THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JANUARY 19, 2023

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

By Michael V. Cusenza

Two gunmen are still roaming free after a wild shooting early Sunday outside a South Richmond Hill nightclub le two men wounded and an innocent pedestrian seriously injured when their getaway vehicle slammed into him, according to police and published reports.

e area outside Impulse Lounge on Liberty Avenue near 129th Street turned into a crime scene around 3:45 a.m. a er one man was shot in the back and another was shot in both legs. Both victims were

rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.

Both shooters hopped into a late-model white BMW coupe and oored it away from the lounge until the vehicle jumped the curb at Liberty Avenue and the Van Wyck Expressway and blasted a pedestrian. e suspects then abandoned the vehicle and ed on foot.

e crash victim was also rushed to Jamaica Hospital. He was listed in critical condition with severe leg trauma, according to a New York Daily News report.

A motive for the shooting was unknown as of press time.

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza

By Forum Sta

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday announced that Meng’s bill seeking to help combat flooding in Queens has been signed into law by President Joe Biden.

The measure, which follows unprecedented flooding that Queens experienced from Hurricane Ida as well as flooding from other storms, authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers – in working with the City of New York – to spend nearly $120 million on upgrading environmental infrastructure in the borough. These include projects to help improve water and wastewater infrastructure, storm water management, and combined sewer overflows.

The legislation was signed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which is Congress’ annual defense spending bill. It was signed after passing the House and Senate last month.

“Hurricane Ida devastated communities across New York, and Queens in particular suffered immense damage to its roads, businesses and homes, and lives were tragically lost,” Schumer said. “I

visited Queens after the storm with Rep. Meng and we worked together to deliver this valuable federal support to improve flood protection and upgrade our water and sewer systems. Now, we are another important step closer to improving water infrastructure and management to help combat future flooding.”

Meng’s legislation allows the Army Corps to spend the money to address the problem of flooding, and now that the measure has been enacted, Congress must allocate the funding for it so that the Corps can move forward with needed improvements.

“During Hurricane Ida in September 2021, severe flooding wreaked havoc on Queens, hitting my congressional district especially hard,” Meng said. “Lives were lost and homes and property sustained extensive damage. In addition, our borough was impacted further over the past year by heavy rainfall that caused additional flooding in our communities. Addressing this problem has got to be a top priority, and the signing of my legislation into law brings us one step closer toward developing solutions and upgrading the infrastructure we need.”

City Department of Finance Publishes Fiscal Year 2024

Tentative Property Tax Assessment Roll

By Forum Sta

City Department of Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack on Tuesday announced the publication of the tentative property tax assessment roll for Fiscal Year 2024. e DOF is required to determine market and assessed values for all properties in the ve boroughs annually and issue a tentative property tax assessment roll each year on Jan. 15.

The tentative assessment roll for FY24 shows the total market value of all New York City properties is $1.479 trillion, a 6.1 percent increase from Fiscal Year 2023. Property values for FY24 reflect real estate activity between Jan. 6, 2022, to Jan. 5, 2023, the taxable status date. Citywide taxable billable assessed value, the portion of market value to which tax rates are applied, increased by 4.4 percent to $286.8 billion.

e tentative roll shows stable citywide construction activity with $8.8 billion in new market value. Manha an, Brooklyn and Queens accounted for 80 percent of overall construction activity in the City, while e Bronx registered the highest percent increase in construction activity among the boroughs at 1.6 percent.

Highlights by tax classes:

Class 1 (1-3 family homes)

• e total market value rose by 8.3 percent citywide to $ 765 billion. Of

this increase, 98.6 percent is a ributable to market forces.

• Assessed values rose by 6 percent to $ 25.1 billion. Class 1 homes in Staten Island had the greatest percent increase in market value, at 12.1 percent, while Brooklyn had the greatest percent increase in assessed value, up 6.3 percent; Queens and Staten Island followed closely at 6.1 percent, respectively.

