Queens Chronicle South Edition 09-21-23

Block residents beg DOT for speed mitigation

Council OKs e-bike, battery trade-in plan

In light of fires, program to swap out unsafe ones; details pending

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

The City Council last Thursday passed a bill to establish a lithium-ion battery and e-bike trade-in program, designed to halt the proliferation of uncertified batteries and mobility devices that use them in light of an increase in deadly fires they have caused.

Under Intro. 949A, people would b e able to surrender their substandard lithium-ion batteries and vehicles powered by them to the city in exchange for an above-board, ULcertified equivalent, either at an immensely reduced cost or none at all. The multi-agency program would be in effect for two years.

Knockoff batteries and vehicles have gained in popularity as bikes with pedal assist and with throttles up to 30 miles per hour have done the same, namely due to the lower cost. But some New Yorkers have paid the ultimate price as a result: 14 people have died and 96 were injured in 170 fires caused by uncertified batteries in the city so far this year.

But disposing of unauthorized lithium-ion batteries and products

using them is not so simple — not only can they not be recycled or thrown away at home, but most e-waste events do not accept them. Instead, residents need to seek out a

SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal event or go to a Special Waste Dropoff site, of which there is only one in each borough.

The Equitable Commute Project, a community coalition tackling the issue, has a similar program that encourages people to swap their uncertified e-bikes for authentic ones. The New York Times reported recently that system has not been particularly successful, however, in large part because the cost of a new e-bike was too high.

Majority Leader Keith Powers (D-Manhattan), who authored the bill, said that was something the Council aimed to avoid, but that he was aware of the price. “We recognize that there might be instances where we want to cover a big part of the cost, we may not want to cover all of it ... but we’ve got to make sure we do it at a rate that will incentivize people to actually trade in,” he told the Chronicle.

The bill originally did not include e-bikes as part of the trade-in program. According to Powers, the legislation was expanded to incorporate them because not all lithium-ion batteries and vehicles are compatible.

But much of the nuts and bolts of the city’s program have yet to be determined. For one, the bill does

not prescribe where trade-in ought to occur, nor how often. Acknowledging that gap, Powers said that will be worked out during the rulemaking process.

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), who chairs the Emergency and Fire Management Committee, applauded the bill’s passage, but said more work needs to be done.

“Once we get a system in place to regulate the usage of battery-powered devices, then we will really see a safety improvement for everyone –both operators and non-operators alike,” she said in a statement.

Powers said he expects Mayo r Adams to sign the bill, which has 39 sponsors, into law; a spokesperson for the mayor said the same.

Thanking Powers and the Council, the spokesperson wrote, “[The administration] will continue to work with the Council and delivery app companies to ensure the companies that rely on these workers take responsibility for developing the long-term, scalable solution this urgent public safety issue demands.” Q

The City Council passed a bill to create a lithium-ion battery and e-bike tradein program aiming to get unsafe ones off the street. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE

Resident: ‘We are at the mercy of the DOT’

Neighbors on

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

107th St. have sought speed mitigators for years to no avail

“I can’t tell you the anxiety that we experience when we are home and we hear the cars peeling through this street, 24/7.”

The words of Richmond Hill resident Sandra Drozd resonated with the dozens of neighbors who turned out for Community Board 9’s press conference on Sept. 15. Hosted by board Chair Sherry Algredo and District Manager James McClelland on 107th Street, between Jamaica and 86th avenues, the event was held in response to multiple accidents caused by cars speeding down the narrow street.

The Department of Transportation has denied numerous requests from residents to implement speed mitigation measures, such as speed humps, since as early as 2020.

“It happens during the day. It happens in the evening,” Drozd continued. “It happens when it’s quiet, and when it’s busy. It’s just something that we deal with all the time.”

“We moved here seven years ago and cars are constantly peeling down this block,” said Andrew Drozd, Sandra’s husband. “In 2020, I submitted a request to the DOT for speed bumps. They said in eighteen months, they should have a response. Well, eighteen months came and went.”

In August 2022, Drozd’s car was hit at 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning while parked. “Fortunately, no one was in there at the time,” he said, “but it was totaled.”

Since then, Drozd said he has seen what has felt like dozens of accidents happen on his block. “Our deepest fear is that a kid is going to get hit or someone will fall victim to these speeding cars,” he said.

The concerns of the Drozd family were echoed by other residents in attendance: a worry that their children or local seniors will get seriously injured — or worse.

Anna Rojas said her next-door neighbor experienced three accidents in one year.

“In January, he got hit. His car ended up on the sidewalk and the car was totaled,” she said. The neighbor then decided to get a new car, but in less than two months, that car also was hit.

“Then in three months, his son’s car got hit,” Rojas said. “And then by the end of the year, another incident happened.”

One block resident, who only identified

herself as Connie, said she was at a concert one evening and came home to her car completely totaled.

“We called the police at around 10,” she explained, “and they didn’t get here until 2 a.m.” Though a neighbor shared security footage of the incident, the license plate of the offender was obscured and the perpetrator was never caught.

A nearby neighbor, William Gati, experienced similar issues on 113th Street and 84th Avenue when his car was totaled as well.

“I was told an Uber or Lyft driver was typing in an address, not paying attention. Since the streets are so narrow, he went right into my car,” Gati said.

The issue has gotten so bad that neighbors have taken to parking on the sidewalk to avoid getting hit, lamenting the loss of play space for their children.

According to those who submitted requests for speed mitigations and received denials, the DOT said a speed bump on the street is unnecessary.

Many block residents blame a car detailing shop located on the corner, Mr. Foam Detailing, for the accidents. They claim the business obstructs the sidewalk with their cars, and that plenty of the vehicles zooming down the street are heading to the shop.

Two employees from Mr. Foam Detailing, who declined to identify themselves by name, said they knew nothing about the issue.

“We wash cars, we detail cars and stuff like that,” one employee said. “I don’t know if, during after hours, people are racing

QueensLink Town Hall in Forest Hills

QueensLink, the campaign to create a functioning railway operating from Southeast Queens to Manhattan, is hosting a town hall at the North Forest Park Library, located at 98-27 Metropolitan Ave., on Thursday, Sept.

21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The group plans to share renderings of proposed stations, trails and parks, and welcomes input from the community. Residents of the greater Queens area are invited to attend. Q

through the block. We haven’t seen that happening.”

The owner of Mr. Foam Detailing, who did not provide his name, also denied the claims, reiterating the words of his employees.

A representative of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) attended the meeting, and told the Chronicle that she would be made aware of the issue. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) also attended and told the crowd his office made a request to the DOT for a speed bump.

“Your persistence is key here,” he said to the residents. “We’re going to fight for the people. And eventually, we will get it.”

One resident later said to the crowd, “I’m very skeptical of what [Addabbo] said about ‘persistence pays off.’ Because it seems to me like the community of this neighborhood has been persistent and we

haven’t been getting results.”

He told other residents that he reached out to multiple elected officials to no avail.

“We’re at the mercy of the DOT,” the neighbor said, and criticized the senator, exclaiming, “And he’s not even listening.”

Addabbo, taken aback by the callout, told the resident, “I’m listening. I’ve been working on this, OK? I’m here. I’m standing with you guys.”

“Safety is our top priority in Richmond Hill and across Queens,” a DOT spokesperson told the Chronicle in a prepared statement. “As we noted to the Community Board, we studied this corridor thoroughly and speed humps are focused at areas with recorded speeds over the 25 mph citywide limit. We have speed cameras citywide to deter speeding and can speak with the local police precinct about enforcement in this area.” Q

Paper shredding in Woodhaven

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) are hosting a paper-shredding event on Sept. 24 at the Forest Park Bandshell in Woodhaven from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The city Department of Sanitation will also be in attendance, and the United Veterans War Council will be collecting donations for veterans, including clothing, toys, shoes, household items, books and small furniture.

Along with noting the importance of the safe disposal of personal documents,

Addabbo said, “This is also a great opportunity to help our veterans. Clear out the clutter from your home and give your lightly worn clothes and used furniture to service members who could really benefit from it.”

Cardboard, newspapers, file folders and metals or plastics cannot be shredded during the event. There will be a threecopy box limit on how much can be shredded per person.

For more information, contact Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Sandra Drozd, right, addresses neighbors at a press conference hosted by Community Board 9 with a goal of improving safety on 107th Street. The Drozd family’s vehicle, above, after an accident on 107 St.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW DROZD, LEFT, AND KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

“Your persistence is key here.”

— State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., on requests from the residents of 107 St.

We e re-branding!! We are re-branding!!

Some of you have heard about the change from Cross Bay Chemist to OnPoint Pharmacy.

As transitions can be tough for all, I want you to know that my number one goal is to be fully transparent in our commitment to your care.

How is this change beneficial to you?

Simple, with multiple locations it allows us to have more resources to provide for our patients. We’ve grown our pharmacy to 12 locations throughout my career but with the intention of changing the landscape of pharmacy for the better.

I appreciate everyones patience in this transition, and look forward to providing our community with the best care. -Sarit R

Answered questions about migrants, test scores, equity, drugs and safety CEC 27 hosts town hall with chancellor

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

“I don’t think I’ve been to a CEC and seen a crew come out this strong,” Schools Chancellor David Banks said at Tuesday’s Community Education Council 27 town hall at MS 137, marveling at the turnout. “My goodness.”

Banks was the evening’s special guest, ready to answer over an hour’s worth of questions from parents, faculty and residents.

Banks lauded Lisa Johnson Cooper, president of CEC 27, for her spirit and thanked Principal Pamela Trincado for her leadership.

On test scores, Banks said that reading and math are both “up, big time” citywide, but said the state has not finished its full analysis, so he could not give specifics.

District 27 Superintendent David Norment said that the reading composite score for early grades within the district increased by at least 25 percent over the last year.

“That’s because of the work that we’ve been doing in our classrooms and really ensuring that each and every student is provided with the foundational reading skills that they need to proceed and be strong with reading comprehension,” he said.

Asked about the plan for asylum seekers within District 27, Banks said, “The asylum seeker situation that we are in is a significant one for the city.” He said there are over 26,000

students that have entered the school system. “We don’t have the exact numbers, because they are counted with the students who are living in temporary housing. Some of those students were already here.”

Banks assured concerned faculty that he does not want schools to be overwhelmed by numbers. While the Department of Education initially tried to enroll migrant students close to their facilities, the plan shifted, with Banks saying “the most fair scenario” was to spread them out.

“No one school should be overwhelmed by more kids than they can handle,” he said. PS 223 and PS 45 were both brought to the DOE’s attention in the matter. To mitigate this, additional staff will be deployed.

On vaccination concerns, it was said that students in temporary housing have 14 days to show proof of vaccination, but that can be extended to 30 days. “As long as your child is vaccinated, your child is going to be fine,” Banks said. “We want to make sure we dispel the notions of fear.”

The chancellor commented on the proliferation of fentanyl, and told parents to be alert.

“Our kids have been getting these edibles and gummies,” he said. According to Banks, the NYPD said the public will soon be seeing edibles laced with fentanyl, and the DOE is looking into launching a preventative campaign for schools.

Electeds file lawsuit against migrant site

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Elected officials filed a lawsuit in a Staten Island Supreme Court on Tuesday to block the city from housing as many as 2,000 migrants at Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field after a lease was signed last week to allow tent-style shelters to be built at the site.

The lawsuit, which names Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul as defendants, was led by Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D-Brooklyn) and Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), who previously promised to sue should the lease get signed.

Other elected officials, including Councilmembers Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) and Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), are also listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, along with dozens of community leaders. There are 37 total plaintiffs listed.

The complaint says the plaintiffs believe the migrant plan at Floyd Bennett Field is “in conflict with statute, and violative of the New York State Constitution.” The plaintiffs also stated that the tents would violate laws restricting forms of development inside the

Gateway National Recreation Area, where Floyd Bennett Field resides.

“Today’s injunction sends a clear message to all those seeking to turn Floyd Bennett Field into a migrant base camp: we will not sit idly by and allow you to destroy our city. We will fight,” said Ariola in a written statement.

