THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 9, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 21 • JUNE 9, 2022

MAN WITH A PLAN Adams Announces Formation of Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

See story on page 2

Mayor Eric Adams (c.) made the announcement Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 21 • JUNE 9, 2022 | 1

Adams Announces Formation of Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

By Michael V. Cusenza Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced the formation of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, a comprehensive multiagency, cross-program effort to address the root causes of gun violence and prevent shootings before they take place. The new task force will be co-chaired by Man Up! Inc. CEO and founder A.T. Mitchell and Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright.

Members will include First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phillip Banks, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne WilliamsIsom, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David Banks, Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz, and members of various city agencies.

“Gun violence is a struggle that has encompassed every part of our society, so we must do all we can to keep guns off our streets,” said Mayor Adams. “We need a holistic approach to confront it head-on, which is why I am today announcing the formation of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

We are going to help identify and advance upstream solutions to prevent gun violence by engaging with the communities most

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“We need a holistic approach to confront” gun violence head-on, said Mayor Adams.

impacted by violence, identifying gaps in services, and getting them the resources to build them out. New York City is going to lead the way to keep guns off our streets.”

Members of the task force will meet regularly to solve problems in real time and ensure that all agencies are held accountable for making and keeping New York neighborhoods safe. Its scope includes engaging with communities most impacted by violence, identifying gaps in services

and programming, expanding programs with a proven record of success into underserved areas, and fostering greater interagency and government/community collaboration. The task force will also work in close partnership with the Crisis Management System (CMS), which deploys credible messengers to mediate and de-escalate disputes before they become violent. CMS providers have proven to be successful in driving down gun violence in areas where

they have been deployed: Between 2010 and 2019, program areas have seen a 40 percent reduction in shootings, compared to 31 percent in other areas.

Mayor Adams also announced that each city agency shall designate an anti-gun violence liaison, delivering on a key plank of his Blueprint to End Gun Violence, unveiled earlier this year. These liaisons will serve as the key point-of-contact for the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and CMS providers and will take immediate action to resolve any gun violence challenges related to their agency.

“Gun violence seems like it is on the rise across the country, and more specifically right here in our own city. And as we enter the summer months crime usually increases this time of year,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach).

“That is why I support Mayor Eric Adams’ NYC Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. I am hopeful that by working with multiple agencies directly in the communities most affected by gun violence, this Task Force can work on not only helping those who have been impacted by gun violence, but also work on getting to the root causes of gun violence and better protect New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the Mayor’s administration on the city-level and Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration on the state-level to better address and handle gun violence across New York.”

Man Indicted for Killing Restaurant Deliveryman in Forest Hills

By Forum Staff

According to the charges, on Dec. 16, 2021, the victim, Zhiwen Yan, walked outside the restaurant and saw Hirsch allegedly using a knife to damage a restaurant worker’s car that was parked outside the eatery.

Hirsch, who was wearing a black surgical mask, allegedly threatened the workers, including Yan. Hirsch allegedly said, “I have a gun” and added “be careful, this is the last time I’m going to tell you.” Three restaurant workers followed and confronted Hirsch near his car. One of them pulled down the black mask and the others took pictures of

Hirsch’s face with their cell phones, as well as the license plate on Hirsch’s gray Lexus SUV. On Jan. 28, 2022, following a snowfall, one of the workers was outside shoveling snow just before 10 p.m. when Hirsch showed up and approached. Hirsch allegedly pointed a black firearm at the man and threatened him, saying, “How’s your car?

Remember me? I will kill your entire family.” The man then rushed back inside the restaurant to call the police. When he went back outside, Hirsch was gone but the tires

A Briarwood man has been indicted in the April shooting death of a 45-year-old Chinese food restaurant delivery worker, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Glenn Hirsch, 51, was arraigned on Thursday on a 10-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal mischief, menacing, and stalking.

According to the charges, at approximately 9:30 p.m., on Nov. 30, 2021, Hirsch placed an order for Chinese food at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant on Queens Boulevard. Hirsch asked for extra duck sauce packets, which he was given. Hirsch became irate, nonetheless, and argued with workers at the eatery. Hirsch then insisted he get a refund because he wanted to return the food. But the worker refused to take the order back and Hirsch then called police.

