Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-04-23

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION

Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport YOUR

Green efforts could cost National Grid customers more

Largely to meet the state’s clean energy goals, National Grid is proposing to raise gas prices in the city by 17.2 percent. If approved, the hikes would take effect next April and could generate $414 million in new revenue. Average customers could end up paying around $30 more each month.

WEEK

May 6-12

PAGES 19-24

Kids take center stage in pair of hit shows

SEE qboro, PAGE 25

After 1-month delay, Albany has a budget

Hochul, legislators make a deal on a record-high $229B spending plan

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

It was more than a month late and will cost a t least $2 billion more than Gov. Hochul originally asked for. But the state’s $229 billion for the fiscal year that began April 1 now is in place.

“With this budget, we are delivering on our promise to make the Empire State a more affordable, more livable, safer place for all New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement from her office on Wednesday. “These bold investments will lift up New Yorkers of today — and tomorrow — while maintaining a solid fiscal footing, and I thank my partners in the Legislature for their collaboration throughout this process.”

Hochul was quick to point out that there would be no increase in personal income taxes. The budget commits $1 billion to help New York City foot the projected $2.9 billion bill to house and care for asylum seekers and other immigrants.

It also includes a $455 million loan to the New York Racing Association, which will use the money for a massive renovation of Belmont Park in Nassau County. The plan is believed to be the precursor to the permanent closing of Aqueduct Race Track in South Ozone Park.

The minimum wage will increase $2 an hour to $17 in New York City and Long Island by 2026 and to $16 elsewhere.

But sources including the Citizens Budget Commission also say the final product leaves projected deficits in future years at a combined $15 billion or more.

Hochul’s office did not respond to an emailed request from the Chronicle for projected deficits for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027.

On crime, Hochul was in the city with Mayor Adams Wednesday to tout what both are calling a win.

The budget agreement gives judges more discretion when considering bail for some serious crimes, though legislative leaders are claiming victory by once again keeping judges from taking a defendant’s potential danger to the community into consideration.

Hochul also said the plan dedicates $170 million to improve the criminal discovery process, which has forced prosecutors to drop many cases because no funding had ever been provided to adapt to stricter rules for turning over evidence to the defense passed in 2019.

Hochul also said there is $347 million for programs to reduce gun violence.

New laws will attempt to address illegal marijuana shops — sources have told the Chronicle there are well over 400 in Queens alone — largely with increased fines, tax enforcement and civil penalties. A statement from the Governors Office did say that it now is considered a crime to sell cannabis and canna-

bis products without a license.

Hochul was successful in getting an agreement to transfer charters for 14 “zombie” charter schools in the city to new operators [see separate story in some editions and at qchron.com].

The new budget also includes a record $34.5 billion in foundation aid to school districts. There also is a planned $2.4 billion investment in capital projects at CUNY and

SUNY campuses.

Housing expenditures include $391 million for emergency rental assistance, which will include NYCHA residents. But the biggest news for Queens was Hochul pulling her plans for compulsory affordable and multipledwelling housing regulations that among other things, would have given the state power to override community zoning laws in designated areas, such as those near major mass transit access points such as Long Island Rail Road stations.

And any meeting of the minds among Hochul and Senate and Assembly leaders on transportation had to start with funding for the cash- and rider-challenged Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

First is an estimated $65 million to cut proposed MTA fare increases from 5.5 percent to 4 percent. Published sources estimate that could result in a 10-cent increase for a single bus or subway ride to $2.85.

There also is $15 million to fund a pilot program that would provide one free bus route in each of the five boroughs. No routes have yet been chosen.

An allotment of $35 million is earmarked to increase subway service during middays, weeknights and weekends.

Increasing the top rate of the Payroll Mobili-

continued on page 12

Gov. Hochul was in New York City on Wednesday to promote public safety measures in the new state budget agreement. NYC SCREENSHOT

Story hour features leaders as readers

Police, firefighters and a judge kick off new Ariola event in Howard Beach

by Stephanie Meditz Chronicle Contributor

At a time when Drag Story Hour has driven a new debate around the country, a very different kind of reading event has launched in South Queens.

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) launched her Hero Story Time initiative last weekend.

The first installment of the series took place on Saturday at the Queens Public Library’s Howard Beach branch.

The event invited first responders, including police officers, firefighters and a judge, to teach children about their jobs and read related stories aloud.

Presenters included former NYPD Det. Robert Heedles; retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Augustus Agate; NYPD Officer Arthur Roldan; and FDNY firefighters Paul Schweit, Sophy Medina and Matt Connor.

As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, Ariola began the series to educate about first

responders’ roles in the community.

“What they do has really been taken out of schools and such. We always had a police officer come to our assemblies ... so what we wanted to do was bring that back,” she told the Chronicle.

“We wanted to have a judge, we wanted to have detectives, we’re going to have small business people come in. We’re going to have them come in and just share their experiences because heroes come in all shapes and sizes and backgrounds.”

Queens Public Library CEO Dennis Walcott, who has vocally supported Drag Story Hour, attended the event and even asked a question of Heedles, regarding the lexicon of a police “shield” or “badge.” It is a shield, said Heedles, because it protects officers.

After the event, Ariola shared photos from Hero Story Time with her constituents on Facebook.

Commenters expressed unanimous support for the series, and some suggested that first responders are more fit to share stories with children than drag queens, such as those who participate in Drag Story Hour.

Drag Story Hour is a nonprofit organization that celebrates authenticity by inviting drag performers to read stories to children in schools, libraries and bookstores.

“Awesome!! THE way to do a story hour for children,” one resident wrote in response to Ariola’s post.

Another more direct commenter wrote that Hero Story Time is, “So much better than Trans Hour. THANK YOU.”

Some of Ariola’s Republican and Common Sense Caucus colleagues have vocally opposed Drag Story Hour.

“I will continue to fight against inappropriate adult content in our schools,” Councilwom-

an Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) said in her State of the District speech last week.

Ariola did not comment specifically about her position on Drag Story Hour.

She has held story hours in the past and working closely with organizations like Bravest for Choice helped inspire the decision to host Hero Story Time.

Founded by Schweit and Medina, Bravest for Choice is an organization that advocates for FDNY firefighters, medics and EMTs who are unvaccinated against Covid-19 to keep their jobs despite the mandate for NYC employees.

Last year, Schweit and Medina were featured on a segment of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” to discuss the unpaid leave and possible termination they faced.

“Being told to get a shot or be terminated is an ultimatum, it’s not a choice. We want those people that have religious beliefs, sincerely held beliefs, or even medical ...

exemptions to have the choice in the matter,” Schweit said on the air.

Howard Beach resident Angelica Re, who attended on Saturday, said that it is important for children to hear from first responders “so that they know who’s safe in the community.”

Christine Shipman, who was also at the event, echoed that sentiment and said that she brought her children to Hero Story Time so they can learn to respect first responders and all that they do for the community.

“It’s something for the kids to do with their families, and that’s really important,” Ariola said.

“It’s time for them to bond, they get sweets, they get all types of giveaways, they love it, they can color ... I’m very pleased with the turnout and with the outcome.”

Next, Hero Story Hour will make its way to Rockaway. Ariola said more details on that are to come. Q

Precinct block party Sunday

Block party season is here and the 102nd Precinct is kicking it off with a free event this weekend.

The Cops and Kids block party, hosted by the precinct and its Community Council, is taking place on Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.

It will be held on 118th Street and Jamaica Avenue near the police station in Richmond Hill.

There will be food, drinks, bounce houses, giveaways, entertainment for the whole family and more, according to a flier for the event.

Kosher food options will be among those available.

Partners include Community Board 9, which is sponsoring a bounce house for the event.

For more information, the 102nd Precinct’s Community Affairs division can be reached at (718) 805-3215.

The Community Council typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center, located at 110-08 Jamaica Ave. Q

— Deirdre Bardolf

Saturday marked Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s first Hero Story Hour event, which will be part of a new library series. It kicked off at the Howard Beach Library. Participants included Justice Augustus Agate, left in gown, and FDNY firefighters Sophy Medina, Paul Schweit and Matt Connor, right, respectively, who read kids’ books and talked about their careers. PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MEDITZ

Roosevelt Avenue, staffing and concerts among CB chair concerns NYPD safety brief ahead of summer

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

As summer approaches, residents fear the seasonal nuisances that come along with it, like loud parties and packs of ATVs commandeering the streets. Illegal pot shops, of course, remain top of mind.

On Monday, Queens community board chairs got a chance to voice their concerns to top NYPD brass in a virtual meeting hosted by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Assistant Chief Kevin Williams, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South, and Assistant Chief Christine Bastedenbeck, commanding officer of Queens North, joined chiefs and heads of each of the borough’s precincts to talk stats and summer plans and field questions and concerns.

One of those came from Frank Taylor, chair of Community Board 3.

“Roosevelt Avenue is horrendous,” Taylor said. “You have vendors, you have prostitution houses, you have drug dealers, right out in the open,” he said.

A retired officer himself, he said police patrolling there are in danger.

Deputy Inspector John Portalatin, commanding officer of the 115th Precinct, acknowledged the prostitution issues and vowed, “Roosevelt is going to get cleaned up.”

The avenue is the border between his pre-

$106.7B

“You’re probably going to lose one or two cops to the Rockaway Beach detail, I’m going to be honest with you,” Williams said.

But they will not be “flying cops” to those details as they have in the past, he said, adding that the majority will come from administrative units. “We are supplying about a third of the police officers for the Rockaway Beach summer detail but the other two-thirds are coming from outside commands,” he said.

New officers will no longer leave the commands they were assigned to for such details, according to Williams.

He also gave an update on the construction of the new 116th Precinct in Eastern Queens, set to be complete in fall 2024. He and Richards should be taking a tour of that soon.

cinct, which recently received 11 new officers, and the 115th, which got 14.

“We’re gonna post them all over Roosevelt,” Portalatin said. “You’re not going to go down a block or two without seeing a New York City police cop on post.”

Going forward, the precincts won’t treat the avenue as a border, he said, and officers will be held accountable if they don’t take action because an incident is a block out of the precinct.

There are going to be operations every week hitting unlicensed vendors and prostitution, Portalatin added, and restaurants will be held accountable for overserving patrons.

In South Queens, Betty Braton, chair of Community Board 10, acknowledged the need to send officers from each precinct for special Rockaway Beach patrols in the summer but said they are concerned recent drops in crime won’t last, and asked what resources they should expect to see and not see.

Bryan Block, chair of Community Board 13, said he is not confident that the Nassau County Police Department will handle the crowds flocking to summer concerts at UBS Arena. Williams said the NYPD is working with the Nassau police and UBS security and will have a special traffic detail there.

Community Board 5 Chair Vincent Acuri said he never sees cops out on patrol in the 104th Precinct. Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman assured him they are there but said, “It is a challenging time. We are understaffed.”

The 104 fields the most 311 calls in the city, he said, with over 43,000 last year. Q

doc has $10B in new spending for asylum seekers, labor deals and more Adams seeks record budget for FY 2024

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Mayor Adams last week said asylum seekers and new city labor contracts are among the driving forces behind the record $106.7 billion executive budget he is proposing for fiscal year 2024.

The request is an even $4 billion higher than the preliminary budget Adams proposed in February, which at $102.7 billion, still would have been a record number.

And the City Council leadership has signaled that it will seek more spending prior to the July 1 deadline.

“It is our responsibility to maintain New York City’s forward momentum,” Adams said on April 26 in a video of the press conference on his official website.

“Our fiscal year 2024 budget prioritizes our working people’s agenda and keeps our city working for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” the mayor continued. “It does so while addressing some of the storm clouds gathering on our horizon, including billions of dollars in new costs.”

He stressed that the budget, for the year starting July 1, protects essential city services.

