THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | DECEMBER 23, 2021

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 51 • DECEMBER 23, 2021

‘NO MORE SHUTDOWNS’ As Five Boroughs Tackle

Omicron Variant, Hizzoner Vows to not Shutter City

See Story on Page 2 Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 1

With Omicron Variant Looming over Holidays, Mayor Vows to Keep NYC Open

President and CEO Mitchell Katz, NYC Health + Hospitals

By Michael V. Cusenza “No more shutdowns.”

With those three simple words, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday made it clear that he’s learned from his first bout with the viral champ COVID-19.

“We can’t go through it again,” Hizzoner said. “In this case, we weather the storm because we were prepared with a high level of vaccination already. We are prepared with a strong healthcare system. We're prepared

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

to get through. We need to all work together now to get through these weeks to come out the other side, continue our recovery, but no shutdowns, because that would devastate the lives of so many New Yorkers.

“It’s going be a challenging few weeks,” the mayor continued, “there is no question about it. We’re seeing a big upsurge in cases. Thankfully in general, they seem more mild. And thankfully our healthcare system is well positioned in this city to deal with it. But it will be a tough few weeks and we

City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi, M.D.

need to understand that, and we need to do everything possible to address that. But look, this is going to be a temporary reality and I want to emphasize that. What we're seeing so far from Omicron is a very fast upsurge and then goes back down again. It’s based on what we've seen in other parts of the world, we are preparing for that kind of very fast scenario. And that means we got to keep focused on the big picture, which is to keep this city moving forward. To remember, we got to keep building our recovery.”

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi, M.D., focused on Tuesday on the efficacy of booster shots.

“Over 1.7 million booster doses have already been administered in New York City and I thank each and every New Yorker who has stepped up to increase their own protection and reinforce our vaccination wall against this new wave, but we have more work to do, and we must do it quickly,” the City’s doctor said.

South Queens Councilwoman Set to be Next Council Speaker

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) on Friday clinched victory in the race for council speaker, as 33 members of the 51-member council committed their support or released statements backing her speaker candidacy, according to officials from District Council 37, NYC’s largest municipal public employee union that was in Adams’s corner.

The next City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

Adams will succeed Corey Johnson when she assumes the office on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 at the first Stated Meeting in the next session of the City Council.

Adams was first elected to represent the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park in November 2017. She has previously served as a Community Board member

Photo Courtesy of John McCarten/NY City Council

2 DECEMBER 23, 2021 • Number 51 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

and chairperson, a member of the Community District Council, and the NAACP, among other community and advocacy groups.

“I am honored to have earned the support and the trust of my colleagues to be their Speaker. Our coalition reflects the best of our city,” Adams said. “We are ready to come together to solve the enormous challenges we face in order to not

Adams is set to succeed Corey Johnson.

just recover from COVID but to build a better, fairer City that works for everyone.

I want to thank the Council members, labor and party leaders, women’s groups, and everyone in our broad coalition for their support. The City Council will be a collaborative and effective legislative body that incorporates what makes New York City great and focuses on the needs of our communities.”

Photo Courtesy of Emil Cohen/NY City Council

MTA to Pilot Major Changes to Fares

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By Michael V. Cusenza The Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently announced a pilot program to test a series of temporary promotional changes to fare structures for New York City Transit, the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.

The pilot will begin March 1 and last for at least four months.

Fare Capping Pilot for New York City Transit – a Weekly Cap on Charges Under the pilot, the MTA would use the enhanced flexibility provided by OMNY to offer subway and local bus customers, along with those of the Staten Island Railway, the best possible fare for all trips. Under this pilot, customers who tap and go with OMNY would be charged the standard $2.75 pay-per-ride fare for their first 12 trips starting every Monday. Any further trips through the following Sunday would be free of charge. As a result, no OMNY customer would pay more than $33.00 per week, which is the current price of a seven-day unlimited-ride MetroCard, and customers would receive the benefit of a seven-day unlimited-ride card without paying upfront.

