Queens Chronicle South Edition 04-04-24

Homeowners battle squatters in court

Bills to fight house theft introduced in Albany

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Marie Curie once said, “Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.”

Curie, a 19th-century physicist, was sharing her thoughts on science as opposed to the current housing crisis in Queens involving squatting, which has made both national and international headlines and led to a bipartisan package of bills, but her statement perfectly encapsulates the power of ideas.

What started as a way to both fix derelict vacant buildings and house those struggling to find affordable homes, in the late 1970s in the Lower East Side, has now morphed into a ransom tactic against home and property owners who were either seeking to cash in or cash out within the real estate market.

Squatters’ rights in New York City allow individuals to live at a property without a homeowner’s permission so long as they occupy the space after 30 days, maintain it and prove they are living there as the result of emergency conditions, according to nysenate.gov.

To combat squatting, state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-Nassau) introduced on March 22 bills S8866, S8868 and S8869, which would redefine the definition of an occupant to exclude squatters and trespassers, preclude squatters from suing property owners who try to evict them for

damages and clarify squatting as third-degree trespassing, respectively.

“For many, owning a home is the American Dream, but for too many, this dream is turning into a nightmare ...” Mattera said in a statement.

The Property Protection Act (A6894), introduced by Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R-Nassau), would also redefine squatters as trespassers.

“Long Islanders and all New Yorkers should not have to live in fear of people trying to game the system ... and their American Dream,” Blumencranz told lilifepolitics.com.

Bills A6894 and S8866 were referred to their respective housing committees, A8858 was referred to the Judiciary Committee and S8869 was referred to the Committee on Codes.

Ejona Bardhi, a real estate broker who is being sued by squatters in Jamaica, along with her real estate firm and her client, supports the lawmakers in their efforts to redefine what a squatter is.

“I think that bill is a step in the right direction,” Bardhi told the Chronicle. “I know that they can’t put a stop to it entirely, because there are cases where people really are being scammed. They go into a property thinking they are renting it, meanwhile the owner has no idea of what is going on.”

In a separate squatting case in Flushing, Brian Rodriguez told the New York Post on

March 28 that he was the victim of a rental scam and said he would leave the $1 million home he is squatting in if he received $18,000 after doing renovations to it.

“This is not a new issue in New York,” Bardhi said. “The only difference now is that squatters know how to work the law and people feel free enough like that influencer ... instructing people how to squat.”

Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan migrant TikTokker, is the influencer Bardhi is referencing. Last month, he received backlash online when he told his more than 500,000 followers, “if a house is not inhabited, we can seize it,” in America, the Post reported.

Bardhi said that she, along with the rightful property owner of the Jamaica home that is being squatted in, Juliya Fulman, are racking up thousand of dollars in lawyer fees and are expected back in court for a second time on April 5. The real estate broker and Fulman had to make an appearance in court last month, despite showing police time-stamped videos and a lease agreement for legal tenants whom

the homeowner was trying to help out of Section 8 and via CityFHEPS.

“They are patiently waiting to move into this property,” Bardhi said. “We could rent out the property if we wanted to, but it could delay the court case and drag the new tenants into the court case.”

The tenant using the City Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement, a cash assistance program, is a young mother with a baby who has to stay in a shelter as the case ensues. The second tenant is a postal worker with five kids, one of whom has special needs, and is staying in a small space, Bardhi said.

She believes that the squatters allegedly forged the documents they presented to the court on March 22 and thinks the time-stamped video and other paperwork she has will help her and her client.

“I want to encourage homeowners and agents to keep clear records, videos and photos when dealing with any property because that’s really what saved us in this situation.” Bardhi said. “There are many squatter situations in the area, but this is the first one where the police were able to get them to leave and allow us to change the locks. Many homeowners are not so fortunate.”

David Harris, the attorney for the squatters, was busy in court and declined to be interviewed.

One unlucky homeowner was Adele Andalaro, who owns the Flushing home that Rodriguez

Real estate broker Ejona Bardhi. COURTESY PHOTO

Mayor addresses safety and quality of life concerns at Woodhaven town hall Adams, to Albany: ‘I need the power.’

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

“You have blood on your hands!”

The shout of a disgruntled resident toward Mayor Adams, the guest of honor at a town hall in Woodhaven last week, did not deter the community conversation, which was livestreamed on YouTube and attended by over 200 residents.

In response to the outburst, Adams said, through laughter, “Can y’all read my hat? That’s right — stay focused, no distractions and grind.”

Adams’ focus during the evening was on addressing questions and concerns of residents.

“To live here in Woodhaven is to know the beauty of Woodhaven,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said, seated alongside dozens of representatives from city agencies who were ready to answer questions thrown their way.

playing on your psyche and people are given the impression that the City of New York is out of control,” he said. “We are not. We’re resilient.”

Shortly after Adams identified recidivism as a concern in the city, Ed Wendell, the president of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, noted the rise of “for sale” signs in the area.

“I know you say people are less frightened,” he told the mayor. “But that’s not what I hear. ... And I guess what I want to know is, why should we stay? What is our plan going forward? ... What is our plan to do that, to make our city safer?”

“We have a long-term public safety crisis on the horizon.”

Also in attendance was Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), who said, “There has never been a more available administration than the Adams administration.” She added that the agency representatives are responsive and do their jobs well.

— Mayor Adams

Woodhaven residents were seemingly most concerned with crime, but Adams tried to quell the fright.

“We have random acts of violence that are

Adams said, “Why you should stay is because everyone in Miami wish they never left New York City.”

He added that while the city is not where officials want it to be on safety, there are 575 people who have committed 7,500 crimes.

“So we are doing our job,” Adams said. “But there are other layers to the criminal justice system: our courts, our prosecutors, the lawmakers. Everyone must be part of the public safety apparatus. ... Everyone must do their job to make sure the city continues to be the safest big city in America.”

One resident expressed concerns with the governance system, saying that it appears the city’s “hands are tied” and urged the mayor

and Ariola to change the City Charter.

He added, “The governor does not run New York City. You guys do. ... When are you guys going to take control?”

Adams said, “The state does control us. We’re creatures of the state. And it hurts.” He added, “I know that you’re inundated every day on social media on the worst thing that happens in a day. ... But that’s not the reality.”

Adams used subway system violence as an example: While someone told him it seems that there are hundreds of felonies on the subway a day, Adams said that there are only six

subway felonies per day on average, on a system with 4.1 million daily riders.

Posed with a question on giving power back to police officers and changing bail reform, Adams said, “We have a long-term public safety crisis on the horizon.”

He said that, due to excessive paperwork, there is a shortage of assistant district attorneys, alongside shortages of correction officers, school safety agents, probation officers and police officers.

“But what we must do is send a serious continued on page 16

April 8 through 21 Jamaica Ave. gets its own Restaurant Week

Get a taste of Woodhaven’s best,

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The Woodhaven Business Improvement District, a band of property owners, businesspeople and community leaders dedicated to improving commerce in the community, is hosting its second annual Restaurant Week, from April 8 through April 21.

Sponsors include Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Flagstar bank.

Last year’s event had around 20 total restaurants participating, according to John Perricone, the executive director of the Woodhaven BID.

More are expected to participate this year, Perricone said. Those already announced include Chef Toribo, El Puerto Mexicano, Pop’s Cocina & Bar, Antojitos de San Cecilio, Dennis Bagel, Joe’s Pizza and Kinwa Peruvian Kitchen, among others.

A full list of participating eateries can be found on the Woodhaven BID’s website at woodhavenbid.org/restaurant-week.

Perricone said that restaurant owners this week are preparing by adding special decals to their windows to show that they are participating.

Asked which offering he is personally looking forward to, Perricone said the recently opened restaurant Caraotas, which also has a location in Bushwick, offers an inexpensive lunch special, which includes a burger, fries and a beverage, that will be cheaper for Restaurant Week.

“We have the traditional, sit-in restaurants, but we’re also opening this to other smaller establishments, too, so they can take advantage of being a BID merchant and participating in the events,” Perricone said. “So there’s everything, like a bakery where you can go in and get yourself a muffin or a coffee, and sit down in there.

We also have some pizza places that are going to be giving specials out this year as well, so there’s diversity in what the offerings are.”

Perricone said the best way to find offerings for Restaurant Week would be to call the restaurants directly. He said the BID’s social media pages, linked on the group’s website, will also be actively posting specials for the week.

“We feel it’s going to be a really successful event,” he said. “We’ve also been getting feedback from other Restaurant Weeks that happen citywide, and this time of year seems to be pretty slow for these types of restaurants. So we feel anything that we can do to try to increase the number of patrons going into these restaurants and ultimately coming to Jamaica Avenue and seeing all of the other businesses that we have to offer is the objective and the goal.” Q

Kinwa Peruvian Kitchen is one of more than 20 restaurants along Jamaica Avenue scheduled to participate in Woodhaven Restaurant Week. WOODHAVEN BID PHOTO / FACEBOOK

Mayor Adams answered questions from Woodhaven residents at a town hall attended by area elected officials, police and city agency representatives. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE

Legislators’ plan forecasts more tax revenue, less spending than mayor’s Council counteroffer adds $6B to budget

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The City Council on Monday presented a 64-page response to Mayor Adams’ preliminary budget plan, one that estimates $6.15 billion in “newly available resources” through the 2025 fiscal year.

