THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 2, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 20 • JUNE 2, 2022

SOLEMN SALUTE TO SACRIFICE World’s Borough Honors All

who gave Their Lives for Their Country

See story on page 2

Howard Beach Memorial Day Parade participants hail the Stars & Stripes on Monday.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 20 • JUNE 2, 2022 | 1

World’s Borough Honors all who Sacrificed Their Lives for Their Country

By Michael V. Cusenza

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

After its traditional parade, Howard Beach gathers at Coleman Square to pay their respects to the fallen.

Gianna and Adriana enjoy the parade on Monday.

DA Katz at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

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It’s one of those grand traditions of the World’s Borough: Memorial Day. Respecting and revering its true meaning every year.

We—the communities that make Queens what it is—do this through solemn ceremonies to quietly reflect on the service of the soldiers that have made the Ultimate Sacrifice, and the families they left behind; and the pomp and circumstance of parades—celebrations of lives cut way too short, and the grateful communities from which these heroes emerged.

“Today we honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live to enjoy our family, our friends and our lives.

They put all of us first. Let’s remember to tell our little ones what today is really about and try to do something good in memory of those who gave their all,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said.

“Throughout this weekend, we’ll be gathering at events all across Queens to pay tribute to the heroic men and women

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

Councilwoman Ariola with the next generation of grateful Americans.

who have served in our military branches,” Queens DA Melinda Katz added. “Their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach; far l.)

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach)

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

State Senate Approves Bills to Expand Vets’ Services

By Forum Staff Albany’s Upper Chamber recently approved a package of bills to support the well-being and success of the U.S. veteran community, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) noted on Friday.

These bills, according to Addabbo, will assist veterans with education, housing, employment, business opportunities and support, while also ensuring they continue to receive recognition for defending the country.

The package of bills passed by the Senate includes: S.2918A (Addabbo bill) - Establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability; Delivered to Assembly Real Property Taxation for consideration S.2291 - Requires the state university of NY (SUNY) and the city university of NY (CUNY) to examine and conduct a study on the availability of campus services, programs and resources for veterans; Delivered to Assembly Higher Education for consideration S.2680A - Allows the granting of academic credit at state operated institutions (SUNY & CUNY) to veterans; Delivered to Assembly Higher Education for consideration S.3945 - Expands public housing eligibility to veterans and their surviving spouses, who served or are serving from September 14, 2001 to December 31, 2020. It further requires public housing authorities to grant preference to eligible veterans or families of veterans who have a military servicerelated disability; Delivered to Assembly Housing for consideration S.4069A (Addabbo bill) - Creates a voluntary contribution on the state personal income tax return for congressional chartered veterans service organizations; Delivered to Assembly Ways and Means for consideration S.666A - Requires the Division of Military and Naval Affairs to provide information on benefits for members of the National Guard and their family in both printed form and on the Division’s website; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval

S.1504 - Waives business incorporation fees for veterans within 5 years of being honorably discharged from military service, receiving confirmation of a qualifying condition from NYS Division of Veterans’ Services (DVS), or receiving confirmation of their status as a discharged LGBT Veteran from DVS pursuant to the Restoration of Honor Act, so that they will face fewer administrative and financial barriers when starting and growing their own business when their military service is complete; Delivered to Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions for consideration S.1961B (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Directs the Department of Labor to create a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about veterans’ benefits and services. Employers are required to display this posting in an area accessible to employees; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval S.1373 (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Requires courts overseeing custody matters to review a childcare plan submitted by the parent prior to their deployment or anticipated time away from home, providing needed stability to military families; Delivered to Assembly Judiciary for consideration S.9037 (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Allows veterans who have purchased military service credit in the NYS and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) to attribute this credit to the NYS Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP) service credit; Delivered to Assembly Governmental Employees for consideration S.7068A (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Enables certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises to access the Excelsior Linked Deposit program which offers reduced rate financing for investments to expand and grow while having a better chance to obtain government procurement contracts; Passed both houses, awaiting governor’s approval S.8729 - Directs the Division of Veterans’ Services to develop a veterans memorial registry to create a searchable database of the military memorials located in the State of NY; Passed both houses, awaiting governor’s signature.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 20 • JUNE 2, 2022 | 3

Mayor, State AG Tout Takedown of Massive Retail Theft and Crime Operation

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and State Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday announced the takedown of a massive retail theft operation in New York City that stole and resold millions of dollars in goods.

