THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 15, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 23 • JUNE 15, 2017

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

South & West

BILL OVER TROUBLED WATERS See Story on Page 3

With FEMA still Smarting from Superstorm Sandy Engineering Report Fraud, Senate Introduces Bipartisan Legislation Reauthorizing National Flood Insurance Program Featuring Enhanced Transparency and Accountability Measures Forum Photo by Richard York

Page 4

Area Pols Push Extension to Breezy Point Rebuilding Aid through Assembly, Senate

Page 7

Hero Queens Cop Promoted to Detective

Page 10

As Temps Rise, so do Noise Complaint Numbers: State Analyzes 311 Call Data THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 1

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Senate Introduces Bipartisan Legislation Reauthorizing National Flood Insurance Program Features enhanced transparency and accountability measures

The bill would reauthorize the NFIP for 10 years. The program is set to expire on Sept. 30.

By Michael V. Cusenza

level of $500 million annually.

• Provides Mapping Standards and Guidelines for Nongovernmental Entities. Allows localities to elect to develop their own alternatives to NFIP flood maps. FEMA and the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) shall provide map standards for flood maps developed by communities, subject to approval by FEMA, thereby giving communities additional avenues to streamline the FEMA mapping process and develop maps that use updated community data & technology.

• Encourages the Use of High-Resolution Mapping Technology. Instructs FEMA to facilitate, partner, and leverage current high resolution topographic data (e.g., Light Detection and Ranging data, or other new and emerging technologies) in the development of flood insurance rate maps.

• Improves the Flood Mapping of Levee-Protected Areas. FEMA shall replace its “Zone D” designation (defined as an area of undetermined/undefined risk) in leveeprotected areas with risk zones that are more appropriate for the level of protection that the flood mitigation features affords. Often, premiums in Zone D are higher than in low/ moderate risk zones. Low/moderate risk shall be assigned to the new zone until actuarial rates are promulgated.

A bipartisan team of U.S. senators recently introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. The program is currently set to expire on Sept. 30.

The proposed legislation, according to Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), would reauthorize the NFIP over a 10-year term (2017-2027), which is needed to avoid short-term extensions and program lapses that create uncertainty in both the insurance and housing markets.

“Millions of New Yorkers rely on the National Flood Insurance Program to protect their property when a flood occurs,” Gillibrand said. “After Superstorm Sandy hit New York, this program failed too many families who had paid their premiums and were relying on their insurance to rebuild. We cannot turn our backs and let this happen again. This bipartisan bill would help ensure that flood insurance is more affordable and not riddled with the loopholes that left homeowners on their own fighting with insurance companies while trying to recover from the devastation. It would also provide more money to help communities protect against flood risk, like those currently experiencing record flooding along Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River. I am proud to lead Enhancing National this fight with Senator Cassidy, and I will conFlood Insurance Program tinue to do everything I can to stand with New Transparency and Accountability York homeowners.”

• Institutes Deadlines for NFIP Claims The legislation also reforms the beleaDeterminations. Requires NFIP administraguered NFIP in part by: tors to make determinations on flood claims within 30 days of the initial filing, followed by Modernizing Flood Mapping any payment owed under the claim. Prevents and Flood Risk Accuracy • Reauthorizes the National Flood Map- claims denial based on Proof of Loss requireping Program. With nearly 3 million miles of ments. Establishes notice of a claim deadline unidentified flood hazard areas; along with the within 60 days and moves the proof of loss need to update and accurately assess risk of deadline to 180 days.

• Increases Transparency for Engineering existing flood zones; the National Flood Mapping Program shall be reauthorized at a funding Reports and other Claims Document. Re-

Forum Photo by Richard York

quires FEMA to transmit final engineering reports to the policyholder and prohibits anyone other than the individual responsible for the report to make alterations.

• Increases Statute of Limitations for Disputed Claim Payments. Extends the Statute of Limitations for individuals to seek a judi-

cial remedy for a disputed claim payment or a denial of a claim or appeal to 2 years after the flood event or 90 days after the claim is denied, whichever is later.

• Increases Accountability of NFIP Contractors. Gives FEMA greater authority to oversee contractors and litigation costs arising from NFIP claims in order to protect against fraud and excessive billing by companies. It also ensures that NFIP contractors are not shielded from civil liability when they commit fraud.

In 2015, CBS newsmagazine “60 Minutes” aired a segment detailing how private engineering companies purposefully altered engineering reports so as to not fully reflect the true impact and damage caused by Superstorm Sandy to New Yorkers’ homes, which led to the unjust denial or underpayment of flood insurance claims. Hundreds of flood-damage reports were allegedly falsified, and both engineering firms and insurance companies were placed under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for possible criminal conduct.

As a result, federal officials announced in March 2015 that FEMA has agreed to reopen and review every flood insurance claim—approximately 144,000—filed by Sandy victims, and not limit corrective action to just the 2,200 that were in litigation at the time.

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27 The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s

June Meeting will be moved to MONDAY, June 26th

This is for the June meeting only.

In September, we will resume our normal schedule of the last Tuesday of the month.

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Please mark your calendars of the change.

More information will follow soon.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 3

Bills to Extend Sandy Rebuilding Aid for Breezy Point Residents Pass State Senate, Assembly

By Michael V. Cusenza

Bills sponsored by two area elected officials that extend Superstorm Sandy rebuilding aid for residents of Breezy Point recently passed the State Senate and Assembly.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) sponsored legislation to once again extend existing law, reinstating building permits for homes destroyed during Sandy and waives City Building Standards and Appeals requirements regarding street frontage issues that are specific and unique to the Breezy Point community.

