THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | FEBRUARY 8, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 6 • FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Howard Beach • Ozone Park • South Ozone Park • Woodhaven • Richmond Hill • Broad Channel Forest Hills • Middle Village • Glendale • Maspeth

South & West

FISHING ‘POL’ Congresswoman Calls on Postal Service to Install Anti-Theft Collection Boxes in Borough to Stem Swelling Tide of Mail Crime

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has reached out to the USPS urging it to replace all collection boxes in Queens with new anti-theft models in order to combat “fishing,” a growing mail-theft crime throughout the borough in which thieves “fish” mail out of blue collection boxes with makeshift “rods.” (INSET)

See Story on Page 3 File Photos

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 06 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 | 1

With $88.7B Preliminary Budget, de Blasio Hopes to Make NYC Fairest Big City in America

By Michael V. Cusenza Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday presented the Preliminary Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, noting that his administration’s singular focus in organizing the massive, $88.67 billion financial plan was on “making New York the fairest big city in America.”

“Every decision in this budget was weighed on whether it brought us closer to that goal,” he added. “We have no illusions about the real threats we face from D.C. and Albany. That’s why we’re investing in our people while maintaining historic reserves and safeguarding our city’s financial future.”

And, according to de Blasio, those targeted investments will help the City secure that mantle of fairness. Among the highlights: • Accelerates the rollout of body-worn cameras for all NYPD patrol officers a year ahead of schedule totaling $5.9 million in FY18 and $12 million in FY19.

• $750 million in capital funding across the life of the plan to expand upon our commitment to build and preserve move affordable housing than ever before.

• Extends NYC Safe service to seven days a week for an additional $6.38 million in FY19 and out.

• Expedites the completion of exams given to criminal defendants that assess their mental competence to understand charges

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“We have no illusions about the real threats we face from D.C. and Albany,” the mayor said. “That’s why we’re investing in our people while maintaining historic reserves and safeguarding our city’s financial future.

against them for an additional $430,000 in FY18 and $1.54 million in FY19.

• Basement apartment program pilot in East New York for $2.4 million in FY19.

• Services for incarcerated women and their families for $200,000 in FY18 and $5.72 million in FY19.

• Expands jail diversion health screenings

for detainees for an additional $700,000 in FY18 and $4 million in FY19.

• Helps 4,000 seniors in five years via the City Department for the Aging Home Sharing program for $1.4 million in FY19.

• Expands 3-K for All with the addition of four new districts, bringing the total to 12 by 2020 for $46.4 million in FY21,

• Builds four additional Pre-K locations for $46 million in capital funding in FY18 and $26 million in capital funding in FY19.

• Expands anti-bullying efforts in schools for an additional $1.9 million in FY18 and $8.2 million in FY19.

De Blasio was blunt in his assessment of outside factors directly impacting NYC. The decisions made in D.C. and by the State Legislature will adversely affect the daily lives of residents in the five boroughs. Specifically: Late last year, President Donald Trump passed what de Blasio called “the most draconian tax law in recent history.” While the City is still analyzing the budgetary impacts, it seems that middle- and lower-class New Yorkers will pay.

“The federal situation is so aberrant we don’t know where it’s going and we don’t yet know what the impact will be on New York City,” the mayor said on Friday on “The Brian Lehrer Show” on WNYC-FM. And the cuts in the State Executive Budget “are no less alarming,” de Blasio said. As a result, the City is facing $400 million in slashes and cost shifts for important programs, including: school aid not funded at historic levels; $144 million in charter school costs; $129 million to child welfare services; $65 million to special education; $31 million to juvenile justice programs; $9 million in rental subsidies for working families in shelters.

In State Budget Testimony, Stringer Blasts Trump, Congress for ‘Punishing States like Ours’

By Michael V. Cusenza City Comptroller Scott Stringer this week used a portion of his testimony in Albany on the proposed 2018-2019 State Executive Budget to tear into President Donald Trump and members of Congress, who, according to the city’s fiscal watchdog, “are determined to punish states like ours, by crippling our economic competitiveness and our legacy of progressive leadership.”

Stringer blasted D.C. for passing recent measures that, he has indicated, will have a profoundly negative effect on New York.

“They have as Governor Cuomo put it, launched a missile at the heart of our state’s economy with the federal tax bill. I want to reiterate – the difficulties of meeting this challenge cannot be underestimated,” Photo Courtesy of #CLOSErikers Stringer said. “But it’s our responsibility to Stringer said “this President and this Congress are determined to punish states like ours, by crippling our economic homeowners and taxpayers across the state competitiveness and our legacy of progressive leadership.” to ensure state and local governments can fulfill their functions, despite this assault by “The budget that President Trump pro- percent of the city’s population, relies on the federal government. Whether you live posed last year would have blown an $850 the federal government for 60 percent of its in a high-tax state, or a low-tax state, it’s our million hole in our city budget – at least,” budget; the public hospital system requires schools, our enforcement agencies, our so- he said. “We are fortunate that these cuts hundreds of millions of dollars in federal cial services that impact lives.” have not yet materialized, but the threat has aid to continue to serve the uninsured— However, the comptroller characterized by no means disappeared.” and that population is likely to grow even the federal tax bill as “only the first clap of According to Stringer, the president’s larger with the end of the individual manthunder in this brewing storm.” Stringer budget is set to affect millions of residents: date via the new tax act. believes Trump’s forthcoming fiscal plan the City Housing Authority, which is home Stringer said in the face of challenges promises to pack a paralyzing punch. to more than 400,000 New Yorkers, or 5 authored by the feds, it’s the State that 2 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

must step in to help protect the city’s “core values,” including: continued investment in public schools and pre-K programs; adopting early voting and fully funding it; support the governor’s bold agenda to overhaul the State’s bail laws; and examining the benefits and challenges of legalizing recreational marijuana.

“If you’re gonna toke it, tax it,” Stringer deadpanned.

The comptroller rounded out his remarks by addressing that political hot potato: the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and how to fund the revolution of the city subway system.

