THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MARCH 3, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 8 • MARCH 3, 2022

CLASS ACT

Administrators make Masks Optional at all Schools in the Five Boroughs

See story on page 2

Catholic schools will make face coverings an individual choice for personnel and a parental choice for all students effective Wednesday, March 2. Mayor Eric Adams indicated that the City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective Monday, March 7.

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 8 • MARCH 3 2022 | 1

Mayor, Governor Remove School Mask Mandate

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“If we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective next Monday, March 7,” Mayor Adams said.

By Michael V. Cusenza It may seem dim, and still thousands of miles off in the distance—but at least the proverbial light has been seen at the end of a long, dark tunnel filled with beset city school parents.

On Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement regarding mask mandates in schools and vaccines mandates across the five boroughs: “More than a million New York City school children will return to class tomorrow after a week off. At the end of this week, we will evaluate the numbers and make a final announcement on Friday. If

we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective next Monday, March 7. Our schools have been among the safest places for our children since the beginning of the pandemic, and we will continue to make the proper public health decisions to keep our kids safe, including making masks available for any child or school staff member who wishes to continue wearing them.

“Additionally, New York City’s numbers continue to go down day after day, so, as long as COVID indicators show a low

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

Adams announcement came just three days after Councilwoman Ariola penned a letter to Hizzoner, calling on him to rescind the mask mandate in schools.

level of risk and we see no surprises this week, on Monday, March 7 we will also lift Key2NYC requirements. This will give business owners the time to adapt and will allow us to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.

“All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers.”

Adams much-anticipated announcement came just three days after City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) penned a letter to Hizzoner, calling on him to rescind the mask mandate in schools.

“Like you, I am a person who follows the science. Currently, we have a COVID positivity rate of 1.81 percent in our state. This drop has caused Gov. Hochul to lift the indoor mask mandates across the state. Still, our children continue to be mandated to wear masks for over six hours a day, without a break,” Ariola wrote.

Governor Kathy Hochul lifted the school mask requirement on Wednesday, March 2. Additionally, Catholic schools in Queens and Brooklyn made face coverings an individual choice for school personnel and a parental choice for all students effective March 2.

New York AG Demands Answers from Con Edison

By Michael V. Cusenza State Attorney General Tish James recently reached out to Con Edison officials for an explanation for the unexpected spike in utility bills in January that affected thousands of Empire State residents. Many New York City consumers filed complaints with the Office of the Attorney General saying that their Con Ed bills for January 2022 were significantly higher than they were in the prior billing cycle, with some consumers reporting bills that were as much as three times greater even though their consumption remained the same.

James fired off a letter to the utility on Thursday. In it, she requested the following: (1)The reason(s) for the sudden increase in rates; (2)A description of anticipated rate increases for the next year, and the anticipated reasons for such increases; (3) A commitment to communicate clearly with consumers in writing concerning significant rate increases, including by providing a clear and conspicuous explanation in bill inserts and on your website; (4) A commitment to provide advance notice about anticipated rate increases, including by providing notice in writing at least one month before an anticipated rate increase

Photo Courtesy of AG Tish James

“Utility companies have a responsibility to make sure consumers’ bills are fair and accurate, and my office is determined to hold them to that standard,” AG Tish James said.

of more than 15 percent; and (5) A commitment to provide, in advance of significant rate increases, a reminder to consumers about Con Edison’s affordability solutions, including deferred payment agreements and/or other bill assistance programs.

“Hardworking New Yorkers shouldn’t have to make sacrifices to keep the lights on

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or to stay warm during the coldest months of the winter,” James said. “My office is calling on Con Edison to explain the unexpected increases in last month’s bills that affected thousands of New Yorkers. We are also demanding that the company communicate rate increases early on so New Yorkers know what to expect when they open their energy bill. Utility companies have

a responsibility to make sure consumers’ bills are fair and accurate, and my office is determined to hold them to that standard.”