As outlined in the indictment unsealed Thursday, 41 people—including six from Queens—were charged for their roles in this crime ring that stole luxury clothing and goods and thousands of items from drug stores that were then resold on eBay. During the three-year joint investigation conducted by the City Police Department’s Grand Larceny Division and the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), law enforcement seized more than $3.8 million worth of stolen retail items from the enterprise’s alleged boss, Roni Rubinov of Fresh Meadows; more than 550 stolen gift and cash cards; and more than $300,000 in cash. The defendants are being charged with various counts of enterprise corruption, money laundering, criminal possession of stolen property, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy.

OCTF and the NYPD seized the following stolen goods: • Designer clothing, handbags, belts, and shoes; • Cosmetics; • Over the counter medications;

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and so we want to be clear that we will investigate, arrest, and prosecute criminals when they break the law,” Adams said.

• Miscellaneous drug store items; • Tools and electronics; • Coffee; and • Over 550 gift cards from approximately 60 different retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, Walgreens, Visa, Apple iTunes, Modell’s, Lowe’s, Kmart, American Express, and Pottery Barn.

OCTF and the NYPD also seized approximately $300,000 from Rubinov’s residence, stash house, and business locations.

Through electronic and physical surveillance, analysis of financial records, and other investigative tools, the NYPD and the OAG found that since 2017, Rubinov, Yuriy Khodzhandiyev, and Rafik Israilov,

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Rubinov’s alleged managers, have been directing career larcenists (boosters) to steal specific merchandise and gift cards from retailers. Rubinov and his managers then purchased the stolen goods for fractions of the retail price and resold them for profit on an eBay store called Treasure-Deals-USA. The boosters brought stolen property to Rubinov’s New Liberty Loans Pawn Shop — located at 67 W 47th Street and to Romanov Gold Buyers Inc. — located at 71 W 47th Street, Suite 402A. Rubinov employees (Akasya Yasaroglu, Lyudmila Yushuvayev A/K/A “Lyudmila Yadegar” A/K/A “Ludi”, Zamira Shaganova, Erica Zambrano and Ramdass Ramkissoon A/K/A

“Paulie”) then purchased stolen clothing items for six-to-eight percent of their retail value and stolen pharmaceutical items and cosmetics at the rate of one-to-two dollars per item, depending on the brand. Rubinov regularly provided his employees with cash to pay for the stolen property, which was allocated to promote the ongoing procurement of stolen property.

Once the stolen property was purchased by Rubinov or his employees, it was stored at one of the locations in midtown Manhattan. It was then regularly transported by Fathi Negadi to Rubinov’s residence and Rubinov’s stash house, both located in Fresh Meadows. Ana Balaceanu, Fathi Negadi, Caroline Gallego, and Patrice Collins inventoried and organized the stolen property at the stash locations in Queens.

Balaceanu, Yasaroglu, Collins, and Gallego then posted the stolen property for resale on Rubinov’s Treasure-Deals-USA eBay store. Once the posted items were purchased, they were transported back to 71 W 47th Street to be packaged and subsequently shipped to Rubinov’s eBay customers.

Since 2017, the Treasure Steals USA operation has sold more than $1,373,728 of stolen property via Rubinov’s eBay store.

“Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and so we want to be clear that we will investigate, arrest, and prosecute criminals when they break the law,” Adams said.