According to Senate records, S.3128 “allows those residing in Breezy Point to continue rebuilding their homes following the devastation of Sandy. Due to the unique layout of Breezy Point many homes do not have mapped street frontage which triggers a BSA hearing and ultimate sign off. This application and review process can typically take 6-12 months or more without the 2013 waiver. It is necessary to extend the waiver for an ad-

Forum Photo by Richard York

“Almost five years after Sandy made landfall, many Breezy constituents are still attempting to rebuild their lives and their homes in the community they love,” Addabbo said.

ditional two years so Breezy Point residents can continue to the process of rebuilding their homes and putting their lives back together.”

“The fact that we needed to introduce and pass an extender bill, yet again, shows the magnitude of the devastation Sandy brought to our constituents in Breezy Point,” Addabbo

said. “Almost five years after [Superstorm] Sandy made landfall, many Breezy constituents are still attempting to rebuild their lives and their homes in the community they love.

While the storm wreaked havoc and devastation throughout my Senate district and elsewhere, this neighborhood was battered be-

yond imagination.”

S.3128 passed the Senate two weeks ago; A.4068 was approved by the Assembly last Thursday.

“Considering the delays that thousands of our residents have been subjected to under Build It Back, Rapid Repair, and other programs at the city level, it was so urgent that we give our residents at least two more years to rebuild with relief from red tape,” Pheffer Amato said. “I appreciate my colleagues in both houses for understanding that my neighbors deserve to live in structurally sound homes and that that they deserve every chance to rebuild. This vote will make a huge difference for Breezy Point families, seniors, laborers and the overall community.”

Denise Neibel, assistant general manager of the Breezy Point Cooperative, added, “This is great news. Thank you to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and to Senator Addabbo for your support. Extension of this legislation will continue to enable our homeowners to more expeditiously progress through the rebuilding process and return their families home.”

Pheffer Amato, Addabbo Host Rain Barrel Giveaway at NYFAC Lot Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., (D-Howard Beach), in conjunction with the City Department of Environmental Protection, hosted a successful rain barrel giveaway on Saturday at the New York Families for Autistic Children facility parking lot on Cross Bay Boulevard.

“Rain barrels are one of those amazing free resources,” Pheffer Amato said. “You save mon-

ey on your water bill whenever you wash your car or water your lawn. It was such a pleasure doing these events with Senator Addabbo and the folks from the DEP, and I want to thank everyone involved. Together, we’ve made sure that hundreds of our neighbors can help the planet and their pocketbooks at the same time. We look forward to doing many more of these giveaways in the future!”

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office

Borough Education Nonprofit with Checkered Record Gets $69K from City Council

By Michael V. Cusenza A borough-based education nonprofit was recently put on the defensive after a New York Daily News story indicated that it would be receiving $69,000 in taxpayer funds from City Councilmember items despite its alleged questionable past.

According to a June 5 report in the online edition of the tabloid, Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, which is headquartered in Woodside, gets money from the City even Photo Courtesy of Google though in the past year alone it has been associIn March, upon learning that the “Champions Club” at PS 207 might close, City Councilman Eric Ulrich secured ated with “a string of criminal charges against the funds necessary for SASF to sustain the program through the end of the school year. employees, city probes and bad performance “A number of isolated incidents cited in the Katz went on to say that the story “lacks evaluations…The group has twice been penalized for losing a child on a field trip, and is cur- article unfairly cast SASF in a negative light,” context, citing issues that occurred over a 20 rently being investigated for payroll discrepan- said Amanda Katz, director of Marketing and year time span while failing to underscore Communications for the organization. “We are the sheer scale of SASF’s success at serving cies and conflicts of interest.”

An SASF spokeswoman told The Forum disappointed by the distorted turns on facts more than 20,000 students in over 120 public on Wednesday that the Daily News piece “mis- provided to the reporter in good faith. Indeed, schools each year. This is evidenced by the very represents” the quality of foundation programs SASF has been cooperative, forthcoming and high number of positive evaluations our proand service providers, as well as the manner in fully transparent in responding to all ques- grams receive annually, as they have for more tions.” than two decades.” which services are contracted by the City.

4 JUNE 15, 2017 • Number 24 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The Daily News article “also infers that SASF’s contracts with the City of New York are secured with the assistance of lobbyists, which is patently untrue,” Katz added. “Contracts awarded to SASF each year are the result of an open, transparent, competitive and meritbased process.”

In March, City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) announced that he would appropriate the funds necessary to sustain the PS 207 Champions Club afterschool program, which is organized by SASF, through the end of the school year. Without that eleventh-hour influx of funds the Howard Beach school’s afterschool program would have had to shutter.

Ulrich, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment on the Daily News report.

Meanwhile, Katz said SASF remains “deeply committed to its mission to help bridge the opportunity gap among underserved students by providing programs designed to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, character and attitudes for success in life.”

Cuomo Orders Acceleration of Construction on MTA Bridge and Tunnel Projects heavily traveled corridor.

Queens & Bronx Bound Plaza Reconstruction: Construction completion accelerated three months, from September 2017 to June 30, 2017. Project will improve roadway alignment and traffic flow.

Bronx & Manhattan Toll Plaza Demolition: Accelerated demolition of toll booths to July 8 from original Sept. 30.

By Forum Staff Anticipating added summer road traffic due to Amtrak emergency repair work, Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week ordered an acceleration of the construction on Metropolitan Transportation Authority bridges and tunnels, including two in Queens.

The “aggressive schedule” ensures major construction projects will be completed

by July 8 to reduce vehicular congestion during Amtrak’s extended period of widespread reduced service.

“Our top priority is ensuring all New Yorkers can get where they need to go as quickly and easily as possible this summer and we’re taking every conceivable step to prepare for Amtrak’s summer of hell,” Cuomo said. “By aggressively expediting construction we are taking action to ease commutes and provide New Yorkers with peace of mind.”

