Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-18-23

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

BREAKING POINT

BY JAN SCHULMAN

Schools, libraries on table as city faces migrant crisis

PAGES 2, 6 AND 8

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom reiterated Wednesday that all options are on the table as the cit y manages an infl ux of up to 900 asylum seekers a day to New York City. Schools are not a preference but will continue to be used as emergency respite sites as needed, she said. The Chronicle has also learned that public libraries are being considered as potential sites.

ON THE HORIZON

Sunset Cove Park boardwalk near complete

PAGE 8

PLAY BALL!

American Softball kicks off season

PAGE 12

THIS IS HUGE

Beloved summer blockbusters star on MoMI’s screens

SEE qboro, PAGE 21

‘No option is off the table’ in ‘rapidly evolving emergency,’ City Hall says Libraries could be migrant shelters

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

City Hall is seeking to house migrants in public libraries, the Queens Chronicle has learned.

“The mayor is asking Queens Library to consider buildings,” an official familiar with the effort, who works in a separate city department, told the Queens Chronicle Tuesday. “They’re asking our agency ... to look at what buildings are available.”

No one could say how many libraries might be utilized or name specific branches. City Hall has inquired about the habitability of both libraries that are open and those that are shut down for renovations, the source said.

The Mayor’s Office has reviewed hundreds of sites across the city, including libraries, as potential sites for housing migrants and “will communicate the ones that are chosen,” another official said.

The Department of Design and Construction, which oversees city building and renovation projects including those at public libraries, “is assisting with site reviews for all different kinds of locations” to house migrants, a spokesman said via email. Asked if that includes libraries, he said, “I really don’t know if libraries are included but I would not be surprised. We built vaccination centers in librar-

ies during COVID.”

The spokesman did, however, note that a particular Queens Library official “is aware of” the effort. That official could not immediately be reached for comment.

Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott said he had no new information on the matter and a spokeswoman for the Queens Library said she had to refer questions to City Hall.

In response to those questions, City Hall emailed the Queens Chronicle a statement but did not address specifics.

“As the mayor has said for months, we are facing an enormous humanitarian crisis, having served more than 65,000 asylum seekers in New York City since last year,” a spokesperson said. “As Title 42 lifts and we see the numbers of arrivals climb, no option is off the table. We have already opened approximately 150 sites to shelter asylum seekers in New York City. We will continue to communicate with local elected officials as we open sites during this rapidly evolving emergency.” Busloads of unauthorized immigrants and asylum seekers are arriving in the city every day. Nearly half the city’s hotel rooms are now occupied by the migrants, Mayor Adams said Wednesday. He recently estimated the cost to the city between this fis-

Several

PHOTO BY RICK MAIMAN / FILE

City Council members from Queens say they oppose housing migrants in libraries here.

The source who initially told the Chronicle about the library housing possibility said liability issues are a concern, as are practical considerations.

“There aren’t enough bathrooms, there are no showers; they want to put, you know, 20 families in there and close them down, and it’s absolutely ridiculous,” the official said. “I’m not against justice for people, giving people homes, but you start doing this, you’re going to the other end of the spectrum.

“They’re looking at every opportunity to fill this need for the asylum seekers.”

The Chronicle reached out to five City Council members from Queens for their take.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said via email, “I oppose any plans that would place people into our libraries for habitation. These buildings are meant to provide educational resources for our communities, not to provide shelter for asylum seekers.”

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) also stands opposed to the idea.

cal year and next as at least $4.2 billion, and that was before the lifting of the Title 42 health restriction that enabled authorities to turn many migrants away at the border.

“Our city has gone above and beyond to house migrants, but the responsibility for the migrant crisis falls squarely on the failed policies of the Biden Administration,” he said

continued on page 14

First-Time Home Ownership Workshop

Although certain verbal communications with Flagstar Bank may be made in Spanish, future communications and documents relating to your application and account, including contracts, disclosures, notifications and account statements, as well as some website and mobile banking services, may be available only in English. All loans serviced by Flagstar will be serviced in English. You may consider obtaining the services of an independent interpreter or translator to assist you according to your needs.

Animal advocates focus on park with a colony of domestic bunnies Down a rabbit hole in Hamilton Beach

by Deirdre Bardolf

Editor

The rabbits are multiplying like, well, rabbits in Hamilton Beach Park and some bunny advocates are trying to contain the problem.

On a recent visit to the site, the Chronicle counted seven of the rabbits, which are domestic breeds, not wild, around the park, some munching on grass and others huddled under parked cars.

Alexandra Ahmed, a volunteer with All About Rabbits Rescue and Bunnies and Beyond, an educational and rescue nonprofit, is among a group trying to capture some of the rabbits to spay and neuter as well as find permanent homes for.

“While they’re surviving, this is no place for them to live,” Ahmed, who is from Arverne, told the Chronicle.

Some are getting hit by vehicles while others are plagued with ear mites and other health troubles. Recently, a neighbor called the rescue because two babies were found on the tennis court and one was dead.

They are digging holes throughout the field, too.

Ahmed believes some of the rabbits may have been dumped by

buyers who did not realize the level of care that would be required, perhaps having bought bunnies and chicks around Easter. When rabbits begin to reach sexual maturity after 3 months, their hormones become active and they mark their territory, making a mess all over, according to the House Rabbit Society. Males will often spray urine as a sign of courtship and female rabbits tend

to become territorial and may growl and lunge at people.

Rabbits must be treated by “exotic” animal veterinarians due to their unique needs.

But despite Ahmed and the groups’ intentions, they have been met by resistance from some neighbors who do not want to see the rabbits taken and do not trust that they will not be put down by animal organizations.

One neighbor was upset and prevented the groups from further attempts to rescue more bunnies after the ones they originally took to spay were not immediately returned.

The volunteers have to wait in line for the emergency treatment, Ahmed explained, and the bunnies take time to heal.

She hopes to get assistance from the National Parks Service,

which controls the park, as well as the local police department and Animal Care Centers of NYC. Alberto Francisquini is one neighbor who prefers the rabbits be left alone.

“It’s nature, you know,” he said. “We shouldn’t interfere with them.”

He says the problem actually seems somewhat under control now because about a year ago, there were 30 to 40 of the domestic rabbits hopping around the field.

Francisquini doesn’t know exactly where the rabbits came from either. Some, he said, were released while others were a neighbor’s.

“People love them,” he said. “The kids love them. They come down, they play with them and chase them around. I don’t see the problem with them. I love seeing them.”

Francisquini was open to some catch-and-release program as long as the rabbits were being returned. He has seen some of that nature at play, however.

He would notice when one of the different bunnies, which he would remember by their unique colors — white, all-black, spotted — was missing, falling victim to a circling hawk scooping it up. Q

BID’s first Taste of Woodhaven event set to include 17 different eateries Restaurant week coming to Jamaica Ave.

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

The Woodhaven Business Improvement District is holding its first Restaurant Week-style event, Taste of Woodhaven, to promote dine-in spots along Jamaica Avenue.

Following a shift to takeout food ever since the pandemic, the effort is to draw people back to the busy commercial strip, which boasts all kinds of delicacies, and remind them that Woodhaven is a vibrant commercial destination, said John Perricone, executive director of the BID.

“We want people to be interested in coming into a restaurant and sitting down and eating,” said Perricone.

From May 22 to 29, 17 participating eateries will be offering specials and promotions and patrons who order them will receive a free tote bag, thanks to the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), who have partnered with the

BID for the event.

“We feel that it’s really important to have people see the benefit of actually going to the restaurants,” said Perricone.

“We also see it as a way of having more people coming into Jamaica Avenue,” he continued. “Even if it’s just going to a restaurant, maybe there could be another restaurant or something else that could also pique their interest.”

Jamaica Avenue restaurants taking part in Taste of Woodhaven will be Brisas del Mar, Cancun Cafe, Chef Toribio, Antojitos de San Cecilio, El Puerto Mexicano II, Pop’s Cocina and Bar, Cevis Louisiana, El Anzuelo Fino, Caridad Restaurant, La Hueca Guayaca, Tropical Restaurant, Tavares Restaurant, Cuenca coffee shop, La Comadre, La Embajada, Royal Chifa and Tajadas Bakery and Restaurant.

Dinner specials around $25 dollars are being offered at some spots while others have meals for as little as $8. City employees and police officers get 10 percent off at Caridad.

Specials include seafood soup and steak with mashed potatoes for $10 each at Brisas del Mar; mixed “parrillada” or barbecue with tortillas and a drink for $19 at Cancun Cafe; a fish fillet meal for $14, chicken fillet meal for $12 and lasagna for $8 at Chef Toribio; tacos and pupusas at Antojitos de San Cecilio; 20 percent off deals at El Puerto Mexicano; skirt steak with grilled shrimp and rice and beans or fried snapper with rice and beans for $25 each at Tropical; a rotisserie chicken or pernil with sides for about $9 each at Tavares; tuna tartare for $15 at Pop’s; and much more.

In addition to its regular cleanups and community events, the BID is holding workshops for businesses, focusing on topics such as social media and access to capital. Q

New Peruvian restaurant Royal Chifa is one Jamaica Avenue spot participating in the Taste of Woodhaven week organized by the Woodhaven BID.

Domestic bunnies living in Hamilton Beach Park are susceptible to disease, predators and getting hit by cars, and Alexandra Ahmed is one rescuer trying to help. PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF

How To Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All... Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery

Living with knee pain can feel like a crippling experience.

Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as you used to be, and playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain keeps you from walking short distances or playing golf like you used to.

Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your knees hurt and the pain just won’t go away!

My name is Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C., owner of Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center. Since we opened seventeen years ago, I’ve seen hundreds of people with knee problems leave the office pain free.

If you’re suffering from these conditions, a new breakthrough in medical technology may completely eliminate your pain and help restore normal function to your knees.

Do You Have Any of the Following Conditions?

• Arthritis

• Knee pain

• Cartilage damage

• ‘Bone-on-bone’

• Tendonitis

• Bursitis

• Crunching and popping sounds

Finally, You Have an Option Other Than Drugs or Surgery

New research in a treatment called Class IV Laser Therapy is having a profound effect on patients suffering with knee pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, the Class IV therapeutic laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage.

