Valdez, Hooks, Kim win Dem primaries
Queens sees no huge upsets in run-up to general election Nov. 5
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Primary night produced few surprises among Queens Democrats on Tuesday night.
In perhaps the most-watched race, union organizer Claire Valdez won a three-candidate contest in the 37th Assembly District against incumbent Juan Ardila (D-Sunnyside) and partyendorsed Johanna Carmona, a staffer for former Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, who ran against Ardila two years ago. With more than 96 percent of the p olling places reporting, Valdez had nearly 58 percent of the vote to 31.9 percent for Carmona and 9.9 percent for Ardila. Valdez had maintained 55 to 57 percent of the vote from the first returns reported on the city Board of Elections website shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m. Ardila, in his first term, had been dogged for more than a year by allegations from two women that he sexually assaulted them at a party in 2015.
man Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona) who is retiring after 32 years.
Hooks, at 59 percent of the vote with 99 percent of the precincts reporting in, was the endorsed party candidate. She had 64 percent of the vote in the earliest returns, with Monserrate chipping away a little at a time.
In the 40th District, Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing), with 54 percent of the vote and 97 percent of the precincts counted, held off challenges from Yi Andy Chen (39.7) and Dao Yin (5.8).
In the 34th Assembly District, incumbent Jessica GonzálezRojas defeated challenger Richard Pacheco, a retired police officer and U.S. Marine, collecting more than 82 percent of the vote with 97 percent of the polling places counted.
of the precincts.
In the 35th District Assembly race, community activist Larinda Hooks defeated former councilman, former state senator and convicted felon Hiram Monserrate for the nomination in the race to replace Assembly-
In the only state Senate primary, incumbent Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn) defeated business consultant Gus Lambropoulos in the 59th District, which includes parts of Astoria and Long Island City. She had 85 percent of the vote with 97 percent of the precincts counted.
In the one Queens congressional race, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens) defeated Martin Dolan with 82 percent of the vote from 97 percent
In one key down-ticket race, partyendorsed Cassandra Johnson, with 54 percent of the vote, defeated Wendy Li for Queens Surrogate Court. Civil Court nominations went to Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar and Glenda Hernandez, with Julie Milner and Amish Doshi finishing third and fourth, respectively.
The general election is on Nov. 5 with all seats in the state Senate and Assembly up for election.
At the top of the ballot is the rematch from 2020 featuring President Biden an d former President and Queens native Donal d Trump. All seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, with Republicans holding a slim majority. So is Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), with her party holding a two-seat majority including independents who caucus with the Democrats; but also with retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) almost certain to be replaced by a Republican. Q
Don’t miss out on this fun experience! From hidden gems to baked goods, its a shopping experience like
Toys, antiques, clothing, accessories, tools, fine china, kitchen appliances and more! Bake sale and hot dogs available too! Friday, June 28th ........9:00 am-12:00 pm Saturday, June 29th ....9:00 am-3:00 pm
Larinda Hooks, left, in the 35th Assembly District, and Claire Valdez in the 37th won hotly contested Democratic primaries on Tuesday. COURTESY PHOTOS / FILE
Illicit pot shops closing in South Queens
Pols give credit to state legislation for the ability to ‘smoke them out’
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
The city Sheriff’s Office and NYPD are weeding out illegal pot shops all around the city, and especially in South Queens. Around Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Howard Beach and neighboring areas, the allegedly illicit smoke shops that sold cannabis are being padlocked thanks to a state law that allows municipal police departments, such as the NYPD, to take action. The city said over 100 shops in Queens specifically have been closed.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) and state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) brought the SMOKEOUT, or Stop Marijuana Over-proliferation and Keep Empty Operators of Unlicensed Transactions, Act to the state Legislature. Provisions of it were included in the state budget.
“From Day 1 of session I forged a diverse coalition of New Yorkers from all Five Boroughs and every walk of life to pass my SMOKEOUT Act in the State budget,” Rajkumar said in a statement. “After we empowered the City to close the illegal smoke shops, Mayor Adams and Sheriff Anthony Miranda have gotten to work. In a matter of weeks, they have padlocked over 400 shops, including 23 in my district. That is 400 fewer shops attracting armed robberies and selling to children; tons of unregulated cannabis off our
streets; and tens of millions of dollars in more tax revenue to invest in communities. This summer I will be joining Sheriff Miranda for more unlicensed cannabis shop raids, as we go full force smoking them out for good.”
According to the office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), 12 shops in her district were padlocked throughout May,
including five in Woodhaven and one in Howard Beach.
“My office has been working diligently to notify the Sheriff’s Office and the NYPD of all of the illegally operating smoke shops in the communities in District 32 since they started popping up,” Ariola said in a statement. “Thanks to legislation passed at the
state level by my colleagues in Albany, AM Jenifer Rajkumar and Senator Leroy Comrie, these illegal businesses can be padlocked by the authorities and shut down for good.”
The office of Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) told the Chronicle at least five illicit weed stores in the 11414 and 11417 ZIP codes have closed.
“The NYC Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD and the 106th Precinct have been incredible partners in making our community safer,” Pheffer Amato said in a statement. “The community has been calling to express their gratitude and it is clear that their work does not go unnoticed. All of us appreciate their partnership and fierce commitment to shutting down illegal cannabis stores!”
When speaking with the Chronicle, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said he’s glad to see the closures, and that his constituents have reacted positively to seeing the stores get padlocked.
“It does a couple of things,” he said. “One is that it shows that government on any level can really react to their constituents concerns. ... And two, hopefully we instill some faith in our people that yes, electeds do hear them and we get frustrated, too. But when we can, we can do something legislatively or administratively to improve the quality of life in our communities.” Q
After police fatally shot Ozone Park teen, his loved ones seek justice Rozario family files claim to sue city
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
The family of Win Rozario, the Ozone Park teen fatally shot by cops in March, announced Tuesday they are suing the city, according to multiple reports. The Daily News reported the family is asking for $30 million in damages.
Rozario, 19, called 911 on March 27 as he was experiencing a mental health crisis. Two officers from the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, Matthew Cianfrocco and Salvatore Alongi, responded to the call.
not let them back into their residence for two days following the shooting — not even to feed their cat or grab necessary medication.
“Win should be alive.”
Body camera footage released by the state Attorney General’s Office shows Rozario combing through a drawer before approaching the officers with scissors in hand. The officers Taze Rozario in front of his brother, Utsho Rozario, and mother, Notan Ava Costa, as they begged cops not to shoot. The encounter ends with Rozario fatally shot in his kitchen.
Afterward, the family alleged mistreatment by the NYPD. They claimed that police interrogated them after the incident and did
At a press conference Tuesday, the family announced they had met with representatives of the Attorney General’s Office and watched additional body camera footage not released to the public. Loyda Colon, the executive director of the Justice Committee, an organization dedicated to building a movement against police violence, alleged that an officer removed his body camera during the incident.
— Utsho Rozario
“One of the most disturbing things that we saw was that Officer Cianfrocco removed his body-worn camera. He just takes it off of his chest. He then just kind of walks around with it, and at a certain point he literally puts it down just like facing a wall,” Colon said, according to a report from AMNY. “It was when one of the officers was providing CPR that we are questioning.”
The family’s lawyer, Laura Droubi, said in a notice of intent to sue the city that the two
officers acted with “reckless disregard” during the incident, leading to Rozario’s death and endangering his mother and brother, according to a report by the Daily News.
The Attorney General’s Office is still investigating the fatal shooting. In May,
asked if he will take disciplinary action against the officers, Mayor Adams said, “The attorney general will make a determination and then the other part of the process will move forward.” He added that he reached out
Stores allegedly selling illicit, unregulated pot, like Buy Buy Exotics in Ozone Park, are actively being padlocked all around South Queens as a result of state legislation that passed in the budget during the previous session.
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Win Rozario, left, was fatally shot in March by officers at his home in Ozone Park. Weeks after body camera footage was released, right, the family revealed they are suing the city for $30 million in damages. FILE PHOTO, LEFT, AND SCREENSHOT COURTESY NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE / FILE
City announces its new math initiative
NYC Solves aims to quell fear of the subject, standardize how it is taught
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
In an effort to ensure students in New York City are meeting grade-level proficiency in mathematics, the city this week announced NYC Solves, its new math initiative.
NYC Solves, according to the city, “revolutionizes and standardizes how math is taught in schools through high-quality, researchbased curricula implemented across districts with intensive educator training and coaching.”
As part of the NYC Solves initiative, all high schools will adopt a curriculum called Illustrative Mathematics. Middle school districts will choose a comprehensive, evidence-based curricula from an approved list, the Department of Education explained on its website.
with what students already know, teachers invite all students to contribute to mathematical learning, centering student thinking, and being responsive as students develop conceptual understanding.”
“We’ve got to turn this around.”
—
Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti
According to illustrativemathematics.org, which the DOE linked to on its page explaining NYC Solves, the curriculum is problem-based, “built on the principle that all students are capable learners of grade-level mathematics. Students learn math by doing math. They are encouraged to use their current understanding of math, their lived experiences, and the world around them as resources for problem solving. By starting
At a press conference in the Bronx on Monday, Schools Chancellor David Banks said, “In 2023, half of our students in grades three through eight were not proficient in math. That was an improvement from the year before. Nearly 66 percent of Black students and approximately 64 percent of Latino students scored below proficiency. I don’t know about you, but I think that is wholly unacceptable.”
Banks added that 42 percent of students did not pass the Algebra I Regents exam by the end of the ninth grade last year.
“Many of the elementary school teachers have a liberal arts background,” said Christina Foti, the newly minted deputy chancellor for the just-announced Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning. “They were good in English and history, but not so good in the
math and the sciences. They have a fear that they then bring to the classroom. We’ve got to turn this around.”
All 11 high school superintendencies participated in the implementation of Illustrative Mathematics in the 2023-24 school year, according to the DOE.
This fall, 93 middle schools in eight districts and 420 high schools across the city will use the Illustrative Math curriculum, supported by intensive teacher coaching. By the end of the 2024-25 school year, the majority of high schools across all superintendencies will be using Illustrative Mathematics for Algebra 1. Banks said NYC Solves will take about three years to completely roll out.
In Queens, middle schools in District 26 will be among the first to participate in the initiative. The announcement of the new curriculum comes just over a year after the announcement of NYC Reads, the phonics-based literacy program implemented by the Adams administration and Banks, that requires elementary schools to choose from three pre-approved reading curricula.
“The equation is simple,” said Adams at the initiative’s announcement on Monday. “When you take good policy and multiply it by hard work, the net results will always be positive.”
Though the mayor and chancellor could not immediately say how much the initiative would cost at the press conference, the DOE later told the Chronicle it will add up to about $32 million over five years. Q
Lawmakers rally against library cuts
With final budget due June 30, pols aim to avoid more service reductions
by Sophie Krichevsky Editor
With less than a week left on the clock for the City Council and Mayor Adams to come to an agreement on the fiscal year 2025 budget, Councilmembers Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) and Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) braved the heat outside the Flushing Library Sunday as they joined Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott in rallying for cuts to the city’s three library systems to be restored in the final deal.
That funding would let most branches avoid cutting service down to five days a week, just months after the majority of them were forced to go from seven days to six. The Flushing branch, which had previously been open seven days a week, is one of two in the World’s Borough that would retain six-day service.
