Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-02-24

State budget aims to curb retail theft

Liu discusses small biz tax credit and more in Downtown Flushing

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

State Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing) last Friday stood with Downtown Flushing business owners and leaders outside US 1 Supermarket on Main Street as he discussed provisions in the newly passed state budget designed to curb retail theft across New York.

“We know that even though some of the major crime statistics have been going downward, retail theft has been going in the wrong direction,” Liu said. “And in fact, that’s still too much of a problem. It’s a problem for small business owners. It’s a problem for the public at large.”

Data from the NYPD show that retail theft complaints have skyrocketed citywide in recent years, with year-end totals going from more than 32,250 in 2017 to over 59,000 in 2023. That’s down from 2022, however, when there were approximately 63,700 citywide.

The budget includes four measures focused on combating retail theft, among them the creation of a program that provides tax credits for small businesses spending money on security measures, such as cameras, security officers, alarm systems or perimeter lighting. Qualified expenses include any combination of mechanisms exceeding $4,000 for companies with 25 employees or fewer; those with more than 25 would need to spend at least $6,000 to be eligible for the credit.

According to Liu, the program does not apply to measures already in place.

“We know many store owners and business owners have already taken measures to harden their businesses against retail theft,” he said.

“We’re looking for business owners to do even

more to protect themselves — you can always add more cameras, better lighting, stronger and tougher locks, and even hire security.”

The credit would apply for the 2024 tax season, he added.

Another of the new laws makes it possible for prosecutors to aggregate multiple petit lar-

ceny retail theft charges in order to get the total value of stolen goods to $1,000, making for a felony larceny charge. Effectively, that would punish repeat offenders so that they are punished for the total value of goods they have stolen over the course of a year.

Indeed, Jing Jing Bao, US 1 Supermarket’s general manager, said that some thieves know not to take items that total more than $700 o r $800 in order to avoid a felony if caught, pe r Liu’s translation.

The budget also includes legislation which allows for those facilitating the sale of stolen goods to be charged. Liu did not give specifics as to how that will be enforced when aske d last Friday.

“I can’t claim to be a detective, but I know that our law enforcement are capable of a great deal of skill,” he said.

Additionally, the fiscal plan makes it a felony to assault a retail worker when the perpetrator causes physical injury.

Dian Yu, executive director of the Downtown Flushing Business Improvement District, applauded the new laws.

“It’s a great news for our community, and a great step in the right direction,” he said Friday. “It is not right for small businesses to absorb the costs of stolen product as costs of doing business. And I think that is why this law is so helpful, so useful.” Q

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State Sen. John Liu last Friday went over the new laws in the fiscal year 2025 state budget focused on combating retail theft. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

Tavern gets Queensmark designation from the Queens Historical Society Neir’s honored for its historic ‘sipnificance’

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Neir’s Tavern, one of the oldest bars in the country, received a Queensmark designation from the Queens Historical Society last Saturday. The honor goes to establishments that deserve special recognition due to outstanding architectural, cultural or historical significance.

The community came together with a block party sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ozone ParkWoodhaven in anticipation of the bar’s 195th anniversary on Oct. 5.

nizations for media coverage of the historic site’s impending closure, and eventually, then-mayor Bill de Blasio and the Queens Chamber of Commerce negotiated a deal that allowed the tavern to remain in business.

At Saturday’s event, which saw bouncy houses, CPR training, face painting, raffles, and plenty of fun, Jason Antos, the executive director of the Queens Historical Society, said it is a “miraculous thing” when a site can stand the test of time.

“I’m honored and blessed and validated.”

—

Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern

The Woodhaven watering hole, located at 87-48 78 St., was established in 1829. Scenes from the film “GoodFellas” were famously shot at the site, with photos from the movie decorating the building’s interior.

Many Queens historians claim that actress Mae West made her first professional appearance there.

Saturday saw an abundance of praise for Loycent Gordon, the bar’s owner, who saved the establishment from closure in 2020.

Gordon petitioned news orga-

“We’re so blessed that we have Loycent, and we have Neir’s Tavern,” he said.

Elected officials and community leaders such as City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Community Board 9 Chairwoman Sherry Algredo and representatives for state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) showed up to offer their support and present accolades to the institution for its success.

“Neirs not only serves the people of Queens great food and

there to lend a hand. Thank you for being a wonderful part of District 32!”

Asked how he was feeling about the bar’s new designation, Gordon told the Chronicle he was feeling validated.

“Because we were denied the ultimate sign of respect for a historic place when the [city] landmark commission denied us of a landmark status in 2016,” he said, “but we feel validated that Queens Historical Society gave us their highest honor.”

He added, “Although this is not the landmark status that we ultimately wanted, which would give us some built-in protections, this is a start, although it’s largely symbolic.”

Gordon said he hopes the Queensmark designation is a precursor to bigger, better and stronger preservation efforts to come.

He said in the future, he would like Neir’s Tavern to own the building, as its lease expires in 2030.

drinks but also serves the community with food drives and charitable work,” Ariola wrote on

Dog dies after being

social media after the event. “Its owner, Loycent, is a proud member of the @fdny and is always

hit by stray

“That’ll be one year after we turn 200,” Gordon said. “And so we need to figure out real sustainability for one of America’s oldest taverns. But this is a great start and I’m honored and blessed and validated.” Q

bullet

Alleged shooter later told authorities, ‘I didn’t mean to do anything bad’

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

A 6-year-old Pomeranian and Husky mix is dead days after being shot by a teenager who police say was playing with a gun early last Monday morning in Howard Beach.

“At around 1:15, my brother heard glass shatter in my parents’ bedroom,” Lisa Murena, one of the dog’s owners, told the Chronicle. “And then he heard my dog whimpering, and he found her in the living room bleeding.”

The dog, Arya, was immediately rushed to the veterinarian by Murena and her father.

“We didn’t hear any gunshots. We didn’t know what happened,” she said. “The vet did an X-ray, and that’s how they found a bullet inside of her.”

Murena said she wasn’t convinced until around 7 a.m., when her mother pulled up the blinds and saw a gunshot hole in the window.

When investigators arrived at the home later that morning, they spotted two bullet

holes in the wall of the house behind Murena’s, authorities said.

Court records state that the veterinarian confirmed an entry wound through Arya’s colon, and that there was a bullet lodged in her hip. During surgery, one bullet fragment was removed.

At a press briefing last Tuesday, NYPD

Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said police interviewed a woman at the house behind Murena’s, who said her son, 18-year-old Joshua Marte, had fled the residence, according to PIX 11. The mother was aware of the shooting that had taken place, Kenny said.

According to court records, after obtaining and executing a search warrant, authorities discovered two firearms at the home: one inside a refrigerator, and one inside a drawer in a bedroom. Police also recovered multiple magazines and rounds of ammunition, the records say.

Neir’s Tavern owner Loycent Gordon, center, celebrates the Woodhaven bar receiving a Queensmark designation from the Queens Historical Society, presented by Jason Antos, left, and Rob McKay. NYC COUNCIL PHOTO / FACEBOOK

Arya, a 6-year-old Pomeranian and Husky mix, is dead after being hit by a stray bullet allegedly discharged by a teenager in Howard Beach. PHOTOS COURTESY LISA MURENA

Announcement comes weeks after state budget bolsters eligible charges City schools to tackle surge in hate crimes

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

New York is intensifying its efforts to combat the alarming surge in hate crimes with a multifaceted approach that includes education initiatives in public schools and legislative measures at the state level.

Mayor Adams on Tuesday unveiled the “Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts” curriculum, a series of lessons aimed at educating students in grades 6 to 12 about hate crimes and bias incidents.

Developed in partnership with the city Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and the nonprofit Facing History & Ourselves, with support from the city Department of Education, the curriculum seeks to empower educators to cultivate a deeper understanding of diversity and foster a culture of inclusion and civic engagement among students.

Though the initiative was just formally announced, the unit was posted to the Facing History website in November 2023. Just days later, a protest at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica targeted a teacher who posted proIsrael rhetoric on her private Facebook page in regard to the Israel-Hamas war.

“Our children are at a breaking point, and investing in programming that fosters a greater understanding of diversity and the importance of inclusion is an important way to dam

one of the many rivers that feeds the sea of hate,” Adams said. “Despite the uptick in hate crimes we are seeing across the city and nation — whether it be against someone’s religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation or anything else — we know that New York City is the greatest city in the world because of our extensive diversity.”

The curriculum, which consists of five lessons, equips educators with tools to help students identify the motives and behaviors behind hate crimes, analyze the impact of hate crime trends on communities and develop initiatives to promote inclusivity.

The city legislatively mandates the OPHC to produce a hate crime curriculum for schools. “Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts” satisfies that mandate, and Facing History & Ourselves will regularly re-examine the lessons with the OPHC to offer updates and keep them current, the Mayor’s Office said in a press release.

schools will try to combat the rise in hate crimes through new curriculum that educates students about bias incidents.

The lessons are available to students in grades six through 12 and are offered as a virtual resource to the public on the OPHC and Facing History & Ourselves’ websites.

“Hate has no home in our schools, and we are proud to partner with the OPHC in the

fight against bigotry,” Schools Chancellor David Banks said in a statement. “We are educating our youth about the dangers of hate both to meet this challenging moment in our world and to build a brighter future for us all.”

“With bigotry and hate on the rise across the globe, including right here in our own community, it is more important than ever that we give teachers and students the tools to dis-

cuss these difficult topics in a thoughtful way,” Pam Haas, executive director of Facing History & Ourselves, said in a statement. “Our experience with developing curriculum to combat bigotry and hate for nearly 50 years has shown that as students develop their knowledge and understanding, they exhibit greater empathy and choose to stand up.”

The announcement from the Mayor’s Office comes just days after the fiscal year 2025 New York State budget bolstered the state’s response to hate crimes.

After consulting with affected communities, the budget was utilized to expand the list of eligible offenses by 28, according to the Governor’s Office, and revise existing laws to ensure that attacks like bias-motivated gang assault are legally eligible for hate crime charges. The budget also allocated $35 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Grant to safeguard vulnerable sites such as houses of worship and religious schools. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who co-sponsored legislation to expand the hate crimes statute, underscored the importance of addressing the issue at the state level in a press release, stating, “Being attacked for who you are is not acceptable — hate has no place in our state.” Q

BP’s Office releases sustainability report

Dossier highlights projects that aim to help resiliency, build a greener Queens

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

To wrap up Earth Week 2024, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards last week announced the release of his Operation Urban Sustainability working group’s second annual borough resiliency report.

The task force, founded in May 2022, was created to determine and prioritize sustainability and resiliency issues, set objectives with subject matter experts for tangible projects and aggregate city, state and federal information regarding sustainable programs, initiatives and grant funding.

This year’s report consists of 34 pages highlighting the ongoing efforts of Richards’ office to build a greener Queens, along with a number of new proposals.

The dossier contained information from the Transportation Alternatives’ Spatial Equity NYC report on each of Queens’ 14 community districts, graded on criteria related to transportation, open space, street safety and more.

In the findings, it was revealed that Community District 12, which encompasses Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, South Ozone Park and Springfield Gardens, has the hottest summers out of all 59 districts in the city. Community District 14, which covers the Rockaways, has the most flooding. District 9, which covers

much of South and Central Queens, has the fewest traffic injuries of all the boards, but the second hottest summers. District 2, in western Queens, has the fewest bus lanes out of all 59 boards, and ranked second for most noise pollution.