Some of the construction projects that will be accelerated for completion by July 8, 2017: Queens-Midtown Tunnel Tunnel Sandy Reconstruction: Accelerated construction of the north tube from Aug. 31 to July 8. Motorists will experience full use of both tubes during daytime hours with suspension of daytime weekend closures starting July 8, which will significantly improve customer travel time.

Photo Courtesy of LIRO

Gov. Cuomo has ordered an acceleration of the construction on Metropolitan Transportation Authority bridges and tunnels, including on the Robert F. Kennedy Triboro Bridge in Queens.

Manhattan Downtown Exit Plaza Rehabilitation: Completion by July 4. The entire ramp will be re-opened to operate at its full two-lane capacity for customers using the downtown Manhattan exit ramp of the QMT. One of the two ramp lanes has been closed since Sept. 16, 2016.

Robert F. Kennedy Triboro Bridge ORT Construction: Cashless Tolling Go Live date accelerated two and a half months, from Aug. 31 to June 15; improves traffic flow by allowing customers to travel without stopping to pay a toll.

New 125th Street Manhattan on-bound ramp to RFK Bridge: Accelerated ramp reconstruction by six months from Dec. 31 to June 30. Project restores full capacity of the ramp with both lanes opened, thereby improving traffic flow from Manhattan to Queens/Bronx. One of the two lanes has been closed since Feb. 29, 2016.

Reconstruction of Queens to Manhattan Ramp: Construction completion by July 8.

One lane has been closed to accommodate ramp reconstruction since July 23, 2016. Restoring this ramp to its full capacity will improve traffic flow and ease congestion in this

Verrazano Narrows Bridge ORT Construction: Cashless Tolling Go Live date accelerated by nearly five months, from Nov. 30 to July 8. This will improve traffic flow by allowing customers to travel without stopping to pay a toll.

New Bus/HOV Lane on Upper Level: Project completion accelerated five months, from November to the week of June 19, allowing for the opening of the Brooklyn bound BUS HOV lane; will result in a continuous 14-mile Bus/HOV lane from Staten Island to Lower Manhattan – improving traffic flow on the Staten Island and Gowanus Expressways – providing up to 15 minutes reduction in travel time for over 30,000 daily commuters. Adding this seventh lane increases roadway capacity by 16 percent, according to the MTA. New BUS/HOV Ramp: Completed one month early, the ramp will link the Verrazano Bridge to the Gowanus Expressway with the new Bus/HOV ramp.

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East Elmhurst Man Convicted of Murder in Fatal Beating of Girlfriend and her Daughter

By Forum Staff A 48-year-old East Elmhurst man has been convicted in the vicious hammer beating deaths of his girlfriend and her daughter, who were found battered to death in their bedrooms in January 2014.

Carlos Alberto Amarillo, 48, of 87th Street in the East Elmhurst section claimed the two victims were witches and they had been casting voodoo spells on him.

Amarillo was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, fourthdegree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. He will be sentenced on July 6, 2017 an is facing life imprisonment with no possibility of parole.

Photo Courtesy of Google

The victims were both found battered to death in their bedrooms in January 2014.

According to trial records, police responded to an address in East Elmhurst following a 911 call at approximately 12:10 a.m. on January 29th, 2014. Upon entering the front bedroom, police found Estrella Cas-

taneda, 56, face up on the bed with a pillow over her face, blood seeped into the linen and splattered on the wall behind her. The rubber grip of a hammer was beside her body on the bed. The police also found the de-

ceased body of Lina Castaneda, 25, on the floor of a rear bedroom. She was face down with injuries to her head and a hammer was on the floor beside her. Her daughter was found unharmed on the bed in her mother’s room.

Following the violent rampage, Amarillo called 911 telling the operator, “two females are dead, they were assassinated, hurry they are dead. I killed them because they are witches, I want the police to kill me. I killed them with a hammer.”

When police arrived, Amarillo was holding a Bible and walking from the doorway of the home’s entrance to the street. In his statements to police, Flores stated that the women were “witches and were performing

voodoo and casting spells” on him that made him sick.

“Acting in a violent rage, the defendant fatally beat to death his girlfriend and her daughter – who was the mother of a young child who also happened to be in the residence that night,” said DA Brown. “Thankfully, the little girl, just seven years old at the time, was not harmed during these deadly attacks. She will, however, be forever impacted by the absence of both her mother and grandmother in her life. At trial, the jury weighed all the evidence and found the defendant guilty of both homicides. The defendant now faces the prospect of spending the rest of his days locked behind bars.”

Astoria Man Sentenced to One to Three Years in Prison after Admitting to Possessing Child Porn

By Forum Staff They’ll be one less child pornographer on the streets for a while after Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Gia Morris, sentenced an Astoria man to one to three years in prison.

Charles Flores, 23, pleaded guilty to possessing a sexual performance video by a child after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent a cybertip to police that Flores had uploaded images of child pornography to his Google account in September 2015.

According to District Attorney Richard Brow, “The defendant has now been sentenced to prison time

for uploading and saving thousands of images and videos of children some as young as five - being sexually abused by adults. The defendant admitted when pleading guilty that his curiosity led to a sick obsession. Photos and videos of children being molested and abused are for all intents and purposes crime scene images.

The victims are real people who will suffer with the memory of this abuse for the rest of their lives.”

The criminal charges say that an NYPD detective received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a gmail account that had uploaded two images possibly involving child exploitation.

a forensic preview of Flores’ external hard drive, and found 20 images of prepubescent children roughly between the ages of five and 12 being vaginally and anally penetrated by adult males.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant told police he began seeking out child pornography to help his girlfriend and that this curiosity turned into an obsession. Further forensic analysis of the defendant’s Courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children hard drive, as well as other electronic The case was opened when an NYPD detective received a tip from the National Center for devices in the defendant’s possesMissing and Exploited Children about a Gmail account that had uploaded two images sion, revealed hundreds of videos possibly involving child exploitation. and images of children as young as When interviewed by po- charlesf20@gmail.com was his email four years old being sexually abused lice, the defendant admitted that address. Authorities also conducted by adults.

