THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | APRIL 7, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 13 • APRIL 7, 2022

BURNING BOROUGH Firefighters Battle Blazes across Queens

See story on page 2

NY’s Bravest respond to 5-alarm fire last Wednesday that ultimately destroyed a plumbing supply store at 13818 101st Ave. Photo Courtesy of FDNY

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 13 • APRIL 7 2022 | 1

Borough’s Bravest Battle Blazes across Queens

Bravest also fought a fast fire on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica last Wednesday night.

By Michael V. Cusenza City firefighters lately have been battling infernos across the five boroughs—especially in Queens, where at least one blaze had FDNY officers calling in resources for a five-alarm fire.

Last Wednesday, the fast-moving blaze broke out in the evening and first-due firefighters arrived to heavy plumes of smoke billowing from a contracting shop at 13818 101st Ave. in Jamaica.

“We received a call at seven o’clock this evening for a fire; our first units arrived within three minutes. They had heavy

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

An aerial view of the raging 101st Avenue blaze.

smoke coming from a one-story commercial building, a plumbing and electrical supply business. There was a heavy fire condition within the building which caused numerous collapses. We went to an exterior operation. We had water supply issues which hindered the operation. We went to a 5-alarm assignment bringing over 200 fire and EMS personal to the scene. We have no injuries currently reported,” said FDNY Acting Chief of Department John Hodgens.

As Bravest were battling that blaze, fellow firefighters responded to a 3-alarm fire More than 200 firefighters battled this 5-alarm fire last week. at 153-13 Hillside Ave., also in Jamaica.

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

Borough President Announces Diverse New 2022 Class of Community Board Appointments

By Forum Staff Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. on Monday announced his 2022 class of community board appointees, a markedly diverse group of civic-minded individuals who will serve on their respective Queens community board.

Of Borough President Richards’ 345 appointees across Queens’ 14 community boards, 94 are first-time members who are not currently serving on a board. The 345 appointees — chosen out of this year’s deep pool of 884 applicants, the secondmost applications received in the office’s history — began their two-year terms on April 1, 2022.

“I could not be prouder to appoint such a dynamic, diverse class of public servants to our network of Queens community boards, as we continue steadfast in our effort to build a government that is truly reflective of the borough it serves,” Richards said. “Queens is leading the way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and toward a stronger, fairer future for all our families, and I’m both deeply grateful and excited for the work these 345 qualified community leaders will do on behalf of The World’s Borough and all who call it home.”

More broadly, this year’s class of new appointees represents another step forward in ensuring our 14 boards truly look, sound and feel like The World’s Borough,

Photo Courtesy of Borough President Richards

“I could not be prouder to appoint such a dynamic, diverse class of public servants to our network of Queens community boards, as we continue steadfast in our effort to build a government that is truly reflective of the borough it serves,” Richards said.

where nearly half of our 2.4 million residents were born abroad, in a number of ways.

Of the 94 first-time members, 19.2 percent are immigrants — up from 17.4 percent of Borough President’s Richards’ 2021 class of first-time appointees and just 6.1 percent of sitting community board members as of 2020. Compared to community board membership prior to Borough President Richards taking office, this year’s group of first-time members also includes a greater percentage of individuals who identify as African Americans (22.3 percent to 18.5 percent); Hispanic/Latinx (17 per-

2 APRIL 7, 2022 • Number 13 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

cent to 8.6 percent); and LGBTQIA+ (6.4 percent to 3.4 percent).

Parents of school-age children are now more represented on Queens community boards as well, as 21.3 percent of this year’s new appointees fall into that category — an increase of nearly 15 percentage points compared to board membership as of 2020.

