A Li le Neck man has been sentenced today to 15 years in prison for kidnapping his estranged wife from her place of employment—in full view of stunned onlookers—and for strangling her on a previous date, Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Monday.
In January 2021, Yaspal Persaud, 29, led police on a multi-county, high-speed chase before he was apprehended with the victim at a Howard Beach motel.
Persaud was convicted in August at the close of a bench trial on charges of kidnapping in the second degree, criminal contempt in the rst degree, unlawful eeing a police o cer in a motor vehicle in the third
degree, reckless driving, strangulation in the second degree, menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. On Monday, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by ve years’ post-release supervision.
According to the charges, on the morning of Dec. 24, 2020, o cers conducting a wellness check at the Persaud residence in Li le Neck learned he had repeatedly choked his wife the previous night when she told him she was leaving him. Persaud was arrested and an order of protection was issued on his estranged wife’s behalf.
According to court testimony, on the morning of Jan. 22, 2021, the defendant
waited in the parking lot of a CityMD o ce on Northern Boulevard near 192nd Street where the victim worked and accosted the woman as she arrived. In front of several people and in violation of the order of protection, Persaud confronted the victim as she walked to the front door of her place of employment. Persaud grabbed the victim, pushed her into the backseat of his black Mercedes-Benz and drove away, with a door ajar and the victim’s legs hanging out.
A er Persaud had driven around with the victim for several hours, the NYPD’s Technical Assistance Response Unit was able to track his vehicle to a location near the Grand Central Parkway. Persaud then led detectives on a high-speed pursuit and eventually evaded apprehension. TARU
detectives later tracked the cell phones of Persaud and the victim to the Surfside Motel on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, where detectives from the 111th Precinct were able to rescue the victim and arrest Persaud.
“We have prosecuted domestic violence cases aggressively and will continue doing so. Long prison sentences, however, such as the one imposed today, come a er the physical harm has been done and the o en permanent emotional damage has already been in icted,” Katz said. “I urge victims of domestic violence who need safety planning services, or help in securing an order of protection or shelter placement, to call us or to contact a Family Justice Center immediately.”
A Howard Beach man has been sentenced to three years in prison for participating in a $4 million mass mailing scheme that tricked consumers into paying fees for falsely promised cash prizes, federal prosecutors announced on ursday.
As part of his sentence, Sco Gammon, 48, was also ordered to forfeit $139,611.97.
According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, from August 2014 through August 2019, Gammon engaged in a direct-mail scheme that sent fraudulent prize noti cation mailings to thousands of consumers. e mailings induced consumers to pay a fee, purportedly in return for a large cash prize. None of the consumers who sent a fee ever received such a prize.
Gammon in March 2022 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Two other defendants also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for participating in the scheme. Christopher King, 37, copped to the crime on Sept. 15, 2021, and Natasha Khan, 39, pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2021. King and Khan are awaiting sentencing.
“Financially exploiting the elderly and
other victims through fraudulent prize schemes is a form of abuse and deserving of punishment as today’s sentence demonstrates,” said Brooklyn U.S. A orney Breon Peace. “A term in prison should deter others from preying on the vulnerable.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Daniel Brubaker added, “Today’s sentencing brings to a close the investigation of Mr. Gammon, who devised a fake prize promotion scheme designed to defraud older Americans and steal from those who believed they had won
a prize. Unfortunately, for those who participated, they realized too late that they had been swindled. When a prize did not materialize, and their money was not returned, they became victims. Postal Inspectors remind consumers to be ever vigilant and play an active role in protecting their money. If you’re asked to pay for a prize you didn’t enter to win, it’s a scam.”
Peace noted that the Department of Justice seeks to prevent the widespread losses seniors and other consumers su er from
fraud schemes. e best method to prevent fraud is to share information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of nancial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-F UD-11 (1-833372-8311). is DOJ hotline, managed by the O ce for Victims of Crime, is sta ed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the rst step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain nancial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. e hotline is sta ed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
By Forum Sta
The State Senate last week advanced legislation to help lower the cost of living and increase affordability for New Yorkers, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) announced Tuesday.
