Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-12-24

Most Queens groups are still against CoY

A strained infrastructure, lack of parking and city services to blame

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Queens civic and community boards have a lot to say about Mayor Adams’ modified City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan being approved 31-20 by the City Council last Thursday.

Corey Bearak, Community Board 13’s Land Use Subcommittee City of Yes chair, told the Chronicle Tuesday that the housing plan was an ill-conceived scheme subject to legal action.

“I believe the [environmental impact statement] was faulty,” Bearak said. “That certainly makes [City of Yes] subject to challenge.”

Councilman David Carr (R-Staten Island), who voted against the bill, shared Bearak’s sentiment.

Ahead of the Council vote, he said the citywide zoning change is a mapping action masquerading as a text amendment; therefore the environmental review for it is insufficient, leaving the law vulnerable to legal action.

“This environmental review did not even scrape the top of the iceberg of how many housing units it will actually create,” said

Carr. “It will be far more than the 109,000plus that it capped out at.”

A number of Queens organizations are planning a lawsuit to block City of Yes [see separate story].

Last month, the bill introduced as LU 0181, was amended to include elements of the Council majority’s own City for All housing measure, which resulted in the proposed estimate for new housing units going from 109,000 to 82,000.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Majority Whip Selvena BrooksPowers (D-Laurelton), Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria), Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-Brooklyn), Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), Francisco Moya (D-Corona), Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) and Julie Won (D-Long Island City) voted for the bill.

Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Sandra Ung (D-Flushing), Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) and Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) voted against it.

Opponents to the plan, such as Bearak, a Bellerose resident, believe the relaxed citywide zoning changes to occur under City of Yes will help the mayor meet his original

Councilmembers in Southeast and Western Queens voted in favor of Mayor Adams’ City of Yes Housing plan, which passed 31-20. Reps in Eastern, Northeast, Central and Southwestern Queens opposed it. IMAGE COURTESY SAVE1FAMILYNY

goal of creating 500,000 housing units in the future, a plan Adams shared after being elected into office.

Bearak also believes the Council amendments, which include a $5 billion commitment for affordable housing initiatives and

infrastructure upgrades, along with promises to preserve some parking requirements are not enough to safeguard residential neighborhoods from being destroyed via drastic zoning changes to one- and two-family homes.

“It leaves neighborhoods substantially unprotected from increased density and overdevelopment,” said Bearak. “Increased density when it is unplanned is a problem. Density increases should take into account community needs.”

Bearak said City of Yes does not take into account sewer needs and the city’s crumbling infrastructure.

“It just created opportunities for developers to target locations,” he said. “Top-down planning is never a good thing.”

Councilwoman Darlene Mealy (D-Brooklyn), who voted against the bill, called into question whether the Department of City Planning reached out to insurance companies to make sure ADUs would be covered.

The DCP told the Chronicle via email that its research showed there are one- and twofamily homes with ADUs in thousands of jurisdictions throughout the United States, including the Big Apple, that are insured.

Community Board 2 Chair Anatole Ashraf felt differently about CoY.

“QCB2 largely supported the overall goals,” said Ashraf via email. “Although the amendments that passed reduce the amount of housing that could be created, CB2 is

continued on page 6

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$5B for CoY not guaranteed: expert

Paul Graziano’s SAVE1FamilyNY and civic groups plan to sue the city

by Naeisha Rose Editor

One day.

That is how long it took for several leaders of housing, civic and activist groups throughout the city to announce their plans to sue the city to overturn Mayor Adams’ modified City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan.

Paul Graziano, the founder of the Statewide Alliance vs. Elimination of 1-Family Zoning in New York, is a leader in the fight against the housing plan, which is set to allow 82,000 new housing units throughout the city after being approved 31-20 by the City Council on Dec. 5.

The city’s modified housing plan includes the Council majority’s amendment, City for All, a $5 billion commitment toward affordable housing initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. The Council’s plan had parking mandates for developments in transit deserts.

units,” said Graziano, a land use expert from Flushing. “The fact that the City of Yes said it would have no effect on water and sewer [services], no effect on land use policies, socioeconomic conditions and neighborhood character are just straight out lies.”

“Every property in the city has effectively been upzoned.”

— Land use expert Paul Graziano

Graziano believes the city’s plan, which changes zoning mandates, will destroy single-family housing and give developers carte blanche to overdevelop multifamily buildings in residential areas while ignoring quality-of-life issues, hence the lawsuit.

“There is no infrastructure that is coming with those

Corey Bearak, Community Board 13’s Land Use Subcommittee City of Yes chair, said the mayor’s plan is more a mapping action than a text change, making it subject to legal action due to lack of a proper environmental review. Other groups joining the lawsuit include Queens Civic Congress, Bronx Coalition Against Overdevelopment, Joint Community Council of South/ Southeast Brooklyn, Staten Island Civics United, the Black Institute and Met Council on Housing. A GoFundMe created by the Queens Civic Congress is seeking to raise $30,000 for the lawsuit. As of Wednesday afternoon, $7,235 in funds had been raised.

Not enough work has been done to show the outcomes of the mayor’s plan on communities, said Graziano, who also doesn’t believe the proposed funds for upgrades are secure.

“The $5 billion-dollar deal is just on paper,” said Graziano. “It is not real. There is no $5 billion in a bank account waiting to be spent.”

Graziano said funds for the housing plan can get stuck

NYRA gives update on Belmont Park

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Belmont Park, the horse racetrack in Elmont, LI, best known for the Belmont Stakes, is expected to reopen sometime in 2026, according to the New York Racing Association.

Robert Hines, the manager for community affairs at NYRA, spoke to Community Board 10 last Thursday about the Belmont Park redevelopment plan and issues related to South Queens’ own Aqueduct Race Track, which is set to close following Belmont’s reopening.

“I would say that in quarter two of 2025 you’ll be able to actually start seeing a building that’s being erected,” Hines said of Belmont’s construction.

Hines briefly touched on Aqueduct, telling attendees, “To be candid, I really don’t have any information or updates on it. The main update is that we will essentially release Aqueduct back to the state, who owns the property, once we have the certificate of occupancy for Belmont.”

He acknowledged that the Big A, which occupies 210 acres, is only used for racing by NYRA around four or five

months out of the year.

“That’s a lot of land to only be used for a short period of time each year,” he said.

So area residents wanting to catch some horse racing will have to head to nearby Nassau.

The new grandstand at Belmont will be approximately 300,000 square feet, around a third of the size of the previous one.

“That will open up at least 10 to 15 acres of green space that we definitely plan to maintain,” Hines said. He said to expect NYRA to put the “park” back in Belmont Park.

“We’re trying to create a venue — a property that’s not only for horse racing, but where you and a few friends might be able to come out, just sit at a picnic table in the green space, and you’ll be able to see some of the horses,” he said.

The redevelopment plan will add a new one-mile all-weather synthetic turf track for training and winter racing. The infield also will be opened up to the public for the first time in more than 100 years, allowing for an additional 10,000 guests during major events. Q

in a 10-year budget cycle, and if there is a budget deficit or crisis the proposed allocation can be taken out of the budget or reduced.

“There is nothing in there guaranteeing that money,” said Graziano. “This is a phony deal that was struck. Most people on the Council do not understand that this is not real money ... In addition, if they did have it, it is money that has to be raised through new taxes or new bonds.”

Graziano, via his SAVE1FamilyNY group, said he independently created his own theoretical models to see what the impact of the CoY would be neighborhood-by-neighborhood.

The land use expert also believes the changes made to CoY are minimal at best.

“Instead of getting shot by six bullets, you are getting shot by five,” said Graziano about the alterations to CoY that promise deeper affordability compared to the mayor’s plan.

“Every property in the city has effectively been upzoned,” said Graziano. “That does not create affordability, that goes against the idea of affordability ... It’s a game changer.”

“The idea that we have a housing crisis is garbage,” he continued, adding that the city recently announced about 27,000 new units of housing were built in 2023 without sweeping zoning changes. “We have an affordability crisis, which has nothing to do with the housing crisis ... This is all about deregulating our land use to allow developers to build any type of development they want.” Q

CB 9 closes the year with gratitude

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The final Community Board 9 meeting of 2024 on Tuesday was quick and concise, as Chairwoman Sherry Algredo cheerily led the group through its agenda before a holiday party filled with food and fun.

The board’s Public Safety Committee voted in opposition to granting all-night permits on New Year’s Eve to six different establishments in the area and presented the decision to the full board for their vote.

“The recommendation to oppose these requests is because of the reduction in 102nd Precinct police officers due to them being assigned to Times Square on New Year’s Eve,” Albert Gamarra, the head of the Public Safety Committee, said. “This has always been the protocol.”

He said the group wants to support the neighborhood businesses, but the lack of policing on New Year’s Eve prevents the committee from feeling confident that potential quality-of-life issues would be addressed.

The board agreed with the committee

Community Board 9 on Tuesday closed out the year with a short meeting and a holiday party. The board’s chair, Sherry Algredo, standing, thanked its members for their work and support.

to recommend against the permits, by a vote of 19-12.

Algredo, at the meeting’s end, thanked the board members, committee chairs and staffers for their work in 2024.

“I want to thank all the chairs, because they have to put their committees together. ... When they’re given something, it’s not an easy task,” Algredo said. “I want to thank every one of you guys for your service.”

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Will City of Yes lower rent costs for NYers?

Exploring the mayor’s claim following the passage of his new housing plan

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

“Our administration proposed and fought hard for this proposal for more than a year,” Mayor Adams said last week in a press release after his proposal, City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, was passed by the City Council. “And now New Yorkers are the ones who will benefit from lower rent.”

The project, which changes zoning laws to increase the amount of housing that can be built, is set to create approximately 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years, according to the city. But can New Yorkers expect lower rent? And how soon?

Asked that, and if the claim of lower rent is due to supply and demand or other factors, City Hall rep William Fowler told the Chronicle, “This isn’t simply a supply and demand inference. Evidence from other cities across the U.S. and the world, and the academic consensus, shows that when more housing becomes available — regardless of whether it is income-restricted or not — housing costs go down.”

He cited a 2023 NYU study on supply skepticism by Vicki Been, Ingrid Gould Ellen and Katherine O’Regan; examples in other big cities such as Minneapolis, Austin, Texas, Auckland, New Zealand, and Tokyo; and an article on pewtrusts.org that said new

zoning rules to allow more housing have helped curtail rent growth in other big cities in the U.S.

