THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JULY 19, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 29 • JULY 19, 2018

CROOKED CONTRACTOR EARNS BIG HOUSE BID

Schemer who Ripped off Rockaway Sandy Victims to the Tune of $170,000 Finally Sent to the Slammer Andrew Troiano (inset) was sentenced on Friday to one to three years in prison.

See Story on Page 3 File Photo

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 1

Comptroller Blasts MTA for ‘Transit Deserts’

By Forum Staff

While NYC’s subway remains the most expansive in the country, roughly half of the neighborhoods served by the system – 62 out of 122 – lack a single accessible station, according to a report released on Tuesday

by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Fifty-five of those 62 “Americans with Disabilities Act Transit Deserts” are in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, according to “Service Denied: Accessibility and the New York City Subway System.”

Combined, the 55 communities are home to 200,000 mobility-impaired residents, 340,000 seniors, and 200,000 children below the age of 5, Stringer noted.

Report highlights: • For New Yorkers with disabilities and seniors, the housing crisis is magnified

by ADA Transit Deserts which limit housing options and force mobility impaired New Yorkers to pay higher rents, according to Stringer; • Median rents in neighborhoods with at least one accessible station are over $100 higher than in neighborhoods with only inaccessible stations; • Given that people with disabilities or injuries, the elderly, and families with young children already bear heavy expenses for medical care and other services, these higher rents can be prohibitive, Stringer noted;

• Accessibility gaps can severely restrict opportunities for the mobility impaired; • Those living in areas without accessible stations will struggle to reach the 2.7 million jobs in areas that are accessible by subway; • The 608,258 jobs in neighborhoods without subway accessibility are even more challenging to reach; • Barriers to the labor market already exacerbate the high rates of un-

employment and low rates of workforce participation among those living with disabilities; • In NYC, only 23 percent of the mobility impaired are employed or actively looking for work – compared to 74 percent of the non-disabled; • For those who are participating in the labor force, unemployment rates are a staggering 16 percent for the mobility-impaired.

Fixing ADA Transit Deserts is going

to take new funding, Stringer observed. In addition to offering support for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new Fast Forward plan, Stringer said he’s calling for a new funding mechanism to support accessibility investments. “Service Denied: Accessibility and the New York City Subway System” recommends that the State Legislature introduce a new Transportation Bond Act in the next session and bring it to referendum. Voters have not had a chance to approve additional transit funding since 2005, when a $3.5 billion bond act was approved by voters, with proceeds divided fairly between upstate and downstate needs, Stringer said. A new bond act could vastly increase resources for ADA upgrades, dramatically enhancing the reach of the subway system and improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, the comptroller noted.

“Too many New Yorkers are left stranded by the MTA. Decades of underinvestment and neglect have real life consequences. For every inaccessible station, there is a New Yorker who can’t get to work, pick up their children from daycare, or visit their doctors,” Stringer said. “It’s simple – a person’s livelihood should not be dictated by their mobility status, and we must take action immediately to address this crisis.

The MTA’s Fast Forward plan is a step in the right direction, but we can and must do more.”

Pols Call on Senate to Reconvene, Vote to Renew and Expand School Zone Speed Camera Program before it’s too Late

By Michael V. Cusenza New York pols recently ramped up calls demanding that the State Senate reconvene for a special session and vote for the renewal and expansion of the school-zone speed camera program.

The Upper Chamber, in the legislative session that just ended last month, failed to renew a pilot program that put 140 cameras around city schools across the five boroughs. As of July 25, the devices will be shut off.

Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) on Thursday led a small rally at the intersection of Northern and Junction boulevards urging his Republican colleagues to return to Albany and pass his bill that would add 150 speed-monitoring devices to the current 140 cameras operating under the pilot that was approved by the Legislature in 2013.

Under Peralta’s measure, 290 speed cameras will operate within a quarter-mile from a designated school. The devices would initiate recording one hour before the start of each school day, and cease record-

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Peralta’s Office

“The school zone speed camera program saved countless of lives, so there is no logical reason to let it expire,” Sen. Peralta said.

ing one hour after it ends. Additionally, the cameras will be operational during students’ activities, and up to 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the activities, Peralta noted.

“Are Republicans against protecting children? The school zone speed camera program saved countless lives, so there is no logical reason to let it expire. We cannot play politics with schoolchildren and New Yorker’s lives, and this is why we must ensure we renew and expand the program,” Peralta said. “If

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the Republicans let this initiative expire, kids in summer school will travel to and from school on more dangerous streets. The same will occur when more than one million schoolchildren return to school after the summer vacation.”

Last month, two GOP State senators proposed legislation that would require the City to install stop signs and traffic lights—instead of cameras—in more than 1,000 school zones in the five boroughs.

Peralta did not appreciate the effort.

“Playing political games with the lives of more than one million schoolchildren is intolerable. The Republican proposal to replace speed cameras with stop signs and lights is nothing but a massive distraction. The senators behind this political trick don’t fool me and they don’t fool any New Yorker,” Peralta said in June. “The City’s schoolzone speed camera program works and it has saved and continues to

save lives. Let’s stop with these senseless calculated maneuvers, and extend and expand the program.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who supports the expansion of the pilot program, called it “unconscionable that the Senate put politics over protecting our children” and bolted the capital without approving Peralta’s proposal.

“The lives and safety of our children are not partisan issues, and I call on the Senate to return to Albany and pass this common sense bill to prevent tragedies and heartbreak,” Cuomo said on Friday.

“The clock is ticking for the Senate Republicans to do the right thing— and New York families will remember how they act.”

According to Peralta, the program has been “extremely successful.” He noted on Thursday that at locations with cameras, there has been a 63-percent decline in speeding violations; the vast majority of drivers ticketed—more than 80 percent—have not receive a second violation; and injuries to pedestrians have decreased by 23 percent at locations where cameras are posted.