Laser Therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and has been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance cold laser therapy could be your knee pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle.

Professional athletes like The New York Yankees and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon cold laser therapy to treat their sports-related injuries. These guys use the cold laser for one reason only…

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Before the FDA would clear the Class IV laser for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This lead to two landmark studies.

The fi rst study showed that patients who had laser therapy had 53 percent better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If the Class IV Laser can help these patients, it can help you too.

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain?

For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can fi nd out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy.

What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before May 28th, 2023 and here’s what you’ll get…

• An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case.

• A complete neuromuscular examination.

• A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation).

• A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray fi ndings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free.

• You’ll see everything fi rsthand and fi nd out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients.

Until May 28th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer.

Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle.

Here’s what to do now:

Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323.

Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before May 28th.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C.

P.S. Now you might be wondering…

“Is this safe? Are there any side effects or dangers to this?”

The FDA cleared the fi rst Class IV Laser in 2002. This was after their study found 76 percent improvement in patients with severe pain. Their only warning – don’t shine it in your eyes.

Of course at our office, the laser is never anywhere near your eyes and we’ll give you a comfortable pair of goggles for safety.

Don’t wait and let your knee problems get worse, disabling you for life. Take me up on my offer and call today (718) 845-2323. For more information go to www.drgucciardo.com and click on the laser therapy tab.

Federal and Medicare restrictions apply. Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo Upper, Cervical Chiropractor, Master Clinician in Nutrition Response Testing 162-07 91st Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 • (718) 845-2323

Now, in Howard Beach, NY, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives.

Schools still on the table for migrants

Deputy Mayor says city will continue to use gyms for ‘emergency respite’

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

The city will continue to use school gyms as emergency shelter sites as long as migrants continue to arrive, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said in a press conference regarding the asylum seeker crisis on Wednesday.

“The city shelter capacity is full and we have exhausted options for traditional shelter sites for the migrants,” said Williams-Isom, who was joined by Dr. Ted Long, senior vice president for ambulatory care and population health at New York City Health + Hospitals, the only other official in the briefing.

“We are now turning to temporary alternative options like gyms and large open spaces for some relief,” she continued. “Let me be clear, this is not our preference for shelter but it is the only option that we have.”

Many press questions focused on the city’s move to use stand-alone school gyms as “emergency respite” sites for migrants.

This week, Mayor Adams said there are 20 school gyms throughout the city that are on a list of potential locations.

On Tuesday, parents in Brooklyn protested the move, as did others throughout the city concerned over their schools being among the 20.

The city would not say if any of those schools were in Queens but a spokesperson said

the office will continue to communicate with elected officials as more sites are opened.

Migrants were moved from the Brooklyn schools, according to reports, but Williams-Isom on Wednesday detailed how the gyms are used for short-term stays.

“We always set up the school gyms as an emergency respite,” she said. “Respite means short-term and it means a place to go get yourself settled while we’re looking for placement ... because of the influx that we’ve seen since Title 42 [ended], we had to set up some emergency sites and we’re going to continue to have to do this unless I’m not going to get people at the front door — I think I’m going to continue to get people at the front door — so I’m going to continue to make sure I have emergency sites for short-term respite to deal with the influx.”

Title 42, which allowed border authorities to turn migrants away due to the pandemic, expired last week and the number of arrivals has since climbed, Williams-Isom said.

Over the past week, 4,300 people have arrived, according to the city, which has 42,500 total in its care.

City officials have pleaded for state and fed-

eral help and Williams-Isom reiterated that the “breaking point” for the city has been reached.

Over 150 emergency sites have opened, including eight humanitarian relief centers, with a ninth on the way, and hotel capacity has been reached.

The deputy mayor said ideas from City Council members are needed.

Several in Queens have been outspoken about the usage of schools.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whites-

Spring Creek studies delayed

Vandalism at contaminated site holds up remediation

by Deirdre Bardolf

Editor

Studies into the radioactivity of the Gateway National Recreation Area portion of Spring Creek by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service have been halted due to vandalism at the site.

“Field investigation activities were halted due to vandalization of government and contractor property,” the National Parks’ Gateway page reads.

There is no current timeline for resumption of activities, the page continues.

The NPS could not provide further details on the incident in time for publication.

The Park service and the USACE announced the work last year to study the Superfund site, where radium was previously detected. A 2017 survey identified elevated levels of radiation, including five manmade radiological artifacts that were recovered and removed from the park, according to the NPS.

The plan for this spring was for the Park Service to fence off portions of Spring Creek and clear the brush to do gamma walkovers, the Chronicle reported back in March. Heavy machinery would be brought in for it.

That step in the process was expected to take until 2026 as the NPS creates a sampling and analysis plan, conducts field investiga-

tone) called it “unacceptable” and said it “will undoubtedly disrupt vital classroom routines, increase anxiety, and dramatically limit usage of school facilities for safety.”

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) on Twitter said, “Our schools are not a place for unvetted migrants,” and called on the Biden administration to “take responsibility for the border crisis.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said in a statement that she is working with government partners to “find alternative placement that will prevent any more migrant shelters from being established in our national parks and city schools” and hopes for the city’s classification as a sanctuary city to end.

Ariola also opposed Gov. Hochul’s suggestion to use the federally run Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, which borders Jamaica Bay and connects to the Rockaways, for a camp.

She said she has been in touch with U.S. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens) and Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau).

Meeks and Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) met with Hochul Wednesday regarding the asylum seekers, the governor said on Twitter. Q

HB Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach continues to support education by awarding its five annual scholarships to students living in the 11414 ZIP code. The funds will benefit high school seniors who will be continuing their education at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2023.

The five $1,000 scholarships available are:

• the Paul Anthony Bono Scholarship, to be awarded to a student who will major in any field of study;

• the Stanley Merzon Scholarship, for which preference is given to a student who plans to major in journalism or mass media;

• the August Sirgiovanni Scholarship, for which preference is given to a student who plans to major in the sciences or mathematics;

• the Founder’s Scholarship, also to be awarded to a student who will major in any field of study; and

• the James Giustizia family scholarship, which will give preference to any field of study.

tions, analyzes data and risk assessment and then creates a remedial investigation report. Then would come several more steps including a feasibility study, a proposed plan and record of decision, remedial designs and

actions and eventually construction and longterm monitoring.

Anyone interested should visit the website howardbeachkiwanis.org.

All scholarship applications must be postmarked by May 31. Q

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom speaks on the city’s current migrant crisis. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT

The contamination in the area dates back to the late 1940s when the wetland areas were backfilled with waste.

At the end of February, Kathleen Cuzzolino, U.S. Army Corps project manager, briefed the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic on upcoming work at Spring Creek. PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF / FILE

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The restoration of Sunset Cove Park is nearing completion, the Chronicle has confirmed, and photos taken earlier this month show the progress made at the site.

After being closed for nearly a decade, the Broad Channel park reopened in 2019 after the first phase of a restoration focused on the salt marsh, maritime upland and a 1,000-foot berm, all to help with storm protection and reduce wave and wind impacts.

Then, in July 2022, ground was broken on the second phase to bring an outdoor class-

room and boardwalk built with reclaimed wood from Superstorm Sandy.

Phase two is set to wrap up this June, according to the city Parks Department, and an official ribbon cutting will follow. The area will allow the public a closer experience of the wetlands.

The third phase is intended to improve stormwater and flood management in the low-lying parking area and anticipated to include vegetation infrastructure to convey and treat runoff. — Deirdre Bardolf

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

P

Migrant crisis hits the children

The damage being caused to our city and society by the unending flow of unauthorized immigrants and asylum seekers from the southern border to the Big Apple is deep and growing by the day.

Start with just a couple numbers, one being $4.2 billion. That’s how much Mayor Adams recently estimated the migrant crisis will cost the city between this fiscal year and the next one — and he said that before the lifting of the Title 42 restrictions that kept at least some of the travelers on the Mexican side of the border.

Another number is nearly half, which is the share of hotel rooms in the city Adams says are now occupied by migrants. Just think about how much that hits the vital tourism industry and all the ancillary sectors intertwined with it. Think about the jobs on the line. Think about all the lost hotel and sales tax revenue, along with every other levy in a city that taxes everything but the air, and how much harder it’ll be to cover that $4.2 billion.

Now, with shelters bursting and hotels becoming shelters, comes the news that standalone gyms on city school properties will be used as barracks for migrants. And, as the Chronicle exclusively reported this week, even librar-

ies are being considered as housing for them. Yes, the library you bring your child to hoping to create a love of reading could become a dorm for someone who has no legal business in this country but can file an asylum claim and stay here for years before it’s heard in court. And he or she can do all that with the support of a large segment of our political leadership, including the White House and, until very recently, City Hall. This is the price of not enforcing immigration law at the border on the one hand, and of being a sanctuary city on the other.

Our best hope right now is that Gov. Hochul, who’s visiting Washington, can get the Biden administration to finally strengthen the border. Let asylum seekers stay in Mexico as they wait. As for those already here, we’ll have to get them papers to work, as soon as possible. But we cannot allow them to live in schools or libraries. We have to protect our children and their spaces. Get the feds to allow them to stay at Floyd Bennett Field. Bring back that hospital ship that was docked here, unused, at the height of Covid. And let’s get some clearer messaging out of City Hall while we’re at it. This is an unprecedented crisis and we need everyone at his or her A game.

Nix the Hate Israel bill

It’s rare that a piece of state legislation is so malevolent it doesn’t even deserve a hearing. But we have such a bill on our hands right now, and it comes out of Queens.

Authored by Astoria Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the “Not on our dime!: Ending New York funding of Israeli settler violence act” would allow the state attorney general to dissolve any charity whose donations to Israeli causes could be seen as aiding settlement activity. To someone who wants Israel shrunken and weakened, that could apply to just about any nonprofit that supports the Jewish homeland.

To their credit, state legislative leaders have vowed to never let the bill come to the floor. South Queens’ own Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer-Amato immediately denounced the bill as “hateful, offensive and anti-Semitic.” She rightly pointed out that Jewish nonprofits in New York support the poor, elderly and hungry of all faiths.

