Queens Chronicle South Edition 02-29-24

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

While responding to a complaint about e-bikes in a rear yard, officials from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention Special Inspections Unit found that as many as 87 people were living in a South Richmond Hill cellar on Monday.

The city Department of Buildings confirmed to the Chronicle that on Monday afternoon, DOB inspectors were called to Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture at 132-03 Liberty Ave. by first responders to investigate reports of an illegal conversion inside the two-story, mixed-use building.

Inspectors found that the building’s firstfloor commercial space and cellar had been illegally converted into sleeping quarters, the agency said, with 14 bunk beds and 13 other beds tightly packed on both floors.

Plumbing work had been performed in the building without permits and the cellar level was found to have inadequate egress for people to sleep there, with no ventilation or light, the DOB said.

Mayor Adams, at an unrelated Tuesday press conference, said he received a call at 1 a.m. from the agencies, notifying him about the findings. He said the people found living in the building were allegedly migrants.

“What we discovered last night in some

ways is also symptomatic of a larger crisis that this city is facing that we’ve talked about repeatedly in terms of the housing shortage in this city,” Maria Torres-Springer, the deputy mayor for housing, said at the press conference.

The furniture store owner, identified in later reports as Ebou Sarr, 47, confirmed to multiple news outlets that he was housing migrants in the building.

The Chronicle attempted to call Sarr multiple times on Tuesday and Wednesday, but was unable to reach him.

Sarr told reporters at the scene that the migrants were mostly from Senegal, that he was charging them $300 a month and that he was providing them with meals.

He did not get charged with any crimes.

The exact number of people living in the cellar was unclear, but multiple reports list around 70 to 87. Sarr told other news publications the number was about 70.

The Queens Chronicle contacted the Mayor’s Office to get a precise number, and a spokesperson responded by saying that the

situation is still under investigation.

The DOB issued a full vacate order for the first floor and the cellar due to severe overcrowding and hazardous firetrap condi-

tions found in the building, the agency said.

It also issued two violations to the landlord alleging illegal work without a permit and occupation of the building contrary to city records. The landlord could not be reache d for comment.

Those living in the building were referred to the city office of Emergency Management, the DOB said. Later reports said the migrants were relocated to the Bronx.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said in a statement that he was “deeply disturbed” to learn about the incident and lauded the agencies involved for their work.

“The exploitation of vulnerable migrants for cheap labor and housing is reprehensible and goes against ou r values as a society,” he said. “Every individual deserves to be treate d with dignity and respect, and it is the responsibility of building owners and authorities to ensure that proper living standards are maintained.”

He added that the focus shoul d be on providing support and assistance to those in need, rather than exploiting them for personal gain. Q

Dozens of migrants were found living in a cellar at Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture in South Richmond Hill after the FDNY was tipped off about e-bikes in the rear yard. PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

Scourged Jesus cutout causes controversy

Some

claim the image is too graphic for children, but the pastor doubles down

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

“If it was in a movie, the movie would be rated R — which is inappropriate for children.”

Anne Petrenas is not the only churchgoer bothered by a cardboard cutout of a bloodied, scourged Jesus Christ in Our Lady of Grace Church in Howard Beach.

A Feb. 17 Facebook post by Petrenas on the Howard Beach Dads group garnered almost 200 comments, with many in shock that the image is being displayed in front of children.

“I understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us and reflect on that during Lent,” she wrote. “However, our children do not need to see the nightmarish Jesus when they go to church!”

One commenter wrote, “Why do the children of the parish community and adults have to see a creepy cutout?! We all know that Jesus Christ suffered, he died for us....but I strongly believe that Jesus would NOT want his children, his adults, his people to feel uncomfortable or turned off by him or the church!”

Frances Scarantino, a longtime area resident who celebrates Mass weekly with her young children, told the Chronicle her family won’t be attending services at Our Lady of Grace as long as the cardboard cutout is on display.

“I don’t think it is appropriate for my children’s eyes.

play the image, which is to be left up for most of Lent. One commenter wrote, “This makes people uncomfortable? This is our religion. It happened, it’s fact and it’s the reason we have a heaven.”

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Dominick Dellaporte, addressed the public’s concern on the church’s Facebook page on Feb. 17. He wrote, in part, “We simply want to avoid something, and so my dear friends, there’s no changing what was done to our Blessed Lord then and now.”

Dellaporte told the Chronicle on Tuesday that he took a photo of a statue he had seen at two other churches and had it made into the cardboard cutout.

“There’s a history behind this image,” he said. “If you look at the bottom of the image, which I guess nobody really looks at, it says ‘ecce homo.’ It means that when our Lord was being scourged and beat up, Pilate called him forward on Good Friday morning and that was the condition he was in.”

They’re 4 and 6 years old. ... My kids don’t even watch Disney movies because they’re scared of the villains. So if that gives them nightmares, I don’t know what [the cutout] will do.”

Some residents supported the church’s decision to dis-

Woodhaven smoke shop raided again

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Magic Pack Smoke Shop, located at 84-17 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, was again raided by the authorities this month for the sale of unlicensed cannabis.

In a September interview with the Chronicle, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) referred to the store, which sits across the street from his office, as “a thorn in my side.”

Back in October, the store was raided by the NYC Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force, receiving 67 “counts of violations,” according to officials, and an estimated $56,700 in penalties.

It reopened not long after.

This time around, the pot shop faces the same number of counts and slightly more in fines. Hundreds of packages of illegal marijuana products were seized.

The store has since reopened. A photo from Addabbo’s office on Feb. 16 shows a restraining order on the establishment’s door, prohibiting the sale of cannabis.

He said the key to getting illicit pot shops to close for good is in legislation. He noted that bills are pending but nothing is

imminent [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

“[Legislation is] a piece of the puzzle, and hopefully it forms a picture,” he said.

For now, Addabbo said his office sent a letter to the building landlord to try to mitigate the issue. He said a “21+” sign was placed on the door.

He also said Deputy Inspector Jeremy Kivlin, the commanding officer of the NYPD 102nd Precinct, is “just as frustrated” about the issue, and that the agency is doing what it can to help. Q

Dellaporte said only a small group of parishioners are upset about the cutout, and that it will be removed around Holy Thursday. On parents’ being upset, he said he has seen worse Halloween costumes, and that some children have worse images on their phones.

“When I hear the way people talk about him and call him Pizza Jesus or Freddy Krueger, it’s very, very hurtful,” he said. “And these people call themselves Catholic. I have never, ever seen such a thing in my life.” Q

Pheffer Amato, BCCA address area flooding

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

After learning that MTA employees had been racing down East Sixth Road in Broad Channel during rainstorms, resulting in floodwater being pushed onto residents’ properties, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and the Broad Channel Civic Association took action.

In a Monday press release, Pheffer Amato’s office said the assemblywoman met with MTA leadership and presented videos that “clearly indicated the wrongdoing” of the drivers and demanded a change.

“I told them directly that if I hear or see this happen again, there will be serious consequences for those who disrespect the neighborhood — and they agreed,” said Pheffer Amato.

According to the press release, MTA leadership said the drivers were addressed and that this behavior should improve. The MTA was contacted for further information, but did not respond by publication time.

Pheffer Amato said that she and the Broad Channel Civic Association are in the “early stages of talking” with the city Department of Transportation to convert West Road into

a two-way street, which she said should provide some relief to the problem East Sixth Road residents are facing. Community Board 14 was informed of the proposal.

“The civic and residents are grateful to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for always being our partner and directly contacting the MTA in an effort to resolve this problem and the egregious behavior on the part of their employees,” said Broad Channel Civic President Dan Mundy Jr. in the press release. “We look forward to seeing better relations with our MTA neighbors and the improvements that are being brought to the community.”

Pheffer Amato also leads a monthly meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Broad Channel Civic Association to discuss street raising projects. West 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th roads have been raised and West 17th is currently in the final stage of work, she said.

“Efforts like this are all about partnership and I want to thank the Broad Channel Civic and the neighbors who have worked with us to get real solutions,” Pheffer Amato said. “Your quality of life matters and I will continue to push and get the results you deserve.” Q

A cardboard cutout of Jesus Christ at Our Lady of Grace Church in Howard Beach has upset some parishioners who believe the image is too graphic. OUR LADY OF GRACE PHOTO / FACEBOOK

A Woodhaven smoke shop was raided for illicit pot sales. PHOTO COURTESY NYS SENATE

Crossing guards get new training, gear

Naprawa posthumously promoted; NYPD announces safety upgrades

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

School crossing guards will receive new equipment and improved training following the death of Krystyna Naprawa, 63, who was hit by a dump truck while on duty at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue last October.

At a ceremony at One Police Plaza last Thursday, Naprawa’s daughter and son accepted an award honoring their mother’s posthumous promotion to community coordinator before the department announced the upgrades for school crossing guards’ safety.

“It’s an honor to be joined here today with our executive staff, and the family of a true NYPD hero,” Police First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella said at the ceremony. “Community Coordinator Krystyna Naprawa was the very definition of public service. And now, inspired by her service and her unwavering commitment to keeping our city safe — our children safe — we are building on her legacy.”

crossing guards would spend five days training in a class, and one day training in the field. Now the course has expanded to include an additional day of field training.

School crossing guards will also be issued new reflective vests, whistles and 18-inch stop sign paddles. Additionally, each NYPD borough patrol area will receive a dozen 18-inch stop signs with 6-foot telescopic, detachable poles for use at larger intersections and along truck routes. Kinsella said the upgrades were made possible by the New York City Police Foundation.

School crossing guards will receive a revised training curriculum overseen by the Traffic Enforcement Training Unit, according to the NYPD. Prior to the change, school

Chief of Patrol John Chell announced that the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue — where Naprawa was struck — will become a two-person post.

“These comprehensive reforms reflect our commitment to the safety of our school crossing guards,” Chell said. “They also play a vital role in protecting our children and fostering safe communities throughout our great city.

As we remember Krystyna, let her legacy be a catalyst for positive change like we’re doing here today.”

Chief of Personnel John Benoit said there were 124 school crossing guard vacancies as

of last Thursday. He said another hiring wave is scheduled for the end of May, when the agency will be seeking an additional 100 employees.

“By all accounts, Community Coordinator Naprawa cherished her job as an NYPD School Crossing Guard,” Police Commissioner Edward Caban said in a later press release. “She loved the familiar faces she saw each

day, and she loved sharing warm greetings with all the New Yorkers she helped along their daily routes. Importantly, she knew that nothing was more critical — or more honorable — than keeping our kids safe. And so we praise Krystyna for her commitment, and we are inspired by her legacy of service: a safer city for our children and a safer job for all the school crossing guards who protect them.” Q

Budget cuts for the EMS Division: union

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

“New York’s street doctors work miracles, protect lives, but exist on poverty wages of only $18.94 [an] hour,” said Oren Barzilay, president of FDNY EMS Local 2507, said about paramedics and emergency medical technicians in a statement.