Crooked Contractor Sentenced to up to Three Years in Prison for Stealing $170K+ from Sandy Victims

By Michael V. Cusenza A crooked Long Island contractor has been sentenced to one to three years in prison for bilking three Rockaway families – whose homes were destroyed during Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 – out of more than $170,000 after they hired him to build new houses between July 2013 and June 2014, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced on Friday.

Andrew Troiano, 56, pleaded guilty in September 2017 to multiple counts of second- and third-degree grand larceny. Troiano, who is originally from Lake Grove, L.I., but his last known residence was a trailer in Lititz, Penn., was arrested in December 2015, and later arraigned on a 13-count indictment back in September 2016.

According to charging documents, Troiano owned and operated Alt Design Construction and Consulting Inc. On July 19, 2013, a family that resided on Fulton Walk in Breezy Point hired Troiano to build a new home on their property. In April 2014, the concrete foundation was poured and the property owners received a bill for $58,500. The couple indicated that they submitted a check to Alt Design in that amount on April 27, 2014.

Troiano hired a second subcontractor to do the foundation work and did not pay them for the completed foundation.

According to the indictment, following Sandy’s destruction of their Graham Place house, a Breezy Point couple entered into a contract with Troiano to build a modular home on their property and payment was due upon completion of certain work. In March 2014, the

How The Forum covered Troiano’s arrest back in December 2015.

File Photo

couple received an invoice for $63,750 for the concrete foundation and paid Troiano the amount owed. Troiano, who again hired a contractor to pour the cement, did not pay the company the full amount owed.

And on Jan. 27, 2014, Troiano entered into contract with a third couple who lived on Hillside Avenue in Rockaway Point. Troiano was hired to erect a modular home on the couple’s property and the two made payments of $30,000 and $15,975. Troiano contacted the couple after their initial payments and stated he could rush construction of their home if they forked over more money up front. The pair paid an additional $55,000 on June 26. However, the firm slated to design the new home was never paid and drawings were never created.

The couple was also billed for soil test, foundation design, wetland study and other pre-construction requirements and paid $7,150 on April 25, 2014, to cover those bills, according to the charges.

A forensic review of Alt Design’s bank records revealed that more than $170,000 was received from the three homeowners and credited to Troiano’s account, but no payments were ever made to the subcontractors, including more than $49,000 owed to Malbro Construction. The money was used by Troiano and the company for unrelated matters, including cash withdrawals totaling more than $8,000, payments for unrelated jobs, payments to attorneys, Cablevision, Verizon Wireless, Goodyear Auto and purchases at various liquor stores and restaurants.

Brown blasted Troiano for ripping off “people who had already had their lives destroyed by a natural disaster.”

Publisher’s Note VOL. 17 • NUMBER 27 • JULY 5, 2018

MEDICINE SHAM

Borough Healthcare Pros Part of Massive Federal Fraud Takedown Queens medical doctors, physical therapists, and pharmacy owners, including Yuriy Barayev, who runs this pharmacy on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, are among the 13 individuals that have been charged by federal prosecutors for their alleged participation in schemes in which Medicare and Medicaid programs were billed more than $163 million.

See Story on Page 2 Photo Courtesy of Google

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 27, JULY 05, 2018 | 1

Our July 5, 2018, front-page story (“Bor- many months ago. The Forum wishes to ough Healthcare Professionals Charged clarify and emphatically note that the new in National Fraud Takedown”) featured pharmacy shown in the picture (AJ Wooda picture of a Rego Park pharmacy on the haven Pharmacy)and its owner are not— front page. While one of the indicted indi- nor have they ever been—associated in any viduals in this matter owned and operated way or form with the previous proprietor. a pharmacy at this Woodhaven Boulevard location, that establishment was shuttered THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 3

First 350-Passenger NYC Ferry Vessel Arrives in City Harbor

By Michael V. Cusenza The first 350-passenger capacity vessel to be part of the NYC Ferry fleet has arrived at the Ferry Homeport at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the City Economic Development Corporation announced on Friday.

According to officials, the Ocean Queen Rockstar will help alleviate ridership across the system, which, as of Friday, has served five million passengers since the service launched in May 2017.

“Ocean Queen Rockstar will help us meet growing demand for this service and get even more New Yorkers to their destinations throughout the city,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett.

The OQR is the first of six higher-capacity boats that are outfitted with larger engines and substantially more seating on the top and bottom decks to accommodate more passengers. The vessel completed a mandatory sea trial to ensure it is fit for service before journeying 2,200 nautical miles from the Gulf Coast to New York Harbor earlier last week.

Photo Courtesy of NYCEDC

The new higher-capacity boats are outfitted with larger engines and substantially more seating on the top and bottom decks to accommodate more passengers.

Prior to going into service, Ocean Queen Rockstar is undergoing final installations, modifications and testing. The boat will join the 16-vessel fleet currently operating across four routes at the end of July.

As of June 13, 2018, NYC Ferry has served approximately: • 2,635,492 riders on the East River Route, which launched May 1, 2017.

Noise is No. 1 Issue at Cop-Community Meeting

The meeting was held on Tuesday evening at the Howard Beach Library.

By Michael V. Cusenza For generations, excessive noise has been a seemingly endless source of irritation from Breezy Point to Beechhurst.

And in recent weeks, Queens’ qualityof-life cacophony has created a summer of discontent for several Howard Beach residents who brought the issue to the attention of 106th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers Tuesday evening at the Sector A (Howard Beach, Lindenwood) Build the Block meeting.

The “mystery music,” along with decidedly not harmonious sounds are emanating from the Howard Beach-Brooklyn boarder.

The 106 NCOs Pete Paese and Mike Petrizzo indicated that they have discussed the problem with their colleagues in East New

• 842,300 riders on the Rockaway Route, which launched May 1, 2017.

• 744,218 riders on the South Brooklyn Route, which launched June 1, 2017.

• 738,864 riders on the Astoria Route, which launched Aug. 29, 2017.

