THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | APRIL 14, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 14 • APRIL 14, 2022

MIXED MESSAGE? New State Budget will Allow for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages “to go” for Off-Premises Consumption

See story on page 2

Governor Kathy Hochul said the new policy addresses the concerns of small businesses operating liquor stores - by requiring food orders, sealed containers, and no bottle sales.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Erich Wagner

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 14 • APRIL 14 2022 | 1

Alcoholic ‘To-Go’ Beverages now Legal

By Michael V. Cusenza Legislation allowing takeout drinks has become law as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday.

According to Hochul, to-go drinks were a critical revenue stream for New York’s bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping many small businesses across the state pay their rent or mortgages.

This legislation allows, for a period of three years, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages “to-go” for off-premises consumption under appropriate limitations.

The new policy addresses the concerns of small business owners operating liquor stores by prohibiting bottle sales and requiring food orders and sealed containers.

Additionally, concerns of public consumption are addressed by making clear in the law that all to-go containers must comply with municipal open container laws. The Enacted Budget also calls for a comprehensive look at all Alcohol and Beverage Control laws and creates a review commission to report on recommended improvements for businesses and consumers.

This legislation amends the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to authorize restaurants and bars licensed to sell liquor or wine for on-premises consumption to also sell these products for off-premises consumption. The legislation, which prohibits sales by the bottle, permits the sale of drinks togo with the order of a substantial food item,

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Willscrlt

This legislation allows, for a period of three years, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages “to-go” for offpremises consumption under appropriate limitations.

provided the alcoholic beverage is sold in a sealed container and sold during the county closing hours in effect where the business operates. Additionally, the licensee, or the agent or employee of the licensee making the delivery, will also be responsible for ensuring the consumer has a valid ID and for verifying the consumer’s identity and age at the time of delivery.

The FY 2023 State Budget also creates the Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, a temporary state commission tasked with

analyzing and making recommendations to modernize and simplify the state’s alcohol laws and regulations. The commission will address issues including but not limited to: • The industry’s economic impact on the state; • Changes in the law and/or SLA resources to speed license application processing; • Laws addressing underage consumption; and • Industry reform and modernization proposals as voted on by industry

stakeholders.

The commission will consist of 21 members, including the Chairman of the State Liquor Authority who shall serve as the Chair of the Commission, the Commissioner of the Department of Tax and Finance or their representative, the Superintendent of the State Police or their representative, the Director of the Division of the Budget or their representative, the Chief Executive Officer of the Empire State Development or their representative, and 16 additional members appointed by the Governor and Legislature. A report from the Commission shall be issued no later than May 1, 2023.

In addition, the FY 2023 State Budget also includes a number of common-sense changes to modernize the ABC Law, including: • Allowing liquor stores to be open Christmas day, should they choose; • Allowing veteran’s organizations, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts, to obtain licenses when a police officer serves as an officer of the organization; • Allowing applicants to provide required notice to their municipality or community board via email, if the municipality or community board elects to accept notice that way; and • Permitting farm manufacturers more flexibility by allowing food trucks or other such businesses to operate on their premises.

Pols Announce $18.6M in Fed Funding for Jamaica Bay Stony Creek Marsh Restoration Project

By Forum Staff On Friday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) announced that $18.61 million in federal funding has been secured for the Jamaica Bay Stony Creek Marsh Island restoration in the 2023 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) Army Corps Work Plan.

With this funding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can begin final design and construction of the marsh island in Jamaica Bay. “Projects like Jamaica Bay’s Stony Creek Marsh are designed to protect our communities from flooding, preserve our shorelines and help restore New York’s precious water ecosystems,” Schumer said. “I am proud we secured funding for this vital project that will help restore Jamaica Bay’s marshland, spur important habitats, help clean waterways, and better protect the communities of Southern Brooklyn and Queens from future extreme weather.”

“This is a huge victory for all of us in the Jamaica Bay community. We have been working to make sure that Jamaica Bay stays the jewel of New York City, and by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand honoring their commitment they have brought

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“This investment restores and sets up protections for the Bay, not just for now, but for future generations by ensuring that the Bay and our environment continue to flourish,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach).

this project to the finish line and deserve the highest level of praise and thanks. This investment restores and sets up protections for the Bay, not just for now, but for future generations by ensuring that the Bay and our environment continue to flourish,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach).

“Thanks to the leadership of Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Jamaica Bay’s Stony Creek Marsh will soon

2 APRIL 14, 2022 • Number 14 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

be restored, providing critical habitat while protecting shoreline communities around Jamaica Bay from extreme weather,” said Tom Secunda, chairman, Jamaica BayRockaway Parks Conservancy. “This historic investment in our environment shows how advocates, public-private partnerships and elected officials can work together to bring transformative projects to life. The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy looks forward to working together to con-

tinue restoring Jamaica Bay’s marshes and enhance parkland for visitors and wildlife.”