“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” is an Adam Sandler farce about an indestructible Israeli commando. It’s good advice. Conversely, one should mess with Zohran — at least with his attempt to legislate anti-Semitism and wear down both the Israeli people and their brethren and backers here.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Back Adams on race

Dear Editor:

Letter writers to the Chronicle took issue last week with Mayor Adams’ complaint against the Texas governor sending masses of migrants to New York. By taking note that he and other targeted cities’ mayors are Black, Adams is supposedly “playing the race card.”

MTA’s $772M mistake

Dear Editor:

Editor

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The mayor has a duty to defend the interests of the city, and if this involves mentioning the very plausible case that a Texas politician may be targeting our city at least in part for having a Black mayor, so be it. Have they noticed the mayor has recently taken a lot of heat in this stone Democratic city for explicitly taking the Biden administration to task for its chronic indifference to the problem?

New Yorkers less concerned with the sensibilities of the Texas governor still rejoice in being rid of Adams’ very white predecessor, Bill de Blasio. Instrumental as a City Council member in effecting the final phase of downzoning Park Slope (the part he lives in), driving out remaining Black residents and putting the finishing touches on the segregated, elite enclave it is today, de Blasio as mayor invoked the race card on a daily basis — never in defense of the city, but always seeking to tear it apart. Adams deserves our full support.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Re your May 11 editorial “City can’t cross this bridge”: The MTA needs commonsense planning, not congestion pricing, to end its deficit and finance capital improvements. One example of the agency’s wasteful spending is the $772 million OMNY fare payment system, which is $127 million over budget, 4 years behind schedule and “torn apart” by delays (Newsday, April 25). OMNY was planned to replace MetroCards, which were introduced in 1993 to replace tokens. MetroCards enabled free transfers between buses and subways, saving cash for riders who didn’t live close to subway stations. OMNY offers no comparable advantage, but may impose a disadvantage for riders who don’t

have credit cards or smart phones to use for fare payment. This includes many seniors and lowincome people. Unless the MTA makes special provisions for them, OMNY may become an omny-ous from of digital discrimination. Artificially low fares and onerous union work rules cause MTA funding problems, as you noted. But so does the agency’s misguided priorities. OMNY’s high cost is a big factor in the MTA’s $600 million budget deficit for 2023, notes Newsday. However, the agency’s biggest deficit is a lack of critical thinking and competent leadership.

New York area drivers should not be required to pay for MTA management’s major mistakes. CEO Janno Lieber and his staff must wake up and face reality.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

AOC: all-out crybaby

Dear Editor:

Once again we have been treated to a historic diatribe from Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez, the self-proclaimed champion of the downtrodden — in her usual exaggerated, vaudeville-ostentatious manner of delivery, which lacks any eloquence, deadens the air and is void of credibility. Her only aim to fan the flames and agitate circumstances yet defined or clarified.

Hoping to glean some small measure of notoriety, AOC delivers inflammatory accusations and assumptions that serve no purpose other than to create discord and conflict. When was the last time she experienced the filth and danger of an NYC subway instead of traveling first-class or in a luxury car? When was the last time she had to endure being threatened without her bodyguard? When was the last time she waited to give a harangue until all of the information was available? Her theatrics and exaggerated mannerisms, her displays of emotions, impress no one who favors a course of logic and the science of thought.

Bruce Carney Kew Gardens

City can cross this bridge I

Dear Editor:

Your May 11 editorial “City can’t cross this bridge” bases its woefully flawed reasoning on the misleading statement that “many are taking their cars to work.” The percentage of commuters who drive from outside Manhattan to work in Manhattan is in the single digits. They are not the source of the city’s vitality. The vast majority of commuters take transit and would be thrilled with a city that is easier to navigate on foot, by bike and by public transit.

Car traffic is what is strangling Manhattan to death, as those with money to spend stay away to avoid the horrific congestion and downright unpleasant pedestrian environment caused by aggressive driving and crosswalks clogged with cars. Reducing traffic would encourage more people who will actually spend time and money in Manhattan (yes, even drivers!) to come more often.

Roger Cost Jackson Heights

City can cross this bridge II

Dear Editor:

The Chronicle’s concern over the impacts of congestion pricing is misplaced. In its editorial, the Chronicle worries for commuters who stopped buying monthly train passes because they are not cost-effective for hybrid schedules and now drive instead. If these imaginary employees find congestion pricing makes driving now more expensive than taking the train (as it should be given the environmental costs and impact on city residents), then they should logically switch back to taking the train like they did before the pandemic — perhaps buying individual tickets instead.

Car owners (the minority of this city) are under the impression that they are entitled to the streets, but they are not, and the city’s current allocation of space (fully 25 percent of the city is devoted to streets for cars) is inefficient

and unfair for the majority of New York City residents, who do not own a car. The flooding we now so regularly see is caused by the excessive amount of pavement in the city. Cars make our streets noisier and more dangerous while taking away valuable, urban space from the city whose unofficial slogan is “Hey, I’m walkin’ here!”

If transportation is the lifeblood of this city, private cars are artery-clogging bad cholesterol. An economic signal that makes bringing cars into the densest urban center in America more expensive makes good sense.

Brendan Hannon Kew Gardens

Migrants can clean up

Dear Editor:

Because of climate change, this nation has been devastated by weather catastrophes, such as drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, etc. The affected areas have had extensive property damage and human displacement. One of the major complaints from victims of these tragedies is how long it takes to clean up and rebuild areas before families can return to their homes, even after the government has made its disaster emergency declarations.

Currently, we have migrants who are willing to work, but are idling in hotels, gyms and other facilities. Is it possible with state communication, coordination and cooperation that some of these migrants might be able to assist in the cleanup and rebuilding of the areas that need help?

A program in which the migrants can make a positive contribution in getting families back into their homes and regenerating local economies would go a long way to erase the negativity by which they are viewed by some.

Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

Trump triggered I

Dear Editor:

At the recent CNN-GOP New Hampshire debate Donald Trump’s outrageous remarks on the Jan. 6 attacks on our nation’s Capitol prove beyond a doubt that he needs serious mental help. To call his “Proud Boys” wonderful guys and Jan. 6 a great day is beyond reality! Storming our seat of government, destroying federal property and even assaulting Capitol security guards is unspeakable! This is not how you MAGA, Mr. Trump.

He even had the audacity to say, “If I’m elected in 2024, nearly 1,000 of my men serving time in prison will be pardoned.” I hope this unjust act never comes!

Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

Trump triggered II

Dear Editor:

Trump mentioned during his CNN show that he wasn’t president anymore. What a shock that must have been to his many puppets who refer to him as president. Are they now going to finally acknowledge that Trump is just a buffoon?

Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

American Softball season in full swing

Opening Day draws a crowd as league marks 12 years in OP

by Daniel Aquino Chronicle Contributor

It’s a league of their own for American Softball in Ozone Park and fans filled the stands to root for the home team this weekend.

Manuel Sanchez described his son Joscar’s excitement level to play again as an 11 out of 10.

“He was the first one to get up this morning around 6 o’clock,” Sanchez said.

American Softball, a nonprofit league that serves adults with autism and developmental disabilities, held its Opening Day for the 2023 season last Saturday at Vito Locascio Park, marking its 12th year playing in Ozone Park.

It is a 16-week program with games every Saturday through the summer. An All-Star game is played halfway through the season and a World Series game at the end, when players are awarded trophies.

Players vary in age and some come from group homes throughout the city such as Services for the Underserved, Little Flower, Lifespire, Unique People Services and New York Families for Autistic Children.

Johnny Bradford of Broad Channel, who led the game off with a home run, enjoys the camaraderie most of all.

“It’s always nice being with friends,” said Bradford. “Spending time with them on the field is the best.”

The big game drew spectators from near and far.

“You don’t really understand what it’s like until you see it for yourself,” said coach Tina Roseman, whose partner, Randy Novick, co-founded the league in 1999.

Attorney General of New York Letitia James and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) threw the ceremonial first pitches.

“This is absolutely amazing,” said James. “It sends the message that they can do whatever they want to do, and I really appreciate that.”

Addabbo is still impressed every time he catches a game.

“I look forward to this day every year,” he said. “Randy and his team do a great job understanding the needs of each player, and the smiles get me every time.”

Novick helped start the organization when he realized there was no league of its kind in Queens and sought to help a friend’s autistic son fulfill his desire to play softball.

Achievers of America, as it was initially called, went around to group homes to gather interested players for the league. It gave people with disabilities a way to get outdoors and enjoy themselves in a noncompetitive social environment.

Novick took over the organization in 2007 and later renamed it.

In 2012, American Softball had its inaugural season at Kissena Corridor Park in Flushing.

In 2019, the league moved its games to Ozone Park, which helped it attract up to 125 players over that following season.

Michele Bradford, Johnny’s mother and one of the coaches, is grateful for the program.

“There are not many opportunities for these people to experience hitting the ball and getting a run and just socializing with a group,” she said.

Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo’s son has autism and is a player in the league.

“They [have] a blast knowing they have something to be a part of,” Algredo said of the players.

The Covid-19 pandemic naturally posed difficulties to the league. Unable to play in 2020 and forced to wait until June of 2021 to play again, the league was lacking players, fund-

ing and volunteers.

“We almost didn’t get the season going until things started to open up,” said Novick. “It wasn’t until 2022 where we really recovered.”

From 125 players in 2019, the roster dwindled to 40 in 2020, putting the games and raising grant money in jeopardy. Understaffing at group homes also hindered participation.

Last year, Novick and Roseman were honored with citations from elected officials including the mayor and borough president and elected officials pledged their continued support of the league.

This year, it expects to return to prepandemic numbers.

The event on Saturday was attended by politicians including Assemblywoman Stacy Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) and Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) as well as Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton and Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio.

Novick was presented with a $1,500 donation from Resorts World New York as part of its Resorts World Gives program.

Afterward, there was a performance of the national anthem by Queens singer Bella Piazza and a lively rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

“Amazing” was a word parents and coaches used to describe Novick’s work.

President of the Our Neighbors Civic Association Joe Caruana said, “Randy is incredible. He’s one of my few heroes.”

Bobbi Turner’s daughter Cathy has been playing in American Softball for over a decade.