The report, along with a joint press release from Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Finance Chairman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), said the new revenue will allow restoration of funding that was eliminated in the mayor’s $109.4 billion proposal in January.

The Speaker’s Office said $3.35 billion comes from higher estimated tax revenue between now and the end of FY 2025; $2.25 billion in potential underspending; and $550 million from reserve funds.

The budget remains in negotiation. Fiscal year 2025 begins on July 1.

“The City has the resources to protect essential investments into New Yorkers while safeguarding our fiscal health, and prioritizing both goals is the path to a safer, healthier, and more stable city,” said Speaker Adams in a statement. “The Council’s FY25 Preliminary Budget Response presents a balanced, thoughtful approach that responsibly prioritizes the greatest needs of our city and constituents.”

Mayor Adams cited conditions such as increased spending on immigrant services and the expiration of federal Covid relief funds as reasons for his stand on spending. But in late February he canceled across-theboard 5 percent cuts for city agencies that he ordered last summer, citing, among other things, higher tax revenue and his administra-

State budget not at the finish line yet

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Talks to finalize a state budget for the fiscal year that began Monday appear to be headed to a second round of overtime, with a number of sticking points still remaining before an agreement will be reached.

Gov. Hochul in January proposed a record $233 billion spending plan, on top of last year’s record budget of $229 billion.

While the state Constitution grants the governor a great deal of power in the budget process, the final document generally must come down to “the three people in a room,” in this case Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins (D-Yonkers).

An extender provision agreed to last week funds state spending through today, April 4, though many are expecting at least one more extension to be necessary. Last year the budget was not approved until May 2.

While speaking with the Chronicle Wednesday, state Sen Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) expressed her belief that it was “Unlikely. Highly unlikely” that a deal would be reached by Thursday.

Heastie, in an audio of a Tuesday press gaggle provided by his office, was asked how close he felt things were, referred to a recent answer

to the same question, when he said that all sides were on the same planet.

“Now I think we might be in the same country, might even in the same state,” Heastie said. “But I don’t know if we’re on the same block yet.” But he does believe they are making progress. Neither Hochul’s nor Stewart Cousins’ offices responded to requests for comment.

Asked about differences over Hochul’s ambitious housing initiative, the speaker said it is one factor, but just one.

“Everything is being discussed,” he told reporters. “The big items like Medicaid, education, housing, some of the things like closing down illegal pot shops, toll evasion, hate crimes. Those things remain on the table. It isn’t any one thing — there’s just a lot. The train is going in the right direction, but we’re on the local track, not the express.”

Many have speculated that an extension of mayoral control of New York City public schools could be holding up the works, though the speaker denied it was even in the budget equation.

Mayor Adams has been direct about the importance of extending mayoral control in his talks and on social media.

School Chancellor David Banks was in Albany Tuesday lobbying legislators for an extension.

“Chancellor Banks is up here doing his job.”

continued on page 8

tion’s previous reductions.

“We maintain that the Administration’s blunt cuts were never necessary in the first place, and we will be fighting for and expecting to see full restorations across the board from 3K to CUNY, our libraries, cultural organizations, and everything in between,” Brannan said. “Hardworking New Yorkers deserve nothing less.”

The Council plan says it addresses underbudgeting in the mayor’s preliminary plan, accounts for expiring federal stimulus funds and strengthens the city’s budget reserves and surplus.

The Council’s budget proposal calls for $1.63 billion for the restoration of funding for 3-K, public schools, and support for students, as well as cultural institutions, libraries, including seven-day service, parks, sanitation services, and other key services cut by the administration.

It also says the Council’s proposed revision safeguards its recommended investments by leaving resources to deal with outyear budget gaps and additional financial needs that may arise in the budget adoption process.

Projected deficits for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 were last forecast at $5.3 billion, $5.1 billion and $6 billion, respectively.

Since the present budget is balanced, any remaining surplus could be rolled over to next year or used to prepay some 2025 expenses.

Unlike the federal government, the city cannot finish the fiscal year ending June 30 with a deficit. Unlike the state, which already has gone past its April 1 deadline [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com] the city cannot legally go past its budget deadline. Q

Family says teen was unjustly shot by cops

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Last Wednesday, 19-yearold Win Rozario was fatally shot in Ozone Park by police who were responding to a call at his residence, sparking debate and outrage.

At a press conference that day, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said Rozario called the police himself. Upon their arrival, Chell said, Rozario grabbed scissors and moved toward the officers.

Win Rozario was fatally shot by police while in mental distress last Wednesday.

The police then Tased him, but his mother accidentally knocked out the Taser prongs, according to Chell. He said Rozario then “came at” the officers with the scissors again, who then shot at him to defend themselves.

Chell said the entire event was captured on the officers’ body cameras. The footage has not yet been released.

However, Rozario’s family says Chell’s account is incorrect. His brother told The New York Times that his mother was restraining her son while he was shot, and

insisted the officers did not need to fire their guns. His family also told reporters that Rozario was shot six times, and that the Taser prongs were never removed, according to the Daily News. The Rozario family could not be reached for comment.

Area Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) released a statement saying mental health professionals should have been sent to Rozario’s home instead, and called for better mental health resources in the city.

On social media, various outlets, such as @democracynow on Instagram, posted a photo of Rozario alongside his family’s account of the events.

A rally was held at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights last Friday, calling for justice and for police to release the body camera footage.

Asked for comment, police said, “The investigation remains ongoing by the Force Investigation Division.” Q

Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams appear to have a lot of ground to close to reach a budget deal. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL APPLETON / MAYOR’S OFFICE / FILE, LEFT, AND COURTESY NYC COUNCIL / FILE

While many who have long lived in Woodhaven can recall riding the Forest Park Carousel in their youth, or seeing live music at the Seuffert Bandshell — known by residents as the Forest Park Bandshell — not everyone knows the storied history behind the two neighborhood landmarks.

Both are celebrating their centennials this year, and to mark the occasion, the Woodhaven Library is inviting all to celebrate at an event titled, “Art, Music and the History of Woodhaven.”

On Tuesday, April 16, from 4 to 5 p.m., local history buffs can join area expert Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society at the library, located at 84-41 Forest Pkwy., to learn all about the past of the two sites.

The event will also feature fun activities for the whole family, including themed crafts, live music from DJ MC Squared and drumming from percussionist Mr. John.

For more information, call the library at (718) 849-1010 or visit its website, queenslibrary.org. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

GRAB A GIFT + Celebrating history in WH

American Softball is back!

Batters up! All are welcome to Opening Day for the American Softball Organization, a nonprofit that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to take to the field.

Founder and team coach Randy Novick, left, seen here with game umpire Dino Bono and volunteer PJ Marcel, said on the organization’s website, “Knowing there are thou-

sands of challenged people in the United States, I wanted to provide an opportunity where they felt unstoppable.”

State budget

continued from page 6

Heastie said. “I think he’s doing a good job overseeing the education of the children of the city of New York. And [mayoral control] is a fair request. But it hasn’t come up in the budget.”

Hochul’s housing proposals are far reaching and thus suitably complex.

One hot topic are so-called “good cause eviction” proposals that many advocates say are necessary to protect tenants from unreasonable rent hikes and unlawful eviction.

Landlords, on the other hand, particularly small operators with few properties, say those provisions, if they become law, would make it virtually impossible to evict a tenant under almost any circumstance.

A larger housing issue is the ongoing negotiations between the Real Estate Board of New York, which represents property owners and developers, and various building and construction trade unions on things like wages should an agreement be reached that would provide developers a tax break and incentives for affordable and below-market housing.

The game will be played at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Vito Locascio Field in Ozone Park, located off 149th Avenue and Crossbay Boulevard. For more information, visit americansoftball.org.

— Kristen Guglielmo

Hestie said Albany is not standing on the sidelines, but that there is a need to get people usually standing on opposite sides of the road “to meet in the middle of the street.” Q

Sophie Krichevsky and Kristen Guglielmo contributed to this story.

EDITORIAL AGEP

Squatting, our latest lawless crisis

There was a time when squatting was at least somewhat useful, back when buildings in the city were being abandoned en masse and the only way they were getting renovated was if people who had no legal claim to a property moved in and did the repairs themselves. You remember, the era of “the Bronx is burning.”

So laws were put in place to protect the outlaws who were busy fixing plumbing and electrical systems and putting on fresh coats of paint. Of course, not all squatters had good intentions; some just wanted a place to get high or do whatever they wanted to do out of the elements. But the laws were generous to all. To wit: Everywhere else in New York State, one needs to occupy a property for 10 years to get “squatter’s rights.” In New York City, it’s 30 days. A number of bills now in the state Legislature would change that, and do things like redefine squatters as trespassers.

That’s much more reflective of the situation we have now, especially here in Queens. We don’t have people who are down on their luck but have smarts and a noble streak turning derelict properties into community assets. We have scammers stealing homes and often trashing them, too.

In Jamaica, a property owner and real estate broker are

being sued by someone who refuses to leave and claims to be renting the place. From whom? Good question. The owner and broker say they have a rental agreement with someone else. They’re set to be back in court April 5.