A short time later, the police arrived at the restaurant and the worker explained that due to COVID the restaurant could not accept the returned food. Hirsch stormed out of the restaurant and in the months that followed, he allegedly routinely threatened and harassed the restaurant’s personnel.

The victim, Zhiwen Yan, was shot at 67th Drive and 108th Street.

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Photo Courtesy of Google

on a worker’s car were slashed.

On April 30, 2022, according to the charges, Hirsch was observed on surveillance video footage allegedly driving by the Great Wall restaurant after dropping his wife at work. Between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Hirsch passed by the Queens Boulevard restaurant seven times.

Just before 9:30 p.m., Yan left the restaurant on his scooter to make a delivery. Hirsch, allegedly driving in the vicinity, managed to get behind the scooter and followed him to an address on 108th Street.

Yan dropped off the food order and returned to the scooter and rode away. He then stopped at a red light at 67th Drive and 108th Street. At that point, Hirsch approached the victim on foot. Yan recognized Hirsch and started to back away on the scooter. But in that moment, Hirsch allegedly fired a single shot. The bullet ripped into Yan’s chest; he fell to the ground and died as a result of the single gunshot wound.

Hirsch is allegedly seen running back to his SUV and then driving away from the scene to his wife’s apartment, also in Briarwood. Hirsch parked his car and entered the building.

If convicted, Hirsch faces 29 2/3 to 44 years to life in prison.

Richards Delivers 2022 State of the Borough Address

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“From the ashes, Queens is rising faster and flying higher than anyone thought was possible just a few years ago,” Borough President Richards said.

By Forum Staff Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. delivered his 2022 State of the Borough Address on Friday, highlighting his accomplishments during his first 19 months in office and his plans for building an even better and fairer Queens as the borough emerges from the damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivered at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center within LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Richards’ State of the Borough address highlighted his administration’s investments made in health care, public safety, economic development, civic engagement, affordable housing, sustainability and transportation over the past 19 months. The borough president also outlined a wide array of critical initiatives his office is launching in the coming weeks and months to build a stronger, fairer Queens rooted in equity and inclusivity.

“From the ashes, Queens is rising faster and flying higher than anyone thought was possible just a few years ago,” Richards said. “Because that is what Queens does — Queens leads. Queens takes a back seat to no one. From Flushing to Forest Hills, Jamaica to Jackson Heights, Ridgewood to Rockaway, Corona to College Point and Queensbridge to Queens Village, we’re building a stronger, fairer Queens for all our families. And there is no limit to

what we can achieve if we work together.”

Some of the major initiatives and announcements unveiled by Richards include: • “Queens Forward”: A holistic, wide-ranging collection of capital investments to be made across Queens in partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

• “Borough Hall on Your Block”: The weeklong relocation of the Queens Borough President’s Office, along with all the programs and services it offers, to different regions of the borough to focus on the unique needs of families in those specific neighborhoods.

• A commitment from NYC Health + Hospitals to establish a NYC Health + Hospitals Gotham Health facility in Far Rockaway to address longstanding health care inequities on the peninsula.

• The establishment of a Hate Crimes Task Force, featuring law enforcement, anti-hate activists and community leaders to develop inclusive solutions to the recent rise in bias crimes.

• A plan to host a Queens Tech Fair and a Queens Tech Challenge to ensure Queens is a global leader in the emerging technology industry, while addressing inequities in current tech industry employment opportunities.

• A call on NYC Small Business Services to create a Veteran-Owned Business Certification program to create further economic and contracting opportunities for our veteran entrepreneurs.

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Richards delivered his remarks at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center within LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City.

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Op-Ed:

Working To Making New York City a Better Place for Everyone

By Joann Ar iola I t ’s b e e n q u i t e a n e v e n t f u l y e a r u p i n Cit y Hal l, but I’m proud to tel l you al l that we’ve made some real progress in m a k i n g N e w Yo r k a b e t t e r p l a c e f o r e v e r y o n e . We ’ v e w o r k e d t o r o l l b a c k m a n d a t e s on public school students, helped push through legislation to improve fire safety protocols cit y w ide, and nex t week we’ l l be taking the final steps towards creating a brand-new Office of Marine Debris Removal, which w ill go a long way towards i m p r o v i n g t h e q u a l i t y o f N e w Yo r k ’s w a ter ways.