“The entirety of ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ is intended to move toward this housing cost reduction in New York City,” Fowler said.

Asked the same question, the Real Estate Board of New York did not answer directly but sent a statement from its president, James Whelan, who congratulated those who worked to get City of Yes for Housing Opportunity across the finish line.

“With the approval of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, New York City has created the next generation of cutting-edge zoning rules for planning, design, and development of housing for New Yorkers,” Whelan wrote.

Brina Ciaramella, a real estate agent and broker with offices in Ozone Park and Forest Hills, said the idea that rents could decrease following the passage of City of Yes is possible in theory, but it depends on how effectively the policies translate into increased housing supply.

“Adding more units to the market — especially if they’re geared toward affordability — could ease competition, particularly in high-demand areas,” Ciaramella said via text message. “However, whether this leads to a broad decrease in rents depends on how

Ariola working on anti-CoY flood bill

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Before the tally was even in, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) told fellow City Council members that she was working on legislation to exempt flood zones and inland flooding areas from City of Yes ahead of the vote for the mayor’s modified housing plan, last Thursday.

A spokesman from her office told the Chronicle on Monday the flood bill is expected to be introduced in early 2025.

Ariola was among several lawmakers who voiced her opposition to the housing measure, which was approved 31-20.

The citywide change to zoning rules was amended last month to include a commitment of $5 billion for infrastructure upgrades to address flooding, rental vouchers to help about 20,000 families and other housing aid under the Council majority’s own housing plan, City for All.

Ariola, who represents the flood-prone District 32, said the communities in her area do not have the infrastructure to support new housing and that the mayor was “putting the cart before the horse,” by not prioritizing upgrades first.

After its passage last week, Mayor Adams and allies who support City of Yes for Housing Opportunity said New Yorkers will benefit from lower rent.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

quickly and significantly the new housing supply impacts the overall market.”

In her opinion, the logic is primarily rooted in supply-and-demand principles.

“When more housing options are available, renters have more choices, which can reduce

upward pressure on rents,” Ciaramella said. “However, other factors, like construction costs, interest rates, and economic conditions, also play a role in determining how much relief renters might see. It’s a simplified inference, but it’s one piece of a larger puzzle.” She said it’s unlikely that rents will drop dramatically for current tenants, at least in the short term.

“Housing markets are slow to respond to policy changes, and construction projects often take years to complete. Additionally, unless there’s a significant oversupply of rental units, most decreases in rent might be marginal rather than substantial,” Ciaramella said.

Ann Marie Chirichigno, a Howard Beachbased realtor with decades of experience, said she doubts the new housing plan will lower rents.

“I don’t see the rents coming down,” Chirichigno said. “First of all, my big concern is here in Queens, all of our schools are overpopulated. Our transit systems are packed to the gills. If they’re putting more structures on top of more structures, are they planning on putting more schools? What about our electrical grid?”

She added, “It would be nice if [the plan] made sense. ... I’ll have been doing this 40 years in January. The rents just keep going up and up.” Q

Most Q. groups still against CoY

continued from page 2

pleased that most of our district no longer will have parking minimums, which can hopefully lead to the kind of housing that meets the majority of our district’s unique needs.”

“Why are we putting the housing up and then worrying about the infrastructure?” said Ariola. “We need to have the infrastructure in place before we build the housing. That’s what is important.”

Ariola said she was voting no on CoY because the city does not need to push its infrastructure to the limit by creating massive developments that do not fit the character of residential neighborhoods.

“City of Yes will only add to the heavy burdens that residents face every day,” she added.

He said the plan will address housing, transportation and public life issues in his district.

CB 1 District Manager Florence Koulouris told the Chronicle “no comment” about the vote.

Despite CB 1 being largely in favor of CoY, a source said that the modifications made to the plan were voted on before the board had its Land Use Committee meeting. CB 1 will have its next Land Use Committee meeting in January.

Sherry Algredo, chair of CB 9, said she was proud that Schulman and Ariola did not vote for the measure.

“The board was not in favor of this from the beginning,” Algredo said. “Councilwomen Schulman and Ariola listened to their constituents.”

Schulman said ahead of her vote that she feared the implications of the plan would be as damaging as the legacy of urban planner Robert Moses’ work, which left some neighborhoods disenfranchised. While she said that zoning citywide for housing hasn’t been updated since the 1960s, she believes the process should have involved more community input.

Algredo said her concerns about the plan include overdevelopment, lack of infrastructure to support new housing, the impact on city services such as sanitation, education, and police — and parking.

“Right now, without this, with parking mandates in place, it has been a nightmare,” said the Richmond Hill resident.

“People spend an hour trying to find parking,” said Algredo. “The community board also takes the [Uniform Land Use Review Procedure] very seriously.”

Most development proposals will not need to go through the ULURP process under CoY. That will allow for faster development.

Aracelia Cook, president of the 149th Street South Ozone Park Civic Association, said her area of Southeast Queens does not have the infrastructure for more development.

The JFK Hilton Hotel in South Jamaica is set to become permanently affordable housing, she noted.

The Chronicle previously reported that 318 apartments are expected at the hotelto-housing conversion.

“In addition to that, the man who owns the land is building three additional hotels on that land,” said Cook. “That is going to have an impact on the water and sewer system just there in that little area. What is going to happen when they do this building all over the place?” Q

Councilwoman Joann Ariola said she voted against City of Yes because her constituents want to maintain the characteristics of their neighborhoods. SCREENSHOT / NYC COUNCIL

How its modifications measure up to Donovan Richards’ stipulations Conditions met: QBP on City of Yes

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Prior to the proposal’s passage in the City Council last week, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was the only one of five BPs in the city to hold a public hearing on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.

Richards supported the plan with conditions in August after a nearly five-hour hearing in which many testified against it.

His office told the Chronicle that those conditions were met — a modified version of Mayor Adams’ original plan passed, with some zoning reforms altered and financial commitments made in the City for All proposal introduced by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) last month.

Richards said in a statement after the plan passed that “the only feasible solution” to the city’s housing crisis is “to build more affordable housing as quickly and as responsibly as possible” and that the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity allows the five boroughs to do just that.

“New Yorkers living on the jagged edge of poverty and homelessness cannot wait any longer, and we must move with the urgency demanded of us as a city,” he said.

Among the borough president’s stipulations was for parking tied to developments to be optional in transit hubs but required in

Many criticized the City of Yes plan at Borough President Donovan Richards’ public hearing in August. He approved it with conditions, which his office said were met.

areas where public transportation is scarce.

Mayor Adams initially proposed eliminating parking minimums for new developments, but the modified plan took a more localized approach. Transit-rich areas will not have parking minimums, while others with less transportation will either see reduced minimums or the same mandates in effect now, citylimits.org reported.

Another of Richards’ conditions was to strengthen affordability. The plan’s Universal Affordability Preference gives developers in higher density areas a 20 percent density bonus if those extra units are affordable, and the Council added provisions that target lowdensity neighborhoods, citylimits.org said.

A “deep affordability” provision also was added. Developers must make 20 percent of a

SHSAT future unclear as vote nears

Test’s fate hinges on PEP approval of digital contract

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Students in grades eight or nine who wish to attend one of the city’s specialized high schools are required to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, per state law.

But many are worried that there won’t be an opportunity to take the SHSAT next year, leaving the eight specialized high schools without a freshman class.

A proposed $17 million contract with Pearson, Inc. for a computer-based version of the test was set to be voted on by the Panel for Education Policy, the group that votes on major education decisions for city schools, in October. The digital test would replace the written version.

That vote was delayed until November, and then again until December.

The five-year, 11-month contract is now up for a vote at the PEP’s meeting on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Sunset Park High School in Brooklyn. For more information, or to register to speak, visit tinyurl.com/DOEPEP.

Some education advocates, according to multiple reports, are concerned that the computerized SHSAT would worsen inequities in admissions.

According to data from the Department of Education, 4.5 percent of students offered

a spot at a specialized high school in Fall 2024 were Black, and 7.6 were Latino, though 65 percent of public school students are Black or Latino.

Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg, at the November PEP meeting, said there would be no SHSAT next year should the contract not be approved.

The Citywide Council on High Schools, which serves as an advisory board to the schools chancellor, in an email to community members said it has concerns that entry to specialized high schools are at risk.

“Without a contract, there is no way to administer the SHSAT,” the email read.

“Without the SHSAT, there is no way to gain entry into NYC’s 8 Specialized High Schools. This is due to how the NY state law Hecht-Calandra is written.”

Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education released a statement from its co-founder Yiatin Chu of Whitestone, who called for the passage of the contract.

“NYC families have gone through major upheaval in high school admissions,” Chu said. “Getting a seat at a popular high school now depends on drawing a good lottery number. The SHSAT was the one dependable pathway for students to access NYC’s world-renowned Specialized High

As school exams move further away from pencil and paper, the future of the Specialized High School Admissions Test is unclear as the Panel for Educational Policy is slated to vote to approve a contract on a digital version of the test.

project’s affordable units available to those making 40 percent of the area median income in order to be allowed additional floor area ratio, according to citylimits.org.

In lower-density neighborhoods, developers of projects with more than 50 units in commercially zoned areas and near train stations can only benefit from zoning changes if at least 20 percent of the units are affordable.

Also attached to the modified plan is $5 billion in City for All investments, including $2 billion to finance affordable housing development and financial support for homeowners who wish to add permissible accessory dwelling units. One of Richards’ conditions was a fund for the city’s Basement Apartment Conversion Pilot Program.

The borough president also had concerns about ADUs, however, calling to remove garage conversions from the plan in areas subject to floods. The Council made that change, also banning ADUs in historic districts, attached and row houses and some lowdensity areas, as per citylimits.org.

Richards also requested a commitment from the Department of City Planning to publish reports on the effects of increased residential density on infrastructure. Under City for All, the DCP will initiate neighborhood planning studies in some areas, with public engagement to begin in the new year. Q

CEC elections are coming

up

The community and citywide education council elections are almost here. Starting in January, parents will be able to apply to run for a seat on any of the 32 community education councils and 4 citywide education councils for which they are eligible.

Education Councils help shape policies and priorities for New York City Public Schools, according to the Department of Education. By law, each one has powers and duties concerning a range of matters, including working directly with district superintendents, reviewing educational programs, approving school zoning lines and making recommendations to improve services to students.