“It is without a doubt unacceptable, inhumane and cruel to construct a shelter and house migrants in a known flood zone like Floyd Bennett Field,” Pheffer Amato wrote in a statement. “This location lacks basic infrastructure like plumbing and electricity, along with adequate resources that will cause further disparities for the residents that already reside in these communities.”

At an unrelated press conference on Tuesday, Adams said, “If they want to go to court to sue to stop us from doing the Floyd Bennett Field, they have the right to do so. But if we’re not putting it in Floyd Bennett Field, we’re going to put it somewhere.”

It is not yet known when the city plans to begin housing migrants at the site. It was announced Wednesday afternoon that a court date has been set for Oct. 3, with Judge Lizette Colon presiding. Q

“We have to help our kids help themselves,” Banks said. “Let’s put our heads together and figure out how we get in front of this thing.”

It was later noted that Narcan training was rolled out in all high schools for nurses across the system.

Asked how the proposed 15 percent budget cuts will affect the DOE, Banks said he has, “Major, major, major concern.” He said a cut of 2 or 3 percent is significant, and said the DOE has not figured out how to handle a 15 percent cut, which would be divided over 3 years.

“We’re hoping that it won’t be that significant. But if it is, we’re going to have to be pre-

pared. And we think that we’re going to feel that in every aspect of the entire enterprise of New York City public schools.”

He mentioned because there will be no layoffs, programs may have to be cut. “There’s going to be some pain. There’s no way around it,” he said, adding that the DOE is crunching numbers to figure it out.

Faced with a question regarding engagement and equity, and parents feeling disenfranchised, Banks passed it along to Norment, who urged parents to attend the CEC’s meetings and curriculum nights

“We provide training to our leaders and our teachers around equity,” Norment said. “And we share that with the CEC during our presentations.”

Banks also said parents should feel welcome in the District 27 office. “As far as I’m concerned, no parent needs an appointment to come and see somebody,” he said. “They may not be able to see the superintendent, but they should be able to see somebody.”

After a question about school safety, it was said that 622 school safety agents had been hired within the current administration. The DOE shared a new initiative: 25 percent of elementary schools are locking front doors after morning entry. Safety agents will be equipped with technology to allow them to communicate directly with parents. Q

Bills add protections for public employees

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Two bills authored by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), chair of the state Committee on Governmental Employees, have officially been signed into law, furthering the protection and accessibility for potential and incoming public employees.

Bill A6855, which passed on Sept. 7, requires civil service examination announcements to be issued to the local board of cooperative educational services, high schools, colleges, universities, local social services districts and job-training programs. It is estimated that through this legislation, thousands of residents will be informed of career opportunities and successfully expand the state’s workforce, according to Pheffer Amato.

Bill A7155, which also passed on Sept. 7, provides for crediting of probationary service when a person appointed provisionally in accordance with section sixty-five of the civil service law receives a permanent appointment to the same title. In other words, once hired permanently upon passing a civil service test, the legislation ensures

that time spent as a provisional employee will count toward the required probationary period.

“A job with the State is a rewarding career, and it’s bills like these that ensure workforce equity, especially by getting the message out there to those seeking jobs in the public sector,” Pheffer Amato said in a written statement. “By these bills being signed into law, we are making it clear that our governmental employees, the amazing men and women who work for our State, are supported, respected and appreciated.” Q

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY

Schools Chancellor David Banks attended a town hall for Community Education Council 27 on Tuesday. PHOTO COURTESY NYC SCHOOLS / TWITTER

CM Ariola’s 9/11 resolution passes

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

City Council Res. 415, which calls on Congress to pass and the president to sign the September 11 Day of Remembrance Act, which would make the day a federal holiday, passed on Sept. 14.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) was the bill’s prime sponsor.

The legislation, which passed with a unanimous vote, was co-sponsored by a number of councilmembers, including Queens’ own Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Sandra Ung (D-Flushing), Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone).

“There is an entire generation of Americans now entering into adulthood who were born after the events of September 11, 2001. For many of these young people, the true impact of that day might be not be completely realized,” Ariola said in a statement to the Chronicle.

She spoke about receiving a letter from two Belle Harbor students who worried that the memory of an aunt they had never met, Lucy Ann Fishman, would be

Educating our students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners

S. Ozone Park hero honored

forgotten along with the thousands of other lives lost that day.

“In passing this resolution, we are officially calling upon the United States Congress and President Biden to sign the September 11 Day of Remembrance Act ... In doing so, we would be giving Americans a day off from work and from school so that they can more fully contemplate the heroism and the sacrifices made that day, and the impact that the attacks had on our nation’s history.” Q

Pooran Mohabir of South Ozone Park was honored Monday by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) for risking his own life to save a senior, Trevor Crawford, who was shoved onto train tracks on Sept. 12.

Mohabir, an electrical foreman, was doing overnight work at the 68th Street-Hunter College station on the Upper East Side when he heard shouts and sprang into action.

Mohabir laid on his stomach and pulled Crawford up from the tracks. Crawford sustained multiple rib, pelvic and spinal frac-

tures, but is in stable condition. The perpetrator, who was described as allegedly mentally unwell, was caught.

“I would do it again,” Mohabir said. “The train was four minutes away. He was scared.”

“Pooran Mohabir is a hero, a truly selfless individual ... He is a role model for every citizen who has ever wondered whether he or she should get involved in helping someone or turn away,” Addabbo said.

— Kristen Guglielmo

World Neighborhood Charter Schools

• Rigorous academic curriculum

Plan de estudios riguroso

• Spanish beginning in Kindergarten

Español comenzando en Kindergarten

• ICT program/SETTS

Programaa de Co-enseñanza integrada

• Study of world cultures

Estudio de las culturas del mundo

Educar

https://www.owncs.org/admissions/how-apply

For more information: Please contact the Admission Office

• Physical Education, Arts & Music integrated into curriculum

Educación física, arte y música integrado en el currículo

• Social-emotional learning

Aprendizaje socioemocional

• Robust technology program

Programa tecnológico robusto

• Free breakfast & lunch

Desayuno y almuerzo gratuitos

a los alumnos para que sean pensadores independientes y aprendices de por vida.

Councilwoman Ariola was the prime sponsor of Res. 415. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO / FILE

Scams destroyed a successful immigrant family

Some scams cause angst and inconvenience. We know of an elderly couple in Queens who fell prey to one and lost thousands of dollars. They also were told they had to go to their bank in person to resolve things, something they did not want to do with Covid still around. Another faithful reader penned an essay earlier this year about how he had been conned into giving his Medicare ID to someone over the phone. He called the real Medicare office the next day, got a new number and notified the Federal Trade Commission. Both cases got resolved, after some angst and inconvenience.

But some scams destroy families. We know of one of those, too: a nice immigrant family who ran a small business.

It started back in the old country, where a woman was recently divorced. Losing her husband meant losing her income. She had worked outside the home before her two children came along but did not want to go back to that.

Her ex-husband was giving her some money, but not enough to maintain the lifestyle she wanted. She depleted her savings and started doing things like borrowing from her sister and her sister’s husband, who had moved to Queens.

Somewhere along the way the divorced woman, who lives in East Asia, was contacted over Facebook by a fellow in

Milan, who romanced her. Apparently she believed that a rich oil man in Italy would be interested in a struggling divorcee on the other side of the world. He said he wanted to marry her, but alas, first he had to get some repairs done to his ship. And my, were they expensive! If only she could send some money his way, that would be a great help ...

She ended up in the hole for somewhere around $500,000 U.S. in just a few short years, borrowing from everyone she could, including loansharks. Now she was in danger, and her sister in Queens, who with her husband owned a successful small business, was helping her even more. Apparently, both women believed in the man from Milan — even after he claimed he was in a hospital that wouldn’t let him leave until he paid his bill, even after he said he had lost his passport and needed money to replace it. After all, he said he would give his online paramour a cool million once everything got squared away. And the husband in Queens, well, he just went along with whatever his wife wanted. So the woman here became, as her son puts it, her sister’s “last victim.”

Soon the scammed became the scammer. The woman not only borrowed from everyone she knew, she also got $87,000 from the Paycheck Protection Program, meant to

help businesses survive Covid. Most of it went to her sister.

Despite having a devoted husband, she also got involved with someone online, a man from India who claimed to be a general. He too needed money, and gift cards would do the trick. She bought so many that eventually she had to hit stores on Long Island to get them, because the ones here could see she was being scammed and wouldn’t sell her any. Some financial institutions refused to let her transfer funds.

Soon nearly all the money the business brought in went to the scams. She took out a reverse mortgage on the family home. She borrowed from loansharks. She told people things in the store needed repair; she told them her two adult children were no good. She threw away a million dollars.

Earlier this year her husband died. The business was closed days later; no one will buy it because it comes with such tremendous debt. The woman is about to lose her house. The family has been destroyed, her son says. Due to various elements in the law, no one will be prosecuted for anything.

This was written, with the son’s permission on the condition of anonymity, as a warning. You must avoid such scams at all costs and protect your loved ones, especially the naive and the elderly. It can get to be too late before you know it.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

A biblical warning

Dear Editor:

Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Stela Barbu Office Manager

Jan Schulman Art Director

Moeen Din Associate Art Director

Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager

Joseph Berni Art Department Associate

Richard Weyhausen Proofreader

Senior Account Executives:

Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives:

Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt

Contributors:

Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

Photographers:

Walter Karling, Michael Shain

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

Glendale, NY 11385

Phone: (718) 205-8000

Fax: (718) 205-1957

E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com

Website: www.qchron.com MEMBER

Re “Migrant children: WWJD?,” Letters, Sept., 14: The writer invoked a Sunday school song, “Jesus loves the little children,” to urge tolerance for migrant kids. Children should not suffer for the sins of their parents. But that does not leave adult migrants off the hook. The Bible has stern words for them. “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” (Matthew, 22:22). This means “asylum seekers” who unlawfully entered our county and triggered NYC’s $12 billion financial crisis must be held accountable for their transgressions. And so must pandering political leaders who support illegal immigrants and demand that NY remain a sanctuary city, despite the crippling cost. “He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind.” (Proverbs, 11.29).

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

AOC rises from the ashes

Dear Editor:

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emerged from her chauffeur-driven vehicle expecting obeisance and adulation. In an attempt to spew forth her usual radical leftist diatribe she was met instead with an audience of angry NYers who refused to be silenced or cajoled into silence. Angered by the

proposed placement of the never ending tsunami of unvetted asylum seekers in their residential neighborhood they chanted, waved placards and banners and vociferously expressed their anger about their neighborhood being used as a reservoir for a flood of unknown and unvetted individuals. The mayor has repeatedly stated and warned that NYC cannot continue or sustain a viable economy at the present rate of influx of homeless, jobless individuals. Every neighborhood slated for such placements should rise up in protest and let the federal government know that NY tax dollars are collected to be utilized for and by NYers. Perhaps it would be more cost productive to settle these individuals on the grounds of the Biden estate in Delaware or the Great Lawn in Washington, DC.

Bruce Carney Kew Gardens

Addabbo, a taxing read

Dear Editor:

“We feed off the complaints of our constituents,” state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. tells the Chronicle. He relates how he hops in a car and drives around the district to observe potential issues and think of ideas. Illegal pot shops popping up in the area. E-bikes and mopeds. What could be done at the state level regarding the city’s ongoing migrant crisis. Those cockloft things. New casinos. Con Ed raising rates.

Evidently, no complaints from homeowner constituents paying thousands in excess property taxes to subsidize rich elites in fancy areas. No Chronicle questions about that either. A mystery to this writer, but apparently the senator’s constituents are fine with subsidizing Bill de Blasio’s house renovations.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Asked if his views align with the current Democratic Party, or if those of progressives do, the answer would be a resounding yes in keeping mum on unfair property taxes that slam striving Queens workers. And that would include the most stone-conservative Republicans, too. Don’t like it? Move!

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Are rally moms Dems?