• 11,821 riders served through its Governor’s Island summer weekend service.

Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio

announced that via the Executive Budget the City would be investing $300 million in capital over the next several years ($35 million in Fiscal Year 2019) for the new larger vessels, improvements to piers and docks, and a second homeport where ferries will be maintained and repaired.

According to the administration, City investments in NYC Ferry will also include: infrastructure improvements and upgrades to existing ferry barges and landings to accommodate larger crowds; improvements to the City’s two main ferry terminals, Pier 11/Wall Street and E 34th Street, which see the highest traffic on a daily basis – these include wider gangways and new bowloading locations to increase the number of vessels that can dock simultaneously.

“If you don’t have access to transportation that works, you don’t have access to education, you don’t have access to jobs, you certainly don’t have the quality of life you deserve,” de Blasio said in May. “So, all the folks that are frustrated with their commute each day, here’s a new option that’s getting stronger all the time.”

Ariola Honored

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

York’s 75th Precinct.

“Brooklyn deals with a lot more than Howard Beach deals with,” Petrizzo said.

“Noise might not be a priority for them.”

The NCOs on Tuesday also encouraged meeting attendees gathered in the Howard Beach Library to continue calling and/or texting 311.

Some weary residents let out exasperated sighs when the city’s non-emergency governmental services and information line was even mentioned.

“311 is not good at responding, but they are a very good tracking system,” said longtime Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, who later noted that Howard Beach isn’t even the noisiest patch of the precinct. That honor is shared by South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.

4 JULY 19, 2018 • Number 29 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Joann Ariola, Howard Beach/Lindenwood civic leader and chairwoman of the borough Republican party, was recently named one of the 50 Kings and Queens of Queens by City & State New York.

The media organization that covers Empire State government and politics released its Queens Power 50 list last week featuring “the 50 influentials every politician needs to know.”

“In this special section, we recognize the 50 people in the borough who are key players in the world of New York politics and government,” City & State editors wrote.

Ariola came in at No. 23.

The Lindenwood resident and longtime GOP district leader was elected chairwoman of the Queens County Re-

publican Party in September 2017, succeeding former U.S. Rep. Bob Turner.

Ariola, who co-founded the Lindenwood Alliance, is president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic. The mother of three and grandmother of three, well known for her grassroots, hands-on approach to tackling community concerns, has also spent more than 30 years in the political trenches of the World’s Borough.

She has taken on the formidable task of unifying a once deeply fractured county party. According to City & State, Ariola has also sought to increase QGOP’s social media presence and back candidates with broader appeal.

Ariola shares her residence with her proud husband, John.

Army Engineers Issue Coastal Storm Risk Management Options

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By Michael V. Cusenza The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently mulling a handful of different plans that each feature measures to manage future flood risk in ways that support the long-term resilience and sustainability of the N.Y.-N.J. coastal ecosystem and surrounding communities, and reduce the economic costs and risks associated with flood and storm events such as Superstorm Sandy.

Earlier this month, USACE organized five public scoping meetings in Manhattan and parts of New Jersey to present these plans as part the New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study.

The study area (New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries) covers 2,150+ square miles and 900+ miles of affected shoreline; 25 counties in N.Y. and N.J.; affected population of approximately 16 million people, including New York City and the six most populated cities in Jersey.

Federal interest in the study, which is also sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with the City of New York, is spurred by: 60 Superstorm Sandy fatalities; recurring impacts from coastal flooding has resulted in significant economic, environmental, and community impacts; $15.7 billion federal investment in post-Sandy recovery and resilience projects; critical infrastructure: three major airports, fivemajor rail systems, largest port on east coast, largest refined petroleum port in U.S., hospitals, police, fire, evacuation routes, rail/subway infrastructure; includes NYC

Courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

metropolitan area, with a gross metropolitan product of more than $1.66 trillion.

Planning objectives: reduce the risk of coastal storm damage to communities, critical infrastructure, important societal resources, and the environment; improve the community’s ability to recover from damages caused by storm surges by reducing the duration of interruption in services provided by man-made and natural systems; enhance human health and safety by improving the performance of critical infrastructure and natural features during and after coastal storms; restore natural coastal features that have ability to reduce coastal storm risk for communities and ecosystems.

The Army Corps noted that all alternatives/plans will be combinations of structural and nonstructural measures, and natural and nature-based features: • Alternative 1: No Action • Alternative 2: N.Y./N.J. Outer Harbor Barrier • Alternative 3A/3B: Multiple Barriers and Floodwalls & Levee Systems • Alternative 4: Solitary Bay and River Basin Barriers, Floodwalls & Levees • Alternative 5: Perimeter Only The USACE pointed out that the goal of the study is to make a specific recommendation for managing coastal storm flood risk in the NYNJHAT area using a comprehensive systems approach. The recommendation must be determined to be feasible through the USACE planning and environmental review process.

For more information, visit nan.usace. army.mil.

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EDITORIAL The numbers are absolutely staggering.

Opioids—both prescription and illicit (heroin)—are the main driver of drug overdose deaths nationwide and in the Empire State. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids were involved in 33,091 deaths in 2015 – including 2,754 in New York – and opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999. Drug overdoses account for a large percentage of deaths among New Yorkers between 15 and 44 years of age – accounting for an incredible 41 percent of deaths in upstate Sullivan County, 37 percent in Erie County, and 32 percent in Nassau County on Long Island, according to an analysis conducted by The New York Times.

According to the de Blasio administration, the number of drug-overdose deaths has increased in the city in each of the last six years. Rates of drug-overdose deaths in Gotham more than doubled between 2010 and 2016.

However, two developments this week hint at a possible ray of sunshine at the bottom of that pill bottle or rusty spoon.

The State Department of Health recently released the “Assessment of the Potential Impact of Regulated

OVER THE PILL

$500 billion a year in revenue—and we should go after them with all we’ve got. But there’s a special place in hell for those who swore a sacred, centuries-old oath to do no harm.

