THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | DECEMBER 21, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 51 • DECEMBER 21, 2017

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

South & West

HOWARD BENCH Area Native Catapano-Fox Sworn in as City Civil Court Judge

See Story on Page 5

Self-professed “Howard Beach girl” Tracy Catapano-Fox recently made it official, donning the black robe for the first time at her ceremony at NYC Civil Court in Jamaica.

Forum Photo by Nicole SanPhillipo-Volynsky

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 1

Council Report Analyzes Challenges Facing Storefront Business Owners

By Michael V. Cusenza One of the more prevalent, if perturbing, sights across the borough over the past couple of years is the number of vacant storefronts along once-bustling thoroughfares, such as Liberty Avenue and Jamaica Avenue.

The City Council has decided to get involved and do something about the problem. Gotham’s legislative body recently released “Planning for Retail Diversity: Supporting NYC’s Neighborhood Businesses, a detailed analysis of the challenges faced by New York City’s storefront business owners and a comprehensive set of recommendations to protect and promote retail businesses.

“As rising rents are threatening small businesses in hotter markets, many communities of color in the outer boroughs are starving for diverse commercial corridors,” said Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), chairman of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “While e-commerce is an increasingly impending threat, the recommendations laid out by the City Council are a comprehensive strategy that will help provide relief for business owners and expand high-quality retail for residents who normally leave their own neighborhoods to do their shopping. It was an honor to co-chair our Retail Diversity hearing and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move forward with this plan as soon as possible.”

The analysis breaks down the council’s recommendations into five themes: Citywide Planning, Data Collection & Research, Zoning and Land Use, Neighborhood Planning and Economic Development, and Tax Policy and Financial Incentives.

“There is a strong correlation between the strength of our small businesses and the health and well-being of our neighborhoods,” said Councilman Robert Cornegy, chairman of the Committee on Small Business. “When we find ways to promote and bolster the strength of our small businesses, our communities directly benefit. The importance of fostering retail diversity and shaping policies that allow small business owners to afford commercial space in the neighborhoods they serve is paramount to the success and sustainability of New York City’s economy. I look forward to moving many of the recommendations contained in this report forward with my colleagues in the Council and Mayor de Blasio over the course of the next four years.”

CITYWIDE PLANNING

The analysis also explores recommendations to protect and promote retail businesses on storefront commercial strips such as Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.

• Designate the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to manage planning and policy for retail storefronts • Empower SBS to file land use applications related to retail space and commercial corridors DATA COLLECTION & RESEARCH • Collect and analyze storefront retail data in each community district as part of a citywide Commercial District Needs Assessment • Require Storefront Vacancy Reporting The council and administration should begin to address the prob¬lem of vacant storefronts by requiring landlords to register with SBS after a storefront has been vacant for 90 days and report on the status every 90 days thereafter. Registration could help SBS and others to identify corridors and neighborhoods where store¬front vacancies may be creating a barrier to achieving a healthy diverse mix of retailers.

• Study the impact of the growth of e-commerce on the brick-and-mortar retail sector and develop additional policies and programs to help small businesses adapt ZONING AND LAND USE • Expand Use of Special Enhanced Commercial Districts that require retail space on the ground floor of new development.

Courtesy of NY City Council/William Alatriste

Borough Councilman Donovan Richards, chairman of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, helped prepare and release the comprehensive report.

2 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

File Photo

• Expand Special Enhanced Commercial Districts that restrict the size of storefronts.

• Examine Formula Retail Restrictions • Study a potential zoning bonus for affordable retail space • Prioritize affordable local retail space in city-sponsored developments where appropriate • Eliminate special permit requirement for gyms and health clubs NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Help local nonprofits develop affordable commercial spaces in underserved areas • Strengthen capacity for CDCs to engage in economic development work • Create a Neighborhood Commercial Development Fund • Create a Retail Diversity Fund • Help incubator & entrepreneurship program graduates find storefront space • Expand support for public markets and increase use of pop-up markets • Reform regulation of street food vendors and increase the number of available permits TAX POLICY & FINANCIAL INCENTIVES • Create a new tax abatement and/or direct subsidy program to incentivize property owners to offer affordable long-term leases • Property tax abatement to support affordable commer¬cial leases • Direct Subsidy – Legacy Business Fund Model • Reform the Commercial Rent Tax “While headlines often go to major multinational corporations whose names adorn Manhattan skyscrapers, much of the economic engine of our city is contained in the countless storefronts that line our blocks,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Retail and restaurant business owners employ 600,000 people and provide critical goods and services to our residents. Our report sets forth a policy agenda to ensure the diversity and character of our city is reflected by our community businesses. It is our hope that this report will serve as a blueprint for comprehensive policy to foster retail diversity, affordability, and access throughout all New York City neighborhoods.”

Benjamin Dulchin, executive director of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development added, “The report provides a timely and broad analysis of issues faced by small independent retail tenants across the five boroughs.

It provides a robust template of policy solutions and recommendations to address these problems.”

Addabbo Introduces Legislation to Require City to Replace Public Parking Spots Lost to SBS

By Michael V. Cusenza Since it was implemented a month ago, the Cross Bay-Woodhaven corridor Select Bus Service program undoubtedly has affected all stakeholders: riders, motorists, and the owners of the small business that dot either side of both thoroughfares.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), whose 15th District hosts the entire 14-mile Q52/53 SBS route, had that last group in mind when he recently introduced legislation to require the City to provide alternate parking spaces to make up for those that disappear as a result of SBS or other municipal capital projects.

