THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | FEBRUARY 2, 2023

By Michael V. Cusenza

Two young people were killed Sunday night a er the BMW they were traveling in slammed into a divider on the Belt Parkway near 150th Street.

Ronish Kush, 16, of New Hyde Park, and Sukhmani Singh, 18, of Bellerose, were both passengers in the car. e 19-yearold driver was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.

e City Police Department’s Collision Investigation Squad is still investigating the accident, but provided some details on Monday:

On Sunday, at approximately 11:45 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a motor vehicle collision in the vicinity of the Belt Parkway and 150th Street. Upon arrival, o cers observed a damaged 2011 BMW 328 on the right shoulder on the eastbound Belt Parkway, near 150th Street. EMS responded to the location and tended to the three occupants of the vehicle; a 19-yearold driver was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.

A 16-year-old male vehicle passenger was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. An 18-year-old man was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medi-

cal Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Further investigation by the City Police Department Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad determined the vehicle was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, eastbound on the Belt Parkway, when the vehicle operator failed to proper-

ly navigate the roadway, causing the vehicle to strike a median at the location, and subsequently overturn, causing the aforementioned injuries.

ere are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.

Jamaica Man Indicted for Allegedly Shooting Accomplice in Ozone Park Instead of Intended Target

By Forum Sta

Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Saturday that a Jamaica man has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly fatally shooting his accomplice in a botched a empt to gun down a rival.

Richard Dixon, 32, was arraigned Friday on an eight-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, a empted murder in the second degree, assault in the rst degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second and fourth degrees. At the request of the district a orney’s o ce, Justice Kenneth Holder remanded Dixon and set his return court date for March 1.

According to the charges, at approximately 5 a.m. on June 19, 2022, Dixon and

his associate, Raymond Francis, approached Kenardo Kelly and Dwayne Whyte as they sat in their vehicles on Cross Bay Boulevard near Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park. Security camera video footage shows Dixon wearing a mask covering his lower face and carrying an assault ri e-type weapon, and his associate, Francis, carrying a handgun.

e two men approached Kelly’s vehicle from di erent angles and Dixon red several shots at Kelly, striking him and his car. At that time, Whyte red several shots from his vehicle at Dixon, who pivoted and returned re. At least one of Dixon’s shots hit Francis, his accomplice.

Emergency responders found the 38-year-old Francis collapsed in the parking lot, laying on top of his pistol. He was

pronounced dead at a local hospital. Kelly, 33, was taken to a di erent local hospital for treatment of gunshots to his face and upper back and a broken jaw. e 29-year-old Whyte was taken to a third hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds to his leg.

Dixon later sought treatment at a Nassau County hospital for multiple gunshots, including to the leg, groin, bu ocks and knee.

e nature of his wounds helped identify him as a suspect in the Ozone Park shooting. Security camera video footage shows Dixon

drove his wife’s vehicle from their residence on the day of the incident. e vehicle was spo ed driving away from the scene of the shooting.

“As alleged, this is yet another example of the brazen lawlessness inherent in illegal gun use. We need to do everything we can, on the streets and in the courts, to eradicate the plague of gun violence from society,” Katz said.

If convicted, Dixon faces up 25 years to life in prison.

Photo Courtesy of East Coast Roads

According to the NYPD, the car was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, eastbound on the Belt Parkway, when the vehicle operator failed to properly navigate the roadway, causing the vehicle to strike a median at the location.

Photo Courtesy of WABC TV e single-vehicle accident claimed the lives of two young people.

Photo Courtesy of Google

in

Park.

File Photo

Katz called the shooting “yet another example of the brazen lawlessness inherent in illegal gun use.”

Water Bill Program to Help NYers Save

By Forum Sta

Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala on Monday launched a temporary water bill amnesty program to help New Yorkers save up to $150 million of interest when they pay their overdue water bills.

e limited time program will forgive up to 100 percent of interest when customers pay a portion or all of their outstanding water bills. With nearly 200,000 customers owing a combined $1.2 billion in water bill charges to DEP, this program will help New Yorkers both clear their debt and save money, while ensuring that the city can continue to invest in and maintain the city’s critical water infrastructure.