Bangladeshi Diplomat Indicted for Labor Trafficking

By Forum Staff Diplomatic immunity did not prevent a Queens county grand jury from indicting a Bangladesh consular officer, with limited immunity, on labor trafficking, assault and other criminal charges this week.

Md Shahedul Islam reportedly forced a foreign national to work for his family in their Queens home Photo Courtesy of Google without financial compensation Shaheldul Islam allegedly forced the victim to work for him without pay. from approximately 2012 through May 2016, when the victim finally wages due the employee and, fur- and fourth-degree grand larceny, secescaped the residence. thermore, used threats of harm to his ond- and third-degree assault, labor “The allegations in this case are family residing overseas to prevent trafficking, second-degree unlawvery disturbing,” District Attorney him from leaving his employ.” ful imprisonment, failure to pay the Brown said. “A consular officer is acIslam, 45, who resides in Jamaica minimum wage and second-degree cused of using both physical force Estates, holds the post of Deputy harassment. and vile threats to control a person Consul General of Bangladesh and He was arraigned, released on in his employment and whom he re- is accorded limited immunity, which $50,000 bond/ $25,000 cash bail and fused to pay. The defendant allegedly pertains specifically to official ac- ordered to surrender his passport. seized the victim’s passport and, from tions only. Islam has been charged in Islam, who faces up to 15 years the first day on the job, refused to pay a 33-count indictment with second- in prison if convicted, was ordered to 6 JUNE 15, 2017 • Number 24 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

return to court on June 28, 2017.

The indictment says the victim was brought to Queens, New York, from Bangladeshi sometime between 2012 and 2013 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after his arrival, Islam allegedly took possession of the victim’s passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the family’s home.

Even though the victim had a contract which outlined his compensation, he was never paid for his work.

The victim was repeatedly assaulted physically by the defendant whenever he didn’t follow orders exactly. Islam struck the victim with his hands as well as a wooden shoe on occasion.

The victim’s only sources of income came from tips from guests when he was a server at parties and from the minuscule amount of money that the defendant sent to the vic-

tim’s family in Bangladesh.

And in 2014, after watching news coverage about an Indian diplomat with similar charges levied against him, Islam came up with a plan to cover his tracks. He took most of the victim’s cash tip money and then gave it back in the form of a check to make it appear the victim was getting a weekly paycheck.

The victim asked to leave Islam’s employ on several occasions, and in response, he was either struck or threatened with harm to his family back home in Bangladesh. Islam specifically threatened to kill the man’s mother and young son and, on occasion, stated he would have the victim’s college-age daughter shamed if he did not continue to work as his servant. In May 2016, the victim managed to escape from the residence and reported his experience to the police.

Customs and Border Protection Launch ‘Truth behind Counterfeits’ Campaign at JFK

By Michael V. Cusenza U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently launched “The Truth behind Counterfeits” campaign at six airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, to raise awareness of the dangers and negative impacts of purchasing fraudulent goods.

According to CBP, the Intellectual Property Rights initiative is an educational awareness campaign for international travelers, designed to call attention to the growing impacts of buying counterfeit products, including the loss of American jobs and the support of criminal activity.

Last year, the agency seized more than $1.3 billion in counterfeit goods.

In addition to JFK, the campaign will run through July at six of the busiest U.S. international airports: Baltimore Washington Inter-

national Thurgood Marshall Airport; Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport; Los Angeles International Airport; and Washington Dulles International Airport.

“CBP is committed to protecting consumers and enforcing U.S. trade laws, and this campaign will help raise awareness and educate the traveling public about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods,” said Brenda Smith, executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Trade. “Not only do counterfeits damage the American economy, such goods can threaten the health and safety of consumers.”

According to cbp.gov, the dangers of purchasing spurious products are: Economic Impacts: Each year, CBP seizes all kinds of counterfeit goods from all over the world. Counterfeiters look to make profits by making fake versions of the hottest

Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

products as soon they are available on the market. Each time you buy a counterfeit good, a legitimate company loses revenue. This translates to lost profits and U.S. jobs over time.

Know who you buy from.

Health and Safety: Many counterfeit products are low-quality and

can cause injuries. Last year, CBP seized more items that pose health and safety risks than ever before. The top three categories were personal care, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding potentially risky items.

Legal Implications: It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods.

Bringing them into the country may result in civil or criminal penalties.

According to Customs, buying counterfeit goods supports criminal activities such as money laundering and trafficking in illegal guns and drugs.

“America’s economy runs on authentic innovation. Criminals trafficking in illicit trade threaten America’s prosperity and may jeopardize the health and safety of unwitting consumers,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO, Global Intellectual Property Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud U.S. Customs and Border Protection for recognizing the global scope of counterfeiting and the need to educate consumers on how to protect themselves. We hope this initiative will make travelers more aware of the significant problem and real dangers of counterfeit goods.”

Hero Cop who Survived Jamaica Hatchet Attack Promoted to Detective

By Michael V. Cusenza

Kenneth Healey, the hero City cop who survived a harrowing head injury suffered during a terrorist attack in Jamaica three years ago, was promoted to detective on Friday at Police headquarters.

“Honored to mark the great work brave #NYPD cops do every day,” Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill wrote on Twitter after the ceremony.

