THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | FEBRUARY 24, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 7 • FEBRUARY 24, 2022

ON TRACK?

Safe Subway is Prerequisite for City’s Recovery: Mayor

See pages 2

Mayor Eric Adams on Friday unveiled the Subway Safety Plan. A key component of the plan will direct NYPD personnel to assist in enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 1

Adams Touts Subway Safety Plan

By Michael V. Cusenza A safe subway is a prerequisite for the City’s recovery, Mayor Eric Adams said on Friday as he released his Subway Safety Plan, which lays out how his administration will begin addressing public safety concerns and supporting people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on New York City’s subways.

The plan includes comprehensive investments in short- and medium-term solutions, including expanded outreach teams with City Police Department officers and clinicians, additional housing and mental health resources, and outlines long-term systems improvements through changes to state and federal laws to connect more New Yorkers to the care they need. A key component of the plan will also direct NYPD personnel to assist in enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment.

The plan lays out how the Adams administration, in partnership with the MTA and other state entities, will confront these concurrent challenges on our subways. Investments in people will provide immediate support and protection to New Yorkers, while investments in places like drop-in-centers, safe havens, stabilization beds, and Street Homeless Outreach Wellness vans, as well as policy changes at local, state, and federal levels will provide

medium- and long-term solutions. These include: • Deploying up to 30 Joint Response Teams that bring together Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYPD, and community-based providers in high-need locations across our city.

• Training NYPD officers in our subway system to enforce the MTA and New York City Transit Authority’s rules of conduct in a fair and transparent way.

• Expanding Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division “B-HEARD” teams to six new precincts, more than doubling the precincts covered to 11. These teams will expand on the already-successful pilot of answering nonviolent 911 mental health calls with mental health professionals.

• Incorporating medical services into DHS sites serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Expanded DHS Safe Havens and stabilization bed programs will offer on-site physical and behavioral health care to immediately address clients’ needs.

• Immediately improving coordination across government with weekly “Enhanced Outreach Taskforce” meetings that bring together senior leaders from 13 city and state agencies to address issues quickly.

• Creating new Drop-in-Centers to provide an immediate pathway for individuals to come indoors, and exploring opportunities to site Drop-in-Centers close to

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary in South Queens. “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over,” Mayor Adams said Friday.

key subway stations to directly transition individuals from trains and platforms to safe spaces.

• Streamlining the placement process into supportive housing and reducing the amount of paperwork it takes to prove eligibility.

• Calling on state government to expand psychiatric bed resources and amending Kendra’s Law to improve mental health care delivery for New Yorkers on Assisted Outpatient Treatment.

• Requiring — instead of requesting — everyone to leave the train and the

station at the end of the line.

Some said more needs to be done than simply addressing the homeless on City trains.

“Gov. Hochul can make transit even safer by funding more frequent service in the state budget: Shorter waits mean less time on platforms and at bus stops. Faster trips will make transit more attractive and bring back riders, increasing the number of eyes on the system and helping New Yorkers keep one another safe,” Riders Alliance Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein said.

Rockaway Firefighter Dies On-Duty at Firehouse

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

Firefighter Jesse Gerhard

By Forum Staff A veteran City firefighter suffered a medical episode while on-duty in his firehouse—Ladder Co. 134 in Far Rockaway—and was transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital where he later died last Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced.

Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, 33, had operated extensively at a 2-alarm fire in Far Rockaway the previous day, FDNY officials noted.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 4:05 p.m., Gerhard responded to a fire at 25-43 Beach Channel Dr. along with his fellow members of Ladder Co. 134. As the first arriving ladder company, they were charged with searching for any trapped

occupants inside the three-story private dwelling, which was fully engulfed in flames on all three floors and in the basement. Gerhard was assigned to the “irons” position, meaning he was responsible for gaining entry to the building by forcing open the door so that firefighters could enter to fight the fire and join him in searching for those that may have been trapped. The fire was brought under control at 5:49 p.m. There were four minor injuries to civilians. The cause of the fire is under investigation by fire marshals.

Shortly before 11 p.m. the next day, on Wednesday, Feb. 16, Gerhard was on-duty at his firehouse in Far Rockaway when he suffered a medical episode. The members of his firehouse immediately provided emergency medical care and he was then rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Gerhard was appointed to the FDNY as an Emergency Medical Technician in July 2014 and was first assigned to Station 10 in Manhattan and later served at Station 47 in Far Rockaway. He entered the Fire Academy in December 2017 and, after graduating in April 2018, was first assigned as a firefighter to Engine Co. 264 in Far Rockaway.

