THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 24 • NOVEMBER 18, 2021

NYPD JUICE

City Cop Sold Steroids at Woodhaven Gym: DA

See Story on Page 2

NYPD Officer Maurice Lemelin has been arraigned for allegedly possessing and selling anabolic steroids on the grounds of Coliseum Gym on Jamaica Avenue.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/PhloxBot

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 24 • NOVEMBER 25 2021 | 1

NYPD Officer Allegedly Caught Selling Steroids in Undercover Sting at Woodhaven Gym

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Lemelin allegedly sold anabolic steroids to undercover cops on the grounds of the Coliseum Gym in Woodhaven.

By Michael V. Cusenza A Brooklyn cop allegedly sold anabolic steroids to an undercover detective on the grounds of a Woodhaven gym in both October and November of this year, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Maurice Lemelin, 33, a borough resident who works out of the 84th Precinct, was arraigned Friday morning on a complaint charging him with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth and seventh

degrees and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Lemelin was ordered to return to Court on Jan. 27, 2022.

According to the charges, on Oct. 8, Lemelin and an unapprehended other were on the grounds of the Coliseum Gym on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven. An undercover investigator met with the unapprehended suspect, who approached Lemelin as he sat inside a black Porsche sports utility vehicle in the rear parking lot of the gym. Lemelin allegedly handed the man a blue plastic bag

Lemelin is a Queens resident who works out of the 84th Precinct in Brooklyn.

filled with a vial of testosterone, Anavar, and Arimedex pills, which are anabolic steroids.

The go-between then handed over the plastic bag of narcotics in exchange for $630 in cash from the undercover officer.

On Nov. 2, Lemelin again set up shop in Coliseum’s back parking lot. This time, the undercover was inside the gym and the unapprehended individual instructed the “buyer” to meet him at the entrance and the two walked outside to the waiting black Porsche SUV. This time, Lemelin allegedly sold him a clear blue plastic bag

Photo Courtesy of Google

containing four vials of testosterone cypionate, Anavar, Arimidex and other loose pills. The undercover paid $2,200 for the steroids.

“There is no place in the New York City Police Department for criminal or unethical behavior. Our officers swear an oath to uphold the law and protect the public, and should they fail in this sacred mission, they must be held accountable,” City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said.

If convicted, Lemelin faces up to 7 years in prison.

Retired Cop Charged with Running Ozone Park Rent Scam

By Forum Staff A former NYPD police officer has been charged with conning nearly a dozen wouldbe renters out of thousands of dollars. Burbran Pierre, 42, is accused running a scam offering to rent his own rented Ozone Park basement apartment between December 2020 and May 2021, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Pierre, 42, of Minnesota, was arraigned Friday on a complaint charging him with grand larceny in the fourth degree, and two counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree. Pierre has been ordered to return to Court on Jan. 27, 2022.

According to the charges, nearly a dozen people responded to a Craigslist advertisement online touting a basement apartment available for rent. On March 20, 2020, a woman spotted the ad and responded indicating she was interested in renting the basement unit on 95th Street in Ozone Park.

The defendant showed the apartment to the victim, who agreed on a year-long lease and signed the paperwork. A couple of weeks later, the woman used a mobile app to send Pierre $2,300. However, when it was time to move in on June 1, Pierre allegedly told her the previous renter had not left yet. The

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“The NYPD has zero tolerance for corruption of any kind and the crimes this former officer is charged with represent a disgraceful violation of his oath of office and the public trust,” City Police Commissioner Shea said.

victim eventually asked for a refund of her $2,300. Pierre allegedly gave her a check for the amount she was owed, but the check was returned by the bank for insufficient funds.

DA Katz said the defendant allegedly repeated this scenario with 10 other prospective renters. Just before each move-in date,

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Pierre would allegedly offer an excuse as to why the new renter could not move in, such as building code violations, plumbing issues, an infestation of mice or the current tenant had not yet vacated.

