Child predator sought in Throggs Neck? Man with van tried to lure teen
By David Greene
The NYPD is investigating an incident where a 16-year-old male was followed by at least one man driving a U-Haul rental van-- as he attempted to lure the young teen into the van.
According to an NYPD source, the incident was reported at 2:12 p.m. on June 16. The source told the Bronx Voice, “A 16-year-old male was walking in the vicinity of Lawton Avenue and East Tremont Avenue when he realized that a U-Haul van was following him and honking at him.”
The official continued, “The male kept walking, and the driver of the van told him to get into the van. The male ran into a restaurant in the area and the van fled in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.”
The official added that no arrests have been made in the incident and no description of the van driver was immediately available.
The distraught mother turned to social media, posting, “My son was
the victim of an attempted abduction. The incident began on Lawton Avenue walking towards East Tremont (Avenue.) There were two males driving a tinted white van. Both males were wearing ski masks. My son was able to run into a store for safety.”
The mother, who said she had obtained surveillance video from local shops and posted a photo of a plain white van with no “U-Haul” logo on it. The mother also posted that she was informed that the same van was watching a woman walk her dog near Schurz Avenue and Calhoun Avenue, shortly before the incident involving her son.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
Elderly woman attacked on bus Punched, smoke, substance blown in her face
By Dan Gesslein
An elderly woman trying to board a bus was viciously attacked on the Grand Concourse, the NYPD said.
As the older commuter began arguing with the instigator, the younger woman punched the senior in the face. Then the attacker began punching the elderly woman throughout her body.
At around 12:30 pm on Ju ne 13, a 74-yearold woman was trying to board an MTA bus in the vicinity of East 169th Street and the Grand Concourse. As she tried to get on the bus a woman in her 20s bumped into her. As the senior turned to see who bumped into her, cops said, the suspect blew smoke and an unknown substance into the elderly woman’s face.
The attacker then ran off.
EMS rushed the victim to Lincoln Hospital where she was treated for cuts and bruises throughout her body and was listed in stable condition.
The NYPD released surveillance video from the bus. The suspect is described as a female with a dark complexion who is between the ages of 20 and 25. She is 4 foot 9 and 145 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair with a braided bun.
She was last seen wearing a pink t-shirt, gray shorts and seen carrying a black and pink bag over her shoulder.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @ NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
The NYPD is searching for this female in connection with a vicious assault of an elderly woman on a Bronx MTA bus.
Photo courtesy of NYPD
5 teens missing from Castle Hill group home
By David Greene
The NYPD is asking for the public's help in locating five female teenagers who have gone missing from a group home in Castle Hill—the teens disappeared on different days within a 24-day span.
All of the teens were from a group home on Howe Avenue that is run by the non-profit Catholic Guardian Services (CGS) which is affiliated with and shares office space in the same building as the Archdiocese of New York.
According to the NYPD, JyLee Connor, 14, went missing after she left the group home at 7 p.m. on May 14 and has not returned. She is described as female with brown eyes, 5 foot 6’ tall and weighs 120 pounds.
Jayleen Suarez, 15, was reported missing after she left the home at 7:30 a.m. on May 23. She is described as being 5 foot 2 and weighing 105 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, blue jeans and red crocs.
On May 27, Jailynn Gray, 16, was reported missing after she
left the residence at 7:55 a.m.
Police describe her as female, with a dark complexion, medium build and 5 feet, 3 inches tall. She was last seen wearing a grey skirt, black T-shirt, grey sweater and black sneakers.
The fourth teen, Dezi Whittingham, 15, was reported missing after leaving the private house at 12:45 p.m. on May 31. Whittingham has brown eyes and is 5 foot 6 and weighs 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Police identified the fifth missing teen as Yelena Baergea, 17, who has not been seen since she left the home at 12 noon on June 7. She was described as a female with a light complexion and brown hair, medium build and stands at 5-foot 4and weighs 150 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and multicolored pants.