Community Board 9 (Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Kew Gardens, Ozone Park): Inderpaul Ahluwalia; Sherry Algredo; Dilraj Batchu; Julio Batista; Dulal Bhattacharjee; Kamal Bhuiyan; Latchman Budhai; Daniel Chu; Daniel Coffaro Hill; Marylin Custodio; Sandra Datnarain; Steve Es-

posito; Orazio Joe Iaboni; Carmela Isabela; Kemanad Kishore; Bernard Robert; Regina Santoro; Jarnail Singh; Mohinder Singh; Sursattie Singh; Alexandria Sumpter-Delves.

Community Board 10 (Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Howard Beach, South Richmond Hill): Mohamed Amin; Luis Amorim; James Caruso; Anthony Cosentino; Frank Dardani; Anoop Dhanpat; Irene Dimoh; Betty Escobar; John Fazio; Edna Fraylon; Peter Granickas; Raimondo Graziano; Anthony Hill; Romeo Hitlall; Pierre Kishun; Dorothy Mitchell; Fazlurrahman Mohamed; Rohan Narine; Jose Quijano; Amar Rajnauth; Nellie Santiago; Jody Stahl; Sharif Uddin; Marilyn Vecchio; Linda Walker.

Community Board 14 (The Rockaways, Rockaway Point, Breezy Point, Roxbury, Neponsit, Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park, Seaside, Broad Channel, Hammels, Sommerville, Edgemere, Arverne, Bayswater, Wavecrest, Far Rockaway, Rockaway Beach): Audrey Amsterdam Handy; Louis Caucig; Jack Epter; Menashe Friedman; Avionne Gumbs-Cummings; Brian Heffernan; Felicia Johnson; Caren Lee; Betty Leon; LuQuan Lloyd; Annette Lord Cohen; Rosalyn Mason; Evelyn Miller-Suber; Sonia Moise; Helen Montero; Dolores Orr; Harold Paez; Vernell Robinson; David Shelborne; Christopher Tedesco; Jose Velez.

City Launches New ‘Get Local NYC’ Tourism Campaign New York City is back,” said Mayor Adams. “Our hospitality and tourism industry have long been Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the an engine of economic prosperity that impacts all launch of ‘Get Local NYC’ — a new five-borough New Yorkers. This campaign will highlight so many tourism marketing campaign, led by NYC & Com- of the incredibly special small and minority-owned pany — that will encourage visitors to explore all businesses in all five boroughs. While New Yorkers of New York City and support small businesses as know where to find the best bagel or slice of pizza, the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic see the best street art or artists, tourists are not so and the tourism industry begins its rebound. The lucky. This guide will give an inside view to visitors, announcement comes as Mayor Adams addresses both near and far, and we can’t wait to welcome NYC & Company’s membership at its first annual them.”

“Driving our city’s economic recovery includes meeting held in three years at the Javits Center and as tourism levels in the city are expected to return reestablishing New York as the number one global tourism destination and the world’s second home,” to 85 percent of 2019 levels by year’s end.

‘Get Local NYC’ is part of Mayor Adams’ “Re- said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce build, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York Development Maria Torres Springer. “And we’re City’s Economic Recovery.” The campaign is just not satisfied with simply returning to pre-pandemone effort of the mayor’s commitment to the tour- ic levels of tourism — we are working to exceed ism industry, Adams said, supporting the expan- those numbers starting in 2024. Importantly, we sion of the “It’s Time for New York City” marketing are focusing our efforts on getting people out to atcampaign to encourage visitors to return to New tractions in every borough, making sure New YorkYork City and to rebuild and strengthen tourism ers, in all communities, benefit from the jobs and and hospitality businesses across all five boroughs. economic investment that tourism brings.”

The new ‘Get Local NYC’ campaign will ask visi“My administration is laser-focused on driving tourism in this city and letting the world know that tors to ‘Bronx Like a New Yorker,’ ‘Brooklyn Like a New Yorker,’ ‘Manhattan Like a New Yorker,’ ‘Queens Like a New Yorker,’ and ‘Staten Island Like a New Yorker.’ ‘Get Local NYC’ ads — created by NYC & Company — will appear digitally in regional and national markets, including Boston, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland, and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.