Dear Editor:

Those moms who rallied in Jackson Heights, for the protection of their children from the sex biz, have no right to march and protest, if they vote Democrat (“Moms rally against sex biz, for safety,” Sept. 14, multiple editions). The Democratic Party is all about destroying the fabric of our society with legal drug use, abortion up until birth, illegal immigration, grooming small children with transgender story time in school and in libraries and encouraging them to have sex change operations, take hormone blockers, etc. I can go on, but I won’t. Everyone reading this knows that what I speak is the truth.

These people made their beds, and now it’s time for them to sleep in them. Same goes with crime and inflation. You can’t vote for the party of perversion, lawlessness and open borders, and then go rally to “protect the children.” You can’t have it both ways!

Michael Naimoli Ozone Park

Law, retirees and Medicare

Dear Editor:

Re “Retiree benefit bill has mixed reviews,” Sept. 14, multiple editions:

The Medicare and Medicaid Act passed in 1965, giving American taxpayers healthcare. NYC Retirees have had Medicare and a supplement since 1967 as the City Council legislated it, because neither the unions nor the mayor could change a current retiree’s healthcare without legislation. Corporation counsel determined the mayor could not do so, and the unions could not either because they do not represent retirees; they legally cannot bargain on their behalf.

The Taylor Law authorized bargaining between a union and the mayor. The Council did not carve out a piece of the pie for itself, as Councilmember James Gennaro said; it had to pass legislation to give retired persons access to Medicare. If CM Gennaro thinks Administrative Code Section 12-126 is illegal from the

onset, then pass Intro. 1099 and let a judge decide. A judge will most assuredly determine the law exists because neither the unions nor the mayor could change a benefit of a current retiree without it.

The City Council often sets protections for people at higher levels than does state or federal legislation. The best example is human rights laws. For years, city protections (and protected classes) have been more robust than state or federal protections. Same with minimum wage.

Intro. 1099 doesn’t replace collective bargaining. It sets the floor that existed for almost 60 years. Unions are free to build on it. But the floor stays and they should be happy to have a firm foundation. The real truth is unions sought to sell off the value of our benefits for use in their bargaining, which does not benefit us.

CM Gennaro is way out in left field with his perspective. Actually, he is in the parking lot.

Marianne Pizzitola President

NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees Manhattan

Rail tunnel repair issues

Dear Editor:

On Sept. 8, 1908, there was a celebration for the first day of direct Long Island Rail Road service to Penn Station. It was a great day for transportation history. Prior to that day 115 years ago, LIRR riders had to transfer to ferries from Long Island City to access Manhattan.

Today, however, ongoing cancellations and combining of trains due to signal and other problems in the East River tunnels will continue for years to come.

Amtrak will not initiate decades-overdue major repairs of the tunnels until 2024. This work on all four tunnels, including two that suffered significant damages from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, will not be completed until 2027. Amtrak says the two will require a minimum of one year each for completion. It will require one of the two being out of service for one year at a time. The other two tunnels will need similar work. With only three of four tunnels available, there will be a reduction in Penn Station access and capacity. To preserve existing service, many LIRR rush hour trains will be canceled or combined. Until this work is over, it will be impossible to guarantee safe and reliable on-time service to Penn Station for LIRR commuters.

Reduced East River tunnel capacity makes it difficult to add previously promised new services. This includes MetroNorth’s East BronxNew Haven line access to Penn Station and 50 percent overall increase in reverse peak service after the opening of East Side Access to Grand Central Madison. Both Amtrak and New Jersey Transit need access to Queens’ Sunnyside Yard via the East River tunnels to support their own planned service increases.

Going from four to three available tunnels results in a significant capacity reduction. This translates to no increase in existing or new services until work is completed.

Larry Penner

Great Neck, LI

The writer is a transportation historian, advocate and writer who worked for 31 years in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

Requests from business district upgrades to rat control on members’ wish lists CB 5 keeping an eye on NYC capital budget

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Much like Mayor Adams, members of Community Board 5 will be keeping a close eye on what is shaping up to be a very challenging budget

The board’s Sept. 13 general meeting, the first since its summer break, focused a great deal on what just what projects members would like to prioritize in their annual capital budget request to City Hall.

District Manager Gary Giordano said during the fiscal crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, Board 5 members could be counted on to pack capital budget hearings.

“There was no money, and parks needed to be reconstructed and roads needed to be resurfaced,” he said, expressing hopes that the district will be able to weather the coming financial difficulties equally as well.

He said all board members will be given a list of 30 potential projects, and will be asked to rank them in order of importance, from 1 to 30.

“Like in golf, the lowest score wins,” Giordano said. The list then will be sent to the city for its consideration.

A few board members already had their priorities set. Tedd Renz, executive director of the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District, said a great deal of work is needed

along the business corridor.

“The last time Myrtle Avenue received major capital improvements was 1983,” Renz said. “There were a number of new sidewalks, benches plus other amenities.”

But he said old brick pavers that were installed back then since have deteriorated

Remembering Richie

and now have become tripping hazards, leading to a number of lawsuits against businesses and even the BID itself.

He is seeking funding for new sidewalks — without brick pavers — curbs and upgrades to pedestrian plazas and tree boxes.

“The city should also consider upgrading

sewer lines and utilities, he said, pointing to the area’s importance as a major shopping district for Ridgewood, Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village and even portions of Brooklyn.

John Maier, a staff member at the board speaking for himself as a resident, was among those who asked for improvements and upgraded access to Highland Park and the Ridgewood Reservoir.

Board member Peggy O’Kane, speaking on behalf of the Ridgewood Property Owners Association, championed funding for expanded rat control efforts.

“I realize it’s not a good time with budget cuts, but really this infestation is very serious,” O’Kane said. “It’s a constant source of complaints at our meetings, and we need some funding to help take care of this.”

O’Kane said things like better maintenance or rain gardens are necessary.

“Some of the vegetation is three feet high,” she said. “That’s one of the places they’re hiding out.”

In other business, Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) said he has introduced a bill that would require the city to stencil fire hydrant images in streets where the hydrants are located to enable the FDNY to find them faster in the event of illegally parked cars or other things that might obscure them from sight. Q

The annual Run for Richie, a tribute to first responders and volunteers who died in the 9/11 attacks, wended its way from Flushing Meadows Corona Park to the World Trade Center in Manhattan on Sept. 16.

It is organized by the NYC Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and named in honor of Richard Pearlman, a Howard Beach resident and member of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Pearlman was 18 when

he was killed treating injured victims of the WTC attack.

At top left, the procession heads to the Grand Central Parkway via Meridian Road; above, the NYPD Highway Patrol prepares to provide an escort. At center, Lisa Cohen and Bob Petrizzo show their colors front and back.

At top right, the national anthem and “God Bless America” prepped riders for their departure. Below that, the riders get ready to roll.

PHOTOS BY WALTER KARLING

Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano, left, and Chairman Vincent Arcuri welcome board members back from their summer breaks. CB 5 SCREENSHOT / YOUTUBE

PRIME CONCESSIONAIRES MATCHMAKING EVENT

Co-hosted by Congressman Gregory Meeks and Speaker Adrienne Adams

•Learn about concession opportunities for ACDBEs and local businesses

•Participate in “Meet the Primes” matchmaking sessions

•Hear from a panel of ACDBE concessionaires on what it’s like to operate airport concessions

REGISTER NOW

For questions about this event, email T6concessionopportunities@vantageairportgroup.com

To learn more about the JFK redevelopment project, visit www.anewjfk.com

Horses return to Aqueduct as homestretch nears

With a full casino looming and Belmont to be restored, the end is near for NYC’s only horse

by Haidee Chu THE CITY

This article was originally published on Sept. 14 at 7:40 a.m. EDT by THE CITY

A trumpet tune played overhead. Eight horses galloped across a dirt track toward a starting gate as a crowd of a few dozen people, mostly older men, sat under the unfiltered sun at a viewing deck situated at track level.

Most held a rolled-up betting guide in one hand and a cigarette in the other — their bodies leaned slightly forward to turn their attention to the track with one minute left to go before the first race of the fall season commenced at the Aqueduct racetrack in Ozone Park.

“And they’re off,” a voice said through the speaker overhead, officially bringing to a start the 28-day fall meet called “Belmont at the Big A” in what may be one of the last racing seasons at New York City’s only horse track.

While Belmont Park on Long Island is undergoing construction, its namesake races are happening at the Aqueduct track, already the home of a “racino” run by gambling giant Resorts World, which is widely expected to receive one of the three licenses for full-service casinos downstate that Albany is expected to issue as soon as this year.

And that, in turn, is expected to roughly coincide with the end of rac-

ing at the track that first opened in 1894. These days, the once huge “sport of kings” has become an increasingly unpopular and unprofitable enterprise subsidized by the state’s cut of the money people lose to gambling at the racino.

Aqueduct’s land has been eyed as a potential place to house migrants while community organizers dream of using it to erect thousands of units of affordable housing. But the land will again be used for horse races this fall while Belmont Park, next door to the arena that hosts the NHL’s Islanders, installs a synthetic racing surface and a new park as part of an upgrade that the New York Racing Association called “the most significant racetrack construction projects in modern memory.”

The goal is “to consolidate all downstate racing and training activities at the new Belmont Park” once construction is completed in 2026, according to an NYRA announcement issued days after the state Legislature passed a budget in May that included a $455 million loan to makeover Belmont Park.

When the association completes the Long Island track’s overhaul, it will also relinquish its state-owned lease at Aqueduct and close down the track there to make way for new developments.

“I don’t feel pleased about that,” said 63-year-old Winston Taylor, who was at the track Thursday, and had

worked as a fisherman before immigrating to Queens from Jamaica 29 years ago. “Belmont, they should destroy… because it’s easier to come to the Aqueduct from the city to here. From Brooklyn, from Queens, this is just right in the center.”

‘Time to grieve’

Taylor, who traveled on the subway from Canarsie to be at the Big A on opening day, also worked as a horse breeder for four years in Jamaica. His secret to a winning horse: A strong collarbone and a set of good feet. “These are world-cup horses,” he added. “Not like in Jamaica. We got those horses — they’re mules.”

His friend Christine Reeves, 56, credited Taylor for getting her into horse racing — though, with a betting guide in hand, she said she only “sometimes” trusts his judgements on what horses to bet on.

“I’m still not fully into it,” Reeves said. “Because I don’t like the gambling part. But I like to see what’s going on.”

Others in the sparse crowd were also said they were there for the horses, not the betting. That included a man who sat nearby at a bench closer to the track and declined to be named because he “snuck out of work to be here and my wife doesn’t know.” That 55-year-old spectator and Brooklyn

track

native said that he’s eager to see Belmont Park transformed.

“I love Belmont because this is not my cup of tea,” said the man, who called Aqueduct a “hardcore” racetrack. “If you go to Belmont, even before they do the construction, you’ll never come back … It’s all grass, trees, televisions. You can bring the kids and grandkids. The atmosphere is completely different.”

The man recalled that he was 17 years old when he snuck out of high school to visit Aqueduct for the first time, along with a friend whose father owned horses. “And I’ve been hooked ever since,” he said.

He loved horses so much, he said, that his wife and two sons gifted him 1 percent ownership of a horse for his birthday last year. His face beamed with pride as he recalled flying down to Gulfstream Park in Florida to watch his horse race — and win.

“We went in the winner’s circle,” he said as the horses and jockeys entered the final lap of the first race at Aqueduct. He continued: “Thirty years of horse racing and I never did that.”

As he spoke, patrons who had been sitting rose from their chairs, pounding tables and flailing their arms in the air and snapping their fingers as they encouraged their respective horses.

“Go, go, go,” one man yelled. “Come on, eight,” another shouted. No. 8 (named “L’Imperator”) placed second, just behind No. 4 (“Merry Maker”). Some betters high-fived one another while others cursed or looked visibly deflated.

Wayne Lemon, 27, sat in the shade with a neutral expression as the crowd began to settle down for the second race. “It’s too much emotion here,” he said.