In consultation with the city Parks Depart-

ment, approximately 30 locations across Districts 3, 9 and 12 were crowdsourced and selected to have trees planted, because each has historically suffered from severe heat zone effects, which worsen health impacts for families. That was supported by $100,000 from Richards in fiscal year 2023, part of the Millions More Trees initiative.

The BP’s Office also has worked with FloodNet NYC to collect and share data for flood risk mitigation and community flood resilience.

“To facilitate this acceleration, we are working to gather insight from stakeholders and residents across the city about where flood sensors are needed most,” the report said.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s standard has been to handle 1.5 to 1.75 inches per hour during rain, but the report said that as climate changes, the standard should as well.

“We believe at the minimum 3 inches an hour should be the standard in flood zones,” the report said, calling on the city to build sewers that reflect that.

Also included in the report was a February 2024 letter from Richards to Parks Commis-

sioner Sue Donoghue to express “unwavering support” for the preservation of the community composting program operated by Big Reuse at its Queensbridge processing site.

“This initiative holds immense significance not only for environmental sustainability but also for the creation of green industrial jobs critical for our transition to a 21st century green economy,” Richards wrote.

Parks plans to evict Big Reuse.

The report also highlighted the Renewable Ravenswood Plan, which will transition the Ravenswood Generating Station into a renewable energy hub, supported by a grant from the state Research and Development Authority.

Occupying 27 waterfront acres, the Ravenswood Generating Station employs over 100 workers. Interventions on-site and in the community could expand access to the East River waterfront, create and protect local family-sustaining jobs and equitable economic development and increase public health and wellness, the document says.

Other report highlights include Richards’ call for the creation of a solar energy farm at the site of the former Edgemere landfill on the Rockaway Peninsula, expanding Queens’ network of community gardens and investing in new infrastructure across Long Island City and

City

PHOTO BY TIM PIERCE / STOPHATEUK.ORG

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, seen here planting grasses at a Queens Sustainability tour last April, released his Operation Urban Sustainability working group’s annual borough resiliency report last week. PHOTO COURTESY QBP’S OFFICE

EDITORIAL AGEP

Chronicle scores high in tough industry; Albany acts

Last weekend was a big one for the Queens Chronicle. The New York Press Association held its Spring Conference, which means the Better Newspaper Contest awards for 2023 were handed out. And the head of NYPA was barely kidding when she told Chronicle Publisher Mark Weidler he would need a wheelbarrow to handle his haul.

The Chronicle won 14 awards, its highest total ever, four of them for first place. Those were for Best Front Page, Headline Writing, Coverage of Crime, Police and Courts and Picture Story — that last meaning a photo essay. Lensman Walter Karling won it for his compelling coverage of The Wall That Heals, the traveling Vietnam memorial.

Even when another paper came out on top, the honors we did win were meaningful, some especially so. Associate Editor Sophie Krichevsky won third place in Investigative/InDepth Reporting for her work exposing alleged voter fraud. Associate Editor Kristen Guglielmo came in third for Rookie of the Year among 18 entrants. And the Chronicle also took third place in the prestigious Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence. The general is a friend of ours.

All our wins gave us more points for editorial content — meaning everything except advertisements — than any

independent weekly paper in the entire state. Several conglomerates that own multiple papers got more in total, but the only individual paper that scored higher was the Times Union, the daily in Albany and the Capital Region.

Earning 140 points compared to the Times Union’s 150 is quite good. The contest is geared toward weeklies but has allowed dailies to enter for the last several years. (Judging is done out of state to avoid potential conflicts. This year it was handled by Tennessee. A full story on the results is in all our print editions this week and at qchron.com.)

While the contest received more than 2,500 entries from scores of newspapers, many competitors we remember well from past years are no more. Newspapers large and small continue to fold — though the Queens Chronicle stands tall — as the entire media industry struggles. The internet changed everything, and 30 years after it became commonplace, the repercussions go on. It’s an old story by now, not just in the industry but for everyone — just as Amazon hit brick-and-mortar retailers hard, websites from Craigslist to Yelp to Zillow and more hit ink-and-paper media hard. A lot of advertising migrated to the web or disappeared. When Joe’s Hardware goes away, so does its advertising.

Yet news is as much a public service as it is a business. Few occupations are cited in the First Amendment, but ours is. We do our best to fulfill a weighty duty. And that’s why state officials, recognizing both the difficulty media face and the value they bring, included a measure to aid local newspapers, TV and radio outlets in the new budget.

Details remain to be worked out, but the provision will grant $30 million a year in tax credits for the next three years. Each year, $13 million will go to companies with 100 employees or more and $13 million to those with fewer. It’s not a lot considering how many outlets there are statewide. The other $4 million will benefit firms that hire. The plan is to provide a $5,000 credit for each new person.

Naturally, we applaud the effort, and especially salute state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal of Manhattan for leading the charge. We note that nothing in the law will color our reporting. (Last year we won first place for Coverage of Local Government.) And since the rules have not yet been written, we hope that companies of all corporate structures will be eligible. (Publicly traded firms already do not qualify.)

However things pan out in Albany, we will continue to be what our front pages declare: your community newspaper.

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Our BESS bet

Dear Editor:

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Stela Barbu Office Manager

Jan Schulman Art Director

Moeen Din Associate Art Director

Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager

Joseph Berni Art Department Associate

Dennis O’Brien Proofreader

Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives: Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt

Contributors:

Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

Photographers: Walter Karling, Michael Shain

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

Glendale, NY 11385

Phone: (718) 205-8000

Fax: (718) 205-1957

E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com Website: www.qchron.com

Southeast Queens will soon be home to a huge, clean solar power plant, and the state’s largest solar carport. At JFK, this project, combining existing parking lots with solar arrays, will produce 12 megawatts of power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 6,000 tons annually. Half the power will run the AirTrain; the rest will go direct to the power grid. Eventually, the project will give Southeast Queens low-income housing providers a break on their electric bills.

Much of the success of this project and solar and wind projects state wide will rely on battery energy storage systems, or BESS. Our current electrical grid is extremely wasteful. We have enough gas plants to produce almost twice the energy we need, but no way to make enough of it available at peak times.

BESS stores energy when it’s available, and when need is low, and makes it available at peak times. It contributes to the resiliency of our power system.

Doubling parking with solar energy at JFK Airport is a great step towards a renewable energy infrastructure in New York State. In addition to transitioning towards wind turbines and solar panels, we must also invest in BESS to meet our clean energy needs.

Daniel Salamon Whitestone

Name violent felons

Dear Editor:

Re Peter C. Mastrosimone’s April 18 report “Teen robber’s victim recovering at home” (multiple editions):

The 16-year-old charged with attacking Irene Tahliambouris on April 7 had nine prior arrests (New York Post, April 14), but was still on the streets. For that sad situation, blame state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who championed the Raise The Age law, making it difficult to prosecute offenders younger than 18 in criminal court. Heastie says studies show that teenagers’ brains are not fully developed. Maybe his brain is not fully developed.

Heastie’s protective attitude toward violent young felons was reflected by media coverage of this crime. Most news outlets, including the Chronicle, failed to identify the 16-year-old suspect because of his age. The Post, to its credit, named the alleged assailant and ran his mug shot (April 14). News media should identify everyone charged with violent crimes, regard-

less of their age, so we know who to watch out for when they’re back on the streets, which happens frequently under bail reform and Raise The Age laws. Shielding the identities of violent offenders is irresponsible journalism.

Trouble with the trees

Dear Editor:

Re Stephen Di Fede’s April 18 letter, “My green dilemma,” I can relate. Here in Woodside, we have an abundance of dead trees that were either killed by termites or death by strangulation by overgrown ivy. I don’t know if the spotted Chinese lanternfly kills trees or not but it does kill our vineyards (sorry, wine lovers). According to the city Parks Department, there are four classifications for tree damage, A to D, with A being the most urgent and D posing minimal risk. Across from my home there is a dead tree with a completely broken limb (8 to 10 inches in diameter) suspended by a smaller

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

branch. Even though it has taken down wires, and branches have fallen on cars, it has been classified as a D.

The Department of Transportation has informed me that when a city tree root lifts the sidewalk in front of one’s house, you must call 311 and request a DOT inspection. The 311 operator will give you a confirmation number. The DOT will come to inspect and record which “squares” of the sidewalk are damaged by the tree root. Eventually it will repair those squares free of charge. If the homeowner does the work himself, he or she pays.

Unfortunately, the city is financially strapped, so it is unlikely you will see any results from 311 as far as tree maintenance. You must contact your City Council rep and state senator and Assembly member.

Linda Carlson Woodside

Roadwork ahead: forever

Dear Editor:

For almost two years there has been utility construction work going on along various parts of Union Turnpike, on the center median, from the Glen Oaks Shopping Center to the Clearview Expressway, resulting in temporary and long-term lane closures. I haven’t read anything about it online or in the weekly Queens newspapers. Is there an end date to this project and why is it going on for such a long time? Highways have been built in less time.

John Viola Glen Oaks

Schools and churches shut

Dear Editor:

I was saddened by your front-page article related to rumors of closing the St. Matthias School in Ridgewood (“Supporters hope to save St. Matthias,” April 25, multiple editions). The Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens has been closing schools throughout the boroughs. The irony of these decisions has farreaching consequences.

While the city Department of Education continues to embrace governmental regulations, parents are increasingly concerned about finding ways to educate their children without having them exposed to educational politics. Teachers at Catholic schools are most cognizant of these problems. They work the same job for less money than DOE teachers. The diocese knows this and has in recent years lost quality teachers in schools because of increases in the cost of living.

Meanwhile, the decrease in admissions at Catholic schools also can be attributed to the rise in tuition costs. Rather than addressing the problem head-on with an allegiance to providing Catholic education, the schools are closing. An explanation is warranted from the highest level of our Catholic leaders. Church attendance is also down. Trying to ascertain how these schools and churches can be saved is only a small part of the problem facing Catholics here in New York and America. Our Catholic faith is on trial. Not addressing the problem with monetary support is a fundamental issue that cannot be ignored.

Craig Schwab Glendale

A temporary Mideast plan

Dear Editor:

On April 18, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution granting the Palestinian Authority full membership in the United Nations. The U.S. reiterated its support for a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

The vetoed UN resolution gives the Israeli government a wonderful opportunity to propose to negotiate directly with the PA for a temporary one-and-a-half-state solution. Initially, a Palestinian half-state would consist solely of the West Bank governed by a reformed PA. Both Israel and Jordan, each of which have many Palestinian citizens, could jointly provide external security for a demilitarized Palestinian state.

The Gaza Strip would remain a diplomatically isolated nonstate ruled by Hamas, weakened by its war with Israel. Hopefully, at a future date, under economic pressure from Israel, the PA, friendly Arab countries, the U.S., Britain and France, Hamas will be disarmed and dismantled, and will release all remaining hostages. Following the elimination of Hamas, a demilitarized Gaza will be annexed by the state of Palestine.

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

No tolerance for Trump

Dear Editor:

Edward Riecks claims Democrats have no respect or reverence for America’s history and traditions (“Bridge to troubled waters,” Letters, April 25). Unlike Republicans who show respect and reverence to an insurrectionist, criminal, rapist? Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan asked Trump lawyer D. John Sauer whether ordering the military to stage a coup is an official act of the presidency. Sauer responded that “it could well be”!