All elected members must be the parent or legal guardian of a student currently attending a school or program funded by New York City Public Schools.

Candidates will campaign from late February through April, and voting will take place from late April through May 13, according to the DOE website.

For more information, go online to schools.nyc.gov/elections2025 Q — Kristen Guglielmo

Q

Schools. We hope the Mayor ensures the SHSAT will be available for 30,000 students who count on the opportunity to take the test.”

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EDITORIAL AGEP

Save the Elite Eight’s SHSAT

Some of New York City’s best high schools are the “Elite Eight,” a group to which students get admitted by taking what is called the Specialized High School Admissions Test. You know some of the names: Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech. They’re educational legends.

Now the SHSAT is in serious danger and, along with it, those schools and the students who desperately want to get admitted to them. The test has come under fire before, especially during the mayoral administration of Bill de Blasio, but never before has it been in the jeopardy it is in today.

It is state law, not simple Department of Education practice, that requires students be admitted to one of the Elite Eight through the SHSAT. The law was passed in 1971 in order to prevent officials from watering down the entrance requirements in hopes of achieving more ethnic and racial diversity. Back then, the schools had too many Jewish students, in the opinion of those who opposed the test. Today it’s too many Asian students, but it’s the same story. So officials on the left, like de Blasio,

have been trying for years to gut or eliminate the test. But enough people stand up for what’s right — to maintain a group of schools with the absolute highest standards, where top students fiercely compete for spots — so their efforts are shot down. What they promise instead, and we wholeheartedly support, is more test prep, more help and better overall education in the communities that send disproportionately fewer students to the schools. But apparently that still is not enough. The latest tactic is for the city’s Panel for Educational Policy to put the test itself in jeopardy by refusing to approve a contract with the company that will provide a new, digital version of it next fall. The PEP just keeps delaying a vote on the contract. It meets Dec. 18, and if it does not act, there will be “no way to administer the SHSAT” and therefore “no way to gain entry” to the schools, according to the Citywide Council on High Schools. PEP members should quit the dirty tricks, approve the contract and let students and their families prepare for the exam, not for a pointless disaster in their lives.

OK a new House of Windsor

No one wants to see their view of grass and woodland turned into one of brick walls and blank windows. So we understand perfectly well why many existing residents of the Windsor Park co-op complex in Oakland Gardens do not want to see a new building go up on the southeast corner of their complex, next to Cunningham Park and the Long Island Motor Parkway trail. Some live very near the project site. But Windsor Park needs money. Board of Directors President Larry Kinitsky says costs have gone up 30 percent in three years and capital needs over the next several years will top $20 million (and wherever that’s going, co-ops and condos everywhere can expect to be slammed for big bucks under new Local Law 97 environmental regulations alone). What’s the answer? Build. Help alleviate that housing crisis that just caused the city to ease residential zoning rules, and help stay on the positive side of the ledger at the same time. Windsor Park, which the Real Deal says refinanced to the tune of $89 million in 2016, wants to put up a seven-story building but needs a variance. If it doesn’t get one, it will erect two four-story buildings instead, as of right. That plan would take away far more green space than the single-building proposal. And that’s one reason Community Board 11 approved the variance 24-14 on Dec. 2. We understand the dissent, but the good outweighs the bad. Wait until you see the plans City of Yes brings to Queens. This one should be OK’d.

MARK WEIDLER President & Publisher

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Naeisha Rose Editor

Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Rick no match for Lou

Dear Editor:

Re Stephanie Meditz’s Dec. 6 article: “Beloved St. John’s coach dies at 99”:

As a “native New Yorker,” Lou Carnesecca reflected his strong roots to his hometown by recruiting nearly all of his players from NYC. Tapping local talent paid off big time. During Carnesecca’s 24 seasons as the Johnnies’ basketball coach, his teams won 526 games, never lost a season and reached the Final Four in 1985.

“What do I need a private jet for? All I need is a pocket full of subway tokens to do my recruiting, “ he said (New York Post, Dec. 7).

In sharp contrast to Lou’s local ties, current coach Rick Pitino recruits out-of-town transfer students via the NCAA’s transfer portal, which turns “student-athletes” into free agents seeking the most lucrative deals for their name, image and likeness. (NCAA really stands for “No Class At All”). During Pitino’s first season at St. John’s, his team failed to reach the NCAA’s “March Madness” national championship tournament.

Pitino could be called a “transfer coach” given his career path. Prior to St. John’s, he coached basketball teams at Boston University, Providence College, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville (Kent.) and Iona University. He was fired for cause by Louisville after being implicated in a federal investigation involving bribes to recruits.

Despite this stain on his career, St. John’s hired him in 2023, with a six-year, $20 million pay package, making him one of the highestpaid coaches in the Big East Conference. His on-court results so far don’t justify his lavish compensation, despite the Red Storm’s Dec. 7 rout of Kansas State (88-71).

Carnesecca was noted for his iconic sweaters, while Pitino usually wears flashy suits on the sidelines. I prefer the former’s substance to the latter’s style. St. John’s players, students, faculty, alums and fans loved Louie. They should not revere Rick.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Let’s vote on Veterans Day

Dear Editor:

Congress should make Nov. 11 not only Veterans Day but Election Day as well.

According to US News & World Report (Nov. 15), 90 million eligible voters failed to show up for the presidential election last month.

And this was an election in which New Yorkers chose the president, a U.S. senator, 26 House members and the entire NYS Legislature. Voting is a sacred obligation — an obligation we owe to 15 million living veterans and the one million who made the ultimate sacrifice. Make Nov. 11 not only Veterans’ Day but Election Day as well, to remind us of that obligation. If adopted, the change could be made in time for 2026, the nation’s 250th birthday.

Neil C. Giannelli Woodhaven

You’re the real Santa

Dear Editor:

Christmas is almost upon us, and there is much for parents to do to make the holiday a special time for their children. There is that special magic about Christmas that brings much joy and happiness in a little child’s eyes. Mothers and fathers are busy this time of the yea r and try to make this magic happen. You see, Santa Claus is more than that iconic

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

character of fable. He is in the effort of every parent who looks forward to buying those toys and things that brings that special joy to every boy and girl.

The sad thing this year is that many parents are out of work, and that includes many of the migrants who come here with nothing and have special financial problems. These parents may not have the money to bring that kind of special happiness to their child this year. Their children might think that Santa may have passed them up, maybe because they made the naughty list this year.

In 1982, many were still there to attend the dedication of Raoul Wallenberg Square. Who doesn’t know that the iconic Wallenberg’s selfless efforts helped save 100,000 Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust?

I was there on that glorious April day, as I am here, now, to offer thanks to those who care, the likes of Raoul, Kevin and Melissa, Tom and you, Peter, who reached out to me personally when I lost Tom last year.

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Let’s not let that happen. We can give to the many charities, churches and community groups that play Santa for those children in need. Think how sad it must be for that child who has no toys under the Christmas tree this Christmas Day. It is that symbolic character of Santa who makes childhood a time of hope and expectations. It is that spirit of generosity that can go a long way to brighten the life of a poor child.

There are those who say there is no Santa Claus but there really is, and it is anyone who brings joy to a needy child this Christmas, So, be a Santa this year.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Good deeds indeed

Dear Editor:

I praise the Chronicle for its good deed of sponsoring a toy drive for homeless children (“Chronicle spreads holiday joy and toys,” Dec 5). That is the true meaning of the holiday season: giving, caring and sharing. I’m glad the Chronicle published this positive story in these times of crime: murders, assassinations, stabbings, etc. To read that the Chronicle cares and shares is indeed wonderful. The PAL, the Police Athletic League, hosted a party for the holidays for children, and that, too, is wonderful. All of these good deeds spotlight the true meaning of the holidays, and to me they are mitzvahs — good deeds.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

Beloved people and places

Dear Editor:

Sitting alone is not like sitting with Tom beneath his favorite tree, a year since he died on my Thanksgiving birthday; nor sledding down the slope behind the square; triple-decker style, with John, our brother.

Quietly, closing out an eventful year, sitting by myself on benches, now forest-green, painted by Kevin and Melissa, a parks worker, over the summer honoring Raoul Wallenberg and the Square that shall forever bear his name in a labor of love, I am alone in an oasis of time.

Around the corner in the “Valencia” (now “Windsor Court”), refugees — like our parents — in 1942 sought refuge, and solace, in now what was known locally as the “Circle,” comforted when gathering with friends speaking Old World languages in the shade of majestic trees at the edge of their beloved 500acre Forest Park.

Raoul has received a monument in the sandbox we played in as children; Kevin and Melissa’s generosity is a gift of kindness; Tom’s tree has been replaced and shall be a constant reminder, telling time, the way trees do.

And you, dear Peter C. Mastrosimone, may your illustrious “Chronicle” continue to give your readers something to look forward to, every week, and to be thankful for.

Frank S. Alberti Kew Gardens

Biden protects beaches

Dear Editor:

Super! On Nov. 25, President Biden signed HR5490, the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act. This bipartisan legislation protects nearly 290,000 acres of vulnerable coastal habitat from development that puts our beaches and communities at risk.

As climate change continues to impact our shores and coasts, it is more important than ever that we protect these pristine and treasured ecosystems. HR5490, the BEACH Act, exemplifies the type of solutions we need from Congress to protect our beaches from the impacts of climate change.

Thank you so much, President Biden. Joseph M. Varon Past President New York State Marine Education Association West Hempstead, LI

Gaza aid for hostages

Dear Editor:

The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has suspended aid deliveries through the main crossing into Gaza from Israel. He accused Israel of limiting the amount of aid entering Gaza and of failing to ensure safe conditions for delivering the aid.

Why doesn’t Israel offer to assign Israeli forces to safeguard all aid deliveries to civilians in exchange for the release of all the hostages by Hamas?

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited for length, clarity and other reasons. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published. Those received anonymously are discarded.

Two students head to Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Change Conference Queens teens take the stage at COP29

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Munab Hasnain, a senior at John Adams High School in Ozone Park, got the call while at a bowling alley.

“I’m on the bowling team at our school,” Hasnain explained. “So I was in the bowling alley, and then I get a call from a number. I don’t even know it. I pick it up, and I’m like, ‘Who is this?’”