Lemon said he had come to Aqueduct for the first time while he was still in college, when a statistics professor described horse-betting as a “sport that you can make money without losing a lot.”

He didn’t say if that advice had borne out, but he did recall walking out of Aqueduct a few years ago with $60,000 from a $600 bet.

“I paid off my tuition, and I treated myself,” said Lemon, who wasn’t looking forward to the end of horse races here.

“This is my first track, so it’s a little shocking,” Lemon said. “But I got a lot of time to grieve.”

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

A jockey heads back to the paddock after racing on opening day at Aqueduct Racetrack, Sept. 14, 2023. People wait in line to place bets, above, on opening day at Aqueduct.

PHOTOS BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY

Dwight Tracey, left, cheers during a race. Christine Reeves, right, said she likes the horses more than the betting. PHOTO, RIGHT, BY HAIDEE CHU/THE CITY

Hip-hop resolutions pass City

Council to designate holidays for genre,

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Two groundbreaking resolutions celebrating hip-hop passed through the City Council last week.

The first, Resolution 346, recognizes the contributions of the musical genre, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, by designating Aug. 11 as Hip-Hop Celebration Day, August as Hip-Hop Recognition Month and November as Hip-Hop History Month annually in the city.

Resolution 450 acknowledges the work of Def Jam Recordings, a predominantly hiphop record label, by designating January 2024 as Def Jam Recognition Month in the Big Apple.

Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) introduced both bills in late 2022, and after months of hearings, approvals and amendments, they passed through the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations and the City Council on Sept. 14.

Williams said the purpose of the bills was to affirm the city’s dedication to preserving the rich legacy of hip-hop’s pioneers and nurturing the creative spirit of future artists.

“As a city, we stand united in our celebration of hip-hop and Def Jam Recordings, recognizing their profound influence on our cul-

ture,” Williams said in a statement. “Let us continue to amplify the beats, rhythms, and stories that shape our diverse tapestry, ensuring that the vibrant essence of this genre remains an integral part of our city’s identity.”

Tunji Balogun, chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, said he was proud that the nearly 40-year institution was recognized by the city.

“Hip-hop — at once a movement, an industry, and a culture — has provided opportunity, connectivity, inspiration, and a sense of community for so many New Yorkers throughout its first half century,” Balogun said in a statement. “Hip-Hop continues to provide a space to dream, aspire, celebrate, grieve, and come together.

Looking towards the future, Def Jam Recordings reaffirms its commitment to supporting and uplifting the great city of New York through the power of music.”

Charlene Thomas, vice president of marketing at Def Jam Recordings, said the staff and artists at the record label recognize the importance of the honor.

Making EV chargers more accessible

honors Def Jam

“Def Jam Recordings has curated the soundtrack of New York City ... melodically painting a picture of who we are as New Yorkers for people around the world,” Thomas said in a statement.

Councilmember Chi Ossé (D-Brooklyn), son of Reginald Joseph “Combat Jack” Ossé, a Haitian-American hip-hop music attorney, journalist, editor, podcaster and former managing editor of The Source, a hip-hop magazine, is the chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and said that hip-hop has taken over the globe.

“It is a music of soul, resistance, persistence, and love that we are proud to call our own,” Ossé said. “These resolutions make official our commitment to celebrating and uplifting our city’s artists — from the past through the present and into the future. We will preserve the legacy of these music pioneers and support others to continue making strides in the arts. I am proud of my heritage and my city, and proud to co-sponsor these acts.”

A national version of Resolution 346, Resolution 331, unanimously passed the U.S. Senate on July 29, 2021. Q

Boy Scout’s flag project

Scoutmaster Jason Schneider of Boy Scouts of America Troop 139, is calling on the community for help with his son Solomon’s Eagle Scout project, which aims to replace old American flags.

“His focus is really on identifying American flags in Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Howard Beach and Glendale,” Schneider told the Chronicle. “He’s focusing on businesses or homeowners that are flying a flag that’s worn and tattered, which is very disrespectful.”

The flags will be retired properly at a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

“The public would be invited, and Solomon is going to ask for veterans to be part of the ceremony to educate people on the proper display and care of an American flag,” Schneider explained.

Schneider also requests the community’s help in identifying an American Legion or Disabled American Veterans post with a fire pit to conduct the retirement ceremony for proper flag disposal.

For more information, please call Jason Schneider at (917) 929-5438 or email schneider_jason@verizon.net. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Councilwoman Nantasah Williams COURTESY PHOTO

Lunchtime labyrinth on Rego Pk. sidewalk

Delivery vehicles outside 63rd Drive restaurants challenge pedestrians

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor “Oh,

thank God.”

A man walking on 63rd Drive in Rego Park expressed that opinion last week when learning the Chronicle was taking photos for a story on how delivery riders of e-bikes, scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles have had a recent tendency to clog the sidewalk in front of a Taco Bell, Popeyes and bagel shop that adjoin each other.

His comment was little different from complaints the Chronicle has received via email about the site. At one point during the Sept. 14 visit, a senior citizen with a walker and one using a personal mobility chair simultaneously tried to navigate their way through 11 parked vehicles and their drivers.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said in an interview on Tuesday that his office and the 112th Precinct are aware of the situation and that the police are working to resolve it.

“My office has reached out to the 112th Precinct,” he said. “I’m planing to talk with all four precincts in my district. I’ll ask them, as I frequently do, ‘What can I do on a state level? What legislation can be done?’”

He said there already are laws requiring that some classes of two-wheeled vehicles be registered, and their operators licensed.

“But obviously, some are not,” Addabbo said.

“And I’ve got a feeling that for every illegal one the police get, 10 more pop up in its place. Like the pot shops. It’s just a daunting task. That’s what law enforcement is up against here.”

In emails from their offices, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) and a spokesman for Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said they have gotten similar complaints from constituents about other areas,

Man charged in South Richmond Hill shooting

Perp faces 25 years to life if convicted

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Shawn Singh, 23, was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon in a Sept. 2 shooting that killed South Ozone Park resident Treva Sookmangal, 31, in South Richmond Hill.

Singh, a Schenectady resident, was arraigned on a six-count indictment. The charges include murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and three counts of menacing in the second degree, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

According to the charges, video surveillance shows Singh and Sookmangal arguing at approximately 4 a.m. in the vicinity of 125-06 101 Ave.

Singh was observed pointing a gun at multiple people who were present at the scene. The men’s verbal dispute continued for several minutes, according to the DA’s Office.

At approximately 4:17 a.m., surveillance footage shows Singh punching

Sookmangal in the face, taking another swing and, moments later, pointing and firing the weapon in Sookmangal’s direction.

As a result, Sookmangal sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Singh and a companion fled the scene. Police recovered a shell casing and one live round on the sidewalk near the shooting, according to the DA’s Office.

Singh was arrested the following day in the Bronx at approximately 2:30 a.m.

“Altercations escalating to gun violence cannot be the norm,” said Queens DA Melinda Katz in a written statement.

“We will not allow it in this borough. Those who use guns to solve disputes will be held accountable.”

The DA’s Office did not respond to multiple inquiries regarding Singh’s companion.

Singh was ordered to return to court on Oct. 31. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison. Q

but not that section of 63rd Drive specifically.

Both said their offices work directly with the 112th and other precincts on the problem.

“The NYPD is empowered to confiscate unlicensed scooters and e-bikes that don’t meet city regulations. I know that the 112th Precinct has been successful at increasing the number of scooters and bikes confiscated,” Schulman’s spokesman said. “With regards to

what pedestrians can do, I would suggest that they call 311 and report the situation, especially if the scooter is blocking the sidewalk or intersection. If 311 does not solve the problem, they can reach out to our office and we will work directly with the NYPD to assist.”

Hevesi in his email said the vehicles play a huge role in the city for everyone from commuters to service providers.

But he also said the regulations for e-bikes and scooters are very clear.

“If the rules are not followed, it becomes a matter of enforcement,” Hevesi said.

“My office routinely connects with local NYPD precincts to notify them of concerns and of locations where additional traffic enforcement is required,” the assemblyman added. “Fortunately, the precincts in my district are very responsive partners and accessible to the public, and people can always register concerns directly with our office, their Neighborhood Community Officers or at monthly precinct meetings.” Q

Correction

The Sept. 14 article “Activists seek info from IRC on AD 24” misstated whether communications are on a list of obtainable records in the Freedom Of Information Law. They are not. We regret the error. Q

Man wanted in case of forcible touching

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Police are seeking the public’s help in nabbing a man who pressed his face up against a 27-year-old woman’s buttocks while on an escalator on the E train subway station in Jamaica on Sept. 1.

Authorities said the woman was approached from behind while going up the escalator of the Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue station by a man with dark complexion, medium build and between the ages of 30 to 35.

The man was last seen wearing a black hoodie jacket, a white shirt, black pants, white sneakers, a tan hat and black headphones, according to the NYPD.

After the forcible touching incident, the man fled and the crime was reported to police at approximately 8:25 a.m. The MTA was able to capture images of the man leaving a turnstile with surveillance video footage. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

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

Police are on the lookout for a man wanted for a forcible touching incident in Jamaica.

A cluster of e-bikes, scooters and their operators greets pedestrians last week in front of three restaurants on 63rd Drive in Rego Park. Elected officials say they are working with police to try and keep the sidewalks clear of any unlawful vehicles.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

HOSPICE IS ABOUT LIFE

Hospice can be an uncomfortable topic. But the comfort and care it provides can greatly ease sadness, pain and fear during a difficult time. From medical support to peace of mind, understanding what hosp ice has to offer can help people decide if, and when, it's right for them. Some things you may not know:

1.

It's usually at home. Comfort, familiarity and the presence of loved ones are everything during these times.

It's typically covered by insurance. Most patients qualify through Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance.

It can last up to six months. Many people would benefit by entering hospice earlier.

Talking about hospice can be hard. We're here to help you understand the decisions and choices you may face along the way.

Northwell.edu/Hospice

It includes full medical care. A hospice team can include doctors, visiting nurses, social workers and other care providers.

It's not just for patients. Loved ones can receive counseling, learn how to help and much more.

Hospice isn't about death. It's about life.

Hospice helps make this difficult time more comfortable, supportive and dignified.

Parking meter increases Oct. 27

Rates for parking meters in New York City will increase over the course of seven weeks beginning in Manhattan on Oct. 16,

Queens rates will increase beginning Oct. 27, with Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island all having new rates in place by Nov. 28.

The hourly rates in Queens, as elsewhere, will vary based on location and demand. The highest new rates in some sections of Manhattan, for example, will be two to three times more expensive than comparable sections of Queens.

General parking meter fees for Queens will increase 25 cents for the first hour to $1.50, with the second hour going up from $2 to $2.50.

Neighborhood retail districts will increase 50 cents to $2 for the first hour, and go from $2.50 to $3 for the second hour.

Rates in the Downtown Flushing and Jamaica business districts will increase from $2 for the first hour to $2.50. Each subsequent hour will cost $5, an increase of $1 over present rates. Q

— Michael Gannon

Scheduling blood donation easy

Each person who signs up to help quell the region’s blood shortage can save the lives of up to three people, according to the New York Blood Center, including surgery and cancer patients, accident victims and new mothers and babies. Information on how to donate blood or schedule a drive is at nybc.org. Upcoming drives include:

• NYC Dept. of Design & Construction, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, and Thursday, Sept. 21, at 30-30 Thomson Ave. in Long Island City;

• NYPD 110th Precinct station house, noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, at

94-41 43 Ave. in Elmhurst;

• The Shops at Atlas Park, 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27 and Tuesday, Oct. 31; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale;

• Lions Club of Queens, Buddha, Nepalese & KTM, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1 at 75-32 Broadway in Elmhurst;

• St. Margaret’s Parish, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 66-05 79 Place, Middle Village; and

• Baglung Welfare Society of America, Inc., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 75-15 Woodside Ave., Elmhurst. Q

Lotus pageant in bloom

The Lotus Beauty Pageant team unveiled its contestants to the media, sponsors and a select group of family members on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in a sashing ceremony.

