Before and after photos of Jamaica-Van Wyck E train platforms following deep cleanings.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Sunday announced that transit crews have completed extensive functional and aesthetic upgrades at the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport E, J, Z, and Jamaica–Van Wyck E stations.
The work is part of New York City Transit’s Re-NEW-vation Program, which utilizes planned service outages to perform stationwide repairs, enhancements, and deep cleaning.
At the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport E, J, Z station, New York City Transit crews scraped, primed, and painted over 10,000 square feet of the station. Over 150 lights were converted to light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, upgrading the entire station with clearer and more energy efficient lights that brighten darkened areas. Additionally, the iconic subway stairway globes were replaced, concrete tripping hazards were repaired along the platforms, stairways were inspected and repaired where needed, and outdated signage was removed.
At the Jamaica–Van Wyck E station, workers carried out a specialized cleaning operation, which included scrubbing platforms clean of outdated social distancing signage, washing and removing graffiti from track and station walls, and eliminating calcium deposits and water stains from platforms. Workers also made extensive repairs to floor tiles al-
leviating tripping hazards. Ceilings, station booths, and other surfaces were scraped, primed and repainted. Outdated signage including legacy bus and subway maps were removed, and new Americans with Disabilities Act signage was updated, new LED lights were installed, and platform benches were sanded and restained for customers.
“The Jamaica-Van Wyck station area was a quality-of-life concern for elected officials, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and residents for several years,” Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland said. “We are extremely thankful to the MTA for the extensive station renovation which has ameliorated many of the issues. I look forward to working with the MTA on other projects that improve our communities.”
The Re-NEW-vation Program is a permanent part of the NYCT Department of Subways, according to MTA officials, with at least 50 stations to receive repairs, upgrades and deep cleanings each year. Since the start of the program 70 stations have been beautified.
“The recent upgrades at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Av–JFK Airport and Jamaica–Van Wyck E stations in Queens are a testament to the dedication of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in enhancing the commuter experience,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr (D-Woodhaven). “The completion of these functional and aesthetic improvements under the Re-NEW-vation Program exemplifies the commitment to providing brighter, safer, and more efficient
transit environments for the residents and visitors of New York City.”
Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (DForest Hills) called the station upgrades “fantastic news.” She also said she was “thrilled by the MTA’s transformative work” in Council District 29, which includes Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park.
“These stations are vital to so many people, and they deserve a pleasant experience. With deep cleaning and improvements to lighting and signage, the re-NEW-vation work exemplifies the importance of providing New Yorkers with a safer and more welcoming environment for all travelers,” Schulman added.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) on Monday testified that she opposes Mayor Eric Adams’ ambitious “City of Yes” plan.
In June 2022, Adams laid out a proposal to use the City’s zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability. The vision includes three major citywide amendments: Zoning for Economic Opportunity, Zoning for Housing Opportunity, and Zoning for Zero Carbon.
“We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood,” Adams said. “These proposals focused on economic recovery, affordable housing, and sustainability will remove red tape for small businesses, expand housing opportunities in every neighborhood, and accelerate the transition to our energy future. New Yorkers are not going to wait around while other cities and other countries sprint towards a post-pandemic world, and now we won’t have to.”
The first citywide text amendment — Zoning for Economic Opportunity — will provide local businesses with the flexibility to repurpose their space for a post-pandemic city, Adams said. According to Hizzoner, the amendment will:
• Remove unnecessary geographic limitations on certain businesses, including life sciences, custom manufacturing, maker-retail, and nightlife;
• Eliminate obstacles to repurposing space, allowing the city’s businesses and economy to evolve over time; and
• Create flexibility for local businesses to expand without relocation and without triggering needs for additional parking.
Ariola said she is “unequivocally against the plan as it stands” and noted why in remarks before the Subcommittee on Zoning & Franchises. On social media, Ariola encouraged her constituents to learn more about Adams’ proposal.
“The plan would modify both commercial and residential corridors across the city. Existing zoning regulations restrict certain kinds of businesses from opening in com-
mercial or residential districts, something ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ seeks to change. It would allow commercial and retail stores in largely residential neighborhoods,” Ariola said.
