VOL. 21 • NUMBER 24 • OCTOBER 21, 2021
ON ‘DE’ MONEY City Employees to Receive Extra $500 in Paycheck for Getting Vax Shot at City-run Site: Mayor
See Story on Page 2
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday also noted that all City workers, excluding uniformed Correction officers, are required to have at least one vaccine dose by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
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City Workers Required to have at Least One Vax Dose by Oct. 29: Mayor
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Officee
“As we continue our recovery for all of us, City workers have been a daily inspiration. Now is the time for them to show their city the path out of this pandemic once and for all,” Mayor de Blasio said.
By Michael V. Cusenza Starting Wednesday, Oct. 20, City employees will receive an extra $500 in their paycheck for receiving their first shot at a City-run vaccination site, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday morning. This benefit will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, by which point City employees are required to have proof of at least one dose. Unvaccinated employees will be placed on unpaid leave until they show proof of vaccination to their supervisor, de Blasio added.
“There is no greater privilege than serving the people of New York City, and that privilege comes with a responsibility to keep yourself and your community safe,” Hizzoner said. “We have led the way against COVID-19 – from fighting for the right to vaccinate frontline workers, to providing nation-leading incentives, to creating the Key to NYC mandate. As we continue our recovery for all of us, City workers have been a daily inspiration. Now is the time for them to show their city the path out of this pandemic once and for all.” Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi, M.D., signed a Commissioner’s Order on
File Photoe
Seventy-one percent of the workers affected by this mandate have already received at least one vaccine dose, according to the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Wednesday to formalize the mandate, which will immediately apply to approximately 160,500 City workers. Seventy-one percent of the workers affected by this mandate have already received at least one vaccine dose. Department of Education and New York City Health and Hospitals workers have been subject to vaccination mandates since late September; today, vaccination rates at DOE and H+H are 96 percent and 95 percent, respectively. The new mandate is effective on Nov. 1 to the entire municipal workforce, including all NYPD, FDNY, and DSNY employees. Civilian employees of the Department of Correction
and uniformed members assigned to healthcare settings are also immediately subject to the mandate. Other uniformed members at DOC will be subject to mandate effective Dec. 1, as the City works to address the ongoing staffing situation on Rikers Island. The City will begin impact bargaining with affected unions immediately, de Blasio noted. “We encourage all our members to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families. The proposed mandate must be collectively bargained and we expect City Hall to slow down and sit down with us,” DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido said.
Addabbo, Resorts World Reunite for Three-Day Virtual Job Fair safe,” Addabbo said. “This event holds even more importance now, with so many New Yorkers having lost their jobs during the pandemic. In this world of Zoom meetings, I believe jobseekers will have an easy time navigating the site and virtually interacting with the companies.” Some of the participating companies include: • Treasure Island Management • GoodTemps • New York City Community Bank • Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center • New York State Police Job Seekers can register for the event today, and then enter the job fair on the days of the event at this link: https://bit.ly/2XLApD5.
It is suggested that job seekers dress professionally, especially if they plan to appear on camera for any virtual live-chats with the company representatives. “It may seem tough right now to get a good job, but companies are hiring and looking for the best and brightest,” Addabbo added. “This is the perfect chance to find job opportunities with some amazing companies and organizations, all from the safety of your home on your computer, laptop, phone or tablet. I want to thank Resorts World NYC for their continued partnership with the job fair event, as well as Keeper of the Brand for helping us bring out event back to the digital platform. I wish everyone much success in finding a job!” For more information about this event, contact Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111.
Photo Courtesy of NY State Senate
“This is the perfect chance to find job opportunities with some amazing companies and organizations, all from the safety of your home on your computer, laptop, phone or tablet,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Resorts World NYC are once again going virtual for this year’s job fair. The 2021 Virtual Job Fair will be a 3-day online event running from Tuesday, Oct. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 28. Each day during the event, jobseekers will be able to log on and search through all the registered companies from several different fields across the tri-state area. Through the online portal, job seekers will be able to register for the event, create their profile by uploading a photo and their resume,
browse job listings from over 100 companies once the virtual lobby opens, while meeting and chatting with company representatives about their job listings and have any questions they may have answered in the Interactive Hiring Room. Candidates will be able to log in to the event from their phone, tablet or computer to apply for open positions from all of the companies in one convenient location. “After the success of last year’s Virtual Job Fair, Resorts World NYC and I decided that with COVID still around, we would go back to Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo a virtual format for this popular event in order to Visit https://app.premiervirtual.com/events/708cf51e-34ab-4831-ad9d-51aded90b789/new-york-statekeep all jobseekers and company representatives senator-joseph-p-addabbo-jr-2021-virtual-job-fair-new-york-state/attendee to register for the job fair.
