By Michael V. Cusenza
A 93-year-old woman died on Friday in an accidental inferno in her Ozone Park home that was sparked by a lithium-ion battery, according to City re marshals.
e re broke out around 1:25 p.m. Fireghters discovered Kam Mei Koo unconscious inside her 101st Avenue residence as they ba led the two-alarm blaze. She was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.
According to WABC-TV Eyewitness News, FDNY re marshals indicated that the building’s basement was being used as an e-bike repair shop. Electric bikes are powered by lithium-ion ba eries. Additionally, WABC noted, the rst oor was illegally converted into an apartment with a constructed lo for sleeping quarters.
Jack Koo, Kam Mei’s son, is listed as the mixed-use edi ce’s owner. He has been hit with two City Department of Buildings code violations, WABC reported.
In June, City leaders pledged to increase lithium-ion battery inspections and education efforts to prevent further fires.
Mayor Eric Adams, City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, and City Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim recently announced a new action plan to expedite investigations into complaints made via 311 about potentially hazardous conditions involving lithiumion batteries at bike shops and bike repair shops within the five boroughs. Addition -
ally, Mayor Adams and administration officials announced a joint comprehensive outreach and education campaign to educate bike shop and bike repair shop owners about the dangers presented by lithium-ion batteries and best practices to avoid fires.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 14 people have died and more than 90 others have been injured this year alone from fires sparked by the now-infamous batteries.
From the beginning, City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) supported Intro. 1001-B, legislation proposed by Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) that would hold commercial landlords responsible for renting storefronts to unlicensed smoke shops.
On Monday, Schulman was joined by several o cials to announce that the new law had taken e ect. Now known as Local Law 107 of 2023, it prohibits owners of commercial spaces from knowingly leasing to unlicensed sellers of marijuana or tobacco products, imposing nes of up to $10,000 on landlords for violations.
As Ariola noted on Monday, the new law states: “ e rst time that an illicit cannabis or unlicensed tobacco product seller is found to be operating in leased commercial premises any relevant City agency could issue a warning to the owner of the premises. If an unlicensed seller is later found to be operating in the same commercial premises, the owner would be liable for civil penalties.”
Additionally, “ is bill would also require the City to submit to the mayor and the council a quarterly report on enforcement relating to illicit cannabis or unlicensed tobacco product sellers.”
Under this new law, agencies that conduct inspections for unlicensed marijuana
or tobacco sales and nd such activity may provide wri en notice to the property owner requiring they ensure such unlicensed activity is ceased, serving as the basis of violation. Any subsequent inspection that nds continued violation would make the landlord subject to a $5,000 civil penalty at rst, and a $10,000 penalty for each subse-
quent violation. e commencement of an eviction proceeding shall be considered an a rmative defense for a landlord.
“It’s time that we hold landlords and property owners accountable for knowingly providing storefronts to businesses that have a negative impact on their communities,” Ariola said. “Unlicensed smoke shops put their
communities at risk by peddling unlicensed products, and damage the quality of life in the neighborhoods around them. In the interests of public safety, and to ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy the quality of life that they deserve, those who knowingly support these smoke shops must be penalized.”
It is estimated that New York City is home to approximately 8,000 illegal, unlicensed smoke shops. Consequently, sales by illicit stores undermine the licensed recreational marijuana market, depriving New Yorkers of the tax revenues and community reinvestment funds generated from the 13 percent tax on legal sales. e products sold in unlawful stores are unregulated, and therefore can pose health risks to consumers.
“Slapping landlords with nes when their tenants are selling unlicensed cannabis and tobacco sends a strong message: keep your place clean or pay the price,” said Barbara McNamara, co-president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic. “A lot of people, sadly, only understand dollar signs at the end of the day. So hi ing them in their pockets like this can guarantee that they run a tight ship and don’t rent to people who might harm the community.”
Schulman, chairwoman of the Council Health Commi ee, called the new law “a game changer and adds another tool to the enforcement toolbox against these harmful businesses.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
A 17-year-old borough resident last month was sexually harassed by individuals living in the Laurel Hall shelter in Ozone Park, Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, said on Monday.
