THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 37 • SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

JOE SCHOOL See Story on Page 3

As Academic Year Opens, Addabbo Urges Administration to Reconsider Shelter Sites Close to Kids

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (INSET) this week continued to call on Mayor Bill de Blasio to reconsider plans for homeless shelters in Ozone Park (PICTURED) and Glendale; the proposed facilities are in very close proximity to several local schools and parks.

File Photos

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 1

Nine Members of Violent ‘Bushwick Crew’ Charged with Four Murders

By Forum Staff

A 19-count superseding indictment was unsealed on Thursday in federal court charging five new suspects, and four previously charged defendants, for their roles in a drug-trafficking enterprise based in Queens and Brooklyn that resulted in at least four murders, according to prosecutors.

Known collectively as the “Bushwick Crew,” eight members have been charged with racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion conspiracy and heroin-distribution conspiracy; and a ninth defendant is charged with murder in aid of racketeering.

According to authorities, Maurice Brown, 27, Jaquan Cooper, 30, and Tyquan Griem, 28, were arrested last Wednesday; Norman Marrero, 35, was arraigned on Thursday and ordered detained; Lance Goodwin, 29, was arrested on Thursday.

The four previously charged defendants are: Luis Lopez, 36; Jason Pantojas, 30; Miguel Pantojas, 31; and Peter Vasquez, 31.

Luis Lopez’s Lamborghini (l.) and Peter Vasquez’s Rolls Royce

According to charging documents, the Bushwick Crew was involved in a large-scale heroin trafficking organization with Mexican cartel connections. Various members of the crew served as enforcers to protect its interests by arming themselves to escort drug traffickers, forcibly collecting drug debts and committing

acts of violence against anyone who interfered with the crew’s operations or offended its members.

Federal prosecutors said the crew’s crimes included the murders of Donte Williams, Gary Lopez, Rudy Superville, and Kelvin Johnson.

For example, on March 5, 2013, Gary Lopez and Superville

Alleged Gun Runners Feed‘Iron Pipeline’ from Virginia to Queens

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/M62

An AR-15 assault rifle, similar to the one that was confiscated as a result of the investigation.

days, transported them for distribution in the Empire State. Hughes then arranged A federal indictment was recently un- meetings with customers for the illegal sale sealed charging two men for their alleged of the firearms.

“Many gangs rely on illegal weapons roles in a gun-trafficking conspiracy involving the sale of nearly two-dozen firearms, to carry out criminal acts because they’re including an AR-15 multi-caliber rifle, ac- harder to trace,” said FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Bill Sweeney. “The cording to federal prosecutors.

Borough resident Derrick Hughes, 47, two subjects in this investigation were aland Ronald Robinson, 43, of Virginia, were legedly trafficking illegal weapons along arraigned last Wednesday and ordered de- the 95 Interstate corridor that leads directly onto Long Island. We are doing more and tained pending bail hearings.

According to the indictment, the opera- more every day with our law enforcement tion involved at least seven illegal firearms partner agencies to stop this pipeline, and transactions in New York between Janu- keep deadly weapons out of the hands of ary 2018 and April 2018, with sales tak- people who shouldn’t have them.”

If convicted, Hughes and Robinson face ing place in Rosedale and Valley Stream.

Robinson allegedly purchased two to three a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisfirearms at a time in Virginia, and within onment.

2 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

Photo Courtesy of DOJ

attempted to rob one of the crew’s main heroin distributors at the distributor’s apartment. Lopez and Superville were shot and wounded by the distributor. Brown, Vasquez, Luis Lopez, Jason Pantojas and his brother Miguel Pantojas were summoned by the distributor to the apartment where they beat and tortured Lopez and

Superville. Lopez called 911 to plead for help and was shot dead

by Brown. Superville attempted to flee the apartment and was fatally stabbed by Jason Pantojas. The bodies were doused with bleach and ammonia, wrapped in plastic and driven to a field in Queens

by Brown, Lopez and Vasquez, as well as other crew members. At the field, the victims were soaked with gasoline and ignited.

And on Sept. 20, 2014, Griem and the aforementioned heroin distributor went to a nightclub in Queens where a fight broke out. Griem retrieved a handgun stashed in a secret trap in the distributor’s car and opened fire, killing Kelvin Johnson.

Federal prosecutors noted that if convicted of the murder charges, Brown, Goodwin, Griem, Lopez, Jason Pantojas, Miguel Pantojas and Vasquez face mandatory life sentences. If convicted of the drug and gun-related charges, Cooper and Marrero face mandatory minimum sentences of 17 years’ and 20 years’ imprisonment, respectively, and a maximum of life behind bars.

Addabbo Looks to Continue Talks with Mayor about Reconsidering Ozone Park, Glendale Shelter Sites

By Michael V. Cusenza With the new academic year in full swing, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DHoward Beach) this week repeated his call to City Hall to reconsider homeless shelter sites in Ozone Park and Glendale due, in large part, to their close proximity to many schools and parks.

The proposed locations are: the former Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 8515 101st Ave. in Ozone Park, which is slated to become a homeless shelter for 113 single adult men with mental illness by early 2019; and a former factory at 78-16 Cooper Ave. in Glendale is once again being considered for a City shelter facility.

“Now that schools are open, we can all see the students and parents with strollers passing by a site that in the near future could house over 100 mentally ill men, with limited services,” said Addabbo, an Ozone Park native and resident.