Organized by Lakshmee Singh and Padmini Rambalak, the pageant will showcase women who embody beauty, poise, intelligence, confidence and culture.

“To comprehend the inspiration behind this pageant, we drew parallels to the symbolism of the lotus flower,” Singh told the Chronicle in a written statement. “Just like the lotus must navigate its journey through the mud and murky waters before rising above the sur-

face to blossom, these women symbolize the strength to overcome the challenges they face in our society.”

While traditional pageants often focus on external beauty, Singh said this pageant recognizes “the need to nurture the inner world of these contestants and equip them with the tools to achieve their full potential in academics, arts or entrepreneurship.”

The pageant will be held on Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. at Kiss Entertainment, located at 13035 91 Ave. in Richmond Hill. For more information, visit lotusbeautypageant.com.

— Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTOS

Rego Park CVS is the latest big-name drugstore set to close in Queens Pharmacy ‘chain’ reaction continues

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The reduction of national chain pharmacy locations is continuing in Queens, with the Chronicle learning that the CVS store at 97-01 63 Road in Rego Park will have its last day on Nov. 1.

The company confirmed what it called a “difficult decision” in an email on Monday.

“All prescriptions will be transferred to the nearby CVS Pharmacy at 100-02 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills to ensure that patients continue to have uninterrupted access to pharmacy care,” a company spokeswoman said. “Patients can always choose to fill their prescriptions at any CVS Pharmacy, or the pharmacy of their choice, if another is more convenient. All employees are being offered comparable roles within the company.”

Three customers approached outside the store on Sunday said they were unware of the closure plans.

The statement said maintaining access to pharmacy services in the communities the company serves is an important factor it considers when making store closure decisions.

Others include local market dynamics, population shifts, a community’s store density and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the

community.

“We have more than 30 CVS Pharmacy locations remaining in Queens, including four MinuteClinic locations, which offer expanded health and wellness services,” the statement continued. “Our teams will continue to provide the community with outstanding service at these locations. We also offer prescription home delivery service to eligible

patients through CVS.com and the CVS Pharmacy app to provide additional convenient access to medications. “

Chain pharmacy closures appear to be turning into an epidemic in Queens. The Rite Aid at 583 Grandview Ave. in Ridgewood shut down Sept. 5, almost six months to the day after the Walgreens at the corner of Metropolitan and Forest avenues closed

in February.

Other recent pharmacy closings include two locations in Forest Hills, one in College Point and one in Flushing. Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS all have shuttered stores in the borough this year.

CVS outlets close to the store that’s shutting down in six weeks include 88-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst; and 101-02, 108-11 and 118-10 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills.

Not that the World’s Borough should feel singled out, with several major drug chains shrinking their footprint nationally.

CVS back at the end of 2021 announced that it intended to close 900 stores across the country by the end of 2024. Walgreens, which also owns Duane Reade, reported in June that it would be closing 150 U.S. stores as well as 300 in the United Kingdom.

Both Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal have reported last week that Rite Aid appears to be on the verge of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to shield it from its creditors.

Numerous lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic are cited as one of the causes.

Chapter 11 gives a company a chance to reorganize and pay off its debt, as opposed to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which results in the financial liquidation of a company and its assets. Q

The CVS store at 97-01 63 Road is slated to close Nov. 1, lengthening the list of householdname drugstore locations that have closed in Queens in recent months. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Online page, Marmor’s response spark debate

Principal’s anti-bullying stand praised by some, others say he went too far

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

Francis Lewis High School Principal David Marmor sparked school- and Queenswide controversy last week over his handling of an anonymous, student-run Instagram account documenting insults from peers, threatening to discipline not only those running the page, but any students following it.

In a letter sent to parents and posted on the school’s website last Wednesday, Marmor condemned students’ use of an Instagram account, flhs.confessionss, as well as one related page, where students could submit their opinions on their classmates, often being weaponized to bully others anonymously.

Marmor wrote that an upcoming pep rally, the senior trip and prom, among other school events, would be cancelled until the accounts were shut down or all students stopped following them. If by Monday, Sept. 18, students were still following the accounts, they would be disciplined and likely suspended. Last week, there were over 1,000 people following the confessions page; more than 4,500 students attend FLHS.

From there, the consequences escalated: “If after this first intervention the student refuses to stop following any of these sites (as they may very well choose to exercise their First Amendment rights), Francis Lewis will not

provide a school recommendation to college or work (which is within our rights).” That seems to have been effective — by Monday morning, the page’s follower count was under 700.

Chyann Tull, deputy press secretary for the Department of Education, stood by Marmor. “Our school leaders are empowered to take action against matters that threaten the wellbeing of the school community, and the principal’s actions are in line with the New York City Public Schools’ Internet Acceptable Use Policy and Discipline Code,” she said in an email.

And while Marmor updated parents Monday afternoon, saying the accounts’ owners had been identified and that the pages were down, the question still stands: Does Marmor — or any principal — have the legal authority to punish students for following a social media account?

Justin Harrison, senior policy counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union, says the answer is no.

“The First Amendment protects the right to receive information, it protects the right to receive information anonymously,” he told the Chronicle. “As far as students are concerned, it protects their right to do that when they’re not at school.” He added that a “blanket censorship policy” would penalize students following the accounts unmaliciously, including those being

bullied on the pages and are monitoring them and peer support groups keeping an eye out.

It is not clear whether Marmor, who did not respond to multiple inquiries from the Chronicle, followed through on his intentions to punish students following the accounts. He also did not say for certain that the students running the pages were disciplined; Harrison said even penalizing those students is a legal gray area, as the Supreme Court has “left open” what it considers “on campus,” given social media’s pervasiveness.

Tull declined to comment on any specific disciplinary actions FLHS may have taken.

Parents on numerous area Facebook groups debated Marmor’s handling of the situation. While many praised the principal for taking a stand against bullying, a handful questioned whether Marmor was within his rights to punish followers.

Joanne Kyriacou, who has two children who attend the school, applauded Marmor. “It’s about time there was pushback about these unacceptable websites and this type of behavior,” she wrote in a message to the Chronicle. “And while this approach from Dr. Marmor may seem a bit extreme to some, it was necessary and effective.”

Responding to the Chronicle before Marmor’s update Monday, Community Board 11 Chair Paul DiBenedetto had a nuanced view.

“[Marmor] is in a tough spot. He HAS to protect the lives and well-being of his students,” he said in a text message. “Is it legal? Who knows. But he’s doing his best to curb some awful behavior.” Q Kristen Guglielmo contributed to this story.

CB 7 OKs building at Whitestone Lanes

Panel backs apartment plan, but asks for fewer units, more parking

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

Community Board 7 on Monday approved plans for a nine-story residential building at 30-05 Farrington St., replacing the legendary Whitestone Lanes.

The push for the proposed nine-story apartment building is being led by Marco Macaluso Jr., the owner of Whitestone Lanes. His attorney, Eric Palatnik, spoke on his behalf at this week’s CB 7 meeting.

“Mr. Macaluso [Sr.] built this building with his blood, sweat and tears, by the skin of his teeth some 40 or 50 years ago — you never thought he’d be here today asking you to rezone the property,” Palatnik said. “It wasn’t his intention. Bowling alleys were the newest, biggest fad at the time — tells you how long ago it was.

“They’re not a fad anymore. It’s over, and they are over, too, and they know it.”

Plans for the new building were first reported in June; publicly available documents filed with the Department of City Planning proposed that the site be rezoned from an M1-1 zone to an R7A zone to construct a nine-story building with 413 units, 113 of which would be affordable, and 200 parking spaces below ground. It also included plans for publicly accessible outdoor space.

But First Vice Chair Chuck Apelian said Monday that through discussions with the

board’s Land Use Committee, the Macalusos and the developers, the group had “come to an agreement” on an alternative plan: Instead, the building would have no more than 350 units, 91 of which would be affordable, and at least 300 parking spaces.

Given Whitestone Lanes’ location right off the Whitestone Expressway and that it is lined

by two narrow streets — Farrington Street and Linden Place — traffic congestion was a significant concern for board members. With that in mind, Palatnik said while cars will be able to enter the garage both on Farrington Street and Linden Place, they can only exit on Farrington Street, heading northbound. Those entering on Linden Place can only be heading southbound,

and from either direction on Farrington Street.

Arguably the largest change from the previous plan, however, was that instead of outdoor space, complete with benches, tables and the like, the board put forth the idea for a “parking garden,” which would add 35 more parking spots and be filled out with plenty of plants, trees and other greenery. It would sit in back of the building along Farrington Street.

Apelian said it was board member Arlene Fleischman who first articulated the committee’s hesitations toward open green space. “Arlene voiced concern that in this climate, in this environment of homelessness, of migrancy and other things that have taken place, that improper use would take [the] place of this altruistic idea of creating a public access area,” he said. A parking garden was proposed as an alternative.

Not all board members were satisfied with that idea. Cody Herrmann put it bluntly when she asked, “So our recommendation is essentially to trade out privately owned public space for 35 parking spaces?”

Herrmann ultimately voted against the entire recommendation, and was the sole dissenting member in the 38-1 vote.

It is not clear when Whitestone Lanes will shut its doors; one employee said she and her peers were not given a closing date. “Business is still operating,” she added. Q

Francis Lewis High School’s Principal David Marmor strongly condemned the Instagram accounts in question.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY / FILE

Community Board 7 approved the construction of a nine-story apartment building at the site of Whitestone Lanes, the legendary area bowling alley. RAYMOND CHAN, ARCHITECT / DCP RENDERING

Food pantries dealing with post-Covid reality

The Church-in-the-Gardens hosts a frank discussion on supporting for the needy

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Hunger was known to be a problem in Queens even before Covid-19 made it worse. In the post-pandemic period, higher prices, changes in rules for benefit programs and the influx of immigrants from across the borders have been placing greater strains on family budgets, and on the food-relief agencies that have been stepping in to help them out.

The Church-in-the-Gardens in Forest Hills on Sept. 17 brought people from large citywide agencies to small church food pantries together in one room to work on getting the word out and increasing donations of food, funds and people power.

The Rev. Fred Weidmann, pastor at the church, said the gathering has a precedent in scripture.

“The only miracle that is written about in all four Gospels is the one that fed people,” Weidmann said, referring to Jesus’ feeding thousands with a few loaves of bread and two fish that a member of the crowd had.

“Jesus didn’t do it by himself,” he said to the audience. “People got together, they organized and got the job done.”

Rob MacKay of the Queens Economic Development Corp., the Queens Tourism Council and a member of the church, led a panel discussion and moderated a subsequent

question-and-answer session.

Panelists included Sheila Clay of Citymeals on Wheels; Jennifer Smith of Catholic Charities; Michelle Hernandez of GrowNYC; Djeme Ndiaye with the Women, Infants & Children nutrition program at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; Jonathan Forgash of Queens Together, which connects the borough’s restaurants and food industry with community members in

need; and the Rev. Mike Lopez of MonkWorx of Ridgewood, which among other services operates a food pantry, and the Hungry Monk emergency food truck for the homeless.

State Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) also was on hand to exchange information.

Many in the audience of more than 70 people were from small local food pantries without

the resources of major agencies, but who conversely can have greater demands as the needs in their communities increase.

Many of the organizations’ needs were summed up well by what Lopez called “the three Ts.”

“Time, talent and treasure,” he said. Others said some regulations need to be more flexible, or re-examined.

Several pointed out that government food assistance will allow a family in need to buy junk food and soda, but not laundry detergent, soap or personal hygiene products, which are more necessary.

“We’re a food pantry, and people are asking us for detergent,” said Debbine Murray of the Zion Tabernacle food pantry in South Ozone Park. Smith of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens said they have had to begin collections specifically for nonfood necessities.

Ndiaye said some regulations have the effect of wasting food and harming her WIC clients. One example she cited is the requirement in some cases to give new mothers large-sized containers of baby formula rather than multiple smaller ones; the large sizes, she said, can result in large quantities of formula being spoiled before it can be used.