Walcott said it was “unacceptable” that the situation necessitates him and his colleagues “begging and asking for money that is rightfully for the people of this community.”
“We are the most trusted institution in the world, and as a result of that, we take that seriously — we are here for the public. If we were open today, this great library would have 3,000 people come through the doors right away to get our service,” he said Sunday. “Think about that — that’s how trusted the Queens Public
Library, the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library systems are.”
Lee, who said she missed church Sunday to attend the rally, led the crowd in cheers of “no more cuts!”
Ung agreed with her colleagues. “These budget cuts to libraries don’t just amount to a loss of service, it is a loss of opportunity and
support for countless New Yorkers,” she said. “Libraries are the last public institutions we should be asking to do more with less.” Ung also said she is “committed” to working with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) to reverse the cuts.
As Brooklyn lawmakers held a simultaneous rally outside the Walt Whitman Library in
Fort Greene Sunday, the speaker said in a statement that “the Council continues to fight for the restoration of funding” for libraries.
Though Mayor Adams reneged on some cuts to several departments, including sanitation and the NYPD, among others, when he announced his executive budget plan in late April, he has not budged when it comes to library funds.
Should that stand in the final plan, libraries across the three systems — the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Public Library — would lose a total of $58.3 million. The QPL specifically would lose $16.6 million in municipal funds, $12.2 million from the Adams administration and $4.4 million from the City Council, or over 12 percent of the system’s city funding.
Asked for the mayor’s comment on Sunday’s rally, City Hall spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said in a statement, “Our administration balanced the budget and strengthened the city’s recovery — without layoffs, tax hikes, or major service disruptions, and we have protected the city’s library systems from multiple rounds of budget reductions and invested $15 million in their teen centers that are now opening across the five boroughs.
“We will continue to work with our partners in the City Council to adopt a budget that meets our mutual priorities.” Q
Councilmembers Sandra Ung, at mic, Linda Lee, left, Tiffany Cabán and Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott, right, called on cuts to the city’s libraries to be restored in the final fiscal year 2025 budget. PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL
City Schools Chancellor David Banks, at mic, flanked by Mayor Adams, left and Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning Christina Foti, on Monday announced NYC Solves, the city’s new math initiative for middle and high schools. NYC DOE PHOTO / FLICKR
Bridge rebate to continue
With the suspension of congestion pricing, some residents may be concerned that the 100 percent rebate for Queens E-ZPass customers on the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge would be lost.
At a press conference in February when the rebate kicked off, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said it “could very easily be in jeopardy” should there be a recession or other fiscal issues. “But we will be ready,” he said. “We are going to be standing ready to make sure that this [rebate] is forever.”
In a press release Tuesday, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who alongside Addabbo secured $6 million in funding for the Cross Bay Bridge Reimbursement Program, assured residents they have nothing to worry about.
“I can confirm that our community, and the entire Borough of Queens, are not going to lose this long-deserved toll rebate,” Pheffer Amato said. “The rebate was not contingent on congestion pricing because through intense negotiations, the Senator and I obtained the needed funding to make sure this program continues.”
Q
— Kristen Guglielmo
Save rain, get barrel of perks
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. last week, in partnership with the city Department of Environmental Protection, gave 100 free 55-gallon plastic rain barrels to constituents.
The barrels attach to a rain gutter to store excess rainwater, which can later be used to complete tasks around the house and outdoors rather than using fresh water. The water collected in the barrels is not for drinking.
“Rain barrels are very useful tools that have a positive impact on residents,” Addabbo said in a statement. “Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only pre-
serve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills.”
On July 20, Addabbo and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi will distribute free rain barrels to their constituents at Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, at 91-30 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills.
Constituents must register in advance by calling Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111. Registrants will have to show photo ID to claim their barrel. Distribution will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Leftover barrels will be given on a first-come, first-served basis until 1 p.m.
Win Rozario
continued from page 4
to the Rozario family, but that they declined to speak with him. The family said Adams did not reach out.
Reports said the family did not speak to the press after the meeting with the AG’s Office due to overwhelming emotions, but in a written statement said they felt they had been treated like criminals by cops responding to the incident. Simran Thind, an organizer with Desis Rising Up & Moving, read a statement on behalf of Utsho Rozario.
“My brother’s birthday is coming up next week on July 4th and he should be here so we could celebrate his 20th birthday. It’s really hard to have to fight for my brother and it was painful to watch the video today because it feels really retraumatizing. .... What we need New Yorkers to understand is Win should be alive. And the NYPD treatment of me and my mother after he was murdered is unacceptable,” the statement said.
Cianfrocco and Alongi have been reassigned as the NYPD Force Investigation Unit looks into the case. As of publication time Wednesday, the NYPD had not released a statement following the family’s announcement. Policy states the agency does not comment on ongoing internal investigations. Q
EDITORIAL AGEP
We can’t lose a travel lane on Hillside Avenue to buses
Asked what he thinks of the plans for new dedicated bus lanes along Hillside Avenue, state Sen. Leroy Comrie cut right to the chase.
“The city seems determined to destroy our small businesses,” the veteran lawmaker told the Chronicle Tuesday. There are dozens of storefronts along the roadway, he noted, many of them unique operations offering wares and cuisine of various ethnic groups, and they cannot just be ignored.
Comrie has seen the damage the busway on Jamaica Avenue has done to what was long the commercial heart of Queens and he doesn’t want to see the same on Hillside. People must able to get to the shops and restaurants and they must be able to park when they get there, Comrie said.
Often the problem with new bus lanes is that they strip business corridors of parking. That’s not the case with the new plan for Hillside, however, because the city Department of Transportation already did that in a prior project. This plan, in fact, would restore parking for many blocks. But it would do it by removing a regular travel lane.
You think Hillside Avenue is congested now? Imagine how bad it would be going from two lanes in each direction to one. You’ll find out soon, unless the social engineers at
the DOT and MTA can somehow be thwarted. The agencies recently presented their plan to Community Board 12’s transit committee. Members said they should speak with businesses, which, to their credit, they said they will do. The Chronicle spoke with a handful this week, and most do not want new bus lanes. But we all know the DOT and MTA will do what they want. And what they want, beyond speeding up buses and reducing crashes, is to make drivers suffer.
As usual, the agencies have some statistics backing up the need to re-engineer Hillside. It’s “a Vision Zero corridor,” they say in their arcane government-activist speech, with people injured and killed in crashes there. That’s terrible, but of course they are: It’s a major roadway. Noting that people die in car wrecks while saying your vision is to have no one do so is not public policy; it’s just emotional manipulation.
What the agencies should do is remove the curbside bus lanes from Hillside and then ... just stop. Don’t move them, just remove them. Make the roadway normal again. Instead, they’re looking at a couple of options. One would move buses over to the center lane in each direction. Cars and trucks would be allowed in the left lane only, except of course when they’re crossing the bus lane to park. The other
option is even crazier. There’d be curbside parking and then a lane for cars and trucks. Next to that on one side would be a bus lane, but on the other side there’d be a “concrete bus boarding island.” Yes, you’d have bus stops in the middle of the street. That sounds pretty dangerous to us.
The DOT has shown contempt for drivers for years now. The recent repaving of Yellowstone Boulevard provides just one small example. At the corner of Burns Street, it painted heavy yellow lines on Yellowstone to prevent southbound through traffic from going around someone stopped to make a left. The result will be more congestion, more anger, more angst. Why do that? It was fine as it was. You see this everywhere now: usable pavement blocked off for no good reason. But when your goal is to frustrate drivers so much they decide the bus is a better choice, nothing is fine as it was. And speeding up that bus by just 0.5 mph is justified, regardless of the cost (and don’t you just love having one of those articulated buses whiz by you?) “I appreciate that they want to move traffic faster but I think they need to look at how they do these things,” Comrie said. “To have bus lanes that interrupt commerce at rush hour is a real problem.”
Join us in telling our elected officials to ditch this plan.
MARK WEIDLER
President & Publisher
SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders
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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
City of Yes is needed
Dear Editor:
I read your editorial on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity (“City of Yes rezone: too much,” June 13), and it couldn’t be more divorced from reality if it tried. I could go piecemeal through it, but I wanted to point out the most fundamental error: thinking that the Bloomberg rezonings were anything other than a failure.
We are now 20 years removed from many of the rezonings, long enough for their impact to be felt. And what are the results?
In spite of them spurring a building boom in places like Long Island City or Williamsburg, the strategy of upzoning industrial areas and downzoning low-density areas has led to a decades-low vacancy rate, skyrocketing home prices and rents, and middle-class families being forced to move out of the city. The failure is so apparent that even one of the chief architects of the strategy — Dan Doctoroff — has since expressed regrets over the Bloomberg administration’s strategy.
Contrary to what hucksters like Paul Graziano say, the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity still puts the majority of development in highdensity areas. But it also addresses the fact that low-density areas — which constitute 71 percent of city land — have not been asked to contribute in any way.
And it does so with the lightest of touches,
adding a modest amount of density where transit or services exist, or letting homeowners decide if they want some supplemental income from taking on a renter. Most low-density neighborhoods will barely be changed, and if they are, in ways that are hardly noticeable.
To get out of our housing crisis, we need to correct the failures of the Bloomberg-era rezonings. And we can’t do that if we say over twothirds of the city is off limits.
Geoffery Metz Kew Gardens
No City of Yes on our coast
Dear Editor:
The New Hamilton Beach Civic Association has written a letter expressing our strong opposition to the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative. While we understand and appreciate the need for increased housing opportunities in our city, we cannot support this
plan without addressing the critical issue of coastal flooding that our neighborhood, along with many others throughout New York City, has experienced and will continue to face.
The threat of coastal flooding is not a distant concern but a present reality. New York City’s low-lying areas are already exposed to coastal surge flooding by tropical storms and nor’easters. The devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy is a stark reminder of our vulnerability, and with climate change, the situation is only expected to worsen. Sea levels in New York City could rise between 8 inches and 30 inches by the 2050s, and as much as 15 inches to 75 inches by the end of the century. This puts over a million residents at risk, a number that could increase to 2.2 million as sea levels continue to rise.
In light of these facts, it is imperative that any new housing development within our coastal neighborhoods takes into account the increased risk of flooding. The potential human
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
and financial costs of ignoring these risks are too great. We have seen the damage and disruption caused by past flooding events, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not set ourselves up for greater losses in the future.
Roger Gendron
President, New Hamilton Beach Civic Association Hamilton Beach
I remember Willie Mays
Dear Editor:
Michael Gannon’s June 20 report “Mays began, ended storied career in NY” evoked powerful childhood memories. I saw Willie Mays play at the Polo Grounds during the early 1950s when I was in junior high school. His skills, speed and power blew me away. He was a real-life version of Roy Hobbs, the epic player portrayed by Robert Redford in the 1984 film “The Natural.”
Mays played in an era when Major League Baseball was truly a field of dreams, not yet corrupted by performanceenhancing drugs, analytics and free agents. Like many players of his generation, he spent most of his career with one team, the New York Giants (who later moved to San Francisco), before ending it with the New York Mets in 1973.