Emma Gaffney from Global Kids, a nonprofit organization that develops youth leaders through dynamic global education and leadership development programs, was on the line. She told him she saw he applied to go to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Baku, Azerbaijan, also called the 29th Conference of the Parties, or simply COP29, with Global Kids.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, I hope I get in,’” Hasnain told the Chronicle. Gaffney told him then that he would indeed be going.

“I was so happy that day. I told my friends over there, ‘I’m going to another country.’ I told my dad right as I got home — it was nice.”

Another student, Ahmed

Elsayed, a junior at William Cullen Bryant High School in Astoria, was also chosen to go to COP29.

Organized in collaboration with Peace Boat US, a nonprofit working to promote peace, sustainable development, human rights and respect for the environment, the experience provided the two teens with the opportunity to inspire global action and create a more sustainable future for the next generation.

Together, the two youth leaders with a passion for advocacy engaged in discourse with global decision-makers, including Colombia’s Minister of Environment

María Susana Muhamad González, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby and others.

Hasnain and Elsayed participated in three powerful panels on youth leadership in climate justice. The first, held alongside Peace Boat US and Action for Climate Empowerment, focused on introducing Global Kids and learning about other organizations’ work on climate change. The second was with Libby, other embassy members and stu-

Library backers circulate a PAC

Opening a new chapter in New York City politics, activists have launched LibraryPAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting those who support libraries.

Its purpose is to give endorsements and financial support to candidates “who commit to providing robust and rational financial support” for the city’s libraries and back their values of inclusivity and access.

LibraryPAC is focused on the 2025 elections for mayor, city comptroller, public advocate and seats on the Council.

It was founded by a group of former library staff, advocates and leaders including David Woloch, the chair, formerly of the Brooklyn Library system; Emily Drabinski of Queens College, formerly of the American Library Association; Laureen Comito of Urban Librarians Unite and Jen Manley of ULU and formerly of the Queens Library and the Queens Chronicle, where she was the founding editor of qboro, the Arts, Culture and Living section.

Neither the city’s library systems nor their foundations may donate to the PAC due to the rules on nonprofits. Q

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

dents from around Azerbaijan.

“The third panel was in the COP conference, in a side event room where a bunch of people gave great stories,” Hasnain said. “They gave stories about how they struggle

within their communities and countries, he said, and how they have to hold countries most liable for their actions regarding carbon emissions.

Little stars shine bright in W’haven

The kids of PS 97, the Forest Park School, were the stars of the show last Friday as they belted out holiday tunes at the Woodhaven Business Improvement District’s tree lighting at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Forest Parkway. Event cosponsors included state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, all of whom were in attendance.

“Thank you to the @woodhavenbid for organizing the event,” Ariola wrote on social media, accompanied by photos. “Merry Christmas, Woodhaven!”

PS 97’s parent coordinator, Naresha Ali, said it was amazing to see how proud the students were to perform. She thanked the BID for inviting the kids and teacher Kaitlin Rivera for her support. — Kristen Guglielmo

He said it’s unfortunate that developing countries, like Bangladesh, face harm from the luxury living of people in G20 countries.

“That panel was definitely a way for those kids to be able to emotionally connect to the convention itself, because it was sort of using story building as a capacity building tool,” Gaffney told the Chronicle.

While the teens were there for the conference, they also had a chance to explore Azerbaijan.

“We went into shops, went to some tourist spots,” Hasnain said. “We went into mud volcanoes.”

Asked what message from COP29 he wants to bring back to his peers in Queens, Hasnain, who is exploring career options in political science, said, “The luxury living of the people in the G20 countries is costing the lives of others in less fortunate countries, in the least developed countries.” Q

“I spoke about my home country, Bangladesh, where I was born, and I spoke about how it is important countries like Bangladesh receive a good amount of funding from the G20 countries, because G20 countries have a huge amount of carbon emission.”

Free holiday concert in WH

All are welcome to a free evening of live holiday music on Dec. 17, led by talented student musicians and hosted by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) in partnership with Harmony 4 All, a nonprofit group committed to increasing accessibility to music education for underserved students.

All are welcome to watch as the bands perform festive holiday tunes and timeless classics at 7 p.m. in All Saints Episcopal Church, at 84-85 96 St. in Woodhaven.

The evening will feature performances by Genealogy, a wind quintet comprised of exceptional high school musicians. They will be joined by the Joshua Quddus Trio, a standard jazz ensemble of young artists. Both groups are dedicated to their craft, Addabbo’s office said in a press release, and will present a diverse repertoire that showcases their musical excellence.

“This concert is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and support our young musicians,” Addabbo said. “It’s a chance to celebrate their talent and the joy that music brings to our lives.”

More information on Harmony 4 All can be found at harmony4all.org. Q

Queens high school students Munab Hasnain, left, and Ahmed Elsayed traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan, with Global Kids last month for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

PHOTO COURTESY GLOBAL KIDS

Mayor Adams to meet border czar

Delivers

‘tough talk’ on sanctuary policies, as Holden calls for more

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Mayor Adams is scheduled to meet with President-elect Trump’s appointed border czar Tom Homan today, Dec. 12.

Adams hopes to collaborate with Homan to ensure public safety, he told CBS News’ Marcia Kramer in an interview Sunday, but it remains to be seen how difficult that will be in the five boroughs.

Though he is mayor of a sanctuary city, where police officers’ role in enforcing immigration laws is limited, Adams told Kramer there should be more cooperation between city and federal officials.

To enable local and national cooperation would violate city policies, under which the NYPD and Department of Correction can only communicate with federal authorities if a person is convicted of a crime and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has a detainer in place for that person. ICE can also request for a person to be transferred to its custody if it has a judicial warrant.

Those policies stem from decisions made and laws passed during the tenure of Mayor Bill de Blasio. The ICE office at Rikers Island closed in 2015 under a law he signed.

City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) and other members of the Common Sense Caucus last summer introduced legislation to repeal sanctuary laws. Lawmakers also urged the Mayor’s Charter Revision Commission to put the issue before New Yorkers on the ballot, which it did not.

“At a time when our borders are porous, and terrorists are slipping through, not including this on the ballot is a colossal failure,” Holden said on X in July.

There are about 60,000 undocumented

immigrants convicted of or charged with crimes in the city, several published news reports say, citing ICE data.

Adams told Kramer that his stance on sanctuary policies is consistent with what he had said before the election.

“I was saying those who are committing crimes in our city must be addressed. And we should change the current sanctuary city law to address that issue,” he said. “Bloomberg knew that, Mayor Koch knew that, the previous administration altered that. And I thought it was a big mistake.”

Adams said his team is looking into his powers to issue an executive order, after his efforts earlier this year to alter sanctuary policies did not get past the City Council.

A spokesperson from the office of Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) told the Chronicle recently that the Council

has no plans to change those laws.

“Tough talk is good, but actions speak louder,” Holden said in a statement last Wednesday. “The Mayor had the chance to amend or repeal sanctuary city laws through his Charter Revision Commission but chose not to. Now, it’s time to right these wrongs.”

Talk of reopening an ICE office at Rikers Island also has begun — Holden last week urged Adams to do so.

That would facilitate deportations of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. When ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations directly assumes custody of a criminal, the person is not released back into the community.

Trump says his deportation efforts will focus on criminal migrants, and Adams cited concerns about a “small number of violent offenders” entering the country, par-

ticularly “a very dangerous Venezuelan gang.”

Asked if gang members should be deported before trial, Adams said he believes they should serve time first — “if they go out, they can come right back into the country,” he said.

Adams last week said unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes should not be entitled to due process, The New York Times reported.

The New York Post reported last Thursday that Todd Lyons of ICE posted on LinkedIn that reestablishing an ICE office at Rikers Island would give agents direct custody of criminals without the need to reapprehend them in the community. In a separate post, New York ICE Director Kenneth Genalo said “sanctuary policies only protect the criminals” and “this insanity needs to stop.”

Asked whether he would let ICE reopen its Rikers Island offices, Adams did not provide a definite answer.

“I don’t want to walk into a meeting with the border czar with preconceived notions and lines in the sand,” Adams said. “I want to walk in and sit down with him and say, let me hear your vision and let me share what my vision is.”

Homan said sanctuary laws will not stop the feds from carrying out deportations, noting that it is a felony to conceal an unauthorized immigrant from ICE.

Trump also has indicated that his deportations might go beyond criminals.

“I think you have to do it,” he told NBC’s Kristen Welker last week when asked if he intends to deport every person who entered the country illegally. Q

How to stay safe after PRC data leak

DA’s Office, FBI offer tips on how to

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Have the Citizen app?

If so, you are probably one of millions nationwide who got an alert last Thursday that Android and iPhone users should use encryption on their devices due to a massive Chinese hacking attack referred to as “Salt Typhoon” by the federal government.

According to the public-safety crowd-sourcing app, telecommunication companies such as Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T have been targeted and users of their mobile service are at risk for data leaks.

The Chronicle reached out to the office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz about what mobile phone users should do if they are victims of a data leak.

The DA’s Office provided general safety information.

“It is always important for people to keep an eye on personal identifying information and their financial information,” said a DA spokesperson. “They can do this by checking their credit report through Transunion, Experian, or Equifax, which will alert them if accounts have been opened in their name, or if there are credit inquiries they do not recognize.”

The spokesperson also said people can go to annualcreditreport. com.

“If they do find an issue, they should contact the police, make a report through the Internet crime complaint center (www.ic3.org), or they can make a report directly to the Queens Dis-

protect sensitive information

trict Attorney’s Office at cybercrime@queensda.org, MajorEcoCrimes@queensda.org or by calling (718) 286-6673,” continued the spokesperson.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency held a telephone press briefing on the hack on Dec. 3, the FBI press office said.

At the event, a senior FBI official said the agency has been investigating potential data leaks since late spring and that the People’s Republic of China has a “broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.”

“Since the FBI first identified specific malicious activity targeting the sector, we have identified that PRC affiliated cyber actors have compromised networks of multiple

telecom companies to enable multiple activities,” said the senior official, according to the FBI press office. “First, the actors have stolen a large amount of records, essentially, they stole data about where, when and whom individuals were communicating with. These stolen records do not include voice or text content.”

The official said mobile phone users should be aware of SIM swapping threats.

