THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MARCH 31, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 12 • MARCH 31, 2022

WHEEL-LY GOOD IDEA? MTA Releases Borough Bus

Network Redesign’s New Draft Plan

See story on page 2

The Queens Bus Network Redesign is one of the largest bus network redesigns in the country, with over 100 routes, serving almost 800,000 average weekday riders, MTA officials noted Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 12 • MARCH 31 2022 | 1

MTA Releases Queens Bus Network Redesign’s New Draft Plan

By Michael V. Cusenza The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Tuesday announced the release of the newly developed Queens Bus Network Redesign’s New Draft Plan. The MTA’s New Draft Plan reflects over 11,000 comments received during the first round of public engagement. The Queens Bus Network Redesign is one of the largest bus network redesigns in the country, with over 100 routes, serving almost 800,000 average weekday riders in 2019, and is now the third project of the MTA’s ambitious initiative to rework and enhance bus networks in every borough.

The New Draft Plan is a forwardthinking redesign focused on routing, bus stop locations, and frequency proposals that aim to address the evolving needs of local communities, considering factors such as population growth, travel patterns, commute times, and off-peak ridership for current and future Queens riders. There will be 14 virtual public workshops held through June – one workshop for each community district in Queens. At these workshops, attendees will be provided information about all the changes proposed in the New Draft Plan and will be able to share their questions, comments, and concerns.

Reasons for a complete borough bus network redesign: Service Reliability • Our customers told us that Queens buses are often slow and stuck in traffic. • The On-Time Performance for Queens bus routes decreased by 12 percent from 2014 to 2018. • Queens had a Customer Journey Time Performance (CJTP) of 70 percent prior to the pandemic; CJTP measures the percentage of trips successfully made not more than five minutes later than scheduled. • As bus service becomes less reliable due to congestion, particularly in areas such as downtown Flushing and Jamaica, the effects are experienced by the majority of Queens bus customers. • During the height of the pandemic, service reliability briefly improved due to less traffic on the roads; however, much of that congestion has since returned, and reliability has begun to decrease back to pre-pandemic levels.

Bus Speeds • Prior to the pandemic, bus speeds had been declining systemwide for a number of years. Congestion, particularly in areas such as downtown Flushing and Jamaica, are an ongoing challenge to providing fast and reliable bus service for Queens residents and employees. • In 2019, average bus speeds in Queens were the second highest of the five boroughs at 8.7 miles per hour (MPH), however that number is a 3.3 percent decrease from the average speed in 2015 (9.0 MPH).

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

The announcement was made at Jamaica Avenue and 150th Street on Tuesday.

Even a small decrease in bus speed can have a cascading effect on a customer’s overall travel time. • Slower bus speeds reduce route reliability and decrease productivity, further deterring wouldbe customers from choosing to take the bus. • Congestion is the leading cause of declining bus speeds and service reliability in Queens. It is often worse on key corridors and choke points, amplifying its detrimental effect on bus speeds, and in turn the reliability of bus service. • During the height of the pandemic, bus speeds briefly increased due to less traffic on the roads; however, much of that congestion has since returned and bus speeds have begun to slow back down to pre-pandemic levels. Ridership Decline • Bus ridership in Queens fell 5.3 percent from 2014 to 2019—a decrease of about 40,000 average daily boardings. • The decline in

ridership can be attributed to a variety of factors, including slower bus speeds, decreased reliability, modal shifts to other transportation, including the subway and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), and demographic changes. • During the height of the pandemic, bus ridership in Queens fell to roughly 46 percent of prepandemic levels; however, ridership has slowly continued to recover as customers return to their daily activities.

Plan highlights include: More direct routes. Implementing more direct routes allows for faster service. Downtown Flushing and Jamaica are areas where effects of congestion hinder bus service. A contributing factor to this congestion are bus routes that terminate in these areas. A series of proposed routes that serve downtown Flushing and Jamaica will travel

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

“Queens families rely heavily on bus service that can often lack in efficiency and reliability, especially in our many transit deserts, so it could not be more important that we get this redesign of our borough’s bus network right,” Borough President Richards said.