She also said many of her recipients are placed in “no-cook” facilities, or ones that

continued on page 24

Jennifer Smith of Catholic Charities, second from right, discusses the struggles her group has had feeding the needy in the post-Covid era. Panelists also included Rob MacKay, left, of The Church-in-the-Gardens in Forest Hills, Sheila Clay of Citymeals on Wheels and Michelle Hernandez of GrowNYC among others.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

The lawmaker remains focused on the issues important to his district The details matter to Ed Braunstein

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

“I work on these co-op and condo tax issues — and it’s not really the sexiest stuff,” said Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside). “But like I said, property tax unfairness and the financial circumstances of the constituents I represent in the co-ops is important.”

That can be said not only of many of the lawmaker’s policies, but of Braunstein himself: not flashy, but logical. Though he’s mild-mannered, in moments of passion — when he talks about the Mets, his kids and at times, both — the Manhasset native’s Long Island accent becomes more prominent.

During his wide-ranging interview with the Chronicle last week, that energy shined through as he discussed housing and finance policy in particular. He was especially enthusiastic about his legislation that would expand the number of homes eligible for tax abatement for carbon-reducing capital improvements. That could be helpful as Local Law 97 takes effect in January, and will require buildings over 25,000 square feet to lower their greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of renovations, such as to heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The municipal bill has been controversial among condo owners and co-op shareholders, who would pay for the upgrades directly.

Asked about the Adams administration’s recently introduced rules for LL 97 compliance, which would mitigate fines for those who demonstrate a “good faith effort” to comply, Braunstein said, “Even showing the good-faith effort, in delaying the penalties, eventually the co-op is still going

to incur the costs.”

Relatedly, the assemblyman was a key figure in Northeast Queens’ opposition to Gov. Hochul’s housing compact this spring, which — as part of the state budget negotiations — sought to override local zoning in order to foster more construction of housing, particularly near mass transit. Still, Braunstein agreed something ought to be done to mitigate the city’s’ housing crisis, and suggested a program not unlike 421A, which incentivizes the building of affordable housing, but added that it should include “prevailing wage labor requirements.” Though he was aware of some of the challenges posed by converting office space to housing, Braunstein said he thinks that’s still an avenue worth considering.

“I’ve heard some buildings are easier to convert than others — this is by no means going to be the only solution,” he said. “But if there is an opportunity to create housing that way, I think it’s definitely something that we should pursue.”

The housing shortage is even more pertinent as the city navigates

ernment and the state government provide financial assistance to weather the crisis, Gov. Hochul has looked to her colleagues in Washington, sparking debate as to who ought to take responsibility. As calls to speed up the work authorization process at the federal level have been largely unsuccessful, state officials are weighing the possibility of creating a state work authorization program instead. Asked if he thought that was in the state’s power, Braunstein said, “That’s the question.” As for whether the state ought to give the city funding to help navigate the migrant crisis, however, the assemblyman said, “Immigration is a federal issue.

for a special session on the issue.

“Right now, it’s just a parking lot,” he said. Later, he added, “The prospect of jobs and economic development I think is something that’s positive for the neighborhood.”

Transportation issues — namely, parking and the No. 7 train’s capacity — have been raised in regard to the casino proposal. Braunstein wants to see repairs to the Willets Point station boardwalk. “If you’ve been to a Mets game recently, you walk over that boardwalk — the boards are all falling apart,” he said. “I think there’s an opportunity to do a lot of interesting things there.”

As for parking, as a casino or any other venue directly west of Citi Field would be in the stadium’s lot, Braunstein said he was told the proposal puts forth a plan to put the venue on a platform above what is now the parking lot, keeping those spots intact.

the steady influx of migrants from Central America and beyond.

Braunstein’s district includes Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, outside of which 2,000 migrant men are being housed. While Mayor Adams has been adamant that the federal gov-

“I think the federal government should be taking a more active role in helping this city with this issue. It’s unsustainable for the city to continue to take on 10,000 people a month.”

Braunstein said he’s open to the possibility of returning to Albany

Food for thought in Forest Hills

continued from page 23

might have a single microwave for multiple residents in a shelter or hotel.

Lopez said some donations, though wellintentioned, can miss the mark. He referred to a recent large donation of snack cakes can be problematic for a population that can have problems with weight and obesity. He also believes that the city’s numerous ethnic communities should, whenever possible, have access to culturally appropriate food

A woman who works for the city’s Department of Education said she routinely sees vast quantities of food and milk thrown way if not

given to students, as it is illegal to collect and redistribute it.

“Maybe rules [for schools] could be changed from what is delivered to schools to what should be delivered,” Forgash said, adding that other laws require some restaurants, and delis to throw perfectly good food away, while others of larger size can donate it to food relief agencies.

Hevesi said government has played a big role in alleviating some problems, but can be a roadblock in other instances. He said there is the ability through legislation.

“There hasn’t been the political will to fix

As the possibility of a casino being built in the Citi Field parking lot looms, Braunstein, who chairs the Cities Committee, seemed open to the possibility of the site being developed (Mets owner Steve Cohen and his team have put forth a number of ideas for the area, including more restaurants, green space, access to the waterfront and more). As for a casino specifically, the assemblyman was aware of the bill introduced by Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) this spring designed to alienate the parking lot —which is legally considered parkland — for one, but said the committee would typically wait for the City Council to pass a home-rule message in support before taking it up. The Council has not done so at this point, nor has state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-East Elmhurst) drafted accompanying legislation.

Still, Braunstein thinks something ought to be done with the space.

the problem,” he said. While Hevesi said he is generally a supporter of Gov. Hochul, he disagrees with her reticence to increase taxes that could provide additional revenue.

Hevesi also said for small groups that need nonfood help with their operations, elected officials sometimes can be especially helpful if they get a funding request.

“Capital money can pay for infrastructure, equipment,” Hevesi said. “And every elected official at every level of government — city, state, federal — has access to capital money.” Q

When it comes to party politics, Braunstein tends to steer clear. When asked, for example, if he thought Assemblymember Juan Ardila (D-Maspeth), who has been accused of sexual assault, ought to resign, he said that while he was previously “not willing” to call for that publicly, he noted that it won’t be long until Ardila is up for re-election. “Very soon, the voters will have an opportunity to decide — I’d imagine that they’ll choose another direction,” he said.

Braunstein was — and has been — more forthcoming about his frustration with Rep. George Santos (R-Nassau, Queens), saying, “I don’t see him, don’t talk to him.”

Asked for his thoughts on the state of the Democratic Party in New York, the assemblyman said, “I can’t speak to the broad spectrum of the Democratic Party. I can’t say exactly where the party is — I can speak to where I am and where my constituents are.” Q

Debbine Murray of the Zion Tabernacle food pantry in South Ozone Park said nonfood items are more needed than ever before.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein did not shy away from getting into the weeds when it comes to housing and tax policy. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

“I can’t say where exactly the party is — I can speak to where I am and where my constituents are. ”

— Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside)

va a d u s

by Stephanie G. Meditz

The air was as crisp as the meat on the grill in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday evening. Between the roasted corn, shark sandwiches and fried ice cream, various aromas from more than 50 vendors’ tents gave an olfactory meaning to the term “melting pot.” Boisterous laughter between bites and Trinidadian steel drums accompanied the distant sound of sizzling.

This can only mean one thing: The Queens Night Market has returned for the fall.

Inspired by the open-air night mar-

kets he attended in Taiwan as a child, founder John Wang said Queens Night Market aspires to be “New York’s most affordable, most diverse, most welcoming community space,” with food from a vast array of cuisines for no more than five dollars each.

On Saturdays through Oct. 28, guests can eat food from around the world without leaving home. They can even bring their grub to the New York

Hall of Science’s terrace for some games at NYSCI Nights. For traditional Ecuadorian pork sandwiches, family business Pernil Ecuatoriano marinates the meat for 48 hours to serve on a Hawaiian roll with garlic aioli and homemade hot sauce.

First-time vendor Muahchee Alley serves street food from China’s Fujian province, including sweet-and-sour lychee pork made with pineapple and soy garlic pork with potatoes, sesame

and scallions.

“A lot of people have never heard of Fujianese food, and this is a good way to introduce it to a lot of people who aren’t aware of other cultures,” Vickie Zha said.

Guests who have room for dessert need not worry.

Janie’s neon pink display might catch wanderers’ attention, who will certainly stay for a cookie with a pie crust base topped with pie filling and buttery streusel. Moon Man’s signature astronaut logo might inspire them to try Indonesian street delicacies,

continued on page 27

Queens Night Market serves up an international feast

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

A. Joseph Geist gave boro rides in the Rockaways

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Abraham Joseph Geist was born on Oct. 18, 1886 in Manhattan to Russian immigrants. He became a successful attorney and married Cecile Amdur, 15 years his junior, in August 1924. As an investment he purchased the ailing old Thompson Amusement Park in Rockaway Beach in January 1928. He and his wife purchased a home at 466 Beach 136 St. and had two children.

He built up the park to include 24 attractions. In 1937, Robert Moses shut down the park, trying to seize it by eminent domain to build the Shore Front Parkway. As an attorney he knew how to fight back. He lost half of his rides and a chunk of his property, but managed to reopen in 1939.

After World War II he updated the lighting system to attract big nighttime crowds. They added beauty contests for teens, women, grandmothers and children to draw huge crowds.

His charity work always kept him in the media while he served several terms

Huntington Learning Center of Flushing –The Only Accredited Center in Queens

Huntington Learning Center of Flushing is located in the fourth-largest business district in New York City, just off of the Clearview Expressway, two minutes from the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, and serves School Districts 24-30, and 32. The only accredited learning center in the area, it has served the Queens community for years.

The center’s new owner and mother of two, Vera Chen, has a master’s in Finance and is the owner of BWC One LLC. “As the pandemic took place, I saw a huge disruption in education. As a parent, I wanted to ensure that we deliver high-quality academic help, with proven results for each student,” says Chen.

Founded by Dr. Raymond and Eileen Huntington in 1978, Huntington Learning Center’s statistics are exceptional. The specialized program generates a prescription for each student that allows students to move up either 2 full grade levels, +229 points on the SAT, or +5.4 points on the ACT, on average. These boastful numbers and the option

to hold sessions online are the reasons why the center survived through the pandemic and is thriving today. “I love how accessible we are. With our in-person, hybrid, or online options, I feel that our center can accommodate some of the busiest schedules and solves commute issues for many students,” says Center Director, Sana Qazi.

The only center in Queens, Huntington Learning Center Flushing, has students from Rego Park, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Bayside and more. Staying true to Queens’ diverse nature, the center also serves students at all academic levels. Whether a student is struggling to catch up to their grade level, is looking to boost some of their academic skills and study habits, or needs help with a standardized exam, Huntington Learning Center has programs for all, including students with ADHD and ASD. For more information or to schedule an academic evaluation please visit https://huntington helps.com/ or call the center at (718) 888-0062.

as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He passed away on Aug. 11, 1963, at age 76. His son, Richard, and wife, Phyllis continued to operate the park. By 1970 they calculated that over 175 million people had visited the park over the years.

Due to rising insurance cost the park shut down in 1985 and the rides were demolished in 1987. A housing development occupies the space today. Q

SPORTS EAT

Zach, uninterrupted

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

In my 2023 Mets preview, I expressed doubts they would win a World Series with a pitching staff headed by old warhorses Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. In my opinion, the Mets were a third-place team that would finish a little above .500. In retrospect, I was being optimistic.

I avoided writing about Aaron Rodgers until now. I chuckled at the Super Bowl talk which was being gushed by too many in the local sports media, as well as by understandably beleaguered Jets fans who felt they finally found their messiah.

After watching the Mets implode this year, I thought there should have been some pause on the Jets trusting their season to 39-year-old Rodgers. Even if he stayed healthy, the best scenario I saw for the Jets would be a 10-7 record. If the football gods smiled on them, they might win a wildcard playoff game. That would be about it. Do you remember who played in last year’s NFL wildcard games without looking it up?