For 22 spectacular seasons, he delighted fans with his awesome talent and infectious “Say Hey” spirit. Among all the “boys of summer,” Willie Mays shined the brightest. I’m glad the Mets retired his number. We will never see another player like him again.
Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills
Brush up your Shakespeare
Dear Editor:
Crackpot Shakespeare Theorist and humorist Jim Haines laments to the Chronicle “looking at 60 years old” and realizing he could never play Hamlet. “I’ve aged out of it. But still have strong opinions about how Hamlet should be played” (“The bard and I”/“A fun, introspective look at Shakespeare,” qboro, June 20).
Wherefore? If a recent Broadway production of “Macbeth” can have a svelte female strut and bellow as the warrior buddy Banquo, who would be offended to the soul to see a never more timely, portly Gen X super-
The July 4 edition of the Queens Chronicle will be distributed on Wednesday, July 3
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slacker as the Danish Prince?
Nay, the Stone Circle people would do well to urge Mr. Haines to reconsider his compunctions and realize his strong opinions on the offMyrtle stage. In sooth, a production featuring a Falstaffian contemplative son would be a renowned hoot, especially the sword fight at the end. And look, you’ll mock him not.
Edwin Eppich Glendale
City creates gridlock
Dear Editor:
In his letter of June 20, “Policies impede traffic,” Larry Penner highlights just a few of the reasons for increased traffic congestion, among them the elimination of 1,400 miles of traffic lanes and lower speed limits (especially on the former arterial roadways). The lower speed limits limit the functionality of synchronizing traffic signals by reducing road capacity, which started in the 1960s with the conversion of major avenues to one-way.
Add to this list, the reduction of tens of thousands of parking spaces due to bike storage, dining sheds, etc. and the planned reduction of at least 20,000 more when garbage bins will be placed in the street. That means more circling the block looking for a parking space. Then there’s the banning of left turns, requiring three right turns be made instead, which could take 15 minutes or more in Midtown.
There’s more: eliminating three parking spaces for daylighting when removing only one is necessary to improve safety because the Department of Transportation uses the closest available stanchion for a sign instead of erecting new ones. Shortened green-light times. Do we really need signals in both directions to be red at some intersections for five seconds instead of three? We don’t need busways or lanes in effect when buses operate less frequently than every five minutes and the doubleparking of trucks for hours at a time needs to stop, with deliveries limited to off-peak hours.
Finally, there are fewer traffic agents at key intersections. I was once delayed 20 minutes due to a scheduled utility repair blocking a lane coming off the Queensboro Bridge. One traffic agent to allow cars through on the red signal would have prevented the delay.
There wouldn’t be increased congestion in Midtown when there are fewer cars if it wasn’t caused by the city, not those who have no other choice than to drive.
Allan Rosen Brooklyn
The writer is a former director of MTA New York City Transit Bus Planning with three decades of experience in transportation.
The 15-minute traffic plan
Dear Editor:
I’ve had this idea for over 20 years. If we could have people leave their jobs in 15-minute intervals during both morning and evening rush hour, you would dramatically cut down on bumper-to-bumper traffic, gridlock and the bottleneck effect.
Fifteen-minute intervals would also cut down on pollution, gas consumption and emissions, with less wear and tear on brakes, less continued on next page
an article or a letter cited by a writer?
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
continued from previous page
road rage, less travel time getting home, more time for yourself and family, less stress and less fatigue. It would mean more productivity on the job because of less stress during travel time and more money in your wallet because the price of gas would go down.
You don’t need congestion pricing to charge people who are struggling already. This 15-minute interval would make it obsolete. More people who worked from home during Covid may return back to work because they don’t have to fight traffic. Trains would not be crowded. People would have more space with less chance of getting a cold or the flu or having any confrontations.
The only way this could be implemented would be through the help and willingness of corporations and other businesses. They could be notified by public service announcements, the Ad Council, radio, news and traffic reporters, DJs and officials at the federal, state and local levels, including mayors and governors.
If this idea were applied in all 50 states, you would save millions of gallons of gas and diesel a year and reduce global warming without sacrificing anything, just allocating the proper time. Thousands of gallons are wasted every day because everyone leaves at the same time and they’re going nowhere.
Fifteen-minute intervals would end the misery of traffic fatigue.
I do appreciate the Queens Chronicle providing a platform for local people to voice their opinions and ideas.
Antoni Capozello Laurelton
two-state solution was offered and every “leader” in Gaza and the West Bank rejected it. “Palestinians” were used as pawns by Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Gaza is waterfront property. Gaza elected Hamas. Is the ignorance about the history of the Middle East the fault of schools or parents or religions? Ms. Kaplan, if you can’t see the anti-Semite standing right in front of you, it’s probably because he or she hides behind a (non-N95) mask.
Susan Scharf Flushing
Jews, news and the U.S.
Dear Editor:
I am impressed and thank the Chronicle so much for your articles about anti-Semitism and for being pro-Israel and for the Jewish people. That is refreshing.
I am so elated that you published Rabbi Pearl’s comments about anti-Semitism in your article “Do Jewish Queens residents feel safe?” on June 20. I am president of Ashreynu, his congregation, and he is my personal friend, spiritual leader and advisor. He helped me during my time of need. He makes the synagogue experience wonderful and lively with his pluralistic way of prayers and is also a civic leader, involved with the 114th Precinct in Astoria.
The Palestinian position
Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to Sarah Kaplan’s obviously uninformed statement in the article “Do Jewish Queens residents feel safe?” from June 20: “... I don’t think most pro-Palestinians want to see Jews dead …” Yes, many do. They chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” I’m assuming then the Palestinians will offer travel arrangements to the Jews in Israel to move elsewhere, as opposed to murdering them? (Can you hear my eyes rolling?)
I am proud of Rabbi Pearl, and I thank you for your concern about the spread of anti-Semitism, a cancer that needs to be cured. It is vital that all people unite and stop this nonsense and hatred. I am also proud to have you, the Chronicle, in my life, bringing me news of the happenings all over Queens. It was on the day I write this, June 21, that the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, in 1788. We must respect the Constitution and the rights within it as the supreme law of our land.
Cynthia Groopman Little Neck
Mr. 45 is now Mr. 34
Dear Editor:
I have a serious question for “Mr. 34,” my nickname for Donald Trump. How much respect do you have for law and order?
Where are these non-Jew-hating Palestinians standing up for Israel and the Jewish people, seeking peace and calling out Hamas? Yeah, I don’t see or hear them, either. And as for ”People ... think I’m progenocide,” Israel is not committing genocide. Please understand there is a war and people (yes, even innocent people) die on both sides. Again, where are the Palestinians and the pro-Palestinians worldwide calling for the release of the hostages? Yeah, I don’t see or hear them, either.
Folks, don’t forget he mastered the Jan. 6, 2021 historic attack on our Capitol in DC, which tragically saw a Capitol police officer die the next day. I expect the 1/6 court ruling will explode on Mr. 34.
Another court recently found Trump guilty 34 times for his actions. Is this the kind of leadership you want to guide America for the next four years? I think not!
Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills
As for masks, there’s a big, visible difference between an N95 mask and a cloth mask in the pattern of Hamas, or just something covering the face.
Write a Letter!
This ends when people understand what “from the river to the sea” means — the annihilation of Israel and Jews. This ends when people understand history — many times a
We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published.
RH man sentenced for fatal DWI crash
Errick Persaud, 25, to serve four to 12 years for second degree manslaughter
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Errick Persaud, 25, was sentenced last week to four to 12 years in prison on a charge of manslaughter for a drunken collision last July, in which he killed a city Department of Environmental Protection employee.
According to the charges presented by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, on July 6, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., video surveillance showed Persaud driving a black Mercedes-Benz at high speed through a steady red light at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Richmond Hill.
Persaud hit a DEP truck near the intersection. The impact toppled the truck and ejected Michael Rodriguez, 36, from the passenger seat. The driver of the truck, 40, sustained minor injuries, the charges said. Rodriguez was taken to a nearby hospital
with severe head and body trauma and died due to his injuries.
After the accident, authorities said a Breathalyzer was administered to Persaud. It indicated he had a blood alcohol content of .134 percent, which was above the criminal threshold of .08 percent.
Persaud, who is from Richmond Hill, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the second degree on May 8.
“This defendant made the selfish decision to drive drunk and that choice led to a completely avoidable tragedy,” said District Attorney Melinda Katz in a statement. “Errick Persaud endangered every person on the road in those early morning hours and crashed into a DEP truck, killing 36-yearold Michael Rodriguez. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting dangerous drivers and we hope today’s sentence provides a measure of solace to the victim’s family.”
Cyclist allegedly targeted girl, 9
Authorities are seeking a man wanted for allegedly endangering the welfare of a child in Richmond Hill.
the bike with him. She then ran to her school and alerted authorities. The man fled northbound on 102nd Street on his bicycle.
The suspect is described as having a dark complexion, black hair, facial hair and medium build.
Man sentenced for 2022 subway attack
Waheed Foster will serve a 22-year stint
by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor
Waheed Foster, 43, was sentenced Monday to 22 years in prison for the attempted murder of a commuter at the Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway station in September 2022. The victim, Elizabeth Gomes, 33, lost an eye as a result of the attack.
Foster followed Gomes as she got off the subway, ran up behind her and struck her on the head with a hard object, unprovoked.
Gomes fled, but Foster caught up to her, threw her to the ground and punched and kicked her repeatedly. A good Samaritan tried to intervene, but was chased away by Foster.
Foster, who was homeless at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the second degree on June 6.
“A 33-year-old woman was simply on her way to work when Waheed Foster, without any warning, smashed her in the head with an object, pummeled her in the head with his fists, and kicked her in the
face repeatedly,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “A good Samaritan attempted to intervene during the attack but was chased by the assailant, who then resumed his vicious onslaught. It’s a miracle she’s alive today after the brutal assault she endured.” Q
Alleged cop shooter faces 20 charges
by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief
The young man from Venezuela charged with firing a gun point-blank into one cop’s torso and shooting another in the leg as they struggled was indicted Wednesday on a slew of charges, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.
The violence unfolded early in the morning of June 3 in East Elmhurst, when Officers Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso and Sgt. Nicholas Condos attempted to stop Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, as he rode a motorcycle the wrong way down a one-way street.
Cops are looking for a man who allegedly endangered the welfare of a child. NYPD PHOTO
According to police, on June 13 at about 8 a.m., a girl, 9, was walking to school near Jamaica Avenue and 104th Street when a man on a bicycle allegedly asked the girl to get on
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q
When they approached, Mata allegedly ditched the motorcycle, which police and Mayor Adams referred to as a moped, and ran off. The officers caught up to him and he allegedly resisted arrest. He pulled a gun from a crossbody bag and shot Yarusso in the lower chest and Abreu in the upper right thigh, according to the DA’s Office. Abreu shot back, hitting Mata in the foot and ankle, at which point he dropped the gun, the office said.
Mata was charged in a 20-count indictment with attempted murder, attempted
assault, attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer, weapon possession, assault, resisting arrest, obstructing government administration and several violations of vehicle and traffic law. Several of the charges contain multiple counts.
Mata is an undocumented, undomiciled immigrant who came to the United States in 2023, according to the authorities. He is being held without bail.