Con Edison supplies energy for millions of New Yorkers. In some cases reported to OAG, the total amount due on some bills was two or even three times higher than in the previous billing cycle. One customer saw their bill jump from around $200 in December to more than $400 in January.

Consumers have stated that the sudden change on their bills could not be explained by increased energy use alone. Consumers have also stated that they received no advance warning from Con Edison about the rate increase. For many consumers, this rate increase is so large that they may have difficulty meeting their monthly expenses.

One consumer wrote, “We are a working family with an infant living in an affordable housing lottery unit, we are struggling to pay childcare, how are families expected to cope with price fluctuations like this?!?!”

“It’s completely unacceptable that New Yorkers are paying significantly more for power while Con Edison brings in surplus profits. Particularly as Con Edison continues to push for rate hikes, we must investigate how to protect New Yorkers from these unreasonable spikes,” said City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Council Favors Outdoor Dining Option

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

By Forum Staff The City Council on Thursday approved zoning changes to allow future outdoor dining in communities that have long been excluded from having sidewalk cafes. The changes are the first step in the City’s effort to create a permanent outdoor dining program that is better organized and balances the various considerations of neighborhoods.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City established a temporary Open Restaurants program via emergency executive order. It allowed restaurants to more easily operate sidewalk and/or roadway cafes next to their premises, including in areas of the City that had long been restricted from such opportunities. The program proved to be a lifeline for restaurants citywide, as indoor dining limitations severely reduced their operations.

Under the current zoning text, sidewalk cafes are only allowed in certain zoning districts, most of which are in Manhattan. The emergency executive order only established a temporary program for restaurants in other zoning districts, which last year brought up proposals for a citywide zoning text amendment to remove these geographic restrictions. The Council vote is a step towards establishing a local law to create a more equitable, permanent and better regulated outdoor dining program, informed by all New Yorkers.

The Open Restaurants Zoning Text Amendment: The Department of City Planning (DCP) and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), pursuant to Section 201 of the New York City Charter, proposed an amendment of the Zoning Resolution of the City of

Photo Courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

New York, removing Article I, Chapter 4 (Sidewalk Cafe Regulations) and modifying related sections. The proposed zoning text amendment would remove the requirement for sidewalk cafés to only be located in certain zoning districts and facilitate implementation of a permanent open restaurants program following authorizing legislation by the City Council and subsequent rulemaking by a designated agency. The Council will modify this application to remove the Department of Transportation as the designated agency for rulemaking and implementation of the permanent open restaurants program and modify requirements relating to serving customers outside a building from inside a restaurant to also make them contingent on authorizing legislation by the Council. A bill for a permanent program was introduced and heard jointly with the text amendment, but is still being negotiated.

“The temporary Open Restaurants program was established at the height of the pandemic by emergency order and provided a critical lifeline to restaurants throughout the city, saving small businesses and jobs,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “As our city seeks to recover, this zoning change is the first step in creating a permanent program that is better organized and regulated, more equitable, and balances the health of our restaurants with the needs of local neighborhoods. This will require feedback and input from various stakeholders, which we will continue to gather over the coming weeks and months. I thank Chair Salamanca, Chair Riley, and Chair Velázquez for their hard work on this zoning resolution, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and New Yorkers on this important program.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 8 • MARCH 3 2022 | 3

During National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Pol Highlights NY’s Addiction Programs ing National Problem Gambling Awareness education and treatment.

Additionally, brick-and-mortar gaming Month, I want to shed light on the ways we With New Yorkers enjoying the start of have increased our problem gaming pro- sites are training their employees to spot mobile sports betting in the state, it is vital grams in the state and bring awareness to the warning signs of problem gaming and how to help patrons with symptoms of that there are anti-addiction programs for the issue.” those who may have an issue with gambling, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said on Tuesday.

With March being National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Addabbo called it a grand opportunity to highlight the importance of identifying and helping those who may suffer from problem gambling.