Adams said the asylum crisis has seen 57,000 people come to the Big Apple, with 35,000 being provided for on the day of the

speech. He expects there to be 70,000 a year from now, costing an estimated $2.9 billion.

“Yesterday alone 500 asylum seekers arrived in New York City looking for a place to sleep,” Adams said. “That’s 500 people — an entire hotel.”

Adams has repeatedly asked the Biden administration for more federal money to deal with the costs. As of now, the city is slated to receive $650 million of the $800 million that the White House has allocated for the entire country.

Adams also is calling for $4 billion to pay for expected settlements of city labor contracts. While the budget proposed in February set aside enough money to pay for across-theboard 1.5 percent wage increases, District Council 37, the largest city union, reached a five-year deal in February averaging just over 3 percent a year.

The Police Benevolent Association, which represents rank-and-file police officers, reached a deal in April that will pay a 4 percent increase in its final year.

Adams also said aside from investments such as expanding the city’s curbside organics recycling program, he wants to set aside a near-record $8 billion in reserve funds.

Negotiations with the City Council are ongoing. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Finance Committee Chair-

man Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) have taken a dim view in recent months of the administration’s in-year budget cuts made through the Program to Eliminate the Gap, or PEG, reductions.

In a joint statement on April 26, Speaker Adams and Brannan indicted they would not settle for more austerity.

“Our city’s future and continued economic recovery hinges on how we invest in New Yorkers and the essential services they rely on to succeed,” they said. “It is an undeniable reality that our city agencies responsible for delivering services to New Yorkers are struggling to fulfill their obligations due to chronic understaffing and inadequate support. This only undermines our recovery and the stability of our neighborhoods as New Yorkers struggle to remain in an increasingly unaffordable city.”

They said the Council is proposing a balanced, responsible budget “that accounts for the various potential budgetary risks and economic challenges, while making smart investments in key services that New Yorkers need to succeed.”

Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, believes both sides are being too optimistic.

“With budget gaps widening despite billions of dollars of additional revenues, the City should immediately start to prioritize essential

Mayor Adams is requesting a record-high $106.7 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. NYC SCREENSHOT

programs, increase its operational efficiency, speed up critical hiring, and shrink lower impact programs,” Rein said in a press release. “Absent these actions, the likely alternative is to substantially cut services in the next year or two. The real problems are even larger.”

He said practices like paying for recurring expenses with nonrecurring money, such as expiring federal Covid-19 aid, could lead to actual deficits of $6.8 billion in fiscal year 2025 and $10.0 billion by FY 2027.

The Queens Borough Board, chaired by Borough President Donovan Richards, held a virtual meeting Monday with the NYPD to talk public safety issues ahead of summer. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT

Richards touts projects past, present and future from Rockways to Astoria Borough president: Build on success

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

“Are

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards touched on the theme repeatedly on Friday during his annual State of the Borough address — things that have been built, things underway or in the pipeline, and things that he wants the city to accomplish for Queens.

“In this office, we are hellbent on building our borough back better than ever before,” he said. “And that’s what we are here to talk about: building.”

The crowd at Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park included state officials such as Attorney General Letitia James, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez.

City officials included Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), other Council members and NYPD brass from throughout the borough.

Richards first touched on healthcare improvements in both the biological and brick-and-mortar realms, which he said are necessary adjuncts to a borough still in some ways emerging from the pandemic.

“And that’s why I’m proud to have allocated nearly $19 million to our Queens hospitals since I took office,” he said. “We’re

talking about a new MRI and ultrasound machines at Jamaica Hospital; a new 22-bed ICU at Mount Sinai; a new operating room and NICU at Elmhurst Hospital; state-ofthe-art equipment at Queens Hospital and St. John’s Episcopal.

“My top priority as borough president is the health of our families and communities ... Because you should never have to leave the borough to get the highest-quality healthcare.”

Like Mayor Adams in his executive budget plan this past week, Richards focused on the importance of the $2 million of investments his office has made in mental healthcare.

And he made it personal

“Twenty years in public service have taken a toll on me,” Richards said. “Believe it or not I once had hair. But I can’t stand here and talk to you about working on others if I’m not working on myself.

“That’s why I, Donovan Richards, the Queens Borough president, a Black man from Southeast Queens, am in therapy,” something he said has changed his life.

On housing, Richards spoke of the more

than 4,600 units of affordable housing he has signed off on since assuming office — while casually mentioning the 10,000 he secured as councilman. He said the success he has overseen in the Rockaways can serve as a model for redevelopment of the 50-acre Creedmoor property in Queens Village and the residential development attached to the building of a soccer stadium in Willets Point.

“These 50 vacant acres of state-owned land give us opportunities for affordable housing, new school construction, neighborhood retail, open spaces, performance venues and so much more,” Richards said of the Creedmoor site. “We’re making our own blueprint for what community development should look like going forward ...

“The same is true up at Willets Point, where the rebirth is coming before us, starting with a brand-new soccer stadium for new York City Football Club,” he said.

As for Western Queens ...

“I’m guessing you may have heard of a project called Innovation QNS, right? You have if you’re on Twitter.”

The development will include more than 1,400 affordable units in pricey Astoria.

On Richards’ still-to-do list are the Sunnyside Yard and Anable Basin.

Richards also wants the city Department of Planning to launch a Jamaica neighborhood planning study to allow what is already a major business district and one of the city’s largest transit hubs to reach its potential.

The BP also touted the NYPD’s new 116th Precinct in Rosedale, which is set to open within a few months. It will cover the southern section of what now is the 105th Precinct with its stationhouse in Queens Village, a precinct that presently has more miles of road to patrol than the distance between New York City and Boston.

With $13 billion spent on or dedicated to the rebuilding of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports, Richards again called for ferries, bus service and reexamination of extending the N subway line to get people to and from LaGuardia.

Spring showers and cleaning

Last weekend’s rain did not deter people from coming out to recycle and donate to veterans in Forest Park.

The paper-shredding and donation event, hosted twice a year by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, right, collected over 1,100 pounds of clothing and 800 pounds of household items. USA Shred handled the paper and the United War Veterans Council collected the donations.

Sixth-graders from JHS 190, above, volunteered their time, including Ethan So, Jeffy Kong, Justin Chiam, Christian Yao, Richard Guida and Yuanxin (Ryan) Li.

The 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol and the Kiwanis Club of Ozone ParkWoodhaven pitched in as well.

Richards threw his full support behind Gov. Hochul’s plan to connect Bay Ridge in Brooklyn to Jackson Heights — and numerous subway and bus lines — via the lightrail Interborough Express project.

On other infrastructure matters, Richards wants to expand the Open Streets success on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights “across the borough,” and wants to fast-track a proposal from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect both the Rockways and Jamaica Bay-exposed communities like Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach from future storms.

“Let’s expedite and get this going before the next Sandy or Ida strikes our community again,” he said.

The borough president again made it personal when talking about the need to invest in schools, and children in general.

“For generations, our city has been setting kids of color up for failure through deliberate disinvestment,” he said. “Overcrowded schools. No afterschool programming. No community centers.

“I was one of those kids. I made it out, but a lot of friends growing up in Southeast Queens didn’t. One of them was Darnell Patterson. He’s been dead longer than he was alive, lost to the endless cycle of gun violence when we were just teenagers.

“So in his name and the names of all our kids facing uncertain futures, it’s time to shatter that mold into a million pieces.”

Richards said he has been horrified by how antiquated some of the schools in Queens and the equipment inside them are. He has dedicated $22 million to 55 schools in the borough. He also said that the city as a whole must do better than having afterschool programs at fewer than half its schools.

He called for universal and free afterschool programs.

This Sunday, the electeds are hosting an electronic waste recycling event at the Forest Park bandshell parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Which I endorsed, and — plug your ears, [Manhattan Borough President] Mark Levine — will make Manhattan completely irrelevant.” Richards said it would be game changer for both Queens and Brooklyn, whose Borough President Antonio Reynoso was in the audience.

— Deirdre Bardolf

“Brooklyn people will be coming to eat in Jackson Heights,” Richards said, shamelessly boasting of the borough’s burgeoning international cuisine capital.

“By the time I leave office, I want my school tours to be sources of pride, not pain,” he said. “And I want the students who walk those hallways to feel the same pride.”

“Idle time is the devil’s playground,” Richards said. “So to City Hall and the City Council, let’s get it done. Futures are at stake.”

we ready to build or what?”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards talked about all kinds of building on Friday during his State of the Borough address at the Queens Theatre. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

“Let’s expedite this ... before the next Sandy or Ida strikes our community again.”

—

Borough President Donovan Richards

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Free buses and higher taxes at the insatiable MTA

When you’re a cash-strapped entity constantly crying poverty — so much that even when you have good reason people look at you like the boy who cried wolf — giving your service away for free is probably not the best policy. Yet that’s one thing the MTA is doing under a new state budget plan that sees the Money Taking Agency suck up more tax dollars while making sure those who actually use its services don’t pay any more for them than they have been.

A lucky few won’t pay at all, at least for one bus route in their borough. That’s part of the MTA’s plan to get itself on better financial footing — to make one bus route in each borough simply free to ride. Why not? People have been hopping on buses without paying left and right since the pandemic, when the MTA actually made riding free. Naturally nobody wanted to go back to paying after that.

Which bus route will be free, you ask? That’s to be determined. According to MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, it will have to be one that doesn’t run along the same roadway as another route, to get an accurate measure of the program’s impact and to avoid confusion and annoyance. You don’t want people jumping onto the Q21 on Woodhaven Boulevard when it’s actually the Q11 that’s free, or vice versa. The

free route could even be a new one!

How is this fair? How is this wise? The MTA has a massive problem with fare evasion as is — an estimated one in three riders don’t pay. Even Lieber acknowledges that could be a problem. “What we don’t want to do is ... reinforce the idea that all the buses are free,” he told NY1. “We made the buses free during Covid ... And we were having trouble getting people to pay again.” No kidding. Isn’t that precious.

The MTA’s idea apparently is that offering some free rides will get more people onto the system, which will lead ... somehow ... to more revenue. Maybe so, though at a glance the assertion seems to make as much sense as the agency last big idea did a couple weeks ago, when it claimed to be putting safety first as it announced that people could now bring smaller e-vehicles — with their fire-prone lithium-ion batteries — onto trains and buses.

Yes, if safety is your priority, make sure to place known fire hazards among standing-room-only crowds locked tightly into mobile metal tubes. And if revenue is your priority, be sure to give your service away just enough so people who already think it’s theirs for the taking have more reason to do so. Surely things will go just as planned on both counts.

But don’t worry; the MTA will be getting new revenue too. Not from system users — the state budget deal made sure to put off any fare hikes a bit longer. No, instead the state is hiking taxes on business, specifically the payroll mobility tax, which now imposes a top rate of 0.34 percent on salaries at companies within the agency’s service area. It’ll now go up to 0.60 percent — but only within New York City. Companies on Long Island and in Westchester, though they have MTA railroads, will not have to pay. Something about suburban Democratic state senators worried they might suffer at the ballot box in 2024 the way their allies in Congress did last year, apparently. So Gov. Hochul let them off the hook. Still, she expects the tax hike to take another $1.1 billion out of the private sector a year. Surely those rich capitalists with money to burn won’t notice the difference! They certainly won’t do anything like work to keep their payroll under a certain amount so it’s taxed at a lower rate. Somehow we suspect that despite these new moves, and several others, like anticipating big new gambling revenue, the MTA will still be bleeding money next year. There’s really no limit to the services people want from the agency, and there’s no limit to the places it will go to find the funds.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Better pay before tips

Dear Editor:

Even though New York State raised the minimum wage for everyone else, wages of tipped restaurant workers have dropped 25 percent. As a Democratic voter and proud Queens resident, it’s frustrating to watch our lawmakers repeatedly exclude these workers — and they could do it again.