In June, a City official indicated that the Department of Homeless Services had already notified area elected officials and Community Board 9 that “we’re opening a new shelter” on 101st Avenue.

Addabbo, his elected colleagues, and hundreds of concerned Ozone Park residents raged at the de Blasio administration

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

The former Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church located at 85-15 101st Ave. in Ozone Park is slated to become a homeless shelter for 113 mentally ill men by early 2019.

at rallies, press conferences, and town hall meetings.

“I believe DHS thought we would just roll over and play dead,” said Ozone Park Block Association President Sam Esposito, who has organized the demonstrations and even a personal hunger strike. “This is not a Democratic issue. This is not a Republican issue. This is OUR issue. It is about our

quality of life being interrupted by murders, stabbings, shootings, urinating, sitting on our properties. It is about the City’s lack of respect for us and our opinion.”

Addabbo has regularly ripped Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration on the subject.

“They don’t have a vision,” the senator said last month at a press conference an-

Creepy Crook Steals from Ozone Park Pads

Police believe the most recent burglary occurred on Sept. 4 in a residence near 86th Street and Pitkin Avenue.

By Michael V. Cusenza A brazen burglar has been plundering Ozone Park homes in the middle of the night—even as unsuspecting victims sleep just a few feet away, according to police and a published report.

The thief is wanted in connection with five residential break-ins between July 22 and Sept. 4. According to NBC 4 New York,

the suspect gains access into the houses via unlocked rear doors or windows, often in the overnight or early morning hours, and steals cash and other valuables.

The locations and dates of the incidents are: 133rd Avenue and 84th Street ( July 22); 133rd Avenue and 83rd Street (Aug. 2); 79th Street and Pitkin Avenue (Aug. 18); 84th Street and 108th Avenue (Sept. 1); and 86th Street

nouncing the filing of a lawsuit against de Blasio, City Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks, Lantern Community Services (shelter operator), and 101 Realty Group LLC (landlord).

“There is a far better way to serve the homeless. Prior administrations were helping homeless people—this administration refuses.”

Addabbo said that he has recently spoken to de Blasio about the Ozone Park and Glendale sites, and while he appreciates Hizzoner’s consideration, Addabbo noted that he intends to follow up on those conversations in the coming weeks.

“As a father with two young girls in the school system, I can relate to these parents’ concerns,” Addabbo added. “Our children’s safety is our utmost concern and sending them to school where homeless men — especially mentally ill men — are being housed is very concerning. I understand that my constituents are aware of the need to assist the homeless, but building large population shelters in such close proximity to several community schools is not the right answer. I look forward to continue working with Mayor de Blasio to find a solution to our city’s homelessness problem that works best for everyone.”

Forest Park Farmers Market Opens

Photo Courtesy of Google

Elected officials and community leaders on Saturday helped mark the grand opening of the first-ever Richmond Hill Farmers Market in Forest Park.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) secured $20,000 for the long-awaited stand.

“This new market gives residents direct access to fresh fruit and vegetables from locally sourced farmers—right in their backyard,” Ulrich added.

The market, which is operated by GrowNYC and is located near the Buddy Monument, will return every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Nov. 17.

and Pitkin Avenue (Sept. 4).

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All correspondencPhoto Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office es are strictly confidential.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 3

Cuomo Calls for Full Funding of 9/11 Victim Fund

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“New Yorkers have always banded together to support the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, and we will never let them be forgotten,” Gov. Cuomo said.

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Andrew Cuomo this week called on Congress to ensure full funding for the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

“New Yorkers have always banded together to support the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks,” Cuomo said on Monday, “and we will never let them be forgotten.”

Cuomo’s call comes on the heels of distressing published reports that indicate that the $7.3 billion fund may, at some point, run out of money. Fund Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya told the New York Daily News that the VCF conducts periodic assessments of its data. The most recent analysis was not encouraging.

“I’m starting to get a little concerned,” she said.

According to VCF Program Statistics, as of Aug. 31, 2018, the fund has found 20,874 claimants eligible for compensation. The VCF has made initial award determinations on 19,204 of those claims, and has issued revised awards on 5,011 claims due to an amendment or appeal. Thanks to an increase in applicants, the total amount awarded to date is approximately $4.3 billion.

Cuomo said on Monday that Congress really needs to pay close attention to the latest numbers.

“Some are suggesting that we dilute compensation to the next rounds of applicants due to diminution of funding. That is exactly the wrong approach. All are equally heroes to the nation, and all should be equally and fully funded,” the governor noted. “While significant funding is still available, it is critical that full funding is available for all who need it in the years to come, and I call on Congress to renew and expand the program. In New York, we will always stand with the victims of the attacks, and I will work with the New York delegation to lead the effort in ensuring that everyone receives the fair and ample compensation they deserve.”

In other Sept. 11 developments, Cuomo on Tuesday signed legislation to extend the period for workers and volunteers to file a Notice of Participation for lost wage and medical benefits as a result of their involvement in the rescue, recovery and clean-up operations following the attacks.

“We will never forget the selfless heroes who did not make it home that day, and we owe first responders and those who aided in the recovery effort an eternal debt of gratitude,” Cuomo said. “This bill rightly and fairly provides 9/11’s brave recovery workers and volunteers the time they need to receive the health benefits and compensation they deserve.”