The evidence at Tesher’s trial established that that between June 2013 and January 2017, Tesher prescribed oxycodone and fentanyl on a continuing basis without a legitimate medical purpose to patients after he learned, or had reason to believe, that these patients were addicted to drugs. The five patients either told Tesher that they had a drug addiction, had previously been treated for drug addiction, Marijuana in New York State.” state saw a short-term reversal of the or tested positive for illegal drugs “The positive effects of a regulated upward trend in opioid-related deaths. such as cocaine or heroin during the course of their treatment by Tesher. marijuana market in NYS outweigh It’s no panacea, nor is it a silver While under Tesher’s care, Nichothe potential negative impacts,” ofbullet that will wipe out the suffering las Benedetto, 27, tested positive for ficials wrote in the report that was born of this public health epidemic in cocaine, heroin and methadone in adsubmitted on Friday for Gov. Andrew a nanosecond. dition to oxycodone and fentanyl. TesCuomo’s review.

Just good news, for a change. her continued to prescribe oxycodone Among those beneficial effects: A And on Wednesday, a federal jury and fentanyl to Benedetto despite regulated marijuana market in New in Brooklyn, following two weeks of indicators that he was abusing those York could have a positive impact on trial, convicted Dr. Martin Tesher of the opioid crisis. According to the as- 10 counts of unlawful distribution of drugs. Benedetto was found dead of a sessment, studies of some states with oxycodone without legitimate medical fatal combination of oxycodone and medical marijuana programs and/or purpose to five patients, one of whom fentanyl on March 5, 2016, two days regulated adult-use have found notadied as a result two days after his last after he had been prescribed oxycodone and fentanyl patches by Dr. Evil. ble associations of reductions in opivisit with Dr. Doom.

Tesher faces a mandatory minioid deaths and opioid prescribing with It’s about time we go after the mum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonthe availability of marijuana products. legal pushers, the dope dealers with Additionally, following legalization of stethoscopes and lab coats. Yes—opi- ment when he’s sentenced. He’s 82.

Good news. Finally. adult-use marijuana in Colorado, the oid distributors alone make nearly

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High Cost of Security Deposits Burden Working New Yorkers and Fuel Affordable Housing Crisis: Stringer

By Forum Staff New York City renters sunk approximately $507 million into security deposits in 2016—erecting unnecessary financial barriers and intensifying the city’s affordability crisis, according to a report released on Sunday by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

As a result of “Insecurity Deposits: A Plan to Reduce High Entry Costs for NYC Tenants,” Stringer is recommending that the State immediately introduce legislation to cap security deposits— which he said can prevent struggling New Yorkers from moving to a more desirable apartment and neighborhood or force them to dig into their savings—at one month’s rent for one-year leases; and calling on the City to explore new models to drastically reduce upfront costs for tenants but still protect property owners against legitimate wear-and-tear and rental arrears.

“To tackle our mounting affordability crisis, we need to think outside the box and put bold ideas into action,” Stringer said.

“Our proposals will change the rules of the housing market and put money back in the pockets of thousands of families looking for a bigger apartment in a better school district, to new graduates who have to find a place to live while paying down their student loans. For too long, the deck has been stacked against New York’s working-class renters but we’re taking a step forward to reimagine how the housing system works in our city.”

The comptroller’s proposals: One-Month Cap: Place a cap on security deposits at one month’s rent on a one-year lease.

Rent-regulated units are already protected by a one-month limit on security deposits; this proposal would expand the protection to all units within the city.

Reducing Upfront Costs and Expanding Tenant Choices: An upfront deposit is not the only way this can be achieved. Different strategies include:

• Installment plans: Tenants should have the option to pay security deposits in installments rather than covering the full burden all at once.

• Insurance as an alternative to the security deposit: A number of local companies have introduced an insurance alternative in recent years. These start-ups allow renters to pay a small monthly or one-time fee in exchange for guaranteeing their security deposit with landlords.

While tenants will not receive this money back – as they would with a traditional deposit – paying $10 per month to insure your apartment against damages rather than an $1,800 security deposit is a significant reduction in the upfront costs of moving and can be a desirable trade-off.

Getting back the security deposit: To combat bad actors and ensure fairer outcomes, the City can create a tenant protection system where security deposits are held by a third-party custodian and arbiter rather than the landlord.

If the landlord wishes to withhold money for damages, cleaning fees, or unpaid rent at the end of a lease, they must come to an agreement with the tenant. In instances where there is a dispute over damages or the cost of repairs, the landlord and tenant can utilize the dispute resolution service run by the third-party organizations that hold deposits. These services cost nothing but require both parties to agree to be bound by the decision, Stringer noted.

Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

Mayor, City Council Appoint Members to Nightlife Advisory Board

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council on Thursday announced the appointment of the 14 members of the city’s first-ever Nightlife Advisory Board.

The all-volunteer panel will serve as a complement to the newly formed Office of Nightlife, and is charged with making recommendations to the mayor and Council on ways to improve regulations and policies that impact nightlife establishments.

“New York City’s nightlife is second to none. It attracts visitors from around the world and is an economic engine across the five boroughs,” de Blasio said. “The new Nightlife Advisory Board reflects the diversity that makes our city and our nightlife great. Working together, we will ensure the industry continues to thrive.”

Mayoral appointees to the board: • José Francisco Ávila, founder and managing member of Garufina Afro-Latina Entertainment, LLC. and Chairman of the Board of The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Last September, Mayor de Blasio signed legislation establishing the City Office of Nightlife and the Nightlife Advisory Board.

