LaGuardia costs only $4,800 with all fees included — they are still out of reach for many New Yorkers. In 2015, the average student loan debt in the continued on page 21

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Now, in Howard Beach, NY, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives. Living with knee pain can feel like a crippling experience. Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as you used to be, and playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain keeps you from walking short distances or playing golf like you used to. Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your knees hurt and the pain just won’t go away! My name is Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C., owner of Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center. Since we opened seventeen years ago, I’ve seen hundreds of people with knee problems leave the office pain free. If you’re suffering from these conditions, a new breakthrough in medical technology may completely eliminate your pain and help restore normal function to your knees.

Do You Have Any of the Following Conditions? • Arthritis • Knee pain • Cartilage damage • ‘Bone-on-bone’ • Tendonitis • Bursitis • Crunching and popping sounds Finally, You Have an Option Other Than Drugs or Surgery

Before the FDA would clear the Class IV laser for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This lead to two landmark studies. The first study showed that patients who had laser therapy had 53 percent better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If the Class IV Laser can help these patients, it can help you too.

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain? For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy. What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before January 15, 2017 and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation). • A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll see everything firsthand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients. Until January 15th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323. Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before January 15th. Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C. P.S. Now you might be wondering…

“Is this safe? Are there any side effects or dangers to this?” The FDA cleared the first Class IV Laser in 2002. This was after their study found 76 percent improvement in patients with severe pain. Their only warning – don’t shine it in your eyes. Of course at our office, the laser is never anywhere near your eyes and we’ll give you a comfortable pair of goggles for safety. Don’t wait and let your knee problems get worse, disabling you for life. Take me up on my offer and call today (718) 845-2323. For more information go to www.drgucciardo.com and click on the laser therapy tab.

Federal and Medicare restrictions apply. Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo Upper, Cervical Chiropractor, Master Clinician in Nutrition Response Testing 162-07 91st Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 • (718) 845-2323

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New research in a treatment called Class IV Laser Therapy is having a profound effect on patients suffering with knee pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, the Class IV therapeutic laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage. Laser Therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and has been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance cold laser therapy could be your knee pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle. Professional athletes like The New York Yankees and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon cold laser therapy to treat their sports-related injuries. These guys use the cold laser for one reason only…

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

How To Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All... Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 4

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Whoa, we’re more than halfway there Build it Back completions reach 60 percent at end of 2016, spox says by Anthony O’Reilly

ised all homes in the pipeline would be completed by Dec. 31, 2016 but last OctoWhile not the 100 percent mark Mayor ber quietly admitted in the program’s de Blasio originally hoped for, the Build progress report that would not happen. In it Back program has completed work on that report, the new goal for the program 60 percent of the homes in the pipeline, was to reach 60 percent completion — according to statistics provided by a pro- which did happen. “T he tea m has gram spokesman. been hard at work Of the 5,349 in c o m ple t i n g hu n the recover y pro d reds of projects gram — started by he goal is 100 percent, and getting families Mayor Bloomberg home for the New in 2013 to help Sanwhether we make that Year. Every home dy-affected homeand family is owners — roughly goal this year or next. unique,” Amy Peter3, 2 0 0 h a ve s e e n When Build it Back is son, director of the work on their homes Mayor’s Office of completed, accorddone, that’s the goal.” Housing Recovery ing to the city-proOperations, said in a vided statistics. In — State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. statement. “This is addition to that, 81 (D-Howard Beach) painstaking work. percent of all strucWe intend to contint u res have seen ue to push the pace work start there. Those numbers are up 16 and 13 per- throughout the winter.” The spokesman added that an unspecicentage points, respectively. When Build it Back last updated the fied number of applicants have dropped general public in October, only 44 percent out of the program “to explore other conof homes had been completed and 68 per- st r uction options outside of Build it Back” and that others were unresponsive cent of them had seen any work started. In its email, Build it Back claims that to the city, “even after extensive outreach the rate of completions since then has efforts on our end.” State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard increased from 25 per week to 75 and that Beach) applauded the increased number of 840 projects have been finished. A spokesman for Build it Back said it completions under the program but said it expects to keep up that pace in the new year. should not take its eye off the ultimate prize. “Sixty percent is nice and of course I De Blasio in 2015 had originally promAssociate Editor

“T

The number of homes in the Build it Back pipeline is slowly increasing, having reached the 60 FILE PHOTO percent mark by the end of 2016. appreciate the efforts,” he said, adding, “The goal is 100 percent, whether we make that goal this year or next. When Build it Back is done, that’s the goal.” The senator, who has thousands of constit uents still awaiting help f rom

Build it Back, said he does not want to hear another timeline for when all houses may be done. “Don’t put stress on Build it Back or the homeowners,” he said. “Just do it and Q get the job done.”

First murder of 2017 in South Ozone Park Victim was in Queens for a funeral by Anthony O’Reilly For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The 106th Precinct’s commanding officer, Capt. Brian Bohannon, left, surveys PHOTO BY LLOYD MITCHELL the crime scene of the city’s first reported murder.

A Guyanese man who reportedly arrived in Queens just before the new year for his grandmother’s funeral was shot over a gold chain in South Ozone Park in the early hours of Jan. 1, according to police and published reports. It was the city’s first reported murder of the year. Cops say 31-year-old Rocky Kalisaran — who according to the NYPD was staying in Brooklyn, though published reports state he called the Caribbean home — was shot in front of 104-35 124 St., just off of Liberty Avenue, at 3:23 a.m. When police arrived, they found Kalisaran with gunshot wounds to his chest and a 24-year-old victim

— identified by published reports as his brother, Sunny — was found with shots in his back. Several reports state the two were victims of a botched robbery and the still-on-the-loose culprits were trying to take the deceased’s gold chain from him. The brothers were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where Rocky Kalisaran was pronounced dead. The shooting comes as the 106th Precinct just wrapped up a 2016 in which officers there saw more shootings and murders than they did the prior year. According to NYPD statistics through Christmas Day, there were 12 reported shootings in 2016 compared to 10 in 2015.

Capt. Brian Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, told members of the precinct community council last month not to worry about the slight spike — saying that the incidents were unrelated and his officers had made arrests on most of them. The year ended with triple the number of murders than it saw at the end of 2015 — nine compared to three. Anyone with information about Kalisaran’s murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers. com , or by t ex t i ng 274637 (CRIMES), then entering TIP577. All tips are strictly confidential. Q

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7 train critics don’t buy report’s ranking But those who take the A line agree it’s the worst in the five boroughs by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

C ou nci l m a n Ji m my Va n Br a me r (D-Sunnyside) had a simple response to the Straphangers Campaign’s annual report ranking the 7 train as tied for best in the city. “If the 7 train is the best line in the city, the state of our subways is truly a disgrace,” Van Bramer said in a statement. “The 7 train is regularly delayed and overcrowded, and many of the stations are falling apart.” The Straphangers report, released Dec. 29, said the 7 came in a three-way tie for first, along with the 1 and the L. Meanwhile, the A train tied with the 5 for the worst lines. The report ranks the lines with a MetroCard rating — the 7 got $2.05 and the A received a $1.50. A subway line could theoretically receive a top rating of $2.75, the price of a single ride. The lines were ranked after the group reviewed New York City Transit data including cleanliness, subway car breakdowns, how crowded it is and service provided during morning and evening rush hours. The report noted the 7 — which originates in Flushing and runs through Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Sunnyside and LIC before going into Manhattan and terminating at 34th Street-Hudson Yards — had “less frequent subway car breakdowns than the average subway line and the greatest percent of clean subway car interiors,” with a near perfect score of 99 percent. Responding to the study, Van Bramer said the 7 breaks down “all too often” and that commuters are left stranded. “Millions of New Yorkers rely on our subways every day — but all too often, riders are denied the service they deserve,” he said. “We must invest in our subways so New Yorkers can count on the trains to get them where they need to go.” The MTA did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

The 7 train came in a three-way tie for the best subway line in the city, an honor that two advocates believe is undeserved. Meanwhile, the A train joined the 5 as the two worst in the five FILE PHOTO boroughs. Melissa Orlando, a Sunnyside resident who founded the group 7 Train Blues, not only disagreed with the findings but with the methodology utilized by the Straphangers Campaign. “The report uses data from the MTA, which we know does not accurately reflect the reality of the commuters,” she said in a Tuesday interview. One such difference in the reality she observes and the one reflected in the report is the minutes between trains during rush hours. The report states there are 2 minutes and 30 seconds between trains in the morning rush hour, but Orlando says she’s been there when it takes more than six for another to come by. “Which is still not bad but it’s not what they’re telling us,” she said. Echoing Van Bramer’s comments, the transportation advocate said the 7 breaks down too often and is frequently overcrowded. The 7 and Q tied at 14 out of 20 for degree of crowding, from least to most. The R was the least crowded train and the 4 was the most overcrowded.

Orlando’s group — founded shortly after Mayor de Blasio proposed placing residential developments above Sunnyside Yards in an effort to chronicle commuters’ frustrations with the line — this year will collect its own data to put out a report on the 7. While there were differing opinions on that line’s ranking, nobody disagreed with the straphangers’ assessment of the A. “I think the report shows what we’ve been experiencing all along,” said Mike Scala, a frequent rider of the line and first vice-president of the Queens Public Transit Committee. “It’s been unreliable for as long as I can remember.” The A — which runs from Far Rockaway through Broad Channel, Howard Beach and parts of Ozone Park and Richmond Hill on its way to the top of Manhattan — was previously ranked the worst in 1999. Among the issues with the line, according to the report, is infrequent midday service and an above-average breakdown rate. It was the third-worst for regularity of service, ranked ninth for degree of crowding and tied for 10th, with the 2, for the amount of scheduled service.

Citing the infrequent service, Scala said the area deserves more transportation options — such as restoring the defunct Rockaway Beach Rail Line. He also said the restoration of ferry service in Rockaway, planned for later this year, will help alleviate some of the frustrations of South Queens commuters. But the fact that the A train — and so many others — are already overstressed may prevent the Rockaway Beach Rail Line’s restoration from becoming a reality, at least according to state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.’s conversation with the MTA. “This is why the MTA turns to me and says, ‘How can we do this?’” said Addabbo (D-Howard Beach). “This is a conversation we frequently have with the MTA.” The senator added that while some improvements have been made to the A, specifically in the Ozone Park and Richmond Hill areas, there is still more work to be done. “The MTA understands it’s a very popular, very stressed out line,” he said. “They do u nde r st a nd t h at it ne ed s t o b e addressed.” Maria Asaro, a member of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association and a frequent A train rider, has been on the line many times when it’s stayed in a station for several minutes. “It’s always a monetary consequence on the commuter,” she said. Asaro said the line could benefit from some policing, especially when it comes to people holding doors open and keeping the cars from moving to the next stop. The A train came in a three-way tie at 12th for interior cleanliness — along with the C and E. The cleanliness of the Howard BeachJFK Airport station was once a concern but Asaro said that has since subsided thanks to an increased number of garbage bins funded by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) at the request of the civic. “It’s been really immaculate or close to it,” she said. “I have to say they’re really Q being utilized.”

Cuomo lays out $10B JFK-Van Wyck plans Gov. Cuomo on Wednesday unveiled plans to invest nearly $10 billion in modernizing John F. Kennedy International Airport and the highways leading into and out of it. “New York never backs down from a challenge, rather we step up to take on the ambitious projects that are often thought to be impossible,” Cuomo said in a statement issued by his office. “That’s exactly what transforming JFK International Airport is all about.” Cuomo is seeking $7 billion in private investment by connecting all terminals, and modernizing or relocating older ones.

Complete redevelopment of airport His plan calls for redrawing the airport’s roadways and parking lots, and expanding aircraft taxiways to reduce flight delays. Cuomo also pointed to last month’s groundbreaking for a high-end hotel that incorporates the former TWA terminal as an example of what the state and airport authorities should be doing to encourage the development of first-class dining, shopping and duty-free amenities within

JFK’s boundaries. The governor also plans to launch a design competition for 20 crossings over the Van Wyck Expressway leading to and from the airport in an effort to reduce JFK’s legendary highway bottlenecks. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, was fully on board. “As the home to both New York City airports, Queens has become the borough

of growth while still remaining the borough of families,” Katz said. “Gov. Cuomo today unveiled a bold, ambitious, critical plan to overhaul JFK, while still accounti ng for it s i mpact on su r rou nd i ng communities.” Katz especially embraced the portion with significant enhancements to the Long Island Rail Road’s Jamaica Station, expanding the scope of work on the Kew Gardens Interchange and expanding the Van Wyck Expressway from three lanes into four to help abate the existing chronic Q bottleneck for drivers.

C M SQ page 7 Y K Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

A relief for NYC Sikh police officers NYPD will now allow officers to wear religious turbans, beards by Anthony O’Reilly

as possible, and I think this is going to go a long way to help us with that,” O’Neill said The Sikh Officers Association has 160 at a press conference. Before last Wednesday’s announcement, members — a number that might be much higher were it not for the longstanding poli- Sikh officers had to wear their turbans cy that previously banned officers from underneath their NYPD-mandated caps. Singh, who works in the Community wearing turbans while on patrol. “A lot of people wanted to sign up and Affairs bureau, said with the change, the serve their city, but at the same time they NYPD should expect an inf lux of new wanted to be able to stay true to their reli- officers. “You will have a gion,” said Gurvinlot more Sikhs trying der Singh, a Glen to get into the Police Oaks resident who ou will have a lot more D e p a r t m e n t ,” h e serves as president of said. the Si k h Off icers Sikhs trying to get into T he Glen Oa k s Association. T he policy was the Police Department.” resident and other Sikh officials have changed last — Gurvinder Singh, been fighting for the We d n e s d ay w h e n president of the Sikh Officers Association change in policy for Police Commissioner years. Ja mes O’Neill “I believe no one should have to choose announced Sikhs can wear a turban with the NYPD insignia on it, in addition to growing between their religion and profession; and their beards up to half an inch long. Previ- all Americans of all faiths should be ously, beards could only be up to a millime- allowed to freely exercise and display their ter in length. That policy still applies for religious choice at their place of employofficers growing beards not for religious ment,” said Assemblyman David Weprin reasons. For those wishing to have their ( D -Fr e sh Me a dows) , whose d ist r ic t facial hear up to half an inch long, approval includes many Sikhs. Weprin has sponsored legislation seeking must be granted by NYPD brass. “We want to make the NYPD as diverse similar policy changes upstate via the ReliAssociate Editor

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“The devil is in the details and we hope the NYPD recognizes that any trimming of the Sikh beard is in direct violation of the Sikh faith and would continue a policy that forces officers to make the false choice between their religion and service to our great city,” Sikh Coalition Legal Director Q Harsimran Kaur said in a statement.