“People looking to further protect their mobile device communications would benefit from considering using a cell phone that automatically receives timely operating system updates, responsibly managed encryption and phishing resistant MFA for email, social media and collaboration tool accounts,”

said the official. “Second, much more narrowly, the actors compromised private communications of a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in the government or political activities. This would have contained call and text contents.”

Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for the CISA, said at the press event that the country needs to think long-term about how it secures its networks while working with its partners in the telecommunications industry.

“I encourage people to be careful what you communicate or use your encrypted communications where you have it,” said Greene.

If you suspect you are a victim of a cyber attack, contact newyork.fbi. com or call (212) 384-1000. Q

Mayor Adams will meet with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan today amid calls to modify sanctuary city restrictions. PHOTOS BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE / FILE, LEFT, AND GAGE SKIDMORE / FLICKR

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Arts group remembers Universal Declaration of Human Rights A celebration of life at Queens College

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The building that now houses the Queens Museum still was the home of the United Nations in 1948 when the body adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Queens College, therefore, was a fitting choice Tuesday as Arts 4 All celebrated the declaration’s 76th anniversary.

Sumita SenGupta, founder of Arts 4 All, told the group of more than 100 people in the Goldstein Theatre that they also were celebrating the life of the late First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the first chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Featured speakers included Anna Eleanor Fierst, Roosevelt’s great-granddaughter; May Brill, a Navy veteran of World War II who at 100 still is a leader in the fight for women military veterans; and Inge Auerbacher of Jamaica and Leon Sherman of Rego Park, both survivors of multiple concentration camps during the Holocaust.

disabled. The president contracted polio at age 39, rendering his legs largely useless without heavy braces.

“He never let himself be photographed in a wheelchair,” Fierst said.

She said having an activist first lady took the country some getting used to — such as one who donned overalls to visit workers in the depths of an Ohio coal mine, watching them work and talking about the importance of joining a union.

And when famed Black singer Marion Anderson was not permitted to perform at a private venue, Roosevelt worked to set up the famed 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

“You didn’t have to be gassed to die.”

Auerbacher, a native of Germany, is approaching her 90th birthday. She would major in chemistry at Queens College and worked 38 years in the fields of medical research and clinical practice. She has written six books on the Holocaust which have been printed in nine languages.

— Holocaust survivor and Jamaica resident Inge Auerbacher

Queens College President Frank Wu gave opening remarks to a crowd that included students from John Bowne High School in Kew Gardens Hills.

Fierst, chair of the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill in upstate Hyde Park, spoke of her great-grandmother’s well-known — and revolutionary for the time — fights for civil rights for women, minorities, laborers and the poor, and, later, people seeking independence from colonialism.

“Who knows about the 19th Amendment?” Fierst asked, referring to women gaining the right to vote in 1920, something Roosevelt fought for well before her husband became president in 1933. And both Roosevelts were acutely aware of discrimination against the

Her family had lived in and around the village of Klippenheim for generations.

“We didn’t want to leave,” she said. “Then they came to get us.”

She was 7, and the youngest of about 1,100 people being shipped on her trip to the Terezin camp in the former Czechoslovakia, where she remained until she was 10. She still has the yellow star that all Jews were require to wear under Nazi rule, and has since visited the graves of the Russian general whose forces liberated the camp, and of President Harry Truman, who succeeded Roosevelt upon his death.

While it was not set up as a death camp per se, many perished or were killed there, including most of the 15,000 children who passed through the camp’s gates.

Inge Auerbacher of Jamaica discusses her time in European concentration camps and how it shaped her life after coming to New York City after the war, at Queens College on Tuesday. The Arts 4 All Foundation was celebrating the 76th anniversary of Human Rights Day. Shree SenGupta of Arts 4 All holds the yellow Star of David that Jews in Germany and occupied Europe were forced to wear. Anna Eleanor Fierst, right, great-granddaughter of Eleanor and President Franklin Roosevelt, also was among the speakers.

“You didn’t have to be gassed to die,” Auerbacher said.

Sherman, now 105, would be kept in five camps, including Auschwitz, where he said he was spared only because he was physically able to work. He was not shy about rolling up his sleeve to show the identification number branded on his forearm. He saw countless people gassed.

“Babies were thrown into the crematoriums,” he said. “They were thrown into fires. We were beaten and starved.”

HB Kiwanis generosity extends to Florida

The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach continued its usual altruism last Thursday with a charitable donation to help those in need down in the Sunshine State.

Steve Sirgiovanni, right, the club’s president, presented a $1,000 check to Frank Congemi, left, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach, Fla., to be used for hurricane relief there.

With clubs in 80 nations, according to its website, Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Howard Beach chapter has been serving the neighborhood since 1962. — Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

A piece of bread might have to last a week. Illness and disease ran rampant. Disciplinary problems could be taken out into the woods and shot; others buried alive.

Brill, a Philadelphia girl, didn’t understand why she could not serve the country in the war like her brothers were doing.

“I said ‘It’s my country too.’”

She was able to join the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. She would discover that the Navy — and the armed forces in general — took the word “volunteer” very literally.

After training, Brill’s unit was shipped out to a naval base in Oakland, Calif., taking a slow train from Georgia — in coach.

“Can you imagine sitting up for five straight days?” she asked.

They worked side-by-side with the men at the base, largely making sure everything from beans to bullets got to whoever needed them, including one brother who served on a battleship.

“He spent three and a half years seasick,” she said.

And while she and other women who served in the military during World War II received eduction and other benefits after mustering out, Brill wanted and fought decades for one more thing.

“We weren’t considered veterans,” she said. “We were volunteers. It wasn’t until 1977 that [WAVES] were recognized as veterans.”

She still serves as chair of New Jersey’s Women in the Military and is active in Jewish War Veterans organizations.

“Women veterans are not invisible,” Brill said. Q

Southeast Queens street crews had shootouts inside playgrounds 11 gang members indicted, DA says

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Eleven members from two subsets of a Southeast Queens crime syndicate were indicted after a nearly four-year investigation into a gang turf war, in which five victims were identified, one of whom was left paralyzed from the waist down, announced the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz last Thursday.

Five of the defendants in the “Deadliest Catch” investigation were apprehended and arraigned on a 57-count indictment for conspiracy in the first degree, attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and are expected back in court later this month or January, said prosecutors. If convicted on the first charge, three defendants could spend a maximum of 25 years in prison and two others face potential life sentences.

The defendants are allegedly part of the 8 Trey Movin Crips street gang, which includes the Hollis subset, Whole Blocc Boys (Trevor Bailey, Isaiah Raymond, Raynaldo Lynch, Shawn Cole and Tavion Scott) and the South Jamaica subgroup, Score on Anything (Alphati Tanis, Seth Johnson, Hiswan Simmons, Amir Harris, Isaiah Garcia and Tajh Parker John), who are said to be involved in nine shootings from March 2021 to December 2022, said prosecutors. Tanis and Bailey are said to be the ringleaders of the group. Eleven guns were seized during the course of the investigation.

WBB and SOA members were allegedly involved in crimes committed in parks and playgrounds, near a bodega and even by a daycare because they wanted to protect their territory from members of rival groups such as Folk Nation, Money World, Mac Ballers, Dream Team and others, said authorities.

activity took place in Southeast Queens in roughly the same areas.

Katz said in a statement that she will not stand for the frenzied violence.

“Violent gang activity places countless lives in danger and we cannot and will not surrender our streets to reckless gang warfare,” she said.

“Seven of the defendants including two alleged ringleaders stand accused of conspiracy in the first degree, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.”

“The senseless violence ... has no place in our city.”

— Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch

The DA’s Office did not have a breakdown as to where the competing gangs were located, but a spokesperson said the general gang

The SOA gang was allegedly involved in a shooting on May 22, 2021, at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Sutphin Boulevard and 112th Avenue in South Jamaica, near the Afro-American Parents Day Care–Educational Center 2, said prosecutors. After a Dream Team member parked his Hyundai Accent on 112th Street, another member of that group allegedly exited the vehicle and fired in the direction of the SOA members.

Surveillance video footage showed an

Save lives by donating blood

“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. All blood types are wanted.

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

• Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, basement, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, 95-30 118 St. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Inderjeet Singh;

• 105th Precinct, muster room, 12 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23, 92-08 222 St. in Queens Village; blood drive coordinator Sgt. Navdeep Singh;

• UBS Arena, Acrisure Great Hall lobby, 1:30 to 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, 2400 Hempstead Ave. in Elmont; blood drive coordinator Ann Rina; and

• St. John’s University, Taffner Field House room 202; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Safiyah Seelochan. Q — Naeisha Rose

alleged SOA member walk toward the Hyundai and shoot at it several times as it drove away. The vehicle hit several others and a stop sign on 148th Street and eventually rammed into a parked car at the corner of Linden Boulevard, causing all occupants to flee on foot. Investigators determined that the incident was retaliation for an earlier altercation that took place inside Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, where an SOA member allegedly robbed a Dream Team member at gunpoint.

On June 27, 2021, a Dream Team member shot at several purported WBB gang members, who allegedly returned fire, inside Daniel M. O’Connell playground in St. Albans at 2:40 p.m., said prosecutors. Several children and families were at the playground at the time of the shooting.

On Sept. 14, 2022, at approximately 8:40 p.m., police responded to a report about shots fired at Sutphin Boulevard and 123rd Avenue in South Jamaica near PS 233 and Sutphin Playground. Investigators determined that an SOA member who drove by allegedly shot at a Money World rival, who was walking home from a bodega. Officers found the Money World member with wounds to his leg inside a

residential hallway two blocks from the crime scene, where five 9 mm bullet casings were discovered.

The defendants were also accused of using social media platforms such as Snapchat to provoke and lure rival gang members to carry out more violent acts, said prosecutors.

“The senseless violence described in this indictment has no place in our city, and we are committed to using all available resources to identify and dismantle gangs and crews wherever they operate,” said Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Bailey, 29, and Cole, 18, both from St. Albans, remain at large but once caught could face life and 10 years in prison, respectively, if convicted. Bailey was charged with conspiracy in the first degree and Cole with conspiracy in the second degree, said the DA’s Office.

Tanis, 33, and Haris, 22, both of Jamaica, along with Raymond, 20 of Queens Village, are expected back in court on Jan. 2. Tanis was indicted on conspiracy in the first degree and could spend life in prison if convicted. Haris and Raymond were charged with conspiracy in the second degree and could spend 25 years in prison if convicted.

