Queens Chronicle South Edition 09-26-24

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

HOWARD BEACH DEMANDS ANSWERS

Queens to make a plan for safer air

New study reveals air pollution sources, residents help find solu tions

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Despite bustling expressways and construction that never seems to end, Queens residents can look forward to breathing cleaner air in the coming years.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation released results last month from a year-long study that monitored the air quality in 10 disadvantaged communities in areas with high air pollution burdens, including Queens.

The study was conducted to help the DEC achieve the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by identifying sources of air pollution that cause disproportionate burdens in the affected neighborhoods and working with residents to develop mitigation strategies.

To identify pollution sources, tech company Aclima, Inc. drove cars with sensors through each area to measure air pollution from both mobile and stationary sources such as cars, diesel trucks and industrial facilities.

Those measurements were used to create maps showing air pollutant estimates in each location to inform further steps toward improving air quality, the DEC said in its community fact sheet.

The DEC found higher air pollution along and near the Van Wyck and Whitestone expressways. Highlighted are 2019 data for annual average daily traffic from trucks.

She said the DEC set up Community Advisory Committees in each location and worked with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards’ office to connect with local organizations and most community boards.

At previous meetings, residents were concerned about idling garbage trucks near Douglas and Liberty Avenues and pollution from the Long Island Railroad, which runs through Jamaica.

The DEC indeed found that higher diesel pollution is “apparent” in these locations, as well as along the Van Wyck Expressway and a portion of Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill. Flushing also saw high levels of diesel and non-diesel pollution near the Van Wyck and Whitestone Expressways.

People who live near busy roadways are exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air pollutants, the DEC said in its presentation.

The interactive maps also locate “sensitive receptors” to assess the air quality near schools, parks, playgrounds, childcare and healthcare facilities, nursing homes and public housing.

The agency updated community members throughout the study with public meetings for each affected site. It held an in-person meeting on Tuesday at Borough Hall to present Queens

data and answer questions.

“This next phase is really community- driven. We want to work with the community. We don’t want to come in and say okay, here are your problems, and this is what we’re going to do,” DEC Division of Air Resources Assistant Director Margaret LaFarr told the Chronicle.

Queens’ bustling expressways support this claim — high diesel pollution was prevalent along the border of Queens and Brooklyn from Borden and Greenpoint Avenues to Flushing Avenue. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Long Island Expressway and Clearview Expressway all see a high volume of trucks, many of them en route to JFK International Airport or Long Island.

High exposure to traffic-related air pollut-

continued on page 18

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

Georgetown University, B.A. St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

Harvard University, A.B.

St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

HB civic group puts NPS in the hot seat

Incensed residents demand answers, solutions to area animal sacrifices

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Jennifer Nersesian, superintendent of the Gateway National Recreation Area for the National Park Service, and U.S. Park Police Lt. Mark Reaves were in the hot seat Tuesday at the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic meeting at St. Helen Catholic Academy.

The duo addressed residents and community leaders, who are frustrated with what they say is a lack of action from NPS in regard to animal sacrifices along Jamaica Bay, Spring Creek Park and neighboring areas.

Also in attendance were Sloane QuealyMiner and Kim Fraser, founders of Zion’s and Sasha’s Mission, respectively, who have been out trying to quell the issues.

Quealy-Miner addressed the crowd of about 300 residents to explain what she had seen and experienced daily while scoping out the area.

She said she has found specific statues, written prayers and garbs, and has gotten confirmation from those familiar with the religions that the sacrifices are being committed by rogue religious sects.

“These animal sacrifices and heinous acts of cruelty are being committed by a rogue sect not the mainstream religious Hindus, but a rogue sect — as well as Santeria.”

Vijah Ramjattan, of the United Madrassi Association, told the crowd, “As a Hindu myself, I’m ashamed to walk on those shores and see what our people have been doing in the name of faith and religion, and it’s wrong.”

Though he and his peers frequently con-

duct cleanups of the area, he said, “We can’t keep cleaning, and we can’t do it alone. ... We have been calling on the Parks Department, as Hindus, saying, ‘That’s not Hinduism.’”

and making them political is doing a disservice to the animals and what’s going on in our community.”

Fraser and Quealy-Miner have rescued three live pigs, multiple chickens and cats, and have uncovered dead roosters and dogs. She said perpetrators have left dead roosters in her car and masked people film her.

Through tears, she added, “A few of the fishermen who have come forward and spoken to us have said, ‘We hear the animals screaming.’”

Quealy-Miner said the affected areas are dark, contributing to the issue, and that she fears the situation might escalate to human violence should action not be taken.

“For example, where beloved Karina Vetrano was killed on 84th Street and 165th Avenue ... There’s a path right there that goes to the beach. They’re bringing the animals in there. Eight years later, that path is still unlit,” Quealy-Miner said.

The lighting issue in the neighborhood was of particular concern to area residents, who have long awaited their installation.

Asked by Phyllis Inserillo, civic co-president, what the status was on adding lights to Charles and Hamilton Beach parks, Nersesian said, “We are waiting for, within the city, the funding transfer to happen between departments.”

Inserillo turned to Nathaniel Hezekiah, the deputy chief of staff for Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), and publicly asked for his help. He told Nersesian they need to meet and discuss the situation.

this issue very seriously,” Nersesian said. “We are committed to changing what’s happening out there. ... If you do see something, please say something.”

NPS dispatch can be reached at (718) 354-4700.

Nersesian added that there is a safety concern for Spring Creek Park, as it is closed due to “chemical and radiological contamination.”

“We do not want the public going out there,” she said.

Asked by Inserillo if Spring Creek Park would get lighting, Nersesian said it would not.

“I understand how it seems intuitive to light it for safety reasons, but lighting also invites use,” Nersesian said.

Credited to a request by Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), NPS brought lights under the Addabbo Bridge to deter perpetrators earlier this month. They were set to be removed on Sept. 26, but Reaves, the commander of the Jamaica Bay area, said their presence will continue.

Reaves added that Park Police has been patrolling the sacrifice sites.

“We didn’t find anything these past two weeks we’ve been out there,” Reaves said. “We’re going to continue our detail.”

He said anyone in the federal park area after 9 p.m. will be ticketed or arrested. Inserillo requested fliers be made and distributed to nearby residents to let them know about the curfew.

Reaves said one officer, who works out of Floyd Bennett Field, is assigned to all the

Quealy-Miner told attendees, “This is not an immigration issue, and conflating the two continued on page 18

“I want to let you know that we do take

Thousands missing from HB PTA’s funds

Police investigating suspected theft of about $15K from parent group

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The PTA of PS/MS 146 in Howard Beach is dealing with a potential theft of approximately $15,000 in funds.

At its meeting last week, Brina Ciaramella, an area attorney and mother who once served on the panel, told the group that during the summer, the PTA president notified the school when checks written to vendors for large end-ofyear expenses started to bounce.

The police were informed, Ciaramella said, and as per regulation, an audit committee was formed, including herself.

“We spent 6 hours at my office sorting through bank statements, check copies, receipts and treasurer’s reports,” Ciaramella told the parents.

She continued, “We formed an audit report with the data. We calculated that approximately $15,000 in debts — payments due to various vendors for goods and services — did not have the necessary funds in the bank to be covered. The account had a negative ending balance and was closed.”

She said all the documents were turned over to the

NYPD’s 106th Precinct, who are investigating the matter.

Police confirmed to the Chronicle it was reported that between Jan. 22 and April 6, 2024, an individual removed funds from a PTA account for PS/MS 146 without permission or authority to do so. Cops did not name the individual.

Police said no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In the meantime, PS 146 has covered some outstanding PTA debts and is footing the bill for the students’ September events.

“Next steps made by the police will be determined by the results of the pending subpoenas,” Ciaramella said. “I have been staying in contact with them for updates.”

Ciaramella urged parents to have grace for the remaining PTA members.

“They feel heartbroken by a breach in trust, and they feel defeated, yet they are still working together to pick the pieces back up and rebuild so that the children this year do not lose out,” Ciaramella said. “There is only one person under investigation for an alleged wrongdoing. Please be mindful of that.”

“A s a board, we feel shocked and hurt by this entire situation.”

— Executive board of the PTA of PS/MS 146

The PTA’s treasurer, Elvia Wainwright, stepped down over the summer, and the group is slated to hold an expedited election for three positions, including treasurer, on Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, according to its Facebook page.

Wainwright, who also serves as parent coordinator for District 27 Pre-K Centers, did not respond to inquiries from the Chronicle.

The Department of Education referred the Chronicle to the NYPD and did not comment.

The PTA executive board told the Chronicle via email, “It is accurate that there is a police investigation into an alleged theft of PTA funds. As a board, we feel shocked and hurt by this entire situation. We immediately took action to bring this to the attention of the proper authorities.” Q

Lt. Mark Reaves of U.S. Park Police spoke with residents at Tuesday’s Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic meeting regarding animal sacrifices on nearby federal land. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Schools chief to step down in December

Chancellor Banks will retire amid FBI probes, Aviles-Ramos set to take over

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

City Schools Chancellor David Banks on Tuesday announced he is set to retire at the end of the year, after which current Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will take his place. The announcement comes weeks after FBI officials raided Banks’ home and seized his phone.

Banks lives with First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who, along with Banks’ brother, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, also had their residences searched and phones confiscated on Sept. 4.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure and the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals to shape the future of education in our great city is one that I will always cherish,” he added.

In a statement, Adams said he is “immensely grateful and proud” of the work accomplished in city schools under Banks, including implementing new math and reading initiatives, the opening of nine new schools, dyslexia screening for all and winning mayoral accountability of schools.

“I’m tired. That’s the God honest truth.”

The youngest Banks brother, Terence Banks, who owns a consulting firm, is also reportedly being investigated.

— Schools Chancellor David Banks

The chancellor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or being the target of any investigation.

In a resignation letter on official NYC Schools letterhead that was leaked to PIX 11 and posted to X, Banks wrote to Adams, “During our meeting earlier this year, I advised you that I intend to retire at the end of this calendar year after ensuring the school year got off to a good start” and confirms his retirement date is Dec. 31.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, we thank Chancellor Banks for his service, and wish him well in his retirement at the end of the calendar year,” Adams said.

Banks in a statement thanked Adams for the opportunity and added, “I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of families who entrust us with their children and the 140,000 employees who show up every day for our students — you make our public schools possible. I grew up in our public schools and spent most of my adult life serving the students and families of our city, and I have every confidence that the work we’ve started will contin-

Chancellor David Banks,

announced his retirement Tuesday, weeks after FBI officials raided his home and seized his phone. Current Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will take the role full-time in January.

ue to thrive and benefit generations to come.”