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through these congested areas, instead of terminating there.

Balanced Bus Stop Spacing. Removing and adjusting closely spaced bus stops along routes results in fewer route turns and faster service. The seconds saved per trip by having fewer bus stops have a positive cascading effect on overall travel times.

Bus stop placement is also key in filling gaps in the bus network; proximity to key destinations and transfer points are important components in deciding bus stop locations. In the proposed redesigned draft plan, placement of bus stops expands the reach of accessible public transportation.

Enhanced Connectivity. The proposed redesign presents new connections, enhancing connectivity at key transfer locations necessary to ensure customers have a smooth transition between buses and other modes of public transportation. The plan focuses on expanding connectivity to ADA accessible subway stations, including stations that have been identified to receive accessibility upgrades in the near future.

Bus Priority. The MTA will continue working with the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to build upon existing efforts of expanding bus priority improvements on corridors throughout the city, implementing measures such as dedicated bus lanes, queue jumps, and transit signal priority.

Improved Accessibility and Customer Experience. The MTA and DOT will continue to work to increase bus stop accessibility throughout the borough and citywide, along with the roll out of real-time digital service information screens on buses, and countdown clocks at bus stops.

"My district is a transportation desert, and increasing my constituents' options to get around the city and borough is critical," said Council Member Robert Holden (D-Middle Village). "I look forward to working with the MTA on ensuring that their New Draft Plan for the Queens Bus Network Redesign addresses the needs of my constituents."

“Queens families rely heavily on bus service that can often lack in efficiency and reliability, especially in our many transit deserts, so it could not be more important that we get this redesign of our borough’s bus network right,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. added. “If our communities are fully engaged and involved in this process, getting it right is what we’ll achieve. I encourage all our residents to familiarize themselves with the MTA’s draft plan and I look forward to working with the MTA to ensure our families are not only actively involved, but centered in this redesign.”

Volunteers Make Ukraine Aid Drive a Success

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato talks to a young volunteer.

By Michael V. Cusenza Earlier this month, dozens of volunteers organized and packaged supplies for one of the largest Ukraine-aid drives in South Queens, according to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who helped spearhead the event.

Solent Freight Services, a freight forwarder with ties to South Queens, partnered with community groups Ozone Park Residents Block Association; Kiwanis International of Woodhaven and Ozone

Your problems are our job.

Park; Lions Club International of Ozone Park, Woodhaven, and Howard Beach; Living Word Christian Fellowship; and Pheffer Amato’s office to gather much-needed supplies and organize a collection for Ukraine.

Throughout the month of March, residents of the Rockaway Peninsula, Broad Channel, Ozone Park, and Howard Beach dropped off supplies the assemblywoman’s district office. In addition, State Attorney General Tish James personally worked with Pheffer Amato and Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer (the assemblywoman’s mom!) to gather baby supplies and feminine hygiene products.

Last Saturday, March 19, all of those donations were dropped off at Living World Church where volunteers from the community were busy organizing the aid packages that would be sent to Ukrainian families in need. Pheffer Amato arrived with two fully packed cars with goods that had been donated by the community.

“Our office was filled from top to bottom with donations and purchases from the amazing people in this district. This is what we do—we step up,” Pheffer Amato said. Throughout the day rows and rows of cars could be seen lining the Cross Bay Boulevard at Sutter Avenue with people hopping out to drop off their donations. In the end, tractor trailers were stuffed with the generous donations; several more vehicles were needed to help carry the extra supplies.

“When you ask what makes a community, it’s this. Joining forces with these groups just shows that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you need, this community will find a way to help you,” Pheffer Amato said.

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Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

Dozens of volunteers across at least six organizations made the supply drive a rousing success.

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Op-Ed: Fighting for those who Fight for Us

By City Councilwoman Joann Ariola We all look to New York’s Bravest, the members of the Fire Department of the City of New York, as the heroes of our city.