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

Richard Weyhausen Proofreader

Senior Account Executives:

Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives:

Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt, Debrah Gordon

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

Queens is only the the “World’s Borough” because of the labors performed by our delivery drivers, cooks, servers and other hospitality staff. I want my neighborhood restaurants to not only recover from pandemic-related struggles, but to become even better workplaces than ever before. That won’t happen if our politicians cave again to corporate lobbyists and keep restaurant work as a secondclass profession.

One in five workers have left the industry seeking more reliable pay. We all know what it means to have a “bad night of tips” and the difference in pay between an expensive restaurant in the city and a small diner upstate.

And to support the diverse community of small business owners that undergird the fabric of Queens as they adapt to higher labor costs, One Fair Wage has also launched the High Road Kitchens initiative. In exchange for transitioning to a $15+tips payment model and improving equity in labor management, HRK provides funding and training.

Right now, state lawmakers must pass both bills on the table: Raise the minimum wage to $21.25 and end the subminimum wage. Restaurant workers deserve a living wage they can count on, with tips on top.

Annie Cheng Sunnyside

Texas targets black mayors

Dear Editor:

Last weekend, we learned that Gov. Abbott is once again deciding to play politics with people’s lives by resuming the busing of asylum seekers to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver and Washington, DC. Not only is this behavior morally bankrupt and devoid of any concern for the well-being of asylum seekers, but it is also impossible to ignore the fact

that Abbott is now targeting five cities run by Black mayors. Put plainly, Abbott is using this crisis to hurt Black-run cities.

Last year, Abbott bussed migrants to New York against their will, reportedly had security guards hold them hostage on busses when they tried to get off in other cities, shipped them off while sick and Covid-positive, and tagged individuals with barcodes.

Despite Abbott’s inhumane actions, New York City will continue to do all it can to handle this influx, but this crisis is more than one city can handle. With a vacuum of leadership from border states, we need the federal government to step in and provide us with support and to prevent this cruelty from continuing.

Eric Adams Mayor of New York Cit y Manhattan

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

No PLACE in schools

Dear Editor:

Deirdre Bardolf’s article “Admissions: A Top Parent Focus: Study” (April 27) quotes extensively from a poll conducted by PLACE NYC while failing to mention this group’s statement of principles, which is socially separatist, racially segregationist and academically regressive.

The results of this prescreened poll are beyond predictable and akin to polling kids who say they like vanilla ice cream as to whether they like vanilla ice cream.

The timing of this story and alleged poll, coming just before a scathing article on PLACE NYC appearing in thecity.nyc (“City Education Council Elections Bring

Polarizing National Issues to Local School Districts,” April 28) and in the midst of the Department of Education’s elections for education councils, is curious. What is obvious is that this organization continues to use the Queens Chronicle as an uncritical platform, assisted by a total lack of any journalistic research readers have come to expect from your publication.

Michael Athy Jamaica

The writer is a retired Queens high school principal.

Talk about Jerry Springer

Dear Editor:

Iconic talk show host Jerry Springer, who died at age 79 on April 27, grew up in Kew Gardens and graduated from Forest Hills High School. He was born in London in 1944, the son of Holocaust survivors. His family moved to Queens when Jerry was 5 years old.

After completing high school, Springer earned a BA at Tulane University and a law degree at Northwestern, served two terms as mayor of Cincinnati and then launched “The Jerry Springer Show,” which aired from 1991 to 2018, igniting the era of reality TV. Guests often hurled obscenities, chairs and fists at each other, while the studio audience chanted “Jerry, Jerry.”

The show’s raucous tone and racy topics (“Hooking Up With My Therapist”) generated huge ratings. Springer called himself a “ringmaster” and “the grandfather of trash TV.” He hosted another syndicated show, “Judge Jerry,” that drew lower ratings and aired from 2019 until his retirement in 2022.

Springer is the second entertainment celebrity with Queens roots who recently died. Legendary composer Burt Bacharach, who grew up in Kew Gardens and graduated from Forest Hills HS, passed away on Feb. 9. I’m proud that they attended my alma mater and I will miss both of them.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Presidents show human faces

Dear Editor:

When foreign leaders are invited to a dinner at the White House, it is customary to take a commemorative photo and then toast and answer questions from journalists. The

host has never before asked the guest of honor to sing a song!

However, on the evening of April 26, the host, President Biden, invited South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was visiting as a state guest, to the stage and made an unprecedented request. The host asked the guest what his favorite song was, and even encouraged him to sing a verse. The guest, waiting eagerly, took the microphone and sang a verse of “American Pie,” a beloved song for many Americans. He matched the melody flawlessly and sang the original lyrics, which stirred the audience — all in English, without the help of an interpreter. He delivered the English lyrics with accurate pronunciation and seemed to understand their meaning perfectly.

The guests at the dinner, not just those at the table, were captivated, along with people all over the world. The oneminute, 52-second performance seemed to “bring down” the White House.

Even President Biden, who is 80, clenched his fists and cheered, showing consideration and kindness toward the guest. He said, “We will host another State Visit soon, and I hope President Yoon will also take on the role of entertainer.”

President Biden did not forget the audience in the gallery, “Don’t expect me to sing. I’m a stuttering person.” He showed a very different human side from his predecessor, who lived in narcissism.

If President Biden is successful in his reelection campaign in 2024, it will be thanks to the wonderful stone that he laid for South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Ted Han Bayside

Dems over the edge

Dear Editor:

The old adage “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll stand for anything” can certainly be applied to the political scene today.

What has happened to the Democratic Party?

Any rational person can see that the border isn’t safe and an influx of six million migrants poses a health problem as well as a threat to our national security; not to mention the overwhelming deaths from fentanyl overdoses. And what about women’s sports? Where are all the feminists in the current battle to stop transgender males from competing in women’s sports? After they fought long and hard to pass Title IX.

Locally in New York City, we have the continuous battle to defeat charter schools, which have been shown to surpass expectations in math and reading scores!

The list goes on and on, without even mentioning the disastrous foreign policy that has seriously compromised our superpower status on the world stage. There’s no doubt the party has lost its way. It’s not the party of the workingman any longer. Its agenda is not only radical, but quite obviously the purpose is to destroy America as we know it. Speak up, America!

Slight expansion of charters in budget

‘Big

Ugly’ includes proposal for 14 ‘zombie’ schools to open in the city

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

Another budget compromise was eked out last week and, this time, gave an answer on the future of charter school expansion in New York City.

Fourteen “zombie” charters in New York City are set to be revived, an extremely scaledback version of a proposal made in Gov. Hochul’s executive budget.

The 14 licenses are the city’s share of 22 total statewide charter licenses that had been granted for schools that are no longer in operation or never opened.

As part of the tentative deal, the state will also pay for the charters’ rent, state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing), who chairs the Senate’s New York City Education Committee, said last Thursday.

Until now, the city has had to foot that bill, making it more cost-effective to co-locate charters in existing school buildings, a controversial practice that has drawn protest, in Southeast Queens most recently. The new law will allow the charters to claim their own space.

Where exactly they will go is not known

but, per the agreement, they can’t go in “overly saturated” districts, primarily District 5 in Harlem, where more than half of the public school students already attend a charter school.

Liu said it’s a win.

“It’s a solid agreement that, importantly, first and foremost, preserves the balance between some desire for charters and the need for New York City to keep open its public schools,” he told the Chronicle.

Some argue that charters take resources away from traditional public schools.

“Hence no lifting or increasing the charter school cap,” Liu added. In a statement, he also said he hopes to see charter reassignments go to minority-led operators, and also that additional transparency and accountability measures for charters are impending.

Originally, the governor’s executive budget proposed lifting the city’s regional charter school cap — but not the statewide one — which would have opened up 85 slots. Part of that plan was to also reissue the 22 zombie charters.

That resulted in pushback, leading to a pro-

Thefts are down but ‘cats’ remain a focus

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

Thefts of catalytic converters, the valuable car parts that filter exhaust gases, have dropped significantly in Queens compared to this time last year.

As of mid-April, there were 313 thefts of the part, which contains precious metals that can be melted down, in Patrol Borough Queens North, according to the NYPD. By that time last year, there were 418. In Patrol Borough Queens South, there were 285 as of April 16, compared to 502 last year.

In 2022, there were 8,000 citywide, compared to just over 2,000 the year before. In 2018, there were only 198.

The value of precious metals has risen and in turn, so has the crime.

The trend remains a focus for police and lawmakers and a concern for residents.

On April 20, the Chronicle reported a swift and brazen early-morning theft of the device from a 2005 Honda in Howard Beach that resulted in $4,000 in damage.

The NYPD is now proposing an update to a law enacted last month that requires electronic record-keeping for purchases and secondhand sales of parts that contain pre-

cious metals. Adding a line specifically about catalytic converters would “discourage the purchase of stolen catalytic converters and would assist the NYPD in conducting investigations related to such thefts,” it said in a notice. A virtual public hearing and comment opportunity is set for June 16.

The NYPD will offer catalytic converter etching on May 19 in Cunningham Park from noon to 4 p.m. in the upper parking lot. The entrance is on Francis Lewis Boulevard.

Giving the parts a unique serial number and QR code enrolls them into a database and, police say, can deter theft. Q

posal to only revive the zombies.

That, too, was scaled back to the latest deal.

James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center, said that the agreement to open charters in the city over the next few years is a “win for families and their children.”

“This victory would not be possible without Governor Hochul, who has been a stalwart supporter of public schools and a friend to students,” Merriman said in a statement provided to the Chronicle. “She stood tough and fought hard to do the right thing. She understands that having both a strong and growing charter sector makes all of our public schools stronger and better able to meet the complex needs of our students and families.”

Leaders, including many of color, have been “on hold” in their efforts to open innovative schools for years, he continued, and will now be able to open 14 new doors.

Not everyone is thrilled, however, including charter champions and opponents.

Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz slammed the news in a statement, saying the governor’s efforts to increase educational opportunity was “thwarted by Albany politics.”

“A ‘deal’ of only 14 charters that discriminates against families in certain neighborhoods

State budget

continued from page 2

ty Tax on businesses in New York City is expected to raise $1.1 billion per year.

Hochul also is promising $400 million in savings from the trusty old “operating efficiencies” line item.

New York City also is getting hit with an increase of $165 million per year for the next two years of paratransit service.

Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, said in a Tuesday press release that the late budget “was not worth the wait.

“Overall, the budget weakens the State’s

is a travesty for poor kids and families of color,” Moskowitz said.

She continued, “After decades of spending more than any other state in the country, New York’s student achievement ranks in the bottom 10% of states in math nationally, and the bottom third in reading. The victims of this educational neglect are low-income Black and Brown children, and Albany has bargained away their access to high-quality schools. This discrimination must stop.”

On the other side of the debate is the city’s teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers.

“The Senate and the Assembly did the right thing by rejecting the governor’s plan to lift the New York charter cap,” the UFT said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, the governor listened to the demands of a handful of billionaires and revived 14 zombie charters for New York City — even though New York City has nearly 40,000 unused charter seats. Now it’s time for the governor to listen to New York parents who want accountability and transparency from the charter sector and an end to loopholes that benefit corporate charters at the expense of our public schools.”

Charter schools were among the many watched policies in the overdue, $229 billion budget, including housing, minimum wage, transportation, bail reform and illegal cannabis sales.

Lawmakers introduced the bill, known as the “Big Ugly” in Albany, packed with the various measures on Monday night.

“The vast majority of items were negotiated and agreed upon very quickly,” Liu said last week. “Some bigger issues, charter schools being one of them, took more time. But ... at the same time that the charter school agreement was being hammered out, other issues were being concurrently negotiated as well. And there are still a few issues remaining to be resolved.”

