VOL. 21 • NUMBER 24 • NOVEMBER 11, 2021
WAR & PIECE
Jamaica Man Indicted 45 Years after Allegedly Murdering WWI Vet, Burying Body Parts in Richmond Hill Yard
See Story on Page 2
Martin Motta was recently charged with the 1976 murder of George Clarence Seitz, whose pelvis and torso were discovered in 2019 in the backyard of a residence on 115th Street. Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
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Jamaica Man Charged with Murder in Cold-Case Killing of WWI Veteran
Victim George Clarence Seitz
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
By Michael V. Cusenza A Jamaica man has been indicted by a borough grand jury for the 1976 killing of an 81-year-old World War I veteran, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced. Martin Motta, 74, was arraigned last week on an indictment charging him with murder in the second degree. According to the charges, on March 12, 2019, human remains consisting of a pelvis and partial torso were discovered buried under concrete in the backyard of 87-72 115th St., in Richmond Hill. The body had been
dismembered at the neck, shoulders, and hips. The remains enabled the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a DNA profile, in the hopes of identifying a family member. That profile was searched within local, state, and national databases with negative results. Earlier this year, the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD sought the assistance of a private laboratory and the FBI to help generate leads to the unknown victim’s identity. In February 2021, the laboratory, Othram Laboratories, used advanced DNA testing to produce a comprehensive genealogical profile from the skeletal remains. The genealogical profile was given to the FBI, which then generated leads that were turned over to the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD. Investigators began to contact potential family members of the victim and obtained DNA samples for comparison to the discovered remains. Through these combined efforts, investigators were able to confirm that the remains found were those of George Clarence Seitz, a veteran of World War I. Further investigation revealed that Seitz, then 81 years old, went missing at approximately 10 a.m. on Dec. 10, 1976. He was last seen leaving his home in Jamaica, reportedly on his way to get a haircut.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“The officers of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, its Homicide and Cold Case squads, and its highly trained forensic units, never forget and never give up,” City Police Commissioner Shea said.
After a painstaking investigation led by the NYPD and the Queens DA’s office, crucial evidence was uncovered that allegedly links Motta to the crime. The investigation included multiple interviews of witnesses and extensive searches of records through various agencies that spanned five states. “The officers of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, its Homicide and Cold Case squads, and its highly trained forensic units, never
forget and never give up,” City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “Here again, this case shows that no matter how much time passes, our police officers and partners in the Queens District Attorney’s Office carry out a sustained commitment, across decades, to establishing justice for crime victims and their families in New York City.” If convicted, Motta faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Mayor Unveils First Monthly Update on new Blueprint to Combat Extreme Weather By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday released the first monthly update to “The New Normal: Combatting Storm-Related Extreme Weather in New York City,” a landmark report that provides New York City with a new blueprint to prepare for and respond to extreme weather. Based on report findings, New York City has already enhanced outreach to vulnerable areas, launched new emergency communications protocols, taken action to protect New Yorkers in basement apartments, and
started key infrastructure improvements. Key progress in the month since Hurricane Ida include: • New Emergency Communications plan • Releasing RFP for “Rainboots on the Ground” program • 100 warning signs installed on flood prone roadways for drivers • Finished fixing drainage on a community driveway in East Elmhurst, expanding to 40 total locations • 13 Flood Net Sensors installed and expansion imminent
Hurricane Ida dumped several inches of rainwater in borough garages and basements.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“We know that climate change is happening now, and we have the blueprint we need to act,” Mayor de Blasio said.