Is anyone really surprised by that response? After all this, this is the same attorney who, when asked if a president directing SEAL Team 6 to kill an opponent would be entitled to immunity from criminal prosecution, responded with a “qualified yes.” What a disgraceful response. But it seems the Trump-appointed Supreme Court is going to throw the case back to the lower courts, successfully giving Trump the delay he wants and needs. I guess the belief that no man is above the law is complete garbage. Especially if that man is the disgusting, treasonous creature known as Donald Trump.

A draft dodger with alleged bone spurs who called our military losers and suckers, who praises dictators and traitors, who has committed adultery numerous times, who has been found liable for sexual abuse, who is facing 91 felony charges, who’s trying to run a political campaign full of lies while taking his private jet to attend four different trials. That is the man Republicans support. I guess that’s how they show respect and reverence for America’s “history and traditions.”

But if the Supreme Court rules that a president a staging military coup is protected by complete immunity, I guess Republicans won’t have a problem if Joe Biden does just that and maybe places a call to SEAL Team 6. Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

Our Lady of Grace RC Church Howard Beach

Our Lady of Grace will celebrate the feast of Pentecost for 12 hours of continuous prayer starting Friday, May 17th with a opening Mass 9:00 pm. The closing Mass will be Saturday May 18th at 8:30 am.

Starting Friday, May 10th until Pentecost Sunday we will be saying The Pentecost Novena after all Masses.

DISCO Night

MAY 17, 2024 7:00-11:00PM $30 PER PERSON SANDWICHES, WRAPS, SODA, COFFEE AND DESSERT TAKIN’ YOU BACK IN TIME! RSVP BY MAY 15TH 718-843-6218

Saturday, May 18th 9:00am - 5:00pm

If you are interested in being a vendor, please call the rectory 718-843-6218

$60.00 a table

Rated top independent weekly for news statewide by one measurement Chronicle wins 14 journalism awards

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Hotel staff weren’t the only ones who cleaned up at last weekend’s New York Press Association Spring Conference, held at the Gideon Putnam in upstate Saratoga Springs.

The Queens Chronicle took home a record 14 awards in NYPA’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, a highlight of the convention that draws hundreds of journalists, publishers, sales representatives, graphic artists and more from across the state.

The Chronicle won more points for editorial content — everything but advertising — than any other single newspaper in the contest, except for the Times Union, Albany’s daily paper. The Chronicle scored 140 points compared to the Times Union’s 150.

The Albany paper tied with The Highlands Current among single-flag newspapers for the most points overall, including advertising, with 185 each. The Chronicle won no advertising awards but still came in third overall.

Those rankings do not include conglomerates, several of which had higher totals.

Chronicle Publisher Mark Weidler was pleased by his paper’s performance.

“Going to the press convention each year reiterates to me the importance of providing unbiased, professional local news,” said Weidler, who has owned the paper since 2000. “In our polarized country, this is truer than ever. Each and every one of the 14 awards we won recognizes the hard work and dedication of the staff. Congratulations to everyone at the Chronicle for receiving the well-deserved recognition.”

As always, the contest was judged by another state’s press association to avoid any conflicts of interest, in this case Tennessee’s. It covered the calendar year 2023. NYPA reports that 142 newspapers submitted 2,530 entries, competing for awards in 70 categories, many of those containing multiple divisions.

The results can be found at nynewspapers. com/nypa/better-newspaper-contest.

The Chronicle’s 14 awards beat its record of 11 for 2016 coverage, followed by 10 for 2020.

The paper won four first-place plaques.

Art Director Jan Schulman and Art Department Associate Joseph Berni combined with the editors to win Best Front Page, for which the paper submitted three examples. “These entries made the best use of graphics and photo illustrations on the cover of any entry in the category,” the judge said. “The three cover stories are a good mix of news, breaking news and issues.”

Editor-in-Chief Peter C. Mastrosimone,

Associate Editor Sophie Krichevsky and Senior News Editor Michael Gannon penned the winning submissions in Headline Writing.

“Editor showed good skill with cover stories with the small space given for headlines,” the judge said. “Limited word-play on non-cover stories was good. Using money figures in headline always appeals to readers.”

Mastrosimone, Gannon and Associate Editor Naeisha Rose wrote the stories that took top honors in Coverage of Crime, Police and Courts. As with most “coverage of” categories, five articles had to be submitted for consideration.

“Excellent coverage!” the judge said. “Every headline caught my eye, and every story kept my attention. Coverage was very concise — complete with photos — and very well written.”

Freelance photographer Walter Karling was No. 1 in Picture Story, for his photo essay on people visiting the traveling Vietnam War Wall That Heals memorial. “Strong main photo with good supporting pics,” the judge said. “Evokes emotion and tells story. Good variety of pics.”

The Chronicle won two second-place awards.

Associate Editor Kristen Guglielmo, Rose and freelancers Mark Lord and Michael Shain penned the entries that were honored in Coverage of the Arts. “The catchy headlines and the

nice, large photos make this a fun section to look at,” the judge said.

Freelancer Ariella Kissin was saluted in Spot News Photos for her shot of rain-soaked protesters marching against lawlessness.

“The cause being covered is front and center in the photo,” the judge said.

The Chronicle also came in third eight times.

Guglielmo was named No. 3 among 18 entrants for Rookie of the Year for her stories.

“Good, solid writing and reporting, with interesting topics,” the judge said.

The entire staff, including longtime proofreader Richard Weyhausen, who retired at the end of last year, and all freelancers contributed to the paper’s finishing third for the Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence.

“The Queens Chronicle delivers strong news content that is supported by engaging advertisements,” the judge said. “Good use of photos make for an elegantly designed newspaper.”

Krichevsky was honored in the Investigative/In-Depth Reporting category for a series of stories on alleged voter fraud.

“This entry employs strong investigative skills and use of records to shine light on a topic of great importance to any community: voting integrity,” the judge said. “Nice work.”

The entire Chronicle staff and several free-

lancers contributed to the recognition granted to the 26th annual Celebration of Queens special edition, Future Foundation, in the Historical, Anniversary or Progress Editions category.

“This publication gave me a great sense of the community and covered all the bases,” the judge said. “Excellent work!”

Karling was saluted in Sports Action Photo for his shot of a basketball matchup between police officers and firefighters.

“Very good photo,” the judge said. “Great action. I know this is a photo contest, but let me give shout out to whomever laid out the page and wrote the headline.”

Mastrosimone, Gannon, Rose, Kissin and Krichevsky wrote the honored entries in Coverage of Business, Financial and Economic News.

“Plenty of photos and interesting topics,” the judge said.

Guglielmo, former Editor Deirdre Bardolf and Krichevsky were saluted for Coverage of Education. “A thorough take on tough topics,” the judge said. “Well done.”

Krichevsky, Rose, Bardolf and freelancer Stephanie G. Meditz put together the stories recognized in Coverage of the Environment.

The judge, inadvertently summing up the Chronicle’s prime directive, said simply:

“Great local coverage.” Q

The Queens Chronicle newsroom includes Production Manager Gregg Cohen, left, Associate Editor Kristen Guglielmo, Senior News Editor Michael Gannon, Associate Editors Sophie Krichevsky and Naeisha Rose, and Editor-in-Chief Peter C. Mastrosimone. At right, Chronicle Pu blisher and President Mark Weidler collects a stack of awards at the New York Press Association Spring Conference. PHOTOS BY MOEEN DIN, LEFT, AND DAVE WARDEN

Canopy panels to boost airport in 2025, nearby residents a year later JFK casts its lot on massive solar carport

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

As part of its ongoing rebuild of John F. Kennedy International Airport, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is turning a customer convenience into a neighbor- and environmentally friendly asset.

The PA on April 23 broke ground on what will be a new Lot 9 for long-term parking customers. Cars in the 3,000-space lot will be parked beneath a carport topped with enough solar panels to power some airport operations and help some nearby residents reduce their energy bills.

Gov. Hochul praised the project in a press release from her office.

“We are breaking ground on a gamechanging solar project, which will give power to the AirTrain and support thousands of families in Queens,” Hochul said. “Supporting local minority- and womenowned businesses, this project will deepen our investment in the community while pushing forward New York’s nation-leading climate goals.”

The project will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will deliver energy to the airport starting in March 2025. Phase 2 is the community solar project and will deliver energy to Con Edison for the surrounding commu-

nity beginning in April 2026. Through the NYS Community Distributed Generation Program, the PA said the project will provide guaranteed electric bill savings for 25 years to historically disadvantaged and environmentally impacted households.

TotalEnergies Renewables USA will develop the project. When completed the

solar panels will cover an area equal to 11 football fields.

It will help power the JFK AirTrain and provide the airport with backup capacity during peak demand times.

Among those in attendance at the groundbreaking were U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Rick Cotton, execu-

tive director of the Port Authority.

“Building New York’s largest solar carport at JFK significantly advances the Port Authority’s goal of reducing our agency’s carbon footprint to net zero while sharing the benefit of our historic investments at the airport with neighboring communities,” Cotton said in a statement issued by the PA. “When complete, a fully transformed JFK will take its place as a world-class airport that is efficient, beautiful and sustainable.”

“The JFK Solar Carport Project brings us one step closer to a more sustainable future,” Meeks said. “I’m grateful for the Port Authority and the New York Power Authority’s leadership in spearheading a project that will reduce electricity costs for low-income residents across New York.”

Justin Driscoll, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, also was looking forward to completion.

“JFK will be the largest solar and storage carport project in New York State, serving as a high-visibility example of integrating renewable energy sources into facility operations and significantly reducing carbon emissions,” Driscoll said. “Residents in nearby underserved communities will save on their electric bills and the entire state of New York will take a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future.” Q

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SERVICE

Now that’s a groundbreaking! Workers with heavy equipment make the first move on what will be an environmentally friendly lot 9 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. PHOTO COURTESY PANYNJ

Happy 90 th Birthday

Guido Delgado Zabala

Please join me in celebrating the life of our champion and hero who embodies the very definition of fi ghting for the American Dream. Exemplary in his work ethic, visionary, family man and protector. He taught us that life has all possibilities. Beyond work, he did plumbing, carpentry, gardening, auto mechanic, & electronics. He adores New York, Jones Beach and Frank Sinatra. Dad, God Bless You for your love, wisdom, courage, and dedication. We love you! Happy 90th Bday! L‘affetto verso i genitori è fondamento di ogni virtù.

Love Ines, Ivana, Kathleen and Marilyn.

Queens County Farm names new director

Hughes takes reins from Walden Weprin

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

David Hughes, formerly vice president and executive director of markets at the city’s Economic Development Corp., is slated to serve as the new executive director of the Queens County Farm Museum, the Chronicle has learned. He is expected to begin next Monday, per an email to staff obtained by the paper.

Prior to joining the EDC in 2016, Hughes served as director of operations for GrowNYC for over 14 years, per his LinkedIn page. Before that, he worked in sales for two farms with greenmarket stands in New York City, including at Union Square.

“I am delighted to be joining the Queens County Farm Museum team and look forward to collaborating with the board and staff to further enhance the farm and museum as an invaluable resource for all New Yorkers,” Hughes told the Chronicle via email Tuesday.

The farm is expected to make a formal announcement regarding its new execu-

tive director in the coming days.

Hughes’ hiring comes after the farm’s Board of Directors opted not to renew the contract of former Executive Director Jennifer Walden Weprin at the end of 2023. That followed a three-page exposé published by the Chronicle in late October, detailing the farm’s deterioration under Walden Weprin.

