THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | APRIL 18, 2024

Bud Haven on Liberty Avenue went up in flames on Sunday after several lithium-ion batteries stored inside the establishment exploded. The weekend of April 13-14 was busy: There were five fires involving lithium-ion batteries, and 10 total battery caused fires in the last week, according to FDNY officials.

Illegally Stored Lithium-ion Batteries Doom Ozone Park Shop

By Michael V. Cusenza

A swift fire on Sunday sparked by the unnerving explosions of lithium-ion batteries haphazardly stored inside an Ozone Park shop g utted the small business, according to the FDNY and published reports.

N o injuries were reported at the two-alarm inferno at Bud Haven on Liberty Avenue.

Sunday morning’s blaze capped a busy, battery fueled weekend for the City’s Bravest. There were five fires involving lithium-ion batteries, and 10 total battery caused fires in the last week.

On Friday, April 12, the City Fire Department E-Safety Task

Force

to a store

1239 Flatbush Ave.,

Brooklyn, to conduct a follow-up inspection following three previous visits to the same location.

Investigators found 15 lithium-ion batteries and multiple e-bikes without proper c ertification for sale throughout the store. Additionally, l ittle to no compliance was found on previous violations, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.

V iolations, including improper storing of lithium-ion batteries, storing loose lithium-ion b attery cells, and other fire code violations were issued. FDNY

“As we have tragically seen, lithium-ion batteries — especially those that are uncertified — h ave the potential to explode and rapidly trap residents in a fire. This store was operating below residential apartments,” Kavanagh said. “The safety of New Yorkers and our members is our top priority. Our FDNY Fire Marshals and the Bureau of Fire Prevention will continue to crack down on the sellers of these uncertified and dangerous devices, and we will continue to remind people of the dangers they pose.”

returned

at

in

Fire Marshals arrested Tian Liang Liu and charged him with r eckless endangerment.

File Photo Bravest properly dispose of the dangerous batteries. Photo Courtesy of FDNY Batteries confiscated by FDNY investigators.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza Bud haven is located at Liberty Avenue and 95th Street.

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

FDNY Fire Marshals arrested Tian Liang Liu and charged him with reckless endangerment.

Driver Indicted in Cop Killing

By Forum Staff

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday that Lindy Jones has been arraigned on an indictment charging him for his role in the fatal shooting of City Police Det. Jonathan Diller last month in Far Rockaway. Jones was the driver of the vehicle and a court-ordered search warrant revealed there was a 9 mm pistol in the car’s glove compartment, which was in addition to the weapon used to shoot Diller.

Jones, 41, of Edgemere, was charged with two counts each of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees.

Jones’ codefendant, Guy Rivera, 34, whose last known address is in Woodside, has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degrees, attempted murder in the first and second degrees, four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for the homicide and attempted homicide of police officers.

According to the charges and statements made in court:

On March 25, at approximately 5:45 p.m., an officer on patrol in Far Rockaway saw Rivera with what looked like a gun in the front pocket of his sweatshirt, as he exited a store with Jones. Rivera and Jones then got into a 2016 Kia Soul parked in front of 19-19 Mott Ave., with Jones in the driver’s seat.

Diller and other officers approached the car and repeatedly asked Rivera to roll down his window before they were able to open the car door. Rivera then removed a gun from

his clothing and shot Diller. The officer was struck in the stomach.

After shooting the officer, Rivera aimed his gun at Sgt. Sasha Rosen, who was with Diller. Rosen used his hand to direct the gun away from his body. Rivera’s finger remained on the trigger as he tried to point the .380-caliber pistol back toward the sergeant.

The gun was loaded but jammed following the initial shot and was unable to shoot additional rounds.

Diller was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

On March 26, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the 101st Police Precinct obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle.

The execution of the warrant led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the glove compartment. The firearm was found to be defaced, with the serial number scratched off.