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NYPD officers belonging to the Sikh religion join Police Commissioner James O’Neill, center, with PHOTO COURTESY SIKH OFFICERS ASSOCIATION the new turbans allowed by the force.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 8

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P Free tuition plan a good one EDITORIAL

hile it may not be quite as revolutionary as supporters said Monday, Gov. Cuomo’s proposal to make state college tuition-free for hundreds of thousands more New Yorkers is a great idea that should be implemented. Under Cuomo’s plan, which must be approved by the state Legislature, full-time students from families that earn up to $125,000 a year would see their tuition fully covered at any SUNY or CUNY school, both four-year and two-year. Right now, the state’s Tuition Assistance Program, which provides grants that can cover most of the cost of a four-year state college, is only open to those with household incomes up to $80,000. TAP gives out about $1 billion a year in financial aid, and Cuomo’s office said his plan would only cost another $163 million when fully implemented over three years. That’s not really all that much considering that it would enable an estimated 210,000 more students, all legal residents of the state, to go to school for free. Announced at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and CUNY Chairman Bill Thompson stood alongside

AGE

Cuomo, the plan won immediate praise in Queens. Flushing state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky agreed with Cuomo that college has become a necessity, while her colleague from Howard Beach, Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., said nothing pleases him more than “free, quality education.” Both are on the Higher Education Committee. Sanders contends that implementing Cuomo’s plan, called the Excelsior Scholarship after the state motto, Latin for “ever upward,” could spark similar programs nationwide. In that case it could make a real impact on the country’s growing student loan crisis. College costs are higher than ever before, but college degrees are more necessary than ever before. And it’s not as if students receiving Excelsior Scholarships would be getting a free ride — the plan would not cover books, room and board or any of the other costs of college. That means students would still have a big stake in making the most of their education, even as all of society would benefit by helping more of them get one. Sounds like a win-win situation — including, yes, for a governor who may have his eye on the White House — and we hope the Legislature agrees. Ever upward.

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Dear Editor: January is the month that you may apply to serve on your local community board. Community boards make advisory decisions on many aspects of neighborhood life, including on land use cases where variances and special permits have been requested, capital and expense budget matters, as well as issues concerning transportation, education, environmental concerns, parks, health and community facilities, to name some of the areas. Serving on a community board is a nonpaid, volunteer position. Queens Community Board 11, on which I serve, meets once a month, except in July and August. Board members are required to be part of a zoning committee from the area where they reside and are also encouraged to join a variety of standing committees of their choice. There is an application to fill out and a process to follow in order to join any community board. Contact your local community board office or your council member for further information if you are interested in joining. The local City Council member and the borough president select people to be on community boards from the applications that are submitted from the public. An appointment lasts two years and may be renewed by reapplying at the end of each term. Also remember that most communities have a civic association that advocates for improved services and better quality of life. Most civic © Copyright 2017 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374-7769.

The 7 train is No. 1?

s you stand in a frozen pack of folks waiting for the next 7 train to hit 74th-Broadway, because you couldn’t fit into the last one, maybe you could take the time to read the latest Straphangers Campaign report on the subways. There, you may be surprised to learn the 7 is tied for best train in the city. We were surprised. As full-time Councilman and part-time 7 critic Jimmy Van Bramer put it, “If the 7 train is the best line in the city, the state of our subways is truly a disgrace.” Sure is. OK, so the 7 may not be the dirtiest (maybe it’s often just too crowded to drop anything). And it’s not quite as annoying as the 4. But it’s often delayed, and when it is, it becomes incredibly overcrowded. And both its stations and its mechanical infrastructure need a lot of work, and seem like they always will. Rider Melissa Orlando, founder of the 7 Train Blues group, says the Straphangers report may be flawed because it used MTA data, which she contends does not accurately reflect reality. She’s probably on the right track. At the same time, the same report said the A train is tied for the worst in the city. That’s easy to believe. Regardless, what riders need as much as a new, three-stop subway in Manhattan is an investment in a serious modernization of the entire system, so it can better catch up to today’s demand.

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associations in Queens belong to the Queens Civic Congress, an umbrella organization of over 100 community groups made up of people who care for their neighborhoods and work hard at building better communities for all residents. Overdevelopment and inappropriate development are key concerns of most civic groups. I would encourage all homeowners to join their local civic organization. By working together, we can build stronger communities for ourselves and future generations. Henry Euler Bayside

No Smoke Towers Dear Editor: New Year’s Day started off great for the residents of North Shore Towers, the 1,844-apartment co-op in Floral Park, as it became the largest smoke-free private residential building complex in New York (another No. 1 ranking for Queens County) as well as the United States. Accolades must be extended to the Board of

Directors of NST for its decision to move forward with their progressive business decision and plan. The board recruited the assistance of a multitude of dedicated individuals from both within and outside the co-op to educate, communicate and advocate to their shareholders the benefits of a smoke-free apartment policy. That was a crucial step to motivate the shareholders to approve the proposed amendment. The result of their efforts was an overwhelming vote to approve the change. North Shore Towers is not the first market rate (or city-subsidized) residential complex to implement a smoke-free apartment policy. There are a growing number of co-ops, condos and rental buildings throughout the city. But I hope this addition to the smoke-free column will be a catalyst to others living in apartments to clear the shared air in their homes as well. It should also signal to landlords, property managers and developers that it is now OK to transition to smoke-free premises. You will not be on the frontier anymore. In California, 25 cities and counties have enacted laws prohibiting

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Dear Editor: The election was upsetting and shocking for all Democrats. But it’s time we take back our party, to make it more ref lective and inclusive. Political groups in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn and elsewhere are already taking the lead on this. I encourage everyone to join their local political clubs, run for local party positions and become engaged in the local fight. It’s the only way to truly have a representative party. You can join the effort in Queens by becoming a member of New Queens Democrats. Look us up on Facebook and visit our website, newqueensdems.org. Sahand Shahrabani Forest Hills

Aliens vs. Americans

Dear Editor: Folks, picture this. One day after Trump’s (opening day) celebration, he is conducting a “modus operandi” briefing with his White House staff. Here are some of his gems. “As of today, you are to call me Mr. CEO. You are to refer to my home as Trump House. While all presidents are given Secret Service protection, I will hire a Trump Security Team. To help you identify them, they will wear armbands with the letters TSS. “I will issue all policies from the Oval Boardroom — no longer called the Oval Office. I have instructed my maintenance staff to paint the portico iconic columns gold, my favorite color! If Harry Truman could add a balcony, I can change the eight columns from white to gold. “I have ordered a 6-foot portrait of the 45th President to be located in the East Room, so my billionaire tycoon supporters can admire me during state dinners. Now let’s get to work and ‘Make America Great Again.’” Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

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Actions, not words Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the Dec. 29 letter “Time to move on, people I” by Tom Hackert, who wrote in response to my letter on Dec. 22. First, Tom, if you are going to write, please spell my first name correctly. It is Carol without the “e” at the end! Second, why would Trump take a “Christmas vacation” when he just got to be presidentelect? That’s his job! He is supposed to get his guys in order and work with his transition team. It would be highly irresponsible to take time off. If Obama wants to take a holiday, he can. He’s been president for eight years; he deserves a vacation. Third, Trump is a narcissist, an egotist, a cheater, one who mistreats and disrespects women, and a bully. Not good character qualities for a president-to-be. Fourth, only 42 percent of people approve of Trump, but before Obama took office, his percentage rating was 68 percent. Trump got the lowest rating of any president-elect ever! Sometimes, Tom, different prayers get answered. Just remember, actions speak louder than words. We’ll see what the future brings. Happy New Year! Carol Lynn Lustgarten Forest Hills Editor’s note: We regret not catching the misspelling of the writer’s name.

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Dear Editor: I am an 81-year-old senior citizen who has worked my whole life and paid taxes up to the present time. I am greatly upset that the government has seen fit to tell us senior citizens who receive Social Security that there would be no cost of living increase for 2016, and now they have the nerve to tell us we will be getting a COLA for 2017 of a mere .03 percent — but because the Medicare insurance is going up, we will not be getting a higher monthly payment in 2017 but will in effect be receiving the same amount we received in 2016. This is completely unfair as the government continues to see fit to give free benefits to illegal aliens. We, American citizens and senior citizens, are told we will have our monthly benefits remain the same, but the illegal aliens continue to get free food, hospital and doctor visits, prescriptions, eyeglasses, hearing aids and who knows what else. All paid for with our tax dollars, which we are still paying. Our returning wounded servicemen and women have great difficulty getting appointments for hospitals, and some of them are dying while they wait for an appointment. And yet, any illegal alien can walk into almost any hos-

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pital and be seen immediately. And, they do not have to pay. Why should illegal aliens receive better treatment then returning wounded servicemen or women or senior citizens? And now we are accepting thousands of refugees from Syria we will also have to pay for. What is happening to this country we once loved so much? I’m sure the politicians have seen fit to give themselves ample salaries and pensions! Just a shame. Robert Horton Jackson Heights

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smoking in private residential units. Just ask Related Companies and Dunn Development, which have been in the forefront of building and managing smoke-free residential buildings. They will tell you that: 1. A smoke-free policy is a free amenity with no cost to the owner and it makes better business sense than allowing smoking; 2. The fire and property damage risk is appreciably reduced by operating a smoke-free residential building; and 3. For apartment rentals, the cleaning costs are significantly higher for turning over an apartment after a smoker moved out than a nonsmoking tenant. In addition, although some maintain the belief that transitioning to a smoke-free premises would create a legal liability for them or be a violation of someone’s civil rights, the truth is smokers are not a protected class, and by allowing a smoking policy to exist, the landlord is more susceptible to legal liability of violating a resident’s warranty of habitability. Phil Konigsberg Bay Terrace

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 10

C M SQ page 10 Y K

Crime in city parks jumps by 32 percent Flushing Meadows Corona Park has second-highest number of incidents by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Queens leaders are unsurprisingly unhappy with a 32 percent increase in crime at parks in the city, with Flushing Meadows Corona Park having 68 total incidents during a nine-month period. The report was done by NYC Park Advocates with crime statistic data for the nine-month period between January and September 2016 from the NYPD. “Obviously criminals feel safe being criminals in our city parks and there’s not a single elected official who apparently thinks this is an important issue to deal with,” Geoffrey Croft, the advocacy group’s president, told the Chronicle. The number of crimes reported was 955, compared to 721 for the same period in 2015. Violent crime rose by 19 percent, from 421 incidents to 502. Flushing Meadows Corona Park had the largest number of crimes in the report. It comes behind only Central Park, which was not part of NYC Park Advocates’ analysis and has its own police precinct. Some crimes in Queens green spaces have been in the news over the last year, both during the period reviewed by the advocacy group and after it. A teenage girl was raped at gunpoint in Detective Keith L. Williams Park in Jamaica in September. At Reiff Playground in Maspeth, anti-Semitic and anti-police graffiti was seen throughout the last few months of last year. Dead bodies were found in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Idlewild Park. In Travers Park in Jackson Heights, a man was stabbed with a knife and cut with a machete in August; a few months before that in the same park, a teenager was stabbed several times in gang-related violence. A man was assaulted in College Point Park in June and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital last month. And in July, a man was arrested for allegedly groping two joggers in Flushing Meadows. State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) says that more lighting in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and coordinated enforcement between the NYPD and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers would help lower crime in the green space. “I’m sure that there are not enough officers to patrol the park so we’ve got to improve both the number of patrols but also the enforcement [with the NYPD],” she said. State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) and Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Bronx, Queens) have called for the creation of an NYPD substation to patrol Flushing Meadows, most of which is under the jurisdiction of the 110th Precinct. “Currently it takes a patrol car about 10 minutes, without traffic, to get to the closest portion of the park from the existing station house,” Peralta said in a prepared statement. “A new police substation will help improve police response and

A girl was raped in Jamaica’s Detective Keith L. Williams Park in September. Throughout all city parks, crime increased by 32 percent during a nine-month period that began at the beginning of last year compared to the same time frame for the previous year. FILE PHOTO increase the public’s perception that Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a safe place to visit.” Astoria Park and Aquatic Preservation Director Kathleen Springer says that the city should increase the number of PEPs, which she did not see last summer at the location her group advocates for. “I think that there needs to be a little bit more of a patrol by parkies,” she said. “Last summer we had two people who were patrolling the park who worked for the Parks Department but this summer we didn’t have any.” Although the de Blasio administration increased funding for PEP officers in the budget last year, giving Queens eight more, the borough — which has the most public parkland of any — still has the lowest number of the officers, with just 36 of them. Flushing Meadows has only 14, according to the Parks Department “We are in the midst of the budget process, and the Mayor will announce funding when he presents the FY18 Preliminary Budget later this month,” de Blasio spokesman Freddi Goldstein said in an emailed statement. “The Speaker will be exploring this and many other potential funding areas, but without having seen the preliminary budget she is not yet making specific requests,” a spokeswoman for Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan, Bronx) said when asked if the lawmaker would request an increase in PEP officers for next year’s budget. Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), the only Queens Council member on the Parks and Recreation Committee, did not immediately return a request for comment.

Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), whose district includes Detective Keith L. Williams Park, declined to comment. Last year, Howard Beach resident Karina Vetrano was murdered while jogging in Spring Creek Park, a federally managed green space. When he was the chairman of the Council’s Parks and Recreation Com mit tee, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) was frustrated by the lack of outerborough PEP officers. “We always complained that the Parks enforcement officers would never get to the outer boroughs,” he said, adding that the city should hire both more PEP and NYPD officers. “It’s a good investment for the city to hire police officers. We appreciate the work that they do.” “The City’s New Year resolution should be decreasing crime in parks — especially in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which consistently tops the list for the most crimeridden park,” Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) said in a prepared statement. “For decades, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park has been underfunded, which means there are not enough park enforcement officers or maintenance workers. If our park continues to be ignored, we can expect the same crime spikes we’ve seen in an area that is supposed to be safe for the families and tourists who visit this iconic green space.” “We’re still finalizing our budget priorities,” a Lancman spokesperson said when asked if the councilman planned on requesting a PEP increase in next year’s Q spending plan.