“As New Yorkers continue to recover nancially from the pandemic, we are helping almost 200,000 of our city’s water customers keep up to $150 million in their pockets when they resolve their debts through this water bill relief program,” Adams said. “ is water amnesty program will enable property owners to se le their debts at a reduced cost, while providing the Department of Environmental Protection with the necessary funds to operate the city’s vital water supply and treatment system. I encourage all eligible customers to take advantage of this limited-time savings program we’re proud to o er.”

e amnesty program, authorized by the New York City Water Board, will only run for 90 days, from Jan. 30, 2023 to April 30, 2023. To receive amnesty and con rm eligibility, or for more information, customers should visit DEP’s water amnesty website or call (718) 595-7000.

ere are nearly 200,000 DEP customers with

delinquent water bills, owing a combined $1.2 billion, and approximately 85 percent of that debt is from residential properties. For customers with a seriously delinquent balance of more than $1,000 for over a year, DEP will o er three amnesty options:

• If 100 percent of the principal bill is paid, 100 percent of interest will be forgiven;

• If 50 percent of the principal bill is paid, 75 percent of interest will be forgiven; or

• If 25 percent of the principal bill is paid, 50 percent of interest will be forgiven.

Customers who owe less than $1,000 are still eligible to receive amnesty on 100 percent of their interest if they pay their total bill. All customers who participate in the water amnesty program and leave a remaining outstanding balance will be required to enter into a payment agreement with DEP. Data shows that 85 percent of customers who set up a payment plan stay on it and successfully clear their debt.

“Hard-working families across this city are already struggling to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “ is sensible, one-time assistance initiative will give families the nancial breathing room they need, and I look forward to working with the mayor’s o ce and DEP to make this program as successful as possible.”

City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) added, “ e amnesty program proposed by Mayor Adams and Commissioner Aggarwala is a great way for property owners to se le their water bill debt and for the DEP to get the funding needed for infrastructure upkeep. is is a win-win situation, and I applaud the city for taking such an innovative approach.”

Forum

Photo by Michael V. Cusenza ere are nearly 200,000 DEP customers with delinquent water bills, owing a combined $1.2 billion.

Fire at Illegal Daycare Caused by a Lithium-Ion Battery:

a fire in a basement at 147-07 72 Dr. Companies arrived and found heavy fire in the basement. Firefighters removed some pediatric patients from the building, including one from the fire area in the basement. The fire was under control within 40 minutes and was confined to the basement,” said FDNY Chief of Operations John Esposito.

FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Stacy Scanlon added, “We had a total of 18 patients removed from the building, one was in critical condition and removed to the hospital. The other 17 were stable and refused medical attention on the scene, all pediatrics.”

City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), who represents the district in which the illegal daycare was located, released a statement on Thursday.

By Michael V. Cusenza

City Fire marshals said that last Wednesday afternoon’s fire at an illegal daycare in Kew Gardens Hills that injured 18 children was caused by a lithium-ion battery.

“A couple minutes after 2 p.m., we got a call for

“Yesterday, 18 children were injured – including one critically – after a fire broke out in an illegal daycare in my district. A child was critically injured in what was a completely avoidable tragedy – not only because this daycare facility had no business operating in the first place, but also because, yet again, a dangerous e-scooter was to blame. The city rushed to legalize e-bikes and e-scooters in 2020 before my return to the Council without the proper regulations in place. Last year, six New Yorkers died in fires caused by these types of batteries and another 216 fires were connected to them. And just last week, a 63-year-old man was killed, and five others were injured in an East Elmhurst caused by an e-bike. That is completely unacceptable.

It is obvious these e-bikes and e-scooters pose a clear and present fire danger. That is why the Council has legislation drafted and under discussion to comprehensively regulate or ban these hazardous vehicles,” Gennaro said.