On Monday, Adams hosted a rally on the steps of City Hall.
“Our City of Yes for Economic Opportunity agenda is so important,” the mayor said.
When we came into office, our mission was clear, protect the city with public safety, revitalize our economy and make our city more livable. With this revitalization of the economy, we must look at the rules that we are impacting the opportunity to do so. It's crucial for us that New Yorkers know that zoning laws can restrict housing supply. We have a 1 percent housing vacancy rate and when you look at affordable housing, it's down to almost zero. We know that if we innovate, we can continue to expand and grow as a city, but it also is an opportunity for us to see what opportunities are still out there and attract new businesses to the city.
Adams characterized his plan as “a set of 18 zoning changes that would update decades-old zoning codes. It will modernize regulations in an effort to support new business and create jobs. It will help revitalize commercial corridors, build vacant storefronts and boost our economic recovery across the board.”
Even the most jaded and industrious among us were rendered shocked and speechless late Friday morning after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the five boroughs and surrounding regions.
The city suddenly shook around 10:23 a.m. from the rare quake that originated in Lebanon, NJ, roughly 50 miles from NYC.
“We’re ready for the unexpected,” Mayor Eric Adams said on Friday. “This is New York City, and we respond accordingly.”
Adams noted that his administration had not received any reports of significant injuries or major impacts to infrastructure.
“But of course, we’re still assessing the situation, and we’ll continue to update the public. We’re in touch with the White House, the governor’s office, and local elected officials. I encourage New Yorkers to check on their loved ones to make sure that they are fine not only from the infrastructure damage, but this could be a traumatic moment for individuals going through an earthquake,” Adams said. “Earthquakes don’t happen every day in New York, so this can be extremely traumatic.”
Adams also praised the quick reaction and work of first responders and City Emergency Management staff.
“As soon as it happened, we convened here at New York City Emergency Management in order to be able to send out guidance. The team acted immediately. We convened our emergency response teams and issued guid-
ment Commissioner Zach Iscol said. “The likelihood of aftershocks remain low, but we do remain vigilant, and we ask all New Yorkers to remain vigilant as well. We activated our protocols for this earthquake. We immediately started coordinating with all city, state, federal, and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by NotifyNYC and our wireless emergency alert system.”
City Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo noted that the agency had not experienced an influx of calls regarding building damage.
“We want all New Yorkers to know that our team is ready,” Oddo added. “We are putting on additional construction and engineering professionals from this point on over the weekend so if reports do come in, we will be ready to respond. Our construction enforcement unit is out doing inspections similar to what we do prior to big storms.
“There are 1.1 million buildings in this city, which means we need cooperation from construction professionals. We've messaged that to them but let me take this opportunity again to remind all of our construction professionals you need to go out and check on your buildings, even if those sites are closed, and determine that the sites are secure. And if you see any conditions that are troublesome, please reach out to the department.
“This is a time for that tried-and-true saying: If you see something, say something. To New Yorkers, we at the Department of Buildings are concerned about some of the downstream possibilities, cracks that you might see that may materialize and manifest in a week or a month, or scaffolding, retaining walls. If you see something that is problematic, please call
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City has approved a request to honor a beloved crossing guard who died last year in the line of duty after she was struck by a dump truck at a notorious Woodhaven intersection, the Ozone Park Residents Block Association announced on Friday.
The southwest corner of Atlantic Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard soon will be co-named for Krystyna Naprawa, 63, the 13-year veteran crossing guard who was pronounced dead at the scene on Oct. 20, 2023.
“We sent the letter to the NYC Council, the speaker, Queens Community Board
9, and all our local officials, asking for the request to be honored,” OZPKRBA President Sam Esposito said. “This morning, we received a call stating the request was approved, and the City records already reflect this. This is the fastest we have ever seen a street renaming request [approved].”
Esposito also noted that last October the civic sent an additional letter to the City Department of Transportation, urging the agency to install a right-turn signal on the southbound service lane of the bustling intersection. NYC DOT quickly studied the intersection and implemented the signal shortly thereafter.
Esposito said the street co-naming “is also a way to send a much-needed message to all crossing guards that we acknowledge their demanding job and the hazards of that job.