Past and present farm employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity and whose accounts were shared with the Board of Directors last July, said the once-prized institution crumbled under her leadership, as her demeanor and lack of understanding of agriculture led to turnover and damage to the farm. Such damage, staff said, included the suffering of livestock and the neglect of gardens; employees were also denied cost-of-living raises for several years.

Walden Weprin, who, as wife to former Assemblyman and City Councilman Mark Weprin, is part of one of Queens’ most powerful political families, led the farm for five years. Q

Adams walks back ‘30 days’

Prior to municipalities being given the authority to close illegal pot shops, which was added into the state budget last month, Mayor Adams had said, on multiple occasions, that he would be able to shutter all illicit weed stores in 30 days if given the power.

At a press conference Tuesday, he walked back that idea.

“I was just educated on all the steps we have to do,” Adams told reporters at City Hall. He said illicit locations have been identified and operations are in place, and said that after a shop is closed, they get a

hearing within 5 days.

“The PD’s on board, Deputy Mayor [Philip] Banks has been a team leader on this with the sheriffs, so you’re going to see an operation of finally going after these illegal shops,” he said.

A reporter pressed, “What’s the date? Can you do it in 30 days?”

“We are going to make a substantial dent in 30 days,” Adams said.

Last week, the mayor estimated that there are more than 2,800 illegal smoke shops in the city. Q — Kristen Guglielmo

Nalaxone training event 5/19

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) will host a Naloxone training and certification event in partnership with J-CAP, part of the Acacia Network, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at the Rego Park Library, located at 91-41 63 Drive.

The event is co-sponsored by Community Board 6’s Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee.

In 2022, 3,026 New Yorkers died of drug overdose, a 12 percent increase from 2021, according to a data brief by the City Department of Health. Opioids include OxyContin, fentanyl, methadone and Vicodin. Naloxone can also reverse overdoses from street drugs like heroin.

Space at the event is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, first come, first served. For more information, call (718) 738-1111. Q

Nalaxone is a substance that can be administered by anyone with training to temporarily counteract opioid overdoses. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. Upon completion of training, participants will receive a certificate and a Naloxone kit.

$111.6B proposal restores school funds, NYPD classes; not libraries Adams sends Council record budget plan

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Citing better-than-anticipated revenue and spending reductions by his administration in the last several months, Mayor Adams on April 24 introduced an executive budget proposal that comes in $2.2 billion higher than his preliminary budget from January.

The mayor’s present plan calls for $111.6 billion in spending.

What remains to be seen is if it will be enough for the City Council leadership as negotiations with lawmakers intensify before the June 30 deadline.

“Our Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget speaks volumes about our core priorities: public safety, a stronger economy, and a more livable city for working-class people,” Adams said according to a transcript of his press conference posted on his website.

“This year, we faced major challenges, Adams said. “We had to close a historically large budget gap in the preliminary budget. This was due to the expiration of temporary federal stimulus dollars that had been temporarily used to fund long-term programs.”

Adams also pointed to the unexpected costs of “an unprecedented humanitarian crisis” with the more than 190,000 asylum seekers coming to the city since the start of the immigrant crisis.

“As soon as we saw the hurdles ahead, we responded swiftly, strategically and with a healthy dose of caution,” he said. “We made smart choices, trimmed agency and asylum seeker budgets and made conservative revenue

forecasts. This, combined with better than expected revenues and a booming economy, resulted in a balanced budget and a stabilization of the city’s fiscal outlook.

“What we did not do is just as important as what we did do. We did not resort to tax hikes, major service cuts or layoffs, and I cannot emphasize this enough. The measures we took worked. Now, thanks to our discipline and prudent approach, we are able to invest in the things that matter to New Yorkers in the executive budget like public safety, early childhood education and the needs of working class people.”

While Adams projects that the present year and FY 2025 budgets to be balanced — that is required by law — out-year deficits are forecast to be $5.5 billion in 2026, $5.5 billion in 2027 and $5.7 billion in 2028.

“The executive budget is the product of this prudent and strategic fiscal approach. The Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget is $111.6 billion,” Adams said. “We kept fiscal years ’24 and ’25 balanced by applying revenue that exceeded our previous forecast and by carefully reducing asylum seeker spending.”

The total $16.7 billion deficit is an increase of $300 million from January, and is in the ballpark of the $16-plus billion shortfall that New York State — with a budget more than twice the size — could be facing once those figures are

released by the Hochul administration.

Among the mayor’s planned funding restortions are four police academy classes that will add 1,200 new officers this year and 2,400 in total.

But proposed cuts of about $53 million to funding for the Queens, Brooklyn and New York public library systems still are part of the mayor’s proffer [see separate story in most editions or at qchron.com.

In a joint statement on Thursday, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Finance Committee Chairman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) said some improvement is necessary.

“The City has a responsibility to invest in the essential services that New Yorkers rely on and can help working- and middle-class families remain in our city,” they said. “The Mayor’s Executive Budget begins to reverse a fraction of previous cuts that have proven harmful to our city’s stability and were unnecessary in the context of our resilient economy, but significant work remains ahead to ensure a city budget that advances the health, safety, and strength of our communities.

In a press release of his own, Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, expressed serious concerns.

“While an expanding economy brightens the

continued on page 30

Saturday library service in jeopardy

Queens decries possible loss of hours as Adams opts not to restore funding

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

With the release of his latest executive budget plan for fiscal year 2025, it became clear last week that Mayor Adams does not intend to restore funds to the city’s libraries, even as he reversed some proposed cuts to schools and police, among others. If the reductions stand, most Queens libraries will be forced to reduce service to five days a week come July, just months after sevenday service was eliminated from the two branches that offered it, the Flushing and Central libraries. Those two are the only ones in the World’s Borough that would still be open six days a week.

According to Lisi de Bourbon, a spokesperson for the Queens Public Library, the library system is looking at a $16.6 million reduction in city funding, $12.2 million from the Adams administration and $4.4 million from the City Council. That’s 12.3 percent of the QPL’s $134.3 million city funding.

“We are deeply disappointed that the FY25 executive budget failed to reverse devastating cuts proposed for

public libraries in January. New Yorkers rely on the vital services we provide, and data shows library usage is continuing to climb in key metrics — including visits and program participation,” said QPL President Dennis Walcott, New York Public Library President Anthony Marx and Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson in a joint statement. “The $58.3M in cuts that libraries are facing, if enacted, threaten to upend much of the progress we’ve made over the past few years, and will severely impact vulnerable communities who need our services the most.”

The fiscal year 2025 budget is being negotiated between the mayor and City Council and must be finalized by June 30.

Adams, for his part, did not take responsibility for the potential decline in service. “We did not tell libraries to close on Sundays,” he said at a press conference last Wednesday. Referring to the program to eliminate the gap between revenue and spending, he added, “Like we did with many of our agencies, we gave them ... the PEGs amount, they did an anal-

ysis of what services they wanted to deliver to New Yorkers and they had the options of finding where they wanted to find those savings.”

Many Queens residents are upset by the possible reduction in hours, including Justine Fleming, who said she takes her teenage granddaughter to the McGoldrick branch in Murray Hill regularly and was concerned by the news.

“I find that when I take her there, she can focus more [on homework], concentrate more, she takes out more books. It motivates her to read a bit more,” Fleming said.

Jane Shi, who works in real estate, said she historically has met clients at the Flushing Library on the weekends. Even though the branch would remain open on Saturdays, her options have become limited. “Some clients work on weekdays, so I also meet up with clients on weekends. This is the best place for us,” she said.

Carol Benovic, vice president of the Friends of Ridgewood Library, said the potential end of Saturday service severely complicates the chapter’s programming. “We plan out our programming months in

Mayor Adams’ fiscal year 2025 executive budget proposal did not restore cuts to library funding, meaning most Queens branches would no longer offer any weekend service.

advance ... We have programs that are scheduled to occur on Saturdays through the summer and early fall,” she told the Chronicle. “Many of the friends can participate during Saturday events. So we’d need to reevaluate which days volunteers would be able to participate.”

The proposed budget’s shortcomings are not limited to library hours, either. According to de Bourbon,

PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

the reopening of the QPL’s Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest branches — which have been closed for renovations and were slated to welcome back residents this spring — will be delayed until there is enough money to staff them. De Bourbon noted that the QPL also scaled back spending on collections, programming and building maintenance and repairs Q

Mayor Adams last week released his $111.6 billion executive budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. NYC SCREENSHOT / YOUTUBE

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KEEPIN’ THE CITY CONNECTED BY SOLVING

LIRR discounts for Queens

With congestion pricing officially set to hit drivers into Manhattan on June 30, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is trying to entice drivers from Queens and the Bronx to their commuter railroads with a 10-percent cut in the cost of monthly tickets on the Long Island Rail Rod and MetroNorth.

The discounts will begin in July and be good for trips completely within the city.

A related announcement said Brooklyn and Staten Island commuters will see increased service on a total of six express bus lines serving Manhattan beginning

on June 30.

“Building on the best subway service in decades and historic on-time performance on Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, now the MTA is taking another big step by increasing frequency on express buses and expanding commuter rail affordability,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in a press release.

The agency said the commuter rail reductions are on top of those still in effect since 2022 to encourage ridership in the post-Covid recovery period. Q

— Michael Gannon

Dog hit by stray bullet in HB

continued from page 4

Kenny told reporters at the briefing that the mother put the gun in the fridge in a panic.

“The kid was playing with a gun at one o’clock in the morning, and it went right into my parents’ bedroom,” Murena said.

Marte told police, according to the court records, “I didn’t mean to do anything bad. I didn’t want to hurt anybody.”

Marte was apprehended late last Tuesday and charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, criminal possession of an ammo clip, reckless endangerment and

Sustainability

continued from page 6

South Jamaica to mitigate flooding in those communities.

Richards also called on Parks to acquire the entire Queens leg of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, totaling approximately six miles, in order to better connect the path to Queens’ existing series of bike lanes and allow for more uniform maintenance. Currently, Parks maintains jurisdiction over three miles, while the remaining three miles fall under the ownership of other government agencies and the Queens County Farm Museum.

aggravated cruelty to animals.

According to the city Department of Correction, Marte was released on bail on last Wednesday.

“I’m hoping that justice is served,” Murena said. “I’m her voice. She can’t speak, so I’m her voice. We want justice served and we want to put this behind us.”

Arya died last Friday morning at the vet. She had been in the ICU since the incident.

Court proceedings are ongoing, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Marte is due in court on May 10. Q

“We have made tremendous strides as a borough over the last year to make Queens the nation’s next great clean energy hub. But with climate change continuing to threaten our way of life, it’s never been clearer that there is so much more work ahead of us,” Richards said in a statement.

“Our second annual Operation Urban Sustainability report champions those efforts, while also demanding that we recommit ourselves to the mission of leaving behind a breathable, livable borough for our children. Thank you to all our OUS partners for your continued partnership and dedication to do just that.”

The full report and its recommendations can be found at bit.ly/ousreport2024. Q

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TA finds unsettling traffic stats in city

60 fatalities in first quarter of 2024

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group that backs innovative transportation policies and improvements in traffic safety, is sounding an alarm for the city — particularly Queens and Brooklyn — in the wake of traffic fatality statistics for the first quarter of 2024.

In a report issued April 25, TA and Families for Safe Streets determined that the 60 traffic deaths in the city from January through March ties the worst first quarter since Vision Zero was enacted in 2014.

It also determined that Queens became the first borough since the start of Vision Zero to reach 750 deaths on March 12 when Natalia Garcia-Valencia, 43, was struck and killed by a driver in Maspeth.

The report and supporting data can be found online at transalt.org.