State allocates funds to repair Sandy homes More than 50 homes in Queens and Brooklyn damaged by Superstorm Sandy will be restored and made into affordable housing thanks to more than $2 million allocated by the state. Gov. Cuomo announced on Dec. 27 the allocation of the funds through the state’s Homes and Community Renewal’s Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, which seeks to create or fortify homes. The initiative applies to single- or multifamily homes, condominiums and cooperatives. More than $8 million in funds were allocated statewide. In Queens, $1.2 million was approved for SBP Inc. to improve 30 homes throughout the World’s Borough

and Brooklyn. Restored Homes Housing Development Fund Corp. was awarded $880,000 to acquire 22 units that are for sale and rehabilitate them in unspecified parts of Queens. “We are committed to helping all New Yorkers achieve and preserve the American Dream of home ownership, and this funding will build and improve affordable owner-occupied housing in every corner of the state,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This program supports this administration’s efforts to build stronger, more resilient communities and helps to create a stronger, fairer and more affordable New Q York for all.”

Homes damaged by Sandy will soon be repaired thanks to the state. FILE PHOTO

C M SQ page 11 Y K

NYPD cops without contract since 2012; union urges body-cam caution by Michael Gannon Editor

The complicated and controversial issue of body cameras has become a major issue in the contract mediation process between the city and the union representing more than 22,000 NYPD police officers. Members of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association have been working without a contract since 2012. The NYPD, under directions from a federal monitor, plans to have 1,000 officers wearing the cameras by the end of this year. A pilot program of 54 officers, including nine in Jamaica’s 103rd Precinct, ended in 2016. The aim is to eventually have all officers wearing cameras and trained to use them. And aside from the final wage figures, the contract language for body cameras could be the biggest stumbling block. The New York Post reported on Dec. 26 that the city has offered a 1 percent bonus to officers wearing the cameras. The city still is mulling over regulations for when the cameras must be turned on and off; for storage of the electronic data, and how, when and what data would be available for viewing by the public. A spokesman for Mayor de Blasio’s office said the administration would not comment on the Post report, citing ongoing contract talks.

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NYPD officers demonstrate body cameras like the 1,000 that the department wants to have deployed in the field by the end of this year. The cameras now are a major issue as the city and FILE PHOTO police union seek to break a nearly five-year impasse without a contract. Patrick Lynch, president of the PBA, also did not comment on the details of the Post story, but appeared to confirm that body cameras are a significant concern. “Body-worn cameras present serious concerns for the rights and safety of both police

officers and the public, and those concerns need to be addressed before the cameras are widely deployed,” Lynch said in a statement sent to the Chronicle “While paying police officers for wearing the cameras will not resolve these issues, it would at least signal a recognition of

G E N E S I S

the increasing duties and burdens that NYC police officers have been asked to assume without any additional compensation.” Critics of the NYPD within the community assert the cameras are needed to protect the public and police the police. Others believe that the cameras will more often benefit an officer by allowing him or her to disprove complaints of misconduct. During the trial period, officers wearing the cameras were required to record all uses of force; all arrests, summonses, searches and stop-and-frisk encounters; when responding to a crime in progress; while patrolling in NYCHA apartment complexes; when transporting a prisoner; and when dealing with an emotionally disturbed individual. As to salary figures, neither side would confirm what was being asked or offered, though Lynch did say in October that NYPD officers make up to 34 percent less than those in other local and national jurisdictions, and reiterated that stand to the Chronicle. “PBA members do a difficult and dangerous job, one that is different from the job of any other city worker,” he said. “They remain the lowest paid police officers in this area. They deserve more than any of the proposals the City has put on the table so far.” Any pay raise in a final deal will be retroacQ tive to 2012.

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

Cash and cameras highlight PBA talks

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Two pedestrians struck, killed One killed by hit-and-run driver; one struck by ambulance Two Queens men were killed when they were struck by vehicles this past week. Police are looking for the driver of a red Ford Mustang who is a suspect in the hit-andrun death of Thomas Bradley Jr., 52, of St. Albans in the early morning hours of Jan. 1. According to the NYPD, Bradley was struck near the intersection of Rockaway Boulevard and South Conduit Avenue at 2:34 a.m. Police said Bradley was attempting to cross South Conduit Avenue when he was struck by the Mustang, which was eastbound. The driver then fled the scene, continuing east. Bradley, who lived on 200th Street, was unconscious when EMS personnel arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the car, which has damage to the front end on the passenger’s side and was missing its passenger side mirror. Anyone with information on the driver or car is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public also can submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting 274637 (CRIMES), then entering TIP577. All tips are strictly confidential. In an earlier incident, the Daily News reported that Ricardo Crespin, 89, was struck by an EMS ambulance and killed at 8:20 p.m. on Dec. Dec. 29. Crespin, who had been reported missing

The NYPD is looking for the driver of a red Ford Mustang who is a suspect in the Jan. 1 hit-and-run PHOTO COURTESY NYPD death of a St. Albans man. from his daughter’s South Ozone Park home hours earlier, was struck while walking on the southbound side of the Cross Island Parkway near 109th Avenue in Queens Village.

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The state Commission on Forensic Science and its DNA subcommittee will hold a special joint meeting on Feb. 10 to discuss whether to authorize familial DNA testing to be used in cold case murder investigations. The meeting will take place on the north side mezzanine, between the first and second floors of 1 Centre St. in Manhattan. Anyone wishing to submit comments should send them to Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Forensic Services, located at 80 South Swan St., Albany, NY, 12210 by Wed., Jan. 18. They can also be emailed to forensics@dcjs.ny.gov. Familial DNA testing is a method in which investigators take a sample found at a crime scene and look to see if it matches that of anyone in criminal databases, providing them with a path to the perpetrator. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, state Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) believe it could help find Karina Vetrano’s killer. Phil Vetrano, who found his daughQ ter’s corpse, is also a proponent of it. — Anthony O’Reilly

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C M SQ page 13 Y K Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

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Meng hopes to remain as a DNC vice chair by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

It’s no question that the Democratic Party fell well short of expectations in November’s election. Not only did presidential nominee Hillary Clinton fall to brash Republican businessman Donald Trump in a stunning Electoral College defeat — despite receiving nearly three million more votes than the GOP nominee — Democrats only picked up two seats in the Senate and six in the House of Representatives despite predictions of sizable gains in each body. But contrary to popular opinion, Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) believes the future of the Democratic Party is still quite bright. That’s why she’s running for re-election as one of the five vice chairpersons of the Democratic National Committee. “The numbers are and will be in our favor,” Meng said in a Monday interview. “This is a wonderful time to see so many people step up, whether it’s running for officer positions or people just making sure the DNC is as strong as possible.” Meng was first elected as one of the DNC’s vice chairpersons in July, five months after Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) resigned from her post to endorse U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in his primary campaign against Clinton. If re-elected during the DNC’s winter meetings in late February, Meng said she

plans to be as involved as possible in not only rebuilding the party in the Rust Belt states won by Trump, but in better engaging young voters without party loyalties and minorities who may feel overlooked. “I’m not going to come in and tell everyone how to do their job,” she said, “but there were certainly areas where the party could have and should have been more effective.” When it comes to the Rust Belt, Meng said numerous leaders in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin — three of the states where Trump pulled off upsets to seal his election — warned her late in the campaign of Clinton’s impending defeat there. And despite President Obama’s success in the Rust Belt during his two White House bids, the cracks that shattered the so-called Democratic firewall in 2016 had been widening for decades. In Michigan, Republicans have maintained control of the state Senate since 1984, while Democrats have only held the state House of Representatives for six of the last 23 years. In Pennsylvania, Republicans have been the majority in the state Senate for an absurd 140 of the last 156 years, while also maintaining a firm grasp on the state House of Representatives for 16 of the last 20 years. And in Wisconsin, the GOP has controlled the state Assembly for 18 of the last 20 years. But all three states had been reliably blue when it comes to presidential races over the last two decades, and Meng said they can

Rep. Grace Meng hopes to remain as one of FILE PHOTO the DNC’s vice chairpersons. become so again, should the party reinvest much more time, energy and resources there. “I talked to colleagues in those states who said we barely had a presence in their communities,” she said. “These are communities of color, communities where labor unions are important. And the Democratic Party needs to do a much better job of being present.” When it comes to connecting with minority voters, Meng said she tried to do just that for Clinton, holding strategy meetings with party leaders in states like Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia. But there were countless missed opportu-

nities, she said, as key institutions immigrant and minority residents look to, like ethnic media outlets, were ignored at times. “The DNC has to do a better job with outreach to ethnic media. There are so many outlets who serve constituencies that are sometimes overlooked,” she said. “Are we really doing enough to reach those outlets?” While not directly criticizing Clinton’s campaign strategy — which some experts say took the Rust Belt’s longstanding Democratic leanings for granted — Meng highlighted Obama’s foresight during his 2008 White House bid, saying the party would be wise to adopt such a plan in future elections. “The Obama campaign had folks doing listening tours a year out in Iowa and New Hampshire,” she said, referring to the states that vote first and second, respectively, in the presidential primary and caucus process. “Those people there had an established connection with the candidate and his positions long before it came time to vote.” In heavily minority areas within the Rust Belt that are normally solid blue, Clinton vastly underperformed previous nominees. In Michigan’s Wayne County — which includes Detroit — Clinton earned just 517,022 votes, tens of thousands short of the totals racked up by Al Gore in 2000, John Kerry in 2004 and both candidate and President Obama in 2008 and 2012. While Trump underperformed 2012 GOP continued on page 17

Bowl to benefit vets in St. Albans center Have some time to spare? Then roll on down to Cozy Bowl on Jan. 15 and bowl for a cause as the Rotary Club of Southwest Queens hosts its annual “Bowling for Vets” event to benefit those living at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ St. Albans Community Living Center. Cozy Bowl is located at 98-18 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, and the event starts at 1:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy two games of bowling and shoe rental with the price of admission — $15 for adults and $10 for children. There is free parking and refreshments are available. Those wishing to participate should call Joe DiBlasi, president of the club, at (917) 748-0583 or email him at jdbinsurance@ aol.com. Money collected during the event will be used to purchase goods for those living in the VA community center in St. Albans. The Rotary Club every month delivers coats, boots, hats, gloves and more to the veterans there along with the nonprofit Q group General Needs Ltd.

PHOTO COURTESY CORRINE WLODY

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Join the Rotary Club of SW Queens

Warming hands of the needy Bowl for a cause next weekend.

FILE PHOTO

Howard Beach strong couple Jack and Corrine Wlody are once again flexing their charity muscles. The husband-wife duo, center, teamed up to donate 1,000 gloves to needy people in Manhattan on a cold December day.

This is the second year they’ve headed to the borough to the west to do good before the holiday season. They are joined here by Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York, Louis Lotito, Michael Wlody and Joseph Vericella.

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The lot in front of the old Sports Authority has been fenced off by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

As if finding a place to park on your trip to buy groceries at Trader Joe’s or arts and crafts supplies at Michael’s in Forest Hills wasn’t hard enough already. Annoyed central Queens residents have begun to give up frequenting the shopping center at 90-30 Metropolitan Ave., as the parking lot many have used at the former Sports Authority next door was recently fenced off. Dozens of spots are now behind the chain-link fence and orange bar riers, reserved only for construction workers remodeling the 73-25 Woodhaven Blvd. building into a Dick’s Sporting Goods store. Shoppers are now limited to using either the handful of spaces in the front of the Metropolitan Avenue building or the lot in front of Home Depot about an eighth of a mile south. In a Tuesday interview, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) called the situation “horrible” for people trying to pat ron i ze Tr ader Joe’s, St aples a nd Michael’s. “It was poor planning,” Koslowitz said. “It’s a mess.” Shoppers took to the Forest Hills community Facebook page to express their frustra-

The parking lot in front of the former Sports Authority has been fenced off, leaving shoppers patronizing Trader Joe’s, Staples and Michael’s next door with few places to park. The Sports Authority site is PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA in the midst of being remodeled into a Dick’s Sporting Goods. tion with the lack of parking, with a number of people saying they don’t even bother visiting the site anymore. “I live right in front of the Trader Joe’s. The lot is so small that people aren’t able to find spots in front of the store, so they park in front of my family’s house,” Victoria Girardin wrote. “Of course, street parking is

a right for everyone, but it also makes things significantly more difficult for the people living nearby. The whole thing sucks.” “I refuse to go there ever again,” Yvonne Scibelli added. “It’s been a disaster for years and it’s 10 times worse now.” Koslowitz tossed out the idea of writing Dick’s Sporting Goods a letter to ask that

the fence be removed, a prospect she settled on later in the interview. “I will write to the corporate office and ask them to accommodate the community,” she said. “There’s no guarantee they are going to listen to me, but I’ll write them a letter because it’s definitely a problem for so many people.” The lawmaker said that even though she doesn’t drive, she used to frequent the location much more than she does now. But even without having to worry about parking, she said the relative chaos of countless people trying to find one is enough to scare people off. “I don’t go there that much, to be honest,” she said. “Whenever I do, it’s a mess.” While the Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot is still fenced off, a few area residents implored their neighbors to use public transportation when shopping there, as the Q11, Q21, Q52 and Q53 buses stop just feet away from the site. “There are no fewer than four bus lines on that block. Those of you who can should consider taking the bus,” Melissa Trott wrote. “It’s really not that bad, and so much less stressful than driving. Not to mention the environmental benefit.” Dick’s Sporting Goods did not respond to Q a request for comment by press time.

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

Parking headaches continue in FoHi

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Forest Hills taxi stand still irking residents Petition calls on the city to limit cabbies to one side of the road by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

It’s been a subject of on again, off again complaints in Forest Hills for years, but now, a handful of frustrated residents want change when it comes to the problematic taxi stand outside of the 71st Avenue subway station. Started by an angry resident of the Lane Towers residential complex at 10740 Queens Blvd., the petition has seen about three dozen people sign on, calling on the Department of Transportation to r e d uc e t he si z e of t he t a x i s t a nd , described as a “public nuisance” in the online document. Specifically, those who signed on want taxis to be banned from the north side of the Queens Boulevard service road, a solution they say is “simple” and “costs next to nothing.” “Instead of the taxi stand being on two sides of the street, the signs should be changed so that the taxi stand is only on the sidewalk side of the street,” the petition reads. “In fact, making the change would be as easy as changing a street sign. And it could even make money for the city, by restoring those spaces to paid parking spots.” About eight cabs can fit on each side of the service road — a one-way, one-lane street — directly in front of the subway station and the residential building. On Wednesday morning, there were 14 vehicles idling at the location, with most of the drivers sitting in their cars. Three of the cabbies were holding a conversation on the sidewalk. A signatory of the petition and resident

Taxis were lined up on both side the Queens Boulevard service road on Wednesday morning, a common occurrence both day and night, according to residents. After dark, cabbies tend to PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA honk their horns and idle their engines excessively, a petition claims. of Lane Towers, who asked his name not be printed, said such a scene is also common well after dark and into the early morning hours, aggravating those who live in the units overlooking the stand. “They’re there all day and night with their engines on and idling,” the resident said. “Whenever it’s not cold out, the drivers stand outside their cars and talk to each other. Sometimes they get into arguments and fights. At 5 p.m., that’s fine. But at 11 p.m. or later, that’s a big deal.” This isn’t the first time area residents have asked the city to make changes to the taxi stand.