At a press conference Wednesday in the Bronx, Banks said of his reason for retirement, “I’m tired. That’s the God’s honest truth.”

In a statement, Aviles-Ramos, who once served as Banks’ chief of staff, thanked the outgoing chancellor for his leadership and called her new gig a “the ultimate job for a lifelong educator.”

She continued, “As a former teacher and a mom of a public-school student, I believe strongly in our work and in maintaining stability through this transition. Under my lead-

ership, we will continue to strengthen our supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, improve our city’s literacy and math proficiency rates, help our older students forge pathways to a bright future and keep our schools safe.”

At Wednesday’s press conference, AvilesRamos praised Adams for his availability and omnipresence.

“Mayor Adams is New York City. Mayor Adams is everywhere,” she said.

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), who chairs the Committee on NYC Education, said in a statement, “David Banks has been a good Chancellor for NYC’s public schools and I wish him well. But this departure is terrible news for our schools and the city, comes at the worst possible time, and will be a loss difficult for the mayor to recover from. Heaven help our City.”

Over the last few weeks, multiple officials from the Adams administration have departed, including his chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan and Edward Caban, who stepped down as police commissioner last week.

Caban’s replacement, Tom Donlon, confirmed his residences were swept by federal authorities on Sept. 20 and that officials confiscated materials unrelated to his work with the NYPD. Q

Target of Hillcrest protest sues DOE

Students rioted against teacher last Nov.

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Karen Marder, the teacher from Hillcrest High School in Jamaica who was targeted in a raucous student protest last November for her support of Israel, is now suing the school and the city Department of Education, according to a court document obtained by the Chronicle.

Marder, who is still employed at Hillcrest, on Oct. 9, 2023 attended a pro-Israel rally in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. She posted a photo of herself holding a sign reading “I stand with Israel” on her Facebook page.

Students discovered the photo, and Marder was soon informed they were planning a riot due to her actions on Nov. 20, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in a Queens state court. Marder then notified school officials.

That day, Marder was taken to an assistant principal’s office where she observed the presence of anti-terrorism police, NYPD officers and school safety personnel.

“These individuals were not present to take action on Plaintiff’s

behalf, but instead to interview her for their investigation,” the court document states. “Despite the seriousness of the situation, school officials downplayed the threat and did not remove Plaintiff from school premises.”

Through monitors, Marder alledgedly observed students gathering outside her classroom, waving Palestinian flags and preparing to riot. The protest ensued, with hundreds of students marching throughout the school, destroying property and demanding Marder’s termination, the lawsuit states. The school went into a soft lockdown as a result.

After the chaos had quelled, Marder was escorted to her vehicle by NYPD and drove herself home.

The following day, then-Principal Scott Milczewski advised Marder to stay home from work and use sick leave, citing safety concerns, according to the court document.

She was later placed on a line-ofduty injury leave, during which discussions took place regarding a safety plan. When given the opportunity to transfer, Marder elected to stay, according to an essay she wrote for

USA Today in April.

for pro-Israel Facebook photo

However, Marder claims that the DOE’s response was inadequate. Despite being fully aware of the threat, she alleges they instead focused more on addressing allegations against her rather than ensuring her safety. In her lawsuit, Marder states the riot caused her “severe psychological and emotional trauma.”

She said she was deprived of her constitutional and common law rights when the DOE and other school officials failed to protect her and prevent the riot from taking place.

She is seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages and is demanding a trial by jury.

The DOE did not respond to a request for comment. Marder is represented by attorney Michael Chessa.

A week after the protest, on Nov. 27, Schools Chancellor David Banks said spreading the notion that the students are radicalized and antiSemitic the “height of irresponsibility” and condemned those who did so, saying the media poured “gasoline on a situation.” He said students

were hurt by those insinuations.

In May, Banks testified before U.S. Congress regarding anti-Semitism in schools.

“The kids who were responsible, who led that effort, engaged clearly in an act of anti-Semitism, and I

dealt with that,” Banks said at the time. He also defended the DOE’s response to anti-Semitism in schools, which includes curricula on preventing hate crimes, and more about the history of Jewish people and the Holocaust. Q

Schools

left,

SCREENSHOTS VIA YOUTUBE / NYC

Schools Chancellor David Banks, at mic, addressed the press after a raucous protest targeting a teacher at Hillcrest High School last November. The teacher is now suing the city Department of Education, citing emotional and economic damages. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO / FILE

Shred paper, donate goods

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) are hosting a joint paper shredding event aimed at assisting constituents in responsibly disposing of personal documents. Attendees can also donate household items to support veterans.

Residents will have the opportunity to securely shred old papers and documents on Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot in Woodhaven. Cardboard, newspapers, file folders, metals and plastics cannot be shredded. There is a limit of three copy boxes per person.

The United Veterans War Council will be present to collect donations for veterans, including clothing, toys, shoes, household goods, books and smaller furniture items.

“It’s crucial to ensure that documents containing sensitive personal information ... are properly shredded and recycled,” Addabbo said. “This event also provides a wonderful chance to aid our veterans. Clear out your home of excess items and donate gently used clothing and furniture to those who have served our country.”

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

American Legion Square

The intersection of Rockaway Boulevard, 90th Avenue and Eldert Lane in Woodhaven last weekend was co-named American Legion Square. The area was officially named “Legion Square” in 1930, dedicated to American Legion Post 118. After attending the event, area Councilwoman Joann Ariola took to social media to

thank the Woodhaven Cultural Society, Woodhaven Residents Block Association, Community Board 9 and veterans for all they do.

“I am proud to support our veterans in the City Council on the veterans’ committee, and will always be the voice for better services for those who selflessly fought for our country,” Ariola wrote. — Kristen Guglielmo

BP hosts high school fair

The high school selection process can be confusing and complicated. To help families with the task, on Sept. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is hosting his annual High School Selection and Awareness Fair at the Helen Marshall Center at Queens Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens.

Representatives from more than three dozen high schools across Queens will be available to speak with prospective students and their families about their respective schools. Staff from the city Department of Education will also provide workshops and answer questions.

“We know just how confusing it can be for many Queens families to apply for high school,” Richards said in a statement. “That’s why our annual High School Selection and Awareness Fair is back at Borough Hall, to help our students and their families navigate the process in a clearer and more enjoyable way. Thank you to all our Queens schools for their continued partnership.”

Those who plan to attend should RSVP at queensbp.nyc.gov/rsvp. Q

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Rosh Hashanah

Wed. Oct. 2

6:15pm followed by community dinner

Dinner reservation required Thu. Oct 3 and Fri. Oct 4

9:30aM - services begin 11:00 - Kids program with prizes 11:30 am - Shofar

6:10pm - Kol Nidrei SAT. Oct 12 10:00aM - services begin 12:00PM - Yizkor memorial service Special dedication to the victims of the Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel. 6:00 pm - concluding prayer followed by break fast Allare welcome

Yom Kippur FRI. OCT 11

EDITORIAL AGEP

Think globally but rezone locally: no to City of Yes

When a group of lawmakers as politically diverse as state Assemblyman Ed Braunstein of Bayside, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman of Springfield Gardens and City Councilwomen Vickie Paladino of Whitestone and Linda Lee of Oakland Gardens all agree on something, they’ve probably got a point. And so it is with their strong opposition to the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan, Mayor Adams’ citywide rezoning proposal.

The problem is right there in the description: It’s a citywide plan, a zoning text amendment that would allow for greater residential density all over the place. Apartment houses where single-family homes are now. No requirement for parking with new construction. Widespread garage and basement conversions — this time, under cover of law.

In some places, it would barely make a difference. How much more can the heart of Long Island City be upzoned? The sky’s the limit already. In others it would make a big difference. Who wants to see properties bought up, combined and replaced with multistory buildings in a place like Broadway-Flushing? Mostly just the developers, their allies in politics and, perhaps most adamantly, those who see zoning as part of an antiquated system that must be replaced.

It’s generally not going to be those who have skin in the game, like many of the more than 200 people who joined Braunstein, Hyndman, Paladino, Lee and many other Eastern Queens elected officials Sept. 16 in Bayside to rally against CoY for Housing Opportunity.

When you choose a low-rise neighborhood, when you work toward ownership of a single-family home, when you invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in that house and take on the myriad responsibilities of maintaining it, you do not want to see your equity lost. You do not want to see your neighborhood drastically changed. If you wanted to live in an apartment house, you could have done that. If you wanted to live in a part of Queens that echoes Manhattan, you could have chosen LIC or Downtown Flushing. But if you chose Middle Village or Howard Beach, Floral Park or Cambria Heights, you wanted something different. And the city should not take it away from you.

“People put their life’s savings into buying their homes,” state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky pointed out at the rally, then saying that they should have a say in zoning changes.

Most of Queens concurs, which is why 12 of our 14 community boards voted against CoY for Housing. Borough

President Donovan Richards tragically approved it, “with conditions,” but those conditions are meaningless. They have no force of law and will be ignored if the plan passes the City Council. It must be stopped. Councilman Bob Holden wrote the mayor last week asking that either the Council vote be delayed until after the 2025 elections, so that people can take the issue into account when voting, or that it be put directly to the people in a referendum. We support either of those ideas.

We are not saying to discard everything in CoY fo r Housing. Most of it has a place somewhere — just not everywhere. The mayor should encourage the construction of new housing the way his predecessor once removed did. Under Mayor Bloomberg, we saw a slew of rezonings, one neighborhood at a time. We can have more. That way you customize things, you listen to people, such as civics, and you get more buy-in than you do with heavy-handed, across-the-board rule-making. Keeping things local is why the state Legislature rejected Gov. Hochul’s housing plan, which is very much like CoY, not once but twice.

Third time pays for all. The City Council must do what the Legislature did and say no to the City of Yes.

by

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Pizza box bin works

Dear Editor:

I am happy to update you on the pizza box bin in Forest Park, which is starting to be used as intended. The regular trash barrel adjacent to this specialized bin was not overflowing by the end of the day, so it looks like it is working. So far, so good!

I hope the concept catches on throughout the city parks, wherever pizza parties are popular.

I look forward to more clever ideas like this one from our Parks Department and will remember to take a moment to celebrate all the winning ideas, whether big or small.

Excelsior, indeed.

Robert Fernando South Richmond Hill

Trash this can plan

Dear Editor:

New York City Mayor Adams and his Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch are taking advantage of NYC homeowners and residents of one- to nine-family dwellings. They are imposing an unreasonable law under the penalty of repeated fines, forcing us to purchase their designated trash bins from their chosen dealer, Otto. Residential buildings of 10 or more units are receiving large bins at no cost. This is unfairly targeting already-burdened homeowners, including retirees and senior citizens.