According to Addabbo, area entrepreneurs have told him that they have lost significant customer parking spaces to the newlyimplemented service.

“Many small businesses along these roadways have found that nearby customer parking spaces have been sacrificed to the bus routes and newly created bus stops,” said Addabbo, a fierce opponent of the Q52/53 SBS. “This directly impacts the economic health of our community and the local companies that are the foun-

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

“Since SBS went into effect on Cross Bay and Woodhaven boulevards, many small businesses along these roadways have found that nearby customer parking spaces have been sacrificed to the bus routes and newly created bus stops,” Sen. Addabbo said.

dation of our local business areas.

If customers can’t get to these stores owing to an elimination of parking, they will certainly decide to take their business elsewhere – therefore placing our stores in jeopardy.”

The senator noted that, under his plan, when parking is eliminated under an SBS or other capital project, the City would be required to dedicate an equal

number of publicly available commercial or residential parking spots within a block of the spaces that were lost. In addition, the City would be required to hold a public hearing to solicit community input, and consider alternative parking sites, prior to the elimination of any existing parking spaces.

Addabbo also noted that spots in front of many local shops have

been eliminated or greatly impacted by new bus stops or the parking restrictions imposed by the red “bus only” lanes.

“Unbelievably, these spaces were taken away for the sole purpose of installing a bus lane for a non-existent Saturday rush hour,” he said. “At some locations, the spaces are unavailable 24 hours a day due to the new SBS bus stops, even when already existing bus

stops remain just a short distance away.”

Addabbo added that the City – prior to installing such measures – needs to study how the projects will affect the host communities.

“In addition to the potentially disastrous effect of SBS on local businesses, I am also seeing greater vehicular congestion and am concerned for the safety of pedestrians waiting on medians between traffic lanes,” he said.

“We need to continue urging the city to better address all of these vital issues. When it comes to parking availability, the administration must be made to understand the need to give back what it takes away. Our local businesses depend on customer foot traffic to succeed. The ‘No parking, no customers, no local businesses’ formula is bad for our city and its residents.”

Companion legislation to S.6962 will be introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven).

“This bill will ensure that any future endeavors by New York City which affects parking will require the City to replace these spots at a suitable location in the same community,” Miller said.

PS 146 Student’s Story Shows that Bullying is Still an Issue in City Schools

By Michael V. Cusenza A 10-year-old boy this week recounted his personal horror story of relentless bullying he has suffered at the hands of fellow fifth-graders at PS 146 — just as his father related his own harrowing tale of the paltry responses he has received from the City when attempting to get his son transferred out of the Howard Beach school.

“These kids keep bullying me, I don’t like it,” Lance Rodriguez told Spectrum News New York 1 on Monday. “Especially when they are saying things about my background. You see, I’m Hispanic and they are harassing me for that.”

Lance’s dad, Neal, has been trying to obtain a “safety transfer” to a new school, but he can’t seem to get the City Department of Education to even acknowledge him.

“No one calls me back,” Rodriguez told the station.

Though the DOE did not return The Forum’s request for comment, NY 1 has indicated that after their story aired both PS 146 and the City have reached out to him and are helping his son transfer out of the school.

Lance’s ordeal was made public the same day the City Council voted unani-

incidents.

“When enacted, this bill will make principals and other administrators aware of bullying inside of their schools—the first step toward addressing the issue. I thank the speaker and my colleagues for supporting this important effort,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).

Introduction 1757-A would require DOE to report every six months on the number of material incidents of student-tostudent bullying, harassment, intimidation or discrimination in violation of Chancellor’s Regulation A-832, as well as the number of complaints received, disaggregated by community school district and individual high school. The bill would also require the Photo Courtesy of Google DOE to annually report on supports it proFifth-grader Lance Rodriguez said he has been bullied at the Howard Beach school. vides related to preventing, reporting, and mously on bills implementing reporting and information guiding students, parents addressing such incidents, any trends seen requirements and improving access to re- and staff members to visit their individual in the data, any recommendations the DOE sources to help prevent bullying. school websites for more information. It has to address such trends, and, for each Introduction 1538-A would require would also require DOE to include on school, whether the school has completed DOE to post on its website information each individual school’s website informa- the training required pursuant to Chancelregarding how to report incidents of bul- tion regarding how to report incidents of lor’s Regulation A-832. Additionally, the lying, harassment, intimidation or dis- bullying, harassment, intimidation or dis- bill would require reports to include inforcrimination, including information about crimination; the name, email address and mation regarding notices sent to parents of to which school staff such reports may phone number of the school’s dignity act both students who have been targeted by be made; email addresses designated by coordinator; and any email addresses des- bullying behavior and those who have been DOE to receive reports of such incidents; ignated by DOE to receive reports of such engaged in bullying behavior.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 3

Peralta Proposal Calls for Tax Relief for Tenants

By Michael V. Cusenza State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) recently introduced legislation that will provide a tax credit for tenants by increasing the eligibility levels of the current real property tax circuit breaker.

According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a “circuit breaker” is a targeted property tax relief program that “protects taxpayers from a property tax ‘overload’ just like an electric circuit breaker: When a property tax bill exceeds a certain percentage of a taxpayer’s income, the circuit breaker reduces property taxes in excess of this ‘overload’ level. The actual tax circuit breaker was established about 30 years ago.