Earlier in the week, Hochul addressed the charter hang-up with reporters.

“I’m trying hard to overcome the objections, but this is a very challenging issue because of the emotions on both sides of the debate,” she said. Q

financial footing and does not include the Governor’s bold, beneficial proposals to address the housing production and affordability crises,” Rein said.

He said the increased spending, along with “one-shot” sources of revenue and the havoc that could be raised by future deficits, threaten a need for massive program cuts or tax increases in the future.

Rein also said the “lone significant State spending reduction is not a reduction at all; it just shifts hundreds of millions of dollars in State Medicaid costs onto counties and New York City.”

Rein also said the Hochul administration has not provided the usual supporting financial paperwork as of his statement. Q

Fourteen charter school licenses are set to be reissued for New York City as part of the state budget. FILE PHOTO / SUCCESS ACADEMY

“S

ome bigger issues, charter schools being one of them, took more time.”

— State Sen. John Liu

Catalytic converters can be easily stolen from underneath cars. FILE PHOTO

National Grid proposes rate hike of 17%

(D-Astoria) agrees with Anderson.

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

To meet the state’s clean energy goals, National Grid filed proposals with the New York State Public Service Commission to raise gas prices by 17.2 percent, which if approved would take effect on April 1, 2024 and generate $414 million in new revenue.

The purpose of the change in gas prices for its 1.6 million customers in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Southern Queens is to enable critical investments that will drive down greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the state’s carbon neutrality plans, the utility said last Friday.

The investment would strengthen the delivery of energy, increase energy efficiency offerings and other programs to help customers reduce natural gas usage and support connecting renewable energy projects to its networks and more, it said. A typical residential customer in the city uses 99 therms of natural gas monthly and would see a $30.95 month increase if the price hike were to be approved by the PSC, which could sign off on the plan or force a lower hike.

“The proposal will undergo a thorough, transparent, and open public review process by the NY Public Service Commission, with participation from customers and other stakeholders,” a National Grid spokeswoman said.

The investment would go toward a robust set of weatherization programs along with initiatives to increase participation for customers in disadvantaged communities, consumer advocates to help eligible customers find financial assistance plans, and an option for improved telephone selfservice for billing inquiries, added the spokeswoman. The $1.75/transaction fee for people who pay with their credit cards would also be eliminated.

“Among other items, we are proposing to deploy new technology to help identify system leaks for repairs, enhancing safety and lowering emissions,” said the spokeswoman.

Donald Clarke, president of the Federated Blocks of Laurelton civic association, said he was alarmed by the general scarcity of news about price increase.

“We are also troubled about the likely harsh impact on senior citizens

and others with fixed incomes,” Clarke told the Queens Chronicle.

The National Grid announcement was posted on its website at 3 p.m. on April 28 at nationalgridus.com/news, but not its homepage: nationalgridus. com/NY-Home.

Clarke’s other concern was whether homeowners will be given a headsup for the public review.

“It depends on when, where and how much notice we will have with the review process,” Clarke said. “What time will the event be? Also what stage of this will we be notified? They need to penetrate the customer base to get involved.”

National Grid said that PSC sets the schedule.

The FBOL president doesn’t want a public review process where people find out what is going on during the penultimate stage only with a month left before an impending price hike to a gas bill.

As for the green investments — personally speaking not on the behalf of FBOL — he believes the utility should absorb the cost.

Carlene Thorbs, chairwoman of Community Board 12, shared a similar sentiment to Clarke’s.

“It would be a travesty and a tragedy,” Thorbs told the Chronicle. “I don’t know if you’ve seen anyone’s bills in Southeast Queens, but it was a shock.”

Last year, as temperatures dipped and demand was high, the utility estimated that the average gas price during the winter would go from $680 to $943 (November 2022 to March 2023).

“We are in the month of May, but we still have boilers on because of low temperatures,” Thorbs said.

The low on May 2 was 47 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

Thorbs believes that the utility and the lawmakers who pushed carbon neutrality should pay for National Grid’s investments.

“Lawmakers should go into their coffers and work with National Grid to find a way to pay for the investments,” Thorbs said. “The math does not add up and we already have water and grocery bills that have gone up.”

The CB 12 president believes that, similar to how people have cut the cord on cable for less expensive

streaming platforms, they will switch to portable electric heaters, but she fears the dangerous potential of fires as those tend to overload.

In 2022, a spark from a space heater later engulfed a Jamaica man’s bedroom in flames and burned him to death, reported ABC7 News.

Bryan Block, chairman of Community Board 13, doesn’t believe people in the area will be able to afford the utility anymore.

“A 17 percent increase is a lot of money,” Block told the Queens Chronicle. “With the past winter we had and the issue going on in the Ukraine, folks are not making money with salaries not going up.”

Block is also worried about people on fixed incomes.

“Why should their need to make these investments fall on the shoulders and the backs of the working class?” he asked.

Block hopes the utility will work with elected officials to figure out a way to not offload the investment cost on homeowners.

“I also want to hear how elected officials feel about this,” he added.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) told the Chronicle via email he appreciates the service National Grid provides, but New Yorkers are still feeling the crunch of the inflation.

“Due to these conditions, I just don’t think it’s the right time for a price hike on another service for New Yorkers,” Addabbo said.

Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens) said that gas prices in the state as of December 2022 were 4.1 percent higher than the national average the year prior while salaries in New York remain stagnant.

She suggested that homeowners

“I’ve spent the last year fighting against Con Edison’s corporate greed — which will impact Astorians who will have to pay an additional $60/ month on average or more for their gas and electric bills by 2026,” Mamdani said via email.

Con Edison, which provides gas in northern Queens, told the Chronicle that similar to National Grid its proposed price hikes are being used to fund green energy infrastructure.

“Con Edison is building an energy system to meet New York’s climate goals, while strengthening the safety, reliability, and resilience of our service, and this investment is critical to meet those goals,” said Allan Drury, a ConEd spokesman via email.

seeking relief should look into the EmPower Plus Program as it will drastically reduce bills.

“The EmPower Plus Program was set in place by New York State to incentivize fully electrifying your home and to grant a cap of six percent of your income toward electricity,” Hyndman said via email.

To learn more about the program visit nyserda.ny.gov.

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) said that New Yorkers shouldn’t have to struggle for a basic necessity like gas.

“No one should have to break the bank just so they can cook food for their family or stay warm during the winter,” Liu said via email. “Severe rate hikes like this are the kind of cost of living increase that contributes to pricing New Yorkers out of the neighborhoods where they and their families live or have lived for generations.”

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Long Island City), a member of the State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said a $30 price hike is unconscionable.

“As National Grid tries to push costs onto consumers while continuing to bring home massive profits, it could not be clearer that we need public power,” Gonzalez said via email.

Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson (D-South Ozone Park) serves on the Assembly Energy Committee.

“I oppose National Grid’s proposed gas utility hikes,” Anderson said via email. “I also oppose the Con-Ed proposal for an 11.8 percent increase in electric rates ... National Grid and Con-Edison should not impose regressive utility hikes on working-class families.”

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani

“This investment from customers will steer New York away from fossil fuels, promote the use of electric heat pumps, energy-efficient appliances, electric vehicle chargers, battery storage and more,” said Drury. “These programs are designed to increase benefits for disadvantaged communities, ensuring all our customers can reap immediate and lasting benefits from New York’s historic shift to clean energy.”

Drury also said that there are no price hikes for 2026 as the utility is still waiting for approvals for rate changes for 2023 (retroactive to the beginning of the year) through 2025.

“Energy prices can be volatile and affected by a variety of factors, including international events, weather, demand and trends in the overall U.S. economy or even the world economy,” he added.

Jay Martin, the executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program, believes that rent-stabilized building owners in the outer boroughs will be hit hard by National Grid’s proposal.

“Last year, fuel prices increased almost 20 percent according to the Rent Guidelines Board,” Martin said via email. “The RGB was predicting an 8 percent drop in fuel prices this year, which seems unlikely considering the news.

“New York City needs to do more ... including creating a pathway for empty units to be renovated and put back on the market; offsetting skyrocketing costs by enacting property tax reform; and setting reasonable rents that keep up with costs.”

Michael Tobman, membership director of the Rent Stabilization Association, said utility and energy price hikes continue to be a driver of the ever-escalating costs that building owners need to pay and “the struggle of maintaining our affordable housing economy is citywide, and felt acutely in Queens where building owners from new American and immigrant communities are trying to build stability,” he added. Q

Utility said it needs to raise $414M for green investments

A National Grid bill for a Queens Village customer.

“The proposal will undergo a ... public review process.”

— National Grid spokeswoman

Food relief groups gear up for summer

Donors of food, funding, time needed

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Food relief agencies in New York City can usually depend on reliable turnout to help around Thanksgiving and the December holiday seasons.

But challenges can arise as the weather turns warmer, children are not in school on a daily basis, and people can be more focused on things like vacations

Janis Robinson, vice president of institutions and partnerships at the Food Bank for NYC, knows the drill all too well.

“One of the things we say at Food Bank is that hunger doesn’t take a break,” Robinson told the Chronicle in a recent interview.

“So even though we make sure that we have the resources for the holidays, it’s important that we have resources throughout the year,” Robinson said. “That means we work very hard to ensure the families we serve continue to get our support during the summer months as well.”

The organization serves all five boroughs. One of its major efforts is running mobile pantries.

“They can be at schools,” Robinson said. “They can be just at points throughout the neighborhood — the Queens Public Library for example.”

With schools soon headed to summer vacation, many children who are able to take advantage of free school breakfast and lunch programs are in danger of falling between the cracks.

A spokesperson for the city Department of Eduction last week told the Chronicle that the agency’s summer contingency plans will be announced soon.

“This year, NYC Public Schools will once again be offering free summer meals (breakfast and lunch) to young people 18 and under in NYC at hundreds of sites across the city,” she said in an email. “We will have more information to share in the coming weeks.”

Robinson said the Food Bank often

Mobile pantries

NYC serve all five boroughs year round. But Food Bank and other agencies that help the needy get enough to eat during tough times are steeling themselves for challenges that come with the approach of summer.

teams with schools to have pantries and other programs on-site during the summer, and that the DOE is very good at getting the word out to the community beforehand.

She said their website, foodbanknyc.org, has information for anyone looking to make financial contributions; anyone who might want to volunteer; or for potential food donors looking to see if they and Food Bank can match up.

City Harvest also does not take summer breaks from its efforts to support emergency food programs.

The group on its website, cityharvest.org, says it expects to rescue 75 million pounds of food this year and deliver it, free of charge, to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens and other community partners throughout the city.

City Harvest works to boost community capacity, expand nutrition education and strengthen large and small emergency food systems.

The City Harvest website also has information for potential donors and volunteers. Q

In Honor of Nurses Week 2023,

from the Food Bank for

PHOTO BY KREG HOLT

Weekend’s rain left 5.4 inches of water, but none seem surprised N. Queens socked with flooding, again

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

If two days of nearly nonstop showers throughout the five boroughs were not enough already, the rain turned to straight downpour last Sunday afternoon, causing flooding throughout North and Northeast Queens.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Northern Queens received 5.4 inches of rain between Friday evening and the early hours of Monday. Nearly half of it — 2.58 inches — came down Sunday afternoon. The continuous rain combined with the heavier downpours on Sunday made for the perfect storm.

“The sustained rain certainly puts pressure on the capacity of the sewer system — but a rain gauge near Kissena Park also clocked several hours of over 2 inches of rain falling — which by itself exceeds the capacity of the system,” Ted Timbers, a spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection told the Chronicle via email.

For many in the area, flooding has practically become a given during heavy rain. That holds true for Minnie Zen, who lives on Rose Avenue, just across the street from Kissena

Park. After rainwater rose partway up her front steps Sunday evening, sewage water began pouring out of the toilet in her basement, spreading throughout the room.