The FDNY may have been spared from budget cuts for fiscal year 2024, but fewer funds were allocated to the EMS Division despite an increase in call volumes over the past two years, Barzilay added.

As the Fire Department’s budget increased by $117.7 million to $2.351 billion, EMS was allocated $400,000 less, going from $383.6 million budget to a $383.2 million as members from the division responded to 1,619,863 medical emergencies in 2023, a 2.5 percent increase from 2022 and 8.2 percent jump from 2021. In 2021, EMTs and paramedics responded to 301,139 medical emergencies in Queens, which jumped to 331,838 by 2023, according to the stats. There were also increases in medical emergencies in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

EMS personnel now have to work with 461 ambulances, as opposed to 516 in 2021, said the union in a press release.

Barzilay said the stagnant budget, fewer ambulances and lack of pay compared to other

emergency first responders has led to more personnel leaving the job and that results in longer response times, which could mean the difference between life and death for a patient.

The city did not respond to requests for comment.

“This is a $2.3 billion agency that is not investing in its EMS bureau,” Barzilay told the Chronicle. “We are the busiest in the nation

and yet they still don’t seem to want to invest in the EMS. Instead of adding additional [ambulance] units to the system as the demand gets higher every year, they do the exact opposite and reduce the resources and funding for us.”

According to EMS World, an online outlet, the FDNY responded to 2.2 million calls in 2019. The total EMS calls were 2,128,560 and

the total fire calls were 40,783. The next closest city for total calls was Chicago with 851,769. The Windy City also had 223,323 fire calls and 596,807 EMS calls.

Average response in times in New York were 10 minutes and 43 seconds in 2023 and 10 minutes and 37 seconds for the first few months of 2024. When the EMS Division received more resources during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 the response time dropped from 8 to 6 minutes, Barzilay said.

“We had an influx of mutual aid during Covid-19,” he said. “When you flooded the system with units the response time improved and people got attention immediately.”

EMTs and paramedics sometimes do two shifts a day, and the loss of 55 ambulances means there could be 110 fewer responses to medical emergencies, further increasing response times, he added.

Barzilay fears that response times will start to climb with the continued lack of resources.

“We are asking that the ambulances be added back into the system so that response times will be better,” he said. “If we have an average of 10 minutes to a critical call, if it’s a life-threatening incident like cardiac arrest or a choking victim, it is very dangerous to the public. After 4 to 6 minutes clinical death

School crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa was posthumously promoted to Community Coordinator last Thursday at a ceremony attended by her family, friends and colleagues. At the event, the NYPD announced upgrades in training and equipment for school crossing guards. NYPD PHOTO / X

Krystyna Naprawa FACEBOOK PHOTO / FILE

FDNY EMS Local 2507 says that despite the city sparing Fire Department from budget cuts, the EMS Division had a reduction in its budget, resulting in fewer ambulances. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

EDITORIAL AGEP Snuff out the out-of-control illegal weed market

It’s high time the authorities take a stone-cold sober look at the proliferation of pot shops pervading the city and finally get serious about shutting them down for real. What they’re doing so far is not nearly enough. Shops get closed, they reopen. They get fined, they don’t pay.

In this week’s various editions of the Queens Chronicle are four stories on illegal marijuana shops — one about four of them being shut down in the Whitestone-College Point area, one about another one getting closed in Woodhaven, one about elected officials pressing their colleagues to pass legislation on the issue and one about the state’s inability so far to collect the fines that have been imposed on violators.

So far, according to our colleagues at THE CITY, who wrote the piece on the fines, the shops aren’t paying up. The state has levied about $25 million in penalties on illicit stores, but the Office of Cannabis Management (yes, we have that now) has only collected about $22,500. That’s less than a tenth of a percent, less than $1 paid for every $1,000 billed. Part of the problem is that violators have a due process right to appeal, as they should, but that’s not all of it.

Even when the storefront marijuana traffickers do pay their fines, it’s just a cost of doing business. Their revenue

apparently is so high it’s still worth it. Take a place called Magic Pack in Woodhaven, which happens to sit across the street from state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.’s office. It got shut down in October, charged with more than 60 violations that should have cost more than $56,000 in fines. We don’t know if it paid, but it soon reopened. It just got hit again, with the same number of violations and about the same dollar amount in fines. And guess what? It immediately reopened.

Touting the raids in North Queens, two of which she went on herself, City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino got to another part of the problem but also part of the solution: “They got arrested, the owners, and yes, you’re right, before you ask, they will probably be out tomorrow,” she said. “The idea here is to make their lives as miserable as I possibly can, and that’s what I will do, and that’s what I will continue to do.”

The authorities have to keep up the pressure on the shops and make it impossible for them to do business. How is it they can be closed one day and reopen the next? If a restaurant is closed for, say, health violations, it doesn’t get to reopen until an inspector says it can. Yet these shops act with impunity. The city needs more tools to enforce the law.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar of Southwest Queens

and State Sen. Leroy Comrie of Southeast Queens have a bill in Albany that would give municipalities more power to use their police forces to shut down the illegal shops. On Wednesday, Gov. Hochul touted her own proposal to expand the powers of both local governments and the OCM to padlock them. She also wants tech companies to prevent the dealers from promoting their products online. All this, she says, will help the “legal, equitable market” of state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. (Remember kids, there’s no such thing as safe, healthy marijuana, no matter what your betters in Albany tell you. But there is tax revenue to be had.)

We say, use the kitchen sink approach on enforcement. Go ahead and pass the Rajkumar-Comrie bill. Do the same with the governor’s plan. It’s part of her budget proposal, which has to be finalized by April 1 under the law.

We were never on board the “legalize pot but call it cannabis” train, but here we are. We’ve got dealers brazenly operating out of storefronts, which encourages other lawbreaking. Legal operators have no chance against illegal ones. And of course the stuff is working its way down to the high schools and middle schools; it always has, but now it’s easier. We really need to rein this in before it gets even worse.

Published

Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Vision Zero a failure

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON

Founders

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Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

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Senior

Account Executives:

Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt

Contributors:

Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

Photographers:

Walter Karling, Michael Shain

Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201

Glendale, NY 11385

Phone: (718) 205-8000

Fax: (718) 205-1957

E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com

Website: www.qchron.com

Your article “Vision Zero a decade later” (Feb. 22, multiple editions) touting its success just proves you can manipulate statistics to prove anything you want. It shows the same number of fatal crashes the first year as in 2023. How is that success? The fatality rate in 10 years isn’t even close to zero, which is the goal. How is that success? Why is safety the only goal? We could reach zero fatalities by banning all moving vehicles, but that is unrealistic.

Other factors besides safety must also be considered to determine success. Since Vision Zero took effect, travel is more time-consuming now than ever before, especially on former arterials like Queens and Woodhaven boulevards, which have become local streets. The fencing on Queens Boulevard preventing jaywalking is what reduced fatalities there, not any of the other measures taken.

Travel on Woodhaven Boulevard since the bus lanes and lower speed limits is now much slower for all traffic. Fatalities are exaggerated by using longer time periods. Instead of customarily considering the past year or three years, the benchmark is now 10 years. Fewer than two deaths a year on Woodhaven Boulevard when 99.99 percent of pedestrian crossings are accomplished safely do not make a street dangerous.

We must end this Vision Zero nonsense, which has been a tremendous failure costing us millions of dollars in lost time each year.

Allan Rosen Brooklyn

The writer is a former director of MTA New York City Transit Bus Planning with three decades of experience in transportation and a master’s degree in urban planning.

De Blasio’s curse: LL 97

Dear Editor:

Letter writers to the Chronicle relate the heavy, abrupt financial burden Local Law 97 puts on them as co-op owners (while pointing out its underlying climate futility). Also worth pointing out and remembering: It was passed in 2009 and signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Another middle finger to the middle class from his political oblivion.

Blame Democrats, sure, but where were the Republicans (what there is of them)? Oh, right

— they were harmlessly busy screaming about congestion pricing. Still are.

Naturally, this has no effect on that $72 million Greenwich Village townhouse or, as usual, Park Slope brownstones, where much of the ruling elite who come up with these dictates, like de Blasio, keep their massive property tax discounts. That ongoing de Blasian obscenity gets added to your monthly maintenance bill, too, of course. With fewer complaints, for some reason.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Drop social media’s shield

Dear Editor:

Re Kristen Guglielmo’s Feb. 22 report “City sues multiple social media sites”:

The Big Apple joins a long line of litigants suing social media, including the attorneys general of 33 states, plus 150 families who blame social media platforms for the wrongful death of their loved ones. But none of the plaintiffs are

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

likely to win monetary awards because all social media platforms have legal immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This bill was enacted in 1996, 10 years before social media existed, to protect the internet, then in its early stages. Such protection is no longer justified.

U.S. Sens. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durban (D-Ill.) said they will introduce a bill to remove social media’s legal immunity (Washington Post, Feb. 1). Strong bipartisan pressure is growing for this measure. But passage depends on whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), a friend and protector of social media companies, allows the bill to reach the Senate floor for a vote.

Only two business sectors enjoy legal immunity in the United States — social media platforms and gun manufacturers. Both kill people.

Kew

Richard Reif

Gardens Hills

I fear subway crime

Dear Editor:

It has been reported that crime is up in the New York City subways by 18 percent in 2024. Five of these major crimes are: murder, rape, robbery, felony assault and grand larceny. Mayor Adams said the NYPD would move 12-hour patrols tours in the subway to curtail crime there.

Added to that, the other day station agent Noreen Mallory was assaulted on the job and suffered a black eye. My heartfelt prayers go out to her and I hope she heals soon.

I also hope the mayor’s plans will work. I’m a 75-year-old senior citizen and walk with a cane, and I am greatly fearful about traveling by subway to go to my doctors. Therefore I’m forced to rely on friends and neighbors to help me get to them. The city needs to do more to protect those who live here and rely on our subways.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

LIRR can’t get it done

Dear Editor:

Learning about the next phase of a major reconfiguration of the Harold Interlocking “New LIRR schedules take effect March 4” (by Michael Gannon, Feb. 22, multiple editions) is disappointing. The MTA invested $11.6 billion in direct costs for construction of the Long Island Rail Road East Side Access project to Grand Central Madison. Part of the scope of work involved upgrading the Harold Interlocking and signals west of the Woodside station. This cost over $1 billion. (These capital assets were previously updated in 1991 at a cost of over $100 million.) The most recent work included upgrading and expanding the signal system to accommodate new LIRR service to Grand Central Madison.

It is disappointing that one year later, there is still the need for another round of capital improvements for the Harold Interlocking. The MTA claims that this new work will improve reliability for Amtrak and LIRR riders. Why wasn’t this commitment completed under previous Harold Interlocking investments? The LIRR will once again be dependent on sufficient track outages and Amtrak force account services (track and signal employees) to com-

plete this work on time and within budget. This new work will inevitably result in canceled, combined and delayed trains, just like previous work at the same location.