• Kurtis Blow, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, DJ and chairman of the Universal Hip Hop Museum who has released 15 albums over the course of his career • DJ Tikka Masala composes and produces music for the Obie and Bessie award-winning Brooklyn based feminist acrobatic dance

company, LAVA, and is resident DJ at Henrietta Hudson • Susan Stetzer, district manager for Manhattan’s Community Board 3, where she has served for the past 14 years • Luisa Torres, owner of Mojitos Restaurant Bar and community activist City Council appointees:

• Robert Bookman, regulatory and liquor-licensing attorney, partner Pesetsky and Bookman • Marti Gould Cummings, drag artist, LGBTQ advocate • Alvester Garnett, drummer, percussionist, arts educator and advocate • Pedro Goico, representative at New York Supermarket Association

• Olympia Kazi, architect, arts advocate and urban design critic.

Member of the NYC Artists Coalition • Andrew Praschak, environmental attorney • Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance • David Rosen, Brooklyn and Queens bar operator and community organizer, co-founder of Brooklyn Allied Bars and Restaurants • Susan Xenarios, director and founder, Crime Victims Treatment Center, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Roosevelt hospitals All Nightlife Advisory Board members will serve two-year terms. The board will issue formal recommendations to the mayor and the Council that will address the regulatory structure of the nightlife industry; common complaints about nightlife establishments; public safety concerns related to nightlife; zoning, enforcement, nightlife workforce conditions and the integration of nightlife into the city’s various neighborhoods.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 7

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 9

Jamaica Man Pleads Guilty to Gunpoint Robberies

File Photo

In September 2017, the pair of perps stuck up businesses in Ozone Park, Rosedale, Laurelton, Maspeth, Middle Village, and East Elmhurst.

By Michael V. Cusenza A Jamaica man pleaded guilty to federal robbery charges on Thursday for his role as one half of a fall 2017 crime wave that saw the prolific duo strike six borough establishments in eight days, federal authorities announced.

Sean Jack, 36, copped to Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and multiple Hobbs Act robberies as well as to brandishing firearms during the commission of robberies.

When sentenced, Jack faces up to life and a minimum of seven years in prison.

In September 2017, Jack and his cohort stuck up businesses in Ozone Park, Rosedale, Laurelton, Maspeth, Middle Village,

and East Elmhurst. According to prosecutors, each of the six robberies followed the same pattern. Jack and his partner in crime would enter the store or gas station and shop for various items. After bringing their selections to the counter, one of the robbers would brandish a firearm while the second robber would take money from the cash register. In each of the robberies, one or both of the robbers wore a wig.

In the Ozone Park armed robbery, Jack and company walked into the Dunkin’ Donuts shop located at the Speedway station on Cross Bay Boulevard, pulled out handguns and demanded a cashier fork over money. They made off with $50 after one of the perpetrators pistol whipped the em-

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

ACNE: Getting the problem under control Many of our patients are dealing with the effects that common acne can have on the lives of their children. As we know, peer pressure can lead to emotional trauma for teens and young adults and studies show that acne can act as an initial trigger for bullying.

Fortunately, this condition is one that has many remedies and can absolutely be brought under control with a little diligence and regimented hygiene.

Our pharmacy offers many OTC preparations that should be selected according to the areas on the face that the condition is prevalent and to individual skin types.

Acne is best characterized by pimples, which may be closed, called pustules or whiteheads and open, known as blackheads, and both types be found on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.

There is much debate as to why some people develop this condition and others do not. Scientists are all in agreement that genetics plays a factor in the disease, and that mom is more scientifically responsible than dad.

Certain foods have long been blamed for breakouts, but actually those findings are not scientifically supported.

As a general rule of thumb, limiting fatty, greasy foods in the diet will help with overall

health as well as acne. Taking in too much sugar leads to the overproduction of body chemicals which cause a buildup of sebum in the body and increase inflammation, promoting acne.

We'd like to offer our help, beginning with the following tips to bring acne under control.

The first thing is to choose a cleanser, specifically for acne that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This will help to clear acne sores, as well as to offer an even, less reddened appearance to the skin.

Washing your face gently is the best way to clean it. Scrubbing can actually traumatize the skin and can cause sores to rupture. Wash your face with your hands, gently massaging troubled areas and avoid all abrasive cloths.

If you have dry skin and need a moisturizer, make sure it is light and non-comedogenic. Ask the pharmacist to help you choose the right cleansing preparation for your face.

Most importantly, never, ever pick. It will leave you with more inflammation than before and will cause scarring.

Begin your road to clear, acne free skin with a trip to the dermatologist and consult with your local pharmacist about the preparations that are best for you.

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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ployee. “As he has now admitted, Sean Jack participated in numerous armed robberies including one in which an employee of a gas station was pistol-whipped,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Richard Dono-

ghue. “Combatting gun-related crime is a priority of this Office and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will work tirelessly to prosecute criminals like the defendant who terrorize hard-working citizens of our community.”

State Report Backs Marijuana Legalization

By Michael V. Cusenza

The findings of an exhaustive State investigation support legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

“The positive effects of a regulated marijuana market in NYS outweigh the potential negative impacts,” New York Health officials wrote in the “Assessment of the Potential Impact of Regulated Marijuana in New York State,” released on Friday. “Areas that may be a cause for concern can be mitigated with regulation and proper use of public education that is tailored to address key populations. Incorporating proper metrics and indicators will ensure rigorous and ongoing evaluation.”

The 74-page analysis, developed by numerous State agencies and subject matter experts in the fields of public health, mental health, substance use, public safety, transportation, and economics, is currently being reviewed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Although Cuomo had for

File Photo

“The positive effects of a regulated marijuana market in NYS outweigh the potential negative impacts,” the State Department of Health wrote in its report.

years indicated that he would not support any legislation calling for legalizing cannabis for recreational use, in his January 2018 budget address, he directed State agencies to evaluate the health, public safety, and economic impact of legalizing marijuana. The experience of legalized marijuana in surrounding states was identified as an important issue to consider in the impact assessment because the status quo in NY is changing as the State shares borders with some jurisdictions

10 JULY 19, 2018 • Number 29 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

that have legalized marijuana and some that are likely to legalize soon, such as New Jersey.

