THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 21, 2019

VOL. 19 • NUMBER 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019

CHINESE CHECKERS Pol Demands Fed Crackdown on China’s Ability to Send ‘Potentially Dangerous’ Drugs to Ubiquitous Bargain Outlets

See Story on Page 3

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer this week called on the FDA and Customs and Border Protection to ramp up oversight of shipments of what he called “shoddy” over-the-counter meds coming from China and being sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, like this one in Lindenwood.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 1

MTA Releases Proposed 2020 Budget, Four-Year Financial Plan

By Michael V. Cusenza The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday presented its final proposed 2020 budget and four-year financial plan. The proposed budget, the agency touted, includes no budget-driven service cuts and advances the Transformation Plan, the MTA’s first reorganization in half a century that is projected to deliver $1.6 billion in savings over the course of the financial plan.

Projected fare and toll increases remain below the rate of inflation, according to agency officials.

“We’re making great progress to achieve a balanced budget that will provide the essential funding to deliver improved service and reliability for our customers,” said MTA Chief Financial Officer Bob Foran. “Significant challenges remain but the MTA continues to find efficiencies and aggressively cut costs as we embark on an historic transformation.”

In the proposed 2020 budget, the MTA noted that it assumes a renegotiation of the paratransit contract with the City to provide for equitable cost sharing of the program. Since 1993, New York City Transit has assumed the City’s previous responsibility for providing paratransit service and prior to the NYCT takeover, NYC was responsible for 100 percent of the cost. Paratransit ridership has seen a six-fold increase to more than 159,000 registrants in 2019 from 25,000 registrants in 1994, according to agency figures.

Subsequently, the cost of the service has gone to $548.5 million in 2019 from $10.9 million in 1994. Under the current agreement, the City pays 33 percent of the deficit limited to no more than a 20-percent increase from the amount the City paid in the prior year. ‎Given these increases, the MTA is

The financial plan also reflects the hiring of an additional 500 officers for the MTA Police Department.

proposing an equitable sharing of paratransit costs. In many jurisdictions across New York, local governments cover the full amount of paratransit costs, including Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as localities across Metro-North’s territory. An equal share would reduce the cost to New York City Transit by more than $100 million annually. This arrangement is projected to save $361 million over the course of the four-year plan, according to MTA officials.

The financial plan also reflects the hiring of an additional 500 officers for the MTA

The OMNY contactless fare payment system surpassed three million taps on Nov. 5.

2 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • Number 46 • VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Police Department. These officers will patrol across New York City Transit, Metro-North and the Long Island Railroad with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of our employees and eight million daily customers. Recently, there has been a 39-percent increase in worker assaults as reported by the Transport Workers Union, a more than 50-percent increase in hate crimes and a 10-percent increase in robberies.

The plan also includes a $40 million contribution from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for the aforementioned costs.

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Cashin/MTA

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA New York City Transit

Additionally, the plan assumes a conservative reduction in the loss of farebox revenue from fare evasion of $200 million over four years, along with reductions in overtime.

As expected, some expressed frustration with MTA math. The commuter advocacy organization, Riders Alliance, ripped the agency’s plan to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on new MTA Police instead of putting the money toward bus and subway service.

“Governor Cuomo should deliver more frequent and reliable public transit service, rather than spending $249 million the MTA doesn’t have on a new police force it doesn’t need,” said RA Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein. “The governor should put the priorities of eight million riders a day first. New Yorkers are much more interested in getting to work and home on time than in hiring police when crime in the city and on transit is near record-lows. Subway crime is down and the MTA’s budget threatens service cuts. If the governor wants to put money into transit, he should cut the MTA’s operating deficit so it can run more buses and trains.”

The MTA Board is scheduled to vote on adoption of the Final Proposed Budget and Financial Plan at its December meeting.

The unveiling of the 2020 budget and financial plan comes two days after the agency announced the next several stations where OMNY, the new contactless fare payment system, will be available starting next month: Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK; Penn Station; Whitehall Street; South Ferry; 86 St--Bay Ridge; and St. George and Tompkinsville stations on the Staten Island Railway.

The OMNY system surpassed three million taps last week on Nov. 5, according to the MTA.

DiMarzio Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child in New Jersey Parish

By Michael V. Cusenza The Bishop of Brooklyn, who has been weathering a torrent of lawsuits and probes into priests assigned to Queens and Brooklyn parishes that stand accused of sexually abusing children, has been publically accused of the same crime, according to a recent Associated Press report.

The attorney representing the accuser informed Catholic officials in New Jersey that he’s prepping a lawsuit on behalf of the client who claims he was molested by the Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio in the mid-1970s, when DiMarzio was a parish priest at St. Nicholas in Jersey City.

