THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MARCH 17, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 10 • MARCH 17, 2022

BIRD’S EYESORE The Story of a Beloved Area Underpass where Pigeons Terrorize Pedestrians, Garbage is Illegally Dumped—and the Howard Beach Man Dedicated to Cleaning it Up Every Day

See story on page 2

Eddie Earl visits the underpass at 84th Street and 156th Avenue, home of the Sept. 11 Memorial Mural, at least three times daily—chasing away bird feeders and properly discarding the food scraps they leave behind.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 10 • MARCH 17 2022 | 1

Howard Beach Man Dedicates Time and Money to Keeping Beloved Underpass Clean

By Michael V. Cusenza To mark the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, hundreds of Howard Beach residents gathered at the underpass on 84th Street between 157th Avenue and Shore Parkway for a stirring ceremony befitting the unveiling of the Sept. 11th Memorial Mural.

Since then, Eddie Earl has been visiting the hallowed site at least three times a day—not to pay his respects but to chase off persistent pigeon feeders and clean up after illegal dumpers.

“I don’t miss a feeding,” Earl, the Flag

Man of Howard Beach, remarked on Monday with a hearty laugh.

Despite Earl’s efforts, trash piles up just outside the underpass as hundreds of pigeons swoop down on pedestrians admiring the artwork. Earl reported that he has cleaned up food scraps that run the gamut of gastronomic tastes, including spaghetti, manicotti, rice (raw and cooked), dry dog and cat food, bread, cereal, and yes, even chicken.

“These people probably think they’re doing something good,” Earl posited. “But it’s disgusting.”

Earl has posted homemade signs all

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Earl has posted homemade signs all over the underpass asking visitors to refrain from feeding the wildlife.

over the site kindly asking visitors to refrain from feeding the wildlife. They have largely been ignored, he said.

“It’s like a drug dealer,” Earl postulated, “chase them away from one spot, they’ll just set up shop somewhere else.”

Earl also noted that “it breaks my heart” to see aggressive pigeons frightening runners or young mothers pushing carriages through the underpass.

“It would blow your mind,” Earl said. “It looks like a horror film.”

While he fends off bouts of frustration, Earl said he’s not discouraged.

“I have better things to do,” the retiree

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Eddie Earl holds up an empty 20-pound bag of bird feed left behind at the site.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

The Sept. 11th Memorial Mural was unveiled during a ceremony at the underpass last year.

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noted. “But I’m dead-set on stopping this quality-of-life issue.”

At least one area resident appreciates Earl and the daily effort he puts in to maintain the underpass and the mural it hosts.

“Eddie has become our gatekeeper,” Jay Frango told The Forum on Monday. Frango is the retired City firefighter who donated the funds needed to establish the mural. “It used to look like a landfill.”

This Sunday, March 20, Earl and his “Howard Beach 11414” group are spearheading a community cleanup of the site.

“I don’t mind doing it,” Earl said.

“Someone has to.”

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Garbage piles up just outside the underpass.

Pigeon waste can be seen all over the site.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

South Queens Unites to Help Ukraine

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“In the 23rd District we are governed by the notion that we don’t sit idly by while others suffer, whether they be a neighbor down the street or a total stranger across the world,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

By Forum Staff Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (DHoward Beach) announced on Tuesday that her office has partnered with area organizations to collect much-needed supplies for war-ravaged Ukraine.

According to Pheffer Amato, throughout the past week, residents of the Rockaway Peninsula, Broad Channel, Ozone Park and Howard Beach have dropped off supplies at her Howard Beach district office or the Living Word Christian Fellowship.

“It is moments like this that reaffirms the fact that this truly is the best community in New York.

In the 23rd District we are governed by the notion that we don’t sit idly by while others suffer, whether they be a neighbor down the street or a total stranger across the world. We have an opportunity to help victims of a horrific war and we are going to do everything we can to support them,” Pheffer Amato said.

The donations are set to be delivered to Ukraine via Solent Freight Services, a freight forwarder with ties to South Queens that has the ability to ensure the supplies will be properly dropped off to

the needy. The last day to donate supplies is Saturday, March 19 at the Living Word Christian Fellowship located at Cross Bay Boulevard and Sutter Avenue. The relief effort is looking for: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine products, sheets, towels, soap, razors, diapers, formula, blankets, canned/shelf stable food, medical supplies, baby wipes, socks, diaper ointments/powder, and pet food.

