THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JULY 7, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 25 • JULY 7, 2022

BULLET-RIDDLED BOROUGH One Dead, Six Wounded in

Holiday Weekend Shootings in Richmond Hill, Queens Village

See story on page 2

Mayor Eric Adams is briefed by NYPD brass Sunday night in Queens Village where three people were shot at a party.

Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 25 • JULY 7, 2022 | 1

One Dead, Six Wounded in Holiday Weekend Shootings in Richmond Hill, Queens Village

The first incident took place at this auto repair shop in Richmond Hill.

By Michael V. Cusenza One man was killed and six others wounded this weekend in two separate shooting incidents in Richmond Hill and Queens Village, according to police and published reports.

On Saturday night, a man walked into a party being thrown at a Richmond Hill

Photo Courtesy of Google

auto repair shop on 89th Avenue and opened fire on the crowd. A 24-year-old man was shot in the head. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Three other patrons suffered gunshot wounds.

On Sunday night, a fight erupted during a party at a motorcycle club on Jamaica

Photo Courtesy of Google

A 24-year-old man, who was shot in the head, was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he later died.

Avenue near 214th Place in Queens Village.

Off-duty City Correction Officer David Donegan has been hailed as a hero for pulling out his service weapon and firing at a man who initiated the gunplay at the party.

The shooter, Mark Gibbs, was shot three times; Donegan was shot once in the leg; and another person was shot in the melee.

The Correction Officers’ Benevolent

The Queens Village shooting incident occurred outside the Square Biz motorcycle clubhouse on Jamaica Avenue.

Association called Donegan’s actions “nothing short of heroic.” “[H]ad our officer not exercised his training and made a split second decision, this incident could have cost many innocent people their lives, including his own,” COBA President Benny Boscio said.

The investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.

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New Law Extends Tax-Exemption Application Deadline for Homeowners Affected by Sandy tating event. The COVID-19 pandemic also delayed reconstruction, leaving many Legislation extending the tax-exemp- homeowners waiting for certificates of oction application deadline on renovations to cupancy. Soon these homeowners will enor reconstruction of residential properties affected by Superstorm Sandy to March 1, 2024, was recently signed into law, the bill’s co-sponsor, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DHoward Beach), announced Thursday.

The tax exemptions will only be allowed for reconstruction, alterations, or improvements necessitated due to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, and reflected on a certificate of occupancy no later than March 1, 2024. Any aspect of a primary residence not in existence or not part of the primary residence before October 29, 2012, would not be eligible for the exemption.

Although Superstorm Sandy occurred Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo nearly 10 years ago, many storm-impacted “This law…will significantly help constituents as they homeowners continue to conduct repairs move forward and fully recover from the devastation of on their homes as a result of the devas- Superstorm Sandy,” Sen. Addabbo said.

By Forum Staff

File Photo

The tax exemptions will only be allowed for reconstruction, alterations, or improvements necessitated due to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.

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dure higher property assessments even as they deal with debt repayments associated with the critical home repairs. Property tax increases and the federal government’s capping of the state and local tax deductions have only exacerbated these financial difficulties, Addabbo noted. This new law will provide a graduated tax process for eligible Superstorm Sandy-impacted homeowners.

“Homeowners still struggling to rebuild a decade after Superstorm Sandy hit our coastal communities will get critical relief with this deadline extension as the pandemic added to repair delays and pricing increases for building materials,” Addabbo said. “This law, along with my work permit legislation signed into law in 2021, will significantly help constituents as they move forward and fully recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.”

The new law took effect immediately after being signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 28.

City to Crackdown on Illegal Plates

By Michael V. Cusenza C i t y o f f i c i a l s o n Tu e s d ay a n n o u n c e d t h at t h e N Y P D, Ci t y S h e r i f f , a n d D e p a r t m e n t o f Tr a n s p o r t at i o n a re c r a c ki n g d ow n o n v e h i c l e s w i t h i l l e ga l l i c e n s e p l ate s .

“A ny o n e c a n l o o k a ro u n d o u t s i d e r i g h t n ow a n d s e e t h e p ro l i f e r at i o n o f p a p e r l i c e n s e p l ate s a f f i x e d to v e h i c l e s t h at h av e b e e n d r i v i n g a n d p a r k i n g o n Ne w Yo r k C i t y s t re e t s ,” s a i d N Y P D Tr a n s p o r t at i o n B u rea u C h i e f K i m R o y s te r. “ Ma ny o f t h e s e te m p o r a r y p l ate s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e o n e s t h at a p p ea r to b e i s s u e d b y s t ate s o t h e r t h a n Ne w Yo r k , a re f a k e. T h e y ’re fraudulent. And the drivers of the vehic l e s t h e y ’re att a c h e d to a re f u l l y aw a re t h at t h e y a re b rea k i n g t h e l aw a n d p o s s e s s i o n a n d u s i n g t h e m .”