The senator has worked for years to bring legal mobile sports betting to the Empire State, and now that that vision has become a reality, he is looking to keep those who wish to place their bets safe.

“By bringing mobile sports betting to New York we are able to allow New Yorkers to safely bet legally in their own state rather than heading to neighboring states or the illegal market,” said Addabbo, chairman of the Senate Racing, Gaming and File Photo Wagering Committee. “And while a large “While millions will be made available for education, now is the time where we need to monitor the process and majority of players are able to regulate their make adjustments in all aspects of mobile sports wagering—including the problem gaming side,” Sen. Addabbo said. usage and control their betting, there are With the legalization of mobile sports gaming addiction. Procedures have been those who will suffer from problem gambling. Through legalization, we are able to betting, which legislative language includ- created for all of the mobile sports betting identify those people — and those who ed roughly a dozen safeguards and addic- providers that allow customers to exclude may be moving towards a gambling prob- tion measures, problem gaming programs themselves from gaming and limit their walem — and provide them with the resourc- in the state have a new source of revenue gers when the customer raises the flag on es they need to control their gaming. Dur- of $6 million each year for problem gaming their own betting habits. Sportsbook opBy Forum Staff

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erators are also required to freeze accounts and send a message to any customer when they have $2,500 in lifetime deposits, provide them with information about problem gaming resources, and sportsbooks must inform customers about assistance for compulsive play while maintaining easy-tofind gaming assistance resources.

“I am thrilled with how popular mobile sports betting has become in New York in just a few short months. While millions will be made available for education, now is the time where we need to monitor the process and make adjustments in all aspects of mobile sports wagering—including the problem gaming side,” Addabbo added.

“Whenever you introduce something new like this there will be those that either develop problem gaming issues or expand those problems. It is now our job to make sure that those individuals get the help they need.”

The senator and his legislative team have been in contact with the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Commissioner, Chinazo Cunningham, in an effort to address and monitor problem gambling issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling call the free, confidential NYS HOPELINE at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) for help, and referrals to treatment.

Nearly 900 Apply to Serve on CBs

There are 14 community boards in Queens.

By Forum Staff The Queens Borough President’s Office has received 884 applications from residents seeking appointment to one of the borough’s 14 community boards this year, Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. announced Monday.

It is the second-most applications received in the office’s history, following 2021’s CB application process, which saw a record 941 forms submitted, BP officials noted.

Richards began receiving applications in early January for two-year terms of community board service, which will begin on Friday, April 1, 2022.

This year’s 884 applicants include 610 people who are not currently members of a community board — just shy of last year’s 698 new applicants but more than double the amount of new applicants during the 2020 community board application process — while 274 individuals applied for re-appointment to a community board.

Richards reinstated efforts to make the application process more accessible as well as safer amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As such, applications were again simplified to a digitized format, a reform put in place last year, with all applications submitted via an easy-to-complete online form. Years prior, applications had to be prepared on paper and be notarized before they were turned in at the Queens Borough President’s Office.

The simplified process led to a significantly diverse pool of applicants in 2021 that enabled Borough President Richards to select 110 community board members that were more diverse in terms of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, economic status, and immigration status, among other factors.

Richards attributed the tremendous enthusiasm in this year’s community board

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL— The Pharmacists role

File Photo

application process to a reflection of his continued outreach efforts and commitment to fostering interest in community service among Queens residents of all backgrounds and identities.

“Government must not only work handin-hand with the communities it serves in order to be impactful, it must also be justly representative of those very communities.

After yet another successful application process, I believe we’re well-positioned to build on the progress we made last year to diversify Queens’ 14 community boards and create a fairer, stronger borough for all our families,” Richards said. “I am deeply grateful to all 884 individuals who stepped up and applied to serve their communities, and I look forward to working with all of them to carry Queens into the future.”

Community boards are local representative bodies that have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to addressing land use and zoning issues. The boards have an important advisory role and must be consulted on the placement of most municipal facilities in a community.

