Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-26-24 by Queens Chronicle

Journey complete on the 116th Pct.

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The 116th Precinct opened to much fanfare at a ribbon cutting in Rosedale last Wednesday after decades of anticipation and advocacy work by Southeast Queens residents.

Officers of the nearly $105 million precinct, which is the first entirely new NYPD command center in more than a decade, will patrol Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Brookville and Laurelton — areas previously covered by the 105th and 113th precincts.

“I’m so pleased and ecstatic of the opening of the 116th Precinct,” Community Board 13 Chairman Bryan Block told the Chronicle. “This was stated since the [Mayor] Ed Koch administration days. So this is over 40 years. It’s been the number one budget priority of Community Board 13 for years.”

Block said CB 13 members have been requesting an additional precinct because of slow response times from the 105th Precinct.

“The area was just too large and the response time over the years has increased because of situations with crime in the city,” Block said. “It was becoming extremely difficult for the 105 to respond to all parts of

Community Board 13.”

Block praised Bess De Betham of the Federated Blocks of Laurelton for her years of tireless work for advocating for the precinct from the beginning.

“I signed the book log Wednesday night with a heart next to my name,” De Betham told the Chronicle. “This goes back to 1973. That was when we started to deal with the crack epidemic.”

When residents from the Laurelton and Rosedale areas would call 911, the response time was so slow that whatever problem was going on would be over once the police arrived, said De Betham.

“Members from the Federated Blocks of Laurelton all agreed we needed another precinct because it was not fair to our community,” De Betham said. “I saw the need, felt the need and knew the need, so I constantly asked for an additional precinct. I later became a member of Community Board 13 and saw how local government worked. I asked the chair at that time that we need an additional precinct.”

Community Board 13 honored De Betham with an award for her work.

Bill Perkins and Rich Hellenbrecht, CB 13’s first vice chair, led

the 116th Precinct Task Force starting in 2007, according to De Betham. The task force has the support of 21 other civic group in Northeast, Eastern and Southeast Queens.

“We were formed in late 2007,” Perkins told the Chronicle. “We gathered all the civics together and we met at Greg Meeks’ in Jamaica. The goal was to get a precinct. The interim step was to get a satellite office. Once the satellite office was there, we kept promoting the precinct. In 2016, we finally got a victory where Mayor Bill de Blasio approved fund-

ing for the precinct.”

The satellite office, which was opened in the late 2010s for about four years, did not have a holding cell and an executive officer, said the task force leaders. Police from the satellite precinct did not do tours for 24 hours.

“It’s fantastic news,” said Hellenbrecht, who lives in Northeast Queens. “I think this will be better and safer than the satellite. It is a big improvement for all of our friends.”

The 45,000 square feet station house, located at 244-04 North Conduit, is also only the second NYPD

facility, after the 40th Precinct in the South Bronx, to provide a community meeting space, according to the Mayor’s Office. The community room is replete with furniture, a kitchenette and audio-visual capabilities. For personnel, the building features a muster room, front desk, booking, processing, detention areas, a private stress-reduction room and spacious common areas.

Outside the station house is a landscaped public plaza with outdoor seating, water fountains, bike racks and energy-efficient lighting, along with a safe pathway to the Long Island Rail Road’s Rosedale station platform, according to the Mayor’s Office. The rear of the building features a parking lot with electric vehicle charging stations and fuel pumps for other department vehicles. The roof also has solar panels.

“The opening of the 116th NYPD precinct in Southeast Queens is a critical step toward improving public safety and enhancing community relations,” said U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica). “The new precinct allows for faster response times to emergencies and an opportunity for officers to build trusting relationships with residents, leading to a more connected neighborhood.” Q

Bess De Betham, center right, cutting the ribbon for the new 116th Precinct with NYPD’s top brass and elected officials. PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC MAYOR

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SOUTH QUEENS: PART I Tough challenges and big triumphs

Residents strengthened bonds and tackled difficulties together

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The first half of the year in South Queens reflected the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the borough, with moments of celebration, heartbreak and collective action. Residents came together to honor milestones, like iconic eateries celebrating decades of service, and to engage in critical, outspoken debates over zoning, public safety and infrastructure. Challenges tested the area’s resilience, while dedication of advocates and elected officials reminded all of the spirit and strengths of the neighborhood. See Part II next week for the second half of 2024.

January

On Jan. 4, Community Board 10 unanimously voted yes, with conditions, to City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, one of three parts of the mayor’s proposal to modernize zoning regulations. The group submitted requested modifications to some of the plan’s aspects, and said that should they not be met, the “yes” becomes a “no.”

Lenny’s Clam Bar, the Howard Beach favorite at 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd., marked 50 years of business with a celebration on Jan. 13. Owner Joe DeCandia Jr. credited the success of the eatery to its loyal employees and customers.

Tide levels in Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach reached a height of just over 9 feet during the second weekend of January — for the worst flooding the area had seen since Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022, according to Roger Gendron, the president of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association.

Following two attacks on a Mahatma Gandhi statue at Shri Tulsi Mandir in South Richmond Hill in 2022, a new one was unveiled on Jan. 21, making its way to Queens all the way from India.

The ceremony was led by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), who said

“hate against Hindu Americans will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens or anywhere in New York City.”

On Jan. 24, area rescue PuppyKittyNYCity saved more than 30 cats who had been left to starve at an apartment in Woodhaven. Meagan Licari, the group’s president, said the cats were without food and water for around 20 days. Cats were found in the refrigerator, in cabinets and behind radiators, filthy and ill.

“I wouldn’t put my worst enemy in that apartment,” Licari told the Chronicle, describing the residence as “complete squalor.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) celebrated her uncontested reelection with a surprise inauguration party at PS/MS 207, the Rockwood Park School, in Howard Beach on Jan. 29. Her family, friends, colleagues and constituents packed into the

school’s auditorium to show their support.

February

State Sens. Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn) and Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) celebrated the long-awaited rebate for Queens residents on the Cross Bay Bridge at a press conference on Feb. 2. Pheffer Amato and Addabbo were both devoted advocates of the toll rebate during their time in the state Legislature. Because of a $6 million addition to the state budget, Queens residents can get a 100 percent rebate with an E-ZPass.

On Feb. 12, former colleagues, friends, family and loved ones of the late Det. Brian Simonsen of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct went to Holy Child Jesus Church in Richmond Hill for a tribute mass five years after his death. Simonsen was killed in the line of duty, responding to an incident at a T-Mobile store.

“We will never forget his sacrifice,” the NYPD wrote on X following the service.

Dozens of migrants were found living in the cellar of Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture, at 132-03 Liberty Ave. in South Richmond Hill, on Feb. 26. According to the city Department of Buildings, inspectors found that the building’s first-floor commercial space and cellar had been illegally converted into sleeping quarters with 14 bunk beds and 13 other beds tightly packed on both floors. The building’s owner did not get charged with any crimes, and later reports said the migrants were relocated to the Bronx.

The city on Feb. 22 announced that school crossing guards would receive new equipment and improved training following the death of Krystyna Naprawa, who was killed on duty while protecting kids in October 2023. She was also posthumously promoted from school

grossing guard to community coordinator.

Resorts World NYC on Feb. 29 went all in on its full scale casino pitch for South Ozone Park in a bid for one of three downstate casino licenses that have yet to be awarded. The $5 billion proposal includes 1,600 new hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena and a 10-acre park.

March

At Community Board 10’s March 7 meeting, residents largely criticized the MTA’s Queens Bus Network Redesign’s proposed final plan. The turnout, according to MTA rep Lucille Songhai, was one of the biggest for feedback on the redesign at a community board meeting.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on March 13 announced $117 million in federal funding for QueensWay, the city’s plan to covert 3.5 miles of abandoned Long Island Rail Road tracks into a linear park.

During her State of the City address on March 13, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) proposed turning South Ozone Park’s Aqueduct Race Track and an adjacent piece of land into housing and other amenities. She said the prospective unused land “presents a generational opportunity.”

Addabbo and Pheffer Amato, following Adams’ address, said they believe it is crucial to recognize that decisions regarding state land should be made by state authorities, and pointed out that the Belmont Park reconstruction legislation created a community-based council to assist in deciding the property’s fate once Big A closes.

Phyllis Inserillo, chief of staff for Ariola and co-president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, publicly accused Sam Esposito, the president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, of harassment on March 14, at the OZPRBA’s monthly meeting. She filed two police reports. Esposito firmly disputed the claims of harassment and bullying, but apologized for his “brashness.”

Inserillo said she would no longer “deal” with Esposito, but would continue to serve the people of Ozone Park. Ariola, who also spoke against Esposito’s behavior at the meeting, said she brought police sergeants with her because she did not feel safe.