Borough-specific guides with photo galleries, videos, itineraries, events, and venues will also be available on the city’s official tourism website.

The campaign will be promoted on the homepage of nycgo.com and will include relevant content from NYC & Company’s multicultural content hubs, and will also be promoted locally through LinkNYC screens and Taxi TV, as well as via social media using the hashtag #GetLocalNYC. A publicity campaign featuring individual borough travel itineraries will target travel journalists globally through NYC & Company’s international representative offices across five continents with Brooklyn launching last week and the others launching later this spring and summer. Travel agent Photo Courtesy of NYC & Company training will also be incorporated as part of the new Creative assets from the campaign can be found at https://spaces.hightail.com/space/ XrhpfixEcR. ‘Get Local NYC’ effort.

By Forum Staff

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 13 • APRIL 7 2022 | 3

Correction Officers Charged with Conspiring to Accept Bribes, Smuggle Contraband into Rikers Island

File Photo

At least two DOC officers were arrested this week.

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 Michael

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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 contra-

File Photo

“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 Peace.

band items at the Anna M. Kross Center.

“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.

Mitchell Katz Confirmed to Lead Health + Hospitals

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“It’s an honor to serve all New Yorkers who need our care,” Dr. Katz said.

By Forum Staff Following Mayor Eric Adams’ renomination, the NYC Health + Hospitals’ Board of Directors on Thursday, by unanimous vote, confirmed its support for Mitchell Katz, MD, to continue as president and CEO of the New York City health system. As a public benefit corporation, the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) Board of Directors votes on and appoints the health system president and CEO. Dr. Katz has served in his current roles since September 2017, and throughout his tenure, Dr. Katz has financially stabilized the health system, closing a deficit of approximately $2 billion; invested in ambulatory care to ensure everyone has access to a primary care doctor; and led the health system through the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Katz sees patients at Gotham Health/ Gouverneur every week.

“As a key member of my health team, I trust Dr. Katz’s opinions and advice when it comes to protecting the health of New Yorkers,” said Adams. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed the vital role our public health system plays in the city, and Dr. Katz has shown his commitment to NYC Health + Hospitals and all the New Yorkers who rely on its health care services. It’s just a fact, Dr. Katz ‘Gets Stuff Done,’ which is why I fully support his ongoing leadership of H+H.” “The Board of Directors voted unanimously to confirm their support for Dr. Katz as our president and CEO,” said Jose Pagan, chairman, Board of Directors, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Through the pandemic, under his leadership, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers entrusted their care to NYC Health + Hospitals. New Yorkers saw a vital and

vibrant health system, which Dr. Katz has strengthened and stabilized during his tenure here. The board looks forward to continuing our great relationship with Dr. Katz.”

“I thank Mayor Adams and the entire NYC Health + Hospitals Board for entrusting me with the helm of this amazing health system,” Dr. Katz added.

“Every week, when I see my patients, I see the trust they give us and the great responsibility we have to them. It’s an honor to serve all New Yorkers who need our care.”

Dr. Katz joined NYC Health + Hospitals from the Los Angeles County Health Agency, where he served as director. For five years he served as the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the second largest public safety net system in the United States, during which he created the ambulatory care network and empaneled over 350,000 patients to a primary care home. Earlier in his career, he was the director and health officer of the San Francisco Department of Health for 13 years, best known for funding needle exchanges, creating Healthy San Francisco, outlawing the sale of tobacco at pharmacies, and winning ballot measures for rebuilding Laguna Honda Hospital and San Francisco General Hospital.

He is the deputy editor of JAMA Internal Medicine, an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences (previously the Institute of Medicine), and the recipient of the Los Angeles County Medical Association 2015 Healthcare Champion of the year.

Dr. Katz is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Medical School. He completed an internal medicine residency at UCSF Medical School, and he was an RWJ Clinical Scholar.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

HELP WITH MIGRAINES: Part 1: A headache proof house...