A review of Jones’ arrest record indicated a prior attempted murder conviction in 2002, elevating one of the present charges against him to criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, up from criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Jones faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the current charges, in addition to 15 years on a separate open weapon case from April 2023; both terms would be served consecutively.

If convicted, Rivera faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography

Detective Jonathan Diller was shot and killed on March 25 in the line of duty.

Headless Body Discovered Floating in Jamaica Bay

By Michael V. Cusenza

The decapitated body of an Ozone Park man was discovered Friday morning near 165th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard.

The 46-year-old man was identified on Tuesday as Lukasz Mikolajewicz of Dumont Avenue.

City Police and Fire officials found noose hanging from the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge—a span that carries Cross Bay Boulevard across Jamaica Bay between Howard Beach and Broad Channel. The noose was discovered roughly 1,000 feet from where the body was located.

According to published reports, became decapitated while committing suicide.

Cops informed the Post that “the theory here is that he hanged himself”; though

nothing has been confirmed.

This area of Howard Beach has experienced more than its fair share of tragedy. In September 2015, after seemingly vanishing for three months, the lifeless body of Gary Russo was discovered hanging from a tree in Spring Creek Park near 165th Avenue and 92nd Street, approximately a mile from his Howard Beach home.

Russo, 54, had been missing since July 29.

Police sources told the New York Daily News that Russo had been “apparently depressed” for some time “over a bad breakup with a girlfriend.”

Russo, dubbed the “2nd Avenue Sinatra” due to his penchant for serenading passersby and his fellow construction workers with Chairman of the Board classics in an uncanny impression that matched Old Blue Eyes’ timbre and cadence, was last seen in How-

ard Beach shortly after midnight on July 28. Cops found his pickup truck on 165th Avenue near Cross Bay Boulevard a couple of days after he was declared missing.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr/The Hungry Coder Night falls on the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza Mikolajewicz’s body was discovered floating in Jamaica Bay.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/HugoHelp

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will officially determine the cause and manner of death.

Office of Marine Debris Removal Debuts

By Forum Staff

Councilwoman Joann Ariola on Monday joined City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Department of Citywide Administrative Services Deputy Commissioner Keith Kerman, Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, City University of New York Kingsborough Community College Interim President Suri Duitch, Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers President Dan Mundy Jr., and community members at Brooklyn’s Kingsborough Community College to unveil the brand new Office of Marine Debris Removal and Vessel Surrendering.

The office will work to beautify the city’s waterways and remove the large pieces of debris that have littered borough shores for years.

“For the last 20 years we have been struggling with the issue of marine debris, abandoned boats and abandoned docks that litter the shoreline and damage the environment of the bay. Previously there was no way to have these items removed. No agency was tasked with this and it became a blight on the shores of areas like Jamaica Bay,” said City Fire Department Battalion Chief and Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers Vice President Dan Mundy Jr.

“This legislation has now created the new Office of Marine Debris Removal, and this will be a game changer for all of the waterfront areas around New York City!” Mundy added. “We now have a dedicated division within New York City Parks that will have the resources to identify and remove these hazardous items from the shores, wetlands, and the waters of Jamaica Bay and throughout the city!”

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL THE PHARMACISTS ROLE

Pharmacists play a very important role in counseling patients on high blood pressure (HBP).

Here at Cross Bay Chemist, we offer electronic blood pressure monitoring in the store and always include it when we participate in community health fairs. About one in three adults and nearly one in three women in the United States has high blood pressure. The condition itself usually has no signs or symptoms. Someone can have HBP for years without knowing it. A secret killer, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs.

The good news is lifestyle changes can greatly assist in the management of HBP. Proper diet, exercise, the elimination or reduction of salt intake and stopping smoking can all play a major role in helping bring HBP under control.

Blood pressure, like so many other conditions that are easily managed, is always aided when patients take a little time to do proper “bookkeeping”. The following tips are a general guide to keeping track and keeping informed about your condition. Remember your pharmacist is in a great position to help you set up and maintain your blood pressure records

and all your other medications as well.

