THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MAY 16, 2024

SMOKE AND CHEERERS

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In the first week of enforcement, the City Sherriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force also issued nearly $6 million in penalties to businesses selling illicit marijuana and tobacco. “It is great to see this determined effort from the mayor’s office to shut down these operations,” said City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park).

Photo Courtesy of City Sherri ’s Joint Compliance Task Force

Adams Announces 75 Illegal Smoke and Cannabis Shops Shuttered

By Michael V. Cusenza

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced the results of week one of “Operation Padlock to Protect” — a sustained multi-agency enforcement action to shut down illegal smoke and cannabis shops across the ve boroughs.

In the rst week of enforcement, the City Sherri ’s Joint Compliance Task Force— made up of members from the Sheri ’s Ofce, the City Police Department, and the City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection—sealed 75 locations and issued nearly $6 million in penalties. e Sherri ’s Joint Compliance Task Force conducted operations on May 4, 7, 9, and 11.

In its rst week of operations, the Sherri ’s Joint Compliance Task Force conducted 150 inspections of unlicensed locations in the vicinity of schools or houses of worship allegedly selling cannabis, THC edibles, THC vape, untaxed cigare es, avored tobacco, avored vapes, or other tobacco products in the con nes of the NYPD’s eight borough commands.

Inspections resulted in:

• 77 cease and desist orders and 75 shops sealed.

• 370 notices of violations holding 3,878 counts of violations across NYPD, DCWP, and the Sheri ’s O ce.

• More than $5,960,000 in civil pen-

alties issued.

Parents, businesses, elected o cials, community groups, criminal justice advocates, and more have been alarmed by the scourge of illegal operators in every neighborhood across the ve boroughs and applaud the Adams administration’s decisive action.

“I was proud to deliver a historic victory for the City of New York when my SMOKEOUT Act passed in the state budget,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven).

“Now, the City has the authority to use its full manpower to shut down illegal shops for

good. ese past few months, I launched 'Operation: SMOKEOUT' that brought New Yorkers together across all ve boroughs with the common cause of shu ing down these shops. I am grateful to Mayor Adams for his support. Parents, children, business owners, and community leaders all stepped up and spoke out. e inclusion of SMOKEOUT Act in the budget was a win for public safety, common sense, and the health of our children. e people have spoken, and Albany has listened. I look forward to joining Sheri Miranda on raids of smoke shops across our city so we can smoke ‘em out

and shut them down for good.”

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park), who has targeted such illegal shops for two years, said, “It is great to see this determined e ort from the mayor’s o ce to shut down these operations. For far too long, unlicensed cannabis and smoke shops have plagued our streets. is latest initiative sends a clear message that illegal operations will not be tolerated in New York City, and I applaud the mayor for instituting this crackdown.”

Last year, Ariola took the initiative and, a er a cascade of constituent complaints, Ariola conducted an undercover sting at Howard Pu Convenience—a smoke shop in Old Howard Beach with a history of selling untaxed cigare es and unlicensed cannabis products. She purchased a pack of unstamped Marlboro Light 100s for $10, recording the entire transaction. Ariola sent the footage to the Queens District A orney’s O ce. In October 2023, the NYPD, City Sheri , and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection raided the shop. O cials hit Howard Pu operators with $58,200 in nes and seized illegitimate products.

In March, authorities raided Howard Pu again. A shop employee was arrested and more than 400 packs of untaxed cigare es and 30-plus pounds of illicit marijuana were removed from the store, which has since been marked by the NYPD for nuisance abatement.

Ariola Tours Rockaway Tributes with National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum Officials

By Michael V. Cusenza

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) on Friday led the president and sta of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on a tour of Tribute Park and the Flight 587 Memorial, presenting the daily visceral reminders of the immense impact that the Sept. 11 terror a acks and the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 has had on the residents and businesses on the Rocka-

way Peninsula.