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• Increasing frequency of cleaning catch basins • Providing 10,000 sandbags to residents • New NYPD protocols for basement unit evacuations • New working group for Basement Apartment Conversion Program “We know that climate change is happening now, and we have the blueprint we need to act,” de Blasio said. “Since Hurricane Ida, we’ve made drastic improvements to infrastructure, data collection, emergency communications systems, and basement
Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng
apartments. We are on the right path when it comes to responding to the climate crisis and keeping New Yorkers safe.” “We promised New Yorkers that we would protect them from the threat of severe weather and we’re delivering on that promise,” said Extreme Weather Coordinator, Deputy Mayor for Administration, and Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe. “Through targeted investments, better storm tracking, and new ways to get information to the public, we’re ensuring our residents are safe as we face this new reality and the impacts of climate change.”
Man Sentenced in JFK Heist
Your problems are our job. Let us begin helping you with a free consultation.
Taking control of your situation starts with a no cost, no obligation call to the experienced professionals at Faulisi Law. DA Katz said this investigation and prosecution uncovered a weakness in the security of our region’s air cargo industry.
By Forum Staff A Manhattan man has been sentenced to up to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty in September to holding more than $2.5 million in stolen Gucci and Chanel designer merchandise, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday. The luxury items were part of a May 2020 Kennedy Airport heist of more than $4 million in expensive goods. David Lacarriere and another defendant, who was previously sentenced, were caught with jewelry, handbags, ready-to-wear clothes, sneakers and other accessories. Lacarriere, 34, pleaded guilty in September to criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, a B felony, before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gene Lopez. On Monday, Justice Lopez sentenced the defendant to 5 1⁄2 to 11 years in prison. Co-defendant Oscar Asencio, 33, of 88th Street in Elmhurst, Queens, pleaded guilty in August to criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, also before Justice Lopez, who sentenced Asencio on Aug. 16 to 3 1/2 to 6 years in prison. According to the charges, on May 17, 2020, forged documents were used to gain access to a cargo importer facility at the Kennedy Airport. The theft crew got away with a shipment of high-end designer merchandise. Port Authority Police recovered the abandoned trailer used in the heist on May 29, 2020, on 56th Road in Maspeth. Inside, police found only shipping pallets, shipping tags, wrapping material and display cases. In an effort to erase evidence, the trailer was doused with bleach. DA Katz said the investigative team utilized physical investigative techniques, surveillance, as well as
File Photo
GPS and an extensive video canvassing to track Lacarriere and his co-conspirators to a nonoperational beauty salon believed to be used as a stash house for the stolen goods. Port Authority Police and the JFK FBI Task Force put the location - Candi World Beauty Bar at Guy R. Brewer and 147th Avenue in Jamaica - under physical surveillance. Asencio, according to court records, helped protect the stolen merchandise in the stash location. Asencio was seen on surveillance video carrying bags filled with the stolen property in and out of the building. Continuing, the DA said while observing what appeared to be a sale of some of the stolen property on June 3, 2020, the investigative team froze the Candi World location. Spotting the authorities, Lacarriere ran from police and sought to hide inside the building. The investigative team executed a court-authorized search warrant for the location, searched the site and Lacarriere was found inside hiding in a closet. Also, inside the defunct business, police discovered mountains of boxes stuffed with the stolen designer goods - still in the manufacturers’ packaging. In all, police recovered more than 3,000 authentic Gucci items – clothes, handbags and other accoutrements. They also recovered just over 1,000 authentic Chanel products – purses, jewelry, sunglasses, shoes and other accessories. The value of the recovered merchandise totaled more than $2.5 million. DA Katz said this investigation and prosecution uncovered a weakness in the security of our region’s air cargo industry. Working with the Port Authority and the Transportation Security Administration, improved safety and security measures have been implemented.
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Brooklyn Resident Indicted in Belt Parkway Crash that Killed Man
The 63-year-old victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with severe head trauma.
By Forum Staff A Brooklyn man has been indicted for allegedly driving his vehicle at 92 mph while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs when he hit and killed a man, who was tending to a minor fender bender on the westbound lanes of the Belt Parkway in December 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.