The Bronx Voice visited the home on June 8, and was told no one was missing from the home. A worker from the home called a supervisor “Mrs. Hobert” and then refused to give
any information on the organization that runs it.
On June 11, the Bronx Voice contacted a former resident of the home who stated that the home is for pregnant teens in the foster care system and that she had stayed at the home six years ago.
Asked how she was treated by staff, the young woman replied, “Like shit.” She added, “These staff members (are) basically there for a paycheck. So, they did not care about your wellbeing.” She also claimed that when the young women went to school, staff members would place the infants in the center of the living room—and watch TV. She called the home a “toxic environment.”
On June 23, a 7-year resident of the block called the home, “a disgrace.” He continued, “The kids are out in the road late at night until 1-2 o’clock in the morning… there’s always a problem there.” He claimed every week the NYPD is at the home. The resident and fellow neighbors were unaware that five teens are currently missing
from the home.
When reached by phone on June 11, Mrs. David, a supervisor at CGS, said, “I can’t talk to you,” before leaving the line open for several minutes while she attended a work meeting regarding the home. When David returned, she vowed to have her supervisor return the call. The call was never returned.
According to CGS’s page on Wikipedia, CGS had an operating budget for fiscal year 2022 – 2023 of $84,305,683 with more than $82 million paid by taxpayers. Their website also states that CGS is “sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.” It also boasts that they have 34 residential facilities.
On June 11, the Bronx Voice left a voicemail message for Luz Tavarez at Catholic Charities and an email request for comment was sent to the Archdiocese of New York, neither have responded.
Heather Guerino of Crusaders for Children’s Rights told the Bronx Voice, “I have been complaining in reference to these foster care agencies since 2023.” She added, “These foster agencies that are getting millions of dollars in funding and they’re not providing the proper mental health services for the children and teens in their care.”
If you suspect child abuse or neglect you are asked to call 1 (800) 342-3720, if a child is in imminent danger you are urged to call 911. Anyone with any information on the five teens missing from Castle Hill, you are asked to call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
A source at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) could not go into specific details of cases or specific homes, but stated, “The Administration for Children’s Services protects and ensures the well-being of New York City children and families.” The source added that they provide preventive services daily to 27,000 children as well as overseeing the 17,000 children housed at 44 foster care agencies across the city.
Community Op Ed New York City: Out, loud, and proud
By Mayor Eric Adams
New York is more than just the greatest city in the world. It is a place where people come to be free and to be themselves. The promise of New York City is that no matter where you come from, what you do, or who you love, you belong here. Pride month is an extension of these ideals - welcoming New Yorkers from every background and belief, filling our hearts, our minds, and our streets with celebration.
I know what it feels like to face doubt, exclusion, and rejection. But I also know the power of community and the strength that comes from being seen and accepted for who you are. This June, we reaffirm what we always feel and what we know to be true: we love our LGBTQ+ family - all of them. We want you living in our neighborhoods, attending our schools, running our small businesses, enjoying New York City's cultural scene, keeping our streets safe as police officers, saving lives as health care workers, and taking part in everything else that makes New York City the greatest
city in the world. While threats to LGBTQ+ communities grow across the country, our administration will never back down. Not in the past, not in the present, and not in the future. We will always fight not simply against discrimination, but for the safety of our citizens.
As we commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, it is important to remember that our streets were the birthplace of a movement that changed the world forever. The first brick thrown at Stonewall rippled hope throughout the five boroughs and across the country, and it taught us
that change sometimes doesn't come without a fight, that New York truly is the city of protest and progress. The principles our nation was built on - liberty, justice, and equality - are the principles that this city stands for. And they are meant to be for everyone.
Some politicians talk the talk on LGBTQ+ issues, but I walk the walk, and that's been true from the earliest days of my career. I am true to this fight; not new to it. When homophobia and transphobia ran rampant
on our streets, I protected this community as a police officer and stood with the Gay Officers Action League to combat this violence and hatred.