The men and women on the front lines when we are faced with the most serious and dangerous of situations. As Chair of the Fire and Emergency Management Committee in the NYC Council, I have been visiting firehouses and speaking with numerous members of the FDNY and they are all asking for one thing- to bring back the fifth firefighter to their engine companies to help keep New Yorkers safe.

Currently engine companies operate with 4 firefighters which causes the FDNY to require two engine companies to respond to each call. This causes delays in

Ariola represents the 32nd Council District

operations at fires, leaves geographical gaps at the areas where the second engine would respond and can ultimately mean loss of life that could have been prevented.

The fifth firefighter takes the position of the “door firefighter,” getting the line in place and then helping to facilitate the line as the nozzle and backup firefighters face the blaze head on. The first line put into place at a fire is what saves more lives than

anything else. Engine companies encounter difficult stretches of the line and other unusual situations when they are working at the location of a fire. With only 4 firefighters on the initial engine responding, critical minutes are wasted waiting for the second engine to respond to get the first line in place.

Studies have shown that the removal of the fifth firefighter adds over 4 minutes to

getting the first line in place and water on the fire. It can take as little as 2 minutes for a person to pass out or die from smoke inhalation. Those 4 minutes are crucial to the lives of New Yorkers and our firefighters.

New York City needs the fifth firefighter on FDNY Engine Companies. We need to do all that we can to help the members of the FDNY do their job as quickly as possible to save lives. Last week I introduced my first piece of legislation to the NYC Council- a resolution calling on the Mayor of New York City to permanently staff all Fire Department of New York engine companies with five firefighters and an officer at the outset of each tour.

I will continue to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers and those who keep us safe.

JetBlue, Mayor Announce 5,000 New Jobs Coming to NYC

By Forum Staff JetBlue and Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced that the company will be adding 5,000 jobs in New York City in 2022. JetBlue will also work with the city to create a new workforce partnership to connect more New Yorkers with high quality JetBlue jobs and to develop a strong pipeline for future careers at the airline. Mayor Adams joined JetBlue leaders today at a major hiring event to assist in filling many of these new positions.

Monday’s hiring event, held at JetBlue’s hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport, facilitated on the spot interviews and conditional hiring of diverse candidates for a variety of positions within the JetBlue operation based in New York City, including roles in airport operations, ground operations, technical operations, in-flight, information technology and other support center roles.

JetBlue currently employs around 8,000 crewmembers based in New York City, at the airports as well as in JetBlue’s Long Island City Support Center, its corporate headquarters. The airline’s growth and hiring as well as its low fare expansion is due in great part to the Northeast AlPhoto Courtesy of JetBlue liance, a partnership it has entered into “As New York’s Hometown Airline, JetBlue’s commitment goes well beyond the flights we operate here,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. with American Airlines. Those seeking “Getting visitors back to the five bor- will ensure New Yorkers of all backinformation about future JetBlue hiring crewmembers and a more resilient workoughs and supporting our tourism indus- grounds share in the industry’s recovery events and careers at JetBlue should visit force for New York City as a whole.”

“New York City is coming back, and we try are critical in our efforts to drive an and growth. Furthermore, this initiative jetblue.com/careers. are working with our business community equitable economic recovery,” said New will open doors for qualified diverse pro“As New York’s Hometown Airline, Jetto invest in our people, restart our econom- York City Deputy Mayor for Economic fessionals who - although highly skilled Blue’s commitment goes well beyond the ic engines, and give New Yorkers pathways and Workforce Development Maria Tor- - may lack the connections and access flights we operate here,” said Robin Hayes, to quality jobs,” said New York City Mayor res-Springer. “Not only is JetBlue adding often key to securing an offer,” said Rep. chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We’re Eric Adams.