4 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 5

EDITORIAL THE VOW Each Sept. 11 for the last 17 years—yes, 17—we have gathered at the myriad memorial sites across the five boroughs to recall the darkest day in our great Gotham’s history, the loss, the pain, the bravery, the climb back.

And whether we realize it or not, the act itself—coming together each year on that date—is the annual fulfillment of the promise to never forget, the renewal of that solemn vow to acknowledge the magnitude of the tragedy and the might of our recovery.

However, a singular onyx cloud hung over this year’s ceremonies.

That cloud is the news that the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund – the reserve that was created to provide compensation for any individual who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of Sept. 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes – may soon be in peril.

According to a New York Daily News report this week, as a result of an increase in the number of applicants, the $7.3 billion fund may run out of money—sooner rather than later, before everyone affected can be helped.

“Looking at the data more recently,

I’m starting to get a little concerned,” VCF Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya told the News.

According to VCF Program Statistics, as of Aug. 31, 2018, the fund has found 20,874 claimants eligible for compensation. The VCF has made initial award determinations on 19,204 of those claims, and has issued revised awards on 5,011 claims due to an amendment or appeal. Thanks to an increase in applicants, the total amount

LEGALLY SPEAKING

For many of us who live in and work around New York City, taking public transportation is part the routine of our daily lives. According to the MTA’s official website, they are the largest public transportation network in the country, serving more than 15 million riders on the subways, buses, and Long Island Railroad, and they employ more than 73,000* people.

Most of the time, our commutes are uneventful. However, we all have our own transportation horror stories to tell -- trains arriving hours late or breaking down, rail lines closed for repairs or emergencies, air conditioning not working, or being in the company of an unruly, drunk, or perhaps mentally unstable individual.

As commuters we expect to arrive at our destinations on time and safely. As employees, you expect to perform your duties safely and without threat of harm.

Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled. Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.

Unfortunately for many MTA employees, this is not the case. My office has handled hundreds of cases regarding injuries that occurred within the transportation system. Subway conductors and bus operators, mechanics, token booth clerks, cleaners, and track equipment maintainers are all MTA jobs that are necessary to move millions of riders each year. These MTA workers are typically represented by the Transit Workers Union Local 100, which regularly gets reports of their injured employees. Yet, while the union knows that workplace injuries are the unfortunate part of the job, the general public often does not realize the extent of just how dangerous an MTA job can actually be.

There are so many instances of workers being injured or even killed that have made the news. In March, a track worker who was making repairs died when he fell

6 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

awarded to date is approximately $4.3 billion.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said Congress needs to act.

“While significant funding is still available, it is critical that full funding is available for all who need it in the years to come, and I call on Congress to renew and expand the program,” Cuomo demanded. “In New York, we will always stand with the victims of the attacks, and I will work with the

New York delegation to lead the effort in ensuring that everyone receives the fair and ample compensation they deserve.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.) said “the moral obligation of Congress to stand by every one of these heroes who stood up for this nation continues.

“As we near the expiration of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund in 2020, our job is not done,” Gillibrand added. “It would be unconscionable for Congress to once again put cops, firefighters and other first responders through the agony and uncertainty of waiting until the last minute of a deadline to extend this essential and well-managed program.

Along with my colleagues in the New York Congressional delegation, I am hopeful we can work across the aisle to do the right thing and get this done now.”

We need to make sure Congress— the people’s lawmaking body—comes together well before 2020 to extend the fund and all the good it does. So contact your elected representatives and demand they do what’s right for those who did right by us 17 years ago on that bright Tuesday morning in Lower Manhattan.

9 feet onto the tracks. Some accidents are caused by slipping and falling on the tracks, others by lifting heavy equipment or as a result of sitting long hours in a fixed position. Some work-related injuries occur because of unsafe work conditions. Some occur in the absence of fault.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a rising trend of injuries occurring when workers find themselves in the line of fire from riders.

Recently there were a string of pepper spray attacks on bus drivers. Two occurred in Brooklyn on the same day, with more following just a few days later.

Thankfully the drivers suffered only minor injuries. In June, a conductor in Brooklyn was attacked, and a month later another was attacked in Queens. In August, video was released of a subway conductor being punched by an angry couple upset that their train schedule was changed.

And if all of these incidents were not bad enough, sadly, three Transit workers died this year from illnesses contracted working at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks in 2001.

The increase in attacks on transit workers is outrageous and in a rare display of solidarity, both the Transit Workers Union and the MTA have united in their efforts to put an end to the attacks on workers. While riding public transportation is getting more and more frustrating, the answer is not to attack the working men and women who work for the transit system. The majority of time something has gone wrong, it’s not their fault. Everyone, no matter what industry they work in, expects and deserves to have a safe work space free from assaults and injuries. *2017 statistics from the official MTA website.

State AG Establishes Clergy Abuse Hotline and Online Complaint Form

By Forum Staff Victims of clergy abuse within the New York dioceses of the Catholic Church and anyone with information regarding such incidents can now call a hotline or fill out an online complaint form, State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced on Thursday.

Victims and people with information about abuse are encouraged to call (800) 771-7755, or file a complaint at ag.ny.gov/ ClergyAbuse.

An investigator will review all allegations, Underwood pledged; and the Attorney General Office and law-enforcement partners will seek to protect victims’ and witnesses’ identities.

