Queens Chronicle South Edition 02-23-17 by Queens Chronicle

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XL

NO. 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

QCHRON.COM

A GENEROUS SOUL

CABBIES’ CONCERN

Michael Mannarino remembered

Port Authority f loats new $4 airport fee

Alley Pond celebrates 20th anniversary of public Astronomy Nights

PAGE 4

PAGE 13

SEE qboro, PAGE 27

STARSTRUCK

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

WE WO WONN’T BACK DOWN Protesters vow to keep battling homeless facility PAGE 4 A crowd of Ozone Park residents turned out Sunday to again protest a drop-in center for homeless people that will be located at the former Dallis Bros. Coffee site on Atlantic Avenue, even as the city just fi nalized a lease with the group that will operate it.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 2

C M SQ page 2 Y K

Spike in anti-Semitic threats worries Queens Borough Jewish leaders hit Trump for staying silent until Tuesday by Christopher Barca

the repairs, with more than $71,000 being donated to the cause as of Wednesday. Luckily, no bomb threats at Jewish centers or cemeter y descecrations have occured in Queens, according to Queens Jewish Community Council Executive Director Cynthia Zalisky, but the borough hasn’t been completely immune to antiSemitic occurances either. On Feb. 1, a swastika was drawn in the snow in Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident. Alexander Rapaport, the executive director of the Masbia Soup Kitchen Network, said he still gets glares from people over his traditional Hasidic Jewish garb and hair. “It’s almost unbelievable, the amount of stares, yells and slurs that you still get in New York City,” Rapaport said on Monday. “That all happened before this rise in threats.” “We find it deeply disturbing,” Zalisky said of the nationwide rise in hoaxes in a Tuesday interview. “We’re just grateful we haven’t seen anything like that here.” Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) added Tuesday that her family has a history of being victims of antiSemitic atrocities, making the rise in threats personal.

Associate Editor

nti-Semitism is nothing new to this country, according to Jewish Center of Forest Hills West President Paula Braun. It’s just that bigots often kept their feelings to themselves, as opposed to today. “I don’t think it was ever like this,” Braun said in a Wednesday interview. “Of course, there’s always been anti-Semitism, but it was much more hidden than this.” More than five dozen Jewish community centers across the nation have faced four waves of bomb threats over the last two months. Monday’s spike, according to the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, saw 11 locations receive phonedin hoaxes. In total, the JCCANA said, 68 bomb threats have been called into 53 centers in 26 states and one Canadian province this year, with most occurring in waves on Jan. 9, Jan. 18, Jan. 31 and Feb. 20. A Jewish cemetery was also desecrated by vandals in Missouri over the weekend, as over 170 headstones — including those of Holocaust survivors — were toppled, sparking national outrage. In the days since the incident, Muslim activists began a fundraising drive to pay for

“My mother was born in Poland and her father was killed because he was Jewish,” the lawmaker said Tuesday. “When you see things like this, it makes you frightened to see all of a sudden, there’s this emphasis placed on Jewish people.” “It’s been 70 years and we still haven’t gotten over the Holocaust,” Zalisky added. “A swastika is still a knife through our hearts.” While Koslowitz, Braun and Zalisky were all confident in the NYPD’s ability to make attending a Jewish center or temple as safe as possible, Councilman Ror y Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) said the threat of attack against such institutions is as real as ever. “I’m fully confident in the NYPD being able to do what a police department can do,” Lancman said. “But no police department can keep all of the Jewish institutions safe from a determined terrorist attack.” Most of the Jewish leaders surveyed placed the blame for the recent rise in bomb threats directly at the feet of President Trump, who had been silent about the issue until Tuesday. “Let me be clear, the problem is Donald Trump,” Lancman said. “Every time that he, as president, refuses to recognize anti-Semitism, it signals to anti-Semites that their antiSemitism is tolerated and even acceptable.”

Queens Jewish leaders are slamming President Trump for being slow to condemn the nationwide rise in anti-Semitic incidents and FILE PHOTO bomb threats. In recent weeks, the White House had issued a handful of statements calling for peace, but none of them mentioned the words “Jewish” or “anti-Semitism,” to the chagrin continued on page 38

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No surrender on the drop-in center Ozone Park crowd against Atlantic Ave. street homeless site not backing down by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Ozone Park residents said Sunday they will not be deterred in their opposition to a homeless drop-in center on Atlantic Avenue, even as the lease for the building was finalized days before. “We’re not giving up the fight,” resident Joe Maldonado said at a protest in front of the building. The Department of Homeless Services and nonprofit agency Breaking Ground last Thursday signed a lease agreement with the landlord of 100-32 Atlantic Ave., which previously housed Dallis Bros. Coffee, to turn the site into a drop-in center. The center will not be a permanent place of residence, but rather a place for homeless people on the street to go to take a shower or get something to eat. It will be operated by Breaking Ground. Details of the lease or when the site will become operational were not immediately available. A few dozen residents, along with Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), stood outside the site Sunday to protest the move. “You’re getting the worst of the worst over here,” said Maldonado, a Republican who unsuccessfully challenged Miller in November. “It’s unsafe.” He and others cited the presence of public

Protesters of the planned homeless drop-in center in Ozone Park are upset by its proximity to a PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY nearby high school, among other perceived problems. and private schools within a one-mile radius of the site, including the High School of Constr uction Trades, Engineering and Architecture — which is less than 200 feet from the drop-in center.

“Why didn’t they think about that?” said concerned resident Wanda Torres. “I think it’s too close to homes and too close to the school.” When the drop-in center was first proposed

last summer, the community raised concerns over its proximity to the high school because any sex offender potentially staying there would be in violation of state law mandating they stay 1,000 feet from any educational facility. DHS and Breaking Ground officials told residents late last year the group would not serve sex offenders at the site — but that still remains an issue for some who believe the nonprofit will have trouble accurately identifying them. Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica) discussed the matter in a statement, issued in conjunction with Miller last Friday. “The current deficiencies within the Department of Homeless Services and its providers have led to both unintentional and blatant violations of State statutes that govern the movement of certain sex offenders (i.e. Skyway); the same is likely to happen here,” the councilman said, referring to the South Ozone Park shelter. “I cannot in good faith endorse any such proposal under these circumstances, and have repeatedly urged DHS and Breaking Ground to reconsider.” Looking for a way to stop the center, residents wondered if they could seek a court injunction against it. Miller said he would contact the law firm that fought a proposed homeless shelter in Glendale. continued on page 22

Michael Mannarino remembered fondly Howard Beach charity co-founder killed in accident by Anthony O’Reilly

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Associate Editor

Michael Mannarino was never one to be worried about himself — he was more concerned with how everyone else around him was doing. “It was always them first and then him,” his longtime friend Sal Pace said. “He was a very loving person.” If there was someone in need of help, he’d lend a hand. If there was a fundraiser for someone in need, he’d donate anonymously and give generously. “God threw away the mold when he made him,” said Mannarino’s sister, Rosemarie. “He was just perfect.” And when he wasn’t looking after everyone else, he dedicated his time to the philanthropy group, the International Society of SS Cosma and Damiano. “He was devoted to the saints and was a great man,” his friend John Calcagnile said. Michael Mannarino, a longtime Howard Beach resident and one of the original co-founders of the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, died last Wednesday. He was 76. According to police, Mannarino was killed when he exited his SUV while it was still in reverse in a Seaview Avenue parking lot in Brooklyn. He was struck by the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at Brookdale Hospital.

“It’s just a total shock,” Pace said. “He didn’t deserve to go like that.” Mannarino worked as a liquor salesman and owned stores in Queens and Brooklyn. “It was an honor to know my brother,” his sister said. “I don’t think there was a single bad bone in his body,” she said. “He was a man who adored and protected his family.” His six grandchildren — five boys and one girl — were “the pride and joy of his life,” his sister said. Pace and Calcagnile got to know Mannarino through their work with the Cosma and Damiano Society, of which he was the vice president. It has raised millions of dollars for charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He co-founded the group along with Pace and Joseph De Candia Sr., father of Lenny’s Clam Bar owner Joseph De Candia Jr. Calcagnile remembered how Mannarino worked hard to get statues of the two saints in parishes in Howard Beach and Ozone Park. “Mike took that on as a mission in life,” he said. Mannarino was waked at the James Romanelli-Stephen Funeral Home and his funeral was held at St. Helen Church last Saturday. He was interred at St. John Cemetery. In addition to his sister, he is survived by his wife, Q Sophie, his two daughters and his six grandchildren.

Michael Mannarino was a co-founder of the International Society of SS Cosma and Damiano charity organization. FILE PHOTO

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 6

C M SQ page 6 Y K

Juvenile facility still lacks fan base Residents of South Ozone smell something fishy at ‘Close to Home’ by Isabella Bruni Chronicle Contributor

About two years later, the opposition to the placement of a Close to Home juvenile facility in South Ozone Park remains about the same. The juvenile justice reform initiative takes in troubled youth and keeps them in their community, according to the state Office of Children and Family Services website. The number of young people at the location at 133-23 127 St. is currently 11. The goal of the initiative is to provide “an effective continuum of diversion, supervision, treatment and confinement so that the most appropriate level of care is provided for all youth, consistent with public safety” along with other family and community oriented goals. Although the program has a clear goal, residents worry about the safety of the neighborhood and their peace of mind. South Ozone Park Civic Association West President Tony Gellineau is fed up with the number of calls he has received from complaining residents. He said he had received up to 19 calls last month due to the excessive sounds of police with sirens pulling up to the facility. “Something must be going on. I know it’s not all peaches and roses,” Gellineau claimed. “We had advisory board meetings about all the nice things going on and being progressive in school, but when we ask questions we don’t get answers,” he added. Gellineau believes that the quality of life in the neighborhood has decreased because of Close to Home and said, “People are not happy in their own homes.” “We don’t know people coming into the neighborhood and what type of friends they have and if they have the proper fam-

Worry is still amongst South Ozone Park residents.

FILE PHOTO

ily they shouldn’t be there in the first place,” Gellineau said. The controversial Skyway men’s shelter is also in South Ozone Park, just three blocks from PS 124, where dozens of sex offenders have reportedly been living since its opening in 2011. Administration for Children’s Services spokesperson Aja Worthy-Davis said in a statement, “While we cannot speak for the NYPD’s patrol activity, through working closely with the local community we recently decreased the youth population at Ozone Park, which had grown towards end of that year. As planned previously, ACS will open an additional facility within Brooklyn to meet the needs of juvenile justice youth in our care.”

According to data from the Office of Children and Family Services, in the first year of the program as a whole, starting in 2012, 75.2 percent of juveniles taken in were male and 24.8 percent female. The average ages of the juveniles were 14 to 17. In terms of race and ethnicity, 57.4 percent were African American, 27.5 percent Hispanic, 3.1 percent white and 2.2 percent Asian. The majority were from Queens and Brooklyn, 28.4 percent and 26.5 percent respectively, while the Bronx produced 23.1 percent, Manhattan 14.7 percent and Staten Island 7 percent. Incident data from the first year shows the highest numbers include AWOL incidents at 1,114, with 548 restraints and 134 arrests. “I’m sure there have been incidents we’re not aware of,” Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton said. “Since the botched implementation of Close to Home, the residents of South Ozone Park have been saddled by the city with a burden they never asked for and left to cope with the consequences of those actions,” Council member Ruben Wills (D-South Ozone Park) said in a statement. “The lack of commitment on the part of the provider and ACS to promises made at the onset has lead to increasing tension and distrust among residents; of lately the presence of Emergency Service vehicles on 127 Street responding to calls from the Limited Secure Detention facility have become a commonplace occurrence,” he said. Wills hopes new ACS incoming commissioner, David Hansell, will bring “greater transparency and place greater focus on reversing the ills of inappropriate siting left by his Q predecessor.”

Time of the essence in truck parking bill Would cut legal window on street to 90 mins. for big rigs, commercial vehicles by Anthony O’Reilly

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Associate Editor

Will the wheels on the truck move away f rom resident ial communities? That’s the hope Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) has with his bill int roduced last Wednesday that would halve the amount of time commercial vehicles can be parked on any streets. In a statement, Miller said he was looking to alleviate parking woes in all five boroughs — specifically in residential communities. “Allowing these vehicles to park for three hours weakens enforcement efforts, particularly when officers’ shifts change and cannot truly account for how long a commercial vehicle has occupied the same spot,” Miller said in a statement last Thursday. “This hardship will only be augmented as truck traffic increases from our nearby airports, and from the ongoing construction of new residential projects. The trucks also remain illegally parked and idling overnight, blocking fire hydrants and creating environmental hazards. I

look forward to working with my colleagues in the City Council to pass this legislation and increase the quality of life for residents in Queens and across the city.” Right now, trucks and other commercial vehicles are allowed to stay in a spot for three hours. Miller’s bill, in front of the Committee on Transportation, looks to cut that to 90 minutes. In many parts of Queens, the vehicles are a source of complaints as many will f launt the law and stay parked in a spot for hours — even days — at a time. Community activists say that leaves residents with fewer parking spots, causing them to wander their own communities for a place to leave their car. “Eighteen wheelers and other commercial vehicles have become a serious nuisance for the residents of Southeast Queens, parking over night and during daytime hours on our local streets,” Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick said in a statement issued by Miller’s office. “Major thoroughfares including

Merrick Boulevard, Farmers Boulevard, Springfield Boulevard and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard have become all too convenient sites for these vehicles and the problem will intensify as development continues.” Sever al police preci ncts throughout the borough recently have held towing operations, in which officers either remove or boot commercial vehicles in violation of the law. “There are too many instances when tr ucks — both box and 18-wheelers — are parked overnight within the conf ines of Queens Community Board 13,” CB 13 District Manager Mark McMillan said in a statement. “Ou r st reets are not built to accommodate truck parking, and it constitutes an infringement on the quiet enjoyment of the homes in our communities.” But at least one activist questions whether the bill, should it become law, will be effective in cutting down the number of trucks in residential areas. “While I applaud any effort to

A new bill in the City Council would require less time for police to give illegally parked trucks the boot, or put them on the hook as seen in a recent tow operation in the 113th Precinct. It would cut legal parking times from PHOTO COURTESY NYPD three hours to 90 minutes. remove commercial vehicles from the streets of Woodhaven, or Queens generally, for anything to be effective there has to be enforcement,” said Vance Barbour of the Wood haven Residents’ Block Association. “With trucks parking unfettered overnight on

our residential streets it doesn’t seem that even the current threehour ordinance is being enforced.” Woodhaven also sees many t r uck s pa rked on resident ial blocks for long periods of time and it’s a top complaint at WRBA Q meetings.

C M SQ page 7 Y K

Agency discovers cases of theft and fraud among Sandy relief projects by Isabella Bruni Chronicle Contributor

Multiple cases of suspicious activity have led to a series of investigations into the city’s reconstruction projects in wake of Hurricane Sandy, including Build it Back and the Rapid Repairs Program. T he D e p a r t me nt of I nve s t ig at ion reviewed expenditures of the programs to ensure taxpayers funds were not wasted or stolen by contractors receiving public money and that the billions of dollars in government aid actually reached those in need of help rather than opportunists looking to steal. The DOI said it was able to save $40 million in taxpayer funds from contractor invoices and field audits. In the RPP, contractors were overstating the quantity of new items installed in homes, according to an interim report from DOI. “DOI’s proactive monitorship of the City’s Hurricane Sandy recovery programs put the construction work and its expenditures under a microscope,” Mark Peters, the agency’s commissioner, said in a press release last Thursday. The arrest of four individuals who allegedly submitted fake applications to the Build It Back program exposed their attempted greed, and saved more than one

million dollars in the meantime, the DOI said. George Bonitsis, 67, of Brooklyn, John Holl, 73, of East Meadow, LI and John Phelan, 54, of Syosset, LI are all charged with second-degree grand larceny and firstdegree offering a false instrument and can face 19 years in prison. Donata Rea, 58, of Rockaway Park is charged with first-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and can face 36 years in prison. “We are thankful to DOI for their partnership,” Amy Peterson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations, said in a statement. “HRO regularly performs audits when we suspect possible fraud, and we keep in constant communication with DOI to address any concerns. People are returning home every day, and we will not let bad actors get in the way of our goal of providing safe, resilient housing for those that need it most.” “People are innocent until proven guilty, I’m not surprised because people are having a hard time with paperwork, and frustration must take over,” Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) said of people with homes that have yet to be fixed. A spokesman for Build it Back, Matt Vig-

giano, shared that the program has had a total of 8,366 applicants with 91 percent of them being “serves,” meaning they have e it h e r r e c e ive d a c h e c k o r b e g u n construction. The city-managed population is 3,710 with 77 percent construction completes and 94 percent construction starts. According to the DOI’s interim report, starting as early as January 2013 the agency noticed construction work by contractors was not being reported accurately. Reports of higher quantities of home installations including electrical wiring, light switches, outlets, splice box and trace out, baseboard heat and debris removal were costing thousands more than it should have. The DOI observed more than $7 million in cost overstatements leading to an additional $22.9 million in cost savings by reducing construction invoices. According to the DOI, false information written up includes premium tile floor covering for $15.78 per square foot was noted on invoices when actually $4.42 should have been reimbursed. Boilers and hot water heaters installed during RPP were captured as new items for BIB for reimbursement. That led to an average cost savings of $748.60 per home. Across 1,899 homes that saved $1.4 million. The length of construction fences around

A home destroyed by Hurricane Sandy to FILE PHOTO receive Build It Back aide. attached homes was regularly double-counted. This would save $17,902 per home, and across 98 homes saved $1.75 million. “The program is taking a very long time, so I’m not surprised there’s been some corruption or fraudulent behavior occurring, because in the beginning it wasn’t well-run, so this is another reason for them to work Q closely,” Pheffer Amato said.