Edgemere Commons Construction Begins

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the start of construction on a $100 million affordable and supportive housing development in Far Rockaway.

The 17-story building with 194 homes is the first phase of an 11-phase master redevelopment at the former Peninsula Hospital Center site. Known as Edgemere Commons, the mixed-use community will eventually offer over 2,000 affordable homes, retail, community space, medical facilities, and outdoor public space.

The 11-phase master development is the result of a large-scale rezoning at the former Peninsula Hospital Center. Once complete, Edgemere Commons will include 2,050 affordable and middle-income apartments, publicly accessible open space, new medical facilities, ground-floor retail shops, and parking.

The new development works in concert with the goals of New York City’s Resilient Edgemere Community Plan, which lays the framework for continued investment by the city in the Edgemere community for years to come. Developed through community input, the plan pairs the City’s recovery efforts from Superstorm Sandy with a long-term vision for a higher quality of life for Edgemere residents.

The first building will feature 194 affordable apartments, 23,000 square-feet of ground floor retail space and 24,000 square-feet of parking for residents. The retail space is expected to include a supermarket, which was identified as an urgent need by community members during the public input period of the planning process.

The development will reserve 29 apartments for adults with developmental disabilities who will have access to on-site housing support services provided by the Block Institute.

An additional 30 apartments will be set aside for adults experiencing homelessness. These residents will have access to rental subsidies and supportive services through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). The service provider is WellLife Network.

Residential amenities will include a community room, a recreation room, bicycle storage, laundry facilities, a roof terrace and outdoor activity space.

The building is designed to meet high standards for energy-efficiency and will pursue LEED Gold certification. Energyefficient features include solar panels, Energy Star lighting, and Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, bathroom fans and laundry machines. The Edgemere Commons master development will also incorporate resiliency measures to protect Far Rockaway against future storm events.

The development team for the first building at Edgemere Commons consists of The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group.

The City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is providing $22.7 million in subsidy. State financing for the first phase includes $14.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds and federal Low-Income Tax Credits that will generate $47.7 million equity from State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) awarded Brownfield Cleanup Program Tax Credits that will generate $5.6 million in equity. The State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is providing $5 million in support.

OMH will be providing $750,000 annually to subsidize the 30 supportive units through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative as well as $258,000 in Program Development Grant start-up costs.

Photo Courtesy of Google

The 11-phase master development is the result of a large-scale rezoning at the former Peninsula Hospital Center.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

MEIDCATIONS ARE WORKING for Migraines Over the last several weeks, we've offered you a lot of information about migraine headaches and what steps you can take, within your living environment, your diet to help you through this debilitating condition.

This week we will discuss several medications that have been introduced to treat migraines effectively. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, introduced a medication, the first of its kind, that promises to reduce the number of migraines among the millions who suffer from these crippling headaches.

The majority of drugs on the market back then acted on migraines by helping to alleviate symptoms.

But the first approved migraine drug, Aimovig, was the first medicine in a new class of drugs designed to reduce the number of migraines in frequent sufferers.

The generic name of the drug is erenumab-aooe, is being sold here by pharmaceutical giant, Amgen.

Today amid the appearance of COIVD-19, we are becoming increasingly aware of the power of monoclonal antibodies. Amovig is a monoclonal antibody that zeros in on a molecule known as CGRP, which is found in higher levels in people with migraines. The drug binds to CGRB and basically renders it useless. Ex-

perts say the research leading to Aimovig began over thirty years ago in the 1980's.

Initial studies leading to the release of the drug revealed that participants in the study dropped from more than 8 headaches a month to fewer than 5.

Since the advent of these drugs three years ago, many other preparations have become available and are proven effective in cases to greatly reduce suffering from migraines and some are aimed at prevention.

Ajovy, Emgality are monoclonal antibody therapies like Aimovig.

Other drugs currently being used for the treatment and prevention of migraines are not monoclonal antibodies but use different compounds and targeting.

