Queens Chronicle South Edition 04-18-24

State of the Borough address hits gains and plans for moving forward Richards: Progress goes far into future

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Borough President Donovan Richards last Friday made his annual State of the Borough address as much about the future as accomplishments of the past year.

The speech, complete with live musical performances, took place at Queens Theatre before an audience that included Mayor Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Dr. Ellen Baker, a retired NASA astronaut and the daughter of the late Borough President Claire Schulman, who served as a mentor for Richards.

“I heard so much about Donovan before I ever got a chance to meet him,” Baker said introducing Richards. “But she believed in him and saw in him a man of talent and real commitment to the vision they both shared for the future of Queens.”

Starting with housing, Richards said nothing better exemplifies injustice in the city than the number 85,250.

“That is the number of New Yorkers — residents and asylum seekers alike — who will go to sleep tonight in a city shelter,” Richards said. “That incudes 32,000 children. But the migrant crisis and the housing crisis share an answer — and it is called housing ... Housing creation fell across the city last year, but

Queens didn’t get the memo.”

He cited 5,000 units approved in Queens in the last year, including 2,900 deemed affordable, bringing Queens to nearly 10,000 since he took office in 2020.

“But I see those 10,000 units as 10,000 opportunities for a fresh start for families across the borough.”

Richards also thanked the mayor and particularly Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) for ushering the 25,000-seat Willets Point soccer stadium — and 2,500 housing units going along with it — through the Council, which approved the project last week almost unanimously.

Housing, he said, is only one component of a massive rezoning proposal for more than 300 bocks in Jamaica that incudes $70 million for reconstructing Jamaica Avenue.

As for the 50-acre Creedmoor property, Richards said the draft master plan released in December includes 2,900 housing units, retail space, open space and a school.

“Couple the master plan with additional investment in the area infrastructure and transportation upgrades and Eastern Queens will become the next great place to live, work and play,” the borough president said. “No more having to leave your neighborhood to find an affordable place to live, good school for your child, a park to play in or even a good restaurant.”

Pairing the latter with the existing culinary epicenter in Corona and Jackson Heights, Richards said, “We’re going to eat our way through the borough.”

Richards said every advance in the $20 billion reconstruction of John F. Kennedy International Airport promises both construction

work to jobs decades into the future. He also said more than $850 million in contracts for the airport have gone to Queens-based businesses.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again” Southeast Queens has to deal with the plane noise and Southeast Queens has to deal with the traffic created on the Van Wyck,” he said. “So it’s only just that it is the families of Southeast Queens who benefit most from this project.”

One of the features of the JFK project, he said, was the creation of a support facility that allows construction material and equipment to be shipped to the airport by barge, rather than via trucks coming over Queens roads, already having saved an estimated 300,000 truck trips and the related pollution.

Richards spoke of plans already under way and others in the pipeline to address climate and environmental threats by converting numerous fossil-fuel power plants that have been in Astoria and Long Island City in some cases for more than a century.

Among the projects is the conversion of the Ravenswood Generating Station by NYCHA’s Ravenswood and Queensbridge housing projects; and approved plans to connect Astoria to hydroelectric power from Quebec via the Champlain Hudson Power

continued on page 22

VoIce

Borough President Donovan Richards’ eye was on the future last Friday during his State of the Borough speech at the Queens Theatre.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Tasked with keeping waterfront clear by removing derelict vessels,

marine debris City makes a splash with new agency

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

According to the Parks Department, there are more than 800 derelict boats along the 520 miles that make up the city’s shoreline.

When vessels are abandoned, they can pose serious risks to navigation, public safety and property. Derelict vessels can be extremely harmful to marine habitats and ecosystems, leaking oil and fuel, with fiberglass hulls leaching large amounts of microplastics.

A newly established agency, the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering, will work to keep the city’s waterfront clear of abandoned vessels, remove large pieces of debris that have littered the shores for years and strive to prevent future harm to the waters.

The office’s establishment is the result of a City Council bill that passed in 2022. Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) was the bill’s prime sponsor. She continued advocating for the legislation after her predecessor, former Councilman Eric Ulrich, called for a similar initiative before her.

The office is also launching a vessel turn-in program, through which residents can directly surrender their unwanted boats, instead of leaving them abandoned on the shoreline.

“In the past, the process to remove marine debris from our waterways was often overly complicated and mired in red tape,” Ariola said in a press release. “With the creation of the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering, we are streamlining this

process while also giving boat owners an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to abandonment. This will go a long way towards cleaning our shorelines and will improve New York City’s waterways for generations to come.”

Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, who has long

advocated for the removal of derelict vessels in the Jamaica Bay area, commended Ariola for her legislation in a statement, and said the office will be a “game changer” after 20 years of struggle for the bay.

“We now have a dedicated division within New York City Parks

that will have the resources to identify and remove these hazardous items from the shores, wetlands and the waters of Jamaica Bay and throughout the city,” he said.

Roger Gendron, president of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, told the Chronicle he’s pleased about the new office.

“Councilwoman Ariola, and prior to her, Councilman Ulrich, always allocated money to clean up the bay and get rid of marine debris,” he said. “But the fact that this is an actual city agency now is a tremendous thing for Jamaica Bay.”

On Monday, at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, Ariola and Mundy joined Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Keith Kerman, two of the bill’s cosponsors, Councilmembers Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) and Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn), and other community members to celebrate.

In a demonstration at the event, a bulldozer crushed a boat and put its remains in a dumpster, showing off just how the agency plans to tackle abandoned vessels.

The office is funded through 2025 as a result of $1 million provided by Mayor Adams, Parks said. Q

Decapitated OZP man found in Jamaica Bay

Reports claim

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

A decapitated male was recovered from Jamaica Bay last Friday evening, according to authorities.

Police said that at around 8:45 p.m., officers responded to a call for a water rescue at 165th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach.

FDNY officials removed the body from the bay, authorities said. The individual was identified by police on Monday as 46-year-old Lukasz Mikolajewicz of Ozone Park.

According to a report from the New York Post, a rope was found hanging from the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge, about 1,000 feet from where Mikolajewicz’s body was discovered.

rope was spotted nearby on Addabbo Bridge, suggesting suicide

Police told the Post the “theory is that he hanged himself.”

In a statement to the Chronicle, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said, “Kudos to the NYPD in identifying this man so quickly, to at least save his family from the heartache of not knowing what became of their loved one.”

She added, “This is further proof that we need more mental health services in this city. Perhaps, if he was able to find help sooner, this tragedy could have been avoided.”

“It is very upsetting to hear about the apparent suicide at the Addabbo Bridge in our community,” Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) told the Chronicle. “The fact that this man thought there was no way out tragically

emphasizes the pandemic we are facing with regard to mental health. I want to remind everyone that there are people who care about you, and that help is available.”

Fisherman Joe Botka, who was at the scene Friday evening, told the Chronicle he questions whether it was a suicide due to the direction of the tide and where the body was found.

“The body was found west of the bridge and the tide was ripping pretty good by the bridge, coming in until about 9:30 p.m. going east,” he said via email. “The wind was also blowing more in an eastern direction. The body should have been found east of the bridge if he went in from there, and he wasn’t. Unless they found a rope at another bridge farther west from there.”

He later added, “There’s always the chance that this person was floating out there for a few days, and the tide going back and forth

could cause him to land where he did. But no one has released when he went missing and what kind of condition the body was in.” Q

The scene on Friday at Jamaica Bay, where the decapitated body of an Ozone Park man was recovered by authorities. PHOTO BY JOE BOTKA

Elected officials and community members on Monday celebrated the establishment of an agency set to tackle the issue of derelict vessels and marine debris.

PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL

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A mayoral control renewal is looming

NYSED releases review findings, and Hochul pushes for inclusion in budget

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

Mayoral control, the policy that gives the mayor authority over city public schools rather than a locally elected school board, is set to expire in June and is subject to renewal by the state Legislature.

While Gov. Hochul herself has expressed support for the policy, even including a fouryear extension in her $233 billion budget proposal in January, some of her cohorts could differ.

Lawmakers in the past said that the decision on the renewal would come after the state budget is finalized.

But on Monday, the Daily News reported that Hochul is pushing for a mayoral control extension in budget discussions, according to a conversation with state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), who told the News that it is possible to do a “short-term extension” with strong guardrails.

nearly 300-page report with its findings and recommendations.

The report refrained from directly advocating for or against extending mayoral control, sometimes called mayoral accountability, but instead outlined the findings on a broader scale and said research is unclear when it comes to school governance models.

Findings indicated that public testimony offered varying perspectives with most calling for reform, and that the majority of people who testified do not feel seen or heard in the Department of Education’s decision-making process.

“I want to be held responsible and accountable.”

— Mayor Eric Adams

The agency found no conclusive relationship between school governance structures and student achievement, and also said there is “little evidence” that any particular management structure has reduced longstanding inequities in educational access.

ency with stronger principles of checks and balances and establish a commission to order reforms to the DOE governance structure.

The response to the report has been mixed.

In a press conference last Tuesday, Adams criticized the methods used in the SED’s study.

“Number one, CUNY Law School is writing it, or someone that comes from CUNY Law School. Remember them? ‘Let’s turn our backs on Eric Adams. Let’s talk about how bad America is,’” he said, referring to when graduates of the school turned their backs to him in a show of protest during a May 2023 commencement speech.

He added that the department should have compared governance models and test scores.

The policy has been controversial to many parents and educators, so the state Education Department conducted a review and assessment prior to its possible renewal, complete with public hearings and written reports from all who wanted to contribute.

On Tuesday, the department released a

The SED’s recommendations were to empower students, parents and teacher expertise through modifications to community education councils and the Panel for Education Policy, create more avenues for meaningful deliberation and shared decision-making, ensure more accountability and transpar-

BP Richards pushes for hydroponics labs

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

In last Friday’s State of the Borough address, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced $2.3 in funding for nine school hydroponics labs in fiscal year 2025.

Hydroponics uses mineral-based nutrient solutions to nourish plants without soil. The labs, built in partnership with New York Sun Works, give students a hands-on agricultural experience.

Queens Borough President

Donovan Richards at the unveiling of Richmond Hill High School’s hydroponics lab earlier this month.

“To those students in Forest Hills, Woodside, South Ozone Park and beyond, I hope you’re ready to get your hands dirty,” Richards said. “Not only will these labs teach our students the basics of agriculture and healthy eating, they will grow the next generation of scientists, biologists and green activists.”

He has funded 13 hydroponics labs throughout the borough already, including at PS 111 in Astoria, MS 419 in Corona, PS 360 in St. Albans, Maspeth High School

and Richmond Hill High School.

The nine schools with hydroponics labs funded in FY 25 are PS 7 in Elmhurst, PS 152 in Woodside, PS 277 in Corona, PS 175 in Forest Hills, Queens Metropolitan High School in Forest Hills, PS 45 in South Jamaica, MS 419 in Corona, The Baccalaureate School for Global Education in Astoria and JHS 226 in South Ozone Park.

“According to New York Sun Works, putting a hydroponic lab in every New York City public school will cost around $238 million — less than 1 percent of the Department of Education’s $37.5 billion budget,” Richards said, then calling on Schools Chancellor David Banks to fully fund hydroponics labs in schools.