“I am just learning about this allegation.

In my nearly 50-year ministry as a priest, I have never engaged in unlawful or inappropriate behavior and I emphatically deny this allegation. I am confident I will be fully vindicated,” DiMarzio said in a statement to the AP that was printed in a letter from the bishop to DOB parishioners. The letter was made available on the diocesan website and in parish bulletins.

“There will be a legal process now and I will vigorously defend myself against this false allegation,” DiMarzio wrote. “I am confident I will be fully exonerated.”

Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian has said that his client, Mark Matzek, 56, “alleges he was repeatedly abused by DiMarzio and a second priest, the late Rev. Albert Mark, when he was an altar boy at

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

The victim alleges that the Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio (c.) and a second priest repeatedly abused him when he was an altar boy at St. Nicholas Church and a student at St. Nicholas School in Jersey City in the mid-1970s.

St. Nicholas Church and a student at St. Nicholas School,” according to the AP. Garabedian plans to file the suit, which seeks $20 million in compensation, next month.

In February, DiMarzio and the diocese released a list of 108 members of the clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. By credible, diocesan officials believe that the allegations may be true.

The list spans the 166-year history of the DOB, and contains names of clergy who have been convicted, who have admitted

to sexual misconduct with a minor, or have had allegations determined credible by the Independent Diocesan Review Board.

The list features the names of priests who were assigned to such borough Catholic education institutions as Archbishop Molloy High School, St. Francis Preparatory School, and Christ the King High School; and Queens parishes, including St. Helen in Howard Beach, St. Camillus in Rockaway Beach, and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ozone Park.

“It is my hope that the publishing of this list will provide some assistance to those

who are continuing the difficult process of healing, as well as encourage other victims to come forward,” DiMarzio wrote in a “Letter to the Faithful” released on the same day. “Sexual abuse is a heinous, sinful crime and we as a diocese are committed to remaining vigilant against such abuse.”

DiMarzio also noted that he has “met with many victims who have told me that more than anything they want an acknowledgment of what was done to them. This list gives that recognition and I hope it will add another layer of healing for them on their journey toward wholeness.”

Schumer Demands Crackdown on China’s Ability to Send Drugs to Ubiquitous Dollar Stores

By Michael V. Cusenza Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday demanded a federal crackdown on China’s ability to send what he characterized as “shoddy, and potentially dangerous” over-the-counter drugs to a variety of dollar-type bargain stores doing business across the borough and beyond.

In his call for federal action, Schumer noted that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently issued a warning to Greenbrier International, Inc., the owner of the ubiquitous Dollar Tree stores, regarding the company’s receipt of adulterated drugs from contract manufacturers and suppliers based in China.

According to CNBC, as part of their new warning, “The FDA analyzed import data and found Dollar Tree bought and received products from foreign companies that had received warning letters and had been placed on import alert for manufacturing issues. The agency also alleges that Greenbrier has used contract manufacturers and suppliers with ‘significant’ violations for its private-label Assured Brand drugs.”

On Sunday, Schumer said the warning “heightens concerns and sheds new light on an unsolved problem with Chinese-made

Photo Courtesy of Google

There are 36 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, such as this outlet on Rockaway Boulevard in Woodhaven.

OTC drugs.” He called on the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to step in and regulate.

“The feds cannot pass the buck and allow ‘dollar’ type stores across our area to receive bad or even dangerous over-thecounter drugs in the first place, and the retailers in question need to toss any bad product right now,” New York’s senior senator said. “Therefore, to prevent an influx of questionable and potentially unsafe OTC drugs from being stocked on New York bargain store shelves, I’ve asked CBP and the

FDA to begin a targeted crackdown and answer new questions about the scope of the problem and the measures in place to prevent this from happening again with Dollar Tree or any other bargain store in New York and beyond.”

In addition, to better understand the challenges posed by OTC drugs from China, Schumer sent a letter to Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan and Acting FDA Commissioner Adm. Brett Giroir requesting that they respond to the following questions:

How does CBP work with the FDA to inspect, detect, and prevent foreign and Chinese-made OTC drugs from entering the U.S.? Has the CBP conducted specialized training or used advanced screening technology to improve the identification of questionable OTC drugs to the U.S.? What more, if anything, might CBP or the FDA require from the Legislative branch to address the problem of unsafe OTC drugs arriving to the U.S so we can curtail these shipments, especially from China? Can your agencies provide any updated statistic to help Congress understand the scope of the problem and has CBD, the FDA, or any other federal agency raised these issues with the Chinese government?