“As we move forward, we must employ complete transparency in how emergency funds are used. And then we must come up with new, permanent funding solutions for the MTA. No option should be off the table,” Stringer said, including a new $3.5 billion Transportation Bond Act, and the congestion-pricing proposal from the Fix NYC task force. “And let’s dispense with the idea that somehow New Yorkers are not paying our fair share of the costs of the subways and buses. Through fares and tolls, taxes and subsidies, New York City residents contribute well over $10 billion annually to the MTA. We are willing to pay our fair share – as long as we get a fair return.”

Meng Presses USPS to Install Anti-Theft Collection Boxes in Borough to Combat Mail Fishing

By Michael V. Cusenza A Queens congresswoman fed up with fielding complaints from constituents regarding mail service, or lack thereof, recently sent a letter to the U.S. Postal Service urging it to replace all collection boxes in the borough with new anti-theft models featuring smaller slots in order to combat “mail fishing,” a growing federal crime in which envelopes containing checks and sensitive documents are “fished out” of mailboxes by resourceful crooks using a makeshift rod: an adhesive attached to the end of a string or rope.

The perpetrators then cash in at banks or check-cashing establishments through various deceitful methods.

Fishing recently cost one of Meng’s constituents $4,000.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that Queens residents cannot safely leave their mail in USPS collection boxes due to the danger of mail fishing, which can result in identity theft and bank fraud,” Meng said. “Many of the victims of mail fishing are seniors who are particularly vulnerable to these reprehensible schemes and have no means of protecting themselves. USPS must act at once to stop this unconscionable crime. The agency must replace all collection boxes in Queens with anti-theft collection boxes to prevent continued mail fishing in our borough.”

Meng, in her letter to USPS Triboro District Manager Elvin Mercado, noted that fishing has become so prevalent that local police precincts have suggested that residents bring their mail directly to the post office and not leave it in local collection boxes

Courtesy of NYPD

for any amount of time.

“This is not an acceptable solution. Many post offices in my district have limited hours, and residents cannot drop off mail when post offices are closed. This also creates a significant barrier for seniors and disabled persons in my district who have issues with mobility,” Meng wrote. “My constituents need the USPS to provide relief, including, but not limited to, replacing all old USPS collection boxes with anti-theft collection boxes.”

A spokesman told The Forum this week that the Postal Service is tackling the fishing issue.

“We share the concerns Congresswoman Meng described in her correspondence.

Criminal activity at the collection box victimizes the Postal Service and our customers,” Xavier Hernandez said. “Many arrests have been made and law enforcement in the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the NYPD recently collaborated in a public in-

formation campaign to help protect New Yorkers from this type of crime. Additionally, District Manager Elvin Mercado is working with his staff to ensure that collection boxes in Queens are safe for all customers to use and they are rolling out anti-theft collection boxes in the area on a daily basis.”

Hernandez also said that if any criminal activity is suspected, the public is encouraged to contact Postal Inspectors at (877) 876-2455.

Supreme Court Decision Looms Large as State Senate Hosts Hearing on Legalizing Sports Betting in NY

By Michael V. Cusenza While the U.S. Supreme Court mulls the fate of the law that prohibits the vast majority of states from authorizing sports betting, the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering recently hosted a public hearing to gather input on legalizing the act in NY—should the federal ban be lifted or limited by the nine justices in D.C. State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), ranking member on the committee, said the elected officials heard from “a variety of witnesses” who discussed the pros and cons of making it legal to wager on sporting events in the Empire State.

“Groups including the NBA, OTB, national sports betting organizations, horse breeders, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling were represented, along with leaders of the State Gaming Commission and the New York Racing Association,” Addabbo reported.

The Supreme Court is weighing the pros and cons, risks and rewards of doing away with the Professional and Amateur

“It was educational to listen to those who spoke on various aspects of legalized sports betting, including whether it might ultimately be permitted at racetracks as well as casinos,” Addabbo said. “Witnesses also spoke to whether sports leagues should receive a portion of the total amounts wagered, and whether legalized sports betting would add to an already serious problem of compulsive gambling in New York State. It is a complex issue, and I am sure there will be greater discussions in New York depending on the U.S. Supreme Court decision.”

Addabbo also noted that the SCOTUS ruling could directly impact his 15th Senatorial District: Resorts World Casino New York City and Aqueduct Raceway call South Ozone Park home.

“There are clearly benefits and drawPhoto Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office backs to legalized sports betting, but I think Sen. Addabbo is the ranking member of the Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee. it is important to instill some form of ratioSports Protection Act of 1992, the federal which allowed for casino development in nal and effective regulation on the practice, measure that made sports betting illegal in the state following approval of a public ref- so that individuals can witness new job opall but four states: Nevada, Delaware, Or- erendum, contains a provision that would portunities, our state can realize additional egon, and Montana. give the green light to sports wagering at revenues,” he said. “I look forward to hearAddabbo noted that the Upstate Gam- NY casinos if it is legalized at the federal ing from my constituents and other intering Economic Development Act of 2013, level. ested parties on this complicated issue.”

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‘Lavern’s Law’ Set to Become Official in New York

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Andrew Cuomo will soon sign into law a measure that would extend the amount of time a person can file a suit for a missed cancer diagnosis.

Known as “Lavern’s Law,” the legislation is named in honor of Brooklyn mom Lavern Wilkinson, 41, who died in 2013 from a treatable form of lung cancer after doctors at Kings County Hospital misdiagnosed her, according to a New York Daily News report.

The bill amends the statute of limitations to sue for a missed cancer diagnosis to two-and-a-half years after the time that the patient learns of the error. Current NY law limits suits for cases like Wilkinson’s to 15 months after the misdiagnosis was made. The statute of limitations applicable to medical malpractice actions can expire in some cases before patients know they have been injured.

According to the Cuomo administration, “Lavern’s Law” cures that problem for cases involving failures to diagnose cancer and ma-

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Heastie, Cuomo, and Flanagan announced in January that a three-way agreement had been reached on “Lavern’s Law.”

lignant tumors. Under the measure, the twoand-a-half-year statute of limitations would run from the date that the plaintiff knew or should have known of the negligence and injury, instead of the date when the negligence occurred, with an outer limit of seven years

from the date of occurrence.

Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan announced late last month that a three-way agreement had been reached on the law.