Garcia, 24, of Yonkers, NY, was ordered to return to court on Jan. 7. If convicted on a conspiracy in the first degree charge, he could face life in prison.

Johnson, 20, of Jamaica, was ordered to return to court on Dec. 20. If convicted on a conspiracy in the second degree charge, he could spend 25 years in prison.

Parker-John, 23, of Cambria Heights, and Scott, 22, of Queens Village, are in state prison and will be arraigned at a later date.

Lynch, 23, previously of Jamaica, is in a state prison in Massachusetts, and will be extradited at a later date.

Simmons, 22, of Arverne, is currently hospitalized for an unrelated incident, and his arraignment is pending.

The DA’s Violent Crime Enterprise Bureau and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division, along with members of the 103rd, 105th and 113th precincts under the supervision of the Police Department’s Specialty Enforcement Division, conducted the 44-month-long investigation. Q

On Dec. 5, District Attorney Melinda Katz led a press conference after the indictment of 11 alleged members of a Southeast Queens street gang.

PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS DA

BUSINESS AS SUALU

Have fun and become a grill master at KPot

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Ready to spice up your dining plans?

KPot, located at 161-49 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, isn’t just about grabbing a bite — it’s about diving into an all-youcan-eat adventure with sizzling Korean barbecue and bubbling hot pot fun. Open since June, the spot brings big flavors, endless options and a good time to the table.

For those unfamiliar, Korean barbecue, known sometimes as KBBQ, is a do-ityourself experience where diners, on a tabletop grill, cook their own meats and vegetables. At KPot, the offerings are set out buffet-style, with options such as beef bulgogi — thinly sliced marinated beef, short ribs, steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon and pork belly. The meats are often marinated, and there’s a station in the restaurant to prepare your own dipping sauce.

Vegetarians, fret not — veggie KBBQ offerings include pineapple, eggplant, potato, pumpkin, beech and king oyster mushrooms and others.

KPot’s hot pot offers the same communal dining experience, but instead of a tabletop grill, customers gather over a simmering pot of broth and share a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables. Soup bases include Thai Tom Yum, Szechuan spicy, pork bone and Japanese miso.

The vegetable options are more plentiful for hot pot, including corn, lotus root, broccoli, bok choy, spinach, tofu and others. Noodles can also be added, such as vermicelli, udon, ramen or pho.

Guests can choose between a KBBQ experience and hot pot, or do both.

If you’re not a natural chef, don’t worry about it — the staff at KPot are kind and attentive. Manager Michelle Lin told the Chronicle that someone always will be

Diners at KPot cook their choice of meat and veggies on tabletop grills.

nearby to answer any questions, and if the elderly need some help, someone can assist them.

Lin said that since the restaurant’s summer opening, guests have been eager to experience KPot for themselves. Popular offerings are the beef bulgogi and boba tea.

Small groups don’t need a reservation, but large groups are encouraged to call ahead and snag a table. Perfect for parties, KPot also has a full bar, a television and speakers playing upbeat music.

The restaurant is open daily at 12 p.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Final seating is an hour before closing. KPot does not offer takeout.

The restaurant offers lunch prices on weekdays from 12 to 4 p.m. — $20.99 for adults, $7.99 for kids ages 4 to 6, and $11.99 for kids ages 7 to 10. Dinner prices are $31.99 for adults, $11.99 for kids ages 4 to 6 and $15.99 for kids ages 7 to 10. To combine experiences and enjoy both KBBQ and hot pot, add an extra $5 per guest.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit thekpot.com or call (718) 808-1049. Q

Cypress Hills Cemetery

KPot, at 161-49 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, offers a unique dining experience where guests can cook a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables over a tabletop grill or in a simmering pot of broth.

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

The Queens Chronicle’s annual toy drive is ongoing through Dec. 19 Spreading holiday joy through giving holiday giving

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Santa’s workshop is gearing up for the busy holiday season. The Queens Chronicle staff is acting as Santa’s helpers and calling on the public to help to spread the magic through its 28th annual Holiday Toy Drive, dedicated to bringing joy and hope to children, teens and families in Queens homeless shelters.

The Chronicle is seeking donations of new, unused and unwrapped toys, games, puzzles, art supplies and other gifts for boys and girls of all ages, from infants to teens.

Winter essentials such as clothing, hats, gloves and scarves for all age groups, as well as ageappropriate cosmetics, personal care items and gift cards will also be accepted to help families prepare for the colder months ahead.

child-safe makeup and nail polish, while some boys have asked for train sets, Power Rangers and toy trucks.

The donations will be distributed to homeless shelters throughout the borough, including one for domestic violence victims, sure to brighten the holiday season for those who need it most.

The final deadline for donations is Thursday, Dec. 19.

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Associate Editor

If you’re in need of ideas, in previous years children have requested items themed after their favorite movies and TV shows, such as Disney’s “Frozen,” “Paw Patrol” and Pokémon. Toys and clothing themed after characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as DC and Marvel superheroes, are always sure to be a hit.

Young girls have requested Barbie dolls and

All contributions can be brought to the Queens Chronicle’s office at 71-19 80 St., Suite 8-201, at The Shops at Atlas Park mall in Glendale during business hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The office is above HomeGoods, and the entrance to the building is where the sign says The Offices at Market Plaza. Donations also can be dropped off at the following locations during their regular business hours:

• State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. at 84-16 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven;

• Assemblyman Ed Braunstein at 213-33 39 Ave., Suite 238, in Bayside;

• Councilman Bob Holden at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth; and

• Goldfish Swim School at 71-03 80 St., Space 7-110, in Atlas Park in Glendale.

are some of the donations to the

collects toys and other gifts for children and teens in

Gifts should be new and unwrapped, and can be brought to the Chronicle’s office in Glendale, a neighboring business or the offices of several area elected officials.

Thank you to Doreen Fleming, Leonor Miller, Jeri and Vicki for their contributions this week to the toy drive!

Advocates cheer Intro. 654

Bill giving tax breaks for LL 97 upgrades has passed

Intro. 654, a bill that would help offset some of the costs of upgrades to comply with Local Law 97, passed unanimously in the City Council last Thursday.

As part of the 2019 Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 requires most large buildings to cut back on carbon emissions over time, which could mean costly renovations such as rewiring to transition to electrical energy, installing heat pumps and replacing roofs.

Intro. 654 extends the expired J-51 tax abatement program to certain building alterations made between June 29, 2022 and June 30, 2026. Qualifying owners can recover up to 70 percent of the cost of work at 8 1/3 percent per year for up to 20 years.

The bill also includes tenant protections, such as possibly revoking benefits if owners fail to comply, and requires implementation reports from the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

A report by the Green Co-op Council, a project of the Spring Street Climate Fund that promotes going green while saving money, states that there are 592 eligible co-ops and condos in Queens.

the legislation — each one includes more than 11,000 eligible units, with Schulman’s district topping the list at 18,256. All three lawmakers sponsored the bill, as did several other Queens Council members.

Elected officials joined shareholders for a press conference at the Penn South co-op in Manhattan on Monday, which also streamed live on X, to celebrate its passage.

Green Co-op Council member and Jackson Heights resident Elaine O’Brien said the tax abatement will help the middle- and workingclass families in her building “take things to the next step” in terms of improvements to comply with Local Law 97.

“It’s going to cost a lot more for us to electrify our building, to develop better programs with more energy efficiency upgrades, but this is a huge help,” O’Brien said.

Anyone seeking additional informationmay call the Chronicle’s Stela Barbu at (718) 2058000. Q

Photo contest!

The study shows also that the districts of Councilmembers Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) and Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) are among the five that would benefit most from

“We’ve got two twin crises we’re facing, a housing crisis and a climate crisis, and it is a false conflict to pit the two against each other,” Krishnan said. “This is why the work we’ve done with passing Intro. 654 is so important because it recognizes that we can protect, preserve and expand affordable housing while also protecting our climate, while also making it affordable.” Q

The Queens Chronicle’s 17th annual Holiday Photo Contest is underway! Take pictures of anything that reflects the season — joyous children and families, lights, miniature villages, snowy landscapes, whatever it might be — and send them on in. Our main requirement is that the photos be taken in the borough this season. We also ask that you give us all the details you can, especially the location, the names of any people in a photo, when possible, and when it was taken. Avoid time stamps!

The winner will get a $50 gift card. All winning shots, and many others, also get published. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, saying “contest” somewhere in the subject line, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 3. Good luck!

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

These

Queens Chronicle’s 28th annual Holiday Toy Drive, which

homeless shelters throughout the borough.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Green Co-op Council member and Jackson Heights resident Elaine O’Brien said Intro. 654 will help middle- and working-class families make renovations to comply with Local Law 97. X SCREENSHOT / SPRING STREET CLIMATE FUND

December 12, 2024

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Marlee Wollman

“If you’re caught in time, the immediate present time, then your choice is very limited,” sculptor Isamu Noguchi said, discussing the limitations of time in a 1972 interview for Michael Blackwood Productions.

“You can only do certain things really, correctly belonging to that time. But if you want to escape from that time constraint, then the whole world, not just the most industrialized world, but the whole world, is someplace where you belong.”

Fifty-two years later, a robust showcase of the artist’s work — spanning time and styles — is situated aloft in the transformed industrial building and serene outdoor garden that Noguchi himself established in Long Island City in 1985, inviting

admiration and reflection from visitors.

A prolific collection of works, ranging from playground proposals to set designs for dance productions, the exhibit “Against Time” is a testament to the transcendence of restrictions that time and materials impose.

Noguchi never allowed a particular style, approach or even medium to narrow his vision. In “Friendship Fountain,” a proposal for a 150-foothigh steel frame structure to be built on the Missouri River, he integrates irrigation systems in the prairies.

The incorporation of nature is a common theme in Noguchi’s work. “Sacred Rocks of Kukaniloko,” a bronze representation of his unrealized design for an enclosure that would protect royal Hawaiian

birthstones in an earth mound, further exemplifies this concept. In “Erosion,” a marble surface is smoothed down, emphasizing the absence of water that formed its emergence.

Other pieces place the relationship between humanity and nature at the viewer’s focal point. Many of the featured works in the quadragenarian showcase are unrealized proposals for recreational public areas.

