VOL. 21 • NUMBER 30 • AUGUST 11, 2022
CONGESTION QUESTIONS
Queries Still Abound as Agencies Release Environmental Assessment of Proposed Central Business District Tolling Program
See story on page 2
The Federal Highway Administration, State Department of Transportation, MTA Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and City Department of Transportation on Wednesday released an Environmental Assessment of the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program, known commonly as congestion pricing. Photo Courtesy of Marc A. Hermann
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 30 • AUGUST 11, 2022 | 1
Environmental Assessment Details Effects of Proposed Congestion Pricing Program By Forum Staff The Federal Highway Administration, State Department of Transportation, MTA Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and City Department of Transportation on Wednesday released an Environmental Assessment of the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) in Manhattan, known commonly as congestion pricing. The Environmental Assessment document is available for review online at https:// mta.info/CBDTP and in more than 60 locations throughout the New York City metropolitan region (locations may be found on the website). The document evaluates the effects of the program compared with taking no action. The document finds that central business district tolling would accomplish the goal of New York State’s MTA Reform and Traffic Mobility Act of reducing traffic congestion in the Manhattan Central Business District (CBD) and raising revenue for investment in transit. The Environmental Assessment (EA), based on modeling of seven tolling scenarios within the CBD Tolling Alternative, with different combinations of potential exemptions, discounts and/ or crossing credits, and the resultant toll rates. The EA finds the program would result in either beneficial effects or no adverse effects for the majority of topics studied, including regional air quality, regional transportation, and parking. Where potential adverse effects were
Photo Courtesy of Marc A. Hermann
MTA releases the Environmental Assessment for the Central Business Tolling District Program in a folder presented to representatives of the media.
identified, mitigation is provided. The assessment found that 85% of existing work trips to the CBD are made by transit, 5% by car from New York City, 3% by car from New York suburban counties, 3% by car from New Jersey, 0.2% by car from Connecticut, and 4% by other modes, including taxis, for-hire vehicles, bicycling and walking. Among the key findings of the assessment are: Implementation of tolls would achieve the purpose and need of the proj-
ect – to reduce traffic congestion in the Manhattan CBD in a manner that will generate revenue for future transportation improvements. With initiation of the program, the number of vehicles entering the CBD would decline by 15.4% to 19.9%, depending on the tolling scenario. Traffic elsewhere in the region would change between -1.5% to 0.2%, depending on the location and the tolling scenario. Air quality would improve overall, with greater beneficial effects within and
closer to the CBD. Reduction in traffic would result in increased reliability of bus service Increase in transit ridership of 1% to 2% The project partners received more than 7,300 comments in early enhanced outreach as the Environmental Assessment was being prepared. Seeking feedback on the document now that the Environmental Assessment has been released, the project partners have outlined a series of virtual public hearings that will take place from Aug. 25 through Aug. 31, as well as a meeting of the Environmental Justice Stakeholder Working Group, on Aug. 19, and a meeting of the Environmental Justice Technical Advisory Group, for Aug. 22. The project partners are accepting comments online, via email, mail, voicemail and fax. Following the public review period, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will determine whether establishment of the program would result in significant effects in addition to the widespread benefits detailed in the assessment. The FHWA will issue one of two documents responding to the environmental assessment: either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), establishing that any adverse effects are not significant or can be mitigated below significant level, or, if determined that there are significant effects that cannot be mitigated, a request for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) requiring further study of the proposed program.