Class 2 (cooperatives, condominiums and rental apartment buildings)

• e total market value accounted to $ 351.0 billion, an increase by $3.0 billion, or 0.9 percent from Fiscal Year 2023.

• e total assessed value increased by 3.1 percent, to $ 111.7 billion. Manhattan experienced a decline in market values for Class 2, at 1.5 percent; while Bronx experienced the highest taxable billable assessed value percent increase at 11.6 percent.

• Class 2 rentals saw a market value increase of 0.3 percent. Class 2 coopera-

3.1 percent and Bronx had the highest taxable billable assessed value increase at 11.3 percent for rental apartments.

Class 3 (utilities and special franchise properties)

• e market value for Class 3 properties, which includes property with equipment owned by a gas, telephone, or electric company, is tentatively set by the New York State O ce of Real Property Tax Services at $45.4 billion.

Class 4 (commercial properties)

• e total market value increase by 7.4 percent citywide to $317.2 billion. Queens had the smallest percent increase in market value, at 5.3 percent.

• Total assessed values increased by 5.2 percent, to $ 129.7 billion. Commercial properties in Manha an saw the smallest percent increase in assessed value, at 4.7 percent.

• O ce buildings experienced an increase of 7.1 percent in market value. Retail buildings and hotels registered a market value increase of 5.4 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively.

tives and condominiums saw a market value increase of 0.5 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.

• e total assessed value increased by 1.6 percent for Class 2 rental apartments. Manha an had a market value decrease at

• Total assessed value for o ce buildings increased by 4.4 percent. Citywide retail buildings saw a 4-percent increase in taxable billable assessed value. Bronx had the smallest increase in assessed value at 1.5 percent for retail buildings. Citywide assessed value for hotel buildings increased by 7.8 percent.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Assessed values of 1-3 family homes in Queens rose 6.1 percent last year.

Adams Blasted for Proposed Library Cuts

By Forum Sta

Library sta , community leaders, students, and parents on Tuesday evening rallied against proposed budget cuts for libraries citywide in front of Queens Borough Public Library’s Sunnyside branch.

Mayor Eric Adams was ripped for his budget modi cation nancial plan for Fiscal Year 2023, which includes:

• $21.5 million in cuts to Queens Borough Public Library between FY2023FY2026, including $3.9 million in FY2023

• $27.48 million in cuts to New York Public Library, including $4.97 million in FY2023

• $20.79 million in cuts to Brooklyn Public Library between FY2023-FY2026, including $3.758 million in FY2023

e new preliminary budget released for FY 2024 includes more than $19 million in cuts across the New York Public Library, Queens Borough Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library.

“ e librarians at CUNY stand in solidarity with New York City’s public libraries against the mayor’s proposed austerity budget cuts. ese cuts total $33 million over the next two years and will force public libraries to cut hours, sta ng, and services directly impacting the people of New York City,” Frans Albarillo, librarian at Brooklyn College; Mariana Regalado, chairwoman, PSC-CUNY Library Faculty Committee, librarian at Brooklyn College; and Ian Mcdermo , librarian at LaGuardia Community College wrote in a joint statement. “Cu ing funding to New York City public libraries means cu ing essential services, including critical access to the internet for the many who don't have access at home, a er-school tutoring, small business services, children’s books, and storytime, English language instruction, passport services, immigration services, and IDNYC services to our many working-class families. CUNY Librarians stand with our public library colleagues in opposing cuts to library bud-

gets. An investment in public libraries is an investment in our communities, our small businesses, our public organizations, our working-class families, and children: all the things that enrich city life and represent the city’s future.”

According to Queens Borough Public Library’s public testimony, the system will need $270 million over the next 10 years in order to bring all of its branches into a state of good repair. In addition, it will need operating funds to support sta ng levels, hire security guards, fund a erschool programming, and purchase new materials and soware.