“Our fare structure is an important tool we have to win back riders,” said Janno Lieber, MTA Acting Chair and CEO. “Business logic says it doesn’t make sense to increase the price just as you’re trying to rebuild your customer base. So, we’re leaving the basic fare alone for now and rolling out a slate of new pilot fare promotions.”

The MTA is retaining free transfers between subways and buses for all customers. Two-part trips that are linked by a free transfer between a subway and bus are considered a single trip toward

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

the 12 needed to reach the fare-free threshold each week.

Three Big Fare Changes for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad For Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad customers, the pilot will offer promotional fares designed to encourage railroad ridership, especially for trips within New York City, and to provide ticketing options more closely aligned with the evolving needs of those with flexible work schedules. The MTA will offer three major changes to railroads fares.

• When purchased through eTix, a new 20trip ticket, which will offer 20% off the comparable 20 peak one-way fares.

• Monthly tickets, which are currently discounted between 48% and 61% of the price of a comparable number of one-way peak tickets, will be discounted by an additional 10%.

• ‘City Ticket’ – which offers a reduced, flat fare for travel within New York City on weekends – will be extended to all weekday off-peak trains at a fare of $5.This is a $2.25 or 31% discount from Metro-North’s current weekday fare between the Bronx and Manhattan, which is $7.25. (City Ticket must be purchased and activated before boarding the train. Metro-North’s off-peak fare between the Bronx and Manhattan remains $13 when purchased on board the train.)

This is a $2.75 or 35% discount from the LIRR’s current weekday fare between eastern Queens and Manhattan or Brooklyn, which is $7.75. (City Ticket must be purchased and activated before boarding the train. The LIRR’s off-peak fare between eastern Queens and Manhattan or Brooklyn remains $14 when purchased on board the train.)

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Wishing everyone the best possible Holiday Season and a Healthy & Happy New Year

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 3

LaGuardia Airport to Receive $28M+ from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Meng benefiting the airport for decades to come.”

LaGuardia Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic bipartisan infrastructure law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche is likely to slightly vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaran-

teed funds, LaGuardia can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.

On Nov. 15, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across

the country. Projects that qualify for funding include: improvements to runways and taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, roadway projects, terminal development, and noise prevention. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for FAA towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need.

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng

Congresswoman Grace Meng and President Joe Biden

By Forum Staff U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced on Saturday that $28.4 million from the recently enacted federal infrastructure bill is headed to New York to make much needed improvements to LaGuardia Airport.

“I was proud to help pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because I knew it would make a difference in our city, and I am glad to see this vital funding coming to LaGuardia,” said Meng. “This money will go a long way toward needed infrastructure improvements and jobs for New Rendering of the future LaGuardia Airport Yorkers, and I look forward to this funding

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File Photo

January 2022 Regents Exams Cancelled

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

PREPARING FOR A STORM Before we talk to you about anything else this week, we offer our best holiday wishes.

It might look difficult to just go on as normal again this year, but we have served this community long enough to know that it doesn’t fold. Not through any kind of “storm”, and we are so happy to have your trust and your confidence through these times. A blessed and merry Christmas to all!

NY State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa

By Forum Staff The January 2022 administration of the High School Regents Examination Program is cancelled due to the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic, State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa announced Tuesday. This cancellation applies to all Regents Examinations that had been scheduled for the January 2022 Regents Examination period. No decisions have been made regarding the June and August 2022 administrations of Regents Examinations or any other State assessment programs.

“Educators, school staff, communities, and families have taken painstaking efforts to ensure a safe and healthy school year,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “Given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the recent acceleration in COVID-19 infections, and continuing upheaval the virus has caused in schools across the state, this decision is the right one. New York's students will continue to have access to high-quality coursework while allowing districts to prioritize the health and safety of our school communities.”

"New York set a daunting record last week with more COVID-19 cases reported in one day than ever before," Rosa said.

"Once again, the January Regents Exams cannot be safely, equitably, and fairly administered across the state. We will continue to work with our schools, districts, and stakeholders to ensure they have what they need to provide academic, social and emotional, and mental health supports for our students."

