THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 24, 2016

VOL. 15 • NUMBER 47 • NOVEMBER 24, 2016

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

South & West

DONALD DUMP Thousands Renounce President-Elect’s Borough Roots, March from Long Island City over Queensboro Bridge to Trump Tower in Manhattan for ‘Queens Responds with Queens Values’ Rally “Donald Trump may have been raised in Queens, but he’s not from here anymore,” said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (c., inset) on Saturday as he led protesters from the World’s Borough to 5th Avenue. The Sunnyside pol reportedly received death threats days before the march.

See Story on Page 16

Photos Courtesy of Nick Staib and Councilman Van Bramer’s Office

Page 4

Straphangers Set to Sound off on Latest MTA Fare Hikes at Public Hearings

Page 12

First Citywide Ferry Vessel Completed at Alabama Shipyard

Pages 16

NYPD Partners with Interfaith Center for Multi-Faith Policing Event

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 1

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2

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SAT

3

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79

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199

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Per Variety

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1

99

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(excluding fuel and items prohibited by law)

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lb.

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Pay

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2 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

11-27-57

4

98 2.00

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Sale Prices: .89 lb. to 6.59 ea.

Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillet

3

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Regular Retails: 1.49 lb. to 10.99 ea.

Tilapia Fillet 2-lb. Bag

for

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Perdue Poultry Responsibly Raised, No Antibiotics Ever, Never Frozen, Fresh Norwegian Steelhead Trout Fillet or Previously Frozen, Boneless

each

177

Store Made Pumpkin Muffins

1.12

4

2 $10

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• Breyer’s Ice Cream • Good Humor Ice Cream Bars • Klondike Ice Cream Bars

(Excluding Rotisserie, Family Pack Ground Turkey, Fresh Ready to Cook Simply Smart Poultry, Family Pack Short Cuts, IQF Wings, IQF Boneless Breast, IQF Tender and Frozen Cornish Hens)

Frozen, Individually Wrapped, Cape Gourmet

only...

.55

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Limit 4

48-oz. cont., Carb Smart, Dairy Dessert or Any Variety

1

lb.

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)

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599

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)

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Sale Prices: 3.49 lb. to 4.99 lb.

99

for

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USDA CHOICE BEEF

Regular Retails: 4.99 lb. to 7.19 lb.

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1

FRIED IN TRANS FAT FREE OIL

.72

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jar, Any Variety

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499

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49

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Original Cocoa Puffs, 11.25-oz. Cookie Crisp, 11.5-oz.

(Excluding Chocolate) Lucky Charms, 12.25-oz. Honey Nut Cheerios or 13-oz. Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs

ALL WEEK

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57

1

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In-Store

2 5 $

1-lb. pkg., Quarters, Salted or Unsalted (Excluding Organic)

SALE STARTS

27 28 29 30

11-27-57 JG

$

New JFK Business Improvement District Aims to Enhance Airport’s Economic Potential

By Michael V. Cusenza Mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed legislation authorizing the creation of the Greater JFK Business Improvement District in southeast Queens.

The new BID – a public/private partnership in which property and business owners elect to make a collective contribution to the maintenance, development, and promotion of their commercial district – aims to bolster the economic competitiveness of John F. Kennedy International Airport and its air cargo industry.

Business Improvement Districts deliver supplemental services such as: sanitation; public safety and hospitality; marketing and promotions; capital improvements; beautification; district representation; and business development.

According to the administration, JFK is the second-largest employer in the borough, with 69,000 employees and $4.1 billion in wages annually. More than 15,000 people at JFK work directly in air cargo-related jobs.

The administration indicated that the new Greater JFK BID will be formed in collaboration with the City Department of Small Business Services and in response to a 2013 report published by the City Economic Development Corporation that identified ways to improve JFK’s economic potential as a commercial hub. The BID will look to catalyze JFK’s economic development by reinforcing over 500 businesses in the area that provide logistical support in importing and exporting 1.3 million tons of highly valuable goods that pass through the airport annually.

“JFK Airport is integral to the city’s economy as the second-largest employer in Queens, and area stakeholders, civic groups and businesses play an equally vital role in helping to grow good jobs for the community,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.

“The Greater JFK Business Improvement District will reinforce JFK Airport’s standing as a major global competitor, bolster our air cargo industry and catalyze economic growth for hundreds of businesses in Southeast Queens.

Photo Courtesy of JFK BID Planning Committee

The BID’s Planning Committee organized images of off-airport “areas of concern” that, the panel said, “may need special attention, mitigation or direct improvement.”

I applaud SBS and the Greater JFK IBID Planning Committee for their hard work in making this exciting project a reality.”

The aforementioned Planning Committee began exploring the concept of a JFK-area BID more than three years ago. In April, the Queens Borough Board approved the plans for the new group, and voted unanimously in favor of recommending the creation of the BID. The seven-acre District is located in Springfield Gardens and composed of private properties containing customs brokers, freight forwarders, messenger and logistical services, trucking and maintenance companies. The air and ocean cargo-related businesses exist alongside other light industrial and retail uses, hotels, community-service and government facilities, as well as more than 150 single-family homes.

According to the Planning Committee, the purpose of the proposed Greater JFK BID is: “to support the off-airport air cargo and services district by providing technical and professional services, supplemental assistance and improvements, and effective advo-

cacy and administration for all district members; and to enhance the quality of life and the recognition of the diverse experiences of all who work ,visit, and live within and adjacent to the district, and to encourage members of the district to be ‘good neighbors,’ striking a reasonable balance between industrial, commercial, and residential interests.”

Expected Services and Improvements Advocacy and Administration: The BID will advocate on behalf of the neighborhood to policy makers and other stakeholders.

Neighborhood Coordination: The BID will provide a forum for productive discussions between local residents and commercial, office and industrial tenants and owners on matters of mutual concern. The BID will be a central point for communication and coordination regarding issues affecting the district.

District Marketing, Networking and Labor Force Development: The Greater JFK BID will establish a positive district identity

through an informational website, access to industry networking, client and funding sources, matching-up labor force with area businesses, support tenant outreach and highlight hotel and other specialized industries.

Public Safety and Security: The Greater JFK BID will work to improve district lighting, coordinate with the NYPD to prioritize district needs and examine the possible use of security cameras, private security or NYPD paid detail.

Sanitation/Snow Removal and Maintenance Services: The Greater JFK BID will coordinate with NYC Department of Sanitation to prioritize district needs, supplement sanitation or snow removal services by third party contractor as needed and target illegal dumping.

Technical Services and Planning Studies for Project Development: The Greater JFK BID will coordinate district-wide traffic, transportation, and parking needs, as well as streetscape and building improvements, sitespecific development plans and environmental issues.

Senator Sets up Drop Box in Howard Beach for Proper Disposal of Unwanted American Flags

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently announced that constituents wishing to properly dispose of an unwanted American flag can now drop them off at his Howard Beach district office.

Addabbo, a member of the Senate committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, frequently collects flags at his semi-annual recycling events to ensure any unwanted flags are recycled in the proper manner. The senator last week opened a permanent drop box in his 102nd Street office to collect additional flags year-round.