According to the charges, in April 2021 a woman gave the defendant $2,400 to cover the

first month’s rent and security deposit. She was supposed to move in on May 1. But as that date approached, the defendant allegedly told the victim she could not move in and told her he would not be returning her money and that she would have to sue him to get her money back.

Another female victim who’d allegedly been duped tried calling the defendant only to realize he had blocked her number on his phone.

Several weeks ago, Pierre retired from the NYPD and moved to Minnesota. He was arrested in Minneapolis and returned to Queens on Thursday, Nov. 18.

DA Katz added that, if anyone believes they may have been victimized in a scheme of this nature, call her office at (718) 2866560.

“The NYPD has zero tolerance for corruption of any kind and the crimes this former officer is charged with represent a disgraceful violation of his oath of office and the public trust,” City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “Our NYPD investigators in the Internal Affairs Bureau, together with prosecutors in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, worked tirelessly to ensure a measure of justice was achieved in this case.”

If convicted, Pierre faces up to four years in prison.

Assembly Report Raps Cuomo Again

Disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned earlier this year.

By Michael V. Cusenza The Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday released a report completed by lawyers from Davis Polk & Wardwell, LLP concerning allegations against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The detailed, 63-page report concludes: • Cuomo engaged in multiple instances of sexual harassment, including by creating a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual misconduct; • The former governor utilized state resources and property, including work by Executive Chamber staff, to write, publish and promote his book – a project for which he was guaranteed at least $5.2 million in personal profit; and at the same time • The former governor was not fully transparent regarding the number of nursing home residents who died as a result of COVID-19.

During the course of the investigation, hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, including photographs, texts messages, BlackBerry PIN messages, emails, recordings of phone calls, social media accounts, video recordings, memos, transcripts and other materials were reviewed. The investigation included interviews, proffers, or review of interview and/or deposition materials for more than 200 individuals. The investigation also involved the review of the statements and writings by the former governor and his counsel throughout the investigation.

In March 2021, the Judiciary Committee was charged by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie with determining whether evidence existed to support a finding that the governor had engaged in acts that constituted serious and corrupt conduct in office that may have justified articles of impeachment.

The scope of the investigation included examining allegations of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct, the publication of Cuomo’s October 2020 book, information provided by Cuomo and

File Photo

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his administration regarding the effect of COVID-19 on nursing home residents and information regarding safety concerns about New York State Stop worrying. Start doing. bridges.

“This has been a profoundly sad chapter in New York’s history. I commend Chairman Charles OFFERS SERVICES IN: Lavine, the members of the Judiciary Commit- Business Law tee and the team at Davis Polk for their hard work and diligence in completing this investigation,” - Tax Problems Heastie said. “I also want to acknowledge every- Accounting one who participated in all of the investigations for - Wills & Trusts their cooperation, particularly the brave women - Divorces who stepped forward. As we have throughout this process, we will continue to cooperate with all rel- DWI evant investigative bodies to provide them with the - Criminal Law evidence we have uncovered.”

“This has been an historic undertaking and one that the members of the Judiciary Committee took JOSEPH FAULISI, ESQ., CPA on with extreme diligence and thoughtfulness,” Call today: Lavine added. “I would like to thank all the meme-mail: info@faulisilaw.com bers of the committee as well our counsel at Davis Polk for their hard work. The former governor’s website: faulisilaw.com conduct – as shown in this report – is extremely 101-42 99th Street disturbing and is indicative of someone who is not Ozone Park, NY 11416 fit for office. I hope this report helps New Yorkers ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. further understand the seriousness of the allegations that have been made and serves to guide us to a more ethical and responsible government. New During these challenging times, let us reflect on all we can be grateful for this Thanksgiving Day. Yorkers deserve no less.”

Wishing you the best Thanksgiving possible.

In August, a report released by the State Attorney General’s Office concluded that Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current State employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.

Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story, State Attorney General Tish James’s special investigators noted. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

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Federal Officials at JFK Warn Public about Counterfeit Goods ahead of Holiday Shopping Season

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In Fiscal Year 2020, CBP seized over 26,000 shipments of counterfeit goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights worth over $1.3 billion, had the goods been genuine.

By Forum Staff U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in New York on Thursday hosted a joint media event at John F. Kennedy International Airport highlighting counterfeit goods.

Just in time for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday shopping madness, HSI and CBP offered a presentation about counterfeit goods and how consumers can protect themselves from purchasing “knockoffs” of brand-name items.

Every year, CBP seizes a wide variety of counterfeit products from all over the world.

In Fiscal Year 2020, CBP seized over 26,000 shipments of counterfeit goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights worth over $1.3 billion, had the goods been genuine.

The theft of intellectual property and the trade in substandard and often dangerous goods threaten America’s economy, stifle innovation and are a danger to consumer health and safety. Further, these illicit activities fund criminal activities and support trans-national organized crime. CBP has

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“Buying from dubious websites can also put your personal and financial information at risk,” said HSI New York Deputy Special-Agent-in-Charge Erik Rosenblatt.

established the Truth Behind Counterfeits educational campaign to raise consumer awareness about the health and safety, legal and economic consequences of purchasing counterfeit goods. For more information, visit cbp.gov/fakegoodsrealdangers.

“Shoppers this holiday season need to be on the lookout for potentially hazardous products while hunting for an online deal.

Besides the potential danger of faulty electronics or tainted personal care products, you will also be wasting your hard-earned money on fake branding. Buying from dubious web-

sites can also put your personal and financial information at risk,” said Homeland Security Investigations New York Deputy SpecialAgent-in-Charge Erik Rosenblatt.

If you have any information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, contact CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. IPR violations can also be reported to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at iprcenter.gov/referral/ or by telephone at 1-866-IPR-2060.

Deadline for FEMA Ida Aid is Dec. 6

Photo Courtesy of Rep. Grace Meng

Hurricane Ida blasted through parts of the borough on Sept. 1, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

By Forum Staff Homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from Hurricane Ida in Queens have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency is Monday, Dec. 6. This is also the deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and replacement assistance. All are explained as follows: Rental Assistance is financial assistance for homeowners and renters for temporary housing if Hurricane Ida displaced them from their primary residence.

Lodging Expense Reimbursement is reimbursement for out-of-pocket temporary lodging expenses that resulted from damage that made their primary residence uninhabitable. Eligible lodging expenses may include the cost of the room and any associated taxes.

Home Repair Assistance is financial assistance for homeowners to repair their primary residences, utilities servicing the primary residence, and residential infrastructure leading to their Hurricane Idadamaged property.

Replacement Assistance is financial assistance for any homeowner whose primary residence was destroyed by Hurricane Ida and can be applied to the purchase of a new permanent residence.

Other Needs Assistance is financial assistance for other disaster-caused expenses

and immediate needs. This assistance may include funds to replace personal property, moving and storage expenses, transportation assistance, funeral, medical, dental, childcare, and miscellaneous disaster-related items.

To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-6213362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

Applicants for FEMA disaster assistance should have the following information before they apply: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

The primary source of federal funding for long-term disaster recovery not covered by insurance is the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome an economic injury.

Homeowners, renters and businesses that were affected by Hurricane Ida may apply for disaster loans using SBA’s secure website: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ ela/s/. For more information, applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800877-8339.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW: THE ABC'S OF GLAUCOMA All of us are familiar with the various health awareness campaigns that occur each month. January has several and one we’d like to talk with you about is National Glaucoma Awareness.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. It is the optic nerve that supplies visual information from your brain directly to your eyes.

The most common form of this disease is primary open-angle glaucoma, which is especially dangerous because it has no symptoms except gradual vision loss. For this reason it is imperative that you do yearly comprehensive eye exams so that vision changes can be detected and moni¬tored.