“Randy, Tina and all the coaches are so supportive. They make everyone feel important,” said Turner. “They know everybody’s name and they accommodate everyone.”

The smiles, the cheers and the laughter from the players are what make American Softball special.

“It’s all out of compassion,” said Novick. “I’m very proud of what I do.” Q

American Softball celebrated its Opening Day last Saturday. Elected officials and community leaders attended in support and founder Randy Novick, center at left with state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, was presented a check from Resorts World New York City by Community Development Manager Matthew Anatalio. Novick is seen at center with coach Tina Roseman. PHOTOS BY DANIEL AQUINO

Congestion pricing coming closer after federal transportation approval State talks details on Manhattan toll plans

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Gov. Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority last Friday released more details about their congestion pricing proposal, just a week after the federal government approved hearings and public comment.

While nothing is finalized, sources have told the Chronicle that tolls will be in place by about April 2024.

And the state appears to have made several concessions that it appeared to resist in previous proposals.

Taxis, for example, would be charged only once per day under the new report. Lowincome residents living in the tolled section of Manhattan could receive discounts after 10 trips. A proposed dollar-for-dollar tax credit for those drivers remains in place.

The state also now appears to be open to offering discounts or even some free trips during overnight hours to encourage operators such as professional truck drivers to enter the zone during off hours.

“This is a significant milestone, bringing us closer to a future where New Yorkers have cleaner air, better public transit and less traffic clogging our streets,” Gov. Hochul said in a press release on her official website. “This program is critical to New York City’s longterm success, ensuring our commuters and

businesses are able to grow and thrive.”

The full report, including supporting documents, can be found on the MTA’s website at bit.ly/459nngk.

The aim is to raise $1 billion in revenue per year for the MTA; and to reduce the number of vehicles in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. The initial revenue will be used

Dems force Santos vote; GOP sends it to Ethics

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Less than a week after the indictment charging Rep. George Santos (R-Nassau, Queens) with several counts of wire fraud, money laundering, lying to Congress and stealing public funds was unsealed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Democrats forced a vote to expel him from office on Wednesday.

Republicans halted that effort, voting along party lines 221-204 to instead refer the matter to the House Ethics Committee; the panel has been investigating Santos for several months now, following The New York Times’ report detailing the then-congressman-elect’s falsified personal history and his sudden ascent into wealth.

Though Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to remove the embattled congressman months ago without any movement, House rules stipulate that certain motions can be considered privileged, allowing members to bring a vote despite objections of leadership. Garcia made a motion to that effect on Tues-

day, requiring a vote within two days. The vote was not expected to pass, however, as it would require a two-thirds majority.

It is not immediately clear what the next steps are for the Ethics Committee or what its investigative timeline is.

Santos’ office did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment. Scripps News reported Wednesday evening that the congressman’s communications director, Naysa Woomer, had tendered her resignation earlier in the day. Q

to leverage $15 billion in borrowing for MTA capital improvements.

“Congestion pricing means less traffic, safer streets, cleaner air, more economic opportunity, and better transit,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said in the Hochul press release.

The Traffic Mobility Review Board will, in the coming months, have hearings on the plan. The TMRB will set per-trip toll amounts, which are forecast to be between $9 and $23 for cars, and more for larger vehicles.

Mayor Adams also was calling the feds’ decision a win last week.

“This is about more than reducing traffic,” Adams said. “We’ll invest in our transit system and clean up the air in the most polluted communities. Building a stronger future means ensuring progress includes everyone, and we don’t push consequences into overlooked communities. This plan will serve all

New Yorkers and won’t leave anyone behind.”

Some have said the plan potentially leaves plenty of people behind, as much of the traffic — and attendant air pollution — from Central and Lower Manhattan will not be eliminated as much as it will be diverted to northern Manhattan and the Bronx. Both have large neighborhoods that already suffer from conditions such as higher-than average asthma rates.

The MTA has acknowledged that, and in the proposal said it will fund measures to reduce pollution from existing sources as an offset. Those proposals include replacing diesel trucks and storage facilities at the Huntspoint Market; switching to all-electric buses at the Kingsbridge and Gun Hill Road bus depots in the Bronx, and planting more greenery in parks and near pollution sources.

Officials also are promising increased air monitoring, improved air filtration in school buildings and the funding of a asthma treatment site.

U.S. Rep Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) pronounced himself satisfied in Hochul’s press release.

“I’m proud to have successfully secured $155 million over five years in new investments to significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, including the replacement of transport refrigeration units on diesel trucks, the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure, the development of school asthma programming, the renovation of local parks and green spaces, and the enhancement of air quality monitoring,” Torres said.

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is heading the opposition to the plan.

In a press release sent to the Chronicle, The Independent Drivers Guild, which represents more than 10,000 ride-share drivers, blasted the proposal as a double tax on top of fees that their drivers already pay. Q

Migrants may live in libraries

continued from page 2

via email. “Our limited resources, such as schools and libraries, should not be used to accommodate this overwhelming burden. We’ve reached a breaking point, and it’s time for the federal government to take action. Buses should be directed to the White House, where the decisions that caused this crisis were made.”

The offices of Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Councilman Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), who serves on the Immigration Committee, did not respond to requests for information and their position on using libraries for shelter.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) said in a phone interview that she had no information about plans to use any libraries as shelters, stressing that point vis-a-vis those in her district in particular.

“I’ve heard officially that they’re using every possible space,” Paladino said, adding that “the city is definitely doing its best” to accommodate people but that “we are being overrun.”

And she would oppose any use of libraries as shelters for migrants.

“Just as they don’t belong in our schools, they don’t belong in our libraries,” Paladino said. Q

These drivers crossing into Manhattan over the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge could be paying for the privilege in less than a year if the city, state and MTA get their way. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

“This is about more than reducing traffic.”

—

Mayor Adams

House Republicans sent a measure to expel Rep. George Santos to the Ethics Committee Wednesday evening.

NYPD required to get autism training

A step in the right direction, but more needs to be done: CB 9 chair

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Mayor Adams signed a bill last Thursday that will require members of the NYPD to receive training on how to both recognize and interact with people with autism spectrum disorder.

Adams said the legislation will help ensure the NYPD continues to serve all communities across the city fairly and equitably.

“Equipping ‘New York’s Finest’ with the tools to better interact with people with autism spectrum disorder is critical to advancing safety and justice for all New Yorkers,” Adams said in a statement on May 11.

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell shared the mayor’s sentiments.

“The women and men of the New York City Police Department are fully dedicated to our mission of enhancing public safety by meeting the needs of everyone we serve,” Sewell said in a statement. “This new training will inform and educate our officers about the expression of autism spectrum disorder.”

Officers are to obtain a practical understanding of the disorder, develop interpersonal skills to safely respond to emergencies involving someone with ASD and learn interview and investigative techniques to utilize in cases involving individuals with the condition effective immediately, according to Intro. 273-B.

Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse (D-Brooklyn), the lead sponsor of the bill, said that police interactions with New Yorkers with ASD are inevitable.

“New Yorkers with ASD have unique needs, and at times, their behavior and mannerisms can be misinterpreted as an act of aggression or noncompliance,” Narcisse said in a statement. “This new law will fully train

our police officers on how best to approach and engage with people on the autism spectrum.”

Ron Colavito, president and CEO of New York Families for Autistic Children, based in Howard Beach, told the Queens Chronicle that he was thankful for the work that Narcisse did to bring the bill forward and to Adams for signing it into law.

“Promoting understanding and the safety of adults and children with ASD is at the heart of this law and our work at NYFAC,” Colavito said via email. “It is critical to creating healthy, inclusive communities ... we are willing and eager to partner with the dedicated members of the NYPD to realize its goals of equity and respect.”

NYFAC is located at 164-14 Cross Bay Blvd. and can also be reached at nyfac.org.

Ngozeka Onwualu, a former correction officer and a secretary for the Rosedale Lions Club, which held a virtual autism symposium last month, said that she fully supports the initiative and that all law enforcement agencies serving the greater New York City area, the state and country should be required to receive ASD training to have better interactions with this population.

“I think it is wonderful,” Onwualu told the Chronicle. “We should all be trained to deal with this particular group. People with autism are beautiful and we have to be more tolerable. This makes sense to roll out and we need to be more sensitive and empower ourselves to be more amicable to this popu-

lation. I’m all for it.”

Onwualu plans to arm all members of the Rosedale Lions Club and her community with the same knowledge so that they too can have positive interactions with people with ASD.

Esti Perl, an intake coordinator and parent advocate at Achievement Behavior Care, an organization that provides therapies for people with ASD and similar syndromes, said that the step the city is taking is necessary to help those on the spectrum.

“Oftentimes, officers can take a specific individual’s behavior as flouting the law or noncompliance,” said Perl, who has a nonverbal child on the spectrum. “People on the spectrum have difficulty regulating their response. The officers need to understand that they need to interact with them on another level and give them space and understand that they have sensory processing disorders.”

Training to interact with people on the spectrum is a vital component of proper law enforcement, Perl added.

Achievement Behavior Care is located at 69-30 Groton St. in Forest Hills and can also be reached at info.abcachieve.com.

Sherry Algredo, the chairwoman of Community Board 9 and the mother of son with ASD, said the measure is a step in the right direction.

“I think it is amazing and it means that people are paying attention to people with special needs,” Algredo told the Queens Chronicle. “We are moving in the right direction where

people are actually thinking about the growing number of special needs people in our community on a daily basis.”

Algredo’s son, 19, is low functioning and because he is no longer a minor she had to get guardianship of him.

“He has autism on a high level,” Algredo said. “It took me eight months to get guardianship of him. He turned 18 on Jan. 11 last year and I didn’t get guardianship until Feb. 8.”

That nearly monthlong gap between her son being considered an adult and her getting guardianship left her terrified.

“I was scared about something happening with the cops because I would not be able to advocate for my son,” she said.

Algredo is happy to learn that officers will have to be trained to identify and interact with people with ASD, but she believes more needs to be done in terms of accommodating individuals like her son on a day-to-day basis.