As anyone who lives near or has visited Jamaica Bay know s wel l , mar ine debr i s has been a problem for decades. Derelict and abandoned boats litter shorelines, chunks of docks wash up on the sand, and large p ieces of trash are a consi stent blight. For the most part, there was no single point of contact regarding who to call to get rid of these things, and unless a local organization organized a cleanup they remained on the sand, becoming an eyesore.

This new legislation that I am sponsoring alongside Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-

Powe r s wo u l d ma ke t hat p ro b l e m a t h i ng o f t h e p a s t , a n d w o u l d c r e a t e a n o f f i c e t h a t ’s directly responsible for cleaning these t h i ng s u p.

Even more than that , our leg i slation would also create a program that would enable boat owners to dispose of their boats without cost at city-organized drop points.

This would provide boat owners with a readily-accessible alternative to abandoning their vessels, and will help to reduce the amount of boats being left to pollute our waters in the future.

T h i s M o n d a y, J u n e 1 3 , w e ’ l l b e l o o k i n g to make that legislation a reality during the upcoming Committee on Resilienc y a n d Wa t e r f r o n t s m e e t i n g . T h o s e i n t e r e s t ed can watch the meeting live on the City C o u n c i l ’s w e b s i t e .

Mov ing over to our success in the fight against the vaccine mandates, my fellow c o l l e a g u e s o n t h e N Y C C o u n c i l ’s C o m m o n Sense Caucus and I were able to score a major v ictor y after conv incing the mayor to roll back restrictions on prom attendance. Since then, we’ve spoken to NYC Depar tment of Health Commissioner A shw i n Va s a n a b o u t r e p e a l i n g r e s t r i c t i o n s o n

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Ariola is the City Councilwoman for the 32nd District

unvaccinated friends and family members at graduation ceremonies.

We a r e s t i l l awaiting a f inal verdict on that, but we’re h o p e f u l t h a t Va s a n a n d t h e m a y o r w i l l a l low families to be together during one of the most important milestones in the lives o f o u r s t u d e n t s . H o p e f u l l y, b u t t h e t i m e this goes to print we w ill have good news.

I made a promise to my constituents to always fight for you – ever y one of you – a n d t h a t ’s e x a c t l y w h a t I a m d o i n g . S t a y tuned for our next editorial to see what else we’ l l be up to this summer around District 32!

New Terminal C Opens at LaGuardia Airport

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian recently announced the opening of Delta's new Terminal C, which marks the substantial completion of the $8 billion whole new LaGuardia Airport just six years after beginning construction. The opening of Terminal C on June 4, combined with the completion of the new Terminal B earlier this year, means every passenger, except those traveling through the landmarked Marine Air Terminal, will experience new, world-class airport facilities when departing from or arriving to the airport.

At a cost of $4 billion - including a $500 million investment by the Port Authority for new roadways and supporting infrastructure -- Terminal C represents Delta's largest ever investment in an airport facility. With today's milestone, coming mere months after the Governor celebrated the completion of the airport's new Terminal B in January, a Whole New LaGuardia Airport becomes the nation's first major new airport in more than 25 years.

At 1.3 million square feet, the new, state-of-the-art Terminal C will be 85 percent larger than the two terminals it is replacing - consolidating access to 37 gates through a single 21st century arrivals and departures hall. Throughout the terminal, soaring floor-to-ceiling windows ensure it is filled with natural light by day. Terminal C has been designed for optimal efficiency and speed, allowing travelers to navigate to and from their gates quickly and intuitively, utilizing the latest technologies such as handsfree bag drop and Digital ID screening capabilities. A curbside check-in building will allow passengers who are already

checked-in to get to the security screening area more quickly. The departures hall features 36 full-service check-in counters, 49 self-service kiosks and 16 bag-drop counters. A larger and consolidated security area will feature 11 screening lanes with room for five additional lanes in the future, featuring state-of-the art technology to expedite screening while prioritizing the safety of passengers. Dynamic signage in the TSA queue will display passenger wait times and will allow queuing zones to be adjusted based on passenger demand. On the arrivals level, passengers will be able to retrieve their luggage from one of five baggage carousels. There are 13 restrooms within the new terminal, all featuring touch-free entry, sinks and hand dryers.