“Rockaway su ered tremendously in 2001, and the scars of that year’s events remain visible in many ways today,” Ariola said. “So many members of the Rockaway community lost their lives during the a acks of Sept. 11, and then less than two months later Belle Harbor was hit by the crash of Flight 587, claiming ve lives on the ground as well as 260 people on board the aircra . ese two tragedies, happening so close

together and to such a tight-knit community, had a tremendous impact on the people here, and it is so important that we not only preserve the memories of those lost, but also honor those who survived and still carry the weight of the trauma from those days more than twenty years ago.”

“It’s been a great privilege, as president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, to visit neighborhoods of the city and learn how they were touched by Sept. 11, 2001,”

added Elizabeth L. Hillman, president and CEO of the memorial and museum. “I am especially grateful to the local communities, including the Rockaways, that share in our mission to never forget those killed. Council Member Ariola’s support of my recent visit to Queens, and to the Breezy Point Civic Association, the volunteer re ghters, and 9/11 family members, revealed powerful, beautiful memorials created and sustained to remember 9/11.”

File Photo

Councilwoman Ariola in March, following the second raid of Howard Pu Convenience.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola Councilwoman Ariola (c.) tours the AA Flight 587 Memorial with sta members of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman AriolA e group re ects on the events of Sept. 11, 2001 inside Tribute Park, which is located in Rockaway Park.

Serial Thief Targeted Woodhaven Jeweler

By Forum Sta

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Friday announced that Aaron Smalls has been arraigned on charges of grand larceny and other crimes for stealing expensive pieces of jewelry from stores throughout the borough—including a shop on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.

Smalls, 39, allegedly hit six shops between December 2023 and February 2024, stealing merchandise valued at more than $50,000. DNA evidence tied Smalls to another theft of gold chains worth $120,000 in 2021.

Smalls, of Staten Island, was arraigned on Thursday night on charges of grand larceny in the second and fourth degrees and four counts of grand larceny in the third degree. He was also arraigned on a separate complaint charging him with robbery in the third degree, attempted assault in the second degree and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly punching a man and stealing his bank card on Aug. 3, 2021, in Corona.

According to the charges, Smalls’ practice was to ask a jewelry store clerk to see an expensive piece held in a security case. Immediately upon being handed the merchandise, he would run out of the store, stolen property in hand. Smalls is accused of using this tactic to steal:

• Two gold chains worth approximately $4,369, from HR Gold and Diamond Inc. on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights on Dec. 14, 2023, at approximately 3:50 p.m.

• One gold chain worth approximately $2,400, from Queens Pawn & Jewelry on Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst on Dec. 21, 2023, at approximately 3:13 p.m.

• A gold chain with a large pendant bearing the image of Jesus, worth approximately $20,000, from Gold Tower USA Inc. on Junction Boulevard in Corona on Dec. 28, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m.

• A gold chain and a bracelet, together worth approximately $17,000, from Zales on Steinway Street in Astoria on Jan. 1, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

• Two gold chains worth approximately $9,000 from Prime Jewelers on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven on Feb. 6, at approximately 1:38 p.m.

• Twenty-five gold chains worth approximately $120,000 from Simon and Son Jewelers on 63rd Drive in Rego Park on Sept. 26, 2021. Smalls was linked to this theft following DNA that was recovered from a sweat-stained hat he left behind upon fleeing the store.

Smalls was apprehended on May 8 at the Woodside Motel on Queens Boulevard by members of the borough Warrant Squad led by Det. William Dugan, under the supervision of Sgt. Kyle Hurst and under the overall supervision of Capt. Erick Erdaide.

“The defendant is accused of preying upon local jewelry stores by committing brazen thefts that go back to 2021,” Katz said. “My office is committed to addressing the issue of serial shoplifters who disproportionately contribute to retail thefts across the borough. Ensuring the safety of our store owners, their employees, and customers is essential to a vibrant economy. We can never lose sight of the fact that communities thrive when local businesses thrive.”

If convicted, Smalls faces up to 15 years in prison.

Honor Arya by Supporting the ASPCA

By Michael V. Cusenza

Lisa Murena is still grieving; “taking one day at a time,” she told e Forum on Tuesday.