Acute-angle closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately: Severe eye pain accompanied by nau¬sea, vomiting, redness in the eye, sudden vision disturbances including blurred vi¬sion, and or seeing colored rings around lights.

Glaucoma can be caused by fluid buildup in the channels of your iris or cornea.

Normally, a clear fluid, known as aqueous humor, passes through these channels and fills the front part of the eye. If however,

there is a blockage or partial obstruction, the pressure in your eye may increase. This can lead to damage of the optic nerve and loss of sight.

While glaucoma is the second lead¬ing cause of blindness in the world, no one knows what causes the increase of pressure (IOP) in the eyes. IOP can be caused by dilating eye drops, medications like corticosteroids, high blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. People 60 and over are at increased risk and for AfricanAmericans the risk grows after 40. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease also have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Your pharmacist can be an effective partner in the treatment of glaucoma by monitoring adherence, counseling pa¬tients on the proper use of eyedrops, and recommending preservative-free or com¬bination products when problems arise. Take advantage of our knowledge and willingness to help!

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644

157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.

TSA Stops Man with Loaded Gun at JFK Airport

A Westechester man was arrested Monday after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him with a loaded .22-caliber handgun at one of the John F. Kennedy International Airport security checkpoints.

TSA officials alerted the Port Authority Police, which responded to the checkpoint,

confiscated the gun, and arrested the man, a resident of Tuckahoe, N.Y., on weapons charges. The man also faces a stiff civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint.

Photo Courtesy of TSA

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 24 • NOVEMBER 25 2021 | 5

De Blasio Announces Dozens of New Resilient Building and Infrastructure Projects

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced a new pilot program that will help ensure new City infrastructure and public facilities are prepared for the worsening impacts of climate change, including intense rainfall, coastal storm surge, chronic high tide flooding, and extreme heat.

Under this program, 23 City capital agencies will begin designing and constructing dozens of new projects using the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines, which were developed by the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency using cuttingedge science and research. These guidelines translate future-looking climate change projections into technical guidance that engineers and architects will use as they design roads, buildings, sewer systems, hospitals, public housing, and other pieces of critical public infrastructure. This ensures that projects constructed today will be prepared for worsening extreme weather decades into the future and can continue to provide critical services to New Yorkers.

Forty pilots were selected through a rigorous process that considered climate exposure, equity, and project scope. Over 40 percent of projects being advanced under this program range will be constructed in environmental justice areas. They range in budget from $3 million up to $1 billion and include a wide diversity of facilities spread across all five boroughs. The cohort of projects will apply resilient design principles from the very beginning of their design.

The projects being advanced under this program include: • Horizon Adolescent Facility Expansion (ACS) • Canarsie Library Overhaul (BPL) • Kingsborough Community College Hot Water Heat Piping Distribution (CUNY) • Queens Courthouse Upgrades and Renovations (DCAS) • Queens County Farm Museum: New Education Center (DCLA) • Harlem Stage at The Gatehouse: HVAC Upgrade (DCLA) • Reconstruction of Paerdegat Pumping Station (DEP) • Owls Head Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility Main Sewage Pump Replacement (DEP) • Mahopac Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades (DEP) • Arcady Road Reconstruction (DEP) • Mid Staten Island Bluebelt (DEP/ DOT) • Leonard Covello Senior Center Upgrades (DFTA) • Harlem Shelter Improvements (DHS) • New Manhattan Detention Facility (DOC) • Washington Heights Health Center Exterior Renovation (DOHMH) • Manhattan Greenway – Inwood (DOT) • Harper Street Administration Building (DOT)

