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
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When Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar put out a plan to add parking spots around the Forest Park Co-op in Woodhaven, she included a proposal to build a lot on “vacant park space.” Residents expressed concerns that she was targeting Forest Park, and advocates protested, though she claimed that was not her intention. She has since clarified that she meant a lot on Forest Park Co-op land more than 100 yards from the intersection she originally mentioned.
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Crime stats to test Adams admin. early Queens rates for ’21 up, but better than city’s; mayor vows safety, justice by Michael Gannon
M
Senior News Editor
ost crime statistics headed in the wrong direction in 2021 in both Queens and the city. And while Mayor Adams is getting high praise for the law-and-order platform that helped get him elected, some experts fear he will be running into strong headwinds coming from the City Council, district attorney’s offices and even from as far away as Albany. Total reported major crimes, known as index crimes in NYPD vernacular, rose by 711 in Queens in 2021 to 20,903. In the city as a whole, the New York Post reported that 2021 was the first year since 2016 that index crimes citywide exceeded 100,000. According to NYPD CompStat data through Dec. 26, Queens had seen 81 murders in 2021, up five from 2020. Rapes were up significantly, from 131 to 154. Queens bucked citywide trends in shooting incidents and shooting victims. Shooting incidents in the borough ticked up from 290 to 294, just over 1 percent, but the number of shooting victims decreased from 235 to 233. Citywide, however, shooting incidents were up 2 percent and shooting victims up 0.4 percent.
M Mayor Ad Adams hhas his hi workk cutt outt for f him hi as his hi public bli safety f t emphasis h i runs head-on h d into i t rising i i crime statistics. While burglaries were the only category in which the city saw a reduction as a whole, Queens for the year was down in both burglaries and robberies. Robberies were down by 98, and burglar-
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Educating our students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
ies were reduced by more than 500. In Queens, the 113th Precinct in South Jamaica saw the greatest numerical increase in murders, going from seven last year to 13. The 101st Precinct in the Rockaways had 11,
up from 10, while the 114th Precinct in Astoria went from seven to 10. The largest drops in Queens were in the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights, which plummeted from 11 to five, and the 100th Precinct in the Rockaways, which went from five down to one. Both the 111th Precinct in Bayside and the 112th in Forest Hills saw no murders. The 111th had a single murder last year, while the 112th again had zero. Professor Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD detective sergeant who now teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Brooklyn, wishes Adams well. But the former commanding officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad believes the mayor will need to muster every available resource to drive crime down. “We saw the violence continue this year,” Giacalone said in a phone interview. “[In 2020], if people forgot, we had a record surge in violent crime, homicides and shootings, and they went up again [in 2021]. So it’s not a good sign if you’re up on top of a record.” He said the drop in burglaries is a positive, but attributes much of that to the continuing Covid pandemic. “People were home, so you didn’t get a continued on page 19
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C M SQ page 4 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW
SOUTH QUEENS: PART II
2021
’21 saw hellos, goodbyes, cleanups and mainstays in S. Queens by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor
The second half of 2021 brought South Queens results, follow-ups and conclusions. Progress was made in beautifying Jamaica Bay in various regards, cleanup on the ground continued, landmarks ranging from Neir’s Tavern to Resorts World New York City Casino solidified their presence in the community and justice was served for many. Divisions and divides were made more evident as the Covid-19 pandemic endured and vaccination and testing sites popped up. A historic and notable City Council race for District 32 was closely watched throughout the city as one of the few seriously contested in the borough. It brought out over 20,000 voters and drew a line in the sand for many. The year ended with a grand display of holiday cheer and goodwill throughout the neighborhoods as residents looked towards a fresh new year full of new administrations, promises and hopes ahead. July In the summer months, a new project to restore and protect Jamaica Bay’s shoreline and freshwater West Pond broke ground, spearheaded by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. The “living shoreline” project was a partnership with the Fund for the City of New York and designed by Dirtworks Landscape Architecture PC, Rippled Waters Engineering and Great Ecology. It continued through the fall. The West Pond trail was closed to visitors of the Gateway National Recreation Area park as volunteers helped to plant 6,000 of the 200,000 native grasses and shrubs that now line — and will continue to fill in — the shoreline. The West Pond is a freshwater haven for a variety of wildlife once again, after Hurricane Sandy caused a breach, contaminating the valuable resource. Covid rates rose throughout the city as the Alpha and Delta variants made their rounds and Howard Beach was for a time among the
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Remembrances and celebrations
A joint community effort brought a commemorative 9/11 mural to the Howard Beach-Lindenwood neighborhood.
September The remnants of Hurricane Ida struck on Sept. 1, killing eight people in Queens and causing billions of dollars worth of damage. Residents of “The Hole,” a neighborhood northwest of Lindenwood sitting 10 feet below street level and lacking sewage and draining systems, dealt with flooding weeks after the storm. Cleanup efforts in South Queens continued as state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) enlisted the City Cleanup Corps to regularly spruce up the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge, named after the senator’s father. For over a year, complaints were made about trash along the bridge that carries Cross Bay Boulevard over Jamaica Bay and connects Howard Beach and Broad Channel. Tragedy struck in Ozone Park when a basement fire broke out and killed 9-year-old Remi Miguel Gomez Hernandez. His family had just moved in the day before, according to reports. Eleven others were injured in the blaze that Councilwoman Joann Ariola won a landslide victory in the race for City Council District 32, suc- was determined to have been started by the ceeding Eric Ulrich, right. During her campaign, she talked of building a bipartisan Common batteries of an electric bike, an issue that FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said FILE PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF Sense Caucus with Councilman Robert Holden, left. was rampant across the city. The ongoing gripes over parking near top four neighborhoods with the most new lack of garbage pails in the area compared to cases citywide. Vaccination rates at the time neighboring communities even became a talk- Woodhaven’s Forest Park Co-op were compounded by confusion over a plan from were among the lowest in the city, along with ing point in the District 32 race. A renewed effort to resurrect plans to build Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-WoodBreezy Point, Broad Channel and the a new Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Depart- haven) as she tried to find a solution to the resRockaways. The City Council race for District 32 was ment firehouse persisted, continuing a 20-year idents’ plight. She has since met with Department of Transportation officials and proposed narrowed in July as Felicia Singh, a teacher fight. a plan to free up about 75 new and activist from Ozone Park, was officially spots. The plan is still under August named the Democratic nominee, and Kenichi review by the DOT. In August, the 106th Precinct Wilson, president of Community Board 9, As the city marked the 20th announced he would run on a third-party line. gained new leadership as Capt. anniversary of September 11th, a The two candidates faced now-Councilwoman Jerome Bacchi was promoted to Howard Beach memorial many Joann Ariola (R-Howard Beach), formerly lead, promising to restore quality years in the works was finally chairwoman of the Queens County GOP, in a of life. The 22-year veteran was revealed. A mural featuring 2,977 race that quickly boiled down to the two born and raised in Woodhaven stars representing those who lost women competing to become the first female and previously served two years their lives on that day, as well as as a lieutenant in the 106. in the seat. the city skyline and first respondHistoric Neir’s Tavern, argued Honors were granted to Lindenwood teacher badges, was unveiled under the er Cheryl Rizzo, a Queens native, who was to be the oldest in the city, awarded the 2021 FLAG Award for Teaching unveiled a mural by Queens artist Capt. Jerome Bacchi of Belt Parkway overpass between 157th Avenue and Shore Parkway Bienbenido “Benny” Guerra that the 106th Precinct Excellence. FILE PHOTO BY MAX PARROTT North on the border of Howard A petition to reopen the case of slain jogger honors the vibrant history of the Beach and Lindenwood. The Karina Vetrano gained over 40,000 signatures bar and neighborhood. It portrays from those who believed prosecutorial miscon- horse races as a nod to the bygone Union stretch was dubbed “Never Forget Way.” Ariola, who was leading the Howard Beachduct occurred. In 2019, Chanel Lewis was con- Course Racetrack, characters from “GoodFelvicted in the 2016 murder of the Howard Beach las,” a scene from which was filmed at Neir’s, Lindenwood Civic Association at the time, woman, who was found strangled and sexually and a tribute to the Sept. 11th attacks on the said it was a “true community effort” by elected officials, community boards and residents. assaulted in Spring Creek Park. On Facebook, World Trade Center. The Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Another mural now mirrors the 9/11 work and Vetrano’s father announced he would start a counter petition with support behind him from Resorts World New York opened. The $400 efforts to rid the area of a persistent pigeon million project boasts 400 rooms, a fitness problem ensued, helping preserve the integrity the neighborhood. Richmond Hill became a key neighborhood center, conference and meeting spaces and of the art. The Woodhaven Business Improvement in the redistricting debate as Punjabi Sikh and additional gaming areas. Before school started up again, an “Unmask District brought the popular Open Streets proIndo-Caribbean populations fought to remain Our Kids” rally in Howard Beach protesting gram to Jamaica Avenue. Events occurred undivided. The issue of trash in South Queens contin- public school mask requirements brought twice throughout the fall and was packed with ued, and Aracelia Cook of the 149th Street opponents of all government mandates to family-fun programming and further promotSouth Ozone Park Civic Association finally Cross Bay Boulevard. Protesters held signs ed their mantra of shopping local. South Queens welcomed a new resident, got the Department of Sanitation’s attention like “My body my choice” and “I can’t breathe.” At the time, Howard Beach had the Baby Ruff les the seal, whose birth made regarding chronic dumping. continued on page 6 Cleanups, beautification and the relative second-highest positivity rates in the city.
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South Queens in 2021 continued from page 4 waves in Jamaica Bay as an indication that the environment was healing and could sustain seal nativity for the first time in an estimated 100 years. After nine months, the alleged drunk driver charged with fatally hitting Ritawantee “Rita” Persaud’s Uber last Christmas Eve was arrested. Vigils were held honoring the Indo-Carribean vocalist whose death shook the Hindu community.
October October brought welcome news to boaters in South Queens when then-Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) announced a second wave of funding to rid the waters of abandoned boats. Ulrich put $65,000 behind the effort, $10,000 more than the year before. The goal was to target five vessels and the last two are expected to be gone this month, including one monstrosity wedged in the narrow Hawtree Basin. Neir’s Tavern drew crowds again but this time to celebrate the “Neir’s Way” street conaming at the corner of 78th Street and 88th Avenue. Community members and local officials gathered for the unveiling and cheered as owner Loycent Gordon pulled the rope to unveil the new street sign with help from his wife, mother and young son. The District 32 race heated up as Singh and Ariola took to several debate stages. At a forum hosted by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, the candidates differed on unemployment, congestion pricing and law enforcement. Ariola ran a campaign focused on law and order, funding the police and maintaining quality of life, which countered her progressive opponent, Singh, who vowed to further defund the police and pour resources into alternative forms of public safety like violence interruptors. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Howard Beach mom Kelly Adams-Mahindra raised $1,100 with an event at Charles Park. The funds went towards METAvivor, a vol-
unteer-run nonprofit. Adams-Mahindra, a pediatric pulmonologist, has been fighting metastatic cancer since November 2019. November By the end of Election Day, it was clear that Ariola had won by a landslide with over 16,000 votes, more than doubling Singh’s. “This race wasn’t only won on message, it was won because each and every portion of this district felt that I represented them,” Ariola said at a celebration at Russo’s On The Bay where she was surrounded by family, friends and supporters. Her predecessor, Ulrich, announced the historic win. “The torch is being passed,” said the councilman who held the office for 12 years. Ulrich had made history in his own right; he took office after a special election in February 2009, just a week after he turned 24, making him the youngest Republican on the Council and the youngest member ever from Queens. The community joined together just weeks later to mourn the passing of longtime Rockaway activist and community leader Lew Simon. Officials from all over the city shared their experiences with him and many events and memorials were held in his name. Howard Beach became the center of a high-profile crime that went down in Central Park on Nov. 11. Paulie Velez, the suspect charged with a rape near Swan Lake, fled law enforcement all the way to the marshes of Old Howard Beach, where he was ultimately caught after trying to hide under decks and in the water. It was reported that his family lived in the area. The incident was the second assault against a woman in Central Park that day, just 25 minutes apart. Two months after mourning the 20th anniversary of 9/11, South Queens remembered another tragedy that struck just two months later that same year; Flight 587, headed to the Dominican Republic, crashed in Belle Harbor just after takeoff and killed 265 people.