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Five Proposals on This Year’s Ballot
There are five proposals on this year’s general election ballot.
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Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
The second proposal would establish a person’s right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment. It would require that state and Next month, in addition to political candidates, local governments and businesses consider the there will be five proposals on the general election environmental impacts of decision-making policies. ballot. Currently, 43 states have some form of environmental consideration in their state constitutions, but New State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) York would become the third state to consider a recently explained each proposal. clean environment a civil right. By Michael V. Cusenza
“These ballot proposals are very important as they will shape the way we vote, the district lines, how the City Civil Court operates, and our relationship to the environment,” the senator said. “I’ve had some constituents who received their absentee ballots come to my office asking about these proposals and what they mean. I believe it is vital that voters know and understand what they are being asked to vote on. Please use this guide to learn more about the proposals and form an opinion before heading into the voting booth.”
The third proposal looks to allow the State Legislature to enact laws allowing a citizen to register to vote less than 10 days before an election. As of right now, 20 other states allow for same-day voter registration.
The fourth ballot proposal would delete the absentee ballot requirement that a voter is unable to appear at the polls if absent from the country, or due to an illness or disability. This means that any qualified voter could request an absentee ballot for a Primary or General Election with no reason required. Currently, 34 states and Washington D.C. The first ballot proposal relates to redistricting; do not require reasons to request an absentee ballot. it is a constitutional amendment that would freeze the number of state Senators at 63. It also looks to The final proposal looks to increase the New amend the process for the counting of New York York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction by allowing it State’s population, delete certain provisions that to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000. The violate the United States Constitution, amends current limit for the NYC Civil Court is $25,000, the procedures for appointing co-directors of and it was last changed in 1983. redistricting commission, and amend the procedure “These are just the list and explanation of for determining congressional and state legislative the proposals that will appear on your ballot on lines. November 2,” Addabbo added. “If you need more This means that incarcerated individuals would information about these proposals, or want to know be counted at the residence where they last resided, my stance on any of them as a State senator, please for the purpose of redistricting Native Americans call my office at (718) 738-1111. Be sure to do your and non-citizens would be counted for the NY research, consider each ballot proposal and vote on Census if the Federal Census does not count them. these important issues this November.”
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Cache of Ghost Guns Seized at Rosedale Home By Forum Staff A Rosedale couple has been charged with allegedly stockpiling illegal, untraceable “ghost” guns in their home, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday. Lissette Espinal, 32, and Ricardi Kiem, 31, were arraigned Friday on a 39-count criminal complaint charging them with criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree, criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree, attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, make/transport/dispose/deface weapons and dangerous instruments, firearms; unlawful possession of pistol or revolver ammunition and prohibition on unfinished frames and receivers. Espinal and Kiem were ordered to return to court on Nov. 3. As alleged, police were conducting an on-going investigation and requested a search warrant on Oct. 12 for Kiem’s home. On Thursday, law enforcement executed the court-authorized warrant on the Hook Creek home where both defendants were present, along with their 10-year-old daughter. Tools and contraband were also allegedly recovered from the defendants’ bedroom and there were also firearms and components of firearms found in the dresser drawer of the 10-year-old child’s bedroom. According to the charges, police seized
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
“We will continue to relentlessly go after back street gun dealers to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DA Katz said.