On Oct. 23, 2014, Healey and three fellow uniformed police officers – Joseph Meeker, Taylor Kraft, and Peter Rivera – were on a foot post on Healey was promoted to detective on Friday at 1 Police Plaza.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Jamaica Avenue near 162nd Street around 2 p.m. when they were approached by a freelance photographer who asked them to pose for a picture. As the officers obliged, a man identified as Zale Thompson, 32, charged at them with a hatchet in his hand. Unprovoked and not speaking a word, Thompson then swung the hatchet at Meeker, striking his right arm. Thompson, who later was characterized by then-Commissioner Bill Bratton as a “self-radicalized” Muslim, continued swinging the hatchet, striking Healey in his head, causing him to fall to the ground.

As Thompson continued his assault, Bratton said, Kraft and Rivera opened fire, killing him. Healey’s brothers in blue lifted him into a police vehicle and rushed him to nearby Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he “received life-saving treatment from the Trauma Team” and remained in critical condition for days.

Healey survived his wounds and made it all the way back to the job last December. On NYPD Medal Day last June, he received the Medal of Honor, and his former 103rd Precinct colleagues Meeker, Kraft, and Rivera earned the Combat Cross.

Jackson Heights Resident Inducted into Veterans’ Hall of Fame

By Forum Staff Luz Fernandez-Aviles, a Gulf War veteran and Jackson Heights resident, was recently inducted into the State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst).

The HOF pays tribute to New Yorkers “whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is complemented by their service to their community,” Peralta noted.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to New York State Senator Jose Peralta and his staff for honoring me, a Gulf War Veteran. It means a lot to me to know that my service to this great country has been recognized. I am truly grate-

ful for this honor,” Fernandez-Aviles Supply Co. Ft. Totten, New York, Ocsaid. tober 1995); New York State AssemA first-generation American bly Citation on June 2008; and State born to Dominican parents, FerSenate Liberty Award on June 2008. nandez-Aviles joined the Army “It is truly a privilege to recognize Reserve in July 1988 and was debrave men and women who served ployed to Saudi Arabia with her our nation to protect us. The New unit, the 142nd Transportation Det. York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of FORSCOM FC, on August 1990 Fame singles out special recognition for a little more than eight months. of those whose services helped shape Fernandez-Aviles worked as a 77F our nation and our communities, and Petroleum Supply Specialist. DurMs. Fernandez-Aviles is an example,” ing her service in the military, she Peralta said. received the Army Commendation Fernandez-Aviles was honorably Medal (Gulf War, May 1991); Cerdischarged in February 1997. She tificate of Achievement (Gulf War continues her work with the Veterans Photo Courtesy of Sen. Peralta’s Office April 1991 and June 1991); Army of Foreign Wars Post 2813 in Wood“The State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame singles out special recognition of those whose Achievement Medal (Republic of services helped shape our nation and our communities, and Ms. Fernandez-Aviles (third side and indicated that she wants to Korea, June 1993, and 146th General from l.) is an example,” Peralta said. become a post commander.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 7

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With club card. Limit 2 offers THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 9

NYC among Winners of Attorney General’s Cities RISE Grant Awards

By Forum Staff State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday announced that New York City is among the winners of the first phase of the Cities for Responsible Investment and Strategic Enforcement grant awards, an investment which will total more than $10 million over the next two years to 18 cities and towns across the state.

Cities RISE, according to Schneiderman, aims to address and transform blighted, vacant, or poorly maintained problem prop- Photo Courtesy of the Attorney General’s Office erties through the use of housing Schneiderman started Cities RISE earlier and community data from various this year.

state agencies.

“Too many New Yorkers are still struggling in the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis. That’s why my office is investing the dollars we secured from the banks, to provide the tools necessary to rebuild and strengthen our neighborhoods,” Schneiderman said. “Cities RISE presents a 21st Century approach to overcoming this crisis and revitalizing New York’s communities.”

According to Schneiderman’s Office, the 18 grantees—selected by national community development nonprofits Enterprise Community Partners and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation which are managing the

program—will receive a two-year subscription to a data platform designed to integrate and analyze data such as code enforcement records, tax liens, and fire and police data. Cites RISE partnered with Tolemi (formerly known as OpportunitySpace), a social enterprise that created BuildingBlocks, a platform designed to integrate housing and code enforcementrelated data, and was selected for this program following significant research and consultation with numerous industry experts.

Launched in April of this year, Cities RISE advances Schneiderman’s strategy for helping New York families and communities re-

build from the housing crisis. Since taking office, Schneiderman noted that his Office has obtained settlements with large financial institutions to address misconduct that contributed to the collapse of the housing market—bringing more than $95 billion to communities across the country and over $5.5 billion to the state alone. With those funds, the Office has established several consumer programs, from the Homeowners Protection Program to the Land Bank Community Revitalization Initiative, all with the goal of helping New Yorkers become homeowners, avoid foreclosure, and improve blight in their communities.

State Comptroller Report Analyzes Responsiveness to Noise Complaints Related to City Bars, Clubs

By Michael V. Cusenza The number of noise complaints called in to the City’s 311 system has risen significantly in recent years, and the processes employed by the Police Department and State Liquor Authority to keep records of the complaints and follow up on enforcement needs to improve, according to a report recently released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The purpose of the analysis – “Responsiveness to Noise Complaints Related to New York City Nightlife Establishments” – was to determine whether the NYPD and the SLA have effectively addressed noise complaints related to nightlife establishments in the city.

The audit period was Jan. 1, 2010 through March 31, 2016, with a focus on calendar years 2014 and 2015, DiNapoli said.

According to the report, the amount of noise complaints called in to 311 rose to 179,394 in 2015 from 86,365 in 2010. And over that same period, the annual number

of noise complaints involving nightlife establishments also increased significantly, to 93,412 from 38,401.

“The number of noise complaints in NYC more than doubled between 2010 and 2015,” DiNapoli said.