The bills include the Toll Payer Protection Act (S.492-A, Addabbo co-sponsor) and the Low-Interest Rate Program (S.935).
“Many residents struggle with increasing costs of essential goods and services, so ensuring our cashless tolling system is more fair and efficient will offer drivers protections from unexpected late fees that negatively impact their finances and livelihood,” said Addabbo.
Cashless tolling (E-ZPass) on bridges, tunnels, and roadways has confused many drivers, particularly “Tolls by Mail” for individuals without E-ZPass. It often takes weeks for toll
notices to be delivered, if they are received at all. Drivers who fail to receive the Tolls by Mail notice can incur significant late fees and fines. These inconsistent or unexplained fees have resulted in suspended car registrations, traffic stops, seized cars, and stranded drivers due to alleged unpaid Tolls by Mail fees. The Toll Payer Protection Act establishes a more accessible notification process for Tolls by Mail, establishes appropriate penalties for nonpayment of toll fees, and prevents the suspension of car registrations due to alleged unpaid fees. Addabbo reiterated that he and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) continue to urge the MTA to implement the Queens resident’s reimbursement for tolls on the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge this year.
“The Low-Interest Rate Program will make homeownership for young professionals more attainable and affordable as first-time home buyers,” added Addabbo. “Too many talented, future leaders are being priced out of communities in our state. This critical program offers a smart solution to help retain the skills and expertise of graduates within our communities now and in the future.”
The Low-Interest Rate Program (LIRP) expands eligibility of the state of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) to graduates of post-secondary education or comparable apprenticeship/workforce training programs for 7 years after graduation. Qualified individuals would be eligible for a 30-year mortgage at a rate of 1.5% below that offered for the 10-year standard interest rate when purchasing owner-occupied residential properties in economically depressed cities under 1 million or facing population loss as determined by the NYS Department of Homes and Community Renewal.
These affordability bills passed by the Senate were delivered to the Assembly for consideration and action.
By Forum Sta
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced earlier this month that Richard Davenport and Neville Brown have been sentenced on manslaughter charges in connection with four fatal shootings that took place in South Richmond Hill and Ozone Park between 2015 and 2018.
Davenport was sentenced a combined total of 29 years in prison, consisting of consecutive 14.5-year sentences, and Brown to 15 years.
Davenport, 46, of Jamaica, and Brown, 42, of Hollis, each pleaded guilty in November to two counts of manslaughter in the rst degree before Queens Supreme
Court Justice Michael B. Aloise. Davenport and Brown each pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a third fatal shooting, while Davenport also pled guilty to manslaughter in a fourth fatal shooting.
According to the charges, security camera video footage from Jan. 16, 2018, shows a Mercedes Benz stopped on 105th Street near 135th Avenue in South Richmond Hill at roughly 9:30 pm. Davenport is observed exiting the vehicle, approaching Omaree Morrison, 19, as he walked along 135th Avenue, and fatally shooting Morrison.
A few weeks earlier, according to the charges, on Dec. 19, 2017, at approximately 3:00 am, Brown, driving the same Mercedes Benz, with Davenport in the front
passenger seat, rides several times past a Cadillac Escalade parked on 125th Street and Atlantic Avenue in South Richmond Hill. Security camera video footage shows the Mercedes parking and later Davenport and Brown ge ing out and approaching the Cadillac from opposite sides. Davenport is then observed ring several times into the vehicle, striking Dail Ramessar, 21. Both defendants are seen eeing the scene in the Mercedes. Ramessar later died at a nearby hospital.
On July 15, 2016, at approximately 12:10 am, according to the charges, Raaid Ali, 22, was seated in the driver’s seat of his car parked in front of his residence at 10760 114th Street, South Richmond Hill,
when Davenport approached the vehicle and shot him multiple times in the torso, fatally wounding him. Davenport ed in a vehicle driven by Brown.
In a similar shooting, on October 4, 2015, defendant Richard Davenport shot the victim, Vickiram Ramlogan, 27, multiple times while he was seated in his car parked in front of his residence at 111-21 120th Street, Ozone Park, at approximately 8:15 pm.