In the past, it was different. When the city implemented bottle recycling, the Sanitation Department provided those blue bins. When we were required to recycle food waste, we received those brown bins. Now this mayor and his commissioner are targeting homeowners for the benefit of this evidently well-connected company. This is discriminatory and burdensome to a large sector of the NYC population.

With nearly four million housing units in the city, it is probable that about 50 percent will fall under the one- to nine-family category affected by this unfair law. The total cost at $54.60 per bin will add up to $110 million for the benefit of Otto, the provider. Although the mayor and his commissioner may claim NYC does not have the funds now to provide these new bins — as other administrations have done in the past — it will have more than those funds available once it eliminates half of the Sanitation Department’s workforce.

Rebeca Pagan-Rodriguez Whitestone

High hopes for Metro Mall

Dear Editor:

I was glad to see your article last week about the Metro Mall getting “a shiny new look” along with a new name (“Metro Mall to see upgrades this fall,” Sept. 19, multiple editions). It is so depressing to go in there and see all the shuttered stores, several of which I patronized over the years. This will definitely be a positive change for the neighborhood.

Lois Skaretka Forest Hills

Union man salutes Carey

Dear Editor:

What a pleasure it was to read about the legacy and legend of Ron Carey (“Ron Carey found a more perfect union in LIC,” I Have Often Walked, Sept. 19).

I was a member of Local 804, which covers UPS union members in four of the five boroughs plus all of Long Island and the Mount

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Vernon and Elmsford areas. I recently retired after 35 years and I stood on that picket line in August of 1997 against UPS and all of big business because if UPS lost, that meant everyone else could in the future.

Ron Carey beat UPS but had to pay the price with false charges being brought against him by his enemies and corporate America. In the end, he may not have won his final battle, but he surely won the war.

David Conlin Howard Beach

Hearings helps animals

Dear Editor:

I was one of the 150 people who gave a testimony regarding the city’s ineptitude in animal rescue and lack of propriety in combating the overpopulation of animals, and lack of spay/ neuter clinics in NYC. What you realize in all of the five hours plus of listening, is that the Dept. of Health does absolutely nothing in solving this problem. Nor do they even care to ask for money from the council board members of the city’s health committee, to even attempt to tackle the dilemma. It’s as if they don’t even care, which they don’t. They refuse to do anything about the need for license tags, where the fees could bring much needed money to support such a program, as they did in the early decades, well over 50 years ago.

One idea that was popular, was that if your dog was found with a NYC dog license tag and injured, the ASPCA, that was under animal control at that time, would administer hospital treatment while trying to reach you at the moment. What we have now is nothing. The Dept. of Health can’t even solve the rat problem! What holds this city back is their behavior or ineptness to our city’s needs, whether it be the people or the animals they purport to help.

I applaud our council members on both sides that truly care about our city’s animal problems. I won’t be redundant in again reiterating what went on as the Queens Chronicle had an excellent article by Michael Gannon, of what was spoken about at the hearings. You can also see the whole event online. It’s worth a look.

Joan Silaco Queens Village

Reparations are a rip-off

Dear Editor:

Re. Naelsha Rose’s Sept. 19 report: “Council votes to approve reparations bills.” The City Council’s action is a woke joke and taxpayer rip-off imposed by far left lunatics. I applaud Queens’ three Council members who opposed the measures, and the common sense of Staten Island Councilman David Carr, who noted that “No one currently living in our city had anything to with the evils of slavery, and the vast majority of New Yorkers are descendants of

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immigrants who came here after it was abolished” (NY Post, Sept. 13).

Ultra-liberal San Francisco established a reparations advisory committee which proposed paying $5 million dollars to each Black city resident, costing taxpayers $175 billion. Mayor London Breed rejected the proposal. California Gov. Gavin Newsome vetoed a similar proposal by a state advisory commission, that would have cost $800 billion (NY Post, Sept. 13).

Instead of wasting money on unfair reparations payments, use that dough to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Rego branch boondoggle

Dear Editor:

I read with interest your article about the persistent scheme of the Queens Public Library headquarters in Jamaica to go ahead with expanding the Rego Park branch. (“Rego Park Library design complete,” Sept. 19, multiple editions).

As I wrote on this topic in Queens Chronicle over a year ago, I am at that branch regularly, and the library is always half empty. No expansion is necessary! What is the point of expanding it, and going ahead with a highly expensive project of this sort, which we really can’t afford due to the budget crisis? I strongly suspect the real reason is to select a builder, without the use of legitimate competitive bidding, who will make a huge profit by using delaying tactics to drag out construction for several years. It took only 410 days to construct the Empire State building in the depths of the Great Depression. It should take an absolute maximum of three to four months to expand the library. Cancel this boondoggle, or postpone it at least, for the next five years or more; until the migrant crisis is over and NYC is no longer being crushed by a financial deficit.

Clifton Wellman Elmhurst

Defending detonating pagers

Dear Editor:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) condemned Israel for detonating pagers and walkie-talkies used exclusively by members of Hezbollah, a powerful terrorist organization based in Lebanon. The highest priority of the Israeli government is to safeguard the lives of the Israeli people. The highest priority of Hezbollah is to destroy the state of Israel. To achieve this goal, Hezbollah regularly fires rockets and drones into Israeli towns.

Because Hezbollah distributed the pagers and walkie-talkies only to its own members, Israel’s decision to detonate them was intended to target only the members of Hezbollah, and to avoid harming civilians not associated with Hezbollah. This decision should teach Hezbollah members to distance themselves from Lebanese civilians. These detonations saved Israeli lives in the near term by disrupting the ability of Hezbollah to communicate their plans to continue attacking Israel. Does Hamas distribute pagers and walkie-talkies to its members?

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

FAITH TALK

Pastor Stephen Roser

Stephen Roser is the pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God Church

As surely as day follows night, unwavering faith will receive a breakthrough. You must hold on to God’s Word, especially in your dark nights when you’re tempted to waiver. A bright day of God’s presence may be awaiting you, and you must not let go until it dawns.

The Bible is like a lantern. “You will do well to pay attention to it as for a light shining in a dark place until the day dawns…” (2 Peter 1:19).

When you commit sin, and guilt darkens your mind throwing a shadow over everything, and you cannot sense that you are forgiven, just persist in believing that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:19). Suddenly, hope will well up within,

things will get brighter, and joy and peace will find their way into your heart. When heavy depression settles upon you, know that “weeping may stay for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:4). If suddenly a rift comes between you and your children, begin to pray for a healing of the relationship in the name of Jesus, believing that God can “…turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents…” (Malachi 4:6).

When the dawn breaks, you’ll doubt your doubts and laugh when anyone suggests to you that it’s not real. And you will face your coming nights with faith and not with fear.

Hundreds pay respects at the Run for Richie

More than 900 people hit the road last Saturday for the annual Run for Richie, a memorial motorcycle ride honoring Howard Beach’s Richard Pearlman, the youngest first responder lost on 9/11.

Attendees met up at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and rode to the World Trade Center in Manhattan, led by event hosts, the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps and NYC Punishers Motorcycle Club. Multiple city agencies helped

with the event, including the Parks Department, FDNY and NYPD Highway Patrol, which both escorted the riders into the city and joined in on the patriotic tribute.

Speakers included one the event’s primary organizers, PJ Marcel, as well as the Rev. Michael Panicali of St. Helen Church in Howard Beach, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Jane DaCosta, a U.S. Navy veteran and founder of Metropolitan Equestrian. — Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTOS

District 30 Councilman asks Mayor to put the proposal up for a vote Holden to Adams: Pause City of Yes

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Associate Editor

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) urged Mayor Adams last Tuesday to delay his proposed City of Yes for Housing Opportunity legislation and let New Yorkers vote on it in the 2025 municipal elections.

The proposal contains several measures that aim to alleviate the city’s housing crisis, such as allowing accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages, converting vacant office spaces to housing and enacting zoning changes that would loosen housing density restrictions in one- and two- family zones.

Holden said in his letter that the city should focus on upgrading and maintaining its infrastructure before it implements “any major development plans.”

The city’s electric grid, roads, sewer systems and schools are “already under tremendous strain,” he said.

“Without addressing these critical needs, the initiative risks overwhelming our city’s already stretched resources,” he wrote.

Holden said many community boards and civic associations oppose the City of Yes proposal. He and Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) made their disapproval clear at a Community Board 5 meeting earlier this year.

spaces to housing. He said all New Yorkers have a role to play in addressing the housing crisis.

CB 9 Chair Sherry Algredo wrote a letter last week to the City Council stating her opposition.

“I ask our elected officials and those in power to understand they are silencing and ignoring the voices of the voters by supporting City of Yes,” she wrote. “A very high percentage of voters are against the City of Yes and we ask that those voices not be silenced for representing our community.”

More than 200 area residents joinedAssemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and other elected officials for a press conference against the plan last Tuesday, including Councilmembers Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone). Lee said community boards 8, 11, 12 and 13 struck down the proposal.

Boards 1 and 2 in Western Queens, however, voted yes with conditions.

Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano told the Chronicle that although the Zoning and Land Use committee was “not so opposed to” some provisions, such as adding a second story above some businesses, it was against much of the proposal. Basement, cellar and garage apartments were “a big part of their fear,” he said.

properties, that are within half a mile of the train station, so I think the fear was that you could have buildings significantly taller than the surrounding buildings,” he said.

“We have a lot of properties, residential

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Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) told the Chronicle last week that he feels “encouraged” by some aspects of the legislation, such as converting vacant office

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards did, too. One condition of his approval is quarterly public reports on the impact of increased density on infrastructure, such as classroom capacity and hospital bed availability.

Unanimity is unlikely when the City Council votes on it, which it is scheduled to do by the end of the year. Q

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) cited widespread opposition in his district to Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA / FILE

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Queens electeds denounce Jay Varma

Councilmembers demand special hearing for former Covid Czar

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

City employees, business owners and those whose loved ones died during the Covid pandemic joined the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus for a press conference on Monday to address senior public health advisor under former Mayor de Blasio Dr. Jay Varma’s participation in sex parties during his time serving.

Conservative podcaster Steven Crowder posted hidden camera footage last week of Varma discussing those parties with a woman who remained off camera.

Crowder also posted footage of Varma claiming that pressure from the teachers’ union fueled the administration’s decision to keep schools closed.

After that footage went public, Varma made a statement admitting that he engaged in “two private gatherings” while he served in City Hall from April 2020 to May 2021. He said he has been “targeted by an operative for an extremist right-wing organization determined to malign public health officials and take down the public health system in America.”

The conversations overheard in the footage were “secretly recorded, spliced, diced, and taken out of context,” he said, and he conceded to “not using the best judgment at the time.”

spoke at the press conference.