• Reconstruction of Shore Road Bridge (DOT) • Queens 1 Luyster Creek Garage Construction (DSNY) • Brooklyn Army Terminal Elevators (EDC) • Hunters Point South Ferry Landing Reconstruction (EDC) • Engine 91 Renovation (FDNY) • Fort Totten Utilities Improvements (FDNY) • Partially funded renovation of a pediatric hospital facility on Staten Island (H+H) • Brownsville Community Center (HRA) • Gowanus Green, new affordable housing (HPD) • New affordable housing development in The Bronx (HPD) • Renovated affordable housing project in Brooklyn (HPD) • Wagner Community Center (NYCHA) • Jefferson Playground Reconstruction (NYCHA) • 23rd Street Warehouse Rebuild (NYPD) • Rodman’s Neck Facilities Improvements (NYPD) • New Dorp HVAC Improvements (NYPL) • Dalton Recreation Center Reconstruction (Parks) • Haffen Park Improvements (Parks) • 107th Street Pier and Bobby Wagner Walk Reconstruction (Parks)

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“Climate change is happening now and we have the guide we need to ensure our public infrastructure is protected in New York City,” Mayor de Blasio said.

• Jackson Heights Library Expansion (QPL) • Sunset Park Sub-District School Construction in Brooklyn (SCA) • New School Construction in Queens (SCA) • New School Construction – site to be determined (SCA) “Climate change is happening now and we have the guide we need to ensure our public infrastructure is protected in New York City,” de Blasio said. “Roads, hospitals, public housing, and buildings need to be designed with the impact of extreme weather in mind and the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines will make sure that happens.”

Gillibrand Touts $27B Federal Investment in NY Infrastructure

By Forum Staff U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is announcing that New York should expect to receive at least $27 billion in direct funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help revitalize New York State’s aging infrastructure. Several of Gillibrand’s provisions were included in the package, including measures to encourage the use of local workers in infrastructure projects, increase limo safety standards, and invest in marginalized workers and communities. Gillibrand noted that she also fought to secure the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system and the most significant investment in public transit ever. Additionally, Gillibrand fought for once-in-a-generation investments in airports, roads, connecting local workers to good-paying jobs, improving New York’s water and sewage systems, and making high-speed internet affordable and available in every urban, suburban, and rural community.

“I am proud to have worked alongside President Biden and my colleagues in Congress to deliver one of the boldest and most consequential infrastructure packages in our nation’s history—this package will create jobs, boost our economy, deliver funding to

Photo Courtesy of Google

Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will go to help repair major highways like the BrooklynQueens Expressway.

rebuild New York’s aging infrastructure and help rebuild underserved communities,” Gillibrand said. “This once-in-a-generation investment will build a stronger, more resilient economy and lay the foundation for a brighter future.”

Highlights of NYS funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill: • $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, reaching at least 186,754 New Yorkers. Currently, 13 percent of New York households do not have an internet subscription and 4 percent

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of New Yorkers live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure. This problem particularly affects students, older adults, individuals of color, and lower-income individuals in rural and urban areas.

• $11.6 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs to help New York’s 7,300 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, New York’s commute times have increased by 7.4 percent and each driver pays an average of $625 per year in costs from driving on roads in need of repair. This funding will help repair major highways like

the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, which holds the weight of more than 150,000 vehicles per day and is need of upgrades.

• This includes Gillibrand’s Resilient Highways Act, which will give state Departments of Transportation more flexibility with how they choose to use their National Highway Performance Program funds. States are now able to use this money for resiliency projects to make critical improvements to protect bridges, tunnels, and highways against future damage from sealevel rise, floods, wildfires and other disasters. This provision will also help shore up the nation’s infrastructure and economy by raising and relocating roads out of flood risk or slide zones, constructing new protective features like drainage structures and scour protection, and using natural infrastructure to mitigate flood risk.

• $9.8 billion over five years for sustainable and efficient public transportation.

New Yorkers who take public transportation spend an extra 58.9 percent of their time commuting and non-white households are 2.5 times more likely to commute via public transportation.

• As a part of the federal-aid highway and public transportation funding, MTA will receive $10 billion to help maintain service, retain employees, and improve existing lines.

Borough President Launches ‘Civics in the Classroom’ Initiative

The “Civics in the Classroom” initiative kicked off last week at Bayside High School.