Modifications to Diploma Requirements for Students Impacted by the Cancellation of January 2022 Regents Examinations Due to the cancellation of the January 2022 Regents Examinations, the Department will ask the Board of Regents to approve modifications to the assessment

Photo Courtesy of NYSED

requirements that students must meet to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements. These modifications apply to all students who are completing a secondary-level course of study or make-up program in January and are scheduled to participate in one or more of the January 2022 Regents Examinations.

Regents Examination Exemptions To ensure students are not adversely impacted by the cancellation of the exams, the Department will ask the Board of Regents to adopt emergency regulations regarding the assessment requirements students must ordinarily meet to earn a diploma. Under the proposed emergency regulations, students who are planning to take one or more Regents Examinations during the January 2022 examination period at the conclusion of a course of study or make-up program shall be exempt from the requirements pertaining to passing a corresponding Regents Examination to be issued a diploma. To qualify for the exemption, the student must meet one of these requirements by the end of the first semester of the 2021-22 school year: • Be enrolled in a course that would ordinarily culminate with a January 2022 Regents Examination and earn credit for such course of study; • Complete a make-up program to earn course credit; or • Be prepared to take a required Regents Examination to graduate at the end of the first semester.

NYSED is developing additional guidance in the form of an FAQ and will issue that guidance in early January 2022 to address topics such as safety net options, mastery, honors, and technical endorsements so that schools may determine which diplomas to grant to their graduates. Please visit the Department’s COVID-19 Information site for additional information and guidance as it becomes available.

Although we have escaped any threat of a major storm yet this year, we all have that gnawing feeling—it’s coming.

In this case we think it’s prudent to take the path of the Boy Scouts—Be Prepared!

While snowfall can be a beautiful thing, many dangers and unforeseen problems can occur as the result of an extreme weather occurrence.

We've prepared a list for you that will help ensure your safety when home bound.

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day • Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) • Extra batteries • First aid kit • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)

• Multi-purpose tool—a Swiss Army

knife type that can perform many tasks • Sanitation and personal hygiene items • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) • Cell phone with chargers • Family and emergency contact information • Extra cash • Baby supplies (bott les, formula, baby food, diapers) • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) • Tools/supplies for securing your home • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitt y litter to make walkways and steps less slippery • Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members • Ample alternate heating methods such as fi replaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves Vehicles should also be equipped with similar kits. Free smart phone apps available from FEMA and the American Red Cross provide tips on fi nding shelter, giving fi rst aid, and seeking recovery assistance.

Stay warm, stay safe, and start this New Year off with the confidence that you can weather any storm.

Until next time.

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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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.

Civic + Senator + City = Problem Solved

The underpass along 156th Avenue in Howard Beach, which has plagued pedestrians with pigeon droppings for decades, has been boarded up to protect residents and beautify the area, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently announced.

Senatorial District 15 constituents and members of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic have consistently logged complaints about the area to Addabbo; and with the help of the State Department of Transportation, the problem areas have been addressed. Wooden planks have been installed to prevent pigeons and other birds from creating nests in the previously abundant small alcoves, as well as slats to stop birds from perching on the metal beams.

“This is the perfect example of how local government should work,” Addabbo said. “Constituents raise an issue to their local elected official, we then reach out to

the appropriate agency, then that agency completes the work to fix the problem.

I want to thank the constituents who brought this issue to my attention and NYSDOT for their action and timely response.”

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 5

Christmas Lights Burn Bright across The World’s Borough

1: Middle Village

2: Broad Channel

From Astoria to Arverne, the tradition burns bright across The World’s Borough every year: Christmas lights. Queens residents travel to communities they seldom visit just to get a glimpse or even a seasonal selfie in front of one of the many outlandish gaudy creations. The artistic, sublime productions have their fans, too.

Here are a few of The Forum’s 2021 favorites.

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza.

3: Howard Beach

4: Howard Beach

5: College Point

6: Howard Beach

6 DECEMBER 23, 2021 • Number 51 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

De Blasio Touts Vision for Sustainable Freight Network

By Michael V. Cusenza Mayor Bill de Blasio, the City Department of Transportation (DOT), and the City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) recently released “Delivering Green: A vision for a sustainable freight network serving New York City,” a progressive vision to restructure freight distribution and reduce overreliance on diesel trucks.