“I am a rm believer that libraries are for everyone! e public library is a resource center for many diverse populations in the city, from providing Braille and recorded books to readers with visuals impairments to resource guides for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers,” said public library page member Ru Sosa. “Please make no mistake: Cu ing funds from our public libraries curtails New Yorkers’ access to success. I speak for thousands of young New Yorkers when I say we reject Mayor Eric Adams’s plan to cut funding to our libraries. We call on our elected o cials to stop this indefensible plan. I’m proud to stand here supporting our libraries and everyone living with a disability whose life has been enriched by our public libraries.”

“We call on the City Council to ght this budget tooth and nail, and are speaking out against City Hall’s proposal to slash millions of dollars from the New York, Queens and Brooklyn [library systems]” added student advocate Damien Andrade. “Libraries provide a safe place for New Yorkers to do homework, read their favorite books, and access printers and WiFi. If our City Council members back this budget, our libraries will have to cut their hours, sta , and educational programs. We as New Yorkers depend on this safe place to help receive resources that we might not be able to access at home.”

Pharmacist’s

FINDING OUT ABOUT HORMONES: A NEW OPTION FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

e days of people assigning total trust in their doctors and staying out of their health care decisions are long over. Many factors have contributed to the new-age awareness in personal health care, most notably, rising healthcare cost.

One rising area in personal awareness comes from women’s eagerness to investigate the e ects of their ever changing hormones on overall health.

Hormones provide many clues about women’s health, but diagnostic testing can run into thousands of dollars which prohibits many, both insured and uninsured, from taking advantage of the valuable knowledge to be found in the information provided by the bodies hormones.

Several start up companies launched home testing kits in 2018 with options for testing a ects on stress, thyroid and fertility intel among other conditions.

Experts are predicting that hormonal home testing will grow three to four-fold over the next few years. While we support everyone arming themselves with as much information and safe practice diagnostic tools to participate actively in their own healthcare, we want to make you aware of some of the possible pitfalls.

Home hormone testing de nitely has a nancial advantage. Most of the kits start under $100 and top out at $400, but one the associated drawbacks is not really knowing what to test for to get the answers you’re

seeking could easily be a waste of money on tests that don’t apply.

Additionally, you should always do this testing in conjunction with your doctor’s advice, but be aware that some docs may not have the expertise to interpret results of the hormone panels. It’s critical to work with a physician who can help you make sense of your test results and any follow-up measures needed to be taken in reaction to the results.

Many of the kits also include diet and lifestyle recommendations along with supplement suggestions.

ese kits may very well end up leading to important ndings and diagnoses that women might not otherwise seek out. Some of these discoveries could be life threatening and in turn life saving. e kits can be a great option for women, not just those with curiosity, but for those who might not otherwise get essential lab testing.

We always advocate your interest and active pursuit to ensure your best healthcare options but we caution you to approach every aspect of the process with careful planning, research, and always with supervised, expert medical care.

So if you’re interested in pursuing this new opportunity for women’s health, we ask that you make wise choices and feel free to consult with us in search of the right option for you.

Until next week…

Cops Ticket Cars Idling along Area Thoroughfares

Cops from the City Police Department’s Highway Unit 3 and 106th and 113th precincts recently addressed the continuing hazardous parking conditions on the shoulders of the Belt Parkway and Nassau Expressway, handing out tickets to drivers in idling vehicles waiting to pick up travelers arriving at nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport.

O cers also reminded motorists that if they’re waiting to pick up passengers, use the free cell phone lot, not the dangerous shoulders of two busy borough roadways.