Under Peralta’s proposal, the maximum

household income eligibility for tenants and homeowners will increase to a $75,000 ceiling from the current $18,000.

According to the bill, the eligibility level of the property value will increase to $200,000 from $85,000; and the tax credit will be set at a maximum of $800 for New Yorkers 65 and older, and $400 for people younger than 65.

“This is a much-needed property tax credit for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who day after day juggle to make ends meet. Clearly, this direct tax relief means more money in the pockets of hardworking tenants,” Peralta said. “As the cost of living and the rate of inflation increase, we must ensure that the existing tax-relief measures keep up with the pace.”

$1.7M in City Aid for Residents Displaced

by Maria

By Forum Staff A public-private partnership will provide more than $1.5 million worth of supplies – including clothing, bedding and other home goods – to residents displaced

by Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sept.

21, Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced on Monday.

In addition, more than $200,000 has been pledged from New Yorkers through the Mayor’s Fund website, voluntary payroll donations from NYC employees, and a month-long campaign led by iHeartMedia since the storm.

De Blasio and Mark-Viverito noted that

immediately following Hurricane Maria, the City began collecting donations of critically-needed supplies at firehouses, EMS stations, and police stations across the five boroughs, as well as working with other organizations that collected donations.

More than 420 tons – or 840,000 pounds – of supplies, including batteries, first-aid kits, diapers, baby food, feminine hygiene products and water, have been collected, according to the administration.

Additionally, de Blasio said the Mayor’s Fund is working with Delivering Good, Macy’s and Target to provide new winter clothing, bedding, household and other goods totaling $1.5 million to address the unmet needs of displaced Puerto Ricans and residents of the U.S. Virgin Is-

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Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office

More than 420 tons – or 840,000 pounds – of supplies, including batteries, first-aid kits, diapers, baby food, feminine hygiene products and water, have been collected, according to the City.

4 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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arrive.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, New Yorkers have shown time and time again that they are willing to come together to help Puerto Rico – whose residents are still struggling with lack of water, electricity, and basic living supplies,” Mark-Viverito said. “I am proud to lead council efforts to assist the island as it continues to rebuild.

In addition to the $200,000 donated by New Yorkers, over $1.5 million worth of supplies will be contributed through the joint effort of the council, the Mayor’s Office, and community partners, and we will help support Puerto Rico in whatever way possible going forward.”

The City also has deployed 299 employees to the Puerto Rico to provide a range of specialized support. These workers include staff from the Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency Management, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Sanitation, and the Parks Department. Among other assistance, these municipal employees assisted with setting up a supply distribution center, debris management, building inspections, forestry work and search and rescue operations.

“It’s moments like these when I’m most proud of this city,” de Blasio added. “Not only have we welcomed those displaced from Hurricane Maria into our city and our homes, New Yorkers from every borough have also donated to help ensure they’re comfortable once they get here. It’s that spirit that makes New York City the best city in the world.”

Symbol of Justice: Howard Beach’s Catapano-Fox Sworn in as NYC Civil Court Judge

By Patricia Adams “Draw near give your attention and ye shall be heard! ’Cause here comes the judge.”

The words that drew the first round of thunderous applause at the induction ceremony of Tracy Catapano-Fox prepared dozens of invited guests for the entrance of justices to the court as the ceremony to install Catapano-Fox to the bench got underway last Wednesday afternoon. Leading off the ceremony was the Rev. Francis Colamaria, pastor of St. Helen’s Church in Catapano-Fox’s native Howard Beach, who was called upon to deliver the invocation. “It gives me great pleasure to do this invocation for Tracy,” said Colamaria, “and the reason why, is that it gives me great pleasure to see that one of the members of Howard Beach is now on this side of the bench.”

While Colamaria was the first to set a light-hearted and humorous tone for the event, the Hon. Jeremy Weinstein added to the mood when he reminded those gathered that there was still time to get into the betting pool for “who cries first today: Tracy’s mom or Judge [Augustus] Agate.”

Weinstein presided over the ceremony, remarking first that the frigid weather didn’t keep the large crowd from honoring the most deserving and newest addition to the civil bench. “[Tracy] has done everything she could to get here; working at every possible level within the court system, to arrive at this day,” Weinstein said.

Weinstein introduced speaker after speaker who told different stories about Catapano-Fox, sharing personal memories and praising her accomplishments. But no matter the speaker, their words or the stories, there was an undeniable thread, one that was indelibly etched in every remark. And that thread is woven into a richly embossed tapestry that is the career and the persona of Tracy Catapano-Fox—a tapestry that reveals a life of compassion, integrity, knowledge of the law, fairness, honesty, wisdom, respect, love of community and dedication to family.

But perhaps no one in the room—no one

in the world—was prouder in their storytelling and reminiscing than the man who is a friend and a mentor, the Hon. Augustus C. Agate.

“I promised that I wouldn’t speak too long but I got a note from the caterers that said they needed a little longer to set up,” Agate said. “This is a great day. It’s a great day for Tracy, one she will remember for the rest of her life. And as far as who is going to win the crying bet, Linda (Tracy’s mom) is going to lose.” As the first judge from Howard Beach, Agate over the years has told anyone who would listen that it would be Catapano-Fox who followed him to the bench.

And then, the time that everyone in the room was waiting for: the swearing in of the Hon. Tracy Catapano-Fox, by Justice Agate.

And when it was over, when the applause died down, it was time for the judge to speak.

