THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JANUARY 26, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 4 • JANUARY 26, 2017

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

South & West

TRICK SHOT Councilman Blasts de Blasio over $84.7B Budget Proposal that ‘Uses Smoke and Mirrors to Mask the Real Problems Facing our City’ Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), still mulling a run for Gracie Mansion this fall, ripped Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday for his Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal that Ulrich said is an indication that “the mayor is obviously more concerned with his reelection and raising his own political profile than addressing” homelessness, affordable housing, and quality of life in NYC.

See Story on Page 2

Photos Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office and Forum Files

Page 5

New Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato Takes Oath of Office in Lindenwood

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Money Hungry: JFK Traveler’s Box of Beef Patties Actually Bricks of Cocaine

Pages 16

Massive DOT Bridge Repair Job to Impact Many Borough Communities

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 1

Cuomo’s Executive Budget Anchored by Middle-Class Tax Cuts, $25.6B in Education Aid

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Andrew Cuomo recently unveiled the proposed the $152.3 billion Fiscal Year 2018 Executive Budget, which, he said, builds on the state’s fiscal discipline over the last six years while strengthening the middle class, reducing taxes, and making smart investments in New York’s future.

Highlights of the balanced Budget include: • Increases education aid by $1 billion for a total increase of 4.1 percent, including $961 million for school aid, bringing the new school aid total to $25.6 billion.

• Increases State Medicaid spending under the growth cap (3.2 percent) to $18.3 billion.

• Caps price of prescription drugs sold to Medicaid by state review board at no cost.

• Expands Buy American provisions to all procurement over $100,000, which, as Cuomo characterized it, is an indication of the administration “protecting our state’s manufacturing and construction sectors.”

• Invests $2 billion over five years for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.

• Doubles New York State Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

• Begins Middle Class Tax Cut for six million New Yorkers – saving households $250 on average next year and $700 annually when fully effective.

• Extends tax rate on millionaires – 45,000 taxpayers impacted, 50 percent non-residents, according to the administration.

According to Cuomo, the FY 2018 Executive Budget “continues the progress made to strengthen educational outcomes and increase access to high-quality learning across the state.” The governor earned attention earlier this month when U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) joined him at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City to unveil the Excelsior Scholarship program: Cuomo proposes making college tuition-free for New York’s middle-class families at all SUNY and CUNY two- and four-year colleges. The program, according to the administration, is the first of its kind in the nation “and will help alleviate the crushing burden of student debt while enabling thousands of students to realize their dream of higher education.” Under Excelsior,

tuition-free college would begin immediately for students of families making up to $100,000 annually, and phase in over the next two years to those making $125,000 annually. Once fully phased in, the program is estimated to cost $163 million per year.

Additionally, this year’s Executive Budget Proposal includes a new initiative for voter-approved county-wide shared services property tax savings plans. According to Cuomo, counties will be required to work with the other local governments contained within their county, as well as with the community and civic leaders, to develop these plans. The plans must generate real, recurring savings for taxpayers by eliminating duplicative services and proposing coordinated services to enhance purchasing power, such as sharing expensive transportation or emergency equipment. Taxpayers will then vote on these cost-saving plans in a referendum in the November 2017 general election.

Cuomo said the FY 2018 Budget continues his “focus on revitalizing New York’s economy, creating well-paying jobs and investing in key capital projects across the state,”

Photo Courtesy of the Governor’s Office

Governor Cuomo said that the FY 2018 Executive Budget advances his Middle Class Recovery Act.

including the JFK Master Plan: As part of the Governor’s plan to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport into a 21st Century transportation hub, the state will provide $1.5 billion to improve roadway access to JFK by eliminating traffic bottlenecks at the Kew Gardens interchange, and increasing traffic

capacity on the Van Wyck Expressway. The “significant investment of public resources,” including an additional $1.5 billion from the Port Authority, will provide impetus for private sector investment at a transformed and “reimagined JFK,” driving the total investment potential as high as $10 billion, Cuomo said.

Ulrich Hacks Hizzoner’s $84.7B Budget Proposal

Castigates FY 2018 plan that 'rewards special interests at the expense of the taxpayers’

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) has not officially entered the mayoral race. However, some would say that starring in a potential television series documenting his personal and political lives, hosting three fundraisers for the exploratory committee “Ulrich 2017,” all while keeping the current mayor in his crosshairs with consistent, pointed public critiques of Mr. de Blasio and his policies, amount to a tacit declaration of candidacy.

And on Tuesday, Lily’s dad didn’t exactly quell the whispers.

Minutes after Hizzoner presented the Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office Fiscal Year 2018 Preliminary Budget, Ulrich blasted de Blasio and his $84.67 bil- Mayor Bill de Blasio said the FY 2018 Preliminary Budget is balanced, totaling $84.67 billion. City Councilman Eric Ulrich said it fails to tackle any of “the real problems facing our city. lion plan for the Big Apple.

• Makes targeted investments, “Mayor de Blasio's budget uses smoke lars shoring up its fiscal foundation as it: • Allocates resources to critical such as $6.3 million in expense funds for and mirrors to mask the real problems facareas including public safety, investing in 200 new school crossing guards and 100 ing our city,” Ulrich said. “The Mayor is our infrastructure, improving our public school crossing guard supervisors who will obviously more concerned with his reelecschools and increasing affordability. ensure the safety of our children, and $571 tion and raising his own political profile • Maintains reserves at unprecemillion in capital funds to ensure a state of than addressing the homeless epidemic, dented highs and continues to build on the good repair on our bridges through FY25. tackling the affordable housing crisis, and Citywide Savings Program with another De Blasio highlighted some of the “tarimproving the quality of life in every bor$1.1 billion in savings and a goal of $500 geted investments that touch the lives of ough.”

De Blasio noted that his fourth eco- million more in the FY18 Executive Bud- New Yorkers across the city”: • Street regrading projects in nomic agenda is balanced, with three pil- get.

2 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Southeast Queens to address flooding issues – an additional $162 million in capital funds from FY19-FY24.

• Installing bullet-proof window inserts in NYPD vehicles – $5.2 million in FY17 and $5.2 million in FY18 – and upgrading the Rodman’s Neck Firearms Training Facility, a capital investment that will total $275 million over FY18-FY19.

• Allocating an additional $317 million in capital funds for Vision Zero for FY18-FY23 to fund new investments to reduce pedestrian fatalities, including pedestrian and traffic safety street reconstruction projects, signal improvements and street lighting at intersections.