In March 2020, he transferred to Ladder Co. 134, located in the same firehouse as Engine Co. 264 in Far Rockaway.

He was honored for bravery once in his career.

Gerhard is the 1,156th member of the FDNY to die in the line-of-duty. A resident of Long Beach, he is survived by his parents, his brother, and sister-in-law.

“As a firefighter and an EMT, Jesse Gerhard served our city with incredible courage and valor, always rushing into danger and risking his life to save others,” Kavanagh said. “Our entire department is in mourning over the tragic death of this extraordinary young man who always Photo Courtesy of FDNY answered the call and never wavered in his sworn duty to Gerhard had operated extensively at a 2-alarm fire in Far Rockaway the save others.” day before he died.

2 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Pol Calls for Hearing, Probe of Con Ed

Your problems are our job.

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Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

“This increase in price is an attack on working class families and that is not acceptable,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

By Michael V. Cusenza Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (DHoward Beach) this week wrote a letter to Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale), chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, calling for a hearing and investigation on sky-high Con Ed bills customers received in January.

Pheffer Amato said she has reached out and personally spoken to Con Ed leaders. During a recent phone call they attempted to explain the reason for the increase in prices, the assemblywoman noted.

“They offered a response and outlined their rationale, but it was not sufficient. This increase in price is an attack on working class families and that is not acceptable. The lack of warning and the lack of care is something I will not tolerate,” she added.

In her missive to Paulin, Pheffer Amato said she believed a hearing would be insightful and provide an opportunity for Con Ed to deliver testimony, answer questions and offer solutions.

“Due to Con Ed’s behavior, regardless of their

reasoning, I am calling for a hearing and investigation by the New York State Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, of which I am a member. We have a remarkable chairwoman who is dedicated to the people and demands transparency. Through this opportunity, I believe we can further understand how this happened, how people can better prepare for the future and brainstorm cost saving solutions,” Pheffer Amato said.

Earlier this month, Con Ed released a statement on the contested energy bills.

“We understand that many of our customers have experienced recent bill increases. Current global events, coupled with increased energy consumption due to lower than normal temperatures have had impacts on natural gas and electricity costs,” the utility said. “While Con Edison doesn’t generate electricity and can’t control the cost, we know that increases may cause concern. We’re currently offering payment plan options and implementing sustainable solutions to shift our dependence away from natural gas and its volatility.”

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Con Edison officials said that, “Current global events, coupled with increased energy consumption due to lower than normal temperatures have had impacts on natural gas and electricity costs.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 3

Ariola Takes Ceremonial Oath of Office in Howard Beach Ariola beamed in November and on “I’m not saying this as a politician, but as a parent: This is a victory for our community. Sunday.

“I don’t pick and choose who I’ll repreI feel so relieved and personal pride and happiness to pass this to her. Our commu- sent. I will represent each and every one of you,” she told supporters. nity is in good hands.”

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

The Hon. Augustus Agate leads Councilwoman Joann Ariola in the Oath of Office Sunday at Russo’s on the Bay.

By Michael V. Cusenza Family members, community leaders, and fellow elected officials joined City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) at Russo’s on the Bay Sunday in Howard Beach as she took her ceremonial Oath of Office.

Long-time friend the Hon. Augustus Agate (ret.) led Sunday’s ceremony. Members of the City Fire Department Color Guard provided the flags for the event.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Ariola’s late father, Paul, was present—and proud—in spirit.

“Everyone in the room was a part of getting me to this day,” Ariola said. “It is an honor to serve in the New York City Council and to represent District 32.”

Sunday’s ceremony arrived just three months after Ariola routed Democrat Felicia Singh, 68 percent to 31 percent, in the general election in November. Ariola and Singh ran to succeed Eric Ulrich, who represented the 32nd District for 12 years.

“The people have spoken, the torch has been passed,” Ulrich said in November. Members of the City Fire Department Color Guard provided the flags for the event.

4 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Ozone Park Man Gets 16 Years for Shooting Death

Photo Courtesy of Google

Floyd was involved in a high-speed car crash near the intersection of 111th Street and 107th Avenue while fleeing from the shooting.