“And let me state most emphatically that I will do everything in my power to crack down on illegal daycare centers in my district,” he added. “This building had another illegal enterprise in it besides the daycare center. This is completely unacceptable. The law is the law. The safety of our children is too precious to accept the risk posed by unlicensed and uninspected facilities. There is a reason the city has building requirements for daycare facilities, and that is to ensure that they are safe. I call upon anyone who knows of an illegal daycare facility in the 24th Council District to report it to my office and we will take immediate action.

“My prayers are with the victims of this tragedy and their families. I am wishing all the children a speedy recovery, especially the child in critical condition.”

Photo Courtesy of FDNY Eighteen children were injured in last week’s re.

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Gennaro “And let me state most emphatically that I will do everything in my power to crack down on illegal daycare centers in my district,” Councilman Gennaro said.

Addabbo Urges Constituents to Apply for CB Seats

ADVANCES IN DIABETES LETTING TECHNOLOGY HELP

Pharmacists share the same responsibility as doctors who need to keep reading and studying to keep up with medical advances for the good of their patients.

On of the most prominent diseases that face a majority of our patients is diabetes.

e monitoring of glucose is a critical component for these patients and as diabetes technology continues to advance, more and more tools are becoming available to patients to help them manage their disease. Glucose monitors, insulin pens or pumps are all available on the market and advances in these devices are helping patients deal with the stresses of keeping diabetes under control.

Patients will be able to keep be er records through the use of smart insulin pens that track time, date and insulin doses delivered.

e role of pharmacists is expected to increase with the advent of these new technologies, helping patients navigate their way through a bevy of treatment options that can make their lives much more livable while providing safe, e ective and cost conscious options for living with diabetes.

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Monday urged his constituents to apply for a seat on their community board.

Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is now accepting applications from quali ed, civic-minded individuals interested in si ing on one of Queens’ 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land and zoning matters, city service delivery and more.

e 14 community boards across Queens are comprised of up to 50 volunteer, unsalaried members serving staggered two-year terms. Community board members are appointed by the Queens Borough President, in accordance with the City Charter, with half of the appointments being nominated by the City Council members representing their respective Community Districts. Community boards play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning ma ers in their districts. Each board holds full membership meetings every month while also holding hearings and issuing recommendations about the City budget, municipal service

delivery and many other ma ers that impact their communities.

“Being a part of your community board is a great way to get involved in your community and make real changes for your neighborhood. From advising on land development projects to recommending money for park upgrades and so much more, Community Board members play a major role in transforming where they live,” Addabbo said. “Many elected o cials got their start in the political world with a spot on their local community board. If you are interested in civics and want to have a positive e ect on your community, you should consider applying for a seat on your community board!”

Before becoming an elected o cial in 2002, Addabbo served as a long-standing member of Community Board 10.

To be eligible to serve on a Queens Community Board, you must be a resident of New York City and must live, work, or have a professional or other signi cant interest in that board’s district.

e deadline to apply for a position on your Community Board is February 16. To apply, visit h ps://queensbp.org/communityboards/.

One such device introduced by Abbo in 2017 was the FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System, a cu ing edge device that uses a sensor placed on the upper arm allowing patients to trace their blood glucose levels throughout the day. Market executives expect that more patch pumps will hit the shelves over the next few years as well.

Another innovative technology is the ability to electronically track patient data. Patients and health professionals can keep diaries and logs for insulin, diet, activity and blood glucose levels through the use of wireless glucose meters which are compatible with their Smartphone’s.

In the future medical experts expect that their industry will advance toward what are known as closed loop systems or arti cial pancreas systems whose goal is to copy the activity of a normal, healthy body.

Technologists are working on non invasive ways to monitor glucose and Apple is included in the industry giants said to be working on this type of device, although no plans have been disclosed as of yet.

If you have questions on any of these technologies and would like to nd out how one or more of them may t into your lifestyle, you are welcome to bring your questions to us. Counting on your local pharmacist for management of your diabetes is something you should not be afraid to take advantage of.

Until next week…

For your family’s prescription needs, please call CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644

Ariola Committed to ‘Cleaner District’

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) this week highlighted two recent beauti cation projects as part of her commitment to “a cleaner District 32.”