Going by his statement, Ulrich did not seem encouraged by the budget, characterizing it as “a reflection of [de Blasio’s] values; it rewards the special interests at the expense of the taxpayers.”

Ulrich later pledged to do “everything I can between now and the budget adoption to ensure our seniors don't get shortchanged, our veterans get the property tax relief they deserve, our children who are at risk are protected, and the plight of the middle class does not go ignored.”

City Kicks Off Construction on Rockaway Ferry Landing

By Michael V. Cusenza Construction on the first new Citywide Ferry Service landing officially began on Wednesday morning at Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park.

Incoming City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett was on hand and even marked the momentous occasion by putting his John Hancock on a steel pile that will become part of the port.

Community Board 14 Transportation Committee Co-Chairman Danny Ruscillo called the event “a pleasure and a joyous day,” and noted that residents of the peninsula are looking forward to another first: the inaugural CFS voyage this summer.

“We’re all excited and anxiously awaiting [CFS operator] Hornblower’s arrival for the start of our Ferry Service,” Ruscillo said.

The Rockaway, Astoria, and south Brooklyn routes are scheduled to launch this year, with the Rockaway route set to connect to the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Wall

Courtesy of NYCEDC

The first Citywide Ferry landing is being installed at Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive.

Street.

In November, officials from Hornblower and the EDC announced the completion of the first of 19 Citywide Ferry vessels.

Features and specs of the ships include: • Capacity for 150 passengers along with space for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs.

• ADA Local Law 68/2005 accessibility and compliance.

• Boats are 85 feet long, offering passengers more space than more traditional ferries.

• Ferries are primarily built out of aluminum, which, according to the EDC, is safe, light weight and increases fuel efficien-

cy. The fleet of 19 vessels will be built with the equivalent of over 77 million cans of aluminum.

• Use of ultra-efficient engines to reduce emissions.

• Innovative hull design to limit wake and maximize fuel efficiency.

• Wi-Fi available throughout the vessel.

• Heated decks that increase each vessel’s resiliency and durability, especially during the cold, snowy winter months.

With 19 vessels operating at 21 landings across four boroughs, Citywide Ferry will carry an estimated 4.6 million trips per year on six routes – providing, according to EDC, a transit option for traditionally underserved communities and where job and housing are growing rapidly. The existing East River Ferry will be fully integrated into Citywide Ferry, EDC noted, which will reduce the cost of that service to $2.75 from $4, the same cost of a subway ride.

State Senate Approves Legislation Nixing City’s Nickel Fee on Use of Plastic Bags

By Michael V. Cusenza

File Photo

“Both last year and this year, I have had continuing complaints from seniors and others in my district who object to the ‘bag tax,’” Sen. Addabbo noted.

Legislation that would prohibit the imposition and/or collection of any tax, fee, or local charge on plastic grocery bags is now under review by the Assembly Committee on Cities after the State Senate recently approved the bill in a floor vote of 42-18.

Last year, the City Council moved to enact legislation that “would impose a minimum fee of 5 cents for plastic or paper bags at retail, convenience, and grocery stores, with limited exceptions.” A month later, Albany pressed pause on the law.

“There is no question in my mind that we need to take action to end the proliferation

of plastic bags that clog up our storm drains, drape our trees, and otherwise degrade our environment and landscape,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said last week. “However, I don’t think the law that was approved and then delayed last year by the City imposing a fee on shoppers who use plastic bags is the right solution, nor the best idea the City could come up with. Both last year and this year, I have had continuing complaints from seniors and others in my district who object to the ‘bag tax.’”

Indeed, a Marist/NBC4 New York/Wall Street Journal poll conducted over the phone in May 2015 found that 63 percent of adult New York residents opposed such a measure.

“It’s a regressive tax that will burden seniors and low income families the most,”

said City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who has characterized the surcharge as “just another way to nickel and dime New Yorkers, who already pay some of the highest taxes and utility rates in the nation.”

Addabbo echoed Ulrich’s nay vote.

“Instead of simply punishing consumers, we should be looking at other ways to address the plastic bag glut,” the senator added.

“Maybe it is time to work towards an outright ban on plastic bags, which has occurred in other states and countries, or encourage the retail use of plastic bags that are biodegradable. Maybe we should make it easier to recycle plastic bags so that fewer end up in our waste stream, or better educate consumers on how to reuse bags instead of immediately tossing them in the trash.”

Senator Sponsors Valentine’s Day Food Drive for Glendale Pantry

all of us to pay it forward and help out whenever possible, and thank those who continue to support this food drive and others.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) According to Addabbo, donations will be acrecently announced that he is sponsoring the Valcepted from Jan. 25 until Feb. 12, and can include entine’s Day Food Drive for the Sacred Heart any of the following foods and toiletries: rice, Church Food Pantry in Glendale, collecting noncereal, soup (canned or dried), peanut butter, perishable donations for individuals in need. jelly, pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal, canned tuna fish, “I’m grateful that the recent holibeans (canned or dried), deodorant, feminine day food drive was a huge success, but it’s important products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby powder, to remember that the need for food does not disaptoilet paper and paper towels. pear after the holiday season,” Addabbo said, citAs with the previous food drives, Addabbo ing his recent charity event, which helped provide has designated his Middle Village district office, Thanksgiving and Christmas food for struggling located at 66-85 73rd Pl., as a drop-off center to families. “There is always someone who can benefit make it easier for those who wish to donate but from a simple act of kindness, such as donating a can File Photo can’t make it to the Glendale food bank. of food. The items collected in this food drive will go All donated nonperishable items will go to the Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry.

For more information, contact Addabbo’s a long way toward helping families and children who Middle Village office at (718) 497-1630. might not otherwise have dinner on the table. I urge THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 3

By Forum Staff

Nor’easter Wallops Queens With Wind Gusts, Driving Rain

By Michael V. Cusenza Steady rain and whipping winds soaked and slammed the City earlier this week as a nor’easter left flooded basements, maimed trees, and treacherous travel conditions in its wake.

Coastal southern communities bore the brunt of the storm in Queens. Consistent downpours, sustained winds of 30 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour and gusts well over 50 miles per hour battered the World’s Borough on Monday and Tuesday.