“Wow. God is so good. Thank you all so much for coming here to support me on this incredible day. You know, you have a dream and you dream for a long time and you work hard and you try to make it happen and when it comes true you just can’t believe it. My plan was to thank all of you individually but my son has a swim meet tonight and I gotta make this quick,” Catapano-Fox joked.

“For me everything begins and ends with family. That’s how I was raised and that’s what I believe.” She continued by thanking husband Charlie, “my rock and the love of my life,” and then to her boys, Ben and Ethan, “the greatest gift God ever gave me was to be your mom. I’m so proud of you both, and you give me joy every single day. I’ve learned more from you than I could ever teach you in this lifetime. Ben you’ve my blessing. You’ve taught me to never stop trying. To never give up...and work hard every single day…you’re strength and determination is so inspiring. I am so proud of your buddy. And Ethan you are my miracle. You’ve taught me that miracles happen. You’ve taught me that in this life you can never give up. You have to believe.

No matter how hard the circumstances are… watching you overcome all the challenges and struggles that you have endured in this lifetime and then watching to achieve such success in your life—it’s extraordinary. You

Forum Photos by Nicole SanPhillipo-Volynsky Above left: Tracy Catapano-Fox puts on her robes for the first time while sons, Ben and Ethan, husband Charlie and Hon. Augustus C. Agagte wait patiently. Top: Judge Tracy Catapano-Fox Below: A mentor and friend swells with pride .

have made all the challenges I’ve faced in my ample you’ve set in making this dream come life seem silly and I thank you both.” true for me.”

Catapano-Fox went on to thank her famiAnd finally, referring to son Ben’s impendly and many friends in the audience, especial- ing swim meet, it was time to wrap things up. ly her sister, Melissa, and all the other family And all of a sudden, Justice Agate was not the members whom she said had “harassed every only one crying. Trying hard to fight back the voter in the district to sign her petitions to tears, Catapano-Fox wept as she began her figet on the ballot.” nal words for the evening.

Of her father, Fred, Catapano-Fox said, “ “I’d love to thank everyone of you indiI am so happy that my Dad is here to see this. vidually, but Ben has a swim meet. And so I Dad, you’ve taught me that the most impor- need to end my speech by thanking the one tant things are family and loyalty, and I would person without whom none of this would not be who I am without you.” ever be possible. My mother, Linda CataSpeaking of her court experience, Cata- pano, is the greatest person who ever lived. pano Fox noted, “It would not have been She is brilliant. She is beautiful. She is kind what it has been without these two pillars of and hard-working…She grew up in an Italstrength next to me: Judge Agate and Judge ian household where she was told to put her Weinstein. I am the luckiest person in this dreams and goals aside and raise her family. world to have these two men in my corner. And that’s what she did and still does... She Judge Agate you are priceless. As a judge raised me and my sister to constantly work there is no one better. I plan to follow in your harder, She taught us that failure was not an footsteps on the bench. Thank you for the option… She sacrificed everything for us… experience and the opportunity to work for My mom is my best friend. She is my idol. you. It was truly an honor. Judge Weinstein And everything you guys see good in me is you’ve always pushed me to do better. Even because of her. So today is really for her and when I was down, you never gave up on me. I am so blessed to finally be able to say: Hey You never stopped believing in me. Every- Mom, we did it!” thing I have accomplished in the courts is And so yes, dreams really do come true. thanks to the opportunities and the doors you opened up for me. I thank you for the exTHE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 5

Two L.I. Men Charged with Ozone Park Rapper Chinx’s Murder

By Michael V. Cusenza A borough grand jury has returned an indictment charging two Long Island men with the fatal May 2015 shooting of rapper Chinx, 31, and the wounding of Antar Alziadi, 27, as they sat in the musician’s vehicle in Briarwood, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and City Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill announced on Thursday.

Jamar Hill, 26, of Valley Stream, and Quincy Homere, 32, of Baldwin were arraigned on Thursday on a five-count indictment charging them with one count each of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, they each face up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to the charges, after perform- Chinx was shot and killed in May 2015 in Briarwood.

File Photo

ing at a Brooklyn club, Chinx, born Lionel Pickens, was waiting at a red light with Alziadi in a late-model, silver Porsche Panamera around 4 a.m. when Hill and Homere allegedly pulled up next to his car, opened fire and sped away.

Chinx, who was living in Ozone Park at the time, absorbed at least eight slugs, while Alziadi suffered two bullet wounds to the back. Both men were rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where Chinx was pronounced dead.

“In another example of the mindless gun violence plaguing our country, a young, up-and coming musician had his life and career dramatically cut short by a burst of senseless shooting that also wounded an acquaintance,” Brown said. “Such violence has no place in a civilized society.”

Pickens is survived by his fiancée, Janelli Caceres, and their three children.

Middle Village Man Charged Police Pursuing with Possessing Thousands Woodhaven Purse Snatcher of Child Porn Videos oral sex on an adult male, and the third video clip shows a child about 5 years A Middle Village has been charged old being sexually abused by a woman. with sharing and possessing hundreds Brown said that on Dec. 13 police of files of child sex abuse material he collected online – accumulating more executed a court-authorized search than four terabytes of data, according warrant on Porciello’s residence and a to Queens District Attorney Richard forensic preview of Porciello’s external hard drive allegedly found numerous Brown.