Applications for zoning changes or variances must also come before the boards for review.

The boards hold hearings and issue recommendations about the City budget, municipal service delivery, and numerous other matters that impact their communities.

All Queens community board members are appointed by the borough president, pursuant to the City Charter, with half of the appointees nominated by the City Council members representing their respective community districts. Each board has up to 50 unsalaried members who serve two-year terms.

All community board members who wish to continue serving on a board are required to reapply at the conclusion of their two-year terms and are subject to review and reconsideration.

Pharmacists play a very important role in counseling patients on high blood pressure (HBP).

Here at Cross Bay Chemist, we offer electronic blood pressure monitoring in the store and always include it when we participate in community health fairs.

About one in three adults and nearly one in three women in the United States has high blood pressure. The condition itself usually has no signs or symptoms. Someone can have HBP for years without knowing it. A secret killer, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs.

He good news is lifestyle changes can greatly assist in the management of HBP. Proper diet, exercise, the elimination or reduction of salt intake and stopping smoking can all play a major role in helping bring HBP under control.

Blood pressure, like so many other conditions that are easily managed, is always aided when patients take a little time to do proper “bookkeeping”. The following tips are a general guide to keeping track and keeping informed about your condition. Remember your pharmacist is in a great position to help you set up and maintain your blood pressure records and all your othermedications as well.

1. Step one in managing HBP is making sure you take everything your physician has prescribed.

2. Make sure you know the name of each of your meds, the dosage prescribed for you and the directions on how to take the medicine—at night, with food, etc. If you have questions about your meds, talk to your pharmacist or physician.

3. Take care of your refills before you run out HBM needs to be taken without skipping a dosage-you can’t skip a day or cut it in half to last longer—that’s not the way it works.

4. If you are not feeling right and think you are having adverse effects from your meds, talk to your pharmacist and/or physician at once. Your dosage may very well have to be adjusted. This is a common occurrence with HBM. DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN! 5. HBP meds may have interactions with OTC preparations. Many have warnings about not taking them with HBP meds. Consult your pharmacist on what is safe for you to take.

Let us help–we welcome you questions about drugs, treatments options and associated concerns, we're happy to help in any way we can.

Until next week

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Cops Still Hunt TD Bank Crook

City Police Department investigators are still searching for the suspect wanted in connection with last month’s robbery of the TD Bank on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach.

According to the NYPD, at 11:57 a.m. on Feb. 13, the suspect entered the branch, passed a demand note to a teller, and fled the bank seconds later with $1,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 577-TIPS, or direct message @ NYPDTips.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 8 • MARCH 3 2022 | 5

After Corona Victim Dies, Meng Calls for continued Efforts to Fight Violence against Asian-Americans

Rep. Meng (l. to r.), a translator, and Ma’s husband.

By Michael V. Cusenza Congresswoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) on Tuesday joined the family of borough resident GuiYing Ma for the announcement of her death after she was attacked last November while sweeping the sidewalk next to her Corona home.

Meng joined the victim’s husband, Zhanxin Gao, and the family’s pro bono attorneys at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP at their office in Manhattan.

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng

Ma, 62, died on Tuesday, Feb. 22 as a result of “complications of blunt impact injury of head.” She was struck in the head with a rock on Nov. 26 while she was sweeping and had been at Elmhurst Hospital since the assault took place.

The suspect, Elisaul Perez, 33, was arrested and indicted for the crime. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has indicated that the charges against him could be upgraded.

Meng also called for combating the rise

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng

On Monday, Meng joined Mayor Eric Adams at City Hall for a roundtable with Asian-American community leaders and officials to discuss ongoing attacks on Asian-Americans.

in anti-Asian hate and violence.

“I am devastated over the passing of GuiYing Ma and my heart aches for her family,” said Meng. “I will continue to be here for her husband and loved ones at this very difficult time. So many in the Asian-American community continue to live in fear due to ongoing attacks against Asian-Americans.