Thursday’s announcement is part of the AG’s ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of children within New York dioceses, and follows last month’s unveiling of the comprehensive findings of a statewide investigative grand jury that spent two years uncovering abuse of children by priests, and a systematic cover up spanning decades by senior church leaders in Pennsylvania and the Vatican.

“The Pennsylvania grand jury report shined a light on incredibly disturbing and depraved acts by Catholic clergy, assisted by a culture of secrecy and cover ups in the

Photo Courtesy of Miguel Gutierrez

State Attorney General Barbara Underwood

dioceses. Victims in New York deserve to be heard as well – and we are going to do everything in our power to bring them the justice they deserve,” Underwood said.

The AG’s Charities Bureau has launched a civil investigation into how the dioceses and other church entities – which are nonprofit institutions – reviewed and poten-

tially covered up allegations of extensive sexual abuse of minors.

Additionally, as announced last month, the Attorney General’s Criminal Division is also seeking to partner with district attorneys – which are the only entities that currently have the power to convene grand juries to investigate these matters – to investigate and,

if warranted, prosecute any individuals who have committed criminal offenses that fall within the applicable statutes of limitations.

Underwood said that it’s important to note that many cases of abuse may not be prosecutable given New York’s statutes of limitations. However, she added that she encourages any victim of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy to participate in this investigation, even if they believe that their information may be outside the statute of limitations for a court case. All victim information will be helpful to understanding and reforming the institutional approach of the Church, regardless of whether an individual case can be prosecuted.

The New York Attorney General’s Office has repeatedly urged the State Legislature to pass the Child Victims Act, which would allow all victims to file civil suits until age 50 and seek criminal charges until age 28.

Under current law, victims only have until age 23 to file civil cases or seek criminal charges for most types of child sexual abuse; some of the most serious child sex crimes have no time limit on the bringing of criminal charges, but only for conduct that occurred in 2001 or later. “[M]ake no mistake: The only way that justice can fully and truly be served is for the Legislature to finally pass the Child Victims Act,” Underwood said.

Seniors Warned about Phone Scams Targeting ‘Grandparents’

By Forum Staff State Attorney General Barbara Underwood on Friday—National Grandparents Day—issued an alert to New Yorkers about the “Grandparent Scam,” a common phone scheme that targets seniors with calls from fraudsters that pose as a grandchild asking for money.

According to the AG, a senior receives an unexpected call from someone who claims to be their grandchild. The caller says there is an emergency and asks the grandparent to immediately send money.

For example, the caller might say, “Grandma, I’m in Canada and got arrested for drunk driving. I need bail money fast.” Or the caller may claim to have been mugged while away from home, or that his car broke down while he was on vacation. The caller may also pose as an attorney or a law enforcement official contacting the grandparent on behalf of a grandchild, Underwood noted.

The scammers often call in the middle of the night to take advantage of the fact that the victim may not be alert enough to ask more questions, and that the victim may not want to disturb other family members by calling them to confirm the information, the AG added.

If you or a loved one has been targeted by such a scam, call (800) 771-7755.

Victims are often instructed to go out and buy pre-paid debit cards or gift cards and to call back and read the serial number on the cards, allowing the crook to transfer the funds. Victims often lose thousands of dollars and the money is rarely recovered, as the scammers can be calling from anywhere in the world. The scam is severely underreported, Underwood said, as many victims are embarrassed and do not want to tell anyone that they fell for the ruse.

Courtesy of The Alive Inside Foundation

“Stealing from seniors by exploiting their love for their grandchildren is despicable,” she fumed.

In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission received 18,912 complaints of individuals impersonating family members and friends, up from 15,076 in 2016.

Underwood offered tips to protect against the Grandparent Scam: • Be suspicious of anyone who calls unexpectedly asking you to send money.

• Never purchase pre-paid debit cards or gift cards for the purpose of transferring money.

• Develop a secret code or “password” with family members that can be used to verify the identity of family members over the phone.

• Ask a question that only the real grandchild would know the answer to, such as “What was the name of your first pet?”

• Verify any supposed emergency by calling friends and family before sending money.

The attorney general also shared a public service announcement featuring the “Grandkids against the Grandparent Scam” initiative, in which high school students are enlisted to warn their parents and grandparents about the scam. The PSA features pop culture icon Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who shares her experience about almost falling victim to the scheme.

Additional information from Underwood about the Grandparent Scam is available in a brochure on the AG’s website at ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/grandparent_scheme_brochure.pdf.

Underwood also encouraged New Yorkers who have been targeted by the scam to call the AG’s Consumer Helpline: (800) 771-7755.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 7

Seventeen Years Later, City Still Mourns

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Motorcycle enthusiasts participate in the annual “Run for Richie” on Sunday in honor of Richard Allen Pearlman, the Howard Beach resident and Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps EMT who sacrificed his life at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 attacks.

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Current and former elected officials pay their respects during the ceremony.

By Michael V. Cusenza On Tuesday, 17 years after the Big Apple was maimed to its core, New Yorkers, from Breezy Point to Battery Park City—and every unique nook in between—renewed their vow to never forget Sept. 11, 2001, and the heroes and victims that define that Tuesday, by participating in solemn memorial ceremonies, and penning profound statements of commemoration.