“I am filled with pride that organizations like Kiwanis International of Woodhaven and Ozone Park, Lions Club International of Ozone Park, Woodhaven and Howard Beach, Living Word Christian Fellowship, Ozone Park Block Association, Solent Freight Services, along with Deshi Senior Center, the Pizza Dance Foundation, Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park, the Glendale Civic Association, Howard Beach Observation Patrol, [Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services] and so many others who got involved exist in our community. I will be happy to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all of them as we load the truck,” the assemblywoman added.

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“In the 23rd District we are governed by the notion that we don’t sit idly by while others suffer, whether they be a neighbor down the street or a total stranger across the world,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 10 • MARCH 17 2022 | 3

Op-Ed: I am Woman, Hear me Roar!

By Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato I am woman, hear me roar! Helen Reddy said it best, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman.” These lyrics hit me when I met with a group of women at Bungalow Bar this past summer. As we enter March, I want to celebrate these women during Women’s History Month and all the women who have and continue to do remarkable things for our community. Their strength inspired me to take on an important women’s health issue by introducing legislation to support women by changing the current laws that dictate how a woman’s body will look after having a mastectomy.

Let us give women the full option of deciding what their post-mastectomy body will look like. By changing our insurance law, we will be giving women the opportunity to choose to have reconstruction of their breasts or to have a flat chest wall.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (roughly 13 percent) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the course of their lifetimes. We all know someone who has gone through breast cancer; and I will venture to say so many of us know a woman who had a mastectomy. While many women pursue reconstructive surgeries, women also choose to “stay flat” and pursue aesthetic flat closure, rather than a breast reconstruction. Meaning a woman can have a flat chest wall, or no breasts. However, this option is not always covered by insurance.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato

All women with breast cancer deserve to have their insurance cover their choice of surgery: either breast reconstruction which is already covered by insurance, or aesthetic flat closure which is a flat chest wall with no breasts that is not always covered. Women who forgo breast reconstruction are most often done in one surgery, but about one in four will require revision to produce an

4 MARCH 17, 2022 • Number 10 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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so disfigured after surgery, is just appalling.

These are our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends and they are entitled to flat chest wall or reconstructive surgeries, it’s their choice.

We are now correcting that problem!

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us make history for women by being the first state that permits aesthetic flat closure, a flat chest wall option and ensures women in New York have the right to decide how they want their chest to look. No longer will we allow any woman to be damaged and left in an unacceptable state. The way to support women is to ensure that insurance will cover a woman’s choice to have breasts or have a flat chest wall after a mastectomy.

My bill, A.8537 will give women, strong and beautiful women, that opportunity.

As I go forward, I will continue to keep you all apprised of the developments and work being done. Every day we get more and more co-sponsors from remarkable assemblymembers and we have Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky leading the charge in our other house.

As always, do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (718) 945-9550 or by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov. It is a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to representing you for many more years to come.

acceptable aesthetic result (an aesthetic flat closure). Too often, these women are told that their revision surgery is “cosmetic” and therefore will not be covered by insurance.

I can promise you this is not cosmetic surgery. It is insulting to even say that this would qualify as such. In fact, to minimalize or trivialize how these women are left— Pheffer Amato represents District 23 in lopsided, dangling flaps of skin and scars, the Assembly

Broad Channel Man Charged in Capitol Riot formed Capitol Police officer from behind and made physical contact, causing the officer to fall over a ledge and onto a terrace below. The officer later recalled being “blind-sided” from behind in a “football-type tackle.”

The officer, an Iraq war veteran, also recalled thinking, “I didn’t survive a war to go out like this.”

Celentano also allegedly engaged in several other physical altercations with uniformed law enforcement personnel on the grounds of the Capitol.

In the 14 months since Jan. 6, more than 775 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 245 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call  1-800-CALL-FBI  (800-225-5324) or visit  tips.fbi.gov.

Photos Courtesy of DOJ

According to court documents, Celentano was among the crowd of rioters at the West Terrace of the Capitol on Jan. 6.