According to the assessment: • Regulation of marijuana benefits public health by enabling government oversight of the production, testing, labeling, distribution, and sale of marijuana. The creation of a regulated marijuana program would enable New York to better control licensing, ensure quality control and consumer protection, and set age and quantity

restrictions.

• The Empire State would be one of the largest potential regulated marijuana markets in the United States. As such, there is potential for substantial tax revenue in New York, which can be used to help support program initiatives in areas such as public health, education, transportation, research, law enforcement, and workforce development. Tax revenues can also support community reinvestment in health care and employment.

• Historically, marijuana criminalization has had a profound impact on communities of color and has led to disproportionate targeting of certain populations for arrest and prosecution. The overprosecution of marijuana has significant negative economic, health, and safety impacts that have disproportionately affected low-income communities of color. Legalization of marijuana will address this important social justice issue.

• The development of the

assessment involved discussions of myriad issues that relate to implementation of a legalized marijuana program, rather than the impact, State officials noted. Much of the impact of a regulated marijuana program is contingent on program implementation. While some implementation issues have been described in the assessment, further exploration will be required should the State move toward legalization.

A regulated marijuana market in New York could have a positive impact on the opioid crisis, the assessment also noted. According to officials, studies of some states with medical marijuana programs and/ or regulated adult-use have found notable associations of reductions in opioid deaths and opioid prescribing with the availability of marijuana products. Additionally, following legalization of adult-use marijuana in Colorado, the state saw a short-term reversal of the upward trend in opioid-related deaths.

‘We Put Politics and Party Affiliations aside when it comes to Veterans Affairs’: Addabbo

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DHoward Beach) recently heralded the “success” the Senate and Assembly had during this past session in Albany, with both houses passing seven bills focused on veterans’ needs. All of the measures are currently awaiting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature to be made into law.

“In Albany, we put politics and party affiliations aside when it comes to veterans affairs,” Addabbo said as he sat on a panel last week at City & State’s “A Lifetime of Service: Honoring Veterans Who Make NY Better” event in Manhattan. “Being a Democrat or Republican doesn’t matter when you are crafting legislation to help the brave men and women who enter the Armed Forces, and together we have done some amazing things for our veterans.”

One of those seven bills, cosponsored by Addabbo, would create a task force on veteran em-

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

Senator Addabbo was part of a panel that convened last week at City & State’s “A Lifetime of Service: Honoring Veterans Who Make NY Better” event in Manhattan.

ployment opportunities which would hold bi-annual public hearings and generate reports on recommendations and the development of methods to help veterans find and maintain employment as a way to combat the growing

number of homeless veterans in the state. Addabbo also touted a measure that would establish the Hire-a-Vet Tax Credit program, which provides a tax credit for employers who hire veterans for at least 35 hours a week for at least

one year.

“Although we have done a lot for our veterans, there is still more to be done,” said Addabbo, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

“There were several bills that were left on the floor of the Senate and Assembly during this session, and we need to come back next year and make sure more of these important pieces of legislation are made into law.”

More than $15 million of this fiscal year’s budget has been allocated to veterans’ issues, Addabbo noted, including $12.9 million for State Veterans Affairs, and $500,000 for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder research.

Addabbo also said that part of paying back vets for their service is making sure they are aware of all the benefits available to them throughout the Empire State.

“I believe that every day is Veterans Day and as elected officials it is our job to do more than just create programs th at people can use,” the senator added. “We must make sure that those who can use these veterans programs know about them and have the access to benefit from the programs.”

Audit Indicates State Missing Nearly $2.4M in Uncollected Tolls

By Forum Staff The amount of unpaid tolls has risen since the expansion of cashless tolling by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority— and it is likely to increase, according to a recently released audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The audit, which covered a period from Jan. 1, 2013 to Aug. 20, 2017, found that TBTA did not maximize toll collection for a variety of reasons, including license plate images that could not be processed and an inability to obtain addresses for some out-of-state drivers, resulting in potential lost revenue of $2.4 million. The lost revenue calculation is a conservative estimate, DiNapoli noted, based on the assumption that all unbilled tolls are cars. The toll for a five-axle tractor trailer is almost five-anda-half times that of a car.

Prior to 2017, only the Henry Hudson Bridge used electronic tolling as the “Open Road Tolling” system was tested. During 2017, as cashless tolling expanded to all nine TBTA crossings the number of unbilled tolls increased dramatically, according to the audit. In the first eight months of 2017, there were nearly 200,000

Comptroller DiNapoli warned that unpaid transactions could rise as cashless tolling expands.

unbilled tolls, up from 47,240 in 2016. In monetary terms, in 2016 when the Henry Hudson Bridge was the only facility using cashless tolls, unbilled transactions totaled $259,820. By Aug. 20, 2017, when all of the authority’s crossings had instituted cashless tolling, that number skyrocketed to $1.6 million.

The audit noted that up to six images are captured per vehicle, but only the “best” two are sent for billing review. TBTA provided au-

ditors with details of the unbilled toll transactions from rejected images, which totaled 340,851 from Jan. 1, 2013 through Aug. 20, 2017. These included transactions for the Henry Hudson Bridge and six other TBTA crossings for 2017. Auditors reviewed 61 images and determined four of them were incorrectly rejected and could be used for billing purposes.

Another challenge DiNapoli’s audit identified was the absence

File Photo

of agreements that would allow TBTA to get out-of-state drivers’ addresses for temporary license plates from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

The audit also found that the three law firms hired by TBTA were not effective in collecting from persistent toll violators. As of May 2, 2017, two firms were assigned 241 cases with $5.5 million. Of that amount, $1.9 million was settled for $653,290 with $181,890 collected. The TBTA

paid the two firms $69,027 and stopped sending cases to one of them, citing its lack of responsiveness to its directions.

