Queens Chronicle South Edition 06-29-23

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

Fans of Oxford Bake Shop attended a farewell event hosted by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association last Saturday to pay th eir respects to the bakery, which had been in business for almost a century. Current and past owners were present at the event, along with Councilw oman Joann Ariola, who gave a moving speech and presented the owners with an award for their service to the community.

Tenants are struggling, says speaker Rent Guidelines Bd. OKs 6 percent hike

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

According to multiple reports, hundreds of tenants were outside Hunter College in the Upper East Side jeering at members of the Rent Guidelines Board after the group voted 5-4 last Wednesday night to move forward with a 6 percent rent hike over the next two years.

Mayor Adams thanked members of the RGB after the vote on June 21 for protecting rent-stabilized tenants from unsustainable rent increases, while also ensuring small property owners have the necessary resources to maintain their buildings and preserve high-quality and affordable homes for New Yorkers.

“Finding the right balance is never easy, but I believe the board has done so this year — as evidenced by affirmative votes from both tenant and public representatives,” Adams said in a statement.

Rents on oneyear leases will go up by 3 percent, and there will be a bifurcated increase of 2.75 and then 3.2 percent on two-year leases.

Earlier this year, the RGB also released a report that it wanted to increase rent by up to 15.75 percent over two years because of ris-

ing of fuel costs and inflation. Last month, it approved hikes up to 7 percent in a preliminary vote before going down to 6 percent as a final increase.

Jeremy Maldonado, a tenant activist from South Ozone Park, who also works as a community organizer in Far Rockaway and Flushing for New York Communities for Change, a progressive nonprofit, was disappointed in the mayor.

“By vetoing critical reforms to the city’s voucher program and raising rents for rent stabilized tenants, Mayor Adams has turned his back on tenants,” Maldonado said via email.

“Thousands more New Yorkers will face homelessness and eviction because the Adams administration is failing to take the housing crisis seriously.” City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said that while the rent increases were on the lower end of what was proposed, the hikes will further exacerbate the homelessness and housing crisis at a time when New Yorkers can least afford it.

“As our city grapples with a record-high

shelter population, an affordable housing shortage that remains unabated, and rising costs, New York City tenants increasingly struggle to make ends meet,” Speaker Adams said in a statement.

The speaker also said the rent hikes will deepen the lack of affordability and make it more difficult for New Yorkers to remain in their homes and work in the city they love.

She said there needs to be action on the state level to address the housing crisis.

In an op-ed co-authored with Dan Garodnick, the director of the Department of City Planning, the Big Apple’s primary land use agency, Adams called for the lifting of the 12 floor area ratio cap.

The 12 FAR cap limits the density of new construction in the city by only allowing residential buildings to be up to 12 times the size of the area of their lot.

In other words, if a given lot is 1,000 square feet, the biggest building that could be constructed there would be 12,000 square feet, leaving aside any zoning restrictions.

The speaker believes that if the state Legislature lifted the cap, more affordable housing could be created, expanding economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.

“In some parts of the city, an arbitrary, outdated, and Albany-imposed limitation on what types of homes we can build prevents us from

accomplishing our goal of producing more housing,” Adams said in the op-ed. “There is no health or safety rationale for the limit — and there are already more than 200 residential buildings in our city, with 32,000 apartments and tens of thousands of New Yorkers living in them today, that exceed the cap. They were built before the cap was put in place in 1961.”

There are steps the city should be taking to

continued on page 20

“We urge the mayor to join the Council in supporting housing investments being added to the budget.”

— City Council Speaker

Adrienne Adams

The Rent Guidelines Board approved a hike on one-year leases of 3 percent and a bifurcated increase of 2.75 and then 3.2 percent on twoyear leases.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Beloved Ozone Park bakery has closed

Residents attend an emotional final farewell event for Oxford Bake Shop

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

A neighborhood staple, Oxford Bake Shop, located at 104-01 Liberty Ave. in Ozone Park, said a final goodbye to the community last Saturday in an event organized by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association.

Attendees included current owners Vicki Deegan and Felicemarie Misiti, past bakery staff, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and dozens of residents from all over Queens who hold a special place in their heart for the bakery.

Sam Esposito, president of the block asso-

ciation, said the bakery has been there since 1929. It was the longest-running Ozone Park business to stay in the same location, he said.

The closure is a result of the building being sold, which occurred in March 2023, according to online property records.

Block association Chairperson Brina Ciaramella called the bakery “a 100-year staple of Ozone Park,” and detailed visiting Oxford with her grandparents to pick up apple turnovers each weekend.

“A bakery is really one of the hearts of the community because when you step into the bakery, you are looking to choose things with love to share with the people that you love,” she said.

Ariola also spoke at the event, talking of her family’s connection to the bakery.

“Each and every one of us has our own story to share about Oxford bakery And my story is it wasn’t Sunday without Oxford for breakfast,” the councilwoman said. “And they were our birthday cakes. Our wedding cakes. Our communion cakes.”

She also added, “One of the last things my father asked for before he passed Councilwoman Joann Ariola

was a crumb bun.”

Those who could not attend the event expressed their adoration for the institution on Facebook.

One resident called the closing the “end of an era.” Others lamented the loss of their

favorite pastries, including the turnovers, Danishes and crumb cakes.

Ozone Park resident Jimmy Phils said to the Chronicle, “Here’s how to put it best: the loss will be felt both in terms of my weight, and in my heart.” Q

Diwali named school holiday at City Hall

Bill not yet signed by Gov. Hochul; Anniversary Day cut from calendar

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Diwali, one of the holiest days of the year for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, is officially a city public school holiday, Mayor Adams announced at City Hall on Monday, June 26.

Adams was accompanied by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) at the City Hall announcement. Rajkumar has been a champion of the bill authorizing the holiday, having advocated for it since she took office. They were joined by members of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, as well as other elected officials that had joined the Diwali holiday fight.

Rajkumar, Adams and city Schools Chancellor David Banks first announced their vision to establish the Diwali school holiday in October of last year.

Both houses of the state Legislature passed the Diwali bill on June 12, 2023 in the final hours of Albany’s regular 2023 session.

The bill is still awaiting Gov. Hochul’s signature.

A representative from Hochul’s office

could not confirm to the Chronicle whether she intends to sign it, but city officials believe she will.

Rajkumar aide Jacob Gross said the assemblywoman has spoken personally with Hochul about the bill, and that the governor is “excited” about the Diwali school holiday.

“We feel confident that the governor is going to sign this bill into law,” Adams said at City Hall on Monday.

Until now, when Diwali fell on a school day, families had to choose between sending their children to school or celebrating the day together.

This year, Diwali falls on Nov. 12, a weekend day, so there will be no need for a day off of school. But students will get one for it when the time comes.

Though there was initially speculation as to how the holiday would fit on the school calendar, it was confirmed that officials eliminated Brooklyn-Queens Day (also known as “Anniversary Day”) from the calendar so students could still meet the required 180 days of school.

continued on page 20

City and state officials alongside Mayor Adams and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar at City Hall on Monday, where the Diwali school holiday was announced.

presented an award to bakery co-owners Vicki, left, and Felicemarie, and former co-owner Josephine.

The owners of Oxford bakery and family members gathered with loyal customers for a farewell event hosted by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association. PHOTOS BY ANTHONY VALENTI

City, residents go deep in ‘The Hole’

Skepticism greets officials at first workshop on $75M Jewel Streets fix

by Stephanie G. Meditz Chronicle Contributor

As part of Mayor Adams’ plan to revitalize the Jewel Streets neighborhood after decades of disinvestment, residents voiced their suggestions and concerns at the first of five public workshops at the Spring Creek Gardens Learning & Recreation Center last Saturday.

Known by residents as “The Hole,” the Jewel Streets area on the border of East New York and Lindenwood faces chronic flooding due to its low elevation, proximity to the coastline and lack of storm and sewer infrastructure. The area also faces issues of squatting, dumping, illegal vehicle storage and vacant lots, including a 17-acre city-owned site.

Led by the Department of Housing Preservation & Development and the Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with community organizations including the East New York Community Land Trust and the Cypress Hills Local Development Corp., the Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan seeks to reduce flooding through green infrastructure, implement housing support services, sketch a long-term land use plan and address quality-oflife issues such as jobs, economic development, public safety and open spaces. The Adams administration allocated over $75 million for this plan, which is part of the city’s sustainabili-

ty strategy, “PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done.”

The workshop included a presentation of previous work on the Jewel Streets and proposals for the future, such as taller buildings along major roadways like Linden Boulevard and more bike lanes, followed by smaller group discussions.

Before the nearly 50 attendees broke into groups, Joyce Scott-Brayboy of Brooklyn Community Board 5 said community outreach before the workshop was “a big farce” and city agencies have “all these plans already set up here, and very few people who actually live on the Jewel Streets are present.” Attendees remained silent during those statements.

HPD First Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said community members went door-todoor to inform residents about the meeting, but “you can never do enough communication.” He hopes attendees will recruit more people as the workshops continue.

In a small group discussion, Scott-Brayboy urged the city to “get on the corners and go to the people like Jesus did.”

“We’re not getting word out fast enough to the community,” she said. “We are the minority in here, and city agencies are the majority.”

Debra Ack of the East New York Community Land Trust pointed out that there were Jewel Streets residents in attendance and called on Scott-Brayboy to get the word out in her community.

“Today is just the beginning, so everybody that’s here, I want to see you come in August with two more people from the neighborhood,” she said.