In Flushing, the occupant of a house says he is the victim of a rental scam and will leave once he gets paid $18,000 for the work he has put into the million-dollar place, according to the New York Post. He drives a Range Rover, not the cheapest ride. The actual property owner got hauled off to jail after she changed the locks to keep him and his cohort out. She inherited the house when her parents died. He sublet it to migrants as a “side hustle.”

In Douglaston, someone bought a home for $2 million only to have the previous owner’s caretaker refuse to leave, claiming the buyer owes him money. They, too, are in court. So is a South Ozone Park property owner who tells her story in this week’s Letters to the Editor section.

This squatting crisis is part of the general lawlessness we’re witnessing: the illegal pot shops, the rampant retail theft, the unregistered scooters and mopeds, the unauthorized free bus rides. As this page has said before, it’s time for a crackdown, on all of it. Update our laws for our times.

Woodhaven meal deals

La Nostra Pizzeria boasts quality pies and many other Italian and Spanish dishes, along with standard American diner fare, all at great prices. El Puerto Mexicano will floor you with its steak, shrimp and fanciful monster drinks in many colors. Dennis Bagel, formerly Bagel Bin, has New York’s favorite rings of dough with all the fixins you’d expect, and was recently renamed for its beloved owner, who died a year ago.

These are just three of the eateries joining in the Woodhaven Business Improvement District’s second annual Restaurant Week, set for April 8 to 21. More than 20 spots are offering sweet deals. How could you say no?

This is the World’s Borough, and nowhere is that more evident than in the delightful choices of cuisine that greet you from Astoria to Rosedale. A few other communities, such as Flushing, have held restaurant weeks to boost the industry, as have Queens and the city as a whole. Sunnyside in particular seems to shine with its iteration.

Now come to Woodhaven! See what the strip of Jamaica Avenue in the BID zone, from the Brooklyn line to about 101st Street, has to offer. Dinner time’s coming.

Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Follow the money

Re Rick Horan’s March 28 letter, “Rail plans dashed”:

Horan, the QueensLink executive director, questioned why the feds gave NYC $117 million to fund the QueensWay. He noted that Mayor Adams was in such a rush to fund the linear park that he never bothered to ask Queens residents if they wanted a new subway, a new park or QueensLink, the plan that includes both. Mr. Horan omitted another option that many local residents would have preferred — use the funds to fix problems in the existing transit system and parks.

Prioritizing fancy new park amenities like a café and a rock-climbing zone in a small sliver of Forest Park while neglecting the upkeep of the rest of the park doesn’t seem wise to many of us. The underfunded and understaffed NYC Parks Department can’t manage to protect Forest Park from blight now — restrooms aren’t well maintained, dumping is rampant and invasive plants are rife in the forest. How will Parks manage to maintain the shiny new amenities?

While a new subway may be nice, many of us would prefer using the funds to rectify problems in our current transit system. Many bus lines that run by Forest Park don’t run frequently enough to serve all the riders who might use them to access the park. A lack of reliable escalators and elevators prevents many people from

accessing subways and railroads.

Regarding Mayor Adams’ decision to prioritize funding his skinny park over other transit and park needs, Mr. Horan asks, “Who does that? And why? And why now?” My guess is that Adams and the other politicians who allocated the funds are in the pockets of the powerful lobbyists and business people who donate to their campaigns and hope that a new tourist attraction in Queens will help line their pockets.

Joanne Sullivan Rego Park

More trains, not trails

Dear Editor:

I read in your article that Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said the reason to build a QueensWay Forest Park Pass segment between Union Turnpike and Park Lane South is that there isn’t enough parkland (“QueensWay gets $117M federal funding boost,” March 14, multiple editions). Not true,

we have Forest Park, which runs from Park Lane South to Myrtle Avenue into Forest Hills.

We need more trains that run to the Rockaways. Currently there is only the A train. New housing is going up in Far Rockaway, and more trains need to go through that area and all of the Rockaways.

Everyone talks about low-income neighborhoods being transit deserts. Now is the time to fix this problem. I can’t help but think there is another agenda as to why a park is being built when trains are desperately needed.

Maria Concolino Woodhaven

Anti-homeowner madness

Dear Editor:

Recent reports of squatters taking advantage of Queens homeowners have brought muchneeded attention to the absurdity of New York’s housing policy.

But “squatters rights” are just one example

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

of state lawmakers passing housing laws that harm law-abiding homeowners and exacerbate the problems they’re trying to solve.

Two squatters who lived rent-free in my Queens home for nearly four years finally left in January, but not before leaving rotting meat, garbage and booby traps sprawled across the apartment. They were able to take advantage of me because they knew how to game the system and exploit loopholes to buy themselves more and more time.

The experience not only left me traumatized and owed tens of thousands of dollars that I might never see, but it also made me never want to rent again. And that’s a broader lesson for state lawmakers: When you pass anti-homeowner legislation that defies common sense, more small property owners will never rent again.

State lawmakers — including several in Queens — are now pushing another proposal called “Good Cause Eviction,” which would make it virtually impossible for small property owners like me to keep up with rising expenses like property taxes and insurance, leaving us without the resources we need to handle maintenance requests and improvements.

NYU’s Furman Center even released a report last month outlining the unintended consequences of Good Cause Eviction for tenants, noting that it could discourage investment in housing, raise costs for all tenants, and make it even harder for tenants to find a suitable home.

Whether it’s squatters’ rights or Good Cause Eviction, state lawmakers need to wake up to what’s happening in our communities. How bad does it need to get before we end this antihomeowner madness once and for all?

Vanie Mangal South Ozone Park

End ‘squatting’ now

Dear Editor:

It seems it never ends — the utter disregard for the rights of law-abiding citizens in our own city and state.

One big fiasco is the New York City law allowing “squatters’ rights” to a property after a person or persons, illegally and fraudulently, have lived there for 30 days. And the same law makes it legally dangerous for the true owner to change the locks, shut off the power and water or throw the squatter’s stuff out. There is even information on TikTok explaining how illegal immigrants can take advantage of the law to score free homes.

The answer to this madness it to make “squatting” illegal, period.

And we can make it happen, by contacting our representatives in the City Council, state Assembly and state Senate and making our outrage known. Speak up, New Yorkers, be vigilant, be involved and make a difference!

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

Diller didn’t have to die

Dear Editor:

Police Officer Jonathan Diller, posthumously promoted to detective, did not have to die.

Career criminal Guy Rivera, who had previous felony convictions, was arrested for possessing a firearm last year. Federal statute says that persons who have been convicted in any court of a “crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year,” as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20), are prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

Had the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Rivera, he would have been in a federal lock-up facing a 10-year term.

Bill Herbert Kew Gardens

Beyond speed limits

Dear Editor:

State Sen. Jessica Ramos is correct in stating “Action needed in traffic crash crisis in Queens” (Opinion, March 28, multiple editions) but she is wrong about the type of actions needed. The situation is indeed tragic, but lower speed limits are not the answer when many crashes are caused by turning vehicles. What are needed are more measures to get dangerous drivers off the road, not to punish innocent ones, and better design of problem intersections. If a Barnes dance type of solution is warranted near schools, it needs to be in effect only at school arrival and dismissal times, not when no one is crossing the street.

There are no arterial roads left with the city speed limit set at a ridiculously low 25 mph on virtually every street, which means the average speed on city streets is under 12 mph. Lowering that to under 10 mph with a 20-mph speed limit will do nothing to enhance safety, which would be the result of Sammy’s Law. It will also make buses slower. (Sammy was not even killed by a speeding car.)

The fact is that on many streets, 35 mph is very safe while on others 15 mph can be dangerous. It all depends on the specific conditions, which have become increasingly dangerous with the proliferation of e-bikes breaking traffic laws. Lowest-common-denominator solutions never work. When a 20-mph speed limit fails to provide safer streets, what is next?

A 15-mph speed limit?

Allan Rosen Brooklyn

Trump, Pence and Jan. 6

Dear Editor:

President Trump has the audacity to call his “1/6” congressional insurrectionists “great Americans,” when he wanted the Senate, which controls presidential elections, to alter Biden’s votes in his favor.

When the Senate holds a session, the vice president serves as the Senate president. Trump wanted Mike Pence to alter Trump’s vote. The vice president objected to Trump’s desire. Those “great Americans” were out to kill Pence, but failed!

The 2024 election is starting to show Pence’s true feelings toward Trump. Anthony

CM Ariola backs the blue

To show support for first responders, the office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola wants to gift every police precinct and firehouse with a thin blue or red line flag.

officer, Deputy Inspector Jeremy Kivlin, center, and the community affairs team.

At Tuesday night’s NYPD 102nd Precinct council meeting, Ariola’s chief of staff, Phyllis Inserillo, second from left, presented the first blue line flag to the precinct’s commanding

“We will continue to stand strong with the members of the @nypd who each day selflessly risk their lives for the people of New York City,” Ariola’s office wrote on social media. A link to purchase a flag for donation can be found on her Facebook page.

Got space for a free tree?

Get your free tree here!

Over one month beginning April 13, the New York Restoration Project will distribute 3,500 trees to people across the five boroughs during select events for which one must register ahead of time.

The NYRP started its free tree giveaways in 2008 as part of the MillionTreesNYC initiative. That ended but the tree giveaway program has continued, and this season the NYRP will surpass the milestone of 75,000 trees given away.