By Forum Staff Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. today announced the launch of “Civics in the Classroom” — a boroughwide initiative to supplement existing curriculum by connecting with high school students across the borough about the importance of civic engagement.

Led by Borough President Richards’ Civic Engagement Coordinator Tim Chu-

Photo Courtesy of BP Richards

binidze, “Civics in the Classroom” will visit one Queens high school each week and include interactive presentations and quizzes about the roles of local and citywide elected officials’ offices, how to address quality-of-life issues through city government and the significance of civic involvement.

The initiative kicked off last week at Bayside High School. Richards and school Principal Tracy Martinez hosted

Photo Courtesy of BP Richards

“With ‘Civics in the Classroom,’ we hope to not only educate our students about civic engagement but empower them to be the changemakers our city and country need,” BP Richards said.

an engaging discussion with hundreds of students about the importance of voting, being involved in one’s community and much more.

School administrators who would like more information or wish to participate in the “Civics in the Classroom” initiative can do so by contacting Tim Chubunidze via info@queensbp.org.

“The youngest among us are courageously leading nationwide movements

around systemic discrimination, gun violence, voting rights, climate change and more, giving us all so much hope for the future of our society. But there are still far too many young people who are unaware of their power or unsure of their place in our city,” Richards said. “With ‘Civics in the Classroom,’ we hope to not only educate our students about civic engagement but empower them to be the changemakers our city and country need.”

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Jamaica Man Convicted in 2017 Stabbing of Two Men in South Ozone Park

Harry was convicted Thursday after a two-week non-jury trial.

By Forum Staff A Jamaica man has been convicted in the 2017 stabbing of two men inside a garage near the Van Wyck Expressway in South Ozone Park, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Terrence Harry, 40, was convicted Thursday after a two-week non-jury trial. Queens Supreme Court

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Blogtrepreneur

Justice Michelle Johnson found Harry guilty of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Johnson set sentencing for Jan. 26, 2022, at which time Harry faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to trial testimony, on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2017, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Harry was inside the car garage of Myron Hennings. A third man, Shamel Potter, 39,

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“This defendant resorted to violence with a weapon to settle a dispute. As a result, he nearly took the life of one man and severely injured another,” DA Katz said.

was also present at the location. The defendant, who was a stranger to Potter, began talking aloud, then without provocation pulled out a knife and stabbed Potter in the left side of his neck. When Hennings attempted to intervene, he was also stabbed by Harry in the back. Harry then fled the scene.

A branch of Potter’s carotid artery was severed, and his trachea was in danger of being disabled as a result of the stabbing. The

victim underwent emergency surgery, was intubated for several days and was unable to eat solid food for months. MHennings required multiple staples to close the stab wound he sustained during the attack.

“This defendant resorted to violence with a weapon to settle a dispute. As a result, he nearly took the life of one man and severely injured another,” Katz said. “He now faces a lengthy prison term when sentenced by the Court.”

Jamaica Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

By Forum Staff A Jamaica man has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, federal prosecutors recently announced.

Ali Saleh, 28, pleaded guilty to the charge in July 2018.

Starting in 2013 and thereafter, Saleh swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS and embraced ISIS’s directive to either travel to the Middle East to fight for ISIS or take action at home in support of ISIS. On August 25, 2014, Saleh stated online, “I’m ready to die for the Caliphate, prison is nothing.” On Aug. 28, 2014, Saleh stated online, “Lets be clear the Muslims in the khilafah [caliphate] need help, the one who is capable to go over and help the Muslims must go and help.”

That same day, Saleh made an airline reservation to travel from New York to Turkey, a country bordering Syria. Saleh was ultimately prevented from traveling because his parents took away his passport.