The revitalization of the Jewel Streets began when, after receiving a letter from a local coalition requesting infrastructure intervention in February 2022, Councilmember Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn) organized a task force to address immediate drainage and sanitation issues.

Wendy Sperduto, left, of the Department of Environmental Protection explained past projects to alleviate flooding. City Councilman Charles Barron thanked the East New York Community Land Trust for its collaboration with the city on improvements and gave a hug to Debra Ack, a member of the organization.

Since then, the DEP installed a new sewer, two catch basins and two manholes to alleviate flooding at Dumont Street and Emerald and Amber streets. The Department of Sanitation also removed nearly 80 tons of trash from vacant lots, caught 15 illegal dumpers and towed nearly 100 derelict vehicles, officials said.

When each group shared their ideas, residents emphasized the importance of infrastructure before any other development. One group said no building taller than six floors should be built.

A resident from north of Linden Boulevard said there are “more cars than ... residents in our community,” especially from Dumont Avenue to Blake Avenue, where trucks, garbage and junk vehicles made a home.

Safety on Linden Boulevard was also of special concern. One group discussed “reimagining Linden Boulevard as something like Eastern Parkway” with a bigger median, more trees and slower traffic.

Several residents spoke to the dangerous conditions on Linden Boulevard near the Walgreens at 79th Street.

They expressed the need for more grocery stores and other retail, more employment

opportunities, better access to transportation and the removal of illegal businesses in residential areas.

Barron and Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) were also in attendance.

“Jewel Street was neglected for 60 years and then when we came into office, we used to just help them with little things,” Barron said. “Now, we’ve been meeting for months, all the city agencies, and we’re saying that Jewel Street has to become the jewel of East New York. We’re not going to stop until it does just that.”

HPD will hold a community meeting focused on open space and community resources in August, followed by a second public workshop about the future of the 17-acre site and flood resilience strategies in September.

The complete Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan is slated for release in April 2024. Q

Betting tax generates $1B for education

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), the chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, announced last Thursday that mobile sports betting tax revenue generated $1 billion for education from its Jan. 8, 2022 launch through May 31, 2023, according to the latest report by the NYS Gaming Commission.

“Having an additional $1 billion from our nation-leading mobile sports betting business to help our students get the best educa-

tion possible is a tremendous milestone,” Addabbo said in a prepared statement.

Asked whether the funds would apply to CUNY and SUNY schools as well, Addabbo’s office confirmed the money is statutorily for grades K to 12.

“We should continue to build upon these solid revenue generating opportunities in order to make many additional improvements to our state’s gaming ventures and addiction services. I look forward to greater results with the future eventual arrival of iGaming and iLottery in New York.”

Addabbo noted that perhaps equally important to improving education or fulfilling other credible state funding needs, a bigger share of the funds can be used to supplement programs to prevent and address gambling addiction. New York State’s mobile sports betting provides an additional $6 million for problem gambling programs annually.

In an interview, Addabbo told the Chronicle other revenue sources for education were not reduced because of the new funding source of mobile sports betting

revenue. He even said future revenues could fund other projects.

“Statutorily, education gets the current casino money, and some of the mobile sports betting money,” Addabbo said. “But we have the opportunity of funding something else.

“With new gaming products like pushing iGaming next year, or iLottery, we can look at funding new items: healthcare, veterans groups, seniors, the MTA, transportation. We can build upon this and start to look at helping other areas of the state,” he said. Q

Goals range from reducing flooding to supporting economic development.

Attendees of last Saturday’s workshop on the Jewel Streets neighborhood wrote their suggestions on blown-up maps of the community and the surrounding areas north and south of Linden Boulevard, which itself was a key matter of concern. PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

Would affect under 100 pizzerias with pre-2016 coal- or wood-fired ovens Adams, DEP take fire over proposed rule

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Many New Yorkers agree the best slices are from wood- or coal-fired ovens. Now, longstanding pizzerias may be ordered to reduce their carbon emissions by up to 75 percent under a new rule from the city that could cost them tens of thousands of dollars. That means certain pizzerias would have to bid adieu to coal or wood-fired ovens installed before May 2016 or make costly upgrades to their equipment.

“All New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air, and wood and coal-fired stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighborhoods with poor air quality,” Depart-

ment of Environmental Protection spokesperson Ted Timbers said in a prepared statement.

The proposed regulation, which Timbers said was “developed with restaurant and environmental justice groups” will require pizza places with the older ovens to hire a professional to see if installing emissions controls is feasible.

“Commercial cooking is a common source of PM2.5 — which is the most harmful urban air pollutant,” he explained. “It is small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, which can worsen lung and heart disease and lead to hospital admissions and premature deaths.”

Timbers said the rule will apply to “significantly less than 100” restaurants citywide.

Mayor Adams is facing heat at the prospect of the new rule, which is set to be discussed at length in an online public hearing on July 27.

At an unrelated press conference Monday, Adams addressed the controversy.

“Let’s let the public weigh in, and then we can have a conversation on if we’re going to move forward or not. And the public can weigh in without throwing pizza over my gate,” he said, referencing when Scott LoBaido of Staten Island protested by throwing multiple pizza pies over the fence into City Hall near the Mayor’s Office earlier that morning.

“We don’t want to hurt businesses in the city

and we don’t want to hurt the environment,” Adams said. “So, let’s see if we can find a way to get the resolutions we’re looking for.”

Queens is home to its fair share of woodfired or coal-fired pizzerias. Is the proposal coming as a shock to residents’ favorite woodfired hot spots?

According to the DEP, it is not.

“The industry has known since 2015 that this rule was in the works, and they were a part of the advisory committee that came up with the rule,” Timbers said.

Hugo Mattei, owner of Basil Brick Oven Pizza in Astoria, feels for the small businesses that will be affected by these new rules.

“They’re saying the upgrades are $20,000 maximum. They’re not. That’s for the smaller unit. And then you have to spend money on an engineer, and spend money on an architect. You’re looking at $50,000,” Mattei said.

“If we need to do it, we’ll do it,” he added, referring to his restaurant. “But not for $50,000. We may have to close the door if it’s like that.”

Mattei joked, “Everyone’s pizza will taste the same without these ovens. People will have to go to Jersey for their pizza.”

In a prepared statement, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business Ashley Ranslow called the proposed rule illogical.

“These small, often generational, and family-owned pizzerias cannot possibly absorb tens of thousands of dollars to install and maintain scrubbers to comply with this radical proposal,” she said.

“This is yet another example of an out of touch and overly burdensome regulation from New York’s bureaucrats that are single-handedly making the Empire State and City hostile to business while also destroying what’s left of the small business economy.” Q

Nancy Fraser (left) Lisa Camme (right)

Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza + Kitchen in Forest Hills is one of the relatively few wood-fired pizzerias in Queens.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

The wood-fired oven at Basil Brick Oven Pizza hard at work.

PHOTO COURTESY HUGO MATTEI

EDITORIAL AGEP

Learn from a graduation rant

LaGuardia Community College’s June 21 commencement appears to have been a joyful event for 2,001 graduating students, but for one it was bitter, judging by the show she put on. And alas, it was that student and that show that has gotten the attention.

Kadia Iman apparently did not believe that she had been given enough time to say her name into a microphone held by a volunteer staffer from the school when she entered the area where the ceremony was held, and she apparently believed race was at least part of the reason. Iman is Black, and the older woman who was holding the microphone for the students is white.

So, Iman decided to go back a few minutes later and wrest the mic from the woman — whom we credit with valiantly trying to hold onto it as best she could — so she could say her name, go on a little rant and declare that “today is going to be all about me.”

Somehow we suspect every day is in Iman’s orbit.

All of this is on video that naturally is getting hits on social media. Iman, unsurprisingly, is a TikTok user.

We hope the victim did not suffer any injuries as her body was jerked around by the much younger, physical-

ly stronger Iman. If you were to take say, someone’s phone from their hand on the street in the way that she took the mic, you could be subject to a criminal charge.

And don’t think that this was just a matter of this young woman having a bad moment. She doubled down in subsequent social media posts, further invoking race: “I’m a black woman in America; I’m always in the right,” she said in a meme-like printed statement. What is it about today’s society that would give someone such ideas? Was Iman taught that it’s OK to disrupt a dignified event involving hundreds of other people and physically accost someone to make a point?

It was only recently that a graduating student delivered a vile speech at CUNY Law’s commencement. Now this. Are the city schools or the City University of New York themselves teaching such a sense of entitlement? We hear a lot about students being taught to be activists and to “live their truth” — is this the result?

Traditionalist reformers made some serious gains in the recent Community Education Council elections. With CUNY, reform would have to be driven by our elected officials. It looks as if they should get on that.

Toll-free New Jersey?

We agree wholeheartedly with state Assemblyman David Weprin that congestion pricing — the imposition of tolls on top of tolls for those who must drive into Central and Lower Manhattan — will be an unaffordable, crippling mess, the last thing New York’s economy needs, and that those who hail it as progress should be held accountable. We are, however, skeptical they will be. A program that imposes higher costs on car drivers, that nominally will ease climate change, all while giving more money to an “unaccountable and untrustworthy” — Weprin’s words — Metropolitan Transportation Authority: What’s not to like, as far as New York’s governing class is concerned? Sure, there’ll be more congestion and pollution north of 60th Street in Manhattan and in the outer boroughs. And yes, New York City’s unemployment rate remains stubbornly higher than the rest of the state’s or the nation’s. But, the pols say, we must do this!