Rockaway Pol to Mayor on Homeless Shelter Placement: Enough is Enough 7 homeless shelters, 12 adult homes, 17 nursing homes and a copious amount of supportive housing. We have our fair share.” The Assemblywoman also pointed out that all of this is located in Flood Zone 1. Throughout the letter, written in late July, the Assemblywoman offered to work with the Mayor to provide an alternative to the homeless shelter with several community-based alternatives. The Assemblywoman recommended File Photo that the space could be better utilized Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato as a Boys and Girls Club that could acBy Forum Staff commodate children, a business incubator or coworking space, or a multi-level Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Am- parking facility. ato (D-South Queens) expressed her apThe Assemblywoman praised the Mayprehension for a new homeless shelter or’s vision that “everyone must be in the on Brunswick Avenue in Far Rockaway game.” and noted that there is a clear housand called for the project to be stopped ing and homeless crisis. She expressed to due to the heavy saturation of supportive the Mayor that “the Rockaway Peninsula housing on the Peninsula. In her letter to has been a team player for decades. I am Mayor Eric Adams, the Assemblywoman asking for there to be equitable distribuexpressed the concerns of her constitu- tion of shelters and supportive housing ents explaining that “throughout the throughout all community boards in the Rockaway Peninsula, there are already five boroughs.” The Assemblywoman was 2 | AUGUST 11, 2022 • Number 30 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
referring to the reports that several community boards and districts do not even have one shelter, let alone the amount on the Rockaway Peninsula. “I know the Mayor supports this com-
Mayor Eric Adams
munity and I believe that he can help reverse the course from previous administrations that have disregarded the Rockaway Peninsula,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Area Schools get Improvement Grants
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PS 65 in Ozone Park
By Forum Staff Due to an improved fiscal condition, New York State representatives have the opportunity to recommend funding for local schools, non-profit organizations and public safety programs through State and Municipal (SAM) Grants. State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has secured this funding for several public schools within his district. These SAM Grants are allocated to these schools for a variety of projects to improve physical parts of the school building, technological upgrades, and much more to benefit students, faculty and staff. “Educational funding is incredibly important in order to keep our schools up-to-date and ensure that teachers and staff have the equipment to properly educate their students. Additionally, the school buildings themselves need to have the facilities required to keep students engaged and active,” Addabbo said. “That is why I reached out to the schools in my district to see if they could use any funding from the SAM Grants to improve their schools, and I got back some great responses. I intend to reach out to other schools in my district for funding in next year’s budget.” Each of the following schools is earmarked to receive $250,000 for their renovation projects: Col. Jeromus Remsen School P.S. 144Q • in Forest Hills, for gym renovations and new white boards;
• Raymond York School P.S. 65Q in Ozone Park, for technology upgrades; • William Sidney Mount School P.S. 174Q in Rego Park, for technology upgrades; • Anthony Pranzo School P.S./I.S. 113Q in Glendale, for bathroom renovations; • Arthur Ashe School P.S. 161Q in South Richmond Hill, for auditorium renovations; • Forest Park School P.S. 97Q in Woodhaven, for auditorium upgrades; • Horace Mann School P.S. 90Q in Richmond Hill, for auditorium conversion; • Rego Park School P.S. 139Q in Rego Park, for a new gym and media center; • Rosa Parks School P.S. 254Q in Richmond Hill, for library and teachers’ lounge renovations; Russell Sage, Jr. High School in Forest • Hills, for a new gym floor; and • Woodhaven School P.S. 60Q in Woodhaven, for schoolyard renovations. “Once final approval from the state is in, they can begin working on upgrades and improvements,” Addabbo stated. “I look forward to hearing about their progress and visiting these schools in the future to see the finished products. I am pleased to be able to work with our local schools to provide a better experience for our teachers, staff, students and their families.”
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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 30 • AUGUST 11, 2022 | 3
Jamaica Man Sentenced to up to Life in Prison for 2011 Murder in South Richmond Hill
File Photo
Thomas shot Frank after a house party near 132nd Street and 109th Avenue.
By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Saturday that Troy Thomas has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison following a jur y trial conviction for the December 2011 shooting death of a 20-year-old man in South Richmond Hill. Thomas shot the v ictim at a house party after the two star ted arguing , prosecutors said.
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“Despite being on the run for eight years, the defendant has now been held to account for committing this senseless murder. The family and loved ones of the v ictim, who had just become a father at the time of his death, were denied justice for more than a decade,” Katz said. “Today, I hope they can finally put this sad chapter to rest know ing that the defendant w ill spend a lengthy term in prison for his criminal actions.”
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“Despite being on the run for eight years, the defendant has now been held to account for committing this senseless murder,” DA Katz said.
Thomas, 37, of Jamaica, was conv icted in May after trial of murder in the second degree before Queens Supreme Cour t Justice Michael Yav insky. On Friday, Yav insky sentenced the defendant to a term of 25 years to life in prison. According to tr ial testimony, both the defendant and the v ictim, Keith Frank , 20, attended a house par t y in South R ichmond Hi l l and became involved in a pett y dispute.