“The Covid-19 mandate and shutdown that was imposed on city workers, school children, business owners and all our residents has caused irreparable damage to so many of those lives,” Ariola said. “It is time to reinstate and compensate all the city workers who were forced to retire, resigned or were terminated because of the Covid-19 vaccination mandate.”

Groups like Bravest for Choice, Teachers for Choice and Cops for Freedom, who rejected the vaccine mandate for city employees, also spoke.

“The events of this dark period of New York history will serve as a reminder of the grave responsibility our leaders carry during crises and we must ensure that such actions are never repeated, nor forgotten,” Paladino said.

Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) denounced former Covid Czar Dr. Jay Varma, who participated in sex parties during Covid.

Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) wrote a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon on Thursday to request an investigation to “[uncover] the full extent of Dr. Varma’s conduct” in the summer of 2020.

“Dr. Jay Varma admitted to not only being a total dirtbag, but also to violating the very

PHOTO COURTESY COUNCILMAN BOB HOLDEN / FACEBOOK

rules that New Yorkers were forced to follow during the pandemic,” he said, via the event’s press release. “His admissions are criminal and both he and Mayor de Blasio must face consequences for the incredible damage they did to this city.”

Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) also

WH doc charged with sex abuse

Amir Sitafalwalla pleaded not guilty to fondling two patients

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A Woodhaven doctor was charged Sept. 9 with third degree sexual abuse and forcible touching after he allegedly touched and complimented the genitalia of two patients.

According to the criminal complaint obtained from the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the first instance occurred on Jan. 19, 2023, at ModernMD Urgent Care, at 89-22 Jamaica Ave., within the confines of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct.

A male patient visited for a Covid test, and as he was lying down on the examination bed, Amir Sitafalwalla, 72, allegedly asked the patient to unbuckle his pants.

Sitafalwalla then allegedly grabbed and complimented the patient’s sex organ and compared it to his own.

He then asked the patient to remove his mask and kissed him.

In the second instance, on Aug. 14, 2024 at the same medical office, Sitafalwalla asked a male patient to drop his pants, according to the criminal complaint.

He then started rubbing the patient’s inner thigh, and allegedly began to rub his genitals without his consent and again complimented and compared the patient’s sex

Amir Sitafalwalla, 72, a doctor who worked at an urgent care office in Woodhaven, has been charged with third degree sexual abuse and forcible touching in two separate cases. Cops are asking any other potential victims to come forward.

PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

organ to his own.

Sitafalwalla was arrested for this instance on Sept. 9, and released after posting bail on

Sept. 11. He pleaded not guilty in both cases.

His defense attorney is Kyle Watters, and he is due in court for both cases on Nov. 13.

The Queens District Attorney’s Office and the Queens Special Victims Squad are investigating these allegations and have specially trained professionals who can speak with victims in a safe environment.

This year-to-date, according to data from the NYPD, the 102nd Precinct has seen 29 reported instances of rape as of Sept. 15, the same as this time last year.

In other sex crimes, the 102 has seen 36 occurrences this year, down 18.2 percent from last year’s 44 occurrences.

Anyone who may have had any type of contact with Sitafalwalla can contact the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline at (212) 267RAPE (7273).

Victims can come forward by calling the NYPD’s Sexual Assault Hotline at (646) 6107272, Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X.

All tips are strictly confidential. Q

The Common Sense Caucus called on the City Council to hold a special hearing to examine Varma’s claims and subpoena him, former Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi and former Mayor de Blasio.

“As the oversight body of City government, the New York City Council should thoroughly investigate these allegations and the role Dr. Varma, Mayor de Blasio, and others may have played in misleading the public,” the letter reads.

Several reports say Varma was dismissed from SIGA Technologies on Monday. Q

MTA bus cam grace period

On Sept. 16, the Q43 bus route, which runs between the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road station and 268th Street and Hillside Avenue in Floral Park, was among 10 routes in the city that entered a 60-day warning period under the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new Automatic Camera Enforcement program.

Owners of vehicles found blocking bus stops or illegally double parking will be sent warning notices by mail until the end of the grace period. After that, $50 tickets will be issued via busmounted cameras. Fines can reach $250 for repeat offenders.

On Sept. 30, 10 more routes in the city will enter a 60-day warning period, including the Q5, which runs between the Jamaica Parsons-Archer subway terminal and Green Acres Mall in Nassau County; the Q53 SBS route from Roosevelt Avenue and 61st Street in Woodside to Beach 116th Street in Rockaway Beach; and the Q69, which runs between Queens Plaza in Long Island City and 82nd Street in Jackson Heights.

The MTA said 1,000 buses in the city will have ACE cameras by Oct. 1. Q — Michael Gannon

SNAP seniors leave Creedmoor

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The board of directors for the Services Now for Adult Persons of Eastern Queens, an older adult center located on the Creedmoor campus, said in a letter issued on Sept. 19, that it is losing its members because of safety concerns surrounding the migrant tent city on the complex.

Since the tent compound was put up in April 2023, Corey Bearak, SNAP’s board chair, said the older adult center, located at 80-45 Winchester Blvd. in Building 4 in Queens Village, has endured many logistical and operational issues on the Avenue C corridor at the campus.

“This main roadway is used for all deliveries to SNAP and the tents and is used by SNAP’s Meals-on-Wheels drivers to load up their vehicles for their route deliveries,” said Bearak in the letter.

“In addition, parking for both the Older Adults and SNAP staff was significantly reduced by the existence of the tents requiring staff and Older Adults to park further away from the SNAP building or not finding spots at all,” said Bearak. “This includes parking across Avenue C within the gated area in front of the SNAP Building.”

One SNAP’s advisory board member, who wished to remain anonymous, said that many seniors have expressed their concerns about safety because they do not believe that all of the approximately 1,400 asylum seekers are vetted, resulting in some people deciding to stay away.

“I decided I was going to come down there,”

Many have migrant security concerns

said the advisory board member. “We have had problems with the staff [managing the migrants] parking on our grounds, there has been loitering outside either side of the fence and right in front of our center and they have been littering ... There have been a few times some have come toward the entrance of the grounds and set up a picnic area.”

The board member says as seniors leave the facility, migrants start to panhandle.

“It’s just not pleasant,” said the board member. “They have a lot of fear. Also, anyone can walk into our center, which is why there is a big safety issue there. At the beginning, there was a security firm, but we do not see them anymore.”

NYC Health + Hospitals, which manages the tent city, did not respond to a request for comment.

The advisory board member said about onefifth or approximately 20 of its 100 members have left because of the lack of parking and security concerns. Sometimes there are up to 150 seniors during major events.

“What happens is these people end up staying home in their house and they end up isolating themselves,” said the board member. “We have a caseworker, there is exercising, there are deejays, we have parties, we have mental health presentations and all kinds of stuff and I teach a sewing class,” said the board member. “We need to be stimulated as seniors, not afraid.”

Howard Beach demands answers

continued from page 4

parks in Howard Beach, and will tour the area and respond to calls as they come. He added that the agency has “the ability to put additional resources and units out there.”

Capt. Berkley Vantull, the commanding officer of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct, said they will do joint operations with Park Police to address the animal cruelty.

By the meeting’s conclusion, the HBLC requested continued lighting in the sacrifice areas, expedited installation of cameras at Charles and Hamilton Beach parks,

trimming of overgrowth and a full cleanup along the Spring Creek area and the securing of all entrances its off-limits areas.

NPS agreed to meet weekly with the group until requested conditions have been met and the animal sacrifices cease.

The Howard Beach Lindenwood, Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel civic groups all requested a permanent dedicated patrol for the affected areas, an idea supported by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and Ariola. Q

Another advisory board member, who also is a Bellerose resident, 68, said that Health + Hospitals promised members of SNAP before the tent city was constructed, that the migrants will not be on the grounds of the OAC.

“But lately, I’ve seen that they are loitering outside the facility,” said the Bellerose resident. “They are littering there and it’s leaving a sore eye to the people. They also said the landscape will not be altered and that they had some guidelines and policy to make sure that they have a caseworker to help them find them a job and that they gave them an ID.”

According to the advisory members, some of the migrants have set up a picnic area outside the facility and are drinking, as well as smoking weed.

“It seems like after hours, they are on the facility,” said the board member. “Before, there was police that made sure they didn’t step on the grounds, but now they are loitering ... frequently for months.”

The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment.

Greg Rose, a spokesman for the city Department for the Aging said City Hall is working tirelessly to give migrants the opportunity they need so that they too can begin using their skills and talents to contribute to their new neighborhoods.

“The Department for the Aging remains

deeply committed and in support of migrants of all ages, helping ensure city-funded programs and services remain accessible and high quality,” Rose said via email. “When the migrant shelter opened at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, we worked with SNAP Queens older adult center to ensure their operations would not be disrupted, and the opportunities to support older Queens residents continue.”

Rose said seniors may call 911 for safety concerns or visit their local precinct.

The Mayor’s Office said it has been serving 217,300 asylum seekers over the past two years, and has helped about 70 percent take the next steps on their journey, and the Creedmoor location is one of more than 210 emergency sites.

“While this is not an ideal option, we have been out of good options for housing migrants for a while,” said Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for the Mayor’s Office. “The Creedmoor site is just one tool in our very limited toolbox for sheltering hundreds of migrants every night.” Q

DEC discusses air quality study

continued from page 2

ants is linked to increased risks of developing asthma and heart disease, the DEC found. Queens had the most truck traffic out of all 10 monitored sites.

“These traffic-related air pollutants ... [impact] us whether we’re riding our bike, walking on the street or in the vehicles themselves,” DEC research scientist Dominic Moronta said.

In terms of neighborhoods, the DEC found higher pollutant levels in Jamaica, Flushing, Sunnyside and Corona.

“Disadvantaged communities are our most vulnerable population,” LaFarr said. “Just based on some of the health impacts that they’re already feeling, they’re more susceptible to the impacts of air pollution.”

Mary Parisen Lavelle attended the meeting although she no longer lives in Queens — she used to live three doors away from the main rail line on Otto Road in Glendale. She is co-chair of Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, which formed in 2009 to address quality-of-life issues related to freight rail transportation.

“I have to commend the DEC for doing this because they have included rail in their study, which we’re very happy about. Many of these disadvantaged communities, many of the people don’t know how to advocate for themselves, which is sad, so this is good,” she said. “But now we have the

information, what are we going to do with it?”

Woodside resident Laura Shepard mentioned the study at a recent Community Board 2 meeting. Asked about it via email, she noted “significant pollution” around highways, major arterial roads, power plants and airports.

“I think we need to swiftly implement congestion pricing to simultaneously fund the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] and improve our transit system and deter private car owners from congesting our streets, polluting our air and slowing down our buses,” she said.