Will acting LIRR President Robert Free, unlike his predecessors, finally get the Harold Interlocking right this third go around under his watch? Taxpayers, commuters, transit advocates, funding agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration, MTA Board members and elected officials should expect nothing less.

Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

The writer is a transportation historian, advocate and writer who served for 31 years in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office, working on funding grants for more than 30 agencies.

Pols leave us unsafe

Dear Editor:

You would think that the first resolution for the new year on the part of our elected officials would be to keep our city and state safe. Instead, except for a few outnumbered members, they’re all complicit with the same goal to keep our jails empty by not repealing the Andrew Cuomo no-jail reform bill of 2019 and the longstanding, insane sanctuary city policy.

And now, just recently, the Rev. Juan Ruiz, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge, posted the $15,000 bail for the release of Johenry Brito, one of the migrants charged with attacking the two police officers in Times Square.

You would think the reverend would have compassion and respect for the officers and would use that money to help our own homeless people.

Be alert, be vigilant and speak up, New York!

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

Immigrants’ positive impact

Dear Editor:

Many Americans seem reluctant to welcome new immigrants. However, if those immigrants are law-abiding and hardworking while they abide here, there should be no complaints. Also, their progeny will become acculturated American youth, much to the chagrin of their parents. Historically, whenever a foreign adversary has threatened this country, our newest immigrants have always answered the call to defend this nation’s liberty and democracy, despite not being fully accepted here. Many of those immigrants made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and protect their newly found rights, freedoms and opportunities of which they were previously denied.

Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published.

Dining Out NYC set to start in March

Permanent outdoor eating is here. What does the licensing process look like?

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

If you have been walking past roadway cafés and wondering why they are allowed out in February, that’s because Dining Out NYC, the city’s permanent outdoor dining program that comes with a set of tighter regulations, has yet to officially launch.

New information from the city Department of Transportation at a Queens Borough Cabinet meeting last Thursday provided more clarity on the future of outdoor dining.

Dining Out NYC is set to launch with a transition period beginning in March as the application portal opens. Applicants will be assigned reviewers and can track the status of their applications by accessing the portal.

The entire sidewalk dining application process can take two to six months, according to a DOT timeline.

First, the application is submitted to the DOT, which reviews it for completion and will forward it to the relevant borough president, councilmember and community board.

At that point, the area community board may hold a public hearing to provide recommendations. The DOT may be required to hold a public hearing as well, and the City Council can call the application to a vote.

The DOT will then notify the applicant and a revocable consent agreement is executed if

A

approved. After the DOT files the revocable consent agreement with the city comptroller, finally, a license can be issued.

Revocable consent is the mechanism through which the city grants a right to an individual or organization to construct and maintain certain structures on, over or under the streets and sidewalks. As the name implies, the city retains the right to revoke the

Ariola kicks off second annual essay contest

Winner will be ‘Councilperson for a day’

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Has your child ever been curious about a career in politics? Or about the inner workings of city government? A contest by Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) is offering a chance at an inside look.

All middle and high school students in District 32 are welcome to enter Ariola’s second annual Veterans’ Appreciation Essay Contest. The winner will get a chance to be a “Councilperson for a Day,” which includes a lunch with the councilwoman and an inside look at City Hall and how local government operates.

Applicants must compose a 500-word essay on a veteran or active military member who is important to them and email it to rvann@council.nyc.gov by May 15.

“Our veterans have put their lives on the line for our freedoms, and these essays are great ways to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten by the next generation,” said Ariola in a Feb. 23 press

release. “Last year we received so many wonderful essays about truly amazing men and women, and I look forward to once again reading about the individuals who have made such a tremendous impact both for our nation, and in the lives of our local young people.”

Anyone with questions is asked to call Ariola’s office at (718) 738-1083. Q

consent at any time.

Temporary program applicants must apply by Aug. 3 to continue operating their outdoor setups throughout the application process.

“If that hasn’t happened, or if they have not applied for the program, they will have to remove their setup by the end of this year,” Tanner Barr, a DOT representative, said at the cabinet meeting. Outdoor setups, whether

structures or just tables and chairs, will have to be brought into compliance within 30 days following an application’s approval.

Barr told the cabinet that setups will be inspected upon initial installation. The DOT only regulates outdoor setups in the public sphere — sidewalk, roadway or private property developed as sidewalk widening areas pursuant to NYC zoning resolutions — not private property, or privately owned public spaces.

Participants will also gain access to the Dining Out NYC Marketplace — a directory for participants to utilize at will when designing outdoor setups.

As detailed previously, roadway cafés, which are located in the curb lane or parking lane fronting a ground-floor restaurant, will only be permitted from April 1 through Nov. 29. Sidewalk cafés, which are located on a public sidewalk or sidewalk widening that is fronting a ground-floor restaurant, will be permitted year-round.

In terms of total fees, for a four-year term, a single sidewalk or roadway café will cost $1,050. For both, it will cost $2,100. The revocable consent fee will be an annual charge based on café size and other factors. A onetime public notice fee will be charged if applicable and a $2,500 security deposit is required and is refundable at the end of the term. Q

Let’s hear it for the girls!

Give it up for the hometown champs!

Howard Beach’s St. Helen Catholic Academy 4th grade girls team won the CYO Brooklyn and Queens Diocesan championship game on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst. The final score was 25 to 17.

According to the church, it is the first time an all-girls commemorative win banner will be hung in the St. Helen Catholic Acad-

Councilwoman Joann Ariola at City Hall last year alongside 2023’s contest winner, Jason Youngberg. PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL

emy gymnasium.

Pictured here after the big win is Coach Isaac Ortiz, top left, Sophia Buckley, Avabella Saverino, Coach Bryan Ortiz, Alex Carrion, Allison Prosser, Siena Trocchia and Coach Gina Panteleone.

In the bottom row is Victoria Guzman, left, Vienna Pavis, Kaitlyn Ortiz, Valentina Coppola and Elle Panteleone.

— Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTO COURTESY MELISSA ORLANDO-ROMERO

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Pot shops fined over $25M; paid almost nothing

by Rosalind Adams THE CITY

This article was originally published on Feb. 22 at 5:00 a.m. EDT by THE CITY

The state has levied more than $25 million in fines against unlicensed smoke shops for selling cannabis products since last year, but so far only a minuscule percent of those fines have been collected by both the state Tax Department and the Office of Cannabis Management, THE CITY has learned.

The two agencies were granted greater authority last year to enforce the 2021 cannabis law and began joint raids against smoke shops for selling cannabis products without a license last summer. They levy and collect fines separately, however. Fines may be levied against individuals who operate the smoke shops or the business itself when it’s difficult to track down an owner.

The Office of Cannabis Management said it has collected $22,500 in fines from unlicensed shops. The Department of Taxation and Finance has collected $0 in fines so far, said

sources familiar with the state’s enforcement progress.

Last October, THE CITY reported that the state cannabis agency, citing a lack of resources, had paused the enforcement hearings that follow state agency raids on unlicensed shops. Lawyers for unlicensed shops told THE CITY at the time that they had received notices on behalf of their clients that the cases were being withdrawn. Meanwhile, the raids have continued.

But while OCM has withdrawn many cases, some shops and their operators have received letters separately from the Tax Department warning them of fines more than $150,000, according to notices obtained by THE CITY.

“Currently, the State is prioritizing shutting down illegal shops and seizing unlawful products,” said Aaron Ghitelman, a spokesperson for OCM. “While we recognize entities being fined have a right to due process, we are committed to working within the confines of the law to collect the fines once the legal process is complete.”

Fines levied by the Tax Depart-

The state’s Tax Department fined an unlicensed cannabis shop over $162,000.

DOCUMENT OBTAINED BY THE CITY by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) took to the steps of City Hall on Friday to rally a coalition calling for the passage of her bill, the SMOKEOUT Act. Also known as A8428A, the Stop Marijuana Overproliferation and Keep Empty Operators of Unlicensed Transactions Act would grant municipalities across the state the authority to close illegal pot shops.

ment may be appealed, for example. And shops fined by the Office of Cannabis Management may be challenged in the administrative hearings the agency paused back in October, which lengthens the state’s timeline to collect the fines.

Ghitelman added that the state has seized tens of millions of dollars in illicit products as part of its enforcement measures. Gov. Hochul has repeatedly emphasized the amount of product seized in press releases about the progress of the raids.

The governor’s office and the state tax department declined to answer questions and deferred to the statement provided by OCM.

The dearth of fines collected so far highlights the challenge of enforcing the cannabis law in a state with a booming gray market.

In New York City alone, unlicensed shops are rampant throughout some neighborhoods. Though there is no official count of the number of unlicensed smoke shops, it is estimated to be in the thousands. Last month, local news outlet CNY Central reported that OCM has only

14 investigators on staff.

The two state agencies are not the only ones involved in enforcement. The Sheriff’s Department is inspecting smoke shops in New York City as well, and the NYPD has done undercover inspections of shops suspected of selling cannabis to minors.

In Hochul’s annual State of the State address last month, the governor said that she would seek new enforcement powers this year as part of the annual budget.

“We know there’s more to be done and we need more tools to do it. We’re going to continue working with local leaders, including in New York City, to shut down illegal cannabis stores once and for all,” she said.

Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), the chair of the Senate Cannabis Committee, agreed that more enforcement powers are needed, but added that the effort has to be in tandem with opening up new stores.

“The way forward is to make sure that we have more legal stores operating on our streets,” Cooney told THE CITY in an interview. “It’s a

parallel track — one is to close down stores and make sure enforcement is happening, the other is to make sure that new ones are opening.”

“We’re not moving fast enough,” Cooney added.

At a Senate hearing in late October, executive director Chris Alexander testified that he did not think fines were enough to deter unlicensed shops. In response to questions, he said that he expected OCM’s administrative hearings to resume within weeks. But months later, the hearings have not resumed. OCM said it is seeking expanded enforcement powers to padlock stores instead of issuing fines.

Cooney told THE CITY he was unaware of this and found it “very concerning.”

The fines levied by the Tax Department are determined by a formula that assesses that unlicensed shops owe up to two times the amount of tax that would have been due on that illicit cannabis, the deficiency notices said.

Both letters reviewed by THE CITY say that more than 12 pounds of illicit cannabis had been seized but do not show specifically the details of the calculation. The law affords people the right to appeal the fines, which may be part of the reason why the agency has not collected any fines from unlicensed shops yet.

But in both instances, the shops had been raided by the OCM and the Tax Department and had product seized but the state cannabis agency had withdrawn their proceedings.

“Of course no one is paying them,” said Paula Collins, a lawyer who represents clients who operate unlicensed smoke shops. “They thought it was over.” Q

THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.

Officials and activists rally for smoke shop bill

30 days.