Inspiring public art curated by the Queens Museum to reflect the cultural diversity of Queens will greet passengers as they move through the airport. The six art works are the creations of artists Mariam Ghani, Rashid Johnson, Aliza Nisenbaum, Virginia Overton, Ronny Quevedo, and Fred Wilson. Works include sculptures and painted ceramic murals, that span the building's multifloor light-filled entry space, as well as baggage claim and other areas throughout the terminal. Each art work tells a compelling story about the city's immigrant history, its people, and the importance of celebrating diversity throughout the region.

“Beyond the stark beauty of the new LaGuardia Airport, this redevelopment project has been community-focused every step of the way to the tune of $800 million in contracts for Queens businesses and I am grateful to all our partners who helped make it so. Queens comeback is well underway, and LaGuardia is living proof," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

ENJOY YOURSELF: A PHARMACIST’S ADVICE FOR SAFE TRAVEL It may be easy to overlook the cautious side of going on vacation, especially since it might just be the first time for getting away from the madness of the last year and a half. Hopefully you’re going off to some tropical relaxation spot and we here at Cross Bay Chemist can be of great help in assuring you make the most out of your vacation time.

Follow these simple tips and travel without complication—especially if you’re traveling out of the country or to a destination with a different climate and/or geographical changes, many things can occur and you definitely want to be prepared for them.

First of all, ask your pharmacist what you’ll need to include in order to have a travel kit that can address the issues that arrive most commonly while on vacation. That list would surely include–sunscreen, painkillers, antiseptic, insect repellent and anti-diarrhea pills. No matter what, these will be useful.

We’ve spoken to you about skin cancer in this column before, and when traveling, the sun exposure that we are accustomed to on a daily basis, is different than that of our travel destinations.

Extra care must be exercised following these general rules is strongly advised in order to protect yourself from the sun: • Spend time in the shade between 11am & 3 pm.

• Don’t get burned.

• Cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.

• Use factor 15 or more sunscreen.

• See your doctor about any changes to moles or any unusual skin growths.

• When taking care of children’s skin--plain and simple-- cover them up and keep them in the shade.

When traveling for a long period of time without moving, you may have concerns about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can occur in your legs and thighs when immobile for extended periods and lead to blood clots. Although instances of DVT are fairly rare, they have the potential to be fatal.

Follow these preventative measures to help alleviate concern: To exercise your calf and foot muscles in flight • Every 1/2 hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated.

• Avoid putting bags under the seat in front of you and recline when possible.

• To increase the blood flow in the legs press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot rest • Walk up and down the aisle every hour.

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.

Cops Looking for Larceny Team Area detectives have reached out to the public for help in nabbing a team of robbers.

“Between May 22-29, 2022 the pictured vehicle committed numerous larcenies targeting the elderly throughout Queens.

The vehicle is occupied by four passengers: 2 females and 2 males. Know them? Please call our Crimestoppers 800-5778477,” 106th Precinct police officers tweeted on Monday.

Delta’s New Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport opened last week.

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Photos Courtesy of NYPD

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NY Legislators Praise Albany Gains

By Michael V. Cusenza After returning control of City schools to the mayor and passing legislation to renew the City’s School Zone Speed Camera program and expand hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays to 24 hours, seven days a week, City and State lawmakers recently praised Albany and NYC for working together towards several goals.

“After months of advocacy, New Yorkers achieved major victories in Albany,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “The creation of a NYCHA Trust will funnel billions of dollars to residents for critical repairs. Legislation facilitating the conversion of vacant hotels to housing will deliver much needed relief to our homelessness crisis. And keeping pedestrians on our streets safe and allowing life-saving 24/7 speed cameras is a victory for us all. We’ve delivered for New Yorkers over and over again, but we will continue to fight to remove guns from our streets, protect our communities, and create a safe, prosperous, and just city for all New Yorkers.”

“Our life-saving speed cameras have proven to slow drivers down – but we can’t operate this program when reckless driving occurs the most: overnight and on weekends,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodri-

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The first of the two bills passed by the Assembly would extend mayoral control of the New York City School District for an additional two years, until June 30, 2024; the second bill would ensure the New York City School District is working towards achieving smaller class sizes.

guez. “We thank Mayor Adams, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, Senator Gounardes, Assembly Member Glick, and the tireless advocates who have helped us secure this crucial victory for safe streets. We are using every resource available, from enforcement to street redesigns, to curb senseless traffic violence and we look forward to the Governor’s bill signing.”