“Let’s get this done and let’s give our 1.1 million students a well-rounded education — one that will help put food on their families’ tables too,” he said. Q

“I’m concerned. Is this more political, or is it about the way we have done it and what Chancellor Banks has done?” Adams said.

Schools Chancellor David Banks said at a press conference last Thursday that he was disappointed in the findings of the state Education Department in its study on mayoral control. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / NYC DOE

During a recent PIX11 interview, Adams said, “We have an organized way to look at who’s responsible for the school system, and that’s the mayor. I want to be held accountable and responsible, but I need the power to do that.”

At a press conference last Thursday, Schools Chancellor David Banks thanked the SED for its report, but lamented its findings and lack of concrete suggestions.

“My team and I were disappointed to read its takeaways,” he said. “We disagree with the report’s determination that our current governance system has not conclusively led to academic achievement.”

Banks touted an over 80 percent high school graduation rate and “significant improvements” in student proficiency rates, and a 94 percent annual teacher retention rate.

“I think that we’ve made the case for why our current structure is better than some vague, uninformed alternative,” he said.

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), the chair of the Committee on NYC Education, and

Sen. Shelly Mayer (D-Yonkers), chair of the Committee on Education, in a joint statement said the report is an “objective and authoritative review of school governance in New York City over the last 50 years and other models of school governance from around the country. It will be invaluable in legislative deliberations and decision-making as the June expiration of mayoral control approaches.”

A Woodhaven elementary school teacher expressed frustration with the report’s findings.

“The report doesn’t answer the question it set out to answer,” she said. “Are New York City public schools thriving under mayoral control, or should we return to the days of school boards?”

She added, “I’m tired of having this conversation every few years. I would have liked a concrete answer. But now this debate is just going to continue.”

Asked if she thinks a renewal is coming, she said, “I don’t see how it doesn’t.” Q

AD 23 kids’ drawing contest

Elementary and middle school students in Assembly District 23 should get their drawing utensils ready, as Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) has announced the return of her annual Earth Day drawing contest. Each student who wishes to participate will draw a picture of his or her favorite plant or tree in New York and send it to Pheffer Amato, according a press release from her office.

Schools within the district will be receiving instructions in the coming days and winners will be presented with an

award in May, Pheffer Amato’s office said.

Following last year’s contest, Pheffer Amato said she decorated her Albany office with drawings from the young artists.

“The beauty of New York State spreads across hundreds of thousands of acres, through numerous counties and into each of our hearts,” Pheffer Amato said in a prepared statement. “In our own district, we see the beauty of nature every single day, a rare thing living in New York City. In our state, the environment matters, and we should celebrate it.” Q

PHOTO VIA @QNSBPRICHARDS / X

Movement on already-late budget is stalled by Tuesday cyberattack State budget blues continue in Albany

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

New York State’s new $237 billion budget will be at least 17 days overdue — if everything works out in the wake of a reported cyberattack Tuesday night on the state’s Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.

The Albany Times Union, New York Post and other publications reported the tech breach on Wednesday.

“This morning, Governor Hochul was briefed on a cybersecurity incident impacting the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, a Hochul spokesman told the Chronicle in an email Wednesday. “The Governor immediately deployed state cybersecurity officials to assist the Legislature and address this issue. The budget process is ongoing and we will continue working with the Legislature to finish a budget that serves the needs of all New Yorkers.”

On Monday, Hochul held a press conference to announce a “conceptual agreement” with state Senate and Assembly leaders, only to have some Democrats in both houses claim that she was being premature.

“Now some of you may recall back in January, I said we were staring down at sizable deficits; that we needed to exercise restraint to protect our financial security, Hochul said. “Well, the good news is that since then, our revenue projections have exceeded

expectations, putting us in a stronger position. And it allows us to continue investing in programs that New Yorkers depend upon. So while we’re maintaining healthy reserves, we set our state on a sustainable course for the future.”

She said it will be accomplished without tax increases, and will allow the state to set aside 15 percent in rainy day and reserve accounts

Among the governor’s highlights were a deal to spur housing construction that includes creating 485-x, a successor program to 421-a tax benefit that will jumpstart housing production in New York City, and some unspecified agreements on “good cause” eviction legislation while creating permanently affordable units.

Depending on the source, the budget will or will not include an extension of mayoral control over city schools that Mayor Adams and Hochul have been pushing for [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com]. She also said reading instruction in the state will go back to the future.

“With this Budget, we’re throwing out debunked curriculums and getting back to basics. Using phonics and reading comprehension and other effective techniques.”

Hochul also said agreements have been reached to increase penalties for those who assault retail workers and to create a new 100-trooper retail theft unit to the New York State Police.

Hochul also trumpeted increased Medicare

spending, with a caveat.

“It’s well known that Medicaid is one of the single largest expenses in our State Budget,” she said. “So, we also have a responsibility to rein in these costs, because even though this year our revenues are higher than anticipated, we can’t expect that to be the case every year. We must scrutinize Medicaid spending, so we can continue to provide the essential services to people who need them the most.”

The unspoken budgetary elephant on Monday was out-year deficits.

Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, wasn’t so reticent in his own press release.

“The two-week late “conceptual” budget agreement leaves New York State with a significant future structural budget gap likely exceeding $16 billion,” Rein said. “From the reported details, instead of using strong receipt growth to stabilize New York’s fiscal foundation, the budget adds unaffordable spending that increases future gaps.”

Rein praised the apparent lack of tax increases, but said it was unfortunate the Legislature rejected most of Hochul’s proposals to restrain Medicaid spending. Furthermore, the Tier 6 retirement-plan enhancement that reportedly is part of the budget is unnecessary, unpaid for in the long run, and an unfunded mandate on localities.

Gov Hochul on Monday discussed details of a conceptual budget agreement with the state Legislature. NYS SCREENSHOT / YOUTUBE

EDITORIAL AGEP

Kissena tree killings cut deep

Just in time for Earth Day, some no-goodniks decided to destroy about 300 freshly planted trees in Kissena Park, apparently so they could ride around on dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and maybe mountain bikes.

Where there had been spindly saplings on the verge of leafing out as their roots drive through the dirt and they try to grow, grow, grow, there now is mud and tire tracks. Where there had been happy volunteers doing their best to bring more life to a public space that needed it, there now is dejection and disappointment at what was lost.

Anyone who’s done the least bit of gardening or landscaping, or nurtured indoor plants, knows something of the volunteers’ despair. These are people who have planted and cared for about 2,000 trees in the park over the last two years. “It was devastating, it’s personal; our investment is our time,” the leader of the pack, Leona Chin, said Monday during a press conference at the Flushing site.

Chin’s efforts as head of the park maintenance and advocacy group Kissena Synergy, as well as her other volunteer work, were celebrated just a few weeks ago by area City Councilwoman Sandra Ung. A photo sent to the Chronicle shows the lawmaker presenting Chin with a

proclamation at Kissena Park, surrounded by 10 other smiling volunteers. Imagine their disappointment, along with that of everyone who uses the park legally. “We’re just angry they thought it was their property to destroy,” Chin told the Chronicle in reference to the vandals.

The damage totals about $15,000, making the crime a felony, which probably is why the highest-ranking cop in northern Queens was also at the presser. NYPD Assistant Chief Christine Bastedenbeck said police want the public to help nail the perpetrators. We do hope they’re caught.

Trees are vital to help prevent flooding, absorb pollution and produce oxygen. They look nice. Earth Day is four days away. On top of that, Kissena Park and Flushing in general have a storied history when it comes to growing things, to horticulture. The very first commercial nursery in North America was started by William Prince in northern Flushing in 1735, a generation before the Revolution. By the 1870s, Samuel Bowne Parsons had a nursery that included what is today Kissena Park’s historical tree grove.

These lands are for passive recreation. Dirt bikes and ATVs belong in some rural county with space for them. Here we must protect what little green space we have left.

No vending stolen stuff

Unlicensed vendors have many defenders in Queens, including our esteemed borough president, Donovan Richards. And while we differ, believing the law must be followed, we do understand that the city is not providing the number of permits it is supposed to, and that people are going to do what they have to do — people such as the recent migrants who did not come through proper channels and cannot work legally.

However. There is a limit. It’s one thing to sell tamales and fruit on the corner; it’s another to secure goods from people engaged in organized retail theft, spread them on a blanket on the sidewalk and sell them — sometimes just steps from the store they came from! Yet that is just what’s been going on along a part of Roosevelt Avenue on the Elmhurst-Jackson Heights line, according to reporting in the New York Post, the basic elements of it also confirmed here. Police cracked down hard on it this week.

Gov. Hochul says the new state budget will include $40 million to combat retail theft. We hope it’s smartly allocated and somehow will make a difference. No civilized society can abide the lawlessness we’re seeing.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Two-party scheme

Dear Editor:

I’ve been disenchanted with both political parties for some time and have looked for a good third-party candidate, but there was none. I finally figured out why.

In 2019, then Gov.-Cuomo created the Campaign Finance Reform Commission that recommended tripling the number of signatures required to get on the ballot from 15,000 to 45,000. This did not apply to Republicans or Democrats, only to third-party candidates. How is that a level playing field?

It was ruled unconstitutional but the state reinstated it in the 2020-21 budget, thus silencing and preventing regular citizens from competing for office. Only one problem, the commission’s system of matching funds does not apply to federal seats such as U.S. Senate, yet candidates for that office are still hampered by the rule.

A few years ago, I volunteered to collect signatures for Diane Sare, who was running against Charles Schumer for U.S. Senate. Very few were aware of this unfair law. Afterwards, I learned that in 2019 The New York Times did print an article, “Democrats’ Secret Plan to Kill Third Parties in New York.”

Sare garnered 66,000 signatures, guaranteeing her place on the ballot. When it came time for the debate however, only the Republican challenger could participate, not the third-party

candidate. Message: 66,000 voters don’t matter.

When Gov. Hochul replaced Cuomo, I wrote to her asking that she repeal this unfair section of the law but she never replied or did anything. The law has other debilitating requirements that only apply to third-party candidates.

This is still America. Please contact your state senator and Assembly member to overturn this unjust law to level the playing field for all candidates. And remember, when you’re voting for the lesser of two evils, and money is tied to candidate choice, you get nothing in return. It is an attack on your voting rights.

Linda Carlson Woodside

Yes to safe bike lanes

Dear Editor:

Re “No to unsafe bike lanes,” Letters, April 11:

Tom Louizou says the bike lanes on 56th Avenue will be unsafe because they are not sep-

arated from auto traffic. He also criticizes protected bike lanes on Oceania Street because parking was lost. He says he “does not oppose bike lanes” in general. He could have fooled me. What bike lane has he ever supported? He also says there needs to be more “community involvement,” but Community Board 11 worked with the Department of Transportation for well over a year on potential routes, and it rightly pressed the DOT for protected lanes.

By Mr. Louizou’s own admission, the traffic situation along 56th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard is a mess, the same as it is outside schools across the city. Stand outside any school in the morning, and you will see rampant double-parking, parking on sidewalks, buses that can’t get through and road rage. Too many people drive their kids to school, far more than even 20 years ago.

Rather than fighting against bike lanes, our civic organizations should be pushing to make our streets safer and more accessible to people who walk and bicycle. Safety for children should

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

be a higher priority than convenience for drivers. Reducing unnecessary car travel is better for the environment and promotes exercise for children, when obesity is alarmingly high. Other people use them as well. I am a middle-aged professor at St. John’s University who rides his bike to work from Bayside almost every day. It’s beneficial to my health and finances, and creates less pollution. If we allow more people to bicycle safely, it frees up street parking for those who truly need to drive.