The DEC will continue to work with communities and run public meetings through October. It will hear community feedback through the end of the year.

LaFarr said the DEC often partners with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which she said “may already have some funding mechanisms in place that could serve this purpose as well.”

The DEC will convene all 10 study areas and start outlining a final report this winter, with a draft report slated for release in the summer.

There will be a virtual meeting for all communities from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 23. Visit tinyurl.com/4mjwrzjv to register.

To take the DEC’s community survey, visit tinyurl.com/ntafddt4. Q

The SNAP of Eastern Queens main entrance in Queens Village. COURTESY PHOTO SNAP

MTA seeks $68B capital plan

Lieber

says agency needs to build on momentum

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Speaking in Corona last week, Janno Lieber, the chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said the five-year, $55 billion capital budget that is about to conclude has allowed the agency to make historic investments and gains.

He and the MTA board now are asking the state to approve a $68.4 billion for the 202529 plan.

“The $55 billion 2020-24 plan has made a difference,” Lieber said on a video streamed from the Corona Yard subway car storage and maintenance facility in the shadow of the elevated No. 7 line. “But we need to build on this momentum, and we are now proposing $68.5 billion for the next five years. $68 billion is a big number, but I am sure it is the right number.”

Among the big-ticket items Lieber is looking to fund are 2,000 new subway and commuter train cars; 75 miles of new, modern signal systems; and handicap accessibility in 60 or more subway and commuter rail stations.

Then there is basic maintenance of things, some of which are almost as old as the 100plus year-old subways, like electric systems, signs and the structural integrity of tunnels and elevated train tracks, all of which Lieber

has said have been allowed to decay over decades, a decay Lieber said needs to be arrested.

He said subway cars bought 40 years ago when the likes of Richard Ravitch rescued the MTA from disaster by creating its first five-year plan have now aged beyond their sustainable life.

“A lot of the infrastructure is over 100 years old,” he said. “If the system is going to survive, let alone grow and prosper, we’re going to need to deal with this stuff and not put off dealing with it any longer.”

Lieber had brought up the importance of behind-the-scenes maintenance when speaking with a group of reporters less than a week earlier.

“Do you know what you get when you don’t maintain your power systems? New Jersey,” he said, alluding to NJ Transit’s recent spate of troubling delays.

The chairman also is seeking $2.75 billion for the design and initial construction stages of the Interborough Express, a light rail commute rail line proposed to run between Jackson Heights and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn [see separate story in some editions or at qchron. com].

“Now I know the question we are going to face quickly is ‘How are you going to fund this?’” Lieber said. “My question is how do you not?”

As always, the MTA now must sell its plan to Gov. Hochul and the state Legislature, who both have to come to an agreement on how much the agency can spend.

Lieber stood ready to defend his board’s funding request, referring to the No. 7 line just outside the rail yard. He said one of the MTA’s busiest lines also has become the most reliable since investing in communication-based train control systems.

“This is one of the best performing lines in the entire subway system, and it’s a model for what we’re trying to accomplish all over the region” Lieber said.

“We all deserve the No. 7 experience — two-to three-minute headway [between trains] during peak, four to six minutes off peak, made possible by first-class, modern CBTC signaling. And it delivers, consistently, 90-plus percent on-time performance. The kind of transit that makes things happen.”

He said it will take time and cost money.

“While this is unsexy work I’m talking about, it will bring improvements for riders,” he said. “Old subway and railroad cars break down six or seven times more frequently than new cars. So the people who are riding on those lines with the older subway cars — you know who you are —you’re going to get fewer delays because of equipment failures.” Q

AG: Keep guns from Caribbean

State Attorney General Tish James and her counterparts from 12 other states and the District of Columbia have written to Congressional leaders asking them to support legislation designed to curb gun smuggling from the United States to Caribbean countries.

The four-page letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) can be found online at tinyurl.com/34xsxv7w.

“This flow of guns from the United States to the Caribbean has devastating effects in our neighbors and has contributed to high homicide rates,” the letter states, saying Jamaica has a homicide rate of 53.3 per 100,000, calling it the highest rate of countries with reliable statistics. The Jamaican Security Ministry estimates at least 200 guns arrive from the U.S. each month. The Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm, or CATCH Act, in HR 7799 and S 4067, would require regular reporting to Congress from the Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecution. Q

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As schools chancellor bows out, Adams dodges questions

Mayor

insists federal investigations not impeding his management of the city

by Katie Honan THE CITY

This article was originally published on Sept. 24 at 4:02 p.m. EDT by THE CITY.

Mayor Eric Adams was on the defensive during his weekly press conference following a bruising seven days of reporting on federal probes surrounding City Hall — while several members of his administration were conspicuously absent.

He insisted the sprawling investigations and high-profile exits won’t stop him from doing his job, recruiting good talent, or being re-elected.

“My job is to deliver for the people of this city and to stay focused,” Adams said.

His statements came just hours before PIX11 posted a letter of resignation from schools chancellor David Banks — a close ally of Adams’ who was among the members of his administration targeted in a Sept. 4 wave of federal law enforcement search raids that also hit Banks’ brothers, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks and Terence Banks, a consultant to companies seeking city business.

Since the mayor’s last “off-topic” media briefing on Sept. 17, the feds have subpoenaed his asylum-seeker czar, Molly Schaeffer and searched the homes of interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon — who came in to replace Eddie Caban, who resigned in the face of federal investigations earlier this month.

On Friday, Politico first reported that city Sheriff Anthony Miranda also faces a Department of Investigation probe and on Monday the

Daily News confirmed that it is related to smoke shop raids.

Also on Monday, the New York Times reported that federal investigators are looking into at least six countries’ connection to the Adams mayoral campaign and possible illegal foreign donations.

That same day, city Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said he would be leaving at the end of the year to spend more time with his family.

The

Evidence of Absence

At his Tuesday media briefing, Adams had no administration lawyers present, following the abrupt departures of general counsel Lisa Zornberg last week and corporation counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix in May.

Also absent was First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, whose home — that she shares with Banks — was raided by federal authorities on Sept. 4.

And chief advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin has ostensibly been on vacation in Japan for more than a week.

The absence of Lewis-Martin at the Tuesday presser for the second week in a row fueled long-standing rumors that she’s headed for the exit, although Adams denied that.

Reached overseas by THE CITY and asked about chatter that she was looking to escape the embattled administration, Lewis-Martin said “I have made it clear from day one that I am not doing eight years.”

When she is ready to leave, she added, “I

will let everyone know. It will not be a secret.”

Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Philip Banks, whose home was raided in early September, was missing from the news briefing as well, but he rarely shows up.

Faced with repeated questions about the appearance of staffers abandoning a sinking ship, Adams said the turnover was natural and had insisted he had no shortage of competent replacements.

“City Hall is a deep bench and we have a reservoir of talent in this city,” he said. “We’re not going to have a problem filling any of these positions, people want to be in city government.”

He announced he planned to bring on Rory Whelan, who he knew as a longtime staffer in the state senate, for a not-yet-announced role. Whelan currently serves as a regional vice president for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Mounting Malfeasance

Meanwhile, reporting on his administration and those who’ve had their phones seized by the feds continues.

On Sunday, THE CITY reported that Adams senior advisor Tim Pearson — who is also under federal investigation — delayed a

NYBC blood drives at JFK and around Queens

“Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage. To help via a blood donation or a financial gift to the nonprofit, visit nybc.org.

There are four places in and around Eastern and Southeast Queens listed now to donate blood:

• Holy Child Jesus Church, gym, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles;

• St. Nicholas of Tolentine church,

Tolentine Hall, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13, 150-75 Goethals Ave. in Jamaica Hills; blood drive coordinator Nilda Vargas; and

• American Airlines-JFK, Terminal 8 Welcome Center, JFK Airport in Jamaica, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16; blood drive coordinator Alex Perez; and

• St. John’s University, Taffner Field House room 202, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Safiyah Seelochan.

Additionally, there are several blood

drives in and around Central and Western Queens listed now to donate blood:

• Queens Center Mall, busmobile, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, 90-15 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst; blood drive coordinator Kelly Cefai;

• The Shops at Atlas Park, next to TJ Maxx, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale; blood drive coordinator Armando Echeverry;

• The Church-in-the-Gardens, gym, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, 15 Borage Place in Forest Hills; blood drive coordinator James March; Q

migrant contract for months, blocking services to asylum seekers.

Then on Monday, THE CITY revealed that a security firm once owned by Phil Banks was able to get on a city list that makes it easier to get coveted municipal contracts.

Adams on Tuesday did not answer questions on Banks’ role in the company, called Overwatch, and whether he could provide documentation showing he was no longer financially involved.

The mayor’s spokespeople did not respond to an email asking for any proof of his dissolution.

Federal investigators have also seized the phones of Terence Banks, brother to Phil and David, and an employee of Florida-based tech firm Saferwatch — suggesting the probe goes beyond just contracts related to the migrant crisis.

Adams also didn’t answer questions on Pearson, including specifics on how he may have saved the city money overseeing migrant contracts. Q

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

Our Neighbors Civic’s next monthly meeting

All are welcome to the next Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park meeting on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m., at Saint Sylvester’s Knights of Columbus at 101-18 101 Ave.

Area elected officials and their representatives, as well as members of the NYPD’s 106th and 102nd precincts, will be in attendance. All area politicians running for election this November are invited for a candidate’s forum.

Former NBA player Michael Sweetney also will attend, and one lucky winner will nab an autographed photo.

Those with questions should call Joe Caruana at (917) 589-5555. Q

Mayor Eric Adams at his weekly press conference at City Hall on Tuesday. PHOTOS BY ALEX KRALES / THE CITY

Mayor Eric Adams and his remaining team on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.

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Queens-Brooklyn rail link MTA asks state for IBX down payment

Agency requests $2.75 billion for startup of

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Gov. Hochul and several members of the Legislature have been vocal supporters of plans for the Interborough Express.

Now the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is asking them to ante up the money to begin building it.

The MTA last week, in its five-year, $68 billion capital spending proposal for 2025-29 [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com], recommended spending $2.75 billion for the initial stages of a passenger light rail line that would run 14 miles between Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights and the Brooklyn waterfront in Bay Ridge.

The aim is to establish a faster northsouth route between the boroughs that doesn’t need to go into Manhattan and come back; but still connects with a number of bus and subway lines that can go there.

MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA construction and development, pushed for inclusion of IBX funding on Sept. 18 in a press conference at the MTA’s Corona Yard storage and repair facility across from Citi Field.

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“Gov. Hochul has been a major champion of the project, and it’s not hard to understand why,” Lieber said. “More than 60 percent of IBX corridor residents commute within Brooklyn and Queens. A more direct connection will give them time back with their families. And that is super, super important.”