Surveillance footage shows the 2022 attack on Elizabeth Gomes by Waheed Foster at the Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway station.
This crash in Richmond Hill that killed a city employee last July was caused by Errick Persaud, 25, who was sentenced last week to four to 12 years in prison. PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS DA’S OFFICE
Mayor Adams points to the hole in the bullet-resistant vest worn by Officer Richard Yarusso when he was shot June 3 in East Elmhurst, allegedly by Bernardo Raul Castro Mata. SCREENSHOT VIA NYPD
The big 100!
Happy birthday, Beatrice Jacks! Jacks, a 54-year resident of Howard Beach and longtime Chronicle reader, turns 100 on June 29. According to her son, Larry, she worked at Elmhurst Hospital as a billing manager and had three sons with her husband, Joseph, who died 25 years ago. Jacks enjoyed visits to the senior center, shopping at businesses on Cross Bay Boulevard and still enjoys a bit of red wine when offered.
Her son said she is an “upbeat, sweet, kind lady, as she always has been.” He said when asked the secret for longevity, his mother gave the credit to God.
— Kristen Guglielmo
MTA hearing on bus plan in Queens 7/24 Blood drives saving lives
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has scheduled its public hearing on the proposed final plan for the Queens bus network redesign from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.
It will take place at Borough Hall at 12055 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens. It also will stream live on the MTA’s live YouTube channel at youtube.com/@mta-live.
The plan has undergone multiple iterations since it was first introduced in 2019.
The MTA says its intent is to reexamine bus routes in the county to make rides faster and more efficient; and connect more to subways. Many of the lines follow old trolly car routes; and some have not been updated for 40 years or more.
Many residents and officials have voiced concerns over the number of present-day bus stops that are proposed to be moved or outright eliminated in order to speed up service along various routes.
The MTA already has redrawn routes on Staten Island and in the Bronx. Brooklyn’s redrawing is a work in progress. The MTA said a timeframe for a future redesign in
Manhattan has not been determined.
Those wishing to speak at the hearing either in person, remotely via Zoom or by telephone must sign up in advance by:
• registering online at new.mta. info/2024-qbnr-hearing;
• calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777 to register; or
• registering in person the day of the hearing. Registration is from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Speakers will receive two minutes.
Comments may also be submitted online or via mail to: MTA Government & Community Relations, 2 Broadway, D16.94, New York, NY 10004. All written statements must be submitted by 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Comments received after that date and time will be reviewed, but will not be included in the official hearing record.
Sign language and CART Captioning Services will be available. Information is at new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing.
The project team will review all comments and make final adjustments to the plan, which will be reflected in a Proposed Final Plan Addendum. The plan will be presented to the MTA Board for a vote at a later date to be announced. Q
“Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage.
If interested in helping either via a blood donation or a financial gift, visit nybc.org. Just one pint of blood can save three lives.
There are four places in and around Eastern Queens listed now at nybc.org to donate blood:
• Dabar Bethlehem Cathedral, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at 218-38 98 Ave. in Queens Village; blood drive coordinator Sandra Langston;
• St. Nicholas Tolentine, Tolentine Hall, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, July 14, at 150-75 Goethals Ave. in Jamaica Hills; blood drive coordinator Nilda Vargas.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help, meeting room or rectory, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at 111-50 115 St. in South Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Tony Harilall; and
• Our Lady of Lourdes, busmobile, 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at 92-81 Winchester Ave. in Queens Village, blood drive coordinator Ellen McCrae. Q — Naeisha Rose
Have a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Care is available for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and immigration statuses:
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Information and resources
Low to no cost care is available at many facilities, including all City-run sites.
PHOTO COURTESY LARRY JACKS
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Biz owners sound off on proposed bus lanes
One is happy about
potential center route on Hillside Ave.
by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor
The city Department of Transportation and the MTA are proposing dedicated bus lanes on Hillside Avenue from Springfield to Queens boulevards. At a recent Community Board 12 transit presentation, the city shared a sample cross section of one option for the street, with a sidewalk, an 8-foot wide parking lane, an 11-foot-wide travel lane, a 10-foot wide concrete bus boarding island and an 11-foot wide red bus lane. An existing travel lane each way would be eliminated. The bus lanes would run 4.2 miles, according to the MTA.
One concern for CB 12 members was how the proposed bus lanes would impact businesses from Queens Village to the Jamaica-Briarwood border.
The Chronicle visited some of those businesses in Jamaica on Friday, June 21.
“It’s a very bad decision,” said Mohammed Mia, owner of Sabera Discount store which has been at 168-35 Hillside Ave. in Jamaica for about 20 years. “There’s a lot of business here, but [customers] cannot stop or buy anything from us. Whenever [customers] come they get a ticket, so business is very slow. With the little bit of parking that would be a little bit better for us as business people.”
The DOT plan would include restoring some parking previously lost to curbside bus lanes.
While the city’s new plan would preserve parking spaces by having a bus lane in the center of the road, unlike most of the bus lanes on Jamaica Avenue, which critics say have resulted in some Downtown Jamaica businesses closing or relocating, another entrepreneur said ridding the already congested Hillside Avenue of a travel lane may result in more congestion.
“There is too much traffic in this
area,” said Mohamed Islam, who is afraid of losing customers to traffic jams. “During rush hour, there is traffic everywhere.”
Islam said that he visits Downtown Jamaica and the bus lanes force him to travel an additional five minutes to search for parking on what used to be a 20-minute drive, which makes him less likely to travel there.
Islam owns Fatima Grocery store, which is located at 167-11 Hillside Ave.
The Chronicle reached out to the DOT to address the entrepreneurs’ concerns.
“With over 200,000 daily bus riders, creating dedicated bus lanes would help the vast majority of residents traveling on Hillside Avenue get to where they’re going more quickly and more reliably,” said Vincent Barone, a spokesman for DOT, via email. “Our proposal would also open curb space for parking, loading, and other uses — and we look forward to additional public outreach to shape a final concept.”
OThe DOT noted that the Hillside Avenue curbside lanes remove parking at peak hours. The proposed redesign would return up to 30 blocks of parking, while also creating the 24-hour dedicated bus space.
who commit bus lane violations by illegally parking at bus stops or double parking near them.
The agency said when enforcement cameras are activated, on average, routes see bus lane speeds increased by 5 percent.
“Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring all of our customers can safely get on and off the bus,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo, in a statement.
ne travel lane would be
Muhammad Naeem, a worker at Barnett Electric Supply, said the city has two lanes it could use at any time. Why would it want a dedicated bus lane?
Outreach to the community and businesses is planned in the summer and during the course of the project, said the agency.
The DOT went on to say, 60 percent of workers in the area commute via transit, 40 percent of households have no access to a vehicle and at its busiest, there are 14,000 bus riders per peak travel hour on the corridor, compared to 2,800 drivers.
On June 17, the MTA announced it was expanding its bus lane camera enforcement, which fines people
“What they need to do is put trees on Hillside Avenue,” said Naeem, who wants the area to be more welcoming to pedestrians, especially during times such as the current heat wave. “We have no trees on Hillside Avenue. You can’t even walk outside. Do you see how much sun there is? There is no shade.”
Naeem thinks the dedicated bus lanes will kill all the businesses on Hillside Avenue.
“We are already suffering and business is very slow,” said Naeem about the heat wave. He also has concerns about gentrification because the city has been allowing more
high-rise buildings.
“They have their own agenda,” Naeem said. “I don’t know what people are doing, but they are making people cry.”
A fellow worker, who did not want to be named, asked why the city wants people to rely solely on public transportation when he feels there is both bad customer service and unreliable service.
“I just hopped off the bus, which skipped four stops,” said the other employee.
When asked if the Q43 bus he was on was a limited one, he said the limited route stops less than one block from the store. “He was supposed to stop at 164th Street. That’s a major stop. He kept going to Sutphin Boulevard.”
The electrical supply store, which has been around for almost 20 years, is located at 163-05 Hillside Ave.
Garfield Clarke, the owner of the Genesis #1 West Indian-American Restaurant, said the buses on Hillside Avenue are not a problem right now. He doesn’t want bus lanes becuase the entrepreneurs he knows on Merrick Boulevard ended up having less foot traffic in the morning and evening hours, and some even sold their businesses because of them.
“We are doing fine,” Clarke said. “The city government is doing this just because they want to attract peo-
ple to the bus. That is business, but it is not helping the other kinds of business in the area. They are gentrifying the area, but the business people are hurting.”
The city is encouraging developers to create high-rise buildings that make the area hotter, and they have no parking spaces, which creates traffic, he said. He said he is also worried about people getting tickets up to $250 for being in bus lanes.
“They have no place to park and now you are going to create bus lanes, which are going to create problems,” said Clarke. “I don’t see a reason for them to change it.”
The restaurant, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Jamaican Independence Day, Aug. 4, is located at 162-23 Hillside Ave.
Maria Aguilar, the owner of Aba Multiservices, said she is thrilled the redesign will restore parking spaces and keep the bus lane in the center.
“On 144th Street on Jamaica, there are a lot of Latin businesses, but we cannot go because we cannot park there,” Aguilar said. “I think this redesign is better for traffic.”
Aguilar said if buses have their own lane in the center, commutes will be faster.
“I think it’s a good idea,” she concluded. Aba is located at 160-17 Hillside Ave.
Jose Fernandez, the owner of Hillside Floral Design, located at 153-39 Hillside Ave., said the red bus lanes are just a waste of space and losing a travel lane is a bad idea.
“You can see the traffic here at 2 or 3 p.m. in the afternoon,” he said. “On Jamaica Avenue, where they do that, people don’t even want to go to that avenue to buy anything because it’s too much traffic.”
Fernandez is fine with the city having cameras on buses to stop double parking.
“The cameras are fine, because the people won’t stop there, but if they do that red thing, it will make everything worse,” he added. Q
Garfield Clarke, the owner of a restaurant on Hillside Avenue, is worried that a combination of high-rise buildings without parking and the potential loss of a travel lane to a dedicated bus lane will be bad for businesses on the corridor. Maria Aguilar, owner of Aba Multiservices, is happy the potential roadway redesign would restore parking spaces. PHOTOS BY NAEISHA ROSE
A current cross section of Hillside Avenue from 188th Street to Merrick Boulevard, left, and an image of what the roadway would look like with center dedicated bus lanes from Springfield to Queens boulevard, from Queens Village to the Jamaica-Briarwood border.
NYC DOT
UFT drops support for Medicare plan after vote
Union chief Mulgrew concedes; left unsaid is how else to save $600M a year
by Claudia Irizarry Aponte THE CITY
This article was originally published on June 24 at 1:40 p.m. EDT by THE CITY
The United Federation of Teachers announced on Sunday that it has withdrawn its support for healthcare cost-saving efforts to switch retired employees and their elderly or disabled dependents to Medicare Advantage.
In a letter to the Municipal Labor Committee, a consortium of 102 public sector unions, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said the union — the city’s second-largest — was withdrawing its support, accusing the administration of Mayor Adams of being “unwilling to continue this work in good faith” as healthcare negotiations for current city workers and pre-Medicare retirees drag on.
In a phone call with THE CITY Sunday evening, Mulgrew said retirees’ strong opposition and an appellate judge’s decision last month upholding an earlier ruling that
blocked the switch informed the union’s move to back out.