By Forum Staff An Ozone Park man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty in the May 2018 shooting death of a 27-year-old man, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Denzel Floyd, 24, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of manslaughter in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise. Last week, Aloise sentenced Floyd to 16 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ postrelease supervision.

According to court records, at approximately 11 a.m. on May 28, 2018, Floyd was in a residence on 104th Street in Ozone Park with three other men. Floyd used a firearm to shoot the three victims multiple times. Jonathan Polanco, 27, was struck once in the neck and died from the fatal shot. The two other men were also

shot—one in the torso and the other was shot in the hand. Both men survived their injuries.

The DA said Floyd was involved in a high-speed car crash near the intersection of 111th Street and 107th Avenue while fleeing from the shooting. Floyd ran a red light while driving a 2010 black Mazda and struck another vehicle. He then abandoned the Mazda and fled on foot, taking a pink .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol from the car.

Police later retrieved the loaded gun after Floyd disposed of it near a house on 110th Street.

“The sentencing of this defendant brings resolution to this case but cannot make up for the loss of life or injury caused by his actions on Memorial Day 2018,” Katz said. “We will continue to do all we can to eradicate the flow of firearms and hold accountable those who use them to wound and kill.”

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“The sentencing of this defendant brings resolution to this case but cannot make up for the loss of life or injury caused by his actions on Memorial Day 2018,” DA Katz said.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

SPRING HAS SPRUNG Be Prepared for Bee Stings Despite some cold and rainy days in the last couple of weeks, spring is so close we can sense the approach of the sights, sounds and smells we crave all winter.

Spring brings flowers, flowers bring bees, bees bring stings, and stings can bring problems–on very rare occasions they can be fatal.

This week we'd like to offer you some key information to help you deal with a bee sting situation should it arise.

It's not the sting that kills people, it's their allergy to the venom introduced into the body via the bee's stinger.

Bee stings can be relatively easy to treat, most often requiring nothing more than minor first aid.

If the stinger is in the skin, it has to be removed. A common misconception is that it be squeezed or tweezed out, but that can cause the release of more venom. Scraping the stinger out is the best removal method.

Use the edge of a knife, a credit card or even a fingernail, just remember the quicker the better. As a side note, be aware that wasps, hornets and yellow jackets don't leave a stinger behind when they sting you.

Next, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic followed by a soothing ointment, like hydrocortisone or calamine, and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage.

For swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress. You can take an OTC oral antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives, but kids under two or pregnant woman can't. To relieve pain, take an NSAID, such as ibuprofen.

One very interesting fact about stings is that you will not have an allergic reaction to a sting the first time you are stung by a particular insect. One or more stings are needed to sensitize your immune system, so don't make the mistake of thinking because nothing happened the first time, you're not allergic. And if you have an allergic reaction one time it doesn't mean you'll have one the next. That is why doctors often prescribe EPi pens for patients with a confirmed sensitization of bee venom.

They should be taken with you at all times.

And now, go out and enjoy the flowers of Spring.

Until next week

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Teen Girl Critical after Scooter Crash

On Monday, around 1:15 p.m., cops responded to a 911 call of a vehicle collision at the intersection of Cooper Avenue and 88th Street in Glendale.

Upon arrival, officers observed a 15-year-old boy with injuries to his right leg and a 16-year-old girl with severe head trauma. EMS responded and rushed the boy to Cohen Children's Medical Center in stable condition, while also transporting the girl to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in critical condition.

Further investigation by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad determined that the boy was operating a 2021 Yamaha scooter (vehicle 1) with the girl as the passenger. Vehicle 1 was traveling on Cooper Avenue approaching 88th Street, while vehicle 2, a 2021 Mazda CX-30, occupied by a 30-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman in the front passenger seat, was traveling on 88th Street approaching Cooper Avenue. As vehicle 1 proceeded, the scooter struck the front of vehicle 2, causing both driver and passenger to become ejected and come to a rest on the pavement. Both vehicles remained at the scene and the occupants of vehicle 2 were also transported, via EMS, to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where they were treated and released.

The investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad.

Photo Courtesy of Google

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 5

Adams Releases Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“After two years of struggle, we are on the brink of a recovery that offers us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make real change on a grand scale,” Mayor Adams said.