Murena is keeping busy, channeling that unique grief of the sudden, violent death of a beloved pooch into raising support for the people who have helped her cope with the loss of her Arya.

As The Forum reported earlier this month, Murena’s 6-year-old Pomsky ul-

timately succumbed to injuries suffered from a stray bullet that pierced a window of the Murenas’ Old Howard Beach home last month and hit her as she dozed in Lisa’s parents’ bedroom. The bullet struck Arya’s leg, then bored a perilous path to her colon.

She fought for days, but died in the Intensive Care Unit of a Brooklyn veterinary hospital.

Lisa Murena reached out to e Forum on Tuesday to inform the newspaper that she had set up a GoFundMe account

in Arya’s name. It’s called “Honoring Arya: Support for ASPCA.”

Murena said, “ASPCA did so much for us, we just want to do the right thing and give back to them.”

“ roughout this whole nightmare they have picked up the entire vet bill and I would like to show my appreciation and give back to them,” Murena wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“Everyone knows the sad story of how my precious girl lost her life. Arya was a

protector and that's exactly what she did when it came to her family. She protected us and literally took a bullet for us,” Murena wrote. “Arya was smart, funny, cute, precious and very spiteful, she knew how to spell bye bye and knew how to roll down the window. Everyone loved her.”

For more information and to contribute to the cause, visit gofundme. com/f/honoring-arya-support-foraspca?utm_campaign=p_nacp+sharesheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_ source=customer.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Murena Captivating Arya playing in the snow.

Photo Courtesy of ASPCA

“ASPCA did so much for us, we just want to do the right thing and give back to them,” Lisa Murena said.

Nearly 100 Illegal Scooters Seized

By Michael V. Cusenza

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Friday the seizure of 95 scooters from the streets of Corona, Elmhurst, and Long Island City.

The crackdown is part of an ongoing joint operation involving the District Attorney’s office and local police precincts to address the persistent use of scooters in crimes such as drive-by shootings and robberies. A total of 412 scooters have been removed since the start of the joint operation in February.

Detectives from the District Attorney’s Office, working with officers from the City Police Department’s 110th and 114th precincts, searched five locations in Elmhurst, Corona and Long Island City overnight Wednesday into Thursday, May 9. Of the 95 scooters confiscated, all were parked illegally and 71 were unregistered and uninsured.

The use of an illegal scooter to commit a crime garnered headlines last year when a Brooklyn man was charged in a 14-count indictment after allegedly randomly firing from a motorbike at pedestrians and a fellow motorist during a shooting spree in Queens that left an 86-year-old man dead and two others wounded.

According to the charges, on July 8, 2023, at approximately 11:26 a.m., Thomas Abreu was seen on video surveillance cameras and by an eyewitness on 108th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill riding a scooter and wearing a green shirt and with a fanny pack on his shoulder. He approached Hamod Saeidi, 86, and shot him in the back. Saeidi was rushed to a hospital where he later died.

At approximately the same time and at the same location, Abreu, 26, still riding a scooter, fired at two pedestrians, one walking a dog on the sidewalk and at another crossing the street. Neither was struck. Moments later, video surveillance showed Abreu on 126th Street and Hillside Avenue. He pulled up his scooter next to a parked minivan and shot the driver at close range once in the head. The victim was taken to a hospital and survived.

Abreu was observed on video surveillance riding his scooter on 134th Street and Jamaica Avenue. He approached a pedestrian crossing the street and shot the victim in the shoulder. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released.

At approximately 1 p.m., Abreu was arrested after NYPD officers saw him at Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue riding his scooter. Police recovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine, as well as a fanny pack containing additional ammunition.

“Unregistered scooters are not only illegal, but they are also being used to commit violent crimes, including shootings and robberies, without any accountability or ability to identify the culprit. Through our proactive enforcement efforts in collaboration with the NYPD, we have taken more than 400 of these illegal vehicles off our streets, enhancing safety and security for our communities,” Katz said. “Our proactive enforcement efforts will continue to ensure compliance and eradicate the public threat they pose.”