“No one should have to go through what Lavern Wilkinson and her family did, and this agreement will help protect cancer patients and their loved ones, while also addressing concerns from the medical field,” Cuomo said. “With this reform, we will help make New York a healthier, fairer state for all.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) noted that Wilkinson is survived by her daughter, Micalia Squires, who has a severe form of autism and requires extensive care. The settlement agreed upon by the hospital and the City is only a fraction of what the family could have been awarded from a medical malpractice suit – funds that, as Pheffer Amato noted, would have greatly helped relatives care for the girl.

“It’s unfortunately too late for Ms. Wilkinson’s family to get the justice they more than deserve, but I hope they find solace in knowing that because of their advocacy, more families like theirs will be able to get their day in court,” Pheffer Amato added.

Pols Push for Primary Day to be Rescheduled

By Michael V. Cusenza At least two elected officials are calling for 2018 Primary Day to be rescheduled. It’s currently set for Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and City Comptroller Scott Stringer noted that the date coincides with the second day of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Because of certain restrictions associated with the High Holy Day, Sept. 11 could be problematic for observant Jews who wish to participate in the electoral process.

Pheffer Amato also pointed out that the date marks the 17th anniversary of the Sept.

11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States.

“Every New Yorker deserves to be able to vote,” she added. “Sept. 11 is a signifi-

such as this should be a no-brainer. Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, and those who observe it should not be forced to choose their religious obligations over the civic right to vote.”

Stringer stated bluntly, “It’s wrong, and it needs to change.”

“At a time when voter engagement is exceptionally low, New York needs to do better by rescheduling the primary, so no New Yorker has to sacrifice fulfilling one’s civic duty because of adherence to one’s faith,” he added.

Since rescheduling a primary requires Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office an act of the Legislature, the State Senate Rescheduling a primary requires an act of the State Legislature. and Assembly have drawn up measures that cant day of remembrance and memorial for the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Ac- would establish New York’s 2018 Primary many New Yorkers and also coincides with commodations for religious observances Day as Thursday, Sept. 13.

MTA Police Dept. Names Four Explosive-Detection Dogs after NYPD Cops Killed in Line of Duty

By Forum Staff A baker’s dozen canine-and-officer teams graduated from Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department explosives detection and anti-terrorism training on Thursday in a ceremony held at Grand Central Terminal.

Four of the thirteen German shepherds were named after members of the City Police Department who died in the line of duty or protecting the country overseas, according to the NYPD. • Canine “Lemm” was named in honor of NYPD Detective and Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Lemm, killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan in 2015.

• “Willie” was named in honor of Officer William Rivera, who died in 2004 when he fell from a Brooklyn rooftop in pursuit of a suspect.

• “Mac” was named in honor of Det. Steven McDonald, shot and paralyzed by gunfire in 1986; died in 2017.

• And “Zolo” was named in honor of Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, killed by gunfire in the Bronx in 2016.

Photos Courtesy of NYPD

The stirring words of George Graham Vest are featured beneath each canine’s portrait: “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog…”

4 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Miller Demands LIRR Strictly Use ‘Cleanest’ Locomotives in Queens

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The move to have LIRR use only Tier 4 Switch Duty cycle locomotives “is in the best interest of my constituents,” Miller said.

By Michael V. Cusenza Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) recently fired off a letter “strongly” urging the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road to strictly employ Tier 4 Switch Duty cycle locomotives—the “cleanest,” according to the assemblyman—on New York & Atlantic Railway tracks in the 38th District.

“This is in the best interest of my constituents,” Miller wrote in his missive to MTA LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski.

The exclusive move, Miller noted, would be in the best interest of families in communities such as Glendale, Ridgewood, and Middle Village that “live in close proximity to the rail line and are exposed to polluting

fumes on a daily basis.”

Following last Thursday’s meeting of the Glendale Property Owners Association, Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions Chairwoman Mary Parisen-Lavelle praised Miller for his adamant advocacy.

“MTA LIRR Communications emphasize that locomotives will be Tier 4, that they’re much cleaner. However, [the MTA] fails to address very serious issues that Assemblyman Miller, other elected officials, and CURES have repeatedly raised,” Parisen-Levelle said. “Much larger line haul locomotives are operationally and technically inappropriate for use in switching operations, day and night, right next to our homes. They will pollute up to 30-percent more, creating needless health hazards for our families and

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As Assemblyman Miller wrote: ‘I strongly urge you to consider employing just the

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NYC Clarifies Sanctuary City Policy

By Forum Staff The de Blasio administration recently announced the issuance of citywide guidance and new Police Department protocols to clarify the City’s policy that it will not voluntarily cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities, and will only coordinate in limited circumstances, including where there is a public safety risk.

“We have been very clear that that our police officers and employees will not be a part of a federal deportation force,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This new guidance reinforces that clear line. The City is committed to ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers have confidence in interacting with their local government in order to protect and promote public safety for all.”

Additionally, the guidance prohibits City agencies from entering into formal or informal arrangements in which employees are placed under the direction or supervision of federal immigration officials, such as 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The NYPD’s job is to fight crime and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill. “This codifies existing procedure to ensure the NYPD is doing

on ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers, while keeping a clear line between any deportation efforts within the five boroughs,” said City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), chairman of the Committee on Public Safety. “The day we start helping ICE is the day we lose the public trust, which is why this guidance and protocol is so critical. I’d like to thank Mayor de Blasio, Speaker [Corey] Johnson and Police Commissioner O’Neill for their commitment to maintaining New York City as a sanctuary city.”