According to Esposito, the civic approached Lantern Community Services, the organization contracted by the City Department of Homeless Services to run the 101st Avenue shelter, and asked for a meeting in a good-faith a empt to resolve the issue. Esposito reported that “a meeting was set for Tuesday, Aug. 8, with State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland, Capt. Jeremy Kivlin, commanding o cer of the 102nd Precinct, NYPD Community A airs [o cers], the parent of the 17-year-old, and Lantern. e night before the meeting, Aug. 7, the same girl was sexually harassed; this time, a police report was led with the 102nd Precinct. When we arrived Tuesday, Lantern refused to meet with us a er knowing that this meeting was set up for almost ten days, slamming the door in our faces and refusing to even talk to the senator. eir excuse was DHS told them not to meet with us.”
Esposito and the civic were set to hold a press conference on Wednesday a ernoon with the parents of the alleged victim “to put a face to the problem and show this administration that these are real people being a ected by mismanaged providers who have no regard for our community. We have had a very cordial relationship with the past management of Lantern, but the new administration has proven to be ine ective in working with our community and keeping our residents safe. If this is a sign of things to come, all communities must be vigilant and aware of what is happening or what could happen. is could have easily turned into another rape, but the girl lives next to the shelter and was able to free herself and get home both times.”
Esposito wasn’t nished with the City. He published a list of demands:
1. All personnel rolled over from the [former DHS Commissioner Steve] Banks/[former Mayor Bill] de Blasio administration need to be reassigned. ey have proven to be ine cient, unconcerned and uncooperative.
2. We are asking for a review of Lantern’s contract. What services are supposed to be provided, and what assistance are these clients supposed to have? We believe Lantern has cut corners and sacri ced our communities’ safety for pro ts.
3. Lantern needs to provide e ective and caring leadership as the current leadership has failed our community as well as its mission statement of caring for the shelter clients while working with the community.
4. A review of how these clients are permi ed to roam all over the neighborhood, stealing packages, drinking, causing havoc, and sitting on people’s stoops with no programs provided by Lantern makes for more criminal activity.
5. We demand that we return to the days of the Community Advisory Board meetings so that, as a community, we get to speak our voices, and they get to hear our concerns.
6. Security needs to be beefed up inside and outside this shelter. Loitering has become a huge problem surrounding this site, and security is doing nothing.
7. Lantern needs to respect our community, and we are tired of our voices not being heard.
8. We demand that the NYPD have access when necessary when a crime has been commi ed by a shelter client and not stonewalled by Lantern or DHS.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Area families last week enjoyed ve days of summer fun at St. Helen’s for a second year as the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic organized a community carnival, popularly known as the Howard Beach Feast, on the grounds of the Rockwood Park Roman Catholic church. Rides, games, food trucks, and vendor booths were set up in both parking lots as
well as along 157th Avenue. First responder and Sept. 11 hero Dominick DeVito and his wife Karen, along with Howard Beach Flagman and community leader Eddie Earl, were on site nightly selling 50/50 ra e tickets to raise money for a new agpole for the civic’s Sept. 11 Survivor Tree site.
Civic Co-President Phyllis Inserillo explained why the group decided to pick up the event that has been a tradition in the
South Queens community for decades.
“It is so important for my children and all the children in the community to keep family fun and traditions going,” she said. “ is was something that I always looked forward to as a kid and I’m so happy to be able to make sure that our children can make those memories too.”
e civic was able to raise nearly $34,000 that will go to the church and the new Sept.
11 Memorial Flagpole and plaque, which the community can view during the annual commemoration ceremony at the site on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.
Civic Co-President Barbara McNamara said, “ e community was able to have fun and we were able to raise money for two important causes. at’s what our work is all about.” e all-volunteer organization plans to host the feast again in August 2024.
is week we’d like to talk with you about a subject that has the potential to save a loved ones life and at the very least minimize the devastating results of having a stroke.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and the fourth most common cause of death. A stroke occurs when blood ow through an artery to the brain is cut o either by a blockage or because the artery ruptures and bleeds into the brain tissue. More than 85 percent of strokes are because of blockage by a blood clot or plaque (a fa y, waxy substance that accumulates on artery walls).