Three abandoned boats were removed from the Jamaica Bay waterways as part of former FILE PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF Councilman Eric Ulrich’s latest efforts to restore the bay. Officials including Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach) and then-Mayor de Blasio joined for the annual service at Flight 587 Memorial Park. Some justice was delivered for two different heroes in November. A cold case was solved when the remains of World War I veteran George Seitz, who went missing 45 years ago, were identified and a Queens man was charged with the murder. Later in the month, a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 33 years for a robbery that led to the friendly fire shooting of Det. Brian Simonsen of the 102nd Precinct. The 19-year veteran of the NYPD was killed in 2019. The month ended on a celebratory note when the West Pond Loop at Jamaica Bay was reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after being closed all summer as the “living shoreline” project was completed. Now, thousands of biodegradable bags of oyster shells, recycled Christmas trees and coconut
Councilman Bob Holden, left, joined Neir’s Tavern owner Loycent Gordon and his family at a street co-naming ceremony for the historic spot. At right, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer-Amato and then-Mayor de Blasio pause to remember the victims of Flight 587.
fiber logs reinforce the wetlands. The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers advocated for the project, as well as the American Littoral Society and NYC Audubon, as the site is an important habitat for birds. December The holiday season kicked off with a magical moment at the Ozone Park Residents Block Association Christmas tree lighting where Jefferson Pesantes, a 6-year-old who lost his arm as a toddler in Ecuador, received a lifetime supply of prosthetics courtesy of Glenn Easton’s Centerpedes Center for Pediatric Therapy, Orthotics and Prosthetics. The community banded together to connect Easton with the boy. Other festivities and acts of goodwill happened across South Queens with several weekends packed with tree lightings and events. Christmas dinners were given to the needy from the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach and CTown, and the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol gave food and toys away to thousands of people in the community. Ulrich’s Jamaica Bay cleanup yielded results when three boats were removed from the waters. The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, led by Dan Mundy Sr. and Dan Mundy Jr., identified the crafts, and Custom Marine removed them with help from the NYC Parks Department. They pulled the boats, including one 35-footer, up to the shore for a gathering to see for themselves, barnacles, rot and all. On the same day that he finished up clearing out his office for his successor, Ulrich gave an exclusive interview to the Chronicle, recapping his tenure as “custodian” to District 32. He discussed his proudest moments, namely the bill he introduced that established the city Department of Veterans Services. As for what is next, the Ozone Park native is expected to join the team of newly elected Mayor Eric Adams. Ulrich recently tweeted, “As Frank Sinatra says, ‘the best is yet to come ...’” in what will hopefully foreshadow not only his next move Q but also the future of his community. Find Part I at qchron.com.
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Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 8
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P Take race out of Covid response EDITORIAL
“R
acial equity does not mean simply treating everyone equally, but rather, allocating resources and services in such a way that explicitly addresses barriers imposed by structural racism (i.e. policies and institutional practices that perpetuate racial inequity) and White privilege,” the document reads. What is it, a policy statement from a racial justice group? Maybe something out of a liberal arts college? A graduate student workers’ union manifesto? Nope. It’s a policy statement from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The prior sentence says the “DOHMH is committed to improving health outcomes for all New Yorkers by explicitly advancing racial equity and social justice.” This apparently is why it’s been so tough to get Covid test sites in areas such as Middle Village, Whitestone and the South Shore of Staten Island. The city has been following the guidance of its Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity when it comes to determining which communities should get test sites. It’s wrong. Testing should be equally distributed. Everyone’s health and everyone’s lives matter. Luckily
AGE
we have City Council members like Bob Holden in Middle Village and newcomer Vickie Paladino in Whitestone who are standing up for their communities and getting testing sites. Holden’s office has been turned into one, and Paladino says hers will be, too. “This is alarming that we were discriminated against — we didn’t get the test kits, we didn’t get the testing sites,” Holden told the Chronicle, saying he’s written the Adams administration about the problem. And Adams seems to get it. Councilman Joe Borelli of Staten Island said Tuesday night on WABC Radio’s “The Rita Cosby Show” that the administration has opened up new sites in his area since he raised the same issue. The city may, however, also be following state guidance that says race should be a factor when considering whether to give the best medical treatments to Covid patients. But ethnicity should not be a factor in treatment either — only severity of disease and comorbidities such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes should be. Race itself is not a risk factor for anyone. Medical history is. Each patient is an individual, not a representative of any ethnic group, and should be treated as such.
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Delay school days Dear Editor: This decision to reopen the schools after the Christmas vacation, in the face of record Covid infections, is both reckless and negligent. I am the parent of a fifth-grader who is vaccinated but not yet boosted, and a kindergartener who is waiting to be vaccinated as he just turned 5 days ago. All of the science says that the unvaccinated are the most vulnerable and yet the city is ignoring this to gather all of the unvaccinated in one place. Ian Gallagher Whitestone
Cruel to be blind Dear Editor: To anyone out there, and I would suspect everyone, frustrated about the U.S. inability to negotiate with Big Pharma about lowering prescription medication costs, look at two places: Every member of the GOP plus Joe Manchin who voted against the legislation that would accomplish just that. I can’t think of any reason ... well ... maybe two: political contributions and being heartless about the needs of others. Nice guys. This is what we’re electing, non-feeling people ... Might be worth a call. Stew Frimer Forest Hills
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Adams aids small biz
U
pholding a campaign promise, Mayor Adams on Tuesday signed an order designed to get city agencies to finally stop fining small businesses unnecessarily. The “Small Business Forward” executive order requires key city agencies that issue summonses to determine which are most commonly given to small businesses and recommend reforms, such as by only giving out warnings for first-time violations, reducing fines or even eliminating a particular type of ticket altogether. If a summons is deemed necessary to keep as is, such as due to safety concerns, the agency will have to say why. And they’ll all have to go over their progress with the Small Business Services commissioner and a deputy mayor. Adams is not the first mayor to say he’d cut fines levied against small businesses for petty stuff. But this is the most promising plan we’ve seen to actually do it. And the need is greater than ever as Covid-19 and society’s response to it continues to wreak havoc on the economy and small businesses in particular. Everyone still working from home is one fewer customer for an eatery, bodega, flower shop, or other business. Adams’ mantra is “GSD” — get stuff done. Saving small business is big stuff, and we look forward to seeing it get done.
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No Medicare Advantage Dear Editor: After reading the new prior authorization pamphlet for the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Program, I fully understand how truly terrible it is. To call it misleading is an understatement. It would have been easier for them to list the procedures and treatments that don’t need a preauthorization, rather than the two pages of everything that does (along with a disclaimer saying that the list is not even complete). The brochure attempts to minimize the prior authorization policy by saying, “Just like the plans for active City employees, certain medical procedures will require preauthorization under the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan.” While this may be true, it glosses over the fact that one of the main reasons people prefer original Medicare is because they do not need to get preauthorizations for most things. This is more important for seniors than younger people because as we get older we need more types of procedures and treatments, and having to get
prior authorizations for everything creates added obstacles and adds more time, delaying the services we need. The second paragraph of the brochure states that “Prior authorization helps ensure you get the proper care. It helps us work with your doctor to evaluate services for medical necessity before you receive treatment or services.” What does that even mean? Who knows your medical history better than your own doctor? He or she is the person that actually saw you and physically examined you and is referring you for things that they believe are medically necessary. How would the clerks working at Emblem Health be able to determine what your condition calls for without ever seeing your? After all, they only have your doctor’s paperwork to refer to. If they decide against it, then they are disqualifying what your doctor recommends, insinuating they know better. The bottom line here is simple. Medicare Advantage Programs get a certain amount of money from the government for each person in a process called risk adjustment. The only way
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Kick some gas (out) Dear Editor: The best deal in home heating, cooling and cooking is available to Queens homeowners, and it’s poised to clean up greenhouse gases as well. Electric heat pumps replace gas, and the indoor air pollution and risk of explosion it causes. Using an electric heat pump can lower energy costs 40 to 70 percent, and, by relying on the electric grid, involves less volatile pricing. Given the climate crisis — watch out for sea level rise as Antarctica comes apart — getting off fossil fuels is an urgent necessity. Buildings contribute an enormous amount of greenhouse gases to the environment — electrifying them would reduce total emissions by one third. And it’s not only homeowners who can benefit. Retrofitting older buildings will be possible as well, creating jobs. We’re greening our electric grid with wind and solar power. Soon, we could be living in green homes as well. Kanwaldeep Sekhon Glen Oaks
Hi-test hypocrites
Dems aiding the GOP Dear Editor: The Republican National Committee must be grateful for the picture that ran in the December 23 edition showing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez swearing in Council Member Tiffany Cabán. The Committee can use it in negative campaign ads throughout the country against Democrats running for office in 2022. These two far-left politicians are out of touch with the Democratic Party nationwide. The Democratic Socialists of America make up a
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No meat: It’s Veganuary! Dear Editor: I am writing to you today on behalf of The Humane League to urge your readers to take the Veganuary pledge: veganuary.com/en-us/ partner/the-humane-league. Participants vow to become vegetarian or vegan for the month of January. According to a scientific meta-analysis published last month in the journal Nutrients, plant-based diets have a reduced environmental impact, including producing lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Vegan or vegetarian diets are safe and effective for all stages of the life cycle, provide protection against common chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, and are associated with a diverse gut microbiota, producing metabolites that have anti-inflammatory functions. Furthermore, the authors concluded that health professionals are ethically obligated to respect vegetarian dietary patterns and should discuss the benefits of vegetarian and near-vegetarian diets with their clients. Your readers should take the Veganuary pledge today, and demand that their healthcare providers give them literature on the health benefits of a plant-based diet and provide them with nutritional counseling on the transition. Veganuary it is a nonprofit organization that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond. Together we encourage and support people and businesses as a way of helping the environment, preventing animal suffering and improving the health of millions of people. John J. Otrompke Jamaica
Immigrant vote illegal Dear Editor: Re your Dec. 16, 2021 report: “Council passes immigrant voting bill”: The City Council bill allowing 800,000 noncitizens to vote in municipal elections is blatant ethnic vote pandering by woke warriors who don’t care about our democracy. It may also be illegal. Newly elected Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella plans to challenge the continued on next page
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Dear Editor: On the world stage at the United Nations climate summit, COP26, the Biden administration talked powerfully about getting to net-zero emissions. Shockingly, just days later, the Department of the Interior went ahead with the largest oil lease sale in history, auctioning off millions of acres to the oil industry, and insisted they were obliged to hold the lease sale. The Justice Department admitted a previous ruling did not hold the Biden administration bound to auction Gulf drilling rights. How disappointed many supporters of the Biden administration are! We were counting on Secretary Haaland and the DOI to protect our lands and waters and to help move America from fossil-fuel extraction and use. This decision tells the world we are not serious about our commitment to save our planet from global warming. It says, “Do as I say, not as I do”! Secretary Haaland stated at the start of her tenure that she would make climate a top priority. We are counting on her to rise to that challenge — that starts with banning drilling on federal lands and stopping future sales. Joseph M.Varon West Hempstead, LI