On Friday, she noted on social media that members of the Wildcat Service Corp. were cleaning up Beach 116th Street in Rockaway (picture).

“I’ve arranged for Wildcats to come down every Mon, Weds, & Fri to sweep the sidewalks & clean up li er. I’m commi ed to cleaning B116 St, & this is just 1 step of many to make the area a be er place for all!” Ariola wrote.

And on ursday Ariola once again turned to social media by tweeting a picture of City Department of Sanitation workers cleaning another patch of the 32nd District.

“Another debris lled community eyesore is being cleaned this morning,” the councilwoman said.

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

Courtesy of Queens Borough President’s O ce

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

“Being a part of your community board is a great way to get involved in your community and make real changes for your neighborhood,” Sen. Addabbo said.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

Adams Outlines ‘Working People’s Agenda’ for NYC in Second State of the City Address

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday outlined a "Working People's Agenda" in his second State of the City address, delivered at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Adams' agenda is built on four pillars that are essential to building a city that meets the needs of working New Yorkers and represent the focus of his administration's work in 2023: jobs, safety, housing, and care.

Jobs

Under the Working People's Agenda, the Adams administration has promised to:

• Create a new Nursing Education Initiative, in partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY), to support 30,000 current and aspiring nurses over the next five years to enter the nursing workforce, stay in the profession, and climb the career ladder;

• Double the city's current rate of contracting with minority- and womenowned business enterprises (M/WBEs) and award $25 billion in contracts to M/ WBEs over the next four years and $60 billion over the next eight years;

• Launch the new Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion –a dedicated team that will connect 2,500 people with disabilities to jobs, help employers make their workplaces more accessible, and continue the mission of helping New Yorkers living with disabilities thrive in the workplace and every other aspect of city life;

• Expand the CUNY2x Tech program to more campuses – including community colleges – with a focus on institutions serving first-generation college students and communities of color;

• Help 36,000 economically disadvantaged workers and residents of high-poverty communities – including 8,000 construction workers and 28,000 service contract workers – connect to good jobs every year by working with city partners in Albany to finally empower New York City to require companies with city contracts to hire local community members;

• Support the city's growing legal cannabis industry by launching a new loan fund to help more New Yorkers impacted by the ‘War on Drugs' start new businesses, while increasing enforcement against unlicensed establishments undermining the legal industry;

• Give every child the support they need to read at or above grade level, building on the success of supplying every elementary school with a phonicsbased curriculum rooted in the science of reading by ensuring every school has at least one staff member trained in literacy-based interventions, launching the first district school in city history dedicated solely to supporting students with

dyslexia, and making dyslexia screenings available in every public school in New York City;

• Establish a whole-child approach to education that includes socialemotional learning, rolling out a pioneering student mental health program with telehealth care for every public high school student, community-based counseling for those who need additional support, daily breathing and mindfulness exercises, and expanded nutrition education standards and plant-powered school menus; and

• Ensure every child graduates high school with a clear pathway for the

safety teams to additional neighborhoods, investing in more violence-prevention programs in neighborhoods with the highest concentration of violent crime, and launching a new Neighborhood Safety Alliance – a partnership between local precincts, service providers, and community leaders in many of these same neighborhoods;

• Increase the number of NYPD tow trucks to address the growing number of abandoned or illegally parked cars blocking traffic and visibility, help keep delivery zones and bus and bike lanes clear, and crack down on illegal placards and placard abuse;

with our sustainability and resiliency goals.