Two plaques bearing the inscription “Welcome to Little Guyana” were unveiled March 22 at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd. A train station in South Richmond Hill, an effort spearheaded by the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club, which enlisted the support of Addabbo.

The then-president of the RHSOP Lions Club, Romeo Hitlall, said the initiative “is a testament to our community’s rich tapestry of cultures and serves as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity.”

Mayor Adams on March 27 hosted a community conversation in Woodhaven, which was livestreamed on YouTube and attended by continued on page 6

Mayor Adams went to Woodhaven in March to host a community conversation, where he addressed concerns from hundreds of residents about crime, illegal cannabis shops and other quality-of-life concerns.

PHOTO BY BENNY POLATSECK / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE / FLICKR

Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard Beach marked 50 years of service in January, left, and a statue of Gandhi was brought to Shri Tulsi Mandir in South Richmond Hill from India in January to replace one that was attacked twice in 2022. PHOTOS COURTESY ROSEANNE GIUSTINIANI, LEFT, AND BY JESSICA MEDITZ

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Milestones, movements in S. Queens in 2024

continued from page 4

more than 200 residents. He, along with city officials, addressed questions and concerns from residents. He tried to quell worries over crime, said random acts of violence are playing on people’s psyches, and called on Albany to give the city the power to close illegal smoke shops.

Win Rozario, a 19-year-old from Ozone Park, was fatally shot by police on March 27. At a press conference that day, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said Rozario called the police on himself while experiencing mental distress. He “came at” the police with scissors, who Tased him, but Chell said the prongs were knocked out by his mother. He said officers then shot at Rozario in self-defense. Rozario’s family insisted Chell’s account was incorrect, and that Rozario’s mother was restraining her son when he was shot.

April

Kew Gardens resident Sylvia Hack was honored by Community Board 9 at its April 9 meeting for her 50 years of service on the board. Area elected officials presented her with citations. While thanking the group, Hack told them to “make a lot of noise — intelligent noise” and come together to solve problems.

The 36th annual Phagwah Parade on April 7 made its return to Richmond Hill, with thousands of residents celebrating the Festival of Colors, known as Holi, and honoring the arrival of spring.

A decapitated male was recovered from Jamaica Bay on April 12. A nearby rope hanging from the Addabbo Bridge suggested it could have been a suicide, but a fisherman expressed skepticism to the Chronicle, questioning the body’s location according to the flow of the tide.

Elected officials on April 15 celebrated the establishment of the city Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering, the result of the 2022 passage of a City Council bill for which Ariola was the prime sponsor. Her predecessor, former Councilman Eric Ulrich, called for a similar initiative.

On April 15, Adams and Gov. Hochul announced that the state budget included provisions to give the city and all local municipalities in the state the power to padlock illegal pot shops. The provisions aligned with those of Rajkumar’s bill, the Stop Marijuana Overproliferation and Keep Empty Operators of Unlicensed Transactions Act, colloquially known as the SMOKEOUT Act.

Also part of the state budget, mayoral control was given a 2-year renewal on the heels of the State Education Department’s study and review of the school governance policy. As part of the renewal, the Panel for Educational Policy grew by one member.

Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, one of the oldest bars in the country, on April 27 received a Queensmark designation from the Queens Historical Society. The honor goes to establishments that deserve special recognition due to outstanding architectural, cultural or historical significance. Loycent Gordon, the location’s owner, said the designation was validating after the city Landmarks Preservation Commission denied the bar of a landmark status in 2016.

May

The second annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair was on May 4, organized by Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, who said her son, Joseph, was the inspiration behind the event. Participants of all ages attended the walk, from families pushing strollers to the elderly walking side by side.

Renee Kann Silver, a Holocaust survivor, visited the Chabad Of Howard Beach on May 5 to speak to the congregation about her experiences. More than 100 people were in attendance to hear of her past, and to discuss of anti-Semitism.

Budega, an allegedly illicit pot shop, received a license from the state Office of Cannabis Management. At its May 14 meeting, Community Board 9 expressed disappointment with the state’s handling of weed legalization. The board asked the OCM to rescind the Richmond Hill spot’s dispensary license. The shop remains open.

in on the procession.

Lauren Scruggs, an Ozone Park native, spoke to the Chronicle ahead of making her way to Paris in July as part of the 2024 Team USA Olympic fencing team. A Harvard University student, Scruggs said she had been fencing for 12 years and that it was an honor to represent her country.

The Howard Beach Historical Society on May 31 had its inaugural event at the Howard Beach Motor Club, attended by area history buffs and longtime residents. Guests were given the opportunity to view rare photographs and artifacts from the neighborhood, including from Ramblersville, East and West Hamilton Beach and South Aqueduct.

June

The annual Great Woodhaven Yard Sale kicked off on June 1. More than 75 households signed up for the event, braving the nearly 90-degree heat to simultaneously sit outside with tables of goods for neighbors to peruse and purchase. Participants said they enjoy the respectful haggling and the sense of community brought about from the event.

It was a packed house at the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach on June 6, as Community Board 10 heard public feedback on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic presented the board with more than 2,500 signatures on letters opposing the proposal.

“We say no,” said civic co-president Barbara McNamara during the public forum. “We live here because we want our suburban feeling while being close enough to go into the city to enjoy our theaters, museums, restaurants, etcetera. We do not want [accessory dwelling units] or basement dwellers or housing above our stores on Cross Bay Boulevard or many apartment buildings in Old Howard.”

After pleading guilty on June 6, Waheed Foster on June 17 was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the attempted murder of a commuter at the Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway station in 2022. Foster followed the victim off the subway, ran up behind her, struck her on the head and proceeded to punch and kick her repeatedly as she laid on the ground. The victim lost an eye as a result of the attack.

On June 20, Errick Persaud was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison for a 2023 Richmond Hill car crash that killed an off-duty Department of Environmental Protection employee. At the time of the crash, police said Persaud had a blood alcohol content of .134, above the criminal threshold of .08.

Win Rozario was fatally shot by police in March. In May, his family announced they were suing the city. FILE

Michael Budhu, an assistant principal at John Adams High School in Ozone Park, was charged on May 15 with endangering the welfare of a child and thirddegree sexual abuse involving students. The Department of Education said he was reassigned, and legal proceedings are ongoing.

Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) on May 20 announced the three participatory budgeting project winners for her district: Richmond Hill High School received $500,000 for a culinary classroom, PS 62 received $450,000 for air conditioning in its gymnasium and the NYPD received $405,000 for security cameras.

Despite the rainy forecast, hundreds of residents on May 27 turned out for the annual Memorial Day parade in Howard Beach, organized by VFW Post 2565. Adults, children, the NYPD, elected officials and even pets joined

Following the release of police body camera footage in May, the Rozario family on June 25 announced they would sue the city. The officers involved in the shooting, Matthew Cianfrocco and Salvatore Alongi, were reassigned. The family’s lawyer, Laura Droubi, said the officers acted with “reckless disregard” during the incident, leading to Rozario’s death and endangering his mother and brother, who were in the room during the shooting.

A partial stop-work order was issued by the Department of Buildings on June 21 at 102-22 159 Road in Howard Beach after a complaint was made stating that the owner of the property was doing illegal construction to turn it into a hostel. Ariola said she reached out to the DOB after she learned of the complaints and said the neighborhood is no place for a hostel.

Emilia Rennhack, an officer from the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, was killed while off duty on June 28 when a car crashed into a nail salon in Deer Park, LI. Her husband is a detective at the same precinct. Tributes to Rennhack from community members and fellow officers poured out on social media following her death.

Community Board 10 on June 27 voted no to City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. Chairperson Betty Braton went down the list of members, who said their votes aloud as their name was called. Every “no” vote was met with applause from the packed room of attendees. Q

Thousands of residents on April 7 celebrated Holi at the 36th annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

Neir’s Tavern received a Queensmark designation from the Queens Historical Society in April. NYC COUNCIL PHOTO / FILE

PHOTO

After months of discourse and delays, Pearson contract gets OK’d Computerized SHSAT approved by panel

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The Panel for Educational Policy, the governing body of NYC public schools, in a much-anticipated vote approved a contract for a computerized version of the Specialized High School Admissions Test last Wednesday evening. The vote was 14-2, with four abstentions.

The five-year, $17 million contract with Pearson, Inc. was the subject of plenty of discourse over the last few months. The PEP was originally slated to vote on it in October, but it was delayed until November, and then again until December. Education officials said that if the contract did not pass, there would be no SHSAT next year.

Hundreds of parents, educators and students packed into Sunset Park High School in Brooklyn for a meeting that lasted more than five hours to tell the panel their thoughts on the contract and the exam. Many wore T-shirts that read “Keep SHSAT” and others held up signs with words of support.

Most speakers were in favor of the test as grounds for admission to the city’s eight specialized high schools, with little attention paid to the digital aspect of the contract. Some pointed out that 16 Nobel Prize winners are products of the schools.