Schumer also urged the 170 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores in the five boroughs—including 36 in Queens, most of any borough—and on Long Island stocking or receiving any foreign drugs, especially from China, toss the product immediately and better inform their customers of what is going on. Schumer said there is no telling exactly which Dollar Tree or Family Dollar stores or any other subsidiaries are shelving the questionable drug products, so Schumer called out the more than 170 relevant storefronts across the city and Long Island.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 3

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The “Good Neighbor Network” launch coincides with RWNY’s “Countdown to $3 Billion” to mark the milestone of the casino’s payment of $3 billion in state taxes for NY schools.

By Michael V. Cusenza Resorts World Casino New York City announced on Thursday a new community partnership “designed to inspire, empower, and advocate for social and economic good” in The World’s Borough and throughout New York, according to RWNY officials.

The “Good Neighbor Network” will leverage Resorts World’s scale to assist groups by amplifying their work, helping them achieve fundraising goals, and connecting them with volunteers, supporters, and “those in need of a good neighbor,” the South Ozone Park casino said.

The GNN launch coincides with RWNY’s “Countdown to $3 Billion” to mark the milestone of the casino’s payment of $3 billion in state taxes for schools. Resorts World is New York’s largest taxpayer,

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Some of the organizations in RWNY’s “Good Neighbor Network” include the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Queens Economic Development Corporation, and the Queens Botanical Garden.

While 2019 was another big year on several fronts for the borough casino, 2020 is slated to be a milestone. Resorts World Casino New York City’s highly anticipated $400 million expansion is set to open next summer. The project, which is estimated to generate $200 million in economic activity for NY, includes a new 400-room four-star hotel with five-star suites and four new dining outlets.

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The field response allowed cops and community leaders, including Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton (l.) and State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach; second from l.) to work with reps from the City Department of Transportation on an on-site plan to improve lighting conditions along the Ozone Park thoroughfare.

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NJ Reaps Betting Benefits: Addabbo

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“It is beyond frustrating to see New Jersey and other neighboring states that allow mobile sports betting continue to pass us by as their revenue increases and knowing a portion of that revenue is from our residents using mobile devices to bet in those neighboring states,” Sen. Addabbo said.

By Michael V. Cusenza State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) this week continued to beat the drum for legalizing mobile sports wagering in New York by highlighting an increase in New Jersey’s sports-betting numbers from September to October while NY’s sportsbetting gross revenue actually dropped over the same period.

The Garden State raked in $46.4 million in sports wagers in the month of October, an increase from $37.9 million in September, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. By contrast, New York—which, as Addabbo noted, does not allow for mobile wagering—brought in $2.2 million through sports wagering in October, a 4.4-percent decrease from the $2.3 million earned in September, according to figures from the New York State Gaming Commission.

“It is beyond frustrating to see New Jersey and other neighboring states that allow mobile sports betting continue to pass us by as their revenue increases and knowing a portion of that revenue is from our residents using mobile devices to bet in those neighboring states,” said Addabbo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, said. “It is crystal-clear that not allowing mobile sports betting in our state prevents New York from reaching its full potential. We could be making tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the state per month, with a large percentage of that money going directly to educational funding, while also addressing the illegal sports betting activity in the state. Instead, we are allowing revenue to escape to other states,

while barely matching our month-overmonth numbers here. I hope to see New York adopt mobile sports betting in 2020 so we can get our fair share of this booming industry.”

Addabbo also noted that in a recent report for the month of September, New York ranked last in terms of revenue when compared with the other 12 states that have legalized sports betting.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see New York ranked last, knowing we have the required means to fully compete and surpass other states. We can maximize our revenue, realize true job growth, increase our educational funding and deal with the illegal activity in our state by implementing mobile sports betting,” the senator said. “As we have witnessed with October’s actual gaming figures, without the mobile component, New York is not reaching its attainable potential and cannot be considered as a serious, legitimate participant in the sports betting market.”

Earlier this year, Addabbo introduced legislation to provide for regulation of sports betting and mobile sports wagering. Part of the measure sought to amend section 1367 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, by requiring the State Gaming Commission to promulgate rules mandating that operators implement responsible gaming programs, including programs to address potential problem-gambling for individuals under the age of 30. The proposed law also provides a new funding source to administer problematic-gaming programs.

The bill passed the Senate in June without debate but ultimately died in the Assembly.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 5

EDITORIAL Shareholders One of the terms that we see and use quite often around here is “community.”

We wondered about the roots of the word, so we learned this week that community comes from the Latin “communis,” meaning “common, public, shared by all or many.”