“The American flag represents our country, our freedom, our way of life and everyone who has sacrificed to protect it,” Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office Addabbo said. “This symbol of what our nation stands for Sen. Addabbo unveiled the box last week in his Howard Beach district should be regarded as the cherished token it truly is, and that office.

includes making sure any old or damaged flags be disposed of correctly. I have been collecting flags at my recycling events for years to ensure they do not end up in landfills where they do not belong, and I am happy to continue that effort here in my office on a daily basis. I encourage all those with unwanted flags to donate them to this drop box and do your part to make sure our country’s flag is never disrespected.”

Addabbo indicated that he intends to expand the number of drop boxes for American flags throughout the 15th Senatorial District – Broad Channel, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Woodside and the Rockaways.

Addabbo’s Howard Beach office is located at 159-53 102nd St. For more information, call (718) 738-1111.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 3

Public Hearings on Latest MTA Fare and Toll Hikes Set for December

THIS WEEKEND NOVEMBER 25-26

Photo Courtesy of Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin

Under one of the two proposals being considered, the base fare of a MetroCard will go to $3 from $2.75.

By Michael V. Cusenza Straphangers and motorists next month will get a chance to sound off on the latest fare and toll hikes as proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The MTA last Wednesday unveiled two options for needed increase to fares and tolls over the next two years by less than 4 percent – or an average of 2 percent annually. Both proposals generate approximately the same revenue for the agency, according to the MTA. The proposals will be the subject of eight public hearings across the MTA service territory – including one in each of the five boroughs – in December. The MTA Board will review public input before a final option is selected and voted on by the full Board in January. The new fares and tolls will take effect on March 19, 2017.

The two fare structures that are being considered treat the base fare and bonus rides differently; however, changes to 7-day and 30-day unlimited ride MetroCards are the same in both proposals.

Under Plan A, base MetroCard fare would stay locked at $2.75; but the current 11-percent bonus with $5.50 purchase would be cut to 5 percent with $5.50 purchase.

Under Plan B, base MetroCard fare increases by a quarter to $3; but the bonus rises to 16 percent with $6 purchase.

Both plans call for a $4.50 hike on monthly MetroCards to $121; and $1 increase on weekly cards to $32.

According to the MTA, a key distinction between the two options is the size of the bonus in reducing the cost of a ride: In Plan A, the bonus for purchas-

ing a roundtrip ticket stays at 28 cents, reducing the cost of a ride to $2.62 from $2.75; in Plan B, the bonus jumps to 96 cents when purchasing a roundtrip ticket, reducing the cost for a ride to $2.59 from $3.

The $1 fee for purchasing a new MetroCard remains unchanged.

Proposed increases for car tolls for New York Customer Service Center EZPass holders will increase by 4 percent or less. MTA Bridges and Tunnels also offers “substantial discounts” to residents of Staten Island and the Rockaways.

For non-E-ZPass users, increases are higher in order to encourage drivers to use it, and in order to reduce congestion in advance of cashless tolling coming to bridges and tunnels.

As the agency noted, the public review process will enable MTA Board members to receive testimony delivered at the eight public hearings, through written statements accepted via email and regular mail, and through transcripts of videotaped public comments.

Members of the public can register to speak in advance by calling (646) 252-6777 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. To enable all members of the public to testify, the MTA has asked that all remarks be kept to three minutes or less.

The Queens public hearing will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, at the Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center at York College, Main Stage Theater, 9420 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. Registration period is open from 4 to 8 p.m.

Hearing begins at 5 p.m.

4 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Public Advocate, Council Members Lead Push for Home Stability Support Plan for Homeless Crisis

By Michael V. Cusenza As temperatures this week hovered around the freezing mark, Gotham’s homeless crisis debate remained red hot.

On Wednesday afternoon, a coalition of elected city and state officials and advocacy groups rallied on the steps of City Hall and called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to include in the next budget a plan to increase the State’s outdated rental assistance subsidies and help prevent families on the brink from becoming part of the record-breaking NYC homeless population.

Public Advocate Letitia James and 30 members of the City Council signed onto a petition urging Cuomo to support the Home Stability Support proposal: a new statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who are facing eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions. According to the plan, HSS will be 100 percent federally and state-funded, and will replace all existing optional rent supplements.

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), chairman of the Social Services Committee, unveiled HSS in September.

“Having a stable home serves as a platform for people to become better parents, employees and members of the community.

Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Hevesi

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (r.) crafted Home Stability Support to help address the homeless crisis in NYC.

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers and their children currently don’t have that foundation,” Hevesi said. “The Home Stability Support is an effective, fiscally-responsible solution. By providing adequate rental assistance to families now, we can keep tens of thousands of people in their homes and save taxpayers millions of dollars.”

According to Hevesi, as a result of inaction by the State, the shelter allowance has failed to keep up with the rising cost of housing. For a household of three, the

current shelter allowance ranges from $264 to $447 per month, whereas actual average rental costs for two-bedroom apartments – suitable for a three-member family – ranges from $658 to $1,608 per month in New York.

HSS would cost $11,224 per year for a household of three in the city, Hevesi noted. Meanwhile, the cost of shelters in NYC is $38,460 for a family with children.

The net savings for taxpayers is $27,236 per year. Similar savings would be realized in

counties throughout the state, he added.

“Our city has long been a leader in finding creative solutions to the greatest challenges we as a society face,” Hevesi said on Wednesday. “The growing homeless crisis is no different.”

Also on Wednesday, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) again blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio and his homeless policies, which according to a recent Wall Street Journal report have cost the City more than $1.6 billion.

“Not only is an enormous amount of taxpayer dollars being spent fighting this issue without any transparency to the public, but the policies this administration is choosing to allocate the funds on are failing and are not resulting in long term solutions,” Addabbo said. “These hotel shelters delay more permanent assistance, while also diverting resources and attention away from more viable alternatives – such as creating more affordable housing, providing rental assistance to New Yorkers in jeopardy of losing their homes, and working with our Governor to possibly make use of available land outside the city where the cost of living is much lower. It is time for Mayor de Blasio to change his ways and realize once and for all that shutting out the community and their elected officials is not acceptable.

We deserve to know how this money is being spent.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 5

DNA Left at Scene of 1996 Far Rockaway Attack Leads to Conviction of Serial Rapist

By Forum Staff A DNA hit from a crime committed over twenty years ago is responsible for the conviction of a 49-year-old former Far Rockaway resident.

Richard Thomas has been convicted for raping a woman in her Queens home. The man, who was connected to the rape through forensic evidence uncovered by the District Attorney’s DNA Prosecution Unit, and is already serving time in prison for two other rapes.

“The defendant is a serial rapist, who is already serving a 50- year sentence in state prison for sexually assaulting a woman in 1996 and a 12-year-old girl in 2004,” said District Attorney Brown. He noted that the defendant has proven himself as a danger to both women and society and should receive the maximum allowable sentence for the latest conviction.

Thomas last lived on New Ha-

Photo Courtesy of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner

The Queens DA’s Office submitted evidence from the 1996 rape to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for DNA analysis.

ven Avenue in the Far Rockaway and was convicted last week of firstdegree rape following a 12-day jury trial and is set for sentencing on December 5, 2016. Thomas faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to trial testimony, the

victim was sleeping with her husband inside their Far Rockaway residence on the night of July 28, 1996, when she was awakened by a noise in her bedroom. When she opened her eyes, she saw Thomas standing over her, wearing a mask and armed

Cops Still Looking to ID Howard Beach Rite Aid Robbery Suspects

By Forum Staff

Police recently reached out to the public for help in identifying the five young men wanted in connection with the robbery of a Rite Aid last month in Howard Beach.