This page has fought the good fight against this plan for as long as anyone. But there’s no more that we can do here. Our only hope is that New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy follows through on his threats to sue to block the plan and succeeds. Imagine that — our hopes lie with New Jersey! Strange days are these.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Begging at the door

Dear Editor:

Don’t bank on NYPD Banks

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What is being done about the migrants ringing my bell and asking for money? I have lived here for many years and I have never had anyone send a child to beg.

I understand these people are in need; however, I feel the community can help in an organized and safe manner. I would like to see some conversation happening about this.

Sandra Havertong Jamaica

Animal abuse covered

Dear Editor:

Re “Feline rescue group faces abuse claims,” June 22, multiple editions:

Once again, I turn to my favorite free Queens newspaper for news that I didn’t see or read elsewhere, not in the Daily News or New York Post or on the TV news. I appreciate that you take animal cruelty as seriously as the abuse of other human beings. After all, any being that has a pulse feels pain.

Please continue to shed light on this problem, as I continue to read your newspaper every single week. You are the best free newspaper in all of the five counties!

Joan Silaco Queens Village

Re Sophie Krichevsky’s June 22 report “The ideal resume for the next top cop”:

NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks should not be considered as a successor to outgoing Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. He retired from the NYPD in 2014 after 28 years of service, when he was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a police bribery scandal. His current position must be abolished because it prevents the NYPD commissioner from directly reporting to Mayor Adams.

Sewell was Nassau County’s chief of detectives before becoming NYC’s top cop. She served on a force with 2,800 cops (Wikipedia) compared with NYPD’s roster of over 34,000. That meant she faced a huge learning curve at the start.

NYC’s next police commissioner should be a veteran career NYPD cop who rose through the ranks. Gender, race and ethnicity should not be factors in the selection process. We need the most qualified person for this job, not someone who checks a politically correct box. Woke-driven appointments won’t win the war on crime.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Retirees may surmount Aetna

Dear Editor:

Your June 22 article “City deems retiree health plan approved” failed to go into the very important fact that there is a request for an injunction as well as a pending lawsuit attempting to overturn the possibly illegal contract with Aetna that would force 250,000 retirees into its

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Medicare Advantage plan. So at this point, the replacement of Medicare with the new plan is far from inevitable, contrary to the headline’s implication.

Harriet Novick Howard Beach

Teachers unions fail the kids

Dear Editor:

I was a teacher in the then NYC Board of Education for 35 years and a United Federation of Teachers member, always proud of my job and drawing real satisfaction from watching the young adults I taught improve and increase their body of knowledge. Our roles were clearly defined by the subject matter we taught, and we were encouraged to work in tandem with parents — not to assume the role of a parent but rather to utilize the professional assistance available when suspecting a troubled student.

Ever since that whining sycophant Randi Weingarten stepped onto the national stage during the Covid crisis, teachers and their representative unions have far exceeded their designated roles and involved themselves in social and political issues far outside and beyond their professional roles. Commentator Karol Markowicz and others hold Weingarten, in conjunction with Dr. Anthony Fauci, responsible for the catastrophic decline in test scores seen in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The current NYC schools are a failure, with many students who are now two years or more behind their grade-level requirements after the prolonged and overly extended period of remote instruction. Math scores are the lowest in 30 years and reading scores the lowest in 50. There are thousands of students on waiting lists for charter schools where their parents hope to have them instructed in traditional academics rather than ultra-liberal programs.

Here again the UFT has squashed their hopes by insisting on a cap on the number of charter schools. Why? Because teachers in charter schools are not UFT members, depriving the union of the political clout it has so long exercised. The NYC school system is in desperate need of repair, renovation and redirection, devoid of a union’s political agendas.

Bruce Carney Kew Gardens

July 4 in my blood

Dear Editor:

The Fourth of July is a day of great importance. In 1776 we fought as a people for the birth of a great new nation founded on democracy. Since then we have fought many wars and lost many lives for the cause of democracy.

My own family has fought for democracy. My great-great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, my grandfather fought in the Civil War, my father fought in World War I — and in World War II served as a air raid warden and chaplain — and I myself served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Today I serve as a member of American Legion Post 103 in Douglaston.

In this democracy, we have the right to speak our minds, the right to freedom of religion and the right to vote for those who will best represent freedom and justice for all. So in the next election, please get out and vote. Let

not our ancestors, who have died for what most of us hold most dear, and that is freedom, to have died in vain.

As it says in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

So, let freedom ring on the Fourth of July. It is not just a day off for store sales and barbecues but a day of independence from tyranny.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Thanks for the book review

Dear Editor:

Thank you very much for the dynamic article about my new book, “Long Island City in 1776” (“Rebels without a hope” / “1776 tested rebels’ resolve in Western Queens,” qboro, June 15).

The article was well written and your facts were on the money. I have enjoyed sharing the article with others.

You have been nothing but super to me, and I thank you.

Richard Melnick Astoria

Free speech about Israel

Dear Editor:

I want to take an issue with your June 1 Editorial, “Grad’s hateful address shows CUNY needs real reform.”

You call for “serious reform” of CUNY Law School and accuse it of tolerating “hateful speech,” including a pattern of anti-Semitism. As examples, you note student government support for a “radical” Palestinian concept of a boycott, divest and sanction movement, as well as a valedictorian speech urging the audience to fight against “racism, imperialism, and Zionism.”

Lastly, you call on the governor and the mayor to step in and replace the CUNY Board of Trustees if it fails to make the necessary changes.

Gentlemen, what you are calling for is nothing short of censorship of those with whom you disagree.

While these ideas may be repugnant to some, they are a form of free speech protected by the Constitution.

As for BDS, let’s set the record straight! This is a nonviolent movement started in 2005, which censures Israel for it’s brutal suppression of the Palestinians. It’s modeled after previous movements, (e.g., those led by Gandhi and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.), and the sanctions imposed against South Africa for it’s apartheid policies. It is an attempt by exasperated Palestinians to call on the world’s conscience to pressure Israel after 20 years of the “peace process,” which has brought them even more misery, land confiscations, economic strangulation, and killings. Supporting BDS doesn’t make one anti-Semitic, and it certainly isn’t “hate speech.” Equating the two is just absurd.

Your “cure” for CUNY is very dangerous, and represents an attempt to weaponize these issues to achieve your goals.

Davor Grancaric Hillcrest

DA renominated with 70+ percent of the vote; Avella struggles in 19th Katz, incumbents score primary wins

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Primary night in Queens saw all incumbents cruise to handy victories, including District Attorney Melinda Katz, who was being targeted from her right and left.

It also ended with former state Sen. Tony Avella at risk of losing the nomination for his old City Council seat when his race that is now only against former prosecutor Christopher Bae goes to ranked-choice vote counting [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

In unofficial returns from the city Board of Elections, Katz had just under 71 percent of the vote with 97 percent of the polls reporting in, easily outdistancing retired judge and NYPD official George Grasso (14.34 percent) and defense attorney Devian Daniels (14.1). She was over 70 percent from the time the first returns came in.

“This election was a choice of results vs. rhetoric and the voters spoke loud and clear,” Katz said in a statement from her campaign. “Today’s victory is an affirmation of my office’s tremendous work to keep Queens safe while implementing key initiatives to fix our criminal justice system and make it fairer. Record setting gang takedowns; a first-

ever Conviction Integrity Unit; thousands of illegal guns off the streets; new bureaus and programs for domestic violence, human trafficking, wage theft; a degree of direct engagement with Queens’ many diverse communities that is unparalleled in the history of this office.”

Grasso ran to Katz’s right on a law-andorder platform, accusing the incumbent of being soft on things like fare-beating and quality-of-life offenses.

Daniels ran on an anti-incarceration platform. She criticized Katz for voting for the death penalty while a member of the state Legislature.

Katz, in the closing days of the campaign, alleged a number of improprieties on the part of Daniels’ campaign, including a lack of required financial filings.

She will face Republican Michael Mossa in November. Grasso has said he intends to seek an independent line in the fall, though no more information was available on Wednesday.

With nearly 99 percent of the 19th Council District vote in, Avella had 38.97 percent and Bae 36.81. Land use expert Paul Graziano came in third with 23.66.

Under ranked-choice voting, the second choice of Graziano’s voters will be allotted to Avella and Bae at a future date.

In other Democratic primaries, Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) led Charles Castro, 85.53 percent to 13.17 with more than 95 percent of the votes counted in the 22nd District.

Returns in the 23rd District have Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) with 62.57 percent of the vote against Steve Behar (29.25) and Rubaiya Rahman (7.4) with nearly 97 percent of the votes counted.

Councilman Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) secured 63.7 percent of the vote in the 25th District against Richardo Pacheco (23.71) and Fatima Baryab (12.2) with 95 percent of the returns in.

“Yesterday was a victory for the taxi workers and deliveristas, the working parents and teachers, the artists and activists,” Krishnan said in a statement on Wedneday. “For all who believe our great city can provide housing, education, health care, and green space to all of us.”

Councilwoman Julie Won (D-Sunnyside), with 61.08 percent, won a rematch against Hailie Kim (37.73), who was one of Won’s opponents two years ago.

Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) won nearly 54 percent of the vote in the 29th District against Ethan Felder (34.58) and Sukhi Singh (10.71).

Councilwoman Jennifer Gutierrez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) had 81.46 percent of the vote against Paperboy Love Prince (18.07) with 98 percent of the vote counted.