tiny fraction of the Democratic Party. India Walton’s loss in Buffalo’s mayoral race and Nina Turner’s loss in an Ohio congressional race exemplify the lack of support for DSA candidates among Democrats in 2021. However, the Republicans will portray AOC and Cabán as the core of the Democratic Party. They will claim all Democrats believe in the DSA’s senseless ideas like defunding the police. AOC made the unsubstantiated claim that Democrat Terry McAuliffe lost Virginia’s gubernatorial election because he failed to “energize a progressive base” through his “100% super moderated campaign.” What evidence and data does she have to prove this? AOC and Cabán are great representatives of their far-left districts. However, they will ensure the House and Senate will turn Republican in 2022 if they promote their ideas outside New York City. David Soukup Sunnyside
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they make a profit is by spending less than they were allocated. So the less they approve for you, the more money they make for themselves. Lee Rottenberg Middle Village
E DITOR
Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
LETTERS TO THE
For the latest news visit qchron.com
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 10
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Op-Ed: Look for #36 on Milk Cartons, Support NY Family Dairy Farms By Ray Dykeman
increasing costs of feed and gasoline, NY’s dairy industry has strong roots and how dairy farmers are price takers across the state. Not just in the fields and have no control over the price of where farmers grow corn, soybeans, milk. and plant cover crops to protect our Many of the key players critical to the lakes and rivers. Essential workers throughout our food supply chain play stability of NY’s supply chain were an important role in feeding New York- present. We discussed the need to ers, working day and night to keep the change what farmers are paid per supply chain moving. They include hundred pounds of milk, which hasn’t skilled farmworkers who work along- changed in over 40 years. Farmers side farmers every day to care for the discussed staffing issues for trucking animals, crops, and each other. companies, which are needed to haul Truckers, transporting fresh milk and milk to processors and stores withproduce from upstate and Long Island in a very specific window of time to farms to the five boroughs and beyond. ensure milk remains chilled and fresh Bankers and insurers, helping farmers for consumers. And we encouraged make investments in equipment like attendees to speak with farm families, new milking parlor technology and employees, and hear for themselves barn cooling systems, and building the love for farming these essential housing for employees. workers have. Food pantries that continue to work with farmers and volunteers to get What can you do to support local healthy meals to underserved areas of farms? When you buy milk at the our state. grocery or farmer’s market, look for And we could not be successful with- the container’s barcode beginning out hoof trimmers, veterinarians, and with #36. This means it was made our partners at the state departments using milk from NY family farms. The of Agriculture & Markets and Envi- numbers that follow are the plant code, ronmental Conservation, along with indicating where it was processed local soil and water conservation disand packaged. tricts – all of which support the health and safety of our teams, our cows, and And in the heart of Queens, there’s a our land. 47-acre farm called Queens County They all play an important role in Farm Museum. Plan time to visit, ask questions, and learn about the ensuring families are fed. We have 35 employees on our farm diversity and complexity of agriculwho are critical to our success. We ture. You’ll get the chance to engage milk 1,600 cows, and rent and farm in hands-on activities and learn about nearly 4,500 acres. A dozen of our the importance of locally-produced employees have been with us over food. 10 years, and a few close to 20. I’d wager one employee who has been We are learning we need to provide with us nearly two decades is the best more education and opportunities to communicate with consumers. calf raiser in the Northeast. We provide insurance, rent-free The Farm Museum and NYS Fair are housing, retirement plans, and flex- great vehicles for that. Your support ible schedules. Work-life balance is matters and allows us to continue to important, so employees can spend provide nutritious milk and food to time with family, see their kid’s base- neighbors and families in every corner ball games, or play in their own soccer of the state. tournaments with coworkers. Ray Dykeman is a member of the We recently hosted a Dairy Round- New York Animal Agriculture Coalitable, attended by legislators including tion – a farmer-founded and funded Agriculture Committee Chairs Asnot-for-profit organization striving to semblymember Lupardo and Senator Hinchey’s Chief of Staff, Senator enhance the public’s understanding Borrello, Assemblymember Tague, of and appreciation for animal agriand the Commissioner of Agriculture culture and modern farm practices. & Markets. We discussed labor He owns Dykeman and Sons Inc. in challenges, unpredictable weather, Upstate New York. ADVERTORIAL
NY DA’s Cuomo probe not the key one — Kim Feds looking at nursing home deaths by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor
A flurry of coverage broke out this week after defense attorney Elkan Abromowitz, who served as outside counsel for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration, told the press that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is dropping its investigation of Cuomo over Covid-19-related nursing home deaths. But according to Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Flushing), who has led the charge against Cuomo on the issue, this isn’t news worth talking about. “It’s quite misleading, because the Manhattan DA is not the lead investigator into the nursing home legal problems. It’s the U.S. Attorney and the FBI and the Department of Justice that have taken the major lead in the nursing home issues,” he told the Chronicle. “Those investigations are still very much open and pending.” Not only does Kim fear that coverage of the Manhattan case will cause the public to lose sight of what’s important, he suggested that going to the press with the
information was calculated. “There’s a number of things the Manhattan DA has not broached,” he said, later pointing to Cuomo’s book deal as an example. “This is a legal tactic by the Cuomo defense team to give the impression to the public that they’ve been absolved of any wrongdoing.” Kim, a longtime critic of the former govorner, was crucial in the push to open a federal investigation against Cuomo in February 2021. He made headlines after telling the press that, in response to his efforts, Cuomo threatened to “destroy” his reputation. Since the U.S. Attorney’s Office opened its case, Kim said, he has continued to cooperate with federal authorities. “Before I heard the news, I didn’t even realize there was a Manhattan DA who was looking into the nursing home issues,” Kim said, adding, “They never reached out to me for any kind of interview — unlike the federal government, who I’ve been interviewed by many Q times.”
LETTERS TO THE continued from previous page bill in court, claiming that it violates N.Y. State’s constitution which mandates that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election held in our state (New York Post, Dec. 4). Four other elected Republican officials, including Staten Island City Councilman Joe Borelli, plan to join his legal challenge, adds the Post. Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio doubted the bill’s legality and refused to sign it. Mayor Eric Adams also expressed reservations about the bill because of its brief, 30-day minimum residency requirement (Post, Jan. 2). I hope the bill’s opponents win their fight. Voting should only be the right and responsibility of citizens who were born here or naturalized. Extending it to others diminishes democracy and discourages noncitizens from striving for U.S. citizenship. If green card holders can vote, will undocumented immigrants be next in line at polling places? Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills
Hochul defies voters Dear Editor: On Nov. 2, 2021, New York voters handily defeated Propositions 1, 3 and 4 and sent a clear message that tampering with the rules is not acceptable and would result in fraud and dishonest results.
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Gov. Huchul, as oblivious as her former boss, has already signed into law a bill to let a simple majority of the Democratic-controlled Legislature approve new redistricting lines in defiance of the will of the people on Proposition 1. She and the left-wing progressives are intent on one-party rule regardless of the fact that Democrats already enjoy a 7-1 majority over Republicans. How is that representative government with no checks and balances? She’s also called for a statewide universal mail-in ballot with no excuse exceptions thus inviting fraud and de-valuing in person voting. One of the great gifts citizens have is to participate in this great democracy and vote in-person with proper ID. To make the process easier and unverified is to belittle and distract from such a unique and gratifying experience. And to defy the will of the people on Election Day is testament to a criminal offense! No wonder 64 percent of New Yorkers claim that New York is on the wrong track and less than 25 percent of eligible voters come out to vote, especially in primaries! Hopefully Mayor Eric Adams will be the new ray of hope for our city and by God, if he doesn’t measure up, we will all, in one unified voice, let him know immediately! Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens
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Rajkumar bills passed by Gov. grant family leave, more
After 12 years as councilman in District 32, Eric Ulrich will now be a senior advisor to Mayor Adams. The mayor announced members of his senior staff on Eric Ulrich Wednesday. FILE PHOTO “This team has the experience, knowledge, and skill to take our government — and our city — to new heights,” Adams said in a prepared statement. “Our motto is Get Stuff Done — and we are already off to a flying start. Together, we will work day in and day out to make New York City safer, more equitable, and more prosperous for all.” Ulrich tweeted shortly after the announcement, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the [Adams] Administration. I look forward to helping him implement his vision for a better New York.” Ulrich was instrumental in passing legislation that established the City Department of Veterans Services and organized Superstorm Sandy relief Q efforts in South Queens. — Deirdre Bardolf
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor
Two landmark bills to expand benefits and protections for domestic workers were signed into law by Gov. Hochul at the close of 2021. Both bills, A6077A and A8007, were introduced by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). “With a new year comes a new era of dignity and respect for our domestic workers,” Rajkumar said in a prepared statement. “They are a cornerstone of our economy and our society. By caring for our children, our aging parents and our loved ones with disabilities, they allow so many of us the flexibility to pursue careers.” The first bill includes domestic workers into the Human Rights Law of New York State, granting protections against workplace harassment and discrimination. The second bill extends paid family leave benefits to domestic workers. Those who work at least 20 hours per week will now be entitled to paid leave and temporary disability insurance. Previously, they needed to work at least 40 hours, despite a 20-hour minimum in most other industries. There are more than 300,000 domestic
workers and 2.7 million households that employ them in the state, according to the National Domestic Workers Alliance. In New York City, their medium annual income is Assemblywoman $21,320. DomesJenifer Rajkumar FILE PHOTO tic workers are vulnerable to exploitation, harassment and discrimination due to the informal and isolated nature of the work, experts say. In New York State, 93 percent of domestic workers are women, 69 percent are immigrants and 30 percent are African American. “Domestic workers deserve the same freedom from discrimination and harassment afforded anyone at an office desk,” Rajkumar said in the statement. “Just as domestic workers provide care for us, we must provide them the paid leave they need if they or their loved ones are sick. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for recogniz-
ing that domestic workers are workers and signing my bills into law.” In his first days in office, Mayor Eric Adams applauded the legislation. “My mother was a house cleaner and cook, so I know the challenges domestic workers face firsthand,” he said in a statement. “There were times she had to choose between taking care of her children and putting food on the table. Thanks to Assembly Member Rajkumar, there is hope for families like mine. It’s time for domestic workers to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve under the law, and I look forward to partnering with Assembly Member Rajkumar to continue supporting them and all working-class New Yorkers.” In Rajkumar’s speech to the Assembly, she said the inspiration for the bill was contituents like one of hers from Guyana who spends long days caring for children. The woman volunteered with Rajkumar at food drives and dreamt of buying a home and putting her own daughter through school. “Her desire to give back to her community, to be independent and to succeed in the United States, is inspiring and is what the American Dream is all about. I introduced this bill for her and for women like her.” Q
Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
New laws for domestic work
Ulrich named senior advisor
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Testing an issue in back-to-school plan Parents question ‘Stay Safe and Stay Open’; some keeping kids home by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor
One of the main tenets of the city’s “Stay Safe and Stay Open” plan for students to return to school after the holiday break was that at-home rapid tests would be provided for anyone exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid. But many parents are finding that it is not that simple. Rafael Lena is a father to a fourth-grader in District 28. He was informed after school on Monday that his son was exposed to someone who tested positive but because it was after school, he was not given a test and was told to return the next day. “It felt very weird that essentially there’s a positive case in the class and they’re still going to go to school because there’s this no quarantining approach now,” said Lena. “They also don’t have the one thing we were told they would have, which is a way to test rapidly. It seems like quite a big hole in their system.” Lena said that one of his son’s fourthgrade classes was down to eight kids in attendance on Monday. He would keep his son home but worries about the repercussions of an unexcused absence. “They were thinking in sort of a fantasy world that we’re going to find out about positive tests between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.,” he said. “But what happens if they find out at 5 o’clock that all those kids were exposed? And there is a no-quarantining policy. So all those kids, including some who could theoretically be positive, are going back into school tomorrow to get the tests that would tell them whether they can continue to go back to school.” He said he does not blame the school but