Later, in the state Senate, when our colleagues, even some of our Democratic colleagues, backed away from passing samesex marriage in 2009, I co-sponsored that billbecause your ability to marry should not be dictated by your gender, but by your commitment to the person you love.
Being an ally to this community does not just
send a symbolic message, it sends a substantive one. I was the first mayor to participate in the "Rainbow Run" in March 2023, sprinting in solidarity with the excluded LGBTQ+ community.
In November 2022, I was also the first mayor in city history to visit the Pride Center of Staten Island. And when folks tried to exclude our LGBTQ+ family from critical community traditions, like the Richmond County St. Patrick's Day Instagram
Bronx celebrates Pride Month
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and the Bronx LGBTQIA+ Task Force, in partnership with the Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), hosted the 2025 Bronx Pride Celebration under the theme “Expression: My Identity is a Revolution.”
Held at the Bronx Brewery, the event brought together LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, and advocates for an evening filled with live performances and messages of empowerment. The event honored the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of the Bronx’s LGBTQIA+ residents and emphasized the importance
of self-expression as a powerful act of pride and visibility.
Open to attendees 21 and over, the event featured performances by Robert Silk, Jose LaPaz-Rodriguez, and Nicco Diaz, along with a high-energy DJ set from DJ Sammii Blendz. Devon Arnold served as the host for the evening, which
also included remarks from elected officials, community leaders, and advocates who continue to champion LGBTQIA+ rights and representation.
“Here in the Bronx, we don’t just show up in June for our LGBTQIA+ brothers, sisters, and siblings — we show up every day, in every corner of this borough, for equity, justice, and love," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This year’s Pride event was more than a celebration; it was also a powerful reminder that our identities are valid and that we will never let them be erased. I want to once again congratulate this year’s honorees, who not only represent the best of our borough but are also blazing a trail for the next generation of leaders to follow. Happy Pride!!!”
This event follows the
annual Pride Flag raising earlier this month at Bronx Borough Hall. The Bronx Pride March is scheduled to take place at Bronx Borough Hall (851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY) on June 21st.
As part of the celebration, the Borough President and the LGBTQIA+ Task Force recognized individuals who have significantly contributed to the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bronx and beyond. Honorees included Bryan Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE; Anthony Rodriguez, dancer and choreographer; Karla Alvarez, spoken word artist; and Dominique Jackson, actress, author, and advocate.
New York City: Out, loud, and proud
Parade, we created a new, fully inclusive parade. As mayor of this city, I couldn't let this exclusion stand. This year, we were able to convince the organizers to open up the parade and we all proudly marched together, celebrating Staten Island's robust LGBTQ+ and Irish communities.
Every day, we are working to make New York City the best place to raise a family - all families, in-
cluding our LGBTQ+ families. Boosting affordable housing across the city to make homes more affordable and accessible - that helps LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Providing our students with mental health clinics at school - that helps LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Bringing down crime on our streets and our subways - that helps LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. And expanding afterschool for all and early childhood education for
our young ones - that helps LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
Our administration has been in the corner of the LGBTQ+ community since day one.
In June 2023, I signed a historic executive order to protect access to gender-affirming health care in New York City, preventing the use of city resources to detain anyone who is providing or receiving these services in the five boroughs. We launched a new process for New
Yorkers to contact the NYPD to re-examine unsolved cold cases involving LGBTQ+ victims, finally achieving justice for these victims and their families. We delivered new investments in The Pride Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Judson, offering culturally sensitive and comprehensive gender-affirming health care services to LGBTQ+ patients. This is just a taste of our work. Every sin-
gle day, we work to deliver for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, not just during Pride. Combatting homophobia and transphobia and investing in our LGBTQ+ community goes far beyond just one month. This is just a taste of our incredible work - every day, we stand proudly with LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. But this month, we celebrate you - your strength, your courage, and your love. We are New York City: out, loud, and proud. Happy Pride!
Health Matters
More than 10,000 households helped by Com Health Worker Institute @ Monte
Community Health Worker Institute (CHWI) at Montefiore, a novel program that improves the wellbeing of local residents and creates new healthcare career paths, has marked a major milestone.