According to the guidance, City agencies, including the NYPD, will continue to coopPhoto Courtesy of TOT Private Consulting erate with federal law enforcement agencies in certain circumstances, including as part According to the administration, the guidance clarifies the City’s policy that it will not voluntarily cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities, and will only coordinate in limited circumstances, including where there of inter-governmental criminal task forces is a public safety risk. focusing on topics such as gangs, human trafficking, and terrorism, and by sharing just that. The NYPD does not conduct civil 2017, ensure that the City’s policy is institu- information about individuals in the City’s immigration enforcement. The NYPD does tionalized across the municipal government. criminal custody who have been convicted of not seek individual’s immigration status. Our In addition, the new guidance and protocols one of approximately 170 qualifying violent work can only be done if every New Yorker will ensure that any federal immigration offi- or serious felonies under the City’s existing has trust in the police and is willing to work cials’ requests for assistance will be reviewed laws on immigration detainer requests. with us in our collective efforts to ensure in advance by senior City agency officials “This guidance document affirms that the safety of every neighborhood and every and assessed based on City policies such as New York has and will protect its immigrants block of this great city.” the need to protect public safety, not for pur- against being rapaciously targeted by federal According to the administration, the new poses of providing assistance with deporta- enforcement to the fullest extent possible,” citywide guidance and the new NYPD pro- tion. said Steve Choi, executive director of the tocols, issued pursuant to Local Law 228 of “The NYPD should always be focused New York Immigration Coalition.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 06 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 | 5

St. Albans Man Charged with South Ozone Park Murder

By Forum Staff A St. Albans resident has been charged with murder, assault and other crimes in the death of a 51-year-old man shot in the head as he and his friends - who were also injured - sat inside a vehicle off the Van Wyck Highway last Sunday morning.

“This was yet another senseless shooting in our community. A man is dead and his friends are still healing from their wounds,” said District Attorney Brown.

Pharoah Ferguson, 44, of 197th Street, is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on a complaint charging him with second-degree murder, Photo Courtesy of Google second-degree attempted murder, first- Ferguson and an unapprehended suspect approached the SUV that was parked on North Conduit Avenue near degree assault and four-counts of second- 135th Street and allegedly fired multiple times into the vehicle.

degree criminal possession of a weapon.

On Sunday, January 28, 2018, between 5:10 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. at the northeast intersection of the North Conduit and 135th St., the defendant along with another individual, as of yet not in custody, approached the vehicle, a late model Mercedes Benz SUV and began firing multiple times into the vehicle.

The front-seat passenger, Mr. Sherwood Beverly Jr., 51, was shot in the head and neck and died. The 50-year-old driver was shot twice in the neck. Another 50-year-old victim was grazed on the left shoulder and the last passenger sustained multiple lacerations from the shattered glass.

If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Jamaica Man Convicted of Murder in Violent 2014 Home Invasion

By Forum Staff A 31-year-old Queens man has been convicted at trial of murder and other charges for a violent home invasion that left one man dead and another seriously injured in December of 2014.

“The defendant in this case participated in an afternoon of horrors for one family. Answering a knock at the door, three masked men forced their way into a Jamaica, Queens, apartment,” said DA Brown. “He will now face a lengthy term of incarceration for his actions.”

The defendant was identified as Elijah Gough, 31, of 116th Avenue, Jamaica.

After three hours of deliberating, a jury found Gough guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firstdegree burglary, first-degree attempted burglary, seconddegree kidnapping and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

the 2nd floor Jamaica apartment of the Legister family.

Jonathan Legister, 27, was sprayed in the face with mace and held at gunpoint, along with his 74-year-old mother, Olive Legister. Mr. Legister’s nephew, Taquane Clarke, 21, was shot in the head in his bedroom and died.

Mr. Legister was forced into the rear of the apartment, where one of the assailants demanded property and then shot him in the leg and abdomen. Mr. Legister survived his injuries.

During the home invasion the defendant was also shot in the leg and limped his way out of the apartment but only got as far as a neighbor’s yard where he hid for hours until he got a ride to a nearby hospital. Police recovered the defendant’s mask, a backpack and a sneaker in the yard.

Analysis of the mask was a match for defendant.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder, Trial records show that at approximately 6 p.m. on De- who presided at trial, set sentencing for February 15, 2018, cember 5, 2014, three masked men forced their way into at which time Gough faces up to 25 years to life in prison. .

Far Rockaway Man in Failed Rikers Island Jailbreak Gets 16 Years to Life for Burglarizing Borough Homes

By Forum Staff A 25-year-old Far Rockaway man, being held on charges at Rikers Island, was sentenced to 16 years to life as a persistent felon for burglarizing two Queens homes.

“The defendant, who admitted to burglarizing two residences - violated the sanctity of the victims’ homes - in an effort to enrich himself at the expense of others,” said Queens DA Brown. “The defendant took their valuables and because he is a persistent felon, the defendant will spend a very long time incarcerated for his actions.”

Defendant Naquan Hill, appeared before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Kron, earlier this month and plead guilty to two counts of second-deCourtesy of Facebook gree burglary. Justice Kron handed down According to Brown, a second search warrant was executed on Hill’s Facebook account, which contained photos of a 16- year sentence to the mandatory many of the stolen property items and had been posted on the site within hours of the burglaries. persistent felon who attempted an escape 6 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

from Rikers Island this past July.

Hill entered six separate Queens residences between July 1 and November 28, 2016, and removed property including jewelry, electronics and clothing. His DNA was recovered at five of the burglaries and in addition, police were able to trace some of the electronics to the defendant’s Far Rockaway residence right after the burglaries by using the Find My iPhone App. Hill used his own name, phone number and email address to register several of the stolen devices. Police who executed a search warrant on his residence recovered property stolen from the six burglaries, as well as from other burglaries in Queens and Nassau County. A second search, executed on his Facebook account, contained photos of many of the stolen property items and had been posted on the site within hours of the burglaries.

All Patrol Officers to Wear Body Cams by End of Year: City

By Forum Staff The City Police Department will speed up its timeline to outfit all police officers and detectives on patrol with body-worn cameras by the end of 2018, one year earlier than previously planned, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD recently announced.

As of Jan. 26, the NYPD has deployed 2,470 body cameras. The department plans to issue approximately 800 cameras each month in January and February, increasing to 1,000 to 2,000 per month beginning in March. By the end of 2018, the NYPD plans to have deployed a total of 18,000 body cameras. Only police officers and detective specialists on patrol will be outfitted with a camera, the administration noted.

“Through the hard work of our technical and support staff, along with the valuable feedback from those commands that have already been equipped with body cameras, we are now able to move forward at a faster pace in expanding the program,” said Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill. “We are on track to have all precinct, transit and housing commands citywide up-and-running with body cameras by the end of this year.”