“Today’s numbers should be a sobering call to action for the Adams administration,” said TA Executive Director Danny Harris in a press release. “It is unconscionable that this is the deadliest first quarter under Vision Zero, a whole decade after the program first launched. New Yorkers don’t need any more platitudes, they need and deserve real action from their leaders. Every single one of these deaths was preventable, and we need real, tangible improvements on our streets to keep everyone safe. Whether you’re in a car, walking, biking, or taking transit, everyone should be able to survive just traveling throughout the five boroughs.”

“Every single person killed has friends, a family, a community who is mourning their loss,” said Margarita Flores of Families for Safe Streets. Flores lost her son in Brooklyn in 2018.

“One death is too many – and today we are grieving many more than that,” Flores said.

City Department of Transportation statistics show that so far in 2024 fatalities for cyclists and e-bike riders are down from increases experienced last year; and that

pedestrian fatalities for the first quarter are about average under Vision Zero.

But for the second year in a row, there has been a concerning trend of a high number of fatalities involving motorized, two-wheeled vehicles including mopeds, e-bikes, e-scooters and motorcycles.

The year also started off with a fatal crash on the Cross Island Parkway Jan. 1 in which five people were killed in a single event.

“We grieve for the loss of any life on our streets,” a city DOT spokesperson told the Chronicle in an email. “After 2023, a year that saw near-record-low pedestrian fatalities and record-high production of protected bicycle lanes in New York City, we remain dedicated to our Vision Zero goals. Through a series of ground-breaking interventions around education, enforcement and engineering — including new daylighting at 1,000 intersections citywide — we are continuing that good work and are hopeful that we can reverse the disturbing trends so far this year.”

The report said while Queens has only 27 percent of the city’s residents, it has seen 37 percent of the first quarter’s fatalities.

It said SUVs and other large vehicles killed 79 percent of New Yorkers who died while walking, biking, or riding mopeds, including 21 pedestrians and four cyclists.

Among the remedies the organizations are seeking in their report is legislation to mandate intelligent speed assistance technology for repeated speeders to ensure they follow the speed limit.

“Repeat offenders are an overall small number of drivers that are disproportionately responsible for deaths and serious injuries on our streets, and this bill would prevent repeat offenders from traveling more than 5 mph over the speed limit,” the report states.

The groups also want daylighting at every intersection in the city, which would eliminate parking spaces within certain distances of the corner, thus increasing visibility. Q

Man fatally shot in South OZP

A man was gunned down in South Ozone Park early Monday morning, according to authorities.

At approximately 1 a.m., police officers responded to the scene of a male shot at the intersection of 117th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, within the confines of the 106th Precinct, police said.

Officers observed an unidentified male with multiple gunshot wounds throughout the body, authorities said.

EMS transported the male to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Two saved from three alarm blaze in R. Hill

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The FDNY rescued two people from a three-alarm fire in Richmond Hill last Wednesday morning.

At a press conference shortly after, the FDNY Queens borough commander, Chief Joseph Ferrante, said the department received multiple calls at around 10:20 a.m. reporting smoke in the area of 126th Street.

Ferrante said that while firefighters were en route, additional callers identified 87-35 126 St. as the building ablaze.

More than 100 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to a three-alarm fire last Wednesday in Richmond Hill, where two individuals were rescued from the blaze.

“Upon arrival we found heavy fire — very heavy fire — on the first floor of 87-35 and the building next door to it, 87-37,” Ferrante said.

A total of 33 units and 138 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the three-alarm scene. Residents recorded footage of the FDNY battling the blaze and posted it to the Citizen app.

Stacy Scanlon, the FDNY Queens dep-

uty assistant chief, said two individuals were removed from the building by firefighters. They were transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with minor injuries and are in stable condition.

The inferno was under control by 11:57 a.m., the FDNY said. The cause is still under investigation. Q

Crossing guard tried to lure ‘teen’ for sex — DA

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

A school crossing guard from Jamaica was charged with attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, attempted rape and more on April 23, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

An undercover operation was started based on complaints from underage individuals about Jared Jeridore, 24, who was posted near a Jamaica school, the charges said.

sexually explicit video.

On April 23, at around 7:30 a.m., the first undercover officer received multiple phone calls from Jeridore, allegedly asking her to meet him at a hotel at 87-07 Van Wyck Expy. to have sex. Police were waiting at the hotel and Jeridore was arrested upon his arrival to the room.

There are no arrests at this time and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending proper family notification.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q

On March 28, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the DA’s Office said an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl met Jeridore, who lives on Sutphin Boulevard, at 108th Avenue and 167th Street, near the school.

Then, on April 18, the DA’s Office said the undercover and Jeridore exchanged Instagram user names. Later that night, at 11:22 p.m., Jeridore had a video call with the undercover and allegedly asked her to join him in a sexual act, the charges said.

From April 18 to April 21, Jeridore sent messages through Instagram to another undercover officer, posing as the first one, allegedly describing sexual interactions he wanted to have with her, the DA’s Office said. He sent the officer nude photos and a

Jeridore was arraigned on a seven-count criminal complaint for attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, three counts of first degree attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors, third degree attempted rape, official misconduct and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, the DA’s Office said. It said because the offenses were not bail eligible, Jeridore was released. He is due in court on June 7 and faces up to seven years if convicted.

“Young people need to be able to trust the adults who are charged with keeping them safe,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “This defendant is accused of violating that trust with someone he thought was a teenager. His arrest should serve as a warning to any sexual predator who thinks they will not be caught and held responsible.”

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Key areas left out of legal basement apt. plan

Six of 15 districts in program are in Manhattan, which has 1% of relevant spaces

by Haidee Chu THE CITY

This article was originally published on April 29 at 5:00 a.m. EDT by THE CITY

Gov. Hochul has a plan to bring New York City’s illegal basement and cellar apartments above board — but it won’t apply to homeowners and tenants in many neighborhoods where the need for legalization is most dire because of gridlock during Albany budget negotiations, sources say.

For years, homeowners and tenants alike have pushed to make these flood- and fire-prone underground rentals safer for tens of thousands of New Yorkers by bringing them out of the regulatory shadows. Mayor Adams has also endorsed the idea of legalizing these subterranean abodes as part of a solution to the ongoing housing crisis.

But the city’s attempt to legalize and convert these homes, piloted in just one Brooklyn neighborhood, has been cost-prohibitive and nearimpossible for homeowners without changes in state laws.

The state’s basement conversion pilot program, approved last week by the Legislature as part of the state budget, is meant to clear that red tape by waiving stringent elements of the state’s multiple dwelling law, allowing homeowners a pathway to legalize existing basement and cellar units by meeting city health and safety standards.

Under the state multiple dwelling law, property owners who want to convert basement apartments within existing two-family homes would be required to make a number of costly upgrades that advocates say do not improve basement safety — like dig-

ging out the building’s foundation to add a few inches of ceiling height.

Cellar apartments, on the other hand, would be banned altogether outside of the pilot program. (In New York City, a cellar is defined as being mostly below curb-level, while a basement is typically more than half above curb-level.)

The new Albany pilot will open up legal conversions to 15 community districts across the city.

“It’s big to have a quarter of the community districts in the city ready to take this project on,” said Sadia Rahman, deputy director of policy at Chhaya CDC, a Queens-based nonprofit that focuses on housing and serves South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. “I think the part that is frustrating and disappointing is that there are communities in Queens who equally, if not more, need a basement conversion and safety program.”

The pilot program, for example, would’ve been to no use for eight of the 11 people killed in their subterranean apartments during Hurricane Ida, including Yue Lian Chen, an 86-year-old woman who drowned to death in her Elmhurst apartment, and Darlene Hsu, 48, who never made it out of her Forest Hills basement.

The illicit nature of these underground apartments makes it difficult to accurately account for the number of basements and cellars occupied by residents at the moment. But of the 15 community board districts included in the pilot program, just one is located in Queens, where nearly 40 percent of the city’s estimated 376,478 basement and cellar spaces in one- to three-family homes are located — the most of any borough. By comparison, six of the pilot districts are located within Manhattan,

The state pilot program covers 15 community districts across the city, left, but only one community district in Queens is included, even though the borough has 39 percent of the city’s basements and cellars. Right, a map shows vacate orders for illegal occupancies over the last year are concentrated in Southeast Queens and east Brooklyn. But illegal basement and cellar apartments in most of those neighborhoods are not eligible for the state’s new pilot conversion program.

where just about 1 percent of those subterranean spaces are located. Four each are located in Brooklyn and The Bronx.

“There doesn’t seem to be a city planning- or data- or climate-based study that was happening in the background that was informing these districts that we know of,” Rahman said.

“Part of the problem is that many of the neighborhoods — not all — but many of the neighborhoods where this pilot applies simply doesn’t have the housing typology that would benefit from these reforms,” said Ryan Chavez, who directs a city-level pilot basement conversion program at Cypress Hills Local Development Corp., located within Brooklyn Community District 5, an area excluded by the new state program. The neighborhood is also where Roberto Bravo, 66, died in his basement during Hurricane Ida.

That Brooklyn pilot program received overwhelming demand from local homeowners in Cypress Hills and East New York when it was launched in partnership with the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development in 2019, Chavez said. But the number of regulatory barriers triggered by the state’s multiple dwelling law, coupled with a budget cut during the Covid pandemic, soon meant that homeowners would be disqualified or eliminated one by one.

Though about 900 homeowners had initially inquired about the program, Chavez said, by last year, just five were able to remain active in the program.

“That’s why this latest announcement was so disappointing. This is a real missed opportunity,” said Chavez. “The state’s negligence is

wish I had more information, but I don’t understand why the others were excluded.”

Only affordable option

Unregulated subterranean apartments have remained one of the most affordable ways to live in the city, Rahman said, which meant many working-class immigrants and people of color often turn to them for shelter despite risks of safety and sudden evictions, either by their landlords or by city agencies charged with enforcing housing and building regulations.

ensuring that tenants in basement units remain vulnerable, remain in harm’s way and ensures their housing remains precarious, unstable, and at worst, potentially unsafe.”

The governor’s initial budget proposal would’ve created a pathway for basement legalization for all of New York City, because “we need every bit of space we can,” the governor said then. But a source familiar with the legislative budget negotiation told THE CITY that “this ended up as a pilot program because certain members made a fuss and refused to let their neighborhood be included.”

Hochul’s office did not comment on THE CITY’s inquiry about how the pilot areas were selected, and how the state plans to address concerns from tenants and homeowners in vulnerable areas.

As advocates like Rahman and Chavez decried the state’s decision to exclude many vulnerable areas in the pilot program, noting also a lack of transparency in the selection process, some state legislators say they were equally blindsided.

Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), for one, said she is also disappointed in how the program has left out many areas of need in Queens. She had expressed her support of the new pilot program to her colleagues, she added, and encouraged that her constituents in Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights be included. Another source familiar with the matter also said that Corona was also supposed to be included in the program.

“But for some reason, they only included Community District 2,” Gonzalez-Rojas said, referring to a district including Long Island City, Sunnyside and parts of Woodside. “I

People are going to keep living in illegal basement apartments with or without reforms, she added, but “a program gives the city and experts the ability to go into these homes for safety assessments and inspections where homeowners don’t have to be scared of fines, and tenants don’t have to be scared of eviction.”