Since launching in 2021, the CHWI has assisted more than 10,000 Bronx households. By creating the Institute and hiring dedicated community health workers (CHWs), experts in navigating gaps between medical care and social services, a new, formidable healthcare workforce is being molded, and health outcomes of Bronx residents are tangibly improving.
Today, 34 CHWs are deployed throughout Montefiore, spanning hospitals, primary care, OB-GYN clinics and specialty care areas like Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. The locations of CHWs are based on feedback to a social determinant of health (SDOH) survey, which flags when patients express challenges like housing issues or food insecurity, which
negatively impact their health.
SDOH, like inadequate access to transportation, are directly linked to missed doc-
tor’s appointments, which causes missed opportunities to care for patients’ health needs at the primary care level. This, in turn, causes more reliance on other areas of the health system like emergency departments.
Last year, Montefiore researchers found that when a person has at least one health re-
lated social need, this can equate to more than 175,000 “no show” appointments annually. The researchers also found that when a patient has more than one health related social need, this leads to approximately $1,772 in healthcare resources like higher inappropriate or avoidable health system utilization, com-
pared to patients without these challenges.
More than 340,000 people have been screened since 2018, making Montefiore one of the largest SDOH screening platforms in the country. According to its data, around 14% of Montefiore patients have at least one social need. After engaging
Monte helps new moms, dads
Maternal and child health experts from Montefiore Wakefield Hospital hosted a Community Health Fair for expectant and post-partum families and together with community partners shared educational information and resources. Topics such as breastfeeding and pre-eclampsia were addressed by Montefiore providers including lactation consultants, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, and community partners including The New York Milk Bank, NYC Department of Transportation, Bronx Healthy Start Partnership and Bronx Health Link.
An infectious disease expert shares information on NB.1.8.1, which has caused a surge in COVID infections in parts of Asia. This article originally appeared in NewYork Presbyterian Health Matters.
By Amanda Torres
The new COVID variant known as NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus, has emerged globally and is beginning to spread in the United States. Nimbus accounted for an estimated 37% of cases in the U.S., during a two-week period ending June 7, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What sets NB.1.8.1 apart is how quickly it spreads,” explains Dr. Magdalena Sobieszczyk, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “It has a genetic advantage: mutations that make it easy for it to bind to receptors on human cells. The mutations could allow NB.1.8.1 to spread faster and therefore infect more people.”
What to know about the new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) and how to protect yourself this summer
this summer. Is the new COVID variant Nimbus more transmissible?
In several countries, NB.1.8.1 has led to a surge in infections, emergency room visits and hospitalizations, especially in China where it was first detected. So we know it has certain mutations that may make it more transmissible compared to other variants. It started to appear in the U.S. earlier this year and has now been added to the CDC’s COVID data tracker as cases continue to increase domestically. What are the symptoms of Nimbus? Are they similar or different from other COVID variants?
be effective at protecting against severe disease since most of the variants that are circulating now – including NB.1.8.1 – descend from the Omicron JN.1-lineage of the COVID virus, and the vaccines target the JN.1 strain.
Who can receive the shots?
Currently, COVID vaccines remain on the CDC immunization schedule for infants, children and adolescents and adults – including people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, with or without a prior COVID vaccine history, as well those who are otherwise healthy.
from COVID, especially during the summer travel season?
It is important to keep in mind that respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV, and the flu can have a lingering effect on health. And COVID in particular can, in some people, lead to lingering symptoms called long COVID. I recommend people speak with their clinicians about more tailored ways to protect themselves, especially if they or their loved ones have underlying conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
The good news is that simple measures (like vaccination, washing hands and wearing a mask) can help protect yourself and others from COVID this summer. “We will probably see a spike in COVID cases this summer because people may be traveling more,” says Dr. Sobieszczyk. “But any huge spike will be offset by people engaging in outdoor activities, in areas with more ventilation.”