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

Photo Courtesy of Google

Mayor Adams’s plan proposes $21.5 million in cuts to Queens Borough Public Library between FY2023-FY2026, including $3.9 million in FY2023.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Number of Guns Detected at Checkpoints in NYC Region’s Airports Increased in 2022: TSA

By Forum Sta

Transportation Security Administration ocers stopped 39 handguns at New York City area airport checkpoints in 2022, an increase from the 26 guns caught in 2021, TSA o cials announced Tuesday. Each of the rearms were discovered by TSA o cers during the routine screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints.

e biggest jump in the number of rearms was seen at LaGuardia Airport where TSA ocers detected 11 handguns in 2022, up from four caught in 2021. It marked the highest number of guns stopped by TSA at LaGuardia. Westchester County Airport recorded an increase from zero to four guns stopped at the checkpoint from 2021 to 2022. Newark Liberty International Airport recorded a slight increase from 12 to 14 guns. New York Stewart International Airport also saw an uptick from one to three guns caught from 2021 to 2022. John F. Kennedy International Airport was the only airport in the New York City region that noted a decrease in the number of rearms brought to checkpoints in 2022 from nine stopped in 2021 down to seven guns last year.

Nationwide, TSA o cers detected 6,542 rearms at airport security checkpoints in 2022. It was a signi cant increase from the 5,972 detected in 2021 and a spike from the 4,432 detected in 2019 (pre-pandemic). Of the guns caught in 2022, approximately 88 percent were loaded. Firearms were caught at 262 airport checkpoints nationwide.

TSA rearms catches at New York City area airport checkpoints, 2018 to 2022: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 14 11

11 12 14 LaGuardia Airport (LGA) 2 7 3 4 11 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 2 8 2 9 7 Westchester County Airport 0 1 0 0 4 New York Stewart International Airport

(SWF) 0 0 1 1 3 Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) 2 1 0 0 0 Total 20 27 17 26 39

Travelers who bring rearms to the checkpoint are subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapon permit, rearms are not permi ed to be carried onto an airplane. However,

Report Finds Alcohol and Cannabis are Primary Drugs Detected in Impaired Drivers

By Forum Sta

Actions from federal and state agencies are needed to address the continuing problem of impaired driving, including from alcohol, cannabis and multiple drug use, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a new report released ursday.

In the Board-approved safety research report, the agency examined the crash risk associated with di erent drugs — including alcohol, cannabis, prescription, over-the-

counter and other drugs — and the prevalence of their use among drivers. e report also makes recommendations aimed at preventing crashes caused by impaired drivers.

Researchers found alcohol remains the most o en detected drug in impaired driving incidents and cannabis is the second most common.

ey also found that while alcohol is most o en detected alone, cannabis was most o en detected in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Additionally, the report highlights that current testing practices and protocols need to be improved to both be er detect a driver’s drug use and accurately report the prevalence of drug-impaired driving. For example, many jurisdictions halt testing when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is over a certain threshold, losing valuable information on other drugs the driver may have used. Additionally, a lack of standardized drug testing and reporting hinders understanding of the issue and the development of policies that can reduce impaired

driving, as well as treatment options for those with substance abuse disorders.

Recommendations in the report include:

• A requirement that cannabis products have a warning label about driving impairment

• Enhancements to state drug-impaired driving laws

travelers with proper rearm permits can travel legally with their rearms in their checked bags if they follow a few simple guidelines.

Top 10 airports with guns caught by TSA at checkpoints in 2022: Rank Airport (Code) Total

1. Harts eld-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 448

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) 385

3. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 298

4. Nashville International Airport (BNA) 213

5. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 196

6. Orlando International Airport (MCO) 162

7. Denver International Airport (DEN) 156

8. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 150

9. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 134

10. Tampa International Airport 131

Travelers can use the “What Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance, TSA o cials noted.

• Standardization of toxicology testing for the detection of drug use

• Research on how to improve compliance with driving-related warnings on potentially impairing prescription and overthe-counter drugs

“We’ve long known about the devastating impact of alcohol-impaired driving, but this report shows that impairment from other drugs, especially cannabis, is a growing concern that needs to be addressed,” said NTSB Member Tom Chapman.

Photo Courtesy of TSA

A TSA o cer at LaGuardia Airport detected this loaded handgun in a carry-on bag at a security checkpoint in April 2022.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/KOMU News

Alcohol remains the most o en detected drug in impaired driving incidents.