“We cannot think of a better honor for
the people who have passed on and left indelible marks on everyone they met, and they will be unforgettable for years to come for all the good they did for our communities,” he added.
who identify as East Asian/Pacific Islander or South Asian made up 23.9 percent of new members.
Broken down by age, over half — 54.7 percent — of new members appointed this year are under the age of 45, with the youngest new appointee being just 19 years old, reflecting persistent growth in interest among young people in community board membership. Prior to the Richards administration, less than 25 percent of community board members were younger than 45.
Additionally, 24.7 percent of new members are parents or guardians of a school-age child while 17.9 percent are immigrants. In terms of LGBTQIA+ representation, 10.3 percent of new members identified as such, up from 3.4 percent of community board members as of 2020 prior to Richards taking office.
The borough president’s community board appointments for the 2024-2026 term include:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. on Thursday announced his 2024 class of community board appointees — a markedly diverse group of public servants who will serve on their respective Queens community board for the next two years.
Of the borough president’s 355 appointees across Queens’ 14 community boards, 117 are new members who are not currently serving on a board already — the largest number of new members appointed in a single year under the Richards administration.
The 355 appointees were chosen out of this year’s pool of 848 applicants.
Significant progress has been made to diversify the boards to ensure they look, sound and feel like the neighborhoods they represent, including with this year’s class, according to Richards.
Prior to the Richards administration, just 43 percent of board members identified as female. But of the 117 new community board members this year, nearly 55 percent identify as female. When combining all four of Richards’ community board application cycles, more than 52 percent of his new appointees have identified as female.
People of color were also strongly represented amongst the 117 new members. People who identify as Hispanic/ Latinx — a demographic that has historically been severely underrepresented across the city’s community boards — made up 27.4 percent of that group. Meanwhile, African Americans made up 26.5 percent of new members, and those
• Community Board 9 (Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Kew Gardens, Ozone Park): Inderpaul Ahluwalia, Sherry Algredo, Dulal Bhattacharjee, Kamal Bhuiyan, Visnoonand Bisram, Swapan Chakraborty, Rick Chetram, Daniel Chu, Marylin Custodio, Steve Esposito, Alicia Hassin, Orazio Iaboni, Carmella Isabella, Christian Orellana, Jonathan Rodriguez, Regina Santoro, Himmat Singh, Jarnail Singh, Mohinder Singh, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves and Stacey Yearwood.
• Community Board 10 (Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Howard Beach, South Richmond Hill): Sonnya Acuqui, Luis Amorim, James J. Caruso, Brina Ciaramella, Anthony S. Cosentino, Frank Dardani, Anoop Dhanpat, Irene Dimoh, Karen Edwards, Edna Fraylon, Peter Granickas, Frank P. Gulluscio, Gary Hewitt, Anthony Hill, Romeo Hitlall, Pierre Kishun, Dorothy Mitchell, Fazlurrahman Mohamed, Rohan Narine, Jose A. Quijano, Amar Rajnauth, Amanda Sancler, Nellie Santiago, Asheley Siewnarine, Jody Stahl, Ashley Vital and Linda Walker.
• Community Board 14 (Rockaway Point, Breezy Point, Roxbury, Neponsit, Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park, Seaside, Broad Channel, Hammels, Sommerville, Edgemere, Arverne, Bayswater, Wavecrest, Far Rockaway, Rockaway Beach): Brittny Chong, Amber Clinkscales, Jack Epter, Maria Foreman, Wayne-Neisha Fowles, Menashe Friedman, Josephine Gonzalez, Avionne Gumbs-Cummings, Dave B. Heffernan, Betty Leon, Annette Lord Cohen, Sonia Moise, Helen Montero, Zina Moratti, Josmary Ochoa-Cruz, Dolores Orr, Harold Paez, Shannel Parker, Eric Rasmussen, Vernell Robinson, David Shelborne, Nichole Smith, Christopher Tedesco and Jose Velez.