In the one Republican contest, YuChing James Pai won the GOP nomination in the 20th District with 56 percent of the vote against Dany Chen (42.63). Council-

Emotional surprise at PS 60

A young boy got the best gift he could imagine last Thursday when his mother, U.S. Army Specialist Catherine Lopez, surprised him at his fifth-grade graduation ceremony at PS 60 in Woodhaven. Lopez was serving overseas in Africa, but made it home in time to see her son, Jayden, receive his diploma.

Administrators at PS 60 helped set the scene for the surprise. Before diplomas

were distributed, Jayden was called up onstage to receive an award for being an exemplary student. While he posed for a photo on stage, Lopez snuck up behind him from the wings of the stage. The result was an emotional embrace that brought the whole room to its feet in applause.

“I’m so happy,” Lopez said of their emotional reunion. “It’s just a really good day.”

— Kristen Guglielmo

woman Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) awaits in November.

Election Day is Nov. 7.

City Council elections, which normally are for four year-terms, are being held only two years after the last election because of the 2020 U.S. Census. The City Charter mandates the shortened term to accommodate new districts that have since been redrawn.

The winners of Council seats this year who are not term-limited out in 2025 can run again, but for a full four-year term.

The rule does not apply to the district attorney, which is legally a state office. Q

NYBC: critical blood shortage

The New York Blood Center is experiencing a critical shortage with summer now here. Blood donors are needed for surgery, cancer patients, accident victims and new mothers and babies, among others.

Each donor can save as many as three lives. Information on how to donate or schedule a drive is available at nybc.org. Upcoming drives include:

• The Shops at Atlas Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2; and Wednesday, July 5 from 1 to 7 p.m.;

• Baglung Sewa Samaj, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, at 75-15 Woodside Ave. in Elmhurst;

• LaGuardia Community College, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Thursday, July 13, at 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City;

• Rotary Club NY of Queens and Gorkhali Samaj New York, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, at Queens Place mall at 88-01 Queens Blvd. in the former Outback Steakhouse; and

• Queens Place mall, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, at 88-01 Queens Blvd. in the former Outback Steakhouse. Q

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and all other Democratic incumbents facing challengers were renominated by comfortable margins on Tuesday night. PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE

“This election was a choice of results vs. rhetoric ... ”

— Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

Congestion pricing clears final fed hurdle

FHWA says no more studies needed; Weprin says MTA must be fixed first

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) has been one of Queens’ more vocal critics of congestion pricing. The passage of time has done nothing to alter his view in the wake of Monday’s reports that the federal government gave it a final stamp of approval to proceed.

The Federal Highway Administration, as first reported by Crain’s New York Business, said New York State’s plan to toll drivers who enter Midtown or Downtown Manhattan from 60th Street and almost all points south needs no further studies.

State officials say it is necessary in order to raise $1 billion per year for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

It is expected to be in place in or about next April. Weprin, in a statement from his office, said he is “deeply disturbed” by the FHWA’s ruling.

“New Yorkers cannot afford this $1 billion tax hike, which is being camouflaged as investment in the MTA — an unaccountable and untrustworthy steward of the public’s funds,” Weprin said. “Congestion Pricing will impose burdensome expenses on working- and middleclass citizens who are already struggling to meet the rising cost of living. It will dissuade tourism in Manhattan and make taxi, limou-

sine, and app-based rideshare services financially untenable. Congestion Pricing will cripple our businesses — both small and large — which have yet to recover from the Covid-19 crisis and are currently in the grips of unprecedented inflation and supply chain disruptions.”

The state’s Traffic Mobility Review Board now has just over 300 days to finalize details for the cost of the tolls and any possible exemptions or discounts and install the infrastructure to assess and collect the tolls. Revenue will be used to leverage $15 billion in borrowing for capital improvement projects.

Gov. Hochul and the MTA in May were still operating on the assumption that a new peak toll will be somewhere between $9 and $23. Exceptions include drivers using the West Side Highway or FDR Drive; and those using the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.

The Chronicle back in May reported on a number of apparent concessions the state is considering, such as charging taxis only once per day; offering discounts to low-income drivers after 10 trips; and offering overnight discounts in an effort to encourage truck drivers to use off-hours for their trips.

Another stated goal is to reduce traffic and pollution in Manhattan, though a great deal of both is expected to simply be pushed into the Bronx. The state and MTA have promised to study ways to mitigate the impacts or attempt to

Rich Hill man pleads guilty in murder case

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

A Richmond Hill man pleaded guilty to the Jan. 6, 2020 murder and attempted rape of a 92-year-old woman June 20.

Justice Kenneth C. Holder indicated that he would sentence Reeaz Khan, 24, to 22 years to life on the murder charge and eight years in prison on the attempted rape charge, according to the Office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

The man who attacked an elderly woman from behind and killed her in 2020 could face 22 years to life in prison.

“He rightly will be sentenced to a long prison term,” Katz said in a June 20 statement.

A spokesperson for Katz’s office said that the justice will decide in two weeks whether the sentencing for the different charges will be concurrent or consecutive.

On the night of the assault, surveillance video footage captured Khan approaching Maria Fuertes, 92, also of Richmond Hill, from behind as she walked on 127th Avenue a little after midnight. He and Fuertes

later drop to the ground, and approximately five minutes later the defendant is seen with his pants undone and running off.

The 92-year-old woman, who was in the frigid cold, was not found until 2:14 a.m., according to authorities. Her dress was lifted to her chest and she was barely conscious and incoherent when she was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where doctors found that she had sustained two fractures to her spine and two fractures to her ribs, along with bruising to her neck and chest and other injuries. She was later declared dead at the hospital.

The medical examiner determined from an autopsy that she died from blunt force trauma and hypothermia.

“This defendant savagely attacked a defenseless, elderly woman and left her to die on the freezing pavement,” Katz added. Khan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6.

By next April, drivers crossing the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan will pay a toll, as federal officials have deemed more studies unnecessary.

offset them by other means.

Many Queens residents and elected officials have voiced their objections to the plan, calling it just another tax.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has threatened legal action if his constituents are forced to pay the fee on top of tolls they already rack up at the George Washington Bridge and Hudson River tunnels.

Not all were opposed to the decision, as per a statement from the Riders Alliance.

“Public transit riders are thrilled that Wash-

ington has finally approved congestion pricing so New York can fix the subway network we all depend on,” said Riders Alliance Senior Organizer Danna Dennis. “We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and transit officials to ensure a successful implementation. At last, the MTA can make essential upgrades and deliver the modern, reliable, accessible subway that New Yorkers, commuters, and visitors need and deserve.”

But Charlton D’souza of Passengers United said his group opposes the plan because Queens won’t get anything out of it. And, citing signal trouble on the Queens Boulevard line, he asked, “What happens when millions of people ditch their cars and get on the subway and the subway breaks down?”

Weprin said there are traffic issues in Manhattan, but that any solution must begin with fixing the MTA.

“Hard data on the consequences of imposing Congestion Pricing are needed,” Weprin said. “How will the ill and infirm make their way to hospitals below 60th St.? When can our disability community expect to have their needs satisfactorily addressed — only about 30% of stations in the entire system are “accessible”? What adverse health and environmental impacts will arise from new, increased patterns of traffic in the communities outside the Central Business District?” Q

Grandmother sentenced in 2020 manslaughter

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Suzette Olin was sentenced to 23 years in prison last Wednesday for the shooting death of Shaka Ifil, her daughter’s boyfriend and the father of her grandchild, in his Woodhaven home in July 2020. Olin, a 68-year-old from Far Rockaway, was convicted by a jury of manslaughter in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree back in March. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant sentenced the defendant to 23 years in prison, followed by five years post-release supervision.

According to trial testimony, a neighbor called 911 on July 26, 2020 at approximately 2 p.m. after discovering Ifil, 40, lying on the floor of his apartment with a gunshot wound to his back.

The victim told police that his girlfriend’s mother shot him. He succumbed to his wounds, which included gunshot inju-

ries to several major organs and blood vessels, later that day at a hospital.

The key evidence in the testimony was security footage showing a woman exiting an Access-A-Ride who appeared to be smoking a cigarette near Ifil’s home at 1:51 p.m. that day, and then leaving the residence at 2:01 p.m. The woman was identified as Olin, and a DNA test of the cigarette butt found in the apartment was positively linked to her.

An investigation revealed that three days before the shooting, Olin’s daughter filed a domestic incident report against her boyfriend, alleging Ifil broke a door in their apartment. Police responded to the incident, and bodycam footage confirmed the broken door. The girlfriend did not appear to be injured.

“Gun violence will never be tolerated. This defendant will now serve a long prison sentence for her actions,” District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. Q

PHOTO COURTESY NYPD / FILE

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Riders say MTA fare hikes on wrong track

Agency seeking $2.90 base charge for bus, subway rides, plus higher tolls

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Confirming perhaps the worst-kept secret in New York City in recent months, nearly all speakers at a pair of public hearings on June 22 opposed fare and toll increases proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The main reason given was that many simply cannot afford them.

Subsequent hybrid hearings took place on Friday, June 23, and Monday, June 26.

Under the MTA’s proposal, a single subway or bus ride would rise from $2.75 to $2.90 in September. Express buses would increase from $6.75 to $7. A seven-day unlimited MetroCard would increase $1 to $34. A 30-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $127 to $132.