De Blasio noted that his Preliminary Executive Budget includes $5.9 million in Fiscal Year 2018, $12 million in FY2019 and

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office

NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker holds up a body-worn camera.

$9.5 million in FY2020 in funding for the accelerated rollout. The resources will cover the cost of purchasing body-worn cameras, associated information technology upgrades, and the build out of the space for the Body Worn Camera Units in the Risk Management, Information Technology and Legal bureaus.

“Speeding up the timeline for body cameras on all patrol officers is a big step

towards improving police-community relations across the City,” said City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), chairman of the Committee on Public Safety.

“Thankfully, we are not waiting until 2019 to fulfill this necessary rollout, because our communities need more transparency and accountability now. This decision will help accelerate our ability to shine a light on abuse and false claims of misconduct.”

In addition to the body cameras themselves, NYPD requires aforementioned IT infrastructure upgrades in the facilities to ensure a smooth rollout. The work will enable the charging of body cameras in police facilities and additional internet bandwidth to accommodate faster video footage uploads.

“Body cameras are a tool for meaningful reform and are critical for both civilians and officers engaged in encounters,” said Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica).

“While the body camera policy leaves room for improvement, the expedited increase in cameras is a step in the right direction.”

Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) added, “Accelerating the timeline for equipping our officers with bodyworn cameras will serve to build on the accomplishments already achieved by the Administration, NYPD and community and faith-based organizations to promote transparency and accountability in local law enforcement, and better relations between police and community. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner O’Neill for their efforts to make this vital tool available in every neighborhood that much sooner, especially those served by the dedicated officers of the 103rd, 105th and 113th Precincts.”

Borough Couple Indicted for Second Time as Alleged Sex Traffickers for Pimping Two Young Women

By Forum Staff A Queens man and woman charged with kidnapping and sex-trafficking, were shocked when they appeared at the Queens Criminal Courthouse in Kew Gardens on Tuesday morning for a scheduled appearance, and were re-arrested and further charged with kidnapping, sex trafficking, and other crimes.

The pimp couple was under investigation and arrested by the recently formed New York City Police Department/FBI Human Trafficking Task Force.

“The defendants have now been twice accused of holding women against their will, forcing them to engage in prostitution acts by instilling a fear in them that they would be physically hurt if they did not do as ordered, and turning over all the money that they earned to them,” said District Attorney Brown. “If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison terms for sex trafficking – one of the most exploitive and degrading crime against women and society.

Although these young women managed to escape their bondage, they will have to live with this horrible experience for the rest of their lives.”

The defendants were identified as Terrance (a.k.a. “Staxx”) Jackman, 36, of Nellis Street in Springfield Gardens, and Zulay (a.k.a. “Mocca”) Guerrero, 35, of 106th Avenue in Saint Albans.

over all of the money they earned to Jackman.

Jackman also stabbed the then-21-yearold victim in the knee with a knife, leaving a scar, while parked in a vehicle sometime between May 1, 2016, and October 1, 2016.

He did not take the victim for medical treatment and forced her to engage in prostitution that night. He met the 20-year-old victim at a nightclub on June 25, 2017, and offered her a ride home but instead drove her to his house, where he told her that she was going to work for him as a prostitute in Queens County and elsewhere. Jackman and Guerrero took photos of the victim and posted them on backpage.com to advertise the victim for prostitution.

On June 30, 2017, the victim was driven to a location for a prostitution date by the pair and while there, the victim informed the man that she had been kidnapped and Courtesy of Backpage he allowed her to escape. The victim immeIn the earlier case, Jackson and Guerrero allegedly took photos of the victim and posted them on backpage.com to diately called 911, and stated that she had advertise the victim for prostitution. been kidnapped by a pimp. The couple was The defendants were arraigned Tuesday million bond/$500,000 cash. charged by a Queens County grand jury afternoon before Acting Supreme Court The defendants, who face up to 25 years with first- and second-degree-kidnapping, Justice Peter Vallone on a nine-count in- in prison if convicted, were ordered to re- sex trafficking, second- and third-degree dictment charging them with four counts of turn to court on March 8, 2018. promoting prostitution, fourth-degree sex trafficking, one count of second-degree According to the charges, the two fe- conspiracy and third-degree menacing. promoting prostitution and two counts of male victims – then ages 17 and 23 – were The two defendants were arraigned before third-degree promoting prostitution. Jack- forced to engage in prostitution acts in Queens (Supreme Court Justice Richman was additionally charged with second- Queens and elsewhere by Jackman and ard L. Buchter on December 4, 2017. Bail degree assault and was ordered held with- Guerrero at various times between Febru- was set for each defendant at $250,000 out bail and Guerrero had bail set at $1 ary 1, 2013, and March 1, 2017, and to turn bond/$125,000 cash.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 06 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 | 7

Queens Contributes to Historic Decline in Crime: DA

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Queens District Attorney

Joining DA Brown (seated 2nd from r.) at his 26th annual Legislative Breakfast are (standing l. to r.)

Assemblymen Daniel Rosenthal and Michael Dendekker, Councilman Donovan Richards, State Sen. Mike Gianaris, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz; (seated l. to r.)

Councilmen Rory Lancman and Barry Grodenchik, and Borough President Melinda Katz.

pre-indictment domestic violence pleas.

• Having assistant district attorneys Queens District Attorney Richard present at police precincts during lineups.

Brown on Friday morning highlighted the Last year, ADAs supervised nearly 350 borough’s contributions to the city’s his- lineups at precincts throughout the bortoric decline in serious crime at his 26th ough – the only DA office in NYC to have prosecutors present at every lineup.

Annual Legislative Breakfast.

• The dismantling of prolific auto theft The borough’s top prosecutor also noted the key accomplishments and major ini- rings that have resulted in a dramatic detiatives of his office over the past 12 months crease in auto crimes. In 1991, Brown reas he briefed several city, state, and federal called, 52,000 cars were reported stolen in Queens. In 2017, that number was down to elected officials representing Queens.

“Last year was another eventful and ex- less than 1,600.