According to investigators, on Thursday, Oct. 27, around 9:30 p.m., the five suspects entered the Cross Bay Boulevard store and removed multiple pieces of merchandise totaling approximately $1,350. Additionally, as they were leaving, one of the suspects declared that no one should follow him and that he had a knife in his possession, cops said. They fled the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade.

All five suspects are described as male, 16 to 20 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577TIPS (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.

The bias-related attack of a worshipper at a Flushing mosque in November 2012 has led to the conviction of a Rego park man four years after the commission of the crime.

Bernhard Laufer, 59, of 99-68 65 Road in th the Forest Hills/Rego Park has been convicted at trial for attempted murder as a hate crime and other crimes.

The victim was opening the door to the house of worship when the defendant pounced on him stabbing him repeatedly and biting the man’s nose.

“Crimes fueled by hate will never be tolerated here in Queens County - the most diverse urban area in the entire nation. A jury weighed all the evidence in this case and within hours convicted the defendant of a hate crime for the vicious attempted murder of a Muslim man. The defendant has proven himself a danger to society and warrants a lengthy incarceration,” District Attorney Brown said.

Laufer was convicted of seconddegree attempted murder as a hate crime, first-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, second-degree assault as a hate crime, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

6 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

to justice for this horrific crime 20 years later,” said District Attorney Brown.

Following his conviction in a 2006 grand larceny case, Thomas was compelled by law to submit a DNA sample to the state databank, which linked him to two other rape cases. In the first, Thomas approached a couple in a vehicle at a Queens intersection in August 1996 and, at gunpoint, ordered them out of the vehicle. After robbing the male victim and locking him in the vehicle’s trunk, Thomas raped the woman and then robbed and locked her in the trunk. Nearly eight years later, Thomas raped and robbed a 12-year-old girl in Far Rockaway as she walked to a school bus stop. Ironically, Thomas was caught for that crime because he had been forced to submit a DNA sample, in part, due to his first victim’s lobbying efforts in June 2006 to have all convicted felons give DNA samples.

Rego Park Man Convicted of Hate Crime in Vicious Mosque Attack

By Michael V. Cusenza

According to authorities, the five young men stole more than $1,300 in merchandise from the Cross Bay Boulevard store.

with a handgun. Thomas told the victim not to look at him or make any noise or he would hurt her. At that moment, the victim’s husband woke up and Thomas told him also not to look at him or he [Thomas] would “blow his head off.” Thomas then forced the victim out of the bed and onto the floor where he forcibly raped her. When Thomas moved off of the victim, he wiped his genitals on the floor rug and on a nearby t-shirt before fleeing.

The DNA Prosecutions Unit at the District Attorney’s office was able to identify previously untested evidence by examining the t-shirt and the rug from the crime scene.

Thomas used to wipe himself off after the rape.

A DNA profile was developed based on semen found on the rug, which the DNA databank conclusively matched to Thomas’s DNA profile. This match set in motion the prosecution which ultimately resulted in Thomas being brought

Photo Courtesy of Google

The victim was attacked as he opened the door to this mosque in Kew Gardens Hills.

fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime following a 2½-weeklong jury trial.

The presiding judge indicated that he would sentence Laufer on December 14, at which time he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Trial testimony revealed that on November 16, 2012, the defendant vandalized the Masjid Al-Saaliheen Mosque, located at 72-55 Kissena Boulevard, by smashing the door and breaking the door handle with a stone. Later that day, and on the following day, the defendant called the mosque several times leaving threatening messages on the answering machine. On November 18, 2012, at approximately 4:50 a.m., the defendant followed the victim, Bashir

Ahmad, 57 at the time, up the stairs leading into the mosque and then as Mr. Ahmad was unlocking the front door, the defendant stabbed Mr. Ahmad in the head. Mr. Ahmad turned around to see the defendant standing behind him and the defendant continued his attack by biting Mr. Ahmad’s nose and stabbing him in the back, leg and thumb. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The defendant left the scene but dropped his eyeglasses during the attack. DNA evidence was found on the spectacles that matched the defendant. Investigators also testified that threatening calls made to the mosque days before the attack were placed from the defendant’s home phone.

Four Suspects in Woodhaven Taco Bell Gang Assault Still at Large

By Michael V. Cusenza

Photos Courtesy of NYPD

The assault took place last month at an Atlantic Avenue Taco Bell restaurant.

Police recently asked the public for help in identifying the remaining four individuals wanted in connection with an October gang assault inside a Woodhaven Taco Bell restaurant.

According to investigators, on Sunday Oct. 16, around 9:45 p.m., four men and one woman assaulted two male Taco Bell employees after they asked the group not to sit on the counters of the establishment. The 21-year-old employee suffered bruising to his face and body, while the 22-year-old suffered two stab wounds to his torso and was removed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in serious but stable condition.

The perpetrators fled eastbound on Atlantic Avenue inside of a black SUV taxi and were dropped off in the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue and 132nd Street, cops said.

One of the suspects, 25-yearold Erickson Cepeda, was arrested 10 days later and charged with felony assault. According to court and Department of Correction records, he posted bail and was released on Oct. 30. His next court date is Jan. 11, 2017.

The other four suspects are described as: • Hispanic woman, 22 to 28 years old, last seen wearing a black sweater, blue jeans and black sneakers.

• Black man, 22 to 28 years old, last seen wearing a darkcolored baseball cap, a black hooded sweater, black pants and white sneakers.

• Hispanic man, 22 to 28 years old, last seen wearing a white baseball cap, a black sweater, a red shirt, black pants and black sneakers.

• Hispanic man, 22 to 28 years old, last seen wearing a black-and-white baseball cap, a black sweater, black pants and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577TIPS (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.

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718-751-6235 • 646-403-2259 www.johnsallseason.com www.facebook.com/johnsallseason THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 7

URN T E L R EEK L I W TW NEX

Schumer Announces Senate Dem Leadership and Committee Ranking Members for 115th Congress

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“I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me and proud to introduce this leadership team,” Schumer said last week. “I am going to wake up every single day focused on how Senate Democrats can effectively fight for America’s middle class, and those struggling to make it. This team is ideologically and geographically diverse, it mixes the wisdom of experience with the vigor of youth, at least in Senate years, but from the top to bottom, each of these Senators has devoted their lives to fighting for the middle class and those struggling to get there.”

Some notable names and assignments include: Minority Whip: Sen. Dick Durbin (DIll.) Vice Chairwoman of the Conference: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)

Chairman of Outreach: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Sanders, fresh off a presidential primary season that saw him earn more than 13 million votes and galvanize the progressive electorate, is also set to be the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.

Upon learning that Schumer will succeed Harry Reid as Senate minority leader, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted, “I have always had a good relationship with Chuck Schumer. He is far smarter than Harry R and has the ability to get things done. Good news!”

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HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD CIVIC HOLIDAY GATHERING

TUESDAY, November 29th, 2016 • 7:30PM • St. Helen Catholic Academy • 83-09 157th Avenue • Howard Beach, NY 11414 Please join us for FOOD AND FUN while honoring our Volunteers Enjoy some Holiday Entertainment!

FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA • FREE TURKEY RAFFLE!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER TH

29

8 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

EDITORIAL

Hold City Agencies More Accountable The City last month forged ahead with the first stage of construction on the Woodhaven-Cross Bay Corridor Select Bus Service plan — less than two days after Community Board 9 voted vigorously against the joint Department of Transportation/Metropolitan Transportation Authority project.

Asked to explain why the agency seemingly ignored the will of the people who live and work in the communities that would be directly impacted by the project, a DOT spokesperson told The Forum: “DOT conducted substantial outreach with the community since 2014 and listened closely to its concerns, resulting in changes to the original plan such as keeping left turns at Jamaica Avenue and elsewhere. Woodhaven SBS will bring safety improvements and more efficient bus services to the thousands who travel daily on the corridor, while maintaining traffic flow. We informed Community Board 9 on September 13th that work would be taking place in the area this fall. Jamaica Ave and Woodhaven Blvd has been one of the top three most dangerous intersections in the city and our goal is to move quickly on safety improvements at that location.”

Alex Blenkinsopp, director of Communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, characterized the agency’s actions as “a slap in the face to CB 9 and to the community.”

The following is an op-ed on the City, its myriad agencies, and transparency – or lack thereof – courtesy of attorney and civic leader Mike Scala.

Recently, after testimony by numerous concerned residents and stakeholders, Community Board 9 voted overwhelmingly against the Select Bus Service plan. Two days later, construction for Select Bus Service began at Jamaica Avenue.

One can almost envision an email circulated around the Department of Transportation reading "Time for some traffic problems in Woodhaven."

The madness cannot be overstated. This was, simply put, a slap in the face to a body that is supposed to guide the city's decision-making. By extension, it was an affront to the Mike Scala is a Howard Beach attorney who serves as community at large.

First Vice President of the Queens Public Transit ComTo be clear, community boards are advisory in nature. mittee.

LEGALLY SPEAKING This week marks the official start of the holiday season. It is a time for family and loved ones, and a time to reflect on the blessings that we have received in our lives. This week marks the countdown to a number of holidays including Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa.

Unfortunately for some people, however, the holiday season is fraught with anxiety, depression, illness and injury.

Many people who sustain work-related injuries find that without their weekly salary, the holidays are a stark reminder of how their lives have changed dramatically. The inability to provide for even the basic necessities, let alone splurge on holiday presents, is a prescription for depression.

The Grand Bargain Premise of Workers’ Compensation laws in this country is that the employer, through their insurance carrier, is responsible to pay for injured workers’ medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability in ex-

This means their votes are not binding on the city, and with good reason: there are some inevitably controversial actions the city must take that no community will desire.

Nonetheless, advisory does not mean holding no value.

Members of a community board are leaders in their neighborhoods; they are volunteers appointed by elected officials and entrusted with voicing their area's needs. Their recommendations should be regarded with the utmost respect and consideration.

When such a recommendation is made, the city should be required to respond accordingly. Perhaps this means conducting further analysis. Perhaps this means providing the board with a detailed response. It might even include counterarguments and well-formulated reasons the advice will ultimately not be heeded.

It should not, under any circumstances, entail outright ignoring the will of the community -- and indeed subverting it without so much as a courtesy call. Building two days later? If nothing else, the vote should have been a mandate to pause the project for some reevaluation.

This exemplifies the criticisms of the current administration. Policy differences aside, more respect will be received if it is given. As a systemic matter, changes are needed to ensure city agencies are held more accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. It is time to support legislation that shifts some of the power in our direction.

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.

change for injured workers giving up their rights to sue their employers for negligence. During the last couple of decades, Workers’ Compensation benefits have been under the continuous scrutiny of the New York State Business Council, which has been alleging that the cost of benefits to injured workers is at the root of their increase in costs and reduction in profits.

However, a report from the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) indicates otherwise. Benefits as a percent of payroll declined in 46 states between 2010 and 2014, continuing a national trend in lower benefits relative to payroll that began in the 1990s. Costs to employers, on the other hand, continue to climb. Between 2010 and 2014, employer costs associated with Workers’ Compensation – such as insurance premiums, reimbursement payments, and administrative costs – grew at a rate nearly five times faster than benefits. Instead of using employers’ money to provide benefits for injured workers, insurance companies pay a host of businesses, including insurance medical examiners, nurse case managers, vocational rehabilitation companies and defense counsel, all of which profit from the system at the

expense of workers and reap record profits for themselves. Meanwhile, the insurance industry and the Business Council falsely blame the claims of disabled workers so they can continue to increase profits by slashing benefits and shifting costs to taxpayer-funded programs instead of employer-paid insurance.

Benefits in New York have decreased under the current Workers’ Compensation system. Higher wage earners benefit in the short term as the amount of their weekly benefits has increased. However, these benefits are only available for a fixed period of time. If injured workers are able to return to work after a short period of lost time and a limited period of medical treatment, then some may say the system is a success. Unfortunately for many severely-injured high and low wage earners, the Grand Bargain wasn’t so grand. Medical providers’ hands are tied by Medical Treatment guidelines that limit the amount of treatment authorized based upon “best practices” or cookie cutter treatment, as opposed to

what is recommended by the treating doctor. Now there is the prospect of limiting prescription medications as well, all in the name of cost reduction.

The reduction of medical treatment based on the guidelines means workers aren’t necessarily fully recovered. Also, they don’t all return to work once they reach their indemnity cap. The cost of providing monetary benefits and medical treatment are shifted to the taxpayers to pick up the tab. Injured workers don’t expect that the very act of working will forever alter their lives in a negative way. Workers’ Compensation benefits are not a charitable donation, but an entitlement based upon a compromise between workers and their employers. Unfortunately, it is clear that these benefits have been gradually eroded. We should not allow any legislation that further erodes these benefits. While the holidays will continue to bring depression and despair for some injured workers, it should not be as a result of our treatment of them afterward.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 9

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10 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

TAKING CARE OF BIDNESS A HOLIDAY WONDERLAND of SAVINGS

Shop Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue form Dexter Ct. to 100th St. YOUR EVERYTHING AVENUE FOR DISCOUNTED PRICES. 2 Hour Parking for your Convenience "CLEAN SAFE, EXTRA SECURTIY SPECIALIZED SMALL TOWN SHOPPING" Take a free WBID trolley ride on Sunday December 4 and Sunday December 11 from 11 AM to 6 PM on Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th street ATTORNEYS James F. Rooney, Esq…..........86-07 Marianne Gonzales Esq ...........95-07 AWARDS Capo’s Awards………..............79-13 BANK Queens County ………...........80-35 Savings Bank ...........................93-22 Chase Bank.............................84-01a Community Federal Savings Bank ...........................89-07 BAKERY Pan Ugo Bakery .......................84-42 La Gitana Bakery.......................90-12 Paneorama ...............................95-20 BEAUTY SUPPLY Sumi Eyebrows ………............79-17 Mehak Beauty Salon….............87-12 Pretty Beauty Supply…............87-16 Coco Nail and Spa……..............87-24 I Stars Beauty Supply…............91-05 BICYCLE SHOP Bike Lane………………..........85-13 BUTCHER - MARKET La Palma Meat Market .............84-25 CATERING HALL Woodhaven Manor...................96-01 CELLULAR & PHONE RELATED STORES Orange Technology……..........75-12 Boost Mobile…………............80-10 Cricket Wireless………….......80-27 Universal Multi-Services..........84-11 Zee Wireless Corner.................85-07 T-Mobile ………………..........90-07 Sprint PCS ..............................90-24 CPR Wireless ..........................93-29 Cellular Explosion ....................95-07 CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS WBID/Greater Woodhaven Development Corp..................84-01b Woodhaven Residents’