Queens Village resident Charlton D’souza, president of the advocacy group Passengers United, also is not a fan of the proposal to eliminate the Atlantic Ticket, which offers discounted Long Island Rail Road tickets to Queens residents heading to Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue Terminal.

“With all the delays, the communication system, you guys want to raise the fare?”

D’souza asked the MTA Board in the morn-

ing session. “This is going to be devastating to so many poor New Yorkers.”

D’souza said rather than eliminate the $60 weekly Atlantic Ticket, the MTA should reduce it to $50 and expand it to include passage to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.

“This has been a lifesaver for Southeast Queens,” he said. “Everyone should benefit from this. This is how you win back customers.”

D’souza believes that expanding Atlantic Ticket service, even with a slightly reduced weekly free, would get more people on what he said now often are nearly empty trains.

And, for D’souza’s bottom line, a single bus or subway ride should remain at $2.75.

A number of college students from Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx said they were already facing tight budgets and possible tuition increases without having to pay more for essential transportation.

A number of other speakers asked the city to expand its Fair Fares program as budget negotiations between the mayor and City Council were entering their final week before the June 30 deadline.

The program offers discounted MetroCards for eligible residents whose annual

income is up to 100 percent above the federal poverty level.

Each speaker who addressed the matter asked that the level be raised to 200 percent.

One proponent of the fare increase — and return to biennial overall increases of 4 percent — was Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, who testified in person just before the conclusion of the morning hearing.

But Rein also voiced concerns over the MTA’s longterm fiscal picture.

“We support the proposed increase in fares and tolls since it is essential for the MTA’s fiscal health and wholly appropriate for riders and drivers to pay a reasonable portion of costs,” Rein said, calling the increases a critical component of the state’s MTA rescue plan for the agency’s finances.

“But make no mistake. While the plan

provides significant additional resources, it does not resolve all the MTA’s operating budget problems,” Rein added. “The MTA needs to do more to become stable, efficient, and flexible enough to accommodate future ridership patterns, which are uncertain.”

Rein also said the size of the planned increases might have to be adjusted upward.

“Increasing fare and toll revenue roughly 2 percent a year when expenses are increasing 3.3 percent a year widens the MTA’s budget gap,” he said. “The MTA should revisit the 4 percent yield to see if it is sufficient for ongoing fiscal stability.”

People may send comments on the proposals by mail to MTA Government & Community Relations, Attn: Fare Hearings, 2 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10004. The MTA Board is scheduled to vote on the increase on July 19. Q

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has begun hearings to determine just how much more cash riders will have to come up with this September.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Charlton D’souza of Passengers United calls the Long Island Rail Road Atlantic Ticket he held up at the hearing “a lifesaver for Southeast Queens.” MTA SCREENSHOT / ZOOM

“[I]

t does not resolve all of the MTA’s operating budget problems.”

— Andrew Rein, Citizens Budget Commission

Residents ask Hochul to sign trash train bill

Measure calls for hard cap or sealing of cars with waste that can leak or rot

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

After 14 years, a bill that could prevent a great deal of pollution and horrific odors emanating from trash-laden trains running through or sitting in Queens has made it out of the Legislature to the governor’s desk.

Now residents who live near the New York & Atlantic Railroad yards in Glendale — as well as the two legislators who steered the bill through Albany — hope Gov. Hochul signs it into law.

The measure from Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) would require that all putrescible waste being transported by rail be covered with either a hard tarp or sealed lid.

The aim is to keep odors in and to keep rain that mixes with the garbage and leaches out through drains in the bottom of the cars out. Rajkumar on June 23 organized a gathering of residents and civic leaders to celebrate a containment bill progressing farther than one ever has, and to convince Hochul to get the measure over the goal line by signing it.

“We listened to the people of Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth and Middle Village to protect their health and welfare,” Rajkumar said. “This is an enormous victory for our

community. And now we are asking Gov. Hochul to sign this important legislation.”

Rajkumar retold stories of residents dealing with foul odors from garbage sitting in rail cars, and students at nearby Christ the King High School complaining of stenches

Gabriella Ramaglia District 27 NYC Big Apple Award Winner

Congratulations to Gabriella Ramaglia, a resident of Howard Beach and special education elementary teacher at PS306Q NYC Academy for Discovery, on receiving the NYC Big Apple Teaching Award June 2023. It is with great honor that she receives this award for all her hard work and dedication. Ms. Ramaglia went through a rigorous selection process and was selected from over 1,000 nominations. The Big Apple Awards recognize and celebrate NYC teachers who: inspire students to be their best selves, dream and advocate for their future by modeling equitable learning with high expectations for the diverse needs of all students. Ms. Ramaglia values her students’ backgrounds and views related to their experiences, culture, language and race. With a passion for promoting leadership, teamwork and healthy habits, Ms. Ramaglia organized for the New York Islanders to

do a school assembly for all grades in her school. She received her award with a surprise visit from District 27 Superintendent David Norment, Deputy Superintendent Melissa Compson and their team, her administration, her family and her co-workers. We would like to thank Principal Leone and Assistant Principal Mrs. Marciano for all of their support. Advertisement

so foul they got headaches.

“All we have to do is put a lid on it.”

Rajkumer and Addabbo said support was bipartisan throughout the state. Both also gave tremendous credit to Mary Parisen Lavelle and Mary Arnold, founding mem-

bers of Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, a grassroots group that formed 14 years ago to fight for quality-oflife issues around the rail line.

“‘Mary Squared,’ I call them,” Addabbo said. He said he is particularly pleased with the bill because it was completely constituent-driven from the start.

Addabbo said his experience goes back to 2009, sitting in a resident’s rattling house at 3 a.m., and his first whiff of the aroma from an open trash car on a sizzling hot summer afternoon.

“You know something had to be done.”

He said they did, in fact, try working with the rail companies. And the first incarnation of the bill years ago required hard covers on all trash, not just that capable of decaying.

“This is a monumental accomplishment for [Rajkumar and Addabbo], the residents, the civics and Community Board 5,” Parisen Lavelle said. “New York’s No. 1 export by rail is waste, and it has been long overdue that the issue was addressed. These rail cars go past our homes, as you can see. They go past our schools and our parks.”

“Our gratitude is inexpressible,” Arnold said.

A spokesperson for Hochul told the Chronicle in an email that the governor is reviewing the legislation. Q

Mary Parisen Lavelle of Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, flanked by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., last week called on Gov. Hochul to sign legislation to seal or cover trains carrying some kinds of waste. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

JFK’s Terminal 6 on track for completion

Phase one of the $4.2 billion project is expected to be finished in 2026

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, via its JFK Redevelopment Program, held a community engagement meeting in Jamaica to update residents about the development of Terminal 6 last Wednesday.

Tom Topousis, the senior program manager at the Port Authority, said that everything is on schedule with the $4.2 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6, which will expand into Terminal 7 in two phases.

“The first phase, which is new gates and a new arrival and departure hall, that is going to be done in 2026,” Topousis told the Queens Chronicle. “The full project will be completed in 2028.”

Once completed, there will be 10 new entries, including nine wide-body gates for larger planes.

The new terminal will have state-of-the-art security, a streamlined roadway access and a recreation space, which includes an indoor park for kids.

Terminal 6 will connect to Terminal 5, Topousis added.

“Once you pass security, people won’t have to go back and forth,” he said. “It will act as

if it’s one large terminal. So if you have a domestic flight at JetBlue and you need to connect to an international flight to London, you can probably do it all in that same terminal.”

This terminal is the last access point at the airport to be transformed, as other projects for Terminal 4, 5 and 8 are either completed or construction was underway before ground was broken earlier this year at Terminal 6.

Terminal 7 will be demolished in a few years, as its major airline, British Air, has moved to Terminal 8.

“We are just in the early stages of construction now,” Topousis said.

The project, which comprises 1.2 million square feet, will create 4,000 new jobs, including 1,800 construction jobs.

There are opportunities for entrepreneurs to have a concession at the airport for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, local-based enterprises and people who participate in the airport disadvantage business enterprise program.

“Large scale public art will be in the new terminal that we build,” said the Port Authority program manager. “Terminal 6 announced that they are partnering with the Public Art

Fund, a nonprofit, to help them curate a selection for their art program. Once we have names of artists we will put out a release.”

Topousis said the artists featured will be from Queens and other parts of the world.

“Inspiring and appealing public art is a key tenet of the Port Authority’s vision to provide travelers with a world-class experience at the

region’s airports,” Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, said in a statement. “As we have seen at LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, iconic works of art, along with state-of-the-art functionality ... and locally inspired dining and retail combine to create airports that rival the best in the world.” Q

Residents were updated on the progress of JFK Airport’s Terminal 6 in Jamaica, last Wednesday. According to one representative, the project is on track to meet its 2028 deadline. PHOTO BY REE BRINN

“It will act as if it’s one large terminal.”

— Program Manager Tom Topousis, Port Authority

Inflation, high taxes blamed for rent hike

continued from page 2

address evictions, homelessness, and housing on its own. Yet, there has been inadequate intervention by the mayor’s administration as evictions skyrocket, and the mayor’s budget lacks the housing investments needed in the city to protect New Yorkers, she said.

In May, she revealed The Fair Housing Framework legislation, which would require the Housing Preservation and Development and City Planning departments to establish targeted housing production goals for each community district to ensure every neighborhood plays an equitable role in addressing the city’s housing crisis.

“We urge the mayor to join the Council in supporting housing investments being added to the budget,” Speaker Adams said.

Budget negotiations are active and ongoing between the mayor and City Council, and to date, he has committed $24 billion to affordable housing, City Hall said.