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams recently released the City’s $98.5 billion Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

Adams noted that his first budget reduces the FY23 budget by $2.3 billion while also making “historic investments” to support public safety, young New Yorkers, childcare, and working families.

The budget advances Adams’ Blueprint to End Gun Violence to reduce crime across the five boroughs. Until increasing

levels of gun violence ends, New York will not be the best city in the world to raise a family, open a business, or visit. This will delay the city’s recovery and, therefore, New Yorkers’ prosperity.

The Adams administration is using the City Police Department’s existing resources more efficiently to redeploy officers to subway platforms and onto trains and create Neighborhood Safety Teams, anti-gun squads focused on reducing gun violence around the city.

To support the Blueprint to End Gun

Violence and give young New Yorkers a platform for success, the administration has added 30,000 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) slots — increasing summer job opportunities to 100,000. This increase not only marks the first time the program will be funded annually, but also represents the largest number of jobs made available by SYEP in the program’s 60-year history.

The Adams administration has also baselined funding for Fair Futures, which provides young New Yorkers who are aging out of foster care with mentoring, tutoring, and more.

In the FY23 preliminary budget, the Adams administration has focused its new investments on lifting the lives of working families and giving young New Yorkers a platform for success. As such, the FY23 budget: • Puts more money in families’ pockets by expanding the New York City Earned Income Tax credit (to $250 million in FY23), • Baselining the funding for 100,000 summer jobs for city youth, including 90,000 in the SYEP ($79 million in FY23 for a total baselined investment of $236 million), • Helping low-income New Yorkers afford Metro Cards by guaranteeing annual funding for the Fair Fares program ($75 million in FY23), • Conducting comprehensive

health screenings, regular home visits, and referral services for first-time moms in the 33 neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID-19 with the New Family Home Visits program ($30 million in FY23), • Creating more childcare space with a property tax abatement for property owners who retrofit property ($25 million in FY23), • Helping parents get back to work with tax credits for businesses that provide free or subsidized childcare ($25 million in FY23), • Preparing youth for aging out of foster care with mentoring, tutoring, and other important services with Fair Futures ($13.5 million in FY23), and • Reducing maternal deaths and childbirth complications and provide care coordination to high-risk patients with Maternal Medical Home and Obstetric Simulation Training ($3 million in FY23), among other things.

“After two years of struggle, we are on the brink of a recovery that offers us a oncein-a-generation opportunity to make real change on a grand scale,” Adams said. “We are cutting spending, making government run more efficiently, investing in public safety, and providing much-needed help to working families across our city. The steps we are taking together will make New York a safer, more just, and more prosperous city for all.”

Jamaica Hills Intersection Co-named ‘Little Bangladesh Avenue’

By Forum Staff City Councilman Jim Gennaro (DHillcrest) on Monday spearheaded a street co-naming ceremony in which the intersection of Homelawn Street and Hillside Avenue was co-named “Little Bangladesh Avenue.”

Gennaro authored the bill to co-name the street; the legislation passed in Decem-

ber. Monday’s event coincided with International Mother Language Day – a holiday dedicated to linguistic and cultural diversity. International Mother Language Day is widely celebrated as the anniversary of the day when the people of Bangladesh fought for recognition of the Bangla language. It is now celebrated worldwide.

Gennaro was joined by a number of elected officials, local leaders, and hundreds of community members for the co-naming ceremony, which paid homage to the many contributions that the Bangladeshi community has made to The World’s Borough. Gennaro opened the proceedings with a moment of silence in memory of the Freedom Fighters who gave their lives in Bangladesh’s 1971 War for Independence.

“I am thrilled to be here for this wonderful and timely co-naming cer-

emony. As many as 65 percent of New York City’s Bangladeshi population reside in Queens—and many of them here in Jamaica. Today, we are celebrating the many contributions of the Bangladeshi community to the Borough of Queens,” Gennaro said.

Photo Courtesy of Councilman “As the first South Asian woman elected Gennaro to New York State office, I was so proud to Councilman Gennaro authored the join my Bangladeshi family in celebrating bill to co-name the street.

6 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Gennaro

The intersection of Homelawn Street and Hillside Avenue has been co-named “Little Bangladesh Avenue.”

the Little Bangladesh Avenue co-naming,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (DWoodhaven) added. “The unveiling ceremony celebrated the many contributions of New York City’s Bangladeshi community, one of the fastest growing in our city.