Is he or she unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can he or she repeat it back?
T – Time to call 9-1-1. If any of these symptoms are present, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Check the time so you can report when the symptoms began.
By Forum StaQueens District A orney Melinda Katz announced that Tex Ortiz was sentenced on Tuesday to more than a dozen years in prison for a kidnapping in which ve people – including a 9-month-old – were held at gunpoint during a botched home invasion robbery that turned into a hostage stando in Richmond Hill in 2020.
Ortiz, 38, pleaded guilty on June 30 to kidnapping in the second degree. Justice Gia Morris sentenced him Tuesday to a determinate term of 13 years in prison.
Co-defendant Wilbert Wilson, 53, of the Bronx, has pleaded guilty to kidnapping in the second degree and related charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12.
According to the charges against Ortiz:
On Nov. 17, 2020, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Ortiz and Wilson pried open the back door of a residence on 125th Street in Richmond Hill. Four women and a baby were inside.
e defendants zip-tied some of the hostages and held them at gunpoint. ey demanded money from the mother and pistol whipped her on the head, causing her to fall into furniture while she held her 9-monthold daughter.
One of the victims managed to call 911 and when police arrived on the scene the young mother ran from the home clutching her baby in her arms.
e remaining three victims, still held hostage, were threatened by the defendants at gunpoint. e defendants at one point used one of the victims as a human shield, forcing the woman to walk in front of them at gunpoint and yell to the police not to shoot.
e defendants surrendered to police after releasing the last hostage.
“ is defendant violated the sanctity of a family’s home, terrorizing them and endangering a baby. is sentence will hopefully provide a measure of closure for his victims,” Katz said.
Ge ing treatment within the rst three hours a er stroke onset is critical for minimizing permanent damage. at is why it is so important to act F.A.S.T.
Signs of a stroke should prompt F.A.S.T action.
e American Stroke Association developed this easy-to-remember guide to help identify the signs of a stroke.
F – Face drooping. Is one side of the person’s face drooping or numb? When he or she smiles, is the smile uneven?
A – Arm weakness. Is the person experiencing weakness or numbness in one arm?
Have the person raise both arms. Does one of the arms dri downward?
S – Speech di culty. Is the person’s speech suddenly slurred or hard to understand?
Consider downloading this free mobile app and learn about the warning signs of stroke, expedite a 911 call, alert your three assigned contacts in case of an emergency and have the nearest stroke centers at your nger tips developed by the Stroke Awareness Foundation: h ps://www.strokeinfo. org Many risk factors under our control, while others are not. Physical exercise, controlling high blood pressure, eliminating salt, sugar and foods high in fat as well as not smoking are all among the easiest methods to try and prevent strokes.
Risk factors that we have no control over include race, gender—women are far more likely to have strokes than men- and family history. All of these factors can contribute to the incidence of stroke.
It is extremely important that you are aware of every proactive precaution available.
Time is of the essence when dealing with strokes so take advantage of the wealth of information available on dealing with potential stroke occurrences.
Preparedness saves lives.
Until next week!
prescription needs, please call CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644
While the rest of us are slogging through the seemingly endless dog days of summer, City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has been busy responding to constituent concerns.
A er elding phone calls from area residents regarding wildly overgrown shrubbery populating Woodhaven Boulevard medians, Ariola said she immediately reached out to the City Sanitation Department. DSNY crews were dispatched last week to address the unruly weeds (pictures).
“We couldn’t let that stand,” Ariola added.
is week, constituents contacted the councilwoman to alert her to yet another growing problem on Woodhaven Boulevard: gra ti. Ariola noted that her o ce “wasted no time” in calling the Queens Economic Development Corporation, which sent out sta members to quickly paint over the street scrawl.