“Not only is JetBlue one of thousands of jobs in New York, but they Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica). “Breaking thrilled to partner with Mayor Adams to support his administration’s Blueprint for our largest home-grown employers, but are also making it easier for people to ac- down such artificial barriers in employNew York City’s Economic Recovery by the company is creating 5,000 new jobs cess the amazing attractions our city has ment is key to ensuring communities like the one I represent can share in our naencouraging travel to New York City. We’ll in our city. I look forward to working with to offer.” them on a new workforce partnership that tion’s prosperity. I look forward to seeing “As the tourism and travel industry do that by hiring thousands of new JetBlue will provide more New Yorkers with career the positive outcomes of this program, bounces back from COVID-19’s disrupcrewmembers in 2022, and through our pathways and opportunities in this critical especially here in Queens at JFK, the tion, initiatives like Mayor Adams’ and continued engagement in the community industry.” gateway to America.”

JetBlue’s workforce partnership program to create a strong pipeline for future JetBlue 4 MARCH 31, 2022 • Number 21 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Man Convicted in HomeInvasion Slay

Photo Courtesy of Google

According to trial records, at approximately 2 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2016, Williams, along with three others, entered a home on 110th Street in South Richmond Hill. Williams believed the group would find a large cache of Xanax pills, marijuana, and cash inside.

By Forum Staff A Forest Hills man has been convicted at trial for his participation in a botched South Richmond Hill home invasion in 2016 that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Kristof Williams, 27, was found guilty last Wednesday of murder in the second degree and two counts of burglary in the first degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set Williams’s sentencing for May 6. At that time, Williams faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to trial records, at approximately 2 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2016, Williams, along with three others, entered a home on 110th Street in South Richmond Hill.

Williams believed the group would find a large cache of Xanax pills, marijuana, and cash inside.

DA Katz said Williams and the three other attackers found Eddie Ventura, 20,

in a bedroom playing video games with two others. Ventura fought with one of the men and was stabbed numerous times in the back and thigh. Ventura died as a result of the stab wounds.

Khalil Moses pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and was sentenced to 21 years in prison in September 2020. John Pichardo pleaded guilty to burglary in the first degree and was sentenced in July 2020 to 15 years in prison.

Jose Pichardo was found guilty at trial of murder in the second degree and was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison in October 2021.

“After nearly two weeks of listening to testimony, a jury found the defendant guilty of murder in the death of a young man who was at a friend’s home playing video games when he was suddenly attacked and killed. This defendant was a participant in this senseless act of violence,” Katz said. “His fate will now be determined when the court sentences him for his criminal actions.”

DA Katz characterized Williams as “a participant in this senseless act of violence.”

File Photo

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

SAFE TRAVELS: Your pharmacist can help!

Well we finaly made it. We are just weeks away from the time we all love. Getting plans in order to go on vacation over the summer months.

For many, it's very easy to overlook some important precautions to take when making travel plans. And surprising as it may seem to some, your pharmacist can all but erase the chance of you facing any small mishaps while you're away to enjoy yourself with family and friends.

Follow these simple tips and travel without complication—especially if you’re travelling out of the country or to a destination with a different climate where many things can occur.

Ask your pharmacist what you’ll need to "build" a travel kit to address common issues that arise on vacation. That list definitely includes sunscreen, OTC painkillers, antiseptic, insect repellent and antidiarrhea pills.

We’ve spoken to you about skin cancer in this column before, and when travelling, you need to be especially aware of the sun exposure of your destination--it's most likely different from home.

Extra care must be exercised and the following general rules will help protect you 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 travelling 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 follow these simple steps: • 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 • Drink plenty of water—stay hydrated Most importantly-ENJOY YOURSELF!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Conduit Crash Claims Woman, 19

On Friday, at approximately 9:10 p.m. police responded to a 911 call of a car accident on South Conduit Avenue in the vicinity of 125th Street.

Upon arrival, cops observed a single-vehicle collision at the location. A preliminary investigation determined that a 2001 Nissan Altima, being driven by 19-year-old man, was travelling along South Conduit Avenue in the vicinity of 125th Street, when the operator failed to properly navigate the roadway, causing the vehicle to exit the roadway and strike a tree, before rotating and coming to a rest. The unidentified motorist was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, via EMS, in stable condition.