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
It used to be a common perception among physicians and other health care professional that the role of the community pharmacist was basically limited to filling prescriptions and following their orders. But thankfully with progression of time and the advances in technology, the role of the community pharmacist in their patients health care has escalated to a point that serves the pool of patients dependant on their medications in ways it never has before. Today, whether it's a matter of the complex reporting of medication histories to health databases or the simple act of sending a fax, the need for pharmacies to collaborate and communicate with prescribers on many more levels than ever before has led to increased health and awareness among patients. Common sense tells us that pharmacists are like first responders where medication is concerned. The integral role we play in today's complicated health care system is continually expanding and contributing to ensuring a standard of excellence in patient healthcare that can save more lives. To begin with, pharmacists are well aware that we can’t always rely on patients to remember some important details or in some cases, to tell the whole truth when faced with questions about their medication adherence. Key communication with physicians and other members of a patients healthcare team is working everyday to address these critical issues.
Over 95% of community pharmacists and physicians agree that mutual cooperation among themselves is a vital tool in improving patient outcomes . Additional areas of the benefits of healthcare professionals working together include making recommendations to modify patient's drug therapies and providing drug information to aid in the selection of medications. Pharmacists play a key role in assisting with medication insurance claims, helping patients navigate their way through the often frustrating and confusing world of health coverage. We also now assist in the adjustment of medication dosages, provide information about drug interactions, help patients adhere to a proper schedule of medication and the management of side effects. Admittedly there are some concerns with barriers that exist in the expanding integration of pharmacists and physicians, such as the potential for the fragmentation of patient care, concern over liability where shared responsibility and information exists and of course the amount of time needed to invest. But none of those have put a damper on the willingness to work together to guarantee the better health of our patients. and it is obvious in the medical community that there is a widespread desire for the continuance of these relationships that clearly benefit our collective patients.
Until next week...
For your family’s prescription needs, please call CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644
157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has made quality of life in District 32 a top priority. One of the latest examples of her quest to beautify this part of the borough can be seen under the overpass on the Belt Parkway near the North Conduit Avenue exit.
“My office received calls about the filthy conditions,” Ariola said. “My staff immediately reached out to our friends at the DSNY, and they got it cleaned up. Quality of life is a major concern of mine, and that starts with clean roads!”
City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Monday unveiled upgraded, modern parking meters that will rollout citywide. The meters’ new Pay-by-Plate technology is paperless and will allow users to enter their license plate number instead of displaying a receipt on their vehicle’s dashboard. Each year the city’s parking meters print roughly 2,500 miles worth of receipts – enough to stretch from New York City to Los Angeles. New Yorkers will be able to pay the meter at a kiosk or use the ParkNYC app. The upgraded meters will also help provide more shortterm parking by improving parking enforcement. The meters will provide real-time data to NYPD traffic enforcement agents to help ensure vehicles don’t overstay the meter.
Beginning May 8, parking meters will gradually be upgraded to Pay-by-Plate operation, starting with meters in Northern Manhattan and gradually progressing South. The meter upgrades will continue to the rest of Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
Once fully installed across all 80,000 of the city’s metered parking spaces, drivers will input their license plate number and state into an on-street parking meter and complete the payment. The process aligns with the payment system already in place via the ParkNYC app -- the mobile payment
mation and the entry of license plate information. Meters will have multiple language options and the opportunity for contactless Tap and Go credit card payments.
The Pay-by-Plate upgrade also helps eliminate the illegal practice of transferring parking time to a different zone or vehicle via paper receipt.
“Our new pay-by-plate parking meters are simple to use and will make short-term parking easier for everyone,” Rodriguez said. “Drivers will no longer need to worry about leaving a paper receipt on their dashboard and can use the convenience of the ParkNYC app to pay the meter while on the go.”
application with over 1.8 million users. As with the app, transactions from the meters are instantaneously synced with the NYPD parking enforcement systems so that traffic agents can use handheld enforcement devices to easily identify which drivers have paid.
Throughout the city, parking meters issue approximately eight miles of paper receipts daily. The length of receipt rolls printed annually totals roughly 2,500 miles, the distance between NYC and Los Ange-
les. Transitioning to the Pay-by-Plate model curbs the carbon footprint, lessens maintenance and repair requirements, and contributes to cleaner streets with reduced litter.