“Two very dangerous men are going to prison for a long time and the streets of Queens will be safer as a result,” Katz said. “My number one priority will continue to be ge ing illegal guns, and those who use them, o our streets.”
All of us are familiar with the various health awareness campaigns that occur each month.
January has several and one we’d like to talk with you about is National Glaucoma Awareness.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. It is the optic nerve that supplies visual information from your brain directly to your eyes.
Normally, a clear uid, known as aqueous humor, passes through these channels and lls the front part of the eye. If however, there is a blockage or partial obstruction, the pressure in your eye may increase. is can lead to damage of the optic nerve and loss of sight.
By Forum Staff
The State Senate recently approved legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and treatment for patients in New York, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) announced Tuesday.
The approved bills include measures to cap the cost of insulin to $30; increase seniors’ access to prescription drugs; require notifications of drug cost increases to patients; and create a wholesale drug importation program.
The prescription and health affordability package of legislation includes:
• S.504 (Addabbo co-sponsor): Lowers the current cap on cost sharing for insulin from $100 per insulin prescription per month to $30 per month.
• S.599 (Addabbo co-sponsor): Requires prescription drug manufacturers to provide at least 60-day notice of their intent to raise wholesale prescription drug costs to the Department of Financial Services if the increase is 10 percent or more of the total cost of the drug.
• S.604 (Addabbo co-sponsor): Establishes an importing program for wholesale prescription drugs from countries with consumer safety comparable to the U.S. drug supply chain and where significant consumer cost savings are possible.
• S.966 (Addabbo co-sponsor): Removes the barrier that requires all participants to have a Medicare Part D plan and allows those who have comparable coverage to be eligible for EPIC, if they otherwise meet the qualifications.
• S.608A: Prohibits price gouging for drugs subject to a shortage, and holds any party in the chain of distribution liable to civil penalties, for charging an excessive price.
• S.982: Allows unregistered pharmacies from outside New York to ship, mail, or deliver prescription drugs to pharmacies in-state, in cases of a specific patient need or a declared public health emergency.
• S.1267: Ensures patients do not need to try and fail repeatedly on inappropriate medications, and that step therapy protocols to do not cause significant delays in access to the prescribed medication. Step therapy protocols that ignore prior failures or cause long delays can result in adverse events, including disease progression and relapse.
“Families shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying their household bills and maintaining their health,” Addabbo said. “Many prescription drugs, like insulin, are life-sustaining medicines which are a necessity, not an option. I am proud to co-sponsor bills aimed at lowering the cost and improving accessibility for critical treatments, and saving the lives of many residents in my district.”
The bills now go to the Assembly for consideration.
e most common form of this disease is primary open-angle glaucoma, which is especially dangerous because it has no symptoms except gradual vision loss. For this reason it is imperative that you do yearly comprehensive eye exams so that vision changes can be detected and monitored.
Acute-angle closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately:
Severe eye pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, redness in the eye, sudden vision disturbances including blurred vision, and or seeing colored rings around lights.
Glaucoma can be caused by uid buildup in the channels of your iris or cornea.
While glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, no one knows what causes the increase of pressure (IOP) in the eyes. IOP can be caused by dilating eye drops, medications like corticosteroids, high blood pressure or reduced blood ow to the optic nerve. People 60 and over are at increased risk and for African-Americans the risk grows a er 40. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease also have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Your pharmacist can be an e ective partner in the treatment of glaucoma by monitoring adherence, counseling patients on the proper use of eyedrops, and recommending preservativefree or combination products when problems arise. Take advantage of our knowledge and willingness to help!
Until next week…
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) on Tuesday hosted the Met Council’s Food Distribution for First Responders and Veterans sponsored by the Sol Goldman Charitable Trust at her Ozone Park district o ce.
Ariola called the event “a great success.”
“ anks to our partners at the Met Council for helping to make this possible,” the councilwoman added. “And a big thank you to our local American Legion members, who came by and picked up food to deliver to disabled vets in our district.”
By Forum Sta
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on ursday that a St. Albans man has been charged a er a search warrant executed at his 112th Road home uncovered an arsenal of rearms and ammunition, as well as more than eight ounces of cocaine and 625 tablets of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or “molly.”