Many of our patients are among the more than 30 million Americans who suffer from migraine headaches. We’ve done some research and would like to offer some advice we feel will be very helpful, beyond what medication and therapy can do.

One of the most important steps you can take to curing migraines is to educate yourself on their causes and triggers and try to control them. Believe it or not, there are things you can do around your home to help ease the suffering.

We’ve taken the time to consult with a neu¬rologist who says that migraine sufferers can cut down considerably on the number of headaches they get by controlling some very simple factors like lighting and smells around their homes.

Overly bright lights at home can be a huge problem. People with migraines are often extra sensitive to sensory input. Fluorescent lights have a flickering quality that can induce pain, and while there is no “perfect” light bulb option, getting rid of halogens and fluorescent bulbs and replacing them with dim incandescent can definitely help because of the steady, muted light they emit.

Install dimmers so you can turn down the lights when you feel a headache coming on you can lower the lights. And make sure you have shades and blinds to protect you from any streaming light.

Next up is getting rid of those hidden al¬lergens, of which there are at least six in every home. Dander, dust mites and mold are all ir-ritants which can trigger pain-triggering chemi¬cals.

There are easy fixes for these situations. In¬vest in a quality vacuum and an air purifier with HEPA filters. HEPA filters can remove up to 99% of airborne allergens like cat dander.

Regularly run a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels between 30% and 50%. That's the dry zone where dust mites and mold are less likely to thrive.

Launder your bedding every week in hot water, and slip microfiber allergenblocking en¬casements over your pillows, mattress, and box spring.

You may not believe this but air quality in our homes is oft times worse than outside and the culprit here is poor ventilation.

Intense aro¬mas of any kind irritate the trigeminal nerve, which runs from your nose to your brain and is responsible for most headaches. Do not use scented candles or air fresheners to mask the odors because they contain many of the agents we are looking to get rid of, they just have a pleas¬ant odor.

Crack your windows and get the fresh air moving through the house and stick to unscent¬ed, non-toxic cleansers.

Finally, the myriad of gadgetry that crowds our everyday lives, i.e computers, iPads, cell phones have damaging glare.

Turn down the brightness and remember that while using them your posture tends to slack . Sit straight so that you do not cause undue tension to your neck and back which can dramatically reduce the likelihood of getting a migraine attack.

We will be back next week with more ways to stay migraine free!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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City to Provide 6.3 Million Free At-Home COVID Tests Mayor Eric Adams and City health leaders on Friday called on all members of Congress to appropriate more than $15 billion in emergency funding for COVID-19.

While New York City will continue providing testing and vaccine services to New Yorkers at no cost through NYC Health + Hospitals, gridlock in Washington, DC has threatened the health of communities across New York and the rest of the nation, Adams said.

Earlier last week, Adams met with the City congressional delegation and urged them to push for immediate passage of the COVID-19 aid package. As the city and the nation wait for action from certain members of Congress to protect Americans’ health, New York is taking action to bolster preparedness efforts. Specifically, the NYC Test & Trace Corps will provide an additional 6.3 million free at-home tests in April to over 2,500 community organizations, libraries, cultural institutions, houses of worship, and elected offices across the five boroughs.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 13 • APRIL 7 2022 | 5

Adams Announces Campaign of Digital Billboards in Florida Denouncing ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities.

The new legislation bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade — a targeted attack on the LGBTQ+ population, Adams said. New York City’s response is to double down on its commitment to preserving the right to free speech and building a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, Hizzoner added.

“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” Adams said. “Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”

Creative content for the billboards was designed in partnership with WPP companies, VMLY&R, GroupM, BCW, and H+K Strategies. All of the donated ad space was

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” Mayor Adams said.

secured by Kinetic, a GroupM company.

In total, there will be five unique pieces of creative art that will run across digital billboards and social media.

The outdoor campaign and activation will run in the following markets of Florida from April 4 through May 29, for a total of eight weeks — delivering an estimated 5 million impressions: Fort Lauderdale, Jack-

sonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach.