“This issue unites us across all boroughs and across all backgrounds,” Rajkumar said at the rally, according to a press release from her office. “How can there be 1,000 times more illegal smoke shops than legal ones? As New Yorkers, we all feel like we are high right now, because the situation makes no sense. But we can fix it, and we can fix it this year by passing my SMOKEOUT Act.”

Mayor Adams said if the SMOKEOUT Act passes, he will be able to close all illegal marijuana shops in the city within

Rajkumar said she is working closely with Albany leadership, including the governor, to include the SMOKEOUT language in the state budget due April 1.

“We need to make sure that there’s the manpower to close these illegal shops down,” state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), the bill’s Senate sponsor, said at the rally. “We need to make sure that fines are imposed in a positive way. And we need to do this now because it’s killing our cities’ neighborhoods, it’s killing our local businesses, it’s impacting everything from churches to daycare centers. We need to shut this down.”

At the rally, a representative of Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) announced that she had introduced Res. 0027-2024 in the City Council, which calls

on Albany to pass the SMOKEOUT Act. Rajkumar’s office said in a Tuesday press release that illegal smoke shops are a “tantalizing target for armed robberies” and said there is nearly one robbery for every two smoke shops. In 2023, there were five fatal shootings in pot shops in the city, including one in Rajkumar’s district in March.

Besides breeding crime and endangering neighborhoods, illegal smoke shops unfairly compete with the legal cannabis dispensaries, Rajkumar’s office said. Legal operators underwent a lengthy licensure process to sell tested and regulated marijuana. Q

The Office of Cannabis Management seized marijuana product from an unlicensed smoke shop on Avenue A, Oct. 26, 2023. PHOTO BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY

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Mayor cancels acrossthe-board budget cuts

Adams says previous moves, higher tax revenue save NYC $6.6 billion

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Mayor Adams last week canceled 5 percent across-the-board budget cuts that he ordered this past summer for the fiscal year 2025 budget.

had to say about our team:

Adams came under heavy criticism when he announced the cuts as necessary to balance the present budget and for fiscal year 2025. The latter, which must be in place by July 1, is in the early stages of negotiation with the City Council.

In a press release, the mayor attributed the reversal to a number of factors adding up to $6.6 billion in savings, including his office’s strong fiscal management; better-thanexpected tax receipts; and an additional 10 percent cut to asylum spending on top of a 20 percent reduction that Adams said already has saved the city $1.7 billion.

“The combination of our tough, but necessary financial management decisions, including cutting asylum seeker spending by billions of dollars, along with better-thanexpected economic performance in 2023, is allowing us to cancel the last round of spending cuts, as well as lift the near total freezes on city hiring and other than personal spending,” Adams said.

“Make no mistake — we are not yet out of the woods, as we still need Albany and Washington, DC, to play their roles in providing New Yorkers with additional support,” the mayor added. “But this new chapter is the result of a full collaboration across city government, our nonprofit partners, and so many others, and will allow us to continue to deliver on our mission for a safer, cleaner, more prosperous New York City for all.”

Adams last year said conditions contribut-

ing to the initial need for cuts included the end of Covid relief funding and the failure of the federal government to adequately reimburse the city for services for the roughly 170,000 migrants who have arrived in the last two years.

The rollback announcement came one day after the renowned credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the city’s credit rating at Aa2 — its third highest rating for most of its bond issues and said the Big Apple’s outlook remains stable [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

The mayor last month submitted a preliminary budget of $109.4 billion. His spending reductions over the course of 2023 were protested by the leadership of the City Council, education advocates, the city’s public library systems and others.

In a joint statement Feb. 21, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Finance Committee chairman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), welcomed the change.

“We are relieved that Mayor Adams and his Administration have heeded the calls and advocacy of the Council and New Yorkers who have sought a better approach to our city’s budget that protects essential services our constituents rely on,” they said in a press release on the Council’s website.

“As the Council’s economists forecasted, New York City’s economy has proven durable and resilient, and blunt cuts that had a disproportionately negative impact on vital programs were never necessary,” they added. “It remains critical for our municipal workforce to be strengthened, and the end of the full hiring freeze is an important step that will enable City agencies to fulfill their obligations to New Yorkers.” Q

Prior savings and higher-than-anticipated tax revenue have led Mayor Adams to cancel what critics last summer called draconian cuts to the city’s budget. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

State lawmakers pass their own maps

Congressional district lines final two years later — or are they?

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Just days after voting down the second set of congressional district lines proposed by the state’s inaugural Independent Redistricting Commission, the state Senate and Assembly on Wednesday both voted to approve maps members drew themselves. Gov. Hochul signed them into law late Wednesday afternoon.

Though the finished lines are not all that different from the ones used in the 2022 midterm elections, nor from the ones drawn and agreed upon by the IRC last month, the changes the Legislature made give Democrats a leg up in two key congressional districts heading into this year’s elections: Congressional District 22 in Central New York, and Congressional District 3, where Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Queens), was just re-elected in the special election to replace former Rep. George Santos.

While the changes to the boundaries do not alter which Queens voters can participate in the NY-3 June and November elections, the makeup of the district was edited to include parts of Huntington that have historically been more friendly to Democrats, extending the district into Suffolk County once again.

As in the IRC plan, there are only minor changes to Queens districts, otherwise. While parts of Corona — including Citi Field — are

now in District 6, represented by Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), as opposed to District 14, home to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens), Jackson Heights was incorporated into District 14.

Senate majority spokesperson Mike Murphy stood by the move in a statement Wednesday: “The map ratified by the IRC failed to adequately tackle the issues inherent in the existing congressional map, leading to its rejection by the Legislature. According to the State constitution, there is a clear prohibition against protecting incumbents and dividing communities. In response, we undertook necessary measures, including the reduction of county divisions.

“As a result, we have produced a map that more accurately aligns with our constitutional standards, while still ensuring that 98% of New Yorkers remain in the same district initially proposed by the IRC. I am confident in the thoroughness of our efforts to ensure fairness throughout this process and best ensure equitable representation for all New Yorkers.”

The Legislature’s decision to vote down the IRC maps and draw its own is not an unfamiliar one: The two chambers did the same thing two years ago after the commission failed to agree on state Senate, Assembly and congressional district lines. That was later deemed unconstitutional, prompting the state Court of

Two years after state lawmakers drew legislative maps that would end up in court, the Legislature voted to pass its own maps once again. NYS LEGISLATURE / REDISTRICTING AND ME

Appeals to appoint special master Jonathan Cervas to redraw the state Senate and congressional maps and delaying those elections by two months. In December, the Court of Appeals ruled Cervas’ congressional lines were meant to be temporary, and could not be used through the next Census in 2030, so the court sent the IRC back to the drawing board.

And while this time, the panel was able to come to a consensus, the Legislature opted to reject its plan. The two chambers’ new plan on Wednesday passed 45-17 in the Senate and 115-33 in the Assembly.

Whether the maps will face legal challenges from area Republicans, however, is an open question. Q

Queens County Savings Bank is now Flagstar.

Defendants in DJ’s murder found guilty

U.S. Attorney Peace said witnesses were fearful in Jam Master Jay trial

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Courage, strength and resolve triumphed over fear at the trial for the murder of Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York at a press conference Tuesday.

More than 20 years after the murder of the famous deejay from the Hollis rap group Run-DMC, a jury found Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington, also from the same neighborhood, guilty for the shooting death of Jam Master Jay at a recording studio in Jamaica.

“It’s no mystery of why it took years to indict and arrest the defendants,” Peace said. “The witnesses in the recording studio knew the killers and they were terrified that they would be retaliated against if they cooperated with law enforcement and identified the ruthless executioners of Mr. Mizell.”

In 2020, Jordan and Washington were charged in a 10-count indictment with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. Jordan was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and seven counts of cocaine distribution, according to the USAO.

A third defendant, Jay Bryant, formerly of Far Rockaway and Jamaica, was also charged in the Oct. 30, 2002 murder of the hip-hop star, but much later in May 2023, and he will be tried separately, prosecutors said.

“We cannot and should not accept the victimization of and killing of members of our

communities,” Peace said. “With the trust of law enforcement and the community that we are always working hard to build, we can solve more cases like this and we can make our communities safer.”

Authorities said the “My Adidas” artist was killed over a falling out over the distribution of about 10 kilos of cocaine he bought from a supplier in California that was supposed to be sold in Maryland.

Washington became involved in a dispute with an unnamed co-conspirator from Baltimore, after which the deejay told him and Jordan that they were cut out of the $200,000 drug deal, according to an investigation.

On the night in question, Bryant allegedly entered the 24/7 recording studio at 90-10 Merrick Blvd. at 7:30 p.m. with Jordan and Washington, the authorities say.

Washington pointed a gun at the deejay’s business manager as she tried to flee the building, then ordered her to lie on the floor. Jordan later walked up to the deejay, his godfather, and fired his gun twice at close range, shooting him once in the head, killing him. The second shot hit a friend of the RunDMC star, Uriel Rincon, then 25, in the leg.

According to witnesses, the deejay was playing video games and reviewing paperwork from his business manager before the shooting. He was also happy to see his godson before the tragic turn of events.

Bryant was allegedly observed entering the premises through a fire escape door with the defendants immediately before the shooting. He allegedly left clothing that bore his

Queens, York colleges receive bomb threat

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Both the Queens College and York College campuses were evacuated last Thursday afternoon after the schools received bomb threats.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said an unknown individual sent both schools bomb threats via email just after 12:45 p.m. Both campuses were subsequently evacuated and shifted to remote work and classes for the rest of the day.

Following canvasses by the Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit of both schools, the Flushing and Jamaica campuses were given the all-clear at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Queens College spokesperson Maria Matteo and York College spokesperson Dana Trimboli shared similar accounts, though Trimboli said the school was deemed safe “around 3 p.m.”

Matteo confirmed the school received

a “credible threat.”

Trimboli told the Chronicle that it is believed the two colleges received the same threat. She added that the York threat was sent to a general email account students send questions to.

Thanking the NYPD and the schools for their quick action, Borough President Donovan Richards said last Thursday his office was monitoring the situation.

“Making threats like these are dangerous and disgusting,” he posted to X. “We won’t stand for this in Queens.”

Asked for CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez’s comment on the two bomb threats, CUNY press secretary Noah Gardy referred the Chronicle back to Matteo.

Both schools resumed normal in-person operations last Friday morning, their respective spokespeople said.

As of press time Wednesday, the investigation remained ongoing. Q

More than 20 years after the murder of the deejay Jam Master Jay, witnesses came forward to testify against his killers.

DNA at the crime scene and not only admitted to being involved with the murder, but claimed to also be the shooter to an associate, according to an indictment.

After the three defendants allegedly fled the scene, they variously made admissions to associates implicating themselves in the fatal shooting or bragging about being the shooter.