Additional operations are planned in Queens as part of an enforcement effort to get illegal motorized scooters off the road.

We've noticed that many of our customers are expressing concern over the future of community pharmacies. Folks are genuinely concerned with the feasibility of our survival.

eir concerns stem from the struggle against chain drug stores and the surging online presence of Internet giants, suddenly so taken with dabbling in pharmaceuticals.

What can be di cult for some customers to perceive, is that pharmacists operating community pharmacies, do so with a level of dedication and commitment which can never be matched by chains or online competitors.

For many, owning a business is primarily tied to one concept–earning money. But for us, that is a consideration which naturally holds a place within the practical realm of life, but is relatively small when weighed against the bigger picture–– the health and well being of our customers and their entire families.

Owning a community pharmacy and serving the population at large is not merely a business. It is a pledge–to provide the best, most comprehensive care in dispensing medications, monitoring progress and constantly making sure every "i" has been do ed and every "t" crossed. It is a promise – to go to whatever extent we must, to make sure you feel secure with us managing such a critical aspect of everyday life. But most of all, it is a privilege to be entrusted with maintaining the standard of health care that saves lives and protects families.

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

With the advances of the medical community steering the pharmacy segment of health care to be directly involved in a patients medical care, our roles have become greatly expanded. Our responsibility has increased tremendously.

ere is no denying that the competition of big retailers, shrinking pro t margins, the ever decreasing reimbursement schedules from insurance providers – accompanied by consistent increase of various fees from one in the same– and the advent of online drug sales, all contribute to painting a less than a bright horizon. But the somewhat intangible factor, that can go unnoticed, is the thing that will help bolster and maintain the community pharmacy in its present state, for the foreseeable future.

Very simply, it is the fact that you, our customers and patients, recognize the fact that we are not just the people who count pills and put them in bo les for you. We are the people that carefully note every detail of what you need to make sure you get the maximum bene t from your medication. We are the people who know your names and ask how your kids and grand kids are. We are the people who answer your questions and call to check on you. We are the people you trust with your lives. We are the friendly faces and the personalized service you'll not nd behind the counters of the state of the art, impersonal chain stores or staring back at you from a glaring computer screen. We are your community pharmacists. And we are not going anywhere! Until next week...

Plan ahead as Work Begins on HB Station: Ariola

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) on ursday urged her District 32 constituents to plan their commutes accordingly as crews begin waterproo ng and sidewalk work by the Howard Beach train station (103rd Street between 158th and 159th avenues) on Wednesday, May 15; this project will continue through June 28. e hours of work will be 7 a.m. — 4 p.m. e accompanying yer provides additional information.

Courtesy of MTA

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

Of the 95 scooters con scated, all were parked illegally and 71 were unregistered and uninsured.

City Council Calls for Maintaining Investments in Education

By Forum Sta

The City Council on Wednesday called for funding restorations and deeper investments into the early childhood education and student support programs, many of which were previously supported by expiring federal COVID-19 stimulus funds.

The education budget priorities were outlined by the Council in its Preliminary Budget Response in April, but several remained completely or partially unfunded in the mayor’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget.

“New York City students are recovering from historic, pandemic-era learning loss that requires additional support through critical education programs,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The council has consistently called for funding commitments to these vital initiatives that were at risk due to expiring federal stimulus funds. While the administration’s commitment of more than $500 million to replace some of the expiring federal funds was a step forward, there is more work to be done to restore tens of millions of dollars for education programs that students and families need. Education must be a top budget priority for our city, and we will continue to push for the investments our children and communities deserve.”

Early Childhood Education

The council has called for:

• Restoration of $170 million for 3-K and Pre-K seats; the mayor’s Executive Budget separately maintained $92 million in expiring federal stimulus funds for 3-K operating costs

• Commitment of $60 million to expand full-day/full-year seats to better meet families’ needs

• $10 million in new funding for 3-K marketing and outreach ($3.5 million of which was included in the mayor’s Executive Budget)

• $96 million to replace expiring federal stimulus funds for preschool special education ($81 million was included in the mayor’s Executive Budget).