Pay-by-Plate parking makes paying for parking easier than ever, according to Rodriguez, with drivers no longer needing to leave paper receipts on their dashboards. Retrofitted meters will include a large, modern full color, backlit display visible in all conditions that allows for the display of payment infor-
Detailed information on the deployment schedule, how to use the meters, as well as other parking information can be found at nyc.gov/paythemeter. In addition, the location of metered blockfaces across New York City can be found at nyc.gov/ html/dot/html/motorist/parking-rates. shtml#parkingratemap.
“Incorporating evolving, smart technology into New York City's parking management system will enhance drivers’ experiences,” said City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “This will be achieved by maximizing space availability and increasing turnover. Importantly, it will facilitate the important work of our dedicated traffic enforcement agents and support our city's overall public-safety mission.”
Mayor Eric Adams and City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix on Thursday announced that the City has fi led a lawsuit against 11 wholesalers for their part in the illegal sale of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, the most popular vaping devices among middle school and high school youth. The 11 defendants – located in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and upstate New York –are alleged to have distributed, and continue to distribute, youth-friendly-flavored disposable e-cigarettes – such as Strawberry Colada, Mellow Mint, Blueberry Energize, and Frozen Creamsicle – to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and directly to consumers over the internet, in violation of federal, New York state, and New York City law.
The City Administrative Code prohibits the sale of flavored disposable e-cigarettes entirely.
Thursday’s lawsuit seeks to block the defendants from further sales of these illegal items and seeks damages and penalties under state and city statutes.
The City’s investigations allegedly show that the 11 defendants sell and deliver flavored vapes to retail stores and consumers in the five boroughs.
The City also seeks to recover monetary damages and civil penalties from the 11 defendants:
• Urban Smoke Distributors (34-10 58th St. Woodside) purchased thousands of flavored Elf Bar, Lost Mary, and Funky Republic disposable e-cigarettes from instate and out-of-state distributors, presumptively for sale to city wholesalers or retailers.
• EnvironMD Group LLC (2918 Avenue J, Brooklyn, and/or 1222 Avenue M, Suite 501, Brooklyn) sold flavored Myle Meta Bar brand and Fume brand disposable e-cigarettes to a Brooklyn wholesaler.
• GT Imports (23 West Mall, Plainview) delivered unspecified brands of flavored disposable e-cigarettes with an approximate value of $1 million to various wholesalers located in New York City.
• Kayla Wholesale, Inc., d/b/a The Vapery (366 N. Broadway, Suite Ph5, Jericho) supplied flavored ecigarettes, including STIG mango and STIG Lush Ice, to distributors and directly to consumers in the city over the internet.
• V. Trading, LLC (32-30 62nd St. Brooklyn) purchased thousands of 7200 Elf Bar, Lost Mary, and Voopoo Drag Bar e-flavored disposable e-cigarettes from out-ofstate dealers, presumptively for sale to city wholesalers or retailers.
• Pioneer Distribution, Inc. a/k/a Wevapeusa. com a/k/a Seller Supreme LLC (1100 Coney Island Ave., Suite 402, Brooklyn) purchased hundreds of flavored Elf Bar disposable e-cigarettes from an out-of-state distributor and sells flavored disposable e-cigarettes over the internet to consumers in the city.
• RZ Smoke Inc. (412 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park) sold hundreds of flavored Air Bar flavored disposable e-cigarettes to a Brooklyn wholesaler.
• KLCC Wholesale Inc. (452 E 99th St., Brooklyn) has purchased, from out-of-state distributors, large quantities of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, including Hyde and Breeze brands, presumptively for sale to city wholesalers or retailers.
• Star Zone Inc. (3085B New St., Oceanside) delivered to retailers throughout the city approximately 14,000 flavored disposable e-cigarettes of various brands for which it was paid $650,000.
• Vape More Inc. and More LLC (638 Columbia St. Ext., Latham) sold Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Kiwi, Hawaii Punch, Juicy Peach, Blue Razz, Lemon Ice, and Lemon Mint Elf Bar, as well as Lost Mary flavored disposable e-cigarettes to Urban Smoke Distributors in the city.