“We are using every tool in the city’s toolkit to build more housing more quickly — cutting red tape, making the largest financial commitment to affordable housing in the city’s history, and advancing a ‘City of Yes’ zoning amendment that will clear the way for new housing in every borough,” the mayor added in a statement.

Christopher Santarelli, a spokesman for the Real Estate Board of New York, said that government policies and economic condi-

tions are making it difficult to operate and maintain quality rental housing in New York.

“The Rent Guidelines Board’s data clearly shows more and more rent-stabilized apartments are in distress,” Santarelli told the Chronicle, as for why the hikes were necessary.

Every year, the same drama unfolds and nothing ever changes, said Jay Martin, the executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program, who shared sentiments similar to Santarelli’s.

“The RGB puts data out there which is largely ignored, tenant advocates and politicians scream and shout, and rent-stabilized housing gets defunded. If we continue on this trajectory, there won’t be any rent-stabilized housing left for people to live in,” Martin said in a statement. “CHIP knows that tenants are hurting, and wholeheartedly believes the government needs to step in and do their jobs to ensure their constituents can pay their rents. The government also needs to put forth solutions to lower the costs to provide and maintain housing.”

Joseph Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, said that the RGB ignored its own data and was intimidated by radical politicians and activists, which deprives the largest providers of affordable housing of the revenue they need to keep up with skyrocketing costs.

“Tenants in economic distress have government programs to support them, while

stabilized building owners — the private providers of a public benefit — are at the mercy of arbitrary politics instead of sound policy,” Strasburg said via email.

The RSA represents 25,000 diverse owners and managers of more than 1 million rent-stabilized apartments in the five boroughs, he added.

Roy Ho, president of the Property Owners Association of Greater New York, said there are 2.3 million rental units, 900,000 rent stabilized, 16,000 in rent control and the rest unregulated.

“The members of Property Owners Association of Greater New York are ... owners of buildings of fewer than 6 units and thus not directly affected by RGB’s rent increases,” Ho told the Chronicle. “RGB’s decisions affect the housing prices indirectly since 40 percent of the housing units are rent stabilized.

“While the RGB vote does not impact our owners directly, it has a profound impact on housing in our communities. Defunding rent stabilized buildings over time reduces the supply of housing, which increases homelessness. RGB’s 2023 increase certainly is higher and can help improve the quality of housing stocks in New York City. However, the price differentials between market units and rent stabilized units continue to diverge which divergence is driving some supply out from the market and making the unregulated units even more expensive.” Q

Diwali bill

continued from page 4

“This is what victory looks like. This is what victory feels like,” Rajkumar said at City Hall. “Today, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain Americans: We see you,” she said.

“Today, we say to families from India, Guyana, Trinidad, Nepal and Bangladesh: We recognize you.”

Adams also praised state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) for carrying the bill in the Senate.

“This is a victory not only for the men and women of the Indian community and all communities that celebrate Diwali, but it’s a victory for New York,” Mayor Adams said at City Hall.

“This push to establish Diwali as a public school holiday has been a long and arduous one, but Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Mayor Adams and all our faith leaders deserve tremendous credit for their persistence in making this day a reality. Congratulations to all our families who celebrate the Festival of Lights — may this fall’s Diwali be the most joyous yet,” Borough President Donovan Richards said in a written statement.

“I’m happy for all the children and the families and the communities of New York City who are going to learn about the depth and the heritage and the history of this community,” Banks said in a statement. Q

DOE suffers data breach; 45K students affected

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The city Department of Education experienced a data breach incident on Saturday, June 24, it shared in a statement.

The third-party file-sharing software MOVEit, which is used by the DOE to transfer documents and data internally and to vendors, including special education providers, was targeted in the incident.

While a review is still ongoing, the DOE said approximately 45,000 students, in addition to DOE staff and related service providers, were affected by the system intrusion. Roughly 19,000 documents were accessed without authorization.

The data impacted by the breach includes Social Security numbers, employee ID numbers and student ID numbers.

The department confirmed that it took the affected server offline and is continuing to keep it offline “out of an abundance of caution.”

It added that there is no reason to

Photo contest!

The Queens Chronicle’s 15th annual Summer in the Borough Photo Contest is now underway!

believe there is any ongoing unauthorized access to DOE systems.

The DOE is working to determine exactly which confidential information was exposed, and the impact for each affected individual, it said.

After those determinations are made, it will begin to notify the impacted parties and offer them access to an identitymonitoring service.

Multiple companies and federal agencies were also affected by the breach.

“The FBI is investigating the broader breach that has impacted hundreds of entities; we are currently cooperating with both the NYPD and FBI as they investigate,” DOE Chief Operating Officer Emma Vadehra wrote in a statement on the department’s website.

“Given that review and investigation are ongoing, we are limited in terms of additional details at this point.

“We will continue to work closely with all investigating agencies and will provide updates as needed. Please know that we are committed to taking all measures necessary to protect the personal information of our students and staff.” Q

Go out and take your best shots of children playing, workers working, lovely landscapes, birds on the bay — whatever you think best says “summertime in Queens.” If you need some inspiration, check out last year’s winning photo, above, by Mike McGevna of South Richmond Hill, and another fine entry, right, by May Lee of Woodhaven.

Our traditional prizes for the winners are passes to family-friendly performances in or around the city, such as off-Broadway shows. Since the pandemic, those have been nearly impossible to come by. We hope more will be available again soon. If you’re willing to wait, like our last couple of winners, please do enter! We’ll get the passes to the winners as soon as they’re available.

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.

Please tell us where in Queens you live and whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer. 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 deadline is Friday, Sept. 22, the last full day of summer. Good luck!

PHOTOS BY MIKE MCGEVNA, TOP, AND MAY LEE

Draft makes it a double

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

It was a foregone conclusion for months that 19-year-old, 7-foot, 4-inch French basketball star Victor Wembanyama would be the first selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. The matter of which team would be lucky enough to have his rights was settled last month when the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Draft lottery.

Wembanyama is a big man who can shoot like a scoring guard. He is in the mold of Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The NBA will now have a “Greek freak” and a “French freak.” Like Giannis, he speaks English very well and is a very thoughtful person based on the interactions I witnessed.

Wembanyama’s teammate from the suburban Paris Metropolitans 92, Bilal Coulibaly, was drafted seventh by the Indiana Pacers but was quickly traded to the Washington Wizards. I informed him Japanese baseball players can sign with any American team they like, and asked if he would have liked the same privilege. “Of course, but this is still a great process,” he said. It is only fitting Coulibaly will be working in Washington because he has diplomatic skills.

Twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, 20, were drafted with the fourth and fifth selections by the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, respectively. I asked Amen if he and his brother were getting joint endorsement offers because of the fact

they are identical twins in the spirit of those classic Doublemint gum ads of yesteryear. He confirmed that is the case.

Since he and his brother will certainly be referred to as the Thompson Twins by media and fans, I asked if he knew the ’80s British pop music group of the same name. “Our mom loved their music. I heard they weren’t really twins,” he said with a smile. He is right about that.

As he was leaving the press conference podium, I asked Amen if he would visit the LBJ Space Center since that is where his team derived its name. “I did not know that. I learned something tonight!” I should note he knew Texas does not have a state income tax.

University of Central Florida forward Taylor Hendricks, who grew up in Fort Lauderdale, told me before the draft he was tired of heat and humidity. “I am looking forward to my first snowball fight!” he chuckled after learning he would play for the Utah Jazz. He was also looking forward to the Sundance Film Festival, which is held each January in Park City.

Kansas forward Gradey Dick wore a garish red sequin blazer. “I am from Kansas, and I wanted to pay tribute to Dorothy from the ‘Wizard of Oz,’” he told the media. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors, who had to have been impressed with his confidence. Q

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

Tax abatement bills a victory for co-ops

Braunstein’s bills would expand, renew J-51; awaits Hochul’s OK

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Two bills carried by Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) designed to provide some financial relief to co-op owners and condo shareholders await Gov. Hochul’s signature.

While A4972A/S3252A renews and extends the J-51 program — which aims to provide tax abatements for multiple-dwelling, affordable housing buildings to complete capital projects — through 2026, A7758/S4709A makes more residences eligible for the J-51 program.

However, the City Council would need to implement bills of its own for the plans to take effect; Braunstein’s legislation simply authorizes the city to do so.

The J-51 program expired last year and was not renewed by lawmakers. As such, the renewal bill is partially retroactive, in that the fouryear extension begins in 2022, and will allow building owners to deduct eligible 2022 projects from their taxes going forward.

According to Braunstein, the expansion allows for buildings with an assessed value of $45,000 to apply for J-51, versus $35,000 in recent years, casting a wider net. “The way those co-ops are assessed is ... using comparable rental income generating properties, and those comparable rental income generating properties are usually rent-regulated,” the lawmaker told the Chronicle. “The bottom line is that the New York City property tax system is unfair to co-op and condo owners, particularly in the outerboroughs, who pay higher effective property tax rates.”

The legislation, however, aims to make property taxes fairer for co-ops and condos. The expansion bill was carried in the Senate by state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing), and the other by

state Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan).

Glen Oaks Village President Bob Friedrich said that while the bills were “not sexy,” they are crucial for co-ops and condos. “Old buildings here in Queens, co-ops are 75 years old or older,” he said. “We have a lot of infrastructure issues that we have to deal with, and this helps us do that.”