1. Step one in managing HBP is making sure you take everything your physician has prescribed.

2. Make sure you know the name of each of your meds, the dosage prescribed for you and the directions on how to take the medicine—at night, with food, etc. If you have questions about your meds, talk to your pharmacist or physician.

3. Take care of your refills before you run out. HBM needs to be taken without skipping a dosage-you can’t skip a day or cut it in half to last longer—that’s not the way it works.

4. If you are not feeling right and think you are having adverse effects from your meds, talk to your pharmacist and/or physician at once. Your dosage may very well have to be adjusted. This is a common occurrence with HBM. DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN!

5. HBP meds may have interactions with OTC preparations. Many have warnings about not taking them with HBP meds. Consult your pharmacist on what is safe for you to take.

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.

Forum Clarifies Street Co-Naming

In the April 11, 2024, edition of your paper of record, we were remiss in not conducting a more thorough fact check for the important page 4 article titled “City Set to Honor Heroic Woodhaven Crossing Guard.”

A communiqué in the form of an e-mail blast sent and signed by the president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, Sam Esposito, contained erroneous claims that OZPKRBA was responsible for spearheading the process to get approval for a street co-naming in honor of Krystyna Naprawa. The crossing guard lost her life when she was stuck by a truck and killed at her long-time Woodhaven post at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

The Forum would like to offer our sincere apologies to the 102nd Precinct, the Naprawa family, and the Office of Councilwoman Joann Ariola.

Street co-namings must be introduced and voted on by the City Council. Ariola proposed the legislation at the behest of the family and the 102nd Precinct and brought it before the council where it passed unanimously.

The renaming has been scheduled for late September this year.

File Photo

Crews remove debris and abandoned boats from Jamaica Bay.

File Photo

“The City has a responsibility to preserve the safety and the beauty of our waterfronts,” said Councilwoman Brooks-Powers.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza The makeshift memorial was installed last October at the scene. It is consistently maintained by the community.

Richards Touts Accomplishments, Future of Queens in State of the Borough

By Michael V. Cusenza

With one eye on the future of Queens, and the other on the investments in affordable housing, economic development, clean energy, education and more that his administration has made over the past year, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. delivered the 2024 State of the Borough address on Friday at the Claire Shulman Theatre within Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s iconic Queens Theatre.

In his address, the borough president put forth an admittedly bold vision to root out those inequities in housing, education, employment, the environment and more. Some of the speech’s major highlights included:

• The announcement of a diversity tech and innovation center — to be constructed in Long Island City — with the goal of connecting historically marginalized Black and brown entrepreneurs to the borough’s blossoming tech ecosystem.

• A call on city government to fund the construction of hydroponics labs in every New York City public school, building on Richards’ efforts to dramatically scale up the number of such labs in Queens schools.

• A celebration of historic affordable housing and community development projects at Willets Point in Northern Queens, the Creedmoor campus in Eastern Queens and across Far Rockaway, as well as a com-

fate, but pioneers of a future worthy of our families.”

In concluding his 6,000-word speech, Richards noted, “We’ve talked a lot about injustice today, and the work we’ve done together to root it out. I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made, but that progress is under threat like never before.

“We are The World’s Borough. One-hundred ninety countries are represented here. More than 350 languages and dialects are spoken on our streets. The political and religious ideologies sprinkled throughout our communities are infinite.

“That diversity is our strength, but it can be our downfall if we’re not careful. Because we live in a world that is more divided now than at any other point in my lifetime.

“Pandemic-fueled bigotry threatened thousands of our AAPI neighbors in Queens. But we stood shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in that community to stop Asian hate.

prehensive neighborhood plan to rezone much of downtown Jamaica.

• Richards’ allocation of more than $30 million to Queens schools, $20.2 million to borough parks, $14.4 million for Queens healthcare institutions and more this year.