By Forum Staff A Broad Channel man was recently arrested for assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Ralph Joseph Celentano III, 54, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, civil disorder, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and related offenses. He was arrested in Broad Channel last week.

According to court documents, Celentano was among the crowd of rioters at the West Terrace of the Capitol on Jan. 6. He was captured on video and Photos Courtesy of DOJ security cameras with a flag as well as a Celentano allegedly engaged in several other physical folding chair affixed to a backpack on altercations with uniformed law enforcement personnel his back. Celentano approached a uni- on the grounds of the Capitol.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

ALLERGY BUSTING The early bird can shut down suffering Although some may argue that it's too early to introduce the subject matter of this column, I've always subscribed to the common sense theories behind early preparation.

After the fabled terror that March weather can often bestow upon us, comes April-and the long-awaited beginning of Spring!

But the beautiful sights and smells of the blossoms that accompany April are not the only arrivals that mark start of Spring.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Among the most common are food, dust, pollen mold, insect stings, animal dander , medications and latex.

While some allergy sufferers may only face irritations from minor symptomology, others can have life-threatening reactions and without medical attention, they can die.

Fortunately, for those people with less severe conditions, the secret to freedom from those maddening itches, sneezes, scratchy throats and watery eyes, is as near as the counters and shelves of your local pharmacy. A host of over the counter (OTC), remedies available are sure to bring an end to your misery.

Leading experts in the allergy field have made the suggestion that treating your symptoms early can lead to reducing the effects of allergy-associated respiratory distress.

There is also staunch support for monitoring the pollen count and remaining indoors during the hours when the counts are at their highest (10 am to 4 pm). Other advice is to use filters and keep windows closed during the day.

There is also great advocacy for contin-

ued spring cleaning--that's right--mop those floors and wash the curtains regularly.

When allergy sufferers spend long periods of time outside, they can also minimize effects by showering often, washing their hair and clothes to get rid of allergens that are carried into the home upon returning from a day outside.

Remember it's not only your personal grooming that needs focus. Regular bathing and brushing of your pets will greatly reduce the irritants in your home. And as hard as it may be on your heart, try keeping your furry friends out of the bedroom.

If you'd like to help your healthcare providers figure out how best to manage your individual condition, you should also keep a journal to track the time of day you symptoms are at the height.

Your local pharmacist can offer invaluable advice on many products to ease your suffering.

Readily available nasal sprays like Flonase Allergy Relief, Nasacort Allergy 24 HR can treat runny noses, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and scratchy throats.

Next on the scene are Antihistamines like Allegra, Zyrtec that are time released and can provide relief for long periods of the day without drowsiness.

Decongestants like the QlearQuil product line offers combined therapies to combat sinuses and congestion.

Finally, air filters that fit inside the nose offer protection and assistance for keeping allergens out before they gain entrance to your system . These are drug free products and act to block things like dust, pollen and pet dander from finding their way into your respiratory system.

Until next week!

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Broad Channel Breaks Ground on New School Broad Channel community leaders and elected officials on Tuesday broke ground on PS/MS 47. According to the City Department of Education the Beach 112th Street school, slated to open in 2023, will serve more than 250 students in preK through 8th Grade.

“Thank you to the driving forces behind this project—former Council Member Eric Ulrich and Broad Channel Civic Association President Daniel Mundy!” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), seen here with Mundy, noted.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 10 • MARCH 17 2022 | 5

Pols to Mayor: We Need a Health + Hospitals Facility on the Rockaway Peninsula

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr.

By Forum Staff Prior to Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement last week of a plan to establish a new health care facility on the Rockaway Peninsula, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr., along with State Sen. James Sanders, Jr. (D-Far Rockaway) and Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson (D-Far Rockaway), sent a letter to the Mayor earlier this month, urging him to open a New York City Health + Hospitals facility on the Peninsula, where families have insufficient access to health care despite having been

Photo Courtesy of BP Richards, Jr.

hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and other health problems.

The elected officials wrote: “COVID-19 exposed and exacerbated so many of society’s problems, but few have been laid bare more than the gross, unjust health disparities beyond this virus that our Rockaway residents on both halves of the peninsula experience daily. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s 2018 Community Health Profile of Community District 14, Rockaway residents experience diabetes, obesity and hypertension at higher rates than mainland Queens

Photo Courtesy of Google

Rockaway residents are served by just one overburdened hospital, St. John’s Episcopal, and a smattering of smaller health care clinics.

and the rest of New York City. Meanwhile, rates of premature death tied to infant mortality, cancer, heart disease and drug-related incidents are higher — in some instances, disturbingly higher — than the rest of The World’s Borough and the City as a whole.”