“Those gusts cause us real concern because that’s the kind of situation where you could see some downed power lines and some other things that might disrupt the energy supply,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

The National Weather Service issued several “warnings” and “watches” prior to and during the nor’easter, including a High Wind Warning from 1 a.m. Monday through 1 a.m. Tuesday, and a Flood Watch for NYC from 1 p.m. Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

The NWS also issued a Coastal Flood Advisory from 3 p.m. through 8 p.m.

Monday for along the southern shores of Queens, and areas near the coastline in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

A Coastal Flood Advisory was issued from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday along the northern shores of Queens and areas near the coastline in The Bronx.

The City Office of Emergency Management noted that during a Coastal Flood Advisory, minor flooding of the most vul-

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza and National Weather Service

The powerful storm’s wind tore apart several trees in Forest Park.

Hours of steady rainfall on Monday and Tuesday left many basements, like this one in Howard Beach, flooded.

nerable shore roads and/or properties is possible. During a Coastal Flood Warning, widespread moderate flooding is expected, resulting in beach erosion and flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties.

Flooding has been major problem for decades for many borough neighborhoods.

Coincidentally, on Tuesday evening, de Blasio announced that his Fiscal Year 2018 Budget calls for investments in “crucial infrastructure upgrades,” including street regrading projects in southeast Queens to address flooding issues – an additional $162 million in capital funds from FY 2019-FY 2024.

The National Weather Service’s radar on Monday afternoon showed all five boroughs getting hit hard.

NY Pols Urge Trump to Consider ‘Catastrophic Negative Impacts’ of a Repeal of Obamacare each beneficiary.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Members of the New York Congressional Delegation have Services, most plans with Medicare prescription drug coverurged President Donald Trump to consider “the catastrophic age (Part D) have a coverage gap, or “donut hole.” This means negative impacts” a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (com- that after you and your drug plan have spent a certain amount monly known as Obamacare) would have on the state as Re- of money for covered drugs, you have to pay all costs out-ofpocket for your prescriptions up to a yearly limit. Once you publicans “continue to dismantle” the law.

According to 18 Empire State elected officials, repeal have spent up to the yearly limit, your coverage gap ends and would cause more than 2.7 million New Yorkers to lose health your drug plan helps pay for covered drugs again.

“We implore you to consider both the economic and social insurance coverage.

“From Manhattan to Massena, New Yorkers reject this impacts of repeal on the businesses and families of New York,” starkly ideological plan to repeal the ACA that would throw the pols wrote in the note that was sent earlier this month to our entire health care system into disarray and not solve the Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. “The people of New real problems that families face,” the members of Congress York look to their elected representatives to protect their wellwrote in jointly signed letter to the Queens-native Trump. “We being. As such, we ought to make every effort to strengthen implore you to discontinue efforts to repeal this life-saving the Affordable Care Act and the progress it has shepherded for the people of this great state. The Affordable Care Act has law.”

Of the missive’s 18 signatories, eight represent Queens reduced the burden of health care costs for hard-working famicommunities: U.S. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Grace Meng, Nydia lies across New York State.”

On Friday, Trump signed an Executive Order Minimizing Velazquez, Carolyn Maloney, Yvette Clarke, Greg Meeks, Joe the Economic Burden of the Patient Protection and AffordCrowley, and Tom Suozzi.

A repudiation of Obamacare would be devastating for able Care Act Pending Repeal.

“It is the policy of my Administration to seek the prompt hospitals in the state, the New York representatives said, and would cause a $24 billion budget shortfall. Rural hospitals in repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as particular would be under enormous financial pressure and amended,” Trump declared. “In the meantime, pending such could be forced to close their doors, leaving many without ac- repeal, it is imperative for the executive branch to ensure that cess to care, the pols said. In addition, families would again be the law is being efficiently implemented, take all actions consubject to annual and lifetime limits and could be denied care sistent with law to minimize the unwarranted economic and Courtesy of the New York Congressional Delegation for a pre-existing condition. Due to a reopening of the “donut regulatory burdens of the Act, and prepare to afford the States Queens elected officials, including Democratic Party leaders like Reps. Grace hole,” which the ACA closes, New York seniors would face an more flexibility and control to create a more free and open Meng and Joe Crowley, signed the letter that was sent last week to thenincrease in prescription drug costs totaling $1,195 annually for healthcare market.”

President-elect Trump at Trump Tower in Midtown.

4 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

Stacey Pheffer Amato is Sworn in to NYS Assembly

Photos Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office and Phil Goldfeder

Pheffer Amato’s family on Sunday looks on as she takes the oath of office at PS 232 in Lindenwood.

By Michael V. Cusenza In front of a throng of witnesses comprising family, friends, civic leaders, and elected officials from all levels of government, Stacey Pheffer Amato on Sunday took the oath of office administered by her mom to become an official member the New York Assembly.

“I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection from everyone who took the time to attend my inauguration,” said Pheffer Amato. “I believe the best way I can show my gratitude is by upholding the oath that I took on Sunday.”

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) assured the crowd gathered inside the auditorium of PS 232 in Lindenwood that Pheffer Amato will continue the great work of her predecessors – her mom, Audrey Pheffer, and Phil Goldfeder – by fighting for the residents of the 23rd Assembly District as they did.

Retired Queens Supreme Court Justice Augie Agate served as master of ceremonies, and the celebration included remarks from U.S. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens and Bronx) and Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Public Advocate Letitia James, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and State Sens. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park).

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) also attended, showing his support by enlisting Pheffer Amato for a memorable selfie – featuring a brief “cameo” by Goldfeder – which Ulrich posted to

GET YOUR FREE MEMBERSHIP & UP TO

FREE PLAY!

Mom and former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, and Pheffer Amato’s predecessor, Phil Goldfeder, welcome the freshman member to the Assembly chamber.

his Twitter page.

“Happy to attend today’s swearing in ceremony for my new Assemblywoman @ Stacey23AD of course you know who had to photo bomb the selfie ..”

In her speech, Pheffer Amato pledged to represent all of the communities that compose the 23rd District, and thanked all who supported her run, especially her family.

“I am doing this for you and for your future!” she declared, looking at her son and daughter.

P L AY. D I N E . U N W I N D. 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Queens, NY 11420 • rwnewyork.com A crowd of dignitaries, elected officials, civic leaders, supporters, friends, and family helped Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato celebrate her official inauguration.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 5

Pimp Sentenced to up to 10 Years in Prison for Forcing Teen Girl into Prostitution

By Forum Staff A sex trafficker convicted after having pleaded guilty to charges last month, will spend 3 to 10 years in prison for forcing a 15-year-old into prostitution. The victim was forced to have sexual encounters with men for money and then turn the money over to Hakim Jones, 22 of 118th Road in Jamaica.

District AttorneyBrown said, “I want to stress that prostitution is not a victimless crime. Sex trafficking is an incessant act of brutality and degradation in which the victim is forced into having sex dates with men for money. While this teenage girl fortunately was able to get away from the trafficker who enslaved her, she will have to live with the emoPhoto Courtesy of Stock Monkeys tional scars and horror of this experience for the rest of her Jones pleaded guilty last month to sex trafficking. life. As such, the sentence meted out by the Court is more than warranted.” group home in Manhattan with a friend in January 2016 and According to the charges, the 15-year-old victim left a

was picked up by a man and taken to a location in Queens.

At that location, the teenager was introduced to Jones and at that time he told the girl, “You’re gonna be my bitch” and refused to let her leave. The defendant took numerous photographs of the teenager and posted advertisements for sex on Backpage.com.

For several weeks the teenager performed sex acts for cash in locations in Queens and throughout the city as well as in Long Island. According to trial testimony, Jones repeatedly threatened the teen with violence and the fact that he had a gun.

In March when the teenager resisted having 17 dates lined up for her, the defendant punched her in the mouth causing bleeding and swelling.

Church Choir Director Charged with Sexually Abusing 11-Year-Old Girl During Music Lessons

By Forum Staff Authorities have charged a 69-year-old choir director with sexually abusing one of his private music students during her piano and voice lessons.

The child is and 11-year-old female and was assaulted in her home on repeated occasions beginning in 2013 and extending into 2014.

“Instead of being a role model to all of his students, the defendant is accused of taking advantage of his position as a church choir director to gain access to a young child for his own sexual gratification,” said DA Richard Brown.

“These are deeply disturbing allegations that, if proven true, are deserving of severe punishment.”

The DA asked that any individuals who feel that they have been victimized by the defendant call his Special Victims Bureau at 718-286-6505.

The defendant is identified as Rafael A. Diaz, 69, of 89th Avenue in Jamaica. Diaz, who was the victim’s choir director at Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Queens, as well as being her private singing and piano teacher, was arraigned on Sunday, January 15, 2017, on a

charge of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.

According to the criminal charges, Diaz placed his hand over the clothing of the now 15-year-old girl and touched her breasts on multiple occasions as he gave her piano and singing lessons inside her home between January 1, 2013, and June 15, 2014. Additionally, Diaz allegedly placed his hand between the victim’s legs and touched her genitals over her shorts while speaking to her about not having children at a young age during this same period of time. Finally, it is alleged that after the victim told her father what allegedly occurred, he and Diaz had a controlled telephone conversation in which Diaz allegedly admitted that he touched the daughter and that it happened five or six times but that it ended when the piano and singing lessons stopped.

If convicted, Diaz faces up to seven years in prison.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Jim Henderson

According to authorities, Diaz was the victim’s choir director at Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica.

Jamaican Woman Caught Trying to Smuggle Cocaine through JFK Airport in Beef Patty Box: Customs

By Forum Staff A Jamaican woman has been charged with importation of a controlled substance after she allegedly was caught last week attempting to smuggle 4 pounds of cocaine through John F. Kennedy International Airport via a box of Tastee Brand Jamaican Beef Patties, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to CBP officials, on Jan. 17, officers “intercepted” passenger Chantal Alecia Bedward, a citizen of Jamaica who had just arrived in New York City on a flight from Kingston. During the examination, investigators discovered what appeared to be a box of beef patties.

Customs officers then escorted Bedward to a private search room where the case was 6 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

opened, revealing 12 duct-taped packages containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine, according to CBP officials.

The estimated street value of the seized narcotic is $70,000, authorities indicated.

“This seizure demonstrates the vigilance and dedication demonstrated daily by CBP officers at JFK, in keeping these prohibited and dangerous narcotics off the streets of our communities,” said Robert Perez, director, CBP Field Operations in New York.

Bedward was turned over to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Her case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol

Approximately 4 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $70,000, was seized in the single bust.

Far Rock Mom Pleads Guilty in 2-Year-Old's Death

Please join us for a night of Dinner, Dancing & Raffles

AS P.S. 146 LADIES NIGHT 2017

in different directions and some teeth were missing. The sitter’s sister called 911 as the neighbor continued performing CPR. Kevasia was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, arriving in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 12:02 a.m. on February 4, 2014. The child had both old and fresh bruising on her face, legs and torso. Two ribs had been fractured and there was scarring on her right foot consistent with a prior burn. Medical personnel at the hospital said that injuries were inconsistent with the history given by Diaz who said that her daughter had a seizure and fell to the ground recently.

Diaz admitted that her daughter was acting normally and in good health during the time she was the sole caregiver – from approximately Friday, January 31, 2014, until February 3, 2014, when 911 was called with Cocktail hour, 4-course sit down dinner, Full open bar, DJ, Dancing, Interactive the exception of the twenty minphoto booth, and of course... RAFFLES RAFFLES RAFFLES! utes she left to buy groceries.

Thousands of dollars in prizes. Gift cards, electronics, basket raffles, lottery raffles, 50/50, you name it!

Diaz said that at 9:30 p.m. on Tickets are $85. Groups of 10-12 require table captains to make reservations.

February 3, 2014, Kevasia had a Smaller groups or single tickets will be placed. seizure and fell to the ground For ticketing please email PTA146@yahoo.com or call 917-257-1584 and became unresponsive, and that she sat by her daughter for varying ages about her body and other markings consistent with at least 30 minutes while the child was unresponsive and not breathing. Diaz additionally trauma. Kevasia also suffered subdural bleeding, hemorrhaging stated that she did not call anyone for help until after 11:00 p.m. resulting from multiple impacts of varying ages underneath the scalp, bilateral optical nerve sheath hemorrhages, hemorrhage on February 3, 2014.

An autopsy report, issued by the Office of the Chief Medi- resulting from impact to her lower back, two healing rib fraccal Examiner of New York City, stated that Kevasia Edward suf- tures and traumatic liver injuries. The autopsy report prelimifered multiple fresh and old bruising to her face, neck, torso and nary medical findings were consistent with Abusive Head Traulegs, multiple scalp abrasions and lacerations, multiple scars of ma with multiple, violent impacts to her head and body.

-PRESENTS-

File Photo

Little Kevasia died shortly after arriving at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.

By Forum Staff A 31-year-old Far Rockaway mother could face 17 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter in the fatal beating death of her twoyear-old daughter in February 2014.

Ashley Diaz, is slated for sentencing on February 1, 2017.

Criminal charges revealed that Diaz had gone grocery shopping around 5:30 p.m. on February 3, 2014, a neighbor was watching 2-year-old Kevasia. The toddler was asleep when the sitter got there and when she woke up the sitter stated that she was pale and lethargic. When asked if she were ok the toddler responded she was.

Later that night at approximately 11:15 p.m. on February 3, 2014, the same babysitter received a call from the defendant stating that Kevasia was not breathing and was unresponsive.

When the sitter returned to Diaz’s apartment, she observed Kevasia lying unresponsive on the floor. The babysitter began CPR at which time she observed Kevasia’s face to be red and bruised, her lip bleeding and her teeth pushed in and jutting out

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Fresh Meadows Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Bludgeoning Death of Live-in Girlfriend

By Forum Staff

A 73-year-old Fresh Meadows man, who pleaded guilty to firstdegree manslaughter in December 2016, was sentenced to 15 years for the July 2016 bludgeoning death of his 61-year-old live-in girlfriend. The defendant was identified as Chitwah Tse, 73, of 158-10 65th Avenue in the Fresh Meadows section of Queens. victim, Huizhen Zhan, 61, couple lived on 65 th Avenue in apartment with third individual.

The Tse and his girlfriend, 61-yearold Huizhen Zhan, shared a basement apartment at 158-10 65th Avenue in Fresh Meadows with a roommate.

Authorities revealed that around 6:00 p.m. on July 31st, the couple’s roommate observed Zahn in their shared kitchen. She was on the phone and told the person at the other end that

Photo Courtesy of Google

The killer and the victim lived together in a two-bedroom basement apartment on 65th Avenue.

she had to go because she was cooking dinner. Around two hours later, at 8 pm, she called the person back and asked them to give her a wake-up call at 5:30.

The roommate also reported that around midnight, she heard loud banging coming from the couples bedroom.

According to criminal charges in

the case, the person on the phone with Ms. Zahn the night before, received a phone call from Tse’s cell phone at approximately 5:28 a.m. on August 1, 2016, who said, “We are awake.

Goodbye.” The individual never spoke to Ms. Zhan.

Later that morning, around 9:15 the defendant was observed by the roommate to be on his cell phone and

leaving the house.

The chief Medical Examiner ruled That evening, around 6 pm, Tse the cause of Ms. Zhan’s death to be a met with two relatives in the China- homicide due to blunt force trauma to town area. He expressed his remorse the head. to them and said he didn’t know if he Shortly after, on August 2nd would ever see them again. around 2 pm, members of the New About an hour later, the 107th York City Police Department’s HosPrecinct received a call from a man tage Negotiation Team went to the identifying himself as Garo Kapikian, law offices of Mr. Kapikian at 401 Esq. He told police that a new client Broadway in Manhattan, in response had walked into his office earlier in to a call that Tse had climed out a winthe afternoon and informed him that dow on the 22nd floor and was threatthere was a corpse in the basement ening to jump. apartment of 158-10 65 Avenue in Authorities managed to pull him Fresh Meadows. The attorney identi- from the railing and get him inside the fied his client as Chitwah Tse. building. He was rushed to Bellevue Police responded to the address Hospital and soon afterwards charged and found a body lying on the bed in in the death of Ms. Zhan. the rear bedroom. The lifeless body of District Attorney Brown said, “In Ms. Zahn was covered with a blood- pleading guilty to manslaughter, the soaked sheet, the walls and the ceil- defendant admitted to brutally killing ing spattered with blood, broken glass the 61-year-old woman whom he had strewn over the bed. shared his life with… “The defendant THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 7

A NEW START Dear Editor, Barack Obama, emerged from the White House for the final time, as Commander in Chief on the morning of January 20, as he prepared for the peaceful transfer of power, to his successor. His lean stature, and quick step, a forever hallmark to his appearances over the last eight years. Unlike the past, this time it was an uncustomary low profile image being presented, on this his last day on the job, at the people’s house. The pomp and circumstance was about to unfold, as he greeted the incoming Chief Executive at the Capital, and in turn the honored guests in attendance, which included the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, 42nd Bill Clinton, 43rd George W. Bush, and in abstention, 41st George H W Bush. The outgoing President looked out from the dais, with a seemingly multitude of random thoughts crossing his mind, amid the ceremonial gathering of legislators, and the judicial presence of the Supreme Court, for the formal swearing in of the new administration. Only Barack Obama knew his private thoughts, at these moments.

Certainly, an inner feeling of satisfaction, and moments of regret were present, added possibly to a feeling of general relief that the burdens of state were now off his shoulders. It was a rare reflective interlude, to perhaps wonder what will now lie ahead, for a still vibrant man of 55.

Memoirs for sure, from a personal recollection diary, as he can finally separate the wheat from the chaff, in his careful task of analytical examination. The inner soul can now speak, and I have the feeling much will be revealed, from his strategies, confidences, liaisons, advice team,

and most of all from his dedicated wife and their shared inner relationship. Barack Obama was particularly admired for the close and loving relationship he had with his two daughters, and his influence on their lives, during the tender years in which they lived in the White House. He loved the taste of a frosty mug of beer, and I often felt that, if I had been privileged to be received in the Oval Office, I would have liked to have hoisted one with him. He had a serious problem with tobacco, but to his credit, there are few if any photos of him, either puffing, or even holding a butt in his hands. He loved golf, as much as his predecessor Dwight David Eisenhower. Much will be revealed, on sensitive inner circle topics during the course of the year, or soon thereafter. Barack Obama is a discreet man, and it was not likely, for him to say something disparaging of anyone within his party during his term of office, and that can also be said of the opposition. It was not his style, to deliberately make enemies. Whether one agreed, or took issue with his philosophy, Barack Obama always maintained the air of dignity, and respect from most. He accepted the results of the election, as the final word of the electorate. He preferred not to contest the wide victory of the Electoral College, and to immediately begin the transition of government.