Housing

The Adams administration has pledged to:

• Help New Yorkers stay in their homes by investing $22 million in tenant protection programs to provide more staff dedicated to investigating and enforcing against bad landlords, creating stronger partnerships with community groups and legal services providers to protect tenants from being pushed out of rent-regulated apartments and cracking down on landlords who discriminate against tenants based on their source of income;

• Expand the Big Apple Connect program to reach even more New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments with free broadband and TV for tens of thousands of New Yorkers;

• Provide free broadband access to households with Section 8 vouchers with a new pilot program in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan;

• Continue putting money directly in New Yorkers' pockets – including $350 million through the expanded Earned Income Tax credit – with an historic expansion of the city's free tax preparation program in coordination with schools, houses of worship, NYCHA, and community partners to process an additional 26,000 returns next year and save New Yorkers an additional $14.3 million in filing fees and refunds;

future – whether that is a job, job training, or continuing education, provide up to 35,000 middle school students in the Summer Rising program with career exposure and college visits, empowering LGBTQ+ youth through a new Summer Youth Employment Program Pride initiative that places students in truly supportive work opportunities, and expanding FutureReadyNYC to 90 schools and 7,000 students to provide a reimagined high school experience with early college and career-connected learning programs.

Safety and Quality of Life

Under the Working People's Agenda, the Adams administration has pledged to:

• Supplement the city's focus on the most violent offenders by redoubling efforts to protect New Yorkers from robberies and burglaries – including increasing the New York City Police Department's (NYPD) crime prevention units' focus on retail theft and working with business owners and business improvement districts on proactive solutions to prevent shoplifting;

• Expand the community response teams to operate at the borough level and address everything from ghost license plates to noise complaints and property crimes;

• Continue the fight against gun violence by expanding neighborhood

• Bring CompStat meetings to the community level and give New Yorkers direct access to a version of these meetings for the first time, allowing them to interact directly with local and citywide NYPD leaders;

• Build on efforts to electrify the city vehicle fleet by requiring the 100,000-plus high-volume for-hire vehicles to do the same – requiring them, with the support of Uber and Lyft, to be zero-emissions by 2030, with no new costs for individual drivers;

• Appoint a new director of the public realm to coordinate across city government, community organizations, and the private sector to ensure we invest in public spaces citywide;

• Work with the City Council to build on the massive success of the pandemic-era temporary Open Restaurants program and deliver a permanent program that actually works for businesses and residents in all five boroughs;

• Unveil an updated PlaNYC in April with even more of our sustainability agenda, including new data on how our food choices impact the environment; and

• Launch a new climate budgeting process – making New York City the first big city in the nation to adopt the approach of aligning financial resources

• Broaden access to other public benefits like unemployment insurance, Medicaid, or SNAP by cutting unnecessary red tape and expanding benefit screenings so New Yorkers get every dollar they deserve; and

• Pursue legislation allowing New Yorkers to keep public benefits for up to six months after they accept a new job, easing the transition to financial independence.

Care

Under the Working People’s Agenda, the Adams administration said it will:

• Continue to address women's health by hosting an all-hands-on-deck summit in March and putting forward initiatives that will help improve Black maternal mortality while also improving the birthing experience for all New Yorkers, in addition to unveiling a comprehensive women's agenda in the coming months; and

• Fight the crises of obesity and chronic disease by investing in access to healthier food for lower-income New Yorkers, relaunching the Groceries 2 Go program, and expanding Health Bucks.

“Without a strong working class, this city cannot survive. That's why, today, I've outlined how we plan to build a city for working people, one that is more affordable, safer, cleaner, and more livable,” Adams said.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography O ce

“Without a strong working class, this city cannot survive,” Mayor Adams said on ursday at the Queens eatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park during his second State of the City address.

Speak with Representative from Department of Finance about Your Notice of Property Value at this Event

By Forum Sta

Homeowners will soon receive their Notice of Property Value (NOPV) statements, if they haven’t already. State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) wants the public to know of the NOPV outreach events, one which will be in Queens.

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, property owners are invited to a end the NOPV Outreach Event which will take place at Queens Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

During the event property owners will be able to review the Department of Finance’s assessment of their properties, challenge the market or assessed value, update their property information, and apply for a property tax exemption if they are eligible. e event will include a presentation followed by breakout sessions for constituents to meet one-on-one with di erent units and sta from the Department of Finance, including assessors, exemptions and property sta , and the O ce of the Taxpayer Advocate, as well as the New York City Tax Commission, a separate City agency.

