City faces some hard calls on budget cuts
by Michael Gannon Senior News EditorCouncilmemeber Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) was nothing if not direct on Sept. 14 as she addressed the city budget picture at a meeting of Community Board
“Next6.
fiscal year the budget is projected to be severe in terms of a deficit, because we’re going to be losing all of the federal monies, that we have now, are going to end,” Schulman said. “The economic forecast is pretty bad.”
Schulman’s comments occurred two days after Jacques Jiha, director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, sent a letter to all department heads ordering them to initiate 3 percent cuts for the remainder of the existing fiscal year; and 4.75 percent through FY 2025-26 under the city’s Program to Eliminate the Gap. The city’s fiscal year runs July 1 to the following June 30.
In the late-night hours of June 13, Mayor Adams and the City Council agreed — more than two weeks before deadline — to a record $101.1 billion budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.
The figure was $1.4 billion higher than Adams proposed in his executive budget last April and $2.6 billion more than his preliminary budget from February.
Things have been unraveling ever since.
The City Council is awaiting the outcome of a court case as it tries to back-peddle from a $215 million reduction it agreed to in the education budget. Gov. Hochul recently signed a law limiting class sizes in the city’s schools which the Adams administration says could cost half a billion per year.
Dozens of municipal unions — about 92 percent of the unionized city workforce are
working on expired contracts. An underperforming stock market could require the city to kick in billions to fund guaranteed retiree benefits in the foreseeable future.
And outyear budget deficits theoretically could reach between $9 and $10 billion by fiscal year 2026, under certain scenarios discussed in reports issued by the city and state comptrollers in August.
“As we move towards the November Financial Plan and beyond, we face challenges that threaten our ability to keep the current year budget balanced and maintain manageable outyear gaps,” Jiha wrote in the letter. “We must act quickly and responsibly, otherwise funding for programs and services — many that serve the most vulnerable New Yorkers — will be at risk.” The November projections are due on or before Nov. 30.
Department heads have until Sept. 30 to find savings and new funding sources or OMB will make the cuts. Savings cannot be made through layoffs, new fines or fees.
Mayor Adams on Sept. 12 defended the PEG
“Butorder.keep in mind, we have a potential $10 billion budget deficit,” Adams said. “Now we can say let’s just raise taxes through the roof and people say it’s too expensive to live in the city and leave. Or we could be smart and use a financial scaffolding on how do we make the right decision? And that’s what we’re going to do.
“But let’s not kid ourselves. It’s easy to sit in the Council and just say, ‘Let’s just spend, spend, spend.’ No. I must make smart financial decisions so our city can weather these turbulent times right now and we’re going to do that.”
Mayor orders 3 percent across the board now; 4.75 through FY 2025-26Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, center, takes questions on proposed budget cuts accompanied by Councilmembers Shaun Abreu, left, and Chi Ossé. NY COUNCIL SCREEN SHOT
Adams announces funding for the park project, rejecting rail plan QueensWay gets the go with $35M
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate EditorMayor Adams announced a $35 million investment into the first 5-acre phase of a project planned to bring a 47-acre linear park to central and South Queens.
The project, which has been advocated for since 2011, was in competition with the proposed QueensRail, later QueensLink, a transit corridor that would reactivate the old Rockaway Beach Branch.
“Phase one will convert abandoned railroad tracks which have been used as a dumping ground or worse into a five-acre linear park and provides a safe way for residents to walk, to jog, to enjoy the open space,” said Adams at a press conference on 73rd Avenue in Forest Hills last Friday, near a stretch of the rail right-of-way that borders the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School.
The tracks, which ran from Rego Park to the Rockaways, have been out of service for over 50 years.
The move comes a month after numerous officials signed on to a letter calling for the mayor and governor to fund an environmental impact study of the rail proposal, which also would include some park space.
“There hasn’t really been a political will to get anything done because of the competing interests,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“We couldn’t get everybody on one page. But the mayor made an executive decision to say, ‘We’re going to do something here,’ which I respect,” he told the Chronicle.
In his remarks at the press conference, Richards echoed the idea that the QueensWay could be the borough’s version of the High Line in Manhattan. He did, however, bring up the lack of transportation in Queens and the continuing need to address it.
“Let me just point out that this is not an either-or scenario here,” said Richards, who did sign on to the request for an EIS study of the QueensLink railway proposal.
“We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space,” he said, adding that the state needs to “get the train moving” on the QueensLink study.
Miriam Bensman and Rick Horan of QueensLink were present to voice their opposition to the project.
Despite talk of a train line still being an option, Bensman is not convinced.
“If they build a park here, and it will probably be lovely and I’ll probably want to enjoy it, but then we need to run the train line through,” said Bensman, who is senior advisor for QueensLink.
“They’re not designing it with the train in mind … They want to build a bike path at the top of the embankment where the train tracks are now. Then, you’re going to tear it off after you build it? How does that make sense?”
Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech saw the estimated costs of the rail project to be prohibitive.
MTA reports put it at over $8 billion but QueensLink suporters say that was inflated and estimate it would cost half that.
“It was really tough to ignore the estimates for the potential reactivation of the rail line,” said Grech. “I don’t think the MTA is in any position to embark on a project like that.”
He had tried to suggest compromises in the past, he said, but does see the QueensWay project as a “win for economic development.”Assemblywoman
Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), who also signed on to the QueensLink study request, emphasized the reach QueensWay would have in her district.
“All the major thoroughfares in my district will be connected to QueensWay,” Rajkumar
“Thatsaid.includes Rockaway Boulevard, 101st Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue. This is extremely exciting for my district. It will create new green space for Little Guyana and, of course, it will create wetlands that are going to help us with flooding as we combat climate change.”
Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) was instrumental in pushing the project and said she has been a supporter since Andrea Crawford and Travis Terry, both members of the Friends of the QueensWay steering committee, brought the idea to her 10 years ago, she said.
“There were many obstacles to overcome
but I was determined when I took office in January to bring this extraordinary vision to fruition,” Schulman said.
The existing tracks are set to be reused as light fixtures, according to architect and designer Susannah Drake. The rails will also form edges of planting beds separating fast and slow traffic, she said in an email.
The first phase of QueensWay will transform the vacant, city-owned stretch of rail right-of-way in Forest Hills into a 5-acre park with 0.7 miles of greenway.
“One important hallmark of the Adams administration is we consider parks as part of our city’s infrastructure,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi Friday.
“That hasn’t been the case in years past, but as fundamental as parks are to our wellbeing, our climate resiliency, and to our health and peace of mind, they absolutely are at the core of our infrastructure.”
The New York City Economic Development Corp. will manage construction of the space, called the Met Hub, along with the city Parks Department. Funding for the project includes $2.5 million from the City Council.
The plan was developed by the Trust for Public Land, and the New York State director for the organization Carter Strickland says work will begin in about a year.
First, the design, which is about 75 percent complete, he said, must be finished.
“There is a lot of infrastructure money coming down from the federal and state government so the timing could work out really well,” said Strickland.
In the meantime, QueensLink allies are
not done Councilwomanfighting.
Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said she remains “firmly in favor” of the QueensLink project.
“I’m going to push the MTA to keep their promise to do the EIS and make sure that we start getting funding to make these things happen for transportation to the southernmost portions of Queens.”
She said there is an “absolute possibility” for both projects and that the City Council was assured that the QueensWay would not impede the QueensLink at all.
“It is a disappointment to see millions of dollars being poured into a park rather than putting funding towards creating more accessible transportation which the people of Queens actually need,” Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) said in a “Communitiesstatement.throughout Queens have spoken on what they truly want and we will all continue to fight to make that happen.”
QueensLink advocates “transcended communities and reached out to engage with the public,” she added.
The lack of public engagement around QueensWay is where a lot of the anger, advocate Paul Trust says, comes from.
“We were just kept from the whole conversation,” he said. “We couldn’t even get a meeting with the deputy mayor.”
Trust continued, “We’ve always felt what should happen should be the will of the people. We have a vision for it. It’s unfortunate that they don’t see how it could be both park and transit.”
Electeds and community leaders gathered for a press conference last week where Mayor Adams announced funding for the first phase of the QueensWay project, known as the Metropolitan Hub, in Forest Hills. PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF, LEFT, AND QUEENSWAY SCREENSHOTNEUROPATHY
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One of five temple vandals arrested
Douglaston man charged with hate crime in second Rich. Hill incident
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate EditorOne man has been charged with a hate crime for the Aug. 16 vandalization of the Tulsi Mandir in South Richmond Hill.
Sukhpal Singh, 27, of Douglaston, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime for the early morning incident in which a statue was smashed and the temple area was spray-painted, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.
After the 3:30 a.m. incident in August, a priest arrived to the temple later that morning and found the Mahatma Gandhi statue shattered and the words “Kutta Dog” graffitied.
Surveillance video obtained by police showed that Singh worked alongside four others on the night of the incident. They remain at large.
Singh was arrested on Saturday and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He was charged with criminal mischief in the second degree and aggravated harassment in the first degree. He was arraigned last Sunday and is due back in court on Oct. 17.
Singh was traced back to one of the getaway cars seen in surveillance footage, a Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicle registered to him.Back in August, police said that the incident was being investigated as a pattern along with an Aug. 3 attack on the temple, which left the statue toppled but less damaged.
Katz’s office could not comment on any connection because the incidents are still under investigation.
In a prepared statement she said, “As alleged, the defendant, along with several unapprehended others, committed a disgraceful act of violence against a Mahatma Gandhi statue that has become a universal symbol of peace, unity and inclusivity. Hate
pigeonsPersistentin HB
The Tulsi Mandir was targeted twice last month. One perpetrator was arrested last week for the second incident, which left a statue shattered and the area graffitied.
PHOTO BY DANIEL COFFARO HILL / FILEand bias-motivated attacks have no place in our communities and my Office will hold such perpetrators accountable.”
Katz joined Mayor Adams, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) and many other community and religious leaders at a press conference at Tulsi Mandir at the end of August to denounce the recent acts of hate.
Rajkumar released a statement thanking the District Attorney’s Office, the 106th Precinct and the NYPD Hate Crimes TaskSheForce.called on the perpetrators to “educate themselves about the mutual respect and inclusivity taught by Gandhi.”
“Today, I do not call for harsh punishment against the perpetrator apprehended, for Gandhi himself believed that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” she said.
Romeo Hitlall, a representative of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, said that the community remains on edge. Whenever the door to the temple opens, he said worshippers pause their prayers and meditations to turn and see who is entering.
He said he hopes to see the others apprehended but for lessons to be“It’slearned.anunfortunate situation for the Hindu community but also for the young men who have put themselves in this situation.”He,too, leans on Hindu teachings and does not call on harsh punishments.“Theconcern has always been security,” he added. “What could happen next?”
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) also commended the police for apprehending and charging one of the perpetrators so far and applauded the DA’s Office for treating it as a hate crime.“Attacks like this directed at a specific culture or religion cannot be tolerated and in my opinion are crimes against the entire community,” Addabbo said in a prepared statement.