• Vape Plus Distribution Corp. a/k/a G&A Distribution (2578 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn) purchased thousands of flavored disposable e-cigarettes from various distributors outside the city, presumptively for sale to city retailers.
The Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol hosted its fourth annual initiative distributing hot meals during the last 10 days of Ramadan, one of the most sacred events for Muslims that is described as a time for reflection, community, and giving.
Working with area partners and sponsors, including Pure Farmers Market, Zayaan NY, Brooklyn Halal Grill, Al-Haqq Pharmacy, Buffalo Trade Center, SureDrugs Pharmacy, ZANYC, Krishna Bazzar, the Razzaque family, the Uddin family, and the Baksh family, COPCP members set up tables along Little Bangladesh Way (Drew Street and Liberty Avenue) in Ozone Park and served more than 100 meals per day from Saturday, March 30 to Monday April 8, to those observing the holy month.
The initiative began during the civic group’s first year of operation, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We started this initiative during a time of great need, and it has grown into a cherished tradition,” COPCP Executive Director Mohammad Khan said. “It’s a testament to the strength and unity of our community that we can continue this tradition year after year.”
By Forum Staff
On Friday, in federal court in Brooklyn, Queens resident and former U.S. Marine Corps Reservist Jia Liu was sentenced to 21 months in prison for conspiring to steal, forge and distribute fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Cards, prosecutors announced.
On June 9, 2023, co-defendant Steven Rodriguez, a Long Island nurse, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for his role in the same scheme. Liu and Rodriguez pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiracies to defraud and obstruct the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court filings and facts presented at sentencing, in May 2021, Liu and Rodriguez conspired to steal, forge, sell and distribute COVID-19
Vaccination Cards to hundreds of unvaccinated persons. In addition to the cards, Liu and Rodriguez also offered buyers and co-conspirators false entry into government immunization databases.
Liu and Rodriguez went to great lengths to evade law enforcement and conceal the scheme. Members of the scheme used code words such as “gift cards,” “Pokemon cards,” or “Cardi Bs” to refer to fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccine Cards. Liu also instructed his co-conspirators to communicate by encrypted applications and hide payment records. Liu and Rodriguez also disguised the source of mail items containing COVID-19 Vaccination Cards by omitting or using false sender names on envelopes. As Covid-19 raged and hundreds of thousands of Americans perished, Liu exploited the pandemic to
enrich himself, and push his anti-vaccine agenda, messaging a co-conspirator: “f--the vaccine”.
In addition, Liu specifically targeted the armed forces and their attempts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. From approximately August 2021 or earlier, the defendant created and distributed false COVID-19 Vaccination Cards to members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to help them evade its vaccination requirements. Liu boasted to a co-conspirator on an encrypted messaging app: “you have no idea how many documents I have faked in my
usmc (United States Marine Corps) career.”
“At the height of the COVID pandemic, Liu and Rodriguez brazenly fabricated vaccine cards and sold them for profit, thereby putting the safety of others at risk during this deadly health crisis,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “This prosecution demonstrates our Office’s ongoing commitment to holding accountable those who engaged in COVID-19 fraud. These prison sentences should deter other lawbreakers who put their own interests above public health.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) on Tuesday announced the winners of her congressional app contest, and securing first place is a team of three local high school students: Rachel Wu of Fresh Meadows, Yuan Gao of Flushing and Eugene Xu of Bayside.
Meng’s competition, which consisted of entries from students in middle school and high school, is part of the “Congressional App Challenge,” a nationwide contest held by the House of Representatives in which students compete by creating and exhibiting an app for mobile, tablet or computer devices.
Wu, Gao and Xu, along with the winners from app contests in congressional districts throughout the United States, will now have their apps displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and on the House of Representatives’ official website, house.gov. They and the other winners have also been invited to showcase their apps to Members of Congress at #HouseOfCode, a special reception scheduled to take place on Capitol Hill this month.
Wu, Gao and Xu are seniors at Bronx High School of Science. The app they developed allows users to locate the closest
available free bathrooms in public spaces along with corresponding information and reviews of those locations. It also provides the nearest free bathrooms in cafes, bookstores and other public establishments to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible resource for those who need to find a restroom.