“If you see gra ti please contact our o ce at (718) 738-1083 and we will get it handled,” Ariola tweeted Tuesday.
On Friday, more than 300 Police Athletic League children from PAL’s Goldie Maple Academy and Edward Byrne Center in Far Rockaway and Jamaica, respectively, and from centers throughout the city gathered for Cultural Day, held at the PAL Harlem Center.
From the colorful celebration of the Lantern Festival in China to the glitz and glamour of Carnaval in Brazil, PAL children in 3rd and 4th grades celebrated and shared PAL’s Cultural Day theme, “Festivals from Around the World.”
is year’s Cultural Day highlights included a banner and chant parade with
young people carrying homemade banners from their PAL centers and performing a creative chant, interactive booth displays where the PAL youngsters shared the knowledge of the country they studied, in addition to performances with young people in costumes. PAL’s Goldie Maple Academy and Edward Byrne Center represented Ghana and the Bahamas at Cultural Day. rough PAL’s 2023 curriculum theme, “Festivals from Around the World,” participants discovered and explored the rich culture of their selected country through that country’s largest festival. Participants at each PAL center dedicated time to learning about the cultural or religious signi cance of their selected festival, as well as the language,
food, music, costumes and traditions of the country/territories represented. Country/ territories at PAL’s Cultural Day included: Spain, Bahamas, Ghana, Barbados, United States, Trinidad & Tobago, China, Croatia, Belize, Mexico, Uruguay, Virgin Islands, Grenada, and Brazil.
“Every camper was so excited to share what they had learned and discovered about the culture and roots of the festival they selected. It was wonderful to see all of the incredible enthusiasm, and creativity on display! It was an excellent example of what happens when you center young people's talents and interests,” said Meredith Gray, Police Athletic League director of Education & Training.
“I learned about the Bahamian ag, that it’s black, gold and aquamarine, and what it symbolizes. We’re going to share what we learned about the Goombay Bahamas festival. I’m excited for Cultural Day, and I know I’m going to have fun,” added Demetri, 10, of PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in Jamaica.
Awards for PAL’s Cultural Day included: Best Banner & Chant – PAL’s Edward Byrne Center; Best Interactive Booth – PAL’s PS 13 on Staten Island; Best Performance – PAL’s Edward Byrne Center. Overall Cultural Day Awards were given to: PAL’s Edward Byrne Center – 1st Place; PAL’s Harlem Center – 2nd Place; and PAL’s Wynn Center in Brooklyn – 3rd Place.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber on Wednesday announced that he has appointed Catherine Sheridan to serve as president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels. She has served as interim president since March 4.
During her ve months as interim president, Sheridan continued to build on the success of recovering toll revenue through pursuit of persistent toll violators, yielding an increase in revenue recovery of almost 85 percent. rough July, Bridge and Tunnel O cers interdicted 2,021 vehicles, 8 percent more than were interdicted in all of 2022. Collisions are also down about 6 percent even with an increase in tra c of 3.5 percent compared to the same time last year. Additionally, one of Sheridan’s more recent focuses has been advancing the implementation of congestion pricing.
“Cathy Sheridan is a proven leader with transportation experience to excel in this role,” Lieber said. “Her background and track record in executing large projects during her time at MTA Construction and Development, the New York State ruway and NYS DOT has prepared her well for the challenge of running the MTA’s world-famous bridges and tunnels.”
An engineer and transportation leader with extensive experience at the MTA, the New York State Canal Corporation, and the New York State ruway Authority, Sheridan joined the MTA in 2019 and served as chief of sta at MTA Construction & Development since October 2021. During her time at MTA C&D, Sheridan led day-to-day agency operations for the MTA’s historic $55 billion 2020-2024 capital program.
Prior to the MTA, Sheridan served as the Chief Engineer at the New York State Canal Corporation and Chief Engineer at the New York State ruway Authority, where in addition to being responsible for its multi-billion-dollar capital program, she was an executive advisor for the $3.9 billion Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge project. Sheridan also served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer from 1989 to 1997, reach-
ing the rank of Captain.
