Queens Chronicle 01-01-2026

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 2

New year, new MTA transit fares, tolls Bus and subway rides $3 effective Jan. 4; OMNY in, MetroCard sales ended

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

S

everal long-awaited changes from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including a 10 -cent-per-r ide fare increase, will take effect Sunday, Jan. 4.

The base cost for subways, local buses and Access-A-Ride will rise from $2.90 to $3. The reduced fare will increase from $1.45 to $1.50.

The MTA also will stop selling MetroCards after Dec. 31.

“MetroCards will continue to be accepted into 2026, but you will no longer be able to buy or refill a MetroCard,” the MTA said in a statement on its website. “We recommend that you spend down the value on your MetroCard before it expires, but remaining balances will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement for two years after the expiration date on the MetroCard.”

Cash and coins will continue to be accepted at card vending machines in subway stations and at any of the 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards.

The automatic rolling seven-day fare cap for unlimited rides will become permanent on Jan. 4. People paying for 12 rides in a seven-day period will get any additional rides for free. At the base fare, no rider will pay more than $35 in a week. Reduced-fare customers will pay no more than $17.50 in a week.

New bus and subway fares will hit everyone at the Roosevelt Avenue-74th Street Transit hub in Jackson Heights and throughout the city.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON The express bus base fare will increase from $7 to $7.25. The reduced fare will go from $3.50 to $3.60.

The agency also is introducing a rolling fare cap for unlimited rides for customers who use the express bus network. Express bus riders will never pay more than $67 for unlimited express bus, local bus, and subway rides in any sevenday period. The single ride ticket will increase from $3.25 to $3.50.

The fee for a new OMNY card will increase to $2 when the MetroCard is no longer accepted for fare payment later in 2026.

“OMNY cards are more durable and last for up to 5 years,” according to the MTA. There will be no changes to discount policies for seniors, people with disabilities or students, or to the Paratransit Zero Fare.

For drivers, all toll rates will increase 7.5 percent at all facilities. That includes E-ZPass

and tolls by mail. The existing toll discount programs for Queens, Bronx and Staten Island residents will remain in effect.

As for the commuter railroads, the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth monthly and weekly tickets will increase up to 4.5 percent.

Even with that increase, monthly ticket prices will remain lower than they were pre-Covid and will not exceed $500, the MTA noted. All other ticket types will increase up to 8 percent.

A peak CityTicket will increase from $7 to $7.25 and off-peak CityTicket will rise from $5 to $5.25. That change will also apply to the Far Rockaway Ticket.

All one-way tickets in the city zones will match CityTicket prices, so no customer will pay more than $7.25 in the peak or $5.25 in the off-peak for travel within New York City.

The peak CityTicket and Far Rockaway Ticket will become permanent fare products.

There will be no increase to fares on MetroNorth West of Hudson lines or to and from stations in Connecticut.

The surcharge for tickets purchased onboard from a conductor will increase from $6 to $8.

There will be an equivalent surcharge for tickets purchased or activated onboard using the TrainTime app.

All one-way paper and mobile tickets on the commuter railroads will expire at 4 a.m. continued on page 12

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YEAR IN REVIEW

2025

SOUTH QUEENS: PART II

Impacts of promises and progress

Neighborhoods see new investments, approvals and changes

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The latter half of the year brought wins for South Queens — along with frustration, scrutiny and loss. From long-awaited investments in parks and infrastructure to clashes over cannabis licensing, zoning and public safety, 2025 forced residents and leaders alike to confront how decisions are made and whom they impact.

July Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) announced on July 2 that she had secured $4.5 million in funding to renovate the Walter Ward Playground, at 89th Street and 160th Avenue in Howard Beach, much to the excitement of area families. The land is adjacent to PS/MS 207, the Rockwood Park School, and serves as an outdoor play space for students there.

The state Office of Cannabis Management notified Community Board 9 on July 9 of its approval of a Woodhaven dispensary application the board had voted against back in May, but it was discovered that the agency issued a license to the business on April 3, prior to the board’s feedback — against the agency’s own protocol. It had also approved a dispensary within Community Board 10 in Howard Beach before that panel could give feedback.

The actions of OCM led area elected officials, including Ariola, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), to call for answers and clarity on procedures from the agency.

It was confirmed in a late July report that QueensWay, a Mayor Adams-supported plan to build a 47-acre park with 7 miles of greenway in Central Queens along the abandoned Rockaway Beach Long Island Rail Road tracks, had lost its federal funding under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. A spokesperson for QueensWay said the loss of funding could impact Phase 2 of its plan, but that the first phase of the project was fully funded. City Hall said it would evaluate pathways to keep QueensWay moving forward.

Councilmember Joann Ariola, left, and state Sen. James Sanders Jr., joined by two representatives of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, had a walkthrough of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach on Aug. 28 alongside city and state agencies to discuss how to address poor sanitary conditions there.