The light rail system will be built alongside an existing but lightly used freight rail line that was first built in 1876 and carried passenger traffic until 1924.

The Jackson Heights stop would be three blocks from the subway and bus hub at 74th Street-Broadway. The plan on the table right now also includes Queens stops at Myrtle Avenue, at the Ridgewood-Glendale border; Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village; Eliot Avenue at the Maspeth-Middle Village border; and Grand Avenue in Maspeth.

Brooklyn sites on the MTA’s list include Wilson Avenue just over the border and the Atlantic Avenue Long Island Rail Road transit hub. Thirteen of the 19 new stations would have direct transfers to subway lines.

The MTA estimates it could transport 115,000 riders on weekdays in trains that could carry 360 passengers each. Cars could be added to extend rider capacity if there is increased future demand.

The route at some point would have to come up to street-grade level to avoid having to dig a tunnel beneath All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village.

The MTA wants to move freight tracks from the center to one side of the existing right of way, while placing north- and southbound light rail tracks next to them.

Speaking with about a dozen reporters at a roundtable meeting in Jamaica on Sept. 12, Lieber said their initial surveys also have determined that more than 40 bridges passing over the existing tracks would have to be renovated, expanded or replaced to accommodate the passenger rails. Q

“It will connect with 17 subway lines, more than 50 bus routes and the Long Island Rail Road.” Torres-Springer said. The total cost is estimated to be about $5.5 billion. Should the request be approved by Hochul and the Legislature, the initial $2.75 billion will go toward completing the environmental review; design and engineering; and some initial construction work.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority wants Interborough Express funding in its new five-year capital plan.

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DA: Two arrested in $10M pot seizure

Authorities say 8,000 lbs. of illegal weed, products found in Floral Park

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Authorities have charged two Brooklyn residents after seizing what Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s Office said was more than four tons of marijuana and marijuana product from a Floral Park warehouse on Sept. 17.

The execution of a search warrant was carried out in coordination with the NYPD and New York City Sheriff’s Office. Katz’s press release also said smaller amounts of psilocybin products, which contain magic mushrooms, and crystal meth also were found.

The DA’s Office estimated the street value of the haul to be approximately $10 million.

Officials said Awad Aziz, 31, and Muneer Kassim, 34, were arraigned Sept. 18 on charges of second- fourth- and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of first degree criminal possession of cannabis.

Queens Criminal Court Judge Edward Daniels ordered the defendants to return to court on Nov. 12.

If convicted of the top count, they each face a potential maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

“The proliferation of illegal cannabis shops in our neighborhoods are supplied by large warehouse operations without any over-

sight or regulations in place,” Katz said in her statement. “We are targeting these locations to prevent dangerous, unregulated and untaxed products from being sold in our communities. My office stands resolute in cracking down on the illegal production and sale of recreational drugs in our neighborhoods.”

According to the charges, the NYPD, assisted by the Sheriff’s Office, began the investigation into the warehouse at 88-08 Little Neck Parkway at the beginning of August.

The District Attorney’s Office joined the case soon afterward.

Law enforcement officers executed the warrant at 6 p.m. on Sept. 17.

In addition to what authorities characterized as an extensive storage area inside the building, officials reportedly observed a separate area where concentrated cannabis products were allegedly produced by pressing the vegetative cannabis to obtain the liquid extract, which would then be loaded into plastic cartridges.

The total amount of illegal, unregulated product was loaded into two dump trucks, weighing approximately four tons, or 8,000 pounds.

The DA’s Office said Aziz and Kassim were arrested near the premises at the time of the search. Q

Alleged brothel busted off R’velt

Police raid location featured on Chronicle front page

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Police raided an alleged house of ill repute just off Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst on Sept. 18, arresting two men and one woman on prostitution-related charges.

The police action occurred at 40-19 Case Street, on a corner that had been featured on the front page of the Sept. 12 Western Queens edition of the Chronicle to illustrate alleged illicit activity in the Roosevelt Avenue corridor. The photo showed several women, their identities obscured, at a spot sources said is known for illegal sex work.

Now one woman, 21-year-old Jairimar Garcia of the Bronx, has been charged with prostitution following the 7 p.m. raid, while two men, Victor Velasquez, 32, of 92nd Street in East Elmhurst, and Dipesh Shinde, 37, of 41st Avenue in Elmhurst, have been charged with patronizing prostitution, according to the NYPD press office.

Elmhurst, next to a flower shop and steps from Roosevelt Avenue. The site was seen in the Queens Chronicle Sept. 12.

Democratic District Leader Hiram Monserrate and the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Ave. Coalition, which have been active in opposing prostitution and other illicit activities in the area, issued statements applauding the action, which they said was conducted by the Human Trafficking Squad and the 110th Precinct.

“Our coalition is clear,” said group leader Ramon Ramirez. “We need our police offi-

cers to continue to do their jobs and make arrests when warranted. We as a community support ... police.”

Monserrate thanked media outlets that have reported on the situation, especially 1010 WINS news radio, for covering the “crisis our community is confronting.”

The group plans a rally at 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at the 90th Street Triangle, on Roosevelt just across from the site of the alleged brothel. Q

Wife charged in stab death

A 74-year-old College Point woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her 76-year-old husband to death in their home last Friday.

Police said Lai Chun Ho was charged with murder and fourthdegree criminal possession of a weapon after officers from the 109th Precinct responded to a 911 call and found her husband, Kuen Tat Ho, suffering from multiple stab wounds at their 120th Street home.

Police said the victim had multiple stab wounds to his head, back and abdomen. EMS personnel transported him to NewYork Presbyterian Queens hospital in Flushing, where he was pronounced dead.

The Daily News, citing police sources, reported that it was Lai Chun Ho herself who called police, and that she told the 911 operator that she had just killed her husband.

The paper reported that the couple has a special needs son who lives in the home but was asleep at the time of the incident; and that a kitchen knife that is believed to have been the weapon was recovered in the home. Q — Michael Gannon

Law enforcement executing a search warrant allegedly seized four tons of illegal marijuana and marijuana products worth an estimated $10 million in an early evening raid in Floral Park on Sept. 17. A statement from the Queens District Attorney’s Office said two Brooklyn residents were arrested.

PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS DA

Police lead a woman out of an alleged brothel in

PHOTO COURTESY HIRAM MONSERRATE

New Juniper track no longer looks it

Track has “deteriorated” since reopening almost two years ago

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

The recently renovated track at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village already needs work, some residents say.

It reopened to the public in November 2022 after storm drainage complications delayed its projected completion date by seven months.

As the second anniversary of its completion approaches, the infant track is “disgusting,” Community Board 5 Parks Chair Steven Fiedler said at the Sept. 10 meeting posted on YouTube. Other attendees concurred, calling it “terrible.”

There are presently two holes on opposite sides of the track, one closest to the hockey rink and baseball field and a larger one near Lutheran Avenue.

Fiedler said the board “fought hard” to install a concrete base instead of the former asphalt one, which caused the track to bubble when water seeped into its seams and interacted with warm weather.

The reconstructed track has a concrete base, but not the thick rows of mondo rubber that lasted about 20 years “without any major problems,” CB 5 District Manager Gary Giordano told the Chronicle.

“I don’t know the reason why the track is that deteriorated,” he said. “But the prior

The track at Juniper Valley Park finished renovations in November 2022, but residents say it is already deteriorating.

running track ... was a rubberized track, they call it mondo rubber. And that lasted a long time.”

The Parks and Recreation Department was able to replace a portion of the rubberized track when it was necessary, but Giordano said he “[doesn’t] know what they’re gonna do in this situation.

“I’m not exactly sure what that material

is, but it’s much thinner,” he said. “The rubber wouldn’t have, in my opinion, peeled like that.”

Parks Press Officer Judd Faulkner told the Chronicle that during reconstruction, the original paved asphalt track was replaced with post-tension concrete due to soil and rock instability.

He said the manufacturer of the original

surface does not have a product available that would adhere to a concrete surface, which led to the selection of the current rubberized surface.

Fiedler said at the meeting that he would ask Parks to implement mondo rubber at the next budget consulting meeting.

“I’m so mad at myself for not following every single move that Parks makes because you never know what they’re gonna do,” he said. “This might have been a cheaper item, so they went with that instead of the mondo rubber.”

Parks staff have inspected the track for damage and are coordinating a repair to address the conditions as quickly as possible, Faulkner said.

He said Parks brought this development to the board’s attention and will continue to provide updates as the work progresses.

In other news, the New York Mets are set to upgrade Field One at Juniper Valley Park with clay, grating and drainer and sprinkler systems.

“You see how [the] Mets organization comes in with everything that’s needed. Parks department cuts prices and [the] design’s terrible,” Fiedler said. “I hate burying the Parks because I need them to work with me as Parks Chair and taking care of Juniper, but they just don’t listen.” Q

in Queens… Again!

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ / FILE

ToOneKnowAnother

September 26, 2024

Art and Identity in the 21 st Century

by Naeisha Rose

The ongoing “Close to Home” exhibit by Nsenga Knight at Queens Museum, located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is a personal reflection of the artist’s own journey with her identity while examining identity politics and the history of the site itself.

The art installation is a reproduction of the domestic space from the Brooklyn-born artist’s time in Cairo, Egypt, from 2016 to 2022, and is adorned with artifacts from the museum’s archives and collection from the 1964 to 1965 New York World’s Fair, which was held at the park.

Knight, a Muslim of Trinidadian and Guyanese descent, told the Chronicle that her piece is pre-

sented as both an interactive home and forum for “Peace Through Understanding,” but also a look back on representation of the then-newly postcolonial Islamic African and Caribbean nations featured at the World’s Fair.

Knight, a Situ Artist Fellow of the museum, had access to an assortment of items from the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1947 when its members passed Resolution 181, which is the measure to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, according to the Queens Museum.

“Some of the space is inspired by the apartment that I lived in,” Knight said. “I focused on the 1964 to 1965 World’s Fair and its representation of particularly Sudan and Egypt. That is how I entered into looking at the archive.”

Her installation also incorporates her time visiting the Swam Cultural Center, a Black-owned dojo.

Knight said that as a dark-skinned Black woman wearing a hijab in Egypt, people often assumed that she was from a Nubian section of the country or an immigrant from Sudan or Ethiopia.

“The first League of Nations was here,” Knight continued. “There were so many nations that were colonized and partitioned in this sort of ending of colonialism, in particular, Palestine that was partitioned into Arab and Jewish nations — so Palestine and Israel. During this time that I’m making this exhibition and presenting it, it has particularly come close to home more than any other international issue in my lifetime.”