There seem to be more allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing or having a runny or stuffy nose. But overall, NB.1.8.1 symptoms are not any different than those of other COVID variants. People may experience a sore throat, congestion, mild cough, fever, or fatigue. So far, NB.1.8.1 has not caused severe disease when compared to other variants.
Health Matters spoke with Dr. Sobieszczyk on what to know about NB.1.8.1, the latest on COVID vaccines, and how to stay safe from the virus
Which COVID vaccines are currently available? Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax are the COVID vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use. The vaccines should
The CDC did recently update its guidance for children ages 6 months to 17 years, recommending that parents, guardians, or caregivers should discuss the benefits of COVID vaccination with a health care provider.
With a potential surge in COVID cases this summer, do you consider the virus seasonal or year-round?
The fact that we see new variants starting to come up in the summer strikes down the notion that COVID is just a cold weather virus. I think it’s a year-round illness, not a traditional winter cold. Other infections, like the flu, tend to sometimes stretch out into the spring months as well.
What are additional ways people can protect themselves
Other than getting vaccinated, key reminders as people gear up for summer are to make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to wash and sanitize your hands. If possible, spend time in well-ventilated areas and if you feel sick, stay home. Lastly, use masks – keep them handy, such as while on flights.
Magdalena Sobieszczyk, M.D., is the chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and is the Harold Neu professor of infectious diseases in medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Sobieszczyk is also a clinical virologist and the principal investigator of the Columbia Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit, funded by the National Institutes of Health, which has been advancing the science of infections like SARSCoV-2 and HIV.
More than 10,000 households helped by Com Health Worker Institute @ Monte
with a CHW, 94% ofpatients reported making progress with their challenge or having their need resolved.
“The Bronx is known for being the home of the Yankees, now the number of people who have identified at least one social need can fill up the whole stadium,” said Renee Whiskey-LaLanne, M.P.H., MCHES, associate director, CHWI, and director, Community Partnerships in the department of family and social medicine at Mon-
tefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “We are not just addressing social needs; we’re hearing about health improvements like improved asthma and diabetes management. As we continue to build on this progress, our hope is for the CHWI to be viewed as another winning institution that only could have started here, in this borough.”
CREATING NEW CAREER PATHS
Around the world, CHWs have been instrumental in refining
public health messages, building trusting relationships and strengthening healthcare systems, including the healthcare workforce.
At Montefiore, CHWs often come from surrounding communities, and many have shared lived experiences with the patients they assist. By recruiting individuals who are experts in the Bronx, patients feel understood and better supported, while at the same time, new career paths for residents are established. Since the CHWI in-
ception, CHWs at Montefiore have moved up the ranks, becoming supervisors and training specialists as well as carving out paths to pursue occupations like social work, nursing, and other health or community- based professions, due to onthe-job training, educational classes and experiences CHW gain working as part of clinical teams.
“By investing in CHWs, we’re improving the overall health and well-being of Bronx residents – and
creating new career options for non-medical professionals,” said Kevin Fiori, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., director of CHWI and Social Determinants of Health, as well as associate professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Family & Social Medicine at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Our community isn’t just where people live and work – it is home to our greatest resource for delivering healthcare more effectively and making a real impact on people’s lives.”
What to do when your apt is too hot
The following article first appeared in The City.
By Samantha Maldonado and Rachel Kahn
It’s the dog days of summer, and your apartment is boiling – again. What’s a tenant to do when the thermometer climbs?
Unlike in the winter, New York City landlords have no legal obligation to control the temperature in your space when it’s hot out. Though that could change.In the fall, the City Council debated a bill that would, if passed, mandate landlords to provide air conditioning to their tenants — establishing a “cooling season” in the summer parallel to “heat season” in the winter. The Department of Homeless Services also just announced a requirement that new shelters provide air conditioning.
Mayor Eric Adams’ sustainability plan supports the A/C bill: in 2023, the Adams administration proposed mandated cooling in new construction by 2025 and setting a maximum indoor temperature by 2030 — something Dallas has already done, setting 85 degrees as the max.