What inspired this brief foray into etymology? Pride in our community and the partners that comprise it. Naturally.

We’ve witnessed the definition of community in recent weeks at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park. The entrance, central pathway, and handball court at the beloved Howard Beach green space just got a muchneeded facelift, thanks to funding secured

by City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and the work of partners, including dozens of volunteers, the Jamaica BayRockaway Parks Conservancy, the Charles Park Conservation Society, Wildcat, and National Park Service.

“It is important that we continue to invest in our public parks, which play such a vital role in our communities—especially for our youth,” Ulrich said.

Earlier this year, Ulrich allocated $45,000 for a number of improvements to the federal park. Work began this summer with the removal of 15,000 square-feet of turf along its central pathway and, with the

help of volunteers, was transformed into a living landscape with 9,000 new plantings complete with an array of perennials.

Two patios were installed near the entrance of the park to allow better access to pollinator gardens. JBRPC also installed new basketball nets at the basketball court and the popular handball court wall was rehabilitated and painted in partnership with Wildcat. This followed investment last year by the NPS to rehabilitate the tennis courts and basketball courts.

“With funding from Council Member Ulrich, and assistance from volunteers and

partners, the central pathway and entrance at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park has been completely transformed. This spring, over 9,000 plants will come to life, offering multiple seasons of interest,” said Alex Zablocki, executive director, Jamaica BayRockaway Parks Conservancy. “This public-private partnership quickly resulted in positive changes for the park, its users, and the Howard Beach community. The popular basketball and handball court have been improved, and early next year, the conservancy will complete this multi-phase project by reimagining the horseshoe court.”

After many years of documenting the tragedy that is a community rec space in constant disrepair—“It’s an absolute disgrace the way it is now,” is how one community member described the park to The Forum a couple of years ago—it’s exciting to have a front-row seat to its transformation. After thousands of words chronicling the myriad ways that ignorant neighbors used the park as a personal garbage can, the before-and-after images say it all.

So if you’re looking for the meaning of community, just head on down to 165th Avenue and 96th Street.

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Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Burglary Scam that Targeted Borough Residents

By Forum Staff Three men targeting elderly female homeowners plead guilty to burglary charges and have received sentences ranging between 3 ½ to 6 years in prison. In carrying out their scheme, the men posed as “Water Department” employees in order to gain access to the homes.

Once inside, they distracted the victims and searched for valuables. The defendants were identified as Michael Stacker, 55, of Staten Island, Michael Miller, 51, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Robert Migule, 70, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey. The 3 men each plead guilty last month to second-degree burglary before Queens Supreme Court Justice Joseph Zayas. Justice Zayas sentenced Stacker to 6 years, Miller to 5 years and Migule to 3 1/2 years in prison.

After serving their time behind bars, Stacker and Miller will be on 5 years’ post-release supervision and Migule on 2 ½ years’ postrelease supervision. Charges detail that Miller approached the Long Island City home of an

84-year-old woman as she was looking out of the window. Miller told the homeowner that he had been working next-door and needed to check her home’s water pressure. Once inside, Miller distracted the woman by telling her to keep an eye on the water flow from her kitchen sink while he checked the rest of the house. As the woman waited in the kitchen, she heard noises coming from other parts of the house and asked Miller what was going on. He reassured her that everything was okay and told her to continue to watch the running water. Five minutes later, Miller returned to the kitchen, told her everything appeared fine, and left. Suspicious, the woman checked her home – including her bedroom – and noticed that two locked safety deposit boxes had been pried open and rummaged through. She, however, did not find any valuables missing. On February 23, 2018, Stacker and Migule appeared at a 79-year-old woman’s College Point home and announced that they were from the “Water Department.” Stacker told the woman that the main waterline had been contaminated and that the water inside her house possi-

bly could be poisoned.

The only way to know for certain, Stacker told her, was to check the water from inside the home. Once given access to the home, Stacker had the victim turn the water on in the kitchen and to watch if the water changed colors. Soon after, Stacker left the kitchen, according to the charges, at which point the homeowner began hearing noises coming from the direction of her living room. She started to investigate when Migule entered the kitchen, identified himself as Stacker’s supervisor and instructed her to move the faucet lever around, insisting that there was contaminated water in the area.

At this point, the homeowner asked to see Migule’s identification and he showed her a card with the name “Jeff Lopez” on it but no company name. The woman was told to keep the water running and they would let her know when everything was all right. After several minutes and the two men not returning, she went to check what was going on. She noticed that the men were not around and that a door to a room that had been previously

closed was opened. Suspecting she had been scammed, she checked to see if cash she had hidden was still in its place. She discovered that approximately $300 that was in the pocket of her coat – that had been hanging in the living room – was missing.