A s a result of the dispute, the defendant f ired a weapon str i king Mr. Frank once in the chest. The v ictim, w ho had just become a father pr ior to the shooting , was r ushed to a local Queens hospital w here he died from his injur ies. The defendant immediately f led New York Cit y, but was found liv ing in Guyana , w here he fought ex tradition but was eventual ly returned to Queens to face the murder charge.
Adams Tries to Curb Opioid Overdoses
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
PROTECTING YOUR SKIN IN SUMMER: After Sun Block... 5. EXFOLIATE HEAD TO TOE A few weeks ago, we talked about how If you’re on a budget, you can do just to use sunscreen to protect your skin. This week we offer some other hints to saving as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove and your regular body wash. Gentle your skin in summer. exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, 1. SELF TANNER-WHY NOT? Instead of lying for hours in the sun, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs. get that sun kissed glow with a self-tan6. BE KIND TO YOUR FACE ner. You can purchase an inexpensive Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and self-tanning lotion at your local pharmacy. Just remember to exfoliate before other products containing glycolic acids you apply self-tanner to remove any dry and retinoids should not be used if you skin that could lead to an uneven ap- spend a lot of time in the sun. Try Mineral Makeup available in your local pharmacy. pearance.
Mayor Eric Adams
By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan Friday took action to reduce the number of overdoses in New York City and reverse a staggering increase in deaths since 2020 by expanding access to technology that tests pre-obtained drugs for fentanyl and other possibly lethal substances at sites running syringe service programs (SSP), co-located with overdose prevention centers (OPC). While visiting the SSP and OPC, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Vasan highlighted the use of drug-checking machines — operated by trained technicians — that will now be used to test drugs and address the worsening overdose epidemic in New York City. DOHMH will expand drug-checking services to OnPoint NYC, which operates the nation’s first publicly recognized OPC services. Trained technicians will use a Bruker Alpha FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrometer machine to identify the presence and approximate amounts of a wide range of substances, including fentanyl, in drug samples brought in by program participants. All people who use this DOHMH drug-checking initiative will receive tailored harm reduction counseling, including access to naloxone and overdose prevention education. Although drug-checking services are an important public health intervention and are widespread internationally, New York City is among only a handful of health departments to implement these services in the United States. Drug-checking is one of several complementary harm reduction strategies that have been implemented in New York City to combat the overdose epidemic. Fentanyl test strips can also identify the presence of fentanyl, but this tool provides less information than spectrometer machines. Since 2021, DOHMH has significantly expanded fentanyl test strip availability
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
by launching two pilot programs to establish community-based distribution. Combined, these two programs have distributed approximately 30,000 fentanyl test strips to more than 3,000 unique individuals. These strategies — particularly when utilized together — can mitigate the harms of drug use, empower people to make informed decisions, and ultimately prevent overdose. Drug-checking services will be integrated into the OnPoint NYC’s OPC, where trained professionals already monitor drug use and intervene in the event of a potential overdose. OnPoint NYC participants can also access a range of wrap-around services, including basic needs like food and showers, and connections to health care, social services, and treatment. Since opening in November 2021, the two OPCs operated by OnPoint NYC have intervened in more than 390 potential overdoses to avert injury or death. Earlier this summer, OnPoint NYC and the DOHMH released a Journal of the American Medical Association article detailing preliminary data suggesting that OPCs were associated with decreased overdose risk and prevalence of public drug use. OPCs are one component of a larger strategy to bolster harm reduction services, which includes extensive naloxone distribution and DOHMH’s peer-led non-fatal overdose response system (Relay). These efforts to increase the scope and impact of harm reduction services citywide come at a critical moment. In the third quarter of 2021 ( July through September), there were 709 unintentional drug overdose deaths in New York City, compared to 552 deaths during the same period in 2020. The third quarter of 2021 had the highest number of overdose deaths in a single quarter compared with any quarter on record. DOHMH expects the number of overdose deaths in 2021 to exceed those in 2020, which saw the highest number of overdoses in New York City since records began in 2000.
7. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT 2. MOISTURIZE AND NOURISH Your skin needs lots of vitamins and WITH OILS Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very minerals to stay healthy--summer fruits dry, so try avocado oil to keep them and vegetables have many beneficial components. Foods rich in antioxidants healthy and smooth. and protein, such as fresh produce, fish, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, 3. GIVE ’EM LIP SERVICE Use a lip sunscreen with SPF which keeps the skin elastic and helps preagent even if you’re putting lipstick vent wrinkles. on, too. 8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER The sun can dry your skin and make 4. REMEMBER HAIR CARE The beating sun will hit your hair hard, you sweat more, so keep hydrated by but there are a number of sprays contain- drinking plenty of water. Just be careful ing SPF that you can put on after you wash you don't drink too much. your hair. Until next week… For your family’s prescription needs, please call
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Woman Hit by Car while Aiding Vics of Accident
On Sunday, at approximately 12:25 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a person struck by a vehicle at 125-11 103rd Ave., in South Richmond Hill. A preliminary investigation determined that a 67-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a 2011 Nissan Maxima, which was traveling westbound on 103rd Avenue. The 22-year-old man driving the car remained at the scene. The pedestrian,
who reportedly was in the street tending to victims of an earlier crash, was transported by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she is listed in critical condition. The NYPD's Highway Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. Photo Courtesy of Google
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Commuter Advocacy Groups Issue Awards for Poor Bus Service
File Photo
The Q58
By Forum Staff The New York Public Interest Research Group and TransitCenter today issued two “awards” for poor bus service in New York City. The first is the seventeenth-annual Pokey award, given to the slowest of Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and New York City Transit (NYCT) local bus routes. The un-coveted Pokey Award is a golden snail on a pedestal. The award is based on the average speeds of routes. Highridership routes (with 5,000 daily riders or more) were considered for the “award” (see Methodology on page 8). The “winner” of the 2022 Pokey Award is... the M102, clock-
ing in at an excruciating 4.6 Miles Per Hour (MPH). It had the slowest speed out of the 77 high-ridership bus routes reviewed by the Straphangers Campaign and TransitCenter. Many of the pokiest bus routes run to or within Manhattan, slowed by intense congestion in the borough. The groups noted that at 4.6 MPH, the M102 moved slower than a fluttering butterfly, which typically has a pace of 5 MPH. While fluttering butterflies may take their time, they have the ability to move much faster when needed. Similarly, while the M102 suffers from heavy congestion along its route, common sense bus reforms can speed up trips for its over 8,000 daily weekday riders,
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NYPIRG members
including the roll out of a strong congestion pricing plan and by enforcing bus lanes and implementing all-door boarding. Nearly all of the City’s slowest, high-ridership routes have gotten faster since the last Pokey Award was bestowed pre-pandemic in 2019, save for the Queens winner. The Q32 clocked a slower time than the 2019 winner (Q54) by nearly a full mile per hour, overtaking the small gains made by other borough winners. When averaged, this year’s borough honorees have a slightly slower speed by .2 miles per hour (5.8 MPH in 2019’s report compared to 5.6 MPH in this year’s report). ● In Manhattan, the M102 overtakes the M14A as the pokiest Manhattan bus.
Photo Courtesy of NYPIRG
The M14A has benefited from recent Select Bus Service (SBS) designation – speeding the route up and taking it out of contention for the Pokey Award. ● The Bronx winner, the Bx19, is the same winner as in 2019 and clocked the same average speed. ● The Brooklyn winner, the B35, is the same winner as in 2019, but has improved its average speed (going from 4.8 MPH in 2019’s report to 5.1 MPH for this year’s report). ● Queens’ Q32 takes the mantle from the Q54 and clocks a slower time than the 2019 winner by nearly a full mile per hour. ● Staten Island’s S48 is the same winner as in 2019, and has improved its average speed from 7.8 MPH in 2019 to 8 MPH in this year’s report.
Six Area Women Honored at Annual Event
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato hosted her annual “Women of Distinction” celebration last weekend.