• A comprehensive look at Richards’ efforts to transform Queens into the nation’s leading clean energy hub through the reimagining of the Ravenswood Generating

Station, the development of the Champlain Hudson Power Express and other climaterelated projects.

“My friends, I have faith in you. I have faith in us. The state of our borough is stronger than ever because I have faith in our shared mission: To create a borough rooted in justice for all 2.4 million of us,” Richards said. “To overcome the cruelty and hardship of our world and build a borough that transcends our divisions. To not be prisoners of

“Our Sikh and LGBTQ communities have come under attack repeatedly, but never will we stop pushing back against prejudice.

“Most recently, the brutality that Hamas brought to Israel on Oct. 7, and the needless suffering in Gaza in the months after, has fanned the flames of distrust and disgust here in Queens.

“But we will not allow ourselves to be divided.”

Addabbo Hosts Distracted Driving Event at Richmond Hill High School

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) recently hosted an interactive and educational safety event at Richmond Hill High School. It allowed participants to try a crash simulator, drunk goggles, the seatbelt convincer (which simulates a 5 mph crash) and the rollover convincer which demonstrates what happens to passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt in a rollover crash.

“In doing so, hopefully it will get people to think twice about being pre-occupied behind the wheel.”

In 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although the number of fatalities fell by 6% from 2021 to 2022 (3,521 to 3,308), it remains a significant problem, representing 8% of all traffic fatalities The

economic cost resulting from distracteddriving traffic crashes is estimated to be $98 billion, which such costs as: lost productivity; workplace costs; medical costs; and emergency medical services.

“My office and I decided to refrain from offering a class in what not to do, but rather allowed people to truly experience impairment and distraction using the senses of touch, sight, and sound,” Addabbo said.

The agencies and partners that participated in the event include: the City

Police Department Transportation Bureau, City Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the State Police, Flavors Driving School, and Jenoptik USA, an international company in the field of automated safety and enforcement, which is piloting a camera program to catch distracted drivers in the act. It has already begun trial usage in Australia, Addabbo noted.

Photo Courtesy of Borough President Richards

“[W]e will not allow ourselves to be divided,” BP Richards said.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo Walla Eng of Ozone Park tries out drunk goggles and is guided by representatives from NYC DOT. Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo Senator Addabbo braves the Seat Belt Convincer.

City Building Inspector Charged with Accepting Bribes

By Forum Staff

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Zabihullah Ibrahimi, a City building inspector, was arraigned on Thursday for allegedly taking cash from homeowners in exchange for closing complaints about their property. In one case, he allegedly asked for $3,500 from a homeowner and, when she said she had no cash, directed her to go to the bank and get it while he waited outside her home.

Ibrahimi, 42, of College Point, was arraigned on three counts of bribe receiving in the third degree and three counts of official misconduct.

“As charged, instead of doing his job — to identify unsafe and illegal residences — this City inspector used his position of authority to solicit bribes from homeowners. Thankfully, homeowners, as well as DOB, reported this alleged misconduct to the [City Department of Investigation], prompting our investigation, together with our partners in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and resulting in the complaint that was filed. DOI anticipates proposing a number of policy and procedural reforms to the City Department of Buildings to reduce the risk of inspector misconduct,”

According to the charges:

• Ibrahimi worked as a building inspector for the City Department of Build-

closed the inspection. Building Department records indicate the complaint was closed because entry could not be obtained to the property.

• On Dec. 18, 2023, Ibrahimi told a property owner on 116th Street in South Jamaica that her house had a violation that would cost her $3,000, but he did not want to write a violation for her.

• The woman asked Ibrahimi if he wanted money and he asked for $500. She told him she only had $300 and gave it to him in exchange for not writing a violation.

• Building Department records indicate the complaint was closed stating no violation was warranted.

ings and his duties included responding to 311 complaints, inspecting homes to verify that alleged complaints existed and, if so, issuing violations.