Block Association ..................84-20b CLEANERS Wash & Dry Round the Clock Laundromat…………..............78-07 H.M.Y. Laundry……................84-14 Spirare French Cleaners.........84-20A Florence Cleaners……….........84-29 CLOTHING - ATHLETIC Sports Lane .............................85-15 DRIVING SCHOOL Trama’s Auto School................87-15 HOBBY STORE Planet Hobbywood LADIES’ APPAREL Wood Story……………...........80-33 Rainbow Shop .........................85-12 Baby Blue Ladies .....................91-17 MEN’S Valerie’s Men & Women’s........80-17 R.S. Army/Navy .......................91-13 MEDICAL Yellowstone Physical Therapy and Medical Office……...................88-11 MULTISERVICES Woodhaven Multiservices........87-09 CONFECTIONERY Schmidt’s Candy ......................94-15 FLORIST Park Place Florist…….............88-16 Lands Flowers ………….........92-03 FOOT CARE Podiatry ...................................86-12 Podiatrist Doctor .....................87-24 Woodhaven Footcare ...............95-11 FURNITURE J&L Furniture…………............78-19 The Home Furnishing Center………………...............80-38 ICE CREAM Baskin Robbins ........................84-13 Go Natural Yogurt…………….89-18 Baskin Robbins ........................92-17

Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting December 2 at 6:30 pm Welcome Santa at Woodhaven Parade December 3 at Noon

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES LaBella Investigations...............84-01 OPTICAL Evan David Optician ................90-08 Price Optical ............................93-01 LIQUOR STORES Dexter Wines & Spirits.............75-13 Rich Haven Liquors .................85-11 Liquor Store ............................89-21 Deegan’s Wine & Liquors....... 95-19 MARKET C-Town ...................................74-39 Compare…………..................77-20 Sam’s Deli……………...........80-01 Sam’s Grill…………….......... 80-08 87th Street Deli-………......... 87-08 88 Deli and Grill………...........88-01 Fish Store……………........... 84-30 Gratia Market …………..........84-31 Scaturro’s ...............................84-39 85th Deli………………..........85-01 Jamaica Gourmet Deli….........89-02 Fine Fare………………..........90-03 Bravo Supermarket...…...........90-28 Minimarket .............................95-13 C-Town Bravo .........................98-02 HEALTH Health Store Vitamins..............84-09 INSURANCE State Farm Insurance...............79-22 Allstate ....................................84-15 Ohlert Ruggiere ......................89-11 JEWELRY Prime ......................................91-04 PARTY STORE Paola’s Party Land ..................89-06 PHARMACY Health Max ..............................80-09 Duane Reade ...........................80-30 Queens Care Pharmacy............84-46 Rite Aid ...................................89-10 Atlas Pharmacy………............92-18

Medex Pharmacy ....................96-02 SHOES KMC Othopedic Shoes.............86-20 Payless Shoe Store ................89-22 TATOO PARLORS Liberating Art Ink………........90-22 Beaver Tattoo…………..........94-02 PIZZERIAS Little Cesars ……...................74-28 Lane Pizzeria ..........................75-19 Domino’s Pizza ......................78-02 A Taste of Italy .......................84-07 Sal’s Pizzeria ..........................85-07 DeAleo’s Pizzeria ...................90-10 Joe’s Pizza and Pasta………………........95-08 PRINTING Beat the Clock .......................97-13 RESTAURANTS May May Kitchen (Chinese Food) .......................74-22 Fried Chicken Restaurant........74-38 Bonao Chimi …………..........76-14 King Wok Chinese Food .........................79-09 Shanghai Kitchen ...................80-11 Subway ..................................80-28 Francy Restaurant Inc.............80-29 And.........................................92-12 Frank’s ...................................80-29 Fresco Tortillas-China House …………................... 84-17 El Puerto Mexicano….............84-28 U-Me Sushi…………….........85-03 Double Happy Chinese............85-18 The New Pops ........................85-22 Thai Restaurant ......................86-05 Kentucky Fried Chicken...........87-17 Delicias Restaurant & Bar …………………..........88-09 Chinese No-1 Restaurant ……………..........88-17

Tropical Restaurant.................88-18 Ho Wan Take-Out ...................88-22 D’Aleos Pizzeria ……….........90-10 McDonald’s ............................91-01 Avenue Diner (Formerly Forest View Restaurant) ............................91-06 Pitkins Fish & Chicken……....92-02 Ninja Japan Teriyaki & Sushi...92-06 Carnival House (Chinese)........92-09 Capy (Bakery) ………............ 92-11 PRIMA PIZZA ……….............92-15 Dunkin’ Donuts .......................84-13 &.............................................92-17 Popeye’s Chicken ...................92-20 Café Sugar & Spice …............93-27 Hetmans Polish Deli…............94-14 Manor German Deli ................94-12 Independence Café…............ 94-16 Joe’s Pizza …………….........95-08 Dumpling House ....................95-12 Paneorama Bakery & Pastry Shop ………...................................95-20 Magic Chef ............................97-17 El Anzualo ..............................98-01 UPHOLSTERY Polo’s Upholstery ..................77-09 Imperial Upholstering ............86-08 VARIETY Melanie’s Gift Shop…............79-17 Gift Shop ...............................79-16 99¢ Store……………….......80-16 DD II……… ..........................80-19 Kew Gifts…………………....89-21 GEM ......................................84-33 Variety Store…………..........85-08 Hallmark Cards .....................86-03 Discount Express ..................91-04 Priceless ...............................91-07 $5 And Up-Deals……............96-01 AND MANY MORE!

LET WOODHAVEN’S STORE KEEPERS PERSONALLY ASSIST YOU! 2 BLOCKS OF SMALL TOWN SHOPPING! Clean-Safe Extra Security

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Located Exit 17 on the Belt Parkway, Cross Bay Blvd to Woodhaven Blvd Also by “J” Train and Jamaica Ave Buses Most Stores open late Friday & Saturday. Also some open on Sunday Major Credit Cards Accepted in Most Woodhaven Stores

718-805-0760 • 718-805-0202

William de Blasio Mayor City of New York

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 11

EDC and Citywide Ferry Operator Unveil First Vessel Superstructure

Photo Courtesy of NYCEDC

The first Citywide Ferry vessel superstructure was unveiled at the Horizon Shipyard in Alabama.

By Forum Staff

Officials from the City Economic Development Corporation and Hornblower, the operator of the Citywide Ferry, recently inspected the first completed ferry vessel superstructure during a tour of the Horizon Shipyard facility in Alabama.

According to EDC, completion of the superstructure marks “a significant milestone” in what will become the Big Apple’s first citywide ferry service and one of the largest commuter ferry operations in the country.

Phase 1 of Citywide Ferry remains on schedule to launch in summer 2017, EDC confirmed last week.

Specs and features for Citywide Ferry vessels include: • Capacity for 150 passengers along with space for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs.

• Americans with Disabilities Act Local Law 68/2005 accessibility and compliance.

• Boats are 85 feet long; more passenger space than most traditional ferries.

• Ferries are primarily built out of aluminum, which is safe, light-weight and increases fuel efficiency, EDC noted. 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.