“It is vital that residents are up to date on their property values and know what they owe,” Addabbo said. “ ese events will allow property owners to question their assessment and get the up-to-date information on their property taxes and even apply for exemptions if they qualify. In these tough economic times, saving money is paramount so I invite residents to come to this event and see if they have any questions about their NOPV statement. I would like to thank the Department of Finance, the O ce of the Taxpayer Advocate, as well as the New York

City Tax Commission, for hosting these important events.”

Anyone who is interested in learning more about property tax exemptions and abatements and how to apply for them should have their NOPV, a photo ID, tax returns or proof of income for all owners, DD214 or discharge papers (for veterans), and trust documents (if applicable).

For more information on the all the available exemptions and how to apply for each, visit nyc.gov/site/ nance/bene ts/ landlords.page.

Photo Courtesy of Google

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, property owners are invited to a end the NOPV Outreach Event which will take place at Queens Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd., om 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo “ ese events will allow property owners to question their assessment and get the up-to-date information on their property taxes and even apply for exemptions if they qualify,” Sen. Addabbo said.

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Meng to Hold Event to Help Borough Residents Apply for or Renew a Passport

e event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, at the United States Post O ce Flushing Main Street location, Suite 1, which is located at 41-65 Main St. No appointment is necessary.

To receive a passport, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, and they need to complete the application form which Postal Service clerks can assist with on-site.

“Whether traveling for a vacation, business, studying abroad or to see family members, a passport is essential for ying to another country,” said Meng. “As our borough continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are once again traveling and many are already planning trips for the summer travel season that is just around the corner. is passport service that I am pleased to o er will make applying for or renewing a passport easier and more convenient, and I encourage constituents to take advantage of it on Feb. 5.”

e following is what local residents should bring:

1. If applying for a rst-time passport, bring an original copy and photocopy of proof of identity AND U.S. Citizenship documents.

2. For a renewal, bring the most recent passport and name change documents if there are any.

3. Debit/credit card, or check/money order made payable to "Postmaster" for acceptance fees.

4. Check/money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" for processing fees.

By Forum Sta

5. A color passport photo taken in the last six months, or a photo can be taken on-site with an additional fee.

Although appointments are not necessary, constituents can still RSVP or receive additional details and answers to questions by contacting Meng’s o ce at

City Kicks off Tax Season with Free Preparation Services

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga on Saturday kicked o the tax season and encouraged single- ling New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less, to le their taxes for free using NYC Free Tax Prep. NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional, tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the newly enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (NYC EITC). e new NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers will also provide income tax services to freelance workers and small businesses.

e EITC is available to working families and individuals with low and moderate incomes. e enhancement of the NYC EITC — the rst increase in New York City in almost 20 years — ful lls a campaign pledge from Mayor Adams and will help 800,000 New Yorkers who qualify to be er a ord essential items like food, rent, and utilities.

is tax season, the NYC EITC is increasing from a ve percent match of the federal EITC levels to 10 to 30 percent, depending on the lers’ income, meaning

more money back for more New Yorkers. Under the city’s enhancement of the

$299 to $897 under the city payment — a 200 percent increase.

teer preparers help lers complete an accurate tax return. Nearly 140 sites across the city will be opening in the coming weeks.

• Drop-o Service — drop o documents and pick up completed returns later: With drop-o service, lers can drop o their tax documents and pick up the completed return later.

• Virtual Tax Prep — like in-person free ling but online: Virtual Tax Prep is an online service where an IRS certi ed VITA/ TCE volunteer preparer will video conference with lers to help prepare their tax return using a secure digital system. Filers can submit photos or scans of tax documents to the preparer, con rm their identity, and complete their return by video call with a preparer. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone; a stable internet connection; and the ability to download secure video conference so ware.