Brown cited “dramatic advancement in citing year for us. It was a year in which we were once again among the city’s leaders in technology” as one of the contributing faccrime reduction – and it was a year in which tors to the gaudy numbers.

“Using the latest technology enables the we, as prosecutors, contributed greatly to the city’s historic decline in serious crime office to get involved as quickly as possible through our law enforcement initiatives with someone from my staff at the scene and the utilization of cutting-edge inter- of crimes regardless of the hour, at police vention and prevention programs – which, precincts, hospitals and sometimes in the in turn, have created safer neighborhoods homes of crime victims,” Brown added.

The DA also noted that last year the for our residents,” Brown said.

According to City Police Department office drafted more than 1,200 search warstatistics, in 2017, Queens enjoyed a rants, and that the office continues to be 7.9-percent reduction in serious crimes, as the national leader in the number of courtauthorized wiretaps it conducts. In 2017, opposed to 5.4 percent citywide.

“We had only 50 homicides last year – the office coordinated more than 21 perwhich is the second-lowest number of ho- cent of all the non-federal wiretaps in the micides since 1961, and a far cry from the entire country.

Brown characterized his “busy metro361 homicides that we had in 1991 – my first year as district attorney,” Brown noted. politan prosecutor’s office” as among the “In 2017, we handled over 57,000 arrest best in the U.S. And as he concluded his public safety cases. And once again, we had the best arrest-to-arraignment time in the city. We briefing, Brown told the elected officials also had the highest violent-felony convic- in attendance, “We have the respect of our law-enforcement colleagues and the tion rate in the city.”

Additionally, Queens continued to lead confidence of the 2.3 million residents of the five boroughs in significant categories, Queens County, whom we represent, but we need your help to secure the resources including: • Having the highest domestic violence necessary to continue to reduce the level conviction rate in the city and the lowest of violence within the county and improve dismissal rate; the office leads the city in the quality of the lives of our residents.”

8 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

Glendale Boy, 11, Dies after Falling through Ice at Pond in Forest Park

By Michael V. Cusenza

An 11-year-old Glendale boy died Tuesday evening at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, hours after City firefighters pulled his unconscious body out of an ice-capped pond in Forest Park, according to FDNY officials.

Anthony Perez and an unidentified 12-year-old friend were on Strack Pond near Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard inside the massive borough green space around 4 p.m. when the older boy ventured too far out – about 50 feet, according to firefighters – and the thin sheet of ice gave way, plunging him into the murky water.

Anthony jumped in and pushed his friend to safety. But he was unable to extract himself and eventually slipped under the ice. His buddy ran to get help.

According to published reports, Anthony was submerged for approximately 30 minutes before FDNY crews could drag him out.

“Members had to physically, with their hands, break through the ice and chop the ice so they could get to the area that they knew the child would most likely be in,” said FDNY Deputy

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

Anthony Perez, 11, died at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center after firefighters pulled him from Strack Pond in Forest Park.

Chief George Healy. “They had to go underneath to get the child.”

Two firefighters were rushed to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

“Again, the ice looks to be safe, it looks to be thick, but the temperature today was well above freezing,” Healy added. “There are signs and we implore parents: Make sure your kids know the ice in the city of New York, on these lakes and ponds, is not safe. It won’t support your weight. Please stay off the ice.”

Addabbo is Open Book at Ozone Park School for World Read Aloud Day

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Thursday narrated the children’s book “The Happy Faces Leave Home” for eager students at PS 316 Queens Explorers Elementary School in Ozone Park for World Read Aloud Day. “To be able to come out to an elementary school like PS 316 and read to the students is truly a pleasure,” Addabbo said. “Not only is it a great way to engage with the children and get them more interested in reading, but doing it on World Read Aloud Day helps shed a light on the importance of reading and literacy in our society.”

World Read Aloud Day is an initiative created by the nonprofit organization LitWorld and encourages people to read aloud together to promote literacy.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 06 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 | 9

DOT Publishes Mammoth Light Rail Study Report

Photo Courtesy of Dallas Area Rapid Transit

The study examines the feasibility of returning passenger service, via light rail (pictured), to the Lower Montauk Branch rail corridor.

By Michael V. Cusenza There is a potential ridership base and workable operating plan for passenger service on the defunct Lower Montauk Branch, according to engineers who authored the mammoth “Lower Montauk Branch Passenger Rail Study” that was sponsored by former City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and recently published by the City Department of Transportation.

“Significant capital investments to support both passenger and freight service in the same rail corridor would be required.

This joint service would support the existing residential, commercial, and industrial landscape of the corridor while allowing for change in use and density in response to the expansion of transit accessibility and mobility,” members of the engineering firm AECOM, USA, Inc. wrote.

The study examined the feasibility of returning passenger service to the Lower Montauk Branch: a two-track, nine-mile, non-electrified rail line running through Queens from Jamaica to the east, terminating in Long Island City in the west. Opened in the mid-19th century, the branch once served as one of the main rail lines through

Queens from Long Island City to Jamaica, providing passenger service to Maspeth, Ridgewood, Middle Village, Glendale, and Richmond Hill.

According to the report, the frequency of the passenger service on the branch rapidly declined after World War II, and as a result ridership plummeted. Service to stations between Jamaica and Long Island City ceased in 1998, passenger service was discontinued altogether in 2012, and the line has subsequently been leased out to the New York and Atlantic Railway, which provides rail freight service to Long Island and to industrial customers along the branch in Queens.

Crowley proposed the first passenger service feasibility study in 2015. The analysis was initiated by AECOM in December 2016.

While the firm’s report details the potential for returning passenger service via light rail, engineers also cautioned that more analysis was needed.

“The Lower Montauk Branch once served a bustling commuting population.

As the landscape changed, service was reduced before being eliminated completely.

The ‘Lower Montauk Branch Rail Study’ aimed to analyze the preliminary feasibility

The Pharmacist’s Corner Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

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of reactivating this line for passenger service. Like any rail project, the Lower Montauk Branch requires significant study and investment to properly evaluate its feasibility,” AECOM wrote. “The high-level analysis performed on the various aspects of the corridor and rail operations is only

an initial step in the process. This study would serve as a foundation for any further reactivation studies, which would fully and quantitatively analyze passenger service possibilities on the Lower Montauk Branch.”