“The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers want to commend Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand for securing this funding which will allow for the construction of this wetland island which is so critical to the ecology of this Estuary. Jamaica Bay is an amazing natural resource and perhaps the most important urban National Park in the country. We have made great strides in recent years in restoring the health of the Bay and this funding will allow that great work to continue and will ensure that this amazing natural resource will be here for future generations to enjoy,” said Dan Mundy, Jr., president, Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers.

Schumer previously secured $300,000 for the Stony Creek Marsh Island restoration project in the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for pre-construction, engineering and design work. The Senators also sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pressing for full funding for the project. This week, OMB and the Army Corps funded the Jamaica Bay Stony Creek Marsh Island project in their FY23 IIJA/ BIL Work Plan, including $2 million more for design, and $16.61 million for construction.

Projects May Lead to Noise, Traffic: Pols

By Forum Staff On Friday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), joined by fellow Queens elected officials – State Senator Joe Addabbo, Assembly Members Cathy Nolan, Andrew Hevesi and Brian Barnwell, and Councilman Bob Holden – sent a letter to Governor Hochul and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton asking them to ensure that the concerns of constituents are addressed regarding the Interborough Express and Cross Harbor Freight Program, initiatives that could potentially increase noise and traffic congestion in Maspeth, Ridgewood, Middle Village, and Glendale.

The law makers w rote to the Governor and E xecutive Director Cotton fol low ing the recent announcement that the Por t Author it y w i l l resume preparation of a key env ironmental study (its Tier 2 Env ironmental Impact Statement) for the Cross Harbor Program. This rev iew w i l l also examine how the project would work in concer t w ith the Interborough E x press, w hich the governor announced plans to move for ward w ith in her 2022 State of the State address. “ We understand the signif icance of these projects as wel l as the potential benef its they may prov ide to our cit y, including decongesting our streets, ex panding public transit, and reducing carbon emissions. But w ithout pr ior itizing noise mitigation, these projects may prove detr imental to the health and qualit y of life of the surrounding communities,” the law makers said in their correspondence. “ The Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough E x press would drastical ly increase the train traf f ic through those already af fected neighborhoods. In addition to the noise brought about by the freight trains, the subsequent tr uck traf f ic is con-

cerning as wel l. W hi le the Cross Harbor Freight Program would reduce the overal l number of tr uck s on New York Cit y ’s streets, according to the Tier I Draft Env ironmental Impact Statement, it would drastical ly increase tr uck traf f ic in the communities we represent. These additional tr uck s have the potential to cause noise pol lution, worsen traf f ic, and lower the local air qualit y. We must make sure they are bui lt in a way that does not overburden and hur t the communities closest to these projects.”

These communities are fami liar w ith the ef fects of noise pol lution and ear thshaking v ibrations caused by freight rai l,” the letter added. “For years, our constituents have raised concerns regarding the effects of freight trains. In addition to the noise trains make as they pass, they also cause v ibrations that can shake a home’s foundation throughout the night. This acute ex posure to freight rai l exceeds being an annoyance—it is unhealthy. Multiple studies have show n that ex posure to train noise and v ibration can have a negative impact on health; leading to mood, sleep, cardiovascular disorders, and more.

A s these plans are developed, the public health concerns as outlined must be taken into account.

We applaud the ambition that the Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough E x press would br ing to New York , but we must make sure they are bui lt in a way that does not overburden and hur t the communities closest to these projects. That is w hy we respectf ul ly ask that the concerns of Maspeth, R idgewood, Midd le Vi l lage, and Glendale be given f ul l and fair consideration dur ing the planning and execution of these new projects. We look for ward to par tner ing as these projects move forward.”

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“We applaud the ambition that the Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough Express would bring to New York, but we must make sure they are built in a way that does not overburden and hurt the communities closest to these projects,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 14 • APRIL 14 2022 | 3

Addabbo Touts Bills that Would Assist Utility Customers

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The first approved bill, S.931A, requires electric utility providers to include outreach to customers with a documented need for continued electric service to support medical equipment during power outages, as part of their emergency response plan. The second bill, S.2837, will limit the fixed charges that residential customers pay on their utility bills.

By Forum Staff Two criminal complaints were unsealed Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court charging six defendants with conspiring to bribe correction officers employed by the City Department of Corrections (DOC) as part of contraband-smuggling conspiracies.

Correction Officers Krystle Burrell and Katrina Patterson (of Jamaica), as well as Ashley Medina, Imani Matthews and Terrae Hinds were arrested Tuesday. Defendant Michael Ross is currently in State custody.

Homeland Security Investigations, City Department of Investigations and the NYPD have been investigating contraband smuggling rings involving the payment of bribes to City Department of Correction officers in exchange for smuggling contraband, including unauthorized cell phones and narcotics, to Bloods gang members on Rikers Island.