As Gandhi’s birthday approaches, the community is preparing for its annual Gandhi Peace March at the end of October, which will conclude at the Tulsi Mandir. Q
Don’t scream: Armed robbers hold up store
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate EditorA line of cars was stopped at a red light at the corner of 109th Avenue and the Van Wyck Expressway in South Richmond Hill last Wednesday when three armed robbers, one with a “Scream” costume mask, hopped out of a black Mazda with no visible license plates and held up a convenience store.
Despite beautification efforts near the Belt Parkway underpass on 156th Avenue in Howard Beach, one fowl problem remains: pigeon poop.The birds nest under the bridge, which has become the focus of cleanups and home to a 9/11
Residentmemorial.Eddie Earl cleans the site most days. He helped put the issue on state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach) radar, who then had the state Department of Transportation fix broken metal slats under the bridge to deter the nesters last week.
A few minutes before 6 p.m., the men entered the location, two with handguns and one with what appeared to be an assault weapon, according to NYPD officials. Surveillance footage from outside the store and inside at different angles captures the stickup and can be viewed at qchron.com.
Cash for guns in Ozone Park
A no-questions-asked cash for guns event will take place at the Calvary Assembly of God church on Rockaway Boulevard Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants do not have to identify themselves and will not be asked questions. One can surrender a gun for another person and as many guns can be surrendered as one wishes but payments for only three guns for a maximum of $600 will be given.
A $200 bank card and iPad will be given in exchange for handguns and assault rifles and a $25 bank card will be given for rifles, shotguns and airguns, according to a flyer shared by the 106th
who carried the rifle and manned the door in the Halloween mask, wore a yellow striped jacket and navy blue pants with light blue kneecap patches.
There were no injuries reported.
“Thankfully NYSDOT was able to come back and fix the damaged parts and that will hopefully remedy the situation,” Addabbo said in a statement. He will continue to monitor the area, he said, and consider wooden slats, which have worked in other places.
Eight individuals were inside, including workers and patrons. The suspects demanded cell phones from people within the store, taking two from patrons and two from employees.Theyalso stole $3,000 from the register. They fled the shop, located at 135-20 109 Ave. in the black Mazda 3 sedan.
Police describe the men as in their 20s to 30s and with dark complexions.
Q
— Deirdre BardolfTwo were wearing dark zip-up hoodies and dark ski masks. The other individual,
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on Twitter. All tips are strictly confidential. Q
Precinct.OneiPad will be given per person and is subject to availability and on a firstcome, first-served basis. Guns must be in a plastic or paper bag or box. If transporting it by car, it must be in the trunk. Prepaid cards will be given after a specialist inspects the guns. Active or retired lawmakers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate.
The event is sponsored by the NYPD, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office and the NYC Police Foundation. Call (646) 610-5323 for more information.
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., Eddie Earl and DOT workers. COURTESY PHOTO Three men robbed a South Richmond Hill store last week. PHOTO COURTESY NYPDSome pushing for lottery system to end; others want it to be permanent Calls for schools admissions update
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate EditorParents and education advocates are awaiting an announcement regarding the policy for middle and high school admissions as the lottery system, justified by the pandemic, could revert back to screened admissions.
The lottery admissions were introduced during the pandemic due to disruptions that led to a lack of consistent metrics including grades, assessments and test scores, states an open letter written by the group PLACE NYC to Schools Chancellor David Banks, which has gained 3,800 signatures.
“We had a full year of in-person school which included annual state tests and regular report card grades. It is now possible to make a full return to admissions standards for screened schools,” the letter states.
It continues, “Academically advanced students need programs that meet their needs the same way performing arts programs nurture kids who demonstrate talent and IEPs support students who need them. Screened schools provide appropriate education for students that can meet the rigorous coursework they provide.”
Nine City Council members also signed on to a letter with bipartisan support calling on Banks to “reinstate a fair admission process” for middle and high schoolers, stating that their offices received many calls from anxious and
angry parents following 18 percent of students not receiving a match of any of their 12 listed school
“Comingchoices.out of the pandemic, lottery-based admissions do not address learning loss or help improve proficiencies of students who are academically behind,” the letter states.
It was penned by Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn) and the Queens members who signed on were Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone), Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) and Sandra Ung (D-Flushing).Theletter continues, “Thousands of ‘unlucky’ students were placed in programs they never listed and sometimes never heard of, which do not offer the classes in which they are interested. Many families with options exited the NYC public school system in frustration, either enrolling in charter schools, parochial and private schools or leaving the city or state altogether, further accelerating the decline in enrollment.”Thelegislators
say schools can return to whatever method fits their programs, such as essays, interviews and portfolios.
“Give principals a say in their schools and stop the one-size-fits-all approach,” it reads, before also urging the expansion of accelerated programs such as Gifted and Talented.
Parents and advocates are awaiting an announcement on school admissions policies. Some want the lottery system to be reversed while others want it to be permanent. FILE PHOTO
A counter letter is calling for an end to middle school screens and has garnered about 500 signatures.“Weare troubled that this administration is purportedly preparing to reverse course and allow discriminatory admission methods to restart at the middle-school level despite two years of equitable progress,” the letter, written
by New York Appleseed, a nonprofit advocacy group for integrated schools, states.
It adds that students started the year with fewer resources due to budget cuts.
“We implore this administration to not make a quality education even more elusive to families through condoning the restoration of discriminatory middle-school admission policies.” Q
Requirement is also rolled back for extracurriculars; some call for more Private, not public vax mandate to end
by Deirdre Bardolf Associate EditorCovid vaccine mandates for private-sector workers as well as for students participating in extracurricular activities are being rolled back, Mayor Adams announced on Tuesday.
The mandate within the private sector will end on Nov. 1 and for students, it is effective immediately.Adamsmade the announcement before receiving a booster shot himself, and emphasized the importance of people to receive those shots as well.
“Our parents will have more flexibility when it comes to their children’s health,” he said. “We’re removing the requirement to be vaccinated and to participate in sports and extra curriculum activities.”
He continued, “We will also provide additional flexibility to business by lifting the private sector mandate ... This puts the choice in the hands of New York businesses and it’s imperative that we’re asking them to continue to encourage their employees to get their vaccines and booster shots.”
President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce Tom Grech said the move “allows for the fog of war — the Covid war — to finally lift.”
He continued, “It makes it easier to do business, for both customers and guests as well as
trying to hire people.”
The next piece, however, is lifting the mandate for public servants, which he hopes is close. Many have been pressing the mayor to extend the move to the public sector but he said on Tuesday that it is not yet “on the radar.”
“Our vaccinated workforce kept the city open and operating with over 300,000 employees. It was crucial to put it in place and we are keeping that in place,” said Adams.
The City Council’s Common Sense Caucus is now focusing on the public sector mandate.
“We will continue engaging with the Mayor and his administration to also end the public employee COVID vaccine mandate and bring back city workers who were placed on leave or fired due to their vaccination status, especially now that the Centers for Disease Control and the President of the United States have declared that this pandemic is over,” the group said in a statement.Lastweek, over 60 people who were put out of work due to mandates testified at an oversight meeting for the Committee on Civil Service and “TheyLabor.hadchildren on their laps while giving testimony and it was eye opening and heartbreaking and it’s unfair that the city is doing this,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), a member of the caucus.
“I am more than cautiously optimistic that
[the mayor] will realize that there are people that have fallen through the cracks.”
She continued, “His administration is really looking into these factors to see if we can lift the mandate and get people back to work, especially, our teachers and first responders.”
Lt. James McCarthy, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, said in a pre-
pared statement that the FDNY is facing staffing shortages and longer response times.
“Terminating any more Fire Officers only increases the threat to public safety. Fire Officers, like all Uniformed New York City public employees, have been on the front lines of this pandemic since its first days. We should not be the last workers under the mandate.”
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said in a statement, “This announcement is more proof that the vaccine mandate for New York City police officers is arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally irrational. Now that the city has abandoned any pretense of a public health justification for vaccine mandates, we expect it to settle our pending lawsuits and reinstate with back pay our members who unjustly lost their jobs.”
And many await mandates to also be lifted for visitors to schools.
“We’re also pushing for parents who are not vaccinated to be able to enter a school to enjoy those games,” said Ariola.
Jean Hahn, a Rego Park parent and head of the group Queens Parents United, is frustrated that Back to School Night this year will consist of seven back-to-back Zoom meetings.
And for parents who cannot help out classroom birthday parties or visit to read aloud to classrooms, it “really hinders the quality of the experience for them,” she said.
Mayor Adams received his booster after announcing the rollback of mandates in the private sector and for extracurricular activities. PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / MAYOR’S OFFICEEDITORIAL AGE
New Mets not content to rest on their laurels
So,they’re in. After running roughshod over the National League for five and a-half months (save 10 days earlier this month, when they fell out of first place, reclaimed first place, then got swept by the Cubs while still retaining first place), the Mets clinched a playoff spot with a victory over the Brewers on Monday.
On its own, that is an accomplishment. The franchise has been to the postseason only nine times before (including its ill-fated Wild Card Game trip in 2016), and should the 2022 squad hold its pace for more than 100 wins, they would be only the fourth group in franchise history to hit tripleYet,digits.Monday’s celebration, to borrow the phrase used by analysts and team personnel alike, was muted. There was no champagne spraying; there was merely glass sipping (two at a time, if you were Pete Alonso taking the midcelebration team picture). Team owner Steve Cohen spoke to the media, his back turned to the party behind him, without fear of being doused in some kind of liquid beverage.
In his media availability, Cohen said he is proud of the team. But the drinks didn’t flow like they might have had the team clinched a division championship; there was still
work to be done on Tuesday (both the Braves and Mets won, holding the Amazins’ division lead at one).
Regardless of how the season finishes, a banner will hang above the left field upper deck at Citi Field. Whether it reads “Wild Card Appearance” or “World Champion,” or something in between, one thing will be clear: It won’t be a hollow reminder, a bullet on the résumé of an ownership group looking for excuses to perpetuate its austerity.
No, the Mets under Steve Cohen will not point to the rafters and say, “be grateful.” That’s not to say they won’t celebrate the franchise’s history; one need look no further than last month’s Old Timers’ Day to see that the new group is committed to treating team legends like the royalty they should be (so long as their name isn’t Dykstra).
Instead, the Mets under Cohen will take a two-pronged approach: Celebrate what has been, and make history of their own. In tandem, the strategy will raise the organization’s gravitas, turning it into the world-class destination it should have been for the decades prior. In some ways, that transformation has already begun.
Three-time Cy Young Award winners don’t uproot their family, moving them from one coast to another and back
again all in the span of six months, just because they feel like it. Yes, as a union leader, Max Scherzer had an obligation to follow the money. But would a man so purposeful, so maniacal, be inclined to join up with an organization if he did not align with its vision? Ditto for a three-time manager of the year (though Buck Showalter does still have that elusive ring to chase)?