“While I applaud this bill, this is not enough,” the chairwoman said. “We have written a letter from our community board to the mayor asking him to sign a law that was passed two years ago for cameras on yellow school buses ... The mayor has to make a decision, especially on the mini-school buses that carry special needs kids. The governor signed the bill, but it is up to different mayors to sign on to put up the funding.”

Local Law 10, which would affix cameras to school buses and result in fines for drivers who speed past them when a stop arm is out, was adopted as a City Charter rule on Jan. 9, 2022, but was returned unsigned the following day by the Mayor’s Office, according to council.nyc.gov.

The Mayor’s Office was not available to respond about Local Law 10. Q

After Meng’s urging, USPS agrees to changes, but relay boxes untouched Security upgrades for mailboxes to come

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

After much urging from Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), the United States Postal Service is making more improvements to mailboxes in order to curb mail theft.

The USPS announced last Thursday that in addition to installing 12,000 new, more secure collection boxes nationwide, 49,000 mailboxes will be retrofitted with electronic locks, among other changes.

The congresswoman applauded the move and thanked the USPS for its efforts in a statement. “The spike in mail theft has impacted too many people in our borough and across the country and it’s time for the Postal Service to crack down harder on this despicable crime,” she said. “I will be watching and monitoring these improvements rolled out by the Postal Service, and hope that they will swiftly lead to improved security of our country’s mail.”

Meng has called for mailboxes to be made

more secure for several years now, and in 2018 helped get the USPS to alter them so that they have slots rather than pull open, in order to make mail fishing more difficult.

Thefts increased in Queens again last year, particularly in the green relay boxes used to store mail between carriers’ shifts; they require keys to open. In response, Meng encouraged the USPS to step up security on those, too.

But the changes announced last week do not address relay boxes, only blue mailboxes.

Asked what is being done to address relay boxes in particular, a USPS spokesperson simply said that mail does not stay in them overnight, and that they are “not public.”

In previous reports by the Chronicle, officials — Meng included — had said master keys to relay boxes had been stolen.

While the 49,000 getting electronic locks will have those instead of arrow or modified arrow locks — some of which the USPS said have already been installed in some cities —

the agency was less specific about what was more secure about the 12,000 new boxes.

Though a spokesperson said they are “hardened,” he did not elaborate on what that entails, citing security concerns. Those boxes are being rolled out in high-risk areas through the next fiscal year, the USPS said. Q

Woodhaven vets mark Memorial Day

Woodhaven American Legion Post 118 will pay tribute to those fallen in service to the country at its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

The post is located at 89-02 91 St. All are invited to attend.

Services will include the presentation of the colors by the Franklin K. Lane High School Junior ROTC Cadet Honor Guard. Q

Sherry Algredo, chairwoman of Community Board 9, has a son with autism.

PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE

The USPS has committed to making security upgrades to some mailboxes across the country. PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY / FILE

In budget, reproductive healthcare protected

Rozic, Gonzalez, James celebrate victories at Planned Parenthood LIC

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

Standing outside Planned Parenthood’s Long Island City location, New York Attorney General Tish James, state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Long Island City), Assemblymember Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) and advocacy groups last Thursday celebrated several legislative victories regarding reproductive rights in the state’s recently passed budget agreement.

The budget provisions come less than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that protected the right to choose an abortion for nearly 50 years.

Though New York state enshrined that right in its constitution in 2019, that has not stopped lawmakers from introducing and passing addition legislation to solidify it and make reproductive healthcare more widely accessible.

As part of S4007C/A3007C, the Health and Mental Hygiene portion of the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget, Gonzalez and Rozic worked with reproductive rights organizations to include measures that would safeguard abortion access and healthcare privacy.

Those measures include a prohibition on

law enforcement from buying or obtaining electronic health information without a warrant. Rozic spoke to that point last Thursday.

“Like tens of millions of Americans, I’ve used apps to help manage my reproductive health,” she said in a statement. “It’s unconscionable that information could be sold to

the highest bidder or weaponized against us.

“Everyone should have the ability to access the abortion care they need without additional fear or concern about the protection of their personal reproductive health data.”

The legislation also bans electronic communications companies from assisting out-

of-state law enforcement with warrants related to reproductive healthcare in New York; Gonzalez applauded that.

“Someone coming to New York to receive needed reproductive health care should never have to worry that their information will be used to criminalize them in their home state,” she said in a statement. “This legislation provides critical privacy protections so that everyone can access the abortion care that they need without the fear that their information will be used against them.”

A third measure outlaws geofencing — virtual geographic boundaries used to market to individuals in a specific area — around healthcare facilities for the purpose of advertising, creating a consumer profile or interfering with the medical treatment of a patient at the site.

James praised the legislation.

“With ever increasing efforts to strip away abortion protections and bodily autonomy, it is vital that New York state step up to protect these basic rights,” she said in a statement.

“The actions we take in New York will serve as a shield for millions of Americans, and will hopefully inspire other states to step up and fight back against efforts to ban abortion and violate individuals’ privacy.” Q

Attorney General Tish James, left, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, at mic, Assemblymember Nily Rozic, right, and advocates applauded the state budget’s inclusion of protections for reproductive healthcare. PHOTO COURTESY NYS SENATE

Feces in weed from unlicensed vendors

Carcinogens and roach spray were also found in contraband: sheriff, senator

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Carcinogens, feces and roach spray — those were just a few of the things that cannabis from unlicensed vendors either had in it or was exposed to, according to elected officials and members of law enforcement who were at a town hall at PS 270 in Rosedale last week to discuss the proliferation of illegal smoke shops near churches and schools in Southeast Queens.

State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said the previous governor, Andrew Cuomo, was to blame for the illegal cannabis market.

“Most of the products that these people are selling in these illegal shops are not graded by any scientific agencies,” Comrie said. “A lot of them were found to have feces in it and other products in it that are not safe ... I’m surprised of the demand for them, frankly.”

Carcinogens were found in some of the products, said the senator.

Roach spray too, said New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda.

“People, be cognizant that there are serious health risks in this unregulated market,” said Miranda.

The May 11 community forum was led by City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton).

“There has been a major increase of these shops in our neighborhoods,” said Brooks-Powers. “It is not legal to sell marijuana in New York City without a license. It is not legal to sell flavored e-cigarette products and it is not legal to sell tobacco and marijuana products to minors, and yet, hundreds, if not thousands, are doing exactly that throughout the city.”

E-cigarettes, also known as “e-cigs,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “vape pens,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” contain upwards of 20 times the nicotine of regular cigarettes and can be harmful to the adolescent brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Withdrawal symptoms from vapes include irritability, restlessness, anxiety or depression.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said the unlicensed vendors are deliberately scheming to attract young customers to their stores.

“In January, the Council held a joint hearing about the proliferation of illegal smoke shops in New York City and we learned about the numerous reports of brazen advertisements and aggressive marketing tactics to promote the sale of cannabis products to our children.”

Colorful signage, flashing neon lights, gummy bears, lollipops and various other candy-coated items are just a few of the ways that the vendors were luring children to their stores, the speaker said.

— Shanon LaCorte, director, Crime Strategies & Intelligence Unit, Queens District Attorney’s Office

“There is a profound of feeling of helplessness when it comes to laws that have been passed at the state level,” which are supposed to provide regulation, said Adams. “But we know that the proliferation just continues. They don’t just continue, but are very, very active ... across from our schools and churches ... We got to figure this out.”

the Tax Department — now they will have the ability as peace officers, not to carry guns but to go into those smoke shops and seize cannabis and fine individuals, depending on how much they take, up to $50,000 to $75,000.”

One shop used a workaround by opening up near a karate school in Springfield Gardens, said Hyndman.

It is illegal for a marijuana shop to be 200 feet near a church and 500 feet near a school.

“They are trying to lure our children into those shops,” said the assemblywoman. “Most of the owners do not look like people in this room.”

Shanon LaCorte, the director of the Crime Strategies & Intelligence Unit at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, said that his division is using similar tactics to getting ghost guns off the street when it comes to cannabis seizures.

“We have and we can put the landlords on notice,” the director said. “If they don’t evict their tenants ... within five days, then we as the district attorney can initiate the eviction proceedings ourselves.”

LaCorte said that letters were sent to 310 suspected illegal smoke shops to put them on notice.

Kevin Williams, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South, gave props to Miranda for his work with the 100th, 101st and 105th precincts to seize marijuana from unlicensed cannabis vendors.

In March, he helped the 105th Precinct seize 397 THC vapes, 2,108 packages of THC “flower” — marijuana buds — weighing a total of 51 pounds and 290 THC edible products weighing 28.5 pounds.

“The estimated value of items seized [from Jan. 1 to May 11, citywide] is over $13 million,” said Miranda.

Brooks-Powers said the products are a danger to kids.

“No child should be able to buy cigarettes or cannabis at your corner store,” she said. “Moreover, vapes have only been around for a few years and we have no idea what kind of impact they have on our kids.”

One purpose for legalizing cannabis was to give people in the state who were unjustly arrested solely for marijuana offenses a seat at the table as the industry became legitimate and the ability to earn an income, according to Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens). However, the unlicensed vendors have gone under the radar.

“In our state budget, we were really able to pass measures to really get at those smoke shops,” Hyndman said. “By strengthening

OP stabbing now a homicide

The charges in a January 2022 stabbing have been upped to homicide after the victim succumbed to his injuries last week.

On Jan. 2, 2022, 36-year-old Richard Washington of Brooklyn was waiting on the Manhattan-bound A-train platform at the Rockaway Boulevard Station in Ozone Park when Brian Moolenaar, 64, of Rockaway, approached from behind and stabbed him twice in the neck, said police.

Moolenaar was arrested that month and charged with attempted murder and assault.

Police announced this week that Washington died last Friday as a result of the inju-

ries he sustained. The investigation remains ongoing, police added.

The Daily News reported that the assault left Washington paralyzed, and that he died from an infection linked to the wounds.

Washington was headed from the Far Rockaway homeless shelter he was staying in to watch football with his family that Sunday back in 2022, the outlet also reported, when Moolenaar, unprovoked and without speaking any words, attacked Washington, who was the father of a 14-year-old.