Many patients have been helped with the use of preparations specifically targeted for migraine . But it is very important to remember that Migraine medications do not cure migraines. Instead, migraine drugs treat the symptoms using one of two approaches.

• Some migraine drugs relieve symptoms.

• Other migraine drugs are used to prevent a migraine attack.

Please feel free to stop by and talk with us about options available for your migraine condition.

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.

Area Volunteer Leads Cleanup of Wetzel Triangle Just two months after supervising the much-needed beautification of the underpass on 84th Street between 157th Avenue and Shore Parkway, Eddie Earl, the “Flag Man of Howard Beach,” and his Howard Beach 11414 group on Saturday turned their attention to the long-neglected Walter J. Wetzel Triangle in Old Howard Beach.

Walter J. Wetzel Triangle is small park bounded by Cohancy Street, 156th Avenue, 99th Street, and 157th Avenue.

Wetzel grew up in Howard Beach and attended Our Lady of Grace. He was drafted into the Army in October 1965 and completed his training at Fort Dix, New Jersey before being deployed to Vietnam. He was

the oldest of seven children, two of whom he never met.

Private First Class Walter Wetzel started his tour of Vietnam on May 8, 1966. He was killed in action just 21 days later.

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Earl

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 20 • JUNE 2, 2022 | 5

State Legislature Leaders Announce Package of Laws to Strengthen NY Gun Laws

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl Heastie on Tuesday announced that ten bills have been introduced in both the Assembly and State Senate that would tighten New York’s gun laws, close loopholes and directly address the gaps in our laws exposed by the horrific shootings in Buffalo, Texas, and around the country.

The bills would: require information sharing between state, local and federal agencies when guns are used in crimes; make threatening mass harm a crime; require microstamping for new guns; increase accountability for social media platforms; eliminate grandfathering of large capacity ammunition feeding devices; prohibit the purchase of body armor for anyone who is not engaged in an eligible profession; strengthen the Red Flag law by expanding the list of people who can file for Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and other measures; require that an individual obtain a license, with a minimum age of 21, to purchase a semiautomatic rifle; and close the "any other weapon" loophole.

The legislative package includes: A.1023-A (Paulin)/S.4970-A (Kavanagh) Requires all state and local law enforcement agencies to report seized or recovered guns to the criminal gun clearinghouse; participate in ATFs collective data sharing program; test-fire seized or recovered guns for national integrated Ballistic Information Network; and, enter the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the gun into the national crime information center. Also requires gun dealers to implement a security plan for securing firearms, rifles and shotguns; prohibit persons under eighteen and not accompanied by a parent from the certain locations of a gun dealer's premises; provide training to all employees on the conduct of firearm, rifle, and shotgun transfers, including identification of and response to illegal purchases; adhere to record keeping requirements; and require the State police to conduct inspections of gun dealers every three years.

A.6716-A (Wallace)/S89-B (Kaminsky): Creates the crimes of making a threat of mass harm and aggravated making a threat of mass harm.

Photo Courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of the Governor

“New York already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country but clearly we need to make them even stronger,” Gov. Hochul said.

A.7926-A (Rosenthal, L)/S.4116-A (Hoylman): Requires DCJS to certify or decline to certify that microstamping-enabled pistols are technologically viable and if certified as viable, to establish programs and processes for the implementation of such technology; and, establishes the crime of the unlawful sale of a non-microstamping-enabled firearm A7865-A (Fahy)/ S.4511-A (Kaplan): Requires social media networks in New York to provide a clear and concise policy regarding how they would respond to incidents of hateful conduct on their platform and maintain easily accessible mechanisms for reporting hateful conduct on those platforms A.10428-A (People-Stokes)/S.9229-A (Hoylman): Eliminates the grandfathering of large capacity ammunition feeding devices that were lawfully possessed prior to the enactment of the Safe Act or manufactured prior to 1994.