By literally putting Little Bangladesh on the map, we are showing that the community finally has the seat at the table it so rightfully earned.”

Rockaway Kids Raise Funds, Awareness for Leukemia

Photo Courtesy of DeSales Media

The students of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy recently held a “Dress in Orange Day” to raise awareness and funds for leukemia. The school-wide dress-down event, during Catholic schools’ “Random Acts of Kindness Week,” raised $2,062 for the Leukemia Society. Orange is the color of leukemia awareness.

The students at the Rockaway Beach school decided to raise funds for the Leukemia Society to show their support for Rocco Pisani, a school graduate who sur-

vived leukemia during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The students at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy say the prayer to St. Francis of Assisi every morning.

They live by the words in that powerful prayer, and were so inspired by their former student Rocco Pisani, who bravely fought Leukemia during the pandemic, that they decided to donate to the Leukemia Society,” Principal Satti Marchan said.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 7

8 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

First U.S. Black Cardinal Celebrates Mass of Thanksgiving in Jamaica Estates

Photo Courtesy of DeSales Media

“Americans everywhere should rejoice this AfricanAmerican Heritage Month in a legacy of unity that promises a better tomorrow for everyone who claims this land as their home,” Cardinal Gregory said.

By Forum Staff The Rev. Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and the Rev. John Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre, on Sunday welcomed His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and the first Black cardinal in the U.S., to a Black History Month Celebration and Mass of Thanksgiving at the Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica Estates.

Cardinal Gregory is the first AfricanAmerican bishop to be elevated to the College of Cardinals within the Catholic

The Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica Estates.

Church. He was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass. Bishop Brennan, Bishop Barres and Auxiliary Bishops and priests of both the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre concelebrated the Mass.

“Black History Month is an opportunity for our entire country to recognize the blessings that People of Color have offered and continue to impart to these United States. We are a gift to this country,” Cardinal Gregory preached during his homily.

“Today we celebrate in prayer the contributions of Black people to our homeland.

However, this is also a moment for all Ameri-

cans from every culture and race to appreciate the gifts that Black people have offered to our nation,” Gregory continued. “It is also a time for nation-building and for strengthening the bonds that tie us together as one people. Americans everywhere should rejoice this AfricanAmerican Heritage Month in a legacy of unity that promises a better tomorrow for everyone who claims this land as their home. It is an occasion for us not only to thank God for the gifts of people of color but to thank God for the possibility that we have become one people.”

Black History Month cultural festivities, sponsored by The Brooklyn Vicariate for Black

Photo Courtesy of DeSales Media

Catholic Concerns and The Office of Multicultural Diversity for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, took place before the Mass of Thanksgiving.

Cardinal Gregory was appointed by Pope Francis as the seventh Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington on April 4, 2019, and was installed on May 21, 2019.

Gregory is the Chancellor of The Catholic University of America, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and previously has served as the Chairman of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.

Adams, Hochul Unveil Joint Security Operations Center to Combat Cybersecurity Attacks

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, along with the mayors of Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, on Tuesday unveiled the new Joint Security Operations Center that will bolster the State’s ability to combat cybersecurity threats and attacks.

According to the Adams administration, the center—headquartered in Brooklyn— will be a first-of-its-kind hub for coordinating cybersecurity efforts across New York, helping to foster collaboration among city, state, and federal entities.

Adams on Tuesday also signed Executive Order 10, which sets forward the roles and responsibilities of the New York City Cyber Command under the direction of the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation, overseen by New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser. The order also requires each city agency to designate a cyber command liaison who will work with the Office of Cyber Command to share information, monitor threats, and adopt best practices around cyber security.

The JSOC will be staffed by NYC3, federal and state law enforcement entities, and representatives from local and county governments. The command center will

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul on Tuesday toured the Brooklyn JSOC.

strengthen New York State's threat detection capability by centralizing telemetry data—allowing officials to assess and monitor potential threats in real time. The JSOC will also streamline threat intelligence and responses in the event of a significant cyberattack.

In 2017, the de Blasio administration created NYC3 through Executive Order 28. The body coordinates the city’s cy-

ber defenses across more than 100 agencies and offices—helping monitor, deter, and respond to potential cyber threats.