Last week, an opposition group that campaigned on blocking the healthcare switch trounced the UFTbacked slate in retiree chapter elections for the first time in the chapter’s 40-year existence.
“The courts have spoken. My members have spoken. We’re having a big problem with the city now on this other thing,” said Mulgrew.
“Why are we continuing to cause this — for our members, for the retirees of New York City who worked for our city — this anxiety, and fear and all sorts of other things?”
The about-face is the latest pushback against the joint union-City Hall pact to switch the city’s 250,000 civil service retirees to a privatized Medicare plan, part of bargaining on healthcare savings that helped fund raises for city workers starting under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Medicare Advantage was scheduled to take effect last September before a Manhattan judge tossed it
last summer. After its appellate court defeat, the Adams administration said it intends to bring the matter to the state’s top court.
The Municipal Labor Committee, including the UFT, agreed to the planned switch under de Blasio, as part of a pact that aimed to save the city $600 million annually in order to help cover the cost of wage boosts and benefits. Last winter, the MLC voted to approve a contract with Aetna to administer the health plan.
Retirees who filed the suit argued that the switch from traditional Medicare violated past guarantees about coverage and would increase their health care costs while making it more difficult to get approvals for procedures.
Reached for comment on Sunday, an Adams spokesperson did not comment on the UFT’s reversal.
“We have been clear: the city’s plan, which was negotiated closely with and supported by the Municipal Labor Committee, would improve upon retirees’ current plans and save $600 million annually,” Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesperson for the city Law Department, said in a statement.
Get no-penalty DOB inspection
On “Seinfeld,” a mom-and-pop shop has to shut down due to safety code violations the owners can’t afford to fix. But you needn’t suffer the same fate, whether you’ve got a store, a couple of rental units or just your own abode.
The Department of Buildings is again running its free No-Penalty Inspection Program, under which you can call 311 to set up a visit from an official who can check certain things out and let you know if there are any concerns.
Electrical problems of the kind that closed the shoe repair store where Jerry
left his sneakers are not actually among the issues the program covers. But city inspectors gladly will look over decks and patios; retaining walls; facades for buildings under six stories; business signs; unregistered boilers; and unregistered private elevator devices.
The program runs through July 31, and is “an effort to improve public safety by promoting proper building maintenance,” says the city, as well as to “cut red tape.” Just call 311 for an appointment and hope you don’t get a low talker on the line. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone
“This is particularly important at a time when we are already facing significant fiscal and economic challenges.”
Mulgrew told THE CITY he will be asking his peers in the MLC to also withdraw their support for Medicare Advantage this week. Due to the committee’s weighted vote structure, the UFT as the city’s second-largest union has major sway to make or break decisions.
‘I found out yesterday’
The NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees, a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, said in a statement on Sunday that it is “grateful” for the UFT’s decision and called on the city “to protect retirees’ healthcare rights and to work with retirees to find real, sensible solutions to today’s healthcare challenges.”
Asked by THE CITY about potential alternatives for cost savings to fulfill the bargaining agreements, Mulgrew did not offer suggestions. Any new course of action must be negotiated within the MLC, according to a UFT spokesperson.
Mulgrew added, in response to
questions about whether he would support a future Medicare Advantage proposal: “If, unless someone comes up with something that we think works for us, then we’re not going towards it.”
The union leader played a key role in negotiating the health plan change and faced a member revolt over the issue even before this month’s retiree union election upset. Last year, an insurgent group of union retirees and current workers circulated a petition backing an internal union referendum vote for any changes to retiree or active workers’ healthcare coverage.
Harry Nespoli, the head of the MLC, said in a phone interview Monday morning that he could not comment on conversations within the committee on an alternative to the Medicare Advantage plan, and said the matter is up to the courts.
Nespoli called for an emergency executive board meeting, to take place Wednesday, and summoned the body’s steering committee Monday to address the UFT’s reversal.
“My job is to keep the MLC together and to keep moving forward with this,” Nespoli told THE CITY. “So I want to sit down with my board and find out exactly the best way to go with this thing right now. I found out yesterday morning, just like everybody else.”
Asked about whether or not the plan has a future within the body now that the UFT has dropped its support, Nespoli said he “can’t answer that without the actual decision from the courts.”
He continued: “So where are we at right now? I really don’t know. It’s a little too early.” Q
THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.
Irish Heritage Festival in LIC
The New York Irish Center will host three hours of music and dance set against Manhattan’s skyline at its second annual Irish Heritage Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City.
The free, picnic-style event is co-presented by McManus Irish Dance. Food trucks will be near the performance area.
Among the scheduled performers are Bob and the Bronagh Batch; balladeer Alan Gogarty, fiddler and step dancer Bernadette Fee; singer Lowri Clancy Davies; singer-songwriter Niamh Hyland;
violinist Gregory Harrington; and folk singer Kevin McCormack.
Anyone wishing to enter a raffle for a pair of tickets to six cultural events during the New York Irish Center’s 20th anniversary season beginning this fall can register online at newyorkirishcenter.org. Folk dance and musical performances also will be offered by McManus Irish Dance and the NY Studio of Irish Dance. Sponsors include Amazon and Tourism Ireland. The event is presented under the auspices of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Q
UFT President Michael Mulgrew talks at City Hall about reaching a contract agreement for teachers, June 13, 2023. PHOTOS BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY
DC37 Retirees Association leader Neal Frumkin joined a protest outside a Sunset Park public sector jobs fair against switching members’ plans to Medicare Advantage, Aug. 28, 2023.
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Those in Howard Beach looking for a bit of Greek cuisine no longer need to travel too far. Souvlaki Spot, at 156-40 Cross Bay Blvd., opened its doors last week to serve salads, soups, pitas, bowls, platters and more. Souvlaki is a Greek fast food that consists of meat grilled on a skewer.
The restaurant, which offers both dine-in and takeout, is owned by Michael Siderakis and George Diamantatos, fourth and fifth from left, respectively.
Siderakis is already known in the community for his other businesses on the Bou-
levard, Cross Bay Diner and Kandela. Joining the partners at the “ribbon cutting” last Thursday was state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, Community Board 10 member Frank Gulluscio and Councilwoman Joann Ariola.
In lieu of a ribbon, the community leaders all dug into a chicken skewer at the same time to officially welcome the business into the neighborhood. — Kristen Guglielmo
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The city Department of Transportation has plans for protected bike lanes and safety upgrades adjacent to Highland Park in Glendale.
Biking, hiking plans near Highland Park
City plans cyclist lanes, sidewalks to improve rider, pedestrian access
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The city Department of Transportation has drawn up an ambitious plan to both improve pedestrian and cyclist safety near Glendale’s Highland Park; and to better link biking infrastructure in southern Queens with the existing network in northern Brooklyn.
The proposal presented to the Transportation Services Committee of Community Board 5 on June 18 would result in:
• a two-way bike lane adjacent to the northern curb on Cypress Avenue between Cooper Avenue and Cypress Hill Street;
• construction of missing sidewalks on the north side of Cypress Avenue and the eastern side of Vermont Place at the Jackie Robinson Parkway;
• new bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Highland Park Greenway from Cooper Avenue, Decatur Street and Vermont Place; and
• future connections to the Bushwick bicycle network.
The southern border of Glendale is on the northern boundary of Brooklyn, and sections of Highland Park and the Ridgewood Reservoir cross the county line.
The proposal also envisions the establishment of a No Standing Anytime zone on the north side of Cypress Avenue to eliminate parking.
The brief and fully illustrated DOT slideshow from June 18 can be viewed online at tinyurl.com/2k3ujdc7.
The DOT cited a number of issues combining to form the genesis of its proposal, including what it said are few protected bike lanes in District 5, which has Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village and Glendale, along with small sections of Wood-
side and Rego Park.
It states that there are few connections from the Bushwick bicycle network to both Highland Park and existing protected bike lanes that run roughly north-south along Cypress Hill Street to the park’s east side. Coming from the north, the DOT presentation also states that Highland Park is difficult to access easily or safely for both cyclists and pedestrians.
The presentation cited requests or support for such changes from Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) who has asked for a shorter version of the protected bike lane on Cypress Avenue. Holden requested it to run between Vermont Place and Cypress Hill Street.
It also listed support from Ridgewood Rides, a group of cycling enthusiasts; the Liberty Park Homeowners Association; Transportation Alternatives; and others.
District 5 Manager Gary Giordano on Tuesday told the Chronicle that should the matter come up at the July 10 meeting of the full community board, it likely would be to hear and vote on the recommendations of the Transportation Services Committee rather than get to a full presentation from the DOT.
Community Board 5 formally requested a DOT review at its April 10 meeting, raising all the concerns touched on in the June 18 report.
The primary dissenting voice in April and March was board member Fred Haller. Haller believes there already are too few unobstructed north-south driving routes between Queens and Brooklyn from Bushwick Avenue to Woodhaven Boulevard; and that Cypress Hill Street already has been choked by its bike lanes, causing heavy rush-hour traffic backups. Q
MTA congestion cuts hit home in Queens
LIRR accessibility projects in Hollis, Forest Hills get stop-work orders
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Gov. Hochul’s decision to halt implementation of congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan already has led to a halt to handicapaccess projects that had begun at Long Island Rail Road stations in Forest Hills and Hollis.
The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday voted 10-1 not to go ahead with congestion pricing against Hochul’s wishes during a marathon meeting that lasted more than five hours.
Hochul said her decision was based on economic considerations. The decision right now leaves a MTA capital budget hole of more than $15 billion, as it intended to use the assumed $1 billion in revenue from congestion pricing to borrow up to $15 billion for capital work.
Crain’s New York Business quoted MTA Deputy Chief Development Officer Tim Mulligan as saying the agency would prioritize “essential maintenance and upgrades.”
Crain’s also quoted sources as saying “at least two dozen projects” could be impacted in the coming weeks.
Work to replace federally noncompliant handicap-access ramps to the Long Island Rail Road’s Forest Hills station and to install ramps at the inaccessible station in Hollis has been stopped because of the halt placed on congestion pricing. And the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says more capital project cuts are on the table.
One of the projects that has not been stopped yet is the installation of elevators and escalators at the LIRR’s Babylon, LI station, which was part of the contract that included Hollis and Forest Hills.
Forest Hills does have ramps at both its Manhattan- and eastbound platforms, though they are not in compliance with federal accessibility standards.
Hollis is completely inaccessible.
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), who secured money for what many in Forest Hills thought was an elevator project, expressed her displeasure in an email to the Chronicle on Monday.
“It’s disappointing that the project has
been put on hold,” Meng said “For too long, the station has not adequately met the accessibility needs of disabled individuals, the elderly and others such as those pushing strollers. Now, we’ll have to wait longer. The money I obtained has already been secured and allocated. Nowhere in the legislation did it say that it was contingent on congestion pricing. We urge the MTA to continue the work and we hope to learn an updated timeline to get this project back on track.”
Community Board 6, which still is lobbying hard for elevators at the Forest Hills station, went a step further on Tuesday, sending Hochul a letter signed by Board Chair Heather Beer-Dimitriadis. The letter included the board’s June 18 resolution supporting congestion pricing, and called on Hochul to restore it as planned come June 30.