During the worst of the storm last Sunday, Zen, her husband and her neighbor, Stephen Kong, witnessed water shooting out of a manhole next to the Kissena Park entrance, as they documented in a video sent to the Chronicle. Zen, who is a former engineer for the Department of Environmental Protection, suspected that the heavy period of rain caused a “bottleneck,” which was exasperated by the neighborhood’s location at the bottom of a topographical bowl.

Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) visited the neighborhood Monday morning. “There’s definitely a very deep sense of frustration all around,” she told the Chronicle.

The storm comes months after the area saw flooding this past September and less than two years after Hurricane Ida devastated Queens, taking 11 lives, including three in Flushing who drowned in their Peck Avenue basement apartment. The frequent storms have sparked increased calls for improved sewer infrastruc-

Sleeping straphanger attacked in Ozone Pk.

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

Police are seeking the public’s help in finding a subject they say assaulted a sleeping man on a subway car with a wooden stick in a bizarre, silent attack.

Just before 10 p.m. last Sunday night, police received a report of an unprovoked attack in which a 67-year-old man who was seated and sleeping on a southbound A train approaching the 80th Street station in Ozone Park awoke to a man wielding a stick.

The suspect began striking the victim in the face with the stick, without saying anything, according to police.

The victim sustained lacerations to the face and swelling to the eye.

He was taken by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

The unidentified individual fled into the 80th Street subway station.

Photos shared by the NYPD show the suspect wearing a black jacket and purple hat.

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 Twitter. All tips are strictly confidential.

Felony assaults citywide are up this year compared to last, with 2,253 so far this year compared to 2,103 last year, the NYPD announced on Wednesday.

Transit crimes are down this month and have decreased since the start of 2023. Q

ture throughout Queens.

Whitestone resident Teresa Bucaria-Maher has become so accustomed to flooding during heavy rain that she has developed a routine to prevent water from ruining the contents of her basement, piling boxes on top of her futon and treadmill. Yet that does not seem to make the deluge any less taxing nor less frustrating. Water poured out of the Con Edison electrical box in her basement, filling several plastic tubs.

“It’s been a problem consistently,” she said. “We prepared — everything was off the floor, towels were put down. But once it starts coming in like that, you just have to stay on top of it. I dread if I’m ever away, then the basement would have been flooded.”

“Every time it rains, I have a panic attack,” agreed Whitestone resident Bridget Hanretta O’Brien.

O’Brien spoke with the Chronicle in September when her basement, which had just been redone after Hurricane Ida, flooded once again. At that point, she and her husband opted to make it unfinished, taking out flooring and walls. That cost them $30,000. But their foresight paid off, as the basement filled with several feet of water again last weekend.

“I just feel like leaving,” she said Monday. “It’s funny — if I lived in Florida, or if I lived on the coast somewhere, I would have less prob-

lem than what we’ve had in Queens.”

O’Brien suspected that her house’s being at the bottom of a hill played a role, but that her next door neighbors’ concrete wall and paved basketball court caused water to flood into her backyard, as well.

Homes throughout the area lost power Sunday evening. Some houses in Jamaica Estates, as well as in Fresh Meadows and Bayside, were still without power by Monday afternoon. Nor was the flooding limited to homes. The Cross Island Parkway, Long Island Expressway, Van Wyck Expressway and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway all suffered closures Sunday evening.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) emphasized on Monday that this weekend’s storms show just how pressing the need for new infrastructure is.

“As I’ve previously said, Queens residents cannot continue rebuilding from one disaster to the next, only to wonder how much rain may fall,” she said in a statement. “We need swift action to help save lives and prevent future damage.”

Asked about what work is being done, Timbers did not mention specific construction in the Flushing area, but said any improvements made to sewers that empty at Tallman Island would help alleviate flooding. Q

Water bill partial amnesty

The city’s partial amnesty program for overdue water bills has been extended by a month and will be open through May 31, officials announced Monday.

The program allows the following:

For those owing a balance of more than $1,000 for over a year, the Department of Environmental Protection will forgive all interest if the full bill is paid; 75 percent of interest if half the bill is paid; and half the interest if a quarter of the bill is paid.

Those who owe less than $1,000 may get their interest waived if they pay in full.

Customers may find out if they are eli-

gible by calling (718) 595-7000 or visiting nyc.gov/site/dep/pay-my-bills/amnestyprogram.page.

Since the program debuted in January, about 86,000 of the 200,000 New Yorkers with a late water bill have participated, collectively saving $12 million in interest and paying more than $80 million from delinquent accounts, according to the city.

Customers who do not pay delinquent bills or enter payment plans will face enforcement measures, including water service shutoffs, officials warned. Q

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

North Queens neighborhoods were flooded last Sunday after nearly two days of nonstop rain. Streets along Kissena Park, including Rose Avenue, above, were hard-hit.

PHOTO COURTESY MINNIE ZEN

“Every time it rains, I have a panic attack.”

— Whitestone resident Bridget Hanretta O’Brien

Police are seeking this man for an unprovoked subway attack. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

How to get rid of lithium-ion batteries

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

With growing concern surrounding lithium-ion batteries — particularly cheaper, uncertified ones — in light of several recent fatal fires they have caused, Queens residents may be looking to get rid of any unwanted ones they may have in their homes.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of rechargeable products, ranging from smaller items like phones, laptops and electric toothbrushes to larger ones such as e-bikes, hoverboards and other small vehicles.

But given the fire risk they pose, disposing of lithium-ion batteries is not so simple; they cannot be thrown in the garbage like run-of-the-mill alkaline batteries, and unlike old computers, televisions and other electronics, they are often not accepted at the average e-waste collection drive.

Arguably the easiest way to recycle lithium-ion batteries is to bring them to a store that sells them or products containing them. Hardware stores, office supply stores, drug stores or electronic stores are likely your best bet.

According to the Department of Sanitation website, stores that sell lithium-ion batteries or items that use them are legally required to accept them for recycling, though they do not need to accept any that weigh more than 25 pounds, per the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Should you go to a store that says otherwise, notify the DEC either online at dec.ny.gov/regulations/393.html or by calling

1 (844) DEC-ECOS (332-3267).

Stores have discretion when it comes to accepting electronics, however, including ones they do not sell, according to a DSNY spokesperson.

That comes into play when it relates to

the function and size of the battery — in this case, size matters. According to call2recycle.org — where the city lists drop-off sites — there are 23 different Queens stores that accept most rechargeable batteries. Far fewer, however, take e-bike batteries. Only six stores will accept those, and none of them are east of the Van Wyck Expressway. Plus, those stores will not recycle batteries from all brands of e-bikes. You can check to see if yours will be accepted at call2recycle. org/e-bike-voluntary-stewards. But if you bought one from an uncommon brand on Amazon, you might just be out of luck.

Though most e-waste events do not take lithium-ion batteries, the city has begun organizing events specifically designed for more sensitive materials, known as Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics — or “SAFE” — disposal events. Those are scheduled during the spring and fall throughout the city.

At the moment, though, only one has been slated for the World’s Borough. That will take place in the Astoria Park parking lot on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details on events in other boroughs, visit nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/services/ harmful-products/safe-disposal.

The last option available to residents is to drop off lithium-ion batteries directly at a Special Waste Drop-Off Site. In Queens, there is only one: That’s located in College Point, at 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd streets. Items should be brought to the northwest corner of the DSNY District 7 Queens garage.

Though more frequent than SAFE disposal events, drop-off services are not available at all times. The College Point facility collects items for disposal, lithium-ion batteries included, every Saturday and the last Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Q

Recent fires have raised concern, but disposing of them is not easy

Improvements to the transit space in Jamaica will ensure greener buses Work underway to electrify bus depot

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Work is underway to clear the Jamaica Bus Depot located at 165-18 Tuskegee Airmen Way to make way for an all-electric bus fleet, an MTA spokeswoman told the Queens Chronicle.

The redevelopment of the depot is to ensure that it is outfitted to enable the capacity for up to 60 electric buses with 60 charging stations by the end of 2026, according to the transportation agency.

The project is part of a $2.5 billion investment to enhance the city’s subway and buses, as well as the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North train systems.

“These projects will ensure the MTA meets the needs of today’s riders while fighting climate change, expanding accessibility, and making sure our transit infrastructure is kept in condition to keep delivering for the next century and beyond,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said in 2022.

The transportation agency also set a goal that at least 20 percent of the state workforce should come from neighborhoods surrounding the project.

In 2021, the MTA had 15 all-electric buses and plans to have another 500, which should cost $1.1 billion, according to the MTA 2020 to 2024 Capital Plan.

Once open, the 134,000-square-feet depot is expected to accommodate over 270 buses and provide quality-of-life upgrades for transit and maintenance workers stationed there. Sound barrier walls up to 31 feet tall in some sections lining two sides should shield nearby residents from noise from the depot operations and residents can also expect to see trees planted, security lighting and an art

Hoops writers honor Chronicle’s Cohen

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A member of the Chronicle family scored a prestigious honor from the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association on April 27.

Gregg Cohen, the Chronicle’s editorial production manager as well as the communications director for the MBWA, received the Mike Cohen Good Guy Award at the organization’s annual Haggerty Awards Program.

Cohen has been with the Chronicle since 2013. The Howard Beach resident is no relation to the award’s namesake.

“I never worked with him, but I worked with two of his sons,” Cohen said.

“Gregg Cohen is exactly who should be getting the Good Guy Award,” MBWA President Chuck Stogel said in a video of the presentation. “In his case, it should be called the Great Guy Award ... to those of us who work behind the scenes at the Met Basketball Writers, Gregg is our rock and our foundation.”

Previous recipients have included Lou Carnesecca, the legendry men’s basketball coach at St. John’s University; and NBC Channel 4 sports anchor Bruce Beck.

Among his many jobs with the MBWA are running its website, metbasketballwriters.org, which he created; and creating and designing the printed program for the

awards dinner.

“Everybody who knows me thinks there was obviously something wrong with me for saying yes to both of those things,” Cohen said, crediting his wife, Patricia, and mother with inspiring him.

“My mother, who didn’t know what I did for a living other than write about sports, was very proud of me and was my biggest influence,” he said. About his wife he said, “We fell in love over 20 years ago. We’ve watched sports every day since. She’s the good guy.”

“If you ever wonder why people like me do this on the side, it’s to watch moments like Columbia and Fairleigh Dickinson,” Cohen said, a reference to Columbia’s women going to the WNIT finals; and the 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson men taking out top-seeded Purdue in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Cohen and his wife have two children, teenagers Samantha and Andrew. Q

mural wall installed along Merrick Boulevard as part of a restored sidewalk, according to the agency in a press release.

State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said the new deport was 40 years in the making.

“There had been many attempts by the community to pursue a redeveloped bus depot, particularly because of the high asth-

ma rates in that area,” Comrie said in 2022. “I welcome the benefits for MTA workers, who will have a workplace that better meets their needs.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said the green depot will be a game changer.

“Not only will commuters see improved conditions as they wait to board and improved service as they ride, but Queens as a whole will benefit environmentally from the electrification of the depot and the fleet of buses that will use it,” Richards said in a statement.

In addition to the depot, there will be a 37,000-square-foot three-story administrative building.

Serving as the lead designer for the depot is STV, an architectural and engineering firm with a location in White Plains, NY. STV has experience working on complex and large-scale bus facilities, said Jeffrey Messinger, the project design manager at STV.

“The existing Jamaica Bus Depot is more than 80 years old and has limited capacity,” Messinger said. “This upgrade will support the MTA’s planned bus fleet growth and its transition from diesel to battery electric buses.”

The depot is expected to go fully electric by 2030, according to STV. Q

Queens and kings of the court

Eight hoopsters from Queens colleges were honored at last Thursday’s Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association 90th Annual Haggerty Awards dinner for their prowess on court.