“Seventeen years ago, as the world witnessed a heinous act of barbaric terrorism, we also saw the best of our nation as thou-

sands of firefighters, police officers, federal and local law enforcement officers, medical workers, construction workers, and other heroes selflessly rushed to Ground Zero to answer the call of duty,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “2,977 souls lost their lives that horrific day while thousands more stayed on the pile day after day and month after month, first to recover remains, and then to rebuild.”

City Councilman Eric Ulrich added, “Seventeen years may seem like a long time ago, but for so many loved ones left behind it still feels like yesterday.”

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

An FDNY officer places flowers at the Reflecting Pools on Tuesday at the 9/11 Memorial.

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The Freedom Tower standing sentry in the background on Tuesday.

8 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Maspeth Memorial Park

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Photos Courtesy of NYPD; City Council; and Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Members of the 106th Precinct observe moments of silence outside their stationhouse on 101st Street.

Feds Have no Clear Plan to Fill 45K+ Vacant VA Healthcare Jobs: Schumer

By Forum Staff More than 45,000 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs jobs are unfilled, according to a recently released VA report and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who said on Sunday that he will be spearheading a new push to fill the most critical jobs, deliver new federal dollars to VA health care and then hold the agency “accountable to action.”

Schumer said he worries that vets—including the 800,000 that call the Empire State home— could be waiting for months to receive both critical and routine care.

The VA released data on vacancies as required under the MISSION ACT on Aug. 31. The department reported a total of 45,239 overall vacancies. Within the overall number of vacancies, 40,456 are in the Veterans Health Administration. New York claims more than 1,800 of these vacancies, the majority of which are in New York City and Long Island, Schumer noted.

Under the senator’s plan, the upcoming Senate Appropriations

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer’s Office

“When when we get back to Washington this week I will be making an all-out push to lock in new federal dollars for the VA so they can use the dollars to fill these jobs before vets’ care really suffers,” Sen. Schumer promised.

Bill would include a new surge of fed dollars for in-house medical care at the VA—roughly $750 million. The surge would bring the total appropriation for the VA to almost $50 billion. On Sunday,

Schumer said that he is demanding the VA use these funds to devise a plan to fill the vacancies and report the progress to Congress.

“The point is a simple one: our veterans should not have to fight a

war with the VA to receive the kind of health care they both need and deserve,” Schumer added. “To know that there are forty-five thousand critical jobs, most in the Veterans Health Administration, unfilled is

unacceptable and demands immediate action. That is why when we get back to Washington this week I will be making an all-out push to lock in new federal dollars for the VA so they can use the dollars to fill these jobs before vets’ care really suffers. And I will hold them to this demand, especially if they are to receive this surge in dollars.”

Schumer also noted that the American Legion has voiced concern over the large number of vacancies and suggested that “the shortage of employees can lead to overworked staff, poor patient experiences and lower quality of care.” According to the veteran’s organization, exemplary patient care within the VA care network has been shown to decrease the risk of suicide. Additionally, it surveyed veterans about their experience at the VA: 54 percent of surveyed veterans “stated that the process of getting mental health care was burdensome, and 49 percent stated that it was not easy to schedule an appointment.” Moreover, 77 percent of veterans said that the VA needed to improve veteran care.

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Sikhs Celebrate in Richmond Hill

Hundreds gathered in Richmond Hill enue. on Sunday to celebrate Nagar Kirtan, the The annual event was sponsored by Sikh parade featuring the processional the Sikh Cultural Society. singing of holy hymns along 101st AvPhoto Courtesy of NYPD

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The Two Sides of Prescription Meds: Supplementing your care Our patients are on a variety of everyday meds to keep chronic conditions in check. But many are not aware that medication can do you harm while helping you.

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Blood sugar control like Metformin depletes: Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid and cardiovascular protector coenzyme Q10.

Supplements needed: Vitamin B12 ( 200-1,000 mcg, Folic acid 400-800 mcg, and CoQ10 30-200 mg.

High Cholesterol meds (STATINS) like LIPITOR, CRESTOR, ZOCOR, etc., depletes CoQ10 Supplements needed: 100-300 mg of CoQ10. Hypertension meds like Beta-Blockers: atenolol (Tenormin®), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL®), and propranolol (Inderal®) depletes CoQ10 and reduce Melatonin production.

Supplements needed: 100-300mg of CoQ10.

Diuretics Furosemide (Lasix®) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ®) depletes: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C, B1 and B6, and Zinc. Supplements needed: wellbalanced, complete multivitamin supplement

containing key nutrients and Calcium (1,000mg).

Heartburn and Acid Reflux Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), H2 blockers (Pepcid®, Zantac®), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Nexium®, Prevacid®, Protonix®, and Aciphex® depletes: B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Supplements needed: Vitamin B12, Whey Protein Supplement, Calcium (1,000- 1,200mg), Omega-3 fatty acids (1,0002,000 mg), high quality, broad spectrum probiotic Constipation meds like Mineral Oil, Lactulose (Enulose®), Miralax and Senna (Senokot®) depletes: Fat Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron and Zinc.

Supplements needed: Broad Spectrum Probiotic (daily), Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 mg), Calcium (1,000-2,000 mg) and 500mg of Magnesium, Zinc (25-50mg) Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Celexa®, Lexapro®, Zoloft®, Paxil® and Prozac®, deletes: Melatonin, B vitamins, Supplements needed: specifically, group-B vitamins, Co Q10- 100-300 mg daily, Folic Acid 800mcg daily, SAMe – 200 mg twice daily, Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 mg daily).