EITC, a single parent with one child with an income of $14,750 will see the bene t increase from $181 to $905 — a 400 percent increase. A married couple with two children and an income of $25,000 will see their New York City bene t increase from

NYC Free Tax Prep Services include:

• In-Person Tax Prep — sit down with a volunteer preparer: At in-person tax prep sites, knowledgeable IRS certi ed Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volun-

• Assisted Self-Preparation — free online tax prep on one’s own or with help: Assisted Self-Preparation allows lers to complete their tax return online on their own and an IRS certi ed VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will be available by phone or email to answer questions. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone; a stable internet connection; an email address, and their 2021 adjusted gross income or self-select PIN.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) is set to host an event to help constituents apply for or renew a passport.

Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography O ce

Mayor Adams helped kick o tax season by encouraging single- ling New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less, to le their taxes for ee using NYC Free Tax Prep.

LIC Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison in Shooting Death of Teacher Walking his Dog

By Forum Sta

Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that a Long Island City man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison a er pleading guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of a schoolteacher who was walking his dog when the defendant red upon a rival gang member in broad daylight.

e victim, George Rosa, 53, was shot in the abdomen by a stray bullet red by Ike Ford, who was 17 at the time of the July

2020 shooting but has been sentenced as an adult given the severity of the crime.

Ford pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the rst degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder, who sentenced the defendant to 19 years in prison followed by ve years’ of post-release supervision.

According to the charges, at approximately 11:20 a.m. on July 25, 2020, George Rosa, 53, was walking his dog in his Long Island City neighborhood, along 40th Avenue between 21st and

22nd streets. The defendant, aided by fellow gang member Delante Aiken, fired several shots at a rival gang member but missed his target and struck Rosa. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital and died from the gunshot wound 31 days later.

Ford was originally arrested Aug. 25, 2020, following another shooting in which he was accused of ring a gun near 40th Avenue and 10th Street in Queens. No one was believed to have been injured. Ford was re-arrested in August 2021, along with

Aiken and 26 other reputed gang members indicted on conspiracy, murder, weapons and other charges for crimes commi ed in Long Island City.

“ e entire city grieved the senseless death of beloved social studies teacher George Rosa, who was simply walking his dog. It’s precisely to prevent tragedies such as this that we ght so hard to get illegal guns and the criminals who use them o our streets. We will not surrender our streets to reckless violence and illegal guns,” Katz said.

U.S. Obtains Temporary Restraining Order against Firearm Companies Illegally Selling Machine Guns

By Forum Sta

On Jan. 19, 2023, the United States led a civil complaint in federal court in Brooklyn against two rearm companies, and two individuals associated with these companies (collectively, “Defendants”), alleging that Defendants have conspired to defraud the United States and consumers, and have engaged in the ongoing commission of mail fraud and wire fraud, by unlawfully selling machine gun conversion devices, the U.S. Department of Justice announced ursday.

e devices, called FRT-15s, are speci cally designed and intended to be used to convert AR-15 type ri es into machineguns and are therefore themselves “machine guns” under federal law. With limited exceptions not applicable to Defendants’ conduct, the manufacture, sale and possession of machine guns is illegal under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act of 1968. e Government’s complaint seeks injunctive relief under the Anti-Fraud Injunction Act. e United States also sought a temporary order immediately halting any sales of the FRT-15 or any forced reset trigger until and unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

On Jan. 25, United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison entered a temporary restraining order against Defendants.

Defendants are Rare Breed Triggers, LLC and Rare Breed Firearms, LLC (collectively, “RBT”) and their owner/opera-

tors Lawrence DeMonico, also known as “Larry R. Lee, Jr.” and Kevin Maxwell. As alleged in the complaint, Defendants have unlawfully sold thousands of FRT-15s to the general public. In the process, Defendants have sought to obstruct ATF’s mandate to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of machine guns and ensure public safety. Defendants

have also allegedly misled consumers about the legality of FRT-15s.

As set forth in the temporary restraining order (“TRO”), among other things, the Court found that “[t]here is probable cause to believe that Defendants’ fraudulent conduct is ongoing and imminent,” that “Defendants failed to register FRT-15s for the pur-

pose of concealing from ATF the sale and transfer of these items,” and that the TRO is necessary to prevent “a continuing and substantial injury to the United States, as well as to past and future purchasers of FRT-15s who have been or may be misled into believing that their possession of FRT-15s is lawful when it is not.”