• On Jan. 10, 2023, Ibrahimi visited a home on 111th Street in South Ozone Park to conduct an inspection of the basement. He took photos of the basement and told the homeowner that her basement was illegal, it would cost a lot of money to legalize it and that he could fix it for $1,500.

• The homeowner then showed Ibrahimi $140 saying it was all she had. He took the money and told the woman that she should reschedule the inspection and he would close the case. He then dialed his own phone number from the woman’s phone and instructed her to say she wanted another inspection. He picked up the phone while she was standing next to him.

• He called the woman 10 minutes after leaving the property saying he had

• On Jan. 25, 2024, Ibrahimi visited a property on 193rd Street in St. Albans and told the homeowner there were issues that needed to be fixed and to give him $3,500. The woman said she did not have any money and Ibrahimi then told her to go to the bank and get $1,000. She left to get the cash while Ibrahimi waited outside her home. She returned and gave him the money.

• Building Department records show the complaint was closed because an inspector was unable to gain access since the property owner failed to keep the inspection appointment.

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

Photo Courtesy of DOB

DOI Commissioner Strauber said that “instead of doing his job — to identify unsafe and illegal residences — this City inspector used his position of authority to solicit bribes from homeowners.”

Teen Charged in Ruthless Briarwood Church Attack

By Forum Staff

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that her office has charged a 16-year-old boy with first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and grand larceny for attacking an elderly woman on the steps of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood on April 7.

The teen is accused of shoving the 68-year-old victim down a flight of cement stairs before taking her purse and car keys and stealing her car. He was separately charged with robbery for an unrelated incident on April 4 during which he is accused of stealing another woman’s car. Arraignment is pending.

The defendant was charged in the April 7 incident with assault in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, assault in the second degree, two counts of grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree.

He was charged in the April 4 case with two counts of robbery in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, robbery in the third degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, three counts of grand larceny in the fourth

degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, menacing in the second degree, petit larceny and unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree.

According to the charges:

On April 7, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Irene Tahliambouris, 68, was walking up a flight of stairs to enter Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 84-35 152nd St.

As Tahliambouris approached the top step, the defendant is seen on video sur-

veillance running up the staircase beside her and then stepping in front of the victim.

The teen struck Tahliambouris causing her to fall backwards down the stairs landing headfirst on the concrete sidewalk, sustaining serious injuries.

Once the victim was on the ground, the defendant is seen on video surveillance picking up Tahliambouris’ purse which contained money, credit cards, her cell phone and car key. He can be seen putting his hands near the victim’s waist and pock-

ets. The victim can be seen motionless on the ground.

The defendant is seen on video entering Tahliambouris’ 2006 Nissan Altima and driving it away.

Tahliambouris was taken to a local hospital with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. She remains in critical but stable condition, unable to stand or move on her own.

Following an extensive investigation by members of the 107th Police Precinct, with the assistance of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the defendant was apprehended in front of his residence on April 11.

The teen has been separately charged with following a woman into an elevator at a building on 127th Avenue in Rochdale Village on April 4 at approximately 10:15 a.m.

He told the woman he followed her from a bank and saw her take money out and then demanded the money and her keys. He put his hand in his pocket and pointed what appeared to be a weapon at the woman. The victim gave the teen her car keys.

The teen is seen on video surveillance leaving the building and getting into the woman’s Toyota Corolla and driving away.

If convicted, the teen faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Five Genovese Family Gangsters Plead Guilty to Various Felony Charges

By Michael V. Cusenza

Salvatore Rubino, also known as “Sal the Shoemaker,” an associate of the Genovese organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court to operating an illegal gambling business associated with the crime family, according to prosecutors.

Previously, on April 5, four codefendant members and associates of the family—including Agostino Gabriele of Glendale—pleaded guilty to various felony charges stemming from their long-running operation of several lucrative gambling operations in the Eastern District of New York. Carmelo “Carmine” Polito, 64, a Whitestone resident, former acting captain and a soldier within the Genovese crime family, pleaded guilty to racketeering involving the operation of an illegal gambling business and an attempted extortion. Joseph Macario, also known as “Joe Fish,” a soldier within the Genovese crime family, also pleaded guilty to racketeering. Joseph Rutigliano, also known as “Joe Box,” and Mark Feuer, associates of the Genovese crime family, pleaded guilty to felony charges relating to the operation of various illegal gambling businesses also associated with the crime family.