But until such laws come to fruition, here’s what you can do to keep cool inside: Get Help to Pay for A/C
If you have no air conditioning now and need it, pay attention to free A/C giveaways. They could come from local elected officials – like your City Council representative, borough president or the mayor’s office – or by private companies. Independent charities, like local churches, or mutual aid networks may offer free machines, too.
Be aware: If you get an A/C and you live in a very old building, its electrical system may not support modern air conditioners. If you are a
tenant with disabilities, your landlord may have to make a reasonable accommodation for you if your building doesn’t support a standard, modern machine; you can read more about that from the tenant advocacy group Just Fix.
New York State also provides millions of federal dollars to eligible low-income New Yorkers to pay for up to $1,000 for an air conditioner or fan through the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP — though its future is uncertain, given layoffs and funding cuts by President Donald Trump. For now, the Cooling Assistance program is open, but only for a few more days this season.
HEAP provides funding for air conditioners on a firstcome, first-served basis.
According to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, there are $15 million in funds statewide to help low-income New Yorkers stay cool this summer. That’s lower than years past: in 2024, the program had $22 million to give out.
“The increase in funding for cooling assistance over the past few years was due to temporary pandemic relief dollars,” explained Anthony Farmer, the director of public information at OTDA. “That funding is no longer available and the cooling program has returned to traditional pre-pandemic funding levels.”
In 2024, the $22 million the state had dried up by July, helping to pay for 25,000 households that received HEAP cooling assistance throughout New York State, including over 10,000 in New York City.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, apply as soon as possible for the chance to get a free A/C unit this summer. But
if you miss the cutoff, there’s a new program that some New Yorkers may be able to take advantage ofEarlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul launched another cooling assistance program meant for members of the state’s Essential Plan — a health care plan for low-income New Yorkers who don’t qualify for Medicaid — who have persistent asthma qualify for a free A/C.
Advocates say New York should be spending more on cooling assistance, especially since it’s the major driver of weather-related deaths and hospitalizations.
“We are woefully under-funding cooling assistance. It’s embarrassing,” said Carforo of WE ACT.
“As our summers grow warmer due to climate change, the operation of equipment like ACs and fans to stay safe, healthy and cool indoors will grow all the more important,” said Ian Donaldson, spokesperson for the Public Utility Law Project. “However, higher demand will drive up electricity usage and bills, which can put a real financial strain on low-income and other vulnerable households.”
When to Get Medical Help
Staying in a too-hot apartment isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially for older adults. People 65 and older are especially susceptible to heat stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
If you’re seeing any of the following symptoms of heat stroke, the CDC recommends calling 911 right away:
* Body temperature is high, at 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
* Skin is hot, red, dry or damp.
* A fast, strong pulse.
* Headache, dizziness or nausea.
* Confusion or passing out.
While you wait for medical help, move the person to a cooler place, cover them with cool clothes or give them a cool bath,
but do not give them anything to drink, per the CDC.
“This is really the time to check in on neighbors, especially elderly neighbors,” said Andrea Shapiro, director of programs at the tenant advocacy group Met Council on Housing.
Go to a Cooling Center
If you don’t have air conditioning and you need to cool off immediately during a heat wave, go to a cooling center.
The city opens its air-conditioned cooling centers when the forecast from the National Weather Service says the heat index will be 95 degrees or higher for two or more days, or when it’s slated to hit 100 degrees for any length of time.
Even when the city hasn’t officially declared a cooling emergency, you can beat the heat in the same places, said Annie Carforo, the climate justice campaign manager at the nonprofit WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
“A lot of cooling centers are just community spaces that are open on days that are not considered to be a heat advisory. Go to your local library, to your local senior center or community center,” she said.
And keep these cooling tips in mind, collected by WE ACT through its climate-preparedness workshops led in Upper Manhattan:
* Drink cool or room-temperature water all day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
* Keep your blinds down in sun-facing rooms.