Shannon Cassidy Primlal, a 19-year-old woman who was the front-seat passenger in the vehicle, was also transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center via EMS and pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing by the NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad.

Photo Courtesy of Google

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 12 • MARCH 31 2022 | 5

Adams Expands Performer Exemption to City’s Private Employer Vaccine Mandates

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday outlined the next step in the City’s economic recovery and COVID-19 response, with a new measure that will support local businesses and arts and performance venues across the city.

Signed and effective Thursday, Executive Order 62 expands the performer exemption to the city’s private employer vaccine mandates, putting City-based performers on a level playing field with performers based outside of the city. The new order will help kick-start the full spectrum of the city’s nightlife economy, which, prepandemic, employed nearly 300,000 New Yorkers and generated over $35 billion in economic impact.

“Today we take another step in our city’s economic recovery — leveling the playing field for New Yorkers and supporting local businesses and performance venues across the city,” Adams said Thursday at Citi Field in Flushing. “By expanding an existing exemption, we are simply making sure the rules apply equally to everyone who is a performer, regardless of where they are from. The old exemption put our sports teams at a self-imposed competitive disadvantage and was unfair to New York performers. Now, with the city in a low-risk environment, we can keep protecting each other, as we continue to move in the right

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“The old exemption put our sports teams at a self-imposed competitive disadvantage and was unfair to New York performers. Now, with the city in a low-risk environment, we can keep protecting each other, as we continue to move in the right direction and deliver an equitable and inclusive economic recovery,” Mayor Adams said.

direction and deliver an equitable and inclusive economic recovery.”

Before Thursday, the city’s preexisting private employer vaccine rules generally allowed performers who live outside the five boroughs and athletes who play for visiting teams to perform or play in New York City, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. This double standard hurt the city’s

economy and put New York sports teams at a self-imposed competitive disadvantage.

Thursday’s announcement expands those rules to also cover City-based performers and professional athletes — helping to kickstart the city’s economic recovery by supporting live entertainment and performance venues as well as nearby local businesses.

The latest step in the city’s economic recovery and COVID-19 response, Thursday’s executive order follows the mayor’s statement this week on mask requirements for two- to four-year-olds and his decision earlier this month to remove the mask mandate in public schools for K-12 students and suspend aspects of the Key to NYC program.

“Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen and all of us at the Mets are proud to partner with the mayor and his team as part of New York City's continued reopening and economic recovery,” said Sandy Alderson, president, New York Mets. “We look forward to welcoming fans back to Citi Field, and for Mets players to have the opportunity — for the first time in three years — to play a full season before the greatest fans in the world.”

“We appreciate the way the mayor approached this decision with deliberation, understanding, and reliance on the science,” said Randy Levine, president, New York Yankees. “He was open to the needs of New York businesses and is today delivering for millions of New Yorkers. We thank him for his decision.”

City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim said, “This executive order is another major step toward normalcy and, along with it, an opportunity once again for our small businesses to grow and thrive.”

Addabbo Praises Package of Maternal Health Bills

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Tuesday announced the passage of a package of bills he co-sponsors, to boost insurance eligibility during pregnancy, enhance women’s mental health screenings, and improve the transparency of information regarding birthing facilities in the Empire State.

The package of bills co-sponsored by Addabbo and passed by the State Senate will: S.534B - Require enhanced transparency about hospitals and birth centers provided in informational packets to expectant mothers to help them make informed decisions about prenatal care and birthing options.

S.8241A - Allow pregnant women to enroll in health insurance during a special enrollment period without penalty. Prenatal care is critical for the health of pregnant women and for a positive pregnancy outcome. Penalties or fees associated with a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals are a costly and unnecessary deterrent for care.

S.7752 - Establish a maternal mental health workgroup within the Office of Mental Health to study and issue recommendations that will improve the impacts

File Photo

One of the bills in the package requires enhanced transparency about hospitals and birth centers provided in informational packets to expectant mothers to help them make informed decisions about prenatal care and birthing options.

that maternal mental health disorders have on women who give birth, their children, and their families.