In Queens, however, a majority of basement tenants who seek legal advice for poor living conditions, evictions or agency vacate orders tend to live in areas excluded from the new pilot programs — like Corona, Elmhurst, Flushing and many parts of Southeast Queens, including Jamaica, St. Albans and Ozone Park — said Queens Legal Services housing attorneys Johnny Thach and Rob Sanderman.

Nearly half of all vacate orders issued for illegal occupancies were doled out in Queens, according to Department of Housing Preservation and Development records — more than any other borough. Not all vacate orders in the data are for illegal basement apartments; however, advocates say the records roughly sketch a picture of the issue.

Tenants are “very often” unaware that their apartments are illegitimate, Sanderman said, and have less protection against evictions compared to a legal tenant. They also have little recourse to housing code violations, Thach added, due to fear of retaliation from their landlords, and because contacting city agencies means involving themselves in high risk of receiving a vacate order.

“I will say that all my clients that are living in basements, they really are struggling the most,” Thach said. “Oftentimes they’re undocumented, they’re low-income, and so they really are part of the housing crisis where rent is just too high, and it’s really all that they can afford.” Q

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

People take a morning stroll through Jamaica, April 25, 2024.

PHOTO BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY

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What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is the highlight of the year for nurses. Read on to learn about Nurses Week, why we celebrate it, and its history.

What is National Nurses Week?

Every year from May 6th to 12th, nurses are recognized for their service and dedication to caring for others and improving the health of patients nationwide through National Nurses Week. Throughout the week, healthcare organizations celebrate their teams, and you’ll even see nurses featured on the news. People across the nation thank the nurses who have made a difference in their lives.

Nurses Week celebrates the effort, dedication, and sacrifice nurses make every day. Nurses are essential members of America’s healthcare workforce who provide care through every stage of life, working with patients at their most intimate and vulnerable moments. Nurses Week offers a chance to highlight and celebrate nurses for all we do.

When is Nurses Week 2024?

This year, National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6 - May 12. The week is just a part of the larger National Nurses Month, which is celebrated from May 1 to the 31st.

What is the 2024 Nurses Week theme?

This year’s theme is “Nurses Make the Differ-

ence” and, according to the ANA, “honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.”

The theme is accompanied by the campaign #NursesLightUpTheSky where, around the world, landmarks will be lit up to celebrate nurses and rally support for all that they do.

Why Nurses Week is celebrated

The ANA and other nursing organizations promote Nurses Week as a time to thank and recognize nurses across the country for their dedication to the profession and patients we serve. Healthcare organizations throw celebrations, and the public is encouraged to “thank a nurse” who’s made a difference in their lives.

es a bit differently. Many hold events throughout the week to recognize their nurses, and meals or gifts for the entire nursing team are common.

Managers and administration plan and prepare for months to make the week special. If you’re stuck trying to decide the best way to show your appreciation, check out some of these Nurses Week appreciation ideas!

Nurses Week is our time to shine. Let’s lift each other up and recognize the good in what we do every day. It’s easy to dwell on everything that needs to be changed, but for one week, I challenge you to look for the good. Recognize your nurse besties, mentors, and the nurses who make a difference in your day. We’ve compiled the 7 Best Gifts for Nurses Week.

How Nurses Week is celebrated

Every healthcare organization celebrates its nurs-

In the community, you’ll see news reports highlighting extraordinary nurses who go above and beyond for their communities and patients. Many local businesses also create special offers for nurses— watch your local news and social media outlets to see what might be available near you.

How is nurse.org celebrating National Nurses Week?

We have a lot going on for Nurses Week 2024, so much so that we’re celebrating the entire month of May, AKA Nurses Month! Here’s what we have going on this year:

We’ve teamed up with MLB teams across the country to offer special discounts, recognition, and appreciation events for nurses all throughout the month of May (and beyond). Check out our upcoming

HAPPY NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

nurse appreciation nights to find one in your area. We’ve rounded up a list of the best Nurses Wee k discounts so you can take advantage of all the deals. We’ve also partnered with several companies on an amazing Nurses Month Giveaway that we’re launching on May 1, 2024. Stay tuned for updates!

We’re going to be releasing our 2024 State of Nursing report, an annual survey we run to understand how nurses are really doing and the current issues that matter most to them.

We’ve partnered with Commerce Bank to create a credit card designed exclusively for nurses. Learn more about the Nurse Rewards Visa® Signature Credit Card and find out how to get one.

We’ll have even more surprises in store happening on our Instagram, so be sure to follow us so you don’t miss a thing.

Within Nurses Week, National Student Nurse Day is May 8, and National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday that falls during Nurses Week. Nursing has always been a profession that needs more than just your time and knowledge. Nursing requires heart, passion, and dedication to serving others. Nurses Week allows the public to acknowledge and thank nurses for the work they choose every day. It’s a chance for us to pause and than k the nurses who have made a difference in our careers. Q — American Nurses Associatio n

Nurses serve in a wide variety of role s

RIGHT PLACE,

Nurses are invaluable professionals within the medical community. Whether they work in hospital settings, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices, or elsewhere, nurses provide vital services to individuals in need every day.

had to say about our team:

Nurses wear many hats, and that’s evidenced by the different types of nurses making a difference each day. Individuals considering a career in nursing should know that talented nurses are in high demand and career opportunities in the field are expected to grow in the years to come. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of registered nurses will grow by 6 percent between 2022 and 2032. That growth rate exceeds the average expected rate for all occupations. Whether individuals want to become a nurse or gain a greater understanding of the many ways nurses contribute each day, this rundown of the various types of nurses can shed light on these unsung heroes of the medical community.

be in especially high demand in the coming years, as an analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center indicates more than four million individuals in the United States will turn 65 in 2024. AARP has characterized that surge in the over65 population as a “silver tsunami,” and geriatric nurses will play pivotal roles in ensuring the aging population gets the care it needs in the decades to come.

• Family nurse practitioner: The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® notes family nurse practitioners provide a wide range of family-focused health care services to patients of all ages. FNPs perform physical exams; order or perform diagnostic tests; prescribe medications; develop treatment plans; and treat acute and chronic illnesses. If that sounds like a role played by physicians, it’s not far off, making this among the most challenging jobs within the nursing profession.

• Pediatric nurse: Pediatric nurses make a strong impression because they are the first nursing professionals many people recall interacting with, and those interactions may last from early childhood through adolescence.

Pediatric nurses perform a range of tasks, including the administration of medication; monitoring of vitals like temperature, pulse and blood pressure; health evaluations to identify symptoms; and even speak with parents to calm any nerves or anxieties they may have. Pediatric nurses typically work in doctor’s offices or hospital settings.

• Geriatric nurse: Geriatric nurses figure to

• Emergency room nurse: Individuals who think a fast-paced work environment is for them may want to consider a career as an emergency room nurse. ER nurses treat patients of all ages from all walks of life. No two emergency room patients are the same, so ER nurses will rarely, if ever, have the same day on the job more than once. Accurate assessment skills are vital for ER nurses, who also must be skilled communicators, as emergency room patients are often in distress.

Nursing is an expansive profession with a host of opportunities for aspiring professionals who want to work in the medical community. P — Metro Creative Connection

For Nurses Week, here’s a rundown of the various types of nurses can shed light on these unsung heroes of the medical community.

PHOTO COURTESY NYPQ

A timeline of National Nurses Week

The American Nurses Association declared May 6 to May 12 as the permanent week to celebrate nurses in 1993. Now, more than 30 years later, at over four million strong, nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals that the American public consistently ranks as the most honest and ethical.

Nurses week is intended to celebrate nurses in a meaningful way to increase the understanding of the value of nursing by raising the visibility of the critical work nurses do. By elevating the profession, the ANA hopes to spur greater investment in the support and increased capacity of the nursing workforce.

Florence Nightingale’s birthday is May 12, which is why National Nurses Week ends on this day each year. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event.

A brief history of National Nurses Week

1953 • Dorothy Sutherland of the

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made.

1954 • National Nurse Week was observed from October 11 to 16. The year of the observance marked the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. Representative Frances P. Bolton sponsored the bill for a nurse week. Apparently, a bill for a National Nurse Week was introduced in the 1955 Congress, but no action was taken. Congress discontinued its practice of joint resolutions for national weeks of various kinds.

1972 • Again a resolution was presented by the House of Representatives for the president to proclaim “National Registered Nurse Day.” It did not occur.

1974 • In January of that year, the International Council of Nurses proclaimed that May 12 would be “International Nurse Day.” Since 1965, the ICN has celebrated “International Nurse Day.”

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1974 • In February of that year, a week was designated by the White House as National Nurse Week, and President Nixon issued a proclamation.

1978 • New Jersey Gov. Brendon Byrne declared May 6 as “Nurses Day.” Edward Scanlan, of Red Bank, NJ, took up the cause to perpetuate the recognition of nurses in his state. Scanlan had this date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. He promoted the celebration of Nurses Day on his own.

1981

• The ANA, along with various nursing organizations, rallied to support a resolution initiated by nurses in New Mexico, through their congressman, Manuel Lujan, to have May 6, 1982, established as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

1982 • In February, the ANA board of directors formally acknowledged May 6, 1982 as “National Nurses Day.” The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

1982 • President Ronald Reagan

signed a proclamation on March 25, proclaiming “National Recognition Day for Nurses” to be May 6, 1982.

1990 • The ANA board of directors expanded the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration, declaring May 6 to 12, 1991, as National Nurses Week.

1993 • The ANA board of directors designated May 6-12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 and in all subsequent years.

1996 • The ANA initiated “National RN Recognition Day” on May 6, 1996, to honor the nation’s indispensable registered nurses for their tireless commitment 365 days a year. The ANA encourages its state and territorial nurses associations and other organizations to acknowledge May 6, 1996 as “National RN Recognition Day.”

1997 • The ANA board of directors, at the request of the National Student Nurses Association, designated May 8 as National Student Nurses Day. Q — American Nurses Association

Florence Nightingale’s work in deplorable conditions in British military field hospitals in the Crimean War was the stepping off point for the modern nursing profession.

EPIN: 84123P0015-WalkNYC Wayfinding Cartography, Map Artwork, and Printing Services. The New York City Department of Transportation desires to have cartographic, graphic design, geodatabase maintenance, web-map portal-based content and task tracking, printing, delivery, and related services performed for the WalkNYC Wayfinding program.

This Request for Proposals (RFP)/RFx is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this RFP/RFx must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the RFP/RFx, vendors should visit the PASSPort Public Portal. To reach the Public Portal, visit the following site: https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/about-pa ssport.page then click on the rectangle captioned “Procurement Navigator,” whereupon you will arrive at the Portal. To quickly locate the RFP/RFx, insert the following EPIN, 84123P0015, into the Keyword search field, then click search. To respond to the RFP/RFx, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so. A Pre-Proposal Conference via Microsoft TEAMS is scheduled for 05/15/24 at 1:00 PM. Those wishing to attend must request the Microsoft TEAMS link by no later than 3:00 PM on 05/14/24 via email from the Authorized Agency Contact. The deadline for the submission of questions is 05/22/23 by 4:00 PM. The proposal due date (submission via PASSPort) is 05/31/23 by 2:00 pm.

This procurement is subject to participation goals for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) as required by Section 6-129 of the New York Administrative Code. The M/WBE goal for this project is 30%. Any inquiries concerning this RFP/RFx should be directed by email to the Authorized Agency Contact, Shaneza Shinath, at sshinath@dot.nyc.gov.

Red Storm staffer, hoopsters honored at Haggerty Dinner

St. John’s basketball was a big winner at last Thursday’s Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association 91st Annual Haggerty Awards dinner for its prowess on and off the court.