Fighting against bike lanes is not the answer to the problems Tom Louizou identifies. Building safe streets that promote active transportation is the answer.

Ben Turner Bayside

Make every day Earth Day

Dear Editor:

Celebrate Earth Day, April 22, 2024, every day. Besides recycling newspapers, magazines, glass and plastics, and properly discarding old medicines, paints and cleaning materials, consider other actions that will contribute to a cleaner environment.

Leave your car at home. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. For longer travels, consider public transportation. MTA NYC Transit subway and bus, the Long Island Rail Road and Nassau Inter-County Express buses offer various options funded with your tax dollars. They use less fuel and move more people than cars. Many employers offer transit checks to help subsidize costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your destination.

Many employers allow employees to telecommute. Others use alternative work schedules, avoiding rush-hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve gas mileage.

Join a car- or vanpool to share commuting costs. Use a hand-powered lawn mower instead of a gasoline or electric one. Rake your leaves instead of using gasoline powered leaf blowers. A cleaner environment starts with everyone.

Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

Among our biggest fans

Dear Editor:

After two whole months of separation, I found a bunch of Queens Chronicles at Gyro Grill on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park.

I am going back to the magazine rack so I can carry 10 copies in my walker wagon!

You have no idea how precious Queens Chronicle information is to me. I’m truly grateful to the founders who started this paper out of genuine love for sharing news with their fellow citizens, including me, who joined them in South Ozone Park.

Consider me a fanatic or lunatic, but I will be pushing my walker to Gyro Grill every week so that I can give a few copies to all the small shops where working-class men and women come for their coffee, breakfast, lunch, etc. The wind is cold, but I am in paradise, incredibly excited by the thought of weekly delivery.

Margaret Boyer Rego Park

My green dilemma

Dear Editor:

A tree grows ... in Queens! Outside my bay window past the front of my lawn.

A mountain of a tree grows tall and strong.

A giant plane tree with its tornado of branches and leaves that float down from dusk to dawn. It eats slowly away at the concrete, my sidewalk my yard and now the street! Where pedestrians, bikers, strollers and more precariously tread just feet from my door.

Several years now I called 311; to plead, to cut, to trim, to fix the walkway!

I’m given sympathy, empathy, a confirm, no more!

The powers that be pretend to care, from the other end of the phone. As It gets bigger still, mighty and proud in front of my home.

Stephen Di Fede Fresh Meadows

Jail the violent

Dear Editor:

We join all our fellow New Yorkers in extending our heartfelt condolences to Det. Jonathan Diller’s family and friends on his tragic loss.

His widow, Stephanie, God bless her, kept her composure and spoke for her husband and all police officers who put their lives on the line every day and do their job, only to have those they arrested out on the street the next day.

Now is the time to heed her call and finally amend the no-bail reform law that allows violent predators, arrested many times, to prey on citizens and the police. This should give notice to Gov. Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins and the other state legislators to finally do their job and make it happen.

Most importantly, when sentenced, Guy Rivera, to the usual 25 years to life for killing Det. Diller, the specification of “without parole” should be strictly adhered to and not subject to change by the Parole Board 25 years later.

No cop killer is eligible for parole, period. Speak up, New Yorkers.

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

No change to bridge name

Dear Editor:

In the War of 1812, British naval bombardment of Fort McHenry accomplished nothing for Britain, but gave us a stirring national anthem. Francis Scott Key gained his inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner” from seeing our flag flying over Fort McHenry “by the dawn’s early light” — a historical event!

The fallen Baltimore bridge named in his honor is being considered for renaming when rebuilt. I strongly urge the folks in Maryland: Keep his name on the new bridge.

Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

Those who are not processed on the same day will be given a future appointment.

You must pass a drug screening to be appointed as a Bus Operator, and if appointed, you will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests for the duration of your employment. Be advised that the federal DOT drug panel includes marijuana, and you will be tested for marijuana use.

Urban planner says zoning measure would rid city of single-family homes Text updated for City of Yes housing plan

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The Department of City Planning released a 790-page annotated version of Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning initiative last Thursday afternoon, along with a 43-page illustrated guide to clarify key terms so that community board leaders and members would have a better understanding of the proposal before voting yea or nay on the plan this spring.

Some key parts of the updated Zoning for Housing Opportunity text include requirements for a Universal Affordability Preference and revising Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, initiatives that City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said she called for in her State of the City address last month.

“Our city’s housing crisis has disproportionately impacted low-income and workingclass New Yorkers who are struggling to find affordable homes and stay in their communities,” she said in a statement. “According to the recent New York City Housing Vacancy Survey, the lowest-cost apartments are nearly non-existent, with a vacancy rate well below 1 percent.”

MIH is a mandate that was spearheaded by former Mayor Bill de Blasio to get real estate developers to create more lower-rent units and mixed-use developments.

DCP said that the “deep affordability” option of MIH, which requires that 20 percent of housing be affordable to New Yorkers earning 40 percent of the AMI, should be used independently of other MIH options, rather than only being available in conjunction with other MIH options at higher AMI levels.

UAP allows buildings to be about 20 percent larger if the additional density is for permanently affordable units.

At a Cambria Heights Civic Association forum later the same night, Paul Graziano, an urban planner, held a City of Yes Housing presentation, explaining the mayor’s proposal to area residents.

Before Graziano spoke, CHCA President Bryan Block expressed his concerns.

“Single-family will be removed as a zoning designation ...”

— Paul Graziano, urban planner

The speaker has pushed for revising Mandatory Inclusionary Housing to make the deep affordability option stand alone and wants the UAP requirement to be 60 percent of area median income on average.

“Revising MIH to make the deep affordability option a stand-alone choice, and updating the Zoning for Housing Opportunity text to require Universal Affordability Preference to be an average of 60 percent of the AMI, can help create more homes that are more affordable to low-income New Yorkers,” a Council spokesperson said via email. “At a time when New Yorkers in every community are searching for affordable places to live and raise their families, it is imperative that our city takes action that can provide housing stability and address this crisis.”

“City of Yes is an important issue that is going to affect all of us in Cambria Heights and throughout the city,” said Block. “It’s the mayor’s proposal to change the zoning that we have in our communities that will allow more upzoning and development within our single-family homes in the Cambria Heights community.”

Block said many residents moved to the neighborhood specifically for the space and lifestyle that comes with a single-family home and if City of Yes were to go through, there would be more two- to three-family homes and apartment buildings behind their backyards, destroying the quality of life in the residential area.

Graziano said the mayor’s plan will get rid of single-family houses despite the city already being behind in the country in homeownership in that regard.

“The things that they are talking about, which they have said publicly and that I find offensive, is that we need to get rid of singlefamily zoning,” he said. “New York City has

A theoretical example of a group of housing lots in Laurelton, south of Merrick Boulevard, being transformed to create a 40-unit apartment complex.

a very small amount of single-family zoning compared to the rest of the country.”

For comparison, big cities like Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles are 81, 79 and 75 percent zoned for single-families, respectively. New York City is 15 percent and approximately 75 percent is designated for multifamily zoning, he said.

“There’s some very disturbing stuff in there,” said Graziano as 182 people tuned in. “It’s a nuclear bomb. It will be the end of our communities as we know them ... I say that in all seriousness, not hyperbolically. This is a very scary and concerning set of proposals that we are staring in the face right now.”

Graziano said the mayor’s plan does not create just a little bit of new housing in every neighborhood, but an incredible amount, which will destroy two-thirds of the singlefamily homes in Queens, where about 50 percent of single-family and 25 percent of twofamily homes are east of the Van Wyck Expressway.

“The rest is multi-zoning,” he said. “Downtown Flushing, Downtown Jamaica, Bay Terrace, Glen Oaks and other areas that have higher densities.”

The Mayor’s Office and DCP say that getting rid of exclusionary zoning is a matter of

racial justice, despite Eastern Queens being a minority-majority region where most of the Black, Latino and immigrant folks are homeowners who have had to work five times harder to own a house, said Graziano.

“I don’t know about you, but places like your community are not in need for that sort of racial justice,” he said. “So why on Earth would your communities want to change the status that you have — that you fought for?”

The zoning proposal would allow for legalized accessory dwellings, create transitoriented development around train or subway stations and erect town-centered zoning.

“We have had people die in accessory dwelling units,” said the urban planner. “There are tens of thousands of illegal basement apartments. About half of them are in Queens ... The problem is, the people who have illegal dwelling units do not want to come out into the light.”

People don’t want to pay income taxes on market-rate units that they are renting out, he said: Legalizing them would generate more garbage and overcrowded schools.

Transit-oriented housing would allow for apartments to be built by 75-foot-wide streets or corner properties that are 5,000-squarefoot lots. The parcels in Cambria Heights are about 4,000 square feet, so the city would simply have to buy two homes to move forward with that initiative,” Graziano said. Queens Village, which is nearby, has a railroad station.

Town-centered development would allow up to four stories of housing to go atop commercial buildings on corridors like Murdock Avenue, along with Linden, Springfield and Francis Lewis boulevards, he added.

“Today, they came out with the text and on the first page where it describes the zoning categories like R2a where you live in, instead of saying single-family detached dwelling, the single-family part is crossed out on the proposed rezoning,” said Graziano. “Singlefamily will be removed as a zoning designation in the City of New York if this goes forward.”

Block, who is also chairman of Community Board 13, said the advisory board is prepared to vote no on City of Yes. Q

Senate passes two vet housing aid bills

The state Senate has approved two bills that aim to ensure greater affordable housing opportunities for veterans.

S6525 would provide disabled veterans with a preference in securing housing offered under the state Affordable Home Ownership Development Program. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is the only Queens co-sponsor.

In a press release, Addabbo said the bill would ensure that veterans with a servicerelated disability rating of 40 percent or higher will receive preferential consideration when

housing projects are moving forward under the AHOD Program, which provides grants to governmental, nonprofit and charitable groups to build, acquire, rehabilitate or improve homes for low and moderate income families.

According to the state Senate website, the measure has been delivered to the Assembly.

The bill is in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Its prime sponsor there is Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), and it is co-sponsored by Queens Assemblymembers Juan Ardila (D-Sunnyside) and David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows).

Addabbo said that while the affordable housing crisis is a challenge for all residents, he believes more needs to be done to keep roofs over the heads of those who were seri-

The other bill, S2028, is chiefly sponsored by Addabbo, and Queens state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) is among the cosponsors. It would create a real property tax exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100 percent service connected disability, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

ously injured in service to the country.

“They put their lives on the line for us, and I think we have a responsibility to provide them with the best possible quality of life, which certainly includes efforts to guarantee they are never forced to choose between paying for their homes and other life necessities,” he said.

“As the NYS Senate session continues, I am hopeful both these bills will get the full legislative consideration they deserve. Our injured veterans and their families deserve no less,” Addabbo added. Q

IMAGE COURTESY PAUL GRAZIANO

approves NYCFC stadium

1,400 units of affordable housing to come; Krishnan votes no on plan Council

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

The City Council last Thursday voted 47-1 to approve Phase II of the Willets Point Redevelopment Project, which includes a 25,000seat stadium for the New York City Football Club, 1,400 units of affordable housing and a 250-key hotel.

Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona), whose district includes the site, has pushed the project from the beginning.

“We have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new neighborhood,” Moya said while addressing the Council last Thursday. Reflecting on childhood memories of his late father teaching him to play soccer in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Moya said, “Pop, I wish you could be here to see this.”

The vote comes as work on Phase I of the project is well underway. After extensive environmental remediation work, developers in December broke ground on the first affordable-housing building at the site, which accounts for 880 of the 1,100 apartments planned as part of Phase I, in addition to retail space and a 650-seat school. That 880-unit building is expected to be completed in late 2026, per Nico Aguilar, a spokesperson for the city’s Economic Development Corp.

During the meeting, NYCFC officials, fans, union advocates and other supporters of the

project rallied on the steps of City Hall. They were later joined by Mayor Adams. “Housing is the goal — and with today’s City Council vote, I’m proud to say that we just scored the goal of the decade,” said the mayor, who is expected to sign off on the project.

“History has been made today for Queens and New York City as this monumental project receives approval from the City Council, and we take another major step forward in delivering one of the most ambitious developments in

the country and a model for a public-private partnership,” said Andrew Kimbell, president and CEO of the EDC.

Borough President Donovan Richards applauded the vote in a statement. “Today’s Council vote scores yet another goal for Queens in our push to build a more livable borough,” he said. “The former Valley of Ashes will become our city’s next great neighborhood, with abundant affordable housing, plentiful retail and open space, and other bene-

Cops bust Roosevelt vendors

Allegedly stolen merchandise for sale on sidewalk

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Police on Monday cleared out a slew of vendors selling goods on the sidewalk along Roosevelt Avenue around 91st Street, on the Jackson Heights-Elmhurst border.

The cops were back at it Tuesday, according to the New York Post, reportedly clashing with some vendors that time.

The back-to-back operations followed a story Sunday in the Post that reported vendors were illegally selling all kinds of goods on blankets on the sidewalks. Many of the items — including some from Home Depot that still had the chain store’s tags on them — were stolen, according to the exposé.

The Police Department’s press office confirmed Monday’s operation, with a spokesperson saying via email, “The NYPD responded to community complaints. Items were vouchered by the NYPD or discarded by Sanitation. There were no arrests.”

But the office declined to answer further questions, such as on the physical boundaries of the operation and the nature of the items seized, referring inquiries to the Department of Sanitation, which was granted primary responsibility for enforcing the laws on vending under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.

A DSNY spokesman said he would get some answers but later said he had been told the police would provide them. No more informa-

tion was forthcoming

Roosevelt has been a center of lawlessness, according to some area residents, business owners and media reports, with illegal vending, open drug use and prostitutes luring customers in broad daylight.

In January, police closed down 12 alleged brothels on or near Roosevelt, in an operation that Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain, took part in personally.

fits that will include a first-class soccer stadium that will solidify The World’s Game in The World’s Borough.”

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) was the sole vote against the plan, and noted in his remarks that when the land was rezoned in 2008, 5,000 units of affordable housing units had been promised. “We do not have a stadium crisis in our city — we have a housing crisis,” he said on the Council floor. He also raised questions about the finances behind the project. “A stadium on public land, subsidized by hundreds of millions in public funds, is not a good deal,” Krishnan said. “This stadium will not be paying property taxes. It will not be making payments in lieu of taxes. And it will pay almost nothing in rent over the next 50 years.”

The redevelopment in its entirety is expected to generate a total of $6.1 billion and create 1,550 permanent jobs, as well as over 14,000 construction jobs.

Both Adams and NYCFC Vice Chairman Marty Edleman said last Thursday the stadium is expected to open for the team’s 2027 season. Aguilar said that while an exact construction timeline for the main elements of Phase II has yet to be determined, with the goal being to have the stadium set for the 2027 season, it is expected that all 2,500 housing units across both phases will be complete by 2030. Q

7-Eleven stores targeted Wed.

This week’s action brought mixed reactions from officials contacted by the Chronicle.

“Government works best when we have unity and respond directly to the complaints of our constituents,” City Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) said via email. “I’m thankful to Mayor Adams for being a partner I can count on to stand with me and my community. We are using every tool in our toolbox to crack down on illegal actions. Our commitment remains, and we will employ all measures within the law to close down unlicensed operations. Our dedication to ensuring community safety is firm, and we will persist until the job is done.”

“As I have made clear before, the success we’ve seen in formalizing, standardizing and strengthening the Corona Plaza vendor market should be a model for any location where street vending occurs consistently, including along Roosevelt Avenue,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “Wholesale crackdowns that lump hardworking, above board vendors together with those creating quality-oflife concerns are not the answer. Instead, we should expand the pilot program used at Corona Plaza and amend the cap on vending licenses to bring more of our city’s smallest businesses into compliance.”

The offices of Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) and state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) did not provide statements on the police action. Q

Three 7-Eleven locations in Queens were targeted in armed robberies early Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

At around 2:45 a.m., a man entered the 7-Eleven at 112-11 Liberty Ave. in South Richmond Hill, police said. He displayed a firearm and demanded money. An employee gave him $400 from the register.

At around 3:30 a.m. at 159-35 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, a male displayed a firearm and took approximately $1,500 from the register, police said.

About 30 minutes later, a man again displayed a firearm and demanded money at 154-18 Rockaway Blvd. in South Jamaica, police said. He fled before he could obtain property or currency.

There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

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

— Kristen Guglielmo

The City Council last Thursday voted to approve a 25,000-seat stadium for the New York City Football Club and 1,400 units of affordable housing. NYCFC RENDERING / FILE

Folding tables and chairs appear discarded at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 91st Street, one day after a crackdown on alleged illegal vending.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

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Schumer, Gillibrand secure $15M for Grand Street span replacement City gets fed boost for bridge project

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

In announcing last week that they had secured $15 million in federal funding to help the city replace Maspeth’s antiquated Grand Street Bridge, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) spoke a lot about good timing.

But area government and environmental leaders are joining in too.

The steel truss bridge with a steel grate deck has spanned Newtown Creek, connecting Maspeth and East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, since 1903. It was designed to rotate on a cylinder midspan to allow large boats to pass through the channel on either side.

It is too narrow for two large, modern vehicles to pass each other in opposite directions; and was subject to regular maintenance closures and weight restrictions even before the events of Oct. 12, 2012.

Bridge, to meet modern-day transportation needs, safely link Brooklyn and Queens, while helping to ensure resilience in extreme weather events.”

Gillibrand, like Schumer, said a new bridge will be designed to be weather- and storm-hardened.

“The Grand Street Bridge in Brooklyn has served Brooklyn and Queens for over a century, carrying more than 10,000 vehicles every day,” she said. “This new bridge will get our workers to their jobs, get our kids to school, and help the New York economy remain the strongest it can be.”

“The Grand Street Bridge has served Brooklyn and Queens for over a century.”

—

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

“More than a century old and damaged from Superstorm Sandy, Grand Street Bridge will get its long overdue full-scale upgrade to keep it operational, safe and without limitations for many years to come — with new bike and pedestrian lanes to boot,” Schumer said in an April 10 statement. “Recent events, from the earthquake experienced throughout New York City to the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore, shine a bright light on the urgent need to upgrade our country’s infrastructure, and that’s why I fought so hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law.

“I am proud to deliver $15 million to New York City to reconstruct the Grand Street

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Grant program, which was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law.

Replacing the bridge has been at the top of Community Board 5’s major project funding list for years

“It’s a very important project, and the fact that they went and saw the need to get additional funding for it to keep everything in place is very good,” said Gary Giordano, district manager for CB 5. “It shows our senators are paying attention.”

Giordano has heard estimates of up to $300 million for the project. But he and Willis Elkins, executive director of the Newtown Creek Alliance, said the ongoing discussions have about as many moving pieces as the bridge’s electrical and mechanical systems.

“To be honest, I didn’t think it was going to

be that expensive,” Giordano said. “But it is going to depend on the type of bridge that we settle on.”

He said the city, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard are weighing whether to replace it with another span capable of moving to let boats pass; or a stationary span.

Then add the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has designated Newtown Creek as a federal Superfund cleanup site due to well over a century of its use as an industrial waste disposal site.

“I once went on a boat ride there expecting to smell sewage,” Giordano said. “I smelled metal.”

Giordano said the Coast Guard has opined that a movable bridge is no longer necessary, as boat traffic on the creek is minimal. Elkins said the Army Corps shares that sentiment — as

does the Newtown Creek Alliance.

“The eastern segment of Newtown Creek would be deauthorized for navigation of commercial marine traffic,” Elkins said. “Right now, they’re required to have a movable bridge. If the Army Corps proposal goes forward — and we’re in support of that — there would be no need for a movable bridge.”

That would make a replacement less complicated and, logically, less costly according to Elkins and Giordano.

Elkins also said an replacement project would have to coordinate timing with the EPA, as it is planning “early access” remediation actions in the eastern section in the preliminary cleanup process.

“If the EPA needs to get boats on the creek for four or five years for the cleanup, that will have to be coordinated,” he said. Q

Misconduct charge for DOB inspector

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

A city Department of Buildings inspector, who allegedly accused homeowners in Eastern and Southeast Queens of $8,000 in property violations, was arraigned last Thursday on bribery and official misconduct charges for allegedly bilking them of $1,440 to close cases, according to the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz.

According to prosecutors, Zabihullah Ibrahimi, 42, of College Point, would respond to 311 complaints and then inspect homes to verify if they were up to code or warranted issuing a violation, but instead of carrying out his duty he allegedly pressured his victims in doling out money and then indicated on DOB records that the complaint was closed.

“When city officials charged with keeping the public safe decide to shirk their responsibilities in favor of lining their own pockets, everybody loses,” said Katz, who also thanked the DOB and Department of Investigation for examining the case, in a prepared statement.

Arraigned for soliciting bribes: DA

On Jan. 10, 2023, Ibrahimi inspected a South Ozone Park home on 111th Street and after he took photos allegedly told the homeowner that her basement was illegal but he could fix the problem for $1,500. When she said she only had $140, the defendant allegedly took the money, told the woman to call to reschedule an inspection, dialed his phone number in her phone and picked up the call while standing next to her. He allegedly then called her back 10 minutes later to say the inspection was closed.

More than 11 months later, on Dec. 18, he inspected the home of a South Jamaica woman on 116th street and allegedly told her that her house had a violation that would cost $3,000 but he did not want a violation for her. The homeowner asked if he wanted money and he allegedly requested $500, though she was only able to give him $300, said the prosecutors.

DOB records indicate that the South Jamai-

ca complaint was closed, stating no violation was warranted.

On Jan. 25, Ibrahimi checked on a home in St. Albans on 193rd Street and told the homeowner there were several issues that need to be resolved and allegedly requested $3,500. When the woman said she didn’t have the money, he allegedly told her to go to the bank and get him $1,000. When she returned home she allegedly gave him the money. Records indicated that the case was closed because “an inspector was unable to gain access since the property owner failed to keep inspection appointment.”

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said in a statement that instead of identifying unsafe and illegal residences, Ibrahimi used his position to solicit bribes from homeowners.