“Educators work every day to make New York City public schools safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “From what we teach, to how we care for young people, we create schools that affirm and lift up the students and honor who they are. Children

bring the totality of who they are into our classrooms, and the cruel actions being taken across this country to attack LGBTQ+ children is contrary to everything we believe in as educators.”

“LGBTQ+ youth deserve the same things that all young people deserve: to be seen, to be heard, and to be respected,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO, Lambda Legal; and founder, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. “Schools and curriculums that are inclusive of all young people and their families literally save lives. We’re here with a welcoming, loud, and proud message to let LGBTQ+ young people know they are not alone.”

“Mayor Adams is making an excellent statement with these ads — in New York City, everyone is welcome,” added Daniel Dromm, LGBTQ+ activist; former chairman, City Council Committee on Finance.

“As a New York City public school teacher for 25 years, I have news for Florida: Students are already saying gay. They see us on the news and on television shows. They know that LGBTQ+ people are their family, friends, and neighbors. These ads will reaffirm New York City’s commitment to creating an inclusive school environment, in sharp contrast to the discriminatory policies of Gov. DeSantis.”

Members of Congressional Black Caucus Call for Senate Vote on EQUAL Act

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Jeffries

“The EQUAL Act will help reverse engineer the tragic legacy of the failed war on drugs which has devastated lives, families and communities,” Rep. Jeffries said.

By Michael V. Cusenza On Tuesday, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (Howard Beach and Brooklyn), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, led all House Members of the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin to bring H.R. 1693, the Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act to the Senate floor for a vote.

The bipartisan legislation would eliminate the federal crack and powder cocaine sen-

tencing disparity and provide retroactive relief to those already convicted and sentenced.

In September, the House passed the legislation 361 to 66 with 143 republican votes.

“The EQUAL Act is ready for Senate consideration,” wrote the members. “Today, the legislation has 21 cosponsors in the Senate, including 11 Republicans, indicating that it would likely clear the Senate’s 60-vote threshold.”

The sentencing disparity between crack and powdered cocaine, at one point as high as 100 to 1, helped fuel the mass incarceration epidemic. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, in Fiscal Year 2020,

6 APRIL 7, 2022 • Number 13 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer

All House Members of the Congressional Black Caucus called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (pictured) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin to bring the EQUAL Act to the Senate floor for a vote.

77.1 percent of crack cocaine trafficking offenders were Black, whereas most powder cocaine trafficking offenders were either white or Hispanic. In 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act reduced the sentencing disparity from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1, and in 2018 the First Step Act made that reduction retroactive.

The EQUAL Act “would eliminate the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and ensure that those who were convicted or sentenced for a federal offense involving cocaine can receive a re-sentencing under the new law,” continued the Members. “In total, the EQUAL Act will reduce excessive prison time by 67,800 years.”

Jeffries said, “The EQUAL Act will help reverse engineer the tragic legacy of the failed war on drugs which has devastated lives, families and communities. There is no justification for treating powder cocaine differently than crack cocaine offenses.

There is no pharmacological difference and no significant chemical difference between crack cocaine and powder cocaine, and they both cause identical effects. Crack cocaine has historically been used in innercity communities and powder cocaine in affluent neighborhoods and the suburbs.

That does not justify the wide disparity in sentencing.”

Addabbo Touts Bill to Tackle Vacant Dwellings

By Forum Staff A bill in the State Legislature requiring banks and financial institutions responsible for foreclosed properties to actively rehabilitate and maintain vacant dwellings or face maximum civil penalties was approved by the State Senate, the legislation’s co-sponsor, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), announced Tuesday.

The Foreclosure Relief Act was enacted to hold banks accountable for these foreclosed properties but unfortunately, it has not been effective. When citizens fall behind on their mortgages due to an unforeseen financial crisis, many leave or abandon their homes. The bank or financial institution that foreclosed on the property is obligated by law to take control of the property and bear responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance.