The city relaxed some Covid protocols for students and staff returning to school but testing FILE PHOTO shortages citywide have made it hard to stick to the proposed plan. wants clear rules that make sense instead of leaving individual parents and schools to decide for themselves. “They made a decision to not quarantine and I’m sure there’s political pressure to follow through on that,” Lena said. “They’re letting their end goal dictate what happens rather than what the situation is on the ground. The virus doesn’t care about your end goals,” he added. Dr. Dave Chokshi, the city’s health commissioner, has stated that an estimated 98 percent of close contacts in schools do not end up testing positive for Covid. Elected officials have weighed in on the current situation and needs in schools. State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), chair of the Senate’s Committee on NYC Education, said the reopening plan “was done as best it
could be.” “Despite this onslaught of Omicron and fears of the worst, schools reopened as best as they could. Although there were lots of problems, there are many more parents who are happy that their kids were able to go back to school.” Liu noted that there is “plenty of room for improvement” including addressing the scarcity of at-home tests. In the beginning of the school year, Liu introduced legislation that would require districts to offer a remote learning option if their area meets certain transmission criteria, a policy that Lena would like to see. “I’ve seen indications that they are making preparations to prepare to provide that option,” said Liu. Many parents have reported voluntarily
keeping their kids home from school as a precaution. Liu acknowledged parents’ fear. “As a parent myself, I would never second-guess how a parent feels about the safety of their own child, which is why the remote options should be available.” Valerie E., a Queens mother to a pre-K student, found herself in a unique situation since her daughter is not yet eligible for the vaccine and testing is not available for her grade level. Valerie, who preferred not to share her full name, has kept her daughter home since Dec. 17. “I’m not impressed with the mitigations that New York City schools have put into place,” she said. “They still aren’t testing pre-K, so I don’t know that I would be entitled to test kits as a pre-K parent.” Queens elected officials have recently called for increased testing sites for children under 4 years old. “Pediatric hospitalizations are on the rise and while it does seem like Covid is more mild in children, and that is a really great thing, I can’t imagine trying to tell the parent of a kid who is in the ICU that Covid is more mild in children,” said Valerie Valerie said she would like a remote option in place as well as testing at least once a week for all school-aged children. “I’m very upset for her that she’s not able to go in person right now. There’s so much talk about the importance of mental health, social and emotional health for children, and I think that is all very important but I also think that none of that matters if their physical health is not in place.” Having the opportunity to connect with her teacher and classmates remotely would make a world of difference at the moment, continued on page 15
$240M in special ed. funds statewide
Queens lawmakers praise Hochul bill for students with disabilities by Deirdre Bardolf For the latest news visit qchron.com
Associate Editor
New York State will increase funding for students with disabilities by $240 million in the upcoming 2022-23 executive budget proposal. The governor also signed a package of legislation to increase resources and support for students with disabilities, their families and social services providers. “This historic investment in schools serving students with disabilities, along with four bills I am signing into law, will make a huge difference in the lives of students, families and schools in every corner of New York,” Gov. Hochul said in a prepared statement. “Throughout my time in office, I’ve made it a priority to listen to the disability community and provide the resources and support they need to thrive.” State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) said that will help NYC students who have been “shortchanged” for years and will remedy the process for those students’ families that the Department of Education failed at. “The DOE’s performance for special needs students has
deteriorated considerably in recent years, from instruction to transportation to Covid-related urgency,” Liu told the Chronicle. He said part of the new legislation will streamline a process at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings “that the DOE has let get out of control.” OATH conducts impartial due process hearings regarding students’ special education such as when a parent and a school district disagree about the identification, evaluation, placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education for a student with a disability. “The current process and 10,000 case backlog caused not only delays and anguish for these families, but extraordinary costs for the city,” said Liu. “The process created by this new legislation will better serve kids with disabilities and even save money in the long run.” Additionally, the New York State Division of the Budget will authorize a cost-of-living adjustment of 11 percent for the next school year, an increase of more than 15 percent over two years. The adjustment will increase preschool and school-age special education providers’ annual funding by more than $240 million, and the state will reimburse districts
and counties for roughly 60 percent of the cost. The additional package of legislation signed by the governor also establishes that the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board provide a report on autism detection, education and mapping; it appoints an impartial hearing officer to address due process complaints; it makes the issuing of behavior analyst licenses in New York consistent with other states; and it provides funding to early intervention education for toddlers with disabilities. “In New York State, autism has been diagnosed in alarming rates since 1996,” Assemblymember Catalina Cruz (D-Corona) said in a prepared statement. “It is evident that we need to map and track the number of autism cases in order to accurately determine possible factors on the causes of autism in children. This law creates the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board, and will provide a report on autism detection, education, and mapping. We must have this important foundation for New York State to identify autism prevalence rates and to expand universal screening, as well as assist doctors and educators with early screening, intervenQ tion and treatment,” she said.
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Ex-captain returns to where he was arrested and beaten as a youth by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell made the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica one of the first stops of Adams’ mayoralty last Saturday afternoon. Adams had planned the visit, though his schedule had an unanticipated detour to a hospital in Harlem on Saturday morning when an off-duty police officer was shot in the parking lot of the 25th Precinct. Accompanied by Sewell, new First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban and Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) Adams attended roll call and spoke with the officers about to head out to the streets of Jamaica. And the former NYPD captain said the location was very deliberate. “There is probably no more significant a visit for this historical journey than coming to the 103rd Precinct,” Adams said. “You know my story,” he said. “This is the precinct where I was arrested and beat as a child. And to return here and address a roll call with a group of mostly young officers, and send a very clear and loud message that the commissioner, the deputy commissioner and I want to tell our police officers — we have their backs. We have their backs to do their job. “But there is a covenant that we are estab-
Mayor Adams on Saturday visited the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, left, with Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, and afterward took a stroll along Jamaica Avenue meeting with some of his new employers. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON lishing ... a covenant where we will give them the tools and support they need. But we also are going to hold them to a high standard. We’re not allowing abusive officers to remain in our ranks ... “And we know that there’s a noise out there; a noise out there that says we can’t have public safety and justice. They are wrong. And we are going to prove them wrong.” He acknowledged there was lasting trauma
going back to the building during his campaign and going inside on Saturday, but that it was necessary for him. “I have left that demon on these streets ... back as the mayor in charge of the entire Police Department.” “Public safety is not a bumper sticker,” Adams said toward the end of his talk. “Public safety is knowing what’s needed to get the job done.”
Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
Adams talks cops, Covid in Jamaica
Adams said Williams and other elected officials will be important partners, as they are closest to problems that need addressing. “My commissioners will return their phone calls,” he said. Taking questions, he said Covid must be tackled head-on, but without having the city live in fear. He said the bulk of Saturday was spent with his executive team focusing on Covid in general and what it means with reopening schools Monday and getting the city’s economy on track. “Covid is front and center,” he said. “We’ve spent $11 trillion and it’s still here. We can’t spend another $11 trillion. We can’t close down the city every time there’s a new variant. We can’t allow our children to keep missing school because a new variant comes about. Covid won’t control us. We’re not going to live in fear. We’re going to have a city that’s open, that’s safe and that’s protecting families.” He said there are sane, commonsense alternatives to states in the South that go easy on vaccinations, masks and other remedies. “Let’s be smart and principled,” he said. “But we have to live our lives. Use masks. Wash our hands. Get vaccinated and get booster shots. But we can’t lose our economy. That is as dangerous as Covid.” On other matters, Adams said he has some continued on page 15
Construction Laborer Apprentices Sought The Local 1010 Joint Apprenticeship Committee will conduct a limited recruitment for 10 Skilled Construction Craft Laborer Apprentices. Applications will be available from January 31 through February 11, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:
Local 1010 JAC 17-20 Whitestone Expressway, 3rd floor Whitestone, NY 11357 Applications must be returned to the same office during the above business hours until 1:00 p.m. on February 14, 2022. All applications must be obtained and submitted by the applicant in person. The applications will be available until February 11 , 2022 or until 100 applications have been distributed, whichever happens first Only 100 applications will be distributed, on a first-come basis.
Applicants should note: • no specifi c education level is required; however, a higher level of education will increase the applicant’s score and placement on the rank list. • proof of education, if any, must be submitted at the time of the interview to be considered. • the minimum physical conditions test will consist of: - wheeling a wheelbarrow loaded with 150 pounds to a flat distance of 300 feet; - lifting a 90-pound cement bag and carrying it to a distance of 100 feet, - carrying framing wood for a distance of 100 feet, - digging a one square foot hole to a depth of one foot; and - mixing sand and cement, as instructed. • the minimum physical condition test will be administered at the time the completed application form is submitted.
For further information, applicants should contact the 1010 JAC at (718) 886-3310.
For the latest news visit qchron.com
Applicants must be: • at least 18 years old; and • physically able to perform the work required of a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer and endure strenuous exertion and exposure to the elements.
For the latest news visit qchron.com
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 14
C M SQ page 14 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW
2021
MID QUEENS: PART II
More memories amidst the mayhem
Mid Queens continues to battle through with the best by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Sure, in any given year there might be some things folks in Mid Queens would prefer not to remember. But they make sure some people and the impact they made on others’ lives never will be forgotten. July The count of absentee ballots from June only served to cement Councilman Bob Holden’s (D-Middle Village) Democratic primary victory in his campaign for re-election to the City Council. He also would be running on the Republican line. Democrat Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa won their parties’ mayoral nominations. Borough President Donovan Richards won a close Democratic primary against former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. The city Department of Education filed internal charges against Khurshid AbdulMutakabbir, who had been principal at Maspeth High School since it opened in 2011. Abdul-Mutakabbir remains under investigation in connection with charges that the school awarded improper student credits and had staff engaging in testing misconduct, such as assisting st udents with answers on Regents exams. The DOE alleges that some students had incomplete grades improperly changed to passing marks; and that students received credit for some classes that did not take place. New York City began soliciting public input on plans to expand, codify and make permanent its Open Restaurants Program, which was created in the darker days of the pandemic in an effort to keep restaurants afloat with cafe-style and curbside dining. A report from the office of Queens Dis-
trict Attorney Melinda Katz in July showed that drug overdose deaths surged in Queens during the 2020 pandemic. Katz said there were 391 overdose deaths in 2020, a 45.5 percent increase over 2019. The total was nearly five times the 82 homicide deaths in the borough in 2020. Three teenagers, all minors, were arrested in the aftermath of a gang assault on an off-duty firefighter who was attacked near Juniper Valley Park the night of July 23. The attack took place just before 10 p.m. on Juniper Boulevard North near 75th Street. The fireman sustained minor injuries.