Presidents Co-op and Condo Council Co-president Warren Schreiber agreed. “A lot of properties, without the J-51 in place, wouldn’t be able to afford the upgrades and some of the fixes needed — properties would fall into disarray.”

In recent months, Schreiber and Friedrich have expressed grave concerns about how coops and condos will fare under Local Law 97, which will require certain buildings to make upgrades necessary to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Some of those renovations could be eligible for J-51. Some — Schreiber used roof updates as an example — are smaller, but still kill two birds with one stone.

“If somebody was to install solar panels on their roofs, and it turned out at first, they needed new roofing before they could do that, the roofs would probably qualify as J-51,” he said. But some larger renovations qualify too, perhaps most notably boiler replacements.

Even if Hochul signs the bills into law, complementary legislation at the city level would be required for the policies to take effect. Councilmember Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), whose district has the most co-ops and condos in the city, had previously been drafting the necessary measures, a spokesperson said, but was told she would have to wait for state authorization before it could be introduced. The same spokesperson said Lee plans to continue with that once J-51 is back in effect. Q

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

You rock!

Culture Lab concerts are LIC’s free sounds of summer

by Jessica Meditz

There’s something about summer that just makes you want to blast music and get up on your feet, and Culture Lab LIC has the space to do so in good company.

All summer long, the Long Island City art spot is braving the heat to present its weekend summer concert series, “Live at Culture Lab LIC.” Shows are free and open to the public, and take place in Culture Lab’s parking lot — so there’s plenty of space for you to dance along.

Eighteen acts will take the stage in July, and each one has something positive and upbeat to offer to all attendees.

Martin Kelley, frontman of jazz trio Martin Kel-

ley and Affinity, describes their sound as a “Venn diagram of jazz, rock and R&B.”

Joined by drummer Christian Coleman and bassist Diallo House, Kelley will perform on the Culture Lab stage at 5 p.m. on July 2, followed by Indian classical music artist collective Brooklyn Raga Massive.

Kelley grew up in Cincinnati and now calls LIC home. He’s proud to perform at Culture Lab with his bandmates once per month, and even had a role in getting the summer concert series off the ground at the beginning of Covid.

“My friend called me in March or April of 2020 that he’d been coming back from Tennessee in his pickup truck. He came, I saw the truck and said,

‘We should play in the back of your truck,’” Kelley said. “We began playing outside of my apartment and got tickets from the police, we played at the St. Mary’s parking lot and eventually Edjo at Culture Lab heard about our truck jams, and asked us to play in the parking lot. The rest is history.”

Edjo is Edjo Wheeler, Culture Lab’s executive director. Under his direction the venue has since upgraded to a stage and welcomes other returning artists, including The Brighton Beat, which will be returning for its second year in a row on July 15.

The Brighton Beat is a large, diverse collective featuring more than 20 musicians, and fun, danceable music is its trademark.

continued on page 25

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Russell Simmons got to rap it up in Jamaica first

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Daniel DuWane Simmons was born on Aug. 21, 1923 in Blackstone, Va. He moved to Baltimore and graduated Frederick Douglas High School. He moved to Queens and married Evelyn Penn in August 1952.

Daniel was a school administrator and Evelyn was an administrator with the Parks Department. This enabled them to buy a 1,618-square-foot house on a lot at 165-10 120 Ave. in Jamaica. They had three sons: Daniel Jr., Russell and Joseph.

Russell graduated August Martin High School in 1975 and went to City College but dropped out to dedicate himself to music. He co-founded Def Jam records with Rick Rubin in 1984. Run DMC, featuring his brother Joseph, whose stage name was Run, marked Russell’s breakout as a producer, which led Def Jam to be most influential in the development of rap. The likes of L.L. Cool J, Public

Enemy and Beastie Boys were all on the label in the late 1980s.

Simmons met model Kimora Lee when she was 17 and married her in December 1998. They had two children but divorced in 2008. He still works on various projects but stepped down from Def Jam after several women alleged sexual assault. He has an estimated wealth of $350 million. Q

The early childhood home of Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons at 165-10 120 Ave. in Jamaica, as it looks today. The family moved to nearby Hollis when Russell was 8. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE / INSET FILE PHOTO

Prose, hippos, poetry and humor as medicine

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

“It is often humor that helps one cope with the most challenging, stressful, unheard and unpredictable circumstances during trying times.”

The first line of the introduction to poet Vincent J. Tomeo’s new chapbook, “The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times,” summarizes the motivation behind each poem. Tomeo’s prose is inspired by the times he chose humor in the face of adversity, and he aims to help his readers to do the same.

Tomeo, a Corona native, Flushing resident and former American history teacher of 36 years, knows a fair bit about adversity: He received a bladder cancer diagnosis during the Covid pandemic.

“In my struggle not to get depressed or dwell in negativity, to find solace, contentment and peace, I chose to seek out beauty and laugh,” he wrote in the blurb on the back of the short book.

The result of Tomeo’s search for solace is a collection of poems sure to elicit delight for its readers. Throughout his chapbook, Tomeo, who has recited his poetry across the country and internationally, excels in making ordinary situations laugh-out-loud funny.

“Everyone goes through trying times,”

Tomeo said. “We can confront those trying times with humor and laughter to ease the burden.”

In one piece titled, “I Read My Poems to My Dog,” Tomeo vividly details the attentive reactions of his canine companion, Rex, to his poetry being read aloud.

In another, titled “My Streaking Days Are Over,” Tomeo tells an anecdote about an adventure he had in 1970 with a dozen fel-

low NYU students that ends with a humorous plot twist.

The poem “High Tea With My Dog Grandma” was inspired by a pet of Tomeo’s, aptly named Grandma. “Before my grandmother passed, she always said she would come back as a dog,” Tomeo explained. “Shortly after she passed, a dog ended up on our property. My mother tried shooing her away, and I said, ‘Wait, that’s Grandma!’ So,

of course, we ended up keeping the dog and calling her Grandma.”

Anyone with a doting mother can relate to “Things My Mother Would Say or Ask as I Got Older,” especially the line in which his mother is quoted saying, “When I am gone, you will be sorry,” immediately followed by, “Are you dating? When will I have grandchildren?”

Of the titular poem, Tomeo said, “I didn’t want to get into a funk. I was trying to think of what to write. I thought of Disney’s ‘Fantasia,’ with the dancing hippos, and it made me laugh. And I was inspired.” He penned the poem, which eventually led to the chapbook.

The final poem in the collection is titled “Charging a Cellphone,” and is probably one of the best — as morbid as it is funny.

Overall, Tomeo hopes his poems alleviate the anxiety of his readers and leave them with a renewed sense of hope.

“Humor is the best medicine,” he said. “I want to help other people and let them know there’s hope at the end of the tunnel.

“Times are trying right now. We need to try to somehow make things less miserable. We need more laughter. We need more kindness.

“We need more Carol Burnetts. We need something.” Q

From Latin fusion to funky jazz, LIC is the spot

continued from page 23

Sam Wagner, composer, producer and drummer for The Brighton Beat, said the group’s sound fuses traditional Afrobeat music with cutting-edge New York City jazz and funk.

“The cool thing about this group is that there’s kind of no barriers or borders. We really love throwing in bits of reggae music, we take from salsa and Latin stuff and big band jazz, making this mishmash that’s

Crossword Answers

super family-friendly and great for all ages,” Wagner said. “It’s always the kids that end up dancing first at the shows and then adults get up and join.”

Wheeler is thankful to longtime LIC manufacturing and real estate firm Plaxall for donating the space and turning it into something for the community.

“We want to represent the community we’re in, and because Queens is the world’s borough, we really are looking for diversity, and we really want it to be high energy. We want people to be able to come out and dance on a Friday night and Saturday night,” Wheeler said. “I think the arts are an absolutely crucial part of any civilization, let alone a neighborhood. At Culture Lab, it’s our goal to bring arts and culture to a central spot where people can engage.”

Culture Lab LIC is located at 5-25 46 Ave. For the full July schedule and more information, visit culturelablic.org. Q

Bombzr, top, Martin Kelley and Affinity, near right, and The Brighton Beat will all appear at Culture Lab LIC in July. On the cover: Mister Pablo will weave its web there on July 7.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Poet Vincent J. Tomeo chooses humor in the face of adversity, and hopes readers of his newest book can do the same. COURTESY PHOTO, INSET: ATMOSPHERE PRESS VIA AMAZON

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Notice is hereby given that an on-premises Restaurant wine license, Serial #1354552, has been applied for by Almost Ezra Corporation d/b/a Fuzi Pasta Co to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a Restaurant. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 68-26 Fresh Meadow Lane, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.

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Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE

OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES

2010-1, Plaintiff, Against PRADIP SAHA, ET AL. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/23/2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY, on 7/28/2023 at 10:30AM, premises known as 90-34 191st Street, Hollis, NY 11423, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 10446 Lot 29 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $266,249.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index #719792/2021 Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: 5/17/23 File

Number: 6957747 SH

Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1354053, for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 86-12A 37th Ave., Jackson Heights, NY 11372 for on-premises consumption.

Applicant: Okayama LLC DBA

New Tomo Japanese Cuisine

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS

BANK,

Plaintiff, vs. RENOTTI

M. HILL ALEXANDER, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 31, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens Country Supreme Court, courthouse steps, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on July 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 17623 127TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH AVENUE, ADDISLEIGH PARK, NY 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH AVENUE, ROCHDALE VILLAGE, NY 11434-3300. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 12526, Lot: 24, approximate amount of judgment is $196,953.21 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index # 701087/2018.