Courtesy of NTSB e full report is available on ntsb.gov.

Borough President to Host Inaugural Queens Technology Fair

By Forum Staff

Despite Queens’ unparalleled diversity, signi cant disparities exist within its burgeoning technology workforce, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. noted this week.

Nearly 30 percent of city residents are Latin and 24 percent are Black, but Latin and Black residents hold just 12 percent and 11 percent of New York City tech jobs, respectively, according to a 2020 study by analytic rm HR&A Advisors. Meanwhile, half of New York City’s population identies as female, but just 35 percent of tech jobs are lled by women.

Richards also announced on Tuesday that in order to help break down those barriers preventing underrepresented communities from a aining jobs in the tech industry, he will host his inaugural Queens Tech Fair this Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Jamaica.

“Historic economic disinvestment across many of our Queens communities has held far too many families back for generations, but the days of being disadvantaged are done,” said Deputy Borough President Ebony Young. “ e Queens Tech Fair is a down payment on our push for change.”

Held at the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation’s state-of-the-art new

Greater Nexus co-working space, located at 89-14 Parsons Blvd., the Queens Tech Fair will feature a litany of resources and interactive workshops geared toward Queens residents from disadvantaged communities with an interest in breaking into the industry, including:

• A free job skills assessment, in partnership with JobsFirstNYC and powered by leading arti cial intelligence rm Skyhive;

• Individualized education and workforce training services, in partnership with All Star Code, Emergent Works, Girls Who Code, Per Scholas, Pursuit and Urban Upbound

• An individualized hiring station, in partnership with entities looking to hire Queens residents, including Google, JetBlue, the Long Island City Partnership, Microso and T-Mobile

• Interactive technology workshops in virtual reality, gaming and more, in partnership with All Star Code, Tech: NYC, Unisphere Ideas and VEDX.

• One-on-one mentoring opportunities, in partnership with Cornell Tech

• A “breaking barriers to entry” workshop, courtesy of Nigeria’s Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology

Queens residents interested in participating in the Queens Tech Fair can

register by visiting bit.ly/queenstechfair.

“My administration is committed to realizing the potential of our borough by making Queens a thriving hub of technology and innovation. That cannot happen, however, until the jobs being created in this sector every day are truly accessible to residents who would have otherwise been shut out,” Richards said. “I couldn’t be more excited to bring the first-ever Queens Tech Fair to Southeast Queens and help unlock the unlimited potential of our borough. If you have an interest in the technology industry, please join us on Saturday.”

In October 2022, Borough President Richards and Deputy Borough President Young launched the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge (QTIC) in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation. e multi-month competition for Queens-based entrepreneurs — o ering free businesses classes, mentorship opportunities and networking sessions, as well as $20,000 in seed funding for ve winning local start-ups — has already received more than 70 applications with more than six weeks still to go before the March 1 application deadline.

Interested start-ups are encouraged to apply for a spot in the QTIC by visiting queensstartup.org.

Photo Courtesy of Google

e rst Queens Tech Fair is this Saturday, Jan. 21, om 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation’s new Greater Nexus co-working space located at 89-14 Parsons Blvd.

Fentanyl Leads to over 2,300 Fatal Overdoses/ Poisonings in NYC in 2022: DEA

By Forum Sta

The Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division and New York City’s Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor on Thursday announced record amounts of fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and fentanyl powder seized in New York during 2022.

The DEA’s New York Division, which covers the State of New York has seized 1.9 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills (a 152-percent increase from 2021) and 1,958 pounds of fentanyl which is the equivalent of 72 million lethal doses. In addition, nearly 30,000 pounds of cocaine, over 700 pounds of heroin, and 1,800 pounds of methamphetamine were seized in 2022.

In 2022, cases handled by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP), in conjunction with its local, state and federal partners, resulted in the seizure of over 950,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, an increase of more than 425 percent over 2021. Mexican drug cartels are increasingly pressing fentanyl into counterfeit pills designed to look like blue M30 oxycodone pills, or in a multitude of colors.