The Department of Education is conducting multiple investigations into the past administration at Maspeth High School. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE / FILE
August Suspended in 2020 because of Covid-19, the 104th Precinct’s annual National Night Out Against Crime returned to Juniper Valley Park on Aug. 3. The previous weekend the Fresh Pond Road Street Festival also was back after a one-year hiatus. Eduard Florea of Middle Village pleaded guilty on Aug. 16 to one count each of transmitting threats to injure and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in connection with social media posts made from his home before and during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Florea threatened to kill U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), though he did not go to Washington, DC. He would be sentenced to 33 months in federal prison in December. The DOE, on Aug. 24, named Selin Alicanoglu to replace Abdul-Mutakabbir as principal at Maspeth High School. Gov. Cuomo, under growing clouds of scandal on multiple fronts, announced on Aug. 10 that he would resign effective Aug. 24. The Queens native was under increasing
Visitors at Juniper Valley Park take in Mark Papadimitriou’s memorial to those lost in the 9/11 FILE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON attacks at the 20th anniversary commemoration.
Sept. 3 seized 53 vehicles, some with paper license plates and others that had been subjected to using technology that screens for phoney license plates. The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was marked throughout the area. Thousands came out to the annual ceremonies at Juniper Valley Park that once again included songs, prayers and the reading of the names of residents and first responders who were taken that day. The following weekend, those lost from Glendale, Ridgewood, Middle Village and Woodhaven were remembered in a ceremony at Dry Harbor Playground in Glendale that culminated with the release of white doves symbolizing peace. On Sept. 13, New York City schools resumed in-person classes. The corner of 53rd Drive and 63rd Place in Maspeth was formally co-named George O’Neill Way in memory of the longtime owner of O’Neill’s restaurant and bar. O’Neill was remembered by family and friends for his outgoing personality, kindness and willingness to lend a hand to community-based projects. The old Midville Hardware store at 73-02 Metropolitan Ave. became a point of friction in the community, with police often being called to so-called “pop-up” parties that began appearing in the storefront site with increasing regularity.
pressure from alleged sexual harassment scandals and the burgeoning investigation into alleged efforts by his administration to conceal numbers of Covid-related nursing home deaths from federal investigators. The city announced on Aug. 20 that all October students and staff participating Richards declared Oct. 1 to in “high-risk” sports like footbe Tina Charles and Delilah ball and volleyball would be Muhammad Day in Queens for requ i red to be vacci nated t h e Q u e e n s n a t ive s w h o against Covid-19. brought medals home from the After a year away because of Tokyo Olympics. Charles, of the pandemic, the US Open East Elmhurst and Jamaica, once again welcomed fans back played basketball at Christ the to the grounds of the Billie Jean King High School in Middle King National Tennis Center at Village. Muhammad, a track Flushing Meadows Corona and f ield sprinter, is from Park. Maspeth remembered Rochdale Village. restaurant owner George A Queens grand jury indictSeptember ed a 20-year-old man for crimiThe remnants of Hurricane O’Neill. nally negligent homicide in the Ida devastated New York City the night of Sept. 1 to 2, killing 13 people September 2020 death of a 79-year-old golf including eight in Queens. Many were course groundskeeper at Forest Park. David Mangaran, 19 at the time of the trapped in basement or cellar apartments as the storm dropped about 10 inches of rain in incident, is accused of pulling William some areas with flash floods and 35 mile- Hinchey of Whitestone from his golf cart, per-hour winds. The city’s drainage system, dragging him to a paved area and slamming in most areas, is not designed to handle such him to the ground after Hinchey approached him to get off the golf course with his bicyvolumes of water. Mayor de Blasio said the city had been cle. Hinchey died three days later during misled by weather forecasters as to the seri- related surgery. The DOE announced on Oct. 31 that five ousness of the storm, though the National Weather Service early on Sept. 1 had warned teachers from Maspeth High School had the city that “Significant & life-threatening been reassigned as investigations continued into alleged improprieties at the school. flooding is forecast ...” Three youths were robbed of their bicyPresident Biden visited some of the hardcles by a group of thieves at The Shops at er-hit Queens neighborhoods on Sept. 7. City sheriff’s deputies and officers from Atlas Park in Glendale on the evening of continued on page 18 the NYPD’s 104th and 112th precincts on
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Mayor Adams visits Jamaica continued from page 13 difficulties with legislation that will, among other things, allow people who live in the city as little as 30 days vote in municipal elections. “To give that power to someone who has been here only 30 days, that’s a problem,” he said. He also said the days of someone stealing something from a store shelf and walking out without a police response are over; but he also said police should be able to access government and social agencies if the theft has to do with mental health, poverty, home-
lessness or some other issue. “If those people accept the help, we can defer prosecution,” he said. He also suggested stepping up dyslexia screenings, saying 30 percent of the city’s inmates have been diagnosed with the learning disability. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, also was in attendance and gave Adams high marks. “He’s a terrific mayor and it’s only been 12 hours,” Grech said. “The first thing he talked after roll call was helping businesses on Jamaica Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard; helping the BIDs,” or business improvement districts. Q
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Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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Testing shortages in schools continued from page 12 she said. She said that her daughter’s teacher told her on Monday that “a large portion of the class was not going to be in this week.” Other Queens parents, including Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), have not had the same experience this week. On Tuesday, Hyndman tweeted, “Parents stay away from misleading headlines [regarding Mayor Adams] v. NYC teachers. Pay attention to your child’s school. My child’s bldg had a normal opening
yesterday.” On Tuesday she followed up, “Someone tested positive in my child’s public school so a COVID test was sent home. Test was negative, back to school we go. Focus on your building.” As of Tuesday, 8,743 students and 3,980 staff tested positive, according to city data. Mayor Adams has defended the choice to reopen. “I’m not going to allow the hysteria to prevent the future of my children receiving a quality education,” he said Q Tuesday on CNN.
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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 16
C M SQ page 16 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW
2021
CENTRAL QUEENS: PART II
Can’t keep the neighborhood down
Central Queens kept rolling with the punches in 2021 by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Even in the second year of Covid-19 with a lethal tropical storm, Central Queens couldn’t be kept down. Some things even returned to something resembling a state of normalcy. July In the race to replace term-limited Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) in the 29th District, Democrat Lynn Schulman built on her Election Night lead after all votes were counted. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams secured the Democratic nomination for mayor against Republican Curtis Sliwa, while Queens Borough President Donovan Richards won renomination in an unexpectedly close primary against former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. A report from the office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on July 16 showed that drug overdose deaths surged in Queens during the 2020 pandemic. Katz said there were 391 overdose deaths in 2020, a 45.5 percent increase over 2019. The total was nearly five times the 82 homicide deaths in the borough in 2020. Statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Therese, the Little Flower, that had stood outside Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Kessel Street in Forest Hills since 1937 were destroyed by a vandal in the early-morning hours of July 17. Replacement costs were estimated at $12,000. New York City began soliciting public input on plans to expand, codify and make permanent its Open Restaurants Program, which was created in the darker days of the pandemic in an effort to keep restaurants afloat with cafestyle and curbside dining. After the idea had been talked about and speculated on for nearly three decades, the Queens Public Library on July 28 officially released plans to replace the 47-year-old Rego Park Library at 94-41 63 Drive. The new $33.2
A vandal in July destroyed statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Therese that had been outside Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills since FILE PHOTO COURTESY DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN 1937.
President Biden greets Queens residents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida, which killed WHITE HOUSE PHOTO / TWITTER / FILE eight borough residents in September. million facility is scheduled to open in 2025. Some frustrated parker may have had a problem with four of the light-blue Revel rideshare scooters that began proliferating in Forest Hills back in the spring. They were found laying on their side on the grass by the curb on a street off Union Turnpike, with one appearing to be damaged. August After cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, the annual National Night Out Against Crime celebration was back in the 112th Precinct on Queens Boulevard near MacDonald Park. Kristina Raevsky, 11, published a 150-page book, “Fly Me to the Moon and Other Stories.” The genesis of the book was an assignment she received in one of her fifth-grade classes at PS 196 in Forest Hills. Kevin O’Leary of Community Board 9 had repeatedly tried to find out which city agency was responsible for cleaning litter and trash that has accumulated or been dumped on Union Turnpike in Kew Gardens near Forest Park. The answer, the Chronicle learned, depended on which city agency was contacted. The Department of Sanitation referred inquiries to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Parks in an email said “the area in question is actually maintained by the DOT” or Department of Transportation. The DOT referred the Chronicle to the DSNY “as this is a local street.” The same trash was still present when the Chronicle again visited the site in the fall. Gov. Cuomo, under growing clouds of scandal on multiple fronts, announced on Aug. 10 that he would resign effective Aug. 24. The Queens native was under increasing pressure from alleged sexual harassment scandals and
the burgeoning investigation into alleged efforts by his administration to conceal the true number of Covid-related nursing home deaths from federal investigators. The city announced on Aug. 20 that all students and staff participating in “high-risk” sports like football and volleyball would be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. After a year away because of the pandemic, the US Open once again welcomed fans back to the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was the annual Run for Richie motorcycle rally from Aqueduct Race Track to One World Trade Center. It is named for Richard Pearlman of Howard Beach, who was 18 and a member of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps who happened to be in Downtown Manhattan on a jobrelated matter when the planes struck the Twin Towers. He was last seen assisting badly injured victims in the street when one of the towers collapsed near him. Major League Baseball marked the anniversary at Citi Field with a ceremony prior to the Mets hosting the New York Yankees. Emma Raducanu of Great Britain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia won the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the US Open in Flushing Meadows. De Blasio was in Forest Hills on Sept. 22 to officially sign off on the fourth and final stage of the redesign of Queens Boulevard. The plans include extending bike lanes between Yellowstone Boulevard and Union Turnpike. Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Nas, who grew up in the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, and DJ Cassidy headlined a Sept. 23 concert at Forest Hills Stadium to benefit City Harvest, the largest food rescue organization on New York City. The organization reported that the concert raised enough money to feed 2.5 million hungry New York City residents for a day.
October Olympic medalists Tina Charles of East Elmhurst and Jamaica, who played high school basketball at Christ the King High School in Middle Village, a nd spr i nter Delila h Muhammad of Rochdale Village were honored by Richards at Borough Hall upon their return September from the Tokyo Games. The remnants of Hurricane Ida A Queens grand jury indicted devastated New York City the a 20-year-old man for criminally night of Sept. 1 to 2, killing 13 negligent homicide in the Seppeople including eight in Queens. tember 2020 death of a 79-yearMany were trapped in basement old golf course groundskeeper at or cellar apartments as the storm The Mets remember the Forest Park. dropped about 10 inches of rain in 9/11 attacks. FILE PHOTO David Mangaran, 19 at the some areas with flash floods and BY MICHAEL SHAIN time of the incident, is accused of 35 mile-per-hour winds. The pulling William Hinchey of city’s drainage system, in most areas, is not Whitestone from his golf cart, dragging him designed to handle such volumes of water. to a paved area and slamming him to the Mayor de Blasio said the city had been mis- ground after Hinchey approached him to get led by weather forecasters as to the seriousness off the golf course with his bicycle. Hinchey of the storm, though the National Weather Ser- died three days later during related surgery. vice early on Sept. 1 had warned the city that A 19-year-old Bronx man was indicted on “Significant & life-threatening flooding is Oct. 26 for the Jan. 1 shooting that killed a forecast ...” Rosedale man and wounded two others at the President Biden visited some of the harder- Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens. Richard hit Queens neighborhoods on Sept. 7. Swygert is accused of shooting Robert WilCity sheriff’s deputies and officers from the liams, 20, and two others in what was New NYPD’s 104th and 112th precincts on Sept. 3 York City’s first homicide of 2021 during a seized 53 vehicles, some with paper license New Year’s Eve celebration at the troubled — plates and others subjected to technology that and since-shuttered — hotel at 124-18 Queens screens for phony license plates. Blvd. continued on page 18 Among the commemorations of the 20th
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Get your Social Security benefit statement by Nilsa Henriquez We’ve made getting your annual Benefit Statement even easier. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from us in the previous year. You can use this information when you file your tax return, as it shows how much Social Security
income to report to the Internal Revenue Service. If you live in the United States and you need a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, go online to get your instant, printable replacement form using your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Look for your replacement SSA-1099 or SSA1042S for the previous tax year in your personal account after February 1. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can save the document to your computer or email it to yourself. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating one is very easy to do and usually takes less than 10 minutes. And that’s not all you can do with a personal account. If you receive benefits or have Medicare, your personal my Social Security account is also the best way to: • Request a replacement Social Security number card (in most states). • Get your benefit verification letter.