We must continue doing all we can to combat this heinous violence.”

Six days after Ma’s death, Meng joined Mayor Eric Adams at City Hall for a round-

table with Asian-American community leaders and other officials to discuss ongoing attacks on Asian-Americans.

During the event, Meng talked about the enactment of her COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which is in the process of being fully implemented by federal officials; she also discussed the need to provide mental health resources, and assistance for the homeless, among other things. The event included nearly two-dozen Asian-American organizations, Meng noted.

Congestion Pricing Early Outreach Comment Period to Remain Open through April 27

By Forum Staff The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, State Department of Transportation and City Department of Transportation encourage the public to continue to provide comments on the early outreach process and project for the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) proposal, also known as congestion pricing, prior to April 27, 2022. Information on the CBDTP proposal, including links to presentations and public outreach meetings, may be found at https://new. mta.info/project/CBDTP. Based on extensive early public outreach, the proposal has benefited from more than 7,000 comments in the tri-state area to date.

Where to Comment PhFile Photo Online: Members of the public are invited Congestion Pricing was authorized by the State in April 2019 and modeled on urban congestion pricing programs to continue to submit comments related to around the world to reduce traffic congestion and raise needed revenue to improve public transportation. the CBDTP project and process on the project website at new.mta.info/project/CBDTP, Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with “At- summer, the sponsoring agencies will commence a new public comment period and which also provides information about the tention to CBDTP Team.” proposed program and anticipated benefits, as The public is invited to watch any of the outreach process, including public hearings, well as the Environmental Assessment (EA) series of public meetings that have been on the EA, prepared in accordance with the process. It also allows members of the public held about the program on the MTA’s You- National Environmental Policy Act. The EA establishes the purpose, need and objectives to sign up to stay informed with alerts, view Tube channel under the CBDTP playlist. the latest news on the program, and more.

While the conclusion of the early public for the proposed CBDTP program, identiEmail: CBDTP@mtabt.org comment period in April will bring the ini- fies any possible effects resulting from imMail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broad- tial phase of robust public outreach and par- plementation, and identifies potential mitiway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004 ticipation to a close, the proposed CBDTP gations as appropriate.

Background and Next Steps Phone: (646) 252-7440 to leave com- will soon enter the next phase of public inThe Central Business District Tolling ments or questions volvement. Beginning in late spring/early 6 MARCH 3, 2022 • Number 8 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Program was authorized by the State in April 2019 and modeled on urban congestion pricing programs around the world to reduce traffic congestion and raise needed revenue to improve public transportation.

Other cities across the world that have similar programs have also experienced reduced traffic and improved air quality.

If approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the CBDTP would be the first such program in the United States.

In March of 2021, FHWA informed the project partners of its determination that an EA was the appropriate next step for the CBDTP, including a robust public participation process designed to ensure involvement of stakeholders from throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The current comment period is part of an enhanced early outreach program that began last fall and is informing the creation of the EA document required by FHWA. To date, the project partners have held 19 virtual public meetings, 9 of which were focused on Environmental Justice communities and populations and convened an Environmental Justice Technical Advisory Group and an Environmental Justice Stakeholder Working Group to better understand concerns related to potential effects of the program on minority and lowincome populations. The EA is expected to be released later this spring.

Ariola Honors Broad Channel Fire Chief

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) last weekend honored Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Corp. Chief Andrew Knee on 40 years of service to South Queens.

The BCVFD originally started on Sept.

1, 1905 as a bucket brigade to help minimize property loss due to fires and lower insurance premiums as there was no form of fire protection on Broad Channel.

More than 100 years later, Broad Channel Volunteers Inc. is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization whose mission statement is to protect life and property on the island of Broad Channel and the surrounding waters of Jamaica Bay. “Thank you to all of the members past and present for your service and dedication to the community,” Ariola said Saturday.