As alleged in one complaint, City Correction Officer Katrina Patterson accepted at least $34,090 in bribes from Ashley Medina and Imani Matthews on behalf of

4 APRIL 14, 2022 • Number 14 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Michael Ross in exchange for Patterson smuggling contraband into the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island for Ross.

Ross, who was incarcerated on unrelated offenses, arranged for the bribes to be sent to Patterson. DOC subsequently located narcotics and cell phones in Ross’ cell. In addition to obtaining surveillance video from Rikers Island showing Patterson bringing unauthorized items to Ross, law enforcement also seized Patterson’s text messages, including messages with Matthews where Matthews told Patterson that some of the contraband would be “4 black joints in 1 paper,” and Patterson responded, “it better be wrapped so many times I don’t want to smell it.” Patterson and Matthews also discussed the need to delete their text messages.

As alleged in a separate complaint, City Correction Officer Krystle Burrell accepted bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for Terrae Hinds, facilitating Hinds’ contraband smuggling business and permitting Hinds and others to violate DOC regulations. Hinds, who was incarcerated on unrelated offenses, arranged for approximately $9,780 in bribe payments to be sent to Burrell. In exchange, Burrell smuggled at least two unauthorized cell phones to Hinds, and also facilitated Hinds’ sale of narcotics and other contraband items at the Anna M. Kross Center.

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“Residents continue to struggle in keeping up with household expenses, including basic utilities, so any measure to help them financially or to protect their health and well-being is critically important,” Sen. Addabbo said.

“The defendants, public servants on the City’s payroll, allegedly smuggled contraband, including cell phones and drugs, to incarcerated gang members at Rikers Island. The flow of contraband into our jails is a serious problem which puts inmates, fellow officers and potentially the public at risk,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Additional COVID-Relief Funding for Queens

Photo Courtesy of Google

The legislation would provide additional COVID-19 relief funding to small businesses including money for restaurants and drinking establishments that continue to struggle from economic losses.

By Forum Staff Congresswoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) on Thursday helped pass legislation in the House of Representatives that would provide additional COVID-19 relief funding to small businesses including money for restaurants and drinking establishments that continue to struggle from economic losses.

The Relief for Restaurants and Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act would allocate $55 billion, $42 billion of which is slated to replenish aid for restaurants in Queens and the rest of New York as well as throughout the country. The other $13 billion would establish a new initiative called the Hard Hit Industries Award Program to support other small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Last year (in March 2021), Meng helped create the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which contained $28.6 billion in grants for restaurants that lost revenue due to the coronavirus crisis. This funding was included in the American Rescue Plan which President Biden signed into law that month, and today’s vote to replenish the funding occurred after the Congresswoman called for Congress to approve more money to help the restaurant industry, an industry that is still working to get back on its feet.

After encouraging local restaurants in April 2021 to apply for relief, over 500 restaurants in Meng’s congressional district received more than $135 million in financial assistance.

But the program, due to its popularity, quickly exhausted its funding, and as a result, thousands of eligible establishments across the nation were not able to access relief. However, these new funds will allow the Small Business Administration to process the remaining requests, and award the much needed grants.

“Small businesses, and restaurants in particular throughout Queens and the rest of New York, are the lifeblood of our region,” said Meng. “Restaurants are vital to our economy, critical to creating jobs and important to bringing investments to our communities. But unfortunately, the restaurant industry continues to suffer from the effects of the pandemic, and many establishments that were not able to take advantage of this relief still need a lifeline to help recover. That is why this legislation to provide help to these struggling restaurants is so crucial. I call on the Senate to now follow suit and pass this bill as well so that we can quickly move forward with getting relief into the hands of area restaurants and small businesses.”

Photo Courtesy of Meng

“The restaurant industry continues to suffer from the effects of the pandemic, and many establishments that were not able to take advantage of this relief still need a lifeline to help recover,” Rep. Meng said.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

GET YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER Tracking your migraines... Part 2 A few weeks ago, we began a discussion about migraines, and told you what simple steps you could take around the house to help with this complex condition. Anyone who suffers from migraines or cares for someone that does, knows that these are not simply headaches.

Migraines are a complex condition of the nervous system that can markedly inter¬fere with the time we spend with family and friends, our work, education and everyday life. In fact, over a 3-month tine span those with chronic migraines cannot function for an average of 63 days.

Experts say 1 in 7 Americans suffer from this condition, but only 36% of those people are ever properly diagnosed.

And though many people feel that either stress or hor¬mones are the culprits bearing responsi¬bility for the attacks, but that simply is not true. Migraines are instead, often inherited from the family gene pool like blue eyes and brown hair. That’s right.

They’re genetic.

One of the most surprising facts about migraines is that most sufferers do not know what the root cause of this debilitating con¬dition really is. But let’s start you out with one of the most basic of those truths––mi¬graines are not headaches.