The above mentioned defendants are engaged in plea deals with federal prosecutors.

As detailed in earlier court filings and in facts presented at the guilty plea hearings, members of the Genovese and Bonanno organized crime families operated several illegal gambling operations in the Eastern District of New York—including La Nazionale Soccer Club in Glendale and Glendale Sports Club. Beginning in at least May 2012, the Genovese and Bonanno families jointly

operated a lucrative illegal gambling operation in Lynbrook, L.I., called the Gran Caffe. The profits earned through the Gran Caffe and other illegal gambling locations generated substantial revenue, which was then “kicked up” to the crime families’ leaders. Rutigliano and Rubino collected the proceeds for the Genovese crime family and distributed them up to higher-ranking members, including Polito and Macario.

In addition to the Gran Caffe, the Genovese crime family—through Polito,

Macario, Rutigliano, Rubino and others—operated illegal gambling parlors at establishments called Sal’s Shoe Repair and the Centro Calcio Italiano Club.

Rubino told the judge that there were gambling machines installed in his shoe repair shop and card games three nightsa-week. He said his shoe repair business was located on Merrick Avenue and closed in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Polito, a former acting captain in the Genovese crime family, also operated an illegal online gambling scheme in which bets were placed on sporting events through a website called “PGWLines.” In connection with his operation of PGWLines, Polito attempted to extort an individual who lost several thousand dollars in bets he placed through the website. For example, in an October 2019 call concerning a delinquent debtor whose “face” Polito had previously threatened to “break,” Polito instructed another individual to relay a new message to the debtor: “Tell him I’m going to put him under the f------g bridge.”

Rubino, 60, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; his estimated sentencing guidelines range is four to 10 months. No sentencing date was set.

“[The] Mafia doesn’t get it that illegal gambling is a losing proposition,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Irene Tahliambouris, 68, was attacked on the steps of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood.

State Sets Sights on Helping Disabled Veterans Secure Affordable Housing

By Forum Staff

The State Senate recently gave the green light to a bill (S.6525) co-sponsored by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DWoodhaven) that would provide disabled veterans with a preference in securing housing being offered under New York’s Affordable Home Ownership Development Program.

This proposal, coupled with another measure sponsored by Addabbo (S.2028) to offer real property tax exemptions to severely disabled veterans, would help to ensure greater affordable housing opportunities for former servicemen and women.

Addabbo noted that S.6525 would ensure that veterans with a service-related disability rating of 40 percent or higher will receive preferential consideration when housing projects are moving forward under the AHOD Program. This initiative provides grants to governmental, not-for-profit and charitable groups to build, acquire/rehabilitate or improve homes for low- and moderate income families. The legislation is now under consideration by the Assembly Housing Committee.

Bill S.2028, chiefly sponsored by Addabbo, which has also passed the full Senate, would create a real property tax exemption program, at local option, for veterans with a 100 percent service-related disability rating as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

These

the most severe injuries, and are considered permanently and totally disabled as a result of their courageous military service. This legislation, which would apply to the primary residences of the eligible veterans, is now under review by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

“As the NYS Senate session continues, I am hopeful both these bills will get the full legislative consideration they deserve,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. “Our injured veterans and their families deserve no less.”

City Launches Pilot Program to Connect Families Fleeing Domestic Violence with Permanent Housing

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park on Monday announced “Project Home,” a pilot program to provide intensive, specialized housing search assistance to domestic violence survivors with children living in city shelters.