“As you know, and at one point championed, the Congestion Pricing program offers numerous benefits aimed at improving the health, safety and the quality of life throughout the city as well as the sustainbility and accessibility of our transportation networks,” Beers-Dimitriadis wrote to the governor.
“We ask that you end the pause on the Congestion Pricing toll and proceed as planned on June 30, 2024.” Q
PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON
Strong turnout pushes her over Carmona, and Ardila out of Albany Valdez wins AD 37 race by 27 points
by Sophie Krichevsky Editor
Assemblymember Juan Ardila (D-Maspeth) will not get a second term in Albany, District 37 Democratic voters determined Tuesday, as Democratic Socialist and union organizer Claire Valdez cruised to victory in the threehorse race with a commanding 27-point lead over second-place finisher Johanna Carmona. With no Republican contender on the ballot in November, Valdez’s primary win all but secures her a spot in the Assembly come January.
Valdez thanked her supporters in a statement Tuesday night. “Tonight we proved that a different kind of political vision is not only possible in Queens, it’s a mandate,” she said. “We put tenant power on the ballot, we put stronger labor protections on the ballot, we put a ceasefire on the ballot, and we put Democratic Socialism on the ballot. Voters agreed — it’s time to build a Queens powered by working people, and reject the influence of the ultrawealthy in our democratic process.”
Tuesday’s vote comes more than a year after the Chronicle reported two women’s allegations that Ardila had sexually assaulted them at a 2015 party, months after he graduated from college. Ardila subsequently faced calls to resign from many of his colleagues in Albany, as well as from Gov. Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens), among others. After initially apologizing in two statements, Ardila would go on to deny the allegations and hire a lawyer to conduct an independent investiga-
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
tion into the matter. Since then, Ardila has become a pariah in Albany and struggled to raise funds for his re-election campaign.
Per the city Board of Elections’ unofficial election night results, Ardila finished in third with just over 650 votes — or under 10 percent of the total.
Ardila did not respond to the Chronicle’s requests for comment on the loss, nor did he issue a statement on social media as of press time Wednesday.
Carmona, for her part, picked up more than 32 percent of the vote. She, too, gave her supporters their flowers in a statement Tuesday night. “I am so proud of this campaign. I am so proud of every single person who volunteered and supported it,” she said. “We ran this campaign with dignity and respect. I will continue doing my work here in the community. I wish Claire all the best in representing the district.”
Though Valdez’s war chest was significantly larger than Carmona’s, with the candidates having $130,260 and $89,307 in cash on hand with 11 days left before the election, respectively, Valdez’s margin of victory was surprising to some. That included Lupe Todd-Medina, a political consultant who has worked on several Queens campaigns over the years.
“What was impressive was how much of the vote came out for Valdez,” she told the Chronicle. “It must have been a great [get-out-the-vote] operation, which ... you really need, especially over there, because there are still a lot of young and new voters in that area.”
Indeed, Valdez earned 3,909 votes to Carmona’s second-place 2,107. Valdez alone received over 900 more votes than all of those cast in Flushing’s Assembly District 40 Democratic
Primary Tuesday, also a competitive race. To that end, another political consultant with knowledge of the race pointed to low turnout as cause for Carmona’s loss, and said the Queens Democratic Party was not nearly as engaged in the race as the Democratic Socialists of America were.
Though some had expected Carmona to have a strong showing in Sunnyside, where she has lived her entire life, the neighborhood went overwhelmingly for Valdez. Todd-Medina suggested that was likely the result of a strong push to get voters to the polls on Tuesday.
Asked about Ardila’s 652 votes, ToddMedina said that was about what she expected him to get. Being an incumbent, she suggest-
ed, has its advantages, but it only goes so far.
“There’s just so much negative affiliated with his name that he just wasn’t going to get that vote, and he didn’t have the campaign apparatus to put out a positive message about himself,” she said.
“He just didn’t have it. He didn’t have the backing. He didn’t have endorsements. He didn’t have the funding.”
Is this the last Queens will hear of Ardila’s aspirations for office? “Anything is possible,” Todd-Medina said. “[But] if we’re going to use Hiram Monserrate as a bellwether for whether Ardila runs again or not ... If anything, Ardila should look at Hiram Monserrate and come to the conclusion that he should stay dormant.” Q
Looking to succeed retiring Aubry Hooks secures Dem nod in 35th District
“They are huge shoes to fill.”
Larinda Hooks was speaking to the Chronicle earlier this month during her campaign to replace 32-year veteran Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona) in the state Assembly.
She now appears to be very close to doing that, having defeated Hiram Monserrate Tuesday night in the primary for the Democratic nomination; and with no GOP opposition yet listed by the Queens County Republican Party on its website.
In unofficial returns obtained from the website of the New York City Board of Elections on Wednesday afternoon, Hooks, the Democrats’ endorsed candidate, defeated Monserrate 59.1 percent to 40.5 percent.
The numbers were based on the results of just under 99 percent of the polling location scanners being reported.
“In this Primary Election there was a clear choice between someone who builds bridges and creates coalitions and someone who is in it for themselves,” Hooks said in a statement from her campaign. “I am so appreciative of the trust the voters of Queens have placed in me and I look forward to serving them and
delivering for our communities.
“Tonight, I want to thank my family, our volunteers, my district leader and state committee candidates, my dedicated campaign staff, my brothers and sisters in labor, the public servants who entrusted me with their support, our allies at the issue organizations doing
the hard work every day to make our city a better place, and most of all I want to thank the voters of East Elmhurst, Corona, Rego Park and Lefrak for their support and trust. I am grateful to the voters that believed in me despite the negative attacks on my character.
“I will deliver for all Queens families. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government on the issues that matter most to all of us.”
Hooks said Aubry was the one who first approached her about running for the seat. Her campaign website also showed endorsements from most elected officials in Queens and a number of unions.
Both she and Monserrte are elected Democratic District leaders. Prior to running, Hooks, a longtime community advocate and activist, worked in the social services field.
Monserrate, the former city councilman and state senator, also a former police officer, challenged Aubry in primaries in 2020 and 2022. He was expelled from the Senate in 2010 after being convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend.
He also spent 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud charges in connection with misusing money to pay for his 2006 Senate campaign.
The first returns on Tuesday night, posted by the BOE within minutes of the polls closing at 9 p.m., saw Hooks with 64.7 percent of the vote to Monserrate’s 35 percent.
Updated returns in the first hour saw Monserrate edge up to 36, 38 and 40 percent as the evening progressed. Q
Corrections
The June 20 story “The more you know: City databases expand” included a link to an unofficial public restroom map. The official one may be reached at tinyurl.com/mry4svzx.
A caption to one photo in the June 20 story “City seeks higher density build in Jamaica” misstated what the numbers superimposed on it represent. They show the building heights allowed under existing zoning.
The June 13 story “Hochul to sign online child protection bills” misstated the bills’ status with Gov. Hochul. They were before the governor and she planned to sign them.
We regret the errors. Q
Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez, center, celebrates her overwhelming victory in the Assembly District 37 Democratic Primary on Tuesday. PHOTO BY KARA MCCURDY / CLAIRE FOR QUEENS
Larinda Hooks won the Democratic nomination for the 35th Assembly District by nearly 20 points. LARINDAHOOKS.COM PHOTO
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Public Hearing
In December 2023, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued a Proposed Final Plan to redesign the Queens Bus Network to better match rider needs and improve service for customers (https://new.mta.info/document/128476). We are holding this public hearing to gather final comments about all bus service in the borough. If approved by the MTA Board, phased implementation is currently targeted for mid-2025.
What is the Queens Bus Network Redesign?
The Queens Bus Network has not substantially changed in decades, despite shifting demographics and travel patterns. The Queens Bus Network Redesign focuses on reimagining the bus network to increase connections, improve reliability, speed up travel, and simplify service.
The redesigned Queens Bus Network has simpler, more direct routes, improved bus stop balancing, enhanced connectivity, and improved frequency on key routes. Learn more about the proposed changes to your bus route, stop, and schedule here: https://new.mta.info/project/ queens-bus-network-redesign
Date, Time, and Place of the Hybrid Hearing
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • Hearing begins at 5:00 PM • Hearing ends at 8:30 PM
The Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall 120-55 Queens Blvd. Kew Gardens, NY
Meeting Space: Atrium
Note: All Attendees must enter through the main entrance on Queens Blvd. and pass through building security.
Registering for the Public Hearing
To register to speak at the hybrid public hearing, please sign up to comment either in-person, online at https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing or call the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. Registration will close at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. All comments will be transcribed and made part of the permanent record of this hearing.
Joining the Public Hearing
If you are registered to speak, you may join the Zoom webinar either online, in-person or by phone following these instructions:
Join Zoom Webinar Online: To access the Zoom webinar online, visit the website https:// new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing. You can also go to Zoom.us/join and enter the Webinar id 87883645568.
Join Zoom by PC/Tablet/Smartphone: Join link https://mta.zoom.us/j/87883645568
Join Zoom Webinar by Telephone: To access the Zoom webinar by telephone, please call 1- 877-853-5247 (Toll Free) then enter the Webinar ID 87883645568, followed by the pound (#) sign.
View Only Online: Members of the public who wish only to view the hearing may access the event live at https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing.
Additional Ways to Comment or Request Information
For More Information, to Pre-Register to Speak, or to Submit Comments
Those wishing to pre-register to be heard at the Public Hearing must register on the website, https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing or in person at the hearing, or by dialing (646) 2526777. Telephone agents are available from 6 am to 10 pm daily. Verbal presentations will be limited to two (2) minutes. You may present verbal testimony or submit written statements in lieu of or to supplement oral testimony concerning the proposed project. Written comments will be accepted online at https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing. Comments may also be submitted via postal mail to: MTA Government & Community Relations, Attn: QBNR Public Hearing, 2 Broadway, D16.94, New York, NY 10004. All letters must be postmarked by July 26, 2024. All written and online comments must be received by 8:00 pm on July 26, 2024. Comments received after this date and time will not be included in the official hearing record.
Accessibility and Language Assistance Services
At the public hearing CART captioning and American Sign Language Services will be available. Members of the public who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or the free 711 relay service, and then ask to be connected to the public hearing hotline at (646) 252-6777.
Members of the public who are blind or have low vision can request accommodations on or before July 22, 2024, by submitting a request online at https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing or by calling the public hearing hotline at (646) 252-6777.
Members of the public who do not have access to a computer or to the internet, can dial in to the hearing by calling the Zoom webinar at 1- 877-853-5247 (Toll Free) then enter Webinar ID: 87883645568 followed by the pound (#) sign. If language assistance or any other accommodations are required, please submit a request at least five business days before the hearing in one of the following ways:
1. Online at https://new.mta.info/2024-qbnr-hearing
2. Calling the public hearing hotline at (646) 252-6777, or by
3. Sending a letter to: MTA Government & Community Relations, Re: 2024 QBNR PH, 2 Broadway, D16.94, New York, NY 10004.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Goingyourway
Donovan’s Pub voted Queens’ Best Burger
by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor
The crown for Queens’ Best Burger goes to Donovan’s Pub in Woodside, which is coowned by Jimmy Jacobson and Dan Connor, according to President and CEO Tom Grech of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the host of the competition.