The Queens giveaways are set for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Trav-

ers Park, at 76-09 34 Ave. in Jackson Heights; 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Discovery Community Garden, at 108-56 Union Hall St. in Jamaica; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at RISE, the Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity, at 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Far Rockaway; and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Queens Botanical Garden, at 42-80 Crommelin St. in Flushing.

Registration and more information, such as the types of trees available, are online at nyrp.org/freetree. Q

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Queens proudly roots for the home team

Amidst a vibrant sea of blue and orange, the New York Mets ignited the fervor at Citi Field in their long-awaited return to Opening Day festivities at their home stadium for the first time since 2018. The air buzzed with anticipation as fans, clad in the team’s iconic colors, eagerly ushered in a new era, extending a hearty welcome to David Stearns, the team’s new president of baseball operations, and Carlos Mendoza, at the helm of the Mets’ ship as their newest skipper.

lage show team spirit while tailgating in the parking lot prior to first pitch; Tim O’Hanlon, left, of Long Island, met new friends in Donte Rasmus of Jamaica and Christian Lovo of Astoria while waiting to enter the game; Christopher Greco of Bayside shows off a blue and orange wig — he told the Chronicle he wears a different wig to every game; Edward and Lucas T. of Whitestone arrived extra early to search for their personalized brick on the Citi Field property; Michelle Pruskin of Glen Oaks proudly shows off her Citi Field T-shirt from the first exhibition game in 2009; Rory and Logan Altman display a sign on their first Opening Day together; and, at center, Andrea and Reggie Henry, mother and son, enjoy the view from the field during the festivities. — Kristen Guglielmo

Clockwise from top right: Mr. Met makes a point during the Opening Day Ceremony; Maria and Valdo Mas, a mother and son from Ozone Park, fly an Amazin’ banner; Joseph McDonegh, left, Catherine Desimone and Thomas McDonegh from Middle Vil-

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

City Council supports FDNY EMS wage fight

Local 2507 President Oren Barzilay wants

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The City Council issued a counterproposal to the Fiscal 2025 preliminary budget plan and the fiscal 2024 preliminary Mayor’s Management Report on Monday.

In its own plan, the Council said it backs the FDNY’s emergency management technicians and paramedics, who are seeking pay parity with other first responders.

“Considering the increase in response times for EMS services, the City needs to not only retain current staff, but incentivize hiring for additional positions to meet the health needs of New Yorkers,” said the Council.

The Council also requested that the mayor’s administration include wage parity in future contract discussions for EMS workers.

“The Administration should also conduct an analysis to assess the cost of phasing in salary increases for EMS personnel, as well as modifying the Fire Department’s wage scales for emergency medical technicians and paramedics so that they are more in line with other higher paid emergency medical first responders,” the Council continued. “The approximately 4,347 members of EMS, including EMTs and paramedics, provide a critical service to New Yorkers and should be adequately compensated for their work.”

Oren Barzilay, president of FDNY EMS

Squatter laws

continued from page 2

Local 2507, the union representing paramedics and EMTS, was pleased by the Council’s support, but wants action similar to what was taken with the city’s delivery workers.

“Its always nice to see words like that come out from public officials,” Barzilay said. “Those words have been said and expressed before by City Council, however, we haven’t seen any action taken on that.”

FDNY EMS Local 2507 President Oren Barzilay. COURTESY PHOTO

Last summer, legislation passed increasing the wages of app-based delivery workers. In 2023, the workers saw their wages increase to $17.96 per hour before tips, according to the city. That is just slightly less than the wage of EMTs or paramedics, people Barzilay calls the “street doctors,” who he said earn $18.94 per hour.

On Monday, delivery workers were initially to see a pay bump to $18.96 on April 1. The Mayor’s Office said the wage increase will be $19.56 before tips to adjust for inflation, nearly quadrupling their initial wage of $5.39 before tips, according to multiple reports.

“While we appreciate the words of support, hopefully when we get to the table in the near

million home is in an ensuing legal battle with the caretaker of the former homeowner.

pay parity, not just words

future, we will see the city actually fix this problem because it has been plaguing our men and women for nearly 50 years,” said the union president. “We are approaching our 50th year in February.”

FDNY EMS Local 2507 hasn’t started negotiating yet. DC 37, the supervisory union, is stalling getting to the table, said the president.

A spokesman for the local said that DC 37 is currently preoccupied with helping EMS Officers Union FDNY Local 3621 with its wage negotiations.

Barzilay said the low wages and recent budget cuts from the Mayor’s Office continue to make it hard to retain the city’s street doctors, especially during the warmer months, which is when there are more crimes and medical emergencies.

“As the temperature increases, there is a higher demand for EMTs, and even in the cold weather we are holding jobs every day, meaning there is a delay in giving out assignments,” he said. “People are waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance and I assure you, there will be a two- to three-hour wait time once the temperature increases.”

Barzilay also said that EMTs and paramedics need more sick days, they need mental health days and they need psychologists who are not simply there to screen candidates, but to help workers who have experienced extremely stressful situations.

“We only get 12 sick days a year,” Barzilay said about those working an eight-hour shift. Those working a 12-hour shift for four days one week, three days the following week, on repeat, only get eight 12-hour days of sick leave regardless of the number of years on the job.

“When you come in contact with so many people who are sick, sometimes you don’t have enough time to recuperate.”

The union president said his members have been exposed to people who have been shot at, beat up and sexually abused on a regular basis, which sometimes take a mental toll.

“Our members have fallen to [post traumatic stress disorder],” he said. “We have lost 11 people to suicide in the past three years.”

Barzilay said that FDNY EMS workers often have a top salary of $59,000, while personnel at other agencies like the NYPD make around $110,000.

“The number one priority is wage equality and recognition as a uniformed force,” he said. “We just want the same for our EMTs and paramedics. We are not asking for more, we just want to be equal.” Q

Adams’ Woodhaven town hall

continued from page 4 and three others were staying in.

Andalaro, who inherited the house after her parents died, attempted to close one chapter of her life by selling the home. She instead ended up in handcuffs on Feb. 29 for unlawful eviction when she changed the locks on the property after discovering the squatters.

“It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to be going through this,” Andalaro told ABC 7 News, which first reported on the incident.

District Attorney Melinda Katz said at a Community Board 12 meeting on March 20 that Andalaro was released with a criminal court summons. The homeowner must now start a formal eviction process, which on average takes up to 20 months.

Katz also said the squatters’ rights law needs to be reexamined.

Vanie Mangal, a former South Ozone Park resident, told the Chronicle in 2023 that she had to leave her family home to live in another, because her tenants were allegedly verbally abusive. During the pandemic, her tenants stopped paying rent and instead bought a brand-new car, she said.

The Post said in February that after months in housing court the tenants fled ahead of their eviction after four years in Mangal’s home, but trashed and boobytrapped the house, leaving rotting fish there.

In Douglaston, a couple who bought a $2

According to court documents, Susana and Joseph Landa bought the home six months ago from a trustee of the house, but they have yet to move in because the caretaker, Brett Flores, still occupies the home, reported Business Insider.

Dennis O’Sullivan, the attorney for Flores, told the Chronicle that the homeowners allegedly knew about the caretaker living in the home and asked him to stay, promising $140,000 for him to bring the house’s initial price of $2.69 million down to $2 million, but reneged on the deal and besmirched his name on a national scale.

“The house used to be owned by Bernie Fernandez ... then he died,” O’Sullivan said. “The caretaker was going to move if he received the back wages owed to him and the estate did not want to pay him.”

Fernandez said the back wages for the 24-7 live-in caretaker totaled $70,000.

“They were able to negotiate an incredible discount,” said O’Sullivan, who refused to call his client a squatter. “The estate got frustrated ... and the Landas did not pay him the $140,000 they promised him ... but he recorded their conversations ... They went on national TV and distorted what happened.”

A second attorney for Flores, who also goes by Brett Fisher, refused to accept the $140,000 that was offered in open court.

In the meantime, Flores has filed for bankruptcy, which has delayed the case.

Anthony Mordente, the attorney for the Landas, declined to comment. Q

message that the laws we pass cannot get in the way of preventing the public safety that we want in the city,” he said. He added that no one has ever told him that they want less police, but that the narrative is “hijacked” by the “numerical minority.”

On illegal smoke shops, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said that in 2022 there were about 1,200 in the city, and now there are about 2,500. He said right now, there are about 665 pending civil court litigations for closures. “The effort is there, and we’re not going to stop,” he said.

Adams acknowledged that legislation penned by Rajkumar would allow municipalities more control on shuttering the illegal pot shops.

“Albany, give us the power to do the job,” Adams said. “If I have the power to do the job, I will close down every illegal smoke shop in the city within 30 days. I need the power.”

A local issue brought to the mayor’s attention was the Forest Park tennis court on Park Lane South. A resident said the court has been closed for over 10 years, and he and his table of peers “passionately believe that this park can be repaired and beautified once again.”

Ariola said, “It happens to be our number one ask for the budget this year.”

The work on the site is expected to cost around $9 million and would be done over

the next 10 years.

Omayra Torres of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District said a lack of lighting on Jamaica Avenue is concerning. When asked which particular intersection is too dark, the crowd of residents exclaimed that the entire avenue could use more light.

In response, Nicole Garcia of the city Department of Transportation said the agency would do a study of the area and set up a walkthrough with the BID. Adams said he would join a nighttime walkthrough.