Sheridan earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University in the City of New York and a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Boston University. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and WTS International. In 2022, Sheridan was named by Crain’s New York Business as one of the 40 Notable Women in Construction, Design and Architecture.
“I am honored to be at the helm of the largest bridge and tunnel authority in the nation with an experienced and knowledgeable team,” Sheridan said. “I want to thank Janno for the con dence he is showing in me to serve in this role. We have started o strong, building on initiatives to collect toll revenue that go towards the sustainability and future of B&T facilities, including accessibility improvements, as well as mass transit. I look forward to our continued e orts as we make advancements in operations, strategies and use of new technologies.”
Sheridan succeeds Daniel F. DeCrescenzo Jr., who retired in March 2023 a er four years as MTA Bridges and Tunnels president and 33 years at the MTA.
By Forum Sta
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) will once again host his annual Veterans BBQ in Howard Beach next month.
Addabbo has been hosting this free event since he was elected to the Senate in 2009.
e 15th annual event will take place
on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Howard Beach Motor Club, located at 59 Russell St., from noon to 2 p.m. Veterans and a guest are invited to enjoy the free food, music, and drinks donated by several area restaurants and organizations. Seating is limited for this event, and reservations are required.
“I like to say that every day is Veterans’ Day, and as a small token of our apprecia-
tion for their service, my o ce team and I host this free BBQ for our vets each year,” Addabbo said. “Since entering the Senate in 2009, I have wanted to honor our veterans and thought a great way to do that would be throwing them a party of their own. Every year dozens of veterans come to the BBQ and they all have a great time. It is my honor to host this event, and I would like to
thank the Howard Beach Motor Club and all of our community sponsors for making this special day.”
ose who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are welcome to a end the event and may bring one guest with them. To make the necessary reservations, call Addabbo’s district o ce at (718) 7381111.
By Forum Sta
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Ashram Lochan was arraigned Thursday on an indictment charging him with murder in connection with a 2021 Far Rockaway shooting, apparently sparked by a dispute over a shared driveway, that killed 10-year-old Justin Wallace and seriously injured his cousin, 29-yearold Kyle Forrester. Lochan allegedly acted in concert with Jovan Young, who also has been charged in the slaying.
Lochan, 29, of Far Rockaway, was arraigned on a six-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, a empted murder in the second degree, assault in the rst degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and tampering with physical evidence.
Young, 31, also of Far Rockaway, was charged in 2021 with murder in the second degree, a empted murder in the second degree, assault in the rst degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. His case is still pending.
According to a timeline of events and the charges:
On June 5, 2021, Lochan had a dispute with Forrester, who lived next door on Beach 45th Street, over their shared driveway.
Later that day, at approximately 9:33 p.m., Young, acting at Lochan’s direction, red a pistol multiple times into Forrester’s residence and in his direction as he entered his front door.
At the time, there were multiple children inside of the house including Wallace. Forrester was hit several times. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
Wallace was struck in the torso. e bullet perforated his heart and le lung, killing him. He would have turned 11 three days later.
“The plague of gun violence, one senseless shooting after another, claims one life after another in our communities. In this case, the life claimed was that of a young boy, days away from just his eleventh birthday,” Katz said. “We will seek justice on his behalf and continue fighting as hard as we can against the scourge of gun violence.”
If convicted, Lochan faces up to life in prison.
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz and the NYPD announced the boroughwide expansion of the Merchants Business Improvement Program, an initiative to combat repeat shopli ing and the harassment and threatening of customers and store sta by the handful of individuals responsible for many of the disruptions to local businesses.
Piloted in Jamaica, Flushing and Astoria, the program enhances safety for retailers and their customers and employees.
“ e NYPD welcomes the expansion of this innovative program, which reinforces the deep collaboration between the Police Department and the o ce of Queens District A orney Melinda Katz,” Assistant Chief Kevin Williams, commanding o cer of Patrol Borough Queens South, said. “It’s an initiative that activates the best of our intelligence-driven policing strategies to further reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all who live in, work in, and visit the great borough of Queens.”