By Forum Staff Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) on Saturday hosted her annual “Women of Distinction” celebration. The event highlights the contributions by women who work or reside within the 23rd Assembly District which is comprised of the communities of Ozone Park, Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach, Breezy Point, Rockaway Beach and Far Rockaway. This year’s recipients included: Barbara Buffolino, Karen Buffolino-Nevirs, Holly Gendron, Clare Hilger, Kathleen Lawless, and Patricia Raghunandan.
“While Women’s History Month may be in March, I believe that women should be honored every day, of every month all year long,” Pheffer Amato said. “I believe in women supporting women, celebrating each other for their accomplishments. We have so many amazing women in this community who do so much, and this is a great way to come together and thank them for their work and contributions. It also gives all of these amazing women the chance to connect and develop new partnerships which further helps them in their work to improve the community.” The six recipients were chosen from many nominees and each was personally presented with a beautiful orchid and an official citation from Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “This year’s winners devote themselves to their community and exemplify the best of the New York spirit. Their work ranges from spending hours at a food pantry, organizing and advocating for tenants’ rights, to promoting the importance of water safety and helping neighbors resolve problems; and throughout it all, putting the neighborhood and community above themselves. The people of the 23rd Assembly District have greatly benefited from the work of these incredible women—often without even knowing it.”
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Pols Tout Millions in Spending Bill to Help Combat Hate Crimes
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Rep. Grace Meng
By Forum Staff U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) today applauded millions in funding to continue their efforts to combat hate crimes. The money has been included in the Justice Department’s budget which is awaiting floor action in the House and Senate. The bill, approved by the House Appropriations Committee, provides $30 million for the Justice Department’s Community-Based Approaches to Advancing
Justice Grant Program, an initiative created last year that expanded on provisions in the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which Meng and Hirono passed into law in May of 2021. These funds follow the $5 million grant that the two lawmakers secured in last year’s spending package. “More than two years into the COVID-19 crisis, Asian Americans continue to live in fear of hate crimes and incidents due to being scapegoated for the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Meng. “That is why it is important to invest in the Justice Department's programs to ensure we are taking a holistic approach to addressing the problem. While we finalize the government spending bills for the coming fiscal year, it is critical that our communities not lose out on vital federal funds that will help local organizations support victims and address discrimination and violence. I thank Senator Hirono for her partnership and – due to her leadership – I am grateful to see the Senate bill include – for the first time – grant money to help community organizations combat hate crimes. I look forward to working alongside Senator Hirono to protect this investment in our communities.” “I introduced the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with Congresswoman Meng to combat the disturbing rise in hate crimes Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have faced since the onset of the COVID pandemic,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation has been critical to our work to prevent hate-based crimes and empower our communities, but it is clear that more must be done. This funding will help the Justice Department and the organizations on the front lines in our communities do more to prevent hate-based crimes and attacks, and hold those who commit these acts of hate accountable. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Meng’s partnership in this effort, and will work to ensure this funding remains in the final funding bill considered by
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Sen. Mazie Hirono
the Senate later this year.” Community-based organizations have been leaders throughout the pandemic, supporting victims and their families in combating and recovering from the rise in hate crimes and incidents. The fiscal year 2022 omnibus created the Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice at the Justice Department, which received $5 million in funding. The grant is being administered by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance which was established to reduce violent crime and create safer communities.
Flushing Man Indicted on Sex Abuse Charges By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday that Jorge Alvarado, 27, has been indicted by a Queens County grand jury and arraigned in Supreme Court on sexual abuse and other charges for allegedly following a 15-year-old girl into her apartment building before groping her, knocking her to the ground, and attempting to pull down her pants. District Attorney Katz said, "As alleged,
the defendant carried out a brazen and terrifying attack on a teenage girl inside of her building. The abuse has surely left a devastating mark on this young victim, but my Office will use all tools at our disposal to protect children from predators. The defendant has been indicted on serious charges and remains in custody at this time.” Alvarado, of Flushing, Queens, was arraigned today before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant on a twocount indictment charging him with sexual
The attack occurred in a building on Parsons Boulevard in Flushing.