• C he ck your benefit and payment information. • Change your address and phone number. • Change your direct deposit information. Nilsa Henriquez • Request a replacement Medicare card. • Report your wages if you work and receive Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits. If you’re a noncitizen who lives outside of the United States and you received or repaid Social Security benefits last year, we will send you form SSA-1042S in the mail. The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, you can create one today at ssa.gov/myaccount. P Nilsa Henriquez is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.
Not ready to retire? You can still apply for Medicare online by Nilsa Henriquez Did you know that you can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to retire? And it takes less than 10 minutes! There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information. To apply for Medicare and find other important information, visit ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. If you want to start receiving Medicare at age 65, you must apply for Medicare no earlier than three months before your 65th birthday and no later than three months after that birthday. We refer to this window of opportunity to apply for Medicare as your initial enrollment period. Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help to pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program. You must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia to qualify for the Extra Help. For more information on Extra Help, visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp. You may also want to read these publications: • Apply Online for Medicare — Even if You Are Not Ready to Retire at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10530.pdf. • When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf. Help a friend or family member by sharing this information. P Our programs are here for those who need them.
Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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C M SQ page 18 Y K
New and old memories in Mid Queens continued from page 14 Oct. 31. One of the victims required hospital treatment.
November Queens Public Library CEO Dennis Walcott welcomed a veritable who’s who in Mid Queens on Nov. 1 for the formal ribbon cutting at the newly refurbished Glendale Library. Originally built in 1935 at 78-60 73 St., the building underwent a four-year renovation. Election Day on Nov. 2 saw Adams, Richards and Holden elected or re-elected in landslides. On Nov. 6, the city renamed the plaza at the intersection of Grand and Flushing avenues in Maspeth in honor of Stanley Wdowiak, a Maspeth resident who participated in one of the most storied achievements in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Wdowiak and two crewmates from his ship boarded a surfaced German U-boat in the Atlantic Ocean on June 4, 1944. Shutting opened valves and disconnecting explosive charges designed to sink the sub, quickly, Wdowiak and the others secured not only the U-505 but Enigma coding machines, code books and a treasury of intelligence information. Wdowiak received the Navy cross, the secondhighest honor that a U.S. sailor can be given.
tatives two days after the Jan. 6 riots. Brendan Hunt was convicted at trial in April. Bishop Rober t Bren na n, 59, was installed as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn on Nov. 31. He takes the place of the retired Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who had led he diocese and its 1.2 million Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens since 2003.
Just some of the damage caused by vandals in Middle Village on Nov. 19 following the Kyle NYC COUNCIL PHOTO / FILE Rittenhouse verdict. Five people were arrested. A thief walked into the Ulta Beauty store in The Shops at Atlas Park on Nov. 10 and walked out with more than $1,800 in merchandise stuffed into a backpack. Between 40 and 50 people went on a rampage in Middle Village the night of Nov. 19, ostensibly in protest of the Kyle Rittenhouse court verdict in Wisconsin.
Five people were arrested in a night that saw cars and buildings vandalized and A mer ican f lags stolen f rom pr ivate property. A Ridgewood man was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison on Nov. 22 for posting threats to harm and kill members of the U.S. Senate and House of Represen-
December Gil Hodges, manager of the 1969 Miracle Mets after a stellar career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Dec. 5 The city on Dec. 12 co-named a corner at the intersection of Furmanville Avenue and 83rd Street in Middle Village in memory of former Republican Councilman and longtime GOP fixture Tom Ognibene. Mayor-elect Adams appointed Keechant Sewell, chief of detectives for the Nassau County Police Department, as the new commissioner for the NYPD. She will be the first African-American woman to hold the post. Q ue en s Cou nci lwom a n Ad r ien ne Adams (D-Jamaica) secured enough pledged votes to become the new Council Q speaker effective Jan. 1. Find Part I at qchron.com.
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Queens was rolling with the punches in 2021 continued from page 16 November Adams won the mayoralty in a landslide over Sliwa. Richards and Schulman also were elected by comfortable margins. The congregation at the Forest Hills Jewish Center voted to sell their iconic building overlooking MacDonald Park at 106-06 Queens Blvd. Built in the 1940s, the edifice with a striking exterior has become more and more difficult to maintain and keep up with modern needs. The center will relocate somewhere in the area following a sale. Community Board 6 and the city’s DOT are examining the possibility of making Kessel Street, a one-way westbound street in Forest Hills, one way eastbound for a single block between Union Turnpike and 75th Street. The aim is to prevent drivers from using it as a bypass to the traffic and lights on westbound Metropolitan Avenue, which runs parallel to Kessel one block south. CB 6 also will be under new leadership in 2022, with Board Chairperson Alexa Weitzman announcing she will not seek reelection, though she intends to remain on the board. Bishop Rober t Bren na n, 59, was installed as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn on Nov. 31. He takes the place of the retired Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who had led the dio-
cese and its 1.2 million Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens since 2003. December CB 6 voted by a 32-4 margin not to support requested zoning changes for a 15-story apartment building proposed for 98-81 Queens Blvd. unless numerous conditions are met. The property is the site of the old 1939 Trylon movie theater, which now houses the Ohr Natan synagogue. It also has the Tower Diner. Preservationists have been trying to save both buildings. What could prove problematic is that should the city not approve plans and zoning changes for the 15-story building with 44 units of affordable housing, the owners can as of right build a 16-story structure with no affordable units required. Gil Hodges, manager of the 1969 Miracle Mets after a stellar career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Mayor-elect Adams appointed Keechant Sewell, chief of detectives for the Nassau County Police Department, as the new commissioner for the NYPD. She will be the first African-American woman to hold the post. Queens Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) secured enough pledged votes to become the new Council speaker effecQ tive Jan. 1. Find Part I at qchron.com.
Many residents and preservationists oppose a proposed apartment tower at 98-81 Queens FILE IMAGE COURTESY GERALD J. CALIENDO ARCHITECTS Blvd. What they lack is a means to stop it.
C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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continued from page 2 done more for the police in three days chance to break into a lot of places,” he than de Blasio did in eight years ... He said. He added the pandemic, conversely, understands the issue and importance of almost certainly did harm that may not morale.” But he also said Adams and Sewell yet be known. “One of the stats that doesn’t show is will be running into problems over which how we’re doing with domestic vio- they will have little or no control. “You have a City Council that is lence,” Giacalone said. “Because if you lock people down with their abusers, going to fight him on so many things, that is another thing that we need to look like doing real police work,” Giacalone at. These lockdowns probably affect that said. “They’re worried about stop, quescategory of person more dramatically tion and risk and about disproportionate stops of Black and Hispanic people. But than most.” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, has if you look at the stats in New York City been resolute in his message on crime. He last year [more than 90 percent] of all says the city cannot come back economi- homicides were in the Black and Hiscally unless crime has been put in check. panic communities. So do we expect He has vowed to restore plainclothes anti- cops not to go into predominantly Black crime units that have cops who excel in and brown neighborhoods where the the specialized discipline of getting ille- homicides are occur ring and not do police work? Is that what the Council is gal guns off the streets. He has said, as he did last Saturday at telling us?” Giacalone also approves of restarting the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, that the administration will back its police while anti-crime teams, but said that job could still holding them to a high standard of be made impossible by efforts to remove performance and accountability [see sep- qualified immunity protection from officers, opening them arate story in some u p t o f r ivolou s editions or online lawsuits. at qchron.com]. “If you’re “Public safety is ou have to give Adams expecting cops to not a bumper stickrun around chasing er,” he said. at least a year to see people with guns The Police what happens ...” and then get sued Benevolent Associfor it, that’s not ation, which repre— Prof. Joseph Giacalone going to work out sents rank-and-file well,” he said. “It police officers, was hopeful in a Jan. 2 tweet, after eight years will take one time for something to hapof continuous clashes with former Mayor pen and cops will say, ‘I’m not doing this.’” Bill de Blasio. Giacalone said the state Legislature is “In a welcome departure from the prior administration @ City Hall, @ unlikely to be friendly toward Adams as NYCMayor @nypdnews give a candid well. “They keep passing refor m after assessment of the number 1 crime issue confronting New Yorkers — carrying & reform,” he said. “Right now [Gov.] using illegal guns — with an emphasis on Hochul is putting out parole reform, so the victims, New Yorkers who were dis- basically you won’t be able to violate anyregarded by the previous admin,” the one out on parole. Tell me that you’re trying to get crime out of control without union tweeted. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the saying it out loud. Zero deterrence if you Queens Chamber of Commerce, said in can’t violate someone out on parole. To an interview this week that Adams has me it’s craziness.” Then, Giacalone said, there are district the right focus. “I’ve spoken with him on a number of attorneys who do not prosecute cases. “Talk about trying to run this city with occasions and he’s a very forward-thinking mayor,” Grech said. “There’s no pros- both hands tied behind your back,” he perity without public safety. It’s not really said. “You have to give Adams at least a a secret. But at least we have a mayor who understands that and is seeking to year to see what happens with members of the City Council,” Giacalone have public safety.” Grech specifically cited the undercover said. He did suggest that some Democratic anti-gun initiative as “a wonderful start, just to make people feel like something is elected officials might want to look to being done to address the gun issue in elections in Nassau and Suffolk counties this past November, where the issue of our city.” Giacalone said Adams and Police crime and recent criminal reforms played Commissioner Keechant Sewell have a large role in Republicans flipping county executive and district attorney’s offices their work cut out for them. “I like what I hear about the mayor,” he in both counties. “Then you add up all the signs, and said. “I like what I see. He went to the hospital [on New Year’s Day] when an [Adams and Sewell] have a tough road officer was shot. He’s at the precincts. ahead of them and I wish them the best,” He’s at the roll calls. He keeps telling he said. “Because nobody wants the city Q cops he’s got their backs. He’s already to fall back to the way it used to be.”
Daddy-O
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January 6, 2022
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 20
C M SQ page 20 Y K
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING
Clyde Bullard keeps jazz center stage in Queens by M by Michael icha ich haell Shain Shai hain in
When the cornerstone of Flushing Town Hall was laid in June 1862, the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” — written four month earlier — was just catching on. The big number that year was Stephen Foster’s still-unforgettable “The Merry, Merry Month of May.” Today, 160 years later, the cornerstone of Flushing Town Hall is the music called jazz. The latest chapter is a show next Friday night by pianist Bill Charlap, winner of a Grammy in 2016 for accompanying Tony Bennett on an album of Jerome Kern songs called “The Silver Lining.” (It
wa s his was his first firs fi rstt Grammy, Grammy G Gram rammy my y, Bennett’s Bennett B Benn ennet ett’ t t’ t s 18th.) 18th 18 th ) Thos Th Those ose e who wh ho ca can’t n’t ma n’ mak make ke tthe ke he JJan. he an. 14 cconcert an once on certt iin n person can watch t h it live li on YouTube, Y T b with ith details d t il at flushingtownhall.org. Reconstituted in 1990 as a center for bringing the world’s art and culture to Queens, FTH has increasingly been programmed to reflect the Korean and Chinese population of the surrounding Flushing neighborhood. “But jazz is an anchor of the program we present,” said Ellen Kodadek, the hall’s executive and artistic director. The story of jazz at FTH stretches back 30 years more or less, when what is now the hall’s L-shaped ar t galler y on the main floor was opened as a jazz club.