* Do not open the windows of your apartment unless the temperature outside is cooler than inside. (WE ACT suggests getting a thermometer to track this.)
* Take a cold shower.
* Do not use the oven or stove to cook.
* Place cool water or a damp washcloth in front of or on your fan.
Make Sure Your A/C Works — and Push to Have It Re-
paired
New Yorkers don’t have the right to air conditioning. But you do have some rights when it comes to already-existing A/C, experts say.
If you moved into an apartment that had an air conditioner already in it, or if you have central air, you have the right to have those machines and systems operating correctly.
“They [landlords] are required to fix or replace an air conditioner that came with the apartment,” Shapiro said.
Bear in mind: If you’re on a rent-stabilized lease and the air conditioner stopped working, request a used one from your landlord to replace it, not a new one. If you request a new one and receive it, your landlord may use it as a reason to legally raise your rent, Shapiro said.
If your landlord refuses to make repairs to your air conditioner, that’s a good time to form a tenant association because often a heat or cooling issue “affects the whole building,” Shapiro said. Then, consider bringing the property owner to Housing Court.
How? Use an “HP Action,” or a Housing Part Action, to file a formal complaint in Housing Court. The first step is to go to your borough’s Housing Court and fill out an HP Action form. If you need help, ask the court clerk or onsite staffers with Housing Court Answers, a nonprofit whose mission is to make the court process easier to understand. You’ll need to serve, or deliver, the complaint to your landlord. You can do that by certified mail, and Housing Court staff should be able to help you with the process. It costs $45 to file an HP Action, but you can ask the judge to waive the fee, which experts say they often do.
Additional reporting by Melanie Marich. This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2024 and 2025.
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
Fireworks for foodies
Get some great seats for the fireworks and some great food during the July 4th holiday.
MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND
Check out the views on the rear enclosed deck and view random fireworks. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-totable and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Ravioli, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. On occasion, Rabbit Cacciatore, too. Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com
HARBOR
ISLAND
FIREWORKS AT JILL’S
Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park.
Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-Ameri-
can and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos. Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
CLAMS & OYSTERS IN THE ROUGH
Leno’s Clam Bar, 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. (914-224-2489) Load up the metal table outside or take a seat at the indoor counter: their famous cheeseburgers with sautéed onions (a must!) and fries; dripping corn on the cob; fresh clams, steamers, fried clams with tartar sauce, hot dogs, and cheese dogs. Thank goodness for all those napkins. You get your own beverages inside, and it’s still on the honor system. Table service is very friendly and laid back. The first couple of bites bring back memories galore! Check Leno’s on Facebook.
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a fullfledged fish market with counters set up on the sidewalk for clams and oysters. Take your pick. https://bronxlittleitaly. com/merchants/fish-markets/ cosenzas-fish-market/
Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-3674139) Started 3 generations ago by a Sicilian family of fisherman. Counters set up streetside. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
CLAMS, OYSTERS & FANCY SEAFOOD!
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. Happy hours. www.dubrovnikny.com
Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road,
White Plains (914-4378535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch. Variety of clams and oysters available daily. Lobsters, too. And they are pristine. www. keeoysterhouse.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve fish and seafood in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale. (914-725-3450) A Westchester favorite for many years. Don’t forget more casual Go Fish, next door. www. eastchesterfish.com
Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham 914-738-8686 Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclec-
tic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. www.cafferegatta. com
REALLY GOOD CHOWDERS,TOO!
A rtie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-8859885) Start your meal with one of the delicious chowders then move on to the blackboard specials. The cold seafood salad for two is a delicious wonder. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com
Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243) The place bustles inside and out, and ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme. Delightful chowders, lobster rolls, fish & chips. www.breadandbrinehoh.com
THE JULIA CHILD ROSE BLOOMS AT NYBG!
If you are planning to visit the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx hunt down the yellow ‘Julia Child Rose’ bed planted as part of the stunning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. It is now in full bloom, and it is amazing! New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718817-8700 www.nybg.org
(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
Fish & chips at Bread & Brine restaurant.