All parties shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies concerning Public Auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term Website (https:// www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/ COURTS/11jd/supreme/civilterm/ partrules/Foreclosure_Auction_ Rules.pdf) If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. LAMONT R. BAILEY, Esq., Referee. Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation: C&L First LLC. Arts of Org fi led with Sec. of State of New York (SSNY) 05/31/2023.Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to the LLC, 3011 Corporal Kennedy St, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: General

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME

COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006HE1, Plaintiff, v. CHRISTOPHER DUNN A/K/A CHRISTOPHER

R. DUNN, ET AL, Defendant. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Queens County on March 10, 2023, I, Jeffrey Kim, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on July 21, 2023 at The Steps Outside the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Queens, NY, County of Queens, State of New York, at 10:15 AM the premises described as follows: 134-57 232nd Street Laurelton, NY 11413 SBL No: Block 13160 Lot 6 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Borough and County of Queens, city and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 712819/2018 in the amount of $603,538.04 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Kristin M. Bolduc Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 75821.

Notice is hereby given that an on-premise restaurant full liquor license, Serial #1356746, has been applied for by STI Gonia LLC to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a Restaurant. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 59-02 Norman St., Ridgewood, NY 11385.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST FRANK BROWN AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF MARGARET E. REAVIS AKA MARGARET REAVIS; TANYA COGDELLO-BURKE AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF MARGARET E. REAVIS; TROY REAVIS AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF MARGARET E. REAVIS AKA MARGARET REAVIS; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 28, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Courthouse steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on July 14, 2023 at 10:45AM, premises known as 179-15 134TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 12984, Lot 106. Approximate amount of judgment $442,436.37 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #706566/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

William Driscoll, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002298 76416

Notice of Formation of ANTONIO SCOTT NICHOLS LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/19/2022. 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: ANTONIO NICHOLS, 1070 CYPRESS AVE., 2F, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

BAL CARE LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/11/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 193-11 Williamson Ave., Springfi eld Gardens, NY 11413. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

D6 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/31/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 42-20 Kissena Blvd., apt. B2, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purpose

Double One LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/18/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 10822 Inwood St., Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of FRAFFA LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/16/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: FRAFFA LLC, 128-01 109TH AVENUE, OZONE PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GSJL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/05/23.

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, 69-20 60th Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. 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.

Apts.For Rent

Ozone Park, brand new 2 BR apt. Gas included. Call 917-843-9955

Co-ops For Sale

Howard Beach/Lindenwood / Fairfield Arms, Sat 7/1, 11:30am-1pm, 151-20 88 St. (High-Rise). Unit 4C-Lg 2 BR, 2 baths. Reduced $198K. Unit 2D, 2 BRs converted to 3 BRs, 2 full baths. Reduced $225K. Unit 5D, 2 BR, 2 baths, needs TLC, 5th fl. Reduced $225K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Ardsley Bldg, Lg 2 BR, 2 baths, top fl. Asking $239K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Condos For Sale

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Condo Southgate Bldg. Clean 2 BR, 2 bath + lg terr on 1st fl. 1010 sqft of living space. Asking $399K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Houses For Sale

Motivated Seller: 44 Mohawk Way, Elizabethtown, NY Adirondack Mountain Home overlooking village. Stunning attention to details, blazing internet, close to I-87 and Ferry to Vermont. Christine Benedict, 518-593-0533 or Christine.adkrealtor@gmail.com

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SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, -against- ANTHONY R. WATSON, JR. AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; ROBERT K. WATSON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF RUTHELLA WATSON AKA RUTH A. WATSON, DECEASED; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1 through #5, Defendants - Index No. 722216/2022 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated May 30, 2023. 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 ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Timothy J. Dufficy, J.S.C. Dated: May 30, 2023 Filed: May 31, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 118-09 Nashville Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411. Dated: December 30, 2022

Filed: June 16, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982

Notice of Formation of JACKSONS HAUS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/21/2023.

Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SHAWN

JACKSON, 319 BEACH 98TH STREET, APT 6B, ROCKAWAY PARK, NY 11694.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 701241/2022 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Truste e Of CSMC 2017-RPL3 Trust Plaintiff, vs Corazon Bernabe As Heir To The Estate Of Bernard Antolin Who Was The Heir To The Estate Of I valdo

C. Nascimento AKA Ivaldo Nascimento, Natalia Perez As Heir To The Estate Of Bernard Antolin Who Was The Heir To The Estate Of I valdo

C. Nascimento AKA Ivaldo Nascimento, Jose Ramon Bernabe As Heir To The Estate Of Bernard Antolin Who Was The Heir To The Estate Of Ivaldo C. Nascimento AKA Ivaldo Nascimento, Unknown Heirs Of Bernard Antolin If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specifi c Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Re al Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Ne xt Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America Acting Through The IRS, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Environmental Control Board, John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardian s, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 25-47 123 rd Street Flushing, NY 11354 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance , on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Th e Attorney for Plaintiff has an offi ce for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venu e designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Bernard Antolin, Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Timothy J. Duffi cy of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Ninth day of June, 2023 and fi led with the Complaint in the Offi ce of the Clerk of the County of Q ueens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated August 8, 20 07, executed by Ivaldo C. Nascimento AKA Ivaldo Nascimento (who died on December 31, 2014, a resident of the county of Queens, Stat e of New York) and Bernard Antolin (who died on January 3, 2019, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $375,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2007000469582 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on September 12, 2007. The mortgage was subsequently modifi ed on January 23, 2009. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 8, 2011 and recorded on May 17, 2011, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2011000178212. The mortgage was subsequently modifi ed on May 19, 2015. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed August 23, 2016 and recorded on January 24, 2017, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens Coun ty at CRFN 2017000031479. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 6, 2019 and recorded on September 13, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000296274. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by a corrective assignment executed February 23, 2021 and recorded on March 9, 2021, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2021000086826; The property in question is described as follows: 25-47 123rd Street , Flushing, NY 11354 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney o r legal aid offi ce, there are government agencies and non-profi t organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helplin e maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or vi sit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to un fairly profi t from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay th em a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profi t to enter into a contract which fully de scribes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have c ompleted all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and fi ling the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to 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: June 20, 2023 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law fi rm of Gross Polow y, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them wi ll be used for that purpose. 76898

JAMAICA WDY LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/01/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 92-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven, NY 11421. Reg Agent: Suhail Sitaf, 3 Windsor Drive, Old Westbury, NY 11568. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of LIBRA NY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/25/2022. 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: SUSAN TING, 110-19 68TH DRIVE, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of PARADIES LAGARDERE @ JFK T4 (F&B), LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/17/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 2849 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30339. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of RECESSION SAVVY LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/05/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 4545 CENTER BLVD APT 421, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11109. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SASSON CONSTRUCTION LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/05/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ILAN SASSON, 69-25 MANSE STREET, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS, INDEX NO. 700641/2016, Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 145-56 SHORE AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11435 Block: 10084, Lot: 11, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NATASHA SMITH A/K/A NATASHA NELSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE

TO THE ESTATE OF MARVA SMITH; OMAR SMITH, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARVA SMITH; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES TO THE ESTATE OF MARVA SMITH, 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; ELITE RECOVERY SERVICES, INC.; CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; CITY OF NEW YORK TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 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 $630,000.00 and interest, recorded on July 17, 2009, in CRFN 2009000220689, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 145-56 SHORE AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11435. 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 19, 2022

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 725457/2022 U.S. Bank National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Trustee For The RMAC Trust, Series 2016-CTT Plaintiff, vs Ronald Abrams If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Doris Abrams, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 116-49 167th Street Jamaica, NY 11434 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Ronald Abrams Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Timothy J. Dufficy of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Thirtieth day of May, 2023 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated October 3, 2005, executed by Ronald Abrams and Doris Abrams to secure the sum of $352,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2005000616389 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on November 3, 2005. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated October 5, 2007 executed by Ronald Abrams and Doris Abrams to secure the sum of $48,000.00 and recorded at CRFN 2007000542988 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on October 29, 2007. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at CRFN: 2005000616389 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Ronald Abrams and Doris Abrams dated October 5, 2007 and recorded November 23, 2007 at CRFN 2007000583769 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $400,000.00. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed May 4, 2018 and recorded on May 7, 2018, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2018000152121. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed November 16, 2018 and recorded on November 28, 2018, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2018000392741. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by a corrective assignment executed February 1, 2019 and recorded on February 1, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000038301. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Ronald Abrams and Doris Abrams on October 25, 2018 and recorded December 20, 2018 in CRFN 2018000418580 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Ronald Abrams and Doris Abrams on August 26, 2019 and recorded December 23, 2019 in CRFN 2019000418351 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 6, 2021 and recorded on May 17, 2021, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2021000180640; The property in question is described as follows: 116-49 167th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: June 8, 2023 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 76763

Notice of Formation of Spear Forest Hills LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/8/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 31 E 32nd St, 4th Fl, NY, NY 10016.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

A Notice of Formation of TCRH LLC, Art. of Org. fi led Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/28/2021. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 2713 Utopia Pkwy, Flushing, NY 11358. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of TONYA’SHOURCARESERVICE LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/05/2023.

Offi ce location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 10001 220TH ST., QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of VORES LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/09/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ACCUMERA LLC, 911 CENTRAL AVE., #101, ALBANY, NY 12206. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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