The answer may be found in this: These are not you r father’s Mets. Thankfully, nor are they Jeff Wilpon’s father’s Mets. These are, to borrow a phrase from an era gone, the New Mets, whose mantra was best summarized by Showalter in the spring when asked how he expects to motivate his team: with the simple phrase, “Play better.”
So as this summer turns to fall and baseball’s regula r season gives way to its postseason, we say now is as good a time as ever to hop on the Mets bandwagon. Before ticket prices climb to astronomical levels come playoff time, get a group together and head out to one of the five remaining regular season home games. Join too late — say, after the parade down the Canyon of Heroes or during next year’s run to the title — and risk being the first of a new breed: the frontrunner Mets fan.
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
Moped madness
Published INC.
MARK WEIDLER
Dear Editor:
In your Sept. 15 issue your editorial “Illegal mopeds and scooters” hits home on the mess that has occurred with electronic bikes and mopeds being used for delivery services.
Another factor is the complete ignoring of safety rules, which includes disobeying road safety regulations, such as stopping at lights and stop signs. Besides that is riding illegally on sidewalks, at high speeds. Unfortunately, it may take a serious accident or two to finally realize we need strict enforcement, with enforceable laws to get the job done.
Until then, proceed at caution.
David Schantz Rego ParkPlace your bets!
Senior
school to further develop our skill, just as a music school would for a musician, are being taken away. This policy also doesn’t solve any underlying problems for those who need help the most. The DOE has to start from the ground up, improving teaching in elementary schools and dealing with struggling students and families individually because that is the way to set students up for success, not instituting a high school lottery when it is too late. This policy has already hurt the lives of thousands of students applying for high school last year. We need to speak up if we want Chancellor Banks to remove the lottery, return to merit and make sure this disaster never happens again so innocent children don’t suffer the consequences of being pawns in one big chess game. If the DOE truly cares about ALL its students, the ones that need help instead of removal of merit and those who need the rigor but are now left up to chance, then why are they doing this to us?
IRS needs new hires
DearHeinzEditor:Mayer’s letter of Sept. 8, “America upside down,” indicates that he’s misinformed regarding the Inflation Reduction Act. Many reliable sources state it will not increase taxes on small businesses and ordinary taxpayers earning less than $400,000 per year. The act also lowers drug prices, fights climate change and reduces the deficit.
Has Mr. Mayer tried to contact the IRS recently? I haven’t gotten my refund and called repeatedly, but only get a recording. According to Time magazine, the IRS has a backlog of 10.2 million unprocessed individual returns because of staff shortages. Many IRS employees are eligible to retire and hiring thousands of new employees would restore the staff to where it was over 10 years ago.
Phone: (718)
DearPeopleEditor:say that sometimes it is a matter of trial and error. Well, the DOE made one big error and they better fix it. We’ve witnessed, for the first and what should be the last time, how students applied to high school under the current lottery-based admissions policy. The thousands of families fleeing NYC in search of a better education for their children will only increase in number if Chancellor Banks decides not to remove this devastating policy. Instead of being rewarded for our hard work, opportunities to get into an academically rigorous high
Kristina Raevsky Forest HillsThe author is a seventh-grade student at JHS 157.
According to Time’s interview with John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner, between 2013 and 2017, the department was reduced from 100,000 employees to 78,000 by to Mark I Publications, Inc., 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
Republicans, in an attempt to weaken it. As a result, audits of large corporations dropped by 50 percent and funding dropped by 31 percent making it easier for wealthy tax cheats and corporations to avoid billions in taxes. (Amazon paid only 6.1 percent taxes in 2021). Meanwhile, ordinary taxpayers can’t get their refunds or contact the IRS.
Mr. Mayer was right that The Inflation Reduction Act “is a redistribution of money” because it will force corporations and the rich to pay their fair share.
Perhaps Mr. Mayer needs to find more trustworthy news sources.
Linda Imhauser WhitestoneA veteran vs. Trump
Dear Editor:
I served my country from 1966 to 1968 in the United States Army. I was sent to Vietnam in 1968. Coming back alive was a blessing. I have resided in Middle Village since 1965 and have given back to the community by becoming a vice commander of the Luke J. Lang Veterans Organization. I received from then-Sen. Serphin Maltese a New York State Merit Award for actions in Vietnam.
My point I’d like to make is this: If I planned an attack, with known violent groups, on the Capital building, like Trump did on Jan. 6, wouldn’t I have been arrested and treated like a criminal and traitor of this country? And now, eight months later, I would be in jail waiting trial.
So I ask all citizens and veterans, their honest opinion, why would I be treated differently than Trump has been treated to date?
James Turano Middle VillageTrump’s crime family
DearRepublicansEditor: maintain that there was no collusion between Russia and Trump. He claims the stories were all false and were passed on to the mainstream media and the justice department by the Clinton campaign. A bipartisan Senate report concluded in 2020 that Trump’s TOP campaign manager Paul (convicted felon) Manafort fed campaign polling information to a Russian intelligence officer, which the Senate deemed a “grave counterintelligence threat.” Manafort’s business partner, Konstantin Kilimnik, was and is a Russian intelligence agent. “The report found that “On numerous occasions, Manafort sought to secretly share internal Campaign information withDoesKilimnik.”anyone
seriously believe Trump hired Manafort because he liked his suits? If Trump is all about law and order and is the “biglyest” patriot that he claims to be, why is it that he pardoned Manafort (a traitor to the United States) a month before he left office? Trump’s buddy Roger Stone, who has been advising Trump for decades, was found guilty on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice and witness tampering that were brought by prosecutors as Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated Russian collusion. Steve Bannon, who was CEO of the Trump campaign in its later months, testified that
Stone was considered an “access point” to WikiLeaks. Did Trump pardon Stone because he liked his outrageous bow ties? Liberal/Democrats are often referred to as snowflakes. Republicans follow in Trump’s footprints, spew hateful rhetoric and their supporters defend it as locker-room talk.
Democrats state facts, and it’s bullying? Perhaps someone who feels this way should get out of the kitchen. Evidently they can’t stand the heat. One last thing on the Trump crime family. Over six years and nine major investigations by Congress, the Justice Department and local prosecutors, as Trump has managed to avoid removal from the presidency and indictment, one thing is true: Serving as one of his lawyers is a risky job, one that can involve considerable legal exposure.
Robert LaRosa Sr. WhitestoneFerry Point financial fiasco
Dear Editor:
If it bothers Council Parks Chair Shekar Krishnan and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams so much that the name Trump is on the Ferry Point golf course maybe they can take up a collection in their districts or better yet put up their own personal money to cover the $30 million fee to have it removed. I bet that would put an end to them caring what name is on the golf course. Don’t we have more important issues to worry about and better things to spend our tax payers money on. Our elected politicians really need to get their priorities straight.
David Conlin Howard BeachPhase out natural gas
DearNewEditor:York’s
Climate Action Committee is considering its Final Scoping Plan to implement the clean energy goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The most contentious part of the plan — the future of fossil fuels — is the most critical.
The Final Scoping Plan must end the further building out of gas infrastructure. No more gas plants or pipelines. The All-Electric Building Act must be passed to ensure no new gas connections in new construction.
We can’t live with the effects of greenhouse gases, and fortunately, technology has advanced such that utility-scale renewable electrification has become mainstream. Federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act and important state efforts, like the $16.6 million for battery storage technology development Gov. Hochul just announced, are driving down the price of wind and solar energy and furthering their resilience and reliability.
Fossil fuel companies fund a comprehensive campaign to persuade consumers and legislators that we need to be hooked on gas. That’s far from the truth. Already, 90 percent of upstate’s electricity is carbon-free. For New York to remain a climate leader, the Final Scoping Plan must ensure we get to the CLCPA’s goals of 70 percent electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and a carbon-free grid by 2040.
Kanwaldeep Sekhon Glen OaksNew York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar Wishes you
PaidRoshHappyaHashanahforbyJeniferRajkumarforNewYork
Woodhaven street fair is back
After a two-year hiatus, Woodhaven’s annual street fair returns on Sunday with fun for the whole family.
It is now hosted by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District since the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. folded during the pandemic.
It will take place from noon to 6 p.m. along Jamaica Avenue from 80th Street to Woodhaven Boulevard.
There will be live music, dancing, free entertainment, games, food, arts and crafts and more. There will be music on the main stage but also tunes throughout the streets.
It will combine the “old with the new,” said BID program manager Katty Garces.
Musicians and vendors from years past will be returning but also new performers and food options like Korean corn dogs.
The BID encourages supporting the local businesses along the way.
Sponsors of the event include Ridgewood Savings Bank, Queens County Savings Bank and the Queens Symphony Orchestra.
For more information, call the Woodhaven BID office at (929) 460-5808 or email woodhavenbid@gmail.com.
Q
— Deirdre BardolfHochul: cameras in all subway cars in 2025
A $2 million federal grant will make it possible for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to have at least one camera in all subway cars by the end of 2025.
Gov. Hochul announced the grant, from the Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security initiative, on Tuesday morning with MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber at the MTA’s Corona Maintenance Facility at Roosevelt Avenue and 126th
“AsStreet.wecontinue welcoming riders back to the transit system, we will continue doing everything in our power to keep riders safe,” Hochul said in a press release from her office.
The funding will strengthen NYC Transit’s existing network of more than 10,000 cameras across all 472 subway stations. It covers the cost of installation on 6,355 cars, allowing the MTA to fully outfit every subway car — supplementing an existing camera pilot program that has 200 cameras in 100 subway cars.
In addition, $3.5 million from the existing Subway Action Plan capital program will enable the purchase of 7,310 cameras on 3,655 cars with two per car. When
installation begins an additional 200 train cars per month will have cameras installed until the entire subway car fleet is cameraequipped, which is anticipated to occur sometime in 2025.
New R211 subway cars that will be delivered starting in early 2023 will already be camera-equipped.
“As I’ve said many times before, those who commit crimes in the transit system will be identified and brought to justice,” Lieber said. “Riders should know we’ve got their back for their entire journey and this significant upgrade — made possible by new dollars from Governor Hochul — is a great step towards reinforcing New Yorkers’ confidence in mass transit safety.”“The NYPD will never cede an inch in its ongoing work to ensure the safety and security of the millions of riders who, each day, depend on us throughout the nation’s largest subway system,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said in an accompanying statement.
“This is our most basic promise as we remain dedicated to preventing crime, terrorism and disorder,” she said. Q
Free pet clinic this Sunday
A free pet-wellness clinic will take place at the Deshi Senior Center in Ozone Park on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No appointment is needed and it will be while supplies last.
Cats and dogs can receive exams, vaccines, blood and stool tests, flea and tick treatment and more.
Pets can also receive microchips to help locate them if they get away.
All dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. No feral cats will be accepted. Attendees are asked to wear masks and someone 18 or older must be
present to sign consent forms.
The program is funded by a Millstein Veterinary Project grant and is made possible by the Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare Ltd.
The foundation seeks to care for vulnerable, at-rick animals and foster animalhuman bonds.