Until about a year ago, cabs were only allowed to line up on the south side of the service road. In response, drivers would line up more than a block down the street. That created congestion on the narrow street — with taxis blocking the intersection of 70th Road and Queens Boulevard — so the DOT allowed the taxis to again use both sides of the service road. Congest ion st ill ex ists, however, according to a number of Forest Hills residents who signed the petition. “There are more taxis at this intersection than in downtown Manhattan,” Bryan Balderrama wrote. “It’s ridiculous.”

“I can’t stand how congested the intersection gets,” Michele Klinger added, “and how reckless these green cab drivers can be.” In a statement issued Tuesday, a DOT spokesperson said the agency is reviewing possible alterations at the site. “The DOT is aware of concerns regarding congestion in this area,” the spokesperson said. “The DOT is working with local stakeholders to review potential adjustments, while recognizing that 71st Avenue and Queens Boulevard functions as a multimodal hub.” In recent months, Capt. Robert Ramos, commanding officer of the 112th Precinct, and other station officials said it would keep a watchful eye on the stand. But Cou ncilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said in a Tuesday interview that the cab situation was “getting out of hand.” “Whatever the DOT does, it has to be enforced,” Koslowitz said. “I would like to see some enhanced patrols. I will talk to the captain again about it.” In a letter to a constituent dated May 27, Koslowitz said 51 summonses were issued to taxi drivers at the stand between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2016. She also wrote to the DOT in October, asking the agency to consider limiting the stand to just one side of the street. The lawmaker added Tuesday that she hoped to meet with the DOT again soon to bring up the concerns broached in the petition. A spokesperson for the Taxi and Limousine Commission deferred all questions Q about the stand to the DOT.

Biz trucks in quiet area irk neighbor Flushing man annoyed at commercial vehicles in his neighbor’s driveway by Ryan Brady

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Associate Editor

A Flushing man wants two commercial trucks parked at his neighbor’s house to hit the road. Manzar Karim is sick of commercial vehicles being parked in the driveway of a house at 33-55 159 St. “There are two trucks,” Karim, who lives nearby, told the Chronicle. “There’s no warehouse, no shops, nothing, in about 30, 40 blocks. It’s a resident area, completely.” The area is zoned R1-2A, a residential designation. He spoke to the offices of Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) and state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) about the issue and filed a 311 complaint. The building is being rented to a family by Feng Liu, who bought the house in October. He has been issued a ticket by the Department of Buildings for the vehicles, which he says are not parked at the house overnight. “I recently acquired this property like two months ago and I leased it out to one family,” he said. “They own a moving company where they usually have a lot of stuff to move around but usually at night they rent a spot somewhere else for a monthly fee.” The senator wrote the DOB last month urging it to look into the truck situation. According to Avella spokesman Conner Quinn, the

agency has not sent a response yet. Vallone’s office also reached out to the DOB before the ticket was issued and plans on following up if the problem is not solved. “Commercial vehicles have no place in our residential communities and our office immediately reached out to the DOB to address this concern,” Vallone said in an emailed statement. “I will ensure the DOB continues to fine this homeowner and anyone else who illegally stores a commercial vehicle at a residential home.” When the Chronicle went to the location on Wednesday, it saw two trucks parked in the driveway. One had the name Asiana Cargo on it — the name of a subsidiary company for a South Korean airline — and another has the name Man Bok Transportation. “As far as I’m aware, our office hasn’t received any complaints about that situation,” Tony Cao, a spokesman for Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing), said about the commercial trucks being parked at the location. A complaint from November 2016 made to the DOB says that the basement of the house was illegally converted into an apartment, which Liu denied. The status of the complaint is listed as active on the DOB website. The tenants of the house could not be reached for comment Q prior to deadline.

Two commercial trucks were parked at 33-55 159 St. when the Chronicle visited the site on Wednesday. PHOTO BY RYAN BRADY

C M SQ page 17 Y K

continued from page 14 nominee Mitt Romney’s totals in Wisconsin’s Milwaukee County by 29,000 votes, Clinton earned the support of 44,000 fewer people than Obama did four years ago. Meng said one fix she would pursue would be to beef up the DNC’s surrogate enterprise to better connect disenfranchised minority voters with the party. “We need a more sustained surrogate program to talk to voters in certain states not just for the month or two before the election, but throughout the year,” she said. “There needs to be a more sustained and permanent presence in those areas. It’s all about building trust with people.” The same goes for the southern states with large minority populations like Texas, Georgia and Arizona, places that some experts see as potential swing states on a national stage in the next decade or two. Meng said she would push for more support for state and local Democratic parties there in an effort to snatch back some of the many legislatures the GOP holds. “We need to pay much more attention and infrastructure support for those local candidates running,” she said. “They have such a hard job fundraising and simply learning how to put together a campaign. Oftentimes, they might be the only Democrat running in the whole area.” With Sanders’ emergence, the Democratic Party saw a tremendous rift open between the Vermont senator’s younger, more progressive supporters and the older, centrist base that ardently supported the former first lady, senator and secretary of state. While the majority of Sanders’ fans voted for Clinton, that rift has yet to close in the two months since the general election. Battle lines have now been drawn in the race for DNC chairman between frontrunner Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) — who’s earned endorsements from Sanders and other progressive heavyweights such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) — and more moderate candidates like Labor Secretary Tom Perez and South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Harrison. But Meng doesn’t believe the DNC needs to choose which faction represents the future of the party.

Much like how Sanders and Warren were recently named to Senate leadership positions under moderate Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the body’s new minority leader, the three-term representative sees no reason why the two groups can’t work together to make the party a suitable home for all. “I don’t think it has to be an either-or. There’s no reason why these people can’t work together,” she said. “But right now, the concept of the American dream seems unattainable to many millennials. We must pay attention to their issues and make sure we involve them in the process as best we can.” Meng declined to throw her support behind either Ellison, Perez or Harrison, saying she felt the DNC would be in good hands no matter who won. “Each are fully committed. I truly believe in each of them,” she said, referring to Ellison and Perez. “They each carry their own set of strengths to the table.” Other candidates for the five DNC vice chairperson positions are: • Adam Parkhomenko, a longtime Clinton aide and former DNC national field director during the 2016 election; • A s s e mbly m a n M ich a el Bl a ke (D-Bronx), a former Office of Intergovernmental Affairs official under Obama; • Melissa Byrne, a community organizer and former Sanders campaign staffer; • Mitch Ceasar, the chairman of Florida’s Broward County Democratic Party; • LaToia Jones, an American Federation of Teachers official in charge of coordinating civic engagement; and • Maria Elena Durazo; an incumbent DNC vice chairwoman. Under DNC rules, one of the winners must also serve as the president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs with another serving as the vice chairperson for civic engagement and voter participation. The election of party officers will take place at the DNC’s winter meetings in Atlanta from Feb. 23 to 26. The winners are selected by approximately 447 voting members of the DNC, most of whom are chosen by various state Q party chapters.

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Here’s how to chuck your Christmas tree Parks Dept. wants you to ‘treecycle’ by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Martin Van Buren was honored Tuesday for showing the progress that its principal vowed was FILE PHOTO coming when he arrived at the troubled school in 2012.

City says Van Buren is on its way back Turnaround gains in all categories by Michael Gannon Editor

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When Sam Sochet took over as principal at Bellerose’s Martin Van Buren High School in 2012 it was classified as persistently struggling; a year ago it was designated as a renewal school, or one in dire need of improvement in short order. Forgive Sochet if he indulges in a little bit of “I told you so” in the wake of Van Buren being cited by Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña as having made “marked improvement” in 10 categories of assessment, including at tendance, four-year graduation rates and Regents completion rates. Sochet, his staff and students were honored at a function on Tuesday organized by Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens). “The remarkable improvements shown at Martin Van Buren High School reflects the dedication of Principal Sam Sochet and his

staff to providing a world-class education to their students,” Grodenchik said in a statement issued by his office. “Their hard work has not gone unnoticed.” State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said the gains of the past year are a testament to the power of community involvement with its schools. Assemblyman David We pr i n ( D -Fresh Meadows) said he believes the school is quickly becoming one of the better schools in Queens. Many civic leaders and parents had accused the administration of former Mayor Mike Bloomberg with attempting to undermine the school for a decade, both before and after Sochet arrived, and close it as happened with Jamaica High School But the principal actively cultivated the community connection Comrie spoke of, and several times welcomed DOE officials from the past and present administrations to town hall-style meetings to discuss an approach, vowing to turn the ship around. Q

Legal help for veterans Free legal assistance for military veterans will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the district office of state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) in c o o r d i n a t io n w it h Q u e e n s L e g a l Services. Attorney Cindy Katz, a coordinator with the Veterans Justice Project of QLS, is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent former members of the country’s armed forces in service-connected disability cases and discharge upgrades.

Assistance also is available for veterans who have questions about unemployment benefits, income tax issues, housing issues, family law and child support matters. Sanders’ district office is located at 142-01 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park. Those wishing to schedule an appointment or interested in additional information are asked to contact AnnMarie Costella at the senator’s office at (718) 5230-3069, or by email at costella @ Q nysenate.gov.

Don’t know what to do with your browning Christmas tree still standing in the living room? The city is hoping you “treecycle” it this weekend during Mulchfest. There are six Queens parks where residents can drop off their used trees and watch them be turned into mulch that can be taken home for free. The chipping sites are: • Travers Park in Jackson Heights; • Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village; • Cunningham Park in Fresh Meadows; • Forest Park in Woodhaven; • Astoria Park in Astoria; • Brookville Park in Rosedale; and • Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City. Those locations are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You are not obligated to take home a bag of mulch. There are also five other borough locations where residents can leave their

trees, but not receive mulch: • Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans; • Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park; • Captain Mario Fajardo Playground in Flushing; • Windmuller Park in Woodside; and • GreenThumb and Land Restoration Project Compound in Long Island City. Trees can be dropped off at those locations at any time this weekend. The city asks that residents remove all ornaments, lights and assorted decorations from their Christmas trees before bringing them to either the chipping or drop-off locations. At Astoria, Travers and Brookville parks, the city will also be hosting Mulchfest volunteer efforts, where residents can help spread the newly created mulch around young trees to insulate them from the cold winter weather, retain moisture and provide a decorative addition to the respective neighborhoods. More than 30,000 trees were recycled Q and converted into mulch last year.

Smoking banned at North Shore Towers Rule went into effect on New Year’s Day by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

The North Shore Towers and Country Club has banned smoking, a rule that went into effect on Jan. 1. Phil Konigsberg of the Queens Tobacco Control Coalition is pleased with the decision. “It seems to be the health and safety concern of many people, I’m just so thrilled,” he said. “Although there’s still a lot more apartment buildings that need to take that step forward.” The decision was decided by a vote of the co-op, which was overwhelmingly in favor. The co-op complex, which is located in the Glen Oaks-Floral Park area near the Nassau County border, has 1,844 residential units. “That’s a tremendous indication that smoke-free apartment living is really the way to go at this point,” Konigsberg, who is a member of Community Board 7 and the third vice president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, said.

Audrey Silk, the founder of NYC Citizens Against Smoking Harassment, says that the vote is a step in the wrong direction. “I think it’s absolutely wrong,” she said. “It’s taking communities down the wrong path in terms of where do you draw the line on what bothers somebody else.” She added that the rule might pit neighbors against neighbors. “The only way to enforce that is through snitching,” Silk said. A fire at the co-op complex in 2004 was determined to have been caused by an elderly woman smoking in bed. In a separate move, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that smoking would be banned in all of its housing complexes, a rule which will prevent the thousands of people who live at the Queensbridge Houses, Pomonok Houses and other New York City Housing Authority developments in “The World’s Borough” from Q lighting up at home.

C M SQ page 19 Y K

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

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MALO-070697

PS 97Q • Here’s a roundup of recent events at PS 97Q, The Forest Park School, just prior to the holiday break

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Nurse Ryan read-aloud PHOTOS COURTESY PS97Q

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 20

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Nurse Kathy Ryan, top right, the Nurse of the Year in 2016, facilitated a read-aloud of “Stuffy’s Colorful Cure” and shared with the students’ families how important it is to sometimes take our minds off our troubles so they don’t seem so bad. When the students need to see Nurse Ryan because they are not feeling well, she offers them a chance to draw a picture for their mom or dad while they wait, so they don’t think about their tummy ache or ailment. All parents in attendance, right, received a copy of the book and a Stay Well bag with tissues, hand sanitizers, and lip balm. Mrs. Bajit, the technology teacher, below, hosted a parent engagement session showing our families how to make good online choices! Fun was had by all!

PS 97Q’s parent crochet class is going very well as you can tell by their projects. Parents are enjoying learning how to crochet and are excited to show off their warm scarves this winter.

PS 63Q •

generationOn Kids Care Club COOKIE BRIGADE & PAJAMA NIGHT PS 97Q’s generationOn Kids Care Club baked cookies to be donated to The River Fund to support needy families during this holiday season! They also supported a pajama drive collecting 50 pairs of pajamas to be donated to The River Fund to keep children and adults warm during these cold nights. Also thanks to the fourth-grade staff for hosting “Polar Express” night, collecting some of these pajamas at that event! The pajama drive is sponsored by Scholastic, who for every pair of pajamas will donate a book to child in need! ATTENTION PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS: SCHOOLS

If you would like to be featured on a School Spotlight page, call Lisa LiCausi, Education Coordinator, at (718) 205-8000, Ext. 110. TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

OZONE PARK

Kiwanis Club of Lefferts/Liberty hosts holiday party for students PHOTOS COURTESY PS63Q

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Dancing classrooms

THE OLD SOUTH SCHOOL

The fifth-grade students at PS 63Q in Ozone Park participated in a 10-week session of ballroom dancing, where they were taught merengue, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, tango, and swing dances. The Dancing Classrooms program currently delivers an in-school residency program to approximately 200 schools in all five boroughs of NYC. The experience helped provide the students with important life lessons in confidence, social awareness, teamwork and diversity. They competed in the “Colors of the Rainbow Team Match” through the Dancing Classrooms program, where they received gold ribbons in the quarterfinals and semifinals, ending with a silver medal and trophy at the conclusion of the event..