Headaches are symptoms of migraines.

Along with symp¬toms there are triggers and understanding the difference between

causes and triggers is one of the keys to helping with getting the right treatment.

It is estimated that more than 20% of migraine sufferers will experience what is called an “aura” before the actual headache arrives. Auras are sensations that signal a mi¬graine is on the way. They can produce sen¬sations like tingling in the face and arms or face, tunnel vision and difficulty in speaking.

Tracking what you eat and considering other environmental factors like the weather is crucial. Knowing what sets off your mi¬graines and defining your personal thresh¬old is essential in managing your condition.

We’re hoping that providing you with a list of the 15 most common triggers will give you an idea of just how varied these factors are and help you to recognize what is happening with your condition. Perfume, alcohol, eye strain, food allergies, incorrect prescription glasses, menstruation, weather, stress, seasonal allergies, depression, sugar and sugar alternatives, cigarette smoke, diet¬ing , bright lights, and finally disturbed sleep.

Get out a pen and paper and track what happens after one or more of these trig¬gers induces an episode. Tracking is a great method for you to get started on healing your headaches .

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Civic Celebrates Hop N’ Treat A touch of inclement weather couldn’t keep Hunny Bunny from Howard Beach—or from celebrating the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s Hop N’ Treat on Saturday with City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park).

“I got to hang with my favorite bunny today at the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Hop N’ Treat!”

Ariola said. “Such a great event for the community.”

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 14 • APRIL 14 2022 | 5

Hochul Praises Highlights of FY2023 State Budget

Photo Courtesy of Mike Groll/Office of the Governor

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not just bring relief to families and put more money in people's pockets today, but also to make historic investments in New Yorkers for years ahead,” Gov. Hochul said.

By Forum Staff

is currently largely unavailable to those studying part time, to cover students enrolled in six or more credits of study at a SUNY, CUNY, or not-for-profit independent college. This investment in TAP is estimated to provide a life changing opportunity to 75,000 additional New York students annually. $32.8 Billion for Transportation Infrastructure The Budget includes a new historic $32.8 billion five-year capital plan for programs and proposed projects administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. The adoption of this new capital plan, the largest investment ever in the state's transportation infrastructure, represents a $9.4 billion (40.2 percent) increase over the prior five-year plan period. The new transportation plan prioritizes and refocuses investments on State and local roads and bridges in smaller municipalities; makes our state's communities more resilient to extreme weather events; and incorporates strategic investments to reconnect neighborhoods and facilitate regional economic growth, while creating thousands of new jobs.

Historic Investment in Clean Energy Infrastructure, Climate Resiliency and Preservation The Budget will authorize an additional $1.2 billion for the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, bringing the total investment to $4.2 billion. In addition to the Bond Act, the Budget contains a record $400 million Environmental Protection Fund to support climate change mitigation projects, improve agricultural resources, protect our water sources, advance conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers, as well as a $500 million investment to develop the State's offshore wind supply chains and port infrastructure. This nation-leading initiative will create 2,000 jobs in a growing industry, while helping to make New York the offshore wind capital of the country for years to come. The Budget also helps protect public health and advances environmental and economic restoration by extending and enhancing New York's successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and includes an additional $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding, bringing the State's total clean water investment to $4.5 billion since 2017. $25 Billion Comprehensive Housing Plan The Budget will advance a bold, comprehensive, $25 billion, five-year housing plan that tackles systemic inequities by creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 homes with support services for vulnerable populations. This plan also electrifies an additional 50,000 homes as part of the State's plan to electrify

one million homes and make another one million electrification-ready. Funding includes $5.7 billion in capital resources, $8.8 billion in State and Federal tax credits and other federal allocations, and $11 billion to support the operation of shelters and supportive housing units and to provide rental subsidies.

Expanding Access to Child Care The Budget reinforces Governor Hochul's commitment to giving children the best possible chance at success and parents the ability to participate and advance in the workforce by investing $7 billion over four years, more than doubling New York's support for child care. The Budget increases the income eligibility threshold for child care subsidies to 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($83,250 for a family of four), extending eligibility to more than half of young children in New York.

The Budget also expands access to high quality child care by increasing the child care market rate to include 80 percent of providers. This change will broaden the child care options available to subsidy families while also increasing reimbursements for child care providers. To further support providers, the backbone of the industry, the Budget invests $343 million provide a second round of provider stabilization grants. These grants will go directly to providers and their employees, with 75 percent of the grants dedicated to workforce support, including wage increases, bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and contributions to staff retirement plans and health insurance costs.