R o y s te r n o te d t h at i n re c e n t m o n t h s t h e N Y P D h a s b e e n h o l d i n g i l l e ga l l i c e n s e p l ate s t r ate g y m e e t i n g s w i t h age n c y p a r t n e r s t h e M TA , Po r t A u t h o r i t y, Tr i b o ro u g h B r i d ge a n d Tu n n e l , t h e D OT, t h e S h e r i f f 's O f f i c e, S t ate Tro o p e r s , a s w e l l a s d i s t r i c t atto r n e y s . “ T h i s Ve h i c l e L i c e n s e P l ate Wo r k i n g G ro u p, a s w e c a l l i t , i s d e te r m i n e d to e n d t h e f a r- r a n g i n g p u b l i c s a f e t y h a z a rd s t h at t h reate n e v e r y o n e t h at l i v e s i n , w o r k s i n , o r v i s i t s Ne w Yo r k C i t y, i n c l u d i n g t h e p o l i c e o f f i c e r s w h o a re s w o r n to p ro te c t t h e m . T h i s i s o u r w a r n i n g to a l l . T h i s e n d s to d ay,” R o y s te r s a i d . “A ny o n e w h o c o m m i t s t h e s e re c k l e s s a c t s w i l l b e h e l d f u l l y a c c o u n t a b l e f o r t h e i r b e h av i o r.

T h at 's w h at w e ow e Ne w Yo r k e r s h e re to d ay. T h e i d ea o f c reat i n g t h e s e s a f e ro a d w ay s f o r d r i v e r s , b i c y c l i s t s , p e d e s t r i a n s a l i k e i s b e i n g re i n f o rc e d t h ro u g h a

w e e k l y t r a f f i c s a f e t y f o r u m t h at 's h e l d at p o l i c e h ea d q u a r te r s .”

R o y s te r a l s o rea c h e d o u t to t h e p u b l i c to h e l p w i t h t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e i s s u e. “ P l ea s e p i c k u p y o u r p h o n e, d i a l 9 1 1 , c a l l 3 1 1 , o r l o g a c o m p l a i n t o n Ne w Yo r k C i t y 3 1 1 s m a r t p h o n e a p p,” s h e s a i d . “ If y o u k n ow, o r s u s p e c t t h at a g h o s t c a r i s i n t h e a rea , y o u r c o m p l a i n t w i l l l ea d a n N Y P D o f f i c e r to t h e a rea to v e r i f y o r p o s s i b l y s u m m o n s a n d tow t h at v e h i c l e.

A n d i f t h e d r i v e r o r t h e ow n e r i s p re s e n t , t h e y w i l l b e a r re s te d . O u r d at a s h ow s t h at l a s t y ea r, a r re s t s i nv o l v i n g v e h i c l e s t h at d i s p l ay e d te m p o r a r y p a p e r p l ate s ro s e to 3 , 5 6 8 . T h i s i s a 3 0 0 - p e rc e n t i n c rea s e c o m p a re d to t h e 8 9 3 a r re s t s t h at w e re m a d e i n 2 0 1 6 i nv o l v i n g v e h i c l e s t h at f i t t h i s c ate go r y.”

R o y s te r a l s o n o te d t h at 2 5 p e rc e n t o f t h e 5 , 5 0 0 v e h i c l e s w i t h p a p e r p l ate s f o u n d i n v i o l at i o n a n d tow e d b y t h e N Y P D 's Tr a f f i c E n f o rc e m e n t D i s t r i c t l a s t y ea r w e re n e v e r re t r i e v e d b y t h e i r ow n e r s . T h ro u g h Ju n e o f t h i s y ea r, o f t h e 1 , 6 4 6 v e h i c l e s t h at w e re tow e d w i t h p a p e r p l ate s , m o re t h a n 3 4 p e rc e n t w e re not claimed.

May o r E r i c A d a m s c a l l e d t h e m “g h o s t v e h i c l e s .”