Kevin Sygney, 37, was arraigned on a 55-count complaint charging him with criminal possession of a weapon in the rst, second and third degrees and criminal possession of controlled substances in the rst, second and third degrees.
According to the charges, at approxi-
mately 7:15 p.m., on Jan. 17, police executed a court-authorized search warrant on Sygney’s place of residence. Inside, they found Sygney and recovered $1,746.25 from him. Inside the residence police also found:
• One .40 caliber Taurus pistol loaded with 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition
• Five .9mm caliber Glock pistols
• One .9mm caliber Spring eld Armory pistol
• One .40 caliber Glock pistol loaded with 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition
• Two .223 caliber AR pistols,
• One .32 caliber revolver,
• One .45 caliber Zenith Zig pistol
• One .357 caliber Glock.
• One .40 caliber Glock pistol load-
ed with 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition
• One .44 caliber revolver loaded with ve rounds of .44 caliber ammunition in the cylinder
• One 7.62 caliber x 39 Romarm/ Cugir pistol loaded with 27 rounds of 7.62 caliber x 39 ammunition
• Two .9mm caliber Ruger pistols
• One .44 caliber Ruger revolver
• One round of .40 caliber ammunition
• One 30-round magazine loaded with 1 round of .762 caliber ammunition
• Two bullet proof vests
• Eight rounds of .40 caliber ammunition
• 29 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition
• 49 rounds of .9mm ammunition
• ree 30-round magazines
• One 10-round magazine
• One 15-round magazine containing 15 rounds of .9mm caliber ammunition,
• One 30-round magazine containing 27 7.62 caliber x 39 rounds of ammunition
Also recovered was a backpack containing the following:
• Four vacuum sealed plastic bags containing a quantity of cocaine weighing in excess of eight ounces from the large pocket of the bag
• One plastic bag containing 625 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine tablets weighing approximately 218 grams
“We will not relent in the war against illegal guns. We will continue ghting this plague, on the streets and in the courts, with everything we have,” Katz said.
If convicted, Sygney faces up to 30 years in prison.
Amid another mass shooting and revealing that a Chicago-area company, WEE1 Tactical’s marketing and advertising might actually be breaking Federal Trade Commission laws, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday urged the agency to open an investigation.
Schumer said the company, which is peddling a “JR-15” for sale—meant to be the children’s version of the AR-15—is us-
ing tactics and optics that could violate the law, including implicit and explicit uses.
“The last thing we need to be doing is shrinking deadly weapons of war and marketing them to young children,” Schumer said. “We must stop the raining of bullets on children and rein in this horrendous and gross marketing campaign, so others, just like it, don’t pop up. The FTC has the power and the proof to take a hard look at this dangerous ‘JR-15’ marketing effort.”
Schumer speci cally asked the FTC to look into the ‘fact that people under the age of 18 cannot legally own a gun, so why is this company so fervently marketing to kids?’ Schumer said this is a serious question with federal consequences as he unveiled a public le er to the FTC and made the case for action. Schumer said that the bo om line here is simple: with the epidemic of youth gun violence and a series of recent mass shootings, an idea like this— a children’s AR-15—should never see the light of day.
According to the company’s advertising, “…the JR-15 is the rst in a line of shooting platforms that will assist families” and “…functions like a modern sporting ri e, however and most importantly its small size, lightweight & rugged polymer construction and ergonomics are geared towards smaller enthusiasts.” It depicts a very small child operating the weapon with these claims.
Schumer hinted to federal action last week when he told the Daily News that the marketing of the JR-15 is a “serious question with federal consequences.”
In a letter to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan, Schumer urged the agency “to investigate the advertising of WEE1 Tactical, an Illinois-based gunmaker, and the
commercial debut of their ‘JR-15’ assault weapon. The .22 caliber long, JR-15, is ‘smaller and lighter’ than a standard AR15, but WEE1 Tactical claimed in a November 2021 press release that the JR-15 ‘operates just like Mom and Dad’s gun.’ In addition, the company’s website features a small child, perhaps younger than five years-old, operating the weapon. The FTC should investigate both the company’s website and the firm’s larger marketing and advertising practices.