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Jason Bical, 35, was arraigned Tuesday morning on an 11-count indictment charging him with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter in the first and second degree, manslaughter in the second degree, criminally negligent homicide, assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle
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while impaired by combined use of drugs or of alcohol and drugs and reckless driving. Bical was ordered to return to court on Dec. 9. According to the charges, shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2020, the victim, Taher Ali Hassan, also of Brooklyn, was involved in a minor collision on the Belt Parkway with another motorist. Hassan exited his automobile and moments later was struck by a white 2017 Chevrolet Malibu allegedly driven by the defendant. The 63-yearold victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with severe head trauma. Hassan died as a result of his injuries a day later. The DA added that Bical took a portable breathalyzer test at the scene which indicated the defendant’s blood alcohol level was allegedly .174 – twice the legal limit. Further toxicology results showed that Bical allegedly had both cocaine and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. The automobiles crash data recorded allegedly revealed the defendant was driving at 92 mph just five seconds before striking the victim. The posted speed limit on the Belt Parkway is 50 mph. “Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs unacceptable. The defendant in this case was allegedly intoxicated and driving at speeds up to 92 mph when he struck a person on the Belt Parkway.
A family is now mourning a loved one’s untimely and needless death. We must do better. All drivers need to be mindful that they share the roads with other motorist and bear a responsibility to be safe and sober.” If convicted, Bical faces up to 25 years in prison.
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
“All drivers need to be mindful that they share the roads with other motorist and bear a responsibility to be safe and sober,” DA Katz said.
Addabbo Bill Signed into Law
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
“Adding ‘sibling’ to the definition of ‘family member’ for the purpose of Paid Family Leave is simply common sense,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff A bill sponsored by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) allowing family members to care for a sibling under Paid Family Leave was signed into law during a press conference earlier this month. The 2016 Paid Family Leave proposal initially included siblings, but they were cut out in the final enacted deal. Currently, New York’s Paid Family Leave defines family members more broadly than the federal Family Medical Leave Act and will allow employees to take paid leave to care for family members with serious health conditions. However, a family member is defined as a spouse, child, parent, domestic partner, parent-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild. Siblings are not included in this definition. This means that an employee can’t take paid leave to care for a sibling. It doesn’t matter if the sibling is terminally ill and doesn’t have a spouse, child, parent, or someone else to provide care. The only exception to the no sibling rule is if the sibling had been acting
as a parent to the employee, or the employee has been acting as a parent to the sibling. Employee contributions made through paycheck deductions cover the entire cost of Paid Family Leave. Every year the employee contribution rate is set according to the cost of insurance coverage, and employers use the employee contributions to pay the insurance premiums. “If this past year has taught us anything, it is that we must recognize the needs of all individuals, especially during life’s most challenging periods,” Addabbo said. “Many siblings share a strong bond, and for some single individuals, a sibling may be the only surviving family member that they have. Adding ‘sibling’ to the definition of ‘family member’ for the purpose of Paid Family Leave is simply common sense. I’m thankful my Senate and Assembly colleagues, as well as my Leader Sen. Andrea Stewart Cousins, helped get this bill approved before the end of this legislative session.” The new law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Groll/Office of the Governor
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
EAT, DRINK AND PREPARE TO PUT OUT A FIRE The challenge of food and drink indulgences around the holidays is one that all of us face. The most common source of problems we encounter after overeating is dealing with the culprit we know as acid indigestion/ aka heartburn. Heartburn is the result of stomach acid splashing back into the esophagus, which creates that burning feeling we'd be better off without. Thankfully there are many products available both as prescriptions and OTC remedies that effectively neutralize the effects of gorging ourselves. Reducing the production of acid in the stomach can be tackled through the use of preparations such as Priolosec OTC, Nexium 24 Hour, Pepcid, Zantac and Prevacid 24 Hour. These are all available in pill or capsule form as well as a variety of liquids and chewable tablets. When you know that your stomach is prone to producing excess acids, and all of us who suffer from the condition definitely know we do, and know it is wise to take whatever remedy you prefer in advance of the meal that you know is going to set your stomach aflame, but that you just can't miss. Now if by some unfortunate chance you don't catch the fire before it starts to burn, there is another class of fast acting prepara-
tions known as antacids. Like their name suggests, they work to neutralize the stomach acid that splashes back into your esophagus and creates a burning feeling. Remember it is not only food that causes a trigger for heartburn, which can also be brought on by chocolate, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. . Some of the more common products readily available at your local pharmacy include, Tums, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Alka-Seltzer, Rolaids and Maalox. While these products can offer you the almost instant relief you crave, remember that persistent symptoms may well be the sign of a much more serious problem than just over eating or eating the wrong foods. Ulcers, gastritis and other serious conditions often send warning signs disguised as heartburn. If you are experiencing symptoms with the feelings we have described, like burning, gas and bloating, on a frequent and regular basis, or if you experience the burning without having consumed anything you know to be bothersome you should speak to your local pharmacist and consult your doctor immediately. These symptoms are not to be avoided. Until next week!