The MBWA dinner, held at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and Conference Center in Tarrytown, NY, rewarded five student-athletes from St. John’s, two from Queens College and one from York College for the 2022-23 season.

Joel Soriano, top left, from St. John’s led the Red Storm in both points and rebounds, earning him consideration for the Lt. Frank J.

Haggerty Award, which is awarded to the top men’s metro area basketball player. Senior Aaron Estrada of Hofstra won the prize.

Next to Soriano is Kadaja Bailey, also from SJU, and the three Red Storm players who were unable to attend: Jayla Everett, Posh Alexander and the rookie of the year, AJ Storr, above left; followed by the duo from Queens College, Tyler Carey and Brianna Davis. At right on the second row is York’s Terrell Fullerton, who earned his first MBWA honor.

— Gregg Cohen

Gregg and Patricia Cohen

PHOTO BY TOM SALUS / MBWA

PHOTOS BY TOM SALUS / MBWA AND, IN SJU UNIFORMS, COURTESY SJU

Work is underway at the Jamaica Bus Depot at Tuskegee Airmen Way to clear and outfit the space to support up to 60 electric buses by 2026 and 272 by 2030. PHOTO COURTESY MTA

Recognizing nurses throughout May

The American Nurses Association is excited to commemorate the annual National Nurses Month. We are all indebted to nurses for their unwavering commitment to patients, their communities and our healthcare systems. The Nurses Month theme, “You Make A Difference,” was selected to encourage nurses, individuals, employers, other healthcare professionals and community leaders to recognize and promote the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s nurses.

Celebrating and honoring nurses during the month of May provides an added opportunity to promote the value of nursing, advocate for the profession, conduct media outreach and host virtual events. Connect your activities to the official Nurses Month tagline — You Make a Difference — recognizing nurses’ unparalleled impact on health and healthcare.

Week 1 • Self care May 1-7

The extraordinary stresses confronting you dayto-day takes a toll on your mental health and wellbeing, so it’s critical you are provided with authentic support systems and tools. Prioritize your selfcare by engaging in healthy activities that target both your body and mind.

• Consider joining the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge, an initiative to help you

improve your health in six areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, safety and mental health. Watch for Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation communications and microchallenges that aim to help you improve your health and well-being now and into the future. Follow this link for more details.

• Do a self-care assessment. What activities are you doing to benefit your health and reduce your stress? Plan a course of action by using the free apps and resources offered through the American Nurses Foundation’s Well-Being Initiative. Visit ANA’s organizational affiliate, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, to view the popular webinar series, “Conquering Stress in Difficult Times.” The eight-session webinar series focuses on helping you understand the controllable causes of stress.

• “We must see and celebrate our nurses as

Keeping Busy at Dry Harbor Nursing Home

For over three decades, the 360-bed Dry Harbor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been providing outstanding, comprehensive care to both short-term rehab patients and long-term residents. All while continuing to evolve with patient and family needs: communication, collaboration, transparency and respect.

From our outstanding leadership team, including Administrator, on-site Medical Director, and Director of Nursing, our highly motivated, well-trained professional staff work non stop to provide the highest standard of care for our residents.

Short-Term Rehab: Comprehensive rehabilitation, whether for external injuries, a joint replacement, or a cardiac condition, takes more than high-tech equipment. It takes a staff of therapists that can sculpt a personalized program of recovery that’s right for everyone. At Dry Harbor Rehabilitation Center, we have both.

Dry Harbor’s Rehab program operates seven days a week, bringing the most experienced licensed therapists in Queens to the task. Therapy is tailored to every guest’s specifi c diagnosis and needs, using modern equipment in a pleasant, calming atmosphere.

Discharge Planning: When our short-term rehab patients are ready to return home, we prepare a comprehensive discharge plan that

assures a smooth transition back to their regular routine. This plan is developed by the same multi-disciplinary team that has monitored the patient from the day of their admission to Dry Harbor.

Nutrition: At Dry Harbor, we understand the role good nutrition plays in your healing. That’s why we use the freshest produce and best ingredients in every meal we serve. Our professional chef is delighted to create a variety of special meals, enough to appease even the most discerning of palates. Before heading home, be sure to ask about our Bon Voyage Feast!

Recreation: It’s more than just clinical care, it’s about revitalizing the spirit. Our wide range of activities include:

• Music

• Crafts

• Creative Writing

• Gardening

• Barbecues

• Religious Services

• Beautician Services

• Special Events and Celebrations

At Dry Harbor, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for all our residents while preserving their privacy, dignity, independence and individuality.

whole humans, not a fictitious image of an allpowerful, all-resilient hero.” Trusted Health offers resources for emotional and mental health support for nurses, emphasizing the need for the topic of mental health to be present in the healthcare conversation.

Week 2 • Recognition

May 8-14

Raise visibility of the critical work nurses do and foster greater understanding of the diversity of the nursing profession by honoring exemplary nurses and engaging with your community.

• Request a proclamation from your mayor/ governor declaring May 6 as National RN Recognition Day and/or declaring May as Nurses Month.

• Take the opportunity to educate state legislators about the role and value of registered nurses in the healthcare system. Visit RN Action’s advocacy toolkit to learn how to voice your concerns about the nursing profession to Congress and stay up to date on the latest news and legislation from the Hill.

• Host a video news conference or informal virtual media roundtable and discuss nurses’

response to major events and other important healthcare issues in your community. Honor a registered nurse for a heroic act or bestow an honorary nurse title on a deserving elected official or civic leader.

Week 3 • Professional development

May 15-21

As the largest group of healthcare professionals in the U.S., nurses provide care across all areas of the healthcare system and care settings. Focus on how you can excel and lead in your nursing career or inspire and help other nurses in their professional journey.

• Commit to participating in at least two free professional webinars. Look for webinars on current topics and those that will expand your skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving.

• Take a certification prep course from the American Nurses Association and prepare for a certification examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

• Volunteer as a professional mentor. Look for creative ways to share your nursing experience,

continued on page 22

Our team of dedicated nurses is the backbone of our community. They work tirelessly to ensure our residents receive the highest quality of care and compassion. We are grateful for their hard work and commitment to improving the lives of our residents each and every day.

N URSES W EEK 2023

Recognizing nurses

continued from page 20

such as through videos or social media to inspire the next generation of nurses. Visit ANA’s Mentorship Program website to learn how you can connect with nurses and support them in their career.

Week 4 • Community engagement, May 22-31

Help promote nurses’ invaluable contributions by engaging with your community and educating them on what nurses do. The vital role of nurses as leaders in their organizations, on boards of directors and as elected officials at the local, state and federal levels is making a difference in improving the nation’s health.

• Pay tribute to a local nurse, or recognize all nurses who provide care every day, year-round. Write a letter or share a video from nurses. Share the tribute or a special thank you on social media using the hashtag #ANANursesMonth.

• Partner with other nursing and healthcare organizations in your area to sponsor a joint Nurses Month event. Consider a virtual fundraiser for the community, a blood drive or online workshops aimed at reducing stress and building morale.

• Discuss current and ongoing healthcare issues with elected officials at the local, state or federal level. Elected officials should be visible and accountable for their positions on healthcare. This also offers good media coverage potential. Stay up-to-date with ANA’s Policy & State Government Affairs program which monitors trends in nursing-related legislation in the states.

— American Nurses Association

Choosing the right nursing specialty

Opportunities abound within the nursing profession. Nursing shortages have stretched the profession thin in both the United States and Canada. For example, a report in fall of 2022 indicated a nursing shortage was directly responsible for the closure of 16 emergency departments in Ontario, Canada’s largest province. Warnings regarding a potential nursing shortfall have been sounded for years in the United States as well, with estimates from the country’s Bureau of Labor and Statistics projecting more than 200,000 job openings per year over a decade-long period beginning in 2021 and ending in 2031.

Though the Ontario closures illustrate how nursing shortages pose a public health problem, those shortages also present opportunities for individuals considering a career in nursing. Nursing is essentially an umbrella term for a career path that includes an array of specialties, and aspiring nurses may need a little help choosing the right path within the field.

• Consider your potential schedule. The pandemic highlighted just how essential nurses are to public health, and many specialities within the field do not have a down season. If routine is something you aspire to in order to create work-life balance, then certain specialties within nursing may be more appealing

than others. For example, school nurses and nurses who work in doctor’s offices generally work 9-to-5 shifts, which can afford such professionals the same work-life balance as other professions. If you thrive on a fast-paced environment where routine is less important, then a career as an emergency room nurse might merit consideration.

• Identify why you want to be a nurse. Opportunity for career growth and earning potential are good reasons to pursue any

then look for an opportunity that aligns with that inspiration.

• Determine the educational requirements. Education requirements vary widely within the field of nursing. Some specialties require a twoyear associates degree while others may require considerably more formal education. For example, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners indicates a nurse practitioner must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. Aspiring nurses can identify the educational requirements of various nursing specialties to help them decide how big a commitment they’re willing to make.

career, but those are not the factors that compel many people to initially consider a career in nursing. Many nurses were first inspired by a personal experience, such as helping an elderly relative. Others may have been inspired by a love of children and a desire to help kids recover from illnesses. When faced with the decision of which path to specialize in, aspiring nurses can benefit from identifying what compelled them to pursue nursing in the first place and

• Recognize you can pivot. Aspiring nurses also should recognize they can pivot to a new speciality if they have a hard time identifying a career path when they begin their formal schooling. In fact, many nurses find that on-the-job experience is the best way to identify which specialties appeal to them and which don’t.

Nursing is a vast field loaded with opportunities. Aspiring nurses can consider a host of factors as they try to identify which career path to take. P

— Metro Creative Connection

WOMEN'S

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 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 Month is intended to celebrate nurses in a meaningful way to increase the understanding of the value of nursing by raising the visibility of the profession and 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.”

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 Governor 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. Mr. Scanlan had this date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. He promoted the celebration 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.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PHOTO

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVIN ARTS,CULTURE&LIVIN N E&L IVINNG IV CULTUR E ARTS C

by Mark Lord

They sing! They dance! They act!

They’re the young stage performers who tend to steal every scene they’re in, and a whole bunch of ’em are putting their talents on full display in local productions of two beloved family musicals.

Claudia Whitmore, 14, of Glendale, for instance, plays the precocious Brigitta, one of the seven von Trapp siblings, in the St. Mary’s Theatre Guild production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “The Sound of Music,” running through this weekend in Woodside.

Getting the show on “is a lot of hard work,” Claudia admitted, “but it pays off in the end. I love it. I want the show to be the best it can be.”

“I feel excited,” he said. “I can relate to Friedrich. We’re both a bit shy at times.”

Meanwhile, The Gingerbread Players of St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills is opening this weekend its new production of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” based in part on the popular movie of the same name. The group had previously presented the show about a dozen years ago.

Taking on one of the leading roles as Tootie, the youngest of five Smith children in the family at the center of the story, is 10-year-old Olivia Lee of Forest Hills.

“I’m very proud and confident in myself,” Olivia said of playing such a central figure in a big musical. Still, she admitted to feeling “a little nervous” when show time rolls around.

“I take deep breaths,” she said, and if she forgets a line, “I keep on. The audience doesn’t know and I go with the flow.”

For one local family, the production is a true family affair.