Moolenaar is expected in court in June. Q

Deirdre Bardolf

“We are combing social media, talking to members of the community and working with law enforcement partners on a daily basis ... so that we can identify emerging illegal cannabis shops and trucks,” said LaCorte. Two weeks ago, a bust was made in Astoria of two illegal mobile cannabis trucks.

Other problems include storefronts near schools that are advertised as delis, LaCorte said. One “deli” in South Ozone Park had 30 pounds of cannabis and six pounds of mushrooms.

Sex badge

The Sheriff’s Office is working with all elected officials, all district attorney offices, the city Department of Buildings and other municipal agencies to take down illegal vendors, Miranda said.

“Many of these packages are counterfeit, so you are not getting what you are paying for,” said the sheriff. “Parents who have children who are sick, we are not interested in your children or arresting them, but we are interested in gaining the intelligence of ... where they purchased the products.” Q

A former police officer from upstate New York will be sentenced Wednesday for providing protection to members of a prostitution ring who were sex trafficking women from Queens to Brewster, a village in Putnam County.

Wayne Peiffer pleaded guilty, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

In exchange for his protection, the former cop received free sexual services, according to the press release.

Peiffer could face 30 to 37 months in prison, according to a U.S. attorney spokesman.

“The judge could also sentence him higher or lower than that range,” said the spokesman.

— Naeisha Rose

Sheriff Anthony Miranda, left, Councilwomen Adrienne Adams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman.

PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE

“We can put the landlords on notice.”

MediSys agrees to new resident contract

Early career doctors were prepared to strike at Jamaica and Flushing hospitals

by Naeisha Rose

Associate Editor

A crisis was avoided as nearly 300 medical residents within the MediSys Health Network (Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers) reached a tentative agreement with their employer on Monday, which is when they intended to strike.

Ninety-three percent of MediSys’ 307 residents (185 from JHMC and 122 from FHMC) voted to strike on April 26.

Michael Hinck, the spokesman for JHMC, said that reaching a resolution without a work stoppage taking place is a great step forward in the network’s continued focus on patient care.

“A strike has been averted,” Hinck told the Chronicle via email. “As a network that has successfully graduated thousands of residents and fellows, many of whom have gone on to hold prestigious positions across the nation, we understand and value the important role they play in our organization and the future of healthcare.”

According to the Committee of Interns and Residents, the largest union to represent medical interns, fellows and residents in the country, the latter were prepared to strike on May 15 over wages, a lack of time spent to properly examine patients due to large case loads and excessive time spent on out-of-title work.

throughout the medical network, according to the CIR. Hazard pay was not previously guaranteed in other contracts, but the early-career doctors believe they should be compensated during a pandemic or public health emergency.

The ACGME requirement addresses patient load, which residents felt was essential because with fewer patients to manage they will be able to spend more time with the people in their care and assess them better. The limit to out-oftitle work also meant young physicians would be able to spend more time focusing on the health of their patients.

“CIR resident physicians are glad to have come to an agreement with MediSys that helps to ensure their well-being and implement processes that improve patient care and safety,” said Sunyata Altenor, a CIR spokeswoman, via email. “Moving forward they hope to be able to continue providing the world class care that Queens patients deserve.”

Councilwoman Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) was pleased by the news.

— Michael Hinck, spokesman, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

“I’m happy to hear that physicians at Flushing and Jamaica hospitals have reached a tentative contract agreement to prevent what would have been a devastating strike, both for our healthcare professionals and the health of our community,” she posted on Twitter.

The new contract between MediSys and the residents includes an 18 percent salary increase over the next three years, additional pay for extra shifts, hazard pay, enforcement of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements and limits to out-oftitle work.

Additional pay was one of the hardline issues because residents have been filling in for other hospital staff doing out-of-title work

A spokesperson for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) told the Chronicle via email that frontline workers deserve a fair contract with strong protections.

“Speaker Adams is heartened that the Committee of Interns and Residents reached a tentative agreement with MediSys that will benefit resident physicians and patients alike,” said the spokesperson. “Queens residents who are served by Jamaica and Flushing hospitals will continue to be treated with great care.” Q

E-waste recycling in MidVille

The office of Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) and the Lower East Side Ecology Center will host a free e-waste recycling collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at Juniper Park in Middle Village.

The drop-off will be located on 80th Street between Juniper Boulevard South and Juniper Boulevard North.

It will take place rain or shine. Participants do not have to live in the district.

Holden’s office reminds residents that it now is illegal in New York City for residents to discard electronics in regular

trash collections. Violations can be punishable by fines.

The drive will accept both working and nonworking computers, monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, cables, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, phones, audio/visual equipment, cell phones and PDAs.

Additional sponsors for the drop-off include Con Edison, the Department of Sanitation and the City Council.

Anyone seeking further information is invited to call (212) 477-4022 or go online to leseconogycenter.org. Q

“A strike has been averted.”

$725K saltmarsh wetlands revitalization project completed May 11: Parks Hook Creek Park in Rosedale restored

by Naeisha Rose

Associate Editor

The National Audubon Society, community leaders and the city Departments of Environmental Protection and Parks celebrated the completion of a $725,000 restoration project at Hook Creek Park in Rosedale, last Thursday.

Together, members of the NAS, a nonprofit environmental group dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats, representatives of the city agencies, the Office of the Borough President, the office of Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) and Community Board 13, along with Barbara Brown, president of the Eastern Queens Alliance, a federation of civic organizations, joined forces to replenish sand, install temporary guards and add plants to Hook Creek Park.

The goal of the project was to preserve the saltmarsh from sea level rise and provide a new habitat for breeding birds. Equipment that shot sand into the wetlands from the nonmarsh surface was used, followed by a search for vegetation to sow in the area, according to the Parks Department. Funds from the NYS Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program ($500,000), the DEP ($125,000) and Audubon New York ($100,000) were what made the restoration mission venture possible.

Designing the wetlands restoration, located at Huxley Street and Craft Avenue, started in 2018. Construction on the project commenced in December 2022.

Similar wetlands restoration projects are underway at Alley Pond Park in Oakland Gardens and at Sunset Park in Broad Channel.

SPORTS EAT

Need more than one star

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The fact that we are talking about the New York Knickerbockers in mid-May shows considerable progress over past seasons. The Knicks’ season ended Friday night in South Florida after they were beaten in six games by the Miami Heat in the second round of the NBA playoffs. While the 2022-23 NBA season was their best in years, no one should delude themselves into believing the Knicks are an elite team ready to take the next step toward an NBA championship, which has eluded the club for 50 years. The Knicks could just as easily regress next season if their personnel does not improve.

The key reason Knicks fans were able to enjoy this season was the play of point guard Jalen Brunson, who signed as a free agent over the summer after starting his career with the Dallas Mavericks. Mavs owner Mark Cuban has admitted regrets about not re-signing him many times during the past year.

Brunson was a tour de force in the Knicks’ opening round playoff win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and nearly won the second round single-handedly. Unfortunately, he got little help from the rest of his teammates, most notably RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. In contrast, Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler had a fine supporting cast led by Gabe Vincent and Kevin Love.

The Brooklyn Nets have far bigger troubles

Bthan their neighboring rivals. Their shortsighted attempt to build a champion by signing free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and trading a lot of assets for James Harden, without considering personality and team chemistry issues, blew up in their faces.

At least they received a legitimate NBA star in Mikal Bridges in the big February trade with the Phoenix Suns that sent Durant to the Sonoran Desert. The Nets did make the playoffs, but Bridges got even less help from his teammates than Brunson got from his.

Although it wasn’t exactly Durant and Irving, the Nets were hoping Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie, who was acquired from the Mavericks in the Irving trade and was a popular player fo r Brooklyn in a prior stint with the Nets, would be a formidable duo come playoff time.

Bridges upheld his end, but Dinwiddie, who has always been a media favorite because of his affability and accessibility, was a disappointment, as were most of his teammates in the sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Before the start of the series, Dinwiddie was asked about the conventional wisdom the Nets had no chance. “Well, they do have the MVP,” he responded, referring to Sixers center Joel Embiid. Dinwiddie did not offer any optimism. That is inexcusable. Q

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

Additional phases of work are coming to Rockaway Community Park in Edgemere, Idlewild Park in Jamaica, Vernam Barbadoes Peninsula Preserve in Far Rockaway, Hamilton Beach Park in Howard Beach, Powell’s Cove Park in Whitestone and Spring Creek in Brooklyn.

Sue Donoghue, Parks commissioner, said wetlands are of vital importance to the city, and their protection is a crucial part of efforts to make New York resilient to climate change.

“Through this important work, the wetlands in Hook Creek Park have been thoughtfully restored to preserve the saltmarsh for the benefit of Southeast Queens for decades to come,” Donoghue said in a statement.

Rohit Aggarwala, the city’s chief climate officer and DEP commissioner, thanked Parks for its robust public engagement initiative to

get New Yorkers to join the effort to renew coastal wetlands.

“Protecting and expanding the salt marshes and wetlands that surround New York City are critical to our efforts to protect the five boroughs from rising sea levels as well as improving the health of our waterways,” Aggarwala said in a statement.

Phoebe Clark, senior manager of coastal resilience for Audubon New York, said there was a rapid declining of the saltmarsh sparrow because of sea level rise and she hopes the work done at Hook Creek Park will make it a valuable nesting habitat.

“Healthy salt marshes can protect our communities from storm impacts, improve air and water quality, and reduce flooding,” Clark added in a statement. “It is essential that we build resilience across key coastal areas.” Q

Wallpaper union posts open

Don’t be a wallflower — if you want to get an apprenticeship to become a union paperhanger, you have to act when the Finishing Trades Institute of New York holds a recruitment drive next month.

The FTI seeks to recruit 50 apprentices from June 16 to 29, the state Department of Labor said Tuesday. Applications may be obtained, in person only, from the FTI at 45-15 36 St. in Long Island City, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, during the recruitment period.

Only 500 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 500 applications have been issued, whichever comes first.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma, know English, pass a drug test and meet the physical requirements of the job.

For more information, one may contact the FTI at (718) 937-7440.

