KARINA FOREVER
Howard Beach Honors Life &LegacyofKarinaVetrano withStreetCo-Naming
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“We promise to always remember her joy for life and kindred spirit,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said of Karina Vetrano, who was murdered in 2016 in Spring Creek Park. Friday’s moving ceremony took place at 165th Avenue and 84th Street.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Howard Beach Honors Beloved Daughter Karina Vetrano with Street Co-Naming
The tight-knit South Queens community of Howard Beach gathered at the intersection of 165th Avenue and 84th Street on Friday evening to pay its respects and honor the life and legacy of one of its brightest stars whose light was violently vanquished eight years ago.
The section of roadway will forever be known as Karina Vetrano Way.
“Tonight we remembered the life of Karina Vetrano along with her family and friends on her 38th birthday,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “Everyone that passes 165th Avenue and 84th street will know of the life that
By Michael V. Cusenza
touched Howard Beach. We promise to always remember her joy for life and kindred spirit. May she continue to rest in God’s eternal peace.”
According to trial proceedings, Vetrano, 30, was alone as she jogged along a path in Spring Creek Park shortly before 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2016. Chanel Lewis, then 20, was also in the federal green space. Angry that a neighbor was playing loud music, Lewis was on the pathway where the nearly fivefoot-tall victim was running. As the victim jogged past, Lewis lunged and grabbed her. Without uttering a single word, Lewis punched Vetrano in the face, breaking her teeth. He pulled at her clothes exposing both her breast and genitals.
According to trial testimony, the sixfoot-tall Lewis straddled Vetrano and pressed his knees into her torso and grasped her neck with his hands and squeezed until she could breathe no more. At some point, Lewis dragged her in the weeds and left her body there.
In April 2019, the East New York resident was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Former Postal Workers Charged with Stealing $4M+ in U.S. Treasury Checks from JFK Mail Facility
By Forum Staff
Four separate indictments recently were unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn charging five defendants with crimes related to the fraudulent theft and deposit of checks issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, prosecutors said last Wednesday.
As alleged in the indictments, two of the defendants, Kevaughn Wellington and Ky-Mani Straker—both former U.S. Postal Service employees—allegedly sold the checks which were stolen from a USPS mail facility located at the John F. Kennedy International Airport Mail Facility where Wellington worked. The other three defendants fraudulently endorsed and deposited Treasury checks that were not addressed to them. Four of the defendants were arrested Wednesday morning. One of the defendants remains at large.
As alleged in the indictment, between at least June 2021 and August 2023, Wellington, 31, and Straker, 24, engaged in a scheme to steal and sell Treasury checks intended for, among other things, individuals entitled to Social Security benefits, COVID-19 stimulus checks and tax refunds. Wellington, a Jamaica resident, stole parcels containing Treasury checks from the JFK Mail Facility where he was employed
at the time as a postal worker. Then, together with Straker and others, Wellington sold the stolen Treasury checks for a cut of the profit.
As part of the scheme, Wellington and Straker stole over 125 Treasury checks valued at more than $4 million. Straker falsely endorsed and deposited stolen Treasury checks in a bank account and withdrew the deposited funds for his own financial gain.
The defendants have been charged with
conspiring to steal government funds, theft of government funds and possession of stolen mail. In addition, Wellington has been charged with theft of mail by a postal service employee and Straker has been charged with passing Treasury checks bearing forged endorsements.
As alleged in the remaining indictments, Angel Ortiz, 27, also of Jamaica; Mark Dawson, 28; and Fuquan Bradley, 34, each deposited and falsely endorsed Trea-
sury checks in excess of $1,000 that were not addressed to them.
Each defendant has been charged separately with theft of government funds and passing Treasury checks bearing forged endorsements.
“The former postal workers abused their positions of trust to allegedly pull one of the biggest thefts at John F. Kennedy International Airport,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “The charges allege these five defendants stole, sold and fraudulently deposited millions of dollars in U.S. Treasury checks, which included pandemic relief payments, for their own financial benefit. Criminals who cash in on checks stolen from the mail can expect to fi ll out change of address forms for the federal prison they will be calling home.”
United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney added, “This 21-month investigation brought down a brazen criminal enterprise whose very existence violated the public trust. I want to commend the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with our many partners for rooting out this flagrant corruption through persistent and exacting investigative work. The Treasury checks stolen in this case disrupted thousands of lives and siphoned funds from the pockets of the very people the accused were expected to serve.”