ATTENTION PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS SCHOOLS: If you would like to be featured on a School Spotlight page, call Lisa LiCausi, Education Coordinator, at (718) 205-8000, EXT. 110.

ho doesn’t love a holiday dance party? The annual Kiwanis Club of Lefferts/ Liberty’s Holiday Party went off without a hitch this year! Hosted for students at PS 63Q at Villa Russo’s in Richmond Hill, the students let loose and danced to holiday kid-classics, including “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and You are a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Not only did students enjoy a dance party but they were able to enjoy a celebratory lunch, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. If that wasn’t special enough, Santa Claus made a surprise visit! Fourth-grade student Dana Quintana said, “My favorite part of the party was dancing with my friends and seeing Santa Claus!” TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

C M SQ page 21 Y K continued from page 2 Empire State was $29,320, according to the Governor’s Office. “At a moment when college costs are rising, student debt is out of control and Americans are wary of what the future holds, New York State can re-set the national agenda for college education by enacting a fully funded investment in free public college education for lowand middle-income students,” the Professional Staff Congress, the union representing thousands of CUNY faculty and staff members, said in a statement. Cuomo’s office added that the financial incentive will help students graduate on time, noting that only 38.7 percent of four-year public university students graduated when they were supposed to in 2013. Addabbo said while the state could afford to take on such an initiative, due to being in good financial condition, it must also prepare for the days in which the budget is not so secure. “We can always use these things when we’re fiscally sound,” Addabbo said. “Knowing that, we should also be prepared for those downturns in the economy.” One economist, though, predicts Cuomo’s plan is already too overreaching. “For me, the income threshold is too high,” said Beth Akers, a member of the Manhattan Institute and co-author of “Game of Loans: The Rhetoric and Reality of Student Debt.” “It’s considerably progressive in its design.” Beyond that, Akers worries that eliminating tuition doesn’t guarantee many low-income New Yorkers will be able to afford SUNY or

The tuition costs at LaGuardia Community College could be zero for many under Gov. FILE PHOTO Cuomo’s proposal. CUNY colleges. “They still have a pretty big sum to cover in terms of attendance fees or other costs,” she said. The economist said she could not think of a specific number Cuomo’s program should have been set at, but added she would have liked to see more resources devoted to lowering the burden for very low-income residents, such as the costs of food and boarding. Similarly, CUNY Rising Alliance — a coalition looking for change in the system — wants to see the scholarship paired with “increased public investments in quality education at CUNY and SUNY.” “CUNY and SUNY students need free tuition, but they also need smaller classes,

improved course offerings, modern facilities, increased advisement and tutoring and the best faculty and staff,” the group said in a statement, adding that the downward trend of fulltime faculty members must be reversed. Gail Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College, believes those issues can be addressed as lawmakers work with the governor to get the program approved. “That would be the next challenge,” Mellow said. “We can look broadly at what it takes not only to get a student to college, but also through college.” When asked if the threshold for the program is too high, Mellow responded that New York should be setting bold goals. “One of the things that made America great 100 years ago is when we made high school free,” she said. “And we just didn’t make it free for poor kids, we made it free for all kids. We have to be bold if America is going to regain its status as the No. 1 educated country in the world.” Supporters of Cuomo’s announcement hope the program will inspire other states to pick up similar initiatives. Mellow, a board member of the Heads Up America’s College Promise Campaign, said there are some that are looking into it, though nothing as “bold as Cuomo’s.” “Places like the states of Tennessee and Oregon are both looking at and working with free community colleges,” she said. “There are sort of beginning programs to understand what might happen if you make college more affordable.”

While many Democrats support the measure, at least one would like to see a substantive change to it. Right now, the scholarship would only apply to New York residents and not undocumented immigrants. Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) wants to see that changed. “They too must be made eligible for Excelsior, just as they are for current scholarships our schools offer,” Moya said in a prepared statement. “I urge Governor Cuomo to stand behind New York’s DREAMers,” he added, referring to the DREAM Act, which would provide educational opportunities for those in New York without papers. “Now more than ever we must show that a Trump presidency doesn’t mean a Trump New York, not in education and not in how we view our undocumented students.” CUNY Rising Alliance, in its statement, said it’s waiting for details on how the Excelsior Scholarship “will apply to all students no matter their immigration status.” It’s uncertain how the plan will fare in the Republican-held Senate, which has yet to say whether it will support the scholarship or not. Addabbo believes it would be difficult not to support the initiative. “It’s hard to argue with free tuition, not at the expense of any other program,” he said. “If we were doing this and cutting something else, I could understand that. But if you’re not doing that, how do you justify going back to your constituents and telling your people you had the opportunity to do it and didn’t take it?” Q

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Tommy Torres may primary Reynoso Brooklyn community leader flirting with a second run for City Council by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Tommy Torres admitted 2013 wasn’t the right time for him to run for the City Council after all. But the Brooklyn Democratic district leader and Community Board 1 member believes that 2017 might be the perfect time to, once again, challenge Councilman Antonio Reynoso (D-Brooklyn, Ridgewood) in a September primary. “It very well could be,” Torres said in a Tuesday interview. “It’s something I’m still thinking really hard about. It all depends on the support I get.” One of five assistant principals at Brooklyn’s High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology, Torres added he is “very interested” in unseating Reynoso either this year or in 2021. But he stopped short of officially declaring his candidacy when pressed by the Chronicle. “I’ve been approached by a bunch of people in the community who asked if I would run,” he said. “But I haven’t made a decision yet. I think a decision may come in the next month or so. “It’s not an open seat,” he added, “but you only get a chance to run once every four years.” Torres, who turned 44 on Monday, was

born and raised in the Cooper Park Houses development in Greenpoint before moving to Williamsburg, where he lives today. He does have a connection to the Ridgewood portion of the 34th Council District, however, as he is a “proud” graduate of Grover Cleveland High School. In addition to being an assistant principal, Torres coaches baseball at the school, while also serving as the commissioner of the Williamsburg Sports League and as a member of the Woodhull Hospital Advisory Board. “These are things I’m very passionate about,” he said. “I’ve spent 20 years as a community leader and educator, working with students and others in my community.” He successfully ran for the district leader position in Brooklyn’s 53rd Assembly District last year. Torres’ 2013 primary campaign against then-candidate Reynoso and scandalplagued former Assemblyman Vito Lopez was short-lived, as he withdrew from the race after his election petition signatures were challenged in court. Torres said the accusation of fraud wasn’t what led him to drop out four years ago. “That was a personal decision,” he said. “I was able to raise some money but not enough.” A Reynoso spokeswoman confirmed the

incumbent will seek re-election in the fall. Torres has made an effort to court support in Ridgewood over the last few months, most notably attending a large march for housing fairness throughout the neighborhood in November. “I know so many people in Ridgewood,” he said. “I have a lot of friends and people I grew up with over there. That’s an area I really care about.” Ridgewood Tenants Union co-founder Raquel Namuche, however, said in a Tuesday interview that she believes Reynoso should “of course” be given a second term after all of his work in Ridgewood. “I would definitely love to see him continue as our Council member,” Namuche said of Reynoso. “I have seen first hand that he really cares about this part of his district. He cares about a lot of issues, but he especially cares about housing, which is huge. “I’ve seen him and his staff dedicate themselves to making sure their constituents are aware of the services available to them,” she continued, adding that she thinks Reynoso would have the support of many Ridgewood residents when it comes time to vote on primary day. According to cit y f inance records, Reynoso has $62,496 in his campaign Q account.

Moya filing prompts rematch talk Assemblyman lost ’09 Council election to Ferreras-Copleland by Michael Gannon

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Editor

Assembly ma n Fr a ncisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) is not exactly denying that he is interested in a rematch with Councilwoman Julissa Fererras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) for the seat she first won in 2009. Ferreras-Copeland, chairwoman of the Council’s powerful Finance Committee, has, as expected, already filed paperwork with the city’s Campaign Finance Board to defend her seat in 2017. No other candidate on the CFB list had filed to run specifically in the 21st Council District as of Wednesday afternoon. But Moya, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2010, also has filed with the CFB, leaving the slot for a specific race as “undeclared” on a list available on the CFB website. His legislative session in Albany formally had its first day on Wednesday. “The fight for $15 and the struggle to pass the Dream Act have been energizing to me and so many others,” he said in an email from his campaign. “I am exploring immediate and future opportunities to continue the fight for all of New York’s hardworking families. “I haven’t made any decisions,” he added. “In the coming months in Albany

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland could be facing a challenge from Assemblyman Francisco Moya, whom she defeated to FILE PHOTOS first take the seat in 2009. there is important work to get done for the people of New York. There will be time later to consider the upcoming elections.“ A spokesman for the councilwoman said in an email that she was just fine with any development. “As Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, Council Member Fer reras has been a champion for her constituents,” he wrote. “From funding the construction of seven new schools in her district, to

building the first development providing affordable housing for seniors, funding a new women’s pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital and a $12 million expansion of their emergency room, Council Member Ferreras’ record of service will stand tall in comparison to any potential challengers.” She is known to be an ally of Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan, Bronx). Mark-Viverito is coming up on her term limit, but who also has f iled documents with the CFB for an undeclared office. The speaker is one of several elected officials rumored to be interested in running for mayor if city and federal investigations into some of Mayor de Blasio’s fundraising and other practices result in indictment or other legal action. Should Moya, with no term limits of his own in Albany, force a Democratic primary on Sept. 12, it would pit against each other the top two vote-getters in the 2009 special election to replace Hiram Monserrate, who left for the state Senate and served there before legal troubles got him expelled. Ferreras-Copeland got 46 percent of the vote in a four-person field in 2009, with Moya, then a community organizer, pulling dow n 24 percent for second Q place.

Brooklyn community leader Tommy Torres is leaning toward challenging Councilman Antonio Reynoso for his seat this fall. It will be Torres’ second bid for the job, as he challenged Reynoso and Vito Lopez in 2013. FACEBOOK PHOTO

Sears in Rego Park to close this spring The massive Sears location at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 63rd Road is one of the 42 Sears stores across the country that will close come spring, according to Business Insider. The Rego Center mall branch at 96-05 Queens Blvd. will be shuttered by April, according to the publication. A downtur n in sales in recent months and years has forced the company to close a number of locations across the United States. Business Insider reported that Sears’ revenue fell 13 percent to $5 billion over the most recent quarter, with its losses widening to $748 million from $454 million in the same period last year. Sears, which also operates the K-Mart chain of department stores, maintained more than 3,500 locations in 2011. With the new closures, that number will fall to around 1,500. A number of area residents took to the Rego Park community Facebook page to lament the loss of the store. “That stinks,” Natalie Gandelsman Q said bluntly. — Christopher Barca

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Begin the year with healthy eating habits How to fuel your mind, body and soul It’s common knowledge that children should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, consuming all the nutrients needed to grow up strong. Many adults don’t know that it’s just as crucial to continue those healthy habits throughout adulthood and well into the “golden years.” Regardless of age, we should all make nutritious and sensible choices to promote peak physical and mental performance.

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Build strong bones Experts say the human body begins to lose bone mass at about age 30. That’s why it’s important to get plenty of calcium to keep bones Continue those childhood healthy eating habits throughout adultPHOTO COURTESY BRANDPOINT strong, along with vitamin D, hood and well into the “golden years.” to help your body absorb calNourish your nervous system cium. Good sources of calcium include green Vitamin B12 is vital to your well-being. It can leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, okra and collard greens. A convenient and delicious way to aid your body in producing red blood cells, propertake in more calcium is to incorporate an Emerald ly developing nerve cells and preventing anemia. Smoothie into your daily routine. Simply mix pine- This vitamin can be found naturally in animal apple, celery and spinach with soy milk and ice in products, such as fish, meat and eggs. Steamed a high-speed blender. This quick and easy con- clams and lean beef are some of the best sources coction will give your diet an extra boost of of vitamin B12. Those maintaining a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle should consider a supplement or essential nutrients. foods specially fortified with B12, including certain breakfast cereals or soy products. Sharpen the mind Making wholesome choices helps keep Stay hydrated your brain fit. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in Water is essential for your body. It keeps you oily fish like sardines and salmon, as well as flaxseed and walnuts, have been linked to hydrated, regulates body temperature and flushes improved cognitive function and reduced risk waste. As we age, our sense of thirst may not be for certain diseases. Eating fish regularly is as effective, causing some older adults to be one way to get enough omega-3s. If you’re dehydrated but not feel thirsty. The average adult not a seafood fan, numerous types of fish oil requires six to eight glasses of water each day, so capsules are available at drug stores. Avoca- a good rule of thumb is to have one glass at each dos also boast omega-3s, as well as mono- meal and at least one glass in between meals. Almond milk, soy milk and whole-food juicunsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol and improve circulation. Avocado es, made by mixing whole fruits and vegetables provides a rich flavor and texture perfect for in a blender, can also keep you hydrated and nearly any sandwich, as well as dips, satiated. When reaching for a thirst quencher, try to avoid sugary drinks such as soda and smoothies and even desserts. Antioxidant-rich blueberries are another processed fruit juice, which add calories withmind-boosting addition to any diet. Consid- out much nutritional value. Aging is inevitable, however, you can build a ered a “super food,” these berries contain properties that have been linked to better stronger body, mind and soul at any phase in brain health, improved motor skills and a life. All it takes is knowledge, motivation and sharper memory. To increase your berry follow-through to keep yourself healthy and full P intake, try a fruit salad for lunch or whip up a of energy for years to come. — Brandpoint fresh berry sorbet for dessert.