Participating businesses contact police when an individual engages in disruptive, dangerous or illegal behavior in their establishment. e responding o cers can issue a trespass notice and warn the individual that their return to the location could result
in their arrest. A total of 142 business locations, from mom-and-pop shops to large chain retailers, participate in the program in the three pilot precincts. Trespass a davits have been served to 83 individuals, ve of whom were arrested for violating the notices.
“Before the start of this program, individuals would come inside my store to steal items from the counter, including iPads.
ey even broke the front glass one time,”
Mee Mee Xie, owner of Wong Nutrition in Flushing, noted. “Since I enrolled in the program and have been working with the police and the Queens DA’s o ce, my store has been much safer, and I have not experienced another incident. is is a great program to help store owners and their employees, to make sure that we have an added layer of protection against criminal
behavior and can continue to serve our customers in peace.”
Robert Ba ipaglia, owner of Grand Wine & Liquor in Astoria, added, “ is is a helpful tool that makes the store owners like myself feel less helpless and know that we have a way of protecting ourselves. As a wine and liquor store owner, I am a magnet for shopli ing. e DA’s o ce and the police have been very helpful in trying to combat this trend. I am a proud member of the Merchants Business Improvement Program and appreciate DA Katz’s commitment to the safety of local business owners.”
e program will now expand beyond the 103rd, 114th and 109th precincts to every precinct in Queens. Businesses interested in participating can enroll in the program by contacting their local Precinct’s Neighborhood Coordination O cers.
“With the high rate of retail the we are seeing throughout the city, it is absolutely essential that we keep ghting back,” Katz said. “Expanding this program across the borough is an important part of that ght.”
e District A orney’s o ce created the program in partnership with the NYPD and the Jamaica business community in June 2021 to ensure that the community felt safe patronizing local businesses hit hard by the
e City departments of Transportation and Design and Construction on ursday announced the completion of pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvements on Parsons Boulevard between Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue in Jamaica.
e improvements expand sidewalk space, reduce the distance to cross Parsons Boulevard, and feature a new pedestrian island. e project targets a corridor with a high number of crashes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. e $5.7 million project, which included $2.5 million from the State’s Downtown Revitalization Program, was managed by DDC for DOT and was completed on time and more than $1 million under the original budget, o cials noted.
e project more than doubled the sidewalk area on the east side of Parsons Boulevard, adding 7,150 square feet of additional space for pedestrians. e distance for pedestrians to cross Parsons Boulevard was also reduced by more than 30 percent from 65 feet to 39 feet, limiting the amount of time pedestrians are in crosswalks. In addition, a pedestrian island was reconstructed on Jamaica Avenue and new tra c signals were installed.
e Parsons Boulevard corridor ranks in the top 10 percent of corridors boroughwide with crashes resulting in fatalities and
serious injuries. From 2012 through 2016, the area was the site of 70 crashes with reported injuries, nearly 30 of which involved injuries to pedestrians, with four resulting in serious injuries.
is public space is part of the City’s Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a multi-million dollar neighborhood revitalization, that began in 2015. NYC DOT hosted communitydriven visioning sessions for the Downtown Jamaica area. e desire for improved public space—and more of it—was a key theme in this multiyear engagement, and Parsons
Boulevard was a location that quickly stood out as top of mind.
Downtown Jamaica sees an average of 1,000 pedestrians per hour on the single block of Parsons Boulevard between Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue.
e project also upgraded 10 sidewalk pedestrian ramps, making them all ADA compliant, and added ve new trees to the area. Approximately 18,000 square feet of roadway was reconstructed, with seven new catch basins added to improve stormwater drainage. An updated way nding sign helps
direct pedestrians while ve new sidewalk benches provide rest areas.
e sidewalk extension creates additional space to enhance pedestrian safety and features treatments to improve the experience for all street users. ese enhancements address community requests received during the public engagement process for the Jamaica NOW! e ort. Guided by the leadership, collaboration and insights from the Jamaica Now Leadership Council, the redesign re ected direct feedback about the environment and lack of adequate pedestrian space, connections, seating, and greenery at the location.