The Panel for Educational Policy last Wednesday voted to approve a $17 million contract for a digital version of the Specialized High School Admissions Test. DOE

Critics of the SHSAT said there are inequities in admissions to the specialized high schools. Some said a computerized test might worsen those inequities, while others said the exam should not be the sole method of admission to the schools. Some PEP members also expressed apprehension about voting on a contract for an exam they have not yet seen.

Council revises guard reimbursement

bill

Non-public schools to get aid for security

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The City Council last week voted to approve a bill that would reimburse small non-public schools for the cost of security guard services.

Int. 0532 specifically would expand a program established by Local Law 2 of 2016, which enables non-public schools with 300 or more students to seek reimbursement from the city.

Under the new legislation, the threshold would be lowered to 150 or more students, eligibility would be expanded to charter schools that are not co-located in an existing public school building and the annual reimbursement cap would be increased.

The total yearly reimbursements allowed under the law are capped at $35,000,000 per school year, up from $19,800,000. That amount can be adjusted each year by the administering agency if it expects the cap to be reached in the next year, according to the bill’s text.

Reimbursements cannot exceed the

total amount budgeted.

The bill was co-sponsored by Queens Councilmembers Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone).

Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) was the prime sponsor.

Ariola took to social media to celebrate the bill’s passage.

“I am so proud to have been a sponsor on this bill, which will ensure that all of New York’s children will be safe and secure when they go to school each morning,” Ariola wrote. “Thank you to all who were involved in making this happen, together we will make a better city for the next generation!”

The bill passed Dec. 19 and is on the mayor’s desk. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025 should Mayor Adams sign or choose to not veto the bill. Q

Gregory Faulkner, the chair of the PEP, acknowledged that there are problems with number of Black and Latino students admitted to the schools. According to data from the city 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.

“If we were to defeat this contract, we

would really cripple the incoming class,” Faulkner said. “However, I do think it’s important that we not let this be the end of this conversation. There needs to be an ongoing conversation about how we improve these numbers.”

Panel member Shirley Aubin of Queens expressed frustration that there was no backup plan in case the contract was rejected, and ultimately abstained from voting.

“Are we in the business of continuously marginalizing our students, or are we here to serve all of our students?” Aubin said. “Our schools should reflect New York City. Diversity is a strength, not a problem.”

The Queens CEC presidents’ representative, Adriana Alicea, also abstained. She expressed concerns about the psychological effect of being one of few Black or Latino students in a class at a specialized high school.

“Have you been the only one anywhere ever?” Alicea asked. “Being the one that looks like you in a class like that tells you something about yourself, your people, where you come from, and where you’re going.”

The two other abstentions were Camille Casaretti and Rima Izquierdo. Jessamyn Lee and Thomas Sheppard voted against the contract. Q

Two OK’d Council bills push for transparency

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Two bills passed at last week’s City Council meeting encourage greater transparency from the city Department of Transportation.

Int. 104, sponsored by Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) will require the DOT to consult with the FDNY prior to approving open street applications and certain bicycle lane projects.

It also requires the FDNY to confer with any affected firehouse prior to approving open street applications, bike lane projects and other major transportation projects.

“In a time when FDNY response times continue to get higher, this kind of foreknowledge can prove vital to our first responders, and can save them time when racing to a call — time that, in some situations, can very literally mean the difference between life and death,” Ariola said in a statement.

The bill’s Queens co-sponsors are Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Selve-

na Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), Francisco Moya (D-Corona) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone).

UFOA Local 854, a union representing FDNY officers including lieutenants, captains and chiefs, lauded the bill’s passage.

“The UFOA wishes to thank Councilwoman Joann Aariola for leading the effort in passing NYC Council Intro 104,” the union wrote on Facebook.

Int. 103, also primarily sponsored by Ariola, requires the DOT to notify affected council members 10 days before the removal of any street parking space when that space would be used for a street level bicycle corral requested by a local business, a car share program or a bike share program.

The Queens co-sponsors are Holden, Brooks-Powers, Moya and Paladino.

Ariola said of the bill, “This is a quality of life measure that will go a great way towards not only alerting New Yorkers of any changes in their neighborhoods, but in also establishing a greater sense of trust between the general public and the DOT.” Q

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EDITORIAL AGEP

Meet some Queens street co-naming honorees of 2024

Christmas in the Vallone household in Flushing will not be the same this year, will never be the same again, since the tragic, unexpected loss of Paul last January. Paul Vallone, who died of a heart attack at 56, was known, among other things, for going all out to celebrate Christmas. Now his wife and children must manage their first holiday season without him; we’re glad they have an extensive extended family, at least.

The whole community and city must do without Vallone, a former councilman, scion of one of Queens’ top publicservice families and, at the time of his death, a veterans services official. He is remembered, however, in the name of the city’s new Animal Care & Control center in Ridgewood, as well as a new street sign at the corner of 32nd Avenue and 157th Street in Flushing, which is now Paul A. Vallone Way.

With his career in public service, Vallone is among the better known of the people memorialized with street conamings in Queens this year. There are dozens of them, all approved by the City Council in a proliferating practice.

Many commemorate those who, like Vallone, lost their lives too soon, too unexpectedly, in various ways. One that is also close to people’s hearts is Crossing Guard Krystyna

Naprawa Lane, at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Woodhaven. Naprawa was killed on duty in October 2023, protecting children, when a turning truck hit her. Her death resulted in some new safety measures for crossing guards and a turn arrow at the intersection.

Another tragic loss remembered with a new sign is that of Karina Vetrano, the Howard Beach speech pathologist, world traveler and fitness buff who was murdered while jogging in a park in August 2016. The corner of 165th Avenue and 84th Street is now Karina Vetrano Way.

Some signs honor institutions instead of people, such as two others installed in Howard Beach this year: Our Lady of Grace Way at 159th Avenue and 101st Street, for the church there, and Lenny’s Clam Bar Way, at the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 161st Avenue, for the popular eatery.

In areas such as Middle Village and Ridgewood, there has been an emphasis on saluting fallen police officers, many of whom sacrificed their lives for the city decades ago. The corner of Penelope Avenue and 82nd Place honors NYPD Lt. Henry O. Schmiemann, who was shot dead there in 1974. The corner of 64th Street and Catalpa Avenue bears a sign for Patrolman Joseph Norden, who lived and died right

on that corner, which also happens to be where the 104th Precinct is located. Norden was slain by someone who grabbed his own gun in 1954. One block away, at Catalpa and 62nd Street, is Patrolman Charles J. Reynolds Way. He was one of two officers slain after arresting a group of people in a taxicab on the Queensboro Bridge in 1923.

The stories behind many of the renamings are fascinating.

Honorees come from all walks of life. In front of the St. Albans Congregational Church-United Church of Christ, the corner of Linden Boulevard and Marne Place is now Reverend Robert Ross Johnson Boulevard. Kew Gardens saw two co-namings for lawmakers this year: Nettie Mayersohn Way at 161st Street and Jewel Avenue and Michael Simanowitz Way at Main Street and 75th Avenue. Over in Woodside, the corner of 31st Avenue and 50th Street is now Annie CottonMorris Way, honoring the longtime tenant leader and activist, and the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 64th Street is Dr. Marcelo Arboleda Ecuador News Place.

There are about 2,500 co-namings citywide (find them at tinyurl.com/yz5c4rnz). Is that too many? It might seem that way, but then you read up on whom they honor and why. We salute the Queens street co-naming class of 2024.

MARK WEIDLER

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Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Too many bikes

I was pleased with the Chronicle’s Dec. 19 editorial “Register e-bikes and scooters,” which addressed a serious issue that the city doesn’t seem particularly interested in. Staunch pedestrians (I’m one) are well aware of the need for legal constraints on the churlish electric-vehicle cowboys who treat Queens streets as if they were auditioning for a Mad Max movie.

Having said that, I found it ironic that an article in the same issue was about (I quote the title)

“Citi Bike expanding to Forest Hills, Rego” (multiple editions). I live in Rego Park, and on behalf of my fellow pedestrians, I entreat the city not to follow through on this dystopianinducing plan (fat chance). The louts who brandish pedal-powered bicycles are as bad as their electric-conveyance counterparts: They run red lights, travel the wrong way on bike lanes, and are brazenly disdainful of walking folks.

Is it too much to ask New York City to really improve getting around by enhancing and expanding mass transit? Alas, of course it is. Howard Schneider Rego Park

Parents win SHSAT fight

Dear Editor:

I am the mom of an eighth-grader and an alum of a specialized high school. I am also a co-founder and co-president of PLACE NYC, a

grassroots parent volunteer group that advocates for accelerated education in NYC public schools. Today, we celebrate a win — the Panel for Educational Policy, NYC’s school board, approved the SHSAT contract last Wednesday night.