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COLA-mity: SSI increase is small comfort by Michael Gannon Chronicle Contributor

This month, elderly recipients of Social Security can expect a 0.3 percent cost of living allowance in their monthly checks — an average of $ 5, according to sources contacted by the Chronicle. “The word being used most around here is ‘absurdity,’” according to Judy Ascherman, project manager at the Catholic Charities Howard Beach Senior Center. “With the rise in Medicare costs, what little money they get is being taken away from them. The only ones who appear to be benefiting are young seniors — 62 to 65 — who aren’t on Medicare yet.” The increase has been keeping with the pattern of minimal or flat COLAs going back to 2009, with zero percent increases in 2009, 2010 and 2015. That fact did not go unnoticed by Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of the AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, this past October during the presidential campaign. “Over the last five years, Social Security COLA’s have remained small or nonexistent at 1.7 percent or lower, even though every cent can matter to beneficiaries and their families,” Jenkins said in a text of her statement provided by AARP. “After last year’s zero COLA, this year’s

The cost of living allowance for Social Security in 2017 is a microscopic 0.3 percent, and many recipients will have that wiped out by an accompanying increase in Medicare costs. announcement doesn’t offer much help to the millions of families who depend on their Social Security benefits. As prescription prices skyrocket and Medicare premiums and other health costs increase, many older Americans have understandable concerns.” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said the formula for COLAs is fixed in law, and that only Congress can make the necessary changes. “We’ve received complaints from approximately

300 constituents, who are rightfully upset about the 0.3 percent increase,” Meng said in an email to the Chronicle. “This increase is the lowest in history ... and it does not come close to covering the needs of the millions of seniors who depend on Social Security payments.” Ascherman said the government’s “market basket” of expenses needs to be recalculated to meet modern spending habits. Both Meng and U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) agree.

“For so many seniors in New York and around the country, Social Security continues to be their one and only lifeline,” Crowley said in an email. “The fact is, too many seniors continue to feel the pinch of rising costs of everyday expenses like food, housing, and prescription drugs.” Meng also has sponsored the “Locality-based Social Security Benefits Act,” which would adjust a recipient’s’ monthly Social Security payment based on the cost of living in the region where they reside. But she added that House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) continues to support legislation “that would gut the Social Security safety net by privatizing parts of the program.” U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Senate minority leader, called it a radical proposal. “Millions of Americans voted for Donald Trump after he promised not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid,” Schumer said in a statement from his office. “He must be held to his promises and should veto any legislation which cuts these vital and necessary health programs.” Schumer, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) are attempting to organize a national day of action on Jan. 15, the day before Martin Luther King Jr. P Day, to call attention to their concerns.

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The anti-bioswale fighter of Flushing Neighborhood resident, at least temporarily, stopped work by DEP by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Flushing resident Carmine Famiglietti held his ground. And he remains bioswale-free. After three workers, who the Flushing resident says are “most likely” contractors (which could not be confirmed by the agency before deadline) showed up in front of his home on behalf of the Department of Environmental Protection on Dec. 20, Famiglietti went outside and after hours of staring them down, they left. “I said, ‘Fellas, I’m gonna tell you, I’m gonna stand here, I’m not gonna let you do the work,’” he said. “I don’t have any real clear cut evidence that we need one in front of my house.” The Flushing resident says that the employees were “very courteous,” but he was determined to stop them from testing a site in front of his house where a bioswale could go. The analysis would require drilling. “It never got confrontational but I wasn’t gonna move,” he said. “It went on for about two, two and a half hours before they finally gave up and left.” Bioswales — raingarden-like structures designed to catch stormwater runoff — are installed by the city in front of homes without the permission of whomever owns the building in front of one.

Carmine Famiglietti, a fierce opponent of bioswales, posted a Facebook selfie standing in front of equipment belonging to workers who planned on testing a spot in front of his house that could FACEBOOK PHOTO possibly be an installation site for one of the raingarden-like structures. “It just didn’t seem necessary,” he told the Chronicle. “Our corner used to flood all the time ... We’ve had no flooding issues in at least 20 years.” Concerns about mosquito breeding at the sites and their making it harder to get in and out of parked cars have been expressed, with some saying the city should allow homeowners to opt out of having them installed in front of their houses. On the sidewalk in front of Famiglietti’s home, which is around the inter-

section of 147th Street and 33rd Avenue, he has seen markings showing that the site will be considered for bioswale installation. “There is literature out there that you can find pretty easily that says that they can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Famiglietti said. The conscientious objector doubts that his victory will prevent the agency from ultimately installing the bioswale if it wants to make one. He won a battle. But perhaps not the war. “Eventually someone’s not gonna be here

and they’re gonna get it done,” he conceded. “There’s only so much we can do to stop it.” His yard has not always been a source of contention with city agencies. “We wanted a tree in front of my house,” said Famiglietti, who works in the film industry. “We got in touch with the city and about six months later, we had a tree.” The Flushing resident was cheered on by Facebook friends after he posted photos of himself during his standoff. “Keep it up! Great cause! You inspire!!” one person commented. The de Blasio administration, he said, is not taking the right approach to installing bioswales. “The city, it’s just saying, ‘We’re putting this in front of your house, whether you like it or not,’” said Famiglietti. Northwest Bayside Civic Association President Chadney Spencer is among those who say that the DEP should allow for an opt-out option. He recently saw one in Elmhurst that was in less-than-beautiful condition. “It wasn’t maintained,” he said. “They’re relying on the pedestrians of New York City to not throw trash in it.” The DEP did not immediately respond when asked if a bioswale was planned at the site or if Famiglietti would be penalized for Q obstructing the work.

Synagogue owes almost $130K to city Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim has received myriad civil penalties by Ryan Brady

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Associate Editor

A synagogue called Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim in Kew Gardens Hills at 150-62 78 Road has racked up $129,500 in Department of Buildings and Environmental Control Board civil penalties. Violations were issued because of occupancy contrary to the building’s certificate of occupancy, which is for a one-family residential home, work without a permit and construction violations, the details for which could not be given to the Chronicle prior to deadline. A partial vacate order meant to stop the building from being used as a house of worship was issued by the DOB on Jan. 9, 2009 after it was determined by inspectors to lack proper fire suppression systems and a place of assembly certificate, according to a spokesperson for the agency. It is still in effect. Places of worship are allowed in some residentially zoned areas, the spokesman added, but the status must be reflected by the certificate of occupancy, which in the synagogue’s case says the building is a single-family home. Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, the head of the synagogue, says that it is working to pay the fines. “It’s something that we’re trying to rectify,” he said, adding although his group has not asked for a fine reduction, it will. A Queens Crap blog post from last month featured a complaint from an anonymous person about the crowds that come when the synagogue gives out food and block the entrance to a nearby community driveway. Nisanov said that people who come to the food pantry are encouraged to avoid blocking the community driveway. “Whenever there’s cars coming by, we always ask the people to move,” he said. “Even when there is no car coming by, we

always tell people, ‘Please, it’s a driveway; we don’t want anyone to get hurt.’” But when the Chronicle went to the location on Wednesday morning during the time of the food pantry’s operation, an entrance to the community driveway was blocked by a number of people waiting in line. The rabbi added that the synagogue being in the area has benefited it in other ways. “A house of worship and especially a synagogue in the neighborhood has raised the values of homes tremendously,” he said. The Board of Standards and Appeals issued a variance for the building to be a synagogue with an accessory apartment for the rabbi in 2007 on the condition that it get a new certificate of occupancy reflecting the usage, according to the agency’s executive director, Ryan Singer. The certificate was necessary for the variance to legalize the building’s usage as a synagogue. The building did not have one by 2011, the deadline to do so under the conditional variance. “To date the owners of the property have not been issued a new Certificate of Occupancy, and have not complied with the conditions set forth in the BSA variance,” a DOB spokesperson said in an emailed statement. A complaint from November 2012, which also is active, says that cars are frequently parked on the sidewalk in front of the building. Flushing resident Paul Graziano, a long-time critic of the Department of Buildings and challenger to City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside), says that fines issued over problems at buildings are often ignored and toothless. “The city does not enforce its own fine collection; it Q doesn’t enforce its own rules,” he said.

People stand in an entrance to the community driveway behind Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim in Kew Gardens Hills during the synagogue’s food pantry time. The building is the subject of almost $130,000 in fines owed to the city. PHOTO BY RYAN BRADY

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January 5, 2017

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

ARTS, CULTURE C ULTURE E & LIVING L IVING IV

PHOTO LINEUP ‘East of East River’ lensman captures LIC and Astoria The words for Queens and its people pop easily to mind: the most diverse community of cultures and religions — and, oh! the food — in the nation, if not the world. But what does it all look like? In “East of East River” at the Queens Botanical Garden’s Gallery in Flushing, Indian-American professional photographer and Queens resident Vikram Dogra shows us. “He opts not to title the works, and he said it’s because so many visitors don’t speak English but they can connect through his imagery,” said Regina Minerva, QBG’s visitor services and public

programs manager. Dogra took the photos between 2004 and 2015 and has self-published a book of the same name. He notes that the borough experienced significant change in the past decade. “Both the photography and the book are the result of my love and appreciation of Queens and specially the neighborhoods of Astoria/LIC where I have lived for the last 16 years,” Dogra said in an email. Dogra reveals a built environment that’s surprisingly hard-surfaced compared with human life in the popular corridors of Queens, stuffed as they are with soft bodies like too many cupcakes in a box. In photograph #8, a crowd trudges single-file in silent camaraderie across a snowy elevated subway

platform at 30th Avenue (then called the 30th Avenue-Grand Avenue station) in Astoria, a starkly empty sky above and snowy tracks below. The fleeting appearances of people and nature stand out after one walks through the gardens to arrive at the gallery. Photo #11 shows countless birds on numerous wires, asserting the relentlessness of urban nature and serving as metaphor for Queens people. In #11, humans and nature appear by their absence. Someone placed several plastic chairs on a tiny porch in the “great outdoors” amid cheek-tojowl buildings, concrete and steel with no speck of greenery in sight. continued on Continued onpage page31

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by Victoria Zunitch

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 28

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G EXHIBITS

THEATRE

“Cosmic Unity: Occult Art and Music in Latin America,” exploring the counterculture of South America “in opposition to white supremacy, homophobia, hatred and all political aggression,” with works by 22 artist-healers. Opening Fri., Jan. 5, 8:15 p.m., Flux Factory, 39-31 29 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: (347) 669-1406, fluxfactory.org.

“The Wizard of Oz,” America’s favorite children’s story, about a girl thrust into a land of fantasy and forced to take on a dangerous mission, by Plaza Theatrical Productions. Sun., Jan. 8, 2 p.m., Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56 Ave., Bayside. Tickets: $12. Info: (516) 599-6870, plazatheatrical.com. Untitled, by Daniel Fish, “thinking about confined spaces” such as between two people or between viewer and screen, co-presented with Performance Space 122. Thu.-Sat., Jan. 12-21, 2 p.m., The Chocolate Factory Theater, 5-49 49 Ave., Long Island City. $20. Info: (718) 482-7069, chocolatefactorytheater.org.

“Another Land: After Noguchi,” astrophotography-like works by Leah Raintree, considering the microcosms in Isamu Noguchi’s sculptures. Thru Jan. 8, Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33 Road, Long Island City. $10; $5 seniors, students; NYC HS students, kids under 12 free. Info: (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org.

Act One: One Act Festival, with multiple performances and audience voting on the best ones. Thu.Sat., Jan. 12-28, various times, The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City. $15 advance; $18 at door; $55 any four shows. Info/tickets: (718) 3920722, secrettheatre.com.

“Nasty Women,” with works that serve to demonstrate solidarity among artists who self-identify as “nasty women” in the face of recent and ongoing threats to women’s rights in the wake of Presidentelect Donald Trump’s election. Thu.-Sun., Jan. 12-15, Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave., Maspeth. Free. Info: (347) 915-5615. “GingerBread Lane,” the 2013-15 world record holder for largest gingerbread village, with edible, homemade houses by chef Jon Lovitch. Thru Sun., Jan. 15; New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission; workshops $10 per kit. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org.

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“Q100: photographing the city bus to Riker’s Island,” highlighting the loved ones of people detained in the city jail. Thru Sun., Jan. 15; Qns Collective, 36-27 36 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: queenscouncilarts.org. “Journey to Infinit y,” paintings representing the emotions felt by PeruvianAmerican artist Renzo Ortega as an immigrant artist in NYC. Sat., Jan. 7-Sun., Jan. 15; opening reception Sat., Jan. 7, 3-5 p.m.; all-ages art workshop Sun., Jan. 8, 2-4 p.m.; closing reception and artist talk, Sun., Jan. 15, 3-5 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 13735 Northern Blvd. $5. Info/RSVP: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org. RENZO ORTEGA “Found and Funky,” mixed-media works made of found objects and paying homage to the jazz term for an art piece achieving its highest form. Thru Sat., April 8, Materials for the Arts, 33-00 Northern Blvd., 3rd floor, Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 729-2007, mfta.org. “Neither Here Nor There,” paintings, photographs, sculpture and more by eight French artists living in the U.S., sharing a sense of figurative isolation. Thru Jan. 20, Fri., 3-6 p.m., Sun., 1-6 p.m. or by app’t, Radiator Gallery, 10-61 Jackson Ave., LIC. Free. Info: (347) 677-3418, radiatorarts.com.

Members of the Con Brio Ensemble — Alexander Meshibovsky, left, Alan Hollander, Diana Mittler-Battipaglia and renowned soprano Osceola Davis, inset — will perform a chamber music concert Sunday in Forest Hills. See Music. COURTESY PHOTO “Maintenance Art,” with sculptures, photos and more, celebrating the everyday task of keeping things clean, by the Sanitation Dept.’s only artistin-residence ever, Mierle Laderman Ukeles. Thru Sun., Feb. 19, Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Suggested $8 admission; $4 seniors; free students, children, certain city employees. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org. “Bayside: The Actors’ Enclave,” with photos, posters, newspaper articles and ephemera from the early 20th century, when many stage, vaudeville and silent movie stars lived in the neighborhood. Thru Dec. at least, Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 12-4 p.m., Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave., Fort Totten Park. $5. Info: (718) 352-1548, baysidehistorical.org. “Nikon Small World 2016,” with winning images from the photomicrography competition, such as a zebra fish embryo’s developing face, a butterfly proboscis, a polished slab of agate and dozens more. Thru Feb. 26, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission: $15; $12 students, seniors, kids. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org.