A. 10497 ( Jacobson)/S.9407-B (Kavanagh): Makes unlawful the purchase and sale of body vests for anyone who is not engaged in an eligible profession. Eligible professions include law enforcement officers and other professions designated by

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Steelerdon

6 | JUNE 2, 2022 • Number 20 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

the Department of State in consultation with other agencies. Also requires that any sale of a body vest be done in person.

A.10501 (Meeks)/S. 9465 (Bailey) Creates a new Task Force on Social Media and Violent Extremism in the Attorney General's office to study and investigate the role of social media companies in promoting and facilitating violent extremism and domestic terrorism online.

A. 10502 (Cahill)/S. 9113-A (Skoufis): Expands who may file an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) petition to include health care practitioners who have examined the individual within the last six months; requires police and district attorneys to file ERPO petitions upon credible information that an individual is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to himself, herself or others; requires the State Police and the Municipal Police Training Council to create and disseminate policies and procedures to identify when an ERPO petition may be warranted; amends the firearm licensing statute to make it clear that when an individual has been reported by a mental health practitioner and a county mental health commissioner has concurred with such practitioner that the individual is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themself or others, such report is consid-

ered in determining whether or not to issue a firearm license to the individual; and, expands the mental health practitioners who can make such reports.

A10503 ( Jackson)/S. 9458 (Thomas): Requires that an individual obtain a license prior purchasing a semiautomatic rifle. This is prospective and applies to purchases made on and after the effective date.

A. 10504 (Burgos)/S. 9456 (Sepulveda) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include any weapon not defined in the Penal Law that is designed or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive. This is intended to capture firearms that have been modified to be shot from an arm brace, which are evading our current definitions of firearms and rifles.

"Within the last month, two horrific mass shootings in Buffalo and in Texas have rattled this nation to our core and shed a new light on the urgent need for action to prevent future tragedies," Governor Hochul said. "New York already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country but clearly we need to make them even stronger.

New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in schools, in grocery stores, in movie theaters, in shopping malls, and on our streets -- and we must do everything in our power to protect them. Working closely with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all of our partners in the legislature, we will strengthen our gun laws, help keep New Yorkers safe, give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent crime, and stop the spread of dangerous weapons. As New York once again leads, we continue to urge the federal government to seize this opportunity and pass meaningful national gun violence prevention laws."

Heastie added, "Here in New York, we are ready to act. We will strengthen our red flag law so those that are a risk to themselves and others don't fall through the cracks of the system. We will get rid of loopholes that permit large capacity ammunition feeding devices, make it harder to purchase body armor and work to address the role social media plays in violence and acts of domestic terrorism. The list goes on.

I hope that one day we'll see the end to the horrific gun violence we see in this country.

But until then, I will keep fighting."

Colt AR-15 semi-automatic rifle

Albany Set to Extend Mayoral Control of Schools

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done,” Mayor Adams said.

By Michael V. Cusenza Following several weeks of making his case to State pols and glad-handing Albany power brokers, Mayor Eric Adams this week got his wish: He will retain control of City schools for two more years, while class sizes will be reduced.

“While we believe all parties are operating in good faith, we also believe the legislation as currently written is not the best we can do for New York City students, and we look forward to addressing these concerns in the coming days,” Adams said. “For example, while my administration strongly supports lower class sizes, unless there is guaranteed funding attached to those mandates we will see cuts elsewhere in the system that would harm our most vulnerable

students in our highest need communities — including the loss of counselor positions, social workers, art programs, school trips, after-school tutoring, dyslexia screenings, and paraprofessionals. There must also be a mechanism for altering or delaying the plan to reduce class sizes if the mandate is shown to severely adversely impact racial equity and the city’s fiscal health.