When our group learned that the contract to administer the SHSAT, the test used as the sole criteria for admissions to NYC’s eight specialized high schools, was taken off the PEP agenda in October, we became concerned. Activists against standardized testing appeared to be using a procedural contract vote as a tactic to sabotage these schools, just as they had done with the G&T admissions.

PLACE, or Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education, began an open letter campaign to urge the PEP members to approve the SHSAT contract — and over 5,000 signed! In advance of last week’s vote, we asked parents to email the PEP members directly; in just 48 hours, over 1,300 emails were sent that we are aware of. And on Wednesday night, parents from Queens made the long trek to Sunset Park Brooklyn to speak

up one last time before the PEP voted. While electeds like U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Ritchie Torres recently made public statements in support of the SHSAT, we feel parent voices were the most important. Last Wednesday, the majority of the PEP listened and voted to pass the contract. Our seventhgraders can now go into the new year knowing they have a test to take in fall, just like the hundreds of thousands of NYC students in the past decades, and earn a spot at NYC’s famed specialized high schools.

Yiatin Chu Whitestone

We all need healthcare

Dear Editor:

When I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Today, at 34, I live with my mom, who helps care for me. Even with her help, I have essential healthcare needs that I’m fortunate to access because of programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (staying

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

on my parent’s health insurance until I was 26 was really helpful). But now, under the new Trump administration, my healthcare is at risk. So, too, is the healthcare for other people with MS and other illnesses.

The United States is the only industrialized country without a universal healthcare program. We pay close to twice per person than what other countries spend, and we have worse health care outcomes. Things will only get worse for people like me, but Gov. Hochul and state lawmakers can change that.

Ensuring super-wealthy New Yorkers pay their fair share in taxes means our state can bring in billions of new public dollars to directly invest back into healthcare programs like the very popular New York Health Act, which guarantees every New Yorker healthcare — instead of denying us the care we need so companies like UnitedHealth can make a bigger profit.

If lawmakers make the wealthiest among us pay their fair share, working-class New Yorkers like me won’t have to choose between affording to move out of my Mom’s house or staying healthy. Thank you very much.

Ryan McHugh Freeville, NY

Trash this cookie deal

Dear Editor:

Since Nov. 12, all trash must be put in a bin of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid. I get that. Let’s keep the rat population down to a minimum.

What strikes me as a cookie deal for someone that has Mayor Adams’ ear is by June 2026, you must purchase an official bin from the city. I’ve heard the reason is that Sanitation is going to go to a one-man truck. Department officials insist it’s not true, that it’s a conspiracy theory, but I don’t believe them. That’s going to go over well! Are we going to put the new bins in the street or close to the street so that one man can access them? The way parking is in the city, they can forget that.

Plus, many people can’t pay for the new bins. I understand that there are three types of bins to purchase. Sounds crazy to me. And let’s not forget that our wonderful former Mayor de Blasio instituted the brown food scrap bins. At least those were given to us. We didn’t have to purchase them. I bet someone got a cookie deal for that, also!

Stephen Pelosa Howard Beach

Insure E-bikes and scooters

Dear Editor:

Re. your Dec. 19 editorial: “Register E-bikes and scooters.” Along with requiring E-bikes and scooters to be registered and licensed, they must also be insured. Janet Schroeder, co-founder of the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, said legislation that requires E-bike and scooter riders to display visible license plates and buy insurance, as car drivers do, would make them more accountable (Mother Jones, January-February, 2025). “We are in an e-bike crisis,” she says. “We have older people, blind people, people with disabilities, who tell me they are scared to go out

because of the way e-bikes behave.” Her demand for license plates and insurance includes NYC’s 65,000 food delivery workers on e-bikes (Mother Jones), although the fast food delivery services that hire them could pay the cost. Schroeder’s comment about seniors feeling threatened by e-bikes hit home with me. I was nearly struck by an e-bike rider while walking along 77th Ave. in Kew Gardens Hills recently.

I am disappointed that City Councilman Robert Holden’s push to enact Priscilla’s Law was stalled in the City Council, despite having 29 supporters. Opponents offered weak alternatives with no teeth and made misleading arguments at the Dec. 11 City Council hearing. The most outrageous remark came from NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who said that Holden’s bill would have “a disparate impact on communities of color” (Chronicle, Dec. 19). Nonsense. Enforcing laws against people who “run red lights and break other traffic rules is not racist,” Holden declared (NY Post, Dec. 22). Williams is a public nuisance who repeatedly plays the race card for his own gain. Voters should expel him from office if he runs for re-election in 2025.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Touch another’s hand

Dear Editor:

Happy Holidays ... and a fantastic New Year.

Reach out and touch

Take a little time out of your busy day

To give encouragement

To someone who’s lost their way. Or would I be talking to a stone If I asked you

To share a problem that’s not your own?!

We can change things if we start giving ...

Why don’t you

Reach out and touch

Somebody’s hand

Make this world a better place

If we can.

Dorothy

Gist

Oakland Gardens

Love for humanity

Dear Editor:

Happy holidays. You are real and valid and perfect no matter what you celebrate. I honor and appreciate you. You are beautiful, intelligent and good. I be loving you! This season! Keep being you. Love you! Rock on!

Eva Tortora Manhattan

NEW YEAR’S EARLY DEADLINES

The Jan. 2 edition of the Queens Chronicle will be distributed on Thursday, Jan. 2

are as follows:

Ads: Monday, Dec. 30 — 3 p.m.

Releases: Monday, Dec. 30 — 1 p.m.

office will be closed on New

A jolly good time at the HB Assembly of God

Howard Beach 11414, a neighborhood Facebook group, brought the holiday cheer in full swing last Saturday with its fourth annual Christmas tree lighting at the Howard Beach Assembly of God church. The event lit up not just the tree but the whole community, spreading smiles, joy and plenty of festive spirit!

From top left, carolers from the Girl Scouts dazzle attendees with holiday tunes; Eddie Earl,

the moderator of the digital group and event organizer, welcomes Santa to the party; and the Radio City Rockettes have nothing on the ladies from the Power House Dance Academy.

In the second row, families bundled in winter gear watch the thrilling performances, left; a child delights in free toys; the tree stands tall in front of the Assembly of God; and families sift through the generous toy donations. —Kristen Guglielmo

Uniting to spread holiday joy

The NYPD’s 102nd Precinct and Community Board 9 teamed up to make this season a little more special for area families. With the support of schools, businesses and other generous donors, their toy drive ensured children experiencing hardship would unwrap something fun and memorable this year.

“Thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to do this,” the board wrote on Facebook. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.; PS 56, PS 62 and Caribbean Cabana of Rich-

Holida

y spirit s in harmony

The holiday spirit was in full swing last Tuesday as talented young musicians from Harmony 4 All captivated an audience with heartfelt renditions of holiday classics at All Saints Episcopal Church in Woodhaven hosted by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., center.

Harmony 4 All is a nonprofit dedicated to providing musical education to underserved students in area schools. The group is led by siblings Bianca and Joshua Quddus, second and fourth from left. More information on the group can be found on harmony4all.org.

Joshua, an alto saxophonist, led his band, the Joshua Quddus Trio, which includes bassist Lucas Giordano, right, and drummer Benjamin Sirignano. Bianca, a clarinetist, captivated the audience with her solo performances.

“The joy of music brings us together and enriches our lives,” Addabbo said in a statement. “Events like these not only celebrate the holiday spirit but also support our young artists and the transformative power of music education.”

Video from the concert can be found at youtube.com/@SenatorJosephAddabbo.

mond Hill; Zara Realty of Jamaica; and members of CB 9 all helped in making the magic happen.

The group also thanked the NYPD for using its platform to make a positive difference.

“In a statement posted to social media, the 102 wrote, “Thank you so much Community Board 9 for helping us put this event together, connecting us with all these great community members who donated to this great cause.” — Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTOS BY CHARLES FIUMANO

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Eight borough routes among two dozen set for upgrades this spring MTA promises more Queens bus service

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

“No borough relies on buses like Queens ...”

Janno Lieber, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, spoke those words Dec. 17 at Borough Hall when releasing an updated version of the Queens Bus Redesign plan.

But hours earlier, in a joint press release with Gov. Hochul, Lieber and the MTA put deed to word in announcing plans for increasing service on 24 city bus routes come spring — one-third of them in Queens.

“Buses are the engine of equity in our city — connecting New Yorkers in working and middle class areas to jobs, education, shopping, and everything the city has to offer,” he said. “As we continue to address the scourge of traffic congestion — especially the economic, environmental, and safety impacts — the MTA continues to prioritize service for our bus riders.”