Further details about the recruitment, and others, may be found on the internet at dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. Q

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Members of the National Audubon Society and the city’s Departments of Environmental Protection and Parks, along with community leaders, restored saltmarsh wetlands at Hook Creek Park in Rosedale on May 11. PHOTOS BY DANIEL AVILA / NYC PARKS

by Michael Gannon

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria always makes a splash with its annual “See It Big” film series.

And there’s no way to make it any bigger than this year’s lineup dedicated to summer blockbusters, dating back to when they were invented in the 1970s.

nal “Star Wars” trilogy (1977-83) and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) headline the A-list offerings.

Edo Choi, MoMI’s associate curator of film, programmed the series alongside Curator of Film Eric Hynes and co-editors Michael Koresky and Jeff Reichert of MoMI’s “Reverse Shot” magazine

“We researched the summer movies from each year going back to the 1973 release of “American

Choi said “American Graffiti” was not available because the studio is planning a theatrical release around the film’s 50th anniversary. But he did receive a nice consolation prize

“I’m particularly excited that we managed to arrange the loan of a 35mm print of Brian De Palma’s “Blow Out” (1981),” he said. “The digital format (DCP) has more commonly circulated in recent

The promo on the museum’s website, movingimage.us, says it all:

“Kick back in the air conditioning and enjoy these summer movies the way they were meant to be seen.”

The series began May 5. “Jaws” (1975), the origi-

Graffiti” which we judged to be the historical, as opposed to the mythic (“Jaws”), beginning of the summer movie phenomenon,” Choi told the Chronicle in an email. “We then tried to achieve a selection that had a good mix of mainstream blockbusters, genre films and arthouse hits.”

years and this is certainly one to ‘See Big.’”

Movies remaining on the schedule include:

• “The Omen” on May 21 at 5 p.m.

• “Star Wars” on May 26 at 3 p.m.; July 9 at 12:30 p.m.; July 8 at 1 p.m.; and May 27 at 3 p.m.; continued on page 23

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I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Before Henry Hill, Dietl busted South Richmond Hill

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Franz “Frank” Xavier Dietl was born in Vilseck, Germany, on Aug. 7, 1909. He immigrated to America in 1923 and married Sarah “Sally” Timpanaro in August 1935. Frank Jr. was born 1937, Grace Carole in 1944, Alan in 1949 and their last child, Richard, on Dec. 4, 1950. After working and saving their money as building superintendents they bought a home at 97-16 124 St. in South Richmond Hill.

Upon graduation from Richmond Hill High School, Richard was appointed probationary New York City officer in June 1969, while still 18 years old. Known as Bo, he found love and married Regina Zelanko in 1973. He advanced himself to the rank of detective, making over 1,400 felony arrests and garnering a collection of 62 NYPD award medals. With on-duty service injuries, he was allowed to retire in 1985. He still wanted to continue to do more and help the city by running for political office.

He started his own security business. He became an expert consultant in making authentic police movies and TV shows, had

a memorable cameo role in “GoodFellas” arresting Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill and appeared in other Martin Scorcese films. Admired and loved by many fans, Dietl is now the host of “One Tough Postcast.” Q

The childhood home of former NYPD Detective and media personality Richard “Bo” Dietl at 97-16 124 St. in South Richmond Hill, as it looked around 1950. INSET VIA TWITTER / BODIETL

Complexities mark ‘Muses,’ a theater’s first show

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

The newly renamed Court Square Theater in Long Island City welcomed its inaugural attraction this past week, the world premiere of a new play that calls into focus several issues that seem more relevant than ever.

“Muses,” by Julia Rae Maldonado, explores the complicated and sometimes compromising relationship between a painter and her subject, raising questions about the connection between the artist’s estranged husband and the teenaged girl who comes to sit for her portrait.

On her Facebook page, Maldonado states, “There is a long history of revered male artists objectifying and ‘musifying’ real women and girls who never had an opportunity to tell their own stories.

“We are now at a crossroads: women and other historically marginalized groups have more opportunity than ever before to speak up and create art. It is critical that we do so now while we can.”

Echoing those words, the play indirectly asks the question, “What’s the cost of speaking up?”

The recent E. Jean Carroll court case springs easily to mind.

The play also tackles various other issues, including those of the moral, social and vengeful kinds.

Interestingly, the play was developed at the Writing Room of Theatre East, a company co-founded in 2008 by Judson Jones, who directed the production.

Much as artists’ muses are at the center of the play, Maldonado has said that her own “creative spirit has been energized by working in the company’s Writing Room,”

where playwrights and other professionals collaborate and offer insights and suggestions.

The lights come up on a simple set, an artist’s studio. A young woman — very young, 16 in fact — is center stage and addresses the audience directly. We learn that Grace (Thammie Quach) is a high school student whose mother wants her to apply herself more. All she wants is to “find a way out of here.”

Before

According to promos for the play, “The two unearth cataclysmic revelations that ignite the world around them. The universe shakes.”

While that might be somewhat hyperbolic, throughout the 90-minute playing time, we learn more and more about the intricate relationships of the play’s four characters, which also include Emily’s husband, Sam (Joseph Dean Anderson), an aspiring writer from a wealthy family, and Sam’s sister, Kate (Lauren Sowa).

Under Jones’ steadfast direction, the play moves along almost cinematically, one scene blending seamlessly into the next. The lighting scheme devised by Zach Murphy adds to the ambiance.

The impact of the performance (seen via video of the final dress rehearsal) is felt most strongly in its latter stages, but all four actors remain committed throughout. Particularly affecting are Pisano’s monologue in which she reveals Emily’s experience as a teenager and an emotional scene between Quach and Anderson, as they re-enact an earlier encounter between Grace and Sam.

This production lives up to Theatre East’s motto, “complex stories, simply told.”

Because of the subject matter and use of some profanity, this production is not recommended for young audiences.

The Court Square Theater (44-02 23 St., LIC) is Theatre East’s new permanent home, its first in Queens, after years of presenting productions in Manhattan. It shares the space with the Astoria Performing Arts Center. Remaining performances are on May 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 and June 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 28 and June 3 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $35. For more, visit theatreeast.org Q

‘You’re gonna need a bigger screen ...’

continued from page 21

• “The Rescuers” (animated, 1977) on May 27 at 1 p.m.; May 28 at 12:30 p.m.; June 3 at 1 p.m. and June 4 at 1 p.m.;

• “Blow Out” on May 27 at 5:30 p.m. and June 4 at 5:30 p.m.;

• “Jaws” on May 20 at 1 p.m. and May 28 at 2:30 p.m.;

• ”Back to the Future” (1985) on June 9 at 7 p.m. and June 10 at 3 p.m.;

• “Beat Street” (1984) on June 18 at

Crossword Answers

3:30 p.m. and June 19 at 4 p.m.;

• “ET the Extra-Terrestrial on June 23 at 7 p.m.; July 1 at 3 p.m. and June 25 at 3 p.m.;

• “The Green Ray (Le Rayon Vert)” (subtitles, 1986) on June 24 at 3 p.m. and June 25 at 5:30 p.m.;

• “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” (animated, 1988) on July 1 at 12:45 p.m.; July 2 at 1 p.m. and July 7 at 3 p.m.;

• “An American Werewolf in London” (1981) on July 2 at 3:15 p.m. and July 7 at 7 p.m.;

• “The Empire Strikes Back” on July 8 at 3:30 p.m. and July 9 at 3 p.m.;

• “Return of the Jedi” on July 8 at 6 p.m. and July 9 at 5:30 p.m.’

• “Purple Rain” (1984) on July 14 at 7 p.m. and July 15 at 5 p.m.;

• “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) on July 15 at 1 p.m.; July 21 at 3 p.m.; and July 16 at 1 p.m.;

• “Fast Times at Ridgemont High“ (1982) on July 15 at 3 p.m. and July 16 at 5:30 p.m.;

• “Do the Right Thing” (1989) on July 16 at 3 p.m. and July 23 at 3:15 p.m.;

• “Body Heat” (1981) on July 21 at 7

Capt. Quint and his passengers meet their adversary in “Jaws,” On the cover: Princess Leia’s diplomatic mission is about to come to an unpleasant end in “Star Wars.” But the scene began an amazing series of adventure movies, the first three of which will be featured at MoMI. PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES, ABOVE, AND, COVER, LUCASFILM

p.m. and July 22 at 3:30 p.m.;

• “La Bamba”(1987) on July 22 at 1 p.m.; July 23 at 1 p.m.; and July 28 at 3 p.m.; and

• “Chocolat” (1988) on July 22 at 6 p.m.

and July 23 at 5:45 p.m.

The museum is located at 36-01 35 Ave. in Astoria. Tickets are $15; $11 for seniors and students; and $9 for ages 3 to 7. MoMI members receive discounts. Q

long, Grace is joined by Emily (Lauren Pisano), the artist whose studio we’re in. Her career is about to take off.

Thammie Quach, left, Lauren Pisano and Joseph Dean Anderson in “Muses.”