the following items from the basement-level residence: • 5 fully assembled 9mm pistols • 1 fully assembled .22 caliber pistol • All parts required to assemble 3 additional 9mm pistols, including 3 complete lower receiver and 3 upper receivers • 2 polymer 80 AR-15 lower receivers and 1 serialized Anderson AM15
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AR-15 lower receiver • 1 additional complete lower receiver • 1 additional complete upper receiver • 4 large capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition • Approximately 650 rounds of ammunition of various calibers for use
in pistols including 9mm and .22 caliber ammunition • 19 magazines for 9mm pistols capable of holding 10 rounds of ammunition • 1 magazine for 9mm pistol capable of holding 6 rounds of ammunition • 3 magazines for .22 caliber pistols capable of holding 10 rounds of ammunition • 1 pistol conversion kit which allows a pistol to be converted into a firearm with the characteristics of an assault weapon • Several firearm-related components and parts for assembling and manufacturing pistols and assaults weapons • Mail and other items with the name of defendant Kiem and the address of the residence Katz said assembly and storage of the firearms were allegedly in plain view of the child in the home they all shared. The City’s License and Permit database showed that Kiem does not have a license to possess or own firearms in the five boroughs and he is also not licensed to carry a firearm. “Ghost guns are essentially homemade weapons that can be assembled by anyone without background checks or any other oversight,” Katz added. “Those who seek to enrich themselves by selling these deadly firearms are literally lining their pockets with blood money. Take this warning seriously: We will continue to relentlessly go after back street gun dealers to keep our neighborhoods safe.” If convicted, Espinal and Kiem face up to 20 years in prison.
More than 700 City Arts Events this Month
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
CHRONIC CONDITIONS CAN LOWER YOUR TOLERANCE TO COLD WEATHER If you wonder why you’ve become more sensitive to cold weather, you should be aware that certain chronic conditions could definitely contribute to that. If you or a loved one suffer from anemia, anorexia, blood vessel problems, such as Raynaud Phenomenon,chronic severe illness, general poor health, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or a problem with the hypothalamus But you can adjust to stay warm during the upcoming winter months and we’d like to tell you just how to do that. Wear Smart Layers
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“The arts are the heart and soul of New York City,” Mayor de Blasio said.
By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced the culmination of the New York City Artist Corps program with several showcases and hundreds of individual events happening across the boroughs this month. Coinciding with National Arts and Humanities Month, the City Artist Corps Showcases are a citywide celebration driven by this once-ina-generation investment in the city’s artists as a way of reconnecting residents to arts and culture and fostering a fair, equitable, and vibrant recovery for all, de Blasio said. “The arts are the heart and soul of New York City, and City Artist Corps takes a page from the WPA for how to support creative workers as a way of fostering a fair, equitable, creative recovery for all,” Hizzoner said. “All month long, City Artist Corps members have been fanning out across the five boroughs, connecting with their neighbors and fellow New Yorkers and reminding us all of the amazing community we can create when we come together and participate in our city’s unrivaled cultural life.” The New York City Artist Corps Showcases being held this October are: Queens Theatre Showcase | October 16-17 and October 23-24 Queens Theatre is an organizing and venue partner for the New York City Artist Corps, working with over 30 artists as they present their projects to the public. The Clemente Showcase | Through October 31 The Clemente will feature more than 30 events by City Artist Corps members in film, performance, dance, music, and pop-up exhibitions. Street Lab Showcase | Multiple Locations through October 29 Street Lab is creating opportunities for City Artist Corps
members to exhibit, perform, and showcase their work outdoors in restaurant sheds in partnership w ith Chelsea Market, as well as in other public spaces across the city alongside Street Lab programs and w ith community partners. National Sawdust Showcase | October 25-28 National Sawdust will host performance showcases for 12 recipients of the City Artist Corps grants. LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Showcase | October 27-29 LPAC will present City Artist Corps Showcases in a festival format in their Little Theater. OpenCultureWORKS Showcase | Multiple Locations through October 30 OpenCultureWORKS Showcases are presented by NYC Department of Transportation and will feature City Artist Corps members. “Artists are essential to the cultural spirit of our City and key contributors to New York’s recovery," said Taryn Sacramone, executive director of Queens Theatre. "Through the City Artist Corps, artists are able to re-engage with the public while receiving critical financial support to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Queens Theatre is proud of its role as the lead organizing partner for the initiative, and we hope the Showcases and other events happening throughout the City will remind all New Yorkers of the importance of the arts in keeping our City moving forward on a positive trajectory.” Beyond the showcase events, City Artist Corps members are putting on public engagements in parks, plazas, cafes, community venues, and other local, nontraditional art spaces across the city. See the full list of City Artist Corps members’ events happening through the end of October. View more information about all City Artist Corps programs at nyc.gov/ cityartistcorps.
be said. Except that keeping extras on hand in case they get wet is a great idea. Stay Warm Inside Staying warm inside the house is something you surely need to pay close attention to. It’s not just the chill of the outdoors that can lower your body temperature. Most importantly remember to leave the bare foot experience for the sand on the beach not your house. BYOB Well not exactly. Although a nice nip of brandy can surely take the chill out, we are not talking about that B. It’s always a great idea to have a blanket on hand for any outdoor event where you may have to sit outside in the cold. Toss your favorite fleece in the back of the car so you never forget it.
We’ve all been told to keep warmer by dressing in layers but an important suggestion that may go overlooked is that we have to be choosy about the layers. Don’t just pile them on. Choose fabric wisely. It should keep you warm There In addition to these suggestions, there but also not cause you to overheat. Use a base are also many items available for purchase, such layer with moisture wicking fabric, a middle for as hand and toe warmers that can be easily stored insulation and a top layer with water and wind or carried around with you. If you are home, protection. there is something very comforting about a hot More About the Fabric You Choose water bottle on your feet. Microwaveable grain Don’t pick cotton—especially to go right wraps also do the trick quite nicely; especially up against your skin. While it can be deceivingly pleasing are those that have an aromatherapy warm, it absorbs moisture and when you sweat, component. that will make you feel cold. Instead look to wool So please don’t sweat staying warm and and flannel. always remember if you have questions we are Never Leave Home Without Them happy to answer them for you. Hat, scarf and gloves.. Nothing else needs to Until next week! For your family’s prescription needs, please call
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Senator, Young Activists Spearhead Drive
Earlier this month, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) coordinated with young community activists Jacob Altamirano and Jamie Longo to collect food and feminine hygiene products to benefit those in need through the Hungry Monk Rescue Truck.
In addition to the food collected at Addabbo’s Middle Village office, Jacob was able to donate $2,000 worth of food to the Hungry Monk Rescue Truck that he earned on his own by recycling cans and bottles. Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
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Gillibrand Applauds Biden for Signing Bill to Designate Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail
President Joe Biden
Photo Courtesy of The White House
By Forum Staff President Joe Biden recently signed the September 11th National Memorial Trail bill to enable the Department of the Interior to assist in developing the trail route, signage, interpretative guides and educational materials for a 1,300-mile multiuse route that links the World Trade Center,
the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 Memorial. The Senate recently passed legislation by unanimous consent to support the development of this trail. It passed the House unanimously on July 29, 2021. “It’s been 20 years since the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks, and for many of us, the memories and heartbreak remain fresh. The September 11th National Memorial Trail will quite literally weave us closer together, honoring our lost loved ones, colleagues, and Americans from all walks of life, through beautiful greenways and monuments where we can hopefully find healing. I am grateful to President Biden for signing the bipartisan September 11th National Memorial Trail bill into law, and for my House colleagues Representatives Fitzpatrick, Connolly, and Beyer for their meaningful work,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand D-N.Y.). Starting at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, the Trail will extend northwest to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, PA. It will then continue east to New York City’s National September 11th Memorial and Museum. The Trail then heads south following the East Coast Greenway connecting to the 9/11 Memorial
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Garden of Reflection. From there, the trail connects to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and ultimately returns to the Pentagon Memorial. Currently, the 9/11 Memorial Trail is a patchwork
of about 55 percent off-road trails and 45 percent existing roads that connect the three 9/11 memorial sites in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
More than 50,000 Blocks Hand Swept by City Cleanup Corps
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City Cleanup Corps has handswept over 50,000 blocks, among several milestones achieved within six months of the program’s launch, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday. Since April 2021, de Blasio’s New Dealinspired economic recovery program has also removed 600,000 bags of trash, hosted 400,000 work shifts, repainted 900 defaced properties, and cleaned 25,000 rain gardens, among efforts to revitalize and refresh public areas in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. “City Cleanup Corps was created not only as an opportunity to get hard-working New Yorkers back on their feet, but also to fortify our commitment to the City's neighborhoods and communities,” de Blasio said. “With over 50,000 blocks cleaned, thousands of pounds of litter removed, and many other milestones met, City Cleanup Corps members are creating a clear, lasting impact that is being felt by New Yorkers and revitalizing the streets, parks, and public spaces that make our City great.” In response to Hurricane Ida, City Cleanup Corps members helped New Yorkers across the five boroughs clear debris from their residential properties damaged by the storm. “The efforts of the City Cleanup Corps have been instrumental in storm cleanup, pandemic recovery and the revitalization
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“The efforts of the City Cleanup Corps have been instrumental in storm cleanup, pandemic recovery and the revitalization of our city,” Sanitation Commissioner Ed Grayson said.
of our city,” said Middle Village native and Department of Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson. “On behalf of the nearly 10,000 NYC Sanitation employees who work hard to pick up 12,000 tons of residential refuse every day, I thank the City Cleanup Corps for their partnership in our shared mission of keeping our city clean and safe for all.” Howard Beach resident and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza added, “The City Cleanup
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Corps has been a terrific help in ensuring the City’s drainage infrastructure is operating as efficiently as possible. The Cleanup Corps has helped to clear trash and debris from catch basins and curbside rain gardens across the city. This is an important reminder that all New Yorkers can play a part in making New York a more livable city and support our drainage system by not littering on our streets.” “Congratulations to the City Cleanup Corps on their impressive milestone
of hand-sweeping over 50,000 blocks across the city in only six months,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “I would like to personally thank this amazing group for helping to clean the Addabbo Memorial Bridge and the surrounding area. Since the maintenance and condition of this area in my district became a main concern for my constituents, having the City Cleanup Corps there cleaning the bridge and adjacent areas has been a great improvement for the community. I wish them continued success in the future.” Alex Zablocki, executive director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, said, “In Jamaica Bay and Rockaway parks, City Cleanup Corps members are hard at work removing graffiti, painting benches and fences, removing trash and weeds from our parks, and beautifying spaces millions of New Yorkers enjoy annually. Throughout these parks, Corps members are working to lift their communities up and revitalize public spaces, leading our city's recovery forward.” The New York City Cleanup Corps is revitalizing neighborhoods and public spaces across the five boroughs while creating 10,000 jobs for New York City residents. Jobs with flexible hours and competitive hourly rates are still available. Learn more and apply today at https://nyc. gov/ccc.
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Pol Releases Report on How Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is Shortchanging NY Borrowers By Forum Staff U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Thursday released her original report on the shortcomings of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and how it has failed to bring relief to New York borrowers pursuing public service careers. While the program was created to alleviate student loan debt for individuals committed to public service careers for 10 years, PSLF has been plagued by administrative errors and eligibility restrictions that have prevented many Americans from receiving the forgiveness they were promised and have earned. In fact, since its inception, only approximately 1 percent of all public servants who have applied for the program have received loan forgiveness due to flawed implementation and confusing program requirements. Coupled with the release of her report, Gillibrand is pushing for passage of the What You Can Do for Your Country Act, which would expand PSLF eligibility so that every type of federal loan and repayment plan is included in the program – including FFEL program loans – and would provide a partial forgiveness benefit after five years. Topline findings from Senator Gillibrand’s report revealed the following:
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“Since its inception, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program has failed to help ease the student debt burden for our nation’s public servants,” Sen. Gillibrand said.
• 1 out of every 14 PSLF participants denied loan forgiveness lives in New York. • Only 1.2 percent of PSLF participants in New York have had their loans forgiven. • PSLF participants in New York still owe more than $8 billion, representing nearly 10% of all outstanding federal student debt in the state. PSLF’s shortcomings are particularly apparent in New York, which has one of the largest populations of federal, state,
and local government employees in the U.S. As of March 2021, New Yorkers’ total federal student loan debt portfolio stood at $91.9 billion. Of that, $8.3 billion – nearly one-tenth – is held by PSLF borrowers with eligible employment who are awaiting forgiveness. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program was established in 2007 to help more students choose careers in public service. The program provides loan forgiveness to eligible Direct Loan
borrowers after 10 years of working full-time for federal, state, local, or tribal governments, and certain nonprofit organizations. Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for fixes to the PSLF program, especially throughout the duration of the pandemic when essential public service professionals were serving on the front lines. In May of 2021, Gillibrand, alongside U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (DVA) and Congressman John Sarbanes (DMD), led more than 50 Senate and House colleagues in a letter to the Department of Education calling for increased support for the nation’s public service workers who served on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. “Since its inception, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program has failed to help ease the student debt burden for our nation’s public servants. As a result, millions of social workers, service members, health care workers, public defenders, and others have been denied the support they earned through their hard work and service to our communities,” Gillibrand said. “New Yorkers disproportionately bear this burden, representing an outsized share of the borrowers denied PSLF forgiveness and carrying more than $8 billion in unforgiven debt.”