Other audit findings include: • The NYPD’s and the SLA’s efforts to communicate and coordinate noise mitigation strategies and tactics with each other were limited. Also, the SLA did not access and analyze pertinent data from NYC’s 311 system. As a result, certain establishments with numerous noise complaints lodged against them continued to operate with little or no notice from public oversight authorities to address such complaints.

• When the SLA took action against establishments with high levels of complaints, they were primarily due to violations other than those related to noise. In addition, actions were rarely taken (if ever) against certain establishments with comparatively high levels of noise complaints. The NYPD used

Courtesy of State Comptroller’s Office

its resources to respond to the same locations hundreds of times a year, often with little or no apparent effect on the numbers of complaints.

• The accuracy of records maintained by these agencies needs improvement. For example, according to 311 system data, NYPD

officers issued a total of 14 summonses to several of the nightlife establishments we sampled. However, NYPD officials were able to provide supporting documentation for only 11 of the 14 reported summonses.

Locally, NYPD brass has acknowledged that as temps rise in the summer months, so do noise complaints.

“We have instituted a number of things at the precinct level that allow us to stay on top of such matters,” said Capt. Brian Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct.

According to Bohannon, the command features a dedicated officer who tracks all reoccurring 311 complaints of noise each week; and the 106 has two dedicated officers between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. who solely handle noise complaints from the 311 system.

Bohannon also pointed out that the precinct’s ability to tackle noise complaints will change drastically next month when the 106 goes live with the NYPD Neighborhood Policing Program.

Historic Criminal Justice Reform Act Bills now in Effect City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said last year after the Council voted in favor Several City enforcement agencies this of the historic measure. “The Criminal Justice week began writing civil, not criminal, sum- Reform Act will prevent tens of thousands of monses for many low-level quality of life of- people from getting a criminal record for lowfenses outlined in the Criminal Justice Reform level, non-violent offenses and over its lifetime Act, which Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law it is going to change trajectories for countless New Yorkers.” last June.

The NYPD, Parks Department, Sanitation The law gives the Police Department and other agencies the option to issue a civil sum- Department and the Department of Environmons that is filed with the Office of Adminis- mental Protection may write civil summonses trative Trials and Hearings, instead of a crimi- for violations covered by the CJRA. Those vional summons which is filed in NYC Criminal lations include: Drinking in public; public uriCourt. The CJRA also makes community ser- nation; unreasonable noise; littering; spitting; vice a penalty option for those summonses that being in park after dark; operating a speaker in a park without a permit; playing an instrument are contested at in-person OATH hearings.

“For too long, our criminal justice system during unauthorized hours in the park.

“A minor nonviolent act of poor judgment was broken and it was time we took action,” 10 JUNE 15, 2017 • Number 24 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Michael V. Cusenza

should not determine one’s destiny. Today, we are making sure that key low-level offenses are enforced appropriately – without sacrificing our city’s quality of life or our residents’ safety,” de Blasio said when he signed the bill into law.

The CJRA creates “more proportional penalties” for certain crimes, according to the Council. These offenses will continue to be illegal, the Council pointed out; however, the CJRA will establish that the preferred venue for pursuing penalties for these offenses will be in civil, rather than criminal court.

Long-time opponents to the CJRA, including Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), have decried it as an affront to quality of life.

“These bills will only diminish our ability to keep our city clean and safe,” he said last year.

“Issuing summonses in lieu of enforcing the law is like giving a slap on the wrist to offenders and also a slap in the face to the taxpaying, law abiding citizens of the Big Apple.”

Then-Police Commissioner Bill Bratton disagreed with Ulrich.

“We have worked closely with the Mayor, the Speaker and the Council on this legislation.

The new legislation will allow the NYPD to use the full range of enforcement tools we currently have to address these offenses, while still providing us with the additional option to issue a civil summons instead of a criminal summons or arrest in appropriate circumstances,” Bratton said. “This legislation advances the many steps the NYPD has taken to implement precision policing in all communities throughout the City.”

Queens Library System part of MTA ‘Subway Library’ Promotion

By Forum Staff The Queens Library, along with The Brooklyn and The New York public library systems, joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Transit Wireless last week to announce the launch of “Subway Library,” a special, sixweek long joint promotion providing straphangers with access to hundreds of free e-books, e-shorts, and extensive excerpts from fulllength books, to enjoy during their summer commute.

MTA customers in underground subway stations can now connect to the free Transit Wireless WiFi™ through their network settings, and click on the SubwayLibrary.com prompt to start reading. The Subway Library site – which allows readers to browse and download content in a variety of curated categories – was developed by The New York Public Library using the same technology it utilized to create SimplyE, it’s free e-book reader app.

The Subway Library gives subway riders the opportunity to read e-books and short stories from the New York Public Library’s permanent collection, as well as excerpts

Photo Courtesy of J.P. Chan/MTA

“The Subway Library will encourage adults and children to explore new worlds through reading during their daily commute, while spreading awareness of our Wi-Fi and connectivity services underground,” Gov. Cuomo said.

made available through the generosity of publishers including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, Plympton, and Simon & Schuster. According to the MTA, the Subway Library builds on the agency’s August 2016 promotion with founding partner Penguin Random House, which gave subway customers the opportunity to read free short stories and novel and non-fiction book excerpts from Penguin Random House

titles.

“I am thrilled that the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are kicking off the summer reading season and offering free e-books to subway riders through the MTA’s Transit Wireless WiFi™,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The Subway Library will encourage adults and children to explore new worlds through reading during their daily commute, while spreading awareness of our

Wi-Fi and connectivity services underground.”