Recovering from the Pandemic The Budget supports programs that are a lifeline for vulnerable New Yorkers as the global pandemic made plain the fragile connection many have to basic needs. As part of an agreement with the legislature to spend $2 billion in pandemic recovery reserves on one-time investments, the FY 2023 Enacted Budget includes: • $800 million in state funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which has so far paid or obligated $2.1 billion for rental arrears, supporting more than 160,000 low and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability; • $800 million for hospitals still experiencing financial distress from the COVID-19 pandemic; • $250 million in utility arrear assistance; • $125 million in homeowner and landlord assistance; and • $25 million in other one-time, nonrecurring investments.

• Protecting Public Safety and Taking Ac-

Governor Kathy Hochul on Saturday announced the highlights of the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, which blends record investments into the long-term future of New York along with significant one-time aid to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented fiscal responsibility, Hochul added. This historic blueprint meets the once-in-a-generation moment to invest in New Yorkers by rebuilding the healthcare economy, building the education system of the future, reducing the tax burden for those who need it most, improving the state's transportation and housing infrastructure, combating climate change, creating jobs, and improving public safety and ethics in government.

The Budget brings the State's reserves to 15 percent of State Operating Funds spending by 2025 - a level never seen before. Planned deposits are: $5 billion in FY 2022, $5.1 billion in FY 2023, $2.5 billion in FY 2024 and $2.9 billion in FY 2025.

Highlights of the FY 2023 Budget include: Rebuilding Our Healthcare Economy to Provide Care for More New Yorkers The budget agreement includes a historic $20 billion multi-year healthcare investment in the FY 2023 State Budget. Creating better working conditions for healthcare workers will be a priority, with $1.2 billion dedicated to frontline healthcare worker bonuses, as well as a $4.5 billion multi-year investment in payment reform. Other landmark investments include $2.4 billion being directed to improving healthcare infrastructure and $3.9 billion in funding to provide aid to hospitals struggling financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another $7.7 billion will be spent over four years to increase the home care worker minimum wage by $3. These groundbreaking investments will work together to improve working conditions and grow the workforce by 20 percent over the next five years, and improve the healthcare industry for all New Yorkers.

Building the Education System of the Future The State Budget provides unprecedented support to build the education system of the future with $31.5 billion in total School Aid for School Year 2023, the highest level of State aid ever. This investment represents a year-to-year increase of $2.1 billion (7.2 percent) compared to School Year 2022, including a $1.5 billion Foundation Aid increase, $125 million of additional funding for fullday prekindergarten, and a $451 million increase in all other School Aid programs. The Budget also includes transformative investments in SUNY and CUNY with more than $500 million in additional support of the systems' operations and $2.2 billion to fund capital projects on SUNY and CUNY Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor campuses. Additionally, it includes $150 million This budget includes $32.8 Billion for transportation infrastructure. to expand TAP, a critical lifeline for students that

6 APRIL 14, 2022 • Number 14 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

tion Against Gun Violence The Budget includes meaningful and significant changes to our public safety laws to make our state safer, to tackle the pervasive unease many are feeling in our streets, and to make our criminal justice system more fair for all. These changes include: Allowing judges to set bail for gun charges that were previously subject only to release; Adding factors that judges must consider when setting bail for any bail-eligible offense; Suspending Fuel Taxes To tackle the high cost of fuel, which has surged in recent months as a result of the war in Ukraine, New York will suspend the state sales tax imposed on fuel, the motor fuel tax, and the metropolitan commuter transportation district sales tax imposed on gasoline and highway diesel from June through December 2022, providing an estimated $585 million in relief for working families and businesses statewide. The State will make roads and bridges and public transit entities such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and local transit systems throughout the state whole by replacing estimated lost tax revenue using the State General Fund. Additionally, localities would have the option to cap the price their applicable local sales tax rate is imposed on at $4 per gallon.

The Budget also includes measures to increase transparency, such as adding domestic partners to be disclosed in financial disclosure forms. will help approximately 2.5 million homeowners.

Suspending Fuel Taxes To tackle the high cost of fuel, which has surged in recent months as a result of the war in Ukraine, New York will suspend the state sales tax imposed on fuel, the motor fuel tax, and the metropolitan commuter transportation district sales tax imposed on gasoline and highway diesel from June through December 2022, providing an estimated $585 million in relief for working families and businesses statewide. The State will make roads and bridges and public transit entities such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and local transit systems throughout the state whole by replacing estimated lost tax revenue using the State General Fund. Additionally, localities would have the option to cap the price their applicable local sales tax rate is imposed on at $4 per gallon.

Making Critical Reforms to Restore Faith in Government The Budget will improve ethics and restore New Yorkers' trust in state government by creating a new entity, the "Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government," to replace the broken Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Nominees for the 11-member Commission will be put forward by the Governor, Senate, Assembly, Comptroller, and Attorney General and then reviewed by law school deans for approval or denial. The Commission will work differently and more transparently than before with special voting requirements eliminated, the body and votes subject to the Open Meetings Law and FOIL, any breach of confidentiality referable to the Attorney General, and improved training of staff and notice to victims who have suffered harm by their perpetrators. The Commission is also required to hold an annual meeting to report on its activities and hear feedback from the public and any findings must be reported in 20 days, down from the previous 45 days. The Budget also includes measures to increase transparency, such as adding domestic partners to be disclosed in financial disclosure forms.