More than 3,000 fatal overdoses occurred in New York City in the 12 months ending in July of 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 8 in 10 of these deaths are due to fentanyl.

SNP seeks to save lives and disrupt narcotics trafficking at the highest level possible by working in close collaboration with DEA New York Division, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, the city’s five elected District Attorneys, and other partners.

In December of 2022 alone, SNP cases conducted with the NYDETF and other partners resulted in the seizure of approximately 175,000 fentanyl pills, according to preliminary data. An analysis of significant investigations by SNP and DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) during this period reveals striking similarities. Defendants resided out of state, with the majority from the West Coast; large quantities of fentanyl pills and powder were transported together for distribution in New York City; vehicles used in transporting fentanyl had out-of-state license plates; loads of narcotics were worth a million dollars or more.

• Dec. 27, 2022: SNP’s Investigators Unit and members of NYDETF Group T-22 seized approximately 20,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills and 3 kilograms of powdered fentanyl concealed in a cardboard diapers box. The fentanyl, estimated to carry a street value of $1.3 million, was recovered from a Ford Bronco

with Florida license plates. The seizure and arrest occurred in a Wendy's Parking Lot at 5805 Broadway in the Bronx. Defendant Sergio Velasquez, of Manassas, Va., allegedly had his 12-year-old daughter with him in the vehicle. He is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree.

• Dec. 19, 2022: Defendants Martin Villanueva-Flores, of Visalia, Calif., Ricardo Torres, of Grandview, Wash., and Francisco Valdez, of Spokane, Wash., were arrested during a sale of fentanyl to an undercover officer in a parking lot of a Sheridan Hotel, located at 1440 Sheridan Boulevard in the Bronx. Members of NYDETF Group T-23 recovered approximately 50,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills marked M30 and 6 kilograms of fentanyl in powder form from a suitcase that Torres retrieved from a GMC Sierra HD Denali. Agents and officers also recovered a semi-automatic pistol from the vehicle, which bore California license plates and was registered to Valdez. All three defendants are charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree. Valdez also faces Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. The fentanyl carried an estimated street value of $2.8 million.

• On Dec. 7, 2022, members of NYDETF Group T-12 arrested one man in Lower Manhattan and recovered approximately 50,000 fentanyl pills worth up to $1 million from inside a vehicle. The pills were contained in nine tightly bound packages inside a cardboard box. Four packages contained light blue fentanyl pills marked with M30 and five packages contained multicolored fentanyl pills marked with M30. David Carranza, of Pixley, Calif., is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees.

“Seizing illegal narcotics is integral to the NYPD’s mission of protecting our city and its people,” said City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “I commend our NYPD investigators, New York City’s Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the DEA, and all of our law enforcement partners for their herculean work this year – and I know that through our continuing collaboration we’ll gain even more momentum holding criminals accountable and keeping New Yorkers safe in the year ahead.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “I commend the diligent efforts of all the partners involved in the record amount of seizures of these lethal drugs over the past year. Each arrest, each seizure is saving lives and decreases the additional crime that surrounds these illegal and dangerous drug operations. There is zero tolerance for those who sell deadly, illegal drugs, and we will continue to aggressively target and disrupt these trafficking organizations and put those responsible behind bars.”

Nationwide, DEA seized over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder this calendar year. The DEA Laboratory estimates that these seizures represent more than 379 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl, which is enough deadly doses of fentanyl to kill every American.