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Build it Back probe saves millions: DOI

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 8

C M SQ page 8 Y K

P Fear, facts and hopes on illegal immigration

EDITORIAL

AGE

e don’t want to see innocent individuals suffer, families be torn asunder or the economy take a hit any more than the next person does. And we do feel some trepidation about where President Trump is going when it comes to enforcing immigration law, and are glad he at least said that he will deal with those brought here illegally as children “with heart” and that their situation is a very difficult issue for him. But there are some important facts worth noting about the Trump administration’s recent actions targeting unauthorized immigrants. For one, the deportation of illegal aliens who have committed crimes is nothing new. More than 2.5 million people here illegally were removed from the country during the first seven years of President Obama’s tenure, and in 2015, for example, 91 percent of them had been convicted of a crime. And it turns out that most if not all of those recently arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in highly publicized and criticized apprehensions were hardly pillars of the community. Among the 41 taken into custody in Queens and the greater New York area were rapists, child rapists, gang members, drug dealers, robbers and more. The

best of the bunch only had convictions for driving under the influence. The public should support deporting them. But New York is a city where most officials and advocacy groups don’t make a distinction between legal and illegal immigrants, and where some engaged in rumor-mongering and made irresponsible statements about the arrests. Take Queens Assemblyman Francisco Moya, for example. “I am outraged and emotionally sickened by the ICE raids that have led to the detainment of immigrants in New York and in other U.S. cities,” he said to start off a prepared statement on the enforcement actions sent to the media. Moya then went on to say that families will be left without their fathers as a result, just so President Trump can keep a campaign promise. And he spread the false rumor that ICE agents were setting up checkpoints to nab immigrants. Moya has yet to issue any statement acknowledging his errors, but when asked by the Queens Chronicle, he did say he has no problem with those convicted of crimes like sexual assault being arrested. Similarly, the New York Immigration Coalition said it was “horrified and angered by the ICE raids and activity in the greater New York area that has led to the arrest and

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Dear Editor: Low-income tenants will get lawyers in housing court to help them fight unfair evictions under an agreement Mayor de Blasio has reached with the City Council. This is a huge win for the city’s renters, particularly from neighborhoods like Elmhurst, Rego Park, Hollis, Corona and Flushing. AARP New York is proud to have fought for this fair and fiscally sensible policy. As part of the Right to Counsel Coalition, we fought for this issue because we know that preventing illegal evictions will help our members and all New Yorkers. The cards have been stacked against tenants, many of whom have lived in danger of eviction because while 90 percent of landlords have legal representation in housing court, only 30 percent of tenants do. The Right to Counsel Coalition estimated that half of all evictions in NYC could be prevented with the help of a lawyer. The mayor and Council must still finalize the details of the legislation, but when the Right to Counsel law is enacted, it will level the playing field for tenants in housing court, creating a fairer New York and saving millions in taxpayer dollars in the process by keeping people out of the expensive shelter system. Chris Widelo Associate State Director AARP New York Manhattan © Copyright 2017 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374-7769.

detainment of 40 people. ... “under the false pretense of ‘public safety.’” The NYIC has not issued a statement on the topic since the crimes of those arrested were revealed. Where will Trump take things next? Clearly toward even stricter enforcement of the law. We certainly hope that “heart” he spoke of will play a strong role in what he does. And some of his ideas of course cannot fly, like sending non-Mexicans to Mexico, which won’t take them. Why should it? Could you imagine Canada sending all its deportees to the United States regardless of where they came from? Of course not. It would never happen. But the fact is Trump has wide authority when it comes to immigration under the law and precedent. We can expect an increase in deportations, though it wouldn’t even be possible to remove all of the estimated 11 million people here illegally. We also can expect a showdown between the federal government and “sanctuary cities” including New York, and it’s hard to see New York winning such a battle. Meanwhile we hope that those who are here in violation of the law and are not criminals take the steps they can to become legal residents, even if it takes a long time. That’s the real way to avoid deportation under any president.

E DITOR

IDC means I Don’t Care Dear Editor: Re your Feb. 16 editorial: “Indy Dems win, everyone else loses — not fair”: IDC stands for I Don’t Care. The eight defectors who bolted their party are DINOs — Democrats In Name Only. State Sen. Tony Avella should be called “Phony” Avella for putting personal ambition ahead of party loyalty and proving why we have the best state Legislature that money can buy. He refused to return a $40,000 campaign contribution in 2014 from Glenwood Management, those wonderful folks who bribed former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to rewrite rental laws that loosened rent controls and gave Glen-

wood “the largest tax break for any NYC real estate developer,” as Crain’s New York Business stated (Oct. 8, 2014). In 2015, Avella voted for a bill giving big tax breaks to yacht and private plane owners. This measure, drafted by lobbyists, benefits hedge fund hustlers in the Hamptons, not Avella’s constituents in his Queens district. The Albany Times Union named every state legislator who voted for the bill, and said: “It’s time to vote these crooks, thieves and collaborators out of office” (March 30, 2015). Avella’s running for mayor, but is considered unlikely to win. If he loses, but retains his Senate seat, we can vote him and the seven other corrupt collaborators out of office in the 2018 primary elections. Democrat voters must demand that everyone running for state office

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on their party’s ticket sign a pledge to align themselves with their party, if elected. Republicans hold 32 Senate seats, giving them the power to block bills vital to New York City. But that balance may shift if eight renegade Democrats side with their party in Albany. They could push the passage of two measures for more affordable housing proposed by Mayor de Blasio. One is the “mansion tax,” a 2.5 percent levy on the sale of homes worth $2 million or more. It would generate $375 million in tax revenue to fund affordable housing for 25,000 seniors. The other is to abolish vacancy decontrol, which motivates landlords to force tenants out of rent regulated apartments and convert the units to market rates, as noted by Levar Alonzo’s Feb. 16 Queens Chronicle article “City doubles funds for tenants eviction help.” Will IDC senators fight for tenants’ rights or act like chew toys for the real estate lobby? Speak up. Let them know how you feel. Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

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Homeless shelter secrecy Dear Editor: What everyone knew is now a verified fact. People have speculated for months that homeless are staying at the Days Inn and Comfort Inn (“City Hall checks into more hotels,” Feb. 16, multiple editions). Those residents are having their cake and eating it at taxpayer expense. All of these shelters are being established with no alleged knowledge by even elected local officials of what is being done. The secrecy is mind-boggling in getting these places established, if that is true. Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

The money’s not there Dear Editor: There are more than 65 million reasons for “Riders question MTA funding proposals” (by Michael Gannon, Feb. 16). Besides cutting $65 million, Gov. Cuomo still needs to come up with the $5.8 billion balance of ONLINE the $8.3 billion he still owes to Miss an article or a fully fund the letter cited by a writer? $29 billion 2015Want breaking news 2019 MTA Five from all over Queens? Ye a r C a p i t a l Find the latest news, Plan, $6 billion past reports from all for Second Aveover the borough and nue Subway more at qchron.com. Phase 2, $6 bill ion for New York State’s 25 percent share of the $24 billion Amtrak Gateway Tunnel, pay back the $3 billion federal loan for the Tappan Zee Bridge and $2 billion for the LIRR Main Line Third Track between Floral Park and Hicksville in Nassau County, just to name a few. Cuomo reminds me of the character Wimpy, who famously said, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” Tuesday never seems to come for commuters and taxpayers. Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

Selling out our park Dear Editor: Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, with the support of Mayor de Blasio arranged for the formation of an entity called Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Alliance, whose function allegedly was to engage, for the most part, various business leaders to invest in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Other than Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Ms. Ferreras-Copeland, no other Council members were slated to be on the alliance’s Board of Directors. Councilman Rory Lancman sued in New York State Supreme Court challenging the structure and funding of the alliance. De Blasio moved to dismiss the lawsuit, but the court rejected his attempt to do so. Mr. Lancman’s complaint was there was inadequate Councilmanic representation as well as concerns about funding of the alliance from entities in exchange for using parkland. He is correct. There are six community boards continued on next page

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Dear Editor: We hear that the ICE raids on criminal illegal aliens throughout our nation and in New York City have brought needless panic to the immigrant communities in Queens. But 38 out of the total 41 NYC deportations were of convicted criminals, rapists, child sex offenders, thieves and drug dealers. This fear and hysteria could have been avoided if irresponsible politicians and media outlets were not so quick to grandstand President Trump’s immigration executive orders with false rhetoric and lies, to vilify our president. Deceptive terms like “anti-immigrant” and “Muslim ban” and even “racist” when referring to Trump and his immigration policies, used to stoke the flames of outrage, are disgraceful lies. The news about 100,000 National Guard mobilizing as a deportation force is another example of one of the many fake news stories out there, and an outrageous lie as well. Some local politicians were spreading lies that ICE was terrorizing and rounding up hardworking people. Trump is not to blame for the fear spreading in immigrant communities. This is the unintended consequence of efforts to sabotage our president’s policies, which are in keeping with his campaign promises to fulfill our government’s No. 1 role, keeping Americans safe. We are all immigrants, and we law-abiding citizens who love America, have had enough of the malicious abuse of our president’s agenda, including our city’s sanctuary policies, harboring certain classes of criminal aliens, in defiance of federal law. Instead of working with our president, and assuring the public against irrational fears of deportation, Mayor de Blasio and our City Council members are up on their high horses undermining President Trump’s every move, undermining America, and they should hang their heads in shame. Time to finally vote all these incompetent hacks out of office. Phil Orenstein Queens Village

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 10

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Letters continued from previous page that touch FMCP, and their Council members must all be on any board. Ms. FerrerasCopeland represents only one community board and does not speak for the others. The last persons who should have any say in our park are business people and Ms. Ferreras-Copeland, who is no friend of FMCP. She supported the Mets’ owner Fred Wilpon and his billionaire affiliates who seek to construct on the Citi Field parking lot which is part of FMCP, a 1.4-million-square-foot shopping mall without New York State approval and full compliance with Unifor m Land Use Review Procedure. A lawsuit is pending to prevent the mall, and I am one of the plaintiffs. She also has gone along with a deal with Wilpon and his affiliates that will postpone the 2008 approved Willets Point redevelopment plan until 2025. Even more outrageous, the developers can forfeit $35 million, a pittance to them, and not be obliged to construct the affordable housing, which was a linchpin in support of the plan. She also agreed the city would sell to the developers the Willets Point property the city acquired for tens of millions of dollars for one dollar. That is correct: one dollar. In fact the Willets Point Plan will never come to fruition thanks to, among others, people like Ms.Ferreras-Copeland. If Mayor de Blasio supports her, he too should have no say. I would also add to that list Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, who is also no friend of the park. She has not opposed the mega shopping mall on parkland and does not even support the 2008 Willets Point plan. She supports soccer and hockey stadiums in Willets Point, more than likely I believe, in deference to Wilpon and his affiliates, who I think are behind the stadiums. Benjamin M. Haber Kew Gardens Hills

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Save arts funding Dear Editor: (An open letter to President Donald J. Trump) As the Majority Leader of the New York City Council and the Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries, I am extremely concerned by any proposed budget, that would strip funding from the National Endowment for the Arts or the Institute for the Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Our creativity, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible are essential to our country — and all of this is rooted in art and culture. The arts help us communicate the unsayable, envision impossible futures and connect us to one another in ways that almost nothing else can. Arts and culture are vital to creating the American spirit. Defunding the NEA would irreparably cripple the soul of our country. We simply cannot cut funding to the programs that make America the world leader that it is. American artists are on the cutting edge across the globe, and people from Australia to Antarctica follow culture

that comes out of our country. There is a story that during the Second World War, Winston Churchill’s finance minister suggested cutting arts spending to fund the war effort. Churchill famously responded: “Then what are we fighting for?’’ Without art, and without culture, how much of a world leader can America truly be? Arts and culture are also key drivers of the American economy. Every year, arts and culture drive $135.2 billion of economic activity, support 4.13 million full-time jobs and generate $86.68 billion in resident household income. Local, state, and federal governments collectively invest $4 billion into arts and culture each year, and receive $22.3 billion in revenue. As a businessman, you should know that this is an exceptional return on investment. If we cut funding to the NEA, not only the American economy but also the American spirit will suffer. I strongly urge you to not just maintain funding for the NEA, but to increase it. Because you can’t make anything great by crushing its soul. Jimmy Van Bramer New York City Councilman for the 26th District and Majority Leader Chairman, Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries Sunnyside

Press is no enemy Dear Editor: (An open letter to President Trump) The news media are neither your enemy, nor the enemy of the American people. In fact, history has demonstrated that we are just the opposite. In the nearly 300 years since the trial of John Peter Zenger set the precedent for a free and open press, journalists have stared down jail time, and in some cases, given their lives, while fulfilling their duty to inform the public. We understand that you will not always agree with what is written or spoken about you. But, the fact that you disagree with a story does not make it fake news. And, it does not make the press the enemy. “The only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1823. Mr. President, everyone who has held your position has, at times, had a contentious relationship with the free press. But, we are not the enemy. We are journalists doing our jobs. Every day we come to work, we are doing as you do, working for the American people. Steve Scott President, The New York Press Club Manhattan

Write a Letter! Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published. Those received anonymously are discarded.

Workers at LaGuardia Airport last fall pour concrete for what will be the wall of a parking garage when it is completed. The Port Authority, trying to balance traffic with the massive scope and PHOTO COURTESY PANYNJ scale of LaGuardia’s redevelopment, has a new traffic management plan.