Pastor Stephen Roser Howard Beach Assembly of God

Nevertheless, in one dramatic moment Christ died in man’s place upon the cross, uttering the words “It is finished!,” and the veil was torn in two from top to bottom. It was God’s message to the world that the way into His dwelling place was now opened to For centuries, this thick veil hung all who will come to Him by Christ. in the Old Testament tabernacle, preThe torn veil beckons us to come, venting anyone except for the Great High Priest from entering the inner to joyfully and boldly come, into His compartment, the Most Holy Place. presence. Christ suffered sufficiently Other priests were permitted no fur- to remove the punishment due us for ther than the outer compartment, our sins. Our conscience, the locathe Holy Place, while the rest of the tion of guilt for sin which hinders free population was not permitted to en- access to God, can now be purged, robbed of all its power to condemn. ter at all.

Many of us will turn our thoughts to the cross and the empty tomb during this season, but the torn veil of Jerusalem’s temple is an equally powerful symbol of the benefit to us of Christ’s death.

The veil separating the two compartments illustrated two conflicting truths: God calls man to come and worship Him, but He may not come too near because his fall into sin renders him unfit.

W hile we meditate upon the cross and the empty tomb, let us not forget the torn veil because it offers us a supreme privilege, that of personal relationship with the Lord. We can accept that privilege this very Easter.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 14 • APRIL 14 2022 | 7

8 APRIL 14, 2022 • Number 14 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Borough President to Host Inaugural ‘Cannabis Conference’ at Borough Hall

By Forum Staff Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. will hold his inaugural “Cannabis Conference” on Wednesday, April 20, at 6 p.m. in the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Borough Hall, Richards said on Wednesday.

Conference attendees will learn the details about the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the State law intended to correct the harms caused by the prohibition of cannabis. It does so by ending unfair enforcement policies and directing the revenue generated by legal cannabis sales toward communities that have felt the racially disparate impact of cannabis criminalization.

Attendees will also gain insight about

the emerging legal cannabis industry and get the latest updates on licensing procedures and the development of the State’s regulatory framework for the cannabis market.

Conference programming includes opening remarks from Borough President Richards and a panel discussion featuring a diverse group of stakeholders including health care and legal professionals, advocates, and an expert on the history of the stigmatization of cannabis in the United States. Following the panel discussion will be a question-and-answer segment with attendees.

The conference is being co-sponsored

by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, New York City CompPhoto Courtesy of Borough President Richards troller Brad Lander, State Senator James “Cannabis legalization will bring with it a number of economic, legal and societal changes here in Queens and across the State,” Borough President Richards said. “Our ‘Cannabis Conference’ will help residents navigate these changes by reviewing its provisions and explaining how it aims to bring restorative justice and social equity to communities that were unfairly targeted by cannabis enforcement.”

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Conference attendees will learn the details about the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the State law intended to correct the harms caused by the prohibition of cannabis, Richards said.

Sanders Jr., State Senator Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson and City Council Member Nantasha Williams.

“Cannabis legalization will bring with it a number of economic, legal and societal changes here in Queens and across the State,” Richards said. “Our ‘Cannabis Conference’ will help residents navigate these changes by reviewing its provisions and explaining how it aims to bring restorative justice and social equity to communi-

ties that were unfairly targeted by cannabis enforcement. I urge anyone with questions about cannabis legalization to attend what will surely be an informative and thoughtprovoking conference.”

Members of the public who wish to attend the event can RSVP at queensbp.org/ rsvp.

Proof of vaccination will be required for entry into the event. All attendees must wear masks while inside Queens Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens.

Borough-Based Sex-Trafficking Ring Orchestrated Violent Assaults of Women: U.S. Attorney

By Forum Staff A 20-count indictment was unsealed Tuesday in federal court in Brooklyn variously charging Siyang Chen, Siyu Chen, also known as “Ban Ban,” Bo Jiang, Meizhen Song, also known as “Die Die,” Rong Rong Xu, also known as “Eleanor,” Jiarun Yan, also known as “Raymond Yan” and “Mike,” Jilong Yu, Carlos Cury and Zerong Tang with racketeering, sex trafficking, Hobbs Act robbery, and violent assaults. The operation was based in Queens but carried out crimes throughout the United States, including in Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

As set forth in court filings, between April 2019 and September 2021, the defendants participated in a violent and organized racketeering enterprise, which operated a lucrative prostitution business throughout the United States. The enterprise recruited women, most of whom were from China and lacked legal status in the U.S., to engage in prostitution for the enterprise. The victims were sometimes required to provide copies of their identification documents so that the defendants could maintain even more control over them. The enterprise arranged

for the women to travel from New York to locations throughout the country, stay in hotels and enterprise-operated apartments for weeks at a time and engage in commercial sex. Members and associates of the organization collected money from the women and the organization then used those illicit proceeds to promote its sex trafficking and interstate prostitution activities — and enrich its members.