• $25 million in baselined funding to support expanding the reach of Promise NYC, which provides childcare vouchers for undocumented children and families that are ineligible for other programs.

District 75 Programs

The council has called for the restoration and baselining of the $3 million cut to District 75 programs that provide highly specialized instructional support to students with special needs. Given increasing Carter Case expenditures and the increase in other due process cases related to special needs services and education, there is a greater need for schools to provide quality special education services. The lower-than-expected spending used to justify this cut was due

to vacancies in District 75 teaching positions and other special education-related positions. To fulfill the exigent need for the provision of special education services, the Administration should be hiring for these positions rather than cutting spending based on anticipated future vacancies.

Restorative Justice

The council has called for $22 million

staff headcounts to pre-pandemic levels and at least $3 million to fund nutrition committees in schools. After initially cutting $60 million from school food funding in the November Financial Plan, the Administration announced a partial $25 million restoration in March.

Mental Health Continuum

The council has called on the Administration to baseline $5 million for

“While the administration’s commitment of more than $500 million to replace some of the expiring federal funds was a step forward, there is more work to be done to restore tens of millions of dollars for education programs that students and families need,” Speaker Adams said.

to restore the $12 million in expiring federal funds and provide an additional $10 million to expand current programming. Restorative Justice programming and coordinators help teach students how to manage their emotions and deescalate conflict. It has also served as an alternative to punitive discipline and suspensions, which are linked to a greater likelihood of future involvement in the justice system.

School Food

The council is calling for an additional $60 million for the school food program, including $17 million to restore cafeteria

the Mental Health Continuum, a crossagency partnership between the Department of Education, NYC Health + Hospitals and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that provides mental health support to students in-person and virtually. In April, the Administration announced 16 new school-based mental health clinics would be funded $3.6 million in funds from the Continuum but the Executive Budget provided no allocation for the Continuum in Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond.

School Based Nurses

The council has called for the restora -

tion and baselining of $65 million to replace expiring federal stimulus funds and maintain nurses for over 130 schools and 70,000 students.

Youth Peer Support Program

The council has called for $15.3 million to fund a youth peer support program that would utilize a school-based peer-to-peer model to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 24 years old to recognize and reduce stigma of mental health illness and support fellow students dealing with mental health challenges.

Student Success Centers

The council has called for the restoration of $3.3 million to continue Student Success Centers that create partnerships between community-based organizations and high school campuses. They serve as critical opportunities for high schools to build a system of support that can improve students’ success in the college admissions processes. Expiring federal stimulus funds supported Student Success Centers in high schools.

Immigrant Family Engagement

The council has called for the restoration of $4 million to continue supporting improved engagement between schools and immigrant families by providing school information and updates in families’ native languages.

Title VI Coordinators

The council has called for an additional $4.4 million to hire one Title VI coordinator in each of the city’s 32 school districts to address acts of bias within schools and re-establish the Division of School Culture in the City Department of Education. Recent incidents of hate involving students and teachers in the city’s public school system have led to the initiation of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education on possible Title VI violations by the DOE. Considering the gravity of the investigation and the numerous incidents that have taken place during this school year, this is an important step that should be taken by the City. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides protections against discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any institution or program that receives federal funding from ED.

“With the loss of billions in federal funds, it is imperative the City invests in maintaining funding for early childhood education, preschool special education, community schools, school food programs, restorative justice initiatives, and beyond in the Adopted Budget,” said Councilwoman Rita Joseph (D-Brooklyn), chairwoman of the Committee on Education. “The mayoral administration must recognize the paramount importance of these areas for our students and the promise of giving them a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

Photo Courtesy of Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit

Photo Courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

“ e mayoral administration must recognize the paramount importance of these areas for our students…” Councilwoman Joseph said.