“WEE1 Tactical showcased the JR-15 this month at the annual SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is abundantly clear that the rm is making an explicit e ort to appeal to children in order to boost sales of this deadly weapon. While WEE1 Tactical's marketing a empts to make the weapon appear safe for use by children, it is clearly no di erent than a deadly AR-15, which has already in icted so much harm and unthinkable trauma on the children of this country.”
Schumer said he’s calling on the FTC “to examine and investigate WEE1 Tactical to determine whether their marketing and advertising is not merely o ensive, but also both deceptive and dangerously misleading to consumers.”
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday that a Jamaica man has been indicted for allegedly pimping a 14-year-old girl in January 2022. Troy Siddons, 38, was separately indicted on gun charges related to an incident in September.
Siddons was arraigned Monday on a 15-count indictment charging him with sex tra cking of a child, sex tra cking, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution in the rst and second degrees and rape in the second degree. e defendant was separately indicted on four counts of criminal posses-
sion of a weapon in the second degree, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a rearm.
According to the charges, the defendant met the 14-year-old victim at a party on or about January 16, 2022 and exchanged phone numbers with her. Siddons then met the victim at the Van Wyck Hotel and paid her cash in exchange for sexual intercourse. Siddons then met with the girl on another occasion at the Best Western Inn where he purchased the victim, took her and held her against her will. e defendant told the victim she owed him and his associate a debt of
$300 and coerced her to engage in sex acts with paying customers to obtain the sum. e charges further state that Siddons arranged customers and he and his associates collected cash from them for sex with the victim. Siddons refused to let the victim leave and refused provide medical care for the victim when she complained of tremendous pain as a result of the sexual encounters. e victim was rescued from a home in Brooklyn, where she was forced to reside with her tra ckers.
Additionally, the rearms charges state that on Sept. 27, 2022, police executed a search warrant on Siddons’ borough resi-
dence. Police observed Siddons and a codefendant inside of the location. Siddons jumped out a second-story window in an a empt to escape. Two loaded and operable rearms, along with a bullet proof vest, were recovered from inside of the defendant’s bedroom of the residence.
“I have put signi cant resources into nding and helping those who are being forced into sex work. ose who will prey upon the vulnerable should know that in Queens, we will not relent in this responsibility,” Katz said.
If convicted, Siddons faces up to 40 years in prison.
Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin Kim on Monday announced the creation of the $75 million NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund, the largest public-private loan fund directed at small businesses in the city’s history.
Approximately 1,500 local businesses will be served by the fund — with loans up to $250,000 at a market-leading rate of 4 percent — unleashing unprecedented resources at a critical time in the city’s economic recovery for small businesses too often underserved by nancial relief programs. Flexible terms address historic barriers to ensure broad access to the fund by eliminating credit score minimums, not requiring application fees, serving start-up and growth-stage businesses, and leveraging the deep roots of local organizations to reach businesses in BIPOC and immigrant communities.
“ is loan fund will unlock opportunities for businesses hit hardest by the pandemic by o ering exible and a ordable nancing to help businesses recover and grow. Our team and dedicated partners are commi ed to ensuring local small businesses, particularly those too o en excluded from pandemic-era relief, use this fund to propel themselves forward,” Kim said.
e Opportunity Fund is made possible
through a historic partnership between the City of New York and Goldman Sachs, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF), and local community development nancial institutions (CDFIs).
Adams noted that small businesses powered New York City through the pandemic, and they are leading the way during this recovery. e new Opportunity Fund will support a more inclusive and diverse economy
by enabling business owners to:
• Apply for loans ranging from $2,000 to $250,000;
• Pay a below-market xed interest rate of 4 percent, regardless of loan size;
• Pay only interest for the rst six months for start-up businesses, regardless of loan size;
• Use the loan to re nance existing high-interest debt, expand their customer base, hire new employees, and more; and
• Access free long-term business supports through SBS.