For more information, visit nyc.gov/ html/dot/html/about/lower-montauk-study.shtml.

Ulrich Urges Congress to Grant Wounded Vets Free Admission to National Parks

By Forum Staff City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) introduced a resolution during last week’s Council Stated Meeting urging the U.S. Congress to grant veterans with service-related disabilities free admission to national parks.

Resolution 0116-2018 calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to pass, and President Donald Trump to sign into law, the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017, which would allow certain vets to utilize national green spaces without having to dig into their pockets. The measure cites the 900,000 wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a 2015 Congressional Research Service study, which found that approximately 327,000 service memPhoto Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office bers suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury “Our government should make every effort to commemorate the sacrifices of our brave men and women in between 2000 and 2015. uniform,” Councilman Ulrich said.

“Although it would be impossible to ful-

10 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

ly repay the debt we owe our veterans for their service, our government should make every effort to commemorate the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform,” Ulrich said. “Serving as chair of the Veterans Committee was an honor and a privilege, but my work is far from over. I vow to continue being an advocate for our nation’s heroes.”

Lauren Cosgrove, Northwest program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, praised the councilman for “recognizing the important service of our veterans” via this resolution.

“Our veterans and our national parks reflect the best of who and what we are as a nation. Ensuring our disabled veterans are able to access these lands free of charge is an important step toward recognizing and thanking these brave women and men who have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” she added.

Queens Boasts Largest Improvement in HS Graduation and Dropout Rates

By Forum Staff Queens experienced the largest improvement in high school graduation and dropout rates over the past two years, according to City records.Last year, the graduation rate in borough public high schools jumped to 77.8 percent, up from 76.1 percent in 2016. And the dropout rate in 2017 dropped to 6.4 percent, down from 7.7 percent in 2016.

Overall, the city’s 2017 fouryear high school graduation rate is the highest on record – 74.3 percent; the dropout rate is now at its lowest ever – 7.8 percent, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday.“Our graduation and dropout rates continue to improve steadily and show that we’re on the right track,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “This is a day to recognize the incredible impact our educators have on our children’s lives, and to celebrate their dedication to their craft. We need to keep improving, redoubling our commitment to our Equity and Excellence for All agenda to ensure that every child gets a high-quality

Mayor de Blasio was all smiles as he made the announcement on Wednesday.

education.”The graduation rate rose and the dropout rate fell in every borough and among every ethnicity: black students’ graduation rate increased to 70 percent, a 1.3 point gain; Hispanic students’ graduation rate increased to 68.3 percent, a 1 point

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

gain; Asian students’ graduation rate increased to 87.5 percent, a 1.8 point gain; white students’ graduation rate increased to 83.2 percent, a 0.9 point gain.Black students’ dropout rate fell to 7.9 percent, a 0.9 point decrease; Hispanic students’ dropout rate

fell to 10.7 percent, a 0.6 point decrease; Asian students’ dropout rate fell to 4 percent, a 0.6 point decrease; white students’ dropout rate fell to 4.4 percent, a 0.3 point decrease.Additionally, graduation rates also increased at the city’s 28 Renewal high

schools. The graduation rate increased to 65.7 percent, a 5.7 point increase. The dropout rate was 16.4 percent, a 2.2 point decrease.“Congratulations to Chancellor Carmen Farina and Mayor de Blasio on their leadership” said Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Long Island City). “As the chair of the Assembly Education Committee, I have worked to secure additional funding for our students, and supported their efforts to reduce the achievement gap. Congratulations to students and parents for all their hard work to build a better life through education.”Mark Cannizzaro, president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the union that represents the city’s school principals, assistant principals, other supervisors and administrators, added, “The steady improvement we see in these numbers is gratifying for all of us. It’s due to the hard work of many people, not least the students themselves. But we should especially thank the teachers and school leaders whose dedication changes the lives of students across the city every day.”

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EDITORIAL BRAIN DRAIN I first got wind of the horrifying situation a few minutes before 5 p.m. via a phone call from a friend.

“You can’t go anywhere near Forest Park right now,” he said. “It’s crazy.”

He went on to describe the scene, a phalanx of Fire Department vehicles and Police cruisers, lights flashing, framing the expansive, 500-plus acre green space as the sun began to set on the city, where Woodhaven Boulevard meets Forest Park Drive.

Why? “They pulled a kid out of the pond…the ice on top broke and he fell in,” my friend reported.

After a series of phone calls and emails I would learn that, indeed, firefighters had rescued an 11-year-old boy and rushed him to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

As I followed up on the incident several hours later, I learned that the boy, Anthony Perez, from Glendale, had perished. He was 11 years old.

Anthony and an unidentified 12-year-old friend were on Strack Pond around 4 p.m. when the older boy ventured too far out – about 50 feet, according to firefighters – and the thin sheet of ice that topped the body of water gave way, plunging him into the murky

depths.

Anthony jumped in and pushed his friend to safety. Should have known he’d do that—wouldn’t even stop for a breath to think about the dangers.

“I’m not surprised he risked his life,” Anthony’s friend, Noah Rodriguez, told the New York Daily News.

But Anthony was unable to extract himself and eventually slipped under the ice. His buddy ran to get help.

Anthony was submerged for approximately 30 minutes before FDNY crews

could drag him out. He had no chance.

So now what? We are left to grieve, to mourn a life mercilessly cut short.

And, inevitably, we will return to that three-letter question that always seems to cut so deep.

Why? According to the City Parks Department, Strack Pond, dedicated to Private First Class Laurence E. Strack, who grew up in Woodhaven and ice skated on what was then an unnamed pond to the west of Woodhaven Boulevard and

south of Forest Park Drive in a natural depression. Strack was the first Woodhaven resident to die serving in the Vietnam War. The pond that honors his legacy was buried in 1966 but restored in 2004.

Since it was restored and re-dedicated, the pond has become nothing short of a danger zone, especially in winter.

An area firefighter who responded to Tuesday’s nightmare told The Forum that the pond should be drained in the winter.

“We get way too many calls like [Tuesday],” the smoke-eater said.