Most of the fentanyl trafficked by the Sinaloa and CJNG Cartels is being massproduced at secret factories in Mexico with chemicals sourced largely from China. In 2021, the DEA issued a Public Safety Alert on the widespread drug trafficking of fentanyl in the form of fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills. These pills are made to look identical to real prescription medications—including OxyContin®, Percocet®, and Xanax®—but

only contain filler and fentanyl and are often deadly. Fake pills are readily found on social media. No pharmaceutical pill bought on social media is safe. The only safe medications are ones prescribed directly to you by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

Just last month, DEA alerted the public to a sharp nationwide increase in the lethality of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills. DEA laboratory testing in 2022 revealed that six out of ten fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This is an increase from DEA’s announcement in 2021 that four out of ten fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills contain a potentially deadly dose.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are mourning precious lives claimed by deadly fentanyl last year.” Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said. “Fentanyl saturates the illegal drug supply in New York City and is a factor in roughly 80 percent of overdose deaths. Even casual or occasional illegal drug use could be fatal, and with an explosion in counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, a single tablet purchased online or on social media could be deadly.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said, “To put that into perspective, throughout 2022 we seized enough deadly doses of fentanyl in New York for more than three times the population of New York State. A deadly dose is just two milligrams of fentanyl and laboratory analysis shows that six out of ten fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills are lethal. New York has always been a hub for drug trafficking organizations feeding New York City and the Northeast and we are lasered-in on cutting off the head of the snake by defeating the two Mexican drug cartels responsible – the Sinaloa and Jalisco (CJNG) Cartels.”

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Photograph of some of the 50,000 fentanyl pills seized in Manha an on Dec. 7, 2022.

Organizer of Home-Invasion Robbery Crew Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

was already serving following his conviction for a 1986 double homicide. Johnson was convicted of the federal robbery charges following a one-week jury trial in May 2022. Johnson’s four co-conspir ators previously pleaded guilty to related offenses.

As proven at trial and detailed in public filings, in March 2019 Johnson, 54, was serving consecu tive 20 years-to-life sentences for two murders in state prison when he organized a robbery crew with the goal of targeting Chinese-American victims. Johnson connected his half-brother John Martin with Shi Zhen Lin, a Maspeth resident and former inmate who Johnson knew from prison.

Lin’s role in the conspiracy was to identify Chi nese-American targets for the crew to rob. Mar tin recruited other members to join the crew and together they committed or attempted to commit multiple robberies in Queens, Long Island and New Jersey. In May 2019, Corey Mobley, Brandon Daniels, and Martin committed a home-invasion robbery in Little Neck.

During the robbery, Mobley and Daniels held at gunpoint a group of women and children and sexu ally assaulted one of the victims.

By Forum Staff

An Auburn, N.Y. man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiring to commit robbery and using force and threats in furtherance of robbery, in his role as lead organizer of a home-invasion crew, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. The sentence will run consecutive to Johnson’s two 20 years-to-life state prison sentences that he

Johnson’s co-conspirators have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from seven years, for Lin, to 19 years for Mobley.

“Lamonte Johnson was not deterred by prison walls from organizing armed home-invasion rob beries, but today’s sentence ensures he has been held accountable for these vicious crimes, and that there is justice for his victims,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

City Supports State in Fight against Gun Violence

By Forum Staff

The City Department of Law this week has filed two amicus briefs with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in support of New York state’s legal fight against gun violence in two cases — Antonyuk v. Hochul and National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. v. James (NSSF v. James) — that seek to invalidate common sense gun laws that protect the public. One amicus brief — in the case Antonyuk v. Hochul — argues for the reversal of a court ruling blocking provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) that prohibits guns in sensitive locations and sets new gun-licensing requirements for concealed carry permits. A separate amicus brief — in the case NSSF v. James — argues in support of a lower court ruling upholding a state “nuisance” statute, which was used by New York City to stop retailers from illegally selling ghost guns and the kits used to make them to city residents.

The CCIA was enacted following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, which ruled that a state law requiring proper cause to carry a concealed weapon in New York State was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs obtained a court ruling blocking certain pieces of the CCIA’s “sensitive location” restrictions

and licensure requirements, which the Second Circuit has stayed pending State Attorney General Tish James’s appeal.