File Photo
Karina Vetrano
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola Councilwoman Ariola delivers remarks at the street co-naming ceremony as Karina’s parents look on.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Josh Denmark
“The former postal workers abused their positions of trust to allegedly pull one of the biggest thefts at John F. Kennedy International Airport,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Peace said.
New Laws Target E-Bikes, Volatile Batteries
By Michael V. Cusenza
A package of legislation that addresses the alarming spike in e-bike and lithium-ion battery safety issues has been signed into law, the bills’ co-sponsor, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), announced on Friday.
Legislation signed into law includes:
• S.9419 (Co-sponsor) - Requires accident reports to specify where e-bikes and e-scooters are involved (Signed Chapter 196)
• S.7760A (Co-sponsor) - Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters to have a red tag attached to the charging cord with clear directions to unplug in an emergency (Signed Chapter 197)
• S.7744D (Co-sponsor) - Addresses the increasing number of electric bicycle and scooter incidents in cases of accidents or damage by requiring a notice of use on such equipment (Signed Chapter 202)
New York lacks data on incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters as state crash reports omit these motorized vehicles, making S.9419 critical to ensuring vehicle crash reports include e-bikes and e-scooters.
Addabbo added, “Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, people experience confusion or fear inhibiting them from unplugging the device to control the fire. By affixing a small, bright red tag with clear instructions on the physical cord (S.7760A), we can remind operators of a simple step to help reduce lithium-ion battery fires.”
As electric bicycles and scooters (e-bikes) have increased, the number of e-bike-related crashes on sidewalks has also increased. It has been reported that more users of e-bikes are riding on the sidewalks, instead of the designated bike lanes, resulting in pedestrian crashes and injuries.
Additional e-bike and lithium-ion battery legislation recently signed into law includes:
• S.154-F - Prohibits Sale of Lithium-Ion Batteries That Are Not Up to Manufacturing Standards
• S.8743 - Directs State Agencies To Develop and Maintain Safety Resources
• S.8742 - Requires Training Materials for First Responders For Incidents Involving LithiumIon Batteries
• S.7503-B - Requires Retailers To Provide Operating Manuals for Items with Lithium-Ion Batteries
“A spike in the reckless operation of unregistered scooters and limited-use motorcycles posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other motorists and an increase in structure fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used to power these vehicles, commanded legislative action,” Addabbo said. “These new laws to address various issues beginning at the point of purchase will help to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
The new laws follow the March 2023 introduction of “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan,” Mayor Eric Adams’ move to protect New Yorkers from fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and promote safe electric micromobility usage. The plan focuses on four key areas: Promoting and incentivizing safe battery use, increasing education and outreach to electric micromobility users, advocating for additional federal regulation of these devices, and expanding enforcement against high-risk situations. Last year, Adams also signed five bills into law to further regulate lithium-ion batteries sold in New York City and strengthen fire safety related to battery fires.
Adams noted that e-bikes and e-scooters are an affordable and convenient alternative to cars and are essential for delivery workers and other New Yorkers who rely on this mode of transportation for their livelihoods. However, these new transportation options have also brought serious challenges regarding fire risks.
Ariola Blasts Departing Fire Commissioner Kavanagh
By Michael V. Cusenza
After a relatively brief, tumultuous tenure leading the City’s Bravest, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on Saturday announced that she will resign her post as soon as the administration has selected a suitable successor.
Kavanagh said “it’s time to pass the torch to the next leader of the finest Fire Department in the world.”
The first woman to head the City Fire Department, Kavanagh was appointed FDNY commissioner in October 2022. She joined the department in 2014, serving as first deputy commissioner for five years.
However, Kavanagh’s 21 months have been bumpy to say the least. Last year, she demoted multiple senior officials, which led to other officials resigning or forfeiting their titles to protest the decision, and prompted some calls for Kavanagh’s ouster, Spectrum
News NY1 noted in a July 13 report.
Some elected officials aren’t exactly shedding tears over Kavanagh’s imminent departure.
“As Chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, I can say with tremendous knowledge of many issues that Laura Kavanagh has proven that she should have never been in this position to begin with,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “I’m glad the mayor took the action of removing her. If there was
one thing that needed to be fixed in the department, it was her, and I am glad that the administration has come to this decision before she was able to do any more damage to the men and women of New York’s Bravest.”
Still, Kavanagh remained resolute as she looked forward to her “next professional challenge” and pondered the events of the last two years.
“My dedication to the FDNY has never and will never waver,” she said.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has announced her resignation.
File Photo
“If there was one thing that needed to be fixed in the department, it was her,” Councilwoman Ariola said.
Pol Funds Community Cleanup Initiative
By Michael V. Cusenza
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Wednesday participated in a community cleanup initiative alongside the City Center for Employment Opportunity.
This latest CEO endeavor, made possible through $60,000 in funding secured by the senator, aims to enhance local neighborhoods and business corridors.
Fellow CEO supporter Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) joined Addabbo at the top of the inaugural cleanup route at 96th Street and Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park.
“The senator and I fund CEO because of their dedication to our communities as they help people transition back into the work force,” Ariola said. “To all other elected officials, if you’re thinking about funding CEO, make it happen. The community will be better for it.”
CEO, a nonprofit social enterprise organization, specializes in providing comprehensive employment services to individuals recently released from incarceration. By targeting individuals under parole and probation supervision, CEO focuses on aiding those at high risk of recidivism, effectively
reducing the likelihood of re-incarceration.
Addabbo expressed his optimism in supporting NYC CEO’s work, emphasizing the dual purpose of the initiative to both assist individuals transitioning from incarceration to secure gainful employment and foster community beautification efforts. “We are helping people get a second chance at life by providing them with goodpaying jobs to help them become productive members of society,” the senator said.
CEO provides training, equipment, transportation, and comprehensive oversight. The organization’s crews can adapt to evolving community needs, offering a range of services including outdoor maintenance, landscaping, waste management, and graffiti removal services, Addabbo noted.
The targeted cleanup areas span from 96th Street and Liberty Avenue to Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue and 101st Street and Jamaica Avenue to Jamaica Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Each cleanup crew is comprised of four participants led by a site supervisor.
“It is my intent that if this clean up initiative proves to be successful, I will seek to expand it to other parts of my district where needed,” Addabbo added.
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
ARE EXPIRED MEDICATIONS STILL SAFE?
It’s 2 a.m. -the cough and stuffy nose you have been battling is still keeping you up. You reach for the nighttime cold relief medicine only to find it expired a few months ago. If you take a dose to ease your symptoms, will you be putting yourself at risk? This situation is a relatively common occurrence. Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expiration dates. It’s a good idea to routinely discard expired medicines, but if you happen to take a drug that has passed its expiration date, you will most likely suffer no ill effects. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, the expiration date on a medicine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. Rather, it marks the period after which a drug company can no longer guarantee the efficacy of the medication. Since 1979, drug manufacturers selling medications in the United States have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug. Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Some experts say drug manufacturers put expiration dates on products for marketing purposes rather than scientific reasons. It
doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for years. Therefore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture. The U.S. military has conducted studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over the counter and prescription drugs. Around 90 percent were proven to still be effective long past the expiration date -- some for more than 10 years. Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places have a better chance of lasting because the fillers used in the product will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment. Storing medicines in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life. Although a pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medication past an expiration date, most overthe-counter pain relievers and drugs in pill form should still be fine. Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. For those who still want to err on the safe side, routinely clean out medications from cabinets once they expire. However, if an expired medication is taken by mistake, there's little need to worry about potentially adverse effects.
Until Next Week…
Broad
Broad Channel resident Mike Sirota last weekend was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of Major League Baseball’s 2024 Draft. Sirota, 21, great-nephew of Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher—and Astoria native—Whitey Ford, patrols centerfield for the Northeastern University Howlin Huskies. The junior was previously drafted out of high school in 2021 by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Best of luck in the MLB, we will all be rooting for you!” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you!! My son has been working his whole life for this and made huge sacrifices to get to this point,” Sirota’s mom, Kelli Bartels, gushed in response to Ariola’s post.
Photo Courtesy of Northeastern University
Channel is a Big Hit
Photo Courtesy of Google
The inaugural cleanup route commenced at 96th Street and Liberty Avenue.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola “This morning I met up with Senator Addabbo and the @ceoworks on their newest route down Rockaway Boulevard,” Councilwoman Ariola tweeted on Wednesday.
Mayor, Governor Hail Subway Safety Milestones
By Forum Staff
City and State leaders on Wednesday celebrated data released by the City Police Department showing new milestones in NYC’s and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s efforts to make Big Apple subways safer.
Transit crime is down 44.4 percent this week compared to the same week last year, down 26.6 percent over the last four weeks compared to the same time period last year, and down 7.8 percent year to date compared to 2023.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, if current trends continue, July will be the sixth consecutive month with a double-digit decrease in subway crime. Last year, overall crime in the transit system fell nearly 3 percent compared to 2022, as the number of riders increased by 14 percent. This year, transit crime was down 15.4 percent in February, 23.5 percent in March, 23 percent in April, 10.6 percent in May, and 15.3 percent in June.
The massive reduction in subway crime came in February, after Adams directed the NYPD to surge an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day. Additionally, in March, the NYPD announced “Operation Fare Play,” an initiative to ensure riders pay their fare when en-
corded history—and we’re committed to making our subways even safer. I’m grateful to have partners in Governor Hochul, NYPD Commissioner Caban, and MTA Chair and CEO Lieber who share our commitment to making the safest city in the country even safer.”
City Police Commissioner Edward Caban added, “The tireless efforts of the men and women of the NYPD are making a remarkable impact on the overall safety and quality of life of all New Yorkers, both on the streets and throughout our vast transit system. With subway ridership steadily increasing, the NYPD continues to deploy its resources to stations, platforms, and trains in a strategic, intelligence-driven manner that is lifting every neighborhood and improving the lives of all the people we serve in communities across our great city.”
tering the subway system by deploying 800 more police officers into the subway system to crack down on fare evasion.
“Our public transit system is the lifeblood of our city, and keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America,” Adams said. “Today, it is clear: thanks to our efforts, our subways are get-
ting even safer. We’ve had five straight months of double-digit decreases in overall subway crime after we surged more than 1,000 additional officers into the system in February, and, so far, in July, we’re on track for a sixth month of safer subways. Today, other than during the pandemic, our transit system is the safest it’s been in 14 years, with the lowest number of robberies in re-
Deputy Mayor for Operations and MTA Board Member Meera Joshi said, “As New Yorkers go about their days, going to work and school, picking up their kids, going out for the night, they should be confident that they’ll get where they're going without incident. Today, thanks to the hard-working staff at the NYPD and MTA, and our partners across every level of government, we can safely say that that confidence is warranted.”
Hollis Man Charged with Hate Crime after Alleged Attack on Religious Statue in front of Catholic Church
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that Jamshaid Choudhry has been charged with allegedly smashing a Holy Family statue outside of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows last month.
Choudhry, 44, of Hollis, was arraigned on Friday on a complaint charging him with criminal mischief in the second degree as a
hate crime, criminal mischief in the third degree as a hate crime, criminal mischief in the fourth degree as a hate crime, criminal mischief in the second degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree and aggravated harassment in the first degree.
According to the charges:
On Sunday, June 30, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Choudhry was seen on video surveillance parking a yellow cab across the
street from the church and running up to the statue depicting Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Once next to the statue, Choudhry can be seen taking off his shoe and then spitting on and hitting the statue repeatedly with the shoe.
The attack caused the head of the Jesus statue to break off completely. The amount of damage caused by the attack is estimated at $3,000.
Choudhry was arrested Thursday evening.
“We will not tolerate unprovoked attacks, especially those driven by hate,” Katz said. “Queens stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusivity, where freedom of religion and expression are celebrated as fundamental pillars of our democracy.”
If convicted of the top count, Choudhry faces a potential maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“The tireless efforts of the men and women of the NYPD are making a remarkable impact on the overall safety and quality of life of all New Yorkers,” Police Commissioner Caban said.
Photo Courtesy of Google Choudhry allegedly damaged a religious statue outside of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows.
Photo
“We will not tolerate unprovoked attacks, especially those driven by hate,” DA Katz said.
Following Trump Assassination Attempt, City Faith and Political Leaders Call for Unity
By Michael V. Cusenza
Twenty-four hours after former President Donald Trump was injured in an attempted assassination on Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania, Mayor Eric Adams joined NYC spiritual and political leaders in calling for unity.
“It was a chilling visualization as I watched what happened yesterday, inches away from the former president losing his life. It's unimaginable that his children would have to experience that, his wife, those who love him and his family, and those who are politically aligned with him. To watch that in horror, to see the history of what bullets have done, how it has reshaped our past, and it could reshape our future,” Adams said. “Ever since Abraham Lincoln, Dr. King, Ronald Reagan, the families of the Kennedys, both senator and President Kennedy losing their lives, Medgar Evers losing his life, we're watching how the destructive power of a bullet can change the entire direction of our entire country. I am troubled by some of the responses we saw on social media on so many different levels. We have to ask ourselves, what are we doing to our young people and our families, and how do we regain that? I believe it's by doing the accumulation of people who are here
today, to start with this small group, and really put in place a letter that we're going to send out and ask everyone to sign on to it, to stop this toxic violence that we're seeing.”
Adams later lauded City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli for putting the collective predicament into proper perspective.
“I cannot thank Councilman Borelli, Minority Leader, enough for understanding how significant this is. We could line up on political lines, but he's a dad, like I am a dad. He loves this city like I love this city. He believes we should raise healthy children and families like I do. Good, healthy debate is part of the democratic process and what it represents,” Hizzoner said.
“I hear things that my political opponents might say. They bother me. Sometimes I think that they’ll have a bad impact on my family, our safety, our wallets. Yes, those things anger me. Anger in and of itself is not a bad thing in politics. It’s what motivated me to go hang flyers and knock on doors as a volunteer. It’s what motivated me to run for office. People who are angry at the system are not the problem in politics. Hate is the problem in politics. The dehumanization of your political opponents is the problem of politics,” Borelli said. “Let’s use our anger and our political differences as the founders intended, by having debates, by standing on our soapboxes, by offering different ideas, and by encouraging people to vote. When Trump raised his fist, I would encourage you, many of you who I imagine don't particularly like him or may not vote for him, I see his raising his fist as a defiant gesture against, not his political opponents, but of people who would use violence to silence our democracy. He came out today and said, unite America. That’s what I believe he meant by shaking his fist and saying, fight. We have to fight for this democracy. We’ll see who wins in November, but we should all fight to preserve our democracy.”
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“The dehumanization of your political opponents is the problem of politics,” Council Minority Leader Borelli said on Sunday.
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Addabbo Set to Host Naloxone Training Session in South Ozone Park
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) later this month will host a Naloxone training and certification event in partnership with J-CAP (part of the Acacia Network) and the Richmond Hill South Ozone Park Lions Club.
The educational event starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at the Akal Care Social Adult Day Care facility, located at 12015 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.
According to Addabbo, participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate and a free Naloxone kit.
“These events are so important because they could help people save a life,” Addabbo said. “In case of an overdose, you only have minutes to react and respond, and Naloxone is essential to being the one before 911.
I would like to thank J-CAP and the Acacia Network for their continued support in facilitating these trainings. I also appreciate sponsoring the event with the Richmond Hill South Ozone Park Lions Club.”
In 2022, 3,026 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose, a 12-percent increase from 2021 (2,696 deaths), and the highest tally of such fatalities since reporting began in 2000, according to a data brief by the City Department of Health.
Opioids include OxyContin, fentanyl,
methadone, Percocet and Vicodin. Naloxone can also reverse overdoses from street drugs like heroin. Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdoses, and it can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors in the brain. The nasal spray form of naloxone is a convenient and easy-to-use method of administration. Space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome. First come, first served. For more information, call Addabbo’s district office at (718) 738-1111.
Adams Appoints Public Health Veteran as Executive Director of City Children's Cabinet
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the appointment of Ahsia Badi as the executive director of the City Children’s Cabinet, the panel aimed at increasing coordination and efficiency across City agencies, mayoral offices, nonprofits, and the private sector to drive a holistic, family-centered approach for the sustained health, safety, and well-being of children, Hizzoner noted.
The Children’s Cabinet is a multi-agency initiative focused on bolstering communication and coordination among City agencies that directly work with the Big Apple’s most vulnerable children. Additionally, the cabinet supports cross-agency initiatives, creates policy priorities that can guide agencies’ short- and long-term planning, improves data integration, and develops analytic tools to allow for improved service delivery and strategic planning.
“When we invest in our children, we invest in the future and the endless potential within our city,” said Adams. “The Children’s Cabinet plays a foundational role in ensuring that our city government works with each and every sector to ensure that our children have every possible resource needed to thrive. With a proven track record of success, Ahsia Badi has the compassion and career experience necessary to build a coalition worthy enough to build the best possible
city for our children. We’re excited to have her serve as our executive director.”
Badi brings over 15 years of experience across public health, child development, and supporting marginalized communities. Before this role, Badi served as a senior advisor to the deputy mayor for health and human services, providing support across multiple agencies including the City Administration for Children’s Services and the Department of Youth and Community
Development’s Runaway and Homeless Youth program.
Prior to joining city service, Badi held key positions in large-scale public health programs at institutions including the New York Academy of Medicine, Columbia University, and Stanford University. Additionally, she played integral roles in wide-reaching campaigns focused on Census 2020 with Emgage and the State Redistricting Commission.
“I congratulate my friend Ahsia Badi on her historic appointment as executive director of the New York City Children’s Cabinet,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said. “I have witnessed her extraordinary leadership and commitment to public service over the years. Ahsia brings to the office a distinguished career, spanning more than 20 years with accomplishments such as spearheading children’s health programs at Stanford and Columbia, Muslim American community outreach for the 2020 Census, and serving as a senior advisor to the deputy mayor of health and human services. She has a record of giving back to her community, serving for over a decade on Manhattan Community Board Six. Under her leadership, the cabinet will unite all city offices, nonprofits, and the private sector to advance the welfare and safety of our children better than ever before. As the first South Asian woman elected to New York State office, I am especially proud that her appointment demonstrates our commitment to an administration that reflects the diversity of our ‘Gorgeous Mosaic.’” Adams said Badi will report to Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar.
“Ahsia has a proven ability to work with and across multiple City agencies, as well as with key external stakeholders, to serve New Yorkers in need,” Almanzar added.
File Photo
Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdoses.
Photo Courtesy of Google
The July 31 event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Akal Care Social Adult Day Care facility in South Ozone Park.
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
The Children’s Cabinet is a multi-agency initiative focused on bolstering communication
vulnerable children.
Improved Planning Needed for NY to Achieve its Clean Energy Goals: Comptroller
The audit found that the PSC did not develop a back-up plan if the Climate Act’s goals were not met within prescribed timeframes, except for the continued reliance on fossil fuels, including “peaker plants,” which generally operate at a higher monetary and environmental cost.
By Forum Staff
The Public Service Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority have taken considerable steps in planning for the Empire State’s transition to renewable energy, but must take stronger action to meet its own clean energy goals, according to an audit released on Wednesday by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The audit found inadequate planning, monitoring and assessment of risks and challenges in the PSC’s efforts to help the state meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s (Climate Act) targets, which seek 70 percent renewably sourced electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.
Planning
Auditors found that the PSC, tasked under the Climate Act with establishing and reviewing the state's renewable energy program, sometimes used outdated data and wrong calculations to determine if the state could reach 70 percent renewably sourced electricity by 2030. The PSC did not update their calculations based on new laws and directives, which may drive clean energy demand and supply up, like electric vehicles, new green buildings, or electric cooling and heating.
PSC also did not fully account for other potential risks, and did not consider certain challenges that could delay meeting the state’s clean energy targets. For example, according to the Independent System Operator, the state would need new technology not yet developed to account for the weather-related intermittency of renewables, as well as expanded transmission capability to get clean energy to consumers, to achieve the 2040 goal of 100 percent renewable statewide electric generation.
Project Cancellations and Delays Cancellations of renewable energy projects have slowed progress toward meeting the Climate Act’s goals, and auditors determined that the PSC did not plan properly for the historical project cancellation rate. As of April 2023, there were 230 large-scale renewable projects awarded contracts within the Climate Act program, and 28 projects were cancelled from 2005 to 2023. Of the remaining 202 projects, only 30 percent were completed, and on average it takes 5 years for a large-scale renewable project to be up and running, as a 2030 deadline looms to achieve 70 percent renewably sourced electricity.
Renewable Energy Contracts
The PSC also did not fully plan for expiring contracts, which could lead to higher costs. Most contracts for renewable energy sources have a 10 to a 20 year
span. Between 2007 and 2022, 81 contracts expired, which could lead to New York paying more than the original price once the contract expires. Additionally, there is no guarantee these facilities will then sell the renewable electricity they generate into the New York power grid and contribute to achieving the Climate Act goals. These situations, for example, were not factored into PSC’s planning to develop a program to meet the goals.
Projected Costs
The PSC did not reasonably estimate or verify other entities’ estimates of the cost of the transition to renewable energy. Undertaking a project without knowing the costs increases the risk that the project will not succeed. The absence of cost estimates also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to assess its impact on New Yorkers, including those who are currently struggling to pay their utility bills and who have faced rising costs over the past two decades, DiNapoli noted. PSC officials stated that they expect the cost for renewable energy to decrease as time goes on, but did not produce an analysis that demonstrated how quickly they expect these costs to decline.
Other Issues Affecting State’s Ability to Meet Goals
Auditors identified other factors that could delay achievement of the Climate Act goals, including increasingly severe weather, renewable electricity demands, a delayed Champlain Hudson Power Express line and potential limitations on the hydroelectric power it is expected to provide, and material availability and supply chain issues.
While the PSC is not solely responsible for ensuring the state is prepared to meet the Climate Act’s goals, it should discuss the potential effects of these issues with the agencies responsible for ensuring a smooth transition, determine the effects of these concerns and include this information in its projections to increase the likelihood of meeting the Climate Act’s goals.
DiNapoli’s audit recommended the PSC:
• Be gin a comprehensive review of the Climate Act, including an assessment of progress towards the goals and annual funding commitments and expenditures;
• A nalyze and address existing and emerging risks and known issues on a continual basis to minimize the impact on the state’s ability to meet Climate Act goals;
• P rovide a more accurate representation of the likelihood of meeting targets by assessing expected renewable energy generation and timing of projects not yet operable; and,
• Perform a detailed analysis of cost estimates and periodically report results to the public, and assess the extent to which ratepayers will be responsible for Climate Act implementation costs.
The audit also recommends NYSERDA take steps to ensure proposals are evaluated consistently and contracts are awarded to the most qualified proposers.
In response, PSC did not agree with several of the audit’s findings, including that it uses outdated or incorrect calculations for planning purposes. It also referred to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacting cost analysis. NYSERDA generally agreed with the audit’s recommendations and said it had implemented changes to its procedures.
“New York is moving in the right direction to transition to renewable energy, but we found better planning, monitoring of progress and timely assessment of risks by PSC is needed to achieve our ambitious clean energy goals,” DiNapoli said. “New York has been a leader in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the threats caused by climate change, and identifying existing and emerging challenges will improve the likelihood that we succeed.”
Photo Courtesy of Comptroller DiNapoli “[I]dentifying existing and emerging challenges will improve the likelihood that we succeed,” Comptroller DiNapoli said.
File Photo
The State must take stronger action to meet its own clean energy goals, according to an audit by State Comptroller DiNapoli.
111-47 126 LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/6/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Devi Lisa Hariprasad, Navindra Ramsaran, 111-47 126 St, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. General Purpose
57-01 Northern Boulevard Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/23/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Hochheiser & Akmal PLLC, 910 Franklin Avenue, Ste 220, Garden City, NY 11530. General Purpose
KETONE RECORDS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/04/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to : Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
MANSTA’S CARD HOUSE LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/04/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to : Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Pretect Solutions LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/7/2024. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Mr. Angelo Mottola, Claddagh/Pretect, 10-21 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101. General Purpose
JLL 93 SOUTH COUNTRY LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/01/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Lenny Pereira, 106-17 153rd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
X DESIGN CONSULTANTS LFG, LLC, filed articles of organization with the NY Secretary of State on MARCH 10,2024. Office: QUEENS COUNTY. SARA NGAN is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NY Secretary of State shall mail copy of process to SARA NGAN at 5-11 47TH AVENUE, APT 4Y, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of REMYV LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/30/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to RENE VIVALDO, 8309 BREVOORT ST, APT. 1B, KEW GARDENS, NY, 11415, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Legal Notices
KAKES BRANDS LLC. Filed 10/5/2023. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 54 STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: General..
Notice of Formation of ASSETACE LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of TN CONSULTING LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/2024. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Zenbusiness Inc.41 State Street, Suite 112 Albany, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of PARADIES LAGARDERE @ JFK T1 RETAIL, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/25/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of RISING ESTATE of MP LLC. Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/17/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 24-30 46th Street, Astoria, New York 11103. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
LENA METELEV REAL ESTATE
GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/10/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 18724 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NISAA ADVANCING MATERNAL HEALTH EQUITY LLC NISAA Advancing Maternal Health Equity LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/02/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 30-06 29th Street, 2F, Astoria, NY 111022501. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of 8227 Tryon Place LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 7/8/2024. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 82-27 Tryon Place, Jamaica, NY 11432, principal business address. Term: until 12/31/2070. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
Notice of Formation of TJB BASKETBALL LLC Arts. of Org. filed w ith NY Dept. of State: 7/11/2024. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: TIM BUCKLEY, 212-16 38TH AVENUE, FLUSHING NY, 13361, USA.. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
CLAUDIA JETTE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/12/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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