Another member of the city’s Bravest, Deputy Chief George Healy of Division 13, reminded all to keep away from bodies of water in the winter.

“We implore parents – make sure your kids know the ice in the city of New York, on these lakes and ponds, is not safe. It won’t support your weight,” he said at Forest Park on Tuesday. “Please stay off the ice.”

But, kids will be kids. To satisfy their curiosities they’ll explore. They’ll bait danger.

That’s why the City should, once and for all, drain Strack Pond, and anything like it in winter months.

Rest in Peace, Anthony.

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Legal Notices MEADOWS GREATER MANAGEMENT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/16/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC 61-42 168TH STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11365. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Ride Rite Transportation LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/23/17. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 23-53 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105. General Purposes.

Notice of Qualification of RETROPERSPECTIVE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed

with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/18.

Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in California (CA) on 04/01/16. Princ. office of LLC: Susanne Filkins, 43-01 21 St., #320, Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. CA addr. of LLC: c/o Patrick McCabe, One Maritime Plaza, 18th Fl., San Francisco, CA 94111. Cert. of Form. filed with Alex Padilla, CA Secy. of State, 1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LANGSIMM RENTALS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/20/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to:MICHAEL SIMMONS, 117-42 141st STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11436. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

22-73 28th Street, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/08/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jaclyn Fontana, 8 Sarah Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of DREAMHIVE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/18/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: REGISTERED AGENTS INC. , 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40, ALBANY, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

CLEAN STAMP, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/18/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: UNITED STATE CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. , 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY 11228. General Purposes.

6 Roosevelt Pl, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/30/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Xing Tao Zheng, 251-14 Van Zandt Ave, Little Neck, NY 11362.

General Purposes.

BEN TOTH PRODUCTIONS LLC

LOST FOODS NEW YORK,LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/11/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lost Foods New York,LLC, 49-15 Skillman Avenue, #3c, Woodside, NY 11377. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of Thrivos Consulting LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/27/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 162-10 Powells Cove Blvd., Apt. 4B, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 25 day of JANUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000880-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of DAVID BRANCH. The city and state of my address is 232-17 143RD AVENUE, QUEENS, NY 11413.

The date of my birth is APRIL 14,1964; place of my birth is BROOKLYN, NY; my present name is MALE BRANCH AKA DAVID BRANCH

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to REGISTERED AGENTS INC., 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

FE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/31/17. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SOPHIE-ANNE NELSON, 9014 161St Street, Apt. 507, Jamaica, NY 11432.

General Purposes.

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs.

Any unknown heirs, devisees, distributees or successors in interest of the late James A. Hennings, if they be living and/or if they be dead, their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; AMY LOWERY; MYRON HENNINGS; USA/IRS; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; and “JOHN DOE” and “MARY DOE,” (Said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein.)

Defendants.

Filed: _09/25/2017_ Index No.: 713248/2017 SUMMONS AND NOTICE Mortgaged Premises: 11502 Van Wyck Expy South Ozone Park, (City of New York) NY 11420 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff ’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of February 18, 2012, executed by James Hennings to “MERS” Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as a nominee for Citibank, N.A. to secure the sum of $166,403.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County on March 8, 2012 in CRFN 2012000093424.

That Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), as nominee for Citibank, N.A. duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 25 day of JANUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000984-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of ABDUL SAMAD SULTANI. The city and state of my address is 31 BEACH 31ST STREET, 11#B, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691. The date of my birth is DECEMBER 03, 1976; place of my birth is KABUL, AFGHANISTAN; my present name is ABDUL Notice is hereby given that an order entered DANNY SULTANI AKA ABDUL SULTANI

by the civil court, Queens county, on the 31 day of JANUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001025-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at Notice of Formation of CHIGGY & N 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State grants me the right to assume the name of AMY NICOLE MCMILLON. The city of NY (SSNY) on 6/8/15. Office location: and state of my address is 69-05 BAYFIELD Queens County. SSNY designated as agent AVENUE, #1, AVERNE, NY 11692. The of LLC upon whom process against it may be date of my birth is FEBRUARY 20, 1985; served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, place of my birth is SEATTLE, WA; my 83-09 Talbot St., Apt. 4C, Kew Gardens, NY present name is AMY NICOLE DYER 11415. Purpose: any lawful activity.

AKA AMY NICOLE MCMILLON AKA AMY DYER AKA AMY MCMILLLON 14 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • Number 06 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 24 day of JANUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000974-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of JOSEF LEWIS RODRIGUEZ. The city and state of my address is 134-15 102 Ave., South Richmond Hill, NY 11419. The date of my birth is September 27, 1990; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is JOSELUIS SILFREDO RODRIGUEZ-ROMERO AKA JOSE LUIS SILFREDO RODRIGUEZ-ROMERO

CitiMortgage, Inc. by Assignment dated January 5, 2016 and recorded on January 27, 2016 in the Office of the Clerk of Queens County in CRFN 2016000026897.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated.

Block: 11678 Lot: 7 DATED: _09/20/2017_ Rochester, New York 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. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION ALL that a certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected situate, and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Van Wyck Expressway (Boulevard), 360 feet wide with the southerly side of 115th Avenue, 80 feet wide, RUNNING THENCE southerly along the westerly side of Van Wyck Expressway, 33.34 feet; THENCE westerly at right angles to the westerly side of Van Wyck Expressway and part of the distance through a party wall 100 feet; THENCE northerly parallel with the westerly side of Van Wyck Expressway, 33.34 feet to the southerly side of 115th Avenue; THENCE easterly along the southerly side of 115th Avenue, 100 feet to the corner, the point of place of BEGINNING.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 8 day of December 2017, bearing Index Number NC-001128-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of ISABELLA NIEVE RIVERA. The city and state of my address is 84-24 107th Street, 2 fl, Richmond Hill, NY 11418-1139. The date of my birth is April 09, 2000; place of my birth is MANHATTAN, NY; my present name is ISSABELLA NIEVE EIDELHEIT ( INFANT)

WE COURT YOUR LEGAL NOTICES For the best pricing & service CALL 718.845.3221

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 06 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 | 15

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