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Happy Women’s History Month, City Council!

Flushing Councilwoman Sandra Ung Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilwoman Joann Ariola

By Michael V. Cusenza In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. And what better way to celebrate women’s history than to acknowledge a legislative body that is actually making history: the New York City Council.

For the first time, our esteemed 51-member panel—which can be traced to Dutch Colonial times when NYC was known as New Amsterdam—is composed mostly of women.

“The beauty of this particular Council—a

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

true snapshot of New York City in 2022—is that our diversity will make us stronger,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “For the first time ever, this legislative body will have a majority of women serving as members. With citywide leadership overwhelmingly male, it’s crucial that women not only have a seat at the table, but we lead the way out of this crisis and toward a fair and inclusive recovery. Representation matters, not just because it will inspire the next generation of women leaders, but also because it will drive how we will govern moving forward.”

Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino

Councilwomen Alexis Aviles (l. to r.), Selvena Brooks Powers

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Queens Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (l. to r.) and Brooklyn Councilwoman Farah Louis

Councilwomen Tiffany Caban (l. to r.) and Sandy Nurse

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Photos Courtesy of NY City Council

Councilwomen Linda Lee (l. to. r.), Lynn Schulman, Crystal Hudson, Kamillah Hanks, Julie Won

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 8 • MARCH 3 2022 | 9

Manhattan Man Charged in Heinous Hammer Attack in Queens Plaza Station

By Michael V. Cusenza A Manhattan man has been charged with beating and robbing a woman on Thursday at the Queens Plaza subway station in Long Island City; a second man has been charged with using the victim’s credit card hours after the assault, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.

William Blount, 57, was arraigned Monday evening a six-count complaint charging him with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. If convicted, Blount faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to the charges, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, the 58-year-old victim entered the Queens Plaza subway station and was approached from behind by Blount. As alleged, Blount began to kick the woman down the stairs, struck her on the head multiple times with a hammer, then grabbed the victim’s blue tote bag from her arm and fled the location.

The victim was immediately transported to an area hospital where she continues to be treated for a skull fracture, an intercranial hemorrhage, along with bruising and swelling to her head.

The victim was attacked in the Queens Plaza subway station.

According to the complaint, the second defendant arrested in this case is Denise Alston, 57, of St. Albans. Alston was taken into custody the following day, Feb. 25, at approximately 10:25 p.m. on a commercial strip of 21st Street. Alston allegedly made a $19 purchase using a blue credit card bearing the name of the subway attack victim.

Additionally, police recovered the assault victim’s Chase Freedom Visa card, two de-

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/GeneralPunger

partment store cards and the victim’s New York City identification card allegedly from the wallet of Alston.

Alston was arraigned Monday afternoon on a complaint charging her with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, identity theft in the third degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the sev-

enth degree. If convicted, Alston faces up to four years in prison.

“This was a brutal, gratuitous attack. As alleged, the defendant kicked the victim down a stairwell during a robbery and struck her repeatedly with a hammer and with such force that he fractured the woman’s skull and caused other serious injuries. The subways are too integral to the lifeblood of our city for riders to be terrorized when using them.

The violence has to stop,” Katz fumed.

“Last night’s vile, unprovoked attack on healthcare hero Nina Rothschild is chilling and sadistic beyond words. Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with Nina, as well as her family and Health Department colleagues. We pray she makes a full physical and emotional recovery, and that the individual who perpetrated this heinous crime against her is prosecuted to the fullest extent,” Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. said. “No one should feel unsafe in their community or feel like a target in their local subway station. In the wake of this savage assault, the NYPD must increase its presence at the Queens Plaza stop and the surrounding subway stations in the immediate area to give Western Queens residents the peace of mind they deserve as they move in and out of the transit system.”

Borough Duo Indicted for Sex Trafficking Homeless Woman

By Forum Staff A Jamaica man and a Hollis woman have been indicted for allegedly forcing a homeless woman into prostitution, setting up sex dates for her in various hotels, as well as private homes and other locations throughout Queens, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced.