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Healthcare Cuts Could Hurt Millions of NYers: DiNapoli

By Forum Staff Proposals by President Donald Trump and some members of Congress could cut federal funding for Medicaid and other publicly funded health plans, according to recently released report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The analysis, “7 Million and Counting: More New Yorkers Benefit from State Health Coverage,” examines the expansion of Medicaid and other state healthcare programs over the last 10 years that now cover more than a third of the state’s estimated 19.8 million residents. The report found that the number of people covered by Medicaid and other major State programs rose by 57 percent over the past decade, to more than 7 million, largely due to enactment of the Affordable Care Act and other changes in federal and state healthcare policies.

“There are disturbing calls in Washington to repeal the ACA and make radical changes to Medicaid,” DiNapoli said. “We cannot go backwards on health care and force people to choose between buying groceries or seeing a doctor. We need more people to have access to quality health care, not fewer. These cuts would also impact the State budget and require difficult decisions to cover shortfalls.”

Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan and subsidized coverage through the State’s health insurance marketplace, New York State of Health, cost a total of more than

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office

“We cannot go backwards on health care and force people to choose between buying groceries or seeing a doctor,” Comptroller DiNapoli warned.

$75 billion in State Fiscal Year 2017-18.

Medicaid, according to DiNapoli, covered a monthly average of nearly 6.2 million people in SFY 2017-18. Medicaid enrollment in the state historically has been concentrated in New York City, where enrollment rose 28.6 percent over the past decade.

10 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Spending for New York’s Medicaid program totaled $69.4 billion in SFY 2017-18, an increase of nearly $24 billion, or 52.4 percent, since SFY 2008-09. Federal funding paid for 54 percent of state Medicaid costs in the last fiscal year and represented the majority of the spending growth in the previous decade. Fed-

eral resources support even higher percentages of the spending for the other major health coverage programs funded through the State budget.

In 2015, New York joined Minnesota as one of only two states in the nation to establish a Basic Health Program (known in New York as the Essential Plan), a low-cost health insurance option authorized by the ACA and largely funded by the federal government. The Essential Plan is available to New Yorkers under age 65 that meet certain income requirements and are not eligible for Medicaid, CHP or affordable employer-sponsored coverage.

Over the first three years of operation, enrollment in the Essential Plan rose to nearly 729,000 individuals. That number is projected by the Division of the Budget to grow to about 742,000 by 2022.

CHP provides subsidized coverage for uninsured children under age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid and live in homes with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. CHP provided coverage to 350,495 children in SFY 2017-18. The program was initially funded only by the State, but in 1997 New York began receiving federal funding to support a portion of the program costs, which the ACA subsequently increased. As a result, the federal share of spending on New York’s CHP program has grown to approximately $1.7 billion out of the $2 billion in total program costs.

By Forum Staff

Hillcrest Man, 75, Pleads Guilty in ‘Teen’ Sex Sting

A Queens senior will spend five months of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree attempted rape last week.

Criminal Court Judge Stephanie Zaroindicated that she would sentence the defendant to five months jail and 10 years probation on November 28, 2018. Also as a result of his plea, Joel Einhorn will be required to register as a sex offender.

Einhorn, 75, of Utopia Parkway in Hillcrest , had repeated conversations online, with a female he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover investigator from the New York State Police who is assigned to cases involving the use of the internet to entice children to have sex.

The defendant sent sexually explicit text messages to the girl to set up a meeting for a sexual encounter.

In October 2016, acting in his capacity as a 13-year-old female, the investigator responded to a personal ad on Craigslistentitled, Daddy looking for “real” Queens “girl.” No flakes Einhorn placed a personal ad on Craigslist titled “Daddy looking for ‘real’ Queens ‘girl’ No flakes (M4W).”

(M4W).

Courtesy of Craigslist

Over the course of the next month, Einhorn chatted online with the investigator, who told him on more than one occasion that he was a 13-year-old girl living in Queens.

During those conversations, Einhorn used explicit sexual language and discussed various ways he planned to sexually please her and his desire to meet with the teenager for sex.

On November 17, 2016, Einhorn was arrested when he arrived in his red 2015 Honda civic, at a pre-arranged meeting location in Queens.

Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered an open black bag containing sexual paraphernalia.

“The defendant has admitted to trying to meet an underage teenager whom he was conversing online with for a month seeking sex. He will now go to jail for his actions,” said DA Richard Brown. “This case underscores the importance of internet surveillance by law enforcement to protect children from sexual predators. Parents must closely monitor their children’s internet activities and not let youngsters become victims of sexual predators.”

Reputed Members of Violent Jamaica Bloods Gang Indicted on Charges of Conspiracy to Kill Rivals

By Forum Staff Gang violence has again been successfully targeted by the Queens DA’s office and the NYPD, after six members of the Wood City Gang- a subset of the Bloods - were indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to kill rival gang members between April 2017 and June 2017.