The officials noted that despite having to cope with these issues, Rockaway residents are served by just one overburdened hospital, St. John’s Episcopal, and a smattering of smaller health care clinics. The addition of a NYC Health + Hospitals facility on the Peninsula would help address health

care disparities and give Rockaway families more access to the medical care they deserve, according to the officials.

The letter continues: “Mr. Mayor, your winning campaign was centered on solving the disparities in our societies, specifically the ones families of color have suffered through during the COVID-19 pandemic. By funding and constructing an NYC Health + Hospitals facility on the Rockaway Peninsula, we can begin to address these inequities and dramatically improve the overall health and wellbeing of those who call Rockaway home.”

Adams Unveils Blueprint for City’s Economic Recovery

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday released “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” which outlines his vision for the city’s economic recovery and the future of the city’s economy. The blueprint, according to Adams, specifically aims to accelerate the return to pre-pandemic employment levels, while simultaneously laying the foundation for the city’s economic future — addressing historic injustices and reimagining outdated ways of doing business.

Among the strategies outlined in the blueprint are more than 70 concrete actions that will help realize the mayor’s goal of rebuilding, renewing, and reimagining the city’s economy. The administration will: • Assemble a “New New York” blue-ribbon panel, convened by Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, to re-envision business districts, invest in the workforce, and stimulate economic growth by engaging some of the most visionary leaders in business, labor, academia, nonprofit, and philanthropy; • Launch the NYC Strategy for Equity and Economic Development (SEED) Fund, a new equitable capital planning framework to invest city resources into neighborhood needs in ways that address historic disinvestment, immediate public health and safety issues, and growing climate risks, while creating jobs and spurring economic growth;

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Adams said that the City’s recovery from the pandemic “cannot and will not be about going back to the way things were — we are going to rebuild, renew, and reinvent our city and our economy for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.”

• Provide small businesses muchneeded relief — cutting opening times in half, suspending the city’s 25 percent surcharge on liquor licenses, streamlining inspections, reforming licensing requirements, providing back-office support and free tax preparation, improving language access, and helping small businesses expand their digital footprints; • Launch the Small Business Opportunity Fund to meet the financing needs of historically underserved local businesses and entrepreneurs, addressing critical gaps in access to capital; • Strengthening our commercial corridors across the five boroughs by in-

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vesting in small Business Improvement Districts, merchant associations, and public realm improvements; • Tackle public safety and quality-oflife concerns in commercial corridors and launch a Public Realm Working Group to execute a holistic strategy of coordinated initiatives and programs in our public spaces; • Expand the city’s tourism marketing campaign to show the world that New York City is open, vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors again; • Double down on growing the life sciences industry, with a focus on expanding into new sub-industries and building

the talent pipeline of local New Yorkers; • Jumpstart the local, green economy and affirm New York as a global leader in just solutions to the climate crisis with the creation of a new, state-of-the-art education and research institution on Governors Island, which will work to identify equitable urban climate solutions and drive growth of accessible green jobs; • Build an equitable cannabis industry from the ground up, by offering financial support and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses and launching a broad-based community engagement effort to make New Yorkers aware of opportunities to participate in the industry; • Protect and strengthen New York City’s creative economy with the creation of a new, one-of-a-kind cultural district on Governors Island and a “Culture at Risk” response team to protect New York City’s creative businesses and neighborhood institutions; • Protect workers’ rights by raising and enforcing labor standards for appbased delivery workers and adding new city resources focused on protecting the rights of home care aides, nannies, house cleaners, and other domestic and care workers; and “New York City’s recovery cannot and will not be about going back to the way things were — we are going to rebuild, renew, and reinvent our city and our economy for today, tomorrow, and generations to come,” Adams said.

Addabbo Touts Utility Rate Notification Bill

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

“Gas and electric utilities are critical for all homeowners and businesses so we have to ensure both availability and affordability,” Sen. Addabbo said.