PA has new traffic plan for LaGuardia Officials seek to keep airport fully operational, even while rebuilding it by Michael Gannon Editor

The Port Authority has announced several steps to alleviate roadway congestion in and around LaGuardia Airport during its ongoing four-year construction overhaul. The PA, just prior to an estimated 300,000 passengers using LaGuardia over Presidents’ Day weekend, outlined a traffic management plan. “The Port Authority is committed to providing the region with a brand new LaGuardia Airport, while maintaining airport operations,” the agency said in a statement dated Feb. 15. “Plans are in place to ease roadway congestion and facilitate improved passenger movement during construction.” Traffic delays in and around LaGuardia were so bad following the snowstorm on Feb. 9 that in some cases people chose to leave the cars intended to drop them off and walk along the Grand Central Parkway in order to catch their flights. The Daily News reported that even Gov. Cuomo, who rules over the PA along with NJ Gov. Chris Christie, conceded at a Long Island business luncheon on Feb. 15 that the traffic has become untenable. The PA announced that new ground transfer locations are in effect at Terminal B. The taxi stand has been relocated to the west end of the terminal to allow easier offairport access. In addition, for-hire vehicles such as Uber, Lyft, Via, Get and private car services will pick up in front of the terminal

on the arrivals level. NYC Airporter buses are picking up and dropping off passengers from the outer roadway on the arrivals level instead of the west end of the terminal. Travelers to the airport are advised to check with their carriers in advance to ensure flights are departing on schedule. In addition, the PA says they should: • Make public transportation the first choice. In addition to the Q70 from Woodside and the Roosevelt Avenue subway hub in Jackson Heights, the Metropolitan Transportation Agency’s M60 bus provides service between the airport and 125th Street, Manhattan with connections to Metro North and the 4, 5 and 6 subway trains, as well as the A, B, C and D; • Consider car, van and shared-ride services instead of single-occupancy vehicles; and • Follow consolidated pickup and drop -off procedures for rental car services. The plan is being put into effect in coordination with Sam Schwartz Engineering. Schwartz, also known as “Gridlock Sam” for his traffic columns in the New York Daily News, is the former chief engineer for the city’s Department of Transportation and former first deputy commissioner. He also is a former columnist for the Chronicle. Travelers and drivers can sign up for regular traffic and parking alerts at and around LaGuardia at paalerts.com, and view them for free online at LaGuardiaairport.com. Q

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 12

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Fewer kids homeless in Queens schools But new report says pockets of borough have high percentages, and challenges by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Fewer Queens students have experienced homelessness than in other parts of the city, but pockets of the borough still have a high rate of pupils without permanent residences, according to a new report. The Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness said one in eight children in city public schools have experienced homelessness within the past five years. The report used data from the 2014-15 school year. In Queens, those numbers differed greatly depending on where in the borough one might be. School District 29 had the highest percentage of homeless students out of the seven Queens school districts, with one out of 10 pupils having exper ienced homelessness. But it was still ahead of the curve citywide, falling 19th out of 32 school districts in the five boroughs. Many of the schools in the district — which includes Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Laurelton and St. Albans — saw large numbers of undomiciled students. For example, in PS 52 in Laurelton, 155 out of its 555 students, close to 28 percent, had gone through homelessness. PS 132 in Laurelton saw almost 25 percent of its students homeless, or 89 out of 360. Right behind it in Queens was School Dist r ict 30, wh ich i ncludes Jackson

City Council Education Chairman Danny Dromm, left, says the city and Department of Education, headquartered in Manhattan’s Tweed Building, right, have struggled for decades in an effort to FILE PHOTOS provide proper services to children in schools’ ranks. Heights, East Elm hu rst, Astor ia and Long Island City. There, one out of 12 students wa homeless in recent years. Citywide, it ranked 23rd out of the 32 school districts. At the Academy for New Americans in

Astoria, about 35 percent — or 72 out of 211 students — were listed as homeless. Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of the Council’s Education Committee and a representative for parts of School District 30, said

the issue of homeless students is not a new one. “It’s something we were dealing with when I was a teacher,” the former educator said. Dromm told the story of one of his former students who found it hard to study because so many of his relatives were living with him since they had nowhere else to live. “He couldn’t find a place to study or do homework because there was no room for him to do so,” the councilman said. According to the report, homeless students today are more likely to drop out of school, do poorly academically and get suspended than their classmates with permanent residences. The problem is so bad today, he said, that one principal told Dromm during a Council hearing that she has a washer and drier in her office so homeless students can wear clean clothes during the day. Speaking of the issue in his own district, Dromm said it’s a problem many in the area don’t recognize. “We still have people who say homelessness isn’t a problem in this area,” he said. “All you have to do is look around … these people are our neighbors.” PS 149 in Jackson Heights saw 258 out of 1,263 students go through homelesscontinued on page 21

Lawsuit pending on Astoria apartments Legal Aid asserts NYSUM dwellings should be subject to NYC rent regs by Anthony O’Reilly

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Associate Editor

See you in court. The Legal Aid Society of New York last Friday filed a lawsuit on behalf of New York School of Urban Ministry tenants in Astoria to prevent the low-income residents from being kicked out of their homes. “What we have seen with this residence is another brazen example of landlord harassment that unfortunately is not unique to this part of Queens but an epidemic in every borough,” said Sateesh Nori, attorney-in-charge of civil practice at The Legal Aid Society’s Queens Neighborhood Office. The lawsuit serves two purposes: seeking an injunction against the evictions and alleging that NYSUM can’t kick tenants out because the apartments are protected by the Rent Stabilization Law, which gives all residents the right to renewable leases for their apartments.

T he A st or ia nonprof it i n November sent the 40 residents letters telling them to leave the premises at 31-65 46 St. by the end of the year, but later extended that to Jan. 31. Although most still remain in the building, a few residents have left. NYSUM Executive Vice President the Rev. Peter DeArruda has said the group can’t afford to continue housing low-income residents because the costs exceed expenses and it intends to rent the site out as a homeless shelter. Which entity will operate such a shelter is unclear — the city does not wish to house homeless people there if it means kicking other people out of their homes. “The irony is not lost on anybody here that we would be potentially making dozens of homeless people homeless in order to house more people,” said Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) last Friday at a rally in support of the tenants.

“That makes no sense.” DeArruda could not be reached for comment. But the press are not the only ones having difficulties getting in touch with him. “The pastor seems more concerned with the bad media coverage he’s receiving than what’s happening here,” Van Bramer said, adding that he and other politicians have not heard from him in recent weeks. “And that’s sad on many, many different levels,” he said. State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) and U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) in late December called for state At tor ney General Er ic Sch neider man to investigate NYSUM. Schneiderman has not yet started any such probe but, in a Feb. 16 letter to DeArruda, called for a halt to the evictions until the court decides whether the units are protected by rent stabilization.

Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, second from left, state Sen. Mike Gianaris and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer show their support last Friday for tenants facing eviction from apartments owned by the New York School of Urban PHOTO BY ANTHONY OREILLY Ministry. Some of the residents spoke outside the building last week, saying their future remains uncertain should they be evicted. “It’s been hanging over our

heads that we need to get out, we’re not welcome here,” said tenant Linda Smith. “There’s the terror of not knowing where you’re continued on page 21

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Drivers, owners say $4 surcharge will further erode incomes Editor

Members of the city’s taxi industry are ripping a proposal made public last week in which the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey may implement a $4-per ride access fee on all fares to and from the city’s two airports No decisions have been made on instituting the proposal, but the PA has put out that most of the country’s major airports have a similar fee in place. The fee would apply to yellow and green taxis, black cars and app-based services such as Uber and Lyft. Part of the fee would go toward improving car service at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports in the way of improved dispatch and queue systems. Should the PA approve the fee, it would not go into effect until 2018. The agency says that stakeholders will be consulted, but the initial reaction from some in the industry was negative. Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, was unimpressed in a statement issued last week. “The $4 access fee that Port Authority wants to impose on drivers doing airport trips would be devastating to workers who depend on every last penny to keep their families from plunging into poverty,” she said. Desai said taxi drivers are in the worst fiscal straits she has seen in 20 years. She said competition with app services such as Lyft and Uber already is causing a race to the bottom in an effort to preserve their source of income. “In New York City, drivers already pay 50 cents from each fare to the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority], 30 cents on each fare to a wheelchair accessible vehicle program,” she said. “And from what’s left over they pay for car leasing, gasoline, and other vehicle expenses,” Desai added. “Now Por t Authority wants to take another $4 out of each airport fare? What would be left of driver income?”

She said the fee would mean struggling drivers would be working to subsidize “this billion-dollar entity,” instead of supporting their families. Abe Mittleman, a taxi medallion owner, said the fee would in reality be eight dollars. “Four in and four out,” he said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Mittleman said this comes on top of app-based competition helping drive down

Taxis lining up in search of riders at John F. Kennedy International Airport might have to contend with a $4 fee on every trip to and FILE PHOTO from the city’s airports by 2018.

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Blood drive at OLM Church in Forest Hills Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills will host a blood drive from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 70-01 Kessel St. All donors are asked to bring their donor card or a photo ID. Donors must be between the ages of 16 and 75 and weigh at least 110 pounds. Those who are 16 must have parental permission. Those 76 and older must have a doctor’s note. Registration and other information are available by contacting the New York Blood Center at 1 (800) 688-0900 or online at nybc. org; or by contacting the church rectory at Q (718) 268-6143.

the value of taxi medallions that in some cases were purchased for in excess of $1 million. They are calling on the city and state officials to step in and stop the proposal Q before it starts.

by Michael Gannon

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

PA considers car-for-hire fee at JFK, LGA

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 14

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CB 12 talks fact vs. fiction on ICE raids Emergency response to accident goes viral on social media, sparking fears by Neglah Sharma Chronicle Contributor

Just a month after President Trump took the oath of office, vowing to helm hardcore immigration policies, members of the City Council addressed swirling rumors about heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within the district’s racially integrated Indo-Caribbean communities at a meeting of Community Board 12. “For the last two days, our office was inundated with phone calls about ICE enforcement,” said Leslie Patterson, a spokesperson fo r Cit y C ou nci l m a n Ru b e n Wi l l s (D-Jamaica). Calls were spurred by rumored ICE sweeps at 109th Avenue and the Van Wyck Expressway, Patterson said, with alleged raids at two Caribbean eateries, Sandy’s Roti Shop and Sybil’s Bakery. The rumors were false. “On the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 14th, we were able to ascertain that there was an accident in the area around 7 a.m. ... which required the FDNY to respond because someone was pinned in their vehicle,” Patterson said. Patterson added that individuals equated the heavy police presence to ICE raids, and said the rumor was fueled by social media. “We have confirmed that ICE has had no

Community Board 12 on Feb. 15 discussed the panic that ensued in the Indo-Caribbean community PHOTO BY NEGLAH SHARMA after erroneous reports of federal immigration raids went viral. checkpoint operation within District 28 and they do not conduct sweeps,” Patterson said. Patterson said that her office had spoken directly with the owner of Sybil’s regarding the rumors. He was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Chronicle. Moreover, an employee with Sandy’s Roti Shop confirmed on Monday that speculation about ICE raids at the eatery were false.

“Since last week, there’s been rumors spreading all up and down Liberty Avenue because someone put up a Facebook status, but nothing like that happened at our restaurant,” said the fast-food eatery’s staffer. Ashok Ku mar, a manager at Apna Bazaar, an ethnic grocery store in Richmond Hill, also confirmed on Monday that the Liberty Avenue raid rumors were false

and grossly sensationalized. “If that did in fact happen, almost everyone [in the area] would be arrested,” said Kumar, who blamed stiff business competition among speciality food emporiums for sparking rumors. According to the Immigrant Defense Project, an organization committed to ending “unprecedented mass deportation,” anyone without lawful immigration status and those with lawful permanent status including visa holders who have certain criminal convictions are at risk of being arrested by ICE. Patterson said the recent ICE arrests, which the government says netted 41 people in the New York area are actually a continuation of a policy under the Obama administration, in which immigrants with serious and “deportable” offenses were being targeted. That is contrary to the hardcore immigration policies perceived to be backed by Trump, though the government announced new guidelines Tuesday expanding who could be targeted for removal. “If anyone has come into contact with ICE or would like legal advice regarding their immigration status, call our office, we offer a free legal counseling two days a week,” Patterson said. She added that individuals looking to renew immigration documents can do Q so at the district’s office as well.

ICE gives details on recent Qns. arrests Agency publishes offenses and ages of individuals busted in borough by Ryan Brady

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Associate Editor

A litany of Queens residents were among the 41 people in New York arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents during the week before last. All of those arrested in the borough were criminals, according to the government. In Elmhurst, a 29-year-old Mexican who has been convicted of family neglect was busted. A 38-year-old from Ecuador was caught by ICE in Jackson Heights; he has been convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Jamaica was also where one of the men — a 30-year-old convicted rapist from El Salvador — was caught. Agents also hit Richmond Hill, where a 57-year-old from Trinidad convicted of DUI and a 23-year-old rapist from Guyana were busted, and College Point, where ICE agents arrested 34-year-old and 51-year-old El Salvador nationals who, respectively, were convicted of a sex offense and a sex offense against a child. A self-admitted 31-year-old Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, member from El Salvador who has a criminal record was arrested in New Hyde Park. It was not clear if he was on the Queens or Nassau side of the community. ICE also arrested what officials said was another admitted member of the gang, 19-year-old Estivan Rafael Marques Velasquez from El Salvador, in the borough after being denied a request to be updated on his status, made when he was behind bars at Rikers Island last year. The agency was not notified when he left the jail complex on Feb. 16 as requested. An ICE spokesperson said the government intends to deport all those whom it arrested — some of whom have legal permanent resident status but are “in violation of immigration law”— during the raids. Although Queens’ elected officials are often highly critical

of the president, tough words on the targeting of criminals were scant. State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), a vocal Trump critic, did not condemn the arrests of convicts but said that the president wants to target harmless unauthorized individuals. “Of course people with violent criminal histories should be subject to deportation as they were under President Obama, but Donald Trump is going well beyond that by conducting mass raids and contemplating the use of the National Guard and local law enforcement to detain and expel otherwise peaceful individuals,” he said in a prepared statement. A leaked memo proposed mobilizing the National Guard to arrest unauthorized immigrants, that has not been codified into any of Trump’s directives; the deputization of municipal police to enforce federal immigration law, however, has been ordered. Other lawmakers opposed to Trump, like state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing), said they did not necessarily have a problem with criminals being targeted. The former doubted the veracity of the government’s claim 38 out of the 41 arrested in the New York City area were criminals. “I don’t believe that the majority of people that were arrested were criminals,” Peralta said. He added that while he is in favor of ICE arresting criminals, a distinction must be made between those who have committed minor infractions, like turnstile jumping, and more serious offenses. Peralta, who has been recently embattled over his decision to join the state Senate’s breakaway Independent Democratic Conference, also pointed out where much of the responsibility for the recent raids lies. “Let’s remember that it usually takes several months before warrants are given out,” he said. “So, this actually came under

Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers busted a group of criminals wanted for rape, DUI, sexual PHOTO COURTESY U.S. ICE assault and other offenses. t he Oba ma ad m i n ist r at ion, not u nder t he Tr u mp administration.” “These patterns of arresting criminals have always existed,” Kim said. But, he added, “if they’re just going after immigrants left and right for no apparent reason, then it’s absolutely not OK with us.” Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) similarly said he has no problem with those convicted of crimes like sexual assault or rape being arrested. The lawmaker warned that the Department of Homeland Security’s broadened rules for deportation that were published in a memo — allowing the arrest of any unauthorized immigrant —on Tuesday leaves more of them unprotected. continued on page 16

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Howard Beach once again comes together to raise money for CHOP by Gina Palermo Chronicle Contributor

n what would have been her fourth birthday, Valentina Marie Allen brought Howard Beach together once again as people filled Russo’s On The Bay Feb. 15 for a gala in her honor and to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “It makes me happy that people are still talking about her and still rooting for her,” Danielle Allen, the late toddler’s mother, said at the gala. The night marked the second year in a row the community gathered to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Valentina was treated for birth defects before her untimely death in May 2015. The late toddler was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect in which the left side of the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the body; heterotaxy, a defect in which organs are not in their proper places; and asplenia, the absence of a spleen. Her battle with the conditions was chronicled by her mother, who is now pregnant with another child, on Facebook and captivated the community, which rallied to her aid with donations. More than $300,000 has been raised for CHOP in the past two years and the parents have held other events, such as toy drives. “Her parents honor her life by supporting other children and families [affected by heart disease],” Q said Dr. Maryam Naim of CHOP.

Dr. Joseph Rossano speaks of how donations to CHOP benefit child patients and his experiences with Valentina.

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

Happy Birthday, Valentina Allen

Victoria Allen, Valentina’s older sister, sits with her parents, Danielle and Ryan PHOTOS BY GINA PALERMO Allen at a gala in her sister’s honor. Ryan Allen thanked the event’s attendees for everything they’ve done in Valentina’s name since her untimely passing two years ago. “I give a huge thank you for remembering,” he told the crowd.

Dr. Maryam Naim, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Allen family honors Valentina’s life by supporting other families in need.

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Some Queens lawmakers — including, clockwise from top left, Rep. Grace Meng, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., Councilman Peter Koo and Assemblyman Ron Kim — have reported an increase in outFILE PHOTOS reach from constituents about different issues since the election of President Trump.