These vacant properties can have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods necessitating new measures to further compel these foreclosure institutions to obey the statute. This new law gives local governments authority to require foreclosure banks to act, without delay, in providing upkeep or rehabilitating the vacant dwelling or face an increased civil fine from the current $500 to $1000 each day they are found to be in violation.

“Vacant properties are not only an eyesore in neighborhoods, but they can also become

File Photo

“Vacant properties are not only an eyesore in neighborhoods, but they can also become the site of undesirable mischief or criminal behavior,” Sen. Addabbo said.

the site of undesirable mischief or criminal behavior,” Addabbo said. “Homeowners who take pride in their residence should not be forced to live amongst dilapidated, unkept structures that are known to lower property values of homes within a ⅛ mile radius, through no fault of their own. These increased fines will prove costly to institutions if they continue to disregard the law.”

After passing the Senate, the bill was delivered to the Assembly Housing Committee for consideration.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 13 • APRIL 7 2022 | 7

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Pope Accepts Retirement of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Sanchez

By Forum Staff Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Paul R. Sanchez. The resignation was publicized in Washington on March 30, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office that they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See as to when to accept the resignation.

“Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez has faithfully served God and his people throughout his ministry. The Catholic community of Brooklyn and Queens is better because of Bishop Sanchez’s commitment to teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his guidance, and very much appreciate his will to remain as a spiritual leader here in our Diocese,” said the Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“I give thanks to Almighty God for his

abundant grace and mercy throughout my almost ten years as an auxiliary Bishop and my 50 years as a priest. I am grateful to Popes Benedict and Francis, and to Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan for their prayers and support. Countless priests, religious men and women, faithful parishioners and my beloved family have inspired and accompanied me in my journey of faith. For all that has been, I say, thank you God. For all that will be, may God’s will be done,” said Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul R. Sanchez.

The Most Reverend Paul Sanchez was born Nov. 26, 1946, in Brooklyn. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure’s University, a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, and a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Paul R. Sanchez was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 17, 1971 at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Throughout his ministry, he was assigned to a number of parishes throughout the Diocese in both

Brooklyn and Queens including Our Lady of Mercy in Forest Hills, St. Michael’s in Flushing and St. Sebastian’s in Woodside.

Then-Father Sanchez also served as pastor at St. Agatha’s in Brooklyn and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, while also serving as administrator of St. Margaret Mary’s in Long Island City.

Then-Father Sanchez was named Vicariate Coordinator for the diocesan Liturgical Commission in January 1975. He also served as a member of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Presbyteral Council, a member of the diocesan team for ministry to priests, and a sub-committee member of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy.

In 1997, then-Father Sanchez was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor)

by Saint John Paul II in 1997. On July 11, 2012, then-Monsignor Sanchez was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He previously served as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University and at the Seminary of the Immaculate

Photo courtesy of DeSales Media

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez

Conception.

Bishop Sanchez will remain Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills, where he has served since 2012, and serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Over 150 Partners to Participate in Largest-Ever CarFree NYC Earth Day Celebration

By Forum Staff

Earth Day brings together dozens of elected officials, advocacy groups, and private and public institutions to support a campaign that emphasizes sustainability and asks New Yorkers to leave their cars at home on Earth Day – and use other viable transportation options on that day. Since its inception, CarFree Earth Day has partnered with a variety of artists, performers, organizations, and companies to make the event a success.