In addition to Wu, Gao and Xu, there were second and third place winners for Meng’s contest. They include the following students:
• Second Place: Erin Yalin Cai, Frankie Chong and Chiming Wang for creating a web app that uses artificial intelligence to help users find personalized social welfare programs.
• Third Place: Aaron Niyazov and Jordan Krishnayah for developing an app that provides a news headline bias detector, where users can submit a news headline and gain a bias rating of it. The detector takes into account inflammatory terms as well as the sentiment of the headline.
Participants of the contest were permitted to compete individually or in teams of up to four students. All of the apps were required to be original in concept, design and execution.
The winners of Meng’s competition were selected by a panel of local judges who work within the academic, tech and coding fields. They include:
• Ying Zhou, Executive Director of the Tech Incubator at Queens College.
• Jukay Hsu, Co-Founder and CEO of Pursuit, a social impact organization that trains people for tech careers.
• Becky Houran, Program Implementation Manager at Girls Who Code.
• Jin Hyun Bae, Assistant Director of Digital Inclusion for the Programs and Services Department at the Queens Public Library.
• Ray Ferrer, Senior Digital Learning Curriculum Developer at the New York Hall of Science.
Meng noted that 11,334 students registered for this year’s competition and 3,645 fully functioning apps were entered. 374 Members of Congress from across 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the District of Columbia participated. This year’s contest also set the record for most student registrations and most apps submitted.
The majority of the city’s capital projects are over their initial budgets and behind schedule, suggesting better monitoring and reporting could lead to adjustments to improve capital project delivery, according to an analysis released on Friday by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The city is shifting from publishing the Capital Project Detail Data report to a Capital Projects Dashboard, but both currently have limited project delivery information. DiNapoli’s analysis looked at projects listed in the October 2023 CPDD, which contains project schedules by phase, the initial and current budget, and explanations of any delays for particular projects. This detail is not yet fully reflected in the dashboard. Also, many projects are excluded from the CPDD, and data on budgets and schedules lack certain details that would benefit capital project monitoring.
The CPDD excludes almost half of the projects included in the city’s Capital Commitment Plan, amounting to $73.9 billion, or 47.2 percent of all planned capital commitments. While a substantial portion of
this may be for projects that are not yet fully scoped out, there are a number of notable exclusions. City-funded projects undertaken by the School Construction Authority for the NYC Department of Education, as well as loans for housing and certain other projects managed by NYC Housing Preservation and Development, totaling about $38 billion, make up the largest share of excluded projects.
Among the 5,128 projects that were analyzed, DiNapoli’s report found:
• 64 percent were delayed, defined as projects with tasks at least three months past their planned completion date.
• Half, 49.9 percent, were excessively delayed, with tasks three or more years behind their completion date.
• More than 50 percent were over their initial budget, with planned spending now at $54.5 billion more than initially anticipated. Nearly two-fi fths of all analyzed projects were more than 20 percent over budget. DiNapoli’s report also found about 27 percent of projects were on budget, and 21 percent were under budget.
Of the nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of delayed projects, more than half
were delayed because of budgetary constraints. These constraints are not clearly defined by the city but may be due to a lack of capital funding in the city treasury during the project span or changes to funding commitments. However, because the city does not explain what is causing budgetary constraints and how they are contributing to delays, updates to cost estimates are difficult to predict. It is notable that the analysis period included the onset of the pandemic, where capital projects were halted, which likely contributed to delays.
The report found certain types of projects are more likely to be behind schedule or over budget than others. Courts, waterway bridges, water supply, traffic, highways, public buildings, library, and economic development projects were all likely to start more than two years after the initial project sequencing start. Similar delays existed for NYC Health + Hospitals as well as the police and cultural affairs departments. The movement of start dates directly impacts the cost of projects, as prices of labor and materials generally rise over time.
DiNapoli recommended the city shift all relevant project information to the new dashboard, provide regular updates on the status of its reforms to review the effectiveness of changes implemented for reducing costs or delays, and add flags that allow the public to identify projects which have been able to leverage those reforms.ц
Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced the launch of the New York City Workforce Development Council, a group of leaders from the business community, educational institutions, unions, and training providers who will help develop and sustain strategies that will aid New Yorkers in finding family-sustaining careers and help employers tap the talent they need to succeed.