District Attorney Brown said, “This indictment is another example of police and prosecutors working together to eliminate gang violence. The defendants in this case are accused of shooting at two rival gang members - creating havoc in our neighborhoods and threatening the lives and safety of innocent bystanders.” District Attorney Brown continued, “The defendants are variously accused of turning our communities into danger zones with senseless gun violence. The individuals are charged with acting in concert with one or more co-defendants to shoot and wound rival gang members. Their alleged criminal and violent acts have no place in a civilized society.”

The six defendants – ranging in age from 22 to 29 – operated within the confines of the New York City Police Department’s 113th

on April 3, 2017, a member of the Wood City gang was targeted in a shooting by a rival gang member. In retaliation, on April 4, 2017, defendant Kaminski Gauthier is alleged to have attempted to kill two members of the SNOW street gang. On May 24, 2017, a member of the SNOW gang was the subject of an attempted murder allegedly by defendants Brandon Bledman and James Gomez. Ballistics showed the gun used in the shooting belonged to Bledman. The following day, during a phone call between Bledman and another individual, the two discussed the previous day’s shooting and indicated defendant Gomez was involved.

Then, on June 13, 2017, defendants Nahzaya Grant and Demetires Anderson were seen on surveillance video footage before and during a shooting of a rival gang member.

Courtesy of cliffdumas.com NYPD Commissioner Paul Authorities used various investigative techniques, including monitoring of dialogue on social media pages belonging to gang members.

O’Neill said, “Precisely targeting violent criminals like these, the and 103rd Precinct, specifically the City Police Department’s Queens conversations and dialogue on small percentage of our populageographical area in and around South Gang Squad’s Criminal In- social media pages belonging to tion responsible for driving much Springfield Gardens and St. Albans vestigations Task Force and the gang members. On the recordings of the violence and disorder, is within Jamaica.

Queens District Attorney’s Gang and social media, gang members the way we will continue to keep The criminal charges are set Violence and Hate Crimes Bureau discussed a previous shooting and all New Yorkers safe. Dismantling forth in a 22-count indictment. used a multi-pronged platform in their intentions to target other ri- gangs and preventing the violence associated with them, is our way The long-term investigation their joint investigation. vals in future shootings.

– spearheaded by the New York They monitored telephone According to the indictment, forward.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 11

Property Tax Burden Doubled for Half of City Filers in Last Decade: Stringer

By Forum Staff Over the last decade, property tax rates have increased at triple the rate of incomes, making it nearly twice as hard to pay for these taxes for city households with incomes less than $100,000, according to a report released on Thursday by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Stringer’s analysis, “Growing Unfairness: The Rising Burden of Property Taxes on Low-Income Households,” details the disparity in how property tax burdens have grown for working families, and highlights what Stringer characterized as “the ineffectiveness of current property tax relief programs, which are narrowly funded, highly restrictive, and fail to support struggling New York City homeowners.”

The report spotlights the significant impact that property tax increases have had on households making less than $250,000, particularly for homeowners earning less than $100,000 per year who make up roughly half of all city property tax filers and experience the most significant burdens. Spe-

cifically: • Households making less than $50,000 saw their property taxes increase by 98 percent and their median incomes drop by almost 1 percent since 2005. As a result, the property tax burden for these New Yorkers nearly doubled to almost 13 percent in 2016 from 6.6 percent of income in 2005; • Households making between $50,000 and $100,000 saw their property taxes increase by 67 percent since 2005 as their median

income grew by 4.6 percent. As a result, their burden grew to 5.4 percent in 2016 from 3.4 percent of income in 2005; and • Households making between $100,000 and $250,000 saw their property taxes increase by 54 percent as median income rose by 4.9 percent. As a result, their burden grew to 3.7 percent in 2016 from 2.4 percent of income in 2005.

And Stringer said the property tax relief programs don’t provide much, well, relief: the School Tax

Relief (STAR) Property Exemption and the NYC Enhanced Property Tax Benefit offer $300 and $52, respectively, providing little relief against the average cost of property tax bills of nearly $4,000 for households making less than $100,000 a year; more generous programs, such as the Enhanced STAR exemption, are generally restricted to lowincome senior citizens; and other localities offer more generous benefits for lower income households and provide a model for reform.

For example, a household making $33,000 and paying property taxes of $3,800 would receive a property tax benefit nearly 20 times as generous in Maryland than in New York, the comptroller said.

In order to ease the burden on low and middle income families, Stringer recommended that the newly established property tax commission consider expanding tax credit eligibility and making benefits more generous to combat the increasingly regressive burden of property taxes.

“Property taxes are rising too fast and incomes are rising too slowly – and it’s becoming harder than ever for already struggling New Yorkers to get ahead,” Stringer added. “Rising property taxes are becoming a barrier to the middle class and we can’t afford to continue down this path. We need to give New Yorkers a break, and turn a regressive tax system into a fair and progressive one. We must explore common-sense solutions and expand tax relief to level the playing field for working families.”

Courtesy of the Office of the City Comptroller

City Opens Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

By Forum Staff By signing Executive Order No. 36 on Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio launched the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and GenderBased Violence to, as the administration put it, enhance the City’s strategic response to intimatepartner violence, family violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.

The executive order also mandates a citywide, coordinated response to address domestic and gender-based violence that, according to the administration, will prioritize developing and expanding services for survivors of sexual assault, family violence and trafficking; launching a five-borough outreach team, and enhancing trainings for City agencies and community stakeholders; creating opportunities for data collection and information sharing; and develop a legislative agenda for domestic and gender-based violence.