As part of the Street Improvement Project redesign, a new Commuter Van Hub has been created at 153rd Street. As with the former Parsons Boulevard location, the new designated commuter van stop is located directly next to a subway entrance and exit. e new 153rd Street location also increases the number of spaces available to commuter van operators and their passengers. e new curbside regulations on 153rd Street are designed to provide 6-10 spaces for authorized commuter vans.
anks to a $2.5 million grant from the State through the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative, $2.8 million in City funds, and $377 thousand from funding allocations from the City Council, these streetscape enhancements became permanent, with new lighting, landscaping and seating.
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner David Do on Tuesday announced the newly proposed rules for “Green Rides,” which requires the transition of the city’s rideshare eet to either zero-emission vehicles or wheelchair accessible vehicles by 2030.
is initiative lays groundwork in creating a cleaner and more accessible transportation system for the ve boroughs. e proposed rules will also make the Big Apple the rst large city in the world to have a rideshare eet that is entirely either zero-emissions or wheelchair accessible.
e newly proposed rules provide a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the goals of Green Rides over the next six years, with yearly benchmarks that are practical, implementable, and designed to ensure a smooth and e cient transition. Starting in 2024, the City will require 5 percent of all high-volume for-hire trips, including those with Uber and Ly , to be dispatched to zero-emission vehicles or wheelchair accessible vehicles — with that benchmark rising to 15 percent in 2025 and 25 percent in 2026. As the market evolves and electric vehicle prices become more a ordable, the requirements will increase yearly by 20 percentage points until the end of the decade,
reaching 100 percent in 2030.
is transition will play a major role in advancing PlaNYC, New York City’s longterm strategic climate plan that highlights e orts the city is taking to protect New Yorkers from climate threats, improve quality of life, and build the green economy. In the plan, the Adams administration lays out actions the city is taking to achieve its goal
to cut transportation emissions in half by 2030. According to a TLC study, the agency’s licensed vehicles currently contribute to approximately 4 percent of the City’s vehicle emissions.
Along with Green Rides, the city is working as part of PlaNYC to ensure that every New Yorker lives within 2.5 miles of an electric vehicle charging station by 2035 and
electrify school buses and the city’s eet, while pursuing legislative changes to require that private parking garages and lots make electric vehicle charging available. Both Uber and Ly , which together comprise city’s high-volume for-hire eet of approximately 78,000 vehicles, have commi ed to transitioning to a greener eet by 2030.
Existing federal and state incentives are expected to encourage purchases of electric vehicles and drive the market towards price parity between zero-emission vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles by 2027. Additionally, State regulations dictate that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state to be zeroemission by 2035. ese nancial and legal forces, along with a proven demand for TLC vehicle licenses, will help rideshare drivers shi towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
is policy sets a gold standard for innovation, paving the way for other cities across the country to follow suit,” said City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest), chairman of the Council Commi ee on Environmental Protection. “By steering our high-volume for-hire eet towards zero emissions, we not only rede ne urban mobility, but also rea rm our commitment to a greener, more sustainable New York City.”
A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for Sept. 20.
H&B LEARNING LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 6/28/20223. O ce 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, 433 BEACH 127TH ST., ROC WAY PARK, NY, 11694, USA.Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
PATHFINDERS ADVISORS LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 7/06/20223. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: CARLOS G BALBIN, 3036 34TH STREET APT. 3F, ASTORIA, NY, 11103, USA.Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Radio Korea NY, LLC led w/ SSNY on 3/20/23. O ce: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: Young Kwon, 136-56 39th Ave., #400, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful.