MUSIC SsingSsing, with six Korean musicians melding rock and authentic Korean folk singing with other elements. Fri., Jan. 6, 8 p.m. (season kickoff party 6 p.m.; RSVP req’d: schoi@flushingtownhall.org), Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. $16; kids 13-19 free with school ID. Info: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org. Con Brio Ensemble Twilight Concert, with works by Telemann, Richard Strauss, Dvorak, Szymanowski and others, on violin, oboe and piano, and vocals on Strauss. Sun., Jan. 8, 4:30 p.m., The Church-in-theGardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. $12; $10 students, seniors. Info: (718) 459-1277, conbrioensemble.com.

LECTURE

“Martin Scorsese,” on the iconic New Yorker and director’s intertwined career and life, with production material, childhood artifacts, behind-thescenes images, film retrospective and more. Thru Apr. 23, 2017, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $15; $11 seniors, students; $7 kids 3-17. Info: (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us.

Alan Hevesi: the Politics of the Constitution, with the former city, state comptroller addressing how the 18th-century document applies today, with readings and discussions of some of its significant clauses. Mon., Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m., Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. $8 suggested donation. Info: (718) 268-5011, cqy.org, pkurtz@cqy.org. FILE PHOTO

“World Amigurumi Exhibition vol. 3: Mixed Materials Made Mini Monsters!,” taking the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed animals and other creatures and objects in a new direction with unique shapes and materials, with artists from all over the world. Thru March 31, Resobox, 41-26 27 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 784-3680, resobox.com.

Sunnyside Yard and Hell Gate Bridge, by author of new book of the same name, David Morrison, a retired LIRR branch line manager, with signing, limited copies available for purchase. Sat., Jan. 14, 1 p.m., Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 2780700, astorialic.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS “Nollaig na mBan” — Woman’s Christmas, celebrating the Irish tradition at Yuletide’s end when women would get to rest and socialize, with refreshments and entertainment. Fri., Jan. 6, 2 p.m., New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. $8; $10 at door. Info: (718) 4820909, newyorkirishcenter.org. Michel Lauziere: Science of Sound, an interactive musical show with the performer using basic scientific principles to play bizarre, original instruments and explaining what sound is and how it travels. Sat., Jan. 14, 1 p.m. workshop ($7; $4 kids); 2:30 p.m. show ($13; $8 kids; free teens 13-19 with school ID), Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Info/RSVP: (718) 4637700, flushingtownhall.org. COURTESY PHOTO Mulchfest, getting your Christmas tree turned into wood chips to take home or leave to the city for use in parks. Sat.-Sun., Jan. 7-8, 15 Queens locations from Astoria to Rockaway to Floral Park (some dropoff only; no chipping while you wait). Free. Info: on.nyc.gov/2hUjrrS. The Three Kings Celebration, re-enacting the biblical visit of the three wise men to the newborn Jesus Christ, with music by Juan Ortega, by the Latin American Cultural Center of Queens. Sun., Jan. 8, 2:30-5 p.m., El Paraiso, 102-11 42 Ave., Corona. Free. Info/RSVP: (718) 261-7664 laccq@aol.com. Italian Charities of America dances, with food, drink and more. Sat., Jan. 14, 28, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10. Info: (718) 478-3100. 00 continued on page 32

Send theater, music, art or event items to What’s Happening via artslistingqchron@gmail.com

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by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Gossip columns are nothing new in popular culture. In the early years of the 20th century, reporters stalked celebrities’ every move and reported who got into a car accident and who was spotted shopping for eggs at the corner store. What was different is where the socialites would be found — for they were not in central Los Angeles, but in the northeast region of Queens. Yes, Bayside was once the home of sprawling estates lived in by household names of theater and silent movies.

‘Bayside: the Actor’s Enclave’ When: Thurs. and Fri., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat, noon to 4 p.m. Where: Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave. Entry: $5 suggested, baysidehistorical.org

The Bayside Historical Society offers a glimpse at the stars who once called the neighPHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY borhood home. Photos of the stars accompany shots of the estates they once called home, many of them still standing today. The historical society offers a brief, yet thorough, s ynopsis of each loc at ion’s importance. You can also flip through “The Bayside Bugle,” a short-lived paper that chronicled the lives of actors and producers.

The exhibit — which takes about 30 minutes to go through — opened in November, and the society is still in the process of expanding the material featured in the Fort Totten building. One such upcoming feature is “a map of the stars,” James said. Among the challenges of put ting continued on page 33

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Today, one of their houses may just look like another quaint structure on, say, 222nd Street with many unaware of its significance to pop culture close to 100 years ago. But now, a new photo exhibit at the Bayside Historical Society seeks to change that. “Bayside: the Actor’s Enclave” is an ongoing display sponsored by the society that shows how the neighborhood was o n c e t h e c e nt e r of g l a m o u r a n d entertainment. “You may think a lot of things about Bayside, but glamorous is not one of them, I think,” said Laura James, executive director of the historical society. “But back then, Bayside was very glamorous. People came here to escape. This was like going to the Hamptons ... you could leave your stage, or theater or vaudeville persona behind.” While household names of today are not featured in the exhibit, many of the prominent stars of yesteryear are — the Talmadge family, actress Pearl White, John Golden and W.C. Fields are just some of them featured.

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

Before Hollywood, there was Bayside

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 30

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Do you long for the big hair, guitar shredding and singalong anthems of the 1980s or are you an old-school, classic rock ’n’ roll fan who saw the 1960s as the golden age of music? Is disco still your guilty pleasure after all these years or are the alternative rock trends of today more your thing? At Resorts World’s Bar360, you can be transported back to whichever musical era you want with the variety of musical acts slated to perform at the Ozone Park casino just this month. “Resorts World is extremely excited to present a diverse nightly entertainment schedule at Bar360,” Resorts World director of public relations Michelle Stoddart said in a statement. “Having a variety of bands and offering all major sports programs on TV gives our guests so many great options to enjoy time spent at the casino.” One of the more popular acts on the calendar this month is Killer Joe’s “Classic Rock Tribute” on Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. “Killer Joe” Ferraro, a Long Island resident, has played countless “extreme, high energy” shows all over the country, but Bar360 remains one of his favorite places to play a gig. “Traveling musicians really love that venue,” Ferraro said in a Tuesday interview. “Their sound technicians there are great.” The material Ferraro busts out will have you thinking it’s the ’60s all over again, as he specializes in “old school rock ’n’ roll,

blues and soul” in the vein of legends like Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones. “We get everyone involved in the show,” he said. “It’s like a big frat party from 1966. We’ll have a ball, I promise.” If 1980s rock is more your thing, the Van Halen tribute band Bottoms Up will take the Bar360 stage on Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. Lead guitarist Jake Miller, also a Long Island resident, said anyone who missed seeing the rock group on tour in the 1980s would be wise to check out their show. “You should expect to see Van Halen circa 1981 to 1984 with our costumes and songs,” Miller said on Tuesday. “We have a complete stage show that people love.” Expect to hear classics like “Jump” and “Panama,” as Bottoms Up plays them all. “We play all those hits,” he said. “Everyone has a really good time.” Other groups booked to play Bar360 include salsa singer Brenda K. Starr on Jan. 13, disco act The Ritchie Family on Jan. 20 and Drive (The Cars cover band) on Jan. 25. The venue will also play host to salsa lessons every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and DJ Q sets every Saturday at 11 p.m.

Bar360 When: January nights Where: Resorts World, 111-00 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park Entry: Free. rwnewyork.com

C M SQ page j 31 Y K Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

Queens through his lens continued from page 27

Jianye Zhang of Flushing, who was eager to share his own iPhone photographs of Kissena Park’s nature, was one of several visitors to the gallery on a recent rainy Thursday. He was drawn to the display of the RFKTriborough Bridge in #24, in which Dogra framed the massive structure with watercoated tree branches. Or perhaps #24 is all about the Queens tree branches. It places them in front of a span that sends people from that irrelevant place to the west over here to this destination, to this tree, to these sparkling droplets, to this growing town on the frontier of the city. The overdeveloped sister of the World’s Borough also makes a second-fiddle appear-

‘East of East River’ When: Through Feb. 6 Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing Entry: Free. (718) 886-3800, vikramdographoto.com

ance in #27, where a graffitied wall on the Queens river bank is front and center, the night skyline of Manhattan a mere backdrop. Manhattan was before, and then the East River was named for its relative location to that self-proclaimed center of the world, now fully actualized, finished, if you will. Queens is here, is now, yet again east of the river. Go East, young man. The exhibit is on display through Feb. 6 in the main building of the QBG, where admission is free November through March. The exhibits change four times a year. “We bring in arts from the boroughs and beyond but most of them do celebrate Queens in some capacity,” Minerva said. “The Botanical Garden is the place where people, plants and culture meet,” said Jessica Brey, the QBG’s marketing and membership coordinator. “This exhibit touches on Q the people and cultural aspect.”

Queens Botanical Garden staffers Jessica Brey, left, Saarah Rahim, Jacky Ong and Cindy Donald check out the photos of Vikram Dogra, including these, right. On the cover: Another of his Queens images. PHOTO BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH, TOP; COURTESY PHOTOS

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 32

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boro continued continued from from page page 28 00 Onderdonk House candlelight tours, examining the city’s oldest Dutch Colonial stone house, with live music, mulled cider and treats. Sat., Jan. 7, 5-8 p.m., 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood. $5; kids free. Info: (718) 456-1776, onderdonkhouse.org.

DANCE Dance Theatre of Harlem MLK Jr. event, with an eclectic repertoire ranging from classics to contemporary and works using ballet to celebrate African-American culture, commemorating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Sun., Jan. 15, 4 p.m., Colden Auditorium, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. $35. Info: (718) 793-0923, kupferbergcenter.org.

FILM First Look 2017, a festival for innovative new cinema, with works from more than 20 countries, most New York premieres. Fri., Jan. 6-Mon., Jan. 16, varying times, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. Varying prices; pass to all films $45. Info: (718) 7776888, movingimage.us.

KIDS/TEENS Tinkering Lab open house, intro to 8-week course on making electro-light instruments, for kids “about” 6-12. Sun., Jan. 8, 1-5 p.m. (classes each Sun. starting Jan. 22), Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, 34-41 137 St., Flushing. Free (course $150). Info: (718) 961-8585, bit.ly/2iq96aD, latimernow.org. Young Writers Workshop, using prompts to work on creative writing process in a fun, encouraging atmosphere, for kids 5-12; bring notebook and writing utensil. Sun., Jan. 8, 12:30-1:15 p.m., Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31 St. Free. Info: (718) 278-2665, astoriabookshop.com.

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SPORTS

Snowflakes and Snowballs, playing in the “snow” even if there is none outside, with live animal guests, art projects, trail walks and more, for kids 18-36 months. Fun in the snow, for kids 3-4. Both 10 a.m., Sun., Jan. 8, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Snowflakes: $12; Fun: $15. Info/pre-registration (req’d): (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com. Family Maker Club, a learning environment with children and families tinkering, designing and creating things from everyday materials. Each Mon. thru Feb. 27, 3:45-5 p.m., Middle Village Library, 72-31 Metropolitan Ave. Info: Susan Paredes, (718) 326-1390, susan.paredes@queenslibrary.org.

Ave. Free. Parking in Burling St. lot. Info: (718) 358-1103, flushingcameraclub.org.

CLASSES English conversation, for intermediate to advanced speakers, held by the Flushing Jewish Community Council. Each Thu., starting Jan. 5, 6:15-7:30 p.m., International Buddhist Progress Society, 154-37 Barclay Ave., Flushing. Free. Info/ registration: (718) 463-0434.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES Howard Beach Senior Center, with exercise classes every weekday except Thu., varying times; dances with a DJ and hot lunch every Tue., 12-3 p.m.; art classes every Thu., 9:3011:30 a.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m.; intro to sign language every Fri., 10-11:30 a.m.; karaoke every Fri., 1-3 p.m.; monthly book club; and more, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd. Info: (718) 738-8100. EPIC drug program seminar, for all seniors, on new eligibility requirements for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program. Thu., Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m., Howard Beach Senior Center, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd. Free. Info: (718) 738-8100. The Queens Library has seven Adult Learning Centers with full-time professional staff and volunteers who tutor literacy groups and facilitate ESOL conversation groups. The centers also offer basic adult education classes. Info: queenslibrary. org/services/adult-literacy/adult-learning-centers. Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc., a social service agency providing for the needs of senior citizens in Queens, is seeking volunteers for its programs geared toward helping seniors living independently in their homes. Further information may be obtained by calling SNAP of Eastern Queens Innovative Senior Center at (718) 4542100, or SNAP Brookville Neighborhood Senor Center at (718() 525-8899. Knitting and crocheting class, to learn a new skill or share an idea for a craft project, by Jamaica Senior Program for Older Adults. Each Thu., 10:30-11:30 a.m., T. Jackson Adult Center, 92-47 165 St. Info: (718) 657-6500, jspoa.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS Bereavement groups for assistance dealing with loss and the process towards healing, with others experiencing similar situations. Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Registration req’d. Info: (718) 268-5011, ext. 160, olderadults@cgy.org.

CLUBS

Anxious, nervous, depressed? Recovery International can help. Meetings every Thu., 2:30 p.m., Fri., 3:30 p.m. Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave. Info: recoveryinternational.org.

Flushing Camera Club, with tips on alternate lighting and mentoring program; bring a camera. Wed., Jan. 18, 7:15-9 p.m., Flushing Hospital Medical Center auditorium, 5th floor, 146-01 45

Contemplating suicide? The Samaritans provide 24-hour confidential emotional support for those feeling suicidal or depressed. Call: (212) 6733000; samaritansnyc.org.