The third firm had one case with a settlement of $438,215 of which $53,182 was collected.

The audit recommended that the TBTA: • Improve New York Customer Service Center’s access to more image files.

• Regularly review and monitor the rejected image process to ensure rejected images are categorized correctly.

• Require that vendors take action (and document such actions) to obtain temporary license plate registration information from out-of-state DMVs. • Document the business practice changes as a result of transitioning from outside to in-house counsel, prepare cost-benefit analysis, and establish a completion date for the transition.

DiNapoli noted that while the TBTA agreed with most of the audit recommendations and has taken action to implement some of them. TBTA officials did not agree with the audit's description of the growth in the number of unbilled tolls after the implementation of Open Road Tolling at all

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 11

City Launches $100M Plan to Modernize Freight Distribution System

By Forum Staff The City is set to pour $100 million into a plan to overhaul the Big Apple’s aging freight-distribution systems through investments to modernize maritime and rail assets and establish new distribution facilities, with the ultimate goals of creating nearly 5,000 good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and a more sustainable and resilient supply chain network, the de Blasio administration announced on Monday.

“Freight NYC is one of the most ambitious re-imaginings of how 8.5 million New Yorkers – and the tens of millions more in our region – share, sell, and buy the goods that keep our economy thriving,” said Alicia Glen, deputy mayor for Housing and Economic Development. “It will modernize our shipping sector, strengthen our economy, and improve the air we breathe.”

According to the administration, Freight NYC leverages three strategies to modernize and strengthen the city’s freight-distribution industry: Investing in Multimodal Infrastructure Working with the Port Authority of NY & NJ, administration officials said the City will

Photo Courtesy of NYCEDC

FreightNYC, according to Mayor de Blasio, is the administration’s plan to overhaul the city’s aging freight distribution systems through investments to modernize maritime and rail assets and establish new distribution facilities, with the ultimate goals of creating nearly 5,000 good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and a more sustainable and resilient supply chain network.

invest in marine terminals and barging operations, and support the modernization and expansion of rail lines and freight facilities,

creating approximately 900 jobs.

Highlights include: developing a barge terminal to serve the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center

in the Bronx, allowing produce and other food products to reach Hunts Point by water, rather than by truck; constructing a barge terminal at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park to connect Brooklyn’s consumer base to the new barge network; and reactivating underutilized rail lines by constructing new transload facilities within the existing rights-of-way and new passing lanes to alleviate track congestion.

Creating New Freight Distribution Hubs Through public-private partnerships, the City has said it will develop new distribution, warehousing, and transload facilities to meet increasing demand. This, according to officials, will help ensure the City can sustain the demands of its growing population, while creating secondary pathways to move goods in the event of adverse climate impact and other major disruptions. Highlights include: on July 20, the City Economic Development Corporation will release a request for proposal for a private partner to build an urban distribution center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal that is at least 500,000 square-feet, estimated to create 500 jobs in Sunset Park; and NYCEDC will release an RFP next

week for a 4-acre site near John F. Kennedy International Airport to develop an air cargo and distribution facility that will help meet the needs of current businesses while ensuring the efficient flow of airport goods and maintaining JFK’s position as a leading international freight destination.

Promoting the Use of Clean Trucks The City said it will encourage the deployment of cutting-edge and emission-free trucks on NYC streets for last-mile delivery. Highlights include: supporting the expansion of the City Department of Transportation’s Hunts Point Clean Trucks Program to other truck hubs and Industrial Business Zones. The program offers a rebate to applicants that replace, retrofit, or retire older, heavypolluting diesel trucks; supporting the development of clean fuel infrastructure in freight hubs, including sites for compressed natural gas and electric charging, while promoting truck safety measures to help meet DOT’s Vision Zero goals; and piloting initiatives for tenants in City-owned properties to green their own supply chains through logistics consolidation, carbon-neutral shipping, and use of clean vehicles.

City Kicks off Dockless Bike-Share Pilot Program in Rockaway

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Department of Transportation on Friday welcomed the Big Apple’s first-ever dockless bicycles to the Rockaway Peninsula, as two different companies began operations under a pilot program managed by DOT. Last month, DOT officials visited Community Board 14, unveiled the plans and established boundaries for the pilot area.

After community feedback, DOT expanded the Rockaways pilot area, which now runs from the Nassau County border west to Jacob Riis Park and the boundary of Breezy Point. Riders can now use the Lime or Pace bicycle-sharing mobile applications to rent bikes all along the peninsula.

“At 10 miles long, the Rockaway Peninsula offers tremendous opportunities – for sun, recreation, delicious food and so much more – but distances are often just too long to walk,” DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said on Friday in Rockaway Beach.

“With a dockless bike, the miles from Jacob Riis Park to the A train or from the NYC Ferry dock to one of many great restaurants will seem so much more conquerable and fun. I for one cannot wait to explore those miles

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Riders can now use the Lime or Pace bicycle-sharing mobile apps to rent bikes all along the Rockaway Peninsula.

on a dockless bike.”

According to the administration, for the Rockaways dockless pilot, Pace will offer 50 bikes starting last Friday, with a total of 200 bicycles available within a week. Lime, which offers both regular and pedal-assist bikes, introduced 100 regular bikes last Friday and will add 100 pedal-assist bikes after July 28. Under a rule adopted last month

by DOT, pedal-assist dockless bikes can be

12 JULY 19, 2018 • Number 29 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

operational after Saturday, July 28 – the date when the rule clarifying pedal-assist bikes’ legal status goes fully into effect. Each company’s bikes are priced for rental at $1 per 30-minute ride – while Lime’s pedal-assist bikes will cost $1 to unlock and then 15 cents/minute thereafter.

“Bringing New York City’s first-ever dockless bicycles pilot program to the Rockaways will have a major positive impact on

the entire peninsula,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “By giving people the option to rent bicycles, DOT has made an effort to allow people a great way to access the Rockaways and for individuals to further enjoy what the peninsula has to offer, while also getting more cars off the road.”