Julian Hayes-Diaz, 15, appears as Lon Smith Jr., the only boy in the onstage family.

continued on page 27

Y

Musical heirs

Her castmates include 15-year-old Woodside resident Daniel Diamandiev, who plays her older brother Friedrich. While he has taken acting classes and has appeared in school productions, this show marks his first major community theater outing, and he is thrilled with his role.

e x x Y e

x Y x e e

Kids take center stage in pair of hit shows

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Jerry Springer was Kew Gardens’ tabloid TV titan

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Gerard Norman Springer was born in London on Feb. 13, 1944, the son and second child of Richard and Margot Springer. His older sister, Evelyn, was born Oct. 2, 1939. The family immigrated to New York in January 1949 and settled in at 83-55 Austin St. in Kew Gardens, Apt. #2C. They were granted U.S. citizenship in 1954. Gerard got a BA from Tulane in 1965 and his JD from Northwestern in 1968. At Northwestern he met Margaret “Micki” Velten originally from Campbell, Ky., and married her on June 16, 1973 in Ohio. They had one child, daughter Katie, in 1976.

Springer’s political career included terms as a councilman and mayor in Cincinnati. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Ohio in 1982. “The Jerry Springer Show” was launched on Sept. 30, 1991 as a political talk show. However his new producer in 1994 decided to change it to tabloid sensationalism

— and it worked. By 1998, he was beating Oprah Winfrey in the ratings with eight million viewers. In 2015, he went to podcast. From 2019 to 2022 he became Judge Jerry, using his law school education. Sadly, he passed away April 27, 2023 after suffering from pancreatic cancer for a few months. He will be largely remembered as the architect of tabloid trash TV. Q

1. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed is effective as of , 2023. The minimum balance to open the 10 Month CD is $100 and the maximum amount deposited in the 10 month CD is $500,000. Early withdrawal penalties apply on CD accounts. This special CD offer is limited to consumers who do not have a deposit account either personally or as joint owner at Ridgewood. One 10 month CD per customer and must be opened online. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. | 2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed is effective as of April 5, 2023, and may be changed by the Bank at any time, including after account opening. This special Smart Move Money Market offer is limited to consumers who do not have a deposit account either personally or as joint owner at Ridgewood. One Smart Move Money Market account per customer and must be opened online. A $10,000 minimum deposit is required to open the Smart Move Money Market account. Interest is earned based on the balance in the account at the end of each day in accordance with these tiers: $0 - $9,999: no interest; $10,000

– $74,999: 4.11% interest rate and 4.25% APY; $75,000 – $124,999: 4.11% interest rate and 4.25% APY; $125,000

The childhood home of Jerry Springer at 83-55 Austin St. in Kew Gardens, as it looked in the 1950s when he grew up there. INSET VIA WIKIPEDIA / DAVID SHANKBONE

Jamaica’s jazz legacy to be celebrated in movie

by Naeisha Rose associate editor

“The Sound of Southside,” the debut novel of Tyrel Hunt, a Jamaica resident who was raised in Rosedale, was made into a film that will premiere at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center May 13 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the screening, which will be held at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica, are free on eventbrite.com.

Both the film and the book comment on Jamaica’s rapid gentrification, its local politics, crime in the area and how all of that impacts residents, while also exploring the community’s jazz legacy, according to Hunt.

“‘The Sound of Southside’ follows a young musician who sets out to reopen his father’s jazz club but he later finds out his investors have bad intentions,” Hunt told the Queens Chronicle.

The Cardozo alumnus said he drew on many things for the book, which he adapted himself into the film.

“Living in Queens and also learning about its rich jazz history, I wanted to explore what that history looks like in a modern context while paying homage to the many jazz musicians who lived in the borough,” Hunt said.

Hunt credits his work as a communications director at the Jamaica Center for Arts

Filmmaker and writer Tyrel Hunt has adapted his book “The Sound of Southside” into a movie that will have a screening at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on May 13 at 7 p.m.

and Learning where he interacts with several jazz artists on a daily basis for his vision for the book, which was released on March 13 and is available on Amazon.

“I became a fan of jazz in college, it was my studying music,” Hunt said about his time at Alcorn State University (Class of

2016) in Mississippi, where he studied mass communications and learned filmmaking.

His interest in the genre continued as he saw artists perform at the arts center, where he started to work in March 2020, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. “Seeing the musicians’ processes and watching them create really inspired me,” he said.

John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Immanuel Wilkins, who performs at JCAL, and Kofi Hunter, who is from Jamaica and contributes to the soundtrack for the film, are some of the jazz musicians Hunt has listened to over the years. Steven Fowler is another artist from Jamaica whose music he loves.

The filmmaker and writer shot the film at V.P. Records and JCAL/JPAC for free, and he received help with the project from A Better Jamaica, a nonprofit that works to strengthen the community. He also received funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.

“I would say that, especially if you are from Queens, you will definitely feel represented,” Hunt said. “You will hear great music. You will see recognizable streets and great places. You will walk away inspired knowing more about the community and its rich music history.” Q

In a pair of shows, children are seen and heard

“It’s a fun hobby,” he said, adding, “I’m very glad to meet new people and familiar faces,” a nod to the acquaintances he’s made during his family’s longstanding involvement with the Gingerbread troupe.

Younger brother Joaquin, 9, plays Tommy, part of the “fairgrounds gang,” as he described his role.

Middle brother, Rio, 13, is also involved, though he prefers to remain behind the

Crossword Answers

scenes. For this production, he runs the spotlight.

With the three boys taking part, it’s not surprising that their mother, Farah Diaz-Tello, also lends a hand, this time around serving as costume coordinator.

“It’s great,” Diaz-Tello said. “Gingerbread Players is a big family.”

She, like the parents of the other performers, acknowledged that participation in community theater requires certain sacrifices. Hardly spending time with her husband when it’s close to show time is one of them.

“He is so patient and tolerant,” she said. “He doesn’t see us until he sees us onstage.”

Rhonda Whitmore, Claudia’s mother, said being in a show requires “a big commitment. We have to make sure she fits everything in,” including schoolwork and other extracurricular activities.

But it’s all worth it, the parents seemed to agree, as the benefits of community theater involvement far outweigh the challenges.

And while gaining self-confidence, understanding time management, developing a sense of responsibility or learning so many other life lessons, the youngsters seem to be

having a marvelous time. Audiences should, too.

Remaining performances of “The Sound of Music” at St. Mary’s (70-20 47 Ave., Woodside) are on May 6 at 6:15 p.m. and May 7 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 reserved online; $12 general admission. Call (718)

672-4848 or visit stmarysdramaguild.org.

“Meet Me in St. Louis” at St. Luke’s (85 Greenway South, Forest Hills) runs on May 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 2:30 p.m. and May 6 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15; or $12 each for groups of six or more. Call (718) 2687772 or visit gingerbreadplayers.org. Q

COURTESY

The cast of The Gingerbread Players’ “Meet Me in St. Louis.” On the cover: Maria and the Von Trapps in St. Mary’s Drama Guild’s “The Sound of Music.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Personal Assistant Needed for part time/ one day a week, to run errands, answer phones, and provide light office work. Laurelton, Queens. Send resume to: tony@tonytaxassociates.com or call 718-413-6126

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office

Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (MF 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup-24hr Response, Tax Deduction- Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price

Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Museum quality care of crystal, lighted lamps, 24 inches tall, etched, scalloped w/green teardrops. Mahjong set, vintage, w/racks & case. Radios—wood, 1940s table models. Vintage soda flavor clocks. Big beautiful bingo set. Cast-iron children’s Singer sewing machine. Call 718-897-5868. No texts.

LOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, high-end & brand name jewelry— top price paid, costume jewelry, furn, records, silver, coins, art, stamps, comics, oriental items. Call George, 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

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

Howard Beach, Sat 5/6, 10am-3pm, 159-26 100 St. MULTI-FAMILY SALE!

Howard Beach, Sat 5/6, 9am-4pm, 155 Ave betw 79 & 80 Sts. Rain date Sun 5/7. MULTI-FAMILY

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices- No payment for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

ARE YOU BEHIND $10K OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: MonFri 7am-5pm PST)

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-595-6967

Wheels For Wishes benefitting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal to No Human Contact. Call: (877) 798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a/ Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org

Legal Notices

On September 7, 2022, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing accepted the voluntary license surrender of Esohe Agbonkpolor, license no. PN300997, of Jamaica, New York, because she had a license suspended or revoked or received other disciplinary action by the proper licensing authority in another state, territory, possession or country.

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Tavern Wine License, Serial #1358378, has been applied for by American Multi-Cinema, Inc. d/b/a AMC Bay Terrace 6 to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a Movie Theatre. For on premises consumption under the ABC Law at 21101 26th Ave., Bayside, NY 11360.

Notice is hereby given that an On Premises Tavern Wine License, Serial #1358136, has been applied for by American Multi-Cinema, Inc. d/b/a AMC Fresh Meadows 7 to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a Movie Theatre. For on premises consumption under the ABC Law at 19002 Horace Harding Expy., Fresh Meadows NY 11365.

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that an On-premises liquor license, Serial #1360795, has been applied for by Coco Blu Inc to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail at an On-Premises Restaurant with one additional bar. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 19-11 Francis Lewis Blvd., Whitestone, NY 11357.

151-24 Beaver Rd LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/19/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 134-04 97th Ave., South Richmond Hill, NY 11419. General Purpose

2 Lee’s Development LLC fi led w/ SSNY on 4/13/23.

Offi ce: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 18-14 129th St., College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful.

Notice of Formation of AIRA ASSETS LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with SSNY on 02/22/2023. Offi ce location: QUEENS County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 10 WEST 46TH STREET 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, 10036 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ALL THE WORK’S GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/04/2023. 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: ALL THE WORK’S GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES LLC, 10858 53RD AVENUE, APT 3R,CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

AMERICAN MATERIALS RECOVERY

LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 02/15/2023. 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, 172-33 Douglas Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433. Reg Agent: Joie Marie Hein, 172-33 Douglas Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of Andrei Andreas LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/17/2023. 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: ANASTASIA ALLEN, 137-07 232ND STREET, LAURELTON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ATALIE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/12/2023. 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: SONIA ROCCO, 13702 WHITELAW STREET, OZONE PARK, NY 11417. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of COMPLIANCE SERVICES CONSULTANTS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/07/2023. 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 LIABILITY COMPANY, 8046 161ST ST., JAMAICA, NY, 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DAVIS LEGACY 2023 LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/28/2023. 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: FLOYD DAVIS, 11843 228TH ST., CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY, 11411. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005FREI ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Pltf. vs. AISHA KELLY ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF STEFANUS WATSON, et al, Defts. Index #710728/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Nov. 30, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on May 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 112-50 175th Place, St. Albans, NY 11433 a/k/a Block 10291, Lot 19. Said property beginning at a point on the Westerly side of 175th Place (Woodrick St.) distant 520 ft. Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of 175th Place with the Northerly side of 114th Avenue (now known as Hurdock Avenue), being a plot 100 ft. x 40 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $675,722.31 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of fi led judgment and terms of sale. WILLIAM DRISCOLL, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY 11791. #100158

Notice of Formation of Downstate Adult Health NP, PLLC.

Art. of Org. fi led Sec’y of State (SSNY) 3/2/23. Offi ce location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1836 Norman Street, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: practice the profession of nurse practitioner in adult health.

Notice of Formation of GARDEN PROPERTY 88 LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/06/2023. 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: GARDEN PROPERTY 88 LLC, 196-15 42ND RD, FLUSHING, NY 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., ACTING SOLELY AS A NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confi rming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 16, 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 on May 26, 2023 at 10:45 a.m., premises known as 106-07 177th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10334 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,274,777.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index # 701502/2021. 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 CourtCivil Term website. Lawrence M. Litwack, Esq., Referee Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 105, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation: Impression

Property LLC Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/22/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 6533 169th St., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity

Real Estate

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 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.

Apts.For Rent

Greenpoint, 176 Bayard St. 1, 2, 3 BR apts. New Development Bld, W/D, dishwasher, 18ft high ceilings. No utilities incl. Avail July 1. Call Theo Eastwind, 718-536-7787. Capri Jet Realty.