In the Antonyuk v. Hochul amicus brief, the City supports the appeal filed by James, arguing that the district court erred in its ruling because it ignored a long tradition of local regulations of firearms, which existed since the state’s founding. The brief argues that these regulations provide strong evidence that the original public understanding of the right to bear arms tolerated appropriate limita -

tions in certain sensitive locations, similar to the sensitive location provisions in the CCIA. The brief also makes the case that the CCIA’s good-moral-character licensure standard, and attendant disclosures required of license applicants, were fully consistent with the recent Supreme Court ruling in Bruen because they work to ensure that only law-abiding citizens are authorized to carry firearms.

In the NSSF v. James amicus brief, the state’s largest cities — New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — join

forces to support New York State in its defense of a state law allowing cities and private individuals to sue a member of the gun industry for unlawful or unreasonable business practices that cause harm in the state. Last year, the City sued five online ghost-gun retailers under this “nuisance law” to stop the companies from illegally selling these guns and the kits to make them to New Yorkers. To date, the City has negotiated agreements with four companies and obtained a preliminary injunction against the fifth to stop the illegal sale of these ghost guns and kits.

“The Concealed Carry Improvement Act and the State’s nuisance statutes are both critical to damming the rivers feeding the sea of gun violence and keeping us all safe,” Adams said.

The amicus brief supports James — who is defending the law in a challenge brought by the gun industry — arguing that a lower court was correct in holding that the statute is consistent with federal law and constitutional. The brief states that, on average, in New York State, 870 people die and thousands more are wounded every year from gun violence, and the law helps cities target the sources of illegal firearms. Improving even a single gun dealer’s sales practices can materially reduce the availability of illegal weapons in an entire community, according to the brief.

File Photo

Lamonte Johnson was sentenced this week to eight years in federal prison.

File Photo

“[T]oday’s sentence ensures [Johnson] has been held accountable for these vicious crimes, and that there is justice for his victims,” said Brooklyn U.S. A orney Peace.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography O ce

“ e Concealed Carry Improvement Act and the State’s nuisance statutes are both critical to damming the rivers feeding the sea of gun violence and keeping us all safe,” Mayor Adams said.

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH

SOLD

Hi-Rise Condo 3rd Heritage House, 5 rms, 3 bedrms, 2 new bths, huge terr, hardwd rs, new kit, totally renovated, Call Now !

HOARD BEACH

Corner 97 St &162 Ave, vacant land, 40x100, zoned for 1 family Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

2 Fam det, 10 rms, 5 bedrms, 1 car gar pvt dr, updated kit & bath, lg yard, Call Now !

5 rm, garden co-op, 2 bedrms, 1 bth, just painted, move in cond, 2nd , Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

Hi-Rise 2nd , 5 rm, 2 bedrm, 2 bth, formal ding rm, updated kit & bth. Call Now !

WOODHAVEN

Excel Cond, 4 bedrm Colonial, wood burning replace, pool w/deck, gar & pvt drive, perfect for entertaining, Call Now!

Low Ranch, 6 rms, 3 bedrms, full basement, private drive, Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

1 fam, det raised ranch, 8 rms, 3 bedrms, 2 bths, pvt drive, full bsmt, Call Now !

Seeds Mental Health Counseling PLLC, Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/30/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 67-04 Myrtle Ave., PMB 1564, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Mental Health Counseling

Linden Villa Group LLC led w/ SSNY on 8/25/22. O ce: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 33-35 Farrington St., #3A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful.

DREAMSWORL RENTAL LLC led w/ SSNY on 11/30/22. O ce: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 414 BEACH 30TH STREET, FAR ROCWAY, NY, 11691, USA. Purpose: any lawful.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a license number 1354999 for an on premises license has been applied for by Ma Kin Inc. d/b/a Kam Rai to sell liquor, wine, beer and cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 43-11 28th Avenue, Astoria, N.Y. 11103 for on premises consumption.

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.

Legal Notices

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.

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. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/30/22. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: Phoenix Management 23 LLC, Attn: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. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity

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. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

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