John Porciello, 56, is alleged to have other videos and images of children been sharing videos depicting child being abused. Porciello allegedly told sexual abuse on a peer-to-peer network police that he is familiar with the peerbetween September and December of to-peer network and that he had been this year. The videos were of prepubes- collecting files for 10 years and that cent girls as young as five years old be- he had over 4 terabytes of images and videos. It is further alleged, that the deing sexually abused, Brown noted.

Porciello was arraigned last Wednes- fendant admitted to moving the child day night on a criminal complaint exploitation material onto the external charging him with 27 counts of pro- hard drive and sorting the videos and moting a sexual performance by a child stills by the children’s age and that he and 27 counts of possessing a sexual masturbates while watching the videos.

Brown said that Porciello’s “alleged performance by a child. Bail was set at $75,000 bond or $35,000 cash, and collection of child sex abuse imagery Porciello was ordered to return to court is both revolting and disgusting and on Dec. 27. If convicted, he faces up to underscores the critical need for law enforcement’s internet surveillance seven years in prison. initiative to protect children from peAccording to the charges, a City dophiles and predators. The defendant police officer conducting an online in- in this case, is alleged to have accumuvestigation on a peer-to-peer network lated hundreds of thousands of videos monitored downloads of both videos and photos of youngsters – many who and photos on Sept. 14 and identified hadn’t even reached puberty yet – bean IP address associated with a com- ing sexually abused by adult men and puter allegedly used by Porciello in women. The public should be aware his 64th Street home. The officer was that these images are, for all intents able to download three of the videos and purposes, crime scene photos and Porciello was allegedly sharing on the videos of real children that are bepeer-to-peer network. The first video ing abused in the most heinous ways. showed a child approximately 11 years These youngsters must live with the old being instructed to undress and to horror of their childhood for the rest of touch herself. In the second video, a girl their lives.” between 9 and 11 years old performs 6 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

The crook pilfered the purse at the 75th Street/Elderts Lane J train station.

By Michael V. Cusenza Investigators assigned to the 102nd Precinct and Transit District 20 recently reached out to the public for help with identifying a man wanted in connection with a purse snatching earlier this month in Woodhaven.

According to police reports, both the suspect and the victim were on a northbound J train around noon on Sunday, Dec. 10. When the train came to a full stop at the 75th Street/Elderts Lane station, the man grabbed the 25-year-old female’s purse off her lap and ran out of the car to

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

parts unknown. There were no reported injuries during the incident, cops said.

The suspect is described as a white man, 20-30 years old, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a dark-colored coat, gray hoodie, blue jeans, and dark-colored shoes.

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 correspondences are strictly confidential.

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Harassment and Discrimination in Congress

By Forum Staff A bipartisan group of U.S. senators recently introduced new bipartisan legislation that would overhaul the current process that victims of harassment and discrimination in Congress must go through when reporting a claim.

The Congressional Harassment Reform Act, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), would bring transparency and accountability to the current process by extending protections to interns and fellows, eliminating forced mediation, ending the current required secrecy in the process by allowing victims to speak publicly about their case, requiring members of Congress found personally liable for harassment to pay settlements out of their own pockets, and improving systems to address harassment and discrimination in Congress.

Specifically, the proposed law: • Extends protections to interns and fellows.

• Requires everyone working on Capitol Hill, including members, to take the Office of Compliance training.

• Changes the name of the Office of Compliance to the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.

• Puts victims in the driver’s seat by allowing them to choose

Photo Courtesy of the Leadership Conference

Sen. Gillibrand said the proposed law “brings us much closer” to the goal of ensuring “that Congress handles complaints to create an environment where staffers can come forward if something happens to them without having to fear that it will ruin their careers.”

how to resolve their complaint (e.g. counseling and mediation are both no longer mandatory) and protecting their option to discuss their claim publicly.

• Establishes a confidential advisor to consult, on a confidential basis, with any employee who has alleged harassment or discrimination; and assist any employee who has an allegation under Title IV in

understanding the procedures, and the significance of the procedures.

• Gives OOC’s general counsel the authority to conduct interviews and gather evidence regarding complaints of covered harassment and discrimination filed under this section, including interviews with former employees.

• Allows individuals to work remotely without penalty through-

out proceedings.

• Improves tracking of complaints and procedures by implementing an online platform.

• Requires that if a member of Congress is found to be personally liable for harassment or discrimination, they will be responsible for the cost of any settlement.

• Requires that if a member of Congress is found to be personally

liable for harassment or discrimination, any settlement must be approved by the Senate or House Ethics Committee.

• Requires that all settlements will be publicly disclosed unless the victims choose to keep them private.

• Requires offices to post notices with information about employees’ rights and how to contact the Office of Compliance.

• Provides for a climate survey to identify the pervasiveness of the problem and what gaps continue to exist in its resolution.

“We should treat every person who works here with respect and dignity, and that means creating a climate where there is accountability, fairness, respect, and access to justice if sexual harassment takes place,” Gillibrand added. “There are real costs to sexual harassment in the workplace. We now know that many people quit their jobs because of it, or miss out on promotions or raises, all of which can throw off the entire trajectory in their careers. We must ensure that Congress handles complaints to create an environment where staffers can come forward if something happens to them without having to fear that it will ruin their careers. This bipartisan legislation would bring us much closer to that goal.”

State Project to Improve Truck Access Between RFK Bridge and LIE Almost Done: Cuomo

By Forum Staff A State-funded project to improve access for large trucks travelling on Interstate 278 in both directions between the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Long Island Expressway, and reduce truck traffic on local borough streets, is set to wrap up by the end of the year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday.