The event is also sponsored by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, the Ozone Park Howard Beach Woodhaven Lions Club and Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services.
New legislation takes on campus hate crimes
Stavisky-Rosenthal bill would force colleges to report data on websites
by Sophie Krichevsky Associate EditorArea elected officials and community leaders gathered outside Queens College Tuesday morning as state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Flushing) announced their intentions to sponsor a bill that would require colleges to report campus hate crimes on their“Wewebsites.needto know that every student — whether you’re Jewish, Asian, Muslim, or whatever religion — that you can learn in a place that is free of discrimination and hate,” Rosenthal said Tuesday. “We are making clear today that colleges and places of higher education, we are letting them know that we’re going to continue to combat this hate so we do not become a place that permeates hate.”As it stands, all institutions of higher education that receive state funding are required to report those statistics in college catalogues and student handbooks, but not online. The legislation, which — should they both be reelected — Stavisky and Rosenthal would introduce when Albany resumes session in January, stipulates that colleges must post that data on their websites within 90 days.
The announcement comes just weeks after a man shouted racist, anti-Semitic, anti-
State Sen. Toby Stavisky, center, and Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal, left of center, announced the legislation at a press conference outside Queens College. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY
Christian and anti-Islamic comments and conspiracy theories through a megaphone just outside Queens College, as the Chronicle previously reported. He had initially been doing so on campus before being removed by campus police, Rosenthal noted at Tuesday’s pressStavisky,conference.who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher Education, said the policy has
not been updated since 2003, when the Hate Crimes Act was expanded in order to include bias-related crimes.
“When I went to college — back when I went to graduate school here at Queens College — you didn’t have websites. We had catalogues, we had handbooks,” Stavisky said. “And that, to me, is totally anachronistic. It represents the past.”
State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) agreed. “We know that hate happens on campuses, we need to do something about it. A lot of things can be done, but the first step towards combating hate is acknowledging that it exists,” he said. “So that means it has to be reported. And it has to be reported in a way that people actually see it.”
To that point, Stavisky noted that, under this legislation, college would not only need to post reports of hate crimes, but to do so in a separate, clearly designated category in their crime statistics.
City Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), the only Jewish member of the Queens delegation, said that at the city level, she and her colleagues in the Jewish Caucus intend to hold CUNY accountable on theHowever,issue. when asked by the Chronicle at Tuesday’s press conference, Rosenthal said that the legislation only applies to hate crimes that takes place on a college’s campus. An incident that occurs, for example, just outside school grounds as students are making their way to class — like the latter portion of the recent one at Queens College — would not need to be included in the school’s“They’redata.not responsible for what happens off campus,” Rosenthal said. Q
“Hugging whatgrandaughtermyisImissedmostduringCOVID.”
COVID was tough on older New Yorkers. But you can now get back to doing the things you love by protecting yourself. Get vaccinated and stay up to date with your booster shots.
TLC proposes 23 pct. taxi fare increases
First hike since 2012 is aimed at increasing professional drivers’ pay
by Michael Gannon Senior News EditorThe city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission is proposing the first increase to baseline taxi fares in more than a decade for yellow and green Accordingcabs.to the TLC’s proposal, which can be viewed online at on.nyc. gov/3eHHZXd, the proposed changes to the metered rate would increase 22.9 percent, though the figure does not include higher surcharges that also are in the proposal.
If approved, it would be the first fare increase since 2012.
It would increase driver revenue by a projected 33.3 percent. The same proposal would increase the flat rate charged for rides between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport; and increase the surcharges for trips between Manhattan and both LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports.
A virtual public hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 also will address increases to hourly and mileage charges for for-hire drivers with companies such as Lyft and Uber.
Among the TLC’s proposals are:
• the initial unit charge would be increased from $2.50 to $3;
• the Taxicab Improvement Surcharge and Street Hail Livery Improvement Surcharge
would be increased from 30 cents to $1;
• the additional unit charge would be increased from 50 to 70 cents;
• the rush-hour surcharge would be increased from $1 to $2.50;
• the nighttime surcharge would be increased from 50 cents to $1;
hattan and Kennedy Airport, and the SHL flat fare for trips from Manhattan to Kennedy Airport, would increase from $52 to $65;
• the rush-hour taxi and SHL flat fare surcharge for Kennedy Airport trips would be increased from $4.50 to $5;
• the taxi flat fare for trips between Man-
• a surcharge of $5 would be created for all taxi trips to and from LaGuardia Airport,
and all SHL trips to LaGuardia hailed outside of the Hail Exclusionary Zone; and
• the taxi surcharge for all trips to Newark Airport would increase from $17.50 to $20.
The Oct. 6 hearing on the proposed rule will be held online using Zoom. There will be no in-person public hearing. The hearing will be livestreamed on TLC’s website at nyc. gov/tlc. To participate in the hearing, email the TLC at tlcrules@tlc.nyc.gov or call the agency at (212) 676-1135 by Oct. 5, 2022.
Speakers will not be able to sign up to testify the day of the hearing.
After individuals have signed up to speak, the TLC will forward a Zoom URL to enter in on a computer, or dial-in via phone number should one prefer to call in.
Those who do not sign up in advance to testify are welcome to view the live stream of the meeting on the TLC’s website at on.nyc. gov/2u2ZKpm.Anyonecansubmit comments to the Taxi and Limousine Commission through the NYC rules website at nyc.gov/nycrules or by email comments to tlcrules@tlc.nyc.gov.
Comments can be mailed to the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s Office of Legal Affairs, 33 Beaver Street – 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10004; or faxed over at (212) 6761102. All written testimony must be submitted by Oct. 5. Q
Mayor orders budget cuts from page 2
The reports from city Comptroller Brad Lander and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli cites “fiscal cliffs” created by recurring expenses that are not adequately funded in future years.
DiNapoli referred to new programs that do not have identifiable funding resources beyond the present year. Lander and Adams said the city has budgeted for 1.25 percent raises for municipal workers, though unions are talking higher numbers. Lander said each percentage point amounts to about $450 million per year,
While the Chronicle was unable to speak with her, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) preferred more of a wait-andsee approach prior to a meeting of the Council on Sept. 14.
“We’re not really there yet,” she said. “We’re still considering our options ... The picture is still not clear about what we are going to be looking at in November, so the question is a little bit premature.”
Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, called the PEG order “a prudent and fiscally necessary step to stabilize New York City’s budget in the long“Inrun.June, we called for a 3 percent to 5 percent PEG, and the fiscal outlook has weakened since then,” Rein said in a statement released by the CBC. “Budget Director Jacques Jiha’s PEG letter correctly points to the myriad forces increasing the City’s future budget gaps by billions of dollars, including higher pension contributions, future collective bargaining agreements, and looming fiscal cliffs as federal Covid aid is exhausted.”
“The PEG raises many concerns and a lot of questions,” Adams said in a video provided by her office. “And the Council is examining the issue with our stakeholders and agencies. We’re still taking a close look at it, seeing how things will be by the due date of the 30th, but we believe it’s counterproductive for the administration to use the PEG to further restrict city agencies’ even further capacity for hiring purposes ...” Adams said broad cuts could “undermine our neighborhoods.”
The speaker declined to speculate on how strong a negotiating position she believes the Council will have after the November budget report.
Schulman told those in the CB 6 meeting that she and her staff will be keeping the community posted.
“We have economists on staff at the Council, so members are going to be meeting with the finance staff and the economic staff,” she said. “We have to see where we are. The mayor is trying to make cuts now, for this budget, and then we’ll see where we are next year. I’ve even had conversations with Brad Lander ... who said that we may be in a position where we have to make some really difficult decisions.”
Professional drivers could get a substantial pay increase under proposals from the Taxi and Limousine Commission, though passengers could feel a substantial pinch in their wallets to the tune of 23 percent or more. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNONCongregations coordinate with NYPD and hire additional personnel Synagogue security up for High Holy Days
by Sophie Krichevsky Associate EditorIn light of recent anti-Semitic hate crimes, Queens synagogues are taking extra security precautions ahead of the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah on Monday, Sept. 26.
In the last few years, many Queens congregations have upped security for weekly services and events to begin with.
“We’re always worried about security,” said Rabbi Gerald Skolnik of the Forest Hills Jewish Center. “We’re very aware of it.”“This is not a new issue,” said Stuart Verstandig, president of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. “It’s been a topic for the last couple of years, due to various components going on in the world.”
At Young Israel, likely the most significant security upgrade is the addition of more security cameras, which Verstandig said, as of last month, now cover the entire property. That was made possible by funds awarded to the temple through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The synagogue has also replaced the fence surrounding the property with a higher, more secure one.
For the High Holy Days, those attending services at Young Israel may only enter through the front door; all other entrances
will be Rabbilocked.Daniel Pollack, who sits on Community Board 9 and serves as special liaison to the office of Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), said that that’s a practice that has become quite common.
“Doors are locked, which, in the past, never happened. Everyone has combination locks, better lighting,” he told the Chronicle. “Synagogues are not open as a house of worship like they used to be.”
Many congregations have hired security personnel for weekly services, including at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Rabbi Skolnik said those officers would be on duty for holiday services. But most have hired additional security guards for the High Holy Days, like at the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism in Fresh Meadows. Co-president Sam Weiss told the Chronicle that the temple has hired two off-duty police officers for services to supplement the guard they have every Saturday.
Young Israel, which is expecting roughly 300 people for services over the High Holy Days, is taking the most extreme approach. They have asked attendees to reserve seats in advance, and passes will be checked as they enter the building. The security guards will be checking bags, as well.
“The membership does appreciate that we
run a tight ship,” Verstandig said.
Across the board, congregations have been coordinating with their local police precincts ahead of the High Holy Days.
Deputy Inspector Kevin Chan, commanding officer of the 107th Precinct, which has more than 40 temples within its borders, said that the NYPD posts a decidcated “House of Worship Order” outside
synagogues during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. He also said that the surrounding neighborhoods will have increased patrol.
That, Pollack said, is crucial. “Having a presence is very important ... It gives a certain assurance to the community to know that officers are deployed and available at all times.” Q
At some Queens synagogues, including at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, hiring private security guards has become the norm, not just on the High Holy Days. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNONThe stories of those claimed by Covid-19
by Peter Kropf Chronicle ContributorElmhurst resembled a dystopian hell during the first months of the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020. The virus tore through the area like a Category 5 hurricane. The community was called the “epicenter” and “ground zero” of the coronavirus.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, one of the hardest hit hospitals in the country, was overwhelmed. The hallways were packed with patients. Outside the building, refrigerator trucks stored the bodies of Covid’s latest victims. Throughout the confusion and chaos, the neighborhood’s streets remained abnormally quiet as a result of a once-in-a-lifetime quarantine.