“Thankfully, homeowners, as well as DOB, reported this alleged misconduct to DOI, prompting our investigation, together with our partners in the Queens District Attorney’s

Office, and resulting in the complaint that was filed,” Strauber said. “DOI anticipates proposing a number of policy and procedural reforms to the City Department of Buildings to reduce the risk of inspector misconduct.”

The statement did not indicate what those reforms might be.

DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said in a statement his department is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, both in construction and within its own ranks.

“When we became aware of the alleged behavior of this employee, we immediately referred the issue to our partners in law enforcement and have worked closely with them throughout their investigation,” Oddo said. “This employee has already been placed on leave without pay, and in the interest of public safety we have already conducted a thorough audit of his previous work here at the department and taken appropriate enforcement actions.”

Ibrahimi must return to court June 17 and could face up to seven years in prison.

Q

The Grand Street Bridge, connecting Maspeth and Brooklyn, was designed for surface and maritime traffic of 1903.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

‘A Whole New World’ at 207

Audiences were transported to the fictional city of Agrabah last weekend as students at PS 207 Rockwood Park in Howard Beach put on a showstopping performance of “Aladdin Jr.”

The production was made possible by Inside Broadway, a nonprofit professional children’s theater company committed to producing classic Broadway musicals suitable for young audiences, and funding allocated by Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who

lauded the production on social media.

— Kristen Guglielmo

“A tremendous performance by the students @psms207q of Aladdin!” Ariola wrote on Facebook. “What a great show! We are so proud of the staff and faculty who worked with the students to put this together. Thank you as always to @inside_broadway for bringing this programming to our schools. It is my honor to fund arts in our schools so we can give our students another outlet where they can shine.”

Teen robber’s victim recovering at home

Defendant, 16, has arrest record; grandmother, 68, has fractured skull

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The person who allegedly robbed a 68-yearold woman so violently on April 7 that she was brought to the hospital in critical condition is too young to vote. Now she’s back home and he’s in jail facing a slew of charges.

Police announced last Thursday night the arrest of a 16-year-old male for the attack that occurred around 8:20 a.m. in Briarwood. On Friday afternoon, District Attorney Melinda Katz reported that he has been charged not only with that crime but also with a separate robbery, also of a woman, April 4. The defendant, who was not named officially, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, Katz said.

The April 4 robbery occurred on 127th Street in Rochdale Village in Jamaica, the DA’s Office said. The perpetrator allegedly followed a woman into an elevator, put his hand in his pocket and pointed what appeared to be a weapon at her. He allegedly said he had followed her from a bank where he saw her withdraw money and demanded the cash and her keys. She gave him the keys. He allegedly left the building and was seen on video getting into her Toyota Corolla and driving off.

purse, which contained cash, credit cards, her cell phone and car keys, prosecutors said, citing the video. He also is seen “putting his hands near the victim’s waist and pockets.”

He then allegedly drove off in Tahliambouris’ 2006 Nissan Altima.

“The viciousness with which the defendant is accused of having committed the robbery at the church struck the city at its core,” Katz said in a prepared statement. “As alleged, he chose to rob an elderly woman by first pushing her down the stairs and then proceeded to take her purse and leave her to suffer while he took off in her car. He will now have to answer for the serious charges levied against him by my office.

“Please continue to pray for my mom.”

— Freddy Tahliambouris

Three days later he unleashed crushing violence against an older woman in order to rob her, according to the authorities.

The victim, they said, Irene Tahliambouris, 68, was walking up a set of stairs to enter St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 84-35 152 St. in Briarwood at about 9:15 a.m. As she neared the top, the defendant allegedly ran up behind her, got in front of her and struck her.

The attack was caught on surveillance video.

Tahliambouris fell backwards down the stairs, landing on her head on the sidewalk. She suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain, and was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Four days later, she was still critical, though stable, and unable to stand or move on her own, according to Katz’s office.

At the church, as Tahliambouris lay motionless on the sidewalk, her assailant grabbed her

Thank you to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny and the entire Detective Bureau for their relentless work.”

For the April 7 attack, the defendant, who lives on 89th Street in Jamaica, was charged with assault in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, assault in the second degree, two counts of grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree.

He was charged in the April 4 case with two counts of robbery in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, robbery in the third degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, three counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, menacing in the second degree, petit larceny and unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree.

The DA’s Office said he was arrested last Thursday in front of his residence. Police said he was taken in at 9:10 p.m.

Multiple media outlets reported over the weekend that the defendant has nine previous arrests, seven for robbery and two for assault. Some reports also said he was found with his shirt around his neck in his jail cell, calling it a suicide attempt.

Tahliambouris, meanwhile, will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser set up by her son, Freddy, on GoFundMe. It had raised $49,430 in 905 donations by 10:30 a.m. Monday, with a goal of $150,000.

“My mom is a happy, good spirited, loving 68 year old grandmother who’s always been there for our family and friends,” the page says. “She loves her church and always looks forward to Sundays spent there. This senseless attack has brought our family so much grief as we are unsure of what lies ahead, but we want to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of support and well wishes we have received. Please continue to pray for my mom’s recovery. For now we are thankful to the NYPD detectives that have caught the person responsible for the attack. We will try to keep everyone updated on her Journey.”

The post includes a link to an ABC report that has video of the attack.

The page also said Tahliambouris had been moved from the intensive care unit but is still in the hospital. Days later her family and her priest said she is back home.

Her nephew Daniel Coffaro Hill of Ozone Park, a citizen journalist and volunteer with the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol, has been blasting the laws on criminal justice as not tough enough, posting on the social media plat-

form X.

“This lowlife is off our streets for now, and we are hoping the system will actually do its job this time,” Coffaro Hill wrote. “We’re tired of seeing criminals walk free because of our soft on crime laws. This thug is another example of how petty criminals feel bold enough to escalate their crimes, knowing they’ll likely get off with a slap on the wrist.” Q

Driver charged over death in crosswalk

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The city truck driver who killed a Middle Village woman in a crash just over a month ago was arrested last week, police reported.

Roderick Mitchell, 38, a Department of Environmental Protection employee, was arrested April 9 and charged with motor vehicle failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, according to the NYPD press office. He was charged just before 11 a.m. somewhere within the confines of the 110 Precinct.

It was at about 8:30 a.m. March 12 when police arrived at the corner of 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Elmhurst, in response to a 911 call, and found Natalia Garcia-Valencia, 43, lying in the street, the NYPD said. She was unconscious and unresponsive with trauma about her head and body.

Natalia Garcia-Valencia, 43, was utilizing this crosswalk, much like this pedestrian, when she was killed by a driver working for the city.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE

Emergency Medical Services transported Garcia-Valencia to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, where she was later pronounced deceased, the NYPD said. Mitchell stayed at the scene and was not initially arrested. Police determined that he was driving a 2022 Ford F-750 DEP truck, eastbound on 57th Avenue when he made a right to go southbound on 80th Street, under the Long Island Expressway, and hit Garcia-Valencia in the crosswalk. The arrest weeks later was made “pursuant to an ongoing investigation,” police said. The victim lived at 61-14 80 St., just a few blocks south of where she was killed. Q

Irene Tahliambouris in a happy portrait and, below, in the midst of a devastating fall caused by a callous robber alleged to be only 16. FAMILY PHOTO VIA GOFUNDME, ABOVE, AND PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

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State of the Borough address

continued from page 2

Express lines by 2026.

Richards said investment in schools is necessary to provide borough children with the best education possible.

“But it’s hard to give them that here in Queens when our schools are the most overcrowded and underfunded in the city,” he said, adding that he has dedicated $53 million to borough public schools since taking office, including $30 million in the past year.

He said August Martin High School in Jamaica, named for the country’s first Black airline pilot, has received $4 million after decades of underfunding.

Richards said his office has dedicated $20 million for parks in the past year, including Travers Park in Jackson Heights and Phil Rizzuto Park in Richmond Hill. Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village is due for $1 million in upgrades in the coming budget year.

He said cultural investments include the New York Hall of Science, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, Noguchi Museum, Flushing Town Hall and Black Spectrum Theatre among others.

Richards also pointed to last year’s agreement between the city and vendors at Corona Plaza as a benefit for business, workers, culture and the neighborhood.

“The undisputed champion of combining culture with cuisine is Corona Plaza,”

Richards said. “Don’t just take it from me. Last year The New York Times ranked the plaza 48th on the list of 100 best places to eat in New York City. Think about that. Countless five-star restaurants and Michelin-star chefs call this city home, and most couldn’t hold a candle to the immigrant mother selling tamales at the corner of Roosevelt and National.”

Richards set up a task force last year to help negotiate peace after city agencies swept into the plaza and shut down virtually every food vendor, most of whom already had city licenses, but not permits, and they were finding it impossible to get the city to issue an already-authorized number of new ones.

“I want to see what we’ve done in Corona Plaza to be the pilot of a citywide program that justly and intelligently addresses street vending,” Richards said. “We have the blueprint.”

The borough president said the NYPD’s new 116th Precinct will open in the fall, with its headquarters in Rosedale, complete with a community center.

Richards also said his office has spent nearly $33 million on healthcare facilities, including $14.4 million last year for things such as upgrades to six Gotham Health clinics; $3 million for a new cancer center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; and $3 million for newborn babies and their mothers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Q

SHARE LUNCH. FIGHT HUNGER.

THAT’S HOW WE FEED GOOD.

Doc joins Mets immortals

You can always come home again.

And in Dwight Gooden’s case, it was to see his No. 16 uniform retired by the New York Mets before last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

He is the eighth Met in team history to have his number retired. Daryl Strawberry, No. 18, will join them June 1.

“An unforgettable day for Doc. 16 forever,” the Mets said in X.

“Dr. K” or just Doc, still occupies lofty heights in many pitching categories in the club’s record book.

Gooden won the National League Rookie of the Year in 1984, and the Cy Young Award a year later earning a 24-4 record and leading the league in strikeouts and earned run average.

Then in 1986 the club won its second World Series.

— Michael Gannon

NYBC needs all blood types

The New York Blood Center is seeking donors of all blood types to help the sick, injured and needy in the community.

Each donor can help surgery and cancer patients, accident victims and new mothers and babies.

Information is available at nybc.org.

Upcoming drives include:

• The Shops at Atlas Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20; and 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 22, at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale, next to TJ Maxx;

• Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation-USA. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. April 21, at

88-01 Queens Blvd., in the former T-Mobile store in Elmhurst;

• Commonpoint Central Queens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at 67-09 108 St. in Forest Hills, in the multipurpose room;

• Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., on Sunday, May 12, in the basement at 70-01 Kessel St. in Forest Hills;

• NYPD Medical Division, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, at 59-17 Junction Blvd. in the 16th-floor auditorium in Corona. Q

Vandals kill 300 Kissena Park trees

Saplings look to have been cleared for unauthorized dirt bike path

by Oona Milliken Chronicle Contributor

Volunteers planting trees last Wednesday, April 10, in Flushing’s Kissena Park for a reforestation project were shocked to discover that 300 others they had put in the ground over the last two years, worth almost $15,000 according to the Department of Parks and Recreation, had been pulled out, tossed aside and clipped to make way for a new dirt trail.

Members of the volunteer group Kissena Synergy were joined at the same spot by Parks officials, NYPD officers and area elected officials Monday to denounce the vandalism and ask for help in finding those responsible. Leona Chin, a community activist leading efforts to plant more trees in the park, said the arborcide felt like “a betrayal.”