“This common-sense infrastructure project will improve truck access on I-278 while enhancing safety and quality of life for hardworking Queens residents,” Cuomo said. “Working with the local community and truckers, we are correcting a longstanding inconvenience, improving safety and reducing congestion as well as helping trucks and area residents get around safely and more efficiently.”

Cuomo pointed out that, currently, trucks with a height of more than 12 feet, six inches traveling on I-278 are directed to exit the highway and use truck routes on local streets at Astoria Boulevard, Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard and Broadway. Higher clearances will en-

69th Street and Broadway spans – by lowering the roadway, micro-milling the concrete pavement and lowering catch basins.

The roadway will be resurfaced and striped.

All signs that divert the trucks to the local streets will be removed, according to the administration.

“These improvements on I-278 in Queens will speed commerce and reduce truck traffic on local streets, in turn improving the quality of life for New York’s families,” said acting State Department of Transportation Commissioner Paul Karas.

“Lowering the roadway to allow trucks to stay on the highway will bring benefits to traffic safety and our environment,” added Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gianaris’s Office City Councilman Costa Constantinides “For over a decade, we fought to end the traffic nightmare that is Astoria Blvd. Now large trucks can remain on the (D-Astoria), chairman of the Council highway instead of detouring into our neighborhood, providing relief for all,” Sen. Gianaris wrote on Twitter.

Committee on Environmental Protection. able the trucks to stay on the interstate and Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state “Astoria Boulevard, known for its highavoid local streets, the governor noted.

Department of Transportation for listening way feel, will experience less truck traffic “A long horrible nightmare for the peo- to our request, acknowledging the needless to make the street feel more incorporated ple who live, work, travel and play in this suffering of this community and getting into the community. This will benefit our seniors and families who walk and drive Astoria neighborhood is finally ending,” this project done in record time.” said Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (DThe $2.5 million undertaking increases along it. We all deserve access to streets Astoria). “I can’t think of a nicer gift to the the clearances of three bridges along the without unbearable traffic congestion, loud community this holiday season and I thank western Queens corridor – the 31st Street, noises, and heavy fumes.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 7

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 9

Pols Blast FCC for Net Neutrality Vote

Courtesy of FCC

By Michael V. Cusenza

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to rescind the 2015 Open Internet Order, which prohibits service providers from blocking or slowing down internet traffic.

And many elected New York officials were none too pleased with the repeal of Net Neutrality rules.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Friday announced support for a Congressional Review Act resolution that would undo the action. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers.

New York’s senior senator said the FCC vote could bring an end to the free and open internet that has enabled innovation on the internet and allowed startup companies to flourish and create jobs.

“With the disastrous repeal of Net Neutrality rules, the Internet may start to resemble a toll road, with the highest bidders cruising along private ‘fast lanes’ while the rest of us inch along a single, traffic-choked public lane; and we could be forced to purchase internet

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

Holiday Travel Advice From Your Pharmacist

packages much like cable packages, paying more for popular sites,” Schumer said. “We It may be easy to overlook the cautious • Don’t get burned. must keep the internet free and open to every• Cover up with a T-shirt, hat and one: from the students writing their theses to side of going on vacation and at this time the consumers purchasing their holiday gifts of the year when so many people are jetting sunglasses.

• Use factor 15 or more sunscreen. to the grandparents talking to their family off –hopefully to some tropical relaxation • See your doctor about any changes to over Skype all the way to the startup company spot—your local pharmacist can be of great operating out of its founder’s basement. The help in assuring you make the most out of moles or any unusual skin growths.

• When taking care of children’s skin-resolution I am announcing today would press your vacation time.

Follow these simple tips and travel plain and simple-- cover them up and keep ‘control, alt, delete’ on the FCC’s recent vote without complication—especially if them in the shade. and restore Net Neutrality once again.”

When travelling for a long period of time The resolution, according to Schumer, you’re travelling out of the country or to a would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s destination with a different climate and/or without moving, you may have concerns move and fully restore the Open Internet geographical changes, many things can occur about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a and you definitely want to be prepared for condition that can occur in your legs and Order. thighs when immobile for extended periods “The FCC just voted to give the biggest them.

First of all, ask your pharmacist what and lead to blood clots. Although instances of corporations much more control over what people see on the internet,” said Sen. Kirsten you’ll need to include in order to have a travel DVT are fairly rare, they have the potential Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). “This was a shameful kit that can address the issues that arrive to be fatal.

Follow these preventative measures to decision, and now that it has gone through, most commonly while on vacation. That list the biggest service providers could be able to would surely include–sunscreen, painkillers, help alleviate concern: To exercise your calf and foot muscles in decide which sites are fast and which sites are antiseptic, insect repellent and anti-diarrhea flight slow with little oversight. This is an attack on pills. No matter what, these will be useful.

We’ve spoken to you about skin cancer in • Every 1/2 hour or so, bend and free speech, it’s a disturbing example of the corrupt relationship between corporations this column before, and when travelling, the straighten your legs, feet and toes while and the government, and I urge all of my col- sun exposure that we are accustomed to on a seated.