S.7753 - Direct the Office of Mental Health and the Department of Health to conduct a study detecting racial and other disparities within postpartum depression screenings, and research and analyze new ways to better detect postpartum depression.

With significant evidence indicating that expectant mothers in minority communities have limited options for prenatal care and childbirth, this legislation will

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give these women information to help them make informed decisions while also providing access to insurance at a critical time. Statistics have shown that black women are at least three times more likely to die from pregnancy and birth-related complications and are 50 percent more likely to suffer severe pregnancy and birth complications. Improved access to prenatal care will not only greatly benefit women but also their unborn children.

Depression affects one in eight new mothers, with the risk being significantly higher for new mothers of color and they

are the least likely to receive help. If we are able to better diagnose and treat the tens of thousands of mothers and families affected by maternal mental health disorders including depression, we will uplift not only these women but the families who depend on them across the state, Addabbo said.

“These bills aim to improve the education and treatment of maternal mental health disorders while also making sure every expectant mother has access to insurance throughout their entire pregnancy especially those in vulnerable, at-risk populations,” Addabbo added.

If you are in need of help, please call 911 or contact the Postpartum Resource Center of NY (postpartumny.org) at 1-855-631-0001, seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The signs and symptoms of maternal depression are: feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless; lacking motivation, concentration, or energy; loss of interest or pleasure in activities; and feelings of anger, guilt, irritability, rage or regret. The signs and symptoms of maternal anxiety are: feeling easily stressed, worried, or overwhelmed; being hyper-vigilant with the baby; having scary, intrusive, or racing thoughts; feeling keyed up, on edge, restless, or panicked.

Forest Hills LIRR Station Gets $1M for Repairs

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Joe Shlabotnik

A New York elected official recently announced that her office has secured $1 million in funds for seemingly endlessly deferred repairs needed at the Forest Hills Long Island Rail Road station, as part of the historic bipartisan omnibus appropriations agreement for Fiscal Year 2022.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said the project will replace deteriorated platforms and help make the station more Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.

Due to the historic design of the station,

the State Historic Preservation Office will be consulted for the design improvements.

“Our public transportation system is the backbone of the region’s economy and is an important part of our outer boroughs’ infrastructure that is vital in getting Forest Hills residents around the city,” Gillibrand added. “Upgrading New York City’s infrastructure has been a key focus of mine, and these funds will help improve not only service for residents who use this major Queens transit hub on a daily basis, but also the borough’s quality of life.”

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Pols Bring Popular Paper-Shredding Event back to Forest Park this Spring

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

More than 200 cars passed through the Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot at Addabbo and Rajkumar’s September 2021 recycling event.

By Forum Staff This spring State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) will be partnering with Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (DWoodhaven) to bring their bi-annual Paper Shredding and Household Goods Donation recycling event to Forest Park.

On Sunday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents will be able to shred their personal, private documents with USA Shred and donate any unwanted household goods to the United War Veterans Council at the Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot.

“These recycling events that we hold are some of our most popular events each year — and for good reason,” Addabbo said.

“It gives our constituents the opportunity to do some serious spring cleaning and help the environment at the same time by safely and securely shredding their paper documents. They can also get rid of clutter in their houses by donating clothing and household items and give their unwanted goods a new home with a veteran.”

Items that will be accepted during this event are: paper (three boxes maximum of personal, business or medical files), cloth-

USA Shred help people safely and securely discard their papers at these events.

ing and shoes, small working appliances and kitchenware, toys and bikes, jewelry, small furniture, American flags, and eye glasses.

Items that CANNOT be accepted are: any electronics, cardboard, magazines, file folders, pre-shredded paper, air conditioners, paint, and tires.

“I am happy to once again partner with my colleague Senator Joe Addabbo for this fun-filled event serving our community in so many ways,” Rajkumar said. “As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am proud to provide our veterans with valuable household items. That alone would make for

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

an outstanding event, but we will also have paper shredding, which will both serve our environment and prevent identity theft. In fact, this event is like a Swiss Army knife of diverse solutions for Queens.”