“G h o s t g u n s c a n' t b e t r a c e d , g h o s t v e h i c l e s c a n' t b e t r a c e d . A n d w e k n ow i f w e d o n' t ge t t h e m o f f t h e s t re e t s , j u s t l i k e g h o s t g u n s , t h e y b e c o m e a w ea p o n o f d eat h f o r o u r i n n o c e n t Ne w Yo r k e r s ,” A d a m s s a i d . “A n d j u s t l i k e t h e g h o s t g u n s , t h e s e g h o s t c a r s , a re o f te n u s e d i n m a j o r c r i m e s . A n d a s t h e c h i e f i n d i c ate d , o f t h e 2 7 1 t r a f f i c d eat h s i n 2 0 2 1 , 1 6 i nv o l v e d v e h i c l e s w i t h te m p o r a r y p l ate s , n i n e o f t h o s e p l ate s w e re i l l e ga l .”

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JOSEPH FAULISI, ESQ., CPA Call today: e-mail: info@faulisilaw.com website: faulisilaw.com 101-42 99th Street Ozone Park, NY 11416

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“Many of these temporary plates, particularly the ones that appear to be issued by states other than New York, are fake. They’re fraudulent,” NYPD Chief Royster said.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 25 • JULY 7, 2022 | 3

City Launches Nation’s First Mobile COVID Test to Treat Program units this summer, ensuring New Yorkers have even more immediate access to lifesaving treatments.

The Test to Treat mobile program is starting with three mobile testing units, paired with local pharmacies, and will expand to more than 30 units through the month of July. In the initial phase, New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a prescription from a clinician at the mobile site and be able to pick up the medication at the co-located pharmacy or through the city's free home delivery program. Units will be partnered and deployed at the following locations:

Photo Courtesy of Google

In Queens, mobile City units will be partnered and deployed at Rex Pharmacy in South Ozone Park.

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Test & Trace Corps, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) were joined

by White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha on Thursday to announce the launch of the country's firstever mobile-based "Test to Treat" program.

Starting Thursday, June 30, participating mobile testing units managed by NYC Test

& Trace Corps will now include a clinician on their team to provide instant access to prescriptions for no-cost, antiviral medications for eligible New Yorkers who test positive at these sites. The initial Test to Treat units are partnering with local pharmacies to provide immediate distribution of medication from the prescription. As the launch continues, the program will expand to over 30 units over the month of July. This program will also shift to be able to distribute antiviral medications in the

4 | JULY 7, 2022 • Number 25 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

• Rex Pharmacy 119-01 Rockaway Blvd.

South Ozone Park, NY 114120 • Inwood Pharmacy 4915 Broadway New York, NY 10034 • Burke Avenue Pharmacy 759 Burke Ave. Bronx, NY 10467 As the program expands, New Yorkers who test positive at a participating mobile testing unit will be offered the chance to engage with an onsite clinician and, if eligible, walk away with a free course of Paxlovid anti-viral medication. The program builds upon the NYC Test & Trace Corps'

nation-leading mobile testing and vaccination efforts, which have provided New Yorkers 1.9 million tests and 285,000 vaccinations to date.

“New York City may have been at the epicenter of the pandemic at the start, but now we are leading the way in prevention and mitigation,” Adams said.

Test & Trace will continue to work hand in hand with community partners to ensure deployments are reaching New Yorkers in neighborhoods most impacted

by COVID-19 and to coordinate closely with DOHMH to make data-informed decisions.

“Health services, including for COVID-19, should be omnipresent and capable of meeting people where they are,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We’ve learned during the pandemic how important it is to bring care to people, in an equitable way, prioritizing vulnerable groups and neighborhoods that have been hardest hit by COVID-19.

In addition to home delivery of medications, we should be ready to hand off lifesaving medications to those who may not feel comfortable or confident using tele-visit services and deliver end-to-end services at a single point-of care. The new mobile Test to Treat model continues the city's track record of innovation in our pandemic response.”

New Laws to Spur Energy Efficiency

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

“The impacts of climate change are felt all over New York State, and in response we are taking bold action and building a stronger, more resilient New York by guaranteeing healthier, greener places to live and work,” Gov. Hochul said.

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday signed a legislative package of three bills that will strengthen New York’s commitment to clean energy development and energy efficiency, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These three new laws support the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while ensuring a just and equitable transition for New York workers and communities.

The Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022 bolsters New York's regulatory and policy environment to support energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction strategies in buildings along with expanded appliance standards. The Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop a regulatory structure for utility thermal energy networks - including district geothermal and other community-scale thermal infrastructure projects - for heating and cooling homes, and to direct utilities to launch pilot projects in their service territories. The Governor also signed legislation requiring prevailing wage for renewable energy projects one megawatt and larger that involve the procurement of renewable energy credits from a public entity. Together, with the strong promise held by community thermal systems for existing pipe workers and other skilled trades, accelerated action in building efficiency, and strengthened wage standards for renewable energy development, these legislative measures demonstrate the State's commitment to ensuring projects create quality jobs for New York-

ers in clean energy and planning for a just transition.

Greening New York's building sector by investing in clean heating and cooling solutions presents the greatest prospect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while realizing a unique workforce development opportunity. Earlier this year, the Climate Action Council's Just Transition Working Group issued a Jobs Study that details the number of jobs that will be created as part of New York's clean energy transition, and found the buildings sector accounted for well over half of all the jobs added in growing clean energy subsectors from 2019 to 2030. The study estimates that overall employment in the buildings sector will grow to approximately 366,000 by 2040, more than doubling the 2019 workforce by adding over 200,000 new jobs. The legislative package signed today is one part of a holistic suite of policies and programs needed to drive decarbonization in the buildings sector at scale and realize these significant opportunities for near-, medium-, and long-term job growth.

“The impacts of climate change are felt all over New York State, and in response we are taking bold action and building a stronger, more resilient New York by guaranteeing healthier, greener places to live and work,” Hochul said.

“Now more than ever, the importance of a cost-effective green transformation is clear, and strengthening building codes and appliance standards will reduce carbon emissions and save New Yorkers billions of dollars by increasing efficiency. This multi-pronged legislative package will not only replace dirty fossil fuel infrastructure, but it will also further cement New York as the national leader in climate action and green jobs.”

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

THE TWO SIDES OF PRESCRIPTION MEDS: Supplementing your care Our patients are on a variety of everyday meds to keep chronic conditions in check. But many are not aware that medication can do you harm while helping you.

The depletion of nutrients is one of the most often ignored side effects of prescription medication. It is quite common and can be life threatening. Below we will list by classification some common medications which deplete nutrients and the supplements you need to replenish them.

Blood sugar control like Metformin depletes: Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid and cardiovascular protector coenzyme Q10.

Supplements needed: Vitamin B12 ( 200-1,000 mcg, Folic acid 400-800 mcg, and CoQ10 30-200 mg.

High Cholesterol meds (STATINS) like LIPITOR, CRESTOR, ZOCOR, etc., depletes CoQ10 Supplements needed: 100-300 mg of CoQ10. Hypertension meds like Beta-Blockers: atenolol (Tenormin®), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL®), and propranolol (Inderal®) depletes CoQ10 and reduce Melatonin production. Supplements needed: 100300mg of CoQ10.

Diuretics Furosemide (Lasix®) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ®) depletes: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C, B1 and B6, and Zinc. Supplements needed: well-balanced, complete multivitamin supplement containing key nutrients and Calcium (1,000mg).

Heartburn and Acid Reflux Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), H2 blockers (Pepcid®, Zantac®), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Nexium®, Prevacid®, Protonix®, and Aciphex® depletes: B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Supplements needed: Vitamin B12, Whey Protein Supplement, Calcium (1,000- 1,200mg), Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000-2,000 mg), high quality, broad spectrum probiotic Constipation meds like Mineral Oil, Lactulose (Enulose®), Miralax and Senna (Senokot®) depletes: Fat Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Supplements needed: Broad Spectrum Probiotic (daily), Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 mg), Calcium (1,000-2,000 mg) and 500mg of Magnesium, Zinc (25-50mg) Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Celexa®, Lexapro®, Zoloft®, Paxil® and Prozac®, deletes: Melatonin, B vitamins, Supplements needed: specifically, group-B vitamins, Co Q10- 100-300 mg daily, Folic Acid 800mcg daily, SAMe – 200 mg twice daily, Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 mg daily).

Please don't hesitate to come in with your questions. We have a wide variety of supplements and would love to help you chose them.

Until Next Week…

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.

Ariola Allocates Funds to Clean up Addabbo Bridge

A Wildcat Service Corporation crew on Tuesday cleaned up the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge and the National Park Service property along the canal.

The beautification effort was made possible by taxpayer funds allocated by City Co u n c i l w o m a n Joann Ariola (ROzone Park).