One witness, who lived in a residence owned by Jordan’s father, testified that he overheard Jordan say that if Mizell “were still alive he would kill him again.” Washington’s former girlfriend testified that several days after the murder, he admitted to killing Mizell. At trial, Rincon identified

Jordan as the shooter. Mizell’s business manager identified Washington as being present in the recording studio during the murder, pointing a firearm at her and ordering her to get down on the floor.

Peace said he had a message for those who commit murder and engage in gun violence: “We don’t rest until you are brought to justice.”

At the time of his death, Jam Master Jay was working on launching the Scratch DJ Academy, with Rob Principe, his business partner, who had the idea to make deejaying more accessible to all. According to a 2012 Guardian interview, Principe said Jam Master Jay was immediately on board.

“I’m in,” Principe recalled him saying. “Let’s create something that my son can work when he’s older. Let’s leave a legacy.”

The deejay did leave a legacy.

“Finally, I want to note that next month will be the 40th anniversary of Run DMC releasing a song about Mr. Mizell entitled ‘Jam Master Jay,’” said Peace. “Since that song was released, Mr. Mizell reached the highest heights of fame through trailblazing music and trendsetting style. Tragically, his life was cut short as a result of greed and revenge, but today, today is justice for Mr. Mizell and his family.”

Bryant will be tried separately for his role in the deejay’s murder in January 2026. Jordan is also charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine distribution and will be tried on those counts at a later date.

Jordan and Washington face a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life imprisonment.

A judge will set a date for their sentencing at a later time. Q

Security cams coming to parks

After years of complaints regarding safety concerns in Frank Charles Memorial Park and Hamilton Beach Park, the areas will soon have security cameras installed, according to area officials.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) wrote in a press release that she had spearheaded a Federal Parks Task Force and negotiated with the National Park Service and NYPD to secure and install the cameras.

“The safety of our community is always my first priority and I am very happy to see this finally come to fruition,” she said.

The extra security was also lauded by the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, which wrote on Facebook, “Thank you to everyone who was persistent, and worked hard to make sure that this came to fruition.”

Roger Gendron, the president of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, celebrated the announcement on the group’s Facebook page, saying it came after “nearly 7 years of countless meetings.”

The cameras are slated to be installed in late spring, according to Pheffer Amato’s office.

—

Q

Kristen Guglielmo

Our Neighbors Civic meeting on March 6

The Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park welcomes all to its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 6, in the basement of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, at 111-50 115 St. in South Ozone Park. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the meeting start at 7:30. Agenda items include a speaker from

LifeVac to discuss the choking rescue device, a rep from the Department of Finance to help with property assessment and exemptions and acknowledgement of International Women’s Day.

For more information, contact civic President Joe Caruana at (917) 589-5555. Q

JEFF PINILLA PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA

City seeking more red-light cameras

Bills in Albany would add nearly 1,200, hammer five-time offenders

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The city’s transportation commissioner last week officially came out in support of bills in Albany that would allow a massive expansion of the five boroughs’ red-light camera enforcement program.

Companion bills S02812 and A05259 would extend the present red-light camera legislation through Dec. 1, 2030. They also would authorize the city to increase the program from the present 150 intersections to as many as 1,325.

Proponents say that still would have cameras at less than 1 percent of the city’s more than 13,000 signaled intersections.

The bills are sponsored by state Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx).

In Queens, State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-East Elmhurst) and Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) are co-sponsors in their respective chambers.

Related bills, S451 by Deputy Senate majority Leader Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) and A7621 by Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D-Syracuse), would allow the state Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the registration of vehicles that accrue five or more red light camera violations in a 12-month period.

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) is a co-sponsor of A7621.

“Three decades of data makes it clear: red light cameras reduce crashes and change driver behavior — but state law unfortunately limits their safety benefits to a tiny fraction of intersections,” NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a press release on Feb. 22.

The DOT said 2023 saw 29 people killed in red-light running crashes in the city, and noted that was “the worst annual total ever recorded and more than double the average annual total of such deaths from the previous decade — all at intersections without red-light cameras.”

“By renewing and expanding the program and cracking down on dangerous repeat offenders, NYC DOT will have new and improved tools to combat the historic rise in reckless driving we’ve seen since the pandemic,” Rodriguez added. “This legislation will support the agency’s holistic approach to Vision Zero through redesigning our streets as well as educating and enforcing against the most dangerous behavior.”

“Too many accidents occur at the hands of drivers who have proven they are dangerous behind the wheel,” Gianaris said. “We know who the bad drivers are. Getting them off the streets should be a no-brainer.”

“Red-light running continues to set record

highs across New York City. Despite this, Albany limits red-light cameras to just 1 percent of signalized intersections,” said Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “We agree with DOT Commissioner Rodriguez: New York City needs all the tools it can to reign in reckless driving and create safe streets. Albany must renew and expand the city’s red-light camera program, while giving the DMV the power to suspend repeat offenders’ vehicle registrations.”

Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager for public affairs at AAA Northeast, said the organization has not yet seen any final proposals that it can comment on.

“It would be a major expansion in concept,” Sinclair told the Chronicle. “We generally approve of red-light cameras as they help to prevent the very serious T-bone type crashes, one vehicle running into the side of another. And if the vehicle doing the running is big and the vehicle being run into is small, that could be a particularly lethal type of crash.

Sinclair noted that engineering standards include such things as properly adjusting the settings for yellow lights; and must take into account both the size of an intersection and the prevailing speed of traffic.

“Not necessarily the speed limit,” Sinclair said. “If the speed limit is 30 and the prevailing speed is 40, you can’t adjust for 30.” Q

MediSys expands pet therapy

Health network seeks more volunteers with pups

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Flushing and Jamaica hospital medical centers are seeking volunteers with pooches to expand their canine therapy program.

An information session will be held at Jamaica Hospital’s auditorium 4 for people who are interested in their pups helping to bring a moment of bliss to patients at the two MediSys Health Network’s hospitals.

The recruitment event will be held at JHMC, located at 90-28 Van Wyck Expy. in Richmond Hill, on March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. It was organized by Oksana Galibova, the network’s director of person-centered services.

“We have utilized pet therapy in the past,” Galibova told the Chronicle. “We know how much joy it brings to our patients, so we wanted to extend the program.”

The program has been around for upwards of eight years, but the network has been only been able to provide canine therapy once a month at each hospital, said Galibova.

Thanks to a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the network will be able to expand the program to once a week, she added.

More than a year ago, MSK announced

that it will be increasing access to worldclass cancer care in Queens via MediSys.

“We know the benefits of pet therapy,” Galibova said. “It provides emotional support, stress reduction, reduces feelings of anxiety and loneliness and it improves mood, as well as a distraction from pain

and illnesses.

“We are really looking forward to this collaboration to bring more pets to our MediSys Network,” she said.

The information session will go over what it will mean to work with the hospitals, characteristics that make a great canine therapy team, what people have to do become a certified canine therapy member and the training that is required for the four-legged therapists, according to a JHMC social media post.

The Good Dog Foundation, a nonprofit that trains dogs to help people in hospitals, schools and nursing homes, will provide services to MediSys. The hospitals are seeking as many volunteers as they can find.

People interested in learning more may call Rafael Escamilla at (718) 670-5386 or Giovana Gavilano at (718) 206-8798.

“We’ve seen it firsthand what an impact it has,” said a JHMC spokesman about the program. “It puts a smile on the patients’ faces. It aids and benefits patients in their recovery process. We just want to get the word out. If someone in the community thinks they have a dog that will be a candidate, they should definitely come down. The amount of good you can do for a patient is really so rewarding.” Q

Pending state legislation would lead to a massive expansion of the city’s red-light camera program, taking it from 150 to upward of 1,300. Other bills would allow the state to suspend the registration of a vehicle with five or more red light camera violations in a 12-month period. PHOTO

EMS budget

continued from page 6

begins and after 6 minutes biological death begins ... We are not keeping up with the national response time.”

The national average response time is eight minutes and 24 seconds.

Barzilay said that EMS and paramedics are on call like other first responders, but often have a top salary of $59,000, while personnel at other agencies make double.

The city has approximately 4,100 EMTs and paramedics and Barzilay believes the bureau’s budget needs to increase by $30 million to achieve pay parity with other first responders and to prevent an ongoing attrition rate of 30 percent in three years and 50 percent after five years.

“The majority of the work is EMS runs within the FDNY,” he said. “I’ve been here 29 years and the top salary is $59,000, yet a police officer or sanitation worker or corrections officer is making $110,000.”

When asked where the city should take money out of the budget to buttress paramedics and EMS workers’ salaries, Barzilay said that the bureau has been negotiating for the increase for salaries for two years. At the same time, he noted, a $53 million contract for prepaid cards for migrants was signed by the city.

“The money is there,” he added. Q

BY JIM GALLAGHER / FILE

Catharine Zhang and canine therapist Chewy visit patients once a month to help brighten their day at MediSys hospitals.

PHOTO COURTESY JHMC

Order up in Forest Hills: new kitchen

Richards tabs $1M to replace aged facility at FH Community Center

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Like many places in the borough, Queens Community House’s Forest Hills Community Center and the people who rely on it were hit hard by the pandemic, and took time to recover fully.

On Tuesday, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards helped both push the unpleasant times further into the past, committing $1 million to replace the site’s cramped, antiquated kitchen as he continued his Borough Hall on Your Block week in Central Queens.

“We know our diversity is our strength,” Richards said. “And that’s what breings me here today with my wallet and a check ... Thank you for being here as we invest in one of Forest Hills’ most important community anchors.”

The center serves more than 500 people a day. It is the site of numerous activities and provides meals daily to senior citizens. It was closed during the pandemic, and also had closures due to construction and renovations.

Richards also pointed out that even since reopening under less than ideal circumstances, the center is, for some senior members, the one place each day where they can get a full meal.

“We all suffered during that period of social isolation, and we missed coming together,” Richards said. “The number one

way to rid ourselves of ignorance is to make sure that we’re educated and that we’re eating together, bonding and working out together ... That’s what each and every one of us are doing by coming together. ... I want to thank the center for being a beacon of hope where everyone is welcome.”

Ben Thomases, the executive director of Queens Community House, said the organization has 40 service site throughout Queens that offer everything from youth services to adult education classes. The Forest Hills site is one of six senior centers.

Thomases said construction is expected to begin in the winter of 2024-25.

“The quality of food at older adult centers means so much to people who come and enjoy our programing,” he said. “Older adults deserve to have a good place to stay. To visit each day ... and they deserve to have great food.

Anne Foerg, assistant executive director of older adult services at Queens Community House, said the pandemic and planned construction work conspired to keep the center closed for three years.

Upon reopening, “unfortunately we had some kitchen issues, because of an outdated kitchen that prevented our ability to return to cooking right away.”

Foerg said head cook Adeline Sajous and

needs, and food allergies as much as possible,” she said.