“Contoured Playground,” which was intended for Central Park, features a cascading flexuous topography. This configuration was created as a direct rebuttal to the claim made by Robert Moses’ assistant that the city only would build a playground in

continued on page 25

Noguchi

exhibition displays the sculptor’s evolving vision

King Crossword Puzzle

Abe Simon punched in from S. Rich Hill to Bayside

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Hungarian immigrants Max Simon and Rose Schwarz were married in Manhattan in April 1911. They had three children, Louis, Abraham and Sylvia. They soon moved to Sutphin Boulevard in Queens and started an auto wrecking business. Their success enabled them to buy a home in South Richmond Hill.

Abraham, who was born May 30, 1913, wound up 6 feet, 4 inches tall and was a standout athlete at John Adams High School.

Boxing promoters approached him. He went pro in 1935 at age 21 and won his next 13 fights, mostly by knockouts. Eventually, Abe “The Ape” Simon became a world heavyweight contender, facing Joe Louis for the title in 1941. Simon lost by a technical knockout in 13 rounds.

In February 1942 Simon married Rita Siebel, and they bought a new home at 56-37 215 St. in Bayside. A month later he fought

of

Louis again and lost by TKO in six rounds. He went into TV and movie work.

Simon also worked a referee while enjoying time with his children, Alfred and Kathleen. He suffered a heart attack and died on Oct. 24, 1969, at age 56, leaving us too soon and being mourned by all in the industry. Q

The home

heavyweight boxer Abe “The Ape” Simon at 56-37 215 St. in Bayside, as it looks today.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA WIKIPEDIA / LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS

Nifty gifts for everyone on your list this season

by Stephanie G. Meditz associate editor

When it comes to exchanging presents, it really is the thought that counts.

Sometimes, though, no matter how much thinking goes into a gift, you just come up empty. By Dec. 23, you may even brave the storm of your nearest mall and settle on the same basic candle or fuzzy socks you gave someone else last year.

That doesn’t have to be the case this year! Vendors in Queens and beyond offer creative, quirky gifts that your loved ones will only realize they needed once they tear open the wrapping paper.

Though socks can be an easy, last-minute gift, they are undeniably cozy and can be creative, too. Maybe you have a friend or loved one who would rather chill at home with the cat than be out in the cold. A perfect gift idea might be a set of fuzzy socks designed to look like cat paws. Amazon has you covered.

You also might let your loved ones cuddle with their favorite pooch or feline from afar by gifting a pair of socks customized with their pet’s face. Pajamas and pillows are cozy, too, but could terrify their fourlegged friends who see their own faces.

If they’re a reader, too, you can head over to Topos Bookstore in Ridgewood to

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

Queens, you can inspire the next generation of bakers by gifting a toy stand mixer with cake-scented slime, sprinkles, glitter and foam beads.

Also at Five Below, you can find quirky takes on classic gifts. Getting someone a mug doesn’t have to be basic if the handle is shaped like a pretzel or croissant.

Or, at TJ Maxx, you can let your loved ones enjoy their morning coffee just a bit longer with a mug warmer set. The stainless steel gadget is complete with a temperature indicator — they can have their cup of joe their way, whether it’s warm or just shy of scalding.

If your friends love their favorite drink so much that they’d wear it, you can even get them a pair of slippers shaped like a pumpkin spice latte or espresso martini.

scour the shelves for their new favorite tome. If or when you purchase several, you might buy a tote bag bearing the shop’s logo — a smiling, Cheshire-like cat.

Letty B. Creations in the Jamaica Colosseum mall has funny, customizable gifts from sweatshirts to tumblers and mugs. You might even get your favorite Microsoft Excel whiz an item declaring his or her status as a “freak in the sheets.”

Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills has several festive offerings for those on your list with a sweet tooth. Chocolate menorahs, Christmas trees and even poop emojis with Santa hats are sure to cause giggles, and not just from the sugar rush.

Speaking of sweets, toy companies have gotten more creative with their presentation of slime, a favorite for kids nowadays. In Five Below, which has many locations in

Know a Star Wars fan who loves sushi, rice or ramen? Look no further than lightsaber chopsticks — for just under $10 on Amazon, you can help your friends put the “chew” in Chewbacca and brighten up their favorite meal with LED lights.

The greatest gift of all, though, is a reminder that you love your friends and family and know them well. You’ll see the sentiment reciprocated when they respond with a genuine laugh or an “I can’t wait to use this.” Q

A life lived hands-on: Noguchi’s eclectic creations

continued from page 23

Central Park if it had “absolutely no elements that could potentially cause injury to children.” “Riverside Playground,” a series of four block-long play areas, could have been striking and evocative additions to the Upper West Side but were denied.

“Play Mountain” was a concept for a giant otherworldly public sculpture, one that was inspired by the desolate and sparse playgrounds of Noguchi’s childhood. Noguchi’s

Crossword Answers

intention behind the embodiment of alternative worlds in the urban arena was to foundationally adjust perceived confines and attenuated imaginations in the minds of the youth. The project was ultimately rejected as it contradicted the generic notion of what a playground could be, and the city was hesitant to fund such an eccentric project.

Many of these works never saw their potential due to financial or regulatory obstacles, but the models provide an enduring cognizance of Noguchi’s deep ingenuity.

The interplay between humans and nature is further explored through the cycles of life and death. “This Tortured Earth,” in bronze, and “Mother and Child,” in onyx, are both sculptures that embody the intensity of human existence itself. Noguchi also emotes the tragedy of war through pieces such as “Monument to Heroes” and “The World is a Foxhole.” In these sculptures, which incorporate materials such as bronze, wood, string, fabric, cardboard and even bones, Noguchi moves beyond the immediate physical devastation to address the metaphysical — despair, hope and memory.

A self-proclaimed hands-on learner, Noguchi famously said, “You can find out

Isamu Noguchi’s “Friendship Fountain,” left, is among the sculptor’s works on display in the “Against Time” exhibit, where visitors, right, mill about near the piece “Dance Platform for Martha Graham’s Embattled Garden.” On the cover: Several other works in the exhibit that modeled possible public amenities.

how to do something and then do it. Or you can do something and then find out what you did. I seem to be of the second disposition. I just do it and then maybe I’ll try to name it or find out what I did.”

“Against Time,” on view until September

2025 at the Noguchi Museum, located at 9-01 33 Road, is an illuminating experience that invites viewers to experience the world from the artist’s standpoint, surpassing boundaries, transcending limiting preconceptions, and eclipsing the edges of time. Q

If you’d like to get more creative than a gift card, you might head to TJ Maxx to gift your loved ones a pair of pumpkin spice latte slippers.

PHOTOS BY MARLEE WOLLMAN

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Notice of Formation of SHIRLEY’S LIFESTYLE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/11/2024 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, 8309 BREVOORT ST, SUITE 2E, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 16417 75 AVE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 7611 171st St, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, ATLANTICA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MINCIA AGARD, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 10, 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 January 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 149-63 Weller Lane, Rosedale, NY 11422.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13676 and Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $722,827.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #726578/2022. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee, Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice is hereby given that an On Premises Tavern Full Liquor License, Application ID NA-0370-24-145734 has been applied for by JKL Bar Corp d/b/a Paradise Alley serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a tavern for the premises located at 41-09 150th Street, Flushing, NY 11355.

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Restaurant-Liquor License, NYS Application ID NA-0340-24-140951 has been applied for by Pizza on the Point LLC d/b/a Pizza on the Point to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in an on-premises Restaurant-Liquor establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 202-20 Rockaway Point Blvd., Suite A, Rockaway Point, NY 11697.

C

NOTICE OF SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in New York, by virtue of certain Event(s) of Default under that certain Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of April 25, 2022 (the “Pledge Agreement”), executed and delivered by Ali Keivanjah (the “Pledgor”), and in accordance with it rights as holder of the security, FRC VTX Assets LLC (the “Secured Party”), by virtue of possession of that certain Share Certificate held in accordance with Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York (the “Code”) and by virtue of those certain UCC-1 Filing Statement made in favor of Secured Party, all in accordance with Article 9 of the Code, Secured Party will offer for sale, at public auction, (i) all of Pledgor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following: Keivanjah LLC (the “Pledged Entity”), and (ii) certain related rights and property relating thereto (collectively, (i) and (ii) are the “Collateral”). Secured Party’s understanding is that the principal asset of the Pledged Entity is that certain fee interest in real property commonly known as 103-18 103rd Street, Ozone Park, New York 11417 (the “Property”). Maltz Auctions (“Maltz”), under the direction of Richard B. Maltz or David A. Constantino (the “Auctioneer”), will conduct a public sale consisting of the Collateral (as set forth in Schedule A below), via virtual bidding, on January 9, 2025 at 12:00pm, in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the approximate amount of $430,000.00, including principal plus interest, and reasonable fees and costs, plus default interest through January 9, 2025, subject to open charges and all additional costs, fees and disbursements permitted by law. The Secured Party reserves the right to credit bid. Online bidding will be made available for pre-registered bidders via Maltz's online bidding App available for download in the App Store or on Google play and via desktop bidding at remotebidding.maltzauctions.com.

Bidder Qualification Deadline: January 8, 2025 by 4:00 pm. Executed Terms & Conditions of Sale along with ten (10%) of Bidders intended bid amount (to be submitted via wire transfer) are required for consideration by any interested party and submitted directly to Maltz. Requests for wiring instructions should be sent to rmaltz@maltzauctions.com.

SCHEDULE A

Pledged Interest

PLEDGOR Ali Keivanjah ISSUER Keivanjah LLC, a New York limited liability company INTERESTS PLEDGED 100% membership interest

The UCC1 was filed on May 10, 2022 with the Secretary of State of the State of New York under the Filing No. # 202205100197915. VALLELY LAW PLLC

Attn: Erick R. Vallely, Esq. Attorneys for Secured Party 851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165 Syosset, New York 11791 (516) 386-3900

Notice of formation of Lily Tung Psychiatry, LLC, a foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC). Application for Authority was filed with the NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 09/05/2024. The LLC was organized in New Jersey on 08/19/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process and shall mail copies to: 209-34 Northern Blvd #1058, Bayside, NY 11361. Principal office: 6 Kilmer Rd #1216, Edison, NJ 08817. Certificate of Organization filed with the NJ Division of Revenue. Copies available upon request from: Lily Tung, 6 Kilmer Rd #1216, Edison, NJ 08817. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, BANTAM FUNDING II, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNITED ASSETS CORPORATION USA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2023, 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 January 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 11-42

Welling Court a/k/a 1142 Welling Court, Astoria a/k/a Long Island City, NY 11102. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 506 and Lot 60. Approximate amount of judgment is $854,910.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #712227/2020. Richard M. Gutierrez, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 233152-2

Notice is hereby given that a License, number NA-0240-24129021, for beer, wine and cider has been applied for by the undersigned* to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 18-01 26th Rd, Long Island City, New York 11101 for on premises consumption.(*Sophistian Inc DBA Sophistian Pizzeria Restaurant) (18-01 26th Rd, Long Island City, New York 11101).