NYC3 has developed and launched NYC Secure—a first-of-its-kind, free application that provides warnings to users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile devices—and implemented new protections on public Wi-Fi networks. NYC3 has also led the nation in developing protocols

and policies to prepare for and prevent cyberattacks.

“Technology runs our water, controls our electricity, and notifies us during an emergency, so cyber attacks have the ability to bring our entire city to a halt if we are not prepared,” Adams said. “Our city is a prime target for those who want to cause destruction, and while New York City Cyber Command is already a national model for impeding these threats, it’s time our cybersecurity gets moved to the next level. The new Joint Security Operations Center will take an integrated and holistic approach to hardening our cyber defenses across the city and the state, building on the robust cyber infrastructure New York City has developed in recent years. We thank Gov. Hochul and our fellow mayors for recognizing the urgency of this challenge, and the importance of working together to confront a common threat that connects us all.”

Hochul added, “Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to every facet of our lives. That’s why I put improving our cyber infrastructure at the forefront of my administration as we chart a course to better protect our state and our citizens. The Joint Security Operations Center will serve as the epicenter in helping to defend against this emerging threat.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 9

Little Neck Man Nabbed in Vax Card Scheme

By Forum Staff A Little Neck man has been charged with being part of a scheme to distribute and sell false COVID-19 vaccination cards, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Jia Liu, 26, a Marine Corps reservist, and Steven Rodriguez, 27, a nurse at a clinic in Hempstead, L.I., were arraigned Thursday on an indictment charging them with one count of conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery.

Liu is additionally charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Defense for providing the cards to fellow Marine Corps reservists.

The indictment alleges that from at least March 2021 to February 2022, the defendants conspired to steal and forge COVID-19 Vaccination Cards to falsely record persons as immunized with vaccines that protect against COVID-19, when in reality, they had not been immunized. In addition to selling stolen and false cards to unvaccinated persons, Liu and Rodriguez also conspired to enter false COVID-19 vaccination records into New York state databases, allowing unvaccinated individuals to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app.

According to court documents, Liu purchased blank COVID-19 vaccination cards from Rodriguez, and then forged and

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Whoisjohngalt

A COVID-19 vaccination card.

distributed them to buyers and other coconspirators for a profit. Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez in person at the healthcare clinic to purchase fraudulent cards. Rodriguez would meet the buyer, but instead of administering the vaccine he destroyed a vial of vaccine intended to be used to vaccinate a patient. He then provided a forged COVID-19 vaccination card to the buyer that he completed to make it falsely appear that the buyer had received a dose of vaccine. He further made entries in the Immunization Databases falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated.

After the U.S. Department of Defense imposed a requirement that all active and reserve military service members be vac-

cinated against COVID-19, from August 2021 to January 2022, Liu created and distributed false COVID-19 vaccination cards to United States Marine Corps reservists to help them evade vaccination requirements.

The defendants promoted their scheme through messages on encrypted messaging applications and on social media. They referred to COVID-19 vaccination cards using code names, such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.” The defendants distributed at least 300 stolen or false COVID-19 vaccination cards and created more than 70 false entries in the Immunization Databases.

All COVID-19 vaccination providers are required to give individuals who re-

ceive a COVID-19 vaccine a COVID-19 vaccination card. These COVID-19 vaccination cards list the name and date of birth of the patient, name of the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine that the patient received, the date the patient receives it, the lot number of the vaccine dose, and the location where each dose is administered.

Proof of vaccination, as reflected in a COVID-19 vaccination card or Excelsior Pass, is required to travel to certain locations and attend certain events where large numbers of people congregate, such as sporting events, concerts, restaurants, and bars. In addition, some employers and government agencies require employees to have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

Two Jamaica Men Indicted in Alcohol-Fueled Drag Racing Crash that Killed Hospital Worker

The three-car crash occurred at the intersection of Union Turnpike and Parsons Boulevard.

By Forum Staff Two Jamaica men have been indicted for their roles in an alcohol-fueled drag racing crash at the intersection of Union Turnpike and Parsons Boulevard that claimed the life of a Queens hospital worker in November 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Alamin Ahmed and Mir Fahmid, both 24, were arraigned Thursday on a 20-count indictment charging them with murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the second degree, criminally negligent homicide, assault in the second degree, reckless driving, participating in an unregulated speed contest or race and several traffic

Photo Courtesy of Google

violations. Ahmed is additionally charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Fahmid is additionally charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and tampering with physical evidence. Ahmed and Fahmid were ordered to return to court on March 22.