The MBWA dinner, held at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and Conference Center in Tarrytown, NY, rewarded an SJU athletics official and three Red Storm student-athletes for their achievements.

Stephen Dombroski, with gavel, the senior associate athletics director for external relations at SJU, was honored with the Mike Cohen “Good Guy” Award. Dombroski, who joined the Red Storm in October 2014, oversees media relations and publicity for SJU’s 17 varsity athletic teams while serving as the primary contact for men’s basketball.

Previous recipients of the Good Guy gavel include Lou Carnesecca, SJU’s legendry men’s basketball coach; NBC Channel 4 sports anchor Bruce Beck; and the Queens Chronicle’s own Editorial Production Manager Gregg Cohen, who won last year — as he doubles as the MBWA’s communications director.

As for on the court, St. John’s Unique Drake, top, was runner-up for the Women’s Collegiate Player of the Year, after scoring 18.4 points per game to lead her team. On the men’s side, guard Daniss Jenkins (14.9 points, 5.4 assists) and center Joel Soriano (12.0 points, 9.1 rebounds), above, earned All-Met first team honors for leading the team to a 20-win season and a fifth-place finish in the Big East this year.

— Gregg Cohen

Adams releases budget plan

continued from page 18

revenue outlook, low-balled expenditures still cloud the City’s fiscal picture, Rein said. “New York City’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget significantly underbudgets for planned services, leaving New Yorkers without a clear view of the City’s fiscal picture or how it will maintain, expand, or shrink critical programs, given looming gaps. Only real, reasonable estimates will drive smart choices on spending and service priorities.”

Rein said it is “a clear reality” that future shortfalls are large and likely to balloon.

“[T]hese are understated, given the

roughly $2 billion annually in services that are underbudgeted.”

He said money needed to comply with the state’s class-size mandates and a possible expansion of housing voucher programs could be costly.

Rein said strong revenues are good news, but he added that roughly $2 billion of planned programs and spending is still underbudgeted in the out-years, including uniformed overtime, 3-K expansion, overhead payments to non-profit contractors, and approximately $200 million housing vouchers. Q

May 2,

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

It must be ‘

C inderella’ —

with two shows left this weekend

by Mark Lord

It’s a tale almost as old as time, dating back several centuries. It’s been adapted to seemingly every medium known to man, from musical theater and opera to ballet, film and television.

And now, “Cinderella” makes its way to the stage of St. Mary’s Drama Guild in Woodside, with only two performances remaining this weekend.

Featuring a score by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, with beloved numbers including “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” this version features a contemporary book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on Hammerstein’s earlier one.

In Beane’s rendering, Cinderella becomes Ella, Prince Charming is known familiarly as Topher, and, according to director Claire Spinetti, there are several references, most of them of the humorous variety, that give the story a modern feel.

Making this production particularly unique is the casting of two young ladies in the title role, each going on for two performances.

“That was not the original plan,” Spinetti said in a recent telephone interview. But two of the auditioners were so “incredibly talented, so wonderful,” that it was impossible to go with just one, she said.

According to Spinetti, the dual casting meant that, in rehearsal, “Everything took twice as long.” But she added that the two leading ladies are both “very nice, kind-hearted, and they work well together. I’m very lucky.”

t was And the two Ellas were a gree-

And the two Ellas were agreeable to an arrangement that had them each taking center stage twice and joining the ensemble for the other two performances.

Longtime Sunnyside resident Anna Bencivengo, who was scheduled to play Ella opening weekend, said “the whole creative team was flexible” when it came to allowing each of the actresses to play the role “as it feels right for us,” resulting in what she called “some differences in the performances.”

Aglaia Ho, her alter ego, took it even further,

Thalia marks Mother’s Day with emotional new play

by Kristen Guglielmo associate editor

Thalia Hispanic Theatre, the first and only bilingual Hispanic theater in Queens, is celebrating May as Mother’s Month with a theatrical debut, called “Como Si Pasara Un Tren” (”Like A Passing Train”), that is sure to tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh and compel you to look at those with cognitive disabilities in a new, accepting light.

“This play is about the relationship of a mother with a son who has Down syndrome and the control a mother usually wants to exercise over her kids,” said Angel Gil Orrios, the play’s director and the executive director of Thalia Spanish Theatre. “I thought it was the perfect production to have here in May because of Mother’s Day.”

“Como Si Pasara Un Tren,” a dramedy written by Lorena Romanin, an Argentenian playwright, has been performed in the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Spain, Peru, Uruguay and several other countries, Orrios said. He originally intended to bring it to the United States in 2020, but the plan was deterred due to the pandemic.

Now, the play is making its American debut with a unique casting choice.

“Lorena told me that she envisioned the role of Juan played by somebody who has

Down syndrome, but never was able to do it that way,” Orrios said. So for Thalia’s production, the role of Juan is played by Luis Oscar Villanueva, an actor with Down syndrome.

“I saw Luis starring in a movie in the Dominican Republic called ‘Lo Que Siento Por Ti,’ or ‘What I Feel for You.’” Orrios said the film won several awards.

“He did an amazing job over there, and

when I saw his work on the film, I said, ‘Well, this play will be perfect for him.’”

Villanueva told the Chronicle, through Orrios as translator, that he’s very excited and happy to have the opportunity to perform in the play.

“Luis has been the very first brave actor to really be able to do it,” Orrios said.

“Como Si Pasara Un Tren” also stars Soledad Lopez, playing Susana, a possessive, controlling but well-meaning mother, and Angely Matos, an actress and singer from the Dominican Republic, as a visiting cousin who is a bit of a black sheep.

While the play is not a musical, it features original songs by Matos, which can be found on Spotify.

“It’s a privilege, and it’s a way of also sharing my songs,” Matos said.

“Como Si Pasara Un Tren” (”Like A Passing Train”) will be performed in Spanish with English subtitles from May 3 to May 26 at Thalia, located at 41-17 Greenpoint Ave. in Sunnyside.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 for general admission, and $32 for students and seniors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thaliatheatre.org. Q

Have a ball this weekend with ‘Cinderella’

suggesting that they “play the role completely differently,” with both portrayals proving “valid.”

One thing they both agree upon: Each is completely supportive of the other. Ho appreciates working in what she considers “a noncompetitive environment.”

And Bencivengo added, “If we miss a rehearsal, we can get the blocking from each other. It’s nice to have a back-up.”

Crossword Answers

They also share an understanding of the tale’s enduring popularity.

Bencivengo, 30, who said she grew up watching the 1965 television version that starred Lesley Ann Warren, said it is “such a timeless story,” explaining, “At its core it’s about having dreams. Hopefully, it will resonate with audiences.”

Though only two years younger than Bencivengo, Ho was more familiar with the 1997 broadcast rendering that starred Brandy.

Anna Bencivengo, left, played the lead in the St. Mary’s Drama Guild production of “Cinderella” last weekend, joined by, among others, Amanda Montoni, above left, Abigail Farillas and Gregory Taule. On the cover: This weekend’s Ella, Aglaia Ho, with Daniel Diamandiev and Taule.

“It’s a universal story; we all can relate to it,” she said.

Gregory Taule, as Topher, has apparently had no trouble appearing opposite two different leading ladies.

“He’s working well with both of them,” Spinetti said.

Other major roles are played by Alison Kurtzman as Madame, Ella’s stepmother, and Amanda Montoni and Abigail Farillas, the latter two as her stepsisters. Kerryclare Gleason is the show’s musical director.

Spinetti, who also serves as choreographer, said that wearing two hats for this production, while adding to her workload, has been a pleasurable experience.

BY KERRYCLARE GLEASON

“Instead of talking over every scene, it’s just me,” she said. “It helps the cast, not having to go back and forth” between two members of the creative team.

Remaining shows take place at 70-20 47 Ave. in Woodside on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. and May 5 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 (reserved) or $22 (general admission). For more, visit stmarysdramaguild.org. Q

Luis Oscar Villanueva plays Juan in “Como Si Pasara Un Tren” (”Like A Passing Train)”, a play coming to Thalia Spanish Theatre.

PHOTO COURTESY THALIA SPANISH THEATRE

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Beautiful, modern dining room table w/4 chairs & 3 inch thick tempered glass top & exquisite modern circular base. Modern sofa, gray tufted fabric, throw pillow incl. Both pcs $850. Call/text 718-938-3011

ONLINE AUCTION: 5/1-5/31 Bar & Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street, Douglas Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail, TURN-KEY OPERATION! Sale Info: 800-536-1401, x.401, AuctionsInternational.com Promo code: WESTBID24

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Notice of Formation of 3K ANGELS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/21/2024. 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: EVA T. LACONSAY, 3203 58TH STREET, 2/F, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BKHOOPZ LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/15/2024. 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: PATRICK IANNOTTO, 6148 82 PLACE, MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GOLDSTAR GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 04/01/2024. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 86-30 108th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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Howard Beach, MULTI-FAMILY

SALE! Sat 5/4, 9am-2pm, 91-09 164 Ave. Clothes, toys, baby items, housewares, costume jewelry, etc.

Howard Beach, MULTI-FAMILY

SALE. Sat 5/4 10am-3pm, Sun 5/5 10am-1pm, 85 St bet 160 & 161 Aves.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Termites, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311. Have zip code of property ready when calling!

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ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HERE— ALL SHOWS! May 14-19. New shows open daily! www.brimfieldantiqueweek.com. 2024 dates: May 14-19, July 9-14, September 3-8

Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad!

Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

Notice of Formation of 528 Locust Street, LLC.Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/22/24. Offi ce location: QueensCounty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 5418 69th Lane, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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 CHEME ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2023. 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: CHEME ENTERPRISES LLC, 142-17 129TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11436-1720. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Ahava Mental Health Counseling PLLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/19/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 2367 Cornaga Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: to practice the profession of Mental Health Counseling.

Notice of Qualifi cation of Citrus Haven LLC. Authority fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/12/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Florida (FL)on 02/15/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 31 Monterey Street, Apt. A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, also the address required to be maintained in FL. Arts of Org. fi led with the FL Secy. Of State, R.A. Gray Building, 500 S Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Purpose: any lawful activities.

ASF INTERNATIONAL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/07/24. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Khandker Ahnaf Abrar, 169-24 Hillside Avenue, FL2 Suite 3, Jamaica, NY 11432.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

C M SQ page 36 Y K

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON AS COLLATERAL

AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. ELDER AVE REALTY CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 11, 2024 and entered on March 12, 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 on May 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., 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 5137 and Lot 1118. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 118, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $145,528.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.Index # 711824/2019. 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 Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Gerald Chiariello II, Esq., Referee The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 553, New York, New York 10165, Attorneys for Plaintif

Notice of Formation of PANOPTES GROUP LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/29/2024. 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: MICHAEL BALLESTY, 48-14 170TH PLACE, FLUSHING, NY 11365. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Kess Realty LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/25/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Azad Sakur, 107-11 Liverpool Street, Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose

Lefferts 59 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/19/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Gameel Saeidi, 80-59 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of MYRNA L. ARCHER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/15/2024. 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: MYRNA L. ARCHER, P.O. BOX 220025, ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

RENARI AM LLC, Art. Of Org. fi led with SSNY 12/26/2017. Offi ce Location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: c/o Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck, P.C., Attn: Charles McKeen, Esq., 875 3rd Ave., 9th Fl., NY, NY 10022. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of SMARTSELLHEALTHSHOP LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/11/2024. 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: CHRISTINA GUTIERREZ, 6935 150TH STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. 815 BAY 25 CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 7, 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 31, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 8-15 Bay 25th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 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 15733 and Lot 1. Approximate amount of judgment is $669,416.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #719169/2022. 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. Arthur N. Terranova, Esq., Referee Polsinelli PC, Amy E. Hatch, Esq., 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. CHONDRITE REO, LLC (5), Pltf., vs. EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT I LLC., et al, Defts. Index #707851/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on May 10, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. prem. k/a 87-34 169th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 a/k/a Block 9841, Lot(s) 46 and 48. Approx. amt. of judgment is $1,088,825.35 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. LAMONT RAMSAY BAILEY, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-108- #101304

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, vs. SABRINA EDERY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANN LEWITINN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 25, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 17, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., premises known as 13-52 Dickens Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 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 15665 and Lot 38. Approximate amount of judgment is $905,788.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #703799/2021. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Austin I. Idehen, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of Homegirl Therapy Mental Health Counseling P.L.L.C. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 3/6/24. Offi ce location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: 147-25 94th Ave, 2314, Jamaica, NY 11435, homegirltherapypllc@gmail.com. Purpose: practice the profession of mental health counseling.