A Trump-era rise in inquiries to Qns. pols Some lawmakers say that constituent outreach has increased since election by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

PHOTO COURTESY RANDY NOVICK

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Although no Trump supporter, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) is pleased by the rise in constituent correspondence that followed the president’s election. “More and more people are becoming aware of the government around them, whether it be at the city, state or federal level,” he said, adding that his district offices have received a marked rise in emails and phone calls from constituents. “It’s unlike any other time. I’ve been an elected official since 2002.” President Trump’s executive order blitzkrieg generated a well-documented rise in political activity for the myriad Americans

disgusted by him. In Queens, some elected officials are reporting an increase in outreach from people in their district that began after the Jamaica Estates native was elected. Addabbo added that he has been frequently asked about why Trump became the president after losing the popular vote, what he and his colleagues in Albany are up to and a range of other issues. The staff of Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) have been busy dealing with a rise in outreach. “We’ve received more inquiries than ever before,” Meng spokesman Jordan Goldes said in an emailed statement. The calls, he said, have been “from constituents who are

Bank steps up to the plate Randy Novick, the founder and CEO of American Softball, took some time away from the field last Friday to thank Queens County Savings Bank in Howard Beach for helping support the league for the challenged and handicapped. Novick presented a plaque from Americ-

nan Softball to financial services associates Marlene Lopes, left, and Krysthel Pena in thanks for their contribution of $1,500 to the league, whose opening day is May 13. The league plays every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Captain Mario Fajardo Park’s Field 10 in Kissena Corridor Park in Flushing.

worried about traveling and being allowed to re-enter the country, even from those who are here legally as visa and green card holders.” A Muslim constituent reached out to the congresswoman’s office about worries that if she travels abroad, returning to Queens would be problematic, according to Goldes. “In addition, we have received an uptick in calls from individuals with questions about the naturalization and citizenship process,” he added. Queens has the largest unauthorized population of the five boroughs, according to a 2015 Migration Policy Institute study. Trump fared poorly here, receiving only 22 percent of the vote. “People are very afraid,” Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said. “Immigrants are really scared.” Although Koslowitz said she has not received a large increase in constituent outreach, she mentioned the fact that many in her district with immigration concerns often reach out to Meng’s office. The councilwoman’s colleague, Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) has received an increase in appointments with a pro-bono CUNY Immigration Services attorney, forcing his staff to no longer book non-constituents, which they have done for the past seven years. An uptick in constituent correspondence was also reported by Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing). But because it coincided with a mass mailer that the lawmaker sent out, Kim spokesman Tony Cao said, “it

Qns. ICE raids continued from page 14 The orders also require that all undocumented people be detained until their cases are resolved. Aliens residing in the United States for at least two years are also now eligible for expedited removal; Obama focused the policy on unauthorized immigrants who had recently arrived. “Immigrants now vulnerable to future actions won’t have the criminal profile we see in this list, and New York must respond by passing the NYS Liberty Act I’ve introduced to stop federal agencies from forcing officers to act as de facto ICE

would be difficult to pin it on one specific cause. It is true though that in general our constituents have been more active in voicing their concerns about both local and national issues since the election.” Forty-three percent and 56 percent disapproval ratings — vastly different numbers — have been reported in polls, making it difficult to know exactly how many Americans actually oppose the commander-in-chief. According to Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight, even the lower poll numbers are higher disapproval ratings than any other president had at this stage in their term. A large number of concerns for neighbors was also voiced to Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), who has heard disturbing reports of scammers pretending to be ICE agents to extor t money in exchange for not arresting immigrants. “I have heard stories of school children concerned of being taken away by immigration agents and reports of despicable con artists dressed as ICE agents taking advantage of fear in immigrant communities,” he said in a prepared statement. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has seen an increase in outreach from, he believes, outside his district (the correspondents don’t give contact information to him or identify themselves as constituents) urging him not to support the president. “They’re usually saying don’t stand with Trump, which I don’t and don’t vote with Republicans, which I don’t,” the senator said. Q agents,” Moya said in a prepared statement. The bill would prohibit municipal and state law enforcement agencies from ar resting suspected unauthorized immigrants. Some say that the Trump administration’s actions have been misunderstood and exaggerated. They are not unprecedented, nor the largest to take place in the last nine months: the Obama administration’s fiveday operation last August led to 58 arrests. “It’s the city councilmen and de Blasio who are inflaming the public,” Phil Orenstein of the Queens Village Republican Club said. “They’re spreading the panic. There’s no deportation force. The NationQ al Guard is not being mobilized.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 18

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Pols aim to prevent unfair inspections Kim, Peralta introduce bill in support to create independent oversight body by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Joined by restaurant owners and Albany colleagues, Assemblyman Ron Kim discusses new legislation to help fight regulatory PHOTO BY RYAN BRADY malpractice by government inspectors.

Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) and state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) announced on Tuesday they have introduced a bill establishing an independent body to oversee city health inspectors. “We’re here today to announce new legislation to provide a real protection for our mom-and-pop family-owned restaurants here in the City of New York,” Kim said at a Tuesday press conference. “There’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a small business close down, especially these days with our restaurant owners in the city of New York.” When Kim was a teenager, his parents’ grocery store went bankrupt due to high rents and punitive regulation. “Our American dream, for so many immigrants is based on the promise that if you come here and follow the rules and work hard enough, you will have an equal chance to succeed,” the assemblyman said. “We’re losing that promise every single day due to the ridiculous overregulation and sometimes, so much of the overzealous inspectors and fines that these mom and pop stores have to go through every single day.” Kim and Peralta were joined by Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village), Assemblywoman Stacey Pfeffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Thomas Grech, as well as restaurant owners and business leaders from the East Asian community. The body established by the bill would anonymously receive complaints about health inspectors and have a multilingual website and hotline for correspondence. “Secondly, the city of New York must provide an annual

PS 97Q •

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT SOUP-ER BOWL CELEBRATION

Here’s a roundup of recent events in 2017 at PS 97Q, The Forest Park School.

Mr. Daniel Nkansah joined with Mrs. Kuszai, one of the parents, and Mr. Ken Gordon to show how to get the most out of a visit to the library. They also offered free hot spots to any parent in attendance, who did not have internet connection at home.

PHOTOS COURTESY PS97Q Q

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MAKING FOSSILS Mrs. Delmar joined Ms. Stuart, the lower grade science teacher, to show Class 2-301 how fossils are created and the students made their own. The children used buttons, coins, shells and mini letters and pressed them in “stones” which were made out of flour, coffee grinds, coffee and salt. Parents in attendance also learned to make fossils and receive a copy of “We Both Read About Dinosaurs” to share with their children.

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summary report with the number of complaints, type of complaints and investigative findings,” Kim said. Restaurants would also be able to deny on-site inspectors and request a new inspector and reschedule a time, and would have to pay a nominal fee each time, $75 for the first denial, $150 for a second denial and $250 for a third denial. And although they could reschedule the inspection, they will not be given the time of the appointment. “The rationale behind this is that some inspectors are simply on a power trip,” Kim said. “And they are acting unprofessionally, they already have a biased feeling going into the restaurant, and they’re in there purposefully looking for reasons to shut down the restaurant. And that’s not fair.” In some examples, he said, inspectors come to restaurants during their busiest hours, sit for long periods of time and “disrupt the flow of business.” Peralta, the main sponsor in Albany’s upper chamber, discussed an overzealous inspector he saw at a restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. The business owner had trouble communicating with the inspector due to a language barrier, he said, and stopped the man to demand that he show ID after he walked right into the restaurant’s kitchen. The inspector, who issued a litany of violations, also said some rude remarks to the business owner. “He said, ‘Next time, don’t try to stop me because I’m the law,’” the senator said. Peralta, who was ordering pizza, gave the restaurateur his business card and offered to help. “From time to time, you get these overzealous health inspectors that walk in and will try to shut down a business, will try to shut down a restaurant,” he said. “These are the Q economic engines of our neighborhood.”

BLACK HISTORY MONTH As part of the school’s study of Black History Month, Ms. Waters, above, held a with a read-aloud with Class 3-305, reading “Gone Crazy in Alabama” and shared personal experiences with students’ families. All parents in attendance received a free copy of the book to share with their children.

PS 97Q, The Forest Park School, celebrated the last Sunday of the football season with their own Soup-er Bowl celebration. In support of the Soup-er Bowl a football jersey was raffled off, below left, and all were encouraged to bring in a can of soup for the local food pantry. The celebration included Ms. Romano and Class 2-303 joining parents for a read aloud of “Anna and Elsa, A Warm Welcome.” She focused on character traits as her students shared the character traits of both Anna and Elsa. All parents in attendance received a free copy of the book. Physical education teacher Mr. Kessler held a read-aloud of “Coach Hyatt is a Riot” with all parents in attendance receiving a free copy of that book as well. Even when talking about the Soup-er Bowl and sports, math was involved. Mr. Kessler asked questions about the field length and how many tons of guacamole are eaten on the big game day! Also available was a free copy of “Choose Good Food!: My Eating Tips,” by Gina Bellisario. This book was received through a wellness grant to PS97Q. Many also wore favorite team jerseys and the generationOn Kids Care Club collected over 100 cans of soup, above, to be donated to the local food pantry, making the event a win for all.

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

TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 20

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Would another tax on mansions hurt Qns.? Some say 2.5 percent surcharge on $2 million-plus homes is bad idea for boro by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Some Queens realtors are not supportive of Mayor de Blasio’s proposed mansion tax, a policy City Hall is once again pushing that would create a 2.5 percent marginal surcharge on residences that sell for more than $2 million. The mayor has said that the tax would raise more than $330 million in revenue yearly to fund rent subsidies for 25,000 low-income seniors. It would be a marginal surcharge paid by the buyer that would add to the existing 1 percent fee on sales reaching $1 million or above. Unlike the 1 percent tax, it would only be applied to the value over $2 million. (For example, a $3 million sale would have a $25,000 tax under de Blasio’s proposal in addition to the $30,000 required by the 1 percent tax.) Long Island Board of Realtors President David Legaz called the mayor’s intention to fund lowincome senior housing “laudable” but said that the cost should be borne “equally among New York City citizens.”

Properties in Forest Hills Gardens are among Queens’ most expensive. Some homes in the rarified neighborhood will become slightly pricier if Mayor de Blasio’s proposed 2.5 percent surcharge on sales above $2 milPHOTO BY RYAN BRADY lion becomes law. According to de Blasio spokeswoman Melissa Grace, the average price of a residence reaching the proposal’s threshold is $4.5 million. “At a time when many of those buyers are likely to receive a significant federal tax cut, we believe it’s

urgent they contribute more to help seniors in need,” she said. Eight percent of New York City sales between 2014 and 2016 exceeded the proposed tax’s threshold, according to a report last week from the Independent Budget Office.

MULTICULTURAL HS

PHOTO COURTESY MULTICULTURAL HS

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Annual coat drive is an enormous success!

Every year, Multicultural High School in Forest Park collects coats and distributes them to the families in need on the school campus. Due to the overwhelming generosity of donors this year, they were excited to also help some of the residents in Far Rockaway. Elder Antoine Goudard of the Bethsaida French Church, right, next to Parent Coordinator Daniel Brea and Assistant Principal Peter Ng-A-Fook, stopped by this week to collect clothes and dry-cleaned coats for families in his community, some of whom he described as still having been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Peer collaborative teacher and this year’s co-organizer of the coat drive, Maria Verrilli, shared, “We were happy to be a part of this community outreach, help our friends in need, and hopefully continue providing supports throughout the year and in the years to follow.” ATTENTION PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS: SCHOOLS If you would like to be featured on a School Spotlight page, call Lisa LiCausi, Education Coordinator, at (718) 205-8000, Ext. 110. TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

Most places that pricey are in Manhattan, although several Queens neighborhoods had sales north of $2 million last year: Forest Hills Gardens, Douglaston, Whitestone, Flushing and Astoria. Kathleen Springer, an Astoriabased realtor, says that $2 million might be too low a threshold. “It should be higher than 2 million dollars in this market, in Queens,” she said. Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Thomas Grech is opposed to de Blasio’s proposal. “I think right away, whenever there’s an issue, we turn to tax instead of trying to be better, smarter, cheaper, more efficient,” he said. “I think the city ought to be a little more stringent in terms of how it provides services to New Yorkers.” But not all realtors surmise serious issues arising from the mansion tax: Paul Halvatzis of Amorelli Realty says its effect would be minor, given the typical income of $2 million-plus home buyers. “If you’re in that price range, it’s an inconvenience, it’s a nuisance,” he said, adding “I don’t think that

you’re gonna impede it too much,” he said. “It’s just another fee you’re throwing into the mix.” The tax would need approval from Albany lawmakers, none of whom have thus far put forth any bill that would establish the surcharge. Its chances are dicey in the state Legislature. Even if the Assembly passed a law establishing the tax (for which it would first need a primary sponsor), Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Nassau) has called it a “non-starter.” The office of Gov. Cuomo did not immediately return a request for comment. The mayor has sent a request to the Assembly that the mansion tax be included in its budget plan. A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) did not immediately return a request for comment. At least one Queens lawmaker would support it: state Sen. Toby A n n Stavisky (D-Flushing), a member of the upper chamber’s Fi n a nce Com m it t ee. But she blames GOP-allied Democratic continued on page 24

WOODHAVEN EVELOPMENTS Spring is coming by Maria A. Thomson Executive Director GWDC

This past week has been like spring, the weather has been so unusual, with temperatures as high as 60 degrees! Now that you can move around our Jamaica Avenue freely, please go shopping on our “Everything Avenue. “You have choices of all types of ethnic restaurants, many stores and businesses, and “walkability” — so important and convenient for those who do not drive, or do not choose to. So, only 20 days until Daylight Saving Time and 28 days till spring. So take heart, we’ll be lighter and warmer soon for good. Recently I listed the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation and Woodhaven Business Improvement District Wish List from 2016 and 2017. One of our wishes was “The completed safe repair and reconstruction of the building at 79-18 Jamaica Ave. It collapsed more than two years ago, and the WBID wanted it demolished. An agreement subsequently was made with the owner that it would be reconstructed within 18 months. Our wish now is that the graffiti vandalism be cleaned off of the construction fences, and that the lights under the overhang be kept lighted through the night through morning. We have made the owner aware of these problems. We would want this reconstruction period accelerated so that the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Ambulance Corps can be fully operational once more and the Woodhaven Senior Citizens

Center can return. Today this building still stands as “Woodhaven’s eyesore.” Now we have noticed work proceeding on this building, the WBID will keep people advised of it. Another building problem is the proposed homeless drop-in center at 100-32 Atlantic Ave. Our Community Board Chairman Raj Rampershad has advised that the lease on this property has been signed. This is a shame for he and others have worked so hard against this site. Notes: 1) Don’t forget to check on the deed to your home periodically. Search free at beenverified. com. This is important to avoid theft of your homeowner deeds. 2) Summer Youth Employment Program applications are available at nyc.gov/dycd. The work pays $11 per hour for those 14 to 24 years old and runs July 5-Aug. 19. The deadline for these applications is Friday, March 17. 3) The GWDC is still offering Home Improvement Bank Loans at 2.5 and 5 percent. If you qualify, please call our office at (718) 805-0202 for details. Get your loan now so that you can improve your home for spring. 4) New tree locations — 88th Street, 87th Street, Elderts Lane, 85th Street, 97th Street and 98th Street. There will be 55 trees planted in Woodhaven. Call our office for addresses. May God bless our Armed Forces, our disabled veterans, our leaders and our NYPD and police officers everywhere; and may God bless Q our America.