Naeisha Rose

King Crossword Puzzle

Nelson DeMille always left his readers in suspense

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Huron Flora DeMille was born in Ontario, Canada on March 30, 1916. His older brother Augustine, a builder, suggested he come to Queens for work. In 1935 at age 19, he immigrated to 155-20 South Road in South Jamaica.

He married Antonia Panzera in 1937. The eldest of their four sons was Nelson Richard DeMille, born Aug. 23, 1943. The family eventually moved to larger quarters to 15320 107 Ave. Dad Huron was granted US citizenship on Aug. 30, 1945. Now as the manager of a lumber yard, they bought a new home in 1949 on Miriam Parkway in Elmont, Long Island.

Nelson later went to Vietnam and graduated from Hofstra.

He discovered he had a gift for writing. He wrote 23 books — of which 17 were best sellers. Among them were “Plum Island,” “The Charm School” and “The General’s Daughter” which was made in a movie in 1992. His office, which he called Area 51, smelled of Marlboro cigarettes, black coffee, and lead pencil shavings. His labor paid off

as he sold over 58 million books worldwide. He recently passed away of esophagal cancer on Sept. 17, 2024 at age 81, leaving a exciting legacy of books to be enjoyed for years to come. Q

The childhood home of writer Nelson DeMille at 153-20 107 Ave. in South Jamaica, as it looked in the 1940s when he lived there.

PHOTO

Farm-fresh fun for all at the Queens Agricultural Fair

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into fall fun as the Queens Agricultural Fair returns for its 41st year. On Oct. 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., all are welcome to the Queens County Farm Museum, at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park, for a weekend of pie eating, corn husking, hayrides and more.

“There’s a whole host of activities,” said David Hughes, the farm’s executive director. “It really is a unique blend of history, agriculture, education and entertainment. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone here.”

A standard adult single day ticket will run you $14, and children ages 3 to 11 get in for $9. Weekend passes and add-ons are available. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.

The event was previously known as the Queens County Fair, and Hughes said the name change was to prevent confusion with other Queens fairs. Guests can still expect programming they know and love.

Event highlights include traditional carnival rides and midway games, including lawn games such as sack races and egg-on-aspoon relays. There will also be colonial experiences, such as quill pen writing and

The Queens Agricultural Fair, returning for its 41st year on Oct. 5 and 6, promises fun for the whole family.

butter churning. Locally grown and harvested produce and fresh eggs will be available for purchase.

The corn maze, called the Amazing Maize Maze is among the most popular attractions. Sponsored by Con Edison, the maze is carved into the shape of a butterfly to honor Queens County Farm Museum’s designation as a Certified Monarch Waystation.

Guests who want to see cute animals up

close can visit the farm’s goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, hens and steer.

Asked what he was most looking forward to during his first fair as executive director, Hughes said the blue ribbon competition in the horse barn.

“There will be produce that people can display, which will be judged,” Hughes said. “There will be arts and crafts, a flowers competition, and culinary arts. And there will be cakes and cookies — I’m looking

forward to that.”

The competition is free to enter, Hughes said. The application is available on the farm’s website.

“If you enter, you get free admission to the fair, which I think is wonderful,” Hughes said. “And there will be prizes — first, second, third and honorable mention. ... I’m looking forward to see what people from the neighborhood and community bring in for us,” he said.

He added that the entertainment offerings will be “exceptional.”

“We have a live stage, which is always good if you just want to hang out with your family, grab a bite and have a drink and listen to some music, or even just walk the grounds,” Hughes said. “You can engage with all sorts of activities at your discretion.”

There will be points of interest along the farm’s 47 acres, Hughes said, including the apiary, a walk through the farmhouse, tours and other interactive learning experiences.

Hughes said he hopes people from around Queens and even other boroughs visit the fair.

“Come out and celebrate the fall harvest season with us,” he said. “This is a great fall harvest extravaganza. It’s all here, and it’s a little bit of the country in the city.” Q

Getting “Close to Home” at Queens Museum

Knight is referring to the surprise Oct. 7, 2023 rocket attack on Israel by Hamas, which led to a war between the Middle Eastern country and the Palestinian militant group.

“So, there are pieces speaking directly to that and they are speaking directly to who I am as an artist, as a Muslim woman and as a Black woman, who is a daughter of immigrants from the Caribbean, specifically, and

Crossword Answers

a person who was an expat who found a home somewhere else,” Knight said.

Knight said that people can sit on the furniture at the exhibition and some have sat in there for hours looking at the collage of original collectible plates and souvenirs from the fair; reproductions of photos from brochures from the event; and images from an ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, as well as a short documentary of her eating Guyanese food with her mother after a trip to the Caribbean nation; a recording of a famous Quran recitor; and words of inspiration from an instructor at the dojo.

The show, which also includes a tea get “To Know One Another” gathering on Sept. 28, concludes on Jan. 19, 2025, and is near the Unisphere, a short distance from the 7 train Mets-Willets Point stop. To get tickets, visit queensmuseum.org/visit.

Hitomi Iwaski, the head of exhibitions and a curator for the museum, helped with the selection process of the installation.

“She beautifully incorporated the dojo in the Muslim African-American population,” Iwaski said. “I never even imagined something like that coming to my attention

and I’ve lived in Queens for quite sometime, but my being Asian, Japanese, it’s kind of an interesting contrast on what she is and what her attention is focused on.

“We have a lot of Latino and Asian people who come through the museum door. This is such a good example of the unexpectedness and unfamiliarity of the socialcultural context being brought in front of our eyes for us to have a chance to see

what we think is remote and unrelated is right there in Queens, where people live, breathe and exist. That is where her event comes in for us to know one another and she creates occasions for us to sit down and have Egyptian tea made with mint. It’s a foundation for a cultural co-existence ... She is generating this communication with a context intertwining people, culture and a consciousness.”

PHOTO BY LILY LANDES

Queens Museum Situ Artist Fellow, Nsenga Knight, left, with special guest Basirah Raheem at her “Close to Home” exhibit. On the cover: An installation of the “Close to Home” exhibit by Nsenga Knight at Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. PHOTOS

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SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. CHONDRITE REO, LLC (5), Pltf., vs. EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT I LLC., et al, Defts. Index #707851/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on October 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. prem. k/a 87-34 169th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 a/k/a Block 9841, Lot(s) 46 and 48. Approx. amt. of judgment is $1,088,825.35 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. LAMONT RAMSAY BAILEY, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-108- #101785

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Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ZELIA E. GREEN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 13, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 224-06 114th Road, Cambria Heights, NY 11411. 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, Block 11268 and Lot 83. Approximate amount of judgment is $358,307.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 703963/2023. 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.

Richard Gutierrez, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of 8616 DUSHI LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/12/2024. Office 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: VILSON DUSHI, 1475 10TH STREET, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstCHITROWTIE GHANESS, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on August 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CHITROWTIE GHANESS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on October 25, 2024 at 10:00AM, premises known as 90-23 184TH STREET, HOLLIS, NY 11423; and the following tax map identification: 9905-58.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 700221/2021.

Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES

Notice of Formation of BOBBY EPHRAIM LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/24/2024. Office 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 LLC, 111-45 FARMERS BLVD., #1ST FL, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST STEPHANIE D. SINAI; TOMER SINAI, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on October 25, 2024 at 10:00AM, premises known as 8210 214th Street, Hollis Hills, NY 11427. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 7805 Lot: 41. Approximate amount of judgment $909,597.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #721068/2021. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the QUEENS County COVID19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2. nycourts.gov/Admin/oca. shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Joseph Frank Defelice, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 CHJNC396 82424

LVM 198 REALTY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/18/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Cui Yu Li 3617 Bud Pl, Flushing NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiffagainst - TRAVIS GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 25, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on the 25th day of October, 2024 at 10:00 AM. 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. Premises known as 620 Beach 69th Street, Arverne, (City of New York) NY 11692. (BL#: 16029-111) Approximate amount of lien $676,203.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 705844/2023. Carolyn Salian Clyne, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200, Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: August 13, 2024 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

Notice of Formation of David Physical Therapy PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/09/2024. Office 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 LLC, 66 ROCKWELL PLACE #6B, BROOKLYN, NY 11217. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Real Estate

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

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

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Heritage House West, Hi-Rise. Largest 1 BR condo, Unit J, updated, move-in cond. Asking $309K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach, elegant brick custom Colonial, 4 BR, 4.5 baths, master BR w/en-suite& 2 BRs w/full baths. Custom KIT, LR, FDR, den. Full finished bsmnt, sep ent, paved yard with IGP w/jacuzzi. Call for appt, $1,499K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sun 9/29, 12pm-1:30pm, 160-31

90 St. Totally updated, mint cond, Hi-Ranch, 35x100 lot. 4 BR, 2 full baths. Asking 950K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Broad Channel house with fenced in backyard, bike to Rockaway Beach (1.5 miles). Beautiful 2 BR, 1 full bath, DR, EIK, LR, attic for storage, bsmnt for bikes & beach chairs. Refinished wood flrs throughout. Freshly painted. $2,400/mo, you pay utilities. No smoking, no pets. Credit refs req. Please call 347-610-1918

SF w/Parking

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 12, 2024, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid New York (“Company”) filed revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, P.S.C. No. 12 – Gas Service Tariff with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”), to become effective October 1, 2024. On September 10, 2024, the Company filed to postpone the revisions until November 1, 2024 to allow for this newspaper publication of the proposed revisions.

The proposed revisions would update provisions regarding the timing of bills, estimated billing, and adjusted bills in the Company’s P.S.C. No. 12 – Gas Service Tariff. Copies of the Company’s filing and proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov) by searching the document and matter management system for case number 24-G-0360. THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NEW YORK

NOTICE OF SALE

In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in and action entitled NYCTL 1998-2 Trust v. Sereth T. Hosty, et al., bearing Index No. 91862011 before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, IAS Part 6, Justice Tracy Catapano-Fox, on or about February 26, 2024, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on October 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Queens County Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11435, the mortgaged premises designated as Block 11190, Lot 37 in the City of New York, County and Borough of Queens, State of New York and known as 22323 109th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429, directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The approximate amount of the judgment is $299,772.53 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances and the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale.

Dated: September 5, 2024 New York, New York Richard Gutierrez, Esq. Referee 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-0663. DAVID P. STICH, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421

H &S786 GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/07/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Haseena Shamin, 144-38 87th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstLAWRENCE HOUSE, ET AL. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on August 22, 2023, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and LAWRENCE HOUSE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA, NY 11435, on October 4, 2024 at 10:00AM, premises known as 19043 112TH AVE., SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412; and the following tax map identification: 10951120. 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 709885/2015. Jose C. Polanco, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of LUVENIA’S LEGACY, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/09/2024. Office 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: GERARD HASKINS, 217-15 110TH ROAD, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 12, 2024, KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) filed revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, P.S.C. No. 1 – Gas Service Tariff with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”), to become effective October 1, 2024. On September 10, 2024, the Company filed to postpone the revisions until November 1, 2024 to allow for this newspaper publication of the proposed revisions.