According to the charges, in the early morning hours of Nov. 20, 2020, both men attended a party in Brooklyn to celebrate Fahmid’s birthday. After the festivities, the pair went to a gas station on Main Street and Union Turnpike to fill up. Then, the two men are seen on video surveillance posting up side by side at a red light and

10 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“You cannot use our city streets as if they were the Daytona Speedway or get behind the wheel of a car intoxicated,” DA Katz said.

when the signal switched to green, they allegedly accelerated quickly racing down Union Turnpike.

Both men allegedly sped through two solid red lights. And just as the defendants were quickly approaching Parsons Boulevard, Daniel Crawford was driving southbound on Parsons Boulevard heading to work at Queens General Hospital.

As Crawford, 52, entered the intersection, he was struck by both the silver Mercedes Benz Ahmed was allegedly driving and the red Honda Accord Fahmid allegedly operated.

According to the charges, the two cars—both going more than 90 mph—Tboned Mr. Crawford’s

Toyota. The Jamaica resident suffered an internal decapitation, was rushed to the same hospital where he worked, and was later pronounced dead.

The DA said that Ahmed’s vehicle was disabled in the crash and he was taken into custody by police at the scene. At that time, Ahmed allegedly showed signs of intoxication and a test administered at the crash site allegedly showed Ahmed’s blood alcohol level was .094—above the legal limit. Fahmid is accused of fleeing the scene.

“You cannot use our city streets as if they were the Daytona Speedway or get behind the wheel of a car intoxicated,” Katz said.

If convicted, Ahmed and Fahmid face up to 25 years to life in prison.

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12 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 7 • FEBRUARY 24 2022 | 13

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC 14309 222nd Street, Bsmt. Laurelton, NY,11413,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

New York ADR LLC filed w/ SSNY on 1/5/22. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 604607, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful.

Notice of Formation of 300 KENMORE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/04/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 300 Kenmore Rd., Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of ICEKOUTURE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

CHEN & HONG REALTY, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/18/22. 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, 136-20 BOOTH MEMORIAL AVENUE, UNIT 2D, FLUSHING, NY 11355, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CANDACE’S EXQUISITE COLLECTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/20/21. 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, 18922 MANGIN AVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DELMONICO MANAGEMENT CO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Michael Esposito, 30-15 35th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

INCHEN SONAM LLC, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/21.

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 KONCHOK RINCHEN, 4163 74TH ST. FL2, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PANDAYO NY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/27/22. 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 RACHEL JARVINA ELAZEGUI, 83-45 VIETOR AVENUE APT. 5E, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DAGA CONSULTING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

MIPPI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/26/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-34 45th Rd Apt 12 Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of HAIR DEN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MARIA ZACCHEO, 156-47 94th Street, Howard Beach, NY, 11414,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC, MR 1 REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/16/21.

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, 35-01 30TH AVENUE, SUITE 203, ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 1103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

14 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

ADEMOLA RN & MIDWIFERY PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 137-47 234th St, Rosedale, NY 11422. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nursing and Midwifery.

Tywit Group LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/07/22. 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, 4923 Cloverdale Blvd, Oakland Garden, NY 11364. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

35-18 97 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 35-18 97 LLC, 1059 BRINSMADE AVE, BRONX, NY, 10465, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Tangram Hotel Team LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/14/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 39-16 Prince St., #11B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation: Jiejie Realty LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2017.

Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 9-24 129th Street, College Point, NY, 11356. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 01/06/22. 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: QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, 9753 85TH STREET, OZONE PARK, NY, 11416 USA. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

DIVERSE DETAIL ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/21. 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 DIVERSE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, 109 10 QUEENS BLVD, APT 1D, FOREST HILLS. NY, 11375 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of WOK N’ STAPLE LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/14/2022. Office location: Queens.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 136-31 41ST AVENUE SUITE 5A, FLUSHING, NY, UNITED STATES, 11355 . Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Parsons One Capital LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 142-38 37th Ave., #12B, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose.

11-19 30 DR LLC, Arts of Org. filed SSNY 1/20/22. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to 11-19 30 DR LLC, 2617 12TH ST., ASTORIA, NY 11102. General Purpose.

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16 FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • Number 7 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP