SECOND CHANCE
As of Wednesday afternoon, incumbent Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) led GOP challenger Tom Sullivan by over 1,000 votes, but she stopped short of declaring victory. Pheffer Amato defeated Sullivan in 2022 by 15 votes.
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
Competitive Election Night Sees Pheffer Amato Lead Sullivan in Tight District 23 Race
By Michael V. Cusenza
In District 23, incumbent Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) emerged Tuesday night with a lean 2.5-point, 1,000-vote lead over GOP challenger Tom Sullivan. According to published accounts, 97 percent of precincts had reported by the end of the evening.
Pheffer Amato declared victory late Wednesday afternoon.
“This win is a win for all of us – for the working families; for the cops and firefighters; for the teachers, nurses, trade unionists and city workers; for everyone who stood up to my opponent’s campaign of misinformation and extremism and voted their conscience in this critical election. In spite of it all, we stayed united and we won!” Pheffer Amato said. “We have an amazing district – we are diverse, we are of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, and we know how to stand together when it’s important and I’m proud to be going back to Albany to keep fighting for the families of this district!”
In the first edition of Pheffer Amato v. Sullivan in 2022, the assemblywoman prevailed over Sullivan by just 15 votes following a manual recount and several court appearances. Pheffer Amato was declared the winner in January 2023—a full two months after Election Night.
Pheffer Amato ally State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DWoodhaven) was re-elected. He has represented the 15th Senatorial District since 2009.
Addabbo characterized his return to Albany as “a testament to the dedicated work of my office to improve communities throughout the district and address the critical issues we face to ensure a brighter future for all.”
Following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, borough native Donald Trump is headed back to the White House.
“Make no mistake, this election was a referendum on the political establishment,” said New York State Young Republicans Chairman Peter Giunta. “Republicans listened to voters throughout their ranks and put forward a vision for a stronger, safer, wealthier, and greater America. Democrats ignored the will of their voters by usurping Joe Biden and coronating Kamala Harris as their nominee for president while doubling down on the hateful and divisive rhetoric they’ve become so synonymous with.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said that while the Harris loss hurts, the fight has just begun.
“In the words of Maya Angelou, we will encounter many defeats in life, but we must never be defeated. Today, all of us who believe in love over hate, tolerance over fear, respect over racism and democracy over authoritarianism may have suffered a defeat. But here in Queens, we damn sure won’t be defeated,” Richards wrote in a statement. “Another Trump presidency will bring with it daunting battles over justice in all its forms — from protecting immigrant rights to a woman’s body autonomy to nearly every other fundamental freedom we hold dear as Americans — but they are fights that I know Queens will never back down from.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week in The Forum our editorial (“A Clear Choice”) was mistakenly printed with the byline Bobby Eustace. The byline was accidentally carried over from the template of the prior issue. The newspaper’s editorial never includes a byline as it is solely the opinion of the newspaper and is composed by the editor or, in rare circumstances, by the publisher, where noted. We apologize for any confusion it may have caused our readers.
Brooklyn Woman Caught with Gun at JFK Airport
firearm to a TSA checkpoint. The federal penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“Bringing a gun to an airport security checkpoint on Halloween or at any time of the year is no joke,” said John Essig, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Loaded guns are deadly weapons
and present a threat. This individual had her firearm tucked into her shoulder bag. People who own firearms need to be more cognizant of where and when they are carrying their weapon. It is no secret that guns cannot be carried onto an aircraft. If you own a firearm, it is critically important that you always know where it is, and
you know that it is not among the items in your carry-on bag when you come to an airport. That is part of being a responsible gun owner.”
As of Thursday, TSA JFK has confi scated nine guns this year. In 2023, a total of 15 firearms were intercepted at JFK security checkpoints.
By Forum Staff
Transportation Security Administration officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday prevented a Brooklyn woman from bringing a firearm onto her flight. The 9mm handgun was loaded with 10 bullets including one in the chamber, according to TSA officials.
When TSA officers discovered the firearm, they notified the Port Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint and allowed the woman to hand off the gun to a non-traveling companion. She faces a federal civil penalty for bringing a loaded
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Sen. Addabbo is headed back to Albany.
Photo Courtesy of TSA
On Halloween, TSA officers at JFK International Airport intercepted this loaded gun at a security checkpoint.
Photo Courtesy of JFK
Nine firearms have been intercepted by TSA JFK so far this year.
Lander Releases Report on Mopeds, E-Bikes, E-Scooters
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Comptroller Brad Lander’s Office recently released a policy report on street safety in the era of mopeds, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
The new review lays out a strategic plan to create more predictability on city streets and ensure that micromobility vehicles operate safely and legally, according to Lander.
Key parts of the plan include:
• Cut off the supply of unsafe, illegal devices in New York City and beyond. Preventing consumers from purchasing and using e-bikes and mopeds illegally requires upstream interventions and collaboration between local, state, and federal government agencies.
• C reate a City-administered licensing program that regulates app-based delivery companies and holds them accountable for the labor and street safety impacts of their business model. Improving street safety outcomes requires holding app-based delivery companies accountable.
• Invest in high-quality infrastructure and street design solutions to support the safe integration of micro mobility into New York City streets. Thoughtfully implemented infrastructure and transportation design can simultaneously improve safety while addressing quality of life issues around e-bikes, mopeds, and micromobility.
• Foster a culture of accountability around street safety at the NYPD to create more predictable, safer streets: Enforcement, along with education and engineering, is a key pillar of Vision Zero. The City’s original 2014 Vision Zero action plan directed the NYPD to conduct more vigorous street enforcement against dangerous moving violations. However, efforts to step up police enforcement against reckless
driving have faltered over the past ten years. The number of traffic citations issued by the NYPD declined by 37 percent between 2018 and 2023, even as fatalities jumped by 25 percent over the same period. Advocates have long pointed out the failure to enforce laws prohibiting blocking or parking in bike lanes. Despite posing risks to cyclists’ safety, vehicles double-parked in bike lanes rarely receive fines. Fewer than 2 percent of 311 reports of vehicles parked illegally in bike lanes result in a ticket from the NYPD. As a key partner in achieving Vision Zero, the NYPD Highways Division and Traffic Enforcement District must be adequately resourced and prioritized within the department to bring about a culture shift to ensure all road users know the law and follow it, including moped and e-bike riders. This must include enforcement against vehicle parking in bike lanes, which drives e-bikes onto sidewalks and into crosswalks and driving lanes, creating unpredictable and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Micromobility vehicles account for a relatively small share of pedestrian deaths and injuries – but those numbers have grown significantly since 2020. The growing presence of micromobility devices on city streets represents a major trend in New York City’s transportation landscape. E-bikes, scooters, and mopeds offer tens of thousands on New Yorkers an affordable and convenient means of transportation, but the proliferation of these vehicles poses new safety and quality of life concerns. Managing these impacts is a multi-faceted challenge for government agencies, touching upon supply-side, labor, traffic enforcement, and infrastructure issues for which there is no single solution.
“The Adams administration, unfortunately, has taken an extremely downstream approach to this problem,” said Lander, a 2025 mayoral candidate. “Seizing some illegal vehicles may make the mayor feel good when he rides a tractor over them. But it doesn’t make anyone safer.”
Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Lander
Micromobility vehicles account for a relatively small share of pedestrian deaths and injuries – but those numbers have grown significantly since 2020, Comptroller Lander said.
Adams Urges New Yorkers to Call 911 to Combat Subway Surfing
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday urged New Yorkers to call 911 if they see attempts at subway surfing and highlighted the City’s efforts to leverage technology to combat the dangerous trend on the heels of a recent tragic incident that claimed one young New Yorker's life and injured another.
The NYPD is utilizing 911 call data to deploy joint drone and field response teams of officers to areas experiencing the highest complaints of subway surfing. Using the most accurate information –calls by concerned citizens – these teams deploy drones to canvass moving trains for subway surfers. Once a subway surfer is found, a field team will hold the train at the next station and remove them. To date, this program has helped save the lives of 114 individuals – ranging from 9 years old to 33 years old, with the average age being 14.
In addition to the increased enforcement, New York City is continuing to highlight the “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign launched by Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority in September 2023. This comprehensive, multi-channel public information campaign in partnership with the New York City Public Schools, the NYPD, and the
New York City Department of Youth and Community Development was designed for and was created by New York City teenagers – putting the youth voice front and center in a peer-to-peer effort to deter this dangerous behavior among young people. The campaign’s electronic fliers were disseminated at all 1,800 New York City Public Schools locations. Additionally, anti-subway surfing posters and palm cards were distributed to schools in
proximity to the J, M, Z, and 7 train lines, which garner the most subway surfing complaints.
“Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” includes public service announcements in stations recorded by students; digital signage across stations; student-created graphics and animations; posters and banners across stations and distributed in schools; physical palm cards distributed at schools and in stations;
school swag including planners, pens and pencils, notepads, and sticky notes; social media posts across platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the form of posts, reels/shorts, and influencer collaborations; distribution of new student MetroCards accompanied by a “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” palm cards; and anti-surfing messages on the back of some MetroCards for sale in subway station MetroCard vending machines. Meta, Google, and TikTok also made space available on their platforms to help amplify the new messaging campaign. Through a partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, Google also made space available for the campaign to play on YouTube.
In February, Adams announced a lawsuit against social media companies for the negative impacts they have had on young people. The lawsuit cited subway surfing as one of the examples. Filed in California Superior Court by the City of New York, the Department of Education, and NYC Health + Hospitals – seeks to hold the companies operating TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube accountable for their role in creating the youth mental health crisis in New York City. The lawsuit alleges that companies intentionally designed their platforms to manipulate and addict children and teens to social media applications.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Based on calls from concerned citizens, NYPD drone teams have saved more than 100 New Yorkers’ lives in last 12 months.
Couple Charged with Running Postal-Theft Operation
By Forum Staff
A Brooklyn man and his girlfriend have been charged with running a large-scale postal theft operation, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced.
Jamil Brown, 32, has been arraigned on a 152-count complaint charging him with criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, eight counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, 99 counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, 18 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, six counts of petit larceny, seven counts of attempted petit larceny, six counts of identity theft in the third degree and seven counts of attempted identity theft in the third degree.
Kadija Corke, 31, has been arraigned on a criminal complaint charging her with criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, eight counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree and 99 counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree.
According to the charges and investigation, on or about Sept. 19, 2024, a Laurelton resident attempted to use her credit card for a purchase, but the transaction was declined. After checking her account statements, the victim saw several unrecognized and unauthorized charges to the account. Several days prior, the victim had applied for an additional credit card in her husband’s name under the same account, which she never received.
An investigation was launched into the incident by the Queens District Attorney’s Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau and the NYPD’s Financial Crimes Task Force. Bank records revealed that the secondary card was mailed to the victim’s address and activated on Sept. 19 using a telephone number that was later linked to Brown.
After the fraudulent activation of the victim’s credit card, six unauthorized charges were made at various retail establishments including a Party City in Queens, a liquor store in Nassau County and a convenience store in the Bronx. The card was later declined after Brown allegedly tried using it at various restaurants and retailers in Brooklyn more than five times. Video surveillance obtained by law enforcement depicted Brown at various locations conducting the alleged fraudulent purchases, and historical location information provided by court order further revealed that Brown’s cell phone was present at the locations of the alleged fraudulent transactions.
On Oct. 28, at approximately 7 a.m., law enforcement officials executed a court-authorized search warrant inside Brown’s home, where he was found with Corke and arrested.
A total of 89 credit cards, 88 debit cards, 11 public benefit cards, 18 driver’s licenses and more than a dozen checks – including those made out to the St. Clare Catholic Academy in Laurelton, a plumbing and heating small business, a member of the Excavator’s Union and several checks issued to Queens residents by the U.S. Treasury Department – were recovered from the premises. None of the documents recovered was issued in the name of either of the defendants.
The approximate sum of all the seized funds is estimated to be in excess of $125,000.
Law enforcement officials also recovered 15 mobile phones, an embossing machine, a magnetic strip reader and encoding machine, printers and check-printing stock, and other items consistent with creating false documents and credit/debit cards. The investigation further revealed that Brown placed a total of 352 telephone calls since January 2024 to toll free numbers connected to automated systems and customer service lines for EBT cards, Chase Bank, TD Bank and American Express.
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Let’s face it…summer is gone and all of a sudden the holidays are upon us.
Stores just took down their Halloween displays, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are both in full display mode. There's no better advice about maintaining your holiday health than to avoid stress. It impedes your health and interferes with having a great time.
Arguably, it's the hardest time of the year to keep things down to a low roar.
Hectic schedules, social events and family gatherings to attend, shopping ventures and decorating.
At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can interfere. Holidays can have psychological consequences for some people and chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, leading to unwanted weight gain.
Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays.
Parties can expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you're not used to, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating.
Weight gained now is difficult to shed come January, with colder temperatures challenging many peoples’ motivation to exercise.
Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.
You can still feel your best during the holidays. Follow these tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
• Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu. Get a flu shot so you are ready for cold and flu season.
• Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.
• Balance your activities. Don't over book. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do.
Borough Finest Remembered as ‘Exceptional Officer’
• Keep up an exercise routine. Early morning is a good time to exercise because you may have to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.
City Police Officer Christian Gonzalez died suddenly on Thursday while off duty. The NYPD has not released the cause of the 104th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officer’s death.
• Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities. Save indulgences for holiday treats and eat sensibly otherwise.
“We’ll always remember his bright smile, big belly laugh, and his willingness to help those in need. Christian, your 104 family loves you. We’re broken without you. Rest easy kid; we’ll never forget you,” Gonzalez’s fellow Finest posted to Twitter.
• Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings. Until next week...
City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) called Gonzalez “an exceptional officer dedicated to serving our community. His untimely passing is deeply felt by all.”
Photo Courtesy of NYPD
Photos Courtesy of DA Katz
Law enforcement officials recovered several items consistent with creating false documents and credit/debit cards from Brown’s residence.
Two Settlements Announced in Ongoing Cases against 30 Companies for Prescription Drug Price Fixing
By Forum Staff
Fift y attorneys general on Friday announced settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and Apotex Inc. totaling $49.1 million for their roles in a massive, longrunning scheme to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and restrict trade for dozens of generic prescription drugs. The companies in the scheme, some of which increased prices by 1,000 percent, manufactured essential medications to treat diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer to ADHD. As part of the settlements, both companies have agreed to cooperate in ongoing multistate investigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have also agreed to implement internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.
The settlements are the result of two lawsuits fi led by the Office of State Attorney General Tish James and a coalition of attorneys general against some of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies. The first complaint, fi led in 2016, included Heritage and 17 other corporate defendants, two individual defendants, and 15 generic drugs. Two former executives from Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Jeff rey Glazer and Jason Malek, have since entered into settlement agreements and are cooperating with the states’ investigations. The second complaint was fi led in 2019 against Teva Pharmaceuticals and 19 of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers. The complaint names 16 individual senior executives as defendants. The third complaint was fi led in 2020 against Sandoz and 18 other of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers, in addition to 10 individual defendants.
The lawsuits allege these companies engaged in a broad, coordinated, and systematic conspiracy to fix prices, avoid competition, and rig bids for more than 100 different generic drugs. The companies maintained an interconnected web of industry executives where these competitors met with each other during industry dinners, “girls’ nights out,” lunches, cocktail parties, and golf outings, and communicated via frequent telephone calls, emails, and text messages that sowed the seeds for their illegal agreements. Defendants used terms like “fair share,” “playing nice in the sandbox,” and “responsible competitor” to describe how they unlawfully discouraged com-
petition, raised prices, and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion.
The drugs included in the scheme span all types, including tablets, capsules, creams, and ointments; and classes, including antibiotics, anti-depressants, contraceptives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They treat a range of diseases and conditions from basic infections to diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV, ADHD, and more. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were over 1,000 percent. Digoxin, an essential heart medication manufactured by Heritage, tripled in price, causing patients to pay hundreds of dollars more for the drug.
The cases stem from an investigation built on evidence from several cooperating witnesses at the core of the conspiracy, a massive database of over 20 million documents, and a phone records database containing millions of call detail records and contact information for over 600 sales and pricing individuals in the generics industry.
A motion for preliminary approval of the $10 million settlement with Heritage was fi led Thursday in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. A settlement with Apotex for $39.1 million is contingent upon obtaining signatures from all necessary states and territories and will be finalized and fi led in the U.S. District Court.
Consumers who purchased a generic prescription drug manufactured by either Heritage or Apotex between 2010 and 2018 may be eligible for compensation. To determine eligibility, call (866) 290-0182, email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit AGGenericDrugs.com.
Council Announces ‘City for All’ Housing Plan
By Forum Staff
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on Friday announced City for All, the legislative body’s housing plan to “holistically” address New Yorkers’ wide range of housing challenges with policy actions and investments.
The council plan promises to advance a more affordable, livable, and sustainable city for all New Yorkers, calling for deeper affordability in housing, increased affordable homeownership and housing preservation efforts, investments in community infrastructure, stronger tenant protections, better use of housing vouchers, and increased capacity for housing agencies. The housing proposal is the council’s response to Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes zoning-reform plan, which, according to the speaker, lacks “complementary housing investments and policies that confront the housing issues facing New Yorkers and their neighborhoods.” City for All calls for:
Deepen Affordability of Housing Production
• Significantly Increase Funding in HPD Five-Year Capital Plan for Affordable Housing Programs and Deeper Affordability
• Deepen Affordability Targets
• Make Deep Affordability Option 3 of MIH StandAlone
• Require Affordability in Large Transit Oriented Developments and Town Center Developments
• Strengthen Support for Faith- and CommunityBased Organizations Affordable Housing Development
• Increase Funding and Support to Strengthen Community Land Trusts
Support Affordable Homeownership
• Double funding for HPD HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program
• Expand Funding for HPD HomeFix to provide
financing to working- and middle-class homeowners for maintenance and repairs to preserve homeownership
• Increase Affordable Homeownership Production through increased funding
• Increase Funding of Legal Services for Homeowners
Invest in Infrastructure to Support Growth
• Commit Significant Capital Funding for DEP Infrastructure, Open Space and Street Upgrades
• Make increased investments in public transit, including infrastructure, access to reduced fare programs, bus service, etc.
Strengthen Affordable Housing Preservation
• Significantly Increase Capital Funding for NYCHA Section 9 Units
• Increase Funding for HPD Preservation
• Incentivize Return of Vacant Units
• Significantly Increase Funding for Mitchell-Lamas Preservation
Bolster Utilization of Housing Vouchers
• Use Vouchers to Help New Yorkers at Greatest Risk and Fix Bureaucratic Issues
• Establish Voucher Incentives and Set-Asides
• Significantly Increase Funding to Combat Housing Discrimination
Protect Tenants
• Significantly Enhance Right to Counsel Funding
• Restore and Strengthen Anti-Harassment Tenant Protection (AHTP) Program
• Increase Funding for Non-profit Tenant Organizing
Fund Housing Agency Capacity
• Enhance HPD Development Capacity
• Strengthen DOB and HPD Housing Inspections
• Increase Funding for Neighborhood Plans
The Big Apple is facing a severe housing crisis, with a citywide housing vacancy rate of 1.4 percent– the lowest percentage since 1968. The lack of housing is greatest for the most affordable homes, and most New York City renters are rent-burdened (paying 30 percent or more of their income on rent). Record homelessness, rising evictions, and widespread housing insecurity are impacting New Yorkers across the city, resulting in less safety and stability for communities.
“In order to ensure everyone in our city has safe and stable housing to continue contributing to the strength of our city and its economy, we must go beyond zoning reforms to address all the unrelenting housing pressures that leave New Yorkers struggling to afford finding or staying in homes,” Speaker Adams said.
Photo Courtesy of Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit “[W]e must go beyond zoning reforms to address all the unrelenting housing pressures,” Speaker Adams said.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Chaos
The settlements total $49.1 million.
Addabbo to Host Living Well with Diabetes Workshop in Ozone Park
By Forum Staff
For the second consecutive year, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is set to host a diabetes awareness workshop. The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, located at 101-41 91st St. in Ozone Park.
Attendees will experience a live cooking demonstration, featuring diabetes-friendly recipes that can be easily recreated at home. Nutritional insights and practical tips for managing diabetes will also be provided. Additionally, guests will learn about sustainable farming and how to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables. There will also be light exercises to meet diabetic needs and further promote a healthier lifestyle.
Addabbo will be joined by Cornell Cooperative Extension, Queens County Farm Museum, GrowNYC, and Catholic Health/St. Francis Hospital. The event is co-sponsored by Ozone Park-Woodhaven Kiwanis and Ozone Park-Howard BeachWoodhaven Lions Club.
“Our goal is to empower those living with diabetes, along with their families and caregivers. We want to provide the
knowledge and resources you need to make informed health decisions, all while enjoying a fun, interactive experience,” said Addabbo. “Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a seasoned veteran in managing diabetes, or simply curious about this widespread condition, our Diabetes Information Session is not to be missed. Join us for an informational, fun journey of learning how to be healthier.”
File Photo
Addabbo at last year’s diabetes awareness event in Woodhaven.
Photo Courtesy of Google
This year’s workshop is set for Nov. 20 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Ozone Park.
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Adams Issues Citywide Drought Watch, Urges New Yorkers to Start Conserving Water
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday issued a citywide drought watch amid a historic lack of precipitation, ordering City agencies to update water conservation plans and prepare to implement them, and urging the public to help conserve every possible drop.
The announcement comes as the Big Apple concludes a historically dry October, which saw the second-longest dry streak in City records dating back to 1869. Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in city reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage, Adams noted.
A drought watch is the first of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. As conditions continue to evolve, the city may declare a drought warning or, subsequently, a drought emergency, which involve escalating requirements to reduce water usage at city agencies and on New Yorkers.
Keeping reservoir levels high is even more important given the City’s current repair work on the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project, the Department of Environmental Protection’s largest-ever infrastructure repair project that will prevent a decades-old, 35-million-gallonper-day leak under the Hudson River. During the ongoing final phase of
“[W]e
construction — which includes connecting a 2.5-mile parallel tunnel to bypass the leak — DEP is drawing on increased amounts of drinking water coming from the Croton Watershed, the city’s oldest upstate water supply. However, the watershed has seen below-average rainfall over the last month — receiving only .81 inches of rain this October, compared to historical averages of 3.81 inches of rain for the month. DEP will continue to analyze current and forecasted reservoir levels for their impacts to the project.
Adams has urged all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Some tips include:
• Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311. An open hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, which wastes 1.4 million gallons of drinking water in a 24-hour cycle.
• Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily. According to the EPA, toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption. Each flush
can use 1.6 gallons, with older models using as much as 6 gallons.
• Take shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons a minute. When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
• Don’t run the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.
• Fix leaks. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Use short cycles if available. Turn off the water while washing dishes.
• Install water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with a hose.
“October was the driest October on record, which has resulted in minimal inflow to replenish the reservoirs,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala. “Because of this, a drought watch has been declared, and we must now take immediate action. All of us who rely on the city’s water supply, including 8.3 million consumers in the city and another 1.5 million upstate, must make concerted efforts to conserve water.”
Borough President’s Office Awarded $1M Federal Violence Against Women Act Grant
By Forum Staff
The office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards has been awarded a $1 million grant from the federal Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women to improve criminal justice responses to domestic- and gender-based violence in The World’s Borough.
This is the second time that Richards’ office has been selected for the Improving Criminal Justice Response grant from a large pool of applicants and after a competitive solicitation process. With this grant, Richards noted, the office will be partnering with non-profit organizations Barrier Free Living and Safe Horizon, as well as the Queens District Attorney’s Office, to create programming that will address our criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and more.
Such programming is already underway, as Barrier Free Living hosted a training for criminal justice system professionals last week at Queens Borough Hall on addressing the needs of individuals with disabili-
ties who have been impacted by domestic violence.
Richards will also host a Stalking Prevention and Intervention Training in January to mark Stalking Awareness Month.
“The goal is not only to have better outcomes for our survivors, but also to give our first responders the resources they need to address these cases as best they can,” Richards said. “We can only do that by working together.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz added, “No one should live in fear, and no one should suffer the trauma of intimate partner violence. This $1 million Department of Justice grant will save lives and help us respond to the needs of survivors.”
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
must now take immediate action,” Commissioner Aggarwala said.
Photo Courtesy of BP Richards Borough President Richards will host a Stalking Prevention and Intervention Training in January to mark Stalking Awareness Month.
Meng Spreads Word about Free Outdoor Dining Setups in Queens
By Forum Staff
Congresswoman Grace Meng (DFlushing), City Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross, and Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech visited restaurants in Elmhurst last weekend to continue spreading the word about free outdoor dining setups that are available through federal funding that Meng secured.
Under the “Dining Out in District 6” program, 60 Queens restaurants are eligible to receive new code-compliant, no-cost outdoor dining setups paid for with $2 million that Meng obtained in last year’s government spending package.
“Restaurants continue to be crucial to Queens, helping to serve as the engine of our borough’s economy, and as the daughter of former restaurant owners in the area, I know firsthand the important role they play in our communities,” Meng said. “I am proud to have secured these funds to help restaurants succeed while providing the public with the experience of dining al fresco. I continue to encourage restaurants in my congressional district to take advantage of this free money that I brought back from the nation’s capital, and I’m excited to continue making additional eating and drinking establishments aware of it. Thank you to Commissioner Gross for partnering with me on this effort, and going door-to-door with me and our teams
to inform restaurant owners about this critical program.”
The initiative is administered by SBS and the City Department of Transportation, and several local restaurants have already received funding since Meng and City officials unveiled the program in Jackson Heights in June. But money is still available for many more establishments.
In addition to visiting restaurants in Elmhurst, staff from SBS and Meng’s office visited establishments in Forest Hills, Flushing and Woodside. SBS personnel
also visited and contacted restaurants throughout other parts of Meng’s district. Dining Out in District 6 is part of Dining Out NYC, the City’s permanent outdoor dining program that was launched in March.
“The ‘Dining Out in District 6’ program contributes to equity of opportunity in Queens by helping local restaurants, many owned by immigrant New Yorkers, expand their service options,” Gross said.
“Thanks to Congresswoman Meng’s support, these businesses will create invit-
ing and compliant outdoor dining spaces without the cost of materials and installation. This program underscores SBS's commitment to empowering small businesses, enhancing our neighborhoods, and creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Congresswomen Meng’s support has helped SBS create a model intervention that can be replicated in every district across the city.”
Grech added, “Queens’ restaurants are more than just top dining destinations—they create jobs, celebrate our diverse cultures, and offer spaces that unite our communities. Thanks to Congresswoman Meng and this innovative partnership with SBS, our local eateries can enhance their outdoor dining offerings at no cost—keeping Queens vibrant, accessible, and competitive. This program is a tremendous resource for businesses, and we’re excited to help execute this important grant opportunity. I encourage all eligible restaurants to apply and join in expanding the outdoor dining experience across Queens.”
To receive free outdoor dining kits, restaurants must be located in Meng’s 6th Congressional District. Restaurateurs are encouraged to visit congress.gov/member/district/grace-meng/M001188 to see if their eatery is located in the 6th CD. Those that are interested should fill out an interest form online or call SBS at (888) SBS-4NYC.
MTA to Hold Next 2025–2029 Capital Plan Open House in Jamaica
By Michael V. Cusenza
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Friday announced it will host the second in a series of Open Houses on the 2025–2029 Capital Plan. This Open House will take place at the Queens Public Library in Jamaica, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The Open House will feature an exhibition of informational posters, pamphlets, and videos explaining key elements of the Capital Plan, and agency representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Information will also be available on career opportunities at the MTA, business opportunities for Minority-, Women-, Disadvantaged-, and Service-Disabled Veteranowned firms, and fare discount programs.
"We can't wait to tell Queens residents all about the investments our new Capital Plan will make in their transit system," said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "From signal modernization on the Broadway line, to advancing the Interborough Express, and more, we'll use this Open House to share our progress in delivering projects
better, faster, and cheaper than ever."
According to the MTA, the Capital Plan is a historic $68.4 billion investment in the region’s subways, buses, railroads, bridges, and tunnels over the next five years. It includes targeted investments to rebuild, improve, and expand the MTA system. It will put the system on a path to a state of good repair, including investments in railcars, power, pump rooms, maintenance facilities, and signals, officials said.
Among the highlights of the plan is the
allocution of $2.75 billion for the Interborough Express. The IBX would transform a lightly used freight railway into a light-rail line serving almost 1 million nearby residents and connecting 17 subway lines, more than 50 bus routes and Long Island Rail Road. The IBX line would provide fast transit service for dozens of communities from Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights and neighborhoods in between, while preserving the existing freight service along the corridor. IBX will significantly cut travel times between
Brooklyn and Queens destination – by 30 percent between Bushwick and Brooklyn Army Terminal, for example, or 35 percent between Flushing and Brooklyn College. MTA officials have said the IBX will “dramatically increase” transit options in historically underserved lowincome communities – including communities farther away from the subway and LIRR system like East Flatbush and Maspeth – and give them better access to jobs, school and other opportunities.
The authority noted that it has already advanced conceptual engineering studies to reduce the project’s cost – for example, minimizing bridge reconstruction and reducing the size of stations. Further value engineering will be pursued during the upcoming project design phase.
“I talk a lot about MTA’s importance to the region, but it’s no exaggeration. For New Yorkers, transit is like air and water – we need it to survive. And as anyone who was around in the 1980s can tell you, better transit is one of the best ways to improve quality of life and economic opportunity in this region,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “The future rides with us.”
Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng Meng, Gross and Grech visit an Elmhurst restaurant.
Rendering Courtesy of MTA
A conceptual image of the Interborough Express.
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