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently introduced legislation requiring gas and electric corporations to provide customers with 60-days’ notification prior to any rate or service delivery increase.

While the Public Service Commission had predicted gas and electric increases for winter, the Senator believes the utility companies should have forecasted price spikes and done more to provide advance notice to their customers. The significant increase in utility bills has had a serious impact on household budgets, with more

than a million New Yorkers in arrears on their energy payments in February. Addabbo’s bill will notify customers well in advance of a utility rate increase so they can budget accordingly or plan to apply for assistance.

Addabbo, who noted that a number of governmental entities are looking into the recent drastic increases in Con Ed bills, said he’s hopeful that should the bill become law it would provide many of his constituents time to challenge utility increases or better plan for them.

“My office received numerous calls from stunned and distressed constituents who had received utility bills significantly higher than usual. Many were concerned that they would not be able to afford to pay their bill while also trying to keep food on the table,” Addabbo said. “My legislation will give customers ample notice prior to any utility bill increase, which will help to avoid falling behind on bills or incurring penalties for missed payment deadlines. Gas and electric utilities are critical for all homeowners and businesses so we have to ensure both availability and affordability.”

The legislation is currently before the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Addabbo noted.

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NY Opens Application Portal for Hemp Farmers Seeking a License to Grow Adult-Use Cannabis

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the opening of the web-based application portal for hemp farmers seeking to obtain a conditional license to grow adult-use cannabis in the 2022 growing season. The license was made possible by a law Hochul signed last month.

The opening of the application portal for the license advances the governor’s first-inthe-nation Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which positions individuals with prior cannabis-related criminal offenses to make the first adult-use cannabis sales with products grown by New York hemp farmers. This farmto-store initiative is making sales in New York possible before the end of 2022, jumpstarting New York’s cannabis Industry, guaranteeing support for future equity applicants, and securing an early investment into communities most impacted by the disproportionate enforcement of cannabis prohibition.

Under the law, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices; participation in a social equity mentorship program; and enter into a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization. The portal opened today by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management allows hemp farmers seeking an Adult-use Cannabis Conditional Cultivator License to apply with ease.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor

“This initiative will create meaningful opportunities for economic empowerment for New York farmers and impacted communities,” Gov. Hochul said.

With a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivation license, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license. It also allows them to manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023.

Cultivators are limited to one acre (43,560 square feet) of flowering canopy outdoors or 25,000 square feet in a greenhouse and can use up to 20 artificial lights. They can also split between outdoor and greenhouse grows with a maximum total canopy of 30,000 square feet, as long as greenhouse flowering canopy remains under 20,000 square feet.

To qualify for an Adult-use Cannabis Conditional Cultivator License, an applicant must have been an authorized industrial hemp research partner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets, cultivating hemp for its non-intoxicating cannabinoid content for at least two of the past four years and in good standing as of December 31, 2021, when the research program ended. Farmers who apply will pay a non-refundable $2,000 application and licensing fee, and applicants are strongly encouraged to read the program guidance before applying.

Holders of the license must also partici-

pate in a social equity mentorship program where they provide training in cannabis cultivation and processing for social and economic equity partners, preparing them for potential roles in the industry. Growers will also have to meet sustainability requirements to ensure the cannabis is grown in an environmentally conscientious way.

On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams noted that building an equitable cannabis industry from the ground up, by offering financial support and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses and launching a broad-based community engagement effort to make New Yorkers aware of opportunities to participate in the industry will be a crucial part of his “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery.”

“New York is moving full speed ahead to create the most inclusive adult-use cannabis industry in the nation through our Seeding Opportunity Initiative,” Hochul said. “This initiative will create meaningful opportunities for economic empowerment for New York farmers and impacted communities. Now that our application portal is open, I encourage every eligible New York farmer to participate in the farm-tosale pipeline that will create jobs and opportunity throughout the Empire State.”

The application portal is located at: businessexpress.ny.gov/app/answers/ cms/a_id/3819/kw/ocmconditional.

Pols Secure More than $6.7M for NYC Workforce Development and Education Programs

By Forum Staff

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday announced that they helped to secure more than $6.7 million in funds for workforce development and education programs aimed at helping New York City residents, as part of the historic bipartisan omnibus appropriations agreement for Fiscal Year 2022.