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continued from page 12 ness, 20.4 percent. C a l ls t o C om mu n it y Boa rd 12 Chairwoman Adrienne Adams were not returned by press time and its Education Committee chairwoman, Joanne Flowers, could not be reached for comment on this story. School District 29 and CB 12’s boundaries are similar. The Department of Education did not dispute the findings of the institute’s report, but said strides are being made to address the situation. “Students in temporary housing are among our most vulnerable populations and we are working across city agencies, including [the Depar tment of Homeless Services], to implement critical programs and provide supports to ensure they receive an equitable and excellent education,” DOE spokeswoman Toya Holness said in an email. “Less than 3 percent of students live in shelters each year, and we are hiring attendance teachers to work directly in 23 shelters, adding social workers to 32 schools serving large populations of students in shelters and building schoolbased health clinics to ensure they have the resources needed to achieve and excel in the classroom and beyond.” The city has dedicated more than $30 million to fund programs for students living in homeless shelters and

the DOE has 117 staff members dedicated to supporting students in temporary housing situations. As of Wednesday, there were more than 23,000 children in the shelter system, according to the DHS’ website. W hile some dist r icts in Queens struggle with homeless students, others rarely ever encounter the problem. School Districts 25 and 26 — in north and northeast Queens – — had the lowest homelessness rate. Most of the schools there had fewer than 10 homeless children. They ranked second to last and dead last in the number of homeless students in all school districts, respectively. In School District 24 — Elmhurst, Corona, Maspeth, Glendale and Ridgewood — one out of 14 students saw homelessness and it ranked 24th citywide and third in Queens. In South Queens and Rockaway’s School District 27, one out of 11 pupils was homeless, though most of that was on the peninsula and not mainland Queens. It ranked 28th out of all city school districts and fifth in Queens. School District 28 — Rego Park, Forest Hills, South Jamaica and parts of Rochdale — saw one out of 15 students face homelessness and it ranked 27th overall in the city, fourth-best in Q Queens.

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NYSUM suit continued from page 12 going to be living. It’s just been very traumatic.” Others echoed that sentiment, saying it would be hard to find a place in New York City for $400 to $500 a month — what most NYSUM tenants pay. “The only way I’m able to live in this city with my low income is by being in a place like this,” tenant Ty Brodi said. “The ministry has been a blessing but someth i ng went south r ight af ter Thanksgiving.” Area politicians labeled DeArruda as a

“bad landlord,” trying to use his entity’s religious affiliation to shield his actions. “If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, quacks like a duck and acts like a duck, it’s a duck,” Simotas said. “You can’t on the one hand claim to be a religion institution that’s entitled not to pay [certain taxes] but on the other hand try to evict tenants because the building is not profitable. It doesn’t make sense.” Gianaris said DeArruda’s actions mirror those of bad landlords across the city, such as serving eviction notices in the middle of the night. “This is no way for a nonprofit that’s supposed to be promoting Christian valQ ues to be behaving,” he said.

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DOT plans overhaul of Kew, R. Hill roads Agency proposes altering Grenfell Street and six tricky intersections by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

The Department of Transportation is looking to calm traffic and make things safer for pedestrians by revamping six intersections near the border of Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill, something the Kew Gardens Civic Association has repeatedly asked for. “This all started about a year and a half ago,” KGCA Executive Chairman Murray Berger said in a Monday interview. “We’ve been at this for a while now.” The 35-page plan the agency presented to the civic association last week begins with the overhaul of Metropolitan Avenue and Park Lane South along Forest Park. The DOT plans to install three crosswalks — in addition to the one spanning the intersection’s northern leg — while also banning left turns onto eastbound Metropolitan Avenue from Park Lane South. According to the agency, a mere 25 to 30 vehicles make that turn during rush hours. A left-turn-only lane will be installed on Park Lane South for motorists looking to make a left onto Metropolitan Avenue going west. Additionally, the bus stop on Park Lane South at the southern end of the intersection will be relocated to the northern end. At the corner of Park Lane South, Onslow Place and Beverly Road, the DOT plans to expand the concrete pedestrian island, install a crosswalk across the slip lane between the island and Forest Park and ban left turns from Beverly Road onto Park Lane South. Just five cars per rush hour make that turn, according to the agency. At 115th Street and Park Lane South along Forest Park’s southern boundary, the existing Qwick Kurb separating the curving eastbound Park Lane South lane from the northern lane will be replaced with a concrete island. Crosswalks will connect the island to Forest Park and the sidewalk along northbound Park Lane South, and the DOT will explore placing a traffic signal at the former. The installation will result in a loss of

The Department of Transportation plans on overhauling six intersections near the Kew GardensRichmond Hill border, including the corner of Metropolitan Avenue and Park Lane South along RENDERING COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Forest Park. three parking spaces. The five-legged intersection of Myrtle Avene, Park Lane South and Memorial Drive — which is used by Parks Department vehicles only — in Richmond Hill is also being revamped, beginning with a large curb extension at the entrance to the latter street. Right turns from Myrtle Avenue onto westbound Park Lane South, of which the DOT says only one to five are made during rush hours, will also be banned, while wide crosswalks across Park Lane South will be painted. Six new crosswalks will be added to the intersection of Grenfell Street, 83rd Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard near the Kew Gardens Long Island Rail Road Station,

Drop-in center on Atlantic Ave. continued from page 4 “Do you see them in there, in Glend ale? ” t he a ssembly m a n responded when asked by a resident if the firm was a good choice. St a n ley Shuck ma n, a realtor who owns the strip of stores across the street from the Atlantic Avenue site, volunteered to pay for the legal services. Shuckman said he showed the DHS and Breaking Ground several sites he believes would have been more suitable for the center. “I h a d a ve r y s p e ci f ic c r it e r ia ,” Shuckman said. “It would’ve solved all

these problems.” He did not specif y which sites he showed the two groups but last month officials from both the DHS and Breaking Ground told Community Board 9 none of the suggestions he gave them would have been suitable. But Shuckman believes that’s because the landlord of the Atlantic Avenue site, Fred Khalili, was able to give them an attractive deal. “W hy else would you hold onto a vacant property for months and not put it on the market?” the realtor said. Miller, in his statement, said, “When

including connecting the entrance to the station and Lefferts Boulevard. The final intersection targeted by the DOT is where Grenfell Street meets Onslow Place and 82nd Avenue. Agency plans call for small concrete traffic circles at either end of the confusing corner and the painting of two crosswalks. Eight parking spaces will be lost. The wide-ranging proposal also calls for the transformation of Grenfell Street in Kew Gardens from a narrow, two-way street to a one-way going north for two blocks between Lefferts Boulevard and 82nd Avenue. Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) applauded the change, saying in a Tuesday interview the roadway is too narrow Breaking Ground and Depar tment of Homeless Services was given the opportunity to find viable alternative locations they appeased the community by looking at other sites and then claimed the original location was the best fit. They settled for this location because it was available and the landlord was looking to rent it.” He also said the agencies were not being transparent with the community on the details of the plan. “No matter how many times I asked for updated information, both organizations were not forthcoming,” the legislator said. “This is the process? Where is the community involvement?” Community Board 9 Chair man Raj Rampershad said at last Tuesday’s board

as is. “I was driving down there the other day and you can’t even fit two cars there,” Koslowitz said. “It makes a lot of sense to me that they’re looking at this.” Berger said that when the DOT presented the plan in full to the civic association, the reception was mostly positive. “Everybody was really impressed with the effort the DOT team did here,” he said. “There were some individual critiques, but no one could deny there was a desire to solve the problems.” The civic leader said arguably the board’s biggest focus was on the intersection of Park Lane South, Onslow Place and Beverly Road. “That’s the killer intersection where people living within view of it are the most concerned,” he said. The focus on Park Lane South and its surrounding streets stems from Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero proposal, aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities. According to DOT statistics, 68 people were injured along Park Lane South from 2011 to 2015, with 14 of them being pedestrians. One motorcyclist was killed on the roadway in July 2015. Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill leaders have been pushing for a study of the area for years, with Community Board 9 f irst requesting a Park Lane South traffic study in July 2014. Koslowitz along with state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) requested studies of the Lefferts Boulevard-Grenfell Street i ntersect ion i n May a nd Ju ne 2015, respectively. In June 2016, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) presented the DOT with his own request for safety improvements at the intersection of Park Lane South and Myrtle Avenue. The agency said it has also received numerous requests from residents living up and down the corridor in recent years. The DOT’s plans are not yet final, as the agency will seek feedback and a votefrom Community Board 9 in the near future before Q solidifying the proposal. meeting he plans to meet with the DHS and Breaking Ground in the near future. Officials from the nonprofit told CB 9 last month it plans to phase in the number of homeless people it serves at the site, starting with 10 per day. That number will remain steady until next year, when it will go up to 50 and ultimately 125. “Queens currently has zero locations to serve street homeless individuals,” DHS spokseman Isaac McGinn said in an emailed statement. “We will be using this location as a safe haven and drop-in center to bring this borough’s homeless neighbors off of the streets and in from the cold. We need every community to come together to address homelessness, which is a problem in each of the five Q boroughs.”

C M SQ page 23 Y K

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De Blasio’s mansion tax plan continued from page 20 senators with making it unpassable in this session. The lawmaker says the case would be different if the GOP did not control the upper chamber. “Then, we would have the votes to enact this and many other pieces of legislation that are being held up because of the rogue Democrats,” she said. “They’re working with the Trump people.” If the seat of former Manhattan state Sen. Bill Perkins is filled by a mainline Democrat and the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference and Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), who caucuses with the Republicans, returned to the main Democratic fold, Republicans would no longer control the chamber. (The latter two events are considered unlikely, though.) And if only the former two happened, the Senate would be deadlocked; tiebreaking votes would be given by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. Another Queens lawmaker on the Senate’s Finance Committee, state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who is r unning against de Blasio for mayor, is less sure about the bill. “In northeast Queens, the prices are out of control. It doesn’t mean that these people are millionaires,” he said. The lawmaker, who supports Gov. Cuomo’s proposed “millionaire’s tax” on income, said he would be more supportive of a

bill that creates a special income tax for individuals making more than $2 million a year. “De Blasio’s such a phony because he’s permitting these developers throughout the entire city to build luxury housing,” he said, adding that upscale residential buildings often raise the price of surrounding homes. “He’s pushing middle-class homes into this so-called $2 million bracket. He’s creating the problem and now he wants to tax the problem that he’s created.” The lawmaker also disagreed with Stavisky’s contention that non-mainline Democrats in the state Senate — such as himself — are keeping the proposed mansion tax from becoming law. “Sen. Stavisky doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Avella said. “She should actually do some research before she opens her mouth. ... She’s the most ineffective legislator in the entire Senate.” Every Democratic senator, he added, would likely not vote for the bill. The DREAM Act on financial aid for immigrants failed in the Senate three years ago because it was short two votes, he noted; one of the “no” votes came from a mainline Democrat. A spokesperson for Stavisky declined to respond to Avella’s remarks, saying, “We’re choosing not to make it personal, Q we want to focus on the issues.”

PHOTOS BY LLOYD MITCHELL

Running of the bull short-lived

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NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit tracked the animal for about two hours. He was injured when he finally passed out. The bull died on his way to a city animal control facility. He was the fourth animal in the last year to break free in Jamaica, joining two other head of cattle and a goat, all of which lived.

PHOTOS COURTESY NYPD

A bull destined for a Jamaica slaughterhouse had a brief run of freedom on Tuesday before being brought down by multiple tranquilizer darts from the NYPD. The beast was headed to a facility on Beaver Road when it bolted at about 10:30 a.m. Published reports said officers from the

Kosciuszko Bridge to blow In a way to save time, Gov. Cuomo announced in a Tuesday interview with CBS that the 78-year-old Kosciuszko Bridge will be blown up rather than dismantled this summer. “Deciding to go with the demolition will save us another seven, nine months,” Cuomo said. “Think of it from the commuter’s point of view. Every day, every hour matters. So let’s find out a way to accelerate it, get it done.” The state Department of Transportation is still in the process of completing the $554 million new Kosciuszko Bridge

over Newtown Creek between Maspeth and Brooklyn. The project began in December 2014. According to the Governor’s Office, the original bridge was made for 10,000 vehicles a day, but today more than 180,000 drive over it each day. A bridge is normally dismantled piece by piece, but Cuomo believes implosion will allow construction to move at a faster pace. Northbound and southbound traffic is scheduled to move to half of the new Q bridge in April.

Cops seeking quartet The NYPD is seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating four people in connection with a robbery in Ozone Park on Feb. 19 in the 102nd Precinct. Police said the four surrounded the victim in the vicinity of 77th Street and 95th Avenue and assaulted him, taking his headphones and an AM-FM transistor radio. The victim suffered lacerations and bruises to his face. The attackers are described as

black males between 16 and 20 years old, ranging in height from 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Anyone with information on their identities or whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public also can submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com or by tex ting 274637 (CRIMES), then entering TIP577. All tips are strictly confidential.

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Archbishop Molloy, Christ the King look like favorites to claim city title by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

The Catholic High School Athletic Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city tournament has been dominated by Christ the King High School in Middle Village for the better part of a decade. But if the Royals are going to win their seventh city title since 2007, they will more than likely have to get past Briarwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Archbishop Molloy to do it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been 20 years since the Stanners last won a CHSAA city championship, but they enter next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic league tournament as arguably the top contender to break the drought thanks to superstars Cole Anthony and Moses Brown. Despite being just a sophomore, Anthony took the high school hoops world by storm this year, averaging 20 points per game and leading Molloy to a 17-7 record. The son of former NBA star and CBS broadcaster Greg Anthony, the five-star guard is the top-ranked sophomore in the state, according to ESPN, with top college programs like Kentucky expressing interest in landing him. A fellow All-CHSAA First Team selection, the 7-foot Brown has emerged as arguably Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best junior center, with ESPN ranking him second in the nation and first in the state at his position. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utterly dominant in the paint, blocking 10 shots or more in multiple

Will Christ the King get back to its title winning ways in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic High School Athletic Association city basketball tournament? If they do, the Royals will have to get past a surging, PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA star-studded Archbishop Molloy squad. games this season on top of his consistent 20-plus point, 10-plus rebound performances. The potent duo, along with dependable senior forward John Herring, have made Molloy the team to beat this March. Should the Stanners defeat Baysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holy Cross High School in Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scheduled CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens tournament semifinal, it could set up a Friday tilt with the rival Royals in the bracketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the last game before the city tournament begins on Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

should Christ the King knock off Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bishop Loughlin. Since elite recruit Rawle Alkins left the Middle Village school prior to last season, the 17-8 Royals have not been nearly as unstoppable as they were with the eventual University of Arizona star. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a force to be reckoned with, however, as senior guard Jose Alvarado, a Georgia Tech commit, has blossomed into one of the best players in the tri-

The art of

state area. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CHSAA league MVP and this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All-CHSAA First Team choice can handle, pass, shoot and defend at an elite level, putting whoever guards him at a disadvantage. Decorated coach Joe Arbitello has put a solid core of young players around Alvarado this year, as towering center Kofi Cockburn and athletic guard Tyson Walker combined to average 25 points per game on their way to earning All-CHSAA Third Team honors. Seeding for the city tournament wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be determined until after the conclusion of the diocesan tournaments this weekend, but both Christ the King and Molloy are guaranteed to receive high slots. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entirely possible a lower-seeded Queens team like retiring coaching legend Tim Learyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Francis Prep squad in Fresh Meadows could pull off an upset or two, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Royals and Stanners who are heavy favorites to advance deep in the tournament. St. Francis Prep takes on St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Molloy on Sunday at 2 p.m. Molloy, Christ the King and Holy Cross will play their first games either on March 1 or March 2. Fordham University will host the quarterfinals on Sunday, March 5, while St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University is the site of the semifinals on Wednesday, March 8. The tournament shifts back to Fordham on Sunday, March 12 for the city title Q game.