“As we finalize a potentially historic agreement for public schools,” Hizzoner continued, “I expect the Legislature to follow through on its promise to improve the educational outcomes of students of color and to help the struggling families who need Albany to make responsible, equitable decisions on behalf of our children, now more than ever. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 20 • JUNE 2, 2022 | 7

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Forest Hills Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Pharmaceutical Fraud Scheme

File Photo

Between February 2017 and July 2018, Khaimov and his co-conspirators used the computers of pharmacies they operated in Queens and Manhattan to submit claims for approximately $7.2 million in reimbursements for medications that the pharmacies never actually dispensed.

million by submitting fraudulent claims under the manufacturer’s Co-pay Coupon Program, A Forest Hills man has been sentenced to federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

As part of the sentence, Arkadiy “Alex” 51 months in prison for defrauding a pharmaceutical manufacturer of approximately $7.2 Khaimov, 39, was ordered to forfeit approxBy Forum Staff

imately $489,000 as proceeds involved in the fraudulent scheme and to pay restitution of approximately $7.2 million.

In August 2020, Khaimov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer, referred to in the indictment as “John Doe Company 1,” established the Co-pay Coupon Program to reimburse pharmacies for dispensing a prescription medication, which was described as a “priceless breakthrough” and potential “cure” for a serious and possibly deadly disease, to the uninsured and those in need of financial assistance. Between February 2017 and July 2018, Khaimov and his coconspirators used the computers of pharmacies they operated in Queens and Manhattan to submit claims for approximately $7.2 million in reimbursements under the Copay Coupon Program for medications that the pharmacies never actually dispensed. In some cases, Khaimov and his co-conspirators fraudulently used the credentials of a Nassau County-based physician to submit the false claims.

“Khaimov selfishly stole from a pro-

File Photo

Peace said Khaimov “selfishly stole” from an important government program.

gram that was intended to reduce the cost of a medication to uninsured individuals and those in need of financial assistance, who were suffering from a serious and potentially life-threatening disease,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

Senate Democratic Majority to Pass Laws to Combat the Opioid Crisis, Improve Treatment Programs

By Forum Staff The Senate Democratic Majority recently advanced legislation to combat the opioid crisis by expanding access to lifesaving medication and improving treatment programs to support the recovery of New Yorkers struggling with substance use disorder.

The legislation advanced last Wednesday expands access to buprenorphine treatment and ensures abuse-deterrent medication is accessible; requires practitioners to take into consideration non-opioid treatment alternatives when treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions, prohibits insurance companies from imposing copayments for treatment, provides due process protections to drug treatment providers from audits by the Medicaid Inspector General and establishes an addiction and mental health integrated services pilot program. Additionally, last week’s legislation increases the availability of naloxone opioid antagonists like NARCAN® in public facilities and nightlife establishments.

The legislation includes: Prohibits Co-Payments for Treatment at an Opioid Treatment Program: This bill, S.5690, sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham, prohibits insurance companies from imposing co-payments for treatment at an opioid treatment program.

• Ensure Availability of Buprenorphine in Opioid Treatment Programs: This bill, S.6746A, sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham, requires facilities that provide treatment for substance use disorders to

have at least one practitioner qualified to administer or prescribe buprenorphine to individuals in their care with substance use disorders related to opioids.

• Provide Due Process Protections to Health Care Providers and Recipients: This bill, S.4486B, sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham, amends provisions relating to audit and review of medical assistance program funds by the Medicaid Inspector General; prohibits additional review without error or new information; requires application of rules in place at the time funds were paid to providers; requires notice to recipients of medical assistance funds of certain investigations.

• Abuse-Deterrent Technology Availability: This bill, S.4532, sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk, ensures that abusedeterrent drugs approved by the FDA are accessible to patients and that insurance coverage does not disincentivize access for patients to drugs approved by the FDA as abuse-deterrent.

• Nightlife Opioid Antagonist Program: This bill, S.8633A, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, establishes the nightlife opioid antagonist program to allow certain establishments to apply and receive at least ten doses of opioid antagonist, free of charge, to have on site to be administered to patrons, staff or individuals in the case of an emergency.