“The pandemic not only greatly hindered the scholastic and social development of our New York City students but stunted the growth of many of our residents looking to add to their skill sets to help them further advance in their careers,” Gillibrand said. “The pandemic hit our low-income and minority families in the most underserved communities particularly hard, and these funds are a step in the right direction toward addressing their needs and helping our students and workforce to bounce back from the damage COVID-19 left behind.”

“I’m proud to bring these investments to our communities in New York after COVID disrupted classrooms and workforces across the state,” Schumer added. “I fought to secure this vital funding in the omnibus bill for workforce development and education-focused projects—from college access programs and adult education services for immigrant New Yorkers, to skills develop-

York College is set to receive $527,000.

ment for formerly incarcerated students.

This federal funding will help communities address the learning, workforce preparation, and job training loss New Yorkers experienced because of the pandemic.”

Borough organizations receiving funds include: • Sunnyside Community Services ($100,000) Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) will receive funds for their Safety, Learning, and College Access Program, based out of the Woodside Houses Cornerstone community center, a public housing-based community center in Woodside, Queens.

The program creates a pathway toward academic success and self-efficacy that will aid 70 students who are emerging from social

• City College of New York, CUNY ($1,500,000) College of New York’s workforce development program will receive funds for their infrastructure training program that prepares participants for construction and operations jobs across multiple infrastructure sectors – transport, energy, communications, water and wastewater, food, health in built environments – with emphasis on digital skills for advanced forms of project management, system supervisory control Photo Courtesy of Google and operations management.

• Queens Economic Development isolation and experiencing learning loss Corporation ($250,000) caused by COVID-19.

Queens Economic Development Corpo• Sunnyside Community Services ration will receive funds for their Queens To($175,000) gether Project to support local independent Sunnyside Community Services will re- restaurants and food businesses through ceive funds for its Home Health Aide Training business education, worker education, as Program. The funding will allow 300 commu- well as technical and marketing skills. nity members to receive free training classes, • Make the Road New York which are offered in both English and Spanish. ($400,000) • York College, CUNY ($527,000) Make the Road New York will receive York College will receive funds to offer funds to help expand and sustain adult six high-quality course offerings and trainings education services for immigrant New that are aligned with in-demand occupations Yorkers. The program will provide English and career pathways in New York City, as Language Acquisition (ELA) and Citizenidentified by leading employers and market- ship Preparation (civics) classes that will place data. These offerings will equip low- and advance career opportunities for students middle-skilled workers, as well as students and as well as connect them to holistic services alumni, with skills to advance in the workforce. to meet immediate needs.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 10 • MARCH 17 2022 | 9

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Hillcrest Gunpoint Robberies

The check-cashing business is located on 164th Street in Hillcrest.

By Forum Staff A 10-count superseding indictment was recently unsealed in Brooklyn federal court charging Robert Rodriguez with Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and related firearms crimes for planning and executing four armed robberies targeting the owner and patrons of a Hillcrest

Photo Courtesy of Google

check-cashing business in July 2020 and September 2021.

Rodriguez, 37, of Brooklyn, was arrested last week. His co-defendant, Raymundo Heyaime Sanchez, 25, also of Brooklyn, was previously arrested and indicted for Hobbs Act robbery and related crimes for his role in one of the four robberies charged in the superseding indictment. Sanchez is

currently detained pending trial.

As set forth in court filings, Rodriguez, Sanchez, and a co-conspirator targeted the owner of a check-cashing business located on 164th Street in Hillcrest. On July 3, 2020, after conducting surveillance of the owner’s home and business, the owner was confronted in the driveway of the business by masked bandits who pistol-whipped him on the back of the head before robbing him of more than $1 million. Rodriguez subsequently committed three additional robberies of the business’s customers more than a year later. On each occasion, Rodriguez purportedly waited in a vehicle near the check-cashing business until a customer departed, at which point he followed each victim by car before ultimately robbing the customer at gunpoint.

“As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendant is charged with the brazen gunpoint robberies of the owner and customers of a Queens check cashing business,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “Such openly menacing and violent conduct will not be tolerated.”

If convicted of the charges, the defen-

Photo Courtesy of DOJ

“Such openly menacing and violent conduct will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Peace said.

dants face a mandatory minimum of 84 months’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.