Nineteen total Citywide Ferry vessels will be built at Horizon and Metal Shark (La.) shipyards. Currently, eight boats are under construction at Horizon, and four boats are under construction at Metal Shark.

According to EDC, the vessels will be equipped with the latest in 21st-Century maritime technology and best design practices. Approximately 200 full-time builders between both shipyards are working on the project. Construction of the barges has been underway for several months on Staten Island. Later this year, EDC will begin installation of new ferry landings for the 2017 routes.

With 19 vessels operating at 21 landings across the five boroughs, Citywide Ferry will carry an estimated 4.6 million trips per year across six routes. The existing East River Ferry will be fully integrated into Citywide Ferry, which will reduce the cost of that service to $2.75 from $4 – the same cost of a subway ride.

Citywide Ferry Service Routes • Rockaway, South Brooklyn and Astoria routes are scheduled to launch in 2017.

Lions Lead the Way to Four Years of Civic Service

The Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club on Sunday celebrated its fourth anniversary.

Among the dignitaries on hand to congratulate the community service organization were Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (l.) and City Councilman Eric Ulrich (r.)

Katz also presented a Citation of Honor to the celebration’s guest of honor, Todd Greenberg, a member of the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club and a wellregarded trial lawyer.

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

12 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

• Rockaway route will connect to the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Wall Street.

• Astoria route will connect to Astoria, Roosevelt Island (Cornell Tech), Long Island City, East 34th Street and Wall Street.

• South Brooklyn route will connect Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 and Pier 6, and Wall Street, with an optional link to Governors Island (launch date TBD).

• Soundview and Lower East Side routes to launch in 2018.

• Routes from Coney Island and Stapleton on Staten Island are in the planning stages for future expansion.

• Combined routes will cover over 60 miles of waterway.

• More than 500,000 New Yorkers live within a half-mile of one of the 21 Citywide Ferry landings, including more than 15,000 families living in City Housing Authority developments tate

State Officials Offer Help to School Leaders to Ensure Compliance with ‘Dignity for All Students Act’

By Forum Staff State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia recently sent a letter to all New York school districts with guidance on how to ensure schools are “safe havens” where students are free to learn without fear of discrimination, harassment or intimidation directed toward students and employees as a result of their race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis.

“There is literally nothing more important than the safety of our children. As adults we are morally bound to ensure both their physical and emotional well-being,” Elia said last Friday.

“Students must feel safe in the classroom to be able to learn. As state and educational leaders, it is our responsibility to foster an open dialogue with students and employees about discrimination, harassment and intimidation and send a strong message that these types of behaviors will not be tolerated in our schools. I am so

pleased that our state’s leadership – Governor Cuomo, Attorney General Schneiderman, Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Flanagan – recognize the importance of supporting our schools as they address this difficult issue with our children. I encourage school leaders to host gatherings for students and employees to help prevent hate-based words and actions and to inform them of what to do if they witness or experience any such hateful acts.”

In the letter, Schneiderman and Elia reference news reports from the past week regarding “a number of disturbing incidents of bias and hate-based acts of bigotry, including vandalism, harassment, bullying, and even violence” across the state.

“As the leaders of New York’s education and law enforcement agencies, we want to remind all school administrators and school communities that these types of acts are counter to our shared values, and that the law empowers school districts to respond to such acts,” the officials wrote.

The Dignity for All Students Act of 2012 is that legislation.

Courtesy of NYSED

The letter that Attorney General Schneiderman and State Education Commissioner Elia recently sent to school leaders provides resources for complying with DASA, and preventing and addressing hate-based actions.

Signed into law “to provide students with a safe environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, or at a school

function,” DASA requires schools to provide students, persons in parental roles, and staff with information about DASA and to develop policies and procedures

that require a safe school environment.

“Specifically,” Schneiderman and Elia wrote, “DASA requires school districts to develop Codes of Conduct that prohibit harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying), and discrimination against students by other students or school employees, as well as provisions for responding to incidents of discrimination and harassment and reporting such incidents to the New York State Education Department.”

Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Long Island City), chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee, commended Schneiderman and Elia “for their swift attention and response” to the recent uptick in hate-based incidents.

“It is absolutely critical that students feel safe and supported during their time at school,” Nolan added. “Thanks to the leadership of Assembly member Danny O’Donnell and his commitment to protecting our children with the Dignity for All Students Act, we have a strong foundation from which to step up our efforts.”

Christmas Season Events at

Christ the King Campus Friday, December 2nd 6:00PM-8:00PM

Saturday, December 3rd 8:30AM-1:30 PM

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

CK Kids Annual Christmas Party

Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa

Let us help you with your Christmas To Do list While you prepare for Christmas your children can enjoy some Christmas fun!

Hot Chocolate and Cookies Bouncy houses indoors Sing along with the CK Chorus

Saturday, December 3rd 2:00PM & 8:00PM and Sunday, December 4th 2:00PM

Broadway Songs of the’70s A Musical Revue A Performance by the CK Musical Theatre Group

Tuesday, December 13th 8:30AM-2:00PM

Annual Christmas Blood Drive Walk-ins welcome Give the best gift of all - Life!

One pint of blood can save three people

Serphin R. Maltese, Chairman • Michael W. Michel, President • Peter J. Mannarino, Principal (718)366-7400 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 WWW.CTKNY.ORG THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 13

Hillcrest Man, 73, Nabbed in Alleged Attempt to Meet 13-Year-Old Girl for Sex

By Forum Staff A 73-year-old Queens man has been charged with sending sexually explicit text messages for the last month to someone he met online and whom he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The online chat, he hoped, would lead to a personal encounter where he would have sexual relations with her.

The alleged victim was actually an investigator with the New York State Police who is assigned, in part, to investigate cases involving the use of the internet to entice children to have sex.

According to District Attorney Brown, senior citizen Joel Einhorn is accused of conversing online for a

month with a person who he believed to be an underage teen girl. Without his knowledge, the conversations were being had with an undercover police officer. “This case illustrates the tenacity of alleged sexual predators and the amount of time they are willing to expend grooming a teen to accomplish their goal of meeting in person an underage child for sexual relations,” said DA Brown.

Einhorn was arraigned on November 17, 1016, before Queens Criminal Court Judge Stephanie Zaro on a criminal complaint charging him with second-degree attempted rape, second-degree attempted criminal sexual act, first-degree attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors and attempted

Courtesy of FBI

According to the charges, Einhorn allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to a State Police undercover investigator whom he believed to be a 13-year-old Queens girl.

endangering the welfare of a child.

Einhorn, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, was ordered held on $7,500 bail and to return to court on December 20, 2016.

Criminal charges say that a NewYork State Police investigator, acting in his capacity as a 13-year-old female, responded on October 18, 2016, to a personal ad on Craigslist

entitled, Daddy looking for “real” Queens “girl” No flakes (M4W). It is alleged that between that day and November 17, 2016, Einhorn chatted online with the investigator who told him on more than one occasion that he was a 13-year-old girl living in Queens. During those conversations, it is alleged that Einhorn used explicit sexual language and discussed various ways he planned to sexually please her and his desire to meet with the teenager for sex. Einhorn was arrested on November 17, 2016, when he arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location in Queens in a red 2015 Honda Civic. Inside the vehicle, investigators allegedly recovered an open black bag containing sexual paraphernalia.

Jamaica Lawyer Indicted on Tax Fraud Charges

By Forum Staff A Queens lawyer has been charged with criminal possession of stolen property, criminal tax fraud and other charges for failing to file state income taxes for three years in a row, subsequently avoiding the payment of more than $15,000 in personal income taxes owed to the City and State.

“Every citizen of New York City, bears a responsibility to pay their fair share in taxes. Revenue collected through income taxes on behalf of the City and State fund numerous programs that benefit the public interest. The Photo Courtesy of the State Department of Taxation and Finance defendant in this case allegedly Queens DA Richard Brown said that Bachu “allegedly chose to ignore his civic duty for tax chose to ignore his civic duty for years 2012, 2013 and 2014.”

tax years 2012, 2013 and 2014,” aid District Attorney Brown.

The defendant was identified as Darmin Bachu, 46, of 84th Drive in the Jamaica section of Queens. Bachu was arraigned on a 14-count indictment charging him with third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, fourth- and fifth-degree criminal tax fraud, and repeated failure to file tax returns.

Bachu was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court on February 8, 2017.

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

According to the indictment, Bachu filed personal federal tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2012, 2013 and 2014. However, it is alleged, that the defendant filed extensions only with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for those same years, but never actually submitted tax returns. The charges also show, a review of bank records that indicated Bachu deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars into his personal bank account for tax years 2012, 2013 and 2014. It is alleged that he stole over $16,000 in City and State funds by failing to pay taxes in those three years on those funds.

Meng Arranges for U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to Hold Office Hours in Her Flushing Office

By Forum Staff Veterans forced to suffer the burden of travelling great distances to veterans facilities will be happy to hear that U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) has arranged for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hold regular office hours in her Northeast Queens District Office.

Under the program, a representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs will be available once a month to meet with local veterans and/or their beneficiaries to address any issues or concerns that they may have such as questions about VA benefits and services, information on pending claims, and assistance with filing claims. The

first day for these special VA office hours will be Friday, December 2nd.

“I am very excited to partner with the VA on this important initiative,” said Meng. “Now, local veterans will not be forced to hike to a VA facility in order to receive help or information about their benefits or claims. I urge all my constituents who are veterans to take advantage of these special VA office hours.”

Those seeking to meet with a VA representative in Meng’s office must make an appointment at least four days in advance. The Congresswoman’s office is located at 40-13 159th Street, corner of Northern Boulevard, in Flushing.

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng’s Office The phone number is 718-358Meng said that she has arranged for the VA to hold regular office hours in her Flushing district office so that borough veterans can receive MENG. assistance without traveling further distances to VA facilities.

14 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Tens of Millions of Dollars in Landlord Fines Go Uncollected by City: Comptroller’s Audit

By Forum Staff The City agency responsible for the construction and preservation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers has failed to collect tens of millions of dollars in fines from landlords, a new audit released last week by City Comptroller Scott Stringer shows.

In Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015, nearly $35.1 million in judgments and settlements was to be collected from landlords across more than a thousand cases by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Judgment Enforcement Unit. Yet, Stringer noted, $34.2 million was still uncollected as of Oct. 29, 2015 – a collection rate of just 2.46 percent.

“We are not giving these families, our fellow New Yorkers, a fair shot. Even though we know these tenants – many who need us most – are often living in unfathomable conditions, we aren’t holding landlords accountable. It’s unfair and it’s unacceptable,” Stringer said.

“When we fail to protect affordable housing for our neighbors, we’re giving landlords a free pass to break the law. When bad landlords win, tenants lose. This system must be based on a higher standard of accountability. This is $34 million that could help address record homelessness, provide more affordable hous-

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

Comptroller Stringer also said that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development has indicated that it agrees with his Office’s recommendations.

ing, support tenants, and help give working families a fair and fighting chance. Instead, it’s been left on the table, and tenants are suffering. It’s just not right.”

Audit findings include: HPD Did Not Collect Fines for Hazardous Building Conditions • HPD transferred 650 cases that were opened in FY14 to its Judgment Enforcement

Unit. As of October 2015, however, just 3.36 percent of the $20.3 million owed had been collected.

• The agency referred 433 cases initiated in FY15 to the Judgment Enforcement Unit. But as of October 2015, only 1.22 percent of the $14.8 million owed had been collected.

• Overall, by October 2015, HPD and its enforcement unit had collected just 2.46 per-

cent of the $35.2 million owed by landlords in FY14 and FY15.

Thousands of Backlogged Cases Languished for Years • After a case is transferred to HPD’s Judgment Enforcement Unit for collection, it is assigned to the next available attorney. As of the end of March 2016, there were 2,100 open judgment enforcement cases – including 1,043 “backlogged” cases that had been transferred to the enforcement unit but not yet assigned, Stringer noted.

• Of these 1,043 unassigned cases, nearly two-thirds had languished for at least a year – and the oldest case was nearly nine years old.

• On average, the other 1,057 cases – that had been assigned to attorneys – were left open but unassigned for two years.

• Each attorney’s caseload consisted of 250 cases, on average, potentially discouraging them from taking legal actions that require increased time and effort, Stringer said.

The audit recommended HPD explore hiring additional attorneys and working with other City agencies to improve its collection rate. According to Stringer, the agency agreed with the recommendations.

“I’m pleased HPD agrees with our recommendations, so together, we can send a clear message to bad landlords: break the law and there will be consequences,” Stringer added.

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Van Bramer Leads Historic Borough March on Donald Undeterred by death threats, councilman sparks LIC-to-Trump-Tower rally

By Michael V. Cusenza “Donald Trump may have been raised in Queens, but he’s not from here anymore!”

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) on Saturday sent his rallying cry through a megaphone and basked in the roar of approval.

The Council majority leader and more than a thousand President-elect-loathing pals armed with signs marched from Long Island City over the Queensboro Bridge to Trump Tower in Manhattan for the “Queens Responds with Queens Values” demonstration “to say loud and clear that while the President-elect may have been born in this borough, he does not share our #QueensValues.”

Van Bramer would later outline those World’s Borough principles.

“This is what we believe in Queens: We reject racism. Structural, systemic racism is real and we must fight it at every turn. We reject misogyny and a culture that tolerates and even celebrates or jokes about sexual assault. We reject the advancement of political careers on the backs of immigrants. We reject this insipid hatred of the undocumented. They are our neighbors too. Their children are our children also. We pledge to fight to

Van Bramer addresses the crowd on Saturday on 5th Avenue.

keep them safe. We support our LGBTQ families – the right to marry the person you love, the rights of LGBT couples to have children – and keep them – and we support the rights of our gender nonconforming neighbors. And we reject the scapegoating and violence directed at our Muslim brothers and sisters.

“Someone once said that together, all of us are stronger. We still believe that.

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Van Bramer’s Office

And we also still believe love trumps hate.”

The Sunnyside pol spearheaded the event just days after receiving death threats in his email inbox: “Rest of the people from Queens do not agree with your homosexual lifestyle.

I will keep a close eye on your every moves [sic] so that when it’s time to execute traitors, I will try my best so that you

[sic] name is included in that list of traitors. Execution is the penalty for a traitor, that is the Law Of This Land!”

Van Bramer thanked the NYPD for their attention to the threats and their role in helping the march go so smoothly.