Two years later Elmhurst’s streets are once again bustling. While some of the area’s residents refuse to declare the pandemic “over,” they are removed enough from the darkest days that they can finally reflect on the impact the disease had on their
Facilitatinglives.
this assessment process was a conversation held by THE CITY’s Missing Them project last Saturday at the Moore Homestead Playground in Elmhurst. THE CITY, a nonprofit digital news outlet that covers the Big Apple, started Missing Them in May 2020. The project’s mission is to name and tell a story about every New Yorker who died of Covid.
The endeavor soon proved too complex for one organization to handle. THE CITY collaborated with the Columbia University School of Journalism and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY to streamline the work. Students were trained and given hands-on experience with researching and interviewing. At one point, Boston College journalism students even participated through a service-oriented placementMissingprogram.Thembegan as an online commemoration to those lost as a result of the virus. The digital memorial, which can be found on THE CITY’s website, aims to give their names, photos and obituaries. So far,
Missing Them Editor Anjali Tsui, above, Deputy Editor Melissa DiPento and John Bahia of Woodside on the Move. An Elmhurt resident, right, fills out a survey about how Covid-19 affected the community during a Covidinspired Missing Them project run by THE CITY
PHOTOS BY PETER KROPFabout 2,700 of the approximately 42,000 New Yorkers who died of the disease have been listed, with over 500 obituaries included. THE CITY confirmed the identities and acquired necessary information by combing through city agency releases, news reports and social media posts. Family members were contacted to add further details.
As time passed, the project took on a life of its own. The consistent, thorough research led to THE CITY breaking two investigative stories — one regarding New York City’s jail-related Covid-19 fatalities and the other the responses of city nursing homes.Missing Them also held virtual memorial events via Zoom during the quarantine. Hundreds attended, some sharing stories about deceased loved ones. There were cathartic writing exercises, as well as poetry readings and professional theatrical performances inspired by the stories and obituaries.OnSaturday, however, the Missing Them team took to the street through a Covid-19 conversation held in conjunction with the local nonprofit organization Woodside on the Move. THE CITY set up tables at the
Moore Homestead Playground on Broadway and 45th Avenue and invited passersby to talk about how the pandemic had changed their lives. Residents could speak with journalists and volunteers in their own languages—whether English, Chinese, Spanish, Nepali or Tagalog, among others. Others chose to simply fill out surveys that asked questions such as “What issues matter to you now?,” “What have you lost?” and “Are there any lessons or insights you’ve gained from this time?”
“We were thinking of ways to grow this project, and one way is through having a physical presence,” said Anjali Tsui, Missing Them’s editor.
Melissa DiPento, the project’s deputy editor, added, “This is how we get a sense of the underlying issues that people in this hard-hit community care about, whether it be food insecurity, housing or education. We don’t want to assume we know people’s challenges.”Elmhurst was particularly vulnerable to the virus because of its high population density and large number of multigenerational households. Since the pandemic’s start, one of every two Elmhurst citizens has been diagnosed with coronavirus, and one in 185 residents has died. Both statistics are higher than most other neighborhood averages, whether in Queens or New York City in general.
Food insecurity was the central issue broached by residents. Elmhurst native Anthony Szeto talked at length with Haidee Chu, a reporter for THE CITY who covers Queens.“Idiscussed food insecurity and other gaps citizens here face, such as the elderly population’s lack of access to technology during the pandemic,” Szeto told the Chronicle. “But I also wanted to highlight positive stories, like how my friends and I have been
contributing to the food pantries and helping our neighbors.” Multiple conversations revealed to Chu that the neighborhood “feels a certainDiPentoneglect.”noted the area’s food insecurity could be a consequence of families losing their breadwinner to the virus.
That’s why Woodside on the Move was distributing free food, in addition to personal protective equipment such as hand sanitizer, at the event.
“The food supply in Western Queens isn’t as abundant as people think,” insisted John Bahia, community affairs associate for Woodside on the Move. “I’m very proud to say that we’ve been filling up community fridges with food throughout the area ... THE CITY and the Missing Them project are discussing the after-effects of the pandemic and people’s lived experience. Who else is doing that?”
The answer: not many other outlets. Tsui mentioned that “the nature of today’s news cycle” does not help, as it often emphasizes stories that are more current or overly positive. As a result, the media focus on Covid’s impact on certain communities has faded.DiPento admitted that it can be depressing to bring up death and suffering. “You can’t be truly prepared to talk to someone who has lost a loved one,” she said. “It never gets easier.”
“It was particularly tough talking to the parents of a 21-year-old who lost her life to Covid-19,” Tsui added.
THE CITY plans to continue the events in the coming months throughout Queens and other boroughs.
“We want to be the news site for everyday New Yorkers,” Zainab Shah, engagement director for THE CITY, said. “We do that by reaching out to people where they are and giving them a place to convene to talk about important topics.”
THE CITY looks at the people, the impact and the aftermath in Elmhurst
“You can’t be truly prepared to talk to someone who has lost a loved one.”
— Melissa DiPentoVolunteers from Woodside on the Move hand out free food and hand sanitizer.
Send Packing!Rats
Stop feeding them. Stop housing them. 3rd
THE CITY OF NEW YORK OF OF BRIDGES PROGRAMS FOR PROPOSALS
The City of New York has Request for Proposals for Consulting Engineering Firms interested in the following Proposed
Project
Request Proposal Total Design Construction Merrick Blvd Belt Laurelton Parkway North Bound Merrick Blvd Belt Laurelton Parkway South Bound, Borough of ContractQueensNo. HBQ231710 HBQ231720
2192
Queens 9/11 heroes honored by the FDNY
FFs contracted illnesses in aftermath
by Michael Gannon Senior News EditorFive Queens firefighters were among members of the FDNY whose names were added to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall in a ceremony in Brooklyn on Sept.They14. are among the 299 members of the FDNY who have died as a result of illnesses related to “working the pile” at Ground Zero during derDennisSpringfieldringincludeoperations.search-and-recovery9/11QueenshonoreesFFWayneGoeh-ofEngineCo.311inGardens;FFMcCleanofLad-Co.137inRockaway
Description of
The be Merrick Laurelton Laurelton Parkway South Bound, Borough of Queens
A Pre-Proposal Conference (Optional) has been scheduled for September 27, 2022, Time: 10:00 AM through Zoom. Proposers who wish to connect to the Zoom Conference will need a Zoom ID and Password or the link. Therefore, proposers who wish to connect will need to contact the authorized agency contact person via email at least three (3) days prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference in order to obtain the information to connect. Proposers will need to provide the first name, last name of everyone who wishes to connect, name of the organization, phone number and email address.
This Procurement is subject to participation goals for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), as required by Section 6-129 of the New York Administrative Code. The M/WBE goal for this project is 23%.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this RFP must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the RFP, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mocs/systems/about-go-to-passport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort” blue box. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To quickly locate the RFP, insert the EPIN 84123P0003, into the Keyword search field. In order to respond to the RFP, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.
Release Date: September 20, 2022
Pre-Proposal Conference: September 27, 2022 at 10 AM
Submission of Request for Proposals are due on or before 2:00 PM on October 18, 2022.
Park; FF James Redmond of Ladder 142 in Richmond Hill; FF Gregory Lamanna of Engine Co. 313 in Douglaston; and FF James Walsh of Engine 295 in “Twenty-oneWhitestone.years ago, we lost 343 brave members. Sadly, our losses did not end that day. Back then, we made a solemn promise to never forget, and we make that same promise today, to never forget the growing list of heroes who have given their lives to illnesses related to their work in rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center site,” said Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.Thosefrom Brooklyn include Lt. Martin Farrell of Engine Co. 253; EMT Mark Weiner of Station 43; EMS Captain Charles Harris of Station 31; FF Andrew Hornbuckle of Ladder Co. 109; FF Frederick Gallagher of Ladder Co. 103; Capt. Michael Lyons of Division 15; Battalion Chief Arthur Lakiotes of Battalion 32; and Deputy Chief Vincent Mandala of Division 11.
FDNY PHOTO / TWITTERBronx members include FF Anthony Malfi of Ladder Co. 168; FF Patrick Lauro of Ladder Co. 47; FF Alfred Artesona of Engine Co. 71; FF Robert Reynolds of Engine Co. 96; and FF Michael Verzi of Engine Co. 97.
Manhattan personnel include FF James Wind of Ladder Co. 3; FF James Cody Jr. of Ladder Co. 24; FF Michael Toal of Ladder Co. 20; EMS Deputy Chief Richard Chatterton; and Battalion Chief Edward Tierney of Battalion 11.
Those from Staten Island include FF Dennis Reilly of Engine Co. 156; Paramedic Stephenson McCoy of Station 22; Lt. Patrick Whelan of Ladder Co. 83; FF Stephen Reilly of Engine Co. 155; Battalion Chief Ronald Kemly of the Safety Battalion; and Lt. John Vigliotti of Engine Co. 159.
Also honored were Fire Marshal Michael Federkowski from Citywide South; Assistant Chief Alvin Suriel of EMS Operations; Lt. Pablo Guzman of Human Resources; and Supervising Fire Marshal John McCauley of QNBAS. Q
The FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall in Brooklyn.City secures more vax for monkeypox
by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-ChiefMore monkeypox vaccines are available, people can get their second dose much sooner than before and minors who meet the criteria for inoculation against the disease now can get shots, the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced last Thursday.
Those who have received one dose of the vaccine may now get their second shot four weeks after the first, instead of having to wait 10 weeks, as was the rule previously. The city had made people wait longer than the 28 days indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when it was concerned about having enough first doses for all eligible people. With its newly expanded supply, the city has both cut the wait times and opened 50,000 new appointments for the vaccine.
People who got their first doses between July 24 and Sept. 8 will receive notifications to schedule a second-dose appointment.
“We feel confident that we now have enough supply of vaccine to meet current demand, and are comfortable lowering the window of time between first and second doses,” Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said in announcing the greater availability and expanded eligibility. “We know that this provides much deserved peace of
mind to New Yorkers who have bravely faced this outbreak. Over these many months, they have adapted to the vaccine supply challenges and have successfully slowed the spread of this“Wevirus.are especially grateful to the affected community, who stepped up to protect themselves and one another, as well as partner organizations who worked tirelessly to share information.”Thoughthe Health Department says on its website, “Anyone can get and spread monkeypox,” it notes that “current cases are primarily spreading through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM); transgender people; gender-nonconforming people; and nonbinary people. People in these social circles who have multiple or anonymous sex partners are at a high risk of exposure.”Asperthe website, those eligible for vaccination are people who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days and identify as at least one of the following:
• gay, bisexual or other men (cisgender or
transgender) who have sex with cis or transgender men or transgender women;
• transgender, gender nonconforming or gender nonbinary people (regardless of the gender of your sex partners); or
• sex workers and anyone engaging in survival sex or any other types of transactional sex (including sex in exchange for money, food, shelter or other goods) of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
Under the law, minors must have parental, guardian or legal custodian consent, unless the minor is part of a group to whom the law gives the right to consent to their own care, such as married minors, minors who are parents or pregnant and minors in the military. For people 16 or 17 years of age, such consent should be provided either in person or by phone, at the time of the vaccine appointment. For minors 15 years of age or younger, an adult caregiver must accompany the minor. The parent or guardian must still provide consent by phone at the time of the appointment or by written statement.