“The votes have been tallied and Queens residents have made their choice,” Grech said in a prepared statement, about the competition’s inaugural winner, last Friday.
“Congratulations to Dan Connor and the entire team at Donovan’s ... I suggest everyone go check them out!”
Connor said that he was honored to have been voted Queens’ Best Burger. According to the QCC, nearly 3,000 foodies from across the World’s Borough had votes tallied.
“We know that our borough is loaded with great restaurants, many serving up great burgers, so we are incredibly proud of our amazing team who truly make us Woodside’s landmark gathering place,” Connor said in a statement. Donovan’s Pub is located at 57-24 Roosevelt Ave.
“We are also incredibly thankful to the
Photo contest!
Hot town, summer is here! And so is the Queens Chronicle’s 16th annual Summer in the Borough Photo Contest.
We hope your entry will arrive soon!
Jimmy Jacobson and Dan Connor, center, co-owners of Donovan’s Pub, learned from Tom Grech, left, and George Hadjiconstantinou of the Queens Chamber of Commerce that their restaurant had won the title of Queens’ Best Burger.
amazing community who support us,” Connor continued. “They are the reason we work so hard, why we push ourselves to evolve, and why we better ourselves at every opportunity. This community means the world to us ...”
Ryan’s Irish Bar and Grill, located at 22407 Union Tpke., Bayside, came in second place. Acey Ducey’s, located at 101-17 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, came in third place. Q
Go out and take your best shots of families gathering, children playing, workers working, lovely landscapes, birds on the bay — whatever you think best says “summertime in Queens.”
If you need any inspiration, take a look at these two great shots from last year: the winner, taken by Betsy Becker at the Queens Zoo, and another by Angelica M., taken in Howard Beach on America’s birthday. For even more lovely entries from last year, visit tinyurl.com/e2arphbd.
As to the rules, our main requirement is that the photos be taken in this borough this summer. We ask that you give us all the details you can, especially the location, the names of any people in a photo, when possible, and when it was taken (but don’t use time stamps!). Some entrants give us a whole backstory, and that’s great — we try to post it in full online at least. In print we do a full page of top-notch entries.
Please include your full name and say where in Queens you live and whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer. Include a phone number, which will not be published, as questions may arise. And limit your entries to five. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The winner will get a $50 gift card good anywhere. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 23, the day after summer ends. Good luck! —
Peter C. Mastrosimone
PHOTOS BY BETSY BECKER, TOP, AND ANGELICA M.
PHOTO COURTESY QCC
by Allison Plitt
Espresso 77, located on 77th Street and 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, is a café and wine bar offering a large assortment of delicious food and drinks. But what’s on the menu is only part of the reason neighborhood diners flock to the spot.
Opened in 2007 by Afzal Hossain and his wife, Julie Nymann, Espresso 77 has become a haven for area artists. Not only do musicians perform to entertain those enjoying a good meal, neighborhood artists also showcase their talent there in exhibits. As Hossain explains, “It was my dream to create a space where artists could gather.”
Espresso 77 also hosts various cultural gatherings. One, JH Art Talks, is a forum organized by Linda Ganjian at which local artists speak once a month to an audience about their work. There is
June 27, 2024
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING
also the First Tuesdays Literary event, run by Richard Jeffrey Newman, at which neighborhood authors read from their books or other published works. Both are on hiatus for the summer but will reconvene in September.
The music goes on, though. This Saturday, June 29, Rachel Mundy and Friends will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. Mundy plays ukulele, and the show includes songs in a variety of genres, “performed in a cabaret style with a fun and playful point of view,” as Nymann put it.
Also not on hiatus during these summer months is the artwork. Afzal himself is exhibiting his own pieces at Espresso 77 in a show entitled “Infinite Reflection,” which started earlier this month and will run until Aug. 28. In the exhibit, there are vari-
ous large canvases of multimedia art that adorn the walls of Espresso 77. Each canvas contains brightly hued horizontal lines that emit different colors when the lights go off.
When asked about his inspiration for his exhibit, Hossain spoke about reflection in broad terms.
“I saw reflecting as following the light,” he said.
“I was trying to follow the light in these paintings. Something in daylight could be a reflection. Or something could be reflecting when you are thinking or sleeping.” s summer will s n u Literar y event, run b y , or sforthesummerbutwill
continued on page 33
King Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Irv Gikofsky, ‘Mr. G,’ gazed skyward in Flushing
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Polish immigrant Raymond Gikofsky, a plumbing contractor, married Ida Newman in April 1939, in Brooklyn. Their first child, Helene, was born in 1940, followed by Irving Joel on May 10, 1945.
When the Pomonok Houses were built in 1951, the family decided to move to 67-33 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. Raymond suddenly died at age 48 in 1962. Irving graduated from Hofstra with a BA in history and got a master’s at Yeshiva University.
While working in the Bronx as a teacher, he developed an early computerized weather program. With his leading-man good looks and ample charisma, Gikofsky was hired by CBS in 1977 to be their weatherman.
Affectionately known as “Mr. G,” he was on CBS-TV for 15 years and on WCBS-FM
radio until 2014. On TV, he moved to WPIX in 1993. He married Sang Mota in August 2012. Among many honors, he was entered into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2023.
At age 79, he does Facebook live events and still comes into our homes every weeknight on WPIX, with no signs of retiring. Q
The childhood home of TV weatherman “Mr. G” at 67-33 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing’s Pomonok Houses, as his building looks today. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA FACEBOOK / MRGWEATHER
Hands-on science for kids each week at Idlewild
by Mark Lord qboro contributor
You mean you’ve never heard of 7-year-old kids studying chemistry and physics?
Well, that’s exactly what’s going on in the Whiz Kidz Science Zone, a weekly program sponsored by the Eastern Queens Alliance at the Idlewild Park Environmental Science Learning Center in Springfield Gardens. It runs on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and is open to children ages 7 to 12.
“We’re trying to excite kids about science and having them think about science as a career direction,” the alliance’s chairperson Barbara Brown, said. The program, she added, offers them an “initial foray” into various branches of science, all adapted to be suitable for youngsters from second to sixth grades.
Instructor Kenton Archer, a native of Guyana and longtime borough resident, said the program began last year. Taking credit for its name, he said he thought it was a good one “to attract young ones,” and to convey the idea that the learning takes place in “a relaxed setting.” He is always seeking new participants.
Of his charges, he said, “They’re so smart, so inquisitive, innocently naïve, and literal.” His main challenge as the creator of the curriculum is “to make the information simple for them to comprehend. Once they focus, they enjoy it.”
Already, the youngsters have been involved in conducting litmus experiments to identify chemical reactions, running examinations of ultraviolet light and identifying different species of birds while participating in workshops on avian migration along the East Coast, among many other activities,
according to Archer. The suggested donation is $5 a session.
Perhaps most exciting for the participants is the hands-on approach.
“I let them do the work. They pay attention to me and to each other,” Archer said.
Archer suggested that the center is “a good place to learn about science and to meet others,” with many of the children’s parents getting involved in the lessons.
It’s a “whole interactive experience for everyone,” he said.
Looking ahead, Brown said she would like to see the program, which operates year-round, expand, giving youngsters experience in the sciences that they “often are not getting in school.”
The EQA has several other activities.
The Summer-in-the-Park program, focusing on Life on Planet Earth, is aimed at children ages 6 to 13. Each week they will explore a different branch of life science via hands-on activities, experiments and outdoor adventures.
The program, which runs July 8 to Aug. 16, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will cover such topics as microorganisms and fungi and the origins of life. The fee is $150 per week, with discounts offered for a half session ($425 for three weeks) and full session ($800 for six weeks).
Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Brigade takes center stage on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A youth leadership and community service program, it is designed to empower teens and tweens (ages 10 to 20) to make decisions, use their voices and take actions that lead to positive changes in their communities. Membership is free.
Yoga classes, aimed at decreasing stress and increasing energy, take place every Saturday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water. Suggested donation is $5 per class.
All the activities take place at the environmental science learning center, which is located in Idlewild Park, at 222-02 149 Ave., steps away from the intersection with Springfield Lane. For further information, call (347) 824-2301. Q
The work is abstract, the community concrete
continued from page 31
Regarding the paintings exhibiting different colors in the dark, Hossain spoke from his own perspective as an artist, saying, “I don’t know what the audience is thinking when they see my artwork, but when they turn off the lights, I want them to be surprised. I want the viewer to feel like they are dreaming and looking at the colors of their dreams.”
Hossain said he is inspired by the 20th-
Crossword Answers
century abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, who painted horizontal blocks of color on large canvases. Once a figurative painter who created scenes of his homeland in Bangladesh, Hossain has embraced the abstract nature of his work.
Describing his artistic process, he says, “When I painted figuratively, I would finish a painting and be done with it. When I paint abstractly, I paint for hours and hours. I keep adding and changing things. It never stops.”
More of Hossain’s work can be seen online at afzalhossain.com. For more information about upcoming events at the cafe, visit espresso77.com.
Like many who reside in Jackson Heights, Hossain is an immigrant. He came to the United States at the age of 19. Originally from Bangladesh, Hossain and his entire family moved in the 1990s to Jackson Heights, where he lives within walking distance of his seven brothers and sisters.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Pratt Institute in 2005, Hossain worked at an architectural firm, where he met his wife. Nowadays, they both manage Espresso 77, which allows him to devote time to his artwork.
whole
Hossain noted that his older brother, Anowar, who is an abstract painter, guided him into painting more conceptually. Nevertheless, it was another family member who was always his biggest fan, he said, reflect-
ing, “My mother passed away last month. She always supported me. She would look at my work and say, ‘I like this painting. Keep doing this.’ She really encouraged me to keep painting.”
Idlewild Park’s Whiz Kidz get hands-on experience in scientific techniques, similar to these youngsters in an unrelated federal Park Service program. PHOTO BY KIRSTEN KEARSE / NATIONAL PARK SERVICE / RAWPIXEL.COM
Works by Afzal Hossain adorn the walls of Espresso 77 in Jackson Heights, where he gives space and time to the arts. On the cover: With the lights off, the paintings take on a
new appearance. PHOTOS BY ALLISON PLITT, ABOVE, AND JULIE NYMANN, COVER
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Notice of Formation of 217-17 102ND AVE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/04/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: NIURKA SANCHEZ TORRES, 217-17 102ND AVENUE, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
BERGWELL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/29/24. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 68-43 Ingram Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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Notice of Formation of 1721 Greene Avenue, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 5/17/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1721 Greene Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of 1925 CORNELIA STREET LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/13/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: NORTHWEST REGISTERED AGENT LLC, 418 BROADWAY, STE N, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of AQA CREATIONS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/22/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: AQA CREATIONS LLC, 160-08 111TH AVE., JAMAICA, NY 11433. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
AVALANCHE BUILDER LLC fi led
Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/6/2020. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 37-10 11th St, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of Formation of DEPARTMENT PROJECTS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/06/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 6061 68TH RD # 3, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
DEVAN MEDTECH SOLUTIONS
LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY)6/3/24. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 83-11 Langdale St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.:
2550988
07 June, 2024
OFFICE OF TITLES
NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES
ACT (RTA)
WHEREAS the applicant(s) In the above stated application has/ have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement.