Far Rockaway Man Sentenced to up to 17 Years in Prison for Fatal Crash Thompson lost control of the automobile. He veered off the road at 97 miles per hour and crashed through a metal fence, drove through a field and hit a thicket of trees at a speed of 74 miles per hour. When police arrived at the scene, Thompson was outside of the car and informed the responding officers that his passenger was still inside the BMW. Jolenna Favor had severe head and body trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. The DA said police at the scene noticed Thompson exhibiting signs of intoxication. He had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Thompson refused to submit to a chemical test to determine his blood alcohol level. However,
“This selfish act of driving while drunk puts everyone on the road at risk,” DA Katz said.
By Forum Staff A Far Rockaway man has been sentenced to up to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide charges. Nicholas Thompson, 36, hit speeds up to 97 mph while driving drunk. A 32-year-old woman riding with Thompson was killed when the car crashed through a metal fence and into a grove of trees in Far Rockaway in September 2020, Queens District Attorney
a court-ordered blood test showed Thompson’s blood alcohol content was almost twice the legal limit of .08. In the course of their investigation, police also determined the defendant’s driver’s license had previously been revoked based on multiple prior convictions for driving while intoxicated in Pennsylvania in March 2015. “The defendant was both intoxicated and speeding—a deadly combination—when he crashed through a fence and slammed into a tree, killing his passenger,” Katz said. “This selfish act of driving while drunk puts everyone on the road at risk. The sentence imposed by the court today punishes the defendant for the needless death of this woman.”
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Melinda Katz announced Thursday. Thompson pleaded guilty last month to aggravated vehicular homicide before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gene Lopez. Earlier Thursday, Lopez ordered Thompson to serve 8 1⁄2 to 17 years in prison. Katz said that around 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2020, Thompson was driving a BMW eastbound on Rockaway Boulevard. Thompson was going in excess of 90 miles per hour as he approached Brookville Boulevard. Moments later,
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Photo Courtesy of Google
Thompson was driving a BMW eastbound on Rockaway Boulevard. He was going in excess of 90 miles per hour as he approached Brookville Boulevard.
Queens DA Files Joint Motion to Vacate Conviction in 1995 Robbery notified of the fingerprint identification. At a consolidated trial in September 1997, Breland was also convicted of a second robbery under a separate indictment number. He was sentenced to a consecutive 15-year term for the second robbery under that indictment, which is not the subject of the joint motion. Because Breland has completed his 15-year term on the remaining indictment, he was released from prison Friday. “The discovery of new forensic evidence has raised serious questions about the
conviction of Mr. Breland more than two decades ago. The fingerprint report at issue did not exist at the time of Mr. Breland’s trial and was never forwarded to the District Attorney’s office. In light of the new evidence, justice requires vacating Breland’s conviction,” Katz said. “Our office has also taken steps to ensure that, in the future, similar fingerprint evidence developed by the NYPD Latent Print Section after a case is closed is forwarded to our office in a timely manner.”
Photo Courtesy of Google
At a consolidated trial in September 1997, Breland was also convicted of a second robbery under a separate indictment number.
By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Friday filed a joint motion with the defense to vacate Chad Breland’s conviction and 15-year sentence for a Nov. 27, 1995, armed robbery in Far Rockaway. The Hon. Michelle Johnson granted the joint motion and dismissed the indictment at the People’s request. The motion cited evidence uncovered by the DA’s Conviction Integrity Unit
that both implicates another man in the crime and undermines the identifications relied on at trial to convict Breland. The CIU’s investigation stemmed from the discovery of an April 2000 fingerprint report connecting another man to the crime scene. Other evidence developed in the CIU’s investigation further implicated this man (and not Breland) in the crime. Although the April 2000 fingerprint report was forwarded to the 101st Precinct and other NYPD officials at the time, the Queens District Attorney’s Office was never “In light of the new evidence, justice requires vacating Breland’s conviction,” Katz said.