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Four Cops Injured after Car Flips on Cross Bay Blvd. Four City Police officers were injured Saturday afternoon when the marked NYPD cruiser they were riding in flipped and landed on its roof after clipping a median at the intersection of Cross Bay Boulevard and 157th Avenue, according to police and published reports. The four cops, who were on their way back to the 106th Precinct stationhouse, were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Forum Photo by Paul Parrinello
Gov. Hochul signed the new law during a press conference earlier this month.
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Queens DA Moves to Dismiss 60 Cases that Relied on Testimony of Convicted NYPD Detectives By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Monday asked the court to vacate the cases of 60 defendants which were based on the police work of three former City Police Department detectives who were later convicted of various crimes. This motion is being filed jointly with defense attorneys who earlier this year raised questions about the reliability of such convictions in a letter to all City DA’s. Katz has tasked her office’s Conviction Integrity Unit with the examination of Queens cases where the prosecution of the defendant relied on the work of a law enforcement officer convicted of perjury or other serious crimes. At least 10 of the 20 officers identified in the defense attorneys’ letter were involved in Queens criminal cases. To date, the CIU has done an initial review of cases involving three of the 10 officers and identified these 60 matters which require dismissal. “We cannot stand behind a criminal conviction where the essential law enforcement witness has been convicted of crimes which irreparably impair their credibility,” Katz said. “Vacating and dismissing these cases is both constitutionally required and necessary to ensure
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“We cannot stand behind a criminal conviction where the essential law enforcement witness has been convicted of crimes which irreparably impair their credibility,” DA Katz said.
public confidence in our justice system.” The following three former detectives were the essential witnesses in these initial 60 cases: Former NYPD Detective Kevin Desormeau was convicted in Queens on charges of Perjury in the First Degree, Official Misconduct, and Making a Punishable False Written Statement after lying about witnessing a drug sale that videotaped evi-
dence showed did not take place. In Manhattan, Desormeau pled guilty to Offering a False Instrument and Official Misconduct after it was revealed that he fabricated the facts of a gun possession arrest. Desormeau was terminated by the NYPD as a result of these convictions. The CIU has identified 34 cases that should be dismissed based on Desormeau’s role as the essential witness.
Former NYPD Detective Sasha Cordoba pled guilty in Manhattan to Perjury in the First Degree and Official Misconduct relating to her fabricating the facts of a gun possession arrest. Cordoba was terminated by the NYPD. The CIU has identified 20 cases that should be dismissed based on Cordoba’s role as the essential witness. Former NYPD Detective Oscar Sandino pled guilty to federal charges related to the sexual assault and other sexual misconduct involving arrestees while working as a NYPD detective. These charges arose out of three instances of sex crimes; one of which revealed that he sexually abused an arrestee in the bathroom of the 110th precinct in Queens County. Sandino was terminated by the NYPD as a result of these convictions. The CIU has identified six cases that should be dismissed based on Sandino’s role as the essential witness. CIU Director Bryce Benjet said, “The vacatur and dismissal of these cases does not constitute a finding of actual innocence and is based instead on a finding of constitutional error and the fact that we cannot re-prosecute these cases where the essential law-enforcement witness has forever lost professional credibility. That said, we will certainly investigate any claims of actual innocence made by any of these defendants.”