This year’s Car-Free Earth Day kicks off DOT’s 2022 Open Streets and Public Space Programming season. DOT is excited to work alongside community members and partners to announce the equitable expansion of the car-free programming to eight locations throughout all the boroughs. Areas open for pedestrians and cyclists in Queens will be:

Jackson Heights Route: 34th Avenue, 69th Street to Junction Boulevard Open Street Active Hours (7:00am – 8:00pm) Programming Highlights (11:00am – 5:00pm): • Performances by Green Tape Productions, Lotus Dance, Michael Rosman and Queensboro Dance • Activities and workshops with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, NYC Department of City Planning, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, DOT Safety Education, and the Horticultural Society of New York • Pop-up learning activities with the Street Lab

“I’m thrilled to celebrate Car-Free Earth Day in Queens and across the city this year. We’ve come such a long way since 2016 when this program first launched, and I’m encouraged that we’ll continue to move ahead to not only effectively reduce our carbon footprint, but also build more reliable public transit options so that New Yorkers feel even more inclined to utilize it,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. “I look forward to seeing the festivities on Jackson Heights’ stellar 34th Avenue Open Street, which will undoubtedly be a great way to kick off the DOT’s highly anticipated Open Streets and Public Space Programming season for our friends and families.”

City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was joined on Thursday in Times Square by community partners and elected officials to announce programming for the fifth annual Car-Free Earth Day – to be celebrated this year on Saturday, April 23rd. (Earth Day will be globally observed on Friday, April 22nd.)

“Earth Day is when we can all commit to protecting our Earth – and one way we can do that is by repurposing our roadways,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez.

“Car-Free Earth Day is a growing tradition that allows New York City’s car-free streets to come alive. The last two years – of Open Streets, Open Restaurants, the surge in cycling and so much more -- have only made us appreciate even more how much better we must treat Mother Earth -- and a day without cars allows us to envision a more sustainable world for more than just one day.”

First launched in 2016, Car-Free Earth Day originally had converted select Manhattan streets into public plazas and car-free streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses. At an announcement in Times Square, DOT outlined how this year’s event – the first since 2019 -- would expand the original model, with programming in all five boroughs -- connecting over 100 open streets, 22 plazas, and accessing over 1000 miles of NYC’s bike network. Each location will bring a wide range of activities from music, dance, art, bike programming, cultural activities, and educational workshops.

Originally and first envisioned by Commissioner Rodriguez when he served as Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office Council Transportation Chair, Car-Free “Earth Day is when we can all commit to protecting our Earth – and one way we can do that is by repurposing our roadways,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez.

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Adams Completes Initial Portion of Effort to Connect Homeless with Social Services

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the completion of the first portion of an enhanced effort to connect New Yorkers living on the streets and experiencing homelessness with social services, as well as the city’s efforts to clean up public spaces across the five boroughs.

Originally planned as a two-week intensive effort that began with initial cleanups on Friday, March 18, this first portion ended March 30 — two days ahead of schedule. The teams, comprised of members from a multi-agency task force, visited 244 locations and completed cleanup of 239 encampments across New York City — offering assistance to New Yorkers living on the street, while upholding the city’s Sanitation Code and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces. On Meeker Avenue in Brooklyn alone, task force members cleaned 10 separate locations — recovering 537 used needles, potentially for illegal drug use, across four of those locations.

“We are engaged in a multi-agency mission to get people the help they need and keep our public spaces clean, and we are getting that work done ahead of schedule,” said Mayor Adams. “As the mayor of all

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“We have the resources and a moral obligation to help our fellow New Yorkers, and not just walk by them and pretend it is someone else’s problem,” Mayor Adams said.

New Yorkers, I am not going to abandon my neighbors to face suffering, freezing, violence, or death — especially when the city has the power to help. Building trust takes time, but this is the right thing to do because there is no freedom or dignity in living in a cardboard box under an overpass. We have the resources and a moral

obligation to help our fellow New Yorkers, and not just walk by them and pretend it is someone else’s problem.”

The first phase of the task force’s effort included initial visits to encampments across the city, as well as re-inspections of locations after the initial visits and a recanvass across the five boroughs to identify

any new or remaining encampments. The task force conducted a total of 244 visits — and 239 of those sites have been cleaned.

The second phase of the task force’s effort will include an evaluation of recanvassing and scheduling of the next round of site visits. The task force will also return to the sites that remain active and have not yet been fully cleaned to complete that work.