“It was devastating, it’s personal; our investment is our time,” Chin said at the event.

The trail cuts through land where 2,000 new trees had been planted as a part of a reforestation effort in the park by the Parks Department and Kissena Synergy that began in 2022. Though the purpose of the trail is unconfirmed, it appears to have been made to accommodate ATVs, dirt bikes or mountain bikes, as the path features a jump and a U-shaped turn common on bike trails. Tire marks could be found in the dirt on Monday.

Volunteers with Kissena Synergy, founded

by Chin, work in the area five days a week, between Tuesday and Saturday. NYPD Assistant Chief Christine Bastedenbeck, the Queens Patrol Borough North commander, said at Monday’s press conference that the incident most likely happened sometime over the previous weekend. Chin said she believes the vandalism occurred sometime on Sunday, April 7, when the volunteers weren’t there.

Chin said volunteers had added branches, logs, rocks and other debris across the trail on Wednesday, April 10, to deter riders from using it. However, the debris was cleared up overnight when the volunteers returned to the site last Thursday to discover fresh bike tracks and a cleared trail. Chin said this felt particularly insulting.

“We’re just angry they thought it was their

property to destroy,” she said in an interview. “And then, like I said, to come back and re-clear trails again ... We’re just pleading with the community [to report any new vandalism] because they were the ones that actually noticed, and we’ve had community members reach out to us to tell us things that they have seen.”

Bastedenbeck said law enforcement is looking into the incident. Specifically, she said, additional officers were deployed to the area and detectives were interviewing people in the park and the surrounding perimeter to gather more information on the incident. Bastedenbeck urged Kissena Park visitors and community members to report any illegal motor vehicles in the area.

“We were alerted to the damage in this park on Wednesday, this past week, and believe that the destruction may have happened the prior weekend. Our detectives are currently investigating this incident,” Bastedenbeck said. She encouraged residents to contact the police if they see anyone operating an ATV, dirt bike or moped in city parks.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips at the website nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips

continued on page 34

Some 300 trees planted in Kissena Park over the last two years were damaged last week, seemingly to make way for a path for dirt bikes or ATVs. PHOTO BY OONA MILLIKEN

Prom x QPL giveaway on May 11

Volunteer to dress up Q. teens at Cambria Heights Library

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Before high school seniors cap off about four years of education to embark on their next phase of life, the Queens Public Library wants to help make sure they are dressed to the nines with its inaugural Prom x QPL giveaway.

On May 11, teens may collect free outfits and accessories for prom, and enjoy a day of photo ops and other surprises at the QPL’s Cambria Heights branch, located at 218-13 Linden Blvd, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The purpose of the giveaway is to help the students minimize the cost of attending their prom, according to QPL.

“It is a step to address inequity in our communities,” said Amanda Aponte, the Cambria Heights Library Teen Center coordinator, in a statement. “Prom is a rite of passage, and our teens should not be excluded because they do not have the means to buy a dress or accessories.”

The teen center at Cambria Heights is seeking volunteers 16 and up from April 24 to 26, 29 and 30, to help with prep ahead of the prom giveaway, from 2 to 5 p.m. To learn more about volunteering or the event, call (718) 528-3535.

Twelve branches of the library are accepting donations of gently used dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry, along with unused and packaged makeup, today, April 18.

The Queens Public Library is holding its inaugural Prom x QPL giveaway on May 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cambria Heights Library, according to the Amanda Aponte, inset, the branch’s teen center coordinator. PHOTOS COURTESY QPL

Prom attire and accessories can be dropped off at Bayside Library (212-20 Northern Blvd.); Central Library (89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica); Elmhurst Library (86-07 Broadway); Forest Hills Library (108-19 71 Ave.); Fresh Meadows Library (193-20 Horace Harding Expy.); Glen Oaks Library (256-04 Union Tpke.); Howard Beach Library (92-06 156 Ave.); Hunters Point Library (47-40 Center Blvd., Long Island City); Jackson Heights Library (35-51 81 St.); Peninsula Library (92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Rockaway); Ridgewood Library (20-12 Madison St.) and Cambria Heights Library, during regular hours of service. Q

NYPD precincts for prom gear

Police precincts in Patrol Borough Queens North are once again collecting donations of gowns, dresses, suits, shoes and accessories for teenage girls and boys to wear to their high school proms.

The formal wear will be given away from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Aviation High School at 45-30 36 St. in Long Island City. Collections will take place through April 27 at:

• 104th Precinct at 64-02 Catalpa Ave. in Rdgewood;

• 108th Precinct at 5-47 50 Ave. in Long Island City;

• 109th Precinct at 37-05 Union St. in Flushing;

• 110th Precinct at 94-41 43 Ave. in Elmhurst;

• 111th Precinct at 45-06 215 St. in Bayside;

• 112th Precinct at 68-40 Austin St. in Forest Hills;

• 14th Precinct at 34-16 Astoria Blvd. in Astoria; and

•115th Precinct at 92-15 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights.

More information is available by calling (718) 520-8839 or (718) 5200840. Q

Wishing Everyone A Joyous Passover!

Creedmoor’s Living Museum Artists shine at Creedmoor’s Living Museum

by Michael Shain

The Living Museum isn’t easy to get to or particularly well known.

It is buried deep in the campus of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, the massive, state-run mental-health hospital in Queens Village.

But it is a unique place, a building the size of a Macy’s, crammed top to bottom with work tables, easels, display spaces, nooks and crannies overflowing with paintings, works on paper, wire sculpture, fiber art and at least one high-fashion hat maker. Every wall and door is painted in some way or another.

The Living Museum was started 40 years ago on the idea that untrained artists can make art that is every bit as interesting and worthwhile as the stuff in the Metropolitan or the Museum of Modern Art.

The 100 or so artists who are registered to work in the museum’s studios are all current or former patients.

The artists break down roughly into two types: 1) those who have found the rush of making original, serious art an empowering tool for dealing with their unique worlds and 2) actual artists who have found themselves sidelined by mentalhealth issues and the system.

he inner light

A writer for The New Yorker magazine once wrote that all art starts out as “an emergency.” Both types of artists at the Living Museum share the same emergency.

The art and artists of the Living Museum are having a moment.

A genre called Outsider Art — an umbrella term used to describe the work of artists who are self-taught and unschooled in the conventions of classic or mainstream art — has been sweeping the art world for some time now. The three-day Outsider Art Fair, for instance, attracted more than 60 galleries and thousands of fans who pay $35 ($100 for opening night) to rub shoulders with the latest movers and shakers in the movement.

The market’s enthusiasm is easy to explain, said Dr. Mitra Reyhani, the Living Museum’s director.

“It’s authentic art,” she said. “The artists don’t worry about critics or different art movements. It’s straight-up art.”

continued on page 27

Supplemental Summons And Notice Of Object Of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 703823/2020 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Plaintiff, Vs Carlos De Dios, Jr., Reynaldo Dedios Individually And As Administrator And As Heir To The Estate Of Adoracion Orca Wallack And Merrill Wallack, Unknown Heirs As Heir To The Estate Of Merrill Wallack Of Merrill Wallack If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Unknown Heirs As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera Of Grace Butera If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Karin Dion Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera And As Executor To The Estate Of Frances Rizzuto As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Phyllis Ferraro As Executor To The Estate Of Frances Rizzuto As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Rochelle Dion Mastera As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Billy James Dion As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Derek S Dion As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Amanda R Dion As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Dawn M Cohen As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Deidre M Butera As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, Flint Butera As Heir To The Estate Of Grace Butera, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America Acting Through The Irs, City Register Of The City Of New York, Queens County, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Emmanuel “Doe”, John Doe (Those Unknown Tenants, Occupants, Persons Or Corporations, Or Their Heirs, Distributees, Executors, Administrators, Trustees, Guardians, Assignees, Creditors Or Successors Claiming An Interest In The Mortgaged Premises.) Defendant(S). Mortgaged Premises: 26-17 29th Street Long Island City, Ny 11102 To The Above Named Defendant: You Are Hereby Summoned To Answer The Complaint In This Action, And To Serve A Copy Of Your Answer, Or, If The Complaint Is Not Served With This Supplemental Summons, To Serve A Notice Of Appearance, On The Plaintiff(S) Attorney(S) Within Twenty Days After The Service Of This Supplemental Summons, Exclusive Of The Day Of Service (Or Within 30 Days After The Service Is Complete If This Supplemental Summons Is Not Personally Delivered To You Within The State Of New York). In Case Of Your Failure To Appear Or Answer, Judgment Will Be Taken Against You By Default For The Relief Demanded In The Complaint. The Attorney For Plaintiff Has An Office For Business In The County Of Erie. Trial To Be Held In The County Of Queens. The Basis Of The Venue Designated Above Is The Location Of The Mortgaged Premises. To Unknown Heirs To The Estate Of Merrill Wallack Of Merrill Wallack, Unknown Heirs To The Estate Of Grace Butera Defendants In This Action. The Foregoing Supplemental Summons Is Served Upon You By Publication, Pursuant To An Order Of Hon. Claudia Lanzetta Of The Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, Dated The Twenty-Eighth Day Of March, 2024 And Filed With The Complaint In The Office Of The Clerk Of The County Of Queens, In The City Of Jamaica. The Object Of This Action Is To Foreclose A Mortgage Upon The Premises Described Below, Executed By Adoracion Orca Wallack (Who Died On October 14, 2015, A Resident Of The County Of Queens, State Of New York), Merrill Wallack (Who Died On July 21, 2014, A Resident Of The County Of Queens, State Of New York), Carlos De Dios, Jr. And Reynaldo Dedios Dated The April 29, 1993, To Secure The Sum Of $189,750.00 And Recorded At Book 3562, Page 2181 In The Office Of The Queens County Clerk, On The May 11, 1993. The Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed November 1, 2017 And Recorded On November 14, 2017, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, Queens County At Crfn 2017000419003. The property in question is described as follows: 26-17 29th Street, Long Island City,

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Fred Gretsch strung us along in FoHi Gardens

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Friedrich “Fritz” Gretsch was born in Prussia in 1856. He left for America on the Vandalia, arriving in New York at age 17 on May 13, 1873. Working as a bookkeeper in a music shop, he decided to manufacture banjos, tambourines and drums. He took the oath of citizenship on Sept. 23, 1884. Sadly, he passed away in April 1895 at age 39.

His son Frederick kept the company growing, opening factories in Brooklyn. He married in 1904 and had four sons, Frederick Jr. (1905), William (1906), Richard (1908) and Harold (1913, who died in infancy). He purchased a new home in 1915 at 37 Short Hill Road in Forest Hills Gardens.

In the 1950s, Fred Jr. teamed up with Chet “Mr. Guitar” Atkins and perfected a new electric guitar The Gretsch 6120. Rock groups loved Gretsch guitars. The Beatles’ George Harrison owned one.

In 1967, Gretsch sold out to Baldwin Pianos. However, with the decline of popularity in the piano and Baldwin’s $9 billion banz-

ruptcy, Gretsch came back into the picture, partnering with Fender guitars in 2002 for worldwide distribution.