Borough President, Queens Library to Rally for Full Library Funding Restoration

$23.6 million across 20 different Queens libraries, members of his administration noted.

By Forum Sta

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Queens Public Library leadership will hold a rally on ursday, May 16, to demand a full restoration and baselining of funding in the eventual Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for every City library system, including QPL. e 10 a.m. rally will be held at the Forest Hills Library, which received $1 million in funding from the Borough President’s O ce earlier in his term to pay for renovations at the facility. Since taking o ce, Richards has allocated

In the proposed FY25 city budget, Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library are facing nearly $60 million in funding cuts — including $16.6 million for QPL alone. is “staggering reduction,” Richards said, threatens key QPL programs, services, maintenance and repairs, as well as Saturday service at every location except the Central and Flushing libraries. e cuts would also delay the reopening of QPL’s Broadway, Bay Terrace and Hillcrest branches, where major upgrades were recently completed. ese potential measures follow previous budget cuts in November 2023, which forced QPL to eliminate seven-day service and cut programmatic and maintenance spending.

Joining Richards at the rally will be Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walco , “Friends Of” library groups from across the borough and area leaders who will speak to the importance of the library system to e World’s Borough’s families.

Photo Courtesy of Google

e rally is set for 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Library.

Photo Courtesy of Borough President Richards Borough President Richards is demanding a full restoration and baselining of funding in the eventual Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for every City library system.

City Hall, Municipal Buildings Lit Blue and White to Honor Israel Independence Day

By Michael V. Cusenza

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced that City Hall and several other municipal buildings would be lit in blue and white Tuesday tonight in honor of Israel Independence Day — also known as Yom Ha’atzmaut — marking

the 76th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

“Yom Ha’atzmaut is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the State of Israel and the resilience of its people,” Adams said. “It is a day to re ect on the values of democracy, freedom, and innovation that have guided Israel since its founding in 1948. As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population on the globe outside of Israel, I am reminded everyday how important Israel has been an ally to America.”

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings and iconic Big Apple sites were lit up blue and white Tuesday night:

• Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens

• Bronx County Courthouse: 851 Grand Concourse, the Bronx

• Brooklyn Borough Hall: 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn

• e David N. Dinkins Manha an Municipal Building: 1 Centre St., New York

• Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Ter-

race, Staten Island

Additionally, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) last week commemorated Jewish American Heritage Month.

“As we re ect on the achievements and resilience of Jewish Americans, it is also time to remember the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect in our society.” e senator said. “I hope everyone will set aside some time this month to learn more about Jewish history and culture and work to build a more inclusive and understanding society where all individuals are embraced and valued for who they are.”

Sixty New Electric Buses to Operate in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn

By Forum Sta

Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday introduced 60 new electric buses that will operate in routes in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.

e Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York Power Authority are building infrastructure to power a zeroemissions bus eet, including installing 17 new bus charge points at Grand Avenue Bus Depot in Maspeth.

Tuesday’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and the MTA’s goal of operating a 100 percent zero-emission bus eet by 2040, MTA o cials noted.

e buses feature lightweight electric traction drive systems that allow buses to recover up to 90 percent of energy during braking. is regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brakes and maximizes energy e ciency. ese buses are paid for with almost $70 million in formula funds from the Federal Transit Administration, including almost $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

e MTA is working closely with the NYPA to build the infrastructure required to power a zero-emissions bus eet. e Power Authority recently completed the

installation of 17 fast charging systems points – known as autonomous pantograph dispensers because they “dispense” energy through roof mounted arms that automatically connect with the buses. Buses will park underneath the arms at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility. Another 46 are under construction at the Herkimer lot in East New York in Brooklyn and the Charleston facility in Staten Island, to be complete by the end of the year. An

on-street pantograph that will serve buses needing to “top o ” their ba eries between daily runs is almost complete under the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza in Brooklyn. e $188 million second phase of work will bring 220 additional overhead pantograph charging systems to Grand Avenue and four other depots in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. In addition, several depots will require electric distribution upgrades in conjunction with Con-

solidated Edison. e contract will deploy multiple charging manufacturers, a sophisticated charge management system to help balance the electrical loads, and a long-term service agreement to help maintain reliable bus charging.

e MTA is collaborating closely with Con Edison to source new power for bus charging. Work to transform bus depots to support electric buses includes building lanes inside depots that are speci c for electric buses and restructuring areas to accommodate overhead pantograph dispensers which charge buses. ese high-tech devices energize the buses e ciently, ensuring they are always ready for service.