Delivering Green goals include: Make the Last Mile More Efficient Promote off-hour deliveries and expand Neighborhood Loading Zones. In addition, the plan promotes programs to consolidate the delivery of goods to one location for multiple recipients, and micro-distribution spaces where deliveries can be transferred to sustainable methods of transportation for the last mile to recipients.

Courtesy of DOT

The City is in the process of exploring a pilot program to facilitate new transloading operations of waterborne freight to sustainable last mile delivery method at Cityowned marine facilities.

Green the Last Mile Support the transition to zero-emission truck fleets, help shift goods off trucks and onto commercial cargo bicycles, and explore other sustainable small delivery methods.

Create a Culture of Compliance Seek federal funding to implement technology to improve truck rule compliance, while also bolstering industry education and outreach.

Shift Freight from Road to Water Create opportunities for marine freight movement by modernizing marine terminals, expanding waterfront access to maritime shippers, and supporting private sector marine highway initiatives.

Shift Freight from Road to Rail Increase diversion of freight from trucks to trains by expanding transload facilities in the city and modernizing key freight rail assets.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act recently enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Biden includes more than $120 billion in federal funding over the next five years for freight projects.

New York City will soon have a once-in-ageneration opportunity to compete for federal funding on a size and scale that could have transformational impacts on how goods are moved into, out of, and around the five boroughs.

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“This will strengthen the economy by making freight movement more efficient and contribute to a healthier environment for all our residents and the planet,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb.

The City intends to seek federal funding for critical freight projects over the next five years and beyond. This funding will bolster funded efforts that are already underway. With the appropriate funding and support, the transformative freight solutions highlighted in the vision will have enormous impacts on freight mobility in New York City, putting the city on a path towards a safer, more responsible, sustainable, and efficient freight system that grows the economy, supports freight-related jobs, and delivers the goods that residents and businesses need.

“New York City simply cannot continue the status quo where 90 percent of goods move into and around the five boroughs on trucks. That’s why we’re focusing on ways to shift more freight traffic away from our crowded roads and bridges, and onto rail and our waterways,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “This new vision with our partners at DOT lays out the bold steps the City will take to fundamentally restructure the freight distribution system. This will strengthen the economy by making freight movement more efficient and contribute to a healthier environment for all our residents and the planet.”

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MTA Announces Extension of Signal Modernization on Queens Boulevard Line

MTA Interim NYC Transit President Craig Cipriano

By Forum Staff The Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently announced that the MTA Board approved the first of three contract awards that will extend signal modernization along the Queens Boulevard Line east of Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC).

The upgrade of the signal system to CBTC will allow trains to safely run at a

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

greater speed and at closer distances, providing more efficient and reliable service on the E and F lines.

The Queens Boulevard Line East Project will modernize four interlockings, at Jamaica-179 St, 169th St, Parsons Blvd, and Briarwood. The interlocking at Union Turnpike, which currently has CBTC functionality only toward the west, will be fully equipped with CBTC functionality.

“CBTC is key to improving subway ser-

vice because it allows dispatchers to know real-time positions of trains in a much more precise way, which allows the MTA to schedule more trains and operate them more reliably,” said MTA Interim NYC Transit President Craig Cipriano. “This expansion of CBTC will improve train service on this busy corridor and allow us to provide more accurate real-time arrival information for our customers.”

This first contract award is for the design, delivery and testing of the CBTC equipment, and is valued at $62.6 million over 55 months. The second award will be for the installation of the CBTC equipment. The third contract will be for the installation of the Data Communication System. CBTC uses radio communications to constantly connect the MTA’s trains and signal system, with service managed dynamically by a computer system in New York City Transit’s Rail Control Center.