PHOTO COURTESY NYS SENATE / FILE The Panel for Educational Policy, the voting body overseeing the city’s public schools, on July 23 approved proposed amendments to the Chancellor’s Regulations A-413 that aligned with Gov. Hocul’s mandated smartphone ban in schools.

The annual lemonade stand route returned to Howard Beach on July 26 and 27, hosted by Howard Beach Dads, a community Facebook group led by PJ Marcel. During the event, kids simultaneously operated lemonade stands as a fun way to brush up on their communication and business skills.

A man was arrested on July 28 after allegedly setting fire to a dog in South Ozone Park four days earlier. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the crime is punishable by up to two years in prison.

The OCM in late July notified dispensary owners that they may have to move or alter their location plans after it had approved applicants that violated school proximity reg-

The community came together for multiple events, including one in Howard Beach’s St. Helen Roman Catholic Church parking lot, in honor of the lives lost on 9/11. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO / FILE

ulations. The clarification affected 47 applicants and 105 licensees, per the earliest calculations, including eight applicants and 13 licensees in Queens.

Two Brooklyn men, Jaime Huiracocha and Victor Murillo, on July 30 were charged with staging crashes on city highways in 2024, according to Queens DA Melinda Katz. The duo would file insurance claims after allegedly staging crashes. A video of one such incident on the Belt Parkway in October 2024 went viral on social media.

August National Night Out Against Crime, an event that aims to foster connections between the police and the community, brought plenty of smiles to South Queens on Aug. 5. The NYPD’s 106th Precinct hosted its gathering at Harold Schneiderman Playground in Lindenwood, and the 102nd Precinct’s was at Victory Field in Woodhaven.

During the 102’s event, NYPD officers, elected officials and residents said farewell to Community Affairs Officer Scott Adelman, who retired after 15 years with the department.

Resorts World New York City received unanimous positive feedback for its pitch for a full-scale casino license during an Aug. 22 hearing at Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, hosted by the community advisory committee. Speakers all praised the proposal, lauding its community benefits, including thousands of new jobs.

Residents sounded the alarm during the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s Aug. 26 meeting, due to escalating safety concerns in Spring Creek Park, including rampant overgrowth, illegal activity and ineffective enforcement. Phyllis Inserillo and Barbara McNamara, the civic’s co-presidents, urged residents to call U.S. Park Police dispatch for urgent mat-

ters related to Spring Creek Park, as it is out of the NYPD’s jurisdiction.

Ariola, state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) and two representatives from the office of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) met on Aug. 28 with the state and city departments of transportation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the city Department of Sanitation for a walkthrough of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach to discuss how to address poor conditions there.

Solutions included providing new trash receptacles on the bridge, adding better signage and more enforcement and outreach to make sure those fishing are following protocol.

Nine firefighters and two civilians were hurt in a two-alarm fire at a home on 111st Street in Richmond Hill on Aug. 29. A total of 26 units, including 106 fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene.

September The new leadership board of the Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park was sworn in by Addabbo at the group’s Sept. 3 meeting. The new board is President Jeremy Bucaria, Vice President Jacob Zuniga, Treasurer Deanna Blandino-Ruiz, General Secretary Daniel Coffaro Hill, Sergeant-at-Arms John Pikul and Transportation Chair Carl Perresa.

The school year began on Sept. 4, and the statewide phone ban kicked off. Immediate reactions were mixed, with many students frustrated with the new policy, such as those at Richmond Hill High School who told the Chronicle the start of the day had been delayed due to distribution of storage pouches. Teachers, however, lauded the policy, commending its impact on students’ focus.

Addabbo on Sept. 6 hosted his annual veterans BBQ at the Howard Beach Motor Boat Club, where neighborhood veterans were treated to an afternoon of food and activities.

Showers didn’t stop residents of Howard Beach and Lindenwood on Sept. 7 from attending the civic’s remembrance event to honor lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, held at the Memorial Plaza in Lindenwood. Woodhaven’s American Legion Post 118 presented the colors during a ceremony filled with plenty of patriotism, unity and music.

Residents gathered on Sept. 11 in the parking lot of St. Helen Roman Catholic Church for a candlelit vigil, organized by Frances Scarantino of Stars Community Center.

Adams on Sept. 12 announced he had signed an executive order to create a Commission on Universal Afterschool in an effort to deliver a sustainable long-term system. The commission was tasked with producing strategic recommendations to address issues such as funding, provider capacity, program quality, areas for innovation and improving equity and access.

The annual Run for Richie, a memorial continued on page 6

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 6

S. Queens events that made a splash in 2025 continued from page 4 motorcycle parade in honor of the late Richard Allen Pearlman, a Howard Beach resident who was the youngest first responder lost on 9/11, was on Sept. 20. Hundreds of participants rode through the city in support.

A 15-year-old male was arrested on Sept.

22 following an incident on and around a Q24 bus near the stop at Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Cops said it was reported to them that on Sept. 12, an individual pepper sprayed a 16-year-old male while he was trying to board the