City Reaches Agreements with Four Labor Unions on Vaccination Mandate Policies
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“Vaccinations are critical to our recovery and our city workforce is leading the way,” Mayor de Blasio said.
By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday agreements with four labor unions regarding the City’s vaccination mandate, including on exemption requests and leave policies. Currently, over 92 percent of City workers under the mandate are vaccinated. The unions who have signed the agreement are: DC 37, Teamsters Local 237, Uni-
formed Sanitationmen's Association Local 831, and SEIU Local 300, who collectively represent approximately 75,000 employees (excluding members employed at DOE or H+H). Under this agreement, as at the City Department of Education, employees who have applied for an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons will receive an initial decision from the agency, then have the option to appeal
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that decision to an arbitrator who will decide the exemption based upon the same criteria used at the DOE. Employees also retain the option of appealing to an internal city panel who would decide the exemption as required by applicable law. This process ensures that those with appropriately justified medical or religious reasons have multiple options for their claim to be adjudicated. Members of unions who have signed this agreement, who filed an exemption request by 11/2 will remain on payroll with weekly testing pending determination of the agency and any appeal. An employee who files an exemption request between 11/3 and 11/5 will remain on payroll with weekly testing pending initial agency determination, but go on leave without pay if appealing that determination. This agreement confirms the City’s right to place unvaccinated employees without an exemption on leave without pay with health benefits effective November 1, or after denial of exemption request depending on the date exemption request was submitted. Employees on leave without pay may choose to voluntarily separate from service and can maintain health insurance through June 30, 2022. Employees on leave without pay may also elect to extend the leave until June 30, 2022, but agree to separate volun-
tarily with waiver of right to challenge if not vaccinated by June 30, 2022. In addition, any employee who gets vaccinated while on leave can return to work at their same work location. As part of this agreement, these unions have agreed to withdraw litigation filed last month which challenged the City’s right to implement the mandate. “Vaccinations are critical to our recovery and our city workforce is leading the way,” de Blasio said. “92 percent of city employees have stepped up and gotten vaccinated, and this agreement ensures a fair process for those seeking exemptions. Thank you to these unions for working with us to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Currently, over 92 percent of City workers under the mandate are vaccinated.
Governors Announce Agreement on Federal Funding Awarded to Region's Public Transportation Systems
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After negotiations, the states agreed that approximately $10.85 billion of the funding will be for New York’s public transportation system.
By Michael V. Cusenza Governors Kathy Hochul (NY), Phil Murphy (NJ), and Ned Lamont (Conn.) on Tuesday announced an agreement on the suballocations of extraordinary federal emergency relief funding apportioned to the region by Congress to mitigate the historic pandemic-related losses in transit system ridership and revenues. After negotiations, the states agreed that approximately $10.85 billion of the funding will be for New York, $2.66 billion will be for New Jersey, and $474 million will be for Connecticut. This funding, provided from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act, recognizes that the tristate area
was among the hardest hit by the pandemic and provides lion to fix the subway and expand train service in areas like the resources necessary for the nation's largest subway, com- East Harlem and the East Bronx. Once President Biden muter rail and bus services located in these states to avoid signs the bill, riders will look to Gov. Hochul to stop MTA layoffs, furloughs, and severe service reductions. These tran- service cuts that, while lengthening millions of commutes, sit agencies ensured essential workers could be where they could prevent New York from accessing badly needed fedwere needed most, and this funding will help support their eral infrastructure dollars. Meanwhile, we eagerly await passage of the Build Back Better Act, with its $10 billion longer-term recovery and sustainability. “I want to thank President Biden, Senate Majority Lead- to improve access to transit in low-income communities, er Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Speaker Pelosi for se- which would mark a historic advance toward transportacuring this much-needed transportation funding,” Hochul tion equity.” said. “The New York City and tristate region can’t fully recover from the pandemic without our transit agencies effectively and efficiently moving millions of people in and out of New York City each day. As a result of a series of productive conversations with my fellow governors, I’m glad that we have reached an agreement that is beneficial to all.” Riders Alliance Policy and Communications Director Danny Pearlstein added, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of Senator Schumer and our Congressional delegation, the biPhoto Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA partisan infrastructure deal “The New York City and tristate region can’t fully recover from the pandemic without our transit agencies effectively includes more than $10 bil- and efficiently moving millions of people in and out of New York City each day,” Gov. Hochul said.