Trains operate with CBTC on the L and 7 lines, which were brought online in 1996 and 2019 respectively. The MTA is currently installing CBTC on two-line segment expected to go into service next year: the Queens Boulevard Line between Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike and 50 St in Manhattan, and the F line between Church Av and West 8 St-NY Aquarium. The MTA is also installing CBTC on the A C E line between 59 St-Columbus Circle and Jay St-MetroTech, which is expected for completion in 2025. Future line segments

to receive CBTC are the G line between Hoyt-Schermerhorn and Court Square, the A C line between High St and Euclid Av, and the F line between Jay St-MetroTech and Broadway-Lafayette St. Some Benefits of CBTC More efficient service. Because it allows dispatchers to know exactly where trains are on the track, CBTC enables the MTA to run trains closer together. The 7 and L lines, which both use CBTC, are the bestperforming lines on the New York City Subway. On-time performance on our existing CBTC lines is consistently near or above 90 percent.

Lower operating costs. Accelerating trains is expensive, so intelligently controlling the speed of trains saves the MTA money. Maintenance is also cheaper with CBTC because it isn't as hardware intensive, and software can be upgraded as technology improves.

Faster service. Running trains closer together helps the MTA increase capacity on a line. Trains can also travel at higher speeds without compromising safety.

More reliable service. Signal problems are among the leading causes of delays in subway service. Upgrading the technology means fewer issues, and when delays happen, crews will be able to get service back on track more quickly. The existing signal system east of Kew Gardens is more than 85 years old, one of the oldest segments remaining in the system.

What the Federal Infrastructure Bill Means for Queens

By Forum Staff U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, today hailed the recent enactment of the federal infrastructure bill, and called for funding from the measure to be directed toward improving local infrastructure in Queens.

Meng helped pass the historic and bipartisan legislation through the House of Representatives last month, and she recently joined President Joe Biden at the White House when he signed the $1.2 trillion measure into law. It will provide billions for New York’s roads, bridges, highways, mass transit, airports, high-speed internet, clean drinking water, clean energy and more.

But the congresswoman urged the city and state to make sure that funding flows to the borough, including to her congressional district, as they receive this federal money and decide where it will go.

“These funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be a boon for New York over the next several years,” said Meng. “They will enhance travel, improve safety, create union jobs, and strengthen our economy. But a significant portion of this funding must make its way here to Queens, and today I call on the city and state to ensure that this happens. Here in

our borough, and in my district, we depend heavily on our infrastructure, from getting us to work to ensuring our health and safety. We have many pressing infrastructure needs and it is imperative that Queens receives its fair share to address our aging roads, failing catch basins, and the need to upgrade our mass transit, replace old lead pipes, increase broadband access, and so much more. These overhauls are long overdue, and the improvements would benefit our neighborhoods for decades to come.”

“Over nearly two years, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down,” Meng added. “My congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 first struck our nation, and in September, areas I represent were hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Many families remain devastated and continue to struggle, and much of our local infrastructure failed them. Queens stands to benefit from the infrastructure bill. The city and state need to hear our calls for funding, and must step up and deliver for our borough and my district. I look forward to working with the governor and incoming mayor.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is critical for Queens and a chance for our resilient future. From housing our airports to recovering from Hurricane Ida’s

10 DECEMBER 23, 2021 • Number 51 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng

Congresswoman Meng holding a photo of a catch basin in her district to underscore the need for catch basin upgrades to be included in local infrastructure funding. When the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit Queens and caused flooding, sewers and catch basins were at capacity and not able to handle the rainfall.

devastation, Queens has a real need for infrastructure investment and I am grateful for our partners in Congress, especially Congresswoman Grace Meng, for their advocacy,” said Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. Some of the key projects for which Meng is advocating include the rebuilding and reopening the shuttered Elmhurst Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, funding for elevators and platform extensions at the LIRR stop in Forest Hills, electric vehicle charging stations in areas

she represents, median replacements, road repairs and catch basin upgrades in her district, making local subway and train stops accessible to the elderly and disabled, replacing lead pipes, and connecting more constituents to the internet, among other initiatives.

Last week, Meng led a letter to the Acting New York State Health Commissioner and the head of the State’s Center for Environmental Health to encourage the state to expeditiously create an inventory of all lead service lines.