“We work to meet cultural and dietary

Foerg said the new kitchen also will be a training site for some of their youth programs; and will allow Sajous and her staff to cater food for their other older adult centers. Q

Head Cook Adeline Sajous of the Forest Hills Community Center, takes Ben Thomases, executive director of Queens Community House, left, and Borough President Donovan Richards on a brief tour of a kitchen that has seen better days, and will be replaced using $1 million in capital money allocated by the borough president.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Meeks unveils John Lewis stamp

Lt. Gov. Delgado attends event to honor Civil Rights icon

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The Robert Ross Family Life Center in St. Albans was packed with nearly 250 people as U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, along with other notable figures, unveiled a stamp honoring civil rights icon John Lewis on Tuesday, said a spokeswoman of Meeks.

During the event, held at 172-17 Linden Blvd., Meeks recalled his time working with Lewis, the former congressman from Georgia, who died in 2020 after 33 years of service in the state’s 5th District.

“I had the honor of serving in Congress with my dear friend and colleague, John Robert Lewis for 22 years,” Meeks said in a prepared statement. “It has been a privilege to partner with the USPS and the Jamaica Postmaster, Dermot Tuohy, for today’s event.

“The stamp truly memorializes Lewis and his contributions to the Civil Rights movement. His lifelong commitment to achieving equality and justice for Black Americans will never be forgotten.”

Lewis was among the “Big Six” leaders who organized the 1963 March on Washington, DC, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his memorable “I Have a Dream” speech.

The other civil rights organizers of the march included King, James Farmer, A. Philip Randolph, Whitney Young and Roy Wilkins, for whom a park in St. Albans is named.

Delgado said he was humbled to join Meeks in unveiling the stamp.

“His life was a profound example of what it means to lead with love,” said Delgado in a statement. “Mr. Lewis was a moral leader for the ages, with a commitment to faith and unity that was unyielding, no matter how difficult the moment, no matter how intense the hate. May we all take inspiration from his undying legacy.”

During the event on Feb. 27, Shirley Davis sang the national anthem and Bartlett Contemporaries, a group that plays modern urban music, also performed. The Jamaica VFW’s Color Guard was also present, said Meeks’ spokeswoman.

If interested, one can purchase a stamp of Lewis at store.usps.com.

A spokeswoman for the USPS said the photo used on the stamp was taken by Marco Grob on Aug. 26, 2013 for Time magazine and the stamp was designed by the agency’s art director, Derry Noyes.

“Devoted to equality and justice for all Americans, Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress steadfastly defending and building on key civil rights gains that he had helped achieve in the 1960s,” said Tuohy via email. “Even in the face of hatred and violence, as well as some 45 arrests, Lewis remained resolute in his commitment to what he liked to call ‘good trouble.’” Q

Free tax help for older adults

It’s tax season, and fortunately for older adults who may need extra assistance, the Howard Beach Library, located at 92-06 156 Ave., is offering free help for residents ages 50 and up.

According to a press release from Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who helped arrange the program, tax aides from AARP will provide free tax preparation by appointment every Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 10.

“I greatly appreciate the Queens Public Library and AARP for working together and bringing this service to our community,” Pheffer Amato said in the announcement. “No one likes paying taxes and this type of assistance makes a complicated and sometimes overwhelming process manageable. We have brought in trained experts who are ready to help, and I know this will be a benefit to those who need it.”

To make an appointment, call (718) 641-7086. It is recommended to bring a photo ID, a copy of last year’s returns (if filed), income documents, medical or dental expense records and any other financial papers along to the appointment. Q

Community leader Manny Caughman, left, U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks and Jamaica Postmaster Dermot Tuohy unveiled civil rights icon John Lewis’ stamp on Tuesday. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. HOUSE

Plenty of opportunity for vacant E. Elm lot

Community figures discuss options for the future of a long-empty site

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Last October, when state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) visited the Chronicle for a sitdown interview, she said that the biggest concern in her district was housing.

A possible site for it that she mentioned by name was the location once occupied by Gran Rancho Jubilee restaurant, at 23-04 94 St. in East Elmhurst.

The property has been vacant for around 15 years. Last fall, Ramos suggested it could be used for housing or even a supermarket.

To find out the status of the vacant property, the Chronicle contacted the holding company listed on the Automated City Register Information System for the address, 94th Street Holdings, LLC and spoke with an employee who only identified herself as Naomi.

Asked if there were plans for the building, Naomi said it was “hard to say.”

She said the property owner had a few offers, and she believed he was exploring his options, but added, “The owner has a right for it to be vacant.”

She did not disclose what the offers entailed, and said that the property owner himself was unavailable to speak.

“I think he’s just trying to figure out

what’s best for himself and his family,” Naomi said.

But what do community figures think?

Asked about it again this week, Ramos said, via a spokesperson, “There’s so much that this community needs — a healthcare

facility, a bank, senior housing, a grocery store. I could go on about the opportunity I see in this vacant lot.”

The office of Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) said it had not received any constituent complaints regarding the lot, and did

not offer any suggestions as to what the site could become.

In 2016, the Corona East Elmhurst Historic Preservation Society posted on Facebook, in regard to the vacant site, “It always makes us nervous when the owner of [a] property in Corona East Elmhurst is a corporation like ‘Something Holdings.’”

The CEEHP did not respond to an inquiry asking how it feels about the site today.

Frank Taylor, the chair of Community Board 3, told the Chronicle via email, “There are certain things that every community needs that this area of East Elmhurst is lacking.”

His first suggestion was a hospital, which he said is “direly needed.”

“You could put a banking center in the hospital,” he added. “There’s no ATMs, even on Ditmars. You can put a community center in there with a computer center. Something for kids — we have senior centers, but we don’t have kids centers, except for Elmcor. Things that the community needs to thrive on and be great.”

Taylor said the neighborhood is a great area in which to live, raise children and be a family, adding that his suggestions are “three things that could probably fit in one area that would be a center that the community actually needs and will use.” Q

A new JFK Airport will be a gateway of opportunity for local businesses

By Thomas J. Grech and Justin K. Rodgers

The $19 billion transformation of JFK International into a world-class global gateway is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring economic investment to communities across Queens. But it will take more than just good intentions to convert this historic investment into opportunities for the local businesses that form the bedrock of our borough’s economy.

Many of our borough’s most thriving local businesses are family-owned and built from the ground up. These are businesses built on the dream of a better life, a commitment to hard work and, often, a unique concept drawn from the multitude of cultures that make up the international mosaic of Queens. In our experience, and under conventional circumstances, that’s been a formula for success. But airports are not conventional places to run a business. Operating a business at an airport presents unique challenges that business owners do not normally experience streetside.

As members of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, we have worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the JFK terminal developers and operators to level the playing field for local businesses interested in setting up shop at JFK. That is the reason for the Institute of Concessions (IOC). It launched last year to provide local business owners with the necessary skills to competitively bid for concession opportunities, win

contracts, and effectively operate within the airport.

The IOC program is coordinated by a local Southeast Queens firm, Dianna Rose & Associates, which is also designated as an airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise. With Dianna’s facilitation, the IOC provides in-depth knowledge, understanding, and practice of key competencies that are necessary to successfully operate an airport concession. The training is led by experts on topics such as customer experience, financial investment and return, design and construction, operations and management, security requirements and more. Opportunities for networking with terminal operators and mentoring by successful concessionaires are also available.

The first cohort of 15 businesses graduated last winter, and several of those are already moving forward in the rigorous process of either operating a concession at JFK or entering into a joint venture with another prime concessionaire. Another cohort of business owners is expected to begin the three-month-long IOC training program this spring. Additionally, there will be concession units in the new JFK terminals dedicated to some of the businesses whose owners or officers have completed the IOC training program.

The goal of the IOC is to create a pipeline of local and diverse businesses that can successfully operate a concession space and contribute to the overall success of the

airport. By the time that all of JFK’s new terminals are open in 2026, our goal is to have many local businesses in place, operating alongside the national brands that travelers find in airports across the county. This is an initiative that doesn’t just benefit the businesses – it’s also a key Port Authority strategy to create airport terminals that present a uniquely New York experience and sense of place for travelers.

The IOC is just one of several initiatives developed by the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, which was established by the Port Authority in 2018 to ensure that benefits from the historic investment at JFK are shared more equitably with the neighboring communities.

As champions of local businesses in Queens, we have always believed that the transformation of JFK could be a boon for our borough and catalyze economic activity that supports small businesses. And we firmly believe that the Institute of Concessions provides a unique opportunity for local and minority-owned businesses to share in the potential benefits of this historic investment through concessions opportunities that have the potential to create generational wealth.

Thomas J. Grech is president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Justin K. Rodgers is president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

The property at 23-04 94 St. in East Elmhurst has been vacant for years. While some want it used for housing or a community center, the owner of the lot has not disclosed to the public what the site could eventually be used for.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

Works by women on display

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Running from March 2 to April 26, the show is called “Femina Creativa: Celebrating Women in New York.” March is Women’s History Month.

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The Latin phrase “Femina Creativa,” translating to “Creative Woman” in English, is intended to convey a classical and artistic sense of creativity and empowerment, the organizers say in their announcement.

“‘Femina Creativa’ not only celebrates the incredible contributions of these artists but also pays tribute to the countless women throughout history who have made remarkable strides in the face of adversity,” they say in a statement. “In a world that has often underestimated and overlooked women’s voices, this exhibition serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and boundless creativity of female artists.”

Among the works on display is “Thread 1-6,” right, by Sui Park. All the artists are from the New York City metropolitan area.

The exhibit, free and open to all, will be located in the sixth-floor gallery of the college’s Rosenthal Library, located on the campus at

65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. An opening reception is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9. The display was curated by the Bayside-based Garage Art Center and sponsored by the Queens College School of Arts. For more information, email contact@garageartcenter.org.

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Donate blood to save lives

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

If interested in helping either via a blood donation or a financial gift to the nonprofit, visit nybc.org. There are four places listed now to donate blood in or around Southeast Queens:

• Holy Child Jesus Church, gym, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 3, at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles;

• Immaculate Conception Church, 9 a.m.

to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 3, at 86-45 Edgerton Blvd. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Francis Johnson;

• St. John’s University, Student Organization Lounge-Room 128, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 14, at 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Safiyah Seelochan; and

• Cohen Children’s Medical Center, conference rooms 1 to 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, at 270-05 76 Ave. in New Hyde Park; blood drive coordinator Dawn D’Andraia.

Q

— Naeisha Rose

Ossipee Lake · New Hampshire

by Mark Lord

Reginald Rose’s television drama “Twelve Angry Men” must have been considered quite a shattering commentary on society when it made its debut back in 1954.

As adapted for the stage by Sherman L. Sergel and performed by City Gate Productions, in an engagement running weekends from March 1 to 10, it has lost none of its impact.

The courtroom drama focuses on the deliberations of a jury in the homicide trial of a juvenile accused of murdering his father, bringing out the personal biases of the individuals who have been assembled to determine the young man’s fate.