22-57 CRESCENT STREET LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/31/24. 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, 22-57 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 20182, Plaintiff against BRENDA LANCLOS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 18, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 11726 204th Street, St. Albans, NY 11412. Block 12633 Lot 18. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $502,457.75 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 715570/2020. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Kristen Jean Dubowski, Esq., Referee File # 21-001540-01

Notice of Formation of KEISHA CHRISTIAN ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/02/2024. 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: KEISHA CHRISTIAN, 218-10 MERRICK BLVD., UNIT 130474, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GOLDEN HORN DEVELOPERS LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/22/2024 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: BRITTANY MORLEY, 146-01 17TH AVE., WHITESTONE, NY 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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, Garden Co-op. 3 BR converted to 2 BR. Dogs & cats allowed under 30 lbs. 33% down payment req. Asking $289K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Old Side. Unique Doll House. 2 BR, 2 baths, all new. Mint move-in cond. Asking $578,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park. Totally updated, mint cond, HiRanch, 35x100 lot. 4 BR, 2 full baths. Reduced $939K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

We Buy Houses

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of HEAVENLY HOMES CLEANING SERVICES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/08/24 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 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 228 PARK AVE S #601636, NEW YORK, NY 10003. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LB Knickerbocker Newco LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/5/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/ email process to: The LLC, 22111 Kingsbury Ave., Oakland Gardens, NY 11364, laundrybeeinc@gmail.com. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of NEW HORIZON - IMMIGRATION FORMS PREPARATION & INCOME TAX SERVICES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/19/2024. 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: YADIRA A JARQUIN, 8420 AUSTIN STREET, 6E, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NORMAN COURIER LINKUP LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. 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: NORMAN BARNES, 165-26 144TH DRIVE, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name: PATOKILO LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/14/24. Office Location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to LLC at: 2 Bay Club Drive 6Z1, Bayside, NY 11360 US. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

QUEENS LUBE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/29/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 93-25 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park, NY 11416, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Ozone Park, lg 2 BR, 2nd fl. Close to subway, shops. Nice area. Owner 917-705-1842

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 19982 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. ELDER AVE REALTY CORP., ET AL.,

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 8, 2024 and entered on October 18, 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 on January 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 5137 and Lot 1130. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 130, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $159,112.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index #712076/2019.

Valerie Katsorhis, Esq., Referee

The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 553, New York, New York 10165, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, SC PARK LANE II, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. WALI AHMED, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 22, 2022, 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 January 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 35-20 Leverich Street Unit B226 a/k/a Unit 226, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 1270 and Lot 1111 together with an undivided 0.6091 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,245.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #724727/2020. Austin I. Idehen, Esq., Referee Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMDISASTER RECOVERY PUBLIC NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

TO ALL INTERESTED RESIDENTS, GROUPS, COMMUNITY BOARDS, AND AGENCIES:

On Monday, December 16, 2024, the City of New York will release a substantial amendment to its Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan for Hurricane Ida Recovery.

To access the plan beginning December 16, 2024, please visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/cdbgdr/hurricane-ida/ida-action-plan. page. Executive Summaries will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian, Korean, Arabic, Urdu, French, and Polish. The online materials will also be accessible for the visually impaired. Paper copies of the Action Plan, including in large print format (18pt. font size), will be provided upon request.

The substantial amendment is subject to a 30-day public comment period, which will begin on December 17, 2024. Comments must be received no later than Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. (EST). Written comments may be submitted to CDBGComments@omb.nyc.gov or to the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Julie Freeman, Director of Community Development, 255 Greenwich Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10007.

At the end of the comment period, all comments shall be reviewed, and City responses will be incorporated into the Action Plan. The final Ida Action Plan, containing a summary of the comments and the City’s responses, will be submitted to HUD and posted on the City’s CDBG-DR website.

City of New York: Eric Adams, Mayor Jacques Jiha, Ph.D., Director, Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget

Date: December 9, 2024

Are you raising a grandchild, young relative or child of a family friend in the absence of the biological parents?

SUMMONS Index No. 725806/2023 STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2007-CH1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007CH1, Plaintiff, -vs- THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF LYNN MARKLEIN A/K/A LYNN D. MARKLEIN, deceased, and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest of all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; DAUN MARI WILCOX A/K/A DAUN M. WILCOX; CHERYL NAPIER; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; JOHN DOE, individual whose name remains unknown to the Plaintiff, Defendants. Mortgaged Premises: 86-05 104TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418 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 hereof. Your failure to appear or answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you, unless the Defendant obtained a bankruptcy discharge and such other or further relief as may be just and equitable. 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 to 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 payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises. Dated: August 31, 2023 Mark K. Broyles, Esq. FEIN SUCH & CRANE, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff Office and P.O. Address 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, New York 14614 Telephone No. (585) 232-7400 Block: 9200 Lot: 3 NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of QUEENS, State of New York as more particularly described in the Complaint herein.

TO THE DEFENDANT, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. TIMOTHY J. DUFFICY Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated November 12, 2024 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a Mortgage. 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 Mortgaged Premises: 86-05 104TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418 Tax Map/Parcel ID No.: Block: 9200 Lot: 3 of the BOROUGH of QUEENS, NY 11418 83494

Rosedale Jets spirit teams competed against 240 others at AYC Nationals Cheer squad wins third-place trophy

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The Rosedale Jets Cheerleaders’ Diamond Division took home a third place trophy for cheer and dance at the American Youth Cheer National Competition in Kissimmee, Fla., last Wednesday. The RJC Divas Division also went head-to-head against some of the top teams in the country, coming just a few points shy of placing.

There were 240 teams in the national competition, said RJC Director and Head Coach Katia Leon, who told the Chronicle via email that she was thrilled by the win and proud of the hard work of all the cheerleaders.

“Traveling all the way from New York City, our girls competed against talented teams from all over the nation, showcasing their skill, determination and teamwork,” she said about the Diamonds squad (ages 5 to 10). “Their outstanding performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication!”

Glenda Lynch, the greataunt of one of the cheerleaders, London Long, said via email that it was the girl’s second national competition since joining the group three years ago.

“She is looking forward to next year’s competition and winning first place,” said Lynch. “She is proud of herself for being able to work with some of the younger Diamonds. She enjoys the stunts, lifting people and catching the fliers. She says she enjoys working as a team and helping all the girls do well.”

Leon said she was also

proud of the Divas squad (ages 9 1/2 to 14), which was just three points shy of placing.

“Their resilience and skill throughout the competition truly embodied the spirit of the Rosedale Jets,” Leon said about the Divas team.

Jacques Leandre, president of the Rosedale Jets Football and Cheerleaders Association and coach of the football team for 31 years, also admired their hard work.

While in Florida, the cheerleaders had the opportunity to go to the Universal Islands of Adventures theme park in Orlando and make memories that will last a lifetime, said Leon.

NEED HEALTH INSURANCE

Parents and guardians interested in learning more about the organization may visit rosedalejets.com or contact the RJC by phone at (347) 613-2315.

“To celebrate all their incredible accomplishments, we are planning a special event in the near future,” said Leon. “Stay tuned for details as we come together to honor their hard work and dedication!

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to enhance our program with increased gymnastics instruction and stunt development as we gear up for the next season. Preseason conditioning will kick off after the New Year, setting the stage for another amazing year.” Q

Members of the Rosedale Jets’ Divas Division competed against 240 other national teams.

The Rosedale Jets Cheerleaders’ Diamond Division won a third-place trophy, inset, at a national cheer competition last Wednesday.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROSEDALE JETS

B SPORTS EAT

Frankie, Sevy and Clay

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Yes, the Mets won the drawn-out Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes, and while fans are ecstatic at landing a probable Hall of Famer, the truth is World Series are won with pitching. General Manager David Stearns knows the Mets are lacking in that regard.

Stearns is not a fan of signing pitchers to long-term contracts, and instead prefers picking up veteran pitchers who may have underperformed in recent seasons, for short-term deals under which they can prove themselves in Flushing. That worked out well last year when two of his acquisitions, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino, turned in superb years and were key reasons why the Mets reached the National League Championship Series.

Severino pitched well enough to have the Athletics sign him to a three-year contract paying $67 million. That was the biggest contract in A’s history, and frankly, it is a head scratcher. The Athletics, under owner John Fisher, are notorious cheapskates. They also do not figure to be playoff contenders anytime soon. It is possible Fisher is hoping to move Severino at the 2025 trade deadline for inexpensive, young prospects. That would be a big gamble on his part.

It will be interesting to see if money will be happiness for Severino. After spending his entire career in New York pitching for the Yankees and

Mets, he will relocate to sleepy Sacramento, where he will play for a bad team playing in a minor league ballpark, as the A’s are in limbo since leaving Oakland but are still years away from moving to their desired home, Las Vegas.

Stearns was not going to re-sign Severino at the A’s price, so he pivoted by offering a twoyear, $34 million contract to journeyman starter Frankie Montas. Stearns may be pressing his luck at the starters’ craps table with Montas. His earned run average tends to run close to 5, which is unexceptional. He bombed with the Yankees in 2022 when he was acquired at the trade deadline. One must wonder if Montas can cut it pitching in the nation’s biggest market.

Last Friday, the Mets signed Clay Holmes, who is best known for being a Yankees relief pitcher. The buzz is Stearns wants to take Holmes out of the bullpen and place him in the starting rotation. He hopes Holmes can make the adjustment the way Seth Lugo did.

Interestingly, the Mets easily could have resigned Lugo when he became a free agent after the 2022 season. Lugo always wanted to be a starter, but he told me he would be willing to remain a reliever. Billy Eppler, the Mets general manger at the time, refused to meet with Lugo’s agent, and he left for the Padres. It is one reason Eppler is not missed by the Citi Field faithful. Q

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