Deputy Inspector Jeremy Kivlin, the commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, tackled a question on illegal vending and general quality of life.

He said he has an initiative focusing on Jamaica Avenue, specifically in the Woodhaven area. New officers have been deployed to Woodhaven hot spots, like 85th Street and Jamaica Avenue, he added.

“We do various outreaches for homeless,” he said. “We do joint operations with sanitation. Quality-of-life initiatives are taken out there. We also do numerous twowheel scooter operations, which I know is a very big concern. So we’re out there.”

During the meeting, police reminded the public to bring concerns to their neighborhood community coordination officers.

“If you don’t know your NCO officer, that’s a big problem,” Adams said. Q

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Dmitriy Israel of Blvd Optical is no stranger to eyewear sales.

He’s been in the business for over 20 years, having previously operated an optical business in Manhattan. And he boasts an impressive resumé: He’s been featured on “Extra” and in Bloomberg and other magazine spreads. His client list has included celebrities, actors and reality televisions stars.

“My biggest customer was Spike Lee,” Irsael said.

When Covid hit, business at his Manhattan store slowed down and the location eventually closed. And then Irsael, a Howard Beach resident, took a chance on a 400 square-foot location on Crossbay Boulevard that previously served as a walk-in fridge for a neighboring grocery store.

With Blvd Optical’s high ceilings and chic decor, one would never guess it was ever used for anything other than luxury sunglass and eyeglass sales, though it’s only been open a month.

The showroom boasts frames in an abundance of styles, shapes and colors starting at $100. Currently, the store is having a promotion where some frames are two for $99, and designer frames are 50 percent off.

“That’s what sets us apart,” Israel said. “We’re affordable. We have great prices and we have a great selection.”

For those who like to indulge in extravagance, Israel offers a variety of luxury brands and frames — some worth up to $20,000, he said. A $4,500 pair of Cartier sunglasses were among the frames on dis-

play in the store’s window.

“Nobody has this,” Israel said of the competition. “Nobody has a selection like this.”

Asked how he can afford to keep prices reasonable while still offering designer brand styles, he said he buys in bulk. Though the showroom has hundreds of options on display, Israel said he has boxes of frames that wouldn’t fit in the store.

The location also boasts safety measures: There are security cameras and prospective customers have to be buzzed in.

Those in need of an updated prescription are in luck, because Blvd Optical has an optometrist on site for full-service eye exams.

Glasses are made on site, with lens-processing equipment in the back of the store to make sure that you can see perfectly while looking your best. And if you prefer contacts instead, the store offers those as well in all the common brands and varieties.

“We take insurance,” Israel said. “We don’t combine store promotions with insurance, but the promotions are usually cheaper than the insurance price.”

Blvd Optical is located at 164-42 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach.

The store is open Mondays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the store at (347) 2332620. Blvd Optical can also be reached via email at blvdoptical@gmail.com, or online at blvdoptical.com. Q

Upgrade or Install a NEW Effi cient CLEAN HEAT Pump & Cooling System to Keep You Comfortable all Year Long w/BIG Energy Cost Savings!

There is no better time to upgrade your Home, Offi ce, or Co-operative Heating and Cooling System. The New & Improved Heat Pumps available today can Save You 30% to 40% or more on your energy costs.

HOW YOU BENEFIT:

✔ Reduce heating and cooling utility costs by 30% to 40% or more.

✔ Increase the life span of your heating and cooling equipment.

✔ Create a more comfortable efficient home or workspace w/quiet, even heating and cooling.

✔ Thermostat control for different rooms to obtain total comfort & savings putting you back in control.

✔ Reduce your environmental impact – Reduce fossil fuels, fuel storage, & carbon monoxide emissions.

✔ Save $$$$ with Rebates & Tax Incentives. (While funds are Available)

✔ Affordable Financing.

PROFESSIONAL HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION:

✔ Fully licensed and insured

✔ Expert technicians

✔ Free estimates

✔ Residential & commercial

✔ Preferred Plus Samsung Dealer

✔ Installation, service checks, & maintenance

✔ Quality effi cient heat pump systems

✔ Duct or ductless options – We own our sheetmetal shop.

✔ Assorted vents available - Floor, Wall, Ceiling-Cassette, Horizontal-Ducted Call Us Today!

The geologist and environmentalist remains focused in the Council Years later, Gennaro still in the weeds

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest) never expected to run for office. From the time he graduated high school, he had envisioned working in environmental public policy, and began studying geology at Stony Brook University on day one.

Fast forward to 1993 — Gennaro had been working for three years as the deputy director of the City Council’s Office of Policy and Research, where he focused on environmental policy in particular and worked closely with the Committee on Environmental Protection. That’s when the city voted to limit mayors to two, four-year terms.

“I would still be in that job today, if not for term limits,” he told the Chronicle in a wide-ranging interview last Thursday.

And yet, Gennaro is in the third year of his second stint in the Council, after he held the seat from 2002 to 2013 and returned to the chamber after winning the special election to replace Rory Lanceman in February 2021.

But Gennaro is still unapologeti-

cally an environmental policy wonk. And as chair of the Environmental Protection Committee, he has the perfect outlet.

He noted — as he has many times — that he was not on the Council when Local Law 97, which mandates that buildings over 25,000 square feet reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by large margins, and therefore requires major infrastructure upgrades, such as switching from gas boilers to electric heating. The policy has received much pushback from co-op shareholders and condo owners, who will pay for those renovations themselves. Failure to comply results in very steep fines. Gennaro was sympathetic to those concerns. “My constituents don’t get to pick and choose when they comply with Local Law 97,” he said. “They’re stuck.”

The councilman said that while there is “zero appetite” among his peers to change LL 97, his “quest” is to find ways to ease the economic burden imposed by the policy. He pointed to the bill sponsored by Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), which aims to create a property tax abatement and exemption for capital improvements that reduce carbon emissions, as one possible avenue. Gennaro also suggested that some funding from the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill might be used to assist some property owners.

Another mission of the councilman’s is to get Mayor Adams and his administration moving toward executing a vision for a renewable Rikers Island, which the Council voted to do in early 2021. “There are milestones in there — there are land transfer milestones, other reporting milestones that the administration is supposed to achieve. And they have not achieved any of it,” Gennaro said.

“They have not done anything. The law has already been passed. And so now, it’s strictly an oversight responsibility of me working with the administration to develop what renewable Rikers will look like.”

Asked whether there are any issues plaguing his district that have gone under the radar, Gennaro pointed to chronic flooding (granted, one rainy week later, that seems hard to miss).

“Our sewer system can accommodate a storm of 1.75 inches [of rainwater] per hour. Show me another city in the country that has that kind of capacity — that doesn’t exist,” Gennaro said. “We’re not going to install 6,000 more miles of increased [sewer capacity] ... it’s just not going to happen.”

He said the issue is by no means

limited to his district. He noted that Southeast Queens is particularly vulnerable when it comes to flooding, which the shutdown of Jamaica Water Service wells in the early 1990s has not helped.

“If you’re pumping 100 million gallons of water out of the ground, and then all of the sudden, you suddenly curtail that, by 90 percent, there’s going to be a rebound of the water table to its natural level,” the geologist-turned-lawmaker explained.

Instead, he said he is looking at creative solutions to flooding issues. One idea being floated is a program that would incentivize property owners to repave their driveways with porous surfaces.

While Gennaro spoke most extensively about environmental issues, he was perhaps most emphatic when asked for his take on illegal cannabis stores: “I think it’s a bigger problem with me than with my constituents, because I am completely opposed to the legalization of marijuana.

“How the government got into the drug business in the first place, I think is an abomination. New York State actually ought to be ashamed of itself to be in the dope business. Please use the word ‘dope.’” Q

NE Queens pols keep up LL 97 fight

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Three months after the onset of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction legislation, lawmakers in Northeast Queens remain focused on mitigating the effects of the policy on co-op shareholders and condo owners.

Sheltering from the rain in the Beach Hills Co-Op community room Monday morning, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) advocated for his bill, A5050, which would create a tax abatement and exemption for capital improvements reducing carbon emissions.

Local Lawn 97 requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet certain greenhouse gas emissions benchmarks through various upgrades, such as switching from gas boilers to electric heating systems. Condo owners and co-op shareholders would pay for the renovations directly. Failure to comply lands them steep fines.

Glen Oaks Village co-op President Bob Friedrich said that for his shareholders, compliance would come out to about $24.5 million, or over $9,000 per family. The fines, on the other hand, would amount to $394,000 per year, and rise to $2 million by 2040. “Local Law 97 is the greatest unfunded mandate ever imposed on co-ops,” he said.

But even as Braunstein said Mayor Adams said he would work with Albany on an abate-

ment agreement — which is common when state legislation has a significant fiscal impact on the city — the assemblyman said the city is “dragging its feet” on the matter.

“The mayor said out of his own mouth that he wants to work with us — start working with us on a number,” he said. “If they told us the amount of money that they would be willing to forego on property tax revenue, we could start tailoring this bill in a way that meets that number.”

Monday’s press conference comes as Albany works to finalize the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, the due date for which was extended to Thursday, April 4. Asked if he anticipates A5050 being in the budget, Braunstein said that while “ideally,” it would be part of the budget’s housing package, which is still being discussed, he reiterated that Adams needs to come to the table.