The family’s 2,598-square-foot Forest Hills house is appraised at $2.4 million today, showing they were good real estate investors too. Q

The home of guitar industry magnate Frederick Gretsch at 37 Short Hill Road in Forest Hills Gardens as it looks today.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA X / FREDGRETSCH

‘Natural Woman: An Aretha Story’ through Saturday

by Naeisha Rose associate editor

The life, loves and music of the Queen of Soul will be explored in the play “Natural Woman: An Aretha Story,” at Black Spectrum Theatre today, April 18, to April 20.

The work depicts Aretha Franklin’s life from her childhood to adulthood and the making of her hit songs.

“The play deals with her interactions with various entertainers and entertainers in the R&B industry, her love life and her children,” said Carl Clay, executive director of Black Spectrum, located at 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard in St. Albans. The script is written and directed by Thandiwe “Thandi” DeShazor. “It delves into some of the key moments in how certain songs come about. So it’s a journey of her life.”

Clay, whose favorite hits of Franklin’s include “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Respect” and “You’re All I Need to Get By,” said she was a powerhouse singer with an incredible range.

“You are going to see how the songs were created and how it related to her life,” he said. “She was soulful, religious and she made amazing contemporary R&B music.”

DeShazor is an Atlanta-based actor, writer, producer and director. His theater credits as a writer-director include “Never Too

Much: A Luther Story” with Black Vision Entertainment, which is responsible for the Black Spectrum’s previously sold-out “Ike & Tina.” He is also collaborating with BVE for the “Aretha” play, according to Jewel Benton, a spokeswoman for the theater.

DeShazor currently serves as vice president of the Georgia Theatre Conference’s professional division, Clay added.

“I began writing the show around 201516,” DeShazor said via email. “I started working with Black Vision Entertainment as an actor in one of their stageplays set in the 1940s. Because I love history, we began collaborating on showcasing the life stories of musical legends, like Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Etta James, Luther Vandross, and Little Richard (a show I wrote and starred in).”

Some of the loves of Franklin’s life to be portrayed in “Natural Woman” include exhusband Glynn Turman, an actor, director and writer, and The Temptations frontman Dennis Edwards Jr.

“Her relationship with her father, who was a reverend, was also key in her life,” Clay said. “The church was very prominent in her life, but her religious upbringing resulted in her making certain choices because she was afraid that her father would either find out or be critical of her or

The life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, will be explored in a play at the Black Spectrum Theatre in St. Albans from April 18 to 20. PHOTO COURTESY BLACK SPECTRUM

some of the things that she did that were not Christianlike in that respect.”

Franklin’s father did not like some of her secular work in the entertainment industry, he explained.

Clay also said that the soul singer had a fear of flying and traveled only via ground transportation.

The songstress started in the gospel scene in 1956 at age 14. She transitioned to secular blues-jazz music after signing to Columbia Records at 18 and rose to global prominence when she switched to a more gospel-blues roots sound at Atlantic Records in 1966. She became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, according to Brittannica.com.

Franklin was involved in the civil rights movement, alongside family friend the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., supported women’s rights, advocated for political activist Angela Davis to be released from jail and was an ally of the indigenous people community.

The icon passed away at 72 in her home in Detroit in 2018 after a battle with adnvanced pancreatic cancer.

People who come out to see the show Thursday to Saturday at 7 p.m., or the matinee at 2 p.m., also on Saturday, for $35, will be moved by her life story and also learn more about her as a public figure, the executive director added. To purchase tickets, go to blackspectrum.net.

“In a way, it’s a trip down memory lane from some of the things she went through as a child to growing up,” Clay said. “There are a lot of things people don’t know about Aretha Franklin. She is important and inspiring.” Q

Authentic art fills an unusual, unknown space

continued from page 25

Of course, the irony is that a genre that grew up ignoring the commercial trappings of the art market has been discovered by the collector class.

Since the pandemic, the museum has had an uptick in visitors, hardy Queens souls who wanted to explore the art scene without the Manhattan crowds.

(The museum is open by appointment only during the hospital’s visiting hours.)

Crossword Answers

Most people who visit the Living Museum do so for professional reasons, said Reyhani.

There is a steady stream of class trips for psychology students from local colleges and administrators from other mental-health facilities curious to see how the Creedmoor program works.

“The staff from the Folk Art Museum is coming this month,” she said.

Makes sense. The challenge of the museum is managing parallel missions.

The artists working there have had some type of mental health-issue and the studio is, at bottom, part of their road to recovery.

At the same time, the personal work they create is hugely interesting and appealing in and of itself — art created not for money or to please us, the viewers. But art that comes from “what’s urgent, what needs to get out and be shared,” said Reyhani.

The artists themselves go through a kind of coming-out action, she said.

They start out small, drawing or painting for the personal pleasure of doing the work. But once they start to work, hone their skills and get a deeper experience, they want others to see what they’ve done.

“And, by the way, I don’t love the term Outsider Art,” Reyhani added. “We’re all outsiders when you think about it.” Q

Clockwise from left, Paula Brooks of Jamaica at work in the studio; a mural in the Living Museum; and artist Nyla Isaac of Springfield Gardens relaxing in a lounge filled with women’s portraits. On the cover: The museum entrance; and hat designer Carlos Benevide of East Elmhurst, with a creation on his phone. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

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Notice of Formation of CHEME ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CHEME ENTERPRISES LLC, 142-17 129TH

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. CHONDRITE REO, LLC (5), Pltf., vs. EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT I LLC., et al, Defts. Index #707851/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on May 10, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. prem. k/a 87-34 169th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 a/k/a Block 9841, Lot(s) 46 and 48. Approx. amt. of judgment is $1,088,825.35 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. LAMONT RAMSAY BAILEY, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-108- #101304

Notice of Formation of DAEDALUS TCG LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/04/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 8330 AUSTIN STREET UNIT 150277, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Homegirl Therapy Mental Health Counseling P.L.L.C. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 3/6/24. Offi ce location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: 147-25 94th Ave, 2314, Jamaica, NY 11435, homegirltherapypllc@gmail.com. Purpose: practice the profession of mental health counseling.

NOTICE OF SALE

In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in and action entitled NYCTL 1998-2 Trust v. Sereth T. Hosty, et al., bearing Index No. 9186-2011 before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, IAS Part 6, Justice Tracy Catapano-Fox, on or about February 26, 2024, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on May 3, 2024, at 11:45 a.m., at the Queens County Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11435, the mortgaged premises designated as Block 11190, Lot 37 in the City of New York, County and Borough of Queens, State of New York and known as 223-23 109th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429, directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The approximate amount of the judgment is $299,772.53 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances and the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale. Dated: April 4, 2024 New York, New York

Richard Gutierrez, Esq. Referee 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-0663 DAVID

P. STICH, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421

Notice of Formation of OFFSHORESEAFOODMARKETLLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/09/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: JEANE R FINDLEY-BARNES, 157-12 134TH AVE, 2ND FLOOR, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. NATASHA PHANG, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 12, 2018 and an Order Granting Motion Extending Time to Re-Calendar Foreclosure

Auction Sale duly entered on February 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 3, 2024 at 11:15 a.m., premises known as 168-68 92nd Road, Jamaica, NY 11433. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10211 and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $544,639.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #707898/2020. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Joseph F. DeFelice, Esq., Referee Taroff & Taitz, LLP, Attorneys at Law, 630 Johnson Avenue, Suite 105, Bohemia, NY 11716, Attorneys for Plaintiff

233 Stockholm Realty, LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/11/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Joseph Mauceri, 85-16 67th Ave., Rego Park, NY 11374. General Purpose

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF THE CABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NATHANIEL DANIELS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ISAAC DANIELS, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 17, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., premises known as 135-02 221st Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13113 and Lot 26. Approximate amount of judgment is $295,947.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #708238/2015. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Eun Chong Thorsen, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No. 193546-1

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, vs. SABRINA EDERY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANN LEWITINN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 25, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on May 17, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., premises known as 13-52 Dickens Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 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 15665 and Lot 38. Approximate amount of judgment is $905,788.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #703799/2021. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. Austin I. Idehen, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

70-08 267th Property LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/8/2024.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 70-14 267th St, Glen Oaks, NY 11004. General Purpose

Kess Realty LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/25/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Azad Sakur, 107-11 Liverpool Street, Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of Dee Custom Hair LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/5/24. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 104-14 110th St, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131.

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

Centreville/Ozone Park, Colonial, 1 fam, 3 levels + basement. Laminate flrs, updated kit w/ Quartz counters, new appli. All new doors, new boiler, water heater & roof. 3 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. 1 car gar, pvt dwvy. Asking $789K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

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

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of FIRST STEPZ DAYCARE LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/15/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC, 54 STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GOLDSTAR GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 04/01/2024. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 86-30 108th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose:

Any Lawful Purpose.

Middle Village, beautiful legal 2 fam. 2 BR/ 1 bath over 2 rm studio apt. 2nd fl apt has deck & stairs leading to yard. Attached gar in rear plus community drwy. Asking $960K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Hamilton Beach, Sat 4/20, 2:30-4pm, 102-23

Davenport Court. Beautiful det, 1 fam Colonial. 4 BRs, 2 full baths. Updated in & out. Full fin bsmnt, deck, & yard. Asking $649K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

S Ozone Park, Sat 4/20, 12pm-3pm, 133-44 Lefferts Blvd. 3 BR, 2 1/2 bath Colonial, full fin bsmnt, walk-up attic, 1 car garage. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175

Sewer business for sale w/equipment & contact lists. Call Anthony 1st after 10pm, 347-701-9218 or call Willie 2nd bet 9am-5pm, 718-232-8682

Our Classifieds Reach Over 200,000 Readers. Call 718-2058000 to advertise.

Legal Notices

Magnolia Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/12/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Andrea Cilento, 1959 76th St, Apt. 1, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Licensed Clinical Social Work.