Additionally, the new executive order creates a first-of-itskind advisory committee, chaired

by ENDGBV, to review individual

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

First Lady Chirlane McCray (l.) embraces Josie Torielli, a sex assault survivor and advocate, after Mayor de Blasio signed the executive order.

case-level data of gender-based and domestic violence fatalities.

“New York City is a place where no one should feel afraid to seek help,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Herminia Palacio, M.D. “With this executive order, the City is defin-

ing domestic and gender-based violence in the widest possible way because domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking are interrelated crimes of power and control.

If we can see gender-based violence for what it is and name it, we can help survivors come forward with-

12 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

out shame. Through this expansion, we’re bringing the tools and resources of government under one roof, ensuring better coordination of City resources and increasing services so victims and survivors of sexual assault and trafficking can receive timely and adequate support.”

According to the administration, the expansion of ENDGBV’s mission would provide the authority to the ENDGBV to coordinate services, create policy and interventions, and develop citywide system responses to gender-based and domestic violence issues. Domestic violence is one part of a larger continuum of issues related to gender-based violence, the City noted, which includes intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. These issues all require comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency responses, policies, and programs, and a lead office overseeing efforts. Currently, the administration pointed out that responses to incidents in these areas are largely criminaljustice focused.

De Blasio added that he’s “proud to sign this executive order, which significantly expands our work to combat domestic violence and help victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking. We are sending a clear message to all survivors that they are not alone and we encourage them to speak out and stand up.”

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8/02

VJC RESOURCES LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/31/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Vilma J Cruz, 5945 48th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.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.

PONOKEFALOS TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/31/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: John Giovanis, 33-21 21 Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: WFHA Bushwick LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on August 13, 2018. N.Y. office location: Queens County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to WFHA Bushwick LLC, c/o Workforce Housing Group, 5-14 51st Avenue, Long Island City, New York 11101. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity

Legal Notices 25-26 38 St LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 7/11/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 25-26 38th St, Astoria, NY 11103. General Purposes.

3750 BARNES DEVELOPMENT LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 6/6/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:JOSEPH XU, 38-14 30TH STREET, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. General Purposes.

JUST WORDS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/19/2018. 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, 15-41 208th Street, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

APRIL HAMILTON COACHING, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/04/2018. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: APRIL HAMILTON COACHING, LLC, 1037 48TH AVENUE, APT 5, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

ARIS 553 SACKETT LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 8/8/18. LLC office location: Queens County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served to LLC, c/o Aris Realty Corp., 31-87 Steinway Street, Suite 5, Astoria, New York 11103. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Blackchain Banking and Marketing Advisors LLC, App for Auth filed with SSNY on 05/25/18, Cert of Frmn filed in DE on 03/23/18. Off Loc: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 3162 42nd St, Long Island City, NY 11103. The off add required to be maintained in the jurisdiction of its frmn is: 919 N. Market St, #950, Wilmington, DE 19801. The name and add of the Sec. of State in its jurisdiction of org where a copy of its art of org is filed is The Secretary of State of DE, 401 Federal St, #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose to engage in any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 26 day of AUGUST 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000687-18/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 (f i r s t) G U I L L E R M O ( m i d d l e ) SEBASTIAN(last) BROOKS. The city and state of my address is ROCKAWAY PARK, NY. Theplace of my birth is EQUADOR; the month and year of my birth is DECEMBER 1999; my present name is GUILLERMO SEBASTIAN NAVAS AKA GUILLERMO SEBASTIAN NAVAS TOBAR AKA GUILLERMO S. NAVAS

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 28th day of August, 2018, bearing Index No. 662/18, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, grants me the right to assume the name of HENRY LOUIS ROBINSON. My present address is 86-39 78th Street, Woodhaven, New York 11421. My date of birth is February 2, 1974. The place of my birth is Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.A. My present name is Ramesh Bhadur Singh Hans a/k/a Ramesh, B S Hans a/k/a Ramesh B Hans a/k/a Ramesh B. Hans a/k/a Ramesh B’hadur Singh Hans a/k/a Ramesh Hans.

Notice is hereby given that license #1312914 has been applied by the undersigned to sell wine, beer and liquor under the alcoholic beverage control law at 23-66 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11105 for on-premises consumption. Filarakia 2 Inc. d/b/a Filarakia NYC.

14 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 • Number 36 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

AZENS CARE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/04/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ALEXANDER AZENABOR, 9840 57TH AVENUE, APT 16D, CORONA ,NY 11368. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

HULLOFA, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/21/18. 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, 1438 31st Dr., Astoria, NY 11106. Registered agent address is c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

THE DALI GROUP, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/03/18. 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 FATMA ELMUSTAFA, 161-55 Jewel Ave. Apt 6M, FRESH MEADOWS 11365. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1562 DEKALB CONSTRUCTION LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/16/2017. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to principal business address: 111-23 JAMAICA AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of formation of BIG APPLE CAR SERVICE LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/10/2018.

Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to principal business address: BIG AP­ PLE CAR SERVICE , 5046 195th Street, Fresh meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of formation of JUST BE DANCE LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/22/2018. Office: Albany 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, 990 Anderson Ave #4M Bronx, NY 10452. Purpose: Any

lawful purpose.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 36 SEPTEMBER 06, 2018 | 15

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