The first of the two bills passed by the Assembly would extend mayoral control of the New York City School District for an additional two years, until June 30, 2024, while ensuring greater parental input and participation at the school level, community district level and citywide level.

Under the bill, the Panel for Education Policy (PEP) would be expanded from 15 to 23 members. Of the 23 members, one

would be appointed by each of the five borough presidents, another five would be appointed by the presidents of the Community Education Council (CEC) and 13 would be appointed by the mayor. Of the mayor’s 13 appointees, four must be a parent of a New York City School District student, including at least one parent of a student with an individualized education program (IEP), at least one parent of a student who is enrolled in a bilingual or English as a second language program and at least one parent of a student in a District 75 school or program. This bill would also require that a PEP member only be removed by the appointing authority for good cause and clarifies that voting against an appointing authority’s direction would not be considered cause for removal.

The second bill would ensure the New York City School District is working towards achieving smaller class sizes. Under this legislation, the chancellor together with teacher and principal unions would be required to approve a class size reduction plan with specific class size targets based on grade level that must be met for all classes by September 2027. The plan would be required to include any exemptions to the targets and would be limited to space, over enrollment of students, teacher license shortages and severe economic distress.

Landmark Legislative Package Strengthens NY Gun Laws

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday signed a landmark legislative package to immediately strengthen the state’s gun laws, close critical loopholes exposed by shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde and protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence that continues to infect our nation and endanger our communities.

"Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won't fix this, but taking strong action will," Hochul said. "In New York, we're taking bold steps to protect the people of our state. I am proud to sign a comprehensive bill package that prohibits the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21, bans body armor sales outside of people in select professions, closes critical gun law loopholes and strengthens our Red Flag Law to keep guns away from dangerous people—new measures that I believe will save lives. I am thankful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all our legislative partners for acting with the urgency and thoughtfulness that this issue demands. While we are taking expedient action to enhance New York State's nation-leading gun laws, we recognize that gun violence is a nationwide problem. I once again urge Congress to follow our lead and take immediate action to pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. Lives depend on it."

Signed into law less than one month after the tragic white supremacist act of terror at a Buffalo supermarket, this comprehensive ten-bill package will: ban the sale of semiautomatic rifles to anyone under 21 by requiring a license; prohibit the purchase of body armor by anyone 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 (ERPOs) and requiring law enforcement to file ERPOs under a very specified set of circumstances; make threatening mass harm a crime; require microstamping for new semiautomatic handguns;

“Thoughts and prayers won't fix this, but taking strong action will,” Gov. Hochul said.

enhance information sharing between state, local and federal agencies when guns are used in crimes and strengthen requirements for gun dealers related to record-keeping and safeguarding their inventory; close the "other gun" loophole by revising and widening the definition of a firearm; eliminate the grandfathering of large capacity feeding devices; and require social media platforms to provide a mechanism for users to report hateful conduct.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "Today, New York is taking swift, comprehensive action to combat the gun violence epidemic that continues to take the lives of innocent Americans each and every day. Across the nation, loopholes, lax

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Photo Courtesy of Don Pollard/Office of the Governor

laws, and the inaction of public officials allow guns to proliferate in our streets and devastate our communities. With this new package of gun laws, New York will continue to lead in imposing reasonable gun laws that keep our people safe, and I urge other states to follow suit. The time for thoughts and prayers alone has long passed — now is the time for action."

Hochul said that the new set of laws, designed to provide immediate enhanced protections and developed and approved in partnership with State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, builds on two executive orders issued in the immediate wake of the Buffalo shooting.

Man Pleads Guilty to Beating Woman

File Photo

James Fitzgerald has pleaded guilty to nearly killing his estranged girlfriend.

By Forum Staff A Bronx man has pleaded guilty to nearly killing his estranged girlfriend in May 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

James Fitzgerald, 55, pleaded guilty on Thursday to attempted murder in the second degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino. Sentencing was set for July 1, 2022, at which time Cimino indicated she will order Fitzgerald to prison for 19 years, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision. A full order of protection will also be issued on behalf of the victim.

According to court records, just before 6 p.m. on May 16, 2020, Fitzgerald physically abused his estranged 35-year-old girlfriend in front of a fish market on 150th Street in Jamaica. Fitzgerald knocked the woman to the ground and relentlessly beat the victim with fists and also kicked her several times.

Fitzgerald ignored on-lookers yelling for him to stop, but briefly walked away from the woman only to return a moment later with a wooden plank studded with nails.