Council Passes Gennaro Bill to Close Environmental Remediation Loopholes

Photo Courtesy of Google

In the 24th Council District, eight projects have completed the City land clean-up program, including Norman Towers, a mixed-income affordable housing development at 90-11 160th St. (pictured) and 90-14 161st St.

By Forum Staff The City Council earlier this month overwhelmingly passed Intro. 2460 – a bill written by Councilman Jim Gennaro (DHillcrest) designed to close enforcement loopholes by authorizing the New York City Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) authority to issue civil penalties against parties who violate OER protocols in the clean-up of “brownfields” sites. Under this legislation, the director of OER would also be able to designate other city agencies to issue relevant administrative summonses and notices of violation to enforce the provisions of this bill.

On Earth Day in 2009, the City Council passed the New York City Brownfield and Community Revitalization Act, sponsored by Gennaro that created the only municipal “Brownfields” clean-up program in the United States.

Brownfields are contaminated sites that need to be cleaned up to strict state standards.

In return, OER issues a “liability release” to the property owner so that the site owner is not liable for contamination on the site that may have occurred many decades ago.

Brownfields programs are common in the United States, but they are all run by state governments, including New York State. But because the majority of brownfields in New York City do not qualify for the State’s brown-

City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest)

fields program, Gennaro wrote the law establishing the only municipal brownfields program in the country to clean-up brownfields sites all over New York City.

Since the implementation of the City’s Brownfields Program, more than 735 contaminated sites in the City have been cleaned up, many sites in lower income communities that have been blighted by pollution. More than 16,000 units of affordable housing have been built on these sites, many businesses have been established, many green jobs created by companies that clean up these sites, and many neighborhoods have been revitalized.

In the 24th Council District, eight proj-

File Photo

ects have completed the City land cleanup program, including Norman Towers, a mixed income affordable housing development at 90-11 160th Street and 90-14 161st Street.

Unfortunately, over the years, some developers have failed to allow OER to oversee the remediation or file a site management plan with OER In those circumstances, OER needs make sure that developers participating in the brownfields program strictly comply with the requirements of the program. By giving OER the authority to issue civil penalties for non-compliance in cleaning up properties, Gennaro’s bill closes any enforcement loopholes.

Hizzoner Applauds Additional Actions to Improve Safety, Working Conditions for 65,000+ Delivery Workers

BY Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced, in advance of legal workplace protections that go into effect in 2022, that he has marshaled agencies together to implement a series of additional efforts to support and improve the health, safety and working conditions for the city’s 65,000+ delivery workers.

Essential to NYC Campaign This month, the City is launching a digital art campaign, #EssentialToNYC, reaffirming support for delivery workers and other essential workers, including bodega and grocery store workers, home care workers, nail salon technicians and all aestheticians, and taxi workers and all workers who transport New Yorkers. Featuring real New Yorkers of these professions, the campaign will highlight the importance of these workers in keeping the City running, connect New Yorkers to resources, and encourage New Yorkers to stand in solidarity against acts of discrimination, harassment, and violence that many essential workers continue to face.

Safety In response to many issues brought forward by directly impacted workers, the City is providing: additional lighting and NYPD cameras at Willis Avenue Bridge bike paths; additional safety resources at bridge crossings into Manhattan; a bike etching program to recover stolen e-bikes; expansion of DOT’s traffic safety education and helmet giveaways for delivery workers.

Healthcare Access NYC Care has launched a new initiative to actively working to enroll delivery workers who are un/underinsured. To enroll in NYC Care, New Yorkers can call 1-646-NYC-Care.

For more information, visit nyccare.nyc.

Worker Protection The City has provided Department of Consumer and Worker Protection with funding to implement and enforce the new laws regulating delivery apps and worker protections that go into effect in 2022. Starting January 24, many food delivery apps must be licensed by DCWP, bringing needed oversight to the industry. Apps will be able to begin applying for licenses later this month. Starting January 24, licensed apps

must tell workers the tip for each delivery and the total pay and tips for the previous day.The law also seeks to provide increased access to bathrooms for workers of licensed apps.