Greenpoint, 733 Meeker Ave, #3. 3 BR, 1.5 bath, $3,700/mo. Central AC, dishwasher, high ceilings, HWF, 3rd fl apt. Avail June 1. Agata Landa, 914-255-7284. Capri

Jet Realty

Howard Beach, 158-36 103rd St, #B. 1 BR, 1 bath, $1,600/mo. Lg apt, plenty of closet space, backyard, laundry hook-ups. Avail Now. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty.

Howard Beach, sunny 1 BR, CAC, utils incl. No pets. $1,500/mo. Call 718-848-6431

Open House

Howard Beach/Lindenwood. Sat

5/6, 1-3pm, 151-14 80 St. Brick attached 2 fam, great investment property. Walk-in fin bsmnt w/door to yard. 1st fl has 2 BR, 1 bath apt w/terr. 2nd fl has 1 BR, 1 bath apt w/terr. A must see! Reduced $979,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Lindenwood/Fairfield Arms, Sun 5/7, 12pm-1:30pm, 151-20 88 St. (High-Rise). Agent Pam will be on the lobby. Unit 4CLg 2 BR, 2 baths. Reduced $225K. Unit 2D, 3 BRs converted from 2 BRs, 2 full baths. Reduced $225K. Unit 5D, 2 BR, 2 baths, needs TLC, 5th fl. Reduced $225K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sun 5/7, 2-4pm, 164-18 90 St. 40x100, Hi-Ranch, unique 5 BRs, 2 full baths, 3 BRs, 1 bath, top flr & 2 BRs on walk-in level, new kit, HW flrs & new baths. Cement & pavers front & back. Full 1 car gar, sep ent to walk-in. Reduced $965K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Houses For Sale

BROAD CHANNEL

1215 Cross Bay Blvd.

Large 3 bedroom home, 1 full bath, 2 half baths. SOLAR panels paid off. Block from NEW school. 3 fl oors of living space, 3 decks, hot tub, pool.

PRICE REDUCED $599,000

Please contact 917-972-8178

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS 1900 CAPITAL TRUST III, BY U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff AGAINST KAZIM MOHAMMED, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 29, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York. on May 19, 2023 at 11:15AM premises known as 138-01 107th Avenue, Jamaica, N.Y. 11435 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10039, Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment $749,480.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #702791/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Linda Mule, Esq., Referee Ross Eisenberg Law PLLC, 445 Central Ave. Suite 112, Cedarhurst, N.Y. 11516 0005

To Advertise Call

718-205-8000 Legal Notices 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. MARIE LANGONE AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE BRACCIO, Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confi rming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 25, 2022 and duly entered on October 27, 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 19, 2023 at 10:15 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 11483 and Lot 25. Said premises may also be known as No # 108 Street, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $54,596.35 plus interest and costs on the 2004 Tax Lien, $45,922.85 plus interest and costs on the 2006 Tax Lien, and $29,480.80 plus interest and costs on the 2008 Tax Lien. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment and Terms of Sale. 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. Index # 705972/2017. Joyce A. Brown, Esq., Referee The Law Offi ce of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 553, New York, New York 10165, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of GWG3 CREATIVE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/03/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 3965 52ND ST, APT 2D, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE

OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF ANTLR MORTGAGE TRUST 2021-RTL1, Plaintiff, vs. HARRISON DEVELOPERS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confi rming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 22, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 19, 2023 at 11:45 a.m., premises known as Foothill Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423 a/k/a 198-54 Dunton Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Jamaica Estates, Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10532 and Lot 145. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,341,078.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index #716772/2021. 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. Cassandra Hyppolite, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 202990-2

Nav 1231-1241 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/31/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Navarra Management Inc., 5777 80th St., Middle Village, NY 11379.

General Purpose

THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF BRIDGES CONSULTANT PROGRAMS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of New York has a Request for Proposals available for qualified Consulting Engineering Firms interested in the following Proposed Contracts.

Project or Contract Title:

Request for Proposals:

In-Process Fabrication Inspection of Structural Steel in the Northeastern United States, Contract HBCD013A, Pin: 84123MBBR574, E-Pin: 84123P0010

In-Process Fabrication Inspection of Structural Steel in the United States and Canada, Contract: HBCD013B, Pin:84123MBBR572, E-Pin: 84123P0008

In-Process Fabrication Inspection of Precast and Prestressed Concrete in the United States and Canada

Contract: HBCD013C, Pin:84123MBBR573, E-Pin: 84123P0009

Expected Contracts Term: 1095 Consecutive Calendar Days for from the date of the Notice to Proceed each Contract.

Description of Services Required:

The services to be procured is the Inspection of Structural Steel in the Northeastern United States, Inspection of Structural Steel in the United States and Canada, Inspection of Precast and Prestressed Concrete in the United States and Canada.

A Pre-Proposal Conference (Optional) has been scheduled for May 16,2023, Time: 10:00 AM through Zoom. Proposers who wish to connect to the Zoom Conference will need a Zoom ID and Password or the link. Therefore, proposers who wish to connect will need to contact the authorized agency contact person via email at least three (3) days prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference for the information to connect. Proposers will need to provide the first name, last name of everyone who wishes to connect, name of the organization, phone number and email address.

This Procurements are subject to participation goals for MinorityOwned Business Enterprises (MBEs), as required by Section 6-129 of the New York Administrative Code. The M/WBE goal for each project is 30%.

These Request for Proposals (RFP) are released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to these RFPs must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the RFPs, vendors should visit the Passport public Portal at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ mocs/systems/about-go-to-passport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort” blue box. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To quickly locate the RFP, insert the 84123P0010/84123P0008/8412 3P0009 for each project into the Keyword search field. To respond to the RFPs, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

Release Date: May 8, 2023

Pre-Proposal Conference: May 16, 2023, at 10 AM Submission of Request for Proposals are due on or before 2:00 PM on June 5, 2023

NBA Rohit LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/20/2023.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Bhagwandeen Rohit, Abbigale Rohit, Nadiya Rohit, 9733-110th St., South Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

General Purpose

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 709173/2021 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 11481 178TH ST, JAMAICA, NY 11434 Block: 10312 Lot: 80 REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., Plaintiff, vs. LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES HOWARD BUNN A/K/A JAMES BUNN; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CHRISTOPHER BUNN, HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES HOWARD BUNN A/K/A JAMES BUNN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specifi c lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the 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; DARREN BUNN HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES HOWARD BUNN A/K/A JAMES BUNN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Defendants. To the above-named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $562,500.00 and interest, recorded on August 5, 2009 in CRFN #2009000243122, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York, covering premises known as 11481 178TH ST, JAMAICA, NY 11434. The relief sought in the within action is a fi nal judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

Notice of Formation of NEVSKY REALTY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/31/2019. 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: OLGA SHUBINA, 88-10 34TH AVE, APT. 2E, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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 fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and fi ling the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: April 11, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, COREY ROBSON, ESQ., 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106, Westbury, NY 11590. 516-280-7675

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (“Company”) that it has fi led with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No. 12 – GAS that are proposed to becom e effective June 3, 2023.

The Company seeks to increase delivery revenues by approximately $414 million to modernize and improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our infrastructure, enhance the customer experience, reduce system emissions, and fund energy affordability and efficiency programs. The Company’s filing is subject to approval by the PSC and the rates approved may be different from those proposed. The Company expects that the PSC will suspend the proposed rates for the maximum period permitted under the Public Service Law, which would mean an effective date of revised rates of April 1, 2024.

S.C. No. 1A, 17-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 17-1AR Residential Non-Heating Service

No. 1B-DG, 17-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

S.C. No. 1B, 17-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 17-1BR-Residential Heating Service

2-1, 17-2-1 – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 3, 17-3 – Multi-Family Service

S.C. 4A, 17-4A – High Load Factor

4A-CNG, 17-4A-CNG – Compressed Natural Gas

S.C. 4B, 17-4B – Year Round Air Conditioning Service

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

MW but less than 50 MW

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1

Customers with fully automatic switchover equipment

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Customers without fully automatic switchover equipment

For more information, visit ngrid.com/nyc-ratefiling or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov). THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has fi led with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, that are proposed to become effect ive June 3, 2023. The Company seeks to increase delivery revenues by approximately $228 million to modernize and improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our infrastructure, enhance the customer experience, reduce system emissions, and fund energy affordability and effi ciency programs. The Company’s filing is subject to approval by the PSC and the rates approved may be different from those proposed. The Company expects that the PSC will suspend the proposed rates for the maximum period permitted under the Public Service Law, which would mean an effective date of revised rates of April 1, 2024.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $153.35 $180.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.2243 $0.2856

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

S.C.

1B, 5-1B – Residential Heating Service S.C.

1BR, 5-1BR – Residential Heating Service

First 3 therms or less $230.43 $260.00

Next 497 therms, per therm $1.7319 $0.3920

Over 500 therms, per therm $0.2969 $0.3920

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $180.61 $216.73

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.1517 $0.2203

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.1949 $0.2830

S.C.

2-A, 5-2A – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

No. 2-B, 5-2B – Non-Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 3, 5-3 – Multi-Family Service

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $328.22 $393.86

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.1517 $0.2203

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.1949 $0.2830

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $949.35 $1,139.22

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.0376 $0.0546

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.0513 $0.0745

Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $6,252.00 $7,532.98

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1608 $0.2132

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 3 therms or less $38.00 $45.00 Over 3 therms, per therm

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1285 $0.1643

For more information, visit ngrid.com/li-ratefiling or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

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Nimmo nearly a Yankee

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The most important move Mets General Manager Billy Eppler made during the past offseason was getting potential free agent outfielder Brandon Nimmo to sign an eight-year, $162 million contract to remain in Flushing. Nimmo has long been a Citi Field fan favorite for his hustle, batting eye and sunny disposition.

I spoke with Nimmo last Wednesday as the Mets were taking batting practice. “Now that your contract situation is resolved, I am curious if you had received tempting offers from other teams,” I said. It was common knowledge the San Francisco Giants were interested in him after Aaron Judge decided to re-sign with the Yankees. Nimmo confirmed they made a good offer. Then came the major surprise. “The Yankees were also very interested in me,” he added.

Unlike the Giants, who saw Nimmo as Plan B in case they were unable to sign Judge, the Yankees wanted him as a complement to their feared slugger. “The Yankees liked my ability to get on base. They saw me as a table setter for him.”

Interestingly, Judge was Nimmo’s biggest advocate when it came to getting him to cross the RFK Bridge. “I played in the Fall League with him years ago, and we have been friends ever since.” Nimmo also cited close relationships with a number of Yankees coaches, especially Luis Rojas, their third base coach. Rojas man-

aged Nimmo in the minor leagues, as well as when he managed the Mets in 2020 and 2021.

The Yankees’ interest in Nimmo was neve r reported in the New York sports media, and Nimmo said that was by design. Mets CEO Steve Cohen may have learned of the interest across the East River in his player, because his big offer came almost immediately after preliminary discussions commenced with them. “They now had a budget to sign Carlos Rodon,” Nimmo said with his trademark smile.

Nimmo’s teammate in the outfield, Mark Canha, grew up in the Bay Area, and played for the Oakland Athletics, so it was natural to get his thoughts on their intention to relocate to Las Vegas. Surprisingly, he was not angry at A’s owner John Fisher, who has not invested in payroll but has nonetheless increased ticket prices.

“I owe my career to the Oakland A’s,” he said. “They selected me in the Rule V Draft from the Miami Marlins organization and gave me a chance to play in the majors. I would not be with the Mets if not for them.”

Canha is hopeful his old team will remain in Oakland despite the news the A’s purchased land in Las Vegas. “There has not been a groundbreaking there yet,” he said. “Things can always fall through, especially when politicians get involved.” Q

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

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