“I would like to thank Assemblymember Rajkumar for her continued support on this great event, as well as our partners in USA Shred and the United War Veterans Council, the Parks Department, and 104 COP for their continued participation in helping to keep the traffic moving during these popular events,” Addabbo added.

For more information about this event, call Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.

Adams Applauds Opening of Safe Haven Facility

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the opening of the Morris Avenue Safe Haven site in the Bronx, which will connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with access to high-quality shelters and services.

The facility will provide 80 beds to New Yorkers in need and will offer dedicated services and medical care on-site, including supports to address mental health and substance use challenges, Adams said. This Safe Haven is also part of the approximately 500 new low-barrier beds Adams announced as part of his Subway Safety Plan last month.

“For too long there have been New Yorkers unseen by our government, but we will no longer abandon our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness to lives of suffering and pain,” said Adams. “The opening of the Morris Avenue Safe Haven, and others like it, will provide unhoused New Yorkers a place to live, heal, and be cared for. Not only are we offering safe spaces to those experiencing homelessness, but we’re offering New Yorkers second chances. The 80 beds at this location will be a part of the 500 beds opening in the coming weeks. Instead of trapping New Yorkers in a labyrinth of despair, we are making sure those who have been lost are found again

as on-site services and compassionate staff who work closely with these New Yorkers to build trust, stabilize lives, and encourage further transition off the streets and ultimately into permanent housing.

“We are doubling down on our commitment to help New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness get back on their feet, which is why we continue to develop specialized resources dedicated to helping New Yorkers in need come off the streets and subways, with thousands of such beds already serving vulnerable New Yorkers citywide,” said City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary Jenkins.

“This Safe Haven builds on our commitment, and in partnership with not-for-profPhoto Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office it provider-partner Care for the Homeless, “The opening of the Morris Avenue Safe Haven, and others like it, will provide unhoused New Yorkers a place to this site will prove to be a vital resource for live, heal, and be cared for,” Mayor Adams said. our neighbors in need — helping stabilize Safe Havens and stabilization beds are their lives while encouraging further transiby providing a path to stability, long-term housing, lasting community, and common small-scale, low-barrier programs specifi- tion into more permanent housing settings. cally tailored for individuals experiencing While there is always more work to be purpose.”

At this location, shelter provider Care for unsheltered homelessness who may be re- done, New Yorkers should be proud of the the Homeless will also operate a Federally- sistant to accepting or who may not be best positive impact our outreach teams have Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC). This full- served by other services, including tradi- had on so many lives — and we remain service licensed health center will provide tional transitional housing settings. These focused on redoubling those efforts and comprehensive primary health care and be- facilities provide specialized beds and physi- reaching those New Yorkers we have not havioral health care to the residents on site, as cal and program characteristics specifically been able to reach yet, rebuilding trust, and well as other individuals experiencing home- meant to address individuals’ unique needs, making those important breakthroughs in a including smaller physical settings, as well caring and compassionate manner.” lessness and housing instability in the area.

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Meng Touts Legislation to Improve Interactions between First Responders and People with Disabilities

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Meng’s bill would establish a new grant program for states to facilitate the placement of a discrete and voluntary disability identifier symbol on drivers’ licenses and other forms of state-issued identification in order to improve interactions between first responders and people with disabilities.

By Forum Staff Congresswoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) announced Tuesday that she introduced the Disability ID Act of 2022, a bill that would establish a new grant program for states to facilitate the placement of a discrete and voluntary disability identifier symbol on drivers’ licenses and other forms of state-issued identification in order to improve interactions between first responders and people with disabilities.

Disabilities can be misjudged or disregarded, leaving many people with disabilities worried that their interactions with first responders may escalate, Meng noted. That is why she said it is vital to give individuals with a disability the option to have a disability identifier symbol placed on their driver’s license or ID card, while also providing first responders with training to better understand the needs of people with disabilities.

The legislation would also provide funding for training first responders to rec-

ognize the disability identifiers and interact appropriately with such individuals.