Notice of Formation of TALKSTORY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/07/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY LLC, P.O. BOX 750015, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Centreville/Ozone Park, Sun 5/5, 1:30-3pm, 96-30 149th Ave. Colonial Lovely 1 fam, 3 levels + basement. Laminate flrs, updated kit w/ Quartz counters, new appli. All new doors, new boiler, 3 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. 1 car gar, pvt dwvy. Asking $789K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Sat 5/4, 12:30pm-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 $1,075,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Sat 5/4, 1pm-3pm, 161-39 86 St. Lg Brookfield, HiRanch, 4 BR, 3 full baths. All updated. Owned by architect. Asking $1,175,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Sun 5/5, 12pm-1:30pm, 164-44 98 St & 164-48 98 St. 2 Houses, both legal 2 fam, great investment. Each w/ 2 BR, 1 1/2 bath, walk-in 1 BR, 1 bath, gar & dvwy. Reduced $1,078,000 ea. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, Sun 5/5, 12pm-1:30pm, 158-28 100 St. Mint 2 fam, 4 BR, 3 1/2 baths, 40x100 lot. All brick, CAC, PVC fence. Asking $1,150,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Sewer business for sale w/equipment & contact lists. Call Anthony 1st after 10pm, 347-701-9218 or call Willie 2nd bet 9am-5pm, 718-232-8682

NY

GRACE COUNSELING LCSW, PLLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/6/24. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 1280 Lexington Ave. Frnt 2 #1170 NY, NY 10028. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Prince35 Holdings LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/5/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 136-33 37th Ave, 7th Fl, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, - against - VLADEMIR C. SIMON, ANTONINE M. BEAUVAIS, ARTHUR D. MEEHAN, if living, or if he is dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Arthur D. Meehan, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, ANNIE M. MEEHAN, if living, or if she is dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Annie M. Meehan, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands, or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, U.S. BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2007-2 HOME EQUITY PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-2, NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, Defendants. Index No.: 8395/11 Date of Filing April 19, 2018. Plaintiffs designate Queens the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the Premises are situated. Borough: Queens Block: 10379 Lot: 5 TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT The object of the above-entitled action is to foreclose a tax lien for the amount due and interest, dated as of August 18, 2009, and recorded in the Queens County Office of the City Register of the City of New York on August 25, 2009, as CRFN: 2009000271516, covering premises described as follows: COUNTY: Queens, ADDRESS: Liberty Avenue (vacant lot adjacent to 109-01 189th Street, Jamaica, New York, 11412) Block: 10379 Lot: 5 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the tax lien described above. This action does not involve “subprime” or “high costs” loans that were consummated between January 1, 2003 and September 1, 2008. The foregoing summons and complaint is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, J.S.C. entered March 27, 2024. SEYFARTH SHAW LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiffs, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 (212) 218-5563

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received at the NYC Early Learning Company, Inc Dba Beanstalk Childcare Academy office at 1778 Southern Blvd., Bronx NY 10460 until 12pm on May 15, 2024. Bids are for meals delivered to 8 Childcare Centers in the Bronx and 2 Childcare centers in Brooklyn . Each center will need approximately 10001200 Breakfasts, 1000-1200 Lunches, & 1000-1200 Snacks per Month. Specifications may only be obtained by email at dlopez@beanstalkacademy.com. All work will be conducted in strict accordance with CACFP bid specifications. Bids will be opened at 1778 Southern Blvd., Bronx NY 10460 and read on May 15, 2024 at 12pm.

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006HE1, Plaintiff, v. CHRISTOPHER DUNN A/K/A CHRISTOPHER R. DUNN, ET AL, Defendants. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Queens County on March 10, 2023, I, Jeffrey Kim, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on May 31, 2024 at the Courthouse Steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, at 12:15 PM the premises described as follows: 134-57 232nd Street Laurelton, NY 11413 Block 13160 Lot 6 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 712819/2018 in the amount of $603,538.04 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 80394

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.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF THE CABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NATHANIEL DANIELS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ISAAC DANIELS, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 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 17, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., premises known as 135-02 221st Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. 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 13113 and Lot 26. Approximate amount of judgment is $295,947.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #708238/2015. 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. Eun Chong Thorsen, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No. 193546-1

Notice of Formation of Dee Custom Hair LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/5/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 104-14 110th St, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: any lawful activity.

EKG 7806 LLC Articles of Org.

fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/8/24. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 15253 10th Ave., Ste 211 Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Index No. 704502/2021, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., ALSO KNOWN AS WACHOVIA MORTGAGE A DIVISION OF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, v. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE GAIL PALMORE ARCHER, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, GAIL M. ARCHER, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Defendants. To the above named Defendants:You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Tracy A. Catapano-Fox, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 26th day of March, 2024 at Jamaica, New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: Block: 1702 Lot: 27 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Second Ward of the Borough of Queens, City of New York, County of Queens and State of New York, known and designated on a certain map entitled, “Map of 239 lots situated on Jackson Ave., Astoria Ave., Ditmars Blvd., and other streets in the Second Ward, Borough of Queens, belonging to MacPeters Estates, Inc.,” Leonard C. L. Smith, City Surveyor, and filed in the office of the Clerk of the County of Queens August, 15th, 1923 under File Number 4365, as and by the Lot number Six, in Block lettered “B” which said lot, is bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Thirty-second Avenue (Burnside Avenue) distant sixty feet westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of said side of Thirty-second Avenue with the westerly side of One hundred and eighth Street (Fifty-first Street); RUNNING THENCE southerly parallel with One Hundred and eighth Street, one hundred feet; THENCE westerly parallel with Thirty-second Avenue, twenty feet; THENCE northerly parallel with One Hundred and eighth Street., one hundred feet to said southerly side of Thirty-second Avenue; THENCE easterly along said side of Thirty-second Avenue, twenty feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 10712 32nd Avenue, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 500 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, NY 14604

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, -against- Jamal Anderson, as Heir to the Estate of Anthony Anderson a/k/a Anthony A. Anderson, United States of America - Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Queens Supreme Court, New York City Criminal Court, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, Anthony Anderson a/k/a Anthony A. Anderson’s unknown heirs-at-law, nextof-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10”, the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to the plaintiff, the person or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants. SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $304,385.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Queens on May 23, 2014 in CRFN 2014000179703 covering premises known as 147-11 116th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11436. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York March 15, 2024 FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP BY: Deana Cheli Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-098833-F01

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 723301/2022 Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2018-2, U.S. Bank National Association, As Indenture Trustee Plaintiff, vs Unknown Heirs Of Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Raquel Filomena Lopez As Administrator And As Heir To The Estate Of Jose Falcon Aka Jose J Falcon And As Heir To The Estate Of Jose Falcon Aka Jose J Falcon If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America O/B/O The IRS, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Criminal Court Of The City Of New York, John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 32-24 80th Street Flushing, NY 11370 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon, and Raquel Filomena Lopez, Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Ulysses B. Leverett of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Second day of March, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated February 8, 1993, executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon (who died on June 2, 2019, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $228,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 3512, Page 2255 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on February 25, 1993. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 30, 1994 and recorded on September 7, 1994, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at Book 3966, Page 1592. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 2, 2003 and recorded on March 10, 2004, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2004000144325. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated October 29, 2003 executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon to secure the sum of $181,294.55 and recorded at CRFN 2004000144326 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on March 10, 2004. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at Book 3512, Page 2255 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon dated October 29, 2003 and recorded March 10, 2004 at CRFN 2004000144327 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $378,300.00. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated February 8, 2007 executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon to secure the sum of $284,037.89 and recorded at CRFN 2007000168430 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on April 2, 2007. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at CRFN: 2004000144327 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon dated February 8, 2007 and recorded April 2, 2007 at CRFN 2007000168431 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $607,750.00. The mortgage was subsequently modified on May 17, 2016. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed August 8, 2018 and recorded on August 13, 2018, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2018000270756. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 12, 2019 and recorded on April 25, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000132813. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 14, 2022 and recorded on July 6, 2022, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2022000266194; The property in question is described as follows: 32-24 80th Street, Flushing, NY 11370 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW. DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: March 28, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 80205

B SPORTS EAT

Thumbs down

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

It is safe to say the Mets public address team will not be playing the 1966 Rolling Stones tongue-in-cheek misogynistic classic “Under My Thumb.” It’s not the lyrics per se that are bothersome. Rather, it is a reminder of the type of injury that has bedeviled the Mets in recent years.

Two weeks ago, catcher Francisco Alvarez b roke his thumb when he lost his balance rounding first base on a double in a game with the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Alvarez underwent surgery two days later. He is not expected to return until early July at the earliest.

Coincidentally, this was the same injury that befell third baseman Brett Baty in August 2022 when he landed on his thumb trying to field a hard-hit grounder off the bat of Colorado Rockies slugger Charlie Blackmon.

Like Alvarez, Baty required surgery and missed the remainder of the season. Baty proceeded to have a miserable year in 2023. One must wonder if either the injury or valuable missed playing time played a role.

Alvarez slugged 25 home runs in 2023, his first full season with the Mets. The downside was he swung at too many bad pitches and wound up hitting a meager .209. Before getting hurt, Alvarez was batting .236. While that average is still well below expectations, he was being more judicious at the plate, chasing fewer

unhittable pitches. Mets management must be worried he will fall back into bad habits when he returns because he will be rusty after not facing live pitching for two months.

While his slugging ability has understandably excited Mets fans, Alvarez’s defense was better than most expected. Mets pitchers were impressed with the way he calls pitches and his ability to block balls in the dirt. He also has a cannon of an arm, making opposing runners take shorter leads off bases.

His absence means the Mets have to turn to the tandem of Omar Narvaez and Tomas Nido.

The Mets signed Narvaez as a free agent in 2022 after giving James McCann away to the Baltimore Orioles. McCann flopped badly in his two seasons in Queens. He provided solid defense, but he could not hit his way out of a paper bag. Unfortunately, Narvaez has been terrible at the plate and behind it.

Nido is a homegrown Met who had carved out a respectable career as a backup ever since joining the team in 2017. While no one ever thought he would ever be a formidable hitter, in 2023 his offense was so anemic, it started to affect his once rock-solid defense. He was demoted to the Syracuse Mets. Alvarez’s absence gives Nido a chance for redemption. Let’s hope he seizes the opportunity. Q

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