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Catholic schools gear up for CHSAA tourney

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PSAL brackets feature a heavy dose of Queens Borough hoops programs are top contenders to claim city titles by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

New York City is the nation’s capital for just about everything from tourism and skyscrapers to pizza and bagels. But in the sports world, the city isn’t known just for its World Series trophies or dysfunctional franchises with unpopular owners. It’s also the home to arguably America’s most storied high school basketball conference. When the Public School Athletic League playoffs roll around next week, expect to see long lines out the door of dozens of gymnasiums across the city. And many of those gyms will be right here in Queens, as some of the borough’s programs won’t just be taking part in the tournament, but a number of schools are expected to advance deep into March. Just two years ago, Queens pulled off a relatively rare clean gender sweep for the borough, as both the Cardozo boys and Francis Lewis girls came away from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as city champions. While the odds are that another borough will see one of their teams win at least one of the PSAL titles, a handful of Queens squads are viewed as championship contenders. Boys “AA” Division Simply put, John Bowne High School should make serious noise come March. Despite the 2016-17 campaign being its first in the PSAL’s top “AA” division — the school was bumped up from the “A” league after years of domination — the Wildcats opened eyes despite playing tougher teams. Bowne went 12-4 in the regular season en route to capturing its first Queens borough championship last Saturday, defeating the Queens High School of Teaching 66-63. The red-hot Flushing school will enter the 24-team tournament as the third overall seed. After a first round bye, the Wildcats will take on the winner of Feb. 28’s contest between Queens Village’s Martin Van Buren High School, the 19th seed, and Brooklyn’s Paul Roberson Campus, the 14th seed. Bowne will be a tough out for anyone, as the program boasts three stars — Christian Hinckson, Alejandro Vasquez and Kareem Reid — who will undoubtedly spend their college days shining on the hardwood. Hinckson, a senior guard, is the most polished and versatile of the bunch, averaging a stellar 16.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Vasquez, a sophomore guard, is an elite scorer while Reid, a sophomore center, is a physical force below the basketball. Assistant coach Roberto Diaz told the Chronicle on Monday that he believes anyone doubting Bowne’s chances at a city title this spring should think again. “I think we’re in that discussion now,” Diaz said. “Some people may have doubted us going into the year, but I don’t think there’s a doubt now.” When asked about Bowne’s big three, he said Hinckson, Reid and Vasquez all play with a chip on their shoulder, adding that no moment is too big for them.

It’s been three years since a Queens team last won the PSAL boys “AA” division city basketball championship. Will the Cardozo Judges, above, shock New York City and again bring hoops glory FILE PHOTOS back to the borough, or will a program like John Bowne make history this March? “They know we’ve got a very important task ahead,” the coach said. “We’re excited and ready to make some noise.” Slotting in behind Bowne as the tournament’s fourth seed is the Queens High School of Teaching, a team that went a blistering 15-1 in league play this year. Senior star CJ Kelly and his electric 28 points-per-game mark has led the way for the Tigers all season, making QHST a threat to knock off just about anyone. The Bellerose school also earned a first round bye. Next up for Queens is Springfield Gardens, who went 13-3 this year en route to the tournament’s eighth seed and a first round bye. The Golden Eagles boast their own formidable big three — seniors Hegel Augustin, Khayri Harris and Tyreke Guthrie — who combined to score over 50 points per game this year, setting themselves up to be the sleeper team of the tournament. They will take on either the Bronx’s Eagle Academy of Young Men or Beach Channel High School, with the winner of that game getting the unenviable task of playing undefeated powerhouse Lincoln, the tournament’s top overall seed, in the third round. After an 11-win campaign, the Queens High School for Construction in Ozone Park earned the 10-seed and a first round date with Mott Haven at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at home. The Red Hawks aren’t viewed as serious championship contenders, but they could make some noise. After all, they beat Bowne by 13 points on Jan. 3. Three years ago, it was Cardozo and iconic coach Ron Naclerio who won it all. But the Judges have fallen off since then, losing stars Ray Salnave and Aaron Walker to graduation. Naclerio broke the state public school wins record in December, but it’s been an up-anddown season for the Judges. After starting 5-0, Cardozo won just four of its last 12 games, earning the 12-seed in the process. Junior guard Dejavaugh “Dae Dae” Utley is a star in the making who can take over a game and fellow third-year guard Marcus Hammond can give opponents headaches, but a second title in four years is most likely not in the cards

for the Bayside school. They get Brooklyn Collegiate Lions at home in the first round on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. The final Queens team taking part in the PSAL “AA” Division bracket is Francis Lewis, who enter as the 22-seed. At 6-10, the Patriots are limping into the tournament, where they will meet Thomas Jefferson High School, the defending PSAL city champion. The Orange Wave have fallen off since last year’s defeat of Lincoln in the title game — former star Shamorie Ponds is now St. John’s University’s freshman phenom — but the Brooklyn school is still formidable. Girls “AA” Division Switching over to the girls “AA” division city tournament, only one Queens team is represented, Francis Lewis. The Patriots have become a basketball fixture in the borough in recent years thanks to coach Stephen Tsai, who has built the program into one to be feared. In the 2014 tournament, Francis Lewis knocked off 15-time defending champion Murray Bergtraum 61-57 in the semifinals — one of the biggest upsets in recent PSAL girls history — before toppling top-seed South Shore 65-58 in the finals. The Patriots made the semifinals in 2015 and the finals last year, losing to South Shore both times. Before yet another rematch with their Brooklyn rival, the 2017 iteration of the tournament, four-seed Francis Lewis must win two games, the first being against Brooklyn Collegiate at home on March 1 at 5 p.m., a tilt in which the Patriots are the heavy favorite. Should they win, the Fresh Meadows school will then take on the winner of Staten Island’s Curtis High School and the Bronx’s John F. Kennedy Campus on March 5 at 3 p.m at York College. Boys “A” Division When there are 43 teams in one tournamnet, there’s bound to be some surprises. And in the PSAL’s middle division bracket, a handful of Queens teams could make some noise over the

next few weeks. A total of eight borough teams qualified, with Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica Hills earning the seventh seed, being tops among Queens schools. The Inventors went 13-1, with their only loss coming to division rival Hillcrest High School, the tournament’s 14th seed who went 12-2. Both earned first round byes. Look for Edison’s Tykei Greene (24 points, seven rebounds per game) to lead his squad deep into March, while Hillcrest will be paced by a balanced attack. Three players average at least nine points per contest. Six of the tournament’s bottom 12 seeds hail from Queens, and while most of the bracket’s bottom feeders normally exit early, each year does bring surprises. Franklin K. Lane Campus, on the border of Woodhaven and Brooklyn, is the 30th seed, with the Knights taking on Percy E. Sutton at home on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. The Port Richmond Raiders will take on Ridgewood’s Grover Cleveland High School, the 31st seed, at the latter’s gym at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28, as the Tigers look to move on. Coming in as the 36th seed is William C. Bryant High School in Woodside. The 9-5 Eagles will tangle with the High School for Environmental Studies at the latter’s gym in Manhattan on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. The Red Devils of Flushing High School also went 9-5 this season, earning the 40th seed in the bracket. They will battle Midwood on the road on March 1 at 5 p.m. At 8-6, Long Island City High School did just enough to earn the 42nd seed and a date with the Clinton Governors in the latter’s Bronx gym on March 1 at 5 p.m. The Flyers of Aviation High School in Sunnyside will look to make history as the 43rd and final seed. Who knows? Maybe them beating Global and Internation Studies on March 1 at 5 p.m. will be the start of the greatest underdog run in city hoops history? Girls “A” Divison The girls side of the PSAL’s middle division tournament is nearing the halfway point, and three Queens teams are very much alive. In the second round, four-seed William C. Bryant put a hurting on Fort Hamilton, with the 13-0 Owls destroying the Tigers 88-37. Led by the four-headed monster of Kayla Charles, Kiearra Whaley, Brianna Randolph and Anyla Harper, Bryant represents the borough’s best shot at an “A” division title. The Lady Owls will battle Petrides High School at home on March 2 at 5 p.m. with a trip to the quarterfinals on the line. A pair of northeast Queens squads, Bayside and Cardozo, are the tournaments sixth and ninth seeds, respectively, with each team having cruised to victory in the first round. The 13-1 Lady Commodores, a program late head coach Steve Piorkowski built from feeble to fearsome, get Lafayette High School at home on March 2 at 5 p.m. At the same time just two miles away, the 12-1 Judges will look to advance by knocking Q off Mott Haven.

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

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by Victo Victoria Zunitch

Continued onpage page31 continued on

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Alley Pond celebrates 20th anniversary of public Astronomy Night s

On clear Saturday nights ni in Queens, the entire universe can be yours. Alley Pond Environmental Environme Center’s own professorastronomer Mark Freilich Fre imbues his monthly “Stargazing Wonders — Astronomy Night” sessions with a warm friendliness that puts Earthlings at ease. “The object is to com come and have fun, and take away a better idea of what wh the universe is all about,” Freilich said. Freilich celebrated th the 20th anniversary of the stargazing program last Saturday, guiding 16 eager adults and children thro through telescopic peeks at the cosmos as it appears from f Queens, which sits at about a 41-degree angle from Earth’s axis. It all started in 1996 on the invitation of APEC Executive Director Irene SScheid, Freilich said, after she attended a lecture he gave about Jupiter at the Hicksville Gregory Museum Muse in 1996. He estimates as many as 2,500 people have ha attended over the years. Freilich has a B.S. in astronomy a and geology from York College of the City Cit University of New York, an M.S. in education sp specializing in astronomy and geology from Queens Co College, and studied under the famous Carl Sagan for a year at Cornell in the 1970s. College and Martin Having taught at Queens Q Luther King High Scho School for a few years, Freilich now teaches astronom astronomy part-time at APEC and other venues. He usually starts ind indoors with an orientation, introductions all around and light refreshments, then heads outside. Sometim Sometimes, he runs a stargazers’ version of “Jeopardy!” o or “Wheel of Fortune”. threaten, as they did last week, But when clouds thre nig outdoors. He sets the Freilich starts the night telescope in the parking area, which makes the event easily accessible. He first trained his Me Meade Starfinder telescope on nickna the planet Venus, nicknamed the Evening Star. “Everybody gets a look,” Freilich said. “Everybody who wants to gets a second look.”

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MUSIC The Grace Kelly Quartet, with the award-winning jazz saxophonist, singer and composer who recorded her first album at 12 and has played more than 700 concerts in 30 countries. Fri., Feb. 24, 8 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. $16; $10 students. Info/RSVP: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org. “Die Fledermaus,” the Austrian operetta by Johann Strauss II, considered the top of the genre, about the mind games played by people attending a ball in disguise. Performed in English. Thu.-Sat., Feb. 23-25, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 26, 3 p.m., LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. $20; $5 students with ID. Info: (718) 544-2996, kupferbergcenter.org. French salon music, with works by Satie, Poulenc and Debussy, by pianist-composer Gregory Menillo, with light refreshments afterward. Sun., Feb. 26, 2 p.m., Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38 Ave., Flushing. $12; $10 students. Info: (718) 359-6227, vomuseum.org. “Harmonize Your Spirit with My Calm,” Russian and American poetry set to original musical compositions by Leonard Lehrman and Joel Mandelbaum, with vocals by Helene Williams. Tue., Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Aaron Copland School of Music, room 264, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Free. Info: (718) 997-3800, ravellorecords.com/catalog/rr7951. The Klariano Duo, SorenFlip Hansen and Karina Brix Andersen, playing Danish and American music for clarinet and piano, including works by Niels W. Gade, Jorgen Bentzon, Leonard Bernstein and more. Sun., Feb. 26, 3 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 13735 Northern Blvd. Free. Info/RSVP: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org. PHOTO BY THORNBJORN FESSEL

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The Moth Story Slam, with participants telling stories on the theme of fame, with the chance of airing on National Public Radio. Mon., Feb. 27, 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. to sign up for chance to read), Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. $10. Next slams: Spring Cleaning, Mon., April 24; Culture Shock, Mon., June 26. Info: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org, themoth.org.

Jazz Brunch with the Stu Pender Quartet, with music, mimosas and “gastronomic delights.” Sun., Feb. 26, 12-3 p.m., Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave., Fort Totten. $30. Info/RSVP (req’d): (718) 352-1548, info@baysidehistorical.org. Hear Us Roar! benefit concert, with jazz band The Queen’s Cartoonists and Colombian singersongwriter Acsmed Balanta and DJ Raebo (afterparty), held by Jackson Heights community group Lanterns to benefit the Lion’s Share Food Pantry. Sun., March 5, 6 p.m., St. Mark’s Church, 33-50 82 St., Jackson Heights. $15; $20 at door; $5 off students, seniors; kids under 16 free with paid ticket. Info: (718) 639-8893, lanterns.nyc.

THEATRE “Don’t Judge a Play By Its Title: A Funsical,” an original musical that traces the role poetry

COMEDY Mob Rule, “the wildest comedy show in NYC,” with several comedians performing and audience members each getting “a bag of crazy s--t” to throw at them to show their love or hate; free shots, live DJ too. Thu., March 2, 10-11:30 p.m., The Creek and The Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 706-8783.

EXHIBITS The Queen’s Cartoonists, above, who specialize in the jazz you hear in classic old cartoons, will play the Hear Us Roar! show benefiting the Lion’s Share Food Pantry March 5, along with singer-songwriter Acsmed Balanta and DJ Raebo. See Music. PHOTO BY LINDSEY THEONG plays in our lives from childhood through old age, by St. Gregory’s Theatre Group. Thu.-Sat., Feb. 23-25, 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 26, 2 p.m., St. Gregory the Great Church, 242-20 88 Ave., Bellerose. $18; $15 seniors, students; $7 kids under 13. Tickets/ info: (718) 989-2451, sgtg.org. “La Traviata,” the beloved Verdi opera about the tragic love between a famed courtesan and the man who long had adored her from afar, by Teatro Lirico D’Europa (Lyrical Theater of Europe). Sun., Feb. 26, 3 p.m., Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56 Ave., Bayside. $35-$42. Info: (718) 631-6311, visitqpac.org.

DANCE Anna Azrieli: Mirror Furor, an interpretive show with four performers that mutates from rawness to confidence. Daily thru Sat., Feb. 25, 8 p.m., The Chocolate Factory Theater, 5-49 49 Ave., Long Island City. $20. Info: (718) 482-7069, chocolatefactorytheater.org.

FILM

Cinema Tropical Festival, celebrating the year’s best Latin American films, including Mexico’s “Tempestad” (“Storm”), above, and 5 others, some with live events too. Fri.-Sun., Feb. 24-26, varying times, (“Tempestad” first, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.), Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $15 each film; $11 seniors, students; $7 kids 3-17. Info: (718) 7776888, movingimage.us. PIMIENTA FILMS

ReelAbilities Film Festival, the 9th annual, with documentaries and features about people with disabilities and their families. “Swim Team,” about the parents of an autistic boy forming a team, Sun., March 5, 10 a.m.; various shorts, Sun., March 5, 1 p.m.; “My Hero Brother,” about young people with Down syndrome trekking the Himalyas, Mon., March 6, 12:30 p.m., Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Free; donation requested. Info: (718) 268-5011, cqy.org, pkurtz@cqy.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Winter bird walk for beginners, around Oakland Lake, a magnet for waterfowl as it never fully freezes over, led by Nancy Tognan of the Queens County Bird Club, for adults and kids 8 and up when with adult. Sat., Feb. 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m., meeting at Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Free. Info/pre-registration (req’d): (718) 229-4000, |alleypond.com. PHOTO COURTESY NYC PARKS Liveart.us: Performance and Subversion, with performances, panel discussions and more addressing authoritarianism, control and belligerent decisions, in reaction to the climate created by the new U.S. government. Sun., Feb. 26, 2-5 p.m., Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Free with suggested $8 admission; $4 seniors; free students, children. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org.