• Avoid putting bags under the seat in leagues to join this resolution and overturn daily basis, is different than that of our travel destinations. front of you and recline when possible. this vote by the FCC.” Extra care must be exercised following • To increase the blood flow in the legs And State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has pledged to lead a multistate these general rules is strongly advised in press the balls of your feet down hard against order to protect yourself from the sun: the floor or foot rest lawsuit to stop the rollback of net neutrality.

• Spend time in the shade between 11am • Walk up and down the aisle every hour “The FCC’s vote to rip apart net neutrality is a blow to New York consumers, and to & 3 pm.

Merry Christmas to all! everyone who cares about a free and open internet. The FCC just gave Big Telecom an For your family’s prescription needs, please call early Christmas present, by giving internet CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644 service providers yet another way to put coror stop by either of our two convenient locations: porate profits over consumers. Today’s roll157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. back will give ISPs new ways to control what or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed. we see, what we do, and what we say online. charge consumers more to access sites them more money. Even worse, today’s vote That’s a threat to the free exchange of ideas like Facebook and Twitter and give them would enable ISPs to favor certain viewthat’s made the internet a valuable asset in the leverage to degrade high quality of video points over others. New Yorkers deserve the our democratic process,” Schneiderman said. streaming until and unless somebody pays right to a free and open internet.”

“Today’s new rule would enable ISPs to

After Brooklyn Menorah Tragedy, FDNY Stresses Preventing Holiday Decoration Fires

By Michael V. Cusenza A Brooklyn mom and her three young children were killed late Sunday night in a massive fire at their Sheepshead Bay home.

City Fire officials said the holiday tragedy could have been avoided.

According to investigators, the family’s menorah was not properly extinguished and it sparked the fast-moving fire.

The FDNY this week issued safety tips for preventing holiday decoration fires.

Make sure to take basic precautions when decorating your home: • Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• Some lights are meant for indoor or outdoor use only. Make sure you are using lights properly.

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office • Replace any string of lights that has worn The Sheepshead Bay blaze claimed a mother and her three children. or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

10 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

• Read instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged.

Throw holiday parties safely by: • Providing plenty of large, deep ashtrays and checking them frequently.

• Considering additional smoke alarms in your home; specifically, a photoelectric type which is the most reliable for smoldering-type fires.

• After entertaining in your home, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

According to the National Fire Protection Association: Holiday lights and other decorative lighting with line voltage were involved in an estimated average of 150 home structure fires per year 2007-2011. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 16 civilian injuries, and $8.4 million in direct property damage a year.

NY Ranks Second in Nation in Total State Debt: DiNapoli

By Forum Staff New York ranks second in the U.S. in total state debt — and, according to a report recently issued

by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, it’s only going to get worse.

New York’s state-funded debt is projected to reach $63.7 billion at the end of the current fiscal year and to increase over the following four years to $71.8 billion.

DiNapoli, as he has in years past, called for reforms to New York’s use of debt, including voter approval of borrowing and better capital planning for infrastructure projects.

The Empire State “faces tremendous infrastructure challenges and the wise use of debt can be an essential part of the financing picture,” DiNapoli said. “Still, backdoor borrowing imposes significant costs on taxpayers, lacks transparency and may limit flexibility in providing important services and programs. My debt reform proposal would help ensure effective capital planning and manageable debt levels.”

According to the report, “Debt Impact Study: An Analysis of New York State’s Debt Burden,” New York’s per capita debt is $3,116 or three times the median for all

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office

DiNapoli for years has called for reform’s to the Empire State’s use of debt.

states. The annual debt service payments are projected to exceed $8.2 billion by the end of State Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

The report also notes: • New York's current debt total is second only to California's $87 billion.

• New York's debt as a percentage of personal income, at 5.1 percent, was second only to New

Jersey within its peer group and more than two times the national median of 2.5 percent; • New York's debt per capita of $3,116 was again second to New Jersey within its peer group and three times the national median of $1,025; • New York's debt as a percentage of state Gross Domestic Product (4.1 percent) is nearly twice

the median of its peers and the national median of 2.2 percent; and • New York follows Illinois with the second highest debt service as a percentage of All Funds receipts in the peer group.

DiNapoli’s debt-reform proposal includes statutory and constitutional provisions that would: • Amend the state constitution to limit all state-funded debt to 5

percent of personal income, starting in SFY 2027-28 to allow appropriate time for planning purposes, and to prohibit the use of state-funded debt for non-capital purposes.

• Amend the constitution to ban the issuance of state-funded debt by public authorities and other entities, to allow multiple General Obligation Bond acts to be considered by voters in the same year, and to require all statefunded debt to be issued by the Comptroller, following voter approval. A limited amount of debt could be issued without voter approval annually, along with emergency debt to be issued only under extraordinary circumstances and within strict guidelines.

• Create a New York State Capital Asset and Infrastructure Council to provide an inventory and monitor the status of all capital assets of the state and its public authorities, as well as, in its discretion, local authority and municipal corporation capital assets which receive a significant state investment; and • Establish a Statewide Capital Needs Assessment and require a comprehensive 20-year long-term strategic plan to guide the fiveyear Capital Plan.

Feds Must Speed up Adoption of Bomb-Detection Technology: Schumer

By Forum Staff The Transportation Security Administration possesses a technology to help detect suicide vests or other strapped-to-the-body explosive devices before they detonate, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) revealed on Sunday before calling on the TSA to formally test it in New York City.

Schumer also urged an accelerated effort by federal officials to deliver these devices to law enforcement and transit agencies for use in the city’s busiest transit hubs.