CDFI partners, including Accompany Capital, Ascendus, BOC Capital, Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), NDC, Pursuit Community Finance, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, and Trufund, will provide application assistance and nocost nancial advice, utilizing a novel model of local engagement to reach businesses in greatest need. Additional CDFIs can apply to partner on the fund. To further the fund’s reach in hard-hit communities, SBS will launch a major door-to-door outreach campaign throughout the ve boroughs.
To be eligible for a loan, businesses must have less than $5 million in annual revenue and be located within New York City. Applications to the Opportunity Fund opened online Monday, and those interested can learn more about the Fund by calling SBS’s hotline at (888) SBS-4NYC. In addition, the City will o er webinars to help businesses learn about the application process and the steps involved. e webinars began on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our city, and any public-private partnership that works to support and sustain them is a positive step in the right direction,” said City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth). “I applaud the mayor and SBS for creating this program to help keep our small businesses alive and thriving.”
Mayor Eric Adams recently outlined his vision for a “New York City Women’s Health Agenda” aimed at dismantling decades of systemic inequity that have negatively impacted the health of women across the five boroughs.
The Adams administration’s vision to create a model for the future of women’s health across the five boroughs includes:
• Relaunching the Sexual Education Task Force: Convened by the New York City Commission on Gender Equity, in partnership with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Equity, the task force will educate the youngest New Yorkers and create a culture of sexual wellness and inclusivity. Additionally, the task force will work to update and implement 11 recommendations in its 2018 report — including ensuring school staff have basic competencies around inclusivity and respect and that they can also link students to appropriate sexual health resources outside the school setting, as well as increasing broad community support of sexual health education through public awareness campaigns and information sessions. The task force will also provide an annual report of its activities.
• Immediately Committing to Tracking Rates of Different Diseases: Diseases tracked would include cancer, mental health conditions, heart disease, and, possibly, additional conditions, as well as life expectancy and other key indicators differentiated by age, race, and additional key factors. The Adams administration will leverage findings to shape the work that city agencies carry out regarding women’s health. The city will also report on these indicators in an effort to ensure
the tracking of progress regarding the state of women’s health in New York City. Additionally, the administration will continue to champion research in this space.
• Expanding Access to Medication
Abortion at New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
Clinics: The Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic in the Bronx, DOHMH has already begun to provide abortion pills to individuals. Several additional neighborhood DOHMH clinics in Crown Heights
(Brooklyn), Central Harlem (Manhattan), and Jamaica (Queens) are scheduled to begin dispensing this medication by the end of the year. New York City Health + Hospitals’ (H+H) 11 public hospitals citywide already offer medication abortion.
• Launching a Provider Education Campaign on Maternal Health: The campaign will focus on supporting those with hypertension and diabetes and will entail direct outreach to providers in target neighborhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan that experience health and other socioeconomic disparities. The 20week campaign will launch in the summer of 2023.
• Launching of a Family-Based Substance Use Disorder Program at H+H: The substance use disorder program will focus on providing support to those who are pregnant and/or parenting and struggling with addiction, while additionally providing their children with mental health support and other services. The program will integrate family medicine, behavioral health, and addiction medicine across a continuum of care. Concurrently, the program will also address primary care, as well as psychosocial and mental health needs of children. In doing so, this model will support the healthy, long-term development of children affected by parental substance abuse.
Last year, the Open Streets program allowed New Yorkers to enjoy more vibrant public space at over 150 locations that covered a total of approximately 300 blocks.
Cultural organizations are being encouraged to use Open Streets and other public spaces for events and performances. NYC DOT’s Public Space Programming initiative also assists cultural organizations with accessing spaces where they can present programming. In addition to today’s announcement at the Weeksville Heritage Center, the Department Cultural A airs today also sent noti cation to the more than 1,000 groups within its network encouraging them to consider this opportunity to expand cultural access for all New Yorkers.
30, 2023, the application deadline is Jan. 31, 2023. For Open Streets launching a er June 30, the deadline is April 14, 2023.
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Cultural A airs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo on Tuesday joined forces to call a ention to the opportunities available for cultural organizations and community groups to host, manage, and program activities along New York City’s growing network of Open Streets. e program,
which has already transformed hundreds of City streets into car-free public space open to all, encourages a range of activities that promote economic development, support schools, and provide new avenues for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. e Open Streets application, with a rst deadline of Jan. 31, can be found at h ps://survey123.arcgis.com/sha re/25f86e16a93148bbb75bc42e09b720f9.