“ e defendants are illegally selling machine guns, plain and simple, with conversion devices that transform AR-15 type ri es into even more lethal weapons suited for ba le elds, not our communities,” said Brooklyn U.S. A orney Breon Peace. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the ow of illegal and deadly weapons onto our streets. e United States will be relentless in employing every means available, including all civil tools, to end violence in New York and across the nation.”

“Decades ago, Congress determined that machine guns are illegal, yet, despite repeated warnings, the defendants in this case are alleged to be outing the law. Machine guns are unlawful because they pose a threat to the public and they are increasingly a risk to law enforcement. Ensuring that individuals and companies comply with the prohibition on selling machine guns is just one of many steps ATF is taking to address violent crime and protect our communities,” added Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Director Steven De

elbach.

Photo Courtesy of Google

George Rosa was shot while walking his dog along 40th Avenue between 21st and 22nd streets.

File Photo

“It’s precisely to prevent tragedies such as this that we ght so hard to get illegal guns and the criminals who use them o our streets,” DA Katz said.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. A orney’s O ce for the Eastern District of NY e devices, called FRT-15s, are speci cally designed and intended to be used to convert AR-15 type ri es into machineguns and are therefore themselves “machine guns” under federal law.

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TRISTAR NY27, LLC Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 12/04/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to SUREND MOTAR, 14220 131ST AVE, JAMAICA, NY,11436, USA. PURPOSE:General Purpose

LUXE N ROYALE LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 11/15/2022. Ofce 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, 19912 119TH AVENUE, SAINT ALBANS, NY, 11412, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

URUSHI LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/14/22. Ofce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 43-01 22nd St., #439, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BAITING HOLLOW L.I. HOLDINGS, LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 12/21/2022. 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: e LLC, 14-20 136th Street, College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

K&C LISA LLC led Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/27/2022. Ofce located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process and shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to Lai Sim Znag, 104-46 39th Ave., Corona, NY, 11368, USA. Purpose: any lawful act.

20-49 LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 11/08/22. O ce: QueensCounty. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 20-49 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MELLA’S BOUTIQUE Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 10/21/22. 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, 21420 113th Ave, Queens Village, NY 11429, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

2457 HOFFMAN NY LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 01/24/22. 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, 144-20 69th Ave, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of HBJ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, a limited liability company. Art of Org. led with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/03/2022. O ce located in QUEENS. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to c/o HBJ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC , 120-19 RIVE CT UNIT 6A, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful activity

Da Feng Enterprises LLC, Arts of Org led with SSNY on 01/09/23. O . 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: e LLC, 166-44 20th Rd, Whitestone NY 11357. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of JJML HOLDINGS I LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/30/22. O ce location: Queens County. Princ. o ce of LLC: Phoenix Management 23 LLC, A n:Joseph Pistilli, 35-01 30th Ave., Ste. 300, Astoria, NY 11103. SSNY designated as agentof LLC upon whom process against it maybe served. SSNY shall mail process to theLLC at the addr. of its princ. o ce. Purpose: Any lawful activity

BULL MINE LLC led Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/5/2006. O ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: e LLC, 52-47 Browvale Ln, Li leneck, NY 11362. Purpose: any lawful act.

SPARKLIN CLEANING SERVICES LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 08/05/22. 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 Michael Johnson, 548 51st Avenue, Apartment 3R, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

HPS CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC.

Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 12/05/22.

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 Michael Johnson, 548 51st Avenue, Apartment 3R, Long Island City, NY 11101.

PAWEL SZURNICKI MEDICAL

PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 01/13/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: e PLLC, 8005 Woodhaven Blvd, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: To Practice e Profession Of Medicine. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of VSTOCKS US LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/2023.

O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Registered Agents Inc., 418 Broadway, STE R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Al-Barakah Properties LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/17/23.

O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 8740 165th St, Apt 4N, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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