Routes include:

• BM5 which connects Spring Creek in Brooklyn to Manhattan on a route that includes a length of Woodhaven Boulevard;

• Q13 connecting Flushing and Fort Totten mostly along Northern and Bell boulevards;

• Q28 connecting Bayside and Flushing;

• Q35 between Rockaway Park and Mid-

The big 101!

Happy birthday, Antoinette Scianno!

The Tudor Village resident celebrated her 101st birthday on Dec. 18. She has lived in the neighborhood on and off since her childhood, the office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola told the Chronicle. This past Halloween, Scianno even gave out 1,300 juice boxes to trick-or-treaters.

On Dec. 18, Ariola’s chief of staff, Phyllis Inserillo, second from right, and Frank Dardani, right, president of the Ozone Tudor Civic Association, paid Scianno a celebratory visit. She was awarded a certificate from Ariola’s office in honor of her big day. — Kristen Guglielmo

The Q13 bus, which runs between Flushing and Fort Totten, is one of eight bus routes in Queens and 24 in the city that will get enhanced service come spring 2025.

wood in Brooklyn; •Q43 between Jamaica and Floral Park along Hillside Avenue;

• Q66 serving Flushing and Long Island City, mostly along Northern Boulevard, 21st Street and Queens Plaza;

• Q69 between Long Island City and Astoria along 21st Street and Ditmars Boulevard; and

•QM15 between Lindenwood and Midtown Manhattan on a route that includes Cross Bay and Woodhaven boulevards.

Hochul said the intent is to shorten public transit commutes and make travel easier.

“New Yorkers deserve better, faster bus service — and that’s exactly what our investments will deliver,” the governor said.

“By improving bus routes throughout the outer boroughs, we’re making commutes shorter, ensuring more reliable service and providing affordable transit options for millions of riders.”

“We reviewed the bus network and identified opportunities to improve service by increasing frequency and/or making running time adjustments on key current bus routes,” New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said. “These bus service enhancements are designed to attract riders to transit with additional travel options that are affordable, fast, and convenient.”

The other bus routes, which can be found on Hochul’s official website at governor. ny.gov, include four in the Bronx, six more in Brooklyn along with the BM5, and six in Staten Island. Q

Another top Adams aide indicted

Ingrid Lewis-Martin charged with bribery, conspiracy

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the longtime chief adviser to Mayor Adams, was charged in a fourcount indictment last Thursday in Manhattan on state bribery and conspiracy charges. She abruptly resigned on Dec. 15.

According to the indictment, from January 2022 to June 2024, Lewis-Martin leveraged her authority to expedite construction projects through the city Department of Buildings for businessmen Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi.

In exchange, she and her son, Glenn Martin II, allegedly received over $100,000 in cash and other benefits.

Her son, a professional DJ who uses the name Suave Luciano, is alleged to have used the bribe money to buy a 2023 Porsche.

The indictment claims that Vaid and Dwivedi had pending construction permits with the city Department of Buildings and repeatedly contacted Lewis-

Martin and her son to expedite the applications and assist with rejections without regard to safety considerations or the DOB’s expertise.

Lewis-Martin is alleged to have made attempts to cover up

the conspiracy by asking the participants to join Signal, a third-party encrypted messaging app, the indictment said. Her son was used as an intermediary, according to the statement of facts. The bribes were

allegedly laundered by funneling money through his accounts. Martin II allegedly also sought the businessmen’s financial backing to open a Chick-filA franchise.

All of the defendants were charged with conspiracy in the fourth degree. Vaid and Dwivedi were each charged with firstdegree bribery. Lewis-Martin and her son were charged with bribe receiving in the first degree and money laundering in the third degree. All four pleaded not guilty.

Lewis-Martin’s resignation and indictment are the latest in a string of corruption charges surrounding the Adams administration.

On Sept. 26, Adams was indicted on federal charges. When Lewis-Martin arrived at JFK Airport the following day after a trip to Japan, state investigators seized her phone. Her residence was also searched, but she was not charged in that case. Adams has maintained his innocence. Q

Just days after her resignation, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, right, the former chief adviser to Mayor Adams, was indicted last Thursday on state bribery and conspiracy charges. PHOTO BY ED REED / MAYORAL PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE / FLICKR

PHOTO BY KATHERINE DONLEVY / FILE

Kiwanis makes spirits bright

The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach has continued its tradition of spreading holiday cheer in a multitude of ways!

The group recently made a $1,000 donation to Howard Beach Hope to support the holiday lights on Cross Bay Boulevard. Above, receiving the check from club President Steve Sirgiovanni is Doreen DeCandia, founder of Howard Beach Hope, alongside members Joe DeMarco, left, Dino Bono and Saul Belsky.

The Kiwanis also generously donated $2,500 worth of grocery store gift cards to area places of worship for families in need this holiday season.

The gift cards, redeemable at neighborhood

staples Key Food and Food Emporium, were given to St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, Howard Beach Assembly of God, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Saint Barnabas Lutheran Church and the Howard Beach Judea Center.

The cards will be distributed by the religious institutions based on family size and need, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a festive and hearty holiday meal.

The club also graciously donated $500 to the Chronicle’s 28th annual Holiday Toy Drive, which helps make the season special for children, teens and families in the borough’s homeless shelters. — Kristen Guglielmo

Feds restrict drone flights over NY, NJ

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Following weeks of drones reported flying overhead in the tri-state area, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary restrictions on flying aircraft over certain locations.

The agency last Friday published 30 temporary flight restrictions prohibiting drone flights over “critical New York infrastructure,” including near LaGuardia Airport, where drones were spotted earlier this month. It did so “at the request of federal security partners,” according to faa.gov. “Special security reasons” are listed as the cause, and restrictions are in effect until mid-January.

The agency last Thursday enacted similar restrictions at 22 locations in New Jersey.

Gov. Hochul said in a statement issued last Thursday that the FAA’s actions are “purely precautionary” and that there are no threats to the sites where restrictions apply.

“While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the

The FAA last Friday imposed restrictions on drones. PHOTO BY GREG CLARKE / FLICKR / FILE

situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology,” Hochul said.

The FAA’s measures come in addition to the “state-of-the-art drone detection system” delivered by the Biden-Harris administration last week, Hochul added.

The Chronicle reported last week that while some Queens folks are afraid that no one seems to know what the aircraft are, others see no reason to panic. Q

Maddrey, Ex-NYPD Chief, cited in misconduct complaint

The mayor calls “extremely concerning” a police lieutenant’s allegations

by Yoav Gonen THE CITY

This article was originally published on Dec. 22 at 3:31 p.m. EDT by THE CITY.

Mayor Eric Adams characterized as “alarming” the allegations against NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who resigned late Friday after a subordinate filed a complaint alleging Maddrey had pushed her into sexual favors for overtime pay on the job.

“The allegations are extremely concerning,” the mayor said hours after the New York Post broke the news of the allegations.

NYPD Lt. Quathisha Epps said in a complaint to the New York State Division of Human Rights that Maddrey “engaged in quid quo pro sexual harassment by exploiting her emotional and financial vulnerabilities, as well as her history of childhood trauma, to coerce her into performing unwanted sexual favors, in exchange for overtime opportunities in the workplace.”

Epps, who earned more than $400,000 including the overtime last year, told the Post of Maddrey, the NYPD’s top uniformed officer: “I think he’s a predator.”

A spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said it is investigating the “extremely serious and disturbing claim” by Epps.

It’s the first time Adams has distanced himself from Maddrey, whom he has consistently promoted and praised despite Maddrey’s checkered history at the police department.

Adams appointed Maddrey as chief of department despite a prior allegation that Maddrey got in a physical tussle with an underling he was having an affair with in late 2015 and lied to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau about it.

NYPD investigators determined Maddrey had provided them with inaccurate and misleading statements about the incident on two occasions, and requested formal charges against him for lying that ordinarily would have led to termination.

But Maddrey worked behind the scenes to negotiate a settlement that dismissed those top charges, pleading guilty to three lesser charges that stripped him of 45 days vacation.

Once Maddrey was ensconced as chief of department, Adams moved to protect him in the face of charges he had abused his power.

In a video investigation last year, THE CITY brought to light a 2021 incident in which Maddrey, then the NYPD’s chief of community affairs, acted to void the arrest of a retired colleague who chased three boys with a gun.

The Civilian Complaint Review Board found Maddrey had abused his authority and recommended he be disciplined with the loss of 10 vacation days. It was a recommendation former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell agreed with even as Adams made public statements that Maddrey had acted appropriately in voiding the arrest of Kruythoff Forrester, who had previously worked under Maddrey in Brownsville’s 73rd Precinct.

Adams then took the extraordinary step of asking Sewell not to discipline Maddrey, THE

CITY reported — a conversation that a spokesperson for the mayor denied took place. Sewell resigned as police commissioner soon after, the first of four commissioners Adams has appointed thus far.

Maddrey was able put that case to rest earlier this year after former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, a close ally of Maddrey and Adams, ruled that the CCRB did not have the purview to bring an abuse of authority charge.

Remarkably, the only person who was disciplined in that case was the sergeant who determined that Forrester should be arrested after the three boys accurately described Forrester’s gun and where he had pulled it from.

Throughout that case, Adams staunchly defended Maddrey — signaling both publicly and privately that he expected Maddrey’s career to continue unscathed.

“I think the commissioner made the right decision of appointing Chief Maddrey as chief of the department. His years of experience. People just adored him in Brooklyn North,” Adams said in March 2023 when asked about Maddrey’s alleged abuse of authority. “I have the utmost confidence in Chief Maddrey.”

When Adams was pressed on the video evidence of Maddrey’s inappropriate intervention, he said: “I have the utmost respect, confidence in Chief Maddrey and I’m excited that he’s leading my patrol force. I’m excited about it.”

Detailed Complaint

Epps told the New York Post that Maddrey began being generous with overtime a few years ago when she was going through financial hardships while she worked for him in the public affairs bureau.

But she said the extra pay came with requests that she perform personal errands for him outside the office.

Epps told the publication that the demands for sexual favors started in June 2023, when Epps worked in the office of the Chief of Department under Maddrey. She alleged in graphic detail that Maddrey coerced her into

respond to emails and a phone call seeking comment. A lawyer for Maddrey, Lambros Lambrou, didn’t respond to multiple inquiries as well.

But Lambrou told the New York Post the claim by Epps was connected to the publicity around her overtime numbers.

“What a convenient time to accuse somebody of misconduct after she’s caught stealing time,” Lambrou told the publication. “She’s obviously drowning and in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver. She wants to take down as many people as she can. This is completely meritless, and we deny every aspect of it.”

Maddrey’s departure is the latest in a string of exits under pressure of top Adams aides who have found themselves under scrutiny from state or federal prosecutors, or from lawsuits alleging misconduct, in the realm of public safety — the signature issue for the mayor.

a back room of his office that has a couch and a bathroom and initiated sex that she asked him to stop.

“He kept forcing it and forcing it,” Epps told The Post. “And I kept asking him, ‘Can you please stop?”

Epps’ complaint against Maddrey, filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, noted that she had recently come under criminal investigation for filing an inordinate amount of overtime.

Epps wrote in her complaint that her overtime sheets were manipulated by Maddrey through First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella and others “to falsely portray her as an abuser of overtime,” after she tried to put a stop to Maddrey’s alleged sexual demands in October.

Her claim alleges overtime abuse was in fact rampant under the tenure of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, particularly in the offices of Chief of Patrol John Chell and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry — a protege of Maddrey who is also close to Adams.

Caban resigned in September after federal investigators seized his cellphone as part of a probe involving his twin brother, James Caban, looking into claims that James advised nightlife establishments to pay him in order to get better treatment from the NYPD.

Recently appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said early Saturday that she had accepted Maddrey’s resignation and elevated Chell to serve as interim Chief of Department.

“The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter,” she posted on X.

Mayoral spokesperson Kayla Mamelak said City Hall officials are “deeply disturbed” by the allegations against Maddrey.

“Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure no high ranking officers are using their power inappropriately,” she said.

An attorney for Epps, Eric Sanders, didn’t

Adams’ close pals Philip Banks III, the former deputy mayor of public safety, and Timothy Pearson, a former cop who was playing a heavy-handed role in policing and security, both resigned in October after their cell phones were seized by federal investigators.

Caban and Maddrey have also been close with Adams, as was Tarik Sheppard, the former Deputy Commissioner of Public Information who Tisch announced last week will be replaced in January.

Despite consistently referring to the police department as “my police department,” Adams, a former cop who rose to the rank of captain during a 22-year career at the NYPD, has yet to take responsibility for the turmoil engulfing the NYPD.

Instead, he has claimed that the departures of Pearson and Banks — as well as four other close aides who have also left the administration under a cloud — came because they got worn out by the heavy grind of government work.

Maddrey is the third current or former NYPD member in the Adams administration to face allegations of sexual abuse or harassment.

Adams himself was hit with a civil lawsuit last year claiming he sexually assaulted a female officer decades ago who had come to him for help getting a promotion. Adams has vehemently denied the allegations.

Pearson, who resigned after federal investigators seized his cellphone, was the subject of four lawsuits claiming he sexually harassed an underling and retaliated against her and three NYPD colleagues who stood up for her.

One of the lawsuits notes that the head of the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, Chief Miguel Iglesias, whom the lawsuit alleges helped facilitate the retaliation against the four Pearson subordinates, was a close associate of Pearson.

Late Saturday, Tisch announced that Iglesias had been “relieved of his command” and will retire. Q THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.

NYPD Jeffrey Maddrey speaks at City Hall about the presidential election results, Nov. 6, 2024.

PHOTO BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY

Central Library to get new auditorium

City

Council secures $5M for new space, Mayor Adams puts in $6M

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Central Library in Jamaica, a hub for vital resources, technology and programs, received $11 million from the City Council’s Queens Delegation at a check ceremony on Dec. 18 for the redevelopment of its 1,800-square-foot auditorium, which seats up to 200 people.

As part of the Queens Public Library’s network, Central Library welcomes 675,000 visitors annually and it hosted nearly 160,000 program attendees in 2024, according to QPL.

“Central Library’s auditorium has served as an essential gathering place and a cultural hub for the community for the past 58 years, and we are very much looking forward to bringing it up to 21st century standards,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott in a statement. “The public deserves a modern, vibrant and welcoming venue for the performing arts, films, author talks and more.”

The renovation will include ADA-accessible seating, ramps, advanced audiovisual technology, a hearing loop system, acoustical panels and a new stage with dedicated features for performers, according to a press release. Outside the auditorium will be flexible multipurpose rooms and an upgraded reception area to enhance the visitor experience.

Once complete, the auditorium will support live streaming of select events, expanding

QPL’s programming.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said libraries are pillars of neighborhoods and serve as community centers for New Yorkers of all ages.

“Today marks a transformative milestone for the Queens Central Library and our community,” said Councilwoman Nantasha Wil-

Authorities seeking child’s phone thief

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are seeking help in identifying a woman wanted for stealing a phone from a child in Richmond Hill earlier this month within the confines of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct.

According to the authorities, on Dec. 8 at approximately 4:20 p.m., a 12-yearold boy was in the vicinity of 126th Street and Jamaica Avenue when a woman approached him and started a verbal dispute.

Authorities are searching for this woman for a robbery that occurred earlier this month in Richmond Hill. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

The woman then slapped the boy in the head multiple times and forcibly removed his cellphone, police said.

The suspect fled the location on foot, traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue. The victim sustained minor injuries, police said, and was transported by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.

Police said the suspect is described as

having a light complexion, standing at approximately 5-feet, 3-inches and weighing 180 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a black jacket and green pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782).

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

All tips are strictly confidential.

According to NYPD CompStat data, robberies are slightly down at the 102nd Precinct this year to date as of Dec. 15.

There have been 165 robberies within the precinct’s confines so far in 2024, down 4.6 percent from 173 at this time last year. Q

liams (D-St. Albans), co-chair of the Queens Delegation in a statement. “This investment ensures the Central Library Auditorium will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive space for education, culture, and creativity. As a gathering place for residents across the borough, this renovation reflects our commitment to improving resources that enrich lives.”

The library not only serves residents in Williams’ District 27, but people in neighboring districts too, according to QPL. It also hosts events for other elected officials, government agencies, nonprofits and community-based organizations at no cost.

Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), the other co-chair of the Queens Delegation, said that the Council secured $5 million to redevelop the space for all families to enjoy.

Mayor Adams secured the remaining $6 million in funds.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) said that libraries are essential for fostering the cultural arts.

“Growing up in a working class family, the Queens Library system was my primary source for learning, reading for enjoyment, and pursuing my education,” Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said in a statement. “Joining in the presentation of a $5 million check to the Queens Library is my ability to give back to the institution that helped shape my career, and this funding will now help others in their journey.”

Councilmembers Francisco Moya (D-Corona), Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) and Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), called libraries an essential cornerstone and centerpiece for communities that provides a welcoming space for all. Q

Lending a hand for Lending the holiday season

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

As the Chronicle’s 28th annual Holiday Toy Drive comes to a close, it’s time once again to thank those whose kindness and generosity led them to step up to be Santa’s helpers.

Donors made the holidays a more festive time at Dove House in Astoria, the Boulevard Family Residence in Elmhurst and King’s Inn in East Elmhurst.

Ten individual families with children also were helped this past week alone.

Forest Hills and Daniela Ortiz of Woodhaven.