Notice of Formation, LIFE’S LIGHT CORNERSTONE THE PY LCSW
P.L.L.C. Art. of Org. were led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/27/2021 O ce Location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the PLLC, 109-08 201ST STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412, USA. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation, Excel Together Licensed Behavior Analysis PLLC Art. of Org. were led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/01/2023Ofce Location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 148-20 9th Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357.Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation: 4232A LLC, Art. Of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/16/2023. O ce Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 42-32A 162nd Street, Flushing, NY11358 Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of 69-11 64TH, LLC, Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 07/03/2023 O ce in QUEENS Co. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to JOSEPH PANUNCIALMAN, 69-11 64TH STREET, QUEENS, NY, 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
131-22 111TH AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 02/22/23. O ce: 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/o Shameer Khan, 111-12 132nd Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. Purpose: Anylawful purpose
AJDM Jackson Retail LLC, Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/28/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 261 5th Ave., New York, NY 10016. General Purpose
DA S ELECTRIC LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 06/05/23. O ce: 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 DZMITRY STSEPANIUK, 4 SAINT JOHNS RD., RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11385. Purpose: A lawful purpose.
ORLOW FAMILY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/11/23. 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, 5814 Seashell Terrace, Boynton Beach, FL 33437. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of TNC EVENT RENTALS LLC Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 03/21/2023 O ce in QUEENS Co. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to TNC EVENT RENTALS 144-15 123RD AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY, 11436, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
Notice Of Formation of JEFFERSON GATEWAY LLC Arts. of Org. led w/SS of NY on 6/26/23, O ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to JEFFERSON GATEWAY LLC, c/o CB-EMMANUEL REALTY, LLC, 221-10 JAMAICA AVENUE, LL1, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428.. Purpose: For any lawful act.
RSA CLOUD LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 05/11/23. O ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ROHAN AMLADI, 9343 222ND STREET, APT 2E, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, 11428, USA.. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of WON FINISHINGS & RESTO TIONS LLC Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 07/10/2023 O ce in QUEENS Co. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to 4370 KISSENA BLVD UNIT 10H, FLUSHING NY,11355 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
Notice of formation of INTHECLOSETOF, LLC Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 11/26/2023 O ce in QUEENS Co. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to DONA SLAY, 14227 130TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY,11436,USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
Notice of formation of KELLE’S TUTORING LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) 07/15/2023 Office in QUEENS Co. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to MIKELLE FLOURNOY, 10005 92ND AVE, APT 102, RICHMOND HILL, NY, 11418, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
FOREVER TWO WORLDS LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 08/08/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Patrick Butera, 118-12 Newport Ave, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Urban Estates Group LLC, Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/16/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 110-20 Jamaica Ave., Ste. 2E, Richmond, NY 11418. General Purpose
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 708404/2022 COUNTY OF QUEENs BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plainti ,vs. DONNA J. GILES, AS ADMINIST TRIX AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. GILES; JAMES L. GILES, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. GILES, if living, and if she/ he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plainti , claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or speci c lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, commi ees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plainti ; SED G. HOWE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. GILES; HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. GILES; SECRETARY OFHOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY T NSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; JOHN DOE AS "JOHN DOE; JANE DOE ASt;JOHN DOE JOHN DOE through ;JOHN DOEt; the last twelve names being ctitious and unknown to plainti , the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien uponthe premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.Plainti designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 186-17 HENDERSON AVENUE,HOLLIS, NY 11423 Block: 10353, Lot: 184
To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the
ALFONSO & FAMILY LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 07/28/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ALFONSO HERNANDEZ AGUILAR AND ALFONSO HERNANDEZ TORRES, 9720 VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY, APT. 5, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY, 11414, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Aprespace, LLC, Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/7/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Jessa Giarratano, 30-49 34th St., #2F, Astoria, NY 11103. General Purpose.
Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plainti ’s a orney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days a er service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. e United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a de ciency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on July 31, 2007, in CRFN: 2007000393839, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 186-17 HENDERSON AVENUE, HOLLIS, NY 11423. e relief sought in the within action is a nal judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property a ected by this actionis located in said county.
NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the a orney for the mortgage company who led this foreclosure proceeding against you and ling the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an a orney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE A ORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: July 12, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, C NE & PARTNERS, PLLC
A orney for Plainti
Ma hew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
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