The play remains not only powerful but, in

‘Twelve Angry Men’ holds court live on a Ridgewood stage

today’s political environment, as relevant as ever. In this regard, several lines stand out.

During a particularly telling exchange between two of the jurors, one, a refugee from Europe, says, “I have always thought that a man was entitled to have unpopular opinions in this country. This is the reason I came here.” In response, another juror, who fancies himself superior to the others, says, “It’s always wise to bear in mind what has happened in other countries, when people aren’t allowed to disagree, but we are, so let’s stick to the subject.”

Later, the same foreign-born juror says, “This is a remarkable thing about democracy, that we ... decide on the guilt or innocence of a man we have

not known before. This is one of the reasons why we are strong.”

Under the direction of Cathy Chimenti, the production benefits from its unusual staging, presented partially in the round, bringing the audience directly into the action, and its realistic approach to the subject matter, from the entrance of the jurors into their deliberation room (the set features little more than a long conference table and the suggestion of a window) until the final exit, with only the two principal antagonists present.

The cast is generally strong, with several standout performances. In one of the two lead roles, Max Bank is quietly powerful as juror No. 8 (none of continued on page 25

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King Crossword Puzzle

38 “Jane Eyre” author

41 Tofu source

42 Chicago’s Mayor Lightfoot

43 Hanging loosely

48 Location

49 Swiss canton

50 Roasting spot

51 Church song

52 Domino spot

53 Harvest

1 Bankroll

2 Obamacare acronym

3 Scooted

4 Japanese emperor

5 Frosts a cake

6 Hosp. workers

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28 Detail, briefly

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35 “Fearless” singer Swift

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37 Boating hazard

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Answers on next page

composer Lalo Schifrin

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor Boris Claudio

Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 21, 1932 to Luis and Clara Schifrin. He had one sister, Flora. His father was concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s foremost orchestra.

At age 6 Boris was taking piano lessons. He acquired the nickname “Lalo,” a nickname of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning rich guardian. By 1955 at age 23, as a pianist, he was representing Argentina at the International Jazz Festival in Paris. In 1956 he met Dizzy Gillespie, the trumpet legend, and they became friends. In 1960, he was invited to play piano in New York City in Gillespie’s quintet.

Schifrin moved into a newly built, six-story, 80-unit luxury building designed by architect Morris Rotstein called The Imperial. He

lived there until 1963 when Hollywood came calling, and he moved to Los Angeles.

Schifrin wrote the memorable theme songs to “The Man From Uncle,” “Mannix” and many more shows including, most famously, “Mission Impossible.”

He has written music for more than 100 films and has five Grammy Awards and six Oscar nominations. His wife, Donna, and three children, William, Ryan and Frances, have all followed him into the entertainment industry with great success as well. Q

Composer Lalo Schifrin once lived in The Imperial, at 103-11 68 Drive in Forest Hills, seen as it looks now. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA WIKIPEDIA

Oscar night: Red carpet to popcorn at QED

by Michael Gannon senior news editor.

If you’re a fan of the 96th annual Oscars but don’t want to sit at home on March 10, you can still head out on the town without the hassle of getting to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

QED, the arts and entertainment venue in Astoria, will host its 10th annual Oscar Watch Party with QED owner Kambri Crews and her husband, comedian Christian Finnegan, serving as your genial emcees.

There will be a red carpet as in Hollywood, but evening gowns and tuxedos are strictly optional in Astoria.

“I moved to New York 25 years go, and the first year I was here I hosted an Oscar watching party,” Crews told the Chronicle. When she opened QED 10 years ago, she knew the show could be a big night there.

“I think award ceremonies have kind of lost their oomph and excitement, mainly because people are streaming; there’s so many ways to watch movies,” she said. “Many people are not necessarily caught up with the Oscar-nominated and awardnominated ones.”

Tickets are $13 in advance, and $20 on March 10 either online or at the door. They can be purchased online at qedastoria.com.

Attendees walking the red carpet will receive free popcorn and bingo cards and be eligible for prizes while watching the program on a 9-foot screen. Talking, trivia contests and other activities will be confined to commercials.

“We don’t talk during the show,” Crews said.

There also will be Academy Award-

themed food to choose from, such as Whoopie Goldburgers and cala-Marlee Matlin.

“We don’t have a kitchen, so we work with Zorbas, a Greek restaurant,” Crews said. “We’ll just have items from our regular menu and we’ll come up with creative names for them. That’s my favorite part. I always have fun.”

The bingo cards take a humorous approach to some tried-and true Oscar night staples.

“Any time someone thanks their wife or partner, you get that box,” Crews said. “Or if someone thanks God. If the award winner is wearing red. If someone cries or is played off by the music, you can get a box. If you get bingo, you win a prize.”

And while they have had other emcees in past years, Finnegan claimed the duties for them in celebration of 10 years.

“My husband said, ‘I want to play again,’” Crews explained.

As for the crowd, Crews said they expect a mix of their own regulars and just plain movie fans.

“Some people do dress up like they’re going to the Oscars. Feel free to dress up. Others come in jeans, so it’s fun,” she said. “We always have a nice chunk of regulars. And since QED has been round for 10 years, some of our regulars moved away during the pandemic. But we’ve kind of got a new set of regulars. We have some people who just want to watch the Oscars, some who might not have a TV at home.”

They also have movie diehards who frequent QED’s occasional presentations of classic silent and early talking films.

QED is located at 27-16 23 Ave. Q

Guilty of staging a drama that resonates today

continued from page 23

the jurors is mentioned by name, in keeping with the pursuit of anonymity), who, in the beginning, is the only one who stands up for the young man whose life is in their hands.

Far more blustery is Robert Budnick as juror No. 3, who is intolerant of any opinion that differs from his own. At the performance reviewed (via videotape of a preview on Feb. 24), Budnick was hesitant on some of his lines, as were several of the other

Crossword Answers

actors, but that is an issue that will likely be resolved during the run. In his stronger moments, Budnick proves why he is considered one of the most adept actors on our local stages.

Frank DiSpigno, another frequently celebrated local actor, plays the bigoted juror No. 10; he has his finest moment near play’s end as he lashes out at the others, saying, “I don’t understand you people. How can you believe this kid is innocent?”

Bart Blachnio makes an impression as self-important juror No. 4, while Francis MacCall is meekness personified as juror No. 2, though his penchant for scratching himself becomes unintentionally funny. Gal Yosepov is effective as the European refugee.

Rounding out the cast, each of whom contributes to the overall success of the performance, are Joe Dujmic, Conrad O’Neill Rippy, Marco Malgioglio, Daniel Wolfe Mitnik, Bill McAndrews, James Brautigam, and Michael Chimenti, who has a bit part as a no-nonsense security guard.

A dozen men confined to a single room could easily make for static staging, but Chimenti has found enough opportunities to

keep her actors moving to avoid that. This remains a powerful piece of theater.

Be sure to check out a visual piece inspired by the show that was created by artist Barrington A. Brissett, which will be on display at the theater.

Remaining performances take place at Stone Circle Theatre (59-14 70 Ave., Ridgewood) on March 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and March 3 and 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $20 for seniors and students. For more information, visit citygateproductions.org. Q

The crowd, as always, will be part of the show as QED in Astoria hosts its 10th annual Oscar Watch Party on Sunday, March 10.

PHOTO COURTESY QED

“Twelve Angry Men” appear ready for their case to be called. On the cover: Among their number are Gal Yosepov, left, and Michael Chimenti in the foreground, with James Brautigam, Conrad O’Neill Rippy and Frank DiSpigno behind them. PHOTOS BY JOE SINNOTT

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SSNY shall mail process to: Gus Plevritis, 5313 62nd Street, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Asda Homes LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/30/2024.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 111-50 143rd St., Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of BLEUMD AESTHETIC NYC LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/02/2024. Offi ce 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: JEISSON ARDILA, 79-19 ROOSEVELT AVE., APT 3R, FLUSHING, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

ADMISSION POLICY

The Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home Co., Inc., does not and will never discriminate against its residents or prospective residents in admission or retention based upon race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, source of payment or age.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, SC PARK LANE II, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. WALI AHMED, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 22, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on March 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 35-20 Leverich Street Unit B226 a/k/a Unit 226, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 1270 and Lot 1111 together with an undivided 0.6091 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,245.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 724727/2020. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Austin I. Idehen, Esq., Referee, Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, V. YUL G. CLARKE, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA COURTAR A/K/A SYLVIA CLARKE, ET AL. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 22, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and YUL G. CLARKE, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA COURTAR A/K/A SYLVIA CLARKE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on March 29, 2024 at 11:00AM, premises known as 116-26 133 STREET, SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY 11420: Block 11688, Lot 18: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE FOURTH WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 704596/2016. Morton Povman, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of HR GROUP NYC LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2024. Offi ce 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: NURY ROBLES, 1923 WOODBINE ST, APT. 2L, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST RAMSES RABEL AS CO-ADMINISTRATOR AND AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF EMMA RABEL, WHO WAS THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PIERRE RABEL, BRIGITTE RABEL AS CO-ADMINISTRATOR AND AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF EMMA RABEL, WHO WAS THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PIERRE RABEL, BEATRICE RABEL AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF EMMA RABEL, WHO WAS THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PIERRE RABEL, JERRY RABEL AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF EMMA RABEL, WHO WAS THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PIERRE RABEL, MARLEY ANDERSON AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF EMMA RABEL, WHO WAS THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PIERRE RABEL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 3, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on March 22, 2024 at 11:15AM, premises known as 144-15 97 AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11435. 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 10025, Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment $430,905.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #716588/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Kerry J. Katsorhis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-004508 79421

JPM 4 LLC. Art of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 01/25/2024. Offi ce: 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. JOHN MCCABE 160-07 80TH STREET, HOWARD BEACH, NY, 11414. Any lawful purpose.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Real Estate

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.

Apts.For Rent

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 3 BR, 1 1/2 baths. Call owner for details. 718-521-6013, leave a message.

Houses For Sale

Centreville/Ozone Park, Colonial, 1 fam, 3 levels + basement. Laminate flrs, updated kit w/ Quartz counters, new appli. All new doors, new boiler, water heater & roof. 3 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. 1 car gar, pvt dwvy. Asking $789K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, 2 houses, both legal 2 fam, each w/2 BR, 1 1/2 bath, 2 BR, 1 1/2 bath, walk-in 1 BR, 1 bath, gar & drvy. $1,088,000 each. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Charming Colonial Home. All updated, 3 BR, 1 1/2 bath. Wrap-around deck, 4 car dvwy, EIK, XL LR, split CAC, Low Taxes. REDUCED $799K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

DIVISION OF BRIDGES INVITATION FOR BIDS

WHEN AND WHERE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS WORK WITHIN FIVE BOROUGHS

Contract No. HBCY105

N.Y.C.P.I.N. 84124MBBR620

EPIN: 84124B0004

EPIN: 84124B0004 - PIN:84124MBBR620When and Where Structural Repairs and Other Miscellaneous Work within Five Boroughs. This Competitive Sealed Bid (CSB) is being released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this CSB must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the solicitation, vendors should visit the PASSPort Public Portal at https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/ passport/about-passport.page and click on the “Procurement Navigator.” This will take you to the Public Portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To quickly locate the CSB, insert the EPIN 84124B0004 into the Keywords search field. To respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

A pre-bid conference via ZOOM is scheduled for 03/6/2024 at 10:00 am. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link.