• Topher’s Law - Intensive Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Pilot Program: This bill, S.8244, sponsored by Senator Tim Kennedy, establishes an intensive addiction recovery and mental health in-

tegrated services pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs that provide intensive addiction and mental health integrated services to individuals with significant addiction and mental health issues who have had multiple and frequent treatment episodes.

• Erin’s Law - Public Facilities to Carry Opioid Antagonists: This bill, S.8708A, sponsored by Senator John Mannion, requires certain public facilities to maintain a stock of opioid antagonists in first aid kits

and requires the education and training of staff persons employed in such places in the administration of opioid antagonists.

• Consideration and Prescription of Non-Opioid Treatment Alternatives: This bill, S.4640, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, requires providers to consider, discuss and refer or prescribe (where appropriate and based upon clinical judgment) non-opioid treatment alternatives for treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

File Photo

The bill requires certain public facilities to maintain a stock of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, in first aid kits and requires the education and training of staff persons employed in such places in the administration of opioid antagonists.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 20 • JUNE 2, 2022 | 9

‘City of Yes’ Plan would Support Small Businesses, Create New Housing, promote Sustainability: Adams

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday laid out a plan to use the City’s zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability — part of his vision for New York to become a more inclusive, equitable “City of Yes.” The plan, announced this morning at the Association for a Better New York breakfast, includes three major citywide amendments: Zoning for Economic Opportunity, Zoning for Housing Opportunity, and Zoning for Zero Carbon; an effort to invest in and plan around emerging job hubs and commercial corridors in all five boroughs, starting in the Bronx; and initiatives to cut red tape and center equity in planning.

Adams said that his “City of Yes” plan follows his “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” and comes ahead of the release of his housing plan.

The first citywide text amendment — Zoning for Economic Opportunity — will provide local businesses with the flexibility to repurpose their space for a post-pandemic city. This amendment will: • Remove unnecessary geographic limitations on certain businesses, including life sciences, custom manufacturing, maker-retail, and nightlife;

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood,” Mayor Adams said.

• Eliminate obstacles to repurposing space, allowing the city’s businesses and economy to evolve over time; and • Create flexibility for local businesses to expand without relocation and without triggering needs for additional parking.

The second citywide text amendment — Zoning for Housing Opportunity — will encourage the creation of more housing in neighborhoods across the entire city. This amendment will: • Expand opportunities for affordable and supportive homes for New Yorkers by increasing the floor area ratio for all

types of affordable housing, similar to the allowance already afforded to affordable housing for seniors; • Broaden the acceptable variety of housing types and sizes, including studios, to accommodate a wider range of families and households; • Ease conversions of underutilized commercial buildings into homes; and • Reduce unnecessary parking requirements that add cost and take up space in buildings that could be used for additional homes.

The final citywide text amendment — Zoning for Zero Carbon — represents a

critical step towards New York City reaching its carbon reduction goals. This amendment will: • Remove obstacles to deploying new clean energy storage and uses, including electric vehicle charging; • Facilitate building retrofits for sustainability, including allowing more rooftop coverage for solar panels; and • Eliminate barriers to the electrification of building systems such as heat pumps or efficient HVAC systems.

“We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood,” Adams said. “These proposals focused on economic recovery, affordable housing, and sustainability will remove red tape for small businesses, expand housing opportunities in every neighborhood, and accelerate the transition to our energy future. New Yorkers are not going to wait around while other cities and other countries sprint towards a post-pandemic world, and now we won’t have to.”

“The Adams administration is proposing a necessary update of our 1960s-era zoning code that will support New York’s transition to a digital economy and to a more livable and affordable city,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City. “This is a critically important undertaking.”

Georgia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for 2020 Rape

By Forum Staff A Georgia man has been sentenced to a decade in prison for dragging a woman into a dark Jamaica alley and raping her 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Rony Lopez Alvarez, 39, pleaded guilty last month to rape in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant. Pandit-Durant sentenced Lopez Alvarez to 10 years in

Lopez Alvarez will spend the next 10 years behind bars.

prison to be followed by five years’ postrelease supervision.