Police, who were in the area at the time, observed Stacker exit the victim’s property followed by Migule. The police also noticed that Migule was concealing something inside his jacket and that a large screwdriver was sticking out of his back pants’ pocket.

“I urge everyone, especially senior citizens, to always be diligent when someone comes knocking. The defendants saw these elderly ladies as easy marks – residents they could con into gaining them access to their homes so they could steal cash and valuables,” Acting Queens District Attorney John Ryan said. “Always check credentials and call utilities if you are the least bit suspicious. Remember, you can always say ‘no’ to someone seeking entry to your home. If anyone believes they have been victimized, please call our Elder Fraud Unit at (718) 286-6578.”

Manager of Borough Medical Clinics Convicted of $38M Medicaid, Medicare Schemes

By Forum Staff The manager of medical clinics in Queens and Brooklyn was found guilty on all counts for his role in multimillion-dollar healthcare kickback and money-laundering schemes, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

Specifically, Aleksandr Pikus, 44, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to receive and pay healthcare kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the Internal Revenue Service.

According to officials, as proven at trial, Pikus and his four co-conspirators operated a series of medical clinics for nearly a decade that employed doctors, physical and occupational therapists, and other medical professionals who were enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Brooklyn resident Pikus and his co-conspirators referred individuals to these healthcare

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York

Pikus was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to receive and pay healthcare kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by obstructing the Internal Revenue Service.

providers who, in turn, submitted nearly $100 million in claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In return for his referrals, Pikus received illegal kickbacks from the medical providers in the form of checks payable to shell companies that he and his co-conspirators controlled. Pikus then laundered a substantial portion of the illegal pro-

ceeds of the scheme through check-cashing businesses and failed to report that income to the IRS, according to authorities. Pikus used the cash to enrich himself and to pay patient recruiters, including ambulette drivers, who paid beneficiaries to receive treatment at Pikus’s clinics.

“Every day, we entrust medical service

providers with our most valuable asset—our health,” said Jonathan Larsen, acting special agent-in-charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “That is why healthcare kickbacks and money-laundering schemes like this one are particularly disturbing.”

When sentenced, Pikus faces a maximum sentence of up to 70 years’ imprisonment.

Flushing Man Gets 40 Years for Shooting at Housing Cops

By Forum Staff A Flushing resident has been sentenced to up to 40 years in prison for shooting at two plainclothes NYPD Housing Officers, who were canvassing the Baisley Houses in Jamaica, Queens, on October 28, 2016.

“Police work is often a thankless and dangerous job,” said acting DA John M. Ryan.

“These officers were protecting the building’s residents when they happened upon the defendant, who boldly pointed a pistol at them and fired a handgun. The defendant’s callous

actions could have killed the two officers or any resident in the vicinity of the gunfire.

The sentence meted out by the Court today is more than warranted given the nature of this senseless act of gun violence.”

The defendant was identified as Jamel Ethridge, 40, of Flushing, Queens. In March, Ethridge was convicted at trial of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Deborah Stevens Modica, who presided at trial, sentenced the defendant to 25 years in

prison on the attempted murder conviction, firearm at the officers and pulled the trigger.

15 years for illegally possessing a weapon The police responded by discharging their and ordered those sentences to run consecu- weapons, hitting him in the leg.

After being struck by one of the officer’s tively and to begin after Ethridge completes the 7 years he is currently serving on a previ- bullets, Ethridge attempted to flee the scene and tossed the gun down a trash chute. Poous weapons conviction.

According to the charges, NYPD Lieu- lice later located the weapon - a loaded 9 mm tenant Melody Robinson and Police Officer handgun - inside of the building’s trash comRafi Mashriqi were patrolling the Baisley pactor.

Houses when they saw the defendant outside Trial records show that the defendant’s of the Guy R. Brewer Boulevard complex at fingerprint was found near the trigger of the around 9:30 p.m. on October 28, 2016 Eth- firearm and his DNA was also present on the ridge rushed into the building, aimed the gun.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 7

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 9

De Blasio Touts New Homeless Effort

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The City has already begun to provide comprehensive homeless-outreach training to 18,000 municipal employees across five agencies.

By Forum Staff The City has launched a new citywide, multi-agency effort to help homeless New Yorkers, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.

Outreach NYC will mobilize thousands of frontline city agency staff to request outreach assistance via 311 when they observe individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, with the goal of continuing to help more unsheltered New Yorkers transition off the streets and subways into transitional and permanent settings, according to the administration.