Teams that aspire to long-term success need to have young, quality quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert. The Jets took Brigham Young University QB Zach Wilson when they had the second pick in the 2021 draft.

Former Jets and Giants Head Coach Bill Parcells believed it took three years of NFL service

Bto see whether a quarterback had what was necessary to succeed in the NFL. Wilson struggled in his first two years with the Jets as Gang Green fans are all too aware. In fairness to him, he had few offensive weapons. The Jets’ offensive coordinator during his first two seasons, Mike LaFleur, did not further his development.

LaFleur saw the handwriting on the wall, resigning before getting fired. The Jets, undoubtedly at the behest of Rodgers, hired his favorite offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. Coincidentally, Hackett served under Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, the brother of the man he was replacing.

It was in the Jets’ best interest to give Wilson a third year to prove himself, this time with the benefit of better players and improved coaching.

The word from Jets headquarters was Rodgers and Wilson quickly developed a good rapport.

As he rehabilitates his surgically repaired Achilles tendon, Rodgers can continue to serve as a mentor to Wilson. He can be an invaluable tutor when it comes to reading defenses, when to get rid of the football instead of getting sacked, and when to metaphorically eat the football instead of throwing an interception because his target receiver was covered.

If Wilson falters again this season, the Jets can move on from him with a clear conscience. Q

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

The home of A. Joseph Geist, owner of Rockaways Playland Amusement Park, at 466 Beach 136 St., Neponsit in Rockaway Beach, as it looked in the 1940s.

Don’t wait for St. Pat’s — this Saturday is all Irish

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

The luck — and more than a bit of talent — of the Irish is about to descend on the borough as the annual Queens Irish Heritage Festival takes over Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City Sept. 23.

The free three-hour event will feature continuous musical entertainment of various kinds, all, of course, with an Irish lilt. The bill is set to include folk singers, step dancing and even some good ol’ country music.

Other activities, aimed at the younger set, will range from face painting to balloon making. Sporting demonstrations are also promised.

The event will run from 2 to 5 p.m.

According to George Heslin, executive director of the New York Irish Center, which is presenting Saturday’s festival, it serves as a tribute to the big Irish population that calls Queens home.

“It’s important to share our heritage,” Heslin said.

In the beginning, the festival was on a much smaller scale, explained its creator Tricia McManus, whose troupe, McManus Irish Dance, will be among the performers.

“It’s nice to showcase this diverse place and share the Irish culture and music,” she

said of the event.

McManus, a former special education teacher as well as a certified Irish dance instructor, added that the festival offers everyone, particularly young people, “a strong connection to Ireland.”

She is delighted that it will be taking place in the park, which, she said, offers a “gorgeous backdrop” for all the activities.

Heslin predicts the lineup of performers

will provide an “eclectic mix onstage.”

Among them is Cathy Maguire, a longtime resident of Sunnyside who now divides her time between homes in Manhattan and Nashville.

Yes, Nashville. Maguire, who hails from County Louth, the smallest county in Ireland, is a singer whose love of music started with the country sound.

“I was called to sing Irish songs, then

straight-up country songs,” she said.

In the festival, Maguire, who said she has always enjoyed “exploring songs of strong Irish women,” will be performing a set that runs approximately half an hour.

Maguire, who said she has long been an activist involved in community matters, also will be paying homage to two other singers known for their strong political stands, Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer who passed away in July, and American folk singer Woody Guthrie.

Maguire attributed the popularity of Irish music to its “haunting melodies,” which she said are “simple but beautiful.”

Irish music, she said, is “culturally rich and open to collaboration with other types of music. An Irish music session lends itself to all sorts of instruments.”

“There will be something for every family member at the festival,” Heslin promised.

The event is co-presented by McManus Irish Dance and F. Ottomanelli By the Water, which will be selling food at the site. Attendees who preregister will be offered a 10 percent discount on their purchases at the Ottomanelli kiosk.

For further information, call (718) 4820909 or visit newyorkirishcenter.org to see the list of performers. Q

Foodies of the World’s Borough unite in Flushing

continued from page 25

such as coconut pancakes, cassava pancakes or sticky rice with kaya jam, a Southeast Asian coconut custard.

“People who come here are very friendly, and they’re here to try new things. And this is the only place in New York City that can happen,” Moon Man founder Nigel Sielegar said.

Area artists also demonstrate their love for the World’s Borough through their work.

Crossword Answers

Several sold illustrations of New York staples, from pigeons to yellow taxis and even bodega cats.

A first-year vendor, Kate Durkin came to Flushing with pillows, stickers and prints of her illustrations. With its friendly faces and diversely delicious bites, the Night Market “represents Queens” to her.

Astoria resident Talisa Almonte’s art also reflects her “special love for Queens,” especially a sticker depicting a coffee cup inscribed with “no place like Queens.”

Douglaston-based shop HoneyGramz’s current bestseller is sourced in Queens and appropriately named “7 Line Honey.”

“This is the only place, I think, on Earth where the whole world comes together and we have one common interest, which is food,” founder Ruth Harrigan told the Chronicle. “It’s just so nice as a vendor to see all the customers walk around eating and being with their family and friends.”

“It’s cool to see so many different types of people enjoying other types of people’s food,” first-time attendees Stephanie and Zach Campos said.

The two had just hit Joon, where the line for Persian cuisine stretched all the

Pernil Ecuatoriano prepares its spicy Ecuadorian pork sandwich, one of the many epicurian delights at the Queens Night Market. On the cover: La Braza’s shish kababs and roasted corn tempt all comers in search of fine international cuisine . PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE

way to the grass.

Wang hopes to “integrate [Queens Night Market] into the fabric of the city,”

but that is “years, if not decades away.”

Ask any regular attendees, though, and they might disagree. Q

Among those performing at the Queens Irish Heritage Festival will be the NY Irish Dancers and singer Cathy Maguire, once of Sunnyside but first of County Louth. PHOTOS COURTESY NYIC

G. MEDITZ

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

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

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

Classified Ad Special. Pay for 3 weeks and the 4th week is FREE! Call 718-205-8000

Howard Beach, Sat 9/23, 10am-2pm, 159-27 97 St.

Something for everyone! Records, housewares, clothing, toys. Howard Beach, Sat 9/23, 9am-2pm, 159-48 79 St. MULTI-FAMILY SALE! Many new items. Everything must go! Rain date 9/24.

Ozone Park, Sat 9/23, 9am-2pm, 97-28 135 Rd. Multi-family. Something for everyone. Rain date 9/24, 9am-2pm.

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

Subscriptions are only $19 for a full year!!! Call 718-205-8000

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices

«Xtags error: No such tag: tag _»

No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

Services Services

Secure your home with Vivint Smart Home technology. Call 866-601-1219 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation.

Cemetery

St John’s Cloister. INDOORS MAIN BLDG, single crypt, bottom row. Moving out of state. Call for info. 516-851-2727

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy

Garage/Yard Sales Merchandise Wanted Merchandise Wanted Merchandise For Sale JUNK CARS WANTED **IRS recognized tax deductions + CA $H Tax Deductions for Flooded Cars! Carmula Car Buying Services 134-34 Crossbay Blvd. Ozone Park, NY 11417 646-642-9646 Junk Cars Wanted SCHOOL BUS/VAN DRIVERS Best Pay Package in the Industry! Start at $28.24* (Bus), $24.66* (Van) Equal Opportunity Employer Free CDL Training 25 Hrs. a week minimum FULL BENEFIT PACKAGE HUNTINGTON COACH 631-271-8931 *Attendance Bonus Included Impex GLS, Inc. PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for corporation. Min. Wage $51,314/yr. Min. Bachelor’s degree in communication, English literature or related is required. Send resume to: 155-04 145th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11434 To Advertise Call 718-205-8000 Help Wanted Help Wanted Health Services Health Services Help Wanted Help Wanted www.eldercareservicesny.com 97-37 63rd Road, 9H, Rego Park, NY 11374 Jack Lippmann FREE Consultation - 718-575-5700 Over 29 years experience fi ling Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home applications Protect your income, home, life savings • Apply for Medicaid, medical assistance Elder Care Services, Inc. MEDICAID PROFESSIONALS TALENT SEARCH FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES! or Email: careers@cmcs.org Call: (914) 997-8000 Fax: (914) 940-4730 APPLY NOW! GO TO CMCS.ORG/CAREERS Visit our website for career listings. • Teacher (Birth-2) • Family Worker/Advocates • Home Visitors • Health Specialist/Nurse • Custodians • Cooks • Teachers on Study Plan • Health Nutrition & Safety • Social Worker • Education Specialist LOGAN BUS COMPANY $5,000 SIGN ON BONUS $1,000 REFERRAL BONUS - BRING A FRIEND NO CDL? NO PROBLEM! WE WILL TRAIN YOU FOR FREE CDL Drivers with P & S endorsements. Also looking for Qualifi ed Mechanics Benefi ts, Competitive Salaries, Paid Holidays & Pension. Job placements in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn. Inquire at Logan Bus Company, 9714 Atlantic Ave. Ozone Park, NY 11416 (718) 738-7373 EXT 2144 (Solange) Send resume to: SEscobar@loganbus.com Discount Drain Rooter 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED • FREE ESTIMATES Any Drain - Sewer & Drain Cleaning - Plumbing Repairs - Plumbing Replacements - Water Pumping - Toilets - Video Camera Inspections - Hydro Jetting - High Pressure Sewer Cleaning - Sewage Cleanup 718-877-5020 570-301-2557 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 31 $75 - Carpentry - Plumbing - Taping - Plastering - Painting Call George 917-301-0217 All Repairs 30 Earl Construction Inc. • Bathroom Tiling • Mason Work • Roofing • Siding • Carpentry • Dry Wall • Painting • Gutter Cleaning No Job Too Large or Too Small 917-593-3926 38 To Place A Service Ad Call 718-205-8000 Ask For Stela 718-489-4044 212-495-9840 800-590-1309 Licensed / Bonded / Insured MANHATTANROOFS.COM NYC HIC Lic. #2034648 447 Broadway, 2nd FL #264, New York, NY 10013 Call for Free Estimates Today! ALL TYPES OF ROOFS ❖ Roofi ng & Waterproofing ❖ Repair on Flat Roofs ❖ Brick Pointing & Repair ❖ Rubber Roof Installation ❖ Leak Detection & Repair ❖ Thorocoat Waterproof Coating ❖ Silicone Roofi ng Systems Installation ❖ Installation & Repair of Shingle Roofs ❖ Repair & Roof Coating of all Types ❖ Skylight & Hatch Replacement SENIOR DISCOUNTS Our company is a family-owned and operated company not affi liated with any other company. We stand by all our work and strive to give you the job your hard-earned money has paid for. All our work is backed by warranties and your satisfaction is guaranteed. 20% OFF REPAIRS WITH THIS AD Queens Home I mprovements Kitchens, Bathrooms, Finished Basements, Renovations 35 Years Experience Licensed & Insured Call or Text Frank 917-407-5433 rovem t 41

That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

Call 718-205-8000 to place your classified ad NOW!

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

My Caring Plan’s local advisors have helped thousands of families with unique needs find senior living. Can you afford 2K a month in rent? We can help for free! 866-989-1812

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

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

DIRECTV Sports Pack 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that an on-premises restaurant liquor license, Serial #1370006 has been applied for by Lenny’s West Indian Cookhouse LLC d/b/a Lenny’s West Indian Cookhouse and Beer Garden to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a Restaurant. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 112-06 Liberty Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

125 MOUNT LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/5/23. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 172-14 89th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

170-21 JAMAICA AVENUE, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/22/23. 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, 89-05 138th Street, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

35-06 REALTY LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/22/23. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 2-21 148th St., Whitestone, NY 11357, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

9155 Gold LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/6/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Frances Ariola, 157-05 91st St., Howard Beach, NY 11414.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of CLEAR PATH PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, PLLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/20/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE PLLC, 249-30 VAN ZANDT AVE., LITTLE NECK, NY 11362. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of CUCCHIARA FAMILY, LLC, a domestic LLC in NY. Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/14/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 87-11 163rd Avenue, Howard Beach, New York 11414.