The proposed revisions would update provisions regarding the timing of bills, estimated billing, and adjusted bills in the Company’s P.S.C. No. 1 – Gas Service Tariff. Copies of the Company’s filing and proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov) by searching the document and matter management system for case number 24-G-0360.

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

Notice of Formation of NEXT GENERATION CONSULTANTS

LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/26/2024.

Office 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: REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC, 54 STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

PAPAGIANOPOULOS LAW PLLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 31-10 37th Avenue, Suite 301, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Law.

Notice of Formation of Sand & Thread LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/28/2024. Office 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: GINA L. GONZALEZ, 465 SENECA AVE., 2R, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Full Liquor License, Application ID NA-0340-24-100028 has been applied for by Doherty Apple Fresh Meadows LLC serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant for the premises located at 6148 188th St., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.

Notice of Formation of 57-57 & 57-05 47TH ST LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/30/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Dawn M. Torres, 119-19 15th Ave, 2nd Fl, College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful activity.

60-60

FRESH POND ROAD

REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/19/24. Office: 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, 57-87 75th Street, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Supreme Court of New York, Queens County AJX MORTGAGE TRUST I, A DELAWARE TRUST, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, TRUSTEE, Plaintiff -against- JOHN FERRARO; STACY THOMPSON AS LIMITED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. CONTI, DECEASED; ROSEMARY CONTI A/K/A ROSEMARY FERRARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. CONTI, DECEASED; DOMINICK CARMINE CONTI, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. CONTI, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JACK C. CONTI, DECEASED; UNITED STATES O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; “JOHN DOE” AND “MARY DOE”, SAID NAMES BEING FICTITIOUS, IT BEING THE INTENTION OF PLAINTIFF TO DESIGNATE ANY AND ALL OCCUPANTS, TENANTS, PERSONS OR CORPORATIONS, IF ANY, HAVING OR CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON THE PREMISES BEING FORECLOSED HEREIN, Defendants. Index No. 712867/2015. Mortgaged Premises: 158-15 98th Street Howard Beach, New York 11414 Block: 14168 Lot: 55 To The Above Named Defendant(s): 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. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $480,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s Office on August 6, 2008 in CRFN 2008000313092, covering the premises known as 15815 98th Street, Howard Beach, New York 11414. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. 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. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Notice of Formation of 72-36 67TH PLACE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/09/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, c/o James J. Matusiak, Esq., 1615 Northern Blvd., Ste. 103, Manhasset, NY 11030. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation, 85-28 Owners LLC. Filed with SSNY on 08/02/2024. Ofice: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 85-28 144th Street, Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“Commission”) proposed tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, September 1, 2024.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0226. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to September 1, 2024) to rates effective September 1, 2024 by service classifi cation.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$19.75 $21.75

$1.6275 $2.8472

$0.3971 $0.8453

S.C. No. 1B, 5-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 5-1BR – Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$21.66 $24.59

$1.3528 $1.9054

$0.3185 $0.4487

S.C. No. 1B-DG, 5-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$33.04 $34.89

$0.1786 $0.2849

S.C. No. 2-A, 5-2A – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$37.66 $41.50

$1.8441 $2.0820

$0.3739 $0.4931

$0.2404 $0.3269

S.C. No. 2-B, 5-2B – Non-Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

S.C. No. 3, 5-3 – Multi-Family Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 997 therms, per therm

Over 1,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$37.66 $41.50

$1.8428 $2.0026

$0.4627 $0.6285

$0.3194 $0.4947

Current Rates 09/01/24

$74.66 $83.95

$0.5053 $0.6617

$0.2985 $0.4315

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$38.00 $ 42.44

$0.6165 $ 0.7771

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$153.35 $169.75

$0.2243 $0.2909

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

Monthly usage Current Rates 09/01/24

First 3 therms or less

Next 497 therms, per therm $1.7319 $2.1568

Over 500 therms, per therm $0.2969 $0.3698

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 1 – Less than 1MW Monthly usage Current Rates 09/01/24

First 10 therms or less $180.61 $204.38

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr –

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

usage Current Rates 09/01/24 First 10 therms or less $949.35 $1,074.32

10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.0376 $0.0572

10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.0513 $0.0779 Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $6,252.00 $6,252.00

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1 Monthly usage

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Monthly usage Current Rates 09/01/24

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1285 $0.1784

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15,2024 in Case 23-G-0226. Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No. 12 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, September 1, 2024.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0225. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to September 1, 2024) to rates effective September 1, 2024 by service classification.

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

S.C. No. 1AR, 17-1AR Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Current Rates

09/01/24

$16.25 $19.00

Next 47 therms, per therm $2.2581 $4.0519

Over 50 therms, per therm

$1.0568 $2.004

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

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

$32.93

$0.2069

S.C. No. 2-1, 17-2-1 – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First

$33.00

$0.3297

Current Rates 09/01/24

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

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

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Current Rates 09/01/24

S.C. No. 2-2, 17-2-2 – Non-Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 3, 17-3 – Multi-Family Service

997 therms, per

S.C. 4A-CNG, 17-4A-CNG – Compressed Natural Gas

Monthly

Over 1,000 therms, per therm $0.2759 $0.3692

S.C. 7, 17-7 – Seasonal Off-Peak Service

Monthly

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW Monthly usage

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct)

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar)

Current Rates

$771.69

$0.0256

$0.0356

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

Tier 1 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

09/01/24

$896.00

$0.0450

$0.0628

S.C. 4A, 17-4A – High Load Factor

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

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service –Tier 2 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15,2024 in Case 23-G-0225.

Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 703450/23

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND AMENDED NOTICE Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the liened premises is situated. Tax Lien Foreclosure of: 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422 (Block: 13911, Lot: 0136) NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST successor in interest to NYCTL 2018-A TRUST and The Bank of New York Mellon as Collateral Agent and Custodian, Plaintiffs, against Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Charlotte Belle Kinker, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the verified complaint herein; Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Ingrid Rose DeMarco, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the verified complaint herein; North Queens Ventures LLC; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America, Internal Revenue Service; and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #100”, inclusive the last 100 names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiffs, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the liened premises described in the complaint, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorney for the Plaintiffs within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where is made in any other manner than personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Tax Lien pursuant to a Certificate recorded in the Office of the Register of the City of New York on August 23, 2018, in CRFN: 2018000284203, assigned by assignment recorded July 14, 2021 in CRFN: 2021000267437; covering premises known as 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422 (Block: 13911, Lot: 0136). The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the tax lien 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 ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFFS 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 WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFFS AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT To the above named defendants: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Timothy J. Dufficy, J.S.C. of the State of New York, and filed along with the supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on 9/13/2024. This is an action to foreclose on a Tax Lien. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of the Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13911, and Lot 0136, said premises known as 155-25 Broad Street, Rosedale, NY 11422. THE DELLO-IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 312 Larkfield Road, Lower Level, East Northport, NY 11731, 631-861-3001. Our File #19-000252

More than 70 guns off the streets: DA

Revolvers, rifles, assault weapons and more retrieved at buyback program

by Naeisha Rose Editor

More than 70 guns were taken off the streets at a gun buyback event at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica on Sept. 21.

The 76 weapons were exchanged for bank and Food Bazaar gift cards with no questions asked, said the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz. This was the 10th gun buyback event held by Katz’s administration since she assumed office in 2020, and a total of 543 firearms have been recovered to date.

The event, which was sponsored by the NYPD, the city’s Police Foundation, the

office of state Attorney General Tish James, the FPCJ and Food Bazaar Supermarket, recovered 37 revolvers, 19 semi-automatic pistols, five assault weapons, five rifles, six shotguns and four additional weapons, said prosecutors.

“Gun buybacks are an incredibly effective way to get firearms off our streets,” Katz said in a statement. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and community leaders and clergy in Jamaica, we received 76 guns — including five automatic weapons. Every weapon recovered is a potential tragedy averted.” Q

Members of the NYPD, state Sen Leroy Comrie, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Mark T. Stewart, the Rev. Patrick O’Connor of First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica and Patrol Borough Queens South Deputy Chief John J. Clune. PHOTOS COURTESY NYPD

B SPORTS EAT

Crowd size matters

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The storyline of the Mets’ last homestand of the 2024 season should have been their quest to earn a wild card berth for the upcoming postseason. While that was the major story, an ugly secondary narrative was the media’s preoccupation that the Mets drew in the low 20,000s in attendance for their Monday and Tuesday evening games with the rebuilding Washington Nationals. There seemed to be a collective shaming of Mets fans for not filling up Citi Field. Frankly, this anger was misplaced.

Let’s start with the obvious. Early weeknight games in September against opponents who are not perceived as glamorous are tough draws. There is also the matter of economics. Tickets, parking and concessions are not easy on the budget. From a baseball standpoint, there was ample reason for skepticism. Wild card hunts lack the glamor of competing for a division title, as the Mets and Braves did in 2022. Major League Baseball scheduled the Mets to have three games with the Braves in Atlanta the final week of the season. It would be completely understandable if Mets fans were having PTSD flashbacks, and therefore did not want to face another Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt and the football moment. They were also probably humming the Who classic, “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

Putting the Braves aside, the Mets did not help

their ticket sales department by dropping consecutive games to the Phillies in agonizing form, even by Mets standards, in Philadelphia the preceding weekend.

The club did draw around 35,000 fans for its Wednesday finale against the Nationals but that was because it was a promotional night, as hoodies were given out. Happily, for fans, their Flushing heroes swept the three-game series with the Nats, with the third game being a 10-0 blowout.

Following the game, Brandon Nimmo, who slugged a three-run homer to break open the game, was the postgame interview guest of SNY Mets field reporter Steve Gelbs. The interview played over the Citi Field public address system. Nimmo beseeched fans to come out to Citi Field for the final four home games against the Phillies because the team feeds off the fans’ energy.

Nimmo is the spokesman for the New York Lottery’s promotional “Swing Four the Fences” tie-in with the Mets, as many know from his humorous and ubiquitous commercials on SNY Mets telecasts. If a Mets player hits a home run at Citi Field in the fourth inning a lucky fan will win $15,000. As fate would have it, he hit his big homer in the fourth. He said the next day he had forgotten about the ad and was just thrilled to get a big hit. I have a feeling the person who won 15 grand is now a huge Brandon Nimmo fan. Q

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