Group and company donations included RPM Baseball on Grand Avenue in Maspeth; Sixty Sutton Corp. in Manhattan; PS 290, the ACE Academy for Scholars at the Geraldine Ferraro Campus in Ridgewood; Kiwanis of Howard Beach; and the Goldfish Swim School in Glendale.

QueensChronicle’s 28th Annual

As surely as the holidays bring tinsel, beloved television specials and mugs of hot cocoa, people brought the usual vast array of toys, games, dolls, sports equipment and children’s books to the Chronicle’s offices in steady stream, along with warm winter clothing with things like hats, glove and personal items for the older children and teenagers.

Individual donors this past week included Rosetta and Anthony Dorsa of

And once again, Queens’ elected officials, along with their staffs and constituents showed that public service is a lot more than just passing legislation.

Donated items collected by the offices of Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) went a long way toward spreading holiday cheer far and wide, and making certain that St. Nicholas could cover his Dec. 24 rounds far more completely.

To all who helped and however you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday. Q

Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron, left, Councilwoman Nantasha Williams, QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Councilmembers Linda Lee, Lynn Schulman and Shekar Krishnan, QPL Trustee Eli Shapiro and Councilman Jim Gennaro’s Chief of Staff Henry Yam at a check ceremony for Central Library’s new auditorium. PHOTO COURTESY QPL

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

home, free to crawl into bed or grab a post-midnight snack at your leisure.

Sure, plenty of people go to parties on New Year’s Eve, but who says the party can’t come to you?

With good food, your favorite tunes and maybe even a glass of bubbly, the night is yours as both

host and attendee. Let the countdown begin!

experienced recently.

Kiera Kearney, 22, will share a home-cooked meal with her boyfriend, Henrik, this year on the border of northern Queens and Long Island.

“It’s nice having a quiet and relaxing evening on a day that isn’t so quiet,” Kearney said.

Kearney said she prefers to stay home with her Siberian husky, Luna, who might try to steal a bite

“She gets nervous sometimes with loud firework noises and I would feel like a mean person leaving her alone,” she said.

In addition to playing with Luna, the pair will play board games such as Monopoly and Scattergories. Kearney said they may even crack open a few beers and watch some television. Parties in New York can get too loud and crowded, she said, especially with the vertigo and tinnitus that she has

Playing games at home is a popular way to spend the holiday. Nick Turano, 20, said he might order takeout and play backgammon with his parents in Whitestone before getting a good night’s sleep.

“Because the ‘event’ is at midnight, you end up staying out very late and I normally have work the next morning,” he said.

Staying in on New Year’s Eve can help you optimize your energy before the countdown starts. Lisa Lobur, 55, of Middle Village said it’s common for her and her family, including her husband, William

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Paul Stanley rocked and rolled all nite in Queens

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

William Eisen was born in the Bronx on April 7, 1920. Eva Hutter born in Germany on Nov. 16, 1923, fled the country in 1940 making her way to Holland which then landed her in the U.S. by ship. William and Eva met in New York, fell in love and were married in October 1948. Their first child, Julia, was born in November 1949. On Jan. 20, 1952 a boy they named Stanley Bert Eisen was born. He was born with a deformed ear and was the subject of mocking and insults by children. He loved to listen to music and his parents bought him a guitar at age seven. In 1960, the family decided to move to Queens and moved into a 14-unit building at 144-32 75 Road in Kew Gardens Hills. He played in a local garage band called Rainbow, and progressed to a group called Wicked Lester with Gene Simmons. Peter Criss and Ace Frehley came together and formed KISS in 1973. Stanley

Bert who always hated his birth name officially changed his name to Paul Stanley. His stage character was known as Starchild because of the black star over one eye. Married two times with four children. Kiss performed their final show at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 2, 2023. Though KISS is now retired you can never tell if they will do a revival. Q

Cypress Hills Cemetery

The home of Paul Stanley of Kiss at 144-32 75 Road in Kew Gardens Hills, as it looks today.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET BY RAPH_PH VIA WIKIPEDIA

End the year with a bang at Resorts World NYC

by Naeisha Rose editor

Looking to be entertained this holiday season?

Resorts World New York City has all types of musical acts from Thursday, Dec. 26 to Tuesday, Dec. 31, ahead of the New Year at its RW Prime restaurant and Bar 360, the casino’s live music venue.

On Dec. 26, there will be two acts performing at Resorts World, located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

First up is Sin Fronteras (Without Borders) at RW Prime at 6 p.m.

The group, which emerged in the late 1990s, is known for its tropical, merengue, traditional Dominican and merenhouse music.

Sin Fronteras is known for hits such as “Amarte A Ti (To Love You),” “Si Pero No (Yes, but no),” and “Nubes de Algodones (Cotton Clouds).”

Merenhouse, also known as electronic merengue, merenrap or Mambo de Calle, is a blend of hip-hop, dancehall, merengue and Latin house music.

Keeping with the Latin theme, Conjunto Imagen (Image Set) performs Salsa music two hours later at Bar 360.

Conjunto Imagen was founded in Staten Island in 1989.

Musical acts such as Conjunto Imagen, right, and Judy Torres, above, will perform at Resorts World NYC this holiday season. RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK CITY

According to The Bash, an online entertainment-booking firm, the salsa group has performed at The Copacabana, Latin Quarters, Palladium, Club Rio and other major venues.

The group has had songs such as “Tremendo Problema (Tremendous Problem)” and “Tu Precio (Your Price),” and released a 30th anniversary album in 2021.

At Bar 360, there will be an ’80s versus ’90s night with White Wedding and Judy Torres at 8 p.m.

White Wedding is a cover band from Queens that was voted best cover band five

years in a row from 2020 to 2024, according to the website.

The group covers music from the 1980s.

Judy Torres is a freestyle and dance-pop singer who came into prominence in 1989 and has had hit songs in the 1990s going into the 2000s and 2010s.

In 2004, Torres was dubbed the “Queen of Freestyle,” a genre of music that blends Latin hip-hop and electronic dance music with lyrics that focus on heartbreak in an urban locale such as New York City.

“Weakness of the Body,” which was originally recorded by Mariah Carey, “Back in Your Arms Again” and “Faithfully” are

some of her hit songs.”

The last event of the year at Resorts World is a New Year’s Eve event at Bar 360 with The Discoteks & DJ Lax on Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

It will be a night of glitz and sparkle from The Discoteks, a ’70s cover band that was formed by Odell M., the former bassist of The Trammps, a Philly-based disco and soul band. Other members of the group previously performed with the likes of Wallstreet, Chubby Checker, Millie Jackson, The Platters, Bobby Rydell, Peggy Lee and Paul Anka, according to The Discoteks’ website. Q

Warm, fuzzy and fizzy at home for New Year’s

continued from page 19

and Havapoo, Benji, to take naps between 8 p.m. and midnight.

“There have been times that we have slept through the countdown and woke up minutes later,” she said.

Rest is excellent party fuel, though. Lobur said she likes to celebrate by noshing on appetizers, wearing festive lightup glasses and watching “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

Crossword Answers

Speaking of appetizers, what better way to mark the occasion than by making your own charcuterie board? Meats, cheeses, crackers, jams — maybe you’ve got holiday leftovers. Why not make them fancy?

Or, if the festivities aren’t for you, your evening can be as relaxed as you’d like.

Perhaps you can plan your New Year’s resolutions. You might think about 2024, all that you’ve accomplished and anything you’d like to do differently.

Caitlin Leahy of Bayside, 21, said she sees New Year’s Eve as more reflective than celebratory.

“I like staying up until midnight and watching the ball drop on television, but I’d rather spend time with my immediate family and friends than be squeezed up against a bunch of freezing strangers at a function that shows no signs of stopping after midnight,” Leahy said.

Instead, she likes to ring in the new year by making vision boards and sharing resolutions with her loved ones.

Vision boards, meant to inspire and motivate people to achieve a goal, can be a great way to amp yourself up for the

Snacking on a homemade charcuterie board can help you feel fancy during your athome celebration. On the cover: Cozying up with a furry friend is never a bad way to spend an evening, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.

365 days ahead. You might scroll on Pinterest or put your printer to work as you compile images that represent your ideal future. With a whole year ahead of you, the sky’s the limit, so feel free to envision your dream car, house, job or lifestyle.

Or, maybe you hope to form new habits this year. There are so many new

books to read, languages to learn, people to meet and recipes to be made. You could also discover a new favorite song, a creative way to make your coffee or a routine that makes you feel your best. What’s important is that you have your idea of fun on New Year’s Eve. It’s your party — you make the rules. Q

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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.

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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.

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69-26 60TH AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. ﬁled with the SSNY on 05/31/23. 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, 59-56 58th Road, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Selene Finance LP, Plaintiff AGAINST Nancy Mathieu; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 28, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on January 17, 2025 at 11:00AM, premises known as 145-92 179th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of NY, Block 13342 Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment $594,762.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 717934/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 11th Judicial District.