According to court records, on Jan. 18, 2020, at approximately 4 a.m., Lopez Alvarez grabbed a 27-year-old woman as she walked on Jamaica Avenue. Lopez Alvarez put his hand over the victim’s mouth, wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a sharp object against her body. He then forced her into an alley and told her he would “snap her neck” if she screamed for help.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Zaid Hamid

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Continuing, the DA said, Lopez Alvarez pulled the victim toward the back of the dark alley where he removed some of her clothes and raped her. Afterward, Lopez Alvarez fled the area.

The woman was able to walk out of the alley and flag down a passerby who called 911 for her.

The victim was taken to an area hospital where she was treated and a rape kit was administered to collect DNA evidence. A DNA profile was developed

from the forensic evidence found in the rape kit, and after an investigation was conducted, a DNA match was discovered.

Lopez Alvarez fled NY but was caught in Forest Park, Ga., and brought back to Queens to face justice.

“The trauma cannot be undone,” Katz said, “but I sincerely hope that the victim takes some solace knowing her attacker has been sentenced to prison for his actions.”

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

DA Katz said she sincerely hopes “that the victim takes some solace knowing her attacker has been sentenced to prison for his actions.”

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Legal Notices 86-13 94th Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Warner Wai Jit Moy, 86-17 94th St., Woodhaven, NY 11421. General Purpose.

SIKDER TAXI 2 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/18/2022. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 88-39 HOLLIS COURT BLVD, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, 11427. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of EIGHT NYC HOLDINGS LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/21/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to:4148 68th St., 3/F, Woodside, NY 11377.

Purpose: any lawful act.

Easy Movements L.L.C., Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/6/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Imran Imtiaz Khan, 111-34 130th St., South Ozone Park, NY 11420. General Purpose Notice of formation of Young Ambitious Enterprise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/07/2022. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 240-17 143rd Ave Rosedale NY 11422. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of formation of EE GLOBAL LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/25/2022. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY Shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to JOSE FARJARDO, 15021 107TH AVE., FL-1, JAMAICA, NY, 11433. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of AI-TOP LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 07/25/2021. Office located in Queens.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY Shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 1335 Bell Blvd Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

DONCH LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 03/15/22. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: TJorge Meneses, 45-18 Pearson Street, Long Island City, New York, 11101. Purpose: to engage in any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of ANGESSY HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/23/22. 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, 9608 42ND AVE CORONA, NY, 11368. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BABA ESTATE 1 LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/2/2022. 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: The LLC, 71-05 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful act.

MMJ Homes LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 04/21/22. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 133-12 84th St, Ozone Park, NY 11417. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

CONFIDENT KIND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT ZONE PT AND OT, PLLCLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/21/21. 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 Heather HurleyCook, 34 Sherman Ave., Rockville Center, NY, 11570, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

32-52 45TH STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/26/22.

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, 31-16 30th Avenue, Suite 304, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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 of limited liability company (LLC) Peanut Loves Bug LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on May 13, 2022. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. Address to which SSNY shall mail a copy of process: 46-30 Center Blvd., Unit 901, Long Island City, NY 11109

ALL RED BLUE MECHANICAL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/18/22. 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, 31-37 102nd Street, 1 FL, East Elmhurst, NY 11369, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Benelli Properties LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/1/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 155-28 102 St., Howard Beach, NY 11414. General Purpose.

15849 Owners LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/25/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Dragisa Fljankovic, C/O Ragno & Ragno, Esqs., 95-09 101st Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11416. General Purpose.

SNT TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/19/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Mohammed Z. Hossain, 40-16 Crescent St. 54, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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POOLSIDE EATS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/10/22. 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, 30-53 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

For the best service and prices for classified ads and legal notices Call The Forum 718-845-3221

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