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Meng Introduces Bill to Increase Language Access to Mental Health Services at Community Centers By Forum Staff Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) on Tuesday introduced the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act, a bill that seeks to increase language access to mental health services at community health centers. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms in 2019. As 1 in 12 people across the United States rely on community health centers for care, this phenomenon has been acutely felt at these facilities. Meng’s bill would ensure that community health centers have access to the resources they need in order to attract the qualified behavioral health talent that fits their community’s needs. Her legislation would: • Establish a four-year pilot program to provide additional benefits to mental health professionals who commit to serving in specific Federally Qualified Health Centers. This pilot initiative would be unique in that it seeks to match mental health professionals with community health centers, preferably at which at least 20 percent of the patients are best served in a language other than English. Mental health professionals who participate in the program would receive additional annual loan repayment compensation. Even greater loan repayment compensation would be available to those who are fluent in a language other than English, needed by the health center at which they commit to serve. • Establish a new grant program that would proPhoto Courtesy of Rep. Meng vide federal grants to community health centers to help “This lack of access is unacceptable and must change,” Rep. Meng said. them recruit, hire, and employ qualified mental health
professionals who are fluent in a language other than English. Community health centers around the country are struggling to hire mental health clinicians as they cannot offer competitive salaries, compared to private hospitals. This grant would be key in helping the health centers close that gap. Any community health center would be eligible to apply, however the bill specifies that preference is given to those health centers at which at least 20 percent of the patients are best served in a language other than English. The bill would also direct that a portion of the grants be made available for outreach purposes to inform communities about the mental health services available at community health centers. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of so many of my constituents in New York and individuals across the country, escalating the demand for mental health professionals,” Meng said. “The fear of coronavirus-related hate crimes against many communities – such as the Asian American community – has only underscored this urgent need for assistance. But for those who may not possess English language proficiency, help is often out of reach. This lack of access is unacceptable and must change. Our nation’s community health centers are struggling to hire mental health professionals who speak their community’s language or understand their culture. The Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act is a must pass bill to ensure that our community health centers have the resources they need to hire mental health professionals so that language barriers are never an obstacle to anyone’s emotional well-being. Our communities need these life-saving services.”
Population FactFinder Updated with 2020 NYC Census Data population can be shared with friends and colleagues directly. This digital platform is one of many DCP has produced over the past several years as part of its commitment toward increased accessibility and transparency for the public through well-designed, open source, webbased tools. “The 2020 Census showed us that New York City is more populous and more diverse than ever, and DCP’s Population FactFinder makes the data, about who lives in our neighborhoods and the city as a whole, easily available to all of us as we plan for a more equitable city and a full recovery,” Laremont said.
Visit popfactfinder.planning.nyc.gov for a comprehensive look at every neighborhood in the five boroughs.