Photo Courtesy of Google
abuse in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child. Justice Pandit-Durant ordered the defendant to return to Court on September 12th, 2022. If convicted, the defendant faces up to seven years in prison. District Attorney Katz said, on July 10, 2022, at approximately 3:20 p.m., video surveillance recorded the defendant allegedly following the 15-year-old victim into her apartment building on Parsons Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. According to the complaint, Alvarado then approached the
teenager from behind as she was ascending the stairs to her apartment, and forcibly groped her. The defendant allegedly forced the victim to the floor and continued to grope her while attempting to remove her pants. Continuing, DA Katz said a neighbor in the building heard the girl screaming and interrupted the attack. The good Samaritan and another resident held the defendant until police arrived and made the arrest.
“The abuse has surely left a devastating mark on this young victim,” DA Katz said.
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 30 • AUGUST 11, 2022 | 9
Jamaica Man Gets 15 Years for Sex Abuse of Little Girl
Photo Courtesy of Google
Clark repeatedly sexually abused the victim while he was living with the victim and her mother, his then girlfriend, inside their apartment on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica.
By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday that Michael Clark, 35, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing his former girlfriend’s young daughter over a period of four years. The defendant was convicted last month of course of sexual conduct against a child, a penal law statute authored by DA Katz during her tenure in the State Assembly. The victim was five years old when the abuse began, shortly after the defendant moved in with the child’s mother.
District Attorney Katz said, “The defendant used his access to this young victim to subject her to abhorrent sexual conduct. Protecting our children from predators is not just a priority for my administration but has remained a focal point during my entire career in public service. I commend the young victim on her bravery and strength in helping to hold her abuser fully accountable for his heinous actions. The defendant will now spend a lengthy prison term as punishment.” Clark, of Yates Road in Jamaica, was convicted by a jury on July 21, 2022 af-
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“I commend the young victim on her bravery and strength in helping to hold her abuser fully accountable for his heinous actions,” DA Katz said.
ter a week-long jury trial of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree. On Thursday, August 4, 2022, Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit Durant imposed a sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by 15 years post release supervision. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender. Approximately between November 2011 and April 2015, the defendant repeatedly sexually abused the victim while he was living with the victim and her mother, his then girlfriend, inside their apartment on Sutphin Boulevard
in Jamaica, Queens. Shortly after the defendant moved in, when the complainant was five years old, Clark started sneaking into the child’s bedroom in the evenings while her mother slept in the room next door. The defendant subjected the victim to sexual conduct on a repeated basis over the course of approximately four years, until she was nine years old, including instances of sexual intercourse and oral sexual conduct. In April 2020, the child finally disclosed the history of abuse to her mother, who immediately reported the crime to the authorities.
Elmhurst Man Indicted for Forcing Girlfriend into Prostitution By Forum Staff
mother of their eleven-month-old child, to engage in prostitution activity on an almost daily basis in various locations in Queen, New York County, Long Island and New Jersey. The defendant allegedly took all the proceeds the victim earned from her prostitution activity. Continuing, said DA Katz, when the victim refused to engage in the prostitution activity, the defendant became violent
and threatened to kill her and her family in Mexico. On July 11, 2022, after working the previous day engaging in prostitution acts and turning over the proceeds to Orlando Ramirez, she told him that she wanted to leave him and stop engaging in acts of prostitution because she wanted a better life for herself and her child. The defendant became angry at which point, the defendant allegedly pushed her against the wall,
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday announced that Orlando Ramirez, 24, has been indicted on sex-trafficking charges and other crimes for bringing his 17-year-old girlfriend from Mexico and allegedly forcing her into having sex with strangers for cash for several years until she was able to escape. Ramirez was arraigned today before Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone on a 13-count indictment charging him with two counts of sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a child, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution in the second degree, promoting prostitution in the second degree, assault in the second and third degree, strangulation in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and endangering the welfare of a child. Justice Vallone ordered the defendant to return to Court on September 12, 2022. If convicted, Ramirez faces up to 25 years in prison. District Attorney Katz said, according to the charges, between September 14, 2019, when the victim was 17-year-old, through July 11, 2022, Ramirez forced the victim who is his girlfriend and now DA Katz said that Orlando Ramirez “subjected the victim to forced prostitution for his own financial gain.”