“This legislation will do so much to help keep our fellow Americans with disabilities safe and treated respectfully,” Meng said. “People with disabilities should not be subjected to unfair and sometimes violent treatment because of circumstances out of their control. Situations where first responders are needed often cause severe anxiety and fear, but by providing identifier symbols on different forms of ID, first responders will be better suited to use the training this bill also provides to handle complex situations with people who have disabilities. I look forward to my bill moving through the House.”

Rachel Morgan, founder and president of the Adam Morgan Foundation, said that “the Disability ID Act of 2022 will provide first responders with the awareness, training, and resources that are critical to interacting with individuals with a disability in their communities.”

Some states, like Alaska and Colorado, have already pioneered state laws that provide an option for a person with a disability to request a discreet disability identifier symbol on their form of identification. Meng’s bill would help provide these same choices to people with disabilities and provide training for first responders across the country.

“We are so grateful to Representative Meng for proposing the Disability ID Act of 2022, because it will help law enforcement and others recognize limitations that may not be readily visible but that significantly impact a person, such as decreased lung capacity caused by scleroderma,” said Mary Wheatley, CEO of the National Scleroderma Foundation. “Scleroderma is a rare disease that causes fibrosis in the skin (localized) or internal organs (systemic sclerosis) and can be life-threatening.

The National Scleroderma Foundation advances medical research, promotes disease awareness, and provides support and education to people with scleroderma, their families and support networks.”

“The Invisible Disabilities Association is excited to partner with Congresswoman Meng to help states provide a designated disability ID symbol on government IDs and driver's licenses,” added Jess Stainbrook, executive director of the Invisible Disabilities Association. “We are seeing this important initiative protect and support people living with invisible disabilities and the interactions with law enforcement, first responders, educators and businesses all over the globe. The new ID symbol helps specify that an invisible disability is present and may need some type of accommodations.”

Fresh Meadows Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Stabbing Wife to Death

Hussain was sentenced to 19 years in prison, followed by five years’ post-release supervision.

By Forum Staff A Fresh Meadows man has been sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for fatally stabbing his wife and injuring his daughter in a January 2019 incident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Jawad Hussain, 60, pleaded guilty earlier this month to manslaughter in the first degree and assault in the first degree. On

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Thursday Hussain was sentenced to 19 years in prison, followed by five years’ postrelease supervision.

According to Katz, on the afternoon of Jan. 15, 2019, at the family residence, Hussain attacked his wife Fatima Jawad, 44, and their 18-year-old daughter with multiple knives. Jawad was stabbed with at least two knives and suffered approximately 46 stab wounds to her torso and extremities during Hussain’s

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DA Katz called Hussain’s actions a “brutal outburst.”

attack. She sustained puncture wounds to her lung, liver, large and small intestines.

Hussain’s daughter was lacerated on her right hand and right leg. The younger woman was able to call 911 for help and told the 911 dispatcher that her father had stabbed her mother. During the call, Hussain grabbed the phone and told the operator that he had trouble with his wife and that he had just hurt her.

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According to court records, Hussain was standing outside the apartment building where he lived with the two victims, holding two knives. He was taken into custody without incident.

Jawad died from her extensive injuries at an area hospital on the same day as the attack. Her daughter required surgery to repair tendons in her hand and other wounds, as well as months of physical therapy to regain use of her fingers.

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12 MARCH 31, 2022 • Number 21 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Legal Notices 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.

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, 4128 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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Liberty Essentials LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 12/07/2021. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 37-76 62nd St., APT C4, Woodside, NY 11377. General Purpose ROOSEVELT 7004 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/17/22.

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, 70-04 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

83-05 Doran Avenue LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 70-16 53rd Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Wowee Zowee, LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State: 3/11/22. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in DE: 3/9/22. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to the principal office address: 21-12 74th St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

ASTORIA DREAMS 45TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2021.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554.

General Purpose.

ASTORIA DREAMS 44TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2021.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554.

General Purpose.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 12 • MARCH 31 2022 | 15

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