By Forum Staff Department of City Planning Director Anita Laremont announced on Thursday the re-launch of Population FactFinder with details on the 8.8 million New Yorkers counted in the 2020 Census. The online tool provides a simple way for the public to research and understand the diversity of neighborhoods across New York City. The site provides a comprehensive look at the city’s population, including details about New York City neighborhoods such as age, race/Hispanic origin, and housing. Population FactFinder makes comparisons between 2010 and 2020 Censuses possible, showing change over time in an easy-to-read format. This distinguishes it from other de-
Courtesy of DCP
mographic tools. Beyond new 2020 census blocks, census tracts, and Neighborhood Tabulation Areas, the tool now allows users to examine census data by Community District. Population FactFinder incorporates an array of socioeconomic data from the American Community Survey, now updated to 2020 Census geographies. It incorporates a new geography, called Community District Tabulation Areas, which closely matches Community District boundaries. This feature provides users with socioeconomic data that are otherwise unavailable at the Community District level. Read more about the updated geographies here. With this update, every topic and map selection has its own unique URL, making it easy to save and share research with others. For example, the increase in Long Island City’s
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Photo Courtesy of the American Planning Association
“DCP’s Population FactFinder makes the data, about who lives in our neighborhoods and the city as a whole, easily available to all of us as we plan for a more equitable city and a full recovery,” DCP Director Laremont said.
Current and Former MCC Employees and Inmates Indicted in Contraband Scheme described Ellison as a “model inmate” even lison’s purported good behavior in prison though at the time Griffith-McKnight was was “impressive” and that “[u]nless this is Three current or former Bureau of Pris- smuggling contraband to Ellison and there- some sort of Grisham novel, and people are ons employees, as well as eight former inmates of the Metropolitan Correctional Center have been indicted for asllegedly conspiring to smuggle contraband such as drugs, alcohol, and cell phones to inmates at the MCC; two of the BOP employees were also charged with obstructing justice, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. According to the indictment unsealed Thursday, the defendants participated in an extensive scheme involving bribery and smuggling of contraband, and the distribution of contraband within the MCC. The defendants include two current employees of the BOP, Perry Joyner and Sharon GriffithMcKnight, and one former employee of the BOP, Mario Feliciano, as well as eight former MCC inmates: Donnell Murray, Markeen Jordan, Anthony Ellison, Tyrell Sumpter, Kevin Crosby, David Valerio, Virgilio Acevedo De Los Santos, and Starlin Nunez. The contraband that Joyner, Feliciano, and Griffith-McKnight smuggled into the MCC included controlled substances, cell phones, Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of NY alcohol, and cigarettes. For their efforts, Joyner “As alleged, MCC corrections officers Perry Joyner and Mario Feliciano, and MCC unit secretary Sharon Griffithand Feliciano agreed to receive, and did re- McKnight, undermined the institution they swore to serve by conspiring with the very inmates they are charged to protect by smuggling contraband into the MCC,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Williams. ceive, bribes from the inmate-defendants. During the course of the scheme, in an effort to obtain a lesser sentence for Ellison, fore knew he was anything but a “model in- all corrupt and making all of this up about Griffith-McKnight submitted a letter to the mate.” Relying on this letter from Griffith- [Ellison], it seems to me that it’s unavoidDistrict Judge responsible for sentencing McKnight, the District Judge who presided able that [Ellison’s] trajectory at the MCC inmate and co-defendant Ellison that falsely over Ellison’s sentencing remarked that El- contains a lot of good.” By Michael V. Cusenza
Joyner obstructed justice by intimidating and threatening an inmate—an inmate that Joyner was charged with protecting—whom Joyner believed was providing the government with information about Joyner’s participation in the charged scheme. Four of the defendants were arrested Thursday. The additional defendants are already in federal custody and will be presented in this Southern District at a later date. “As alleged, MCC corrections officers Perry Joyner and Mario Feliciano, and MCC unit secretary Sharon Griffith-McKnight, undermined the institution they swore to serve by conspiring with the very inmates they are charged to protect by smuggling contraband into the MCC and, in the case of Joyner and Griffith-McKnight, by obstructing the pursuit of justice. This office is committed to rooting out corruption in our jails and prisons,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “Federal law enforcement officers take an oath to defend the laws of the United States and protect its citizens. We allege the guards we've arrested today acted like nothing more than the criminals in their charge and assisted incarcerated offenders in committing more crimes. Our FBI/NYPD Joint Violent Crimes Task Force is working with our partners to root out the corruption we've uncovered; they will find everyone who should be held accountable for their blatant disregard for the law,” added FBI NY Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael Driscoll.