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placed his hand around her neck and applied pressure which impeded her normal breathing and caused a cut to her neck. As he continued to strangle her, he displayed a kitchen knife and pointed it at the victim and threatened her. According to the charges, the defendant allegedly hit the victim in the face with his sneaker causing redness inside her eye. The victim managed to push herself away from the defendant and attempted to flee the apartment but was stabbed by the defendant in her leg with the kitchen knife, causing bleeding and a laceration to her leg. The knife then broke in two pieces. District Attorney Katz said that after the victim was stabbed at approximately 1:58 a.m., she managed to escape from their shared apartment and ran to the 110th police precinct with her infant daughter. As the defendant ran after the victim, he was apprehended in front of the precinct. The victim was taken to a local Queens hospital where she underwent treatment for her injuries which required her to receive several stitches to the laceration to her leg. Furthermore, a court ordered search warrant was executed for the apartment and a broken knife, which was the one used by the defendant, was recovered from a bedroom dresser and the handle recovered on the floor.
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Legal Notices 70th Ave Forest Hills LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/23/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 100-11 70th Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of ZMWIN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/27/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 106-18 49th Ave, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: any lawful activity.
DMLIC LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/9/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process 4325 Hunter St., apt. 837E, Long Island City, NY 11101. General Purpose
48-39 40TH SUNNYSIDE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/29/22. 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, 70Bluebird Lane, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
EALTOPIA REAL ESTATE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/06/22. 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 REALTOPIA REAL ESTATE LLC 4721 188TH STREET, FLUSHING NY, 11358, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation: REDMAN NYC LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: VERONICA A TAPIA ELIZALDE, 4811 192ND STREET. FRESH MEADOW, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation: DOCK 3366 LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: TAI K. AARON POON, 142-38 ROOSEVELT AVE., FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: EMILY FRANCES OLSON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/17/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to EMILY FRANCES OLSON LLC, 72-32 KESSEL STREET, FOREST HILLS, NY, 11375, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation: Penn Foster LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/30/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3808 Union St Ste 10C, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
EmiTito Properties, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/26/22. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 157-26 Locke Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: General.
360 VERMONT IGY LLC. Filed 1/10/2019. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 143-24 84 DRIVE, QUEENS, NY 11435. Purpose: General.
Lara Amadahzie Investors LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/8/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 195-04 Linden Blvd., #120055, Saint Albans, NY 11412. General Purpose
Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: BJJ ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/11/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Lila Ayers, Esq, 8 East Project Avenue, Suite A1, Mount Vernon New York, 10550, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: MJM TONG FA PROPERTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/20/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to MJM TONG FA PROPERTY LLC P.O. BOX 541400, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Pur-pose.
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CLUMSY IBEX FILMS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/2/22. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to AACHAREE UNGSRIWONG, 3113 55TH ST APT 1, WOODSIDE, NY, 11377. Purpose: General.
XTELL AUSTIN PARKING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/15/22. 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 HARRY JIMENEZ, 6914 171 STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY,11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
TASSLIFE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/1/22. 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 Zsuzsanna Tass, 35-46 74th st., Apt 422, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose PISTILLI HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/12/22. 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, 35-01 30th Avenue, Suite 300, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
M & AQ FIX & FLIP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/22/22. 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 Segundo Pandashina, 739 Knickerbocker Ave, apt 3HH, Brooklyn NY, 11221, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose LITTLE ROOFERS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/20/22. 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 JUSTO DANIEL GUANANGA ESPIN, 4102 111TH ST, 1 FL, CORONA, NY 11368, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose GLOBAL DESIGN HOLDINGS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/02/22. 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, c/0 La Reddola, Lester & Associates, LLP, 600 Old Country Road, Suite 230 Garden City, NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose VMR PROPERTIES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/20/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 147-09 88rh Ave., Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of ZIGLEYS LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/19/22. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 2620 14TH PL APT 1 ASTORIA, NY, 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Bare Strong LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/16/2020. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Diversified Corporate Services Int’l, Inc., 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 702, Albany, NY 12210. General Purpose. Notice of Formation of Nomar Realty, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Katz Realty Group Esq., 45-17 Marathon Pkwy, Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: any lawful activity.
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