The courtesies extended to him and his incoming staff in 2008 was returned in kind with the equally orderly transfer in 2016. Throughout the inauguration ceremonies, there was a look of resigned peace on the face of Barack Obama, and the desire to feel free once again. Many anonymous sources over the last eight years have been quoted, as saying that while Barack Obama enjoyed having been elected the first African American President, he never really liked the demands of the job. Forthcoming

books, on the 44th President will no doubt be of the most revealing, to his inner nature and privately harbored thoughts. As a footnote, it is an interesting sidebar, when referring to Dwight Eisenhower upon his leaving office in 1961, and being asked, if he had any regrets to actions, or decisions he had made during his two terms. In his usual dour expression, he was quick to answer; “Just two and they’re both sitting on the Supreme Court.”

Robert W. Rice Woodhaven

THOUGHTS ON MARIO CUOMO Dear Editor, There is more to the second anniversary for the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo. He was not a reformer, but rather a proud product of the Queens County Democratic Party clubhouse machine. After losing the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor in 1974, Governor Hugh Carey appointed him Secretary of State in 1975.

During his race against then Congress member Ed Koch for NYC Mayor in 1977, there were Vote for Cuomo not the Homo" posters all over town.

Mario was never above using class warfare as an issue to divide and conquer. Remember his reference to Republican Governor candidate Lew Lehrman's expensive watch during a

debate in 1982? Lehrman was a self made millionaire who was the founder of Rite Aid drug store chain.

One of Mario's claim to fame was being a great orator and debater. In 1986 Mario followed the infamous Rose Garden strategy in his race for a second term. His opponent was unknown and under financed. The late Republican Westchester County Executive Andrew O'Rourke had to carry a cardboard cutout of Cuomo to debate. In the end, Mario agreed to one token debate at the 11th hour.

In 1992, Mario had no problem signing off on the reapportionment plan for new State Assembly and State Senate district lines based upon the 1990 census. This bill preserved and expanded the Democrats control of the State Assembly, along with preserving the Republican majority in the State Senate by gerrymandering of district boundaries. So much for good government reform of state government legislative districts.

When it came to supporting public transportation, rather than increase the level of state support by billions under MTA Five Year Capital Plans, it was Mario who started the trend of having state authorities like the MTA borrow rather than providing hard cash contributions.

The same was true by increasing the level of state spending and long term debt hiding it off line under many other state authorities rather than the general budget.

We all mourn for the loss of anyone's father.

Mario is not worthy of sainthood. He was a mere mortal, like the rest of us.

Larry Penner Great Neck

we love to hear from you forumsouth@ gmail.com or call 718.845.3221

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael V.

Cusenza

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS Alan Krawitz

Samantha Geary

PHOTOGRAPHY

8 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Richard York

LEGALLY SPEAKING

I recently read an article about a jury awarding millions of dollars to a woman who claimed her ovarian cancer was caused by daily use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene. When I was growing up, seeing talcum powder in the cabinet was as common as having band aids in the medicine cabinet or baking soda in the refrigerator. It was used by adults and on infants and most households probably had at least one container.

There have been studies supporting the conclusion that long-term, daily use of talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but the debate continues as to whether there is any connection.

This was the second big verdict in a talcum powder case, and Johnson & Johnson, the defendant in the recent case, has vowed an appeal.

The article, however, got me thinking about many of the modern conveniences, products, and medications we use that were touted as helpful and safe but eventually were deemed dangerous and potentially life threatening. There was a chemi-

cal called phthalates that was commonly added to plastic products to make them soft. It was used in teething rings and rubber ducks, as well as shower curtains and nail polish. I shudder to think that I had these types of teething rings and would put them in the freezer to give my children when they were babies to alleviate their pain. It was banned after some studies showed serious, long-term side effects.

Thalidomide was originally marketed as a sleeping aid but was eventually prescribed by some obstetricians to alleviate morning sickness. The unknown side effect at the time was an interference with a baby’s normal development that resulted in many being born with missing, shortened, or flipper-like limbs. While the drug still is used in the treatment of leprosy and some cancers, its use is strictly monitored.

My cabinets contain many antibacterial hand soaps, touted as more effective in fighting germs and bacteria. However, most of the chemicals used in antibacterial soap were just recently banned by the FDA in a final ruling last month. Companies no longer will be able to market their products containing ingredients such as triclosan and triclocarban as they have not been deemed safe for long-term daily use. This ban does not apply to hospitals or food service settings. Fenphedra, commonly known as Fen Phen, was deemed a

miracle drug in the battle to lose weight.

Tragically, it caused pulmonary hypertension and heart valve abnormalities.

One of the most well-known products that was touted as safe – but we now know is not – was tobacco. In the early 20th Century, tobacco was provided to servicemen and marketed as alleviating stress during wartime. Tobacco use became so common that it was even included in soldiers’ rations. After the Second World War, tobacco companies targeted woman with their marketing as a means to look sophisticated and lose weight. Unfortunately, we learned much later on that tobacco contains many ingredients known to cause cancer.

While the United States Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for regulating food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, biologics, and blood products in the United States, there are some products that either are not regulated or may initially seem safe. As an attorney, we are asked to get involved after the injury occurs. While it obviously would be preferable if the injury had not occurred at all, anyone who thinks they might have been involved with a product that caused any type of ailment or illness should immediately consult with an attorney.

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

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Getting Medicine to School All medication must be brought to school All medication should be transported to in the original labeled container prepared the school by an adult and handed to another by the pharmacy, doctor, or pharmaceutical adult. Do not allow your child to carry his company (i.e., no envelopes, foil, or baggies). or her medication unless he or she is old The label should include the following: enough and mature enough to handle the Child's name Name of medication responsibility. Also, make sure it is allowed Dosage of medication to be given by the school.

Frequency of administration Route of administration Your child should not carry his or her Name of physician ordering medication medication during school hours unless Date of prescription you, the doctor, and the school believes Expiration date it is necessary for immediate access to Next time we'll talk about instructions for emergency medication. Younger children school staff, unused or expired meds and field are generally not mature enough to self- trip considerations. carry their own medications, but the school Until next week... should make sure there is immediate access For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 15

Long Island Rail Road Takes Express to Record Ridership Numbers

By Michael V. Cusenza The Long Island Rail Road is seeing record ridership numbers – carrying 89.3 million customers in 2016, a 1.9-percent increase over last year and the highest ridership since 1949, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced this week.