BEAT

Did axing Rex save Todd? by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula removed a lot of drama surrounding last Sunday’s BillsNew York Jets mercifully season-concluding game when he fired head coach Rex Ryan earlier in the week. The dismissal meant that Ryan would not be able to try to beat the Jets which of course was the team that he coached for six seasons. Ryan was fired by Jets owner Woody Johnson two years ago after he failed to get GanGreen to the playoffs for four straight years. The Bills’ decision to can Rex before the last game of the season was a gift to Jets head coach Todd Bowles, who himself has been on the hot seat because of his team’s awful season. For starters, the Bills, who were eliminated from playoff contention last week after a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Dolphins, came into MetLife just to play out the string. Knowing that they would have a new head coach next year, the Bills players had little reason to show up on Sunday and they proved that by getting pulverized 30-10 by the Jets, a team which got by such NFL dregs as the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers by a margin of three points in each game and had to furiously come from behind in both games to boot. Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who was one of Gang Green’s few bright spots this season, agreed with my assessment that when most

NFL players talk about “playing for pride” in meaningless contests, what they are really saying is “give me my paycheck and I will do whatever I can to avoid injury,” when I spoke with him at his locker following the Bills game. Beating the Bills was probably just icing on the cake for Bowles. New York Daily News NFL columnist and Fresh Meadows native Gary Myers reported last Thursday that Woody Johnson had already made the decision to bring him back. My guess is that Woody wanted to show everyone that he did indeed make the right decision to ax Rex Ryan in January 2015 and replace him with Todd Bowles shortly afterwards. In what has been a losing season in every way imaginable, seeing Rex get fired by another team and then keeping his successor for another season made Woody feel like a winner. Northwest held off Pittsburgh, 31-24 in last week’s Pinstripe Bowl that was held at Yankee Stadium. As has been the case in all of the past six Pinstripe Bowls, scores were made on big plays as opposed to lengthy drives, and the game was not boring. Many doubted the long-term feasibility of the Pinstripe Bowl when the Yankees created it in 2010. This year’s game drew nearly 38,000 spectators and it now appears that the Pinstripe Q Bowl is an NYC holiday week fixture. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

American dream and a Richmond Hill tradition by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Louis Henry and Louisa Bulleonikle immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1889. They quickly Americanized their name to Bullwinkel. In 1910 they opened up a grocery store on the northeast corner of Jamaica Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Deliveries were made by horse and wagon to the residents of Richmond Hill. Because of the traffic and congestion of this corner they moved to 86-21 Lefferts Blvd. and took in a partner, Henry Kross. Bullwinkel and Kross was born. The 30-by-100-foot building had three stories and four apartment units. Louis and Louisa Bullwinkel and Henry and Emma Kross lived directly above their grocery store. The store was a staple for decades in the community. Louisa continued to work in the store into her 70s after the death of her husband. The 1940 Census listed her as having completed a fourth-grade education but that never stopped her from success. Upon her death the building was owned

Bullwinkel and Kross Grocery Store, 86-21 Lefferts Blvd., Richmond Hill, July 1935. for many years by Alvin Dreissig, who rented out the apartments. Today the building, though zoned for mixed use, has been made strictly residential by the new owner Kemraj Singh and has an appraised value of $832,000. The four rental units rent for approximately $2,400 each. There is more money today in being a landlord than suffering the overhead of running a mom-and-pop grocery store. Q

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Vander Ende-Onderdonk House © 1709

ACROSS

CANDLELIGHT TOURS at the Onderdonk House Saturday, January 7, 2017 From 5 to 8pm Let the holiday spirit continue. Join us for a special evening of candlelight with music by the Nick Russo Trio, light refreshments and mulled cider. Donation $5.00 The Vander Ende - Onderdonk House 1820 FLUSHING AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD CORNER OF FLUSHING AND ONDERDONK AVENUES

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Supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Antonio Reynoso and Elizabeth Crowley, Council Members and Queens Delegation DIRECTIONS: 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood, Corner of Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues SUBWAY: L to Jefferson Street, then walk five blocks north along Flushing Avenue. BUS: Q54 to Flushing and Metropolitan Avenues. B57 to Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues

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continued from page 29 together the exhibit, James said, was finding when to put an end to the research phase. “We really had to make a conscious decision to say ‘OK, if we don’t stop researching we’ll never have an exhibit,’” she said. “You just keep finding things.” But there was one way the organizers were able to find where to end their research. Looking through the exhibit, which will run all year at least, one will see that many of the stars started fleeing the borough during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It wasn’t the Depression that drove them out, but rather that is when production studios ditched the area in favor of Hollywood — though far to the west, Kaufman Astoria, still operating today, opened in 1920. “The end of the era we have here is when the movie studios that they thought were going to be built here were not,” James said. “And so rather than Bayside being Hollywood, Hollywood became Hollywood so a lot of people left.” The homes were sold en masse, some of them to other movie producers and stars and others to those not in the entertainment circle.

11 Recipe meas. 20 Potential winner 22 Lyricist’s specialty 24 Circular 25 Take to the slopes 26 U.K. pol. party 27 Multipurpose truck 29 Conk out 30 Right angle 31 Scale members

1 Rebuff a masher 5 Whip 9 Vanna’s cohort 12 Twosome 13 Reverberate 14 Center 15 — -European 16 Part of Q.E.D. 17 “Monty Python” opener 18 Egg container? 19 Symbol of intrigue 20 Hoofbeat sound 21 Mound stat 23 Sib 25 Like wet snow 28 There 32 Pot 33 Of service 34 Construction pieces 36 Prepares to propose 37 Bottom line 38 Egos’ counterparts 39 Crooked 42 Under the weather 44 “G.W.T.W.” plantation 48 Regret 49 Verbal 50 Enthusiastic, plus 51 “All the Things You —” 52 Exhaust-pipe output 53 Undressed 54 Pantheon member 55 Unoriginal one 56 Ball-bearing items

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

boro King Crossword Puzzle

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 34

C M SQ page 34 Y K

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C M SQ page 36 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Help Wanted

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Legal Notices FOREVER 88 MANAGEMENT, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/23/2015. 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, 143-24 41 Avenue, Suite 11B, Flushing, NY 11355 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Notice of formation of 70-25 Ingram LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on November 16, 2016. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 4102 31st Ave. Ste. A, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

79TH STREET HB, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 09/12/2013. Off. Loc.:Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 185-07 80th Drive, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

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Legal Notices NOTICE OF SALE.

Notice of Formation of IOH, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/22/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No.: 6246/2012 M & T BANK S/B/M MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against JOUNG SUK SHIN A/K/A JOUNG S. SHIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered on 4/18/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY in Courtroom #25 on 2/3/2017 at 10:00 am, premises known as 83-84 Dana Court, Middle Village, NY 11379, and described as follows: ALL that tract or parcel of land, situate in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, State of New York, and designated on the tax maps of the Queens County Treasurer as Block 3000 and Lot 14. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $253,291.71 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale; Index # 6246/2012. Donald L. Clarke, Sr., Esq., Referee. SCHILLER, KNAPP, LEFKOWITZ & HERTZEL, LLP, 950 New Loudon Road, LATHAM, NY 12110. Dated: 11/23/2016 11-0876-0 MNB

Malabani, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/01/16. 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: Manash Bhaduri, 90-01 185 Street, Hollis Ave, NY 11423 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Norman NY LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 09/15/16. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 843 60th St., #A6, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

MLNNNYC, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/09/16. 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: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Sanford Estate Mezz De, LLC, a foreign LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/29/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 112-15 Northern Blvd., #2, Corona, NY 11368. General Purpose.

FutureHub, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/03/16. 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: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

C M SQ page 37 Y K

FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ORANGE Docket# A-997-15-P File No. 64165 NOTICE OF PROPOSED ADOPTION In the Matter of the Adoption of A Child whose First Name is ARIANA To: MARLON E. PUMAGUALLE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a petition requesting an order approving and allowing the adoption of an adoptive child whose first name is: ARIANA, who is alleged to be your: daughter, and whose full name and date and place of birth is set forth in a petition for adoption, together with an agreement to adopt and consents to the adoption pursuant to the Domestic Relations Law, has been filed with the: Family Court of the State of New York, Orange County. A hearing on the petition will be held at the Court, located at: 285 Main Street, Goshen, New York 10924 on: the 28th of February 2017, at: 9:15 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, at which time and place all persons having any interest therein will be heard. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that your failure to appear may constitute a denial of your interest in the child, which may result, without further notice to you, in the adoption or other disposition of the custody of the child. Signature of Petitioner’s Attorney, JOHN E. BACH, JR. Attorney’s name, 20 Scotchtown Ave., P.O. Box 61, Goshen, New York 10924, Attorney’s Address and Telephone Number ( 845) 294-7941

SUNNYSIDE AUTO REPAIR, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/19/16 (amended 11/17/16 ). 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: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Open House

Comm. Prop. For Rent

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 1/7, 12:30-2:00PM, 163-53 91st St. 1 Family Center Hall Colonial, 4 BR, 3 baths, LR, DR, EIK, fireplace, radiant heat with granite fls, cedar closets, 2 car gar, IGP, CAC, lot size 60x100. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

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Apts. For Rent Ozone Park, studio apt, pvt ent, $975/mo, G&E incl, no smoking/ pets, call 917-612-5338 St. Albans, 2 BR, EIK, bath, small LR, pets allowed. $1,300/mo. Owner, 347-869-0000

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Houses For Sale Howard Beach Lg Ranch, 80x100 lot, 3 lg BR, 2 full baths, LR, lg DR, new roof, new appliances, beautiful HW fls, lg attic, pvt dvwy, owner motivated. Asking $679K Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach, all new totally redone in 2016, stone front, siding, windows, roof, new kit with S/S appli, granite, 4 BR, 3 full baths, $659K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Hamilton Beach, brand new mint, 3 BR, 2 baths, 2 stories, det, granite countertops with S/S appli. Reduced $399K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, 60x100 lot back dormered Cape, 4 BR, 3 full baths, great location, full fin bsmnt, park-like backyard, 3 zone heat, new boiler & HW heater, deck off top fl, beautiful sunroom. Asking, $719K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 Classified Ad Special. Pay for 3 weeks and the 4th week is FREE! Call 718-205-8000

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Sherpa Venture Partners LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/28/16. 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: Sherpa Venture Partners LLC 2071 28th Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION is hereby given to Ahmad Bostani a/k/a Arman Rezayar Bostani a/k/a Ahmad Reza Bostani a/k/a Ahmadreza Bostani (collectively referred to as “Bostani”), pursuant to CPLR 315, of an action commenced in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, under Index No. 702988/2015, the object of which is, among other things, to recover damages against defendant Bostani in an amount of no less than $430,000.00 and expenses in an amount of no less than $7,288.01, for his role in the improper transfer of a certain piece of real property and for failure to repay a loan in a principal amount of $472,000.00 borrowed by Bostani in connection with said transfer of real property. Pursuant to its obligations under a policy of title insurance, plaintiff Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”) paid the above sum and incurred the above expenses to quiet title to the property. Fidelity National Law Group, 105 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 103, Roseland, New Jersey 07068, (973) 863-7017, are the attorneys for Commonwealth. You are summoned to answer the Verified Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer, or if the Verified Complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the plaintiff’s attorneys, within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint. Your Answer, Notice of Appearance, motion or other response to the Verified Complaint must be served upon the above-referenced attorneys for plaintiff and filed, with proof of service, with the Supreme Court Clerk, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007, in the General County Clerk’s Office, Room 119. There is no filing fee for filing an Answer. However, if you decide to file a motion, a filing fee in the amount of $45.00 must be paid. If you do not file and serve a written Answer or motion within thirty (30) days of the date of publication of this notice, the Court may enter a judgment against you for the relief that plaintiff demands, plus interest and costs of suit. If judgment is entered against you, the Sheriff may seize your money, wages, property or other assets to pay all or part of the judgment. If you cannot afford an attorney and seek information about the legal process, you may call the Help Center at the Supreme Court at (646) 386-3025, or visit Room 116 at the courthouse. Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Islam, et al. Index No. 702988/2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017 Page 38

C M SQ page 38 Y K

RM WARNING by Christopher Barca

Sharmorie Ponds rises and fires against Syracuse, the start of the Red Storm’s recent hot PHOTO COURTESY ST. JOHN’S ATHLETICS streak.

Is this really the same St. John’s team that lost to LIU-Brooklyn, Penn State and freaking Delaware State, all within the last five weeks? It sure doesn’t look it, considering the roll they’ve been on. After thrashing archrival Syracuse four days before Christmas, the Johnnies notched an even more impressive victory, coming back from 10 points down to upset 13th-ranked Butler 76-73 last Thursday in the first Big East conference game of the year. The best part about it? Carnesecca Arena was sold out and jumping; the building loud and rocking like it was 1985 all over again. “I kept saying that it’s waiting to blow up. I’m happy for them,” head coach Chris Mullin said of the rocking crowd of more than 5,200 people. “There is nothing like that so we have to keep it going and sell this place out every night.” If the Red Storm keep playing like they did against Butler — earning the home team’s first win over a ranked team in Jamaica since 1998 — that shouldn’t be a problem. But to thrive in such an environment, you

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

need a stone cold killer, someone who isn’t afraid to take and make the big shot. And the Johnnies have just that in freshman phenom Shamorie Ponds. We’ve seen all season, even in the Red Storm’s ugliest of losses, what a special player the Brooklyn lefty is. He may still be just a teenager, but Ponds has single handedly led this team to victory on multiple occasions this year with his knack for clutch threes, his big time defensive stops and the court vision of a seasoned veteran. Both last Thursday against Butler and on Monday against DePaul on the road, Ponds tightened his stranglehold on the Big East Rookie of the Year with big performances. But let’s start with the final moments of his incredible 26-point, seven-rebound game against the former. With the Red Storm up just 72-71 with 10 seconds left, Ponds stepped to the free throw line with the sold-out crowd in a frenzy, needing to hit both shots. Many other freshmen would have wilted in that moment, letting that stressful situation

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get the best of them. But not Shamorie. With a smirk on his face, he nailed both free throws, giving the Johnnies a temporary three point lead. After a quick Butler bucket cut the Red Storm lead to just one, he corralled the inbounds pass before being fouled, again sending him to the free throw line. Same situation, same cool attitude, same result. Ponds nailed both shots with two seconds left, sealing the biggest win of Mullin’s tenure as head coach. “He’s a really phenomenal player, but he also has that calm and cool personality. That is his demeanor on and off the court,” Mullin said of his star. “Sometimes he’s so good and so calm that you forget he’s just a freshman. “I have no doubt in him,” he continued. “He’s a special player.” Monday’s 79-73 win over DePaul, in which Ponds poured in 15 points, was the Red Storm’s third win in a row and second straight over a Big East opponent. They had just one win against conference foes all last season, which saw the Johnnies go a brutal 8-24. “We feel like every game, if we come out and compete,” Ponds said, “we will be unstoppable.” Now if Ponds and his boys can knock off 10th-ranked Creighton at home in front of another sell-out crowd on Wednesday, as this column goes to print, we should all take that statement as truth. With smooth-shooting Shamorie leading the charge, the Johnnies could be a thorn in the side Q of the rest of the Big East.

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C M SQ page 39 Y K

Connexion I

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Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 5, 2017

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