More information about monkeypox can be found at the Health Department’s website,
at on.nyc.gov/3BlbGFe. Appointments to get the vaccine, along with shots for Covid-19 and the flu, may be made online at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. As of last Friday, only one location for the monkeypox vaccine was listed in Queens, the NYC Vaccine Hub at 5-17 46 Road in Long Island City. The phone number for the city’s vaccine reservation call center is 1 (877) 829-4692.
Monkeypox produces sores that look like pimples or blisters, which can be extremely itchy and painful and may result in scarring. Internal ones can make it difficult to go to the bathroom. Some people also have flu-like symptoms.
“We do not know if monkeypox causes long-term health problems,” the Health Department says on its website.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare provider. One must be experiencing symptoms in order to be tested for the disease.
As of last Friday, the city had recorded 3,356 cases of monkeypox. The first death in the United States from the disease was reported Sept. 13 in Los Angeles.
“The best way to protect yourself from monkeypox is to avoid sex and other intimate contact with multiple or anonymous partners,” the Health Department says on its website. Q
Time frame for 2nd dose reduced; qualifying minors now can get shot
The city says it does not yet know if the disease causes long-term health problems.
Memorial for 21st anniversary sees no letdown in honoring those lost Remembering 9/11 in Glendale garden
by Michael Gannon Senior News EditorFor a site seemingly so small, the 9/11 Memorial Garden at the Dry Harbor Playground in Glendale once again brought out scores of people last Sunday to mark the 21st anniversary of the attack on the World Trade
TheCenter.ceremony of prayer, speeches and song pays tribute to the 42 residents of Glendale, Ridgewood, Middle Village and Woodhaven who perished that day.
Girl Scout Angelina Aponte sang both the national anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and “God Bless America” at the end, with Ken Voisin playing music. Mem-
bers of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 served as the color guard.
Prayers were offered by the Rev. Fred Marano of Sacred Heart Church in Glendale and Rabbi Avrohom Hecht.
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said she is working on a national day of remembrance now that the day is more than two decades past, with younger people today not having the memories of those who lived through 9/11 and the following days and weeks.“There are generations who do not know what this city went through,” Meng said. “It made us stronger as a city.”
Speakers remembered the days when both Democrats and Republicans were simply Americans. Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) compared how all first responders were treated in the days that followed, comparing that to how police are sometimes treated Assemblywomantoday.Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) addressed one of Meng’s issues in her talk.
“I am an elected leader who is also a millennial,” she said. “I am here to affirm that the millennial generation remembers and will never forget.”
Other speakers included Queens District Attorney Meldina Katz, Community Board
5 Chairman Vincent Arcuri and CB 5 District Manager Gary Giordano. Officers from the 104th Precinct, led by Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman, also were in attendance.
The event featured a scare when a Girl Scout attending the ceremony took ill. Fortunately, she was quickly attended to by some of the dozen FDNY firefighters from
Engine Co. 286 and Ladder Co. 135 in Glendale who attended the memorial.
The ceremony also had its traditional conclusion, with friends, relatives or volunteers calling the names of the 42 people being honored. A bell tolled after each name was called, with a rose placed at the foot of the garden’s monument. Q
Mets mourn the Bad Dude; Hodges’ wife
by Sean Okula Associate EditorWithout dropping a game on the field, the Mets suffered two major losses over the weekend.LastFriday, the team announced the passing of John Stearns, the four-time AllStar catcher who played 10 seasons with the club, from 1975 to 1984.
The “Bad Dude,” as he was affectionately known, “willed” himself to attend the organization’s Old Timers’ Day last month, according to team president Sandy Alderson. He succumbed to cancer in Denver, CO, last Thursday.
“I am heartbroken,” former teammate Lee Mazzilli said in a statement. “John was just a joy to be around. He loved the game so much. I was amazed when he went to the batting cage on Old Timers’ Day. That just showed you how much of a competitor he was.”“Every time we spoke by phone, he kept telling me he was going to beat this thing,” Bobby Valentine, Mets manager during Stearns time on the team’s coaching staff from 2000 to 2001, said in a statement.
“That was John Stearns to a tee.”
Former Mets catcher John Stearns, left, and Joan Hodges, widow of former manager Gil Hodges, died last week. NY METS PHOTOS
Stearns is survived by his son, Justin, his brothers, Richard and William, and his sister,ThenCarla.on Saturday, just two months after the induction of her husband, 1969 World Champion Mets manager Gil, into the baseball Hall of Fame, Joan Hodges passed away at the age of 96.
“We are thankful that Joan was able to see Gil inducted into the Hall of Fame in July,” Alderson said in a statement.
“We send our condolences to her daughters, Irene and Cindy, her son Gil Jr. and the rest of the Hodges family,” he added.
Dorie Opitz Figliola gives flowers to firefighters from Engine Co. 286 and Ladder Co. 135. The firefighters, called into action, left before the end of the ceremony. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON A Boy Scout places a flower by the 9/11 monument in memory of a deceased Queens resident.Sedate outdoors
Through the grandiose Victorian-style entrance of the Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing lies an exhibit curated by one of Queens’ very own accomplished artists. While Helaine Soller’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in Japan and Mongolia, she was born and raised in Flushing. Her exhibit, borough.lectionsherfondlyries,”andLandscapesin“GrowingtitledUpQueens:Memo-reflectsuponownrecol-oftheThe
explore the many rooms of the home. The museum also supports the Queens community and local artists with various events and exhibits. It is recognized by the National Register of Historic Sites, and is an official New York City landmark. It’s safe to say Elisabetha’s wishes were honored.
Paintings of an idyllic Queens go on display at Voelker Orth
paintings are inspired by the Voelker Orth Museum and Kissena Park Lake, two landmarks of Queens.
The Voelker Orth Museum was originally the Orth family’s 1890s home. It was donated by the family’s last surviving member, Elisabetha Orth, upon her passing in the late nineteen nineties. In her will, Elisabetha requested the house be opened to the public as a museum in order to promote local history and showcase a Victorian-style garden that offers a sanctuary for wild birds.
Today, the house’s exterior and interior have been little changed and guests can
Soller chose to focus on the Voelker Orth Museum and Kissena Park Lake for good reason: They were eventsandandrieshavelocations.cherishedfamiliarbothand“Imemo-offamilyfriendsmanylifecen-
tered in this Flushing area,” she said. “The Voelker Orth Museum was a few blocks from my first art lessons, my first apartment, and where I was born.”
Soller’s work combines expressionism, realism and abstraction in order to convey the beauty of nature, something important to her. She commented, “Art and nature are in my DNA.” Her grandfather was a European horticulturist, and she grew up surrounded by trees and nature. Through her art, she creates awareness of fragile ecosystems and diminishing natural resources.
by Kristen GuglielmoKing Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Carnegie won friends, influenced a lot of people
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle ContributorDale Harrison Carnagey was born into poverty on a farm in Maryville, Mo., on Nov. 24, 1888. After he graduated school, he was a successful salesman for Armour and Company selling bacon, soap and lard.
With money saved, he came to New York City in 1911 to study at The American School of Dramatic Arts. He failed at being a actor. He took a job at the YMCA as a lecturer and was a success. He was so good at it that he legally changed his name to Carnegie in 1922 after lecturing at CarnegieWithHall. his earnings he bought a 2,380-square-foot home at 27 Wendover Road in Forest Hills Gardens.
He found greater success in October 1936 when he published a book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The book is still selling well today and has been translated into most foreign languages throughout the world.
In 1944 he married his secretary, Dorothy Price Vanderpool, who was 25 years his junior. They remained together until his
Home of lecturer and author Dale Carnegie at 27 Wendover Road in Forest Hills, as it looked in the 1940s when he lived there.
death at his home of Hodgkin’s disease on Nov. 1, 1955. He was 66 years old. His home today is valued in excess of $2,000,000, which shows he was also a wise investor of real estate.
Cofta brings out the color in her adopted home
by Sean Okula associate editorTo get from her Woodside residence to her Greenpoint studio, Ann Cofta often will walk. The time of the pandemic, with social interaction limited and the streets, in its earliest days, nearly barren, those who make a living off turning aspects of their ecosystem into creative spectacles might have been strapped for inspiration.
Cofta, admirant of craft as she is, turned her attention to her walk to work.
“I’m passing these old factories and old buildings, and I just really started taking that in,” she said of her fabrics crafted in the shape of city architecture, some from memory and some using artistic license.
Cofta’s latest exhibition, called “Home Free” and on display at the Vital Art Studios in Woodside, captures her admiration for what may seem to some like a stoic cityscape. With the use of color and a fine attention to detail, she brings architecture to
“It’slife.
brick and concrete,” Mary Caulfield Davis, a friend of Cofta’s and Sunnyside resident, said at the gallery’s opening reception on Sept. 15. “But in her hands, it becomes something beloved.”
“Her things are so handmade. The fact that they’re on quilt; it’s so feminine and
comforting,” she added.
In a collection of works laden with passion, it’s those that are smallest in size that demonstrate Cofta’s commitment to her craft. She says artists often take up what may be considered something of a challenge project: Complete a certain amount of pieces in a certain amount of time.
For Cofta, even as she displays her work in Woodside, the challenge is simple: create 100 miniature gouache-painted water towers in 100 days.
“Today’s day 59,” she said last Thursday. “You’re seeing 12 of 59 [on display.]”
“They’re custom-made,” she added of her admiration for the structures. “They usually make them before they put them up and they have to bring them up in pieces.
“I make art spontaneously, but there’s a real carpentry to the building of them.”
That appreciation for complexity is also apparent in other mediums. Cofta’s textile work — in this show, a wall of colorful and individualized buildings, along with a larger
autumnal-colored cityscape that grabs the attention of any passerby on Skillman Avenue — contains intricate designs woven into the fabric of already impressive creations.
“They all take many, many hours, because of the handiwork,” she said.
“Maybe six, seven, eight hours. The big ones take forever. Like, literally months,” sheCofta’sadded.diligence comes from a sense of belonging. The exhibit’s title, “Home Free,” refers to the feeling of comfort in spotting an identifying landmark on one’s way back to wherever it is they call home.
“When I take the train out from the city, when I get to 33rd Street, there’s two towers you can see from the train,” she said. “When I see them, I know I’m almost home.“I’ve lived in Woodside for 23 years,” she added. “I’ve lived in a lot of different places in my life. I lived abroad when I was a child. I’ve never had a feeling like I do here, which is, this feels like home. “
“Home Free” will be on view at Vital Art Studios, located at 50-14 Skillman Ave. in Woodside, until Oct. 13. Gallery hours are Sunday, 12 to 2 p.m. and by appointment. Those seeking more information can reach out to Cofta via email, anncofta@ gmail.com Q
Her affinity for nature is clearly displayed in theTheexhibit.exhibit contains a series of 10 contemporary paintings. The essence of the museum’s garden and the beauty of the lake are present in every brushstroke and splash of color. While beautiful, the paintings also provide a warmth and familiarity that people living in Queens can especially understand.