At some sites, teams visited and decided to delay cleaning to allow additional time needed by those living at those sites.

This multi-agency effort has been led by a task force that includes the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), the New York City Parks Department, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). For a typical visit, a team has gone to an encampment, offering to connect any person who appears to be living on the street with social services — including shelter, other housing options, and medical, mental, and substance abuse health care — simultaneously cleaning up the public space. Each visit is prefaced with a written notice 24 hours in advance, and NYPD officers have had their body-worn cameras on throughout each engagement.

Postal Banking Act to Provide Financial Services to Underbanked Americans: Pols

By Forum Staff Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) recently reintroduced the Postal Banking Act, legislation that would re-establish postal banking to provide financial security to millions of Americans in low-income and rural communities.

At the same time, Gillibrand released an original report, “Postal Banking: Delivering For The American People,” demonstrating that:

• At least 1.5 million New York households and more than 25 million households nationwide stand to benefit from postal banking.

• Postal banking could generate nearly $19 billion in annual revenue for the United States Postal Service.

• More than 46 million adults are not having their needs met by our current banking system, with factors such as a lack of proximity to a local bank branch and a lack of trust of banks pushing the unbanked toward risky and often predatory alternative financial products.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand

“The Postal Banking Act is a simple solution to a complex problem—it would offer basic financial services at post offices in both rural and urban communities, while simultaneously generating nearly $19 billion per year for the USPS. Put simply: postal banking delivers,” Sen. Gillibrand said.

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“As our economy rebounds from the pandemic, it is essential that every American has access to financially safe and reliable banking services,” said Gillibrand.

“However, more than 46 million Americans are not having their needs met by our current banking system and often fall prey to predatory lenders who take advantage of them with high fees and interest rates. The Postal Banking Act is a simple solution to a complex problem—it would offer basic financial services at post offices in both rural and urban communities, while simultaneously generating nearly $19 billion per year for the USPS. Put simply: postal banking delivers.”

“It is absolutely unacceptable that nearly 50 million people in this country are unbanked or underbanked,” said Sanders.

“What does that mean? That means millions of working people across this country are unable to access basic banking and financial services. That means that working people across this country are forced to face unnecessary barriers to important moments, such as buying a house, starting a business, or saving to send their children to college. That means that working people across this country are too often forced to rely on predatory lenders. This must change. The time has come to put exploitative loan sharks out of business, and guarantee affordable banking options to all Americans through the United States Postal Service. And that is exactly what our legislation will do.”

“All Americans deserve access to affordable banking and financial services. Postal Banking is a critical tool in providing access to the financial system to all Americans.

We applaud all members of Congress who like Senator Gillibrand and Senator Sanders, are working together to find solutions to this problem,” added American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein.

The Postal Banking Act would strengthen the Postal Service by establishing a nonprofit bank offering low-cost checking and savings accounts, ATMs, mobile banking, and low-interest loans.

Using a method derived from the USPS Office of Inspector General, the report concludes that this proposal could create nearly $19 billion in revenue for the Postal Service each year. The postal bank would provide financial services to Americans who have been economically devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. Predatory financial services and practices such as prepaid debit cards, rent-to-own stores, and overdraft fees often exploit the most vulnerable populations – including lowincome households, rural communities, veterans and families of active duty personnel – especially in times of economic crisis. Instead of turning to these predatory services, families would gain access to traditional basic banking services and safe financial alternatives through the postal bank.

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Legal Notices FARRINGTON 3354 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/21.

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 LLC, 3354 Farrington Street, #3A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

GLENDALE RE HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/18/22. 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, 61-04 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

URBAN FOUNDATION CONTRACTORS, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/2022. 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, 32-33 111th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WHS 163, LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/09/22. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 4128 Haight St #1A, Flushing, NY 11355.

Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

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.

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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.

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 ser ved & shall mail process to MARY JANE SOLUTIONS LLC, PO BOX 863292, RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11386, USA . PURPOSE: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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