Martha Taylor, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: November 7, 2024 83288

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Trustee for Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 20051, Plaintiff, AGAINST Sabrina Edery, as Administratrix of the Estate of Ann Lewitinn; et al., Defendant(s), Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 22, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on January 24, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 431 Beach 45th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of NY, Block 15968 Lot 96. tApproximate amount of judgment $480,940.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 703588/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 11th Judicial District. Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee, LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff, 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Rochester, New York 14624, (877) 430-4792, Dated: October 30, 2024

For Legal Notice

Legal Notices

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.

C M SQ page 24 Y K

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 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.

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.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstJOSEPH SCIBILIA, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on October 18, 2024, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH SCIBILIA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on January 24, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 16347 19TH AVENUE, WHITESTONE, NY 11357; and the following tax map identification: 5740-55. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE THIRD WARD OF THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713545/2018. Jeffrey Albert St. Clair, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of A DREAM FOR AMY LLC Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/22/2024. 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: JULIA ST. PIERRE, 3112 34TH ST., APT. 2F, ASTORIA, NY 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

BERNARD STOEGER LLC, Arts. of Org. ﬁled with the SSNY on 12/18/2024. 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, 50-28 65th Place, Woodside, NY 11377. Reg Agent: Shahriar Rahman, 50-28 65th Place, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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.

Real Estate

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

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

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

Houses For Sale

Howard Beach, elegant brick custom Colonial, 4 BR, 4.5 baths, master BR w/en-suite& 2 BRs w/full baths. Custom KIT, LR, FDR, den. Full finished bsmnt, sep ent, paved yard with IGP w/jacuzzi. Price Improvement Asking $1,390,000. 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 for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No Fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670 House Wanted

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 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 QUEENS COUNTY WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DOING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 201513BTT, Plaintiff against RASEL PETTER, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 31, 2019, 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 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 99-23 215th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429. Block 11089 Lot 7. 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 $512,495.47 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 710013/2018. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Janet L. Brown, Esq., Referee File # 2296-001049

C M SQ page 25 Y K

NOTICE

OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF QUERCUS MORTGAGE INVESTMENT

NOTICE OF SALE

TRUST, PLAINTIFF, vs. RONALD SHAW, 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 on the second floor in Courtroom 25 Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM, premises known as 192-11 116TH ROAD, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. 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: 11061, Lot: 46. Approximate amount of judgment is $489,246.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 721276/2022. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. All parties shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies concerning Public Auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term Website (https://www. nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/ COURTS/11jd/supreme/civilterm/partrules/Foreclosure_ Auction_Rules.pdf) DOMINIC CHIARIELLO, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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

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.

Notice of Formation of RANDY’S HOME REMODEL LLC

Articles of Organization were ﬁled with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/05/2024. 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: RANDY TEJADA, 10530 66TH AVENUE, APT 1F, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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.

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LB-IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- JAMEL ANTHONY FREEMAN, PURPORTED ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; LISA FREEMAN CHANEY, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; KEVIN FREEMAN, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; MARK FREEMAN, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; ANDREW W. HOWARD, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; BARBARA DARLENE HOWARD, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; DENISE LOWRANCE, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MICHELLE R. FREEMAN A/K/A MICHELLE RENEE FREEMAN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SOUTHERN DISTRICT); THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM A/K/A PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (QUEENS); PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; QUEENS COUNTY CLERK; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 700796/2023. Mortgaged Premises: 97-48 91st Street, Unit 1D Ozone Park, NY 11416 Block: 9064 Lot: 1004. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $209,152.75 and interest, recorded in the Queens County Clerk’s Office on June 17, 2008 in CRFN 2008000241277, covering the premises known as 97-48 91st Street, Unit 1D, Ozone Park, NY 11416. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to 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.

LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden

NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Teamsters march in Maspeth

Members say Amazon refused to bargain with them

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters union last Thursday morning led a nationwide demonstration against Amazon, including at a delivery station in Maspeth.

The union said in a press release that it launched the “largest strike against Amazon in American history” in response to the company’s “repeated refusal to follow the law” and bargain with the thousands of workers who organized.

The Teamsters set a Dec. 15 deadline for Amazon to begin negotiations on a new agreement. Workers at the facility at 55-15 Grand Ave. and one on Staten Island voted “overwhelmingly” to authorize strikes if that deadline was not met, the union said Dec. 13.

Demonstrations on Thursday occurred also at facilities in Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco and Skokie, Ill.

“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a press release. “We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.”

Amazon, however, expects business to continue as normal.

“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public — claiming that they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’,” spokesperson Kelly Nantal said in a statement. “They don’t, and this is another

attempt to push a false narrative.”

The union said in its Thursday press release that nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have joined the fight for “higher wages, better benefits and safer conditions at work.”

“The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union,” Nantal said.

She said those demonstrating are “almost entirely outsiders — not Amazon employees or partners,” adding that the union was “unable to get enough support” from workers at the company.

The New York Times reported that the drivers are employed by companies that Amazon uses for deliveries. Amazon has said it need not bargain with workers it does not employ, while the union and workers say Amazon controls their working conditions.

“We appreciate all our team’s great work to serve their customers and communities and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders,” Nantal said.

“I’ve seen the Teamsters win big battles,” Dia Ortiz, a worker at the Maspeth location, said in the union’s release. “We’re ready to do what it takes to win this one.” Q

Cong. pricing gets two wins

Congestion pricing still is the law of the state, at least for the moment, as two federal judges on Monday declined to issue injunctions to delay its implementation.

The tolls are scheduled to kick in on Jan. 5.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan refused a request from the United Federation of Teachers, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and others that would have stopped the tolling while their cases wend their way through the courts.

Crain’s New York Business reported that U.S. District Judge Cathy Seible in White Plains also refused on Monday to grant injunctions requested by Rockland and Orange counties.

A total of nine suits have been filed to stop the tolls which would have base rates of $9 for cars and $24 to $32 for trucks, depending on their size.

The stated aims are to raise $1 billion a year for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital budget, and to reduce auto traffic and pollution in Manhattan south of 60th Street. Q

Wishing You a Happy Hanukkah and Many Blessings! Chag Urim

Members of the Teamsters union demonstrated outside several Amazon facilities nationwide last Thursday morning, including one in Maspeth. SCREENSHOT VIA CITIZEN APP

B SPORTS EAT

Max signing for the Yanks Happy Holidays

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The Yankees quickly pivoted from Juan Soto, who left them to join the Mets, by acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Brewers and outfielder-first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, in trades. Their bigger splash, however, was signing free agent starting pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $180 million contract.

At introductory press conference, Manager Aaron Boone recalled how Fried was able “to cut up” the Yankees offense with ease when the Yankees played the Atlanta Braves. He will slot Fried into his rotation right after ace Gerrit Cole.

Hopefully, Fried will perform better when he takes the mound at Yankee Stadium than he did at the podium during his press conference. He was uncomfortable to the point of being wooden.

Fried may have been unsure of how to come across given the stuffy Yankees corporate culture myth. That may have been true at one time, but the Yankees have changed with the times. Fried may not have realized that.

He loosened up when he met with the print media in a more informal breakout session. I asked Max if he had ever crossed paths with former Mets infielder Josh Satin since they both attended the famous Los Angeles prep school, Harvard-Westlake. “Oh yes. Josh’s younger b rother was the third baseman on our high school team. I think he has joined Josh in the

family real estate business,” he said with a smile that was missing during the press conference.

He showed a quick wit when NJ.com Yankees beat writer Randy Miller asked him what extravagant purchases he would make given his new contract. “I will get better food for my dog! His name is Apollo Fried!” he quipped. The media appreciated his clever play on the name of the late Carl Weathers’ character from Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” boxing films.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman also held a Q&A session. I asked him if his job has gotten more pressurized. In the last two years he has had to deal with the free agencies of Aaron Judge and Soto; high-stakes big contracts that are becoming more routine; and the fact any unwise decision gets scrutinized for a long time.

“No, it’s just another baseball winter for me. I have a terrific staff who are prepared for all contingencies,” he replied.

Cashman admitted he was interested in signing free agent infielder Willy Adames, but told his agent he could not do anything until the Soto situation was resolved. Unwilling to wait, Adames signed with the Giants.

He was also happy to finally land Bellinger. “I acquired his dad, Clay, and now I traded for his son,” he said with a chuckle, reminding us of his lengthy tenure as Yankees’ GM. Q

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

you all so much for all of your trust, support and loyalty throughout 2024. We are so happy to be part of such a wonderful and caring community. May the holidays bring you and your loved ones happiness and Joy. Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah! Cheers to you all!