According to the MTA, the three City library systems will offer access to e-books, excerpts of e-books, and short stories in different categories through the MTA’s free Transit Wireless Wi-Fi™. EBooks, excerpts of e-books and eshort stories will include titles in the following categories: New York Stories, including excerpts from titles such as “Soar” by David Banks and “At Balthazar” by

Reggie Nadelson New & Noteworthy, which offers excerpts of recently released titles, including “Swing Time” by Zadie Smith and “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid Select Shorts, which includes “The Soul Is Not a Smithy” by David Foster Wallace and “The Graveless Doll” of Eric Mutis by Karen Russell Children, with titles including “Bayou Magic” by Jewell Parker Rhodes and “Who Could That Be at This Hour?” by Lemony Snicket Young Adult, with excerpts and titles such as “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.

“We are always looking for new ways to go beyond the walls of our libraries and deliver to the public unique, transporting learning experiences through our materials, services and programs,” said Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott. “Subway Reads aligns perfectly with this objective, and will lead even more people to Queens Library’s extensive collection of e-books, audio books, music and digital magazines.”

Twenty Borough High Schools to Offer New Advanced Placement Courses

By Forum Staff Twenty of the 115 high schools that have committed to offer new Advanced Placement courses this fall are in Queens, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Carmen Fariña, who made the announcement last Thursday.

The new AP courses are part of AP for All and Computer Science for All, two initiatives in the administration’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda. The new AP courses build on record numbers of New York City students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams, the City said. By fall 2018, 75 percent of high school students will have access to at least five AP classes and all high school students will have access to at least five AP classes by fall 2021. And by 2025, the City will provide computer science education in every elementary, middle, and high school.

“We are changing the game, and giving every student the courses they need – including Computer Science and Advanced Place-

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña made the announcement last Thursday at City Hall.

ment – to succeed in college and prepare for 21st Century careers,” de Blasio said.

Earlier this year, de Blasio announced record numbers of New York City students taking and passing Advanced Placement ex-

ams. The number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam in 2016 rose 8.4 percent, to a record 44,906 students, from 41,419 compared to the year prior. The number of students passing at least one Ad-

vanced Placement exam rose 8.2 percent, keeping pace with the increase in participation.

In its first year, AP for All has built on this work, and in the 201617 school year, 63 high schools are offering new Advanced Place-

ment courses through the initiative, including 31 that offered no AP courses during the 2015-16 school year.

According to the administration, many of the high schools selected for the expansion currently offer few or no AP courses, and they have demonstrated readiness to begin offering additional AP coursework. In addition to the 20 in Queens, they include 39 high schools in the Bronx, 32 in Brooklyn, 21 in Manhattan, and three on Staten Island.

“These additional AP courses will do great things for NYC public schools,” said City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of the Council Education Committee. “Now thousands more public school students will graduate college ready. These courses demonstrate our city’s commitment to providing all children with a quality public education. I will continue to worth alongside Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña to bring equity and excellence to all of our schools.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL

TICK TOCK: TIME FOR SOME REAL ACTION ON LYME DISEASE Lyme disease has, in recent years, infiltrated the privileged world of velvet ropes and red carpets, with celebrities such as Yolanda Hadid and Alec Baldwin recounting the horrors of living with an illness borne of the bite of a tiny insect carrying a catastrophic punch.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings, and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods.

The highest prevalence of Lyme disease is observed in the Northeast and Midwest regions. According to CDC data, the illness is extremely prevalent in the five boroughs, with more than 8,000 cases diagnosed over the past 15 years.

Yet even with Lyme on the lips of the moneyed and powerful, it seems that this

country is not doing enough to educate its citizenry and attack an enemy that, quite simply, is destroying lives.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is, thankfully, an exception. For several years, the senior senator from our neck of increasingly dangerous woods has been rallying attention to this incredibly potent illness—and the funds and resources that are crucial to crushing Lyme and restoring a semblance of quality of life to those that

suffer from it.

Earlier this month, ahead of what experts have projected to be one of the worst summers for tick-borne diseases in years, Schumer urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to more quickly and fully implement federal legislation – the 21st Century Cares Act, that was, by the way, passed LAST YEAR – that will prioritize the research, vaccine development, and treatment strategies to

help stamp out tick-borne diseases such as Lyme —and the newly emerging disease, Powassan, which is said to be even deadlier than Lyme.

“Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are in a sprint to spread this summer, but the federal response to combat this trend is moving along at a snail’s pace,” Schumer said. “We must do more and we must do more now to protect kids and families.”

Schumer noted that the passed legislation aims to continue to research methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme.

In addition, the bill establishes a working group to make recommendations on existing programs and research and to prepare a report summarizing these recommendations as well as current federal research efforts related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Ultimately, the bill aims to research, identify, and treat the disease as well as launch a national response to significantly enhance the Department of Health and Human Services’ ability to stop the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

“In times like these, it is imperative that we do all that we can to halt the continued spread,” Schumer added. “There is no more time to waste and HHS must step up their game.”

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LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 8 day of May 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000142-17/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 (first) KRYSTAL (middle) KHIN CHAN MYAE (last) KHINE. The city and state of my address are 5160 Van Kleeck Street, Apt. 5D, Elmhurst, NY 11373 The date of my birth is JANUARY 15, 2007; place of my birth is YANGON, BURMA; my present name is KHIN

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 16day of May 2017, bearing Index Number NC-211/17/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 (first) JOSEPH (middle) ANTHONY (last) FELICETTE. The city and state of my address are 157-54 80TH STREET, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414. The date of my birth is October 14, 1972; place of my birth is TRINIDAD; my present name is JOSEPH ANTHO-

CHAN MYAE KHINE aka KHIN C KHINE NY RUZICKAN aka JOSEPH A. RUZICKA aka MA KHIN CHAN-MYAE KHINE ( infant)

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Notice of Formation of G.E.P. CUSTOM COLLECTIBLES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/21/2017. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11228.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 13

Legal Notices

Legal Notices Notice of formation of SUTPHIN REALTY GROUP LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/3/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 133-47 Sanford Ave., Unit C1E, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful act.6/15

FOREVER MANOR LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/18/17.