Brooklyn Man Busted for Union Membership Cash Con ga allegedly promised at least nine individuals that he could get them into the Mason Tenders Local 79 Union—but only if they paid him between $500 and $1,500 each.

Katz said many of the victims spoke to Ortega about their desire to join the union. Ortega allegedly told each one of them that he could secure membership for them at a cost. Some of the victims, both men and women, met with Ortega at a

home on 107th Street in Corona, Queens.

There, Ortega allegedly collected $1,500 from each of the victims.

Even though Ortega is a member of the Labor 79 Union, he is not authorized to grant membership to anyone.

“The defendant in this case is accused of taking advantage of his position as a union member and knowledge of Local 79 to line his pockets. More than a dozen individuals—laborers who sought to earn

better pay for their hard work—were allegedly conned by this defendant into giving him cash for entry into the Mason Tenders union,” Katz said. “I want to thank the union’s leadership for bringing this case to our attention. The defendant is now charged with serious crimes for taking advantage of others to feed his own greed.”

If convicted, Ortega faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

File Photo

DA Katz said that Ortega “is now charged with serious crimes for taking advantage of others to feed his own greed.”

By Forum Staff A Brooklyn man has been charged with allegedly conning people eager to join the Mason Tenders Local 79 Union that he offered memberships for cash—even though he did not have the authority to do so, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.

Jofre Ortega, 54, was arraigned on a complaint charging him with grand larceny in the fourth degree, petit larceny and scheme to defraud in the second degree. He was ordered to return to court on May 3.

According to the charges, between September 2019 and March 2021, Orte- The offices of Mason Tenders Local 79 Union are located at 520 8th Ave. in Manhattan.

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Legal Notices MIPPI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/26/22.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design.

Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-34 45th Rd Apt 12 Long Island City, NY 11101.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC, MR 1 REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/16/21.

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 LLC, 35-01 30TH AVENUE, SUITE 203, ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 1103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ADEMOLA RN & MIDWIFERY PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 137-47 234th St, Rosedale, NY 11422. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nursing and Midwifery.

35-18 97 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 35-18 97 LLC, 1059 BRINSMADE AVE, BRONX, NY, 10465, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: Jiejie Realty LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2017.

Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 9-24 129th Street, College Point, NY, 11356. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

DIVERSE DETAIL ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be seфяrved.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the DIVERSE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, 109 10 QUEENS BLVD, APT 1D, FOREST HILLS. NY, 11375 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of WOK N’ STAPLE LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/14/2022. Office location: Queens.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 136-31 41ST AVENUE SUITE 5A, FLUSHING, NY, UNITED STATES, 11355. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Parsons One Capital LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 142-38 37th Ave., #12B, Flushing, NY 11354.

General Purpose.

Tywit Group LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/07/22. 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, 4923 Cloverdale Blvd, Oakland Garden, NY 11364. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 01/06/22. 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: QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, 9753 85TH STREET, OZONE PARK, NY, 11416 USA. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

FARRINGTON 3354 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/21. 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 LLC, 3354 Farrington Street, #3A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Tangram Hotel Team LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/14/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 39-16 Prince St., #11B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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GLENDALE RE HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/18/22. 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, 61-04 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

URBAN FOUNDATION CONTRACTORS, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/2022.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 32-33 111th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WHS 163, LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/09/22. Office Location: 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, 41-28 Haight St #1A, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of SOS ENDEAVORS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/28/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Dr., Ste. 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: any lawful activities.

CIMPLY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/13/22. 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, 8 THE GREEN, STE B, DOVER, DE, 19901, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

JD INNOVATIVE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/21. 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 JODENS DESVARIEUX, 143-33, 253RD ROAD, ROSEDALE, NY 11422, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CITYMADENEWYORK LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/19/22.

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 ABIEL SOARES, 92-11 35TH AVE 2P, JACLSON HEIGHTS, NY, 11372, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

HAYES & J ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/22.

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 JONATHAN HAYES, 1340 GIPSON ST. APT #2, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY, 11691, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUMAITAT ETY & RUHUL KAHN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/10/21.

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 SUMAITAT ETY & RUHUL KHAN LLC, 9832 57TH AVENUE APT 18H, CORONA, NY, 11368, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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