“Keeping our district clean is a priority,” Ariola said.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

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City Announces Lawsuit against Online Retailers Illegally Shipping Ghost Gun Components into NYC

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix recently announced a lawsuit against five online retailers that have and continue to illegally sell and deliver gun components that are used to assemble illegal and untraceable firearms — known as ghost guns — into the city. As detailed in the lawsuit, five retailers based in Missouri, Washington, Florida, and North Carolina advertised and sold through their websites unfinished frames, receivers, and ghost gun kits to an investigator from the New York City Sheriff ’s Office.

The gun components were shipped directly to an address in New York City, in violation of New York state and New York City laws making such sales illegal. These gun components are easily assembled into illegal, untraceable, deadly weapons.

New York City’s complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against defendants: • Arm or Ally, based in Kansas City, Missouri; • Rainier Arms, based in North Auburn, Washington; • 80P Builder, based in Largo, Florida; • Rock Slide USA, based in Broadway, North Carolina; and • Indie Guns, based in Orlando, Florida.

New York City’s lawsuit was filed simultaneously to a separate lawsuit filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James against 10 defendants in New York State Supreme Court for fueling the gun violence crisis and endangering New Yorkers. Attorney General James’

frames and receivers to New Yorkers that were then converted into unserialized, untraceable handguns and assault-style weapons.

According to New York City’s complaint, the five ghost gun retailers delivered gun components and gun kits to a Sheriff ’s Office undercover investigator at a Manhattan address, when such sales were already illegal under city and state law. Orders included so-called “unfinished” frames or receivers, also referred to as “80 percent” frames or receivers, which do not have serial numbers. The frames are offered for sale in kits, which allow a person — using commonly available tools — to assemble receivers and frames into fully-functioning, untraceable handguns. The Sheriff ’s Office easily assembled a fullyfunctioning gun from the components and kits. Similar components are available to assemble semi-automatic assault weapons.

Ghost guns sold into New York City have ended up in the hands of convicted felons and other prohibited and unlicensed possessors, as well as underage purchasers.

Incidents involving ghost guns reflect a dangerously escalating trend. The NYPD recovered 17 ghost guns in 2018, 48 in 2019, 150 in 2020, 263 in 2021, and has already recovered 180 this year as of June 26th — a 181 percent increase over the same time period last year, and on pace to exceed last year’s total.

New York City is also asking the court to issue a preliminary injunction, ordering the defendants to immediately Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office stop selling ghost guns into New York City. It has been ilIt has been illegal to sell ghost guns into New York City since February legal to sell ghost guns into New York City since February 2020.

2020, and the Sheriff Office’s undercover investigation recomprehensive lawsuit alleges that 10 out-of-state gun vealed that these particular defendants have and continue distributors sold tens of thousands of illegal, unfinished to ignore the city’s restrictions.

City Announces Formation of Nation’s First DNA Gun Crimes Unit

By Forum Staff

OCME operates the largest public DNA crime laboratory in North America, responsible for testing physical evidence from criminal cases within New York City. The lab tests approximately 50,000 items of evidence each year across all categories of crime. Testing turnaround times for gun crimes currently stand at 60 days or less, faster than 90 percent of the jurisdictions in the nation.

“The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is central to our fight against gun violence in New York City, and so we must fight the gun violence crisis with every tool at our disposal. That includes timely and accurate DNA testing of gun crime evidence,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City already processes gun crimes testing faster than 90 percent of the jurisdictions in the

Mayor Eric Adams and City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham on Thursday announced the formation of the firstever gun crimes unit at a public DNA crime laboratory in the country. The Office of the City Medical Examiner (OCME) DNA Gun Crimes Unit will focus exclusively on the testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes and accelerate testing turnaround times to 30 days or less to expedite the processing of gun crime cases in the criminal justice system.

Funded by an investment of $2.5 million, the OCME DNA Gun Crimes Unit will hire and train 24 forensic scientists dedicated solely to the testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes throughout the five boroughs. Within the next year, the specialized squad will ensure testing turnaround times of an unprecedented 30 days or less, as measured from when testing is requested by a district attorney to the distribution of the case report to the district attorney and the New York City Police Department. Funding will also support upgrades in laboratory management softPhoto Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office ware, the purchase of new equipment, The DNA Gun Crimes Unit will focus exclusively on the testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes. and supplies.

6 | JULY 7, 2022 • Number 25 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

nation, but the OCME DNA Gun Crimes Unit will use the power of science to bring those involved in gun crimes to justice faster and help the criminal justice system process cases more quickly. With this new team, New York City is leading the way to end gun violence and keep our communities safe.”