“East of East River,” photos of Astoria and Long Island City showing their changing landscapes from 2004-15, by area resident Vikram Dogra. Thru Sun., Feb. 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing. Free with admission: $6; $4 seniors; $4 students, $2 children over 3. Info: (718) 886-3800, info@queensbotanical.org. “Nikon Small World 2016,” with winning images from the photomicrography competition, such as a zebra fish embryo’s developing face, a butterfly proboscis, a polished slab of agate and dozens more. Thru Sun., Feb. 26, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission: $15; $12 students, seniors, kids. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org. “Shivers,” dystopic paintings by Sascha Braunig of fantastical sculptural constructions and more that depict bodies under duress at a time when individual experience seems threatened by outside forces. Thru March 5, MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. Free with admission: $10; $5 students, seniors; free under 16. Info: (718) 7842084, momaps1.org. Congolese Plantation Workers Art League (Cercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise), with sculptures mostly made of cacao by workers in the African nation, many self-representations, highlighting their low wages. Thru Mon., March 27, SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves St., Long Island City. $5 suggested; $3 students; free for LIC residents. Info: (718) 361-1750, sculpture-center.org. “Resistance and Memory in Belgium, 19401945: Multiple Narratives,” with wartime and recent photos and testimonies of those who resisted the Nazi occupation, by professor Anne Griffin of The Cooper Union. Thru Fri., May 26; opening reception with Griffin Thu., March 9, 6-9 p.m., Queens College Art Center, Rosenthal Library, 6th floor, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Free. Info: (718) 997-4803, kupferbergcenter.org. continued on page 32

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by Neglah Sharma qboro contributor

Countless people are familiar with Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge as the 39-squaremile marsh edging John F. Kennedy Airport only through catching occasional glimpses of the sanctuary as an in-flight passenger. Queens artist Rosalie Frost is helping to change that with her new exhibit “Waterscapes,” a series of 14 intimate photographs delving into the fragile landscape of the refuge and the greater Gateway National Recreation Area Jamaica Bay Unit in which it lies. Some of the photographs depict semisubmerged trees, mysterious rock paths, ghostly bay fog and phantom float poles

‘Waterscapes’ When: Through Sat., April 29 Where: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Cross Bay Blvd., Broad Channel Entry:

Free. (718) 318-4340, rosaliefrostphotography.com

telescoping out the water, all taken before Hurricane Sandy. “Each of these places sort of spoke to me,” Frost said, adding that it was her antique RolleiFlex 35c camera that had helped her “slow down” and capture her fascination with water. “I used the time available to appreciate what’s around me because I don’t want to waste the film; it’s only 12 frames per roll,” she said, noting that mistakes can make the process slower, since film must be manually spooled each time. “You get a great amount of quality of film from this camera,” Frost explained, adding that it has been the standard of “professional photography from way back.” Digital versions of it are available today. “It really changed the seriousness of the work that I did and made me spend more time in these locations,” Frost said, which included areas like Canarsie Pier, the North Channel Bridge and one of her favorites, Dead Horse Bay. “It’s a fabulous area, right off of Flatbush Avenue,” she said. The photo artist said she specifically went on “foggy days” to help amplify the phan-

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

In Jamaica Bay photos, the calm before the storm

Rosalie Frost with one of her favorite photos, “Morning Fog,” and the antique camera she PHOTOS BY NEGLAH SHARMA used to take it and the other shots in her “Waterscapes” exhibit. tasmal effect found in some of her images, which were taken from 2005 through 2010. “Morning Fog,” a dreamy view from the Nor th Channel Bridge, is among her favorites. Frost is a former interpretation volunteer at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center, and has in the past focused on photographing people, birds and flowers before encapsulating the park’s water worlds.

The Forest Hills resident retired from her work with New York City in school psychology to pursue photography. Her “Waterscapes” exhibit is running now through April 29. Sang Beom Kim, an exchange worker and 10-year veteran from the Korean National Park Service, was one of the attendees at the show’s soft opening on a recent Sunday. continued on page 33

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Jerome Rufus moves from Georgia to Queens by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Jerome Rufus (1899-1974) was born in Georgia and came to New York City as a teenager to achieve a better life with better opportunities. Upon his arrival, he moved into an apartment on West 141st Street in Harlem. Despite having completed only two years of high school it didn’t hold his ambition back, as he eventually The home and real estate office of Jerome Rufus, the worked as a clerk in a post office. His wife, Minnie, birthed three African-American real estate pioneer of South Jamaidaughters, Marie, Evelyn and Minnie. ca, located 169-18 Brinkerhoff Ave., as seen in OctoThey bought a house at 169-18 ber 1943. Brinkerhoff Ave. in South Jamaica. He got his real estate license and used his death, President Lyndon Johnson came into home as his real estate office serving the office and ushered through sweeping fair housing laws in 1964, with Rufus then African-American community. As more African Americans moved from being able to show and sell homes in St. the South, he helped find them homes Albans, Cambria Heights, Springfield Gardens and Laurelton. across South Jamaica. Areas that were once off limits were now There was an unwritten law for many years that no “coloreds” as they were called, available to everybody. A legend and trailblazer for his time, he would cross over Farmers Boulevard. Q But upon President John F. Kennedy’s passed away at the age of 75 in 1974.

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Leonard Lehrman, left, Helene Williams and Joel Mandelbaum spent five years putting classic Russian literary works to music. They will perform selections from their new CD in a free concert at Queens College on Feb. 28. FILE PHOTO, lLEFT/ COURTESY RAVELLO RECORDS

To Russia with love in music, song and story by Michael Gannon Editor

Leonard Lehrman’s love of Russian language, music and literature was handed down by his late mother, who came to the United States as a girl and became a scholar of the fine arts from her native land. It was in her honor that a CD five years in the making, “Harmonize Your Spirit with My Calm,” was released last month. Lehrman and Joel Mandelbaum, his long-time musical collaborator and a professor emeritus at Queens College, will perform selections from the album in a free concer t at the school on Feb. 28. Lehrman’s wife, soprano Helene Williams, also will be performing some of the selections. And some will be performed in Russian, as they were when recorded for the CD during performances in Russia with the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra. He said in an interview last week the trip that included places like St. Petersburg, Moscow and Belarus lent the recordings an authenticity that would not have been possible if an American orchestra were given the same sheet music to perform from. “A lot of the poems and stories we used we translated from Russian,” he said. “The [orchestra’s] conductor, the musicians all know the music and the literature.” Lehrman told the story of when they needed to bring in a baritone from Sibera at the last minute, causing him some concern about the man’s readiness for the next day’s performance.

“The conductor reminded me that he only needed to learn the music — he knew the stories since he was a child.” He hopes that members of Queens’ growing Russian community will attend to hear a performance in their native language. “They don’t have a lot of that here,” he said. One of the pieces set for the Feb. 28 performance is a Shakespeare sonata that Mandelbaum put to music for Lehrman and Williams’ wedding. Another, “Sonata for Two Pianos,” is an original Mandelbaum composition that the two have performed together only twice, and not for the last 21 years. “He wasn’t really happy with it either time, so we’re working hard to make that a really good one,” Lehrman said. The per formance originally wa s scheduled for Feb. 9, but was postponed when a storm dropped a foot of snow on the borough. Lehrman wasn’t at all vexed. “We had a Russian winter that day,” Q he said.

‘Harmonize Your Spirit with My Calm’ When: Tues., Feb. 28, 3 p.m. Where: Aaron Copland School of Music, room 264, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing Entry: Free. (718) 997-3800, ravellorecords.com/ catalog/rr7951

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continued from page 27

“What you’re seeing is the winter constellations. As the night goes on, the spring constellations will start coming up,” Freilich said. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescope or pair of binoculars. “If you don’t know how to use it, we’ll show you how to use it,” Freilich said. Participant Charles Wood describes himself as a “total amateur,” but he brought his own Meade LXD7S telescope and says he prefers to do stargazing with other people so he can share his passion. James and Lisa Keeney were there with their sons James, 13, and Sean, 11, for what the younger James said might have been the 15th time. They also brought friend Evan Kwait, 12, for his first visit. Several couples used the occasion as a birthday celebration or date night, and others said they participate in astronomy-related activities all the time. When: Sat., March 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The APEC Astronomy Nights are (one Saturday each month) recommended for ages 9 and over, Where: Alley Pond Environmental Center, and preregistration is required. 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston Upcoming dates are posted under the Entry: $15. (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com Family and Adult Programs tab at alleypond.com. If you can’t wait for

Venus is 7,600 miles in diameter, he said, while Earth’s diameter is 7,900. “If we were on Venus, that’s what Earth would look like,” he said. But it would feel very different, as Venus’ temperature is about 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning to the stars in the Orion constellation that make up “Orion’s belt,” Freilich demonstrated how to navigate one’s eye to the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, and the Orion Nebula. Freilich also pointed out Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, and explained how to use the stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper to find Polaris, dubbed the North Star.

Stargazing Wonders — Astronomy Night

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

Star light, star bright, seen on a Saturday night

Brothers James, left, and Sean Keeney are frequent attendees of the Astronomy Nights run by Mark Freilich, right, with his Meade Starfinder telescope. On the cover: Charles Wood likes to stargaze with others but brings his own telescope. PHOTOS BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH the next one, set for Saturday, March 18, with a rain date the following Saturday as usual, you can get a head start tonight by looking Q west after sunset for the Evening Star.

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boro continued from page 28 “Chance Encounters: cubism, dada and surrealism,” with 69 works by 23 artists including Georges Braque, Paul Klee, René Magritte and Max Ernst. Thru Sat., March 18, Godwin-Ternbach Museum, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Free. Info: (718) 997-4747, gtmuseum. org. “Disarming Geometries,” works using geometric abstraction to address social and political issues and to grapple with the uncertainties of contemporary life. Thru Sun., March 26, Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs, 11-03 45 Ave., Long Island City. Free. Info/RSVP for tour: (718) 9376317, dorsky.org. “Self-Interned, 1942: Noguchi in Poston War Relocation Center,” works by Isamu Noguchi focusing on his time voluntarily spent in a WWII camp for Japanese-Americans ordered there by the U.S. Thru Sun., Jan. 7, 2018, Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33 Road, Long Island City. $10; $5 seniors, students; NYC HS students, kids under 12 free. Info: (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org. “Found and Funky,” mixed-media works made of found objects and paying homage to the jazz term for an art piece achieving its highest form. Thru Sat., April 8, Materials for the Arts, 33-00 Northern Blvd., 3rd floor, Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 729-2007, mfta.org. “Science Fiction, Science Future,” on how science-fiction ideas might become science fact tomorrow, with hands-on exhibits incorporating robots, holograms, augmented reality. Thru Sun., April 30, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission: $16; $13 seniors, kids, college students with ID. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org.

KIDS/TEENS

Middle Village Library, 72-31 Metropolitan Ave. Info: Susan Paredes, (718) 326-1390, susan.paredes@queenslibrary.org.

LECTURES/TALKS Artist lecture and book signing, by Vikram Dogra on his book “East of East River,” photos of western Queens. Sun., Feb. 26, 1-2 p.m.; photo exhibit closing reception 2-4 p.m., Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing. Free; books available for purchase. Info: (718) 8863800, info@queensbotanical.org.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Re-Stitched: transforming photos into new art, with Lucia Maria Minervini showing how she created etchings from old photos and giving a tour of the exhibit of her work. Fri., Feb. 24, 1-3 p.m., Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38 Ave., Flushing. $5; $8 family. Info: (718) 359-6227, vomuseum.org. English and civics, offered by the Flushing Jewish Community Council. English/civics: Each Thu. thru June, 6-8 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd. Intermediate English: Each Mon. thru June, 1-3 p.m., Korean Community Services Center, 42-15 166 St. Both free. Info: (718) 463-0434, flushingjcc.net.

MARKETS Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens. Info: (347) 709-7661, richmondhillfleamarket.com.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

ALMB-071272

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Howard Beach Senior Center, with exercise classes every weekday except Thu., varying times; dances with a DJ and hot lunch every Tue., 12-3 p.m.; art classes every Thu., 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m.; intro to sign language every Fri., 10-11:30 a.m.; karaoke every Fri., 1-3 p.m.; monthly book club; and more, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd. Info: (718) 738-8100.

APY is Annual Percentage Yield, CD is Certiﬁcates of Deposit and IRA is Individual Retirement Account. The APY is accurate as of February 1, 2017. To qualify for the promotions, $2,500.00 minimum balance is required to open the account and obtain the APY. $245,000.00 maximum amount is allowed per account at account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. Early withdrawal fees may apply. Offers and rates are subject to change at any time without prior notice. For more information, visit your nearest branch or call 855.541.1000. *Interest Rate for the 15 Month CD and IRA is 1.30% and APY is 1.31%. 15 Month CD is available for consumers and businesses. 15 Month IRA is available for consumers only. **Interest Rate for the 30 Month IRA is 1.75% and APY is 1.77%. 30 Month IRA is available for consumers only.

“Winnie the Pooh,” the 2011 Disney animated film based on A.A. Milne’s book about Christopher Robin and his animal friends. Daily thru Sun., Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m. (drop-in Moving Image Studio mediamaking activities for kids 6 and over 11:30 a.m. each day), Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $15; $11 seniors, students; $7 kids 3-17. Info: (718) 7776888, movingimage.us. WALT DISNEY PICTURES Animal Care Trainee, workshop giving kids 8-12 hands-on experience caring for animals, with snack and certificate included. Sun., Feb. 26, 9-11 a.m., Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. $23. Info/pre-registration (req’d): (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com. Family Maker Club, a learning environment with children and families tinkering, designing and creating things from everyday materials. Mon., Feb. 27, 3:45-5 p.m.,

Knitting and crocheting class, to learn a new skill or share an idea for a craft project, by Jamaica Senior Program for Older Adults. Each Thu., 10:30-11:30 a.m., T. Jackson Adult Center, 92-47 165 St. Info: (718) 657-6500, jspoa.org. Queens AARP chorus, seeking retired people to sing at nursing homes and for AARP chapters. Meet each Fri., 1 p.m. Clearview SelfHelp Center, 208-11 26 Ave., Bayside. Info: joroosume@ verizon.net.

SUPPORT GROUPS GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing): Find peer-lead grief support for those who have lost a loved one to substance abuse. Meetings held once a month. Info on date, times and location: nycmetrograsp@gmail.com.

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ACROSS

1 Eden evacuee 4 Temporary gifts 9 School org. 12 Lucy of “Elementary” 13 Liver or lung 14 Parcel of land 15 Hearth 17 Past 18 Hot tub 19 Porter 21 Occur 24 Great Lake 25 Web address 26 Banned pesticide 28 “-- alive!” 31 Bound 33 Surprised cries 35 Citrus fruit 36 Fancy neckwear 38 Special -0 Nashville-based awards org. 41 “Zounds!” 43 Rouse 45 Autobiography’s cousin 47 Carnival city 48 -- carte 49 “Monopoly” purchase 54 Tit for -55 More than enough 56 Explanation 57 Type measures 58 Called 59 Gorilla

DOWN

1 Sprite 2 Evening hour, in a way 3 Asia’s neighbor (Abbr.) 4 Pruned 5 Florida city 6 Khan title 7 Mother-of-pearl 8 Derisive looks 9 Football tactic involving a tee

‘Waterscapes’

32 Comic-strip possum 34 Glisten 37 James Clavell novel 39 Stole 42 Histrionics 44 Popular ISP 45 Partner 46 Verve 50 Spinning stat 51 “Eureka!” 52 Police officer 53 Ram’s 45-Down

Answers below

all of Jamaica Bay as you can see.” He said he tells potential exhibitors that their collections should “tell a story.” They must “create a vision statement” which is instrumental in helping to select the works of art they showcase. “We try to have something going on all the time,” said Markis, who is also a park ranger at Gateway’s Staten Island unit. Markis said he’s been curating at the gallery for about four years now, with the next exhibit, set to open May 6, showcasing paintings from area artist Denise P. Levine. “The next show is based on nature but Q not as directly related,” Markis said.

Crossword Answers

JSM REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/11/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 14-34 31st Ave, Apt. 5B, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Formation of MARGARET EGG, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/12/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 240-49 42nd Avenue, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE of Formation of NewCo NY Operating, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 2/2/17. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 1560 Sherman Ave., Suite 1200, Evanston, IL 60201. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o CT Corporation System, 111 8th Ave., NY, NY 10011, regd. agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

Fee Waiver: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. 1. The name and address of the court are Santa Clara County Superior Court, 201 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113 (physical), 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113 (mailing). 2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney are John Scardamaglia, 19A North Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-1388. Date: June 9, 2016. Clerk, by M. Johnson (Deputy)

SMRB TRADERS, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/29/2016. 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: Richard Bandamo, 141-09 180th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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continued from page 29 Kim, who is from Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province, a suburb southeast of Seoul, said he sees “calm” in these pictures, noting they were taken prior to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. “I like more human photography, but this photography is before Sandy in 2012 and not destroyed,” said Kim, who works for a national park in Korea. Frost expressed her gratitude to the gallery’s curator, Charles Markis. “I didn’t have Charles before, and I’m really impressed” said Frost, who exhibited a previous series there some time back. “He didn’t just help with the hanging and the lighting, he was proactive,” she said. Markis said the center’s exhibits are done typically two m o n t h s apart. “The artists come; we try to have the exhibit tell a stor y that relates to the park s o m ehow,” The beach at Dead Horse Bay. h e s a i d . PHOTO COURTESY ROSALIE FROST “These are

10 Roman garment 11 On 16 Sixth sense, for short 20 Use a rotary phone 21 Hawaiian dance 22 War god 23 Settings for settings? 27 Nevertheless, for short 29 Model nee Melissa Miller 30 Penn or Astin

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

boro King Crossword Puzzle

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS, INDEX NO. 702407/2016. Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 135-08 82ND AVENUE, UNIT 201, BRIARWOOD, NY 11435, Block: 9668 Lot: 1002, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ABFC 2007-WMC1 TRUST ASSET BACKED FUNDING CORPORATION ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-WMC1, Plaintiff, vs. BREDMAN JON; JAIME GONZALEZ if living, and if she/he be deceased, the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; SYNCHRONY BANK FKA GE CAPITAL RETAIL BANK FKA GE MONEY BANK; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; ST. CLARE’S HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CENTER; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF BRIARWOOD GARDENS CONDOMINIUM; BANK OF AMERICA, NA; AUDREY I. PHEFFER, QUEENS COUNTY CLERK; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $230,720.00 and interest, recorded on March 19, 2007, in Official Record CRFN 2007000144925, in the office of the City Register of the City of New York in the County of QUEENS, covering premises known as 135-08 82ND AVENUE, UNIT 201, BRIARWOOD, NY 11435. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: December 16, 2016, RAS BORISKIN, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, JAMES P. MURPHY, ESQ., 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106 Westbury, NY 11590, 516-280-7675.