The deadline for the submission of questions is 03/13/2024 by 4:00 pm.

The bid due date (submission via PASSPort) as well as hard copy as instructed is due 4/3/2024 by 11:00 am.

Bid opening date via ZOOM is 4/3/2024 at 12:00 pm

This procurement is subject to M/WBE participation goals.The MBE goals for this project are 2% and WBE goals 2%

Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email, under the subject line “When and Where Structural Repairs and other Miscellaneous Work Within Five Boroughs” to the email address of the Authorized Agency Contact, Navneet Kumar, at nkumar@dot.nyc.gov

Eric Adams, Mayor

Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000 Legal Notices Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of DESIGNS

BY DASH LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/08/2024.

Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to:

THE LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY, 13010 95TH AVE, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DGPJ32, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/14/2022. Offi ce 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: LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC, 1967 WEHRIE DR, SUITE 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY 14221. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of FRUITY VENUS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/24/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 5934 MADISON ST #A, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LW ERSKINE REALTY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 11416 197TH ST., SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ME SUPERVISIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/09/2022. Offi ce 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: DANIEL LEVY, 184-30 AVON ROAD, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

OMAE LLC. Art of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 02/08/2024.

Offi ce: 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.

OMAR ELSHARAWI 163-63 89TH ST, HOWARD BEACH, NY, 11414. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualifi cation of PAINT LIKE FRIDA USA LLC. Authority fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/05/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/24/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: TELOS LEGAL CORP., 5500 Main St., Ste. 345, Williamsville, NY 14221. Address to be maintained in DE: 13 W. Main St., PO Box 953, Felton, DE 19943. Arts of Org. fi led with the Secy. of State, Division of Corporations, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Sky Lounge and Bar LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)

1/16/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 180 Meacham Ave., Elmont, NY 11003.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of THE BIRTHDAY BOOKS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/31/2024. Offi ce 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 BIRTHDAY BOOKS LLC, 25 HUDSON WALK, BREEZY POINT, NY 11697. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of WKN REALTY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/11/2023. Offi ce 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: FUXING LIN, 5422 102ND STREET #B, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, -against- JOSEPHINE HARRIS, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THESSALONIA HARRIS; DARREN DEMETRIUS HARRIS, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THESSALONIA HARRIS; WILLIAM HARRIS, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THESSALONIA HARRIS; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF THESSALONIA HARRIS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK SOCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF JAMAICA EAST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants. Index No.: 721334/2021 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated January 11, 2024. 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 (BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Ulysses B. Levereti, J.S.C. Dated: January 11, 2024 Filed: January 18, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 108-15 160th Street, Unit 19B, Jamaica, NY 11433 Dated: November 14, 2023 Filed: February 8, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Raspreet Bhatia, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954)343-6982.

SUPREME COURT STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Index No. 704459/2023, CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, -against- John Roe and Jane Roe, said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being all unknown heirs-at-law and next-of-kin of Viola Williams, deceased, late of the City of New York, County of Queens, State of New York, CITY OF NEW YORK TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendants. TO: PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and John Roe and Jane Roe, said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being all known and unknown heirs-at-law and next-of-kin of Viola Williams, deceased, late of the City of New York, County of Queens, and State of New York: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorneys an answer to the complaint in this action within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if the summons is not personally served upon you within the State of New York. The United States, if designated a defendant on this action, may appear or answer within sixty (60) days of service. In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. The basis of the venue designated is that the mortgaged property is located in Queens County. SCHEDULE A-DESCRIPTION OF MORTGAGED PREMISES ALL; that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Far Rockaway, Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as and by the Lot Number 16 to 19 inclusive on a certain map entitled “Map of Kirkman Estates in the 5th Ward, Borough of Queens” and filed on 9/30/29 as Map Number 5826 being bounded and described according to said map as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Beach 22 Street, distant 167.71 feet Westerly from the westerly end of the curve connecting the said southerly side of Beach 22 Street with the westerly end of Elk Court, said point of beginning being the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly line of Lot Number 19 on said map with the southerly side of Reach 22 Street; RUNNING THENCE Westerly along the southerly side of Beach 22 Street as same curves and winds, 84.02 feet to point where the westerly line of Lot Number 16 on said map intersects said southerly side of Beach 22 Street; RUNNING THENCE Southerly along the westerly line of Lot Number: 16, 126.87 feet; RUNNING THENCE North 75 degrees 38 minutes 50 seconds East alone the southerly line of Lot Numbers 16, 17, 18 and 19 as shown on said map 82.58 feet to the easterly line of said Lot Number 19; RUNNING THENCE Northerly along the easterly line of said Lot Number 19, 131 feet to the southerly side of Beach 22 Street to the point or place of BEGINNING. TO: PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and John Roe and Jane Roe, said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being all known and unknown heirs-at-law and next-of-kin of Viola Williams, deceased, late of the City of New York, County of Queens, and State of New York: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 25th day of January, 2024, and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County. This is an action for foreclosure of a mortgage made by Isiah Williams and VIOLA WILLIAMS to TMS Mortgage Inc. dba The Money Store in the original amount of $50,000.00 with interest, dated December 11, 1998, recorded February 5, 1999 in the Queens County Clerk’s Office in Reel 5108 at page 1558. The relief sought is the foreclosure of the mortgage lien and the public sale of the mortgaged premises and in case of your failure to appear, judgment may be taken against you extinguishing any interest or judgment lien you may have in the mortgaged premises. The premises indexed in this action are described and commonly known as 422 Beach 22nd Street, Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City of New York, New York (Tax Map No. 15770-16). **See Schedule A Annexed** Dated: January 31, 2024 COOPER ERVING & SAVAGE LLP Albany, New York BY: Matthew E. Minniefield, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff, 20 Corporate Woods Blvd., Suite 501, Albany, New York 12211 (518) 449-3900

NYSC: lease agreement could not be reached; company, members adjusting Longtime Forest Hills gym to close

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

New York Sports Clubs gym, a longtime fixture on Austin Street in Forest Hills, will be closing up shop after March 15.

A company spokeswoman told the Chronicle in an email that NYSC was unable to get “an amicable lease agreement” for its gym at 69-47 Austin St.

Customers of the gym reached by the Chronicle said they were sorry to see it closing, but that NYSC has been very open and offering accommodations for those looking to switch to other sites in Queens, the closet being in Rego Park and Glendale.

Adam Zafran of Forest Hills said he attends five days week.

“I found out a month ago,” Zafran said. “They posted a notice where you go to check in and work out. They’ve been pretty straightforward.”

He expressed surprise because he has been told that the Forest Hills and Astoria locations are two of the busiest NYSC sites in the city. He said the one on Austin Street was in the middle of getting significant upgrades that suddenly stopped.

But he reiterated that the company has been looking to smooth out any transitions.

He said, for example, his fiancee, also a member, will have access to Lucille Rob-

erts, a women-only gym in Forest Hills that is part of the same company.

The NYSC spokeswoman said the Rego Park site, on Queens Boulevard, is newly

renovated. Members who transfer membership there would receive a waiver on March dues as a token of appreciation. She also said NYSC is working with

employees to transfer them to other locations, and that the company remains committed to Queens.

“We have clubs in Astoria, Glendale, Rego Park, Sunnyside and Whitestone under the New York Sports Club brand, as well as the Lucille Roberts ... in Forest Hills. Our Astoria club is one of our largest and was recently completely renovated as well.”

One member hoped there could be some sort of effort to save the gym. She didn’t believe that memberships could have been an issue, calling it a very good and very busy gym.

“It has a really dedicated crew of gym goers and great trainers who have built a really great community,” she told the Chronicle.

Zafran said another disappointment is to see such a long-standing business closing.

“I also went to high school on Forest Hills from 1999 to 2003, and it was there,” he said. “A lot of people from Forest Hills Gardens have been talking about what might go there next.”

He said it has drawn people from surrounding communities like Elmhurst and Corona. While the Austin Street gym is about a 10-minute walk from his residence, he said there is a large population of seniors who also use it for whom a transfer could be difficult. Q

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The New York Sports Clubs gym on Austin Street in Forest Hills will not be renewing is lease in March, but the company and members who spoke to the Chronicle appear to be looking to make the best of the situation. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

B SPORTS EAT

Kodai crisis

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Mets fans had a right to feel deflated before the first spring training game was played, when they learned last Wednesday the team’s ace pitcher Kodai Senga was suffering from what was described as “arm fatigue.” The following day, the Mets’ baseball operations president, David Stearns, announced Senga would be on the injured list to start the season. No return date was given.

The Mets have done little to bridge the gap in terms of talent between themselves and the Braves and the Phillies this off-season. The starting pitching is especially precarious as they are depending on reclamation free agent signings Luis Severino and Sean Manaea to anchor the staff. Adding to the pitching woes is lefty David Peterson, who while not great, is at least a serviceable option. But he will probably miss the first half of the season recovering from hip surgery he had in November. The pressure will be on Tylor Megill to deliver on the brief flashes of brilliance he has shown.

To his credit, Stearns said he would not rush any of the Mets’ top minor league pitching prospects, such as Mike Vasil, Christian Scott, Dominic Hamel, Blade Tidwell or Tyler Stuart, to the majors despite the dearth of reliable starting pitching. Mets owner Steve Cohen has rightly stated sustained success comes from a strong

farm system. He has learned the hard way there are no shortcuts to being a consistent contender.

The Mets have launched a twice-a-week podcast called “Meet at the Apple.” The plan is for players, broadcasters and management, including Cohen, who was on the first episode, to talk about life both inside and outside of baseball.

After a season of too many blowouts an d fourth-quarter meltdowns, the Brooklyn Nets dismissed head coach Jacque Vaughn after the All-Star Game break. The final straw for owner Joe Tsai and General Manager Sean Marks was a 50-point loss to the Boston Celtics in the Nets’ last game before the All-Star break. Vaughn’s successor, Kevin Ollie, promptly saw the Nets lose by 29 points in his first game to the Toronto Raptors. I call that marked progress.

The NBA is a superstar-driven league. Nearly every team has at least one. The Nets have some skillful players, but no superstars. Their best player, guard Mikal Bridges, is at most a B-plus player. That is why the losses have been mounting this year.

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The Nets historically have suffered from absentee ownership. Tsai spends far more time in China. His primary American residence is in San Diego. Successful businesses have handson owners. That is especially true in professional sports.

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

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