“For every New Yorker concerned about or touched by gun violence, today’s announcement demonstrates the city’s commitment to safety and justice,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “OCME’s specialized unit will help speed up law enforcement investigations. It will also provide individuals and families involved in a case with certainty that the city’s forensic laboratory is bringing every resource to bear to serve justice. Thank you to the OCME team, to our law enforcement partners, and to every person that chooses to serve in the DNA Gun Crimes Unit.”

Graham added, “This specialized team will laser focus our forensic expertise to test evidence from gun crimes and rapidly deliver results for all communities affected by gun violence. Our testing turnaround times are already among the best in the nation, and this initiative will bring us to the next level.”

Cops Probing Wild Fourth of July Crash

Photo Courtesy of Google

On Monday, cops responded to a 911 call of a car crash at the intersection of 121st Street and 101st Avenue.

By Michael V. Cusenza The City Police Department’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is looking into a chaotic multi-car crash on Monday night in South Richmond Hill.

At approximately 10:15 p.m. police responded to a 911 call of a vehicle collision at 121st Street and 101st Avenue.

A preliminary investigation determined that a 27-year-old man was driving a 2020 Chrysler 300 and traveling southbound on 121st Street when he struck a 2017 Toyota Camry, which was doubleparked and unoccupied on the right side of the roadway. As a result of the collision, the Toyota Camry was pushed into a 2019 Toyota Highlander, which was also parked and unoccupied. The Chrysler 300 then overturned and continued trav-

eling southbound on 121st Street, where it struck the rear of a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, which was stopped at the red traffic signal at the intersection with 101st Avenue. The Chrysler 300 continued through the intersection and struck the front of a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder, which was traveling westbound on 101st Avenue, crossing over 121st Street with the green traffic signal.

The Chrysler 300 came to final rest on the southwest corner of the intersection on its roof. The driver of the Chrysler 300 sustained severe trauma to his head and body and was transported by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition. The operators and occupants of the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Pathfinder that were struck remained on the scene and sustained only minor injuries, cops said.

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Adams Announces how Opioid Settlement Will Strengthen Services and Support

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams recently outlined the City’s initial investments from the opioid settlement funds secured for the city by New York Attorney General Letitia James from settlements with different manufacturers and distributors of opioids. The funds will go toward strengthening existing services, boosting workforce capacity, and supporting families who have lost loved ones. These investments spring from the first round of payments the City received from the fund.

With this first round of investments, $150 million over the next five years will go toward: Strengthening Harm Reduction and Treatment in Communities • Sustaining and expanding hours and services at the city’s existing Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) that operate Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) to reduce risk of overdoses among people who use drugs and offer them connections to other services and supports, like treatment.

• Expanding access to Street Health Outreach and Wellness (SHOW) mobile harm reduction clinics and connections to provide care in communities hardest hit by the overdose epidemic.

Expanding Support for Treatment Optimization Strategies

“This money will help us save lives,” Mayor Adams said.

• Supporting additional staff within the city’s public hospital system to expand their emergency department substance use consult team to 24/7 operations across 11 hospitals.

• Training the behavioral health workforce to build expertise in addressing co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Strengthening Community Support for People Who Use Drugs and Their Families • Expanding support for the fami-

Photo Courtesy of Mayoral Photography Office

lies of drug overdose decedents by connecting them to critical mental health and social services supports in the crucial window following a death and according to their particular needs.

There are three main pools of fund money from the settlements for New York City. The first pool will flow through the Office of the New York State Attorney General. The second pool will flow through the New York State Office of Addiction and Substance Abuse Services

(OASAS), guided by the Opioid Settlement Board. The third pool is a directto-localities funding mechanism for approved uses. Through this mechanism, New York City will receive approximately $286 million over the next 18 years, and of that, $150 million over the next five years will go toward supporting the initiatives listed above.

“Too many New Yorkers have suffered from death and addiction and too many families and communities have been torn apart,” Adams said. “With the funding secured by Attorney General James from Big Pharma, we will address the multiple crises that have stemmed from the opioid epidemic — from harm reduction, to expanded treatment options, to support for families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. This money will help us save lives, and I thank Attorney General James for her partnership in fighting to end the opioid crisis and building a healthier and safer New York City.”

This funding comes at an urgent time.

In the third quarter of 2021, there were 709 overdose deaths in New York City, compared to 552 overdose deaths during the same period in 2020, according to a newly released City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report. The third quarter of 2021 had the highest number of overdose deaths in a single quarter compared with any quarter-year on record.