Following closely on the heels of this 60-bus delivery, the MTA expects to start receiving its next order of 205 electric buses in late 2025. e agencies are also negotiating an option to secure another 265 ba ery electric buses at six depots starting in 2027, which would bring electric buses to a total of 11 depots.

“Every mile on these buses is a mile run less on fossil fuels—a victory every day for sustainability,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “As the largest public bus system in North America, we are leading the way to a greener future, revolutionizing public transportation, one electric bus at a time.”

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography O ce

“As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population on the globe outside of Israel,” Mayor Adams said, “I am reminded everyday how important Israel has been an ally to America.”

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography O ce e Empire State Building

Photo Courtesy of Marc A. Hermann /MTA

New electric buses charging at Grand Avenue Bus Depot in Maspeth.

Addabbo to Host Small Business Webinar this Friday

By Forum Sta

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), in association with Bethpage Federal Credit Union, is set to host a small business webinar: an information session that Addabbo has said will delve into essential saving and investment strategies tailored to empower businesses.

e Zoom event is this Friday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“As small businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities, it is imperative that they arm themselves with nancial knowledge and tools to thrive in a competitive landscape,” the senator said.

e webinar will address a range of topics, including leveraging strategic banking for nancial growth, embracing sharing, and bartering to control costs, viewing business investments as assets rather than expenses, optimizing bank account interest rates, and identifying loans that can fuel business expansion.

“National Small Business Month serves as an important reminder of the pivotal role

these establishments play in driving innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity,” Addabbo added.

ose interested in joining the Zoom can do so by visiting the link below or using the following login information: h ps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81712134 745?pwd=S3FyQjBqMlI1VVF0Ni9kUmZ CQ1Mxdz09

Meeting ID: 817 1213 4745

Password: 452739

One tap mobile +19294362866,,81712134745#,,,,*4527 39# US (New York)

Pols, Elmhurst Hospital Staff Celebrate Continual Coverage for Children in the State Budget

By Forum Sta

On ursday, Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), was joined at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst by medical sta and union representatives to celebrate the inclusion of González-Rojas’ bill, A8146/S7747, in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 State Budget.

e legislation is slated to provide continual health care coverage enrollment for qualifying children from birth to 6 years old in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Of the nearly 90 million people on Medicaid and CHIP, over 40 million are children.

“ e inclusion of this bill in the State Budget is a crucial step in ensuring that the patients we serve can access the care they need,” Dr. Pilar Gonzalez, director of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst’s Pediatric Clinic, said.

Toward the end of 2023, as President Joe Biden’s public health emergency declaration ended, 400,000 New Yorkers were purged from Medicaid due to paperwork issues. Nearly half of all children and over three-quarters of low-income children in New York rely on Medicaid and Child Health Plus for their health care. Parents were required to re-enroll their children in these programs each year, no ma er if

their eligibility changed, which caused the disenrollment mishap. is administrative hurdle, though, has a ected families before the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in lapsed coverage for thousands of children.

“We cannot compromise on caring for our children and families. Hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable New Yorkers are le exposed due to lack of health coverage. I am so proud that my legislation

to provide continual coverage from birth to age 6 was passed in the state budget and grateful to Speaker Heastie for his support. Now we need the federal government to do as it has done with eight other states and approve the waiver with urgency. is will drive down administrative costs for hospitals and reduce the burden of paperwork for our working families. ough we are on the other side of the pandemic, our low-income

children and families are always at greater risk of health issues. Continual coverage will shore up the health and safety of all New Yorkers,” González-Rojas said.

e bill authorizes New York to join other states in submi ing an 1115 federal waiver to provide continuous eligibility to all children who enroll in Medicaid and Child Health Plus until they reach age six. Continuous coverage for young children would improve health outcomes, prevent nancial hardship, and address coverage gaps for families. Children with stable health coverage are more likely to experience improved health outcomes, lower rates of disability, higher educational attainment, and more nancial security in adulthood.