“We cannot attempt to address this issue in a vacuum. It’s time we all wear one uniform,” Hizzoner said. “Outreach NYC is our all-hands-on-deck approach to bring even more people in off the streets.”

The City has already begun to provide comprehensive training to 18,000 municipal employees across five agencies, including the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Fire Department, the Department of Buildings, and the Parks Department, on how to use the 311 app in all of its platforms to submit Service Requests related to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. These SRs will be routed to the City’s new Joint Command Center announced earlier this year, managed by the Department of Homeless Services and NYPD, where interagency staff will analyze trends, triage requests, and prioritize and deploy multi-agency responses as appropriate, including to provide collaborative assistance to more challenging cases involving highneeds individuals.

The JCC, which opened in August, brings relevant agency experts to the table to develop tailored approaches to

engaging each individual based on their unique needs. HOME-STAT outreach teams are coordinating with agency partners to address the needs of the specific subset of individuals confirmed to be experiencing unsheltered homelessness, known to outreach teams by name, and considered “entrenched,” defined as having been engaged 50 or more times throughout a one-year period, indicating greater need requiring more interagency expertise. Through close collaboration with partner agencies, HOME-STAT outreach teams and Transit Bureau PD are developing targeted interventions on a case-by-case basis to make the breakthrough that encourages these individuals to finally accept services and transition off the subways.

At the same time, the City is in the process of hiring an additional 180 outreach workers. This will bring the number of outreach workers to more than 550.

“Today’s announcement represents our latest enhancement bringing the power of citywide collaboration to bear in service of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.

“By strengthening engagement, building trust, and providing more pathways off the streets, we will continue redoubling our efforts through the most comprehensive homeless outreach initiative in the nation, which has already helped more than 2,200 New Yorkers come off the streets and subways and into transitional and permanent housing programs. With compassionate frontline public servants acting as additional eyes and ears, helping our HOME-STAT teams further target their outreach and meet people where they are, we remain squarely focused on taking this progress further.”

10 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • Number 46 • VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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

DESTRESSING THE THANKSGIVING TABLE Next week, Thanksgiving, arguably one of the favorite America holidays is finally here.

Gatherings bring to mind all of our favorites— the turkey, the pasta the trimmings— but when family gathers around the dinner table, there can also be some stressful conversation, especially when the talk steers around to politics, religion or other controversial subject matter.

This week we’d like to offer some potential solutions for de-stressing your holiday table while actually offering the opportunity to solve some underlying issues or introduce some new health prospects to the family.

Modern technology in combination with social media are introducing Americans to new foods and encouraging us to become healthier and more adventuresome eaters. In fact medical studies show that you can actually increase your life span by eating a more diversified diet. Bring up your new fruit or vegetable favorite at the table and see what other family members can add to the discussion. You may just be adding to the number of future potential gatherings you have together!

Another plug for modern research shows that more and more consumers are utilizing fitness trackers to keep aware of their daily physical activity. Experts attest readily to the fact that the trackers really help people to improve their health. Show off your wearable monitor and encourage family members, especially those who are getting on in years, to join the tech march toward longer healthier lifestyles. Compare models with family members and update your

Christmas wish list.

Perhaps a not so fun topic f discussion, but ne that certainly has merit, is taking the time to discuss with a large group of family members, the health history of people in the family—it can be critical to your own health. Use family gatherings as a cauls method to collecting important data about your family’s health history.

There are many valuable bits of information in this type of history that could help bad health from progressing through the family or repeating in your immediate circle.

Finally introduce a new slogan at the table— before all the legendary tryptophan from the turkey kicks in—SLEEP MATTERS. Before we go in depth on this suggestion we’d like to take a moment to clear up potential myth about the turkey making you so sleepy. Turns out that turkey may even have a built-in secret weapon against sleepiness: an abundance of protein, which can regulate insulin levels and actually combat fatigue. Don’t blame the turkey for your tiredness; the heavy load of carbs that made up the rest of the meal are likely the culprits.

In any case, sleep REALLY matters and spreading the word about good sleep habits is a fantastic route to encourage loved ones to care for themselves. An average of eight hours a night for adults is the expert recommendation but most Americans are falling way short. Ask around the table to see if anyone has hints or tips for falling asleep and dealing with insomnia.

From all of us at Crossbay Chemist, a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

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Help, not Handcuffs, for Queens Heroes

Following a successful year of operation as a pilot program, the Queens Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court recently officially opened its doors.

According to Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, who attended the Nov. 13 ceremony, the specialized court will divert veterans, and those currently serving who have been charged with misdemeanors, away from the criminal justice system and toward supportive services like addiction and mental health treatment programs.