“The more we speak out, some people may get angrier, but I think that is just because we keep reminding them of the hatred and challenging them ...,” Van Bramer told Politico NY. “This is not a normal thing to happen in our democracy, where people get elected based on hatred of others and then people who peacefully protest are then the objects of hate and death threats.”

Van Bramer also commended the community for coming together “in an incredible show of unity and determination.”

“With one voice, we loudly proclaimed that misogyny, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hatred of all kinds are not our #QueensValues,” said the chairman of the Council Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries. “The President-elect may have been raised in our borough but he’s not from here anymore – and when the people who live here now come together, our power is unstoppable.”

NYPD Partners with Interfaith Center for Public Safety Forum

By Forum Staff The City Police Department, in partnership with the Interfaith Center of New York, last week hosted “Public Safety in Today’s Multi-Faith New York,” a forum focused on public safety initiatives and efforts to create better understanding between police officers and the multi-faith communities in which they serve, according to the NYPD. Executive members of the department and leaders of faith-based communities from across the five boroughs gathered at 1 Police Plaza for the screening of the new policetraining video, “Policing in Today’s MultiFaith New York,” followed by a panel discussion with prominent religious dignitaries.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD Guests included, but were not limited to, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Collaborative Policing, Susan Herman, fielded questions from religious leaders members of the Muslim, Christian, Yoruba- during last Thursday’s event.

Lucumi, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Unitarian faiths, the NYPD noted. munities can improve relationships with been very fortunate to experience a similar NYPD Chaplain, Fr. George Anastasiou, their local police. increase of different cultures and religions started the event in prayer. “Fr. George” According to the department, the train- within our own ranks over the past decade spoke of the common goal of police and ing video will be shown to all new recruits or so,” O’Neill said. “With such growth, it’s faith communities alike, which is to find who enter the Police Academy, and will be our responsibility to teach the basic prinproductive ways to promote peace and pub- available to all members of the NYPD. ciples of many different customs and viewlic safety.

Following the screening, Police Com- points to every member of our police deThe training video features New York’s missioner Jim O’Neill spoke about the im- partment.” religious leaders openly discussing their be- portance of collaboration on public safety O’Neill went on to emphasize how culliefs, practices, and experiences working on initiatives with the city’s multi-faith com- turally informed policing benefits the safety public safety with the NYPD. Each featured munities, and the need for increased cul- of not only communities of faith, but of the luminary shares perspectives on how learn- tural awareness within the NYPD. police department as well. ing the cultural nuances of faith-based com“The New York Police Department has The panel discussion was moderated by 16 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

the Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, founder of the nonprofit consultancy Strategic Destiny.

Guest speakers included the Rev. Chloe Breyer, director of the Interfaith Center of New York; the Rev. Que English of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church; Rabbi Robert Kaplan, founding director of the Center of Community Leadership; Imam Tahir Kukiqi of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center; and Baba Antonio Mondesire, interfaith ambassador of the Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye. The discussion focused on methods on how religious leaders were individually working on public safety within their communities, as well as with the NYPD. Audience participation followed with a brief Q&A session.

“Public Safety in Today’s Multi-Faith New York” was hosted by NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Collaborative Policing, Susan Herman.

Founded in 1997 by the Very Rev. James Parks Morton, former Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Interfaith Center of New York is a Non-Governmental Organization affiliated to the United Nations Department of Public Information, a nationally-recognized non-profit organization “that catalyzes collaborations” among hundreds of grassroots and immigrant religious leaders and civic officials (judges, teachers, and social workers) to address New York’s most pressing social problems.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 17

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

TOMO TRANS LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/27/16. 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, 6248 MOUNT OLIVET, 2ND A, MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Formation of IFB INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/12/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 15-32 127TH STREET, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPASIT THAI KITCHEN, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/16/16.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. 7014 13TH AVENUE SUITE 202, BROOKLYN NEW YOK 11228.

General purpose.

Yrentbay, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 6/17/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Golden Globe Multi Brokerage Corp., 155-39 78th Street # 3, Howard Brach, New York, 11414.

General purpose.

SCHUMAN MAYNARD FARM LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/16.

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, 36-04 Skillman Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

with the SSNY on 09/30/2016. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, C/O Esteban Erlich, 49-02 39th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation: Confidence Home Care LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/20/2016. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 132-35 Sanford Ave 1st Floor Flushing, NY 11354 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

3515 MURRAY LLC. Art. of Org. filed

with the SSNY on 07/05/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process toPETER YOM, 189-51 45TH ROAD, FLUSHING, NY 11358. Purpose: Any lawful purpiose

136-78 LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/24/16. 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, 86-22 Broadway, FL 2,Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Guardrail Security Consultants, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/28/16. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Anthony Burti, 11 Utica Walk, Breezy Point, NY 11697. General purpose.

TRE RE DEVELOPMENT LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/25/15. 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, 19-14 Astoria Park South, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

TAJ PALACE II LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/23/16. 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 Kulbir Singh, 558B Kimball Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MB HOLLISWOOD PARTNERS, L.P. Certificate

149 Fey LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/9/16.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shallmail process to 149-23 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: General

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KARBON AGENCY LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/21/2016.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: KARBON AGENCY LLC, 1919 24TH AVENUE, L601, ASTORIA, NY, 11102. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

TRC 14Y LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/23/16.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to TRC 14Y LLC, P.O.BOX 4448, BAYSIDE, NY, 11360. Purpose: General.

REAL ESTATE

filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/14/16. Duration: 12/31/2065. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o General Partner, 7211 137th St., Flushing, NY 11367. Name/address of each genl. ptr. available from SSNY. Purpose: any lawful activities.

BR HOLDINGS OF NEW YORK, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/30/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 13012 90thAve., Richmond Hill, NY 11418, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

18 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • Number 46 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Legal Notices Notice of formation of Samuel Park MD, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on September 22, 2016. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the PLLC to United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202 Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: Limited Liability Company Law. APP FOR AUTH for AVP HOLDINGS LLC App for Auth filed with SSNY 9/2/2016 LLC. Registered in Virginia on 8/2/2016 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, Law Offices of Hua & Wang, P.C., c/o Howard Hua, 135-27 38th Ave., Suite 118, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

40-08 57th STREET L.L.C. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/20/16.

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, 40-08 57TH STREET LLC, 40-08 57TH STREET, WOODSIDE, NY, 11377. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Oatmami LLC. App. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/16. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 7/29/16. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Reis Studio (studio 349), 43-01 22nd St., Long Island City, NY 11101. DE address of LLC: State Street Corporate LLC, 1786 Mount Friendship Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. Arts. of Org. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Sorojo LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 9/16/16. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 16803 71st Ave, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.

Purpose: any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of APPLIED HVAC ENGINEERING, PLLC. Articles of Organization have been filed with the

Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 09/30/2016. Office is located in Queens.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the PLLC, at 64-91 84th Street, Middle Village, N.Y..11379.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted for PLLC’s under NY Domestic Professional Limited Liability Company Act. HEKETI SOLUTIONS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/23/2016.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: HEKETI SOLUTIONS, LLC, 3225 88TH STREET, APT D607, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

MA ORGANICS, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 2/25/16.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 2617 28th Street, Apt 1, Astoria, NY 11102 Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1296923 for a restaurant beer and wine license has been applied for by La Polleria De Mario 77 Inc., to sell alcoholic beverages at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 41-20 Greenpoint Avenue Sunnyside, NY 11104 for on premise consumption.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 46 NOVEMBER 17, 2016| 19

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