Queens’Answersbeauty and warmth preserved in paint
In one painting located in the museum’s dining room, “Leisure,” a group of friends are enjoying their time on the grass in a park, with the vastness of nature surrounding them. In another, “Rowing,” a group is rowing a boat on Kissena Park Lake, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of nature, and perhaps their own memories of the very same lake.
In another work, entitled “Koi Pond Waterfall,” visitors can see a colorful image inspired by the very same pond in the museum’s garden. “Trio” invokes the serenity of koi fish using zen-like strokes and color.
The paintings inspired by Voelker Orth’s garden capture the dynamics of the atmosphere and display a variety of colorful plants and flowers, which visitors of the museum can see for themselves just a few steps away. It is truly a sight to see.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 23. There will be an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. that day, in which visitors can tour the home and meet Soller as she creates a painting in the garden. For more information about the Voelker Orth Museum, which has limited house, visit vomuseum.org. For more from Soller, visit helainesoller.com.
Woodside resident Ann Cofta’s latest exhibition, “Home Free,” will be on display at Vital Art Studios until Oct. 13. PHOTO BY SEAN OKULA Helaine Soller will paint outdoors at the Voelker Orth Museum during an open house event set for Oct. 23, the last day her paintings will be on exhibit there. On the cover: Some of her works on display. COURTESY PHOTOS, ABOVE; COVER PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMOCOMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.
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1091 SOUTHERN BLVD DERMATOLOGY PLLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/26/22. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 40-37 74th St., Ground Floor, Elmhurst, NY 11373, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: To practice Medicine.
232 MARKETPLACE LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 06/23/22. 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, 20810 Cross Island Pkwy, Suite 294, Bayside, NY 11360. Registered agent address c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. NATASHA PHANG, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 12, 2018 and an Order Granting Motion Extending Time to Re-Calendar Foreclosure Auction Sale duly entered on August 25, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on October 7, 2022 at 12:45 p.m., premises known as 168-68 92nd Road, Jamaica, NY 11433. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10211 and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $544,639.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index #707898/2020. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Joseph F. DeFelice, Esq., Referee, Taroff & Taitz, LLP, Attorneys at Law, 630 Johnson Avenue, Suite 105, Bohemia, NY 11716, Attorneys for Plaintiff
Notice of Formation of 65-03 MYRTLE AVE GLENDALE
LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/25/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 105-55 62 DR, APT 6J, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of ALL EXITS LGX LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/05/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 75-25 153RD STREET, 322, KEW GARDENS HILLS, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY, MOREQUITY, INC., Plaintiff against CENTENNIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523.Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 29, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on October 14, 2022 at 12:45 PM. Premises known as 158-11 96th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Block 14166 Lot 55. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $356,888.84 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 12717/2009. Cash will not be accepted at the sale.
The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee.
Autrey Johnson, Esq., Referee 2296-002975
B and Y Security LLC fi led w/ SSNY on 7/19/22.
Offi ce: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 169-15 Northern Blvd., 1st Fl, Flushing, NY 11358. Purpose: any lawful.
Notice of Formation of BRAVO CHARLIE COMPANY LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/03/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 10814 72ND AVE., 2ND FLOOR, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
To Advertise Call 718-205-8000
Legal Notices Legal Notices
HEARING NOTICE
The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a virtual or hybrid public hearing on the following application on October 3rd or October 4th, 2022: BSA Cal. No. 2021-83BZ Premises: 80-74 188th Street, Queens, Block 7259, Lot 26 Variance (§72-21) to permit the construction of a House of Worship contrary to ZR §24-111 (floor area), ZR §24-35 (side yards) and ZR §25-30 (parking). R1-2 zoning district. Applicant: Law Office of Jay Goldstein, PLLC An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing. Please see the Board’s Virtual Hearing Guides located at athearingreview80-74referpublic-comments.pagewebsitestatementtohealthdistancingannouncedBoard’swhetherandineventstreamedthe“hybrid,”Boardgov/site/bsa/public-hearings/public-hearings.pagehttps://www1.nyc.However,themaydeterminethatitmustconductthepublichearingasaduringwhichtheCommissionerswillmeetinpersonatBoard’sofficeinManhattanandalsoappearvirtuallyonlive-YouTubeandonaninteractiveZoomWebinar.Intheofa“hybrid”hearing,applicantsandthepublicmayattendpersonorparticipateremotelybycallingintotheZoomWebinarwatchingtheYouTubelivestream.DetailsforthehearinganditwillbeconductedasahybridwillbepostedonthewebsitetheFridaybeforethehearing.Ifthehearingisasahybrid,intheinterestofaccommodatingsocialwithlimitedseatingcapacityandtoaddressongoingconcerns,membersofthepublicarestronglyencouragedparticipateinthehearingremotely.Youmaysubmitawrittenbyusingthe“PublicCommentform”ontheBoard’slocatedathttps://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/contact-bsa/Foranycommunication,pleaseincludeortoBSACalendarNo.2021-83-BZandthepropertyaddress:188thStreet,Queens,Block7259,Lot26.Tocoordinateoftheapplicationmaterials,inquireaboutcontinueddatesand/orassistance,pleasecontacttheBoardoffice(212)386-0009.
Notice is hereby given that a Seasonal On-Premises Liquor license, #TBA has been applied for by American Museum of the Moving Image d/b/a Museum of the Moving Image to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a Tavern. For on-premises consumption under the ABC Law at 34-58 37th Street, aka 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.
CITIVIEW GARAGE, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 09/09/2022. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 112-15 Northern Blvd #2, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Court Square Property LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/3/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Jiashu Xu, 112-15 Northern Blvd., #2, Corona, NY 11368. General Purpose
LUMIERE JS LLC. Arts of org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/1/2022. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 6135 DRY HARBOR RD, MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. Purpose: General.
To Advertise Call 718-205-8000
Real Estate
EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718The722-3131.Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.
Apts.For Rent
Cypress Hills, 216 Ridgewood Ave, #3. 3 BR semi-railroad, $2,800/mo. Newly renov kit, HW fls, windows in every room, 3rd fl walk-up. Heat & hot water incl. Avail NOW. Call Tiana Williams, 917-982-8507. Capri Jet Realty
Howard Beach, 158-10 95 St. Luxury 3 BR/1 bath apt on the water. Eat-in kitchen w/dishwasher, microwave, full bath. Washer/ Dryer, shared use of yard, tenant pays electric. $2,600/mo. Available NOW. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty Williamsburg, 799 Grand St, #1. 1 BR/1 bath apt w/pvt backyard. $3,299/mo. Avail NOW. Water incl. HW fls, SS appli, huge yard. Call Agnes Siedlik, 917-288-0660. Capri Jet Realty
Howard Beach, Beautiful 2 Family 6 over 6 rooms, finished basement + C/O for extension, 27’x20’, first floor has French doors leading to patio. Unique home—A Must See!!! Asking $1,388,000. Call for appt. Connexion Real Estate
Howard Beach, beautiful 2 fam, 6 over 6, fin bsmnt, pavers front & back. Call to make an appt. Asking $1,378,000. Connexion Real Estate, Howard718-845-1136Beach,Lg2
fam, brick, shingle. 5/6 BRs, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, full walk-in w/laundry rm. 2nd fl has balcony, pvt dvwy. Reduced $1,050,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Open
Howard718-845-1136Beach/Rockwood
Park, Fri 9/23, 6pm-7:30pm & Sun 9/25, 1pm-2:30pm, 161-39 84 St. Lg Brookfield Style Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 full baths, vaulted ceilings, master BR w/full bath, finished walk-in, back decks upstairs & downstairs. Wood fls. Buyers must be pre-approved! Asking $1,150,000. Connexion Real Estate,
FOR RENT.
Approx 1,700 sq ft w/basement, CAC & electric gates. Liberty Ave, high traffic area, NNN lease. Call
RENT REMODELED PROF OFFICE/STORE. Approx 725 sq ft, electric gates w/new CAC & new heat. Call 718-738-2626
Notice of Formation of C&A FIX HOLD & FLIP LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/05/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CARLOS GUILLERMO, 3254 104TH STREET APT 2A, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. FOR A
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC Plaintiff, vs. RAY CECELIA JOSEPHS AKA RAY JOSEPH BARR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 29, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on October 7, 2022 at 11:15 am, premises known as 13041 225th Street, Laurelton, NY 11413. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York, Section 54, Block 12903 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $395,063.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 718347/2018. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Gary Malcolm Darche, Esq., Referee, Greenspoon Marder, 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022, Attorneys for Plaintiff
Notice of Formation of ROOKMIN & SUKHDEO ENTERPRISE, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/06/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: LILAWATI AHMED, 175-45 88 AVE, UNIT 5R, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of Yeats Country LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/1/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, P.O. Box 864045, Ridgewood, NY 11386. Purpose: any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1 Plaintiff, Against PRADIP SAHA, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/23/2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court located at 8811 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY, on 10/12/2022 at 12:40 PM, premises known as 90-34 191st Street Hollis, NY 11423 and described as follows; ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 10446 Lot 29. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $266,249.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 719792/2021. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: 10/12/1022 File Number: 6957747 PCO
S & S Painting and Solutions LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/9/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 86-09 125th St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of SAETIA LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/01/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: COLIN BARTOLDUS, 34-43 82ND ST., APT 21, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose
Notice of Formation of SEA MOSS MOM, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/02/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: USHA DEODAT-KANHAI, 120-04 135TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of SENTINEL BIOTECH LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/05/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SHERIN KANNOLY, 6530 KISSENA BLVD., D343 BIOLOGY DPT, QUEENS, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/23/2021. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 34-21 21st St., apt. 5E, Long Island City, NY 11106. General Purpose
MPA INVESTIGATIONS, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 07/06/22. 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, 72-11 Austin Street, Box #101, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful Melodypurpose&Son
OLIMAZI, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 09/13/2022. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 13-22 141st Street, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No. 708773/2019 Date Filed: 5/20/2019 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, -against- NADINE MEZI, and, if she be living and if she be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the amended verified complaint, M. JUDITH MEZI, and, if he be living and if he be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the amended verified complaint, JEAN M. JACQUES, GLADY’S GERBIER JACQUES, CENTURION CAPITAL CORPORATION AAO SEARS, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, LR CREDIT, LLC, PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANY, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Defendants. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Francis Lewis Boulevard, 50 feet wide, (Rosedale Avenue), distant 50 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of 249th Street, 50 feet wide, (President Street) with the easterly side of Francis Lewis Boulevard; RUNNING THENCE easterly parallel with 249th Street, 100 feet; THENCE southerly parallel with Francis Lewis Boulevard, 50 feet; THENCE westerly parallel with 249th Street, 100 feet to the easterly side of Francis Lewis Boulevard; THENCE northerly along the easterly side of Francis Lewis Boulevard, 50 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. We are attempting to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the amended verified complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the amended verified complaint is not served with this supplemental summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this supplemental summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this supplemental summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) or within (60) days after service of this supplemental summons if it is the United States of America; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the amended verified complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this supplemental summons and amended verified 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 supplemental 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 foregoing supplemental summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable ULYSSES B. LEVERETT, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, dated the 6th day of February, 2000 and duly entered in the office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, State of New York. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage lien on the premises described herein. The object of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $445,500.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the City Register of Queens County on March 28, 2006 in Instrument No. 2006000170886, which mortgage was assigned to BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS by assignment of mortgage dated July 25, 2005, which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of Queens County on April 1, 2010 in Instrument 2010000109573, which mortgage was further assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, NA, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP by assignment of mortgage dated April 10, 2012, which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of Queens County on April 26, 2012 in Instrument 2012000166561, which mortgage was modified by a Loan Modification Agreement dated February 21, 2018, to modify said mortgage to an amount of $693,362.15, which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of Queens County on April 30, 2018 in Instrument 2018000142416, covering premises known as 249-07 FRANCIS LEWIS BOULEVARD, ROSEDALE, COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK 11422, AKA 249-07 250T ST AKA 249-07 250T ST. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendant, NADINE MEZI, for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises, unless discharged in bankruptcy.