According to MTA officials, LIRR’s growth continues recent trends in which the railroad has registered a 1.97 percent average growth per year over the past five years. And ridership has grown 10.2 percent over the same five years, from 81 million in 2011.

Underlying economic and demographic trends portend ridership growth continuing into the future, of-

Photo Courtesy of MTA Long Island Rail Road/John Spoltore

The LIRR carried 89.3 million customers in 2016 – the highest ridership since 1949.

ficials noted, as a generation now entering the workforce shows a greater reliance on the railroad than older generations. A detailed demographic and travel analysis of LIRR customers shows the beginnings of a re-

verse-travel market segment that the MTA expects would be expanded if Gov. Cuomo’s proposed Main Line Expansion project – expanding the Main Line from two tracks to three between Floral Park and Hicksville,

as the LIRR is building a second track from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma – is built as expected.

“Our data reinforces what we’ve seen elsewhere that millennials are more likely to opt for the railroad as matter of choice, and to embrace a lifestyle built around downtown activities and living than previous generations,” said William Wheeler, director, MTA Planning. “We know that habits that are developed early in one’s adult life tend to stick with them through their entire working lives. So the trend bodes well as a long-term positive for LIRR ridership.”

According to the MTA, the survey of LIRR customers found that for weekday travel via LIRR, 65 percent of trips were made to Manhattan for

work; 14 percent were for westbound work-travel elsewhere; 9 percent were for non-work travel to Manhattan; and 11 percent were for eastbound travel for work or non-work.

“These results will be very valuable to the railroad as we make decisions regarding service planning, capital program expenditures and marketing in the years ahead,” said LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski. “There is an intrinsic demand for reverse-peak travel to the Island that today is very difficult for the LIRR to accommodate as a twotrack railroad. This data shows that if and when the Main Line is expanded to a third track, our reverse-commute service would fill an immediate unmet need.”

Borough Communities Brace for Impact of DOT Metropolitan Avenue Bridge Project

By Michael V. Cusenza The day that hundreds of business owners and hundreds of thousands of residents of several borough communities have dreaded for years has finally arrived.

After myriad delays and examples of Hall of Fame-level mastery of bureaucratic red tape, work on the Emergency Deck Replacement at Metropolitan Avenue and Fresh Pond Road Bridge over the Long Island Rail Road project is set to start on Tuesday morning, Jan. 31.

The focus of the massive undertaking is a two-span link built more than 100 years ago. According to the City Department of Transportation, the superstructure consists of

concrete-encased steel beams with a concrete deck and varying depths of asphalt wearing surface. The substructure consists of a reinforced concrete pier and gravity-type plain concrete abutments and wing walls.

The bridge crosses over the LIRR Montauk Branch and carries the roadway that is part of the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue with Fresh Pond Road – easily one of the most congested and critical junctions in Queens. The project will have a direct and powerful impact on parking, transportation, commerce, and general quality of life in Ridgewood, Middle Village, Maspeth, and Glendale; however, it undoubtedly will have a domino-like affect on communities adjacent to those four.

deck needs to be replaced immediately as there is potential for more damage to occur in the near future.

The Agency is currently discussing the possibility of declaring that an emergency exists relative to the bridge. Due to the potentially serious danger to life and public safety posed by the current condition, it is critical that the repair work be performed as expeditiously as possible. The general proposed scope of work includes: replacement of the bridge deck, reForum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza pair of the beam encasements, and Enormous digital signage on Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood warns residents, commuters, necessary steel superstructure and and business owners that construction on the massive, oft-delayed enterprise is set to start early next week. substructure repairs.”

Expected to take nearly two years But it’s a crucial enterprise. to maintain vehicular traffic and proto complete, the project’s anticipated “The concrete deck is in very tect the LIRR below,” according to poor condition, with several areas the DOT’s annual 2015 Bridges and end date is winter 2018. plated over with steel plates in order Tunnels Conditions Report. “The

Queens Colleges among Top Schools Identified as Helping to Move Students to Prosperity from Poverty

By Michael V. Cusenza Five borough colleges have been ranked among the top schools moving students up the economic ladder, according to the results of a recent study by the Equality of Opportunity Project.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, Queens College, York College, St. John’s University, and LaGuardia Community College cracked the top 40—Vaughn was ranked Number 1—out of 2,200 U.S. colleges and universities that were part of the study.

Using Internal Revenue Service data, the analysis of the schools compared parental income for 16 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4

students to the top fifth from the bottom fifth of the income distribution.

“Albeit this study is but one indicator, it powerfully demonstrates that when it comes to economic mobility, Queens College—approaching its eightieth anniversary of serving the people of New York—is making a larger impact than virtually every other college in the country,” said Queens Photo Courtesy of Queens College/Dennis Wong College President Félix Matos RoAccording to the study, Queens College has made a larger impact on its students than dríguez. “When our students—rich virtually every other university in the country—moving students to the top fifth of the in ambition, talent, and creativity— income distribution from the bottom fifth. are given the advantage of a highabout 30 million students born educated adults. The EOP study quality, world-class faculty, they bebetween 1980 and 1991, to these ranked the five borough schools in come the backbone of our city and same students’ income as college- the top tier of all colleges in moving state workforce.”

VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Queens College noted that the City University of New York system moved almost six times as many low-income students into the middle class and beyond as did all eight Ivy League campuses, Duke, M.I.T., Stanford, and Chicago— combined.

According to Queens College, the Equality of Opportunity Project is a think tank comprising a group of economists and other social scientists that uses big data—extremely large data sets which, through analysis, can reveal patterns, trends, and associations—to report on how each college in America affects its students’ prospects of upward mobility.

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NY AG,Cigna Settle Suit Over Testing for Psychiatric Conditions

By Forum Staff The State Attorney General’s Office has reached a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health service company eliminate a written ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder, NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced on Monday.

Cigna will also reprocess denied claims for autism spectrum disorder, Schneiderman added.

According to the attorney general, his Office’s Health Care Bureau launched an investigation into Cigna’s administration of mental health benefits following a complaint in 2016 about its written policy for neuropsychological testing. The policy said that “Cigna does not cover neuropsychological testing” for psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder “because such testing is considered educational in nature and/or not medically necessary.”