As Open Street partners, not-pro t community groups and institutions are eligible for city funding to assist in operations and maintenance (see details below). In 2023, as the program expands further, both new and returning partners need to apply to DOT to manage Open Streets in their communities. Returning partners can complete a streamlined application by providing their 2022 application ID. New partners must submit a full application. Cultural groups can apply either to serve as a steward of their own Open Street locations they identify within their communities, or to partner with other program partners to provide programming on existing Open Streets locations. For Open Streets launching on or before June
Under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council, NYC DOT is commi ing over $5 million in annual funding to community partners for operations and maintenance of Open Streets. e funding is scalable based on the size and scale of an Open Street, as well as equity goals set forth by the NYC Streets Plan. To receive funding, community partners must be a not-for-pro t. rough its contractors, NYC DOT can o er a full suite of operational and maintenance services for up to 30 high need Open Streets locations. Community partners do not need to apply for these services and all applications will be considered to receive them. Sites are chosen by considering partner capacity, as well as equity goals set forth in the NYC Streets Plan.
NYC’s Public Space Programming initiative brings activities to public spaces, such as Open Streets. e initiative o ers a variety of programming that includes arts, culture, tness, and educational experiences. NYC DOT has created a catalogue of Public Space Programming providers that are available to activate Open Streets, plazas, and other public spaces. Community groups and cultural organizations should visit Public Space Programming for more information and to explore the catalogue.
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the launch of “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds” (B4), a citywide initiative to combat the rise in hate crimes in many communities across the city, and foster mutual understanding between New York’s diverse neighborhoods. e program, which builds on an initiative that was launched when Mayor Adams served as Brooklyn borough president, aims to organize 1,000 meals citywide with a group of 10-12 diverse New Yorkers at each meal.
Organized in partnership with e People’s Supper (TPS), UJA-Federation of New York, and several community-based organizations, 'Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ will empower everyday New Yorkers to host dinners and break down silos between communities. Working with the Mayor’s O ce to Prevent Hate Crimes (OPHC), alongside the Mayor’s Community A airs Unit (CAU), and O ce of Faith-Based and Community Partnership (OFCP), TPS will coordinate large-scale trainings, provide support and coaching to dinner hosts, and develop a toolkit and resource guide, and assist with matching participants to hosts. UJA-Federation of New York will provide reimbursements of up to $150 for those who
host dinners of 10-12 people.
“Hate is a virus, fueled by the failure to see our common bonds, but we are going to do something revolutionary to eradicate this hate: Break bread and talk to each other,” said Adams.” is year, we are going to organize 1,000 meals and conversations across the city, bringing everyday New Yorkers from di erent backgrounds together to listen and learn from each other. No ma er
where we are from, who we love, what religion we worship, or what language we speak, we are all bound together by one thing: We are all New Yorkers, and together, we are going to defeat the pipeline of hate.”
In January 2020, then-Brooklyn Borough President Adams and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn and Queens) announced the creation of the ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, following a signi cant rise
in anti-Semitic hate crimes. e inaugural dinner of the initiative was held later that month in Jackson Heights, and took place during Peace Week, which features a series of events throughout the city dedicated to promoting peace and unity across cultures. e initiative was put on hold due to the disruption of in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We ght racism and prejudice through opportunities like this to listen and learn from one another, and there is no be er way to do that than by sharing a meal,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “ is program invites New Yorkers to challenge their biases by stepping out of their comfort zones and echo chambers and stepping into someone else's shoes.”
“ is administration continues to commit itself to pursue holistic and e ective ways to combat hate crime, bias, and discrimination,” said Mayor’s O ce of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan. “New York is one of the world’s most diverse cities. is initiative will continue to bring together the mosaic of New Yorkers to harness the talents, expertise, and diversity that cultivates communities and builds solidarity.” ose interested in hosting a dinner or learning more about the initiative can visit nyc.gov/breakingbread.
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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.
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.