Now that the bill has passed, area legislators are urging the federal government to approve the 1115 waiver to enact the bill and save the lives of millions of children across New York State.

“Healthcare is a universal right. In our pursuit of it, we celebrate the inclusion of A8146, extending vital public health insurance coverage to our youngest residents. As we strive for equitable access to life-saving health care, join us in calling on the federal government to approve this waiver,” said Councilman Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights).

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

“As small businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities, it is imperative that they arm themselves with nancial knowledge and tools to thrive in a competitive landscape,” Sen. Addabbo said.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Topjur01

Photo Courtesy of Tony Calarco Addabbo is collaborating with Bethpage Federal Credit Union on the event.

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman González-Rojas

Supporters of the bill celebrate at Elmhurst Hospital.

Legal Notices

Notice of Quali cation of Nimbus Group LLC, ctitious name: Nimbus Express LLC. Authority led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/25/24. O ce location : Queens County.LLC formed in Deleware (DE) on 06/06/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to : 24177A Oak Park Drive, Li le Neck, NY, 11362. Address to be maintained in DE: 16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958. Arts. of org. led with the Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Suite 4, Dover, De, 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of ILLYRIAN BUSINESS GROUP, LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 1/06/24. Ofce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: EGLI TUNDO, 45-12 46TH STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY, 11104, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of LUNAR LOTUS WELLNESS LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 3/8/24. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lillian Luu-Valdez, 11132 126th st. PD, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

MARIC 191 LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/15/24. O ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to e LLC 1953 46th St Astoria NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

DROGBA STUDIO LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 03/08/24. Ofce: 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 LEGACY ADVISORY FIRM LLC, 225 REFORMATION PARKWAY, SUITE 200 #9, CANTON, GA 30114. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEROY REALTY HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/19/24. O ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Michael Kessler, 42-09 235th St., Douglaston, NY 11363, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

GLADE PROPERTIES LLC, Art. Of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/06/2018. O ce in QUEENSCo. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1244 Clintonville St, 1C#38, Whitestone,NY11357 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ROSA PELIGROA LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/24/24. O ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to BLANCA DIAZ, 1873 CARTER AVE, 1S, BRONX, NY, 10457. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 292 Madison RF Investor LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 4/8/24. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 42-15 235th St, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Quali cation of 168-35 ROCWAY PROPERTY OWNER, LLC Appl. for Auth. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/25/24. O ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/04/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Li le Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. led with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of PAPER PLATE ASTORIA, LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/22/24. O ce location: Queens County. Princ. ofce of LLC: c/o Andrew Kaplan, Esq., Epstein Becker Green, P.C., 875 ird Ave., NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. o ce. Purpose: Operation of a fast served casual restaurant.

P’TITE MAISON LLC led Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/24/2024. Ofce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 13443 CRESCENT ST. APT 2N, ASTORIA, NY, 11106, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Quali cation of 168-35 ROCWAY PROPERTY OWNER, LLC Appl. for Auth. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/25/24. O ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/04/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Li le Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. led with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SPEECH AND SWALLOW WELLNESS PLLC. Arts of Org led withSecy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/30/2024. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against PLLC to 5750 79th Street FL3, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of EVOCATIONSTUDIO LLC Arts of Org led withSecy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/24/2024. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

BALDALLAC LLC A rts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/23/24. 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, 8407 89th street, #2, Woodhaven, NY, 11421, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JJY887 LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/20/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to the registered agent of LLC: Bili Zhang, 7431 44 Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, shuchenyu1@ aol.com. Purpose: any lawful activity.