Delivery workers who deliver food for any app—not just licensed apps—will also have additional new rights April 22, 2022 and January 1, 2023.

Starting April 22, 2022, apps must: • Give workers a required notice explaining their new rights.

• Give workers more control over their deliveries. Workers can limit how far they will go from restaurants and refuse to use bridges or tunnels.

• Tell workers trip details before they accept a delivery. Must include address for pickup, estimated time and distance for trip, tip if known, pay.

• Pay workers at least once a week.

Apps cannot charge a fee to process payment.

• Give workers a free insulated food delivery bag after give deliveries.

Starting Jan. 1, 2023, apps must pay workers the new minimum pay rate that the City will set.

The rate will not include tips. DCWP is meeting

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office “During the pandemic, New Yorkers came to see our delivery workers for what they truly are: essential employees,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman

with relevant stakeholders, including workers, for the wage structure study it will be conducting to determine the new minimum rate.

“During the pandemic, New Yorkers came to see our delivery workers for what they truly are: essential employees. We thank our colleagues at NYPD and DCWP for their excellent coordinated work to keep these workers safe, including brighter bridge crossings and more assistance for workers victimized by crime,” City Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman said.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 11

12 DECEMBER 23, 2021 • Number 51 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 13

Legal Notices Formation of CLEAN AND CLEAR LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/05/2019. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CLEAN AND CLEAR NYC LLC, 11139 180TH STREET, JAMAOCA, NY 11433. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Formation of NEMA PROPERTIES LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/19/2021. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to NEMA PROPERTIES 6704 MYRTLE AVENUE, 1523, GLENDALE, NY 11385, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PLAPS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/09/2021. 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, 240-12 Oak Lane, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Formation of VENNASYA LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/04/2021. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to VENNASYA LLC, 14019 159TH ST., JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

130TH STREET HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/30/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 20 Boulevard, Malba, NY 11357, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NUHA NIHAL LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/15/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MD Nazrul Islam, 4222 64th St, 2nd Fl, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose..

EUNICE FASHION CLOSET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/21.Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC uponwhom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to BEMMIE S. TAMORADA, 66-33 YELLOWSTONE BLVD., FOREST HILLS, NY 11375, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Formation of CRESCENT TAX SOLUTIONS, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/25/2021.

Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to KAREEM ALMATHRAHI, 6011 CATALPA AVE, RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11385,USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

2810 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/23/21. Latest date todissolve: 12/31/2120. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 70-18 261st Street, Glen Oaks, NY 11004. Purpose: Any lawful purpose CATHERINE MULHOLLAND LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/10/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: CATHERINE MULHOLLAND 6 BEACH 221 STREET, BREEZY POINT, NY 11697. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of formation of New York Built, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 11/29/2021. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 37-08 36 AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, ASTORIA, NY, 11101. Purpose: any lawful purpose M C DAS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/03/2021. 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, 15330 89th Ave, #324, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of Checo Multiservices LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York on October 29, 2021. Office location: Queens County, Secretary of State is designated as agent upon who process against the LLC may be served. Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon the LLC to C/O 108 – 05 51st Street, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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SHZ ESTATE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/07/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 9720 164th Ave, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 9201 AVENUE L LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/07/21.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Aristotle G. Mirzaian, c/o Curcio Mirzaian Sirot LLC, 48 Wall St., 11th Fl., NY, NY 100052903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

HAGION PROPERTY LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 11/30/2021.

Off. Loc: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 7123 Nansen St., Forest Hills NY, 11365. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act.

193-03 Union Turnpike LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/21. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 193-03 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366.

Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation: 140-35 69 AVE LLC (the ‘LLC’) filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 02/19/2021.

Office location: QUEENS County.

The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to Lowenfeld Law Firm P.C. - 1706 Sheepshead Bay Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11235

R&W FOODS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/30/21.

Office located in Queens. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC., 7014 13TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA.Purpose: Any lawful purpose

TB ORGANIZED LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/03/21. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to TB ORGANIZED LLC, 1041 ANNAPOLIS STREET, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691, USA.Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 51 • DECEMBER 23 2021 | 15

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