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Borough President

‘Project Guardian’ Focuses on Investigating, Prosecuting, and Preventing Gun Crimes: DOJ

By Forum Staff The U.S. Department of Justice has developed a new and robust effort to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country, Attorney General William Barr recently announced.

Project Guardian, according to Barr, draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (the nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them).

In addition, Project Guardian emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.

According to DOJ officials, Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles: Coordinated Prosecution: Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a

U.S. Attorney General William Barr

Photo Courtesy of DOJ

firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.

Enforcing the Background Check System: U.S. Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or

attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees. Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials, Barr noted.

Improved Information Sharing: On a regular basis, and as often as practicable

given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.

Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials: Each U.S. Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination: Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers, and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology.

These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, Barr said, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 11

Hate Crimes Dip Slightly: FBI

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More than 16,000 law enforcement agencies reported 7,120 hate crimes to the FBI last year.

By Michael V. Cusenza The number of hate crime incidents reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation decreased slightly from 2017 to 2018, according to a recently released agency report.

More than 16,000 law enforcement agencies reported 7,120 hate crimes to the FBI last year, down slightly from the 7,175 incidents reported in 2017.

According to the analysis, the 7,120 criminal incidents and 8,496 related offenses as being motivated by bias toward race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity.

According to the FBI, there were 7,036 single-bias incidents involving 8,646 victims; 59.6 percent of victims were targeted because of the offenders’ race/ethnicity/ancestry bias; 18.7 percent were targeted because of the offenders’ religious bias; 16.7 percent were victimized because of the offenders’ sexual-orientation bias; 2.2 percent were targeted because of the offenders’ gender identity bias; 2.1 percent were victimized because of the offenders’ disability bias; and 0.7 percent were victimized because of the offenders’ gender bias. There were 84 multiple-bias hate crime incidents, which involved 173 victims.

According to the report, of the 5,566 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against persons in 2018, 46 percent were for intimidation, 34 percent were for simple assault, and 18.4 percent were for aggravated assault. Twenty-four murders and 22 rapes were reported as hate crimes. The remaining 39 hate crime offenses were reported in the category of other, FBI officials said.

There were 2,641 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against property, according to the agency’s analysis. The majority of these (71 percent) were

acts of destruction/damage/vandalism. Robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, and other offenses accounted for the remaining 29.0 percent of crimes against property.

According to the report, of the 6,266 known offenders, 53.6 percent were white, and 24 percent were black or African American. Other races accounted for the remaining known offenders: 1.3 percent were Asian; 1.0 percent were American Indian or Alaska Native; 0.3 percent were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 6.9 percent were of a group of multiple races. The race was unknown for 12.9 percent.

Of the 5,349 known offenders for whom ethnicity was reported, 29.9 percent were not Hispanic or Latino, 8.9 percent were Hispanic or Latino, and 1.6 percent were in a group of multiple ethnicities. Ethnicity was unknown for 59.5 percent of these offenders.

Of the 5,589 known offenders for whom ages were known, 84.7 percent were 18 years of age or older.

Earlier this year, in its annual Audit of Anti-Semitic incidents, the AntiDefamation League noted that antiSemitic assaults doubled in 2018, while attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions across the country remained at near-historic levels. Additionally, according to the ADL analysis, in 2018, New York reported the second-highest number of anti-Semitic incidents (340) in the country.

This summer, the NYPD reported that the city was experiencing an alarming uptick in hate crimes. As of June 1, the department had recorded 184 total hate crimes year to date, compared to 112 this time last year—an increase of 73 reported incidents, or 64 percent.

Investigators have made 75 hate crimerelated arrests so far this year, compared to 63 this time in 2018, a 19-percent jump.

12 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • Number 46 • VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 13

Legal Notices BYRNE CONSULTING LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 09/06/19.

Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: PETER BYRNE, 198-18 49th AVENUE, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11365. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of 53-20 90TH STREET REALTY LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/25/ 2019. Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 53-20 90h Street Realty LLC, 165-01 72nd Ave, 1 FL, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 20903 50 AVE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 1, 2019.

Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 20903 50th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

ELMHURST LC & MC LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 10/03/19. 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: The LLC, 38-08 Union St, Ste 13B, Flushing NY 11354. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of 66-06 PERRY AVENUE LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/22/ 2019. Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 66-06 PERRY AVENUE, MASPETH, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

FEI YANG YANG LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/10/19. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 40-27 195th ST Flushing, NY 11358. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of BHARRAT ENTERPRISES, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/07/2019. Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC, 86111 MARENGO STREET, HOLLISWOOD NY 11423. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 20/20 TAX CONSULTING, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/18/ 2019. Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: JOSEPH D’ANGELO, 25-65 34th STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

25-33 37TH STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/11/19. 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, 22-50 35th Street, Astoria, NY 11105.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MERIENDA LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/30/2019.

Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC TO: OSCAR VELUTINI, 2218 JACKSON AVENUE, APT. 510, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NEW 7118 MYRTLE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/20/2019.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be serviced and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 151-71 25th Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. Principal business address: 71-18 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful act. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

THE POINT 128, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/13/2010. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 136-40 39th Ave., Ste. 301, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business location: 20-07 127th St., College Point, NY 11356.

SUNRISE AP HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/04/19. 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, 136-20 38th Ave, Ste 3G-A02, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

8801 QB LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 09/16/19. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 38-08 Union St, Ste 13B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of Gowanus Union Charney LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/8/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 5-26 46th Ave, Ste 2A, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful activity.

1506 HOLDINGS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/04/2019. 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, 15-06 127th Street, Bayside, NY 11356. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

14 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • Number 46 • VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

SYBARITE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/06/19. 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, SYBARITE, 92-52 216TH ST., QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ALIESHA RENEA LLCArticles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/19.

Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ALIESHA RENEA LLC, 438 BEACH 40TH STREET., APT. 11E, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691. Purpose: General.

MALLARD MEDIA LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: MALLARD MEDIA LLC, 2572 12TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11102.

Purpose: General.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 24th day of OCTOBER, 2019, bearing Index No. 000877-19/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) ANIL (last) KUMAR. My present name is BALVIR KUMAR. My city and state of my present address is OZONE PARK, NY. The month and year of my birth are MAY 1963. The place of my birth is INDIA.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 30th day of APRIL, 2019, bearing Index No. 000139-19/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) ALIYAH (middle) YASMINE (last) GAFAR. My present name is YASMINE DATT (infant). My city and state of my present address is RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and year of my birth are JULY 2007. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 2nd day of OCTOBER, 2019, bearing Index No. 000800-19/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) TOLIQUE (middle) RAYMONE (last) FAIR. My present name is TOLIQUE RAYMONE JAYFAIR aka The city and state of my present address is SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY. The month and year of my birth are APRIL 1980. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19 • Number 46 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Sale Dates Sale Dates

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Nov

Nov

Nov

Nov

Nov

22 23 24 25 26 Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Nov

Nov

Nov

Nov

Nov

Wed

Thurs.

Nov

Nov

27 28 Wed

Thurs.

Nov

Nov

FARM FRESH FARM FRESH Sweet Potatoes Sweet Potatoes

Oscar Mayer Oscar Mayer Bacon 12-16 oz Package Bacon

59 59 JUST PICKED

$ 99 $ 99

22 23 24 25 26

27 28

¢ ¢Per LB

Per LB

JUST PICKED Fresh Broccoli Fresh Broccoli Crowns Crowns

99 99 Butterball ¢ ¢Per LB

Per LB

With Club Card.

Limit 2 Offers.

With Club Card.

Must Buy 4.

Limit 2 Offers.

Must Buy 4.

12-16 oz Package

33

FREE FREE

BAUDUCCO BAUDUCCO PANETTONE PANETTONE WITH ADD'L $75.00 WITHPURCHASE ADD'L $75.00 PURCHASE

ASSORTED ASSORTED Oil Wesson 128 oz Wesson Oil 128 oz

44 Red Pack $ 99 $ 99 LB LB

With Club Card.

Limit 2 Offers.

With Club Card.

Limit 2 Offers.

Red Pack Tomatoes 28 oz Tomatoes 28 oz

5/ 5 5/ 5 Poland Spring $ $

Must buy 5.

With Club Card.

Must buy 5.

Limit 2 offers With Club Card.

Limit 2 offers

Poland Spring Water 24 pk Water

Butterball Frozen Turkey Frozen Turkey

24 pk

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE OR TAX AND DEPOSIT

99 99

VALID ONLY THROUGH NOVOR 22 TAX THROUGH NOV 28 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE AND DEPOSIT

¢ ¢Per LB

Per LB

EXPIRES NOVEMBER 28 VALID ONLY THROUGH NOV 22 THROUGH NOV 28

With Club Card and Additional $50 Purchase With Club Card and Additional $50 Purchase

EXPIRES NOVEMBER 28

ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS. ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • Number 46 • VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

3/ 10 3/ 10 $ $

Must buy 3.

With Club Card.

Must buy 3.

Limit 2 offers With Club Card.

Limit 2 offers