Hochul Signs Legislation to Bolster Restrictions on Concealed Carry Weapons

By Forum Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday signed landmark legislation to strengthen New York's gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons. This package of new laws — drafted in close collaboration with the Legislature — is devised to align with the Supreme Court's recent decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen. As a result of this decision, the State has taken steps to address the consequences of the Supreme Court decision and the resulting increase in licenses and in the number of individuals who will likely purchase and carry weapons in New York State.

According to Hochul, research has shown that violent crime involving firearms increases by 29 percent when people are given the right to carry handguns, caused in part by a 35 percent increase in gun theft and a 13 percent decrease in the rate that police solved cases. Friday 's legislative package furthers the State’s interest in preventing death and injury by firearms by: • Expanding on eligibility requirements in the concealed carry permitting process, including completed firearm training courses for applicants.

• Allowing the state to regulate and standardize training for license applicants.

• Restricting the carrying of concealed weapons in sensitive locations and establishing that private property owners must expressly allow a person to possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun on their property. Individuals who carry concealed weapons in sensitive locations or in contraven-

Photo Courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of the Governor

“Today, we are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers,” Gov. Hochul said.

tion of the authority of an owner of private property will face criminal penalties.

• Establishing state oversight over background checks for firearms and regular checks on license holders for criminal convictions.

• Creating a statewide license and ammunition database.

• Strengthening and clarifying the law relating to

the sale of body armor to include hard body armor, such as the type worn by the suspect in the Buffalo shooting and the safe storage of firearms.

The law will take effect on Sept. 1, 2022. In addition, an appeals board will be created for those applicants whose license or renewal is denied or revoked, which will take effect on April 1, 2023.

“The Supreme Court issued a reckless decision removing century-old limitations on who is allowed to carry concealed weapons in our state — senselessly sending us backward and putting the safety of our residents in jeopardy,” Hochul said. “Today, we are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers. After a close review of the NYSRPA vs. Bruen decision and extensive discussions with constitutional and policy experts, advocates, and legislative partners, I am proud to sign this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons. I want to thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all of our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to take on this critical issue with urgency and precision. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat the gun violence epidemic.”

Last month, the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision ended a 100-year legal precedent requiring individuals to demonstrate “proper cause” to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm. The existing law gave discretion to the state and its licensing officers in determining what constitutes “proper cause,” which the court cited as unconstitutional.

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Twelve Members, Associates of ‘Route Boys’ Charged with Burglaries, Drug Trafficking, Gun Crimes

By Forum Staff A federal grand jury in Central Islip recently returned an 18-count superseding indictment charging Carlos Acevedo, Ramon Collado, Naresh Deonarrain, Jason Liriano, Charlie Maisonet, Cavier Nedrick, Eric Nunez, Jose Rosado, Alberto Santiago and Jeffrey Vargas with conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances. The superseding indictment also charged the defendants, along with Jonathan Santiago, with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including ecstasy and fentanyl.

Furthermore, the superseding indictment charged Luis Cerda, along with Collado, Liriano, Rosado and Alberto Santiago, with conspiracy to commit bank larceny.

The defendants were also charged with several related firearms counts, including possessing a ghost gun.

Cerda, Rosado, and Santiago are Queens residents.

According to court filings, the defendants are members and associates of a burglary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Route Boys.” Over the past two years, the defendants, along with other associates of the Route Boys, com-

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of NY

Route Boys’ members used social media to sell the controlled substances and frequently displayed images of themselves possessing firearms.

mitted dozens of burglaries of pharmacies and convenience stores in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as in New Jersey and

Connecticut. They then used social media to sell the controlled substances and frequently displayed images of themselves possessing firearms.

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, the Route Boys began committing burglaries in late 2020, breaking into convenience stores, check-cashing businesses, laundromats and restaurants, stealing primarily cash and tobacco products. In addition, they often stole freestanding ATMs, forcing them open and stealing the cash from inside the machine.

The Route Boys then began targeting small “mom-and-pop” pharmacies throughout the Tri-State area.

Their pattern remained consistent throughout their crime wave: three to four participants would travel to multiple locations in quick succession on a given night, often in a stolen car, with stolen plates that were routinely switched to avoid detection, and then break into the business, either by smashing glass with crowbars, rocks or grinders. Once inside, the defendants or their associates quickly stole controlled substances – including oxycodone, alprazolam and promethazine-codeine cough syrup – and moved on to the next crime, often burglarizing several locations

on a single night. After the Route Boys committed a crime, they routinely fled in stolen luxury vehicles at extremely high rates of speed, often crashing into other vehicles and endangering the lives of law enforcement officers and innocent citizens. Route Boys’ members, including Acevedo, Collado, Deonarrain, Liriano, Maisonet, Nedrick, Nunez, Rosado, Alberto Santiago and Vargas used social media to sell the controlled substances and frequently displayed images of themselves possessing firearms, including high capacity magazines, scopes and multiple guns at once.