Chaired by Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Speyer, the new advisory board will be comprised of over 30 external stakeholders committed to rebuilding and strengthening the city’s talent and workforce development system for a postpandemic labor market. The Workforce Development Council will make recommendations to the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) and the New York City Workforce Development Board, which is responsible for stewarding between $60 million and $100 million in annual federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding.
Additionally, the Adams administration on Thursday released two Requests for Proposals to advance its moonshot goal of connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships by the year 2030. An initial investment of $3.5 million — from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding — will identify
potential private-sector and non-profit partners that are interested in developing new apprenticeship programs and transforming existing talent development initiatives into structured apprenticeships.
“While our city has recovered all of the private-sector jobs lost during the pandemic, our recovery has not benefitted every New Yorker equitably. To change this, we need partners from every corner of our city to help build an economy with real pathways to familysustaining careers,” said Adams. “The
Workforce Development Council will tap expertise from business leaders, like Rob Speyer and dozens of others from across our city, to develop strategies and partnerships that will lead to real opportunities for New Yorkers. Additionally, our administration is investing millions in the nonprofits, unions, and other employers that will invest in our young people through apprenticeships.”
Speyer is the chairman of the advisory board of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, first appointed by Mayor
Mike Bloomberg in 2006, reappointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, and most recently, reappointed by Mayor Adams. He is also co-chair of the Partnership for New York City and on the New York Jobs CEO Council.
“I am proud to serve as the inaugural chair of the New York City Workforce Development Council,” Speyer said. “The Workforce Development Council's work will build on Mayor Adams’ remarkable track record for private-sector job creation. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow members on this council to identify the most promising career paths for New Yorkers today and tomorrow.”
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) added, “We recovered all the jobs lost in the pandemic a year earlier than projected, and now have the most jobs in city history. Today we take the next step in record job creation with the launch of the New York City Workforce Development Council, an innovative publicprivate partnership to provide New Yorkers with the skills they need in today’s workforce. This will put New Yorkers in family-sustaining jobs and allow them to stand on their own two feet, all without going into debt for an expensive education. This Workforce Development Council will be an engine of job growth, opening the door to economic opportunity for our fellow New Yorkers.”
BOOBILINA, LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/01/2023. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JOSE ROMERO, 88-14 LIBERTY AVENUE, Ozone Park, NY 11416. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of Professional Service Limited Liability Company Arts. of Org. of Amana Mental Health Counseling, PLLC fi led with Dept. of State of NY on January 30, 2024. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 8330 AustinStreet, #150301, Kew Gardens, New York 11415, principal business address. PLLC does not have a specific date of dissolution. Purpose: Mental Health Counseling. Filer: Lavelle & Finn, LLP, 29 British American Bl., Latham, NY 12110.
V’S PRIME MECHANICAL LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 12/05/2023. 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, 97-06 101st Ave, Ozone Park, NY 11416. Reg Agent: Vincent Castellano, 97-06 101st Ave, Ozone Park, NY 11416. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
HARBOR WATERPROOFING SERVICES LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 11/27/2023. 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, 1102 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY, 11101, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of formation of OTHER MINDS PUBLISHING LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/05/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: any lawful act.
142-43 249TH LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/14/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JOEL MOREAUX, 249-10 139TH AVE, QUEENS, NY, 11422, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
30-16 ASTORIA LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/18/24. 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, 21-11 74th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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SUNNY 80 LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/25/24. 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 SUNNY 80 LLC, 58-27 197TH ST., FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
PUSH AMPERSAND PULL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 11/15/23. 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, 60-06 69th Lane, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
FLORES SPECIALTY LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/25/24. 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 FLORES SPECIALTY LLC, 31-00 47TH AVENUE, SUITE 3100, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 111013013, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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ATM Services 3000 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/27/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Jean-Joseph Negouai, 76-10 34th Ave, Apt 3J, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. General Purpose
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LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/03/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to: Oksana O Lipinchuk, 116-16 Audley Street, Apt 1A, Richmond