Dated: Manhasset, New York, August 23, 2022 DAVID A. GALLO & ASSOCIATES LLP By: /S/ FRANK A. MORRONE, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff, 47 Hillside Avenue - Second Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 583-5330 (516) 583-5333 - fax
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS, INDEX NO. 718662/2019, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ALAND R. WHITLEY, 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; RITA WHITLEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ALAND R. WHITLEY; ALANDA WHITLEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ALAND R. WHITLEY; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; “JOHN DOE” AS “JOHN DOE #1”; “JOHN DOE” AS “JOHN DOE #2”; “JANE DOE” AS “JOHN DOE #3”, “JOHN DOE #4” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last nine 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. Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 11224 168TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11433, Block: 12323, Lot: 20. 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 $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on November 29, 2006, at CFRN 2006000659350, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 112-24 168TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11433. 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:September 6, 2022. 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 Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., Plaintiff, -againstPrisca Deschamps individually and as Heir to the Estate of Tony Deschamps, Marie Jecrois as Heir to the Estate of Tony Deschamps, Tracy Deschamps individually and as Heir to the Estate of Tony Deschamps, Farah Deschamps individually and as Heir to the Estate of Tony Deschamps, Tony Deschamps Jr as Heir to the Estate of Tony Deschamps and Tony Deschamps’ unknown heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, Melrose Credit Union, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, United States of America-Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Ariel Deschamps, Muriel Deschamps, Kevin Doe (Refused Last Name), Defendants. Index No.: 717268/2018 Filed: 8/17/2022 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $164,000.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Queens on October 25, 2001 in Reel 6057, Page 1306 covering premises known as 145-13 226th Street a/k/a 145-15 226th Street, Rosedale, 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. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York, March 29, 2022, Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP/s/ BY: Linda P. Manfredi, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 53 Gibson Street, Bay Shore, New York 11706, (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-089348-F00
Notice of Formation of PAHO NY LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with NY Dept. of State: 8/5/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Maho Yamatani, 101-01 67th Dr., Apt. 2K, Forest Hills, NY 11375, principal business address. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of R&A IMPERIAL RENTALS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/25/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: R&A IMPERIAL RENTALS LLC, 1200 51ST STREET, #503, BROOKLYN, NY 11219. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 718885/2020 FILED: 10/16/2020 SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 94-27 80th Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416. BCMB1 TRUST, Plaintiff, against THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF GERALDO P. LOPES, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION & FINANCE, CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, and “JOHN DOE No. 1 through JOHN DOE No. 99”, 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, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear by serving an answer to the annexed Complaint upon Plaintiff’s attorney, at the address stated below, within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in the case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, together with the costs of this action. The Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Ronald J. McDonald, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on 7/12/2022.
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. Richland & Falkowski, PLLC. Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 28-07 Jackson Avenue, 5th Fl, Long Island City, NY 11101. Our File LOPES
Rils Beach 149, LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/4/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Flynn & Flynn PLLC, 444 Beach 129th St., Belle Harbor, NY 11694. General Purpose.
Notice of Formation of URBAN CAFFEINE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/16/2022. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ROCKET CORPORATE SERVICES INC, 2804 GATEWAY OAKS DR. #100, SACRAMENTO, CA 95833. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Completely Renovated 2 family detached home. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on each floor, updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, baseboard heating as well as 4 heat/air split units on each level. Full finished basement with separate entrance, radiant heating. Washer/dryer on every level. 2 car attached garage. Owner stated roof is 4 years old. Brand-new, won’t last long.
Newly renovated 2 family detached home. house features bedrooms 4½ baths, hardwood floors baseboard water heating with 3 heat
Unfinished basement to make your own, with outside entrance. New brick pavers in driveway and backyard which features a 2-car garage. Brand New Must See, don’t let this slip away from you.
Garden Co-op
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom Co-op in Howard Beach, beautiful hardwood floors, recently updated kitchen and bathroom. This unit comes with a shed for storage. Convenient location near shopping center, school, restaurants, casino and public transportation.
HOWARD BEACH
Nice Junior 4 co-op, L-shaped living room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath galley kitchen. Centrally located, close to shopping & transportation.
Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom with balcony co-op, L-shaped living/dining room, hardwood floors, galley kitchen, and terrace. Lots of closet space, move in ready. Close to public transportation, and shopping
Renovated one family corner property freshly painted in the beautiful Centreville area of Ozone Park with huge pvt dvwy, fenced-in porch, new floors, new Anderson windows, updated bathrooms, 3 heating zones/3 thermostats, & outside separate side entrance for the finished basement.
This property has enough newly concreted driveway parking for 4 or more vehicles & a spacious back yard with a back wooden deck and outside wood stairs & a very large shed. The side entrance stairs lead upstairs to the back of the house and also downstairs to the basement. Only one block walk to the elevated “A” train, and a short walk to the elevated “J” train. One block to Express bus to NYC and bus to Queens Center mall and Queens Boulevard trains. The house is adjacent to Cross Bay Boulevard and shopping (supermarket, restaurants, etc.). Location! Location!
HOWARD HOWARD BEACHSandy to step aside RD Ave., 69-39
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle ContributorMets President Sandy Alderson announced last Thursday his plans to step down from his current role. He will do consulting work with the organization starting this off-season. Alderson, who is 74 years old and has had health issues, had been the Mets general manager from 2011 until leaving on his own volition in 2018.
At the time, there was speculation he was unhappy working under then-Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon. His return to the Mets as team president, at the behest of new owner Steve Cohen, confirmed that. His first order of business was to fire Brodie Van Wagenen, Wilpon’s handpicked choice to replace him.
Cohen will have no shortage of candidates interested in the position. It will be interesting to see whether Jon Daniels, who grew up in Fresh Meadows, and was let go last month as president of the Texas Rangers, will be on the list. On the plus side, Daniels, who studied economics and management at Cornell University, is well-versed in both the player personnel and business aspects of baseball. One possible negative is Daniels’ decision to fire Buck Showalter as Rangers’ field manager in 2006. Showalter, of course, is currently the manager of the Mets. It’s safe to assume Steve Cohen will seek his input.
Longtime Mets fans were saddened to learn of the passing of John Stearns at age 71 last Friday.
Stearns remains one of the best catchers in the team’s history even though he had the misfortune of playing in Flushing during the team’s bleak late 1970s’ and early 1980s’ period. As a clubhouse leader, he was a go-to guy for the media for quotes. He was also known for pummeling opposing players who understandably disrespected the Mets. Stearns remained gritty even in the last month of his life. He attended last month’s Mets Old Timers’ Day despite being frail from years of battling cancer.
Last Wednesday the Mets joined forces with the NHL team that shares the Amazin’s blue and orange colors, to have Islanders Night at Citi Field. The longest-tenured Islander, center Josh Bailey, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Accompanying him was Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky, who grew up in Bayside. “I was, and am, a huge Mets fan. I remember taking the Q28 to the last stop and walking over the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge to Shea Stadium. I collected the coupons on the back of the Dairylea milk cartons, which got me into the upper deck for free. My friends and I would eventually sneak down to seats in the loge section!” he said with a chuckle.
You can hear Mets television voices Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, and Gary Cohen when riding the No. 7 train to Flushing. They’ll be assisting conductors through October. Q
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com
• Lindenwood
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Sept. 24th 1:00 - 2:30 pm 91-14 162nd Avenue
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Welcome to this beautiful 3 BR, 2 bath condo w/2 balconies & a garage. The apt has a gorgeous cathedral ceiling, sky lights, hardwood fl oors & plenty of closets. Washer & dryer in the unit, brand-new SS appliances, new windows, new water heater & boiler. The complex offers beautiful & tranquil outdoor area. Convenient location near JFK airport, shopping, school, public transportation & many restaurants. Only a 15-minute drive to Rockaway Beach!!! Must see!!!
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Sept. 24th 1:00-3:00pm 84-40 153rd Avenue, 3H
• Rockwood Park •
Looking for an amazing oversized property? This unique lot is 50x130 (6500 sq ft), w/Large Empire Brookfi eld Hi-Ranch on it. Located in Rockwood Park, it features 4 BR, 3 full baths, EIK’s, sunken living room, formal dining room, a large den, recreation area, & lots of closet space. Includes 2 zone heating, CAC, & resort like backyard w/18x36 in-ground pool. Ready to move right in or add additional rooms. Needs some cosmetic updating: make this home your own!
• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Sept. 24th 1:00 - 2:30 pm 163 Beach 96th Street, Apt 3A
• OPEN HOUSE By Appt.• Saturday, Sept. 24th 3:00 - 4:00 pm 155-46 79th Street
Call Janice for Appt. 718-490-8023
• Lindenwood • Beautiful 2 BR Co-op converted from a studio. Fully renovated w/ granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. Located near shopping center & transportation. Base Maint: $568.07, Security: $20.00= $588.07.
• The Rockaways
• Condo for Sale - Surf House I Brand new constructions: 1 or 2 bedrooms, rentals available as well 4 story building built in 2021. No Real Estate Fees!
• Welcome to this well-maintained 3 family home that has been upgraded. Spacious units, featuring balconies, s/s appliances, hardwood & laminate floors. First fl oor has backyard & deck & and full/fi nished basement for recreational use. This home is ready for new home owners, move in ready! Are you ready for this great opportunity?!
• Lindenwood
• Lindenwood • 2 BR, 2 bath Co-op. Updated kitchen & flooring. New carpeting thru-out. Unit has been freshly painted, corner unit, very spacious. 25% down payment req. Base: $927.67, Appliances: $8.00, Guard fee: $35.00, AC’s fee: $42.00, Assessment: $117.99= $1,130.66. $32/ share fl ip tax, 350 shares. $20/month parking fee, (waitlist).