“The members of this gang showed no regard for the damage they caused the businesses or the danger they put people's lives in illegally pushing drugs, all to fuel their own greed,” said FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael Driscoll.

If convicted, Acevedo, Collado, Deonarrain, Liriano, Maisonet, Nedrick, Nunez, Rosado, Alberto Santiago, and Vargas all face up to life imprisonment.

Jonathan Santiago faces a sentence of up to 40 years’ imprisonment, and Luis Cerda faces a sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Trio Pleads Guilty in Cambria Heights Home Foreclosure Scam

By Forum Staff Three men have pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $400,000 from the foreclosure sale of a house in Cambria Heights—funds that rightly belonged to the original homeowners, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.

On June 23, Jonathan Marcus, Vincent Longobardi and Edward Doran pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, and the corporation, East Coast Money Finders, Inc., pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree. As part of the agreement, the defendants and the corporation will provide full restitution in the amount of $416,216.95, which also covers legal fees incurred by the victim in trying to rectify the theft in a civil action.

According to the charges, between April 2010 and January 2016, three separate written inquiries were made to the NYC Department of Finance by each defendant regarding unclaimed surplus funds from the 2006 foreclosure auction of a house in the Cambria Heights neighborhood in Queens.

After Longobardi and Marcus made the inquiries in April 2010 and February 2012, Longobardi filed a third request on behalf of East Coast Money Finders in December 2015. The following January, Doran contacted the NYC Department of Finance to inquire about missing documentation necessary

partment of Finance check for $394,216 was deposited into East Coast Money Finders, Inc.’s bank account. Each of the defendants then received a portion of the funds which was distributed into their personal bank accounts.

According to the investigation, the years-long scheme was revealed in January 2021, when the widow who owned the home with her husband at the time of the 2006 foreclosure sale attempted to claim the surplus funds for herself from the NYC Department of Finance. Neither the 67-year-old woman nor her husband, when he was alive, signed any documents giving anyone else access to the funds. The victim and her late husband never received any of the $350,000 that was disbursed in February 2016.

“Seeking justice on behalf of victims when scammers try to take advantage of housing instability is a top priority for my Office. Whenever we can, we also seek to make the victim whole by securing restitution and returning stolen funds to the rightful owners. In pleading guilty, the three defendants in this case took responsibility for illegally claiming a nearly $400,000 surplus from a foreclosure sale with forged signatures and fraudulent documents. They are now on notice that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Queens County,” Katz said. “We File Photo “In pleading guilty, the three defendants in this case took responsibility for illegally claiming a nearly $400,000 surplus hope that the restitution provides peace from a foreclosure sale with forged signatures and fraudulent documents,” DA Katz said. of mind to the victim.”

to claim the surplus money, and Marcus submitted the missing documentation a few days later.

In April 2015, Katz said, East Coast Money Finders, Inc. filed a motion in Queens County Supreme Court claiming rights to the surplus funds totaling nearly $350,000. Two documents with the owners’ forged signatures were filed with the Court in support of this

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motion. The documents stipulated that Marcus, the president of East Coast Money Finders, Inc., will split the funds between the company and the couple who had once owned the home.

After the defendants provided the NYC Department of Finance with all the necessary paperwork, including a court order based on the forged documents authorizing distribution of the funds, a NYC De-

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Legal Notices AL-YEMANI, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/13/2022. Office: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to:KAREEM ALMATHRAHI, 666 WOODWARD AVE, RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11385, USA. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation: CLF PROPERTY HOLDING LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/07/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 38 MONROE ST. PHA, NEW YORK, NY, 10002, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity Notice of Formation: GERAGHTY CONTNENT CONSULTING LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/13/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to MATT GERAGHTY, 3637 31ST STREET, AP. 2A, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 1106 Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity Nikpar LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/22/2021.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 2315 24th Ave., Astoria, NY 11102. General Purpose.

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 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 limited liability company. Name: ER ASTORIA, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/13/2022.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 22-31 38th Street, Astoria, New York, 11105, USA. 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 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 act.

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.

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.

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.

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