Summons (Family Law) Notice to Respondent (Aviso Al Demandado) Kai Hua Sun. You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page. Case number 16-FL-175682. You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorneys’ fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelppca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. Notice-Restraining Orders are on page 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 34

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Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

MY WAY CONSTRUCTION

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 36

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

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Legal Notices

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Our Classifieds Reach Over Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon 400,000 Readers. Call 718-205718-205-8000 to place your ad NOW! on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper. 8000 to advertise.

Gao Development LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/20/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 4564 160th St, Flushing, NY 11358. General Purposes.

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PROBATE CITATION, File #2017-3/A. SURROGATE’S COURTSARATOGA COUNTY CITATION. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent. TO: JOHN DOE and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law, and next-of-kin of said Edith P. Rosen, deceased, and if any of the said above distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands, or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; CHRISTOPHER C. SHAMBO, ESQ., Guardian ad Litem on behalf of unknown distributees; NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. A petition having been duly filed by Larry Rosen, who is domiciled at 52 Holmes Dale, Albany, NY 12203-2023. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Saratoga County, 30 McMaster Street, Building 3, Ballston Spa, NY, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Edith P. Rosen, lately domiciled at Malta, New York, County of Saratoga, admitting to probate a Will dated September 25, 2013, a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Edith P. Rosen, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [X ] Letters Testamentary issue to: Larry Rosen. Dated, Attested and Sealed, February 6th, 2017 (Seal). Attorney for Petitioner: David Brickman, Esq., Telephone #(518) 464-6464. Address of Attorney: 1664 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. HON. RICHARD A. KUPFERMAN, Surrogate. [sig] Catharine A. Ruggles, Chief Clerk. [Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. lf you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.]

LEGAL NOTICE Connecticut Superior Court J. D. of Fairfield at Bridgeport Return Date: 03/21/17 RE: Fabio Rosales Vs: Josephine Gonzalez Notice To: Josephine Gonzalez The Court has reviewed the Order of Notice in Family Cases, which asks for Divorce (dissolution of marriage). The Court finds that the current address of the party to be notified is unknown and that all reasonable efforts to find Josephine Gonzalez have failed. The Court also finds that the last known address of the party to be notified was Queens, NY. THE COURT ORDERS (signed) that notice be given to the party by placing a legal notice in the Queens Chronicle, a newspaper circulating in Queens, NY containing a true and attested copy of this Order of Notice, and, if accompanying a complaint for divorce a statement that Automatic Court Orders have been issued in the case as required by Section 25-5 of the Connecticut Practice Book and are a part of the Complaint/Application on file with the Court. The Notice should appear before 3/9/17 and proof of service shall be filed with this Court. Superior Court Assistant Clerk: Robert Wilock II Date Signed: 1/4/17 A True Copy Attest N. E. Nikola State Marshal/Fairfield County

NOTICE OF SALE - Supreme Cour t County of Queens, Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Plaintiff AG A I N S T Dorrick Nurse, Deryck Nurse, Jennifer Nurse, et al, Defendant, Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 10/9/2014 and entered on 11/3/2014, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens C oun t y Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Courtroom 25, Jamaica, NY on March 24, 2017 at 10:00 AM premises known as 145-63 176th Street Jamaica, N Y 11434-5231. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 13304, LOT: 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $503,099.86 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 32566 / 09. Victor Levin, Referee, FRENK EL L AMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP, 53 Gibson Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706

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C M SQ page 37 Y K

Legal Notices

STATE OF CONNECTICUT HARTFORD JD at HARTFORD KHALID, HAFIZ DEWAN HAMZA v BHALLA, RUBAB NO. HHD-FA-6072636 Notice to BHALLA, RUBAB: The Court finds that the current address of the party to be notified is unknown and that all reasonable efforts to find her have failed. The Court also finds that the last known address of the party to be notified was: 78-12 35th Ave., Jackson Heights, NY. The Court Orders that notice be given to the party to be notified by having a State Marshal or other proper officer place a legal notice in the Queens Chronicle, a newspaper circulating in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY containing a true and attested copy of this Order of Notice. TAKE NOTICE that a Complaint for annulment has been filed against you and NOTICE that Automatic Court Orders have been issued as required by Sec. 25-5 of the Connecticut Practice Book and are part of the Complaint on file with the Court and for relief as set forth in the Complaint. To respond to this Complaint, or to be informed of further proceedings, you or your attorney must file a form called an “Appearance” at the above Court, 90 Washington St., Hartford, CT on or before the second day following the Return Date of March 14, 2017. If you or your attorney do not file a written “Appearance” form on time, the Court may enter Judgment against you for the relief requested in the Complaint, which may result in temporary or permanent orders without further notice. The Court further orders that this notice shall appear once a week for two successive weeks commencing on or before 02/24/2017 and proof of service shall be filed with the Court. MILAGROS CRUZ-CANIZARES, CLERK OF COURT dated Jan. 31, 2017

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Real Estate

Houses For Sale

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

RICHMOND HILL

Notice of formation of ABRAVE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/29/2016. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the ABRAVE LLC, 3915 Main Street, Suite 307, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

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Notice of formation of Suri Realty Development LLC. Articles of Organization flied with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/09/2016 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC. SSNY shall mail process to 20720 Jordan Dr., Fl 2, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful activities.

125-12 107th Ave.

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for top-rated schools, spacious backyards, and beautiful parks and beaches. We can help you find the perfect home. Century 21 American Homes 2694 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY. www.c21amhomes.com/ angelabitsimis Call/Text Direct Angela Bitsimis, NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 516-996-6085

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UNK MOTORS, LLC Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/25/2017. 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, 37-43 Crescent Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. GS MAIN STREET REALTY, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 36-36 Prince St., Ste 11B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• • • • • • •

Mortgages

Broker 646-295-4500

Howard Beach JLR Accounting & Consulting, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/11/2017. 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, 125 Castle Ridge Road, Manhasset, NY 11030. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Mortgages

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 38

C M SQ page 38 Y K

SPORTS

Rise in anti-Semitic threats continued from page 2 of Jewish leaders nationwide. The White House was also criticized for issuing a statement for Holocaust Rememberance Day that did not mention the Jewish people, Nazi Germany’s main target for extermination. Published reports said the State Department had drafted its own statement that explicitly mentioned Jews, but the White House blocked its release. Last Thursday, Trump was directly asked by a Jewish reporter to condemn the rise in threats. But the president told him to sit down, called the question insulting and said the journalist was a liar for saying he would be asking a simple question. After a second reporter asked a similar question, a frustrated Trump claimed the political left was responsible for at least some of the r ise in anti-Semitism nationwide. The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation league immediately slammed Trump for his responses. The president finally referenced the hoaxes point blank Tuesday, strongly denouncing them to reporters. “The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible, painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil,” he said.

The words aren’t good enough for Lancman, who said Trump himself has fueled the spike in bigotry with his own controversial words during his campaign and his actions as president targeting Muslims, Mexicans and other groups. “Fortunately, we’re not living in a dictatorship yet,” he said. “There’s other political leadership in the country that can and must stand up, repudiate anti-Semitism and prevent it from becoming more mainstream.” Zalisky added that it was unacceptable for Trump to be silent for so long, but that she was hopeful the president would be more aware of issues impacting the Jewish community going forward. “Now he’s become cognizant of the issue and we hope he responds positively,” she said. “When he puts the weight of the presidency on it, maybe it will carry.” The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect in Manhattan was not as optimistic, calling the president’s statement a “Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism” that has invaded the White House. “Trump’s statement today is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting anti-Semitism,” executive director Steven Goldstein said, “yet day after day have refused to apologize and correct the Q record.”

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

BEAT

Christie, Phils, Mets by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Tug McGraw’s “Ya Gotta Believe!” was the rallying cry of the 1973 Mets, who came back from last place in August to win the National League East division on the last day of the season. It’s not hyperbolic to say that it’s one of the most famous baseball expressions to come along in the last 50 years. McGraw was traded from the Mets to the Phillies in late 1974 and he enjoyed a lot of success in Philadelphia. It is understandable that the Phillies consider the charismatic relief pitcher, who died too young from cancer at the age of 58, to be one of their own. However, it rubbed many in the Amazin’s organization the wrong way when the Phillies unveiled a mural that read “Ya Gotta Believe!” at their spring training headquarters last week. The Mets shot back on Twitter: “Ya Gotta Be Kidding Me!” New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a huge Mets fan, was a guest on SNY’s “Baseball Night in New York” last Wednesday night and he weighed in on the Phillies’ usurpation of a phrase that is a key part of Amazin’s history. Christie is rumored to be on the WFAN short list to replace the iconic Mike Francesa when he leaves the station at the end of the year, so it wasn’t surprising that he went into shock-jock mode as he attacked the Phillies and their fans. He said that their stadium, Citiwww.howardbeachrealty.com

82-17 153RD Ave., Suite 202 Howard Beach, NY 11414

718-835-4700

zens Bank Park, is unsafe for fans who want to root for the opposing team. Watching a replay of Christie’s remarks, it seemed that they were made tongue-in-cheek. The Phillies’ social media team took them that way and nicely responded with a zinger tweet: “We love our fans and appreciate their unwavering loyalty as we ‘bridge’ to a bright future.” Philadelphia is approximately a two-hour drive from most parts of Queens and both the Phillies and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism & Marketing Association count on Mets fans to come down and cheer on the Amazin’s as they spend money on hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, of which the City of Brotherly Love has plenty. Each season, the Mets make three road trips to Philly and if it were up to the Phillies’ accounting department, it would probably be twice that number. Citizens Bank Park is a beautiful place to watch a baseball game and I never tire of its panoramic view of Center City. As in any ballpark, you’ll find a handful of troublemakers but most of the stadium’s Phillies fans will razz their Mets counterparts simply for harmless fun. The Amazin’s and Queens businesses certainly want Phillies fans to come up from the Delaware Valley to Citi Field and have a Q great experience. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

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• Old Howard Beach • 2 Family - 1 bedroom over 1 bedroom, full finished basement, private driveway, garage, roof is 10 years old.

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• Howard Beach • New Construction - All brick custom Colonial. Finished basement, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 50x100 lot, radiant heat, CAC, inground pool, state-of-the-art appliances, fireplace, garage, too much to list!! Asking $1,299,999.00

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Condo 3.5 rms, 1 bedrm, central air, stainless appl, granite countertops, mod kit and bath, mint cond. $169,000

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• Lindenwood •

Exclusive to Century 21 Amiable II Studio for rent, completely mint renovated with a terrace. ••• • Rockaway Park • 2 bedroom, 2 bath Condo in Ocean Grande. Eff kitchen, living room/dining room, waterfront, terrace, kitchen has granite countertops, baths are fully renovated, stainless steel appliances, deeded parking spot in garage, doorman, gym, rooftop terrace, data center, lounge and media room. Common charges - $640. ©2017 M1P • CAMI-071150

Large Studio Co-op for rent in Pembroke, $1,350 all included Call Janice for private showing 718-490-8023

TOO NEW FOR PHOTO • Rockaway Beach • 2 Bedroom Condo - 1 block from the beach, full basement, a must see!

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• Ozone Park •

HOWARD BEACH

1 Family 4 bedrms, 2 baths, updated kitchen, updated bath, private drive, fireplace, garage.

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OCEANSIDE Det Colonial, new construction, 3 available, 11 rms, 4 bedrms, 2 baths, gas fire pl, lg lot.

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C M SQ page 39 Y K Celebrating our 28th Anniversary

REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC.

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Attached 2 fam, 3 BRs, 2 full baths. Lots of original charm.

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Asking $535K

"WATERFRONT" Corner 1 family, 3 BRs, 1 1/2 baths, 20x80 lot w/2 car garage. Large dock, fits 5 boats, 30x22 deck over water. New siding w/architectural roof. Asking 489K

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017

Connexion I

Thinking Of Selling? Now Is The Time! HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK Mint "All Brick" huge Colonial (32x48) on (40x100 lot), 4 lg BRs, 3 new full baths / new custom EIK w/island, huge formal dining rm, pavers front & back, in-ground heated salt-water pool. All redone brick, windows, kit, CAC, boiler, roof.

Call us for a FREE Market Evaluation

HOWARD BEACH All new totally redone in 2016, stone front, siding, windows, roof. New kitchen w/SS appliances, granite, 4 BRs, 3 full baths.

Asking $659K

HOWARD BEACH HAMILTON BEACH Brand new mint, 3 BR/2 Bath, 2 stories, detached, granite countertop w/stainless steel appliances.

HOWARD BEACH

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Large Ranch (65x27 on 80x100 lot) (Prop. can be subdivided/can build 2 one fam. homes) 3 lg BRs/2 full baths, living room, large dining room, new roof, new appliances, beautiful hardwood fl oors, lg attic, pvt driveway. Owner motivated. Asking $679K

718-845-1136 OUR EXCLUSIVE HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Mint California Hi-Ranch, 4 BRs, 2 baths, pavers front and back. Asking $799K

TOO NEW FOR PHOTO

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

Lovely Cape on 50x100 lot, 4 BRs / 2 baths, large yard / needs TLC

Hi-Ranch, all redone stucco and brick, 4 BRs, 3 baths, completely paved front and back. Must see.

Asking $599K

Garden Co-op. Gorgeous open kit/DR concept w/wood cabinets, porcelain floors, granite, SS/appliances, washer/dryer. 2 BRs.

Asking $269K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK Stucco Hi-Ranch (move in) 40x100, 5 BRs, 3 full baths, new kitchen, birch wood cabinets, stainless steel appl., Sub-Zero refrig, cathedral ceilings, skylights, sunken LR, 3 baths (Jacuzzi) in main bath, granite counter & table hi-hats, new pavers, 28x55 living space. Asking $759K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK IN

50 x 100, 4 BRs, 1 bath, unfinished bsmt., needs TLC.

Asking $599K

CONR-071133

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HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD

All new 2 BRs, 2 bath Co-op with 19 ft. terrace.

Garden Co-op, 3 BRs / 1 bath, large living room, 6 closets, freshly painted, newly refinished wood flooring, laundry on premises, storage area and party room available for a fee.

Pack your bags, move right in. Asking $279K

Asking $225K

For the latest news visit qchron.com

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH

FREE CUSTOMER PARKING (Across The Street)

PHONE ORDERS GLADLY ACCEPTED

FREE KEY FOOD Phone: 718-849-8200 BREAD

Mention $5 coupon in Queens Chronicle and receive Your neighborhood market since 1937 Sale Dates

FRI. Feb.

SAT. Feb.

SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. Feb. Feb. Feb. March March

$5.00 OFF

102-02 101st AVE. OZONE PARK

PHONE ORDERS

FREE Delivery $30 Minimum

CALL 718-849-8200 We Accept All Major Credit Cards

with $25 purchase

Must present coupon. Expires 03/02/17. Limit One per order.

“It’s not our intention to please a customer or to satisfy them, our intention is to amaze them”

WIC - EBT

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sun. 8 am to 9 pm

KEYF-071296

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 23, 2017 Page 40

C M SQ page 40 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.