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NJ Mom and Son Nabbed in Far Rockaway Squatting Scheme
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
DA Katz called Tanya and Trevon Howard “tenacious squatters.”
BY Forum Staff A New Jersey mother and son have been charged for allegedly assuming a prior owner’s identity in order to obtain false title papers and take possession of a home in Far Rockaway. The pair allegedly occupied the home on several occasions through September 2021, despite the rightful owners’ attempts to get them out, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.
Tanya Howard and her son, Trevon Howard, were arraigned Thursday on a seven-count complaint charging them with burglary in the second degree, grand larceny in the second degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, three counts of identity theft in the second degree and criminal trespass in the second degree. The defendants were ordered to return to court on Dec. 16. According to the charges, on several occasions in September 2021, Tanya Howard and her son Trevon allegedly forced their way into a house on Beach 15th Street near New Haven Avenue. The home already had two tenants who were renting from the legitimate owners. As alleged, the female defendant claimed to own the two-story brick house. The Howards moved in with their belongings and appliances and took control of several rooms on the first floor of the home. The renters—including an elderly, disabled individual—were cut off from using parts of the house, including the kitchen and bathrooms. Katz said on Sept. 18, the victims—a man and his mother who are the actual owners of the property—discovered the Howards and a third individual inside the house and contacted the police to remove them. When law enforcement arrived, Tanya Howard refused to vacate the premises and continued to insist she was the rightful
owner of the house. After being arrested, the defendants allegedly returned to the home and barged inside again, refusing to cede occupancy. On Sept. 2, 2021, Tanya Howard exploited the similarity between her name and that of the prior owner, Tanya L. Howard, and allegedly filed for a new title in both her and her son’s names with the Department of Finance Business Center in Queens. The true owners of the property purchased the house from Tanya L. Howard in 2019 for $500,000.
On Sept. 29, the male homeowner discovered Tanya M. Howard, her son Trevon Howard, and a teenager inside the house again. He called police and the pair was again arrested. “As alleged, the defendants in this case became tenacious squatters who repeatedly forced their way into a house they did not own and obtained a false deed to steal the property from the rightful owners,” Katz said. If convicted, Tanya and Trevon Howard each face up to 15 years in prison.
Photo Courtesy of Google
The defendants allegedly forced their way into a house on Beach 15th Street near New Haven Avenue in Far Rockaway.
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Legal Notices NYC EV MOBILITY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/30/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 33-24 Northern Blvd., 5th Fl., Long Island City, NY 11101, which is also the principal busines location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. WANG & MEI ENTERPRISE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 2820 214th Pl, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. WEDNESDAY NIGHT FILMS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/29/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:WEDNESDAY NIGHT FILMS, LLC, 1624 BELL BLVD.,BAYSIDE, NY 11360, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. LW REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/1321. 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 LW REALTY 0528, LLC, 136-31 41ST AVENUE, 4A, FLUSHING, NY, 11355, USA.Purpose: Any lawful purpose. T & Z LAUNDRY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/06/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 8935 155TH AVENUE #4E, HOWARD BEACH NY, 11414, USA.. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. DALEY DENTAL GEMS STUDIO BOUTIQUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/8/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: STACY DALEY, 80-11 161st. ST., JAMAICA, NY,11432, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. MIRACLES MADE PUBLISHING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/14/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: BARBARA CASTRO, 25504 61st AVE., LITTLE NECK, NY, 11362, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of blue beaver publishing LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/05/21. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 65-75 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to ARDLEE SIMON, 251-21 JERICHO TURNPIKE, BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6030 55TH ST. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/21/21. 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, 244-06 Van Zandt Avenue, Douglaston, NY 11362. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 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.
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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. 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.
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. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 13th day of OCTOBER 2021, bearing Index Number NC000623-21/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) GIACOMO (last) MANISCALCO. My present name is GIACOMO JACK MANISCALCO aka GIACOMO J. MANISCALCO. The city and state of my present address is GLENDALE, NEW YORK. The month and year of my birth are FEBRUARY 1959. The place of my birth is ITALY.
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