Asked about that, Liz Garcia, deputy press secretary for the Mayor’s Office, said the

administration is reviewing the state bill.

Braunstein’s bill is one of several ways elected officials are aiming to ease the impact of the law on co-op shareholders and condo owners. Councilmember Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) spoke of her bill aimed at including green space in carbon footprint calculations for LL 97 compliance.

“I don’t think it is unreasonable for us to ask for the residents, who are working middle-income class folks in New York City who are paying their taxes and who are actually contributing back to the economy ... have certain amendments that apply, that includes certain exemptions,” Lee said. “If you’re talking about carbon emissions, why are we not talking about the green spaces that are all around the garden apartment co-ops?”

The issue made for a rare alliance Monday as both Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) and Councilmember Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) suggested supporting condos and co-ops through the effects of LL 97 was vital for preserving the middle class, with Paladino calling its members “the meat and potatoes of New York City.”

“This is about protecting the working middle class — it’s not a right wing [thing], this is not a left wing [thing]. This is a commonsense thing that we can all focus on,” Kim said.

Q

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, center left, and several of his colleagues are aiming to ease the effects of Local Law 97 on co-op shareholders and condo owners. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

Councilman Jim Gennaro has focused on environmental policy his entire career, even before he ran for elected office. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY the interview

We Specialize in Installation of Heat Pump Mini Split Heating and Cooling Systems

1-4 Family Houses Receive Up To $12,000 Incentive

Off Your Invoice – Con Edison Contribution NO WAITING FOR REBATES! SAVE $$$$

Receive Energy Savings, Cost Savings, Rebates & Tax Incentives (while funds are available)

Servicing: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Beyond! Sales, Installations, & Service

Cohen releases new poll on casino

His says 62 pct. of SD 13 supports it; Ramos’ says 75 pct. are opposed

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Sixty-two percent of registered Senate District 13 voters support building a casino in the district, according to a new poll released Tuesday by Mets owner Steve Cohen and his team at Queens Future, gauging support for the billionaire’s Metropolitan Park proposal.

That’s a stark difference from the poll state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) conducted, the results of which were published in news outlet The City Monday morning. That study found that 75 percent of her constituents do not want a casino in their neighborhood.

Cohen’s plan for the Citi Field parking lot includes a casino, 25 acres of green space and athletic fields, a concert hall, a Queens food hall and a hotel. Cohen’s team has also promised to provide more than $1 billion in community benefits, in addition to more than 15,000 jobs, which their poll found 88 percent of those asked in SD 13 support.

Ramos plays a crucial role in the project’s future, as the Citi Field parking lot is legally parkland and

would require the state Legislature to alienate the site to allow for a casino and related amenities. While Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) has introduced legislation to that effect, Ramos is still weighing her decision, which she intends to make by the end of the legislative session.

Asked about the discrepancy between the two polls’ main findings, Ramos said, “Of course, it’s different — that’s how polls work by design. It’s the science of asking questions in order to find what you want to find.”

That’s why she did her own poll. “I don’t think that I should make such an important decision based on only data that’s been created by the person making the proposal themselves,” she said. Asked what she was looking to find, then, the senator said she wanted to know what her constituents thought was the best use of the site in question.

How did Cohen’s team explain the discrepancy? Karl Rickett, a spokeperson for Cohen, referred the Chronicle back to the poll memo and the data itself, and emphasized that Queens Future and New Green Wil-

lets, the two Cohen-run companies overseeing the project, have engaged with the community extensively for more than a year through visioning sessions, polls and more.

Seventy-five percent of respondents said they supported the whole project, per Cohen’s poll. It also found 31 percent of those polled in Ramos’ district were less likely to vote for her if she opposes the project, while 14 percent were more likely to.

Though there is overlap between the groups responding to both polls, the two studies do not poll exactly the same people. While Cohen’s study surveyed 600 registered voters in Queens, 250 of whom were from Ramos’ district, all 423 participants in hers were SD 13 voters.

Though Ramos has declined to say who donated the $27,000 for her poll, it was conducted by Slingshot Strategies; per Politico, Resorts World and Bally’s — who are among those competing with Cohen for one of the state’s three downstate casino licenses — are among the firm’s past and present clients.

As for the timing of the two polls, Ramos’ was conducted between March 5 and 10; Cohen’s was done between March 15 and 23. Rickett said his camp’s poll was not done in response to Ramos’, and that since they hadn’t done one in about a year, it was about time.

Asked about her reaction to Cohen’s releasing his poll right after hers, Ramos told the Chronicle, “I’m not here to play games. This is serious.

“I’m not going to engage in a back-and-forth with them. I’m out to do my due diligence with my community. That’s my job.” Q

Two polls gauging community support of Mets owner Steve Cohen’s casino proposal show very different results. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY / FILE

How we protect you from misleading advertising

Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Securityrelated advertising or imposter communications.

For example, the OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who:

• Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security.

• Operates an imposter website or social media account designed to look like it belongs to or is authorized by Social Security.

• Sends emails or text messages or makes telephone calls claiming to be from Social Security.

• Sells Social Security’s free forms, applications, and publica-

tions without our written approval.

• Charges a fee for a service that Social Security provides free of charge without providing a clearly visible notice that Social Security provides the service for free.

If you receive a suspicious Social Security-related advertisement or imposter communication, please let us know immediately. We encourage you to report potential scams to the OIG at oig.ssa. gov. You can also send an email to OIG.1140@ssa.gov.

Please try to capture as much information about the communication as you can. Here’s what you can do:

• For suspicious websites or social media accounts, take a screenshot of the webpage. Note the website address or social media link – and how you came across it.

• For emails and text messages, capture the entire message and

any message links.

• For U.S. mail, retain the complete communication, including the outside envelope and all inserts.

• For telephone calls, note the caller identification phone number and any company name or callback number that the caller or recorded message provides.

This information will help OIG locate the source of the suspicious communication. You can review Section 1140 at ssa.gov/ OP_Home/ssact/title11/1140.

htm. You can also check out our publication, What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising, atssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510005.pdf.

Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media! P

As printed in the Social Security Star (March 2024).

healthy and independent with senior nutrition program

Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them? Did you know that you can also receive healthy meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior Nutrition Program? Local meal programs in communities across the country are waiting to serve you.

As we age, we have different needs, different ways we take care of our health, and different nutrients we need to get from our food. But we don’t always have enough healthy food or the desire to prepare or eat a meal. Whether you need more food, healthier food, someone to share a meal with, or just want to learn about good eating habits, a meal program can help.

Every day, senior nutrition programs serve almost one million meals to people age 60 and older. With home-delivered and group meal options, you can get the food you need in a way that works best for you. Senior nutrition programs can:

• Help you avoid missed meals – and save time and money with less shopping and cooking.

• Offer opportunities to connect and socialize, which can help improve your mental and physical health.

• Teach you how to create a healthy eating plan. You can learn about healthy food recommendations based on your age, unique needs, and preferences.

• Connect you with other resources like transportation or homemaker services. This helps you stay connected and engaged in your community.

It’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 participants would recommend a senior nutrition program to a friend. Find a senior nutrition program in your area and help us spread the word by sharing it with your loved ones, neighbors, and community.

Visit eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index. aspx for more information.

The Senior Nutrition Program is administered by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. P

As printed in the Social Security Star (March 2024).

EVERYBODY NEEDS

A LITTLE TLC

Prime Times: 60 Plus

Travel opportunities for retirees abound

Seniors have many travel options, and retirement is the ideal time to get out and enjoy time away from home.

RIGHT PLACE,

Retirement provides individuals with ample time to engage in activities they enjoy. Many seniors spend that newfound free time relaxing and seeing the sights.

had to say about our team:

Seniors are a travel-friendly demographic. The World Tourism Organization says that, in 1999, more than 593 million international travelers were age 60 years and older. Seniors are projected to take two billion trips annually by 2050. As Baby Boomers and Generation Xers continue to retire, a larger portion of the overall population will have time to travel.

When seniors plan trips, they have many ways to get around in style.

Cruising

Cruising can be an ideal way for older adults to travel. Cruise ships depart from ports across the world and travelers can choose from an array of itineraries. People can travel on cruises that are at sea for as few as three to five days to others that are out for weeks at a time.

One reason seniors enjoy cruising is because it’s all-inclusive with little extra planning required. Step aboard a cruise and enjoy a floating hotel complete with food, lodging, entertainment, shopping, gambling, and much more. Organized excursions at ports of call add to the thrill of cruising.

RV excursions

Travel by recreational vehicle is a great way for individuals with time on their hands to see the sights up close and personal. When RVing, the time spent traveling is the adventure, and the destination is simply the cherry on top.

The RV industry exploded during the pandemic because it provided a safe way to enjoy a vacation and get away from home. MARVAC Michigan RV & Campgrounds says currently more than nine million households own an RV in the United States. There’s no age limit to buying an RV, although the RV Industry Association says the average owner is

48-years-old and married. RV-friendly campsites and parks enable travelers to mingle with each other, providing affordable and fun ways to travel.

Guided tours

Escorted tours are another option seniors may want to consider. By working with reputable tour operators, seniors can engage in affordable, safe and comfortable tours via bus, train or other modes of travel. Tour companies take the work out of the trips by handling the details and showcasing the best locales. Tour experts know when to schedule meals and sightseeing to avoid the crowds so that everyone can sit back and relax on their adventures.