“Insurers must provide the same access to mental health services as they would for any other treatment. We will continue to aggressively enforce our health care parity laws to ensure that no New Yorker faces illegal barriers when seeking mental health treatment,” Schneiderman said.

Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees these policies discriminate in the coverage they provide to comply with Timothy’s Law, New York legislation en- based upon diagnosis of mental illness or substance abuse acted in 2006 and named for 12-year-old Timothy O’Clair disorder.” who committed suicide after an insurance company deTimothy’s Law, Schneiderman said, mandates that nied ongoing coverage for treatment of serious mental New York group health plans provide “broad-based covhealth issues. erage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous According to the O’Clair family, Timothy hanged him- or emotional disorders or ailments … at least equal to the self in his bedroom closet in March 2001 after he “and his coverage provided for other health conditions.” The New family spent nearly five years seeking the necessary treat- York law is similar to federal mental health parity laws, ment and services for his emotional disorder.” Timothy’s which were passed in 2008, the AG noted. parents, Tom and Donna, said that whenever they sought The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, help for their son, they “ran into barriers”: limits on cov- pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty erage under insurance policies for mental health and sub- of $50,000. Cigna also clarified its policy regarding constance abuse services. cussion and mild cognitive impairment. Cigna shall also “It is Tom and Donna’s belief that had their health in- provide coverage information to its members and memsurance policy provided equal coverage for mental health bers’ health care providers upon request, according to the and chemical dependency services, as are provided for attorney general. other health services, Timothy would be here today,” the Schneiderman also advised consumers with a comfamily said. plaint regarding health insurance coverage for mental Prior to the enactment of Timothy’s Law, the O’Clairs health, or any other health care-related complaint, to connoted, “every private insurance policy in New York limits tact the Attorney General’s Office Health Care Helpline at the amount of inpatient and outpatient coverage provided (800) 428-9071. for mental health and substance abuse services or requires additional co-payments from the insured. Simply put, THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 17

Legal Notices BEBOARDZ, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/01/16. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, C/O UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC, 7014 13TH AENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Goodhaven Properties Holding LLC. Arts. of Org., filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/7/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 113-23 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Rich 108 LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/2016. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC,114-42 Taipei Court, College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Legal Notices Kapler Tech LLC. Filed 8/24/16. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: C/O Legalinc Corporate Services Inc, 1967 Wehrle Dr 1 # 086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General.

Notice of Qualification of MIKOMA CONSTRUCTION LLC App. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 43-10 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. PURPOSE:Any lawful purpose.

GAVIN JACK LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 9/19/2016. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, c/o Trop Spindler LLP, 19-02 Whitestone Expressway, Suite 103, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

JECTURE TECHNOLOGY LLC Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/01/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process toTHE LLC, 19720 99TH ROAD, HOLLIS, NY 11423.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Ducodell, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/29/16.

County: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may Ying Cheung Realty LLC, App for Auth be served & shall mail process to Fred D. filed with SSNY on 12/07/16, Cert of Frmn filed Amedee, 1059 Gybson St., Far Rockaway, NY in NJ on 02/14/06. Off Loc: Queens County, 11691. General Purpose.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom GOLDEN SUNRISE DAYCARE, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/04/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Steven Leszczynski, Attorney at Law, 64-17 Clinton Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

1200 East Butler Rd LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY 11/15/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to M. Joseph Lvein PC, 8616 Queens Blvd., Ste. 206, Elmhurst, NY 11373. General purpose.

Park Place Estate Manager, LLC, a foreign LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/29/16.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 112-15 Northern Blvd., #2, Corona, NY 11368. General PurNotice of formation of THE 35TH DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/3/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 133-47 Sanford Ave., C1E, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of J.E. Home Designs LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/6/2015. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 148A Madison St, New York, NY 10002. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of J. SUSSMAN REALTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/27/16. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 109-10 180th St., Jamaica, NY 11433. 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.

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process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 1319 New York Ave., Union City, NJ 07089. The off add required to be maintained in the jurisdiction of its frmn is: 1319 New York Ave., Union City, NJ 07089. The name and add of the Sec. of State in its jurisdiction of org where a copy of its art of org is filed is NJ Sec of State, PO Box 002, Trenton, NJ 08625. Purpose to engage in any lawful act.

HOWARD BEACH 96 STREET, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/13/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 162-24 85th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: 37 Ave East West LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 11/03/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to the LLC, 47-36 161st ST Flushing, NY 11358. Purpose: General WE SCRUB WE CLEAN CLEANING SERVICES, LLC Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/11/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 89-00 170H STREET, UNIT 8D, JAMAICA, NY,11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Talla Realty LLC. Filed 7/1/16. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 704 Hillside Blvd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: General.

Taveras Checo LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/16/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Zoraida Taveras, 37-88 103rd St., Corona, NY 11368. General purpose.

18 JANUARY 26, 2017 • Number 4 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Legal Notices JASON KIM NEW YORK DENTAL GROUP, PLLC, a domestic PLLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/1/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the PLLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 144-48 ROOSEVELT AVE., STE.MD-C, FLUSHING, NY 11354. General purpose.

Oummih 3853 LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/18/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 21-27 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11102. General Purposes.

Notice of formation of 105-18 Northern Realty LLC. Articles of organizatioin

were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has designed as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 50-24 207th St., Oakland Gardens, NY,11364. Purpose: For any lawful pupose.

Notice of Formation of Horizon 31J, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY

(SSNY) on 12/23/16. 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, 193-38 Keno Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of Sunshine Taxi and Limousine Co., LLC App. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 15 MARINA ROAD, ISLAND PARK, NASSAU, NY 11558 Notice of formation of ASJ STEINWAY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 08/12/2016. Office located in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 14418 29TH RD FLUSHING NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Element Services LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/7/16.

County: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to The LLC, 37-57 85th St., Jackson Heights, NY 11372. General Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF POND VENTURE LLC. Articles of Organization

were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/08/16. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to EDWARD M. VARGA III, 23-58 33RD STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

The Eagle NY Properties LLC, Arts of

Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/6/17. County: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to The LLC, 9523 Liverpool St., Jamaica, NY 11435. General Purpose.

Flosscare Worldwide LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/1/16. County: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to The LLC, 81-52 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11004. General Purpose.

45-15 25TH AVE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/11/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Marco Vicari, 45-11 25th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 4 JANUARY 26, 2017| 19

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