As alleged, between Jan. 8, 2020 and Sept. 1, 2021, members and associates of the enterprise directed and conducted more than 15 violent assaults of women across five states. The victims were Chinese women who the organization believed were providing commercial sex services on their own or for rival organizations. By committing these violent assaults, members of the organization sought to enforce discipline and believed their conduct would not be prosecuted because the victims were not U.S. citizens and were engaged in commercial sex work.

Specifically, members and associates of the enterprise would direct individuals to pretend to be johns to gain access to their hotel rooms and, once inside, would restrain the women with zip-ties, beat them with hammers, bats and other blunt objects, and rob them. Members of the organization often

encouraged increasingly severe beatings of the victims if the initial attack did not sufficiently injure them. In one phone message that was recovered by law enforcement, a member instructed the enforcer: “Beat [her] to death tomorrow. If she dares fight back, beat her more viciously. Get some results from the beating. Can’t waste the money.”

In another recovered chat, a member advised, “One person choke her by her throat, the other person strike her four limbs to death. Definitely don’t make a sound. Beat

her to the point where she can’t fight back.”

“As alleged, the defendants targeted vulnerable women for sex trafficking, and brutally assaulted the victims to enforce loyalty to the criminal enterprise. Human beings are not property, and the victims in this case, regardless of their immigration status, deserve to be free from violence and coerced sexual activity. It is our hope that today’s arrests will bring them some measure of justice for the horror that they have endured,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

Photo Courtesy of Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Peace

“Human beings are not property, and the victims in this case, regardless of their immigration status, deserve to be free from violence and coerced sexual activity,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Peace said.

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Disbarred Flushing Lawyer Sentenced to Prison for Swindling Clients out of more than $1.8M

Yohan Choi, 47, operated a law office on Northern Boulevard in Flushing.

By Forum Staff A former lawyer has been sentenced to prison for bilking more than 50 clients – whom he represented before and after he was barred from practicing law – out of nearly $2 million in lawsuit settlement money, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced.

Yohan Choi, 47, operated a law office on Northern Boulevard in Flushing. He pleaded guilty in January to grand lar-

Photo Courtesy of Google

ceny in the second degree. Today, the Hon. Eugene Guarino sentenced Choi to serve 1 1⁄2 to 4 1⁄2 years in prison. In addition, Choi signed 28 confessions of judgment, which requires him to repay in excess of $1.8 million to make his victims whole.

According to the charges, the defendant held bank accounts for his law practice at several financial institutions, including Chase, Capitol One and HSBC. A forensic examination of these accounts showed

dozens of deposits for lawsuit settlements on behalf of Choi’s clients.

According to court records, in November 2016, a woman Choi represented in a personal injury lawsuit agreed to settle her case for $52,500. The victim was entitled to just over $35,000; however, she never received any money from the settlement money that was deposited into the law firm’s bank account.

Another female client of Choi’s settled her lawsuit in May of 2018 for $75,000. After the lawyer’s fee and other expenses were deducted, the victim should have received just over $50,000. Choi never turned over that money, despite the insurance company depositing a check totaling $75,000 into his account.

A man who also hired Choi to represent him in a personal injury case agreed to settle for $45,000 and was entitled to receive $30,150. The investigation showed that Choi’s bank account received a check from the insurance company for $45,000 on May 12, 2020. Three days later, though, that same escrow account balance totaled just $423. The victim never received the money he was due.

According to the charges, Choi repeated this scheme at least 50 times over the

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“This defendant took an oath to uphold the law,” DA Katz said. “Unfortunately, he let his own interest guide him instead of his fiduciary duty to represent his clients.”

course of five years. Clients due varying sums of money – from as little as $1,000 to more than $50,000 – were left emptyhanded. In all these instances, Choi’s business accounts show the checks were deposited—totaling more than $1.8 million.

Choi’s license to practice law was suspended in November 2017.

“This defendant took an oath to uphold the law,” Katz said. “Unfortunately, he let his own interest guide him instead of his fiduciary duty to represent his clients.”

Trio Busted in Cambria Heights Home Foreclosure Scam

By Forum Staff

Three men and their company have been indicted for their roles in a Cambria Heights home foreclosure scam, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Jonathan Marcus, 53, of Long Beach, L.I.; Vincent Longobardi, 76, of Brooklyn;

and Edward Doran, 46, of Orange County, N.Y., are all charged along with the corporation East Coast Money Finders, Inc., in a 12-count indictment.