Timeshares

Seniors who got in on the timeshare bandwagon early in life can choose to enjoy their travel years even further. The timeshare model enables buyers to purchase the right to use particular homes, condos, hotel rooms, resorts, or other accommodations for specific periods of time. For example, some timeshare agreements are for one week each year in a designated location. Seniors with more time on their hands may want to revisit timeshare agreements to increase the frequency in which they can use properties or to find timeshare companies that enable swapping properties with others so that different locales can be enjoyed.

Visiting family

Retirees may aspire to spend more time with family members who do not live nearby. Families may want to consider mother-daughter residences or properties with small guest houses so that seniors can stay in the residences when visiting but have some privacy at the same time.

Seniors have many travel options, and retirement is the ideal time to get out and enjoy time away from home. P

— Metro Creative Connection

Queens World Film Festival seeks to give filmmakers more than awards Movie magic a hit before curtain rises

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Astoria just might be the independent film capital of the world between April 17 and 28, with movie makers from around the globe showcasing their works in the 13th annual Queens World Film Festival.

Many of the 152 films from 19 countries will receive awards, and all will gain exposure.

But ask Katha Cato, executive director of the festival, and she’ll say two of the most important days of the event take place before a single film is screened.

“We held our presser on the 27th [of March],” Cato said. “About 40 to 50 filmmakers and their teams came to the Museum of the Moving Image. Then the event became more real.”

The evening was part party, part reception before anything official to do with films happened.

“Then we screened our Sizzle Reel, and in four minutes and 45 seconds it truly tells the story of the film festival — the types of work people will see, the diversity, these enticing images from all over the world,” Cato said. “You’re seeing them differently than you’ll experience them at the Redstone Theatre [at MoMI] or the Zukor Theater [at Kaufman Astoria Studios].”

Filmmakers from the borough gather on stage at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria during one of the preliminary events for the 13th annual Queens World Film Festival,which will celebrate more than 150 movies from 19 countries from April 17 to 28.

And this coming Saturday, April 6, is the annual Trailer Party at The Local in Long Island City, where guests may see the trailers from their own films and those of the people around them.

“It’s such a fun night,” Cato said. “They cheer for each other. They’re so excited. It

really is loving.” She said many festivals don’t have as many events leading to the true opening night, but that their way works in Queens.

“At so many film festivals, the filmmaker will walk in on opening night and not know anybody. They don’t know who to talk to.

And they don’t know each other,” she said. “I tell them at the presser to look at the people to the left of you and to the right of you.Get to know them. You’re going to be making another movie and you’re going to need crew.”

Cato said she heard just the other day from a group called Local Express, which is made up of filmmakers from the five boroughs, who will be going out together in Queens.

“They’re going to have brunch at a local restaurant, people from all five boroughs,” Cato said. “They’re going to spend money in Queens, and then they’re going out to hang posters for the festival.”

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Camber of Commerce, told the Chronicle that his group is a fan of the festival. He said its ripple effects go well beyond elevating the film industry and the arts in general, benefiting the borough’s restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

All films will be shown in blocks. Information on the movies, their schedules and the purchase of tickets is available online at queensworldfilmfestival.org.

The Museum of the Moving Image is located at 36-01 35 Ave. in Astoria, while Kaufman Astoria Studios is next door at 34-12 36 St. Both are easily reached by public transportation. Q

COURTESY PHOTO

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Kristen Guglielmo

Still,life

Isolating during the Covid pandemic got many people more in touch with their hobbies and creative sides.

Some opted to take up baking. Others got really into home improvement, or began taking long walks.

Artist Eunju Kang decided to get some outdoor time on her bicycle.

“I hadn’t been to my art studio for about seven months at the time,” she told the Chronicle. “I started riding a bicycle, started to get back into my routine. But then I noticed a community garden on the next block.”

Kang, who was born and raised in Korea, said her visual focus was heightened from being cocooned for so long during the pandemic.

As a result, she started paying attention to the little things she would notice on her bike rides — the details of the colors and shapes of the natural world around her.

“And then I began to transfer that to the studio,” she said.

The work created as a result of her heightened focus is April

Pandemic hobby grows into Bayside art exhibit

on

on display in “Flower Talk,” a solo exhibition coming to the Garage Art Center in Bayside.

Kang explained how she puts stems and flowers and other objects on a piece of paper and depicts them in her art.

“I’ll look at it [on the paper] and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really, really want to paint this thing.’ So that’s how I started this — with my daily routine, recording how nature changes every day.”

For “Flower Talk,” Kang mostly utilized watercolor paints.

“I used to teach watercolor, but it’s not my main thing,” she said.

Kang added that she never plans her art ahead of time. “Flower Talk” was created without the use of any pencil or outlines.

“I let it happen naturally,” she said. “I don’t want to be stressed out about making mistakes. I just want to be in the moment.”

The result is a collection of soft paintings that reflect the natural beauty around Kang’s studio. In one

continued on page 31

in “Flower Talk,” a solo exhibit ion to t he Art Center in Bayside

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle

Tiffany Cabán made a left out of S. Richmond Hill

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Eddie Cabán, of Puerto Rican heritage, was born on Oct. 11, 1960. He lived at 31-67 49 St. in the Woodside public housing projects. He married Beatriz Nazario, who was exactly nine days younger than him, in 1979 — both age 19.

On July 24, 1987, their daughter, Tiffany Leigh Cabán, was born.

Eddie, working as a elevator repairman, made a good living (today elevator mechanics make $100,000 a year on average). In August 1989 they bought a home at 97-05 109 St. in South Richmond Hill.

Tiffany, a bright child, went to high school at St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows and college at Pennsylvania State University. She went on to New York Law School and became a public defender, as well as a progressive activist. She ran for Queens district attorney in 2019 and lost by only 60 votes to Melinda Katz in the decisive Democratic primary. She then won the 2021 race to be the City Council member for the 22nd District.

Cabán ruffled a few feathers during Women’s History Month when she honored some of the most far-left extremist women in history. She said they made history.

At age 36, Cabán has a long career ahead of her, and could run for Queens DA again. She lives in Astoria with her two rescue dogs, Natalie and Coltrane. Q

The childhood home of the City Council member for 22nd District in Astoria, Tiffany Cabán, at 97-05 109 St. in South Richmond Hill, as it looked in 2011.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE

‘A Night of Jazz’ rocks Rochdale Village April 20

by Naeisha Rose associate editor

For Karlene Douglas, a Jamaican-Haitian American in Rochdale Village, it was music that brought her parents together, and on Saturday, April 20, she hopes it will bring a community together to listen to America’s original art form at the inaugural “A Night of Jazz” in the co-ops’ club lounge area.

“Music was always in the house,” said Douglas, who grew up in Queens Village. “My father was always blasting his music from Jamaica.”

Douglas said her father, who listened to classic reggae artists like Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Jimmy Cliff, and American artists from the 1950s, such as Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Harry Belafonte, met her mother in the 1980s at The Reggae Lounge in Brooklyn. Her mother was more a fan of Kenny G, Stevie Wonder, Algerian artist Cheb Mami and samba music by Sergio Mendes.

By the time she was in fifth grade at Ronald McNair Elementary in Cambria Heights, her music teacher, Andrew Julian Meyers, said she and her identical twin sister both had an ear for music and encouraged them to pursue the alto saxophone and clarinet, respectively.

“He said that my sister and I had potential,” Douglas said. “He put the saxophone in my hand and it was off to the races.”

Douglas would later attend the famed Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan with the likes of Camille Thurman, the first woman to tour and perform jazz full time with the Lincoln Center Orchestra, and Marcus Gilmore, the grandson of legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes.

“I didn’t know about anything in my community and, unfortunately I stopped playing for 18 years,” she said. Then she was invited to Brooklyn Brownstone Jazz. “They have shows pretty much every Friday and Saturday night and it fills up. I made a community of friends, including with Carl Bartlett Jr. who is from Queens.”

Bartlett, an award-winning saxophonist

Learning and Flushing Town Hall.

In October 2023, Douglas started playing the saxophone again, and she decided that she wanted to bring a jazz night event, similar to the ones at the Brownstone, to Rochdale Village, where she resides.

“I reached out to whomever I could,” said Douglas, who invested nearly $8,000 toward the endeavor. “It takes a community to get this up and running.”

Bartlett is looking forward to the show.

“In the time that I’ve known Karlene, I can say that she is driven when it comes to accomplishing her goals and making life better for others,” he said via email.

“A Night of Jazz” starts at 7 p.m.; doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at 169-65 137 St. Tickets and light refreshments are on sale for $22.99; or $44.99 for additional food and drinks. To register, go online to posh.vip/e/a-night-of-jazz.

from Cambria Heights and son of The Bartlett Contemporaries founder Carl Bartlett Sr., often spoke to Douglas about Queens’ rich jazz legacy and art associations like the Jamaica Center for Arts and

Music Director Gerald M. Thomas, along with Tony Jimenez, Edward Sanchez, Barbara Waldron, Shedrick Mitchell, Ray Gallon and Bruce Arnold are all expected to perform. Douglas is also thinking about going onstage to play a song or two.