Beginning with 100 families, Project Home will help domestic violence survivors find safe, permanent homes and reduce the amount of time spent in shelter. Launched in partnership with New Destiny Housing — a nonprofit that provides housing and services to domestic violence survivors and their families — the pilot is funded with a $300,000 grant from the NYC Fund to End Youth & Family Homelessness.

Adams also on Monday announced expansions to eligibility for supportive and affordable housing units for survivors of domestic violence, minimizing the amount of time survivors spend in shelter and significantly increasing the permanent housing options available to them.

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their relationships and live a life free of domestic and gender-based violence,” Adams said. “But for too many New Yorkers, home is no longer safe and, too often, domestic violence survivors end up in shelters as they are forced to leave their homes.

One hundred families staying in City Department of Homeless Services shelters will be randomly selected from the pool of eligible households, comprised of those in shelters as a result of domestic violence. The participating families will be directly connected to a specialized housing navigator — trained in the challenging dynamics of domestic violence as well as affordable housing — who will work closely with each participating family to quickly secure permanent housing. They will identify appropriate apartments from trusted land-

lords, advocate on behalf of the family with landlords and brokers, and assist with applications, with the goal of minimizing the amount of time each family spends in shelter.

To ensure families remain stably housed for the long term, this pilot will include an aftercare coordinator to provide light-touch services after families move out of shelter. These light-touch services will include financial coaching; connecting families to new doctors, schools, childcare, and other resources in their new

neighborhood; and linking families to counseling to help survivors recover from the traumas of homelessness and domestic abuse. The aftercare coordinator will also assist families in obtaining or maintaining government benefits. Aftercare services will be available to families for up to one year after they move into their new home and are supported by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Currently, residents of City Human Resources Administration (HRA) Domestic Violence Shelters are ineligible for HPD units, which are set aside for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, as eligibility is based strictly on stays in DHS shelters. To eliminate this unnecessary discrepancy between the two systems and expand access to affordable housing for a vulnerable population, DSS and HPD will allow clients in HRA shelters to apply directly for these units, ultimately shortening their stays in shelter. Additionally, in partnership with DOHMH, DSS will expand eligibility for city-supportive housing, which currently provides rental assistance and on-site supportive services to individuals and families struggling with homelessness and serious behavioral health challenges, to also include survivors of domestic violence and their families. These families will have access to on-site services to help them maintain stability.

servicemen and women live with

File Photo

“Our injured veterans and their families deserve no less,” Sen. Addabbo said.

File Photo

The State Senate has voted in favor of two veteran-housing bills.

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office “[F]or too many New Yorkers, home is no longer safe and, too often, domestic violence survivors end up in shelters as they are forced to leave their homes,” Mayor Adams said.

Legal Notices

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 fi led 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.

GLASS SKIN NYC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/11/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SSC PARTNERS LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/08/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SHEFFIELDERS LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/13/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZEN BUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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. filed 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.

ALPHA LANE HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. fi led 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 LUIS FABIAN PULLUTASIG CRIOLLO, 814 WYCOFF AVE, #2F, BROOKLYN, NY, 11237, USA.. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

Citrus Garden LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/22/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 104-19 177th St, 3FL, Jamaica, NY 11433. General Purpose

CAPSIDE, LLC Arts of Org. fi led 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 Hills, NY, 11418, USA. General Purpose

Notice of Qualification of Nimbus Group LLC, fictitious name: Nimbus Express LLC. Authority fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/25/24. Office location : Queens County.LLC formed in Deleware (DE) on 06/06/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to : 24177A Oak Park Drive, Little Neck, NY, 11362. Address to be maintained in DE: 16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958. Arts. of org. fi led with the Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Suite 4, Dover, De, 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activities.

DROGBA STUDIO LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 03/08/24. 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 LEGACY ADVISORY FIRM LLC, 225 REFORMATION PARKWAY, SUITE 200 #9, CANTON, GA 30114. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ILLYRIAN BUSINESS GROUP, LLCLLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 01/06/24. 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 EGLI TUNDO, 45-12 46 STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY, 11404. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.