Purpose: Any lawful act.

DARYAN HOME LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/21/2023. 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: Jie Rezaei, 1567 216th St., Bayside, NY 11360.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

DS11, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/29/2023.

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: Simon Blitz & Daniel Gazal, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

GRAMPS GIFT LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/24/23.

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, c/o Melissa Katz-Fusco, 600 S Ocean Boulevard, Apartment 407, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee for the Certificate Holders of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates MANA Series 2007-A3, Plaintiff AGAINST Rebeka Howlader; Mizanur Rahman; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 31, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on October 13, 2023 at 10:15AM, premises known as 3216 53rd Place, Woodside, NY 11377. 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 1154 Lot 90. Approximate amount of judgment $1,074,662.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #722631/2021. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Eleventh Judicial District. Kristen Dubowski, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: July 27, 2023 77295

Notice of Formation of JUNGLE KINGDOM FLOWER COMPANY, LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/11/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 8518 124th St., Kew Gardens, NY 11415. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. offi ce. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NAAC 2007-2, Plaintiff AGAINST SUNEEL RAMPERSAD, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 15, 2023, 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 October 13, 2023 at 12:00PM, premises known as 116-29 143RD STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11436. 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 12002 LOT 90. Approximate amount of judgment $1,024,197.48 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #709993/2017. 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.

Robert John Aiello, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00295569 77666

Notice of Formation of KUSH & KEMET HOLDINGS, LLC

Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/21/23.

Offi ce location: Queens County.

Princ. offi ce of LLC: 111-12 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. 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 12207-2543.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Real Estate

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

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

Apts.For Rent

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 3 BR, 1 1/2 baths. Call owner for details. 718-521-6013, leave a message.

Furn.Rm.For Rent

Howard Beach Furnished Room for rent: $250 per week. Males only. Gas and electric, Wi-Fi all included. Close to shopping, trans & JFK airport. Contact 347-447-1336. Call or text. Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad!

Open House

OPEN HOUSE

Howard Beach/ Rockwood Park

Sunday, Sept. 24th, 2-4pm

Hi-Ranch Style w/sep Entrance, 4 BR, Updated Kitchen & Bath, 10 Rms, plenty of closets & storage. Walk to park, transportation & shopping. 5 minutes from JFK ALG NY MANAGEMENT

Linda (917) 682-8931

AnnMarie (917) 682-5222

Houses For Sale

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 new full baths. Wood burning fireplace, in-ground pool. Asking $1,198K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Brick/Frame, Hi-Ranch, 40x100 lot. 3 BR, 1 full bath over studio w/min kit. Sliding door to yard. Asking $899K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, 30x100 lot, Hi-Ranch, 2 BR, 1 full bath over 1 BR, 1 full bath & FL rm. Asking $799K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices Legal Notices

LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL NAGHDI, PLLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/18/23. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 109-21 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY 11418. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Law.

Little Bits and Little Pieces, LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/29/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Jared –Jean Baptiste, 117-32 222nd St., Cambria Heights, NY 11411.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of MR. IOGGI LLC Art. of Org. for MRLODGI LLC were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/03/2023. Cerf. Of Amendment for MR. IOGGI LLC was fi led with SSNY on 02/09/2023. Off. loc: 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, P. O. BOX 570009, WHITESTONE, NY 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NY CLEANING SERVICES GROUP

LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/28/23. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Diana Yazmin Lozano Lopez, 7137 68th St., Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of OROZ PAINTING LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/08/2023. 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: OROZ PAINTING LLC, 91-19 35TH AVE, 1 FLOOR, JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SAROJ LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/17/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SAROJ KUMARI, 9559 113TH STREET, S. RICHMOND HILL, NY, 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF QUEENS NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs, vs. QUEENS LLC; The heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through DAVID E. THOMAS, deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs; TASHIA SINCLAIR A/K/A NATASHA SINCLAIR, if living, or if she be dead, her husband, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said TASHIA SINCLAIR A/K/A NATASHA SINCLAIR, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs; DOMINICK THOMAS A/K/A DOMINICK SINCLAIR, if living, or if he be dead, his wife, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said Dominick Thomas a/k/a Dominick Sinclair, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs; GREGORY THOMAS; PROVIDENT BANK F/K/A THE PROVIDENT BANK F/K/A PROVIDENT SAVINGS BANK; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (QUEENS); NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; ASSET ACCEPTANCE, LLC;CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION; CENTURION CAPITAL CORPORATION; QUEENS SUPREME COURT NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; DAVID THOMAS, if living, or if he be dead, his wife, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successorsin-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said DAVID THOMAS, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #100,” the names of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiffs, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. Index No. 723295/2020

[Old Index No. 6997-09] Borough: Queens Block: 10929 Lot: 49 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the second amended complaint in the above-entitled foreclosure action, and to serve a copy of your answer on Plaintiffs’ attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal service 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 hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the second amended complaint. Queens County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject premises.

Dated: September 8, 2023 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an Order of Honorable Phillip Hom, a Justice of the Supreme Court, dated August 30, 2023, and filed with supporting papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose tax liens covering the property known as 193-18 109th Avenue, Jamaica, New York and identified as Block 10929, Lot 49 (the “Tax Parcel”). The relief sought is the sale of the Tax Parcel at public auction in satisfaction of the tax liens. In case of your failure to appear, judgment may be taken against you in the sum of $12,290.99, together with interest, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees of this action, and directing the public sale of the Tax Parcel. PHILLIPS LYTLE LLP, By: Anthony J. Iacchetta, Attorneys for Plaintiffs, NYCTL 1998-2 Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Collateral Agent and Custodian, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Rochester, New York 14614, Telephone No. (585) 758-2110, aiacchetta@phillipslytle.com

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS

MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff, vs. Any unknown heirs to the Estate of GEORGIA L. CAMPBELL AKA GEORGIA CAMPBELL, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; JUDITH D. BUSSEY AKA JUDITH D. JEFFERSON; ECONNERGY ENERGY COMPANY, INC; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OBO INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; MARC C. MILORD; LYNDRA CAMPBELL; 1562 NEWBURGH INC., Defendants. Filed: August 11, 2023 Index No.: 702974/2014 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 11562 Newburgh Street Saint Albans, (City of New York) NY 11412 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 Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner 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 hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of September 2, 1998, executed by Georgia L. Campbell, Judith D. Bussey to Home Mortgage Corporation to secure the sum of $194,500.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County on October 19, 1998 in Reel 5004 Page 1863. That Home Mortgage Corporation duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Homeside Lending, Inc. by Assignment dated September 2, 1998 and recorded on October 19, 1998 in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County in Reel 5004 Page 1873. That Homeside Lending, Inc duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Midfirst Bank by Assignment dated May 31, 2002 and recorded on October 1, 2003 in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County in CRFN 2003000405582. Loan Modification bearing the date of March 3, 2011, executed by Georgia L. Campbell, married to Midfirst Bank to secure the sum of $207,739.39, with interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County on April 27, 2011 in CRFN 2011000153509. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated. Block: 10398 Lot: 40 DATED: August 2, 2023 Rochester, New York 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. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough of Queens, City of New York, County of Queens, and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Newburg Street, (also known as Franklin Avenue) with the southeasterly side of Tioga Drive, (also known as Rose Street); RUNNING THENCE southerly along the westerly side of Newburg Street, 92.17 feet; THENCE westerly at right angles to Newburg Street and part of the distance through a party wall, 76.58 feet to the southeasterly side of Tioga Drive; THENCE northeasterly along the southeasterly side of Tioga Drive, 119.83 feet to the corner aforesaid, the point or place of BEGINNING.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 726543/2022

Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 225-19 141ST AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413

Block: 13151, Lot: 1 LOANCARE, LLC Plaintiff, vs. DOUGLAS YOUNG, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS YOUNG, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; GERALD YOUNG, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS YOUNG; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS YOUNG, 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; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $338,600.00 and interest, recorded on February 14, 2008, in CRFN 2008000063069, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 225-19 141ST AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413. 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.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 721416/2019

Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

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: August 28, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff, Matthew Rothstein, Esq., 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

Notice of Formation of SINKHOLE PRESS LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/08/2023. 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: DANA BUHL, 454 SENECA AVE, 1L, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Mortgaged Premises: 21409 112TH ROAD, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429 Block: 11141, Lot: 90 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1 Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS, 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; JEROME E. WILLIAMS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; CYNTHIA WILLIAMS A/K/A CYNTHIA SMALLS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; EDNA E. WILLIAMS A/K/A EDNA WILLIAMS WICKER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; ANTHONY C. SIMMONS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; MATTHEW J. SIMMONS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; TIMOTHY J. SIMMONS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; BERNITA CARSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; DAWN DAYE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; SHAVONNA M. WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; ALEXIS WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; MARQUIS N. WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or 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; TASHAWNA JORDAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; PRINCE HURST, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; J.W (MINOR) AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS BY AND THROUGH HER LEGAL GUARDIAN DAWN DAYE; DONTE WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES TO THE ESTATE OF SHENIQUA WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN WILLIAMS, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; JAMES HENRY; MARK WILLIAMS; DON WILLIAMS; LEX WILLIAMS, “JOHN DOE #5” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eight names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $742,500.00 and interest, recorded on November 15, 2017, in CRFN 2017000420043, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 21409 112TH ROAD, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. 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: August 31, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, NY 11590. 516-280-7675

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO: 725629/2021 D/O/F: 12/30/2021 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Premises Address: 52-25 103rd Street, Corona, New York 11368 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE ASPEN HOLDINGS TRUST, A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- TOMAS FIGUEROA A/K/A THOMAS FIGUEROA, if living, and if he be dead, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributes or successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributes and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; EMPIRE PORTFOLIOS, INC.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, 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. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Tracy A. Catapano-Fox, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered Aug. 24, 2023 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s Office on June 26, 2007 in CRFN: 2007000328933, covering premises k/a 52-25 103rd Street, Corona, NY 11368 a/k/a Block 1943, Lot 113. 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. The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE AWARE: (1) that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection effort, including, but not limited to: i the use or threat of violence; ii the use of obscene or profane language; and iii repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass. (2) If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt: 1. Supplemental security income, (SSI); 2. Social security; 3. Public assistance (welfare); 4. Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support; 5. Unemployment benefits; 6. Disability benefits; 7. Workers’ compensation benefits; 8. Public or private pensions; 9. Veterans’ benefits; 10. Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and 11. Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days. TO THE DEFENDANTS, except Tomas Figueroa a/k/a Thomas Figueroa: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. TO THE DEFENDANTS: Tomas Figueroa a/k/a Thomas Figueroa: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises. Dated: Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 165 Eileen Way, Suite 101, Syosset, New York 11791. 516-921-3838 #100743

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstISHA CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; RAVIN CLAYTON AKA RAVINE CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; RADIN CLAYTON AKA RAYDIN CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fi ctitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants - Index No.: 721325/2022

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 July 27, 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 (BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Allan B. Weiss, J.S.C. Dated: July 27, 2023 Filed: July 27, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 17911 Eleventh Road, Jamaica, NY 11434. Dated: March 28, 2023 Filed: August 12, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Meir Weiss, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212)

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Sept. 23rd 11:00 am-1:00 pm 155-07 86th Street, Unit

• Lindenwood • New to the market!! A must see!! 2 BR, 1 bath Co-op in the heart of Lindenwood. Walking distance to bus, shopping & recreation. 300 shares, $30/share fl ip tax, 30% down payment. Parking is $25 (waitlist).

• Forest Hills • Welcome to this unique studio apt w/ bonus room,

security $20.00, Parking spot $70.00, energy surcharge $7.75/month ending December 2023. Flip tax $5.00/share235 shares. Cats permitted only.