Saleh then redirected his efforts to facilitating others’ support of ISIS. In October 2014, Saleh communicated with an ISIS supporter in Mali through an online messaging platform and sent a wire transfer in the amount of $500 to fund that person’s travel to Syria. Around the same time period, Saleh

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of NY

Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace (l., seen here with Attorney General Merrick Garland) recently announced Saleh’s sentence.

communicated with several other individuals in an effort to facilitate their support of ISIS, including known ISIS supporters in the United Kingdom and Australia.

In July 2015, Saleh purchased 48 pyrotechnic mortars (large, tube-fired fireworks described as “artillery shells” on the packaging and containing explosive powder), stored them in a hidden area in the trunk of

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his car, and drove towards New York City.

Law enforcement agents discovered on the cell phone that Saleh used at this time detailed instructions regarding how to create a bomb, including a hand thrown improvised explosive device, a pipe bomb, and a pressure cooker bomb, using explosive powder from fireworks. Saleh’s fireworks were sufficient to create multiple hand-thrown IEDs

or a pressure cooker bomb. As Saleh drove toward New York City with the explosive materials in his trunk, his car broke down, and he was forced to have it towed. Saleh later abandoned the car.

Saleh then made five separate attempts, over 10 days, to travel to the Middle East to fight for ISIS. On July 24, 2015, Saleh contacted an ISIS travel facilitator in Libya and made a same-day one-way booking to travel from New York to Cairo, Egypt. Notably, Egypt and Libya are bordering countries and it was relatively easy and common at that time for individuals to travel from Egypt to Libya to join ISIS. Saleh went to JFK and attempted to pay for the flight at the airline ticket counter, but he was informed by airline personnel that a message had come up on the screen and he left the ticket line.

Saleh subsequently visited international airports in Newark, Philadelphia and Indianapolis, but continued to encounter travel restrictions. Saleh attempted to circumvent air travel restrictions by taking a train from Cleveland to Toronto, Canada, to fly to the Middle East from Canada. After law enforcement intervention, however, Saleh did not board the train and instead returned to New York.

In September 2015, Saleh was arrested at his home.

City Issues Survey, Public Engagement Schedule for Permanent Open Restaurants Program

By Forum Staff The de Blasio administration on Thursday announced the next steps for the public to participate in the creation of design rules to that will guide the coming citywide permanent Open Restaurants program.

A survey for members of the public is available here: nycdotsurveys.info/survey/ open-restaurants-survey. The City is urging all New Yorkers to consider responding by Dec. 31. A schedule of in-person and virtual public events, set for this fall and winter, is available here: https://www1.nyc.gov/ html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml.

“New Yorkers should participate and make their opinions about outdoor dining heard,” Councilman Bob Holden (D-Middle Village) said. “It’s a complicated issue and allowing our restaurants to thrive while addressing problems like parking, sanitation and safety is essential to recover from the pandemic.”

Credited with saving over 100,000 restaurants jobs during the pandemic and increasing the number of restaurants with outdoor dining – from 1,200 in February 2020 to 11,000 now – the emergency Open Restaurants program introduced novel questions about how to best integrate roadway

Photo Courtesy of DOT

This citywide public engagement process for the coming design rules for sidewalk and roadway setups aims to promote accessibility, ensure guidelines are clear and enforceable, and address quality-of-life issues such as trash and noise.

dining setups into the complex environment of city streets.

Last week, the City Planning Commission voted to remove inequitable zoning rules that limited al fresco dining to some parts of New York City. In response to public input, the new zoning rules, which must still be approved by the City Council, will not go into effect until the Permanent Open Restaurants program, including all safety and design guidelines, are reviewed by the public

and final. Alongside rigorous public input, the permanent program will be guided by coming legislation by the City Council.

This citywide public engagement process for the coming design rules for sidewalk and roadway setups aims to promote accessibility, ensure guidelines are clear and enforceable, and address quality-of-life issues such as trash and noise. Department of City Planning and the Department of Transportation intend to release a first report on design of

the coming program in March 2022. After that, DCP and DOT will begin a second series of public engagement and outreach sessions to develop the final rules. The permanent program is expected to be in place by 2023.