The Rockaways is the first of four pilot areas where dockless bike share is rolling out. Later this month, the bike-share pilot will expand as bikes arrive on the North Shore of Staten Island with bikes provided by the dockless companies JUMP and Lime.

After that, bikes provided by JUMP and ofo will be provided in the area around Fordham University in the central Bronx. Later this year, Coney Island in Brooklyn will also host a pilot with dockless bikes supplied by Motivate, according to DOT. The City noted that during the pilot program, DOT will evaluate companies’ compliance with requirements around data accessibility and user privacy. Evaluation criteria will also include the safety, availability and durability of the bikes themselves.

In the evaluation period, DOT will also determine future steps, including the possible implementation of pilots in different or expanded geographic areas.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 13

Legal Notices OBI’S NEW YOK, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/23/2018.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to OBI’S NEW YORK, LLC, 1423425. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

RASOULPOUR TORREGOZA PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/08/2018. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to AMIR RASOULPOUR, 3540 82ND STREET, #5E, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Articles of organization for a New York LLC, to wit, ALL SQUARE REALTY, LLC whose principal business location is in Queens county, were filed with the NewYork State Department of State on April 23, 2018. The Secretary of State is designated agent for service of process. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her is c/o The LLC, 2268 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105-9997. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful activity to which a LLC may be organized under the LLCL of New York State.

Notice of formation of JENZ CRAFT CO LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/04/2018. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC, 11590 224th street, Cambria Heights, NY 11411. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of LEWIS CHEN DDS PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 12/26/2017. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 6111 215TH ST OAKLAND GARDENS, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

HSU & CHEN LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/22/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to HSU & CHEN LLC, 20112 43RD AVENUE, BAYSIDE, NY 11361.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

HEISER JEFFERSON LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/25/18. 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, 40-17 48th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

FOR THE BEST RATES IN CLASSIFED ADVERTISING CALL THE FORUM 718-845-3221

GA VIA TRANSPORT, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/24/18.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Juan Garcia, 1893 Stockholm Street, 1st Floor, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

ANNCHAR REALTY LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/15/1997.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 133-50 32nd Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of formation of Sunny NY Management LLC. Arts of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/30/2018. Office location: Queens. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy to 41-40 Union St. Apt 10F, Flushing, NY, 11355.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of RJ CAPITAL DEBT LLC. Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/14/2018. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC PO BOX 660007, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11366.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of EMPIRE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/21/2018. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC 132-70 SANFORD AVENUE, APT 3M,FLUSHING, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

INTERNATIONAL TRENDZ LLC. Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/25/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to THE LLC, 11922 204TH STREET, SUITE 2, QUEENS, NY 11412. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

L’ARCENCIEL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 05/09/2018. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to DENIZ KARAFAZLI, 2390 29TH STREET, APT 20, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Apple Tour LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 4/25/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 67-00 192nd St, Apt. 1100, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. General Purposes.

HUSNIE MERRICK REALTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/26/18. 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, 480 Villa Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

14 JULY 19, 2018 • Number 29 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

TO SPITI MOU, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/12/18.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 210-03 58th Ave Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

THE INDUSTRY PROJECT LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/05/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 19-25 22nd DR. Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Los Marinillos, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/16/2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has being designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to, Los Marinillos, LLC. 141-08 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LemonShark Poke Midtown East LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/18. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 38-19 223rd St., Bayside, NY 11361, Attn: Noel J. Shu. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of formation of BLUE BUTTERFLY MASSAGE THERAPY LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/08/2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has being designated as agent for service of process.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to, THE LLC, 179-66 ANDERSON RD., JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of ATELIER FAUCHEUX LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/21/2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has being designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to, ATELIER FAUCHEUX LLC, 9912 65TH ROAD #6H REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

67 FRESH LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/15/17. 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, 2222 75th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

609 EAGLE ROCK AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/25/18.

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, c/o Alma Bank, 31-10 37th Avenue, Suite 400, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ELLE BEE MEDIA LLC rticles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 01/24/18.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LAKEIA R. BROWN, 68-64 YELLOWSTONE BLVD. B46, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of Cinq Pictures, LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 5/2/18. 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, c/o CT Corporation System, 111 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011. DE addr. of LLC c/o Corporation Trust, 1209 Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901 on 7/27/17. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens county, on the 3rd day of JULY 2018, bearing Index No 564/18, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, Record Room 357, grants me the right to assume the name of GLENN SANDERS. My present address is 87-74 108th Street, Richmond Hill, New York 11418. My date of birth is February 7, 1999. The place of my birth is the Dominican Republic. My present name is GLEEN J PAULINO BAUTISTA a/k/a GLEEN, J PAULINO BAUTISTA Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 14 day of JUNE 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000556-18/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)RANDY (middle) JOHN (last) SARGENT. The city and state of my address is WOODHAVEN, NY. The date of my birth is AUGUST 1987; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is RANDY HOWARD KALLAHAN aka RANDY HOWARD SARGENT aka RANDY H. SARGENT Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 7 day of FEBRUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001241-17/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) VERA (middle) AMINTA (last) JOHNSON-WOODARD. The city and state of my address is 214 BEACH 96TH STREET, APT 2G, Far Rockaway, NY 11693. The date of my birth is AUGUST 22, 2000 ; place of my birth BROOKLYN, NY , my present name is VERA AMINTA WOODARD (infant) Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens County, on the 15 th day of MAY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000410-18/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 NIRMALA KISHUN. The city and state of my present address is SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY. The MONTH AND YEAR of my birth is FEBRUARY 1951; place of my birth is GUYANA; my present name is NIRMALA KISHUN KISSOON aka NIRMALA KISSOON KISHUN, aka NIRMALA KISHUN aka NIRMALA KISSOON

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 29, JULY 19, 2018 | 15

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16 JULY 19, 2018 • Number 29 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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