Volume: 1203
Folio: 928
Lot No: 30
Place: Part of Llanrumney
Parish: St. Mary
Registered
proprietor(s): Ferdinand George Hamilton
Volume: 1203
Folio: 929
Lot No: 29
Place: Part of Llanrumney
Parish: St. Mary
Registered proprietor(s): Ferdinand George Hamilton
Volume: 1138
Folio: 326
Place: Part of Free Hill
Parish: St. Mary
Registered
proprietor(s): Ferdinand George Hamilton
The following transactions lodged with this application will be registered pursuant to section 81 of the RTA:
Application to be Registered on Transmission 2550987
McIntosh Brown for L. Dunbar, Deputy Registrar of Titles
Notice of Formation of Eight Pillar Candles LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/13/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Eight Pillar Candles LLC, 211-14 23RD AVENUE, BAYSIDE, NY 11360, Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
FriendshipGap, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/21/2024. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 117-11 Long Street, Jamaica, NY 11424. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
C
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DOING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 2015-13BTT, Plaintiff against RASEL PETTER, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 31, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on July 12, 2024 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 99-23 215th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429. Block 11089 Lot 7. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $512,495.47 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 710013/2018. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Janet L. Brown, Esq., Referee File # 2296-001049
Notice of Formation of NOW THAT’S DOUGH LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/01/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SUGANDHA SINGH, 11572 LEFFERTS BLVD., SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of INNER BALANCE COUNSELING SERVICES, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/11/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: TINA SCANDUL, 2566 46 STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY CARVER FEDERAL SAVINGS
BANK, Plaintiff against PHILIP CAMPBELL; VERLIE LONDON A/K/A VERLIE J. LONDON; CARLOTTA MCDONALD, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on July 26, 2024 at 11:15 AM. Premises known as 163-12 108th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433. Block 10171 Lot 32. All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $294,591.43 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index No 711329/2019. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certifi ed bank check made payable to the referee. Michael Cervini, Esq., Referee File # 21-001064-01
Notice of Formation of LUNA PARKING LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: HARRY JIMENEZ, 6914 171 STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11365. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
MOHA KALI TEMPLE LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/30/24. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 112-44 209th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS IN TAX LIEN FORECLOSURE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 Trust, Plaintiffs, ZENON GALCYZNSKI AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RASMA GALCYZNSKI A/K/A ROSE GALCZYNSKI A/K/A ROSE GALCZYNSKA A/K/A ROSE VIRSIS, et. al., Defendants. Index No. 711482/19. To the above named Defendants –YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the property a lien upon which is being foreclosed is situated. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to the Order of the Hon. Claudia Lanzetta, A.J.S.C., entered on May 21, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien covering the premises located at Block 2399 Lot 26 on the Tax Map of Queens County and is also known as 68-29 Jay Avenue, Flushing, New York. Dated: June 4, 2024. BRONSTER, LLP, Attorney for Plaintiffs NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 19982 Trust. By: Leonid Krechmer, Esq. 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, NY 10019 (212) 558-9300
Notice of formation of PRDGMS, LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 01/31/2024. Offi ce located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 2106 Rene CT Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
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.
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Legal Notices
Notice of Formation of PURE-ONE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/20/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: PURE-ONE LLC, 13656 39TH AVE, SUITE 307, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of NEXDOOR ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/10/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: NEXDOOR, 175-61 HILLSIDE AVENUE, SUITE #202, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOELLE ZINN CERTIFIED REGISTERED
NURSE ANESTHETIST PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 06/03/2024. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 1732 Hancock St., Apt 2, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nurse.
Legal Notices
Notice of Formation of INTEGRATED CARE L.C.S.W., PLLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/13/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE PLLC, 80-19 233 STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
JTR Sheet Metal, LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/6/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 25-54 47th St, Astoria, NY 11103. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of UG Holdings US LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with NY Dept. of State: 6/11/24. 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: SPI Agent Solutions, Inc., 407 N. Highland Ave., Nyack, NY 10960. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE
LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE
LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5, -against- STACIE C. GRANT
A/K/A STACIE N. C. GRANT, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on May 2, 2024, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5 is the Plaintiff and STACIE C. GRANT A/K/A STACIE N. C. GRANT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on July 5, 2024 at 10:15AM, premises known as 115-112 225TH STREET, CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY 11411; and the following tax map identification: 11306-57. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE FOURTH WARD OF THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 722456/2022. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
Notice of Formation of RED QUALIA LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/15/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ALVIN CONCEPCION, 4302 30TH AVE APT 3R, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, -against- ALONZO R. LEE AKA ALONZO LEE, III AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LYDIA ROSALYN LEE A/K/A LYDIA COLEMAN A/K/A LYDIA LEE; DOREEN LEE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LYDIA ROSALYN LEE A/K/A LYDIA COLEMAN A/K/A LYDIA LEE; BRUCE LEE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LYDIA ROSALYN LEE A/K/A LYDIA COLEMAN A/K/A LYDIA LEE; LINDA LEE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LYDIA ROSALYN LEE A/K/A LYDIA COLEMAN A/K/A LYDIA LEE; CAVALRY SPV I, LLC; UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF LYDIA ROSALYN LEE A/K/A LYDIA COLEMAN A/K/A LYDIA LEE, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in 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; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK CITY CRIMINAL COURT; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, Defendants. Index No.: 709587/2022 F/K/A 23348/2013 FILED: 12/27/13 Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LIC AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York, June 12, 2024 Pincus Law Group, PLLC, George J. Weissinger, Esq., 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, New York 11556, (516) 699-8902
Notice of Qualifi cation of Sovereign NY LLC. Fictitious name in NY State: Phase Surf LLC. App. For Auth. fi led with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/26/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Colorado (CO) on 5/16/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to the principal offi ce of LLC: 201 Hart St., Brooklyn, NY 11206, oakley.sovereignsurf@gmail.com. Arts of Org fi led with CO Secy of State, 1700 Broadway, #550, Denver, CO 80290. Purpose: any lawful activity.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 712580/2023
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 3331 98TH STREET, CORONA, NY 11368 Block: 1713, Lot: 53 FAREVERSE LLC
I/L/T/N FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC Plaintiff, vs. JOYCE C. GILL A/K/A JOYCE C. CUPID, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CECIL GILL 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,; DEXTER DUNBAR AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CECIL GILL; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CECIL GILL 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; JILLIAN WILLIAMS 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,; FEDERAL HOUSING COMMISSIONER; WENDY PARIS; INGRID JAMES AKA INGIRD JAMES; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION S/B/M/T GREEN POINT SAVINGS BANK; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3, “JOHN DOE #4” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last nine 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 $1,089,787.50 and interest, recorded on March 03, 2020, in City Register File Number CRFN: 2020000082242, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 3331 98TH STREET, CORONA, NY 11368. The relief sought in the within action is a fi nal judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME 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 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 21st, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590, 516-280-7675
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 724409/2022 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property Mortgaged Premises: 22-28 98TH STREET, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369 Block: 1074, Lot: 19 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs. MARY LOU DEAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH DEAN; JIMMY DEAN AKA JIMMIE JORDAN AKA JAMIE JORDAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH DEAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH DEAN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in 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; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious 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 deficiency 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 $660,000.00 and interest, recorded on September 03, 2009, in CRFN 2009000285039, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 22-28 98TH STREET, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. 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 filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: May 23rd, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff, Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590, 516-280-7675
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 703722/2023 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property Mortgaged Premises: 102-55 JAMAICA AVENUE, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418 Block: 9187, Lot: 33 TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2017-6, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, vs. NORMA SOOKO, 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 specific 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; SALLY SOOKO; THE BANK OF NEW YORK, A NEW YORK STATE BANKING CORPORATION; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious 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 deficiency 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 $201,650.00 and interest, recorded on November 11, 2000, in Liber 5473 at Page 0415, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 102-55 JAMAICA AVENUE, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418. 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 filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: May 24th, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590, 516-280-7675
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE Index No. 7423824/2023 Date Filed: 5/28/2024 JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff, -against- Eunice Anderson, if she be living or if she be dead, her Date Filed: spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Eunice Anderson Family Trust; City of New York Environmental Control Board; City of New York Parking Violations Bureau; City of New York Transit Adjudication Bureau; The Richard Gill Company, a Texas Corporation; State of New York, and “JOHN DOE”, said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 16712 140th Avenue a/k/a 167-12 104th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 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 a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered May 8, 2024 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Consolidation and/or Modified Mortgage (hereinafter “the Mortgage”) to secure $789,166.56 and interest, recorded in the Queens County Office of the City Register on February 5, 2018, in CRFN 2018000041788 covering premises known as 16712 140th Avenue a/k/a 167-12 104th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 a/k/a Block 12584, Lot 33. 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. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSVVER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: March 7, 2024 Brent Surgeoner, Esq. Associate Attorney LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 247-9000 Fax: (585) 247-7380 Our File No. 23-094279
B SPORTS EAT
‘The Mets Bible’
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
Regular listeners to WFAN’s afternoon drivetime show, “Evan & Tiki,” know Evan Roberts is an obsessive Mets fan, and his on-air partner, former Giants running back Tiki Barber, has fun with that.
Roberts, now 40, has followed the Flushing faithful since he was 8, and has been keeping score of games, both when he has watched them in person and even at home on television, for the last 30 years. He has just authored a book containing scorecards of the most memorable games during that time span, along with his recollections of them, titled “The Mets Bible” (Triumph Books). It is a fun history for Mets fans, even if reading about many games will bring back agonizing memories.
Roberts includes nearly every Mets postseason game, and other marquee moments, such as the Subway Series through the years, Johan Santana’s no-hitter on June 1, 2012, and the 2013 All-Star Game in which short-term Mets phenomenon Matt Harvey started, are there. I asked Roberts if there was a random game he watched that most fans would not remember but had special meaning to him.
As is the case with many fans, he thanked his dad, Joel Roberts, for sparking his interest in the national pastime, and for teaching him how to keep score. His dad would take him on road trips to Chicago, St. Louis and every MLB city on the I-95 corridor to watch the Mets play.
Roberts spoke about living in the Avalon apartment complex in Long Island City back when WFAN was housed in the Kaufman Studios in Astoria. “It was fun running into [former Mets Manager] Terry Collins and many players when I was living there. I loved living in Queens. I biked everywhere, especially to work and to Shea Stadium, and later, Citi Field.”
The Mets’ recent resurgence, which began with winning a game against the Philadelphia Phillies in fluky fashion, along with the return of Edwin Diaz and the Mets finally taking a series from their historic nuisance NL East rivals, the Miami Marlins, have given Roberts hope. “At least they won’t be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline, barring a total collapse.” Q
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“Yes, there is, and I included it in the book,” he said. “It was a game at Shea Stadium between the Angels and the Mets on June 11, 2005. I was working overnight shifts at WFAN, so I did not get a chance to watch many Mets games. This was a Saturday night game, so I was able to go to Shea Stadium. Marlon Anderson hit an inside-the-park home run to tie the game 2-2 in the ninth inning. That had never happened before in Mets history. Cliff Floyd then won it with a walk-off home run.”