“The incredible success of outdoor dining shows how we can reimagine our streetscape to better serve our neighborhoods,” said City Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman. “We have learned so much about how to make this overwhelmingly popular program even better, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re thrilled to start this robust conversation with the public to craft guidelines that will increase accessibility, safety and address concerns such as noise, hours of operation and sanitation.”

“While helping us to recover from a devastating pandemic, the coming citywide Open Restaurants program is a key to helping us build healthier and safer shared streets, and stronger and vibrant communities. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Fill out the survey and get involved in designing rules that will shape the look and feel of outdoor dining in New York City,” added Department of City Planning Director Anita Laremont, who also serves as chairwoman of the City Planning Commission.

Access-a-Ride Driver Raked in Nearly $70K in E-Hail App Scam: DA

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Cashin/MTA

In early 2019, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority partnered with Curb Mobility LLC to provide paratransit users the ability to request an Access-a-Ride through their mobile phones.

BY Forum Staff An Access-a-Ride driver has been charged with submitting bogus claims for rides requested using a mobile phone app between September 2020 and March 2021, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

James Laverty, 72, of Freeport, L.I., was arraigned Thursday on a three-count complaint charging him with grand larceny in the second degree, identity theft in the first

degree and falsifying business records in the first degree. Laverty was ordered to return to Court on Dec. 9.

In early 2019, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority partnered with Curb Mobility LLC to provide paratransit users the ability to request an Access-a-Ride through their mobile phones. Sometime after Sept. 1, 2020, a Queens woman downloaded the Curb app and created a username and password. She requested two rides and Laverty was the driver who picked her up

File Photo

“The Access-a-Ride service provides much-needed transportation options for those with mobility issues. Sadly, this defendant allegedly found a way to scam the system,” DA Katz said.

and provided her with service. However, Laverty’s monthly reimbursement requests for payment to Curb allegedly stated he had picked up this same woman 661 times between September 2020 and February 2021.

According to the charges, the MTA reimbursed Curb for the cost of those 661 trips—just over $69,860.

Investigators with the MTA observed Laverty driving his own wheelchair-accessible TLC yellow taxi on numerous occasions within Queens and elsewhere. On these trips,

in which Laverty was supposed to be driving the female passenger, there was actually no one else in the vehicle except for Laverty.

“The Access-a-Ride service provides much-needed transportation options for those with mobility issues. Sadly, this defendant allegedly found a way to scam the system,” Katz said. “This kind of malfeasance is unacceptable and the defendant will be prosecuted for his alleged crimes.”

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

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Legal Notices 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.

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.

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, 79-08 ooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. 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.

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.

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, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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.

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.

LACE LIFE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/04/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ALANENA WALKER, 1-50 50TH AVE, 1245, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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.

MOU MERIL ENTERPRISE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/2021. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Gazi M Z Hossain, 21123 99th Avenue, 1st Floor, Queens Village, NY 11429. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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.

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.

Formation of CLEAN AND CLEAR LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/05/2019. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CLEAN AND CLEAR NYC LLC, 11139 180TH STREET, JAMAOCA, NY 11433. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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Formation of NEMA PROPERTIES LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/19/2021. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to NEMA PROPERTIES 67-04 MYRTLE AVENUE, 1523, GLENDALE, NY 11385, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

130TH STREET HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/30/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 20 Boulevard, Malba, NY 11357, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PLAPS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/09/2021. 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, 240-12 Oak Lane, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

EUNICE FASHION CLOSET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/21.Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC uponwhom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to BEMMIE S. TAMORADA, 66-33 YELLOWSTONE BLVD., FOREST HILLS, NY 11375, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Formation of VENNASYA LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/04/2021. Office loc.: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to VENNASYA LLC, 14019 159TH ST., JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NUHA NIHAL LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/15/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MD Nazrul Islam, 4222 64th St, 2nd Fl, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose..

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