Called C Call alled d Jazz Jaz azzz Live, Live Li ve the the club cllub b featured fea eatture tured d performancp rf pe rformanc rfor forma manc nc-es by b y Donald D o nald Dona ld Byrd, B yr y d , Bross B ro ross ss Townsend Tow owns nsen end d and an d Ron Ron C Carter. t At the time, according to the hall’s website, the 308-seat auditorium was still being renovated. “When I got here, it was a bare stage,” said Clyde Bullard. “No curtains, lights, nothing.” It would be fair to call Bullard the father of jazz at Flushing Town Hall, except that it was his actual father — the legendary record executive and DJ Clarence “C.B.” Bullard — who put the first shows together at the landmark hall. The elder Bullard, head of jazz promotion at Atlantic Records during its heyday in 1970s and ’80s, is credited with helping to get the careers of continued on page 22
C M SQ page 21 Y K
King Crossword Puzzle ‘Back Number’ Budd really loved newspapers
ACROSS
1 Biting remark 5 Spheres 9 Victory 12 Skin care brand 13 Joel or Ethan of Hollywood 14 Parisian pal 15 Hourly pay 16 Batman’s hood 17 Beer container 18 Rebuff 19 Acting coach Hagen 20 Crazy 21 Actor Brynner 23 Old Olds 25 Mourn 28 Hit song by the Oak Ridge Boys 32 Grown-up 33 Snake poison 34 Autobiography 36 Herbal tea 37 Geese formation 38 Computer key 39 Lose color 42 TiVo precursor 44 Idle or Clapton 48 Khan title 49 Close 50 Handle 51 Dict. info 52 Adriatic port 53 Author Hunter 54 Bygone jet 55 Staff leader? 56 Faxed
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
DOWN
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11 Boy, in Barcelona 20 Features of romantic comedies 22 Loosen 24 Graceland idol 25 Felon’s flight 26 Citric beverage 27 Silent 29 Pig-poke link 30 Director Howard 31 Soul, to Sartre
35 Disclose 36 “Fab!” 39 Crazes 40 Mellows 41 Loony 43 Give a darn 45 Carry on 46 One-named supermodel 47 Penny 49 “The Voice” network
Robert M. Budd was born in September 1852 in Washington, DC. His father was French Canadian and his mother was black. His education was cut short due to the Civil War but he worked selling newspapers to the soldiers. He came to New York and collected and cataloged old newspapers at 762 Vernon Ave. in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City. The press dubbed him “Back Number” Budd. Among the visitors to his archives were Ulysses S. Grant and Booker T. Washington. His collection dated back to 1833 and boasted over 6,200,000 newspapers. Budd married Hattie “Mary” Chambers in 1885. Their children Robert Jr., Richard, Raymond and Roberta followed. An 1895 fire was a temporary setback. Budd was charging 5 cents or more for newspapers that once sold for a penny. In 1911, The New York Times decided to compete — saving its own archives. Budd saved enough to buy a house at 664 Van Alst Ave. (later renumbered 38-07 21 St.). In 1922, a second fire at Vernon
Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Robert M. “Back Number” Budd (18521933) lived at 664 Van Alst St. in Long Island City, which is now 38-07 21 St. Avenue wiped out the business. In his last days he was selling shoelaces and fireworks (which he was arrested for). He passed away in 1933 at age 81. He is an unspoken hero who laid the groundwork for today’s instant archive Q media world we live in.
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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 22
C M SQ page 22 Y K
boro
Museum exhibits don’t shy from tough issues
The Queens Museum puts itself on the leading edge of political and societal questions in many of its exhibits, and two that are on display now reflect that paradigm. Below are their descriptions as per the museum, which was set to reopen Jan. 5 after being closed for the holidays. One exhibit is “Proposal for a 28th Amendment? Is it Possible to Amend an Unequal System?” With this incomplete participatory installation, “Year of Uncertainty” Artists-In-Residence Alex Strada and Tali Keren ask visitors to critically engage with the U.S. Constitution and pose two questions: “What 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would you propose?” and “Do you think it is possible to amend an unequal system?” Opening with the phrase “We the People,” the Constitution was written in 1787 by and for wealthy white male property owners, and to date, only 27 amendments have been ratified to change the document. This legacy and the embedded issues of structural racism, settler-colonial violence, heteropatriarchy, and labor inequities are illuminated here in videos featuring legal scholars. Central to the installation are sonic soapbox sculptures that build upon the history of the soapbox as a site of collective struggle, while also emphasizing listening, mutuality
The Queens Museum stays on top of social issues. and access. These objects emit an in-progress oral archive of responses to the project’s questions that have been recorded by visitors and will accrue over the course of the exhibition. Visitors are invited to engage by listening and by using the recording booth to add to this work. The installation is activated through a series of public workshops Strada and Keren planned with “Year of Uncertainty” community partners and legal scholars. These gatherings bring people together to collectively consider, question and debate systemic
QUEENS MUSEUM PHOTO / FILE
repair, radical change and abolition to imagine more equitable futures. Another exhibit is “Kingdom Peace,” presented by “Year of Uncertainty” community partner Life Camp. The exhibition stems from the frontline violence intervention and prevention organization’s motto, “Peace is a Lifestyle.” On view are handmade pieces of art, a mural, and video that reflect the daily work and vision of Life Camp’s Peace Makers and Youth Leaders in South Jamaica. The installation includes a collaboratively produced peace sign assembled from recy-
cled water bottles to uplift the importance of caring for one’s neighborhood and a painted bike which celebrates play and joy as a form of healing and connection. The mural painted by Miyoshi Plaines (MO$H) of Black Village Arts focuses on repair and transformation among those impacted by an act of violence. The message of this piece asserts that resolution, safety, public health and true justice can only happen by acknowledging that individuals on both sides of a gun are in need of support and help. The video by SLUSA Productions introduces the complex relationships of gun violence to individual and community wellness and highlights Life Camp’s approach to shifting the way violence is experienced, perceived and managed on every level, including providing community stakeholders the skills and resources to address the mental, emotional and physical wellness needs of their own neighborhoods. The elements of the exhibition respond to each of the “Year of Uncertainty’s” five themes: Care, Repair, Justice, Play and The Future to create a space that centers love and healing. Both exhibits will be on view until Feb. 13. For more information on either one, or the museum’s many other exhibitions, visit Q queensmuseum.org. — Peter C. Mastrosimone
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Bullard brings the jazz — hear some next Friday continued from page 20 Roberta Flack, Paula Abdul and Donny Hathaway, among others, off the ground. CB died in 1997. The following year, Clyde became the impresario of jazz at FTH, and he has done just about every jazz show there since. Queens, of course, played a huge role in the history of the music as the welcoming home to such stars as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie,
Crossword Answers
Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane. But truth be told, those stars slept and raised their families here but rarely, if ever, played in Queens. There was virtually no place to hear their music in the borough other than the radio, until the Bullards came along. “Flushing Town Hall is now the one organization in Queens that consistently produced world-class jazz — every year, all year,” said Clyde. “The same musicians performing in Manhattan and Harlem, you can see at Flushing Town Hall.” Any jazz fan will tell you the list of musicians he has brought here is impressive: Marian McPartland, Clark Terry, Barry Harris, Randy Weston, John Hendricks, Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Cobb, Billy Taylor and Eddie Palmieri. He was instrumental in creating FTH’s two mainstay productions each year: the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters concert in November and the Queens Jazz Orchestra show in June. Before Covid, both were perennial sellouts. (These days, the hall is operating at half capacity, 150 seats.) ““ W hy C l yd e ? ” s a i d Ko d a d e k .
The audience settles in at Flushing Town Hall before the NEA Jazz Masters concert in 2019. The drum set belongs to Jimmy Cobb, who was part of Miles Davis’ group in the 1960s and ’70s. On the cover: FTH jazz producer Clyde Bullard, center, stops by the prior year’s Jazz Masters performance to give Jimmy Heath, left, a 90th birthday cake, PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN along with Jimmy Owens, right. “Because he grew up on the knee of just about every jazz figure in the world.” “He knows our jazz audience, he
knows the artists and, most important, he knows the hall. “That’s why Clyde. He’s awesome.” Q
C M SQ page 23 Y K
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3 May, 2021 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2301004 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 1023 Folio: 264 Place: Riverside Gardens Lot No 290 Parish: Saint Andrew Registered proprietor(s): Clive Alfred Service and Myrtle Jean Jarrett The following transactions were lodged with this application and will be registered pursuant to Section 81 of the RTA: Application to Note Death of a 2301003 Joint Proprietor L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles
Notice of Qualification of 46-81 METRO AVE 2 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/23/21. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/13/21. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Own and lease real estate.
Notice of formation of FANTOM TRUCKING LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/01/21. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 9106 212th Pl, Queens Village, NY, 11428. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
Notice of Formation of NEWTON CREEK PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/22/2021. 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: EZIAH SYED, 1-50 50TH AVENUE #1129, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Notice of Formation of AMH Luxury Consulting LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/19/2021. 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: REGISTERED AGENTS INC., 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of HARMONY DENTAL PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/05/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-29 COLLEGE POINT BLVD., COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of Resilience Mental Health Counseling PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/21/2021. 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 PLLC, 93-18 ROOSEVELT AVENUE, #1009, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
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Notice of Formation of BHG PROPERTY MGMT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/28/2021. 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: PETERGAY BALGOBIN, 11701 107TH AVE., SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
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lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of THE LOCALS HOUSE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16/2021. 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, 330 BEACH 92ND ST, ROCKAWAY BEACH, NY 11693. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Application for Authority of EBOOK EMPIRE LLC, a foreign limited liability company (LLC). Application was fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/21/2021. Offi ce location in NY is Queens County. LLC formed in Wyoming (WY) on 06/14/2021. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC to 2232 Dell Range Blvd., Suite 2453028, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Offi ce of jurisdiction of organization: The LLC, 2232 Dell Range Blvd., Suite 245-3028, Cheyenne, WY, 82009. Articles of Organization fi led with Secy of State of WY, Edward A. Buchanan, Herschler Bldg. East, Ste 100 & 101, Cheyenne WY, 820020020 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of META WORLD LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/11/2021. 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: META WORLD LLC, 13101 40TH RD, APT 15D, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of TRISKEL CLEANING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/28/2021. 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, 32-19 98TH ST., E. ELMHURST, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
ETHEREAL HEALING ARTS GROUP, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/13/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 207-14 Melissa Court, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of Metropolitan Surgical Podiatry PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/15/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 162-16 Union Turnpike, Ste 306, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: practice the profession of podiatry.