PHOTO BY JAMES M. WILSON

The

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General Purpose

HEARING NOTICE

The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a virtual or hybrid public hearing on the following application on June 5th or June 6th, 2023: BSA Cal. Nos. 2022-93BZ & 2022-94-A Premises: 141-10 32nd Avenue, Queens - Block 4954, Lot (s) 24, 59 Variance (§72-21) to permit the development of a seven-story residential building with 32 dwellings units contrary to ZR Sections 23-142 (Floor area), 23-45 (front yard), 23-451 (planting), 23-471 - (yards), and 23-631 (height); Proposed development of a seven-story residential building not fronting on a mapped street contrary to General City Law §36. R5D zoning district. Applicant: Sheldon Lobel, P.C. An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing. Please see the Board’s Virtual Hearing Guides located at https://www1.nyc.gov/ site/bsa/public-hearings/public-hearings.page However, the Board may determine that it must conduct the public hearing as a “hybrid,” during which the Commissioners will meet in person at the Board’s office in Manhattan and also appear virtually on live-streamed YouTube and on an interactive Zoom Webinar. In the event of a “hybrid” hearing, applicants and the public may attend in person or participate remotely by calling into the Zoom Webinar and watching the YouTube livestream. The in-person portion of the hearing will take place at 22 Reade Street, 1st Floor, Spector Hall, New York, NY 10007. Anyone wishing to attend the hearing in person must present identification and go through a security checkpoint upon arrival into the building. Details for the hearing and whether it will be conducted as a hybrid will be posted on the Board’s website the Friday before the hearing. If the hearing is announced as a hybrid, in the interest of accommodating social distancing with limited seating capacity and to address ongoing health concerns, members of the public are strongly encouraged to participate in the hearing remotely. You may submit a written statement by using the “Public Comment form” on the Board’s website located at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/contact-bsa/public-comments.page For any communication, please include or refer to BSA Calendar Nos. 2022-93-BZ & 2022-94-A and the property address: 141-10 32nd Avenue, Queens - Block 4954, Lot (s) 24, 59.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No. 718890/2020 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CAPTION MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., Plaintiff, -against- ROSHNEE DHANRAJ, DANA DHANRAJ, AMAYA DHANRAJ, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT RAMESHWAR DHANRAJ, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (QUEENS), MADISON RESOURCES, LTD., MORTGAGE ELECTRONICS REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR U.S. BANK N.A., NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, SAMIL PERSAUD, ALANA JAIKRAN, SHAWNDELL RIVERS, CHANTELL JOHNSON, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: Unknown Heirs, Dana Dhanraj, and Amaya Dhanraj: This Notice is to inform you that you have been substituted as party Defendants into a foreclosure action, in place of the Decedent Rameshwar Dhanraj, and that the Caption has been amended to reflect this change. You are not required to serve an answer as the Decedent has already defaulted, and any answer served will be rejected as precluded by law. No action is necessary on your part. The sole purpose of this Notice is to inform you that the caption has been amended to include your name(s) as a matter of law, and that you may be given additional notice of further developments in this case, as required by law. Plaintiff is not seeking a deficiency judgment against you. You are merely being named by virtue of being possible heirs to the Decedent, and as such are entitled to notice of these proceedings. These proceedings concern ONLY the Property known as: 116-17 139TH ST, QUEENS, NY 11436, KNUCKLES, KOMOSINSKI & MANFRO, LLP. By: ALEX ZAMENHOF ALEX ZAMENHOF, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Real Estate

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

The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Apts.For Rent

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

North Flushing, 1 BR, $1,300/mo. Call 929-510-4660

Furn.Rm.For Rent

Howard Beach Furnished Room for rent: $250 per weekw/pvt bathroom. Males only. Gas and electric, Wi-Fi all included. Close to shopping, trans & JFK airport. Contact 347-447-1336. Call or text.

Open House

Howard Beach/Lindenwood. Sat 5/20, 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 $978,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Lindenwood/ Fairfield Arms, Sun 5/21, 11am-1pm, 151-20 88 St. (HighRise). Agent Pam will be on the lobby. Unit 4C-Lg 2 BR, 2 baths.

Reduced $225K. Unit 2D, 2 BRs converted to 3 BRs, 2 full baths. Reduced $219K. Unit 5D, 2 BR, 2 baths, needs TLC, 5th fl. Reduced $225K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Wantagh, Sat 5/20, 12pm-3pm, 969 Douglas Ave. Expanded Ranch, corner lot, 67’x100’. Move-in-cond, 3 BR, 2 1/2 baths, HW fls, att gar, CAC central vac.

Reduced $709K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Office For Rent

Howard Beach, small office for rent. $800/mo. Call Owner Vito, 718-738-2300

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

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 floors of living space, 3 decks, hot tub, pool.

PRICE REDUCED $599,000

Please contact 917-972-8178

OLD BETHPAGE

Multi-Generational 3,400 sf Hi-Ranch, Legal Mother/ Daughter w/permits. 5 BRs, 3 ½ baths, 2 kitchens, 2 laundry areas, ductless A/C. Mother-in-Law Suite on ground floor w/side entrance. Completely Renov on 10,000 sf park-like property. Excellent schools. Near all major hwys & LIRR. Must see this beautiful family home!

Go to: One KeyMLS.com & enter MLSID 3463624 for photos. Contact Real Estate Agent @ 516-808-1424

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 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 of QUEENS PRO EDITING LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/04/2023. 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: ARMAND RUCI, 2045 GATES AVE 2L, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

We Court Your Legal Advertising.

For Legal Notice

Rates & Information, Call 718-205-8000

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS INDEX #711756/2022 Original fi led with Clerk 4/27/2023 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Queens County Premises: 15135 84th Street, Unit 3M, Howard Beach, NY 11414 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff, -against- MARYANN MORAN, if living, and if he/ she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally 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; THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BUILDERS APARTMENT CORPORATION CONDOMINIUM, 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; THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE HERITAGE SOUTH CONDOMINIUM; MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fi ctitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being fi led pursuant to an Order of the Court dated April 14, 2023. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Tracy A. Catapano-Fox, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered April 19, 2023 and fi led with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Offi ce. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Offi ce of the City Register of the City of New York on October 21, 2005 at Instrument #2005000589292, covering premises k/a 151-35 84th Street, Unit 3M, Howard Beach, NY 11414 a/k/a Block 11431, Lot 4312. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.Dated: Uniondale, New York, April 26, 2023 Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: George J. Weissinger, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff. 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902 #100422

Notice of Formation of RICHMOND QNS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/24/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RICHMOND QNS LLC, 6237 ELLWELL CRESCENT, REGO PARK, NY 11374.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Take Taco Mexican Grill, LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/3/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Ching Wan Chan, 48-82 188th St., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of Zhengbo Huang Excelsior, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with NY Dept. of State: 11/14/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Zhengbo Huang, 40-28 College Point Blvd., Unit 1801, Flushing, NY 11354, principal business address.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 714704/2021 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Property: 34-21 100TH STREET CORONA, NY 11368 Block: 1734 Lot: 40 WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, Plaintiff, v. MANUEL PEREZ; ROSA ASITIMBAY; PEDRO CARDONA, 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; HSBC MORTGAGE CORPORATION (USA); COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK SOCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY VIRTUE OF UNPAID TAXES OR LIENS OF PEDRO CARDONA; JUAN PEREZ AS “JOHN DOE #1”; MERCY PEREZ AS “JOHN DOE #2”; “JOHN DOE #3” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last ten names being fi ctitious and unknown to Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the Complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a defi ciency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. 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 $593,600.00 and interest, recorded on June 07, 2006, in Instrument Number 2006000315804, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 34-21 100TH STREET, CORONA, NY 11368. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who 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: May 9, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC By: Ankit Mehta, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590 Tel: (516) 280-7675 Fax: (516) 280-7674

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

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

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

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

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. 21, 17-21 – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

MW but less than 50 MW

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

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

Customers with fully automatic switchover equipment

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

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. 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. 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. 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).

Affordable Housing for Rent

71-82 PARSONS BOULEVARD APARTMENTS

29 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 71-82 PARSONS BLVD, QUEENS, NY 11367 POMONOK

Amenities: Air conditioning, Dishwashers in unit, virtual doorman, split unit heating and cooling, high end countertops and finishes, high end kitchen appliances, energy efficient appliances, smoke free, accessible entrance, elevator, wired cable or satellite TV, on site resident manager, online payment options, high speed internet, green space, security cameras. storage ($200 monthly), bike storage ($25 monthly) lockers, covered parking ($350 monthly), electric car charging stations, 7th floor lounge, assigned parking spaces, shared laundry room ($3.50 per load). Amenity package (Fee of $360 annually) includes: 2nd floor business lounge, gym, outdoor terrace, rooftop terrace.

Transit: Trains: S, 4, 5, 6, 7, Bus: M42, ERS, M101, M102, M103, M4, M2, M1, M3, Q32, BxM8, BxM7, BxM10, BxM6, X28

No fee to apply

• No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building • More information:

This building is being constructed through the Privately Financed Affordable Senior Housing (PFASH) program and is anticipated to receive a tax exemption through the 421-a Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or households who meet the income and household size requirements listed in the table below may apply. Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional selection criteria. Applicants who live in New York City receive a general preference for apartments.

A percentage of units is set aside for:

o Mobility–disabled applicants (5%)

o Vision/Hearing–disabled applicants (2%) Preference for a percentage of units goes to:

o Residents of CB QUEENS 8 (50%)

o Municipal employees (5%)

4

5

1 Tenant responsible for electricity, which includes stove and heating. Hot water is included in the rent.

2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria.

- $156,130

$95,829 - $173,420

$95,829 - $187,330

3 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change.

4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply.

How Do You Apply?

Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed envelope to: 71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified.

When is the Deadline?

Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 3, 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

What Happens After You Submit an Application?

After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to submit documents to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Applicants are usually contacted from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to submit documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income.

Español Presente una solicitud en línea en https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ . Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: 71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 3 de julio

Polskie Aby złożyć wniosek online, przejdź na stronę https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ Aby uzyskać polskie tłumaczenie tego powiadomienia oraz wniosek w wersji wydrukowanej, wyślij kopertę z własnym adresem: 71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Wpisz słowo „POLISH” w j. angielskim na odwrocie koperty. Wnioski muszą posiadać stempel pocztowy lub zostać przesłane online nie później niż 3 lipiec 2023

Français Pour déposer votre demande en ligne, rendez-vous sur le site https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ . Pour recevoir une traduction en français de cet avis ainsi qu’un dossier de demande papier, envoyez une enveloppe libellée à votre nom et votre adresse à l’adresse suivante 71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220 Inscrivez le mot « FRENCH » au dos de lenveloppe Les demandes doivent être envoyées par la poste ou soumises en ligne au plus tard le 3 juillet 2023 le cachet de la poste faisant foi.

https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/

71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220 “KOREAN” 2023 7 3

Kreyòl Ayisyien Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ . Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: 71-82 Parsons Blvd C/O Reside New York, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat jiyè 3, 2023

BR is 16’x12’ perfect for any size furniture & has an ensuite bathroom. 2nd BR is large as well at 12’x10’. Home needs some TLC/Selling “as is”.

• Broad Channel • Large LR, EIK, HW fl oors, tiled fl oor, quartz countertops, offi ce or BR on 1st floor. Jacuzzi bath tub, new outside fencing, large screen house, deck & balcony off BR. Solar panels. Walk to park, schools