“Queens has been paramount to the jazz diaspora,” she said. “It is the music of us, the Black community and it is shared with the entire world and it should stay alive.” Q

Explore the beauty of nature with ‘Flower Talk’

work, “Studio View,” which was created using oil paints, Kang depicts the view from her art studio’s window.

In “Studio Window,” a watercolor piece, Kang illustrates the succulents and cacti that line a window in her art studio using earthy tones.

And in “Still Life with Gourd,” Kang captures the delicate essence of nature with every watercolor brushstroke.

Crossword Answers

On April 20, at 3 p.m., Kang will be hosting a 90-minute workshop at Garage Art Center called “Watercolor Wonders.” Like the exhibit, it is free and open to the public, and the materials will be provided so attendees can engage in an experience much like Kang’s artistic process.

“I’ve accumulated this pile [of objects] that people can pick from,” Kang said. “I want people to pick out whatever they would want to try to focus on, and we’ll lay it on paper.”

If someone wants to participate in the workshop but is hesitant, Kang and Garage Art Center founder Stephanie Lee assured that the event will be a judgement-free zone.

“In this workshop, there will be no judgment, just pure fascination and admiration for what lies in front of us,” Lee says of the event on the gallery’s website.

“No one has to paint,” Kang said. “Someone could even just sketch if they’re

In “Flower Talk,” Eunju Kang’s new exhibition at Garage Art Center in Bayside, Kang explores the beauty outside the window of her art studio. On the cover: Some of Kang’s paintings from the exhibition.

not comfortable. It might be more looking than doing.”

She does, however, hope the event can spark some artistic interest.

“I think the workshop can be a kind of starting point, and then maybe someone can do that with their life,” Kang said.

“Flower Talk” will run from April 6

through April 28 at the Garage Art Center, located at 26-01 Corporal Kennedy St. in Bayside. The opening reception is on April 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. All are welcome.

For more on the exhibit and the Garage Art Center, or to schedule a viewing, visit garageartcenter.org. To see more from Kang, visit eunjukangarts.com. Q continued from page 29

Karlene Douglas is producing a “A Night of Jazz” at Rochdale Village on April 20. Guitarist Bruce Arnold, left, is one of the performers. PHOTOS COURTESY KARLENE DOUGLAS

COURTESY PHOTOS

Howard Beach/Linderwood, Fri 4/5 & Sat 4/6, 9am-3pm, 155-48 84 St. Something for everyone!

DIRECTV Sports Pack—3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA,

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call 877-988-7277

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices —No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS

WE BUY vintage silver,gold, coins, jewelry, art, and other contents of your antique accumulations. Call Alex: (917) 692-3269

We buy vintage, estate & costume jewelry. Top cash paid for whole contents of your accumulations. Also, interested in watches, coins,stamps, records, photos, art & other antiques. Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR

Notice of Formation of FIRST STEPZ DAYCARE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/15/2024. 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: REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC, 54 STATE STREET,

Legal Notices Cemetery Plot

Notice of Formation of DAEDALUS TCG LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/04/2024. 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, 8330 AUSTIN STREET UNIT 150277, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Paul 4727 Realty LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/16/2024. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 47 Morris Drive, Syosset, NY 11791. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of REIDO PLUMBING & PAINTING, LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/20/2023. 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: REIDO PLUMBING & PAINTNG, LLC, 171-54 46TH AVE FLUSHING, QUEENS, NY 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. NATASHA PHANG, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 12, 2018 and an Order Granting Motion Extending Time to Re-Calendar Foreclosure Auction Sale duly entered on February 2, 2024, 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 May 3, 2024 at 11:15 a.m., premises known as 168-68 92nd Road, Jamaica, NY 11433. 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 10211 and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $544,639.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #707898/2020. 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. Joseph F. DeFelice, Esq., Referee Taroff & Taitz, LLP, Attorneys at Law, 630 Johnson Avenue, Suite 105, Bohemia, NY 11716, Attorneys for Plaintiff

23-12 30TH AVE

NOTICE OF SALE

In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in and action entitled NYCTL 1998-2 Trust v. Sereth T. Hosty, et al., bearing Index No. 9186-2011 before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, IAS Part 6, Justice Tracy Catapano-Fox, on or about February 26, 2024, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on May 3, 2024, at 11:45 a.m., at the Queens County Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11435, the mortgaged premises designated as Block 11190, Lot 37 in the City of New York, County and Borough of Queens, State of New York and known as 223-23 109th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429, directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The approximate amount of the judgment is $299,772.53 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances and the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale. Dated: April 4, 2024 New York, New York

Richard Gutierrez, Esq. Referee 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-0663 DAVID

P. STICH, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421 We

30-17 Astoria Hotel Partners LLC fi led Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/27/2023. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 7 Times Square, 18th Fl, NY, NY 10036. Purpose: any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, BANTAM FUNDING

II, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNITED ASSETS CORPORATION USA, ET AL., Defendant(s).Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2023, 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 April 12, 2024 at 11:15 a.m., premises known as 1142 Welling Court, Astoria, NY 11102. 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 506 and Lot 60. Approximate amount of judgment is $854,910.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #712227/2020. 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. Richard M. Gutierrez, Esq., Referee Polsinelli PC, Amy E. Hatch, Esq., 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attorneys for Plaintiff

70-08 267th Property LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/8/2024.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 70-14 267th St, Glen Oaks, NY 11004. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: AS POPS LLC Art. of Org. fi led by the Department of State of New York on: 02/02/2024 Off. Loc.: County of Queens Purpose: Any and all lawful activities. Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC 217-44 98th Avenue Queens Village, NY 11429

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ABFC 2004-HE1 TRUST, ABFC ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004HE1, Plaintiff, AGAINST FELICIA SAMUELS, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on January 8, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 12, 2024 at 12:15 PM premises known as 15516 115th Drive, Jamaica, NY 11434. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Queens County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. 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 12193 and Lot 0014. Approximate amount of judgment $671,024.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #724653/2021 | 2616705. Autrey G. Johnson, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

Open House

Howard Beach, Sat 4/6, 12pm-1:30pm, 98-12 162 Ave. Charming Colonial Home. All updated, 3 BR, 1 1/2 bath. Wraparound deck, 4 car dvwy, EIK, XL LR, split CAC, Low Taxes. REDUCED $799K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Sun 4/7, 12:30-2:30pm, 160-22 84 St. Lg Brookfield style hi-ranch, 5 BRs, 3 baths, Open layout, master BR w/en-suite. 40.25x100 lot. Asking $1,150,00. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Hamilton Beach, NEW LISTING, Sat 4/6, 1:30-3pm, 102-23 Davenport Court. Beautiful det, 1 fam Colonial. 4 BRs, 2 1/2 baths.Totally updated, 3 zone heat, fin bsmnt, lg deck, electric awning. Asking $649K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 26, 2023 and entered on November 8, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on April 12, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of 125th Street, distant 133.38 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of 125th Street with the northerly side of 101st Avenue; being a plot 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet by 100.12 feet by 40.04 feet. Block: 9465 Lot: 18 Said premises known as 97-26 125TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY Approximate amount of lien $580,076.87 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 703931/2019.

WILLIAM T. DRISCOLL, ESQ., Referee The Camporeale Law Group PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 585 Stewart Avenue, 770, Garden City, NY 11530

Spring pro football

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

While baseball will always be our national pastime, professional football is our national obsession. The National Football League is the unquestioned behemoth in professional sports. Football is so popular that attempts have been made over the last 40 years to create a viable spring professional football league. They have met with failure, mostly through bad luck and bad decisions, rather than from lack of fan interest or quality players.

The first serious attempt was the United States Football League from 1983 through 1985. The USFL got top tier college players and raided the NFL for some of its biggest names. New Jersey Generals owner and Jamaica Estates native Donald Trump signed Cleveland Browns QB Brian Sipe and heralded running back and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker.

Things fell apart in 1986 when Trump insisted the USFL compete directly with the NFL by moving its schedule to the fall. It was a poor decision, as the USFL could no longer access venues such as Giants Stadium, and networks refused to broadcast its games against the NFL.

The USFL sued the NFL on antitrust grounds. The USFL won the case but was only awarded three dollars in damages by a jury.

World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Vince McMahon revived spring football in 2001 with

the XFL. McMahon knew better than to go after NFL players, figuring he could create new stars. He also touted it as a more macho league, as fair catches on punts were not allowed. The play, however, was poor, and the ratings were anemic. When NBC Sports refused to air a second season, McMahon quickly folded it.

The XFL was revived in 2020 by wrestling and film star Duane “The Rock” Johnson. The players were quite good, and so was the crowd size. I remember watching the New Jersey Gladiators beat the Los Angeles Wildcats at MetLife Stadium. And then Covid-19 struck.

Last year, the XFL and the USFL returned as spring leagues, but neither had a New York franchise. The USFL fielded a team called the New Jersey Generals, but it never played a game there. The leagues merged after the 2023 season to form the eight-team United Football League, which began play last weekend.

UFL games will be broadcast on Fox and ESPN. Under Armour has a deal to create player and fan apparel, while Legends will oversee concessions, as it does at Yankee Stadium. Those things will generate the needed cash flow, but you must wonder about the viability of a sports league that lacks teams in major cities such as New York.

Bring back the Gladiators! Q

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