Adam “Damian” Lee, 29, and Ida Copeland, 35, were arraigned last week on 14-count indictment charging them with sex trafficking and promoting prostitution in the second and fourth degree.

Lee is additionally charged with rape in the first and third degree, criminal sex-

ual act in the first and third degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, and assault in the second and third degree.

Katz said that on New Year’s Day, 2022, the 35-year-old woman, who had been staying at the Floral Park Motor Lodge in Nassau County, informed Copeland, the hotel clerk, that she could no longer afford to stay at the hotel. Shortly after the conversation, Lee appeared at the woman’s room door, identified himself as Copeland’s friend and claimed to have been sent by her. Once inside the room, Lee allegedly told the victim that she now worked for him and ordered her to remove her clothes and put on sexy

For two days in mid-January, according to the charges, the victim stayed with Lee at the Pergola Hotel.

10 MARCH 3, 2022 • Number 8 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

lingerie. When the woman refused, Lee allegedly pulled out a gun, threatened her and then forced her to take semi-nude photographs to be used for sex advertisements.

Continuing, on Jan. 5, 2022, Lee took the woman to a residence in Queens where a male customer paid him. Lee then waited outside while the customer and the victim were inside the residence.

This customer, however, became angry at one point and refused to let the woman leave. Lee then allegedly broke down the door, grabbed the victim and went to a nearby store to call Copeland, who arrived a short time later and took them to the Casa Azul Blue Hotel on Jamaica Avenue,

Photo Courtesy of Google

where they were now living.

Lee left the victim with Copeland while he went to the store. At this time, the victim informed Copeland that Lee had allegedly assaulted her. Copeland said, ‘That’s Damian for you.’ Copeland then instructed the victim to learn how to deal with Lee and to keep him happy and make his quotas so that he stays happy.

Police officers from the 105th Precinct responded to a 911 call at the location and removed the victim from the Casa Azul Blue Hotel. However, days later, Lee found her and brought her to yet another hotel in Queens.

For two days in mid-January, according to the charges, the victim stayed with Lee at the Pergola Hotel. On the 15 of January, Lee took her to meet with a man for sex.

On Jan. 16, Lee allegedly forced the victim to have sex with another man at the Pergola Hotel and the customer paid Lee for the sex. At one point, Lee became angry at the victim and began to destroy the room. In the process, Lee is alleged to have assaulted the victim—punching her in the head and face and causing the woman to sustain a black eye, swelling and bruising. Lee then allegedly sexually assaulted and raped her.

The woman managed to call police and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

If convicted, Lee and Copeland face up to 25 years in prison.

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Legal Notices Notice of Formation of 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC 14309 222nd Street, Bsmt. Laurelton, NY,11413,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

New York ADR LLC filed w/ SSNY on 1/5/22. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 604607, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful.

Notice of Formation of 300 KENMORE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/04/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 300 Kenmore Rd., Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of ICEKOUTURE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

INCHEN SONAM LLC, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/21.

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 KONCHOK RINCHEN, 4163 74TH ST. FL2, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DAGA CONSULTING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of HAIR DEN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MARIA ZACCHEO, 156-47 94th Street, Howard Beach, NY, 11414,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

CHEN & HONG REALTY, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/18/22. 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, 136-20 BOOTH MEMORIAL AVENUE, UNIT 2D, FLUSHING, NY 11355, USA. 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.

CANDACE’S EXQUISITE COLLECTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/20/21. 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, 189-22 MANGIN AVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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 of DELMONICO MANAGEMENT CO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Michael Esposito, 30-15 35th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11106.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PANDAYO NY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/27/22. 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 RACHEL JARVINA ELAZEGUI, 83-45 VIETOR AVENUE APT. 5E, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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.

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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 served. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 4128 Haight St #1A, Flushing, NY 11355.

Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

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