LIC Man Pleads Guilty in Ravenswood Shooting Death
Photo Courtesy of Google
The victim was shot inside the Ravenswood Houses.
BY Forum Staff A Long Island City man has pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a 29-year-old man who was gunned down as he walked through the Ravenswood Houses in August 2018, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday. Shahid Burton, 21, pleaded guilty on Thursday to manslaughter in the first degree
before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise. Burton is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13. Justice Aloise indicated that he will sentence Burton to 17 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision. According to the charges, on Aug. 26, 2018, around 5:30 a.m., Burton followed Jelan Moreira as he walked through a courtyard within the Ravenswood Houses complex in Long Island City. Video surveillance of the area showed Burton, along with an unapprehended other, approach the victim
from behind. The victim was then shot multiple times in his chest and torso. Moreira was rushed to an area hospital but succumbed to the gunshot wounds. Burton was being sought in the killing, but was not apprehended until March 28, 2019, said DA Katz. That’s when a transit officer spotted Burton allegedly doubling up with another person to slip through a subway turnstile. Burton was stopped by the officer and at that point it was discovered that he was a sus-
DA Katz called it “a senseless shooting.”
File Photo
pect in the killing of Moreira a year earlier. “This was yet again a senseless shooting in a housing complex where children, adults and senior citizens reside. The defendant, who lived in the neighboring Queensbridge Houses, followed and then shot down the victim on a summer night in 2018,” Katz said. “This defendant has now admitted to this horrible crime and will be held accountable by the court.”
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Legal Notices SALINAS LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/17/2021. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 2700 215th St, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful act. J&N RENOVATIONS GROUP, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/29/2021. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Juan Camilo Quintero, 201-29 119th Avenue, Saint Albans, NY, 11412 USA. Purpose: any lawful act. LIC KAITEN ZUSHI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/14/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Kyung Rae Kim, 42-20 27th St Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity. LEMAHD LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/26/2021. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: JACOB MILLER, 4705 CENTER BLVD APT 401, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11109, USA. Purpose: any lawful act. NEWSHENK LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/07/2021. 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, 51-02 199th Street 2nd Floor, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Formation: BEST REALTY ONEONTA LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/27/2021. Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 224-22 76TH AVE, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY, 11364. Purpose: Any lawful activity. DO WHAT’S FULFILLING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/29/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: EDWARD HUNTER LAGRASSA, 120 WARWICK AVE. DOUGLASTON, NY, 11363-1038, USA.. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
RUKHSHANA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/07/2021. 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, 8505 35th Avenue, Apt 5G, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. DIAGORAS NUTRITION LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/15/21. 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 tMOHAMED AIDARA, 5525 98TH PALCE, CORONA APT 2B, QUEENS, NY 11368, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. JAMES QUIGLEY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/14/2021. 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 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 3319 BROADWAY #2A, ASTORIA, NY 11106, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. COOPER AVENUE REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/21.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, 7908 ooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Formation of BORED LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/23/2021. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 30-06 29TH STREET, APT. 3H. Purpose: Any lawful activity. NN BASRA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/03/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Amar Jit, 77-51 252 Street, Bellerose, NY 11426. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Formation of LINY ASSOCIATES LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/27/2021. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jeff Kolessar, 1628 JFK Blvd., Ste. 2300, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Wing Jay Construction NY LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 10/22/21. 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, 134-19 Blossom Ave #OFC, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.3H. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
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