Notice of Formation of MYRNA L. ARCHER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/15/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: MYRNA L. ARCHER, P.O. BOX 220025, ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, - against - VLADEMIR C. SIMON, ANTONINE M. BEAUVAIS, ARTHUR D. MEEHAN, if living, or if he is dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Arthur D. Meehan, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, ANNIE M. MEEHAN, if living, or if she is dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Annie M. Meehan, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands, or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, U.S. BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2007-2 HOME EQUITY PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-2, NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, Defendants. Index No.: 8395/11 Date of Filing April 19, 2018. Plaintiffs designate Queens the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the Premises are situated. Borough: Queens Block: 10379 Lot: 5 TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT The object of the above-entitled action is to foreclose a tax lien for the amount due and interest, dated as of August 18, 2009, and recorded in the Queens County Office of the City Register of the City of New York on August 25, 2009, as CRFN: 2009000271516, covering premises described as follows: COUNTY: Queens, ADDRESS: Liberty Avenue (vacant lot adjacent to 109-01 189th Street, Jamaica, New York, 11412) Block: 10379 Lot: 5 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the tax lien described above. This action does not involve “subprime” or “high costs” loans that were consummated between January 1, 2003 and September 1, 2008. The foregoing summons and complaint is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, J.S.C. entered March 27, 2024. SEYFARTH SHAW LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiffs, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 (212) 218-5563

Notice of Formation of NNY ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS, LLC

Notice of Formation of PANOPTES GROUP LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/29/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: MICHAEL BALLESTY, 48-14 170TH PLACE, FLUSHING, NY 11365. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/11/2024. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: NICOLE NELSON YOUNG, 21141 115TH AVENUE, CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY 11411. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF QUEENS NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, Plaintiffs, -against- STANLEY CRAIGWELL, if living, or if they are dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-in-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Stanley Craigwell, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands, or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, LILLIAN U. CRAIGWELL, if living, or if they are dead, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successorsin-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through Lillian Craigwell, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands, or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs, SOCIETY FOR SAVINGS, U.S. BANK TRUST N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, BENEFICIAL HOMEOWNER SERVICE CORPORATION, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, et al., Defendants. INDEX NO. 708858/2019 Date of Filing: 5/21/19 Plaintiff’s designate Queens the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the Premises are situated. Foreclosure of: Borough: Queens Block: 9811 Lot: 40. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT: The object of the above-entitled action is to foreclose the Tax Lien listed in The City of New York Tax Lien Certificate No. 4A, dated as of August 16, 2018, recorded August 23, 2018, as CFRN: 2018000284199, covering premises described as follows: COUNTY: Queens ADDRESS: 90-11 175th Street, Jamaica, New York 11432 BLOCK: 9811 LOT: 40 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the tax lien described above. This action does not involve “subprime” or “high costs” loans that were consummated between January 1, 2003 and September 1, 2009. The foregoing summons and complaint is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett, J.S.C. entered March 14, 2024. SEYFARTH SHAW LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, (212) 218-5500

Notice of Formation of REIDO PLUMBING & PAINTING, LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/20/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: REIDO PLUMBING & PAINTNG, LLC, 171-54 46TH AVE FLUSHING, QUEENS, NY 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

RENARI AM LLC, Art. Of Org. fi led with SSNY 12/26/2017.

Offi ce Location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: c/o Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck, P.C., Attn: Charles McKeen, Esq., 875 3rd Ave., 9th Fl., NY, NY 10022. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Index No. 704502/2021, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., ALSO KNOWN AS WACHOVIA MORTGAGE A DIVISION OF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, v. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE GAIL PALMORE ARCHER, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, GAIL M. ARCHER, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Defendants. To the above named Defendants:You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. 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. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Tracy A. Catapano-Fox, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 26th day of March, 2024 at Jamaica, New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: Block: 1702 Lot: 27 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Second Ward of the Borough of Queens, City of New York, County of Queens and State of New York, known and designated on a certain map entitled, “Map of 239 lots situated on Jackson Ave., Astoria Ave., Ditmars Blvd., and other streets in the Second Ward, Borough of Queens, belonging to MacPeters Estates, Inc.,” Leonard C. L. Smith, City Surveyor, and filed in the office of the Clerk of the County of Queens August, 15th, 1923 under File Number 4365, as and by the Lot number Six, in Block lettered “B” which said lot, is bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Thirty-second Avenue (Burnside Avenue) distant sixty feet westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of said side of Thirty-second Avenue with the westerly side of One hundred and eighth Street (Fifty-first Street); RUNNING THENCE southerly parallel with One Hundred and eighth Street, one hundred feet; THENCE westerly parallel with Thirty-second Avenue, twenty feet; THENCE northerly parallel with One Hundred and eighth Street., one hundred feet to said southerly side of Thirty-second Avenue; THENCE easterly along said side of Thirty-second Avenue, twenty feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 10712 32nd Avenue, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 500 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, NY 14604

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, -against- Jamal Anderson, as Heir to the Estate of Anthony Anderson a/k/a Anthony A. Anderson, United States of America - Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Queens Supreme Court, New York City Criminal Court, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, Anthony Anderson a/k/a Anthony A. Anderson’s unknown heirs-at-law, nextof-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10”, the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to the plaintiff, the person or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants. SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $304,385.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Queens on May 23, 2014 in CRFN 2014000179703 covering premises known as 147-11 116th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11436. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York March 15, 2024 FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP BY: Deana Cheli Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-098833-F01 Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 723301/2022 Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2018-2, U.S. Bank National Association, As Indenture Trustee Plaintiff, vs Unknown Heirs Of Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Raquel Filomena Lopez As Administrator And As Heir To The Estate Of Jose Falcon Aka Jose J Falcon And As Heir To The Estate Of Jose Falcon Aka Jose J Falcon If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America O/B/O The IRS, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Criminal Court Of The City Of New York, John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 32-24 80th Street Flushing, NY 11370 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon, and Raquel Filomena Lopez, Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Ulysses B. Leverett of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Second day of March, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated February 8, 1993, executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon (who died on June 2, 2019, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $228,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 3512, Page 2255 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on February 25, 1993. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 30, 1994 and recorded on September 7, 1994, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at Book 3966, Page 1592. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 2, 2003 and recorded on March 10, 2004, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2004000144325. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated October 29, 2003 executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon to secure the sum of $181,294.55 and recorded at CRFN 2004000144326 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on March 10, 2004. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at Book 3512, Page 2255 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon dated October 29, 2003 and recorded March 10, 2004 at CRFN 2004000144327 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $378,300.00. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated February 8, 2007 executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon to secure the sum of $284,037.89 and recorded at CRFN 2007000168430 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on April 2, 2007. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at CRFN: 2004000144327 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Jose Falcon AKA Jose J Falcon dated February 8, 2007 and recorded April 2, 2007 at CRFN 2007000168431 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $607,750.00. The mortgage was subsequently modified on May 17, 2016. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed August 8, 2018 and recorded on August 13, 2018, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2018000270756. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 12, 2019 and recorded on April 25, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000132813. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 14, 2022 and recorded on July 6, 2022, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2022000266194; The property in question is described as follows: 32-24 80th Street, Flushing, NY 11370 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW. DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: March 28, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 80205

Theaterama honors World’s Fair

Months-long series celebrates 60th anniversary

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

The Queens Theatre will kick off its months-long tribute to the 60th anniversary of the 1964-65 World’s Fair, Theaterama, next Sunday, April 28.

The name of the series itself is even an homage to the World’s Fair, as “Theaterama” was what the theater was called when it was built for the New York State Pavilion as part of the fair.

The series comes a decade after the Queens Theatre’s successful celebration of the fair’s 50th anniversary, drawing wide interest from community members of all ages. Giving Queens residents the opportunity to learn more about the fair when the 60th anniversary came around only seemed logical, according to Executive Director Taryn Sacramone.

just as the Fair did!”

“With the 60th anniversary, we know our community members would be eager to mark the occasion, and we wanted to provide a range of artistic and joyful experiences, which gave us the perfect opportunity to partner with other organizations,” Sacramone said in a statement. “Music, film, theater, history, storytelling, food — we have something for everyone to enjoy —

The festivities will begin at 3 p.m. on April 28 at the Queens Theatre’s Cabaret, when author and presenter Travis Stewart, known as Trav S.D., will share a three-part history of the 1964-65 fair. Stewart will highlight the fair’s futuristic, space-centric theme throughout his talk. The event will also feature fair employees and attendees, who will share their memories and experiences. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to do so as well.

Theaterama will continue with a historic walking tour of World’s Fair sites on May 26 at 2 p.m. Through a partnership with the Queensboro Dance Festival, the tour will feature pop-up dance performances representing the countries present at the 1964-65 Fair. The series will run through October with events occurring monthly. On June 30, the Queens Theatre will host jazz group the Gotham Kings as it pays tribute to Louis Armstrong’s legendary performance at the 1964-65 World’s Fair. On July 14, the QT will screen director Matthew Silva’s documentary “Modern Ruin,” which details the glory days of the New York State Pavillion and its deterioration over time. Theaterama will host a reprise of the May walking tour on Aug. 4, and on Sept. 22, will put on a food festival that will allow attendees to get a taste of the 1964-65 World’s Fair — literally. And to close things out, the Theatre will present readings of plays inspired by the World’s Fair on Oct. 27.

For more information on Theaterama, go online to queenstheatre.org/calendar/category/ theaterama/list. Event ticket prices vary, and some are free. Q

Trees razed

continued from page 23

on X. All tips are strictly confidential.

Parks Department Commissioner Sue Donoghue said the act destroyed precious new trees, which, as they mature, can mitigate the effects of climate change by providing proper water drainage, shade and cleaner air. Donaghue added that she wanted to raise awareness on how incidents like the one in Kissena Park hurt the city’s communities.

“What occurred here last week is an appalling act of vandalism against our public green spaces,” Donoghue said. “That’s why it’s so unthinkable to us that someone would do this ... it’s really important that people understand this is a living, breathing, natural ecosystem that’s really important for the health of communities.”

Donoghue also pointed out that the trees were recently planted as a reforestation effort of the area which only made the act of vandalism more disheartening.

Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) found the incident upsetting as someone who grew up in the area. “I was just here as recently as two or three weeks ago, walking through these trails and looking at the amazing work that the volunteers have done,” she said. “I have to say, I’m really heartbroken and also angry at the same time.” Q

This Spring We Shower You With Buys

A scene from the 1964-65 World’s Fair at Flushing Meadows. PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS HISTORICAL SOCIETY / FILE

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

An argument can be made that Jerry Grote, who passed away last week at the age of 81, was the most underrated Mets player of alltime. He was a brilliant defensive catcher and knew how to handle the Mets’ young pitching staff. Every surviving member of the 1969 Miracle Mets has stated the team would never have gotten near the World Series, let alone win it, if it were not for him. The 1973 Mets would not have reached the seventh game of the World Series as well if Grote were not on that team.

While he was not Johnny Bench or Carlton Fisk, Grote hit very respectably for a catcher at the time. I remember meeting a St. Louis Cardinals fan who told me, “Jerry Grote always killed us with a big hit!”

Every baseball fan has attended a game they will remember forever, not because it was a p ostseason game, or a no-hitter, but rather because something unexpected occurred.

Such a game for me took place in Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium on July 4, 1975. Over 55,000 fans jammed the massive ballpark for Fireworks Night, which would take place after the game. Fireworks promotions were only utilized by baseball teams on, or around, Independence Day back then. The Phillies allowed all fans to watch the sky show from the field instead of from their seats. There was some-

Grote memory

thing good about Astroturf after all.

The starting pitchers for that night were Tom Seaver for the Mets, and Larry Christensen for the Phillies. Seaver was good, but Christensen was even better, as the Mets were losing 3-1 going into the top of the 9th inning.

Dave Kingman led off the top of the last frame with a home run to cut the deficit to 3-2. The Mets were still trailing by that score when Jerry Grote came to bat as a pinch-hitter with a runner on first base and two outs. The Phillies brought in Tug McGraw, who had just been traded by the Mets the previous winter, to pitch to his old battery mate. Grote worked a full count before depositing a McGraw fastball into the left field seats to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Mets reliever Rick Baldwin nailed down the save by pitching a scoreless bottom of the ninth.

At the Miracle Mets August 2019 reunion in Citi Field, I asked Grote if he recalled that game. He smiled and replied, “I did not hit many home runs in my career, so you better believe I remember it well. Having caught Tug for a long time, I had a good idea what he would throw, depending on the count. I knew he would challenge me with a fastball on 3-2 pitch, and I won that challenge!” he said with a hearty laugh.

Rest in peace, Jerry. Q

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ALL GOLD COINS WANTED

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HALF DOLLARS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS 1965-1969

SILVER DOLLARS PRE 1936 PROOF & MINT SETS WANTED