Notice of Formation of WINV, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/16/21. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 7806 269th St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040. 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. Purpose: Trading
Notice of Formation of 117-02 Rockaway Blvd, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/2020. 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: ROHEE SIBADAN, 130-31 LEFFERTS BLVD., SOUTH OZONE, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
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SSNY on 11/19/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 52-40 39th Drive, Unit 7K, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any
Bushwick, 1124 Greene Ave, #2. 4 BR/1.5 bath, $2,800/mo. Avail NOW. Very lg apt w/skylight, balcony, deck, renov kit w/SS appli, closets in every room. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty Lindenwood, 84-27 149th Ave, #1. 2 BR/1 bath, $2,400/mo. Avail Now. Both BRs have closets, renov kit, parking space. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty Maspeth, 70-08 58th Rd #2. 2 BR/1 bath, $2,400/mo. Avail NOW. Fully renov, huge pvt balcony, parking spot, central AC, SS, dishwasher, granite countertops. Call Agnes Siedlik, 917-288-0660. Capri Jet Realty
ANNA MARIE @
917-682-5222 Houses For Sale Howard Beach, Mint AAA Cape. Recently re-done. Featuring radiant heated fls. Open flr plan, kit w/granite counter-tops & SS appli, renov bathrooms w/whirlpool tub, washer/dryer on 1st fl, new plumbing & electric, new pavers & concrete, new roof & gutters, 3 zone heating, 1 car gar, solar panels. Asking $880K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach, Mint Colonial. 4 BRs. 3 full baths, Brick/stucco. full basement, in-ground pool w/pavers. Asking $938K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park. New listing. Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, semi-inground pool. 44x114 lot. Move-in condition! $949K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Furn.Rm.For Rent South Richmond Hill, pvt house, 2nd fl. Working female preferred. Non-smoker. No pets, owner has a dog. Close to trans. Quiet house. Background check req. $800/mo. 718-593-9272
Co-ops For Sale Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Garden Co-op, 2 BR, 1 bath, formal DR, 2nd fl washing machine permitted. Low Maint.—25% D.P. Req. Asking $249K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
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Notice of Formation of 22-61 26TH STREET REALTY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/01/2016. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-61 26TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the
Apts.For Rent
CROSS BAY BLVD/ OZONE PARK. 1st FL APPROX. 725 SQ.FT. PRISTINE CONDITION. IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. CALL
Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022 Page 26
C M SQ page 26 Y K Brooklyn & Queens Real Estat e Experts!
Howard Beach e Real Estat Experts!
Located in WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhood. We have Qualified International Buyers.
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Jan. 8th 11-12:30pm
69 Bay 11th Street, Bath Beach Double Lot 3 Family w/ 2 Private Driveways & 2 Car Garages! $1,999,000
• OPEN HOUSE (By Appointment) • Sunday, January 9th 12-1:30pm
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, January 8th 12-2pm
98-09 32nd Avenue, East Elmhurst Renovated Brick 2 Family w/ Garage & Backyard! $1,299,000
5631 Metropolitan Ave., Ridgewood Mixed Use Brick 1 Family + Store w/ Full Basement & Backyard! $1,269,000
217 Java Street, Greenpoint 2 Family w/ Full Bsmnt & Backyard! Can be sold together w/ 215 Java St! $1,695,000
215 Java Street, Greenpoint 2 Family w/ Full Bsmnt & Backyard! Can be sold together w/ 217 Java St! $1,670,000
110-25 172nd Street, St. Albans Renovated Brick 2 Family w/ Backyard & Private Parking! $680,000
• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Jan. 9th 2:30-3:30pm 151 Kingsland Avenue, Greenpoint Corner Brick 2 Family in Prime Greenpoint! $1,450,000
20-13 38th Street, Astoria Brick 3 Family w/ 1 Car Garage & Pvt Drwy & Backyard! $1,699,000
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, January 8th 2-3pm 163-33 95th Street, Howard Beach Renovated Single Family w/ Full Finished Basement! $719,999
WIN A LUXURIOUS 7 DAY ALL INCLUSIVE CARIBBEAN CRUISE JUST REFER US AND YOU ARE IN! Redeemable through CBTS/ Nick Gramenides 718-836-3620
For more listings, please visit our website
CAPJ-079833
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REFERRAL PROGRAM
www.CapriJetRealty.com 533 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211
FREE Tax Liability (if any) analysis of the sale of your Home, by our in-house accountant, Mario Saggese, CPA, specializing in 1031 Exchanges and saving you money. The consultation is FREE and you are under no obligation to use his services
60-75 67th Ave., Ridgewood Brick 2 Family w/ Full Finished Basement & Backyard! $999,000
• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, January 9th 12-1pm 161-52 95th Street, Howard Beach Gorgeous Mariner’s Dream Home on the Water! $1,999,999
55-19 Metropolitan Avenue, Maspeth Gorgeous Corner Brick 3 Family w/ Store and 2 Car Garage! $1,890,000
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C M SQ page 27 Y K
BEAT
82-17 153 RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Memories of Madden by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
When I met John Madden at a press event about a decade ago, I asked if most people knew he was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s, where his won-lost record remains the best percentage in NFL history. “Older folks know me from my Raiders days; those in the 30 to 50 range know from my broadcasting career; and most young people know me from the video game which bears my name,” he said. The tributes for Madden came pouring in as soon as his passing last Tuesday at age 85 hit the news wires. He transformed the NFL booth analyst from being just a dry partner in the booth for the play-by-play man to being one who could educate his viewers about the Xs and Os in an entertaining manner. Madden is one of only two people to be enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Frank Gifford is the other. What I found most remarkable about Madden was his abilities as a pitchman, especially when it came to new products. Electronic Arts hired Madden to be the face of its NFL video games in 1988 when that industry was in its nascent stages. Earlier, Madden’s over-the-top ads for Miller Lite made the idea of a low-calorie beer palatable for millions of men who would otherwise be suspicious of trying anything less than “real beer.” A small pharmaceutical company,
ARLENE PACCHIANO
REAL ESTATE
161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach STEVEN PACCHIANO Lic. Broker Associate
(Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)
718-845-1136 FREE MARKET EVALUATION
CONNEXIONREALESTATE.COM HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK NEW LISTING! HI-RANCH
$949K
HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OP FOR SALE Mint JR 4 Co-op, All Updated. No Waiting For Parking
Asking $249K
HOWARD BEACH Mint AAA Cape - This Beautiful Home was recently redone. Featuring radiant heated fl oors. Open fl oor plan, kitchen with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances, renovated bathrooms with whirlpool tub, washer/dryer on fi rst fl oor, new plumbing & electric, new pavers & concrete, new roof & gutters, 3 zone heating, 1 car garage, solar panels for lower electric bills
Asking g $880K
718-628-4700
• Lindenwood •
• Rockwood Park •
Large Contemporary situated on a 5900 sq. ft. lot. Resort backyard which includes a pond with waterfall, gas fi re pit, built-in hot tub, outdoor kitchen that features BBQ, sink, refrigerator and storage. Paved patio with seating for many. Shed with electricity for storage. 5 BRs, 3 full baths plus a 1/2 bath. Top-of-the-line appliances thruout. 3 CAC’s units. Move your family right in and enjoy your beautiful new home!!
• Lindenwood •
Sunlit corner 1 bedroom Co-op, EIK, spacious LR/DR on fi rst fl oor. Near all transportation, restaurants and shopping.
Welcome to this lovely, well-maintained cozy 1 BR unit, converted to a Jr 4. This unit features a LR / DR with new fl ooring throughout the unit, a fi replace, stainless steel appliances, updated bath with marble tile, 2 walk-in closets & ample closet space. The home boasts Google controls. Convenient to all transportation & shopping. Washer & dryer on each floor. Flip tax is $5 per share, 240 shares. Base: $790.13, Security:$20.00, Special Assessment: $21.66, Assessment: $16.18= $847.97.
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Jan. 9th 12:30-2 PM 86-10 109th Street, Apt CC1
• Lindenwood •
Check out this spacious condo in Howard Beach. This unit features 1,020 sq.ft. of living space with an updated kitchen with large pantry and stainless steel appliances. Spacious living room & dining room, 2 large BRs, 2 full baths & ample closets for storage. Extra large terrace, perfect for relaxing in your own private space. Laundry room, storage room & bike room located in lobby. Common charges: Base: $834.75 which includes water, sewer, cooking gas, heat & common area maint. Parking available to all owners for additional $25/month. Conveniently located near shopping, stores, schools, highways, Q41, Q21 & express bus to Midtown.
• Richmond Hill •
Welcome to this beautiful and sunny 1 BR co-op located in the heart of Richmond Hill. The apartment is very spacious with lots of closets and beautiful hardwood fl oors. It’s conveniently located near subway, buses, schools, shopping, & beautiful Forest Park. The building is pet friendly & subletting is allowed. There is no fl ip tax!!!! 320 shares.
• Old Howard Beach •
1 Family Hi-Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 40x100, garage, large driveway, great starter home!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! HOWARD BEACH Mint Colonial 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Brick / Stucco, Full Basement, In-Ground Pool with Pavers
Asking $938K HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD
HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK
Triple Diamond Hi-Ranch, Both Floors in Beautiful All New Condition S.S. Appliances with Quartz Counters. Nothing To Do! PLEASE CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING 718-845-1136
HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD
HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD
Garden Co-op
Lovely 1 Bedroom Co-op
Completely renovated Co-op Mint AAA, 2 BR, 2 Baths, Bright Corner Unit, Custom Wood Cabinets with Under Counter Lighting & Granite Countertops Stainless Steel Appliances & High Hats, 2 New Baths, Bali Wood Blinds, lg. Foyer with 3 Closets, lg. Master BR with Walk-in Closet & Ensuite Recently Renovated Lobby & New Elevator - MUST SEE!
2 BR, 1 Bath with Formal Dining Room, 2nd Floor Washing Machine Permitted. Low Maint. 25% D.P. Required
Asking $329,999
Reduced $249K
Happy New Year! From our entire staff to our Family, Friends & Clients who we truly appreciate! Thank you for your patronage!
Asking $899K
Converted from studio. Low Maintenance
Asking $159K
FREE Market Evaluation
718-845-1136 Call Today!
CONR-080099
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4 BR, 3 Baths, 2 Fireplaces, Semi-in-ground Pool. 44x114 Lot. Move in Condition!
69-39 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385
Tinactin, hired Madden to tout its antifungal cream. Hearing him gleefully shout the tag line, “Get tough actin’ Tinactin!” quickly made that the top remedy for relief from athlete’s foot. Madden suffered from claustrophobia, which caused him to fear flying to get from one NFL city to another. His agent extraordinaire, Sandy Montag, struck a deal with Greyhound to create a special bus for his client that was called the Madden Cruiser. Montag was able to get Outback Steakhouse to sponsor the bus. Johnny Carson once told an associate, “I’m great with 10 million people and lousy with 10.” The same may have been true for Madden. When I spoke with him at that New York press event, he did not seem comfortable. When I asked him his thought about Frank Caliendo, the impressionist whose caricature of Madden made him a sought-after entertainer for television networks, he looked down at his shoes and mumbled something I couldn’t decipher. Fox Sports’ Christmas Day “All Madden” documentary was aired three days before his passing. That timing may not have been a coincidence. Fox elected not to send out promotional screeners to media, breaking from a standard practice for generating advance publicity for a project. They may have been worried about havQ ing to make a sad last-minute revision to it. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.
Connexion
Broker/Owner
718-835-4700
©2022 M1P • CAMI-080103
CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II
Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 6, 2022
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C M SQ page 28 Y K
We reserve the right to limit quantities to one can or package on sale items. Items offered for sale are not available in case lots. Alcoholic beverages may not be available in all locations. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Some Items Not Available in all Locations.