According to the charges, between April 2010 and January 2016, three separate written inquiries were made to the City Department of Finance about unclaimed surplus funds related to the 2006 foreclosure auc-

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“My office will continue to investigate, prosecute and seek justice for victims when scammers try to take advantage of Queens homeowners,” DA Katz said.

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tion of a house in the Cambria Heights neighborhood of Queens. In April 2010, Longobardi contacted the NYC Department of Finance to confirm that surplus funds related to a 2006 foreclosure sale were being held. Another inquiry was made

by Marcus in February 2012 and in December 2015, Longobardi allegedly filed a third request on behalf of East Coast Money Finders. In January 2016, Doran contacted the NYC Department of Finance to inquire about missing documentation necessary to claim the surplus money, and Marcus followed up a few days later by submitting the missing documentation.

In April 2015, DA Katz said, East Coast Money Finders, Inc. allegedly filed a motion in Queens County Supreme Court, claiming it was assigned rights to the surplus funds totaling nearly $350,000. In support of this motion, two documents purportedly signed by the rightful owners of the house, and Marcus, who was and still is the president of East Coast Money Finders. Inc., were filed with the court. The purported signatures of the victim and her late husband on these forged documents were notarized by Doran.

According to the charges, this motion outlined that the surplus funds which were in excess of the amount owed on the home that was foreclosed on and sold at auction would be divided between the company and the couple who had once owned the home.

After the defendants provided the NYC Department of Finance with all the necessary paperwork, including a court order that was based on the forged documents authorizing distribution of the funds, a NYC Department of Finance check for $394,216 was deposited into East Coast Money Finders, Inc.’s bank account, which was controlled by Marcus. Longobardi and Doran allegedly received checks for nearly $130,000 from the account. Several thousand dollars were also allegedly transferred from the East Coast Money Finders, Inc. account to the personal bank account of Marcus.

According to the investigation, the scheme was revealed in January 2021, when the widow who owned the home with her husband at the time of the 2006 foreclosure sale attempted to claim the surplus funds for herself from the NYC Department of Finance. Neither the 67-year-old woman nor her husband when he was alive signed any documents giving anyone else access to the funds. The victim said neither she nor her late husband received any of the $350,000 that was disbursed in February 2016.

“My office will continue to investigate, prosecute and seek justice for victims when scammers try to take advantage of Queens homeowners,” Katz said.

If convicted, the three men face up to 15 years in prison. East Coast Money Finders, Inc faces a fine up to $788,000 or double the amount it profited from the crimes.

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Legal Notices Notice of Formation of SOS ENDEAVORS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/28/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Dr., Ste. 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: any lawful activities.

CIMPLY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/13/22. 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, 8 THE GREEN, STE B, DOVER, DE, 19901, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

JD INNOVATIVE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/21. 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 JODENS DESVARIEUX, 143-33, 253RD ROAD, ROSEDALE, NY 11422, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CITYMADENEWYORK LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/19/22. 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 ABIEL SOARES, 92-11 35TH AVE 2P, JACLSON HEIGHTS, NY, 11372, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

HAYES & J ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/22. 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 JONATHAN HAYES, 1340 GIPSON ST. APT #2, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY, 11691, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUMAITAT ETY & RUHUL KAHN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/10/21. 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 SUMAITAT ETY & RUHUL KHAN LLC, 9832 57TH AVENUE APT 18H, CORONA, NY, 11368, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Liberty Essentials LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 12/07/2021. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 37-76 62nd St., APT C4, Woodside, NY 11377. General Purpose

ROOSEVELT 7004 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/17/22.

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, 70-04 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

83-05 Doran Avenue LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 70-16 53rd Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Wowee Zowee, LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State: 3/11/22. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in DE: 3/9/22. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to the principal office address: 21-12 74th St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

ASTORIA DREAMS 45TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554. General Purpose.

ASTORIA DREAMS 44TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554. General Purpose.

GRACIOUS OWL DESIGN, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 03/09/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LISA DICK, 6610 YELLOWSTONE BLVD., APT 2D, FOREST HILLS, NY, 11373, USA. PURPOSE: General Purpose.

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MARY JANE SOLUTIONS LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 01/14/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to MARY JANE SOLUTIONS LLC, PO BOX 863292, RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11386, USA. PURPOSE: General Purpose.

86-13 94th Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Warner Wai Jit Moy, 86-17 94th St., Woodhaven, NY 11421. General Purpose.

MEMENTO GROUP L.L.C., Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/31/2022. 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, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

CTSQ A sset LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/14/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be ser ved & shall mail process to 3636 Main St., #CS, Flushing , NY 11354. General Purpose.

SUNNY 21, L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/20/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SUNNY 21, LLC, 58-27 197TH ST., FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11365, USA, Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SAPPHIRE CDS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/10/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Daniel Sosa, 7849 221st St., Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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