“The fact that we have this new, potentially life-saving technology at our fingertips – an ability to detect concealed explosives worn by cowards looking to do us harm – demands the federal government put both the testing and the perfecting of this technology on the fast-track. We not only want these devices in America’s busiest cities, like New York, but we need them here,” Sen. Schumer said. “So, to-

In ISIS’s latest threat, New York City is named as a target.

day, I am urging the TSA to bring these devices to New York City, test them in our subways, in Penn Station, in our airports, and, if they work as well as touted, pursue an expedited seal of approval

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

that gives all of us another layer of security to fend off would be lone wolf terror. As the threats we face evolve our preparedness and response must evolve as well to remain a step ahead of evildoers.”

According to the TSA, the new screening equipment, known as Stand Off Explosive Detection Technology, will help law enforcement officials detect hidden explosives and whether an in-

dividual is wearing a suicide vest.

The agency noted that as an individual passes by the device, it can detect the presence of a potential threat object by passively assessing naturally occurring emissions from the human body. If it identifies the presence of a potential threat it will sound an alarm on the operator’s laptop used to control the device. The TSA says the device can be used by transit agencies, like those that oversee the subways and train stations, to detect potential threats.

Schumer’s said his TSA push comes as a brand-new ISIS threat has emerged in which New York City is named as a target – Manhattan specifically. The latest ISIS message – which arrived on the heels of the failed terror attack of Dec. 11, when 27 year-old Akayed Ullah detonated a concealed explosive device in the city subway, only seriously injuring himself – showed images of Times Square and what media reports referred to as a bomb belt and a detonator.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL Dearest Neighbors-Happy Holidays From The Forum Family to Yours “A Visit from St. Nicholas”

By Clement Clarke Moore ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes – how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 13

Legal Notices

NYATH GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/31/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 35-37 36th Street, 2nd Floor, Astoria, NY 11106.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JORIV LLC Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/30/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: JORIV LLC, 229 BEACH 148TH STREET, NEPONSIT, NY 11694. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 505 GRANDVIEW AVENUE LLC Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/22/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 505 GRANDVIEW AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful activity.

YAN TORRES CONSULTING,LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/18/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 219 S BARRY AVENUE, MAMARONECK, NY 10543. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

KSB OF NY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/01/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 131-20 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 108-10 72ND AVE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/14/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Franklin Baharestani, P.O. Box 750963, Forest Hills, NY 11375-0963.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of JULIE VOROBYOV, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/26/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Julie Soto, 154-68 27th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SKYBOX MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLCArts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/07/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to:UNITED STATES COROPORATION AGENTS, INC. ,7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BRAYDEN PARKER LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/10/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Terence Tubridy, 155-17A Riverside Drive, Beechhurst, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CLASSIC HEIGHTS REALTY, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/28/17. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 37-51 76th St., Jackson Heights, NY 11372. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 4632 VERNON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Tuchman, Korngold, Weiss, Liebman & Gelles LLP, 6 E. 45th St., NY, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEE’S WELLNESS ACUPUNCTURE, PLLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/1/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 143-27 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Acupuncture.

Notice of Formation of SGK PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to GEORGIOS KOSMIDIS, P.O. BOX 5879, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of BRANDON RAMNARAIN PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 91-28 218th St., Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: to practice the profession of Physical Therapy.

14 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice of Formation of 1445 St. Marks Avenue RCBS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 217-02 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Chesford Estates RCBJ LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 217-02 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: any lawful activity.

TEDDYTORI LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/20/15. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2099. 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, 30-05 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TMD EVENT TECHNOLOGIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/23/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: C/O United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11228 Purpose: any lawful activity.

HW Manhattan One LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/1/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 136-33 37th Ave, #8B, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purposes.

Notice of formation of JACKSON HEIGHTS 1122, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to 3749 81st Street, Room 6B, Jackson Heights, NY11372. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME SOCRATES SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/11/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to the LLC, 24-32 45th Street, Astoria, New York, 11103. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of MY MJ LLC a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. , 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY 11228.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 9 day of DECEMBER 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000805-17/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) ODALIS (last) RODRIGUEZ. The city and state of my address is 4071 Elbertson Street, Apt. #D10, Elmhurst, NY 11373-2165. The date of my birth is August 09, 1988; place of my birth is Dominican Republic; my present name is Louie Rodriguez, aka Odalis Rodriguez Garcia, aka Odalis Rodriguez Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 4 day of DECEMBER 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000762-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) YANPING (last) LUO. The city and state of my address is 8901 98TH STREET, Woodhaven, NY 11421. The date of my birth is MARCH 03, 1977; place of my birth is CHINA; my present name is ANITA LUO aka YANPING LUO Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 20 day of OCTOBER 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000546-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) SUZY(last) SIU. The city and state of my address is 63-36 83 rd.

Place, Middle Village, NY 11379-1950.

The date of my birth is JANUARY 22, 1971; place of my birth is MANHATTAN; my present name is (first) SOK (middle) WAH (last) SIU aka SUZY SIU. Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 2 day of AUGUST 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000459-17/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) SHIFA (middle) NAAZ (last) AHMED. The city and state of my address is 111-37 120th Street, South Ozone Park, NY 114201336. The date of my birth is JANUARY 14, 1999; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is (first) SHIFANAAZ (middle) RAEES (last) AHMED

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 51 DECEMBER 21, 2017 | 15

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 16 DECEMBER 21, 2017 • Number 51 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP