VOL. 21 • NUMBER 27 • JULY 21, 2022
JUSTICE FOR JILL Community Rallies around
Borough Grandmother Beaten on Q52 Bus in Hate Crime
See story on page 2
Victim Jill LeCroix is flanked on Tuesday by City Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Bob Holden (D-Maspeth). Courtesy of Councilman Holden
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 27 • JULY 21, 2022 | 1
South Queens Rallies around Grandmother Beaten on Q52 Bus in Hate Crime
Adams Unveils ‘NYC Ferry Forward’ By Forum Staff
Photo Courtesy of NYPD
The three suspects on captured on surveillance footage.
Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
The attack occurred on the Q52 bus near the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue.
By Michael V. Cusenza Led by area elected of f icials, South Queens residents have come to the aid of a borough grandmother w ho was br utal ly beaten earlier this month by a tr io of women as they rode the Q52 bus along Wood haven Boulevard near Jamaica Avenue. Ji l l LeCroi x , 57, w ho is W hite, was savagely attacked by three Black women on Saturday, July 9, in a case that is being investigated by the Cit y Police Depar tment ’s Hate Cr imes Task Force, according to police and published repor ts “Before they hit me, the girl w ith the green hair said, ‘ You probably li ke Tr ump! Don’t you?’” LeCroi x recal led to the New York Post. “I said, ‘I love him.’ I didn’t see w hich one hit me f irst. The one w ith the green hair, she was say ing she hates w hite people, the way they tal k , hates
w hite skin, the way their skin crack s; say ing she was gangsta.” Area legislators and communit y leaders rallied around LeCroi x on Tuesday in Wood haven. “Hate has no home in Distr ict 32,” Cit y Counci lwoman Joann Ar iola (R- Ozone Park) said. “An innocent woman, wanting to travel from Woodhaven to R ock away was attacked because of the color of her skin. I am conf ident that the NYPD w i l l br ing the cowards w ho committed this cr ime to justice.” Counci lman Bob Holden (D -Maspeth) added, “Hate has no place in this cit y.” Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
“Hate has no home in District 32,” Councilwoman Ariola said.
Addabbo Talks Problem Gambling Solutions at New Jersey Conference
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Senator Addabbo talks at last Wednesday’s SBC Summit North America conference and tradeshow in New Jersey.
By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently returned from New Jersey after participating in a panel on problem gambling issues at the SBC Summit North America conference and tradeshow in the Meadowlands Exposition Center. During last Wednesday’s discussion, “Leadership and Player Protection — A Shift Towards Solutions,” Addabbo said he highlighted New York’s problem gambling services including the 1-877-8-HOPENY hotline, as well as the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), which provides people with prevention tips, problem gambling warning signs, responsible gambling techniques and additional resources. “We knew when we introduced mobile sports betting
in New York that it would cause an increase in problem gambling issues, but we were prepared for that eventuality. We improved the OASAS services, enhanced outreach and the free, confidential NYS HOPELINE, while building safeguards directly into the sports betting apps,” said Addabbo, chairman of the Senate Racing Gaming and Wagering Committee. “By safely legalizing mobile sports betting in New York and not having our residents go to other states we are now able to identify and help those with problem gambling issues and get them the services they require.” Addabbo noted that mobile sports betting has already brought in more than $300 million in tax revenue and educational funds — more than any other state with mobile sports betting — and $6 million for new addiction programs. Although this is a great start, more needs to be done, the senator said. OASAS needs additional funding for more staff to make it a 24/7 service with a peer-to-peer aspect for those facing gambling addiction, Addabbo added. He said there also needs to be more education and marketing of what gambling addiction is and to reach younger residents to prevent them from developing a gambling problem. “We need to work on removing the stigma around gambling addiction, and the way we do that is by increasing educational materials and marketing,” Addabbo said. “If
2 | JULY 21, 2022 • Number 27 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
we can get rid of the fear of coming forward with a gambling problem we can get people the help that they need to overcome their addiction. It is my hope that by funding these free vital programs we are able to reach more people and have a greater impact on the state.” On Wednesday, Addabbo discussed his “A-B-C’s” approach to problem gambling: The “A” stands for Awareness. By making people aware, through improved marketing, of the signs of gambling problems, the pitfalls of the addiction, and the services available to those effected by gambling issues, New York State can help with addiction recovery and hopefully prevent someone from falling victim to gambling addiction. The “B” stands for Budget. The New York State budget has earmarked funds for gambling addiction programs, which will increase their ability for outreach and assistance. Additional budgetary funding could increase the staffing levels for OASAS to expand a 24/7 peer-to-peer program. A select portion of money from tax revenue gained from mobile sports betting will be used to fund these programs. The “C” is for Codify. Legislators need to codify into law legislative language that creates the safeguards and measures to provide protections from problem gambling and addiction, Addabbo said.
Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday unv e i l e d " N Y C Fe r r y Fo r w a r d , " h i s v i s i o n for a more equitable, accessible, and fiscally sustainable citywide ferr y syst e m . T h e p l a n i n c l u d e s a n e w N Y C Fe r r y Discount Program — modeled after the c i t y 's Fa i r Fa r e s p r o g r a m f o r s u b w a y s and buses, which offers reduced-fair rides for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Starting in S e p t e m b e r, a a t l e a s t 1 m i l l i o n - N e w Yo r k e r s c a n t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h e p r o g r a m a n d r i d e t h e f e r r y, o n e w a y, f o r the low price of $1.35. The plan also f e a t u r e s a n e w, p r o g r e s s i v e f a r e s t r u c ture, free trip vouchers and ex panded outreach to NYCH A residents, makes it e a s i e r f o r N e w Yo r k e r s t o b i k e t o a n d f r o m t h e f e r r y, a n d c r e a t e s o p p o r t u n i ties for revenue generation. E l i g i b l e N e w Yo r k e r s w i l l b e a b l e t o a p p l y f o r t h e Fe r r y D i s c o u n t P r o g r a m u s i n g t h e N Y C Fe r r y w e b s i t e o r b y mailing in an application. Once verified, eligible riders can buy discounted t i c k e t s t h r o u g h t h e N Y C Fe r r y a p p o r a t N Y C Fe r r y t i c k e t w i n d o w s a n d a g e n t s . T h e N Y C Fe r r y a p p w i l l a l s o s u p p o r t digital wallet apps like Cash App to e x p a n d a c c e s s f o r m o r e N e w Yo r k e r s . A discounted one-way ticket price of $1.35 w ill help to make the ferr y access i b l e t o e v e n m o r e N e w Yo r k e r s , w h i l e a l s o h e l p i n g t o d i v e r s i f y N Y C Fe r r y 's r i d e r s h i p. Mayor Adams w i l l also eliminate the $1.00 bi ke fee across the entire NYC Fe r r y s y s t e m t o h e l p e n c o u r a g e e n v i ronmentally sustainable multi-modal t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . N o w, N e w Yo r k e r s a r e more encouraged to bike to and from t h e f e r r y, w h i l e a l s o t a k i n g a m o d e o f transportation that decreases commut-
ers' reliance on cars and simultaneousl y r e d u c i n g t h e c i t y 's c a r b o n f o o t p r i n t . The elimination of the $1.00 bike fee and fare changes take effect on September 12, 2022. The city will be working w i t h N Y C Fe r r y o p e r a t o r C i t y E x p e r i ences to implement these initiatives over the coming weeks. In an ef for t to generate new revenue a n d c o n t i n u e i n c r e a s i n g r i d e r s h i p, N Y C Fe r r y w i l l l a u n c h t h e R o c k a w a y R o c k e t t h i s m o n t h . T h e n e w, r e s e r v a t i o n based shuttle pilot program w ith direct ser v ice from Pier 11 in Lower Manh a t t a n t o R o c k a w a y. T h e s h u t t l e w i l l r un on summer weekends and holidays f rom July 23 unti l L abor Day weekend, s u p p l e m e n t i n g t h e c u r r e n t N Y C Fe r r y ser v ice on the R ock away route. Addit i o n a l l y, N Y C Fe r r y w i l l w o r k t o g e n e r ate additional revenue by seeking new public-private sponsorship opportunities and developing a plan to ma x imize revenue from any under used vessels, including for film or T V productions. These opportunities w ill further reduce system costs and public subsidies in the f uture. " G e t t i n g a r o u n d N e w Yo r k C i t y s h o u l d n' t f e e l l i k e y o u ' r e r u n n i n g a 5 K . W herever you live in the five boroughs, we want you to have choices, and our v i s i o n f o r t h e N Y C Fe r r y h e l p s p r o v i d e N e w Yo r k e r s w i t h t h o s e c h o i c e s , " s a i d A d a m s . " M o r e a n d m o r e N e w Yo r k e r s a r e n o w u s i n g t h e N Y C Fe r r y t o g e t t o work and get around, so we are writing a new chapter in the histor y of the NYC Fe r r y s y s t e m a n d o f t r a n s p o r t a t i o n i n our city — one built on the three pill a r s o f e q u i t y, a c c e s s i b i l i t y, a n d f i s c a l s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. O u r N Y C Fe r r y Fo r w a r d vision will keep our city on the map as a leader and innovator in public transpor tation."
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“Wherever you live in the five boroughs, we want you to have choices, and our vision for the NYC Ferry helps provide New Yorkers with those choices,” Mayor Adams said.
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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 27 • JULY 21, 2022 | 3
Pheffer Amato Leads Celebration of American Softball Founder, Coach, and Players
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
American Softball’s Randy Novick and Tina Roseman were recently honored at the non-profit group’s All-Star Game.
B y Fo r u m S t a f f A s s e m b l y w o m a n S t a c e y P h e f f e r A m ato (D -How a rd B ea c h) re c e n t l y j o i n e d f a m i l i e s a n d p l ay e r s at t h e a n n u a l A m e r i c a n S o f tb a l l A l l - St a r Ga m e i n O z o n e Pa r k to h e l p h o n o r A m e r i c a n S o f tba l l f o u n d e r R a n d y No v i c k a n d Co a c h Ti n a R o s e m a n , w h o h av e b e e n h e l p i n g a d u l t s w i t h d e v e l o p m e n t a l d i s a b i l i t i e s a n d g i vi n g t h e m t h e c h a n c e to p l ay s o f tb a l l i n S o u t h Q u e e n s f o r m o re t h a n a d e c a d e. T h e a s s e m b l y-
w o m a n , a l o n g w i t h f e l l ow e l e c te d o f f i c i a l s a n d go v e r n m e n t age n c i e s , p re s e n te d c i t at i o n s a n d c e r t i f i c ate s to c e l e b r ate 1 1 i n c re d i b l e s ea s o n s o f A m e r i c a n S o f tba l l . P h e f f e r A m ato w o r k e d w i t h Co m m u n i t y B o a rd 9 Pre s i d e n t S h e r r y A l g re d o to b r i n g to ge t h e r N YC Pa r k s Co m m i s s i o n e r Su e D o n o g h u e, Q u e e n s Pa r k Co m m i s s i o n e r Mi k e D o c ke tt , St ate S e n . Jo e A d d a b b o, Jr. (D -How a rd B ea c h) , Ci t y Co u n c i l w o m a n Jo a n n A r i o l a (R O z o n e Pa r k) , a n d D e p u t y Q u e e n s B o ro u g h Pre s i d e n t E b o ny Yo u n g to p re s e n t aw a rd s to No v i c k a n d R o s e m a n at t h e f i e l d . “ T h e s e t w o a re h e ro e s w h o t r u l y e m b o d y t h e b e s t o f c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e s . T h e y p re s e n t a c l ea r a n d s e l f l e s s l e v e l o f d e d i c at i o n to t h e p l ay e r s , t h e i r f a m i l i e s , a n d a l l o f u s — s h ow i n g t h at n o m atte r w h at l i f e m ay t h row at y o u , t h e re a re p e o p l e w h o w i l l s u p p o r t y o u ,” P h e f f e r A m ato s a i d . “ I w a s t h r i l l e d to j o i n A s s e m b l y w o m a n P h e f f e r A m ato at t h e A m e r i c a n S o f tba l l ga m e l a s t w e e k e n d , a n d w a s s o p l ea s e d to c e l e b r ate t w o g reat c o m m u n i t y l ea d e r s , Ti n a a n d R a n d y, f o r t h e i r w o n d e r f u l w o r k o v e r t h e y ea r s o r ga n i z i n g t h i s c r i t i c a l p ro g r a m ,” D o n o g h u e a d d e d . No v i c k s a i d t h at h e a n d L i n d a “ l i v e e v e r y d ay to m a k e t h e l eag u e t h r i v e a n d to a d v o c ate f o r t h e s e e x t r a o rd i n a r y p e o p l e w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s . Ti n a a n d I a re s o v e r y f o r t u n ate to h av e a tea m o f w o n d e r f u l v o l u n te e r s w h o d e v o te t h e i r Sat u rd ay s f ro m May to t h e e n d o f A u g u s t to
4 | JULY 21, 2022 • Number 27 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said that Novick and Roseman “present a clear and selfless level of dedication to the players, their families, and all of us.”
h e l p u s ea c h w e e k .” A m e r i c a n S o f tba l l , a n o n - p ro f i t a n d s t a p l e i n O z o n e Pa r k a n d How a rd B ea c h , p ro v i d e s a s o f tba l l l eag u e i n w h i c h a d u l t s w i t h d e v e l o p m e n t a l d i s a b i l i t i e s a re a b l e to c o m e to ge t h e r a n d p l ay s o f tba l l e v e r y w e e k e n d i n t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s . T h e l eag u e i s w i d e l y s u c c e s s f u l a n d has given those w ith disabilities the ability to p l ay a f u n ga m e, m a k e f r i e n d s a n d s e e h ow much the community supports them, Pheffer A m ato s a i d . T h e a s s e m b l y w o m a n n o te d t h at s h e h a s b e e n a n a c t i v e s u p p o r te r, a n d i s o f te n s e e n t h row i n g o u t t h e c e re m o n i a l f i r s t p i tc h at ga m e s .
City Looks to Protect Electric Grid in Heat Wave
Photo Courtesy of Google
Over the past two years, nearly 90 new facilities have joined the Demand Response program, including the Queens Public Library Central Branch.
By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn Pinnock on Wednesday announced the expansion of its Demand Response program to reduce city government’s energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and safeguard the local electric grid during hot summer months. On days with extreme heat — when energy use spikes across New York City — DCAS reduces energy use in city buildings and other participating facilities. Increased demand for electricity on hot summer days risks the possibility of blackouts and brownouts and requires energy providers to source additional electricity from dirtier energy sources, such as coal. In addition to helping avoid blackouts and brownouts and reducing emissions, the program cuts energy costs and generates revenue. Utility providers pay the city for its support on days of peak demand. As part of the program’s expansion, this summer, 555 facilities across more than 30 city agencies and organizations are participating in the program, including City Hall. Of these, 90 are new participants. Since the program’s inception in 2013, city agencies have earned total program revenues of more than $100 million. Over the past two years, nearly 90 new facilities have joined the program, including the New York City Fire Department Academy, the Queens Public Librar y Central Branch, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Overall, there has been a 17 percent increase in facility participation between 2019 and 2022. The New York City Department of Education has seen a 22 percent increase in program participation across that same time period. Collectively, energy consumption will be reduced by 115 megawatts during peak demand this summer, the equivalent of emis-
sions from driving 123,000 miles in a car. Participation in the program mitigates the need for high-polluting power plants to increase output to meet the energy demands of the city. On days designated by utility providers, DCAS coordinates energy reduction by taking steps like powering down equipment, reducing air conditioning use, and turning off lights. Every building has target reduction goals and specific action plans for achieving the reduction. The Demand Response program is a partnership between the City of New York, the New York State Independent System Operator, and Con Edison. Aligned with the agency’s sustainability goals, city facilities have also begun participating in a gas Demand Response program as well. Launched by National Grid and Con Edison, 61 facilities across six city agencies supported National Grid’s efforts to cut gas consumption this past winter. Similarly, five facilities across two agencies worked with Con Edison. While Demand Response is a uniform approach to sustain heat emergencies, New Yorkers are also encouraged to conserve energy, especially during peak demand periods like heat waves. The goal is to prevent overloading the power grids to ensure New Yorkers and their neighbors have reliable electricity service. New Yorkers can help achieve this by: • Setting air conditioners at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Running their cooling system at a 75-degree setting uses 18 percent more electricity and 39 percent more electricity at 72 degrees; • Utilizing timers to set cooling systems to begin working no more than a half an hour prior to one’s arrival home; • Refraining from using air conditioning when no one is home; • Reducing indoor lighting ; and • Unplugging unused electronics.
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL— The Pharmacists Role About one in three adults and nearly one in three women in the United States have high blood pressure (HBP). The condition itself usually has no signs or symptoms. Someone can have HBP for years without knowing it. During this time, HBP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. Lifestyle changes can greatly assist in the management of HBP. Proper diet, exercise, the elimination or reduction of salt intake and stopping smoking can all play a major role in helping bring HBP under control. Pharmacists play a very important role in counseling patients on high blood pressure. We, as do many other pharmacies, offer electronic blood pressure monitoring, and also include blood pressure checks as part of health fairs and any type of associated community outreach. Blood pressure, like so many other conditions that are easily managed, is always aided when patients take a little time to do proper “bookkeeping”. The following tips are a general guide to keeping track and keeping informed about your condition. And please remember your pharmacist is in a great position to help
you set up and maintain all of your blood pressure records and those of any medications you are taking for your condition. 1. The first step in managing your HBP is to make sure you take everything your physician has prescribed. 2. Make sure you know the name of each of your meds, the dosage prescribed for you and the directions on how to take the medicine—at night, with food, etc. If you have questions about your meds, talk to your pharmacist or physician. 3. Take care of your refills before you run out. HBM needs to be taken without skipping a dosage-you can’t skip a day or cut it in half to last longer—that’s not the way it works. 4. If you are not feeling right and think you are having adverse effects from your meds, talk to your pharmacist and/or physician at once. Your dosage may very well have to be adjusted. This is a common occurrence with HBM. DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN! 5. HBP meds may have interactions with OTC preparations. Many have warnings about not taking them with HBP meds. Consult your pharmacist on what is safe for you to take.
For your family’s prescription needs, please call
CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644
157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.
Shark Sighting Causes Beach Closure By Michael V. Cusenza
after the last sighting in order to better protect beach visitors. All sightings are referred to the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, which consists of 180 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island. “As New Yorkers and visitors alike head to our beautiful Long Island beaches to enjoy the summer, our top priority is their safety,” Hochul said. “We are taking action to expand patrols for sharks and protect beachgoers from potentially dangerous situations. I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local
A City Parks-confirmed shark sighting at Rockaway Beach Sunday afternoon led the agency to close a section of the popular borough beach. Beaches from Beach 9th Street to Beach 29th Street were closed for several hours. Additionally, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the State Police to implement heightened patrols and surveillance of shark activity, including drone and helicopter monitoring, along the Long Island State Park Beaches due to recent shark encounters in the Atlantic Ocean waters off of the South Shore. Hochul also directed State agencies to expand public outreach efforts on shark safety resources and education to help beachgoers stay safe. Under State Park shark safety guidelines, swimming is suspended following a shark sighting so the shoreline can File Photo be inspected by drone. Swimming is The City confirmed a shark sighting this weekend at only allowed to resume at least an hour Rockaway Beach. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 27 • JULY 21, 2022 | 5
With 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now Active, Pol Hopes Vets in Need will Reach out for Help By Forum Staff Over the weekend the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline changed its telephone number to the easy-to-remember threedigit number 988, and New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) wants to alert his constituents — especially the veteran population — of this important change. The change was officially made on Saturday, July 16, with 988 taking over for the former 1-800-273-8255 number. New Yorkers who are contemplating suicide, or experiencing other mental health or addiction issues, can now call, text, or chat this new 988 number. However, residents facing an immediate life-threatening emergency situation should still call 911. “Our mental health is critically important and we must care for our mind the same as we do our body,” Addabbo said. “This new 988 crisis hotline will give residents an easier number to remember if they are facing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. New York State has already earmarked additional money — along with federal funds — to help these crisis call
Visit NYC Well’s Web-based chat at https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.
centers across the state.” The number of New Yorkers who used the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has increased over recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused those numbers to increase even further. COVID and the resulting lockdowns, business closures, job loss and economic downturn on top of the day-to-day stress of living had a negative effect on New Yorkers’ mental health. Addabbo pointed out that one group of individuals that has historically strug-
Courtesy of NYC Well
gled with mental health and suicide is the veteran population. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, an average of 17.2 veteran committed suicide per day in 2019. Addabbo, a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, has made it his priority to address this issue and wants to highlight this fact to make veterans aware of this new number. “The veteran population faces a high-
er rate of suicide than the general public, and over 17 veterans per day succumb to their mental health crisis and commit suicide. We need to work together to lower these tragic numbers,” said Addabbo, a co-sponsor of the initial “988” Senate bill. “These men and women put their lives on the line each day to protect us and our way of life. To see so many brave soldiers not being able to handle life outside of the service that they end up taking their own lives is heartbreaking. It is my hope that with greater outreach, and an easier number to call or text, we can lower the number of veteran suicides and save thousands of lives. We have already set aside money to help make these crisis call centers a 24/7 service, and I would like to see a veterans peer-to-peer component added to the service to allow veterans the chance to speak with other service members who can relate to some of their unique problems and help them with their struggles.” Additionally, on Monday Mayor Eric Adams announced that the City will expand its successful, free mental health helpline, NYC Well – strengthening the foundation for the federal 988 crisis line.
City Launches Homeless Advocacy Project By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams, veteran civil rights advocate and former executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union Norman Siegel, and Community Healthcare Network president and Coalition for the Homeless founder Robert Hayes on Tuesday announced the launch of the Street Homeless Advocacy Project (SHAP), a volunteer outreach initiative to provide direct support to those experiencing homelessness. Led by Norman Siegel and Robert Hayes in conjunction with the Interfaith Assembly
on Homelessness and Housing, The New York Legal Assistance Group, and the Doe Fund, the new initiative will help train New Yorkers to become volunteer advocates for those experiencing homelessness. “The Street Homeless Advocacy Project is another step in the right direction when it comes to helping our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness,” said Adams. “Since we started this work, we’ve made great strides, and I know we can do better. It won’t be easy, but we can no longer just walk by and pretend this is someone else’s problem. We have a moral duty to try to break this cycle of
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
The Street Homeless Advocacy Project will be led by Norman Siegel (pictured) and Robert Hayes.
6 | JULY 21, 2022 • Number 27 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
neglect and despair. With New Yorkers helping New Yorkers, I know we can build trust with homeless New Yorkers and provide them with the resources they need to come off of the streets or out of the subways and find shelter.” SHAP will train volunteers to engage and build trust with those experiencing homelessness, and offer services ranging from independent housing options, safe haven beds, as well as mental health and substance use programs. Diverse teams of volunteers (made up of individuals with direct experience of homelessness, social workers, clergy and faith leaders, and community leaders) will be assigned to specific areas, in coordination with existing street homeless outreach programs, where they will engage with and offer services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Volunteer advocates will go through a comprehensive application and vetting process before they start. When teams go out, they will be equipped with specific and direct links to the array of residential alternatives to the streets available to homeless individuals, as well as other support services like soup kitchens and medical services. “There is no dignity in living on the streets — and here at the Department of Social Services, we are committed to providing high quality services to our unsheltered brothers and sisters so they can have a safe place to sleep and get the support they deserve,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “Our low-barrier shelters — which just received a historic 171 million dollar investment — are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the unsheltered community. With wraparound services, medical and mental health support, and case workers on hand, our low barrier shelters are ready to serve our city’s most vulnerable. We are thrilled to work alongside the Street Homeless Advocacy Project to help countless New Yorkers get back on their feet as part of this new initiative.” In addition to the Street Homeless Advocacy Project, any New Yorker who sees someone in need of assistance can call 311 or file a report through the 311 app. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 27 • JULY 21, 2022 | 7
Governor Announces Latest Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution Following 2B Allocation from Washington By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the distribution of the JYNNEOS vaccine in New York, following an additional allocation of 8,822 doses to New York State from the federal government. New York City will receive its own allocation of 23,963 doses directly from the federal government. "New York continues to face a disproportionate number of monkeypox cases," Hochul said. "I want to thank President Biden, Dr. Jha and other Administration officials for their partnership to secure additional vaccines for our state. While the national supply remains limited, we will continue our efforts to confront this outbreak with the urgency needed to ensure that New York receives its fair share of vaccines and protect our most vulnerable communities." In this phase of vaccine distribution ("2B"), NYSDOH has allocated 2,000 of its doses to New York City, given the high number of cases concentrated in the area. The rest of the State's allocation will be distributed to counties based on the number of monkeypox cases in their locality, proximity to New York City, and ability to reach vaccine-eligible New Yorkers. All doses in this allocation are recommended to be administered as a first dose of the two-dose vaccine series. While vaccine supply remains limited, more vaccine is expected in
the coming weeks and months to ensure New Yorkers get both doses needed to be considered fully vaccinated. The State Department of Health has indicated that it is committed to an equitable distribution of vaccine, and as it has since Phase 1, eligibility remains focused on individuals with known or likely exposure in areas with the highest number of cases. In accordance with CDC guidance advising Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for the current Monkeypox outbreak, those already exposed or likely to have been exposed are prioritized in the State allocation by county. Eligibility includes the following New Yorkers: • Individuals with recent exposure to monkeypox within the past 14 days. • Those at high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox, including members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men and who have engaged in intimate or skinto-skin contact with others in the past 14 days areas where monkeypox is spreading. • Individuals who have had skinto-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, including men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application ("app"), or social event, such as a bar or party.
File Photo
In this phase of vaccine distribution, NYSDOH has allocated 2,000 of its doses to New York City, given the high number of cases concentrated in the area.
Of the 8,822 doses allocated to New York State from the federal government, 1,000 will be distributed to Nassau County, 1,800 to Suffolk County, 2,600 to Westchester County, 600 to Erie County, 600 to Monroe County, and 300 to Saratoga County though 100 of Saratoga County's 300 doses will be taken from doses previously reserved by NYSDOH (from Phase "2A"). Albany County, which just announced its first case, will receive 40 doses and 2,000 doses will be allocated to New York City.
Anyone can get monkeypox, which is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people. Based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Information from previous outbreaks around the world indicate that elderly New Yorkers, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes.
Feds File Civil Complaint against Vascular Care Company Alleging Massive Fraud By Forum Staff The United States recently filed a civil complaint in federal court in Brooklyn against Fresenius Vascular Care, Inc. alleging that the company performed unnecessary procedures on dialysis patients at nine centers across New York City, Long Island and Westchester, and billed the procedures to Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Health Benefits Program and TRICARE. The complaint seeks damages and penalties under the False Claims Act. As alleged in the complaint, from about Jan. 1, 2012 through June 30, 2018, Fresenius routinely performed certain pro-
cedures on patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who were receiving dialysis, without sufficient clinical indication that the patients needed the procedures. These interventions included fistulagrams, which are radiological procedures in which dye is injected into the patient’s vein or artery to visualize the port and surrounding blood vessels, and angioplasties, in which wires and balloons are inserted into veins or arteries that have narrowed to restore the patient’s blood flow. Fresenius knowingly subjected ESRD patients—who included elderly, disadvantaged minority, and lowincome individuals—to these procedures to increase its revenues.
Photo Courtesy of Google
At least two of the defendants operated vascular access centers at this facility on Union Turnpike in Flushing.
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Defendants operated vascular access centers at the following locations during the relevant period: • American Access Care of Bellmore (now “American Access Care Nassau County”), 250 Pettit Avenue, Suite 2, Bellmore, NY 11710 • American Access Care Brooklyn, 577 Prospect Avenue Lower Level, Brooklyn, NY 11215 • American Access Care of New York (now “American Access Care Manhattan”), 403 E. 91st Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10128 • American Access Care Queens, 176-60
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace
Union Turnpike #130, Suite 130, Flushing, NY 11366 • American Access Care Suffolk County, 32 Central Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • American Access Care Bronx, 1200 Waters Place N. Lobby, Suite M 115, Bronx, NY 10461 • Saqib Chaudhry, MD – Flushing, 17660 Union Turnpike Utopia Center, Suite 145, Flushing, NY 11366 • Saqib Chaudhry, MD – Roslyn, 1044 Northern Boulevard, Suite 302, Roslyn, NY 11676 (no longer operating) • Verrazano Vascular Associates at Access Care Physicians, 2025 Richmond Avenue, Suite 1LL, Staten Island, NY 10314
Photo Courtesy of Clara Barton High School
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Five Indicted for Allegedly Operating Open-Air Drug Market in Jamaica By Forum Staff
Four men, including a father and son, have been indicted for allegedly packaging and selling an assortment of narcotics—including heroin, cocaine and fentanyl—to walk-up customers in an open-air drug market on a dead-end Jamaica street on multiple occasions between May 2021 and June 2022, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday. A fifth defendant has been charged with possessing kilos of narcotics worth more than $75,000, Katz added. The District Attorney’s Office identified four of the defendants as Boris Ford, 57, of Roosevelt Island, Manhattan; and his son Barshawn Ford, 29, Esau Daniels, 28, and Leon Spears, 60, all of Jamaica. The defendants have variously been charged with conspiracy, criminal sale of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Boris Ford and Leon Spears face additional charges stemming from items recovered during search warrants this week. At that time, members of the City Police Department executed authorized search warrants on multiple locations, including the residences of Boris Ford and Leon
Search warrants yielded an inventory of drugs and guns.
Spears. The search warrants yielded four illegal firearms (including a MAC-11 submachine gun), more than five kilograms of heroin and cocaine, and cash. Boris Ford was charged in a five-count criminal court complaint with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, operating as a major trafficker and criminal possession of a weapon. Leon Spears was charged in a seven-count criminal court complaint with, among other charges, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. An additional search warrant resulted in charges for the fifth defendant, Lonnie Scott, 50, who is alleged to have supplied Boris Ford with narcotics. This search war-
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
rant, executed at Scott’s Jamaica residence, yielded more than five kilograms of cocaine and heroin. Utilizing complex court-authorized electronic surveillance warrants, surveillance, and other investigative tools, the Queens District Attorney’s Major Economic Crimes Bureau, working with the NYPD’s Queens South Violent Crime Squad, conducted a 13-month investigation dubbed “Operation: Overpass.” In October 2021, the court authorized electronic surveillance of a mobile telephone used by Boris Ford. Detectives assigned to the Queens South Violent Crime Squad, including undercovers, determined that the elder Ford had enlisted his son Barshawn Ford and at least three other men in an alleged scheme
to sell narcotics in a Jamaica neighborhood near 157th Street and 109th Avenue. The men allegedly ran an open market, controlling a dead-end street where customers could walk up and purchase illicit narcotics on demand. In utilizing the eavesdropping warrant, the detectives learned that Lonnie Scott was allegedly one of Boris Ford’s suppliers of narcotics. According to the charges, from May 2021 to June 2022, Boris Ford, his son Barshawn Ford, Esau Daniels and Leon Spears conspired to sell an inventory of drugs including heroin, cocaine and fentanyl on at least 23 occasions. DA Katz said, as alleged, the elder Ford would obtain narcotics from various suppliers, including Scott, that he then repackaged for resale with his son, Barshawn Ford, and Esau Daniels. Barshawn Ford and Daniels provided the narcotics to several street dealers, including Leon Spears, and brought the cash proceeds back to Boris Ford. Defendants Boris Ford, Barshawn Ford, Daniels and Spears allegedly communicated information about their drug inventory and sales through scores of phone calls and text messages intercepted during the course of the investigation.
Hochul Announces Crackdown to Combat Wage Theft By Forum Staff
cases involving wage theft, fraud, and safety hazards. The Task Force has recently expanded its scope into other industries and counties in New York State. The Wage Theft Task Force includes NYSDOL, the New York State Attorney General's Office, the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), the Offices of District Attorneys across the State, and the New York City Department of Investigation. The Task Force works closely with labor unions and community-based organizations as part of efforts to support workers and recover owed wages. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, "Unscrupu-
lous employers and contractors who choose to do business in New York are on notice that we will not stand for theft, fraud or unsafe work conditions in our City and State. Not only is wage theft a pervasive problem, but it also disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable members of our community and negatively impacts our economy. That is why I created the Housing & Worker Protection Bureau upon taking office, to make sure that employees (and homeowners) are protected from illegal actions. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and all the public officials for their hard work in safeguarding New York's workforce."
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced major actions to combat wage theft and protect the paychecks of hardworking New Yorkers. The Governor announced that the Wage Theft Task Force, a coordinated effort between the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Attorney General, and District Attorneys, has recently secured felony convictions and agreements from more than a dozen businesses and 265 individuals to pay nearly $3 million in wage restitution and contributions owed to New York State since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also announced new efforts to double down on the success of the Task Force, launching a new hotline and developing a state-of-the-art online wage theft reporting system to create more opportunities for workers to report wage theft and receive what they are owed while protecting their privacy and safety. Starting Tuesday, July 19, New Yorkers can report wage theft directly to the New York State Department of Labor by calling the new hotline at 833-910-4378, which has interpretation services available. The online reporting system will give New Yorkers the ability to report wage theft online in a variety of languages while improving the Department's ability to track complaints and identify trends. "As we work to help New Yorkers recover from the economic hardship of the pandemic, we must ensure we are protecting workers and guarantee they receive the pay they are owed," Hochul said. "The Wage Theft Task Force has already secured major victories for workers, and I thank the Attorney General and District Attorneys for their partnership with the Department of Labor to crack down on bad actors and deliver justice to workers. I am proud that we are doubling down on our efforts in order to help more workers and make it clear that in New York, wage theft will never be tolerated." Photo Courtesy of Don Pollard/Office of the Governor The Wage Theft Task Force initially leveraged crimi- “Unscrupulous employers and contractors who choose to do business in New York are on notice that we will not stand for theft, fraud or unsafe work conditions nal laws to achieve justice for construction workers in in our City and State,” DA Katz said. 10 | JULY 21, 2022 • Number 27 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
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Legal Notices Notice of formation of DAILEY’S VETERANS SERVICES, LLC Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/18/22. 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 the 131-72 231st STREET, LAURELTON, NY 11413 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
104 CORONA ASSOCIATES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/06/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 104-01 Corona Avenue, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of 80-10 209TH ST LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/08/22. 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 the LLC, 7307 194TH ST FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11366. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
FERN AND AURORA LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/14/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:CHERRY ADAME, 8316 CHARLECOTE RIDGE, JAMAICA ESTATES, NY, 11432, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
34-26 76th Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 5/11/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Stephan Mignot, 34-26 76th St., Jackson Heights, NY 11372. General Purpose. Notice of formation of SUPER RISE REALTY LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/10/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 9224 Queens Blvd., Ste. 740293, Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of formation of 35 AVE XU OPERATOR LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/06/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against to: THE LLC 35-06 LEAVITT ST., SUITE CF-A, FLISHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: any lawful. BROKERHEDGE.COM LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/11/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Isaac Cohen, 9955 65 Avenue, Rego Park, NY 11374. Reg Agent: Isaac Cohen, 9955 65 Avenue, Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
70th Ave Forest Hills LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/23/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 100-11 70th Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of ZMWIN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/27/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 106-18 49th Ave, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: any lawful activity.
REALTOPIA REAL ESTATE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/06/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to REALTOPIA REAL ESTATE LLC 4721 188TH STREET, FLUSHING NY, 11358, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation: REDMAN NYC LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: VERONICA A TAPIA ELIZALDE, 4811 192ND STREET. FRESH MEADOW, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation: DOCK 3366 LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: TAI K. AARON POON, 142-38 ROOSEVELT AVE., FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation: Penn Foster LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/30/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3808 Union St Ste 10C, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
360 VERMONT IGY LLC. Filed 1/10/2019. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 143-24 84 DRIVE, QUEENS, NY 11435. Purpose: General. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 30th day of JULY 6, 2020, bearing Index Number NC000251-20/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) DEBRA (last) GROSS-WILLIAMS. My present name is DEBRA WILLIAMS AKA DEBRA GROSS AKA DEBRA GROSS-WILLIAMS. The city and state of my present address is SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY,. The month and year of my birth are SEPTEMBER 1961. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 30th day of JUNE 2021, bearing Index Number NC-000368-21/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 8917 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) NASIMA (last) SULTANA. My present name is SUFIA BEGUM. The city and state of my present address is BRIARWOOD, NEW YORK. The month and year of my birth are MAY 1955. The place of my birth is BANGLADESH.
DMLIC LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/9/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process 4325 Hunter St., apt. 837E, Long Island City, NY 11101. General Purpose
48-39 40TH SUNNYSIDE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/29/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 70Bluebird Lane, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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