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, 135-11 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Notice of Qualification of Packard Hospital- Any lawful purpose.

ity Management, LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 1/31/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to Michael Saul Goldstein, 9555 Chesapeake Dr, Ste 202, San Diego, CA 92123. CA addr. of LLC 9555 Chesapeake Dr, Ste 202, San Diego, CA 92123. Cert. of Form. filed with CA Sec. of State, PO Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94224-2280 on 10/15/12. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6/22

Notice of Formation of 170 DOUGLAS AVENUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/23/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

ETA DEVELOPMENT LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/21/16.

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, 63 Cook Road, Preston Hollow, NY 12469. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

7/6

Notice of Formation of 145-05 JAMAICA AVENUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/23/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY Notice of formation of JJN SHIMON LLC. 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Art. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/03/2017. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as service for process. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 75-35 167th Street, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of KENLI LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 3/25/2015. Office located in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 4304 Bell Blvd KEMZURI MANAGEMENT LLC. Arts.

Bayside NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful purpose. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/28/17.

Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be Notice of Formation: Waterside Holding served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the AYE- LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary SHA BILAL. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. of State of New York (SSNY) on April/2017. Office ACE DEVELOPMENT LLC. Arts. of Org. loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service filed with the SSNY on 04/24/17. Office:Queens of process.SSNY shall mail copies of any process County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC served against the LLC to 150-16 Waterside Court, upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY Whitestone NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 202-16 45th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of SPITI ENA,

Notice of Formation of BETES 2427 29th STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/03/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 24 40 29th St., Long Island City, NY 11102. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Qualification of C2U HOMES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 5/01/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to THE LLC, 17214 133RD AVENUE, APT. 7G, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/04/2017. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: the LLC, 2 Bay Club Dr. Apt 18P, Bayside, NY 11360.

Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 18 day of May 2017, bearing Index Number NC000414-17/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 (first) SASHA (middle) NANDHINEE (last) MAHARAJ. The city and state of my address is 107-34 114th Street, South Richmoond Hill, NY 11419. The date of my birth is DECEMBER 20, 2007; place of my birth is QUEENS, NEW YORK; my present name is SASHA

Notice of formation of SPITI ENA, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/04/2017. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: the LLC, 2 Bay Club Dr. NANDHINEE Apt 18P, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

RAGHUNANDAN

14 JUNE 15, 2017 • Number 24 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

(infant)

Notice of formation of MOTT NYC LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 3/30/2015. Office located in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC TO: RAFAL SWAIDER 1906 STANHOPE STREET, RIDGEWOOD, NEW YORK 11385. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS –THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES, INC. ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-1, Plaintiff, against DOREEN WHITE, DENNY ATKINSON; RIONANDO MANSFIELD SAMUELS; ‘ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE HILDA ATKINSON IF THEY BE LIVING OR, IF THEY BE DEAD, THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF’; DISCOVER BANK; FULTON JAMAICA CORP.; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS; TANYA ANDERSON; HERMAN BROWN; DANIEL BOSTICK; CATRINA BROWN, Defendants-Index no. 34977/2009. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 115-25 174TH Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within (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 to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $50,000.00 and interest, recording in the Queens County Office of the City Register on December 14, 1994, in Book 4034 of Mortgages, page 2109 covering premises known as 115-25 174th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial.

Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. 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

SINAM LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/24/17. 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, 23-21 BQE West, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THE 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. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

Summons and Complaint You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

Sources of Information and Assistance The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.

To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at (800) 3423736 or visit the Department’s website at http:// www.dfs.ny.gov.

Rights and Obligations YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home.

There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed.

State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Thomas Raffaele, J.S.C. dated May 5, 2017 and filed on May 15, 2017. Dated: May 25, 2017 ADAM LEITMAN BAILEY, P.C., Counsel for Plaintiff, By: Adam M. Swanson, Esq., One Battery Park Plaza, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004 (212) 825-0365 x 1970

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 24 JUNE 15, 2017 | 15

Considering the high costs of long term care, as we grow older, many of us are likely to rely on the Medicaid program to pay for the care we need. But how does Medicaid affect your home?

For many of us, our home is our most valuable and cherished asset. It is the asset that we most want to protect and preserve for our family. Each day, we meet with clients who express the following concerns:

Unfortunately, the law regarding your home and Medicaid is complex and difficult to navigate without the advice of experienced professionals who specialize in this field. The consequences of not taking advantage of the available planning methods to protect your home can have a devastating impact on your family.

We know how overwhelming it can seem when thinking about planning your estate and for your own long term care needs. Therefore, we invite you to learn more by joining us at one of our upcoming free educational seminars. Our upcoming seminar dates and locations can be found at afrlaw.com. To make a reservation you can visit afrlaw.com or call our reservation hotline, (844) 505-4712. We are also pleased to offer a free consultation so that our family of attorneys and social workers can sit down with your family and discuss how the Medicaid rules apply in your personal situation.

BAYSIDE Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Donovan’s Grill & Tavern 214-16 41st Avenue Bayside, NY 11361 (Continental Breakfast) Free Parking in Private Lot

HOWARD BEACH Wednesday, June 28, 2017 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lenny’s Clam Bar & Restaurant 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd.

Howard Beach, NY 11414 (Continental Breakfast) Valet Parking Available

16 JUNE 15, 2017 • Number 24 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

LITTLE NECK Thursday, June 29, 2017 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Aunt Bella’s Restaurant 46-19 Marathon Parkway Little Neck, NY 11362 (Continental Breakfast) Ample Street Parking