Fitzgerald then used the blunt object to slam the victim in the face repeatedly.

Police arrived on the scene just as Fitzgerald was walking away from the nearly dead woman. When officers ordered Fitzgerald to halt, he ran but was apprehended following a short foot chase.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital. The woman suffered permanent loss of vision in her right eye and her face was permanently disfigured due to a crushed orbital bone and several severe facial fractures.

DA Katz said, police recovered the bloody wooden plank with several nails protruding from it from the scene of the attack as well as the victim’s broken teeth that were scattered on the sidewalk.

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Hochul Signs Law Unlocking Underutilized Hotel Space for Affordable Housing

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday signed new legislation to create more flexible rules for converting underutilized hotel space into permanent housing.

Hochul signed the bills with Sen. Brian Kavanagh, Mayor Eric Adams, and housing and labor advocates.

“As New York’s housing crisis continues to impact families, we’re taking bold action, embracing innovative ideas and thinking outside the box to help ensure that New Yorkers can access safe, livable, and quality affordable housing,” Hochul said. “This new law allows us to tackle the affordability crisis head-on and convert empty, underutilized spaces into homes.”

The new law authorizes Class B hotels that are located in or within 400 feet of districts that permit residential use and meet certain criteria to use their existing certificates of occupancy to operate as permanent residential spaces. The new bill further allows such hotels to provide permanent housing if they enter into an agreement with the City or if they receive State financing, through the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA).

In her State of the State address, Hochul announced a $25 billion, five-year Hous-

Photo Courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of the Governor

“[W]e’re taking bold action, embracing innovative ideas and thinking outside the box to help ensure that New Yorkers can access safe, livable, and quality affordable housing ,” Gov. Hochul said.

ing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes in urban and rural areas across New York including 10,000 homes with supportive services. As part of that announcement, the governor proposed easing hotel conversions to create more affordable housing. The governor has also secured an additional $100 million in HONDA funding to convert vacant commercial properties and

distressed hotel properties across the state.

Mayor Eric Adams said, “Today, we are saying yes to more of the affordable and supportive housing that New Yorkers need and deserve. This law cuts red tape and removes outdated rules so we can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. I want to thank my partners in the Legislature and at HTC for providing the

support we needed to deliver this win for New Yorkers, as well as Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”

State Sen. Brian Kavanagh said, “Allowing conversion of underutilized hotel space into affordable permanent housing represents another critical step we are taking toward ending the crises of unaffordable housing, evictions, and homelessness that have gripped New York for far too long. I thank Assemblymember Steve Cymbrowitz for his partnership in getting this bill through the legislature, Governor Kathy Hochul for her strong leadership and her commitment to delivering on the promise of ensuring that everyone has access to an affordable place to live, Mayor Eric Adams for his advocacy and for the work his administration is prepared to do to convert hotels to homes, President Rich Maroko and the Hotel Trades Council for embracing this cause and always fighting for good jobs, Ted Houghton of Gateway Housing for his expertise and tireless work to get this done, and the many providers of affordable housing and advocates for housing, homes and services for homeless New Yorkers, and sensible land use policies that balance the need for housing and economic opportunity, who all played a critical role in enacting this legislation.”

Governor Announces $4.5M to Support Addiction Prevention Services across NY

By Forum Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced $4.5 million in funding for 10 organizations to establish substance use and prevention coalitions in New York State. Providers receiving funding will focus on the priority populations, including three providers that will have a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. A further $1.8 million is also being made available to establish additional coalitions in the New York City region.

“Addiction can affect anyone, and helping those who have been impacted, as well as their families, is personal to me,” Hochul said. “Like far too many New Yorkers, my family has lost a loved one battling with addiction. New York State will never waiver in its commitment to establishing effective addiction prevention services, and my administration will continue to be laserfocused on supporting this important mission through coalitions such as these.”

Prevention coalitions are designed to better engage vulnerable and isolated communities and populations in developing and implementing environmental change prevention strategies. This funding will help them to develop culturally appropriate and tailored prevention initiatives for underserved communities and populations.

Three of the providers - D-Fi Drug Irondequoit, Inc., Tompkins Cortland Community College, and Northpointe

Council - will provide targeted services for the LGBTQIA+ community, with other providers focusing on additional high-need populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities, high poverty areas, and older adults.

Funding was provided to New York State through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, with awardees selected through a Request for Applications process administered by OASAS. Each award recipient will receive $150,000 per year for three years, for a total of $450,000.

Further funding of up to $1.8 million for additional coalitions in the New York City region is also being made available. These awards will be made to providers in Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond Counties, with each successful applicant receiving up to $150,000 annually for three years.

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, “Establishing and supporting effective, evidence-based prevention services are a critical pillar of the work we do at Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

These coalitions will play an important role in bringing tailored services to the places and individuals they serve and will allow us to reach more people in high-risk populations with much-needed help and support.”

New York State has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to addressing the overdose epidemic, and created a na-

tion-leading continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment includ-

ing crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

File Photo

“New York State will never waiver in its commitment to establishing effective addiction prevention services,” Gov. Hochul said.

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

Borough High School Teacher Charged with Abusing Two Students

Photo Courtesy of Google

The defendant is a teacher, and the victims are students, at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School.

By Forum Staff A teacher at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School has been charged with abusing two female students, 14 and 16, from the school, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Saturday.

Shannon Hall, 31, who lives in Jamaica, was arraigned Friday on two criminal court complaints charging him with forcible touching, two-counts of endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated harassment in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree.

According to the charges, Hall was inside his classroom on May 25, 2022, with a 14-year-old female student when he allegedly grabbed and squeezed her breast.

In separate incidents occurring on May 24 and 25, 2022, Hall is alleged to have sent inappropriate text messages to a 16-year-old female student, including one that read “I want to be with you,” followed by an apology text the next day, saying that he was drunk.

According to the charges, while in school on May 25, 2022, Hall allegedly

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“It shocks the conscience to believe that a person in a professional capacity, charged with a child’s welfare, would exploit his position of authority and trust,” DA Katz said.

said to the 16-year-old victim that he was jealous of her and a male student, and that she should look out for him the way that he looks out for her. Later that evening, the victim communicated with Hall by text, asking what he meant, and Hall allegedly responded, among other things, that he wanted to kiss her, smoke with her and have sex with her.

After sending those text messages, Hall then allegedly threatened her through a text message, saying if she showed anyone the messages she would be dead.

“As parents, each day we drop our children at school, and entrust their care and custody to teachers, whom we expect to be our surrogates in every regard. It shocks the conscience to believe that a person in a professional capacity, charged with a child’s welfare, would exploit his position of authority and trust, and as alleged, endanger a child’s welfare and engage in aggravated harassment and sexual abuse with students,” Katz said.

If convicted, Hall faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine on each complaint.

Brooklyn Man Gets Eight Years in Prison for Pimping Teen Girl

By Forum Staff A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to profiting from the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced.

Jordan Adderley, 32, pleaded guilty in May to sex trafficking of a child, sex trafficking, rape in the third degree, criminal sex act in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in

the fifth degree. Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone, Jr. recently sentenced Adderley to a determinate term of eight years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision. Adderley will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, the defendant met the victim, who was a runaway teenager, in September 2020. He manipulated the youngster into thinking he would help her find freedom. Adder-

Photo Courtesy of Google

Adderley rented a room at the Hillcrest Hotel in Jamaica and taught the victim how to sell her body for cash.

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ley rented a room at the Hillcrest Hotel in Jamaica and taught the victim how to sell her body for cash. The defendant also had sexual intercourse and oral sex with the teenager, who was nearly half his age. The defendant orchestrated a trip to the now-shuttered Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens, where an undercover New York Police Department team rescued the child. The defendant was discovered by police outside the hotel in his car waiting for the victim. During

the arrest, police recovered dozens of glassines of cocaine.

“This defendant lined his pockets with the money the victim made performing sex acts on strangers. Sex trafficking is a degrading industry that has caused irreparable harm to this young teenager. Although we cannot undo the trauma, we are holding this defendant accountable, and he will now spend time behind bars for his egregious actions,” Katz said.

Photo Courtesy of Google

The defendant also orchestrated a trip to the now-shuttered Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens, where an undercover New York Police Department team rescued the child.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 21 • JUNE 9, 2022 | 13

Legal Notices 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.

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.

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, 3116 30th Avenue, Suite 304, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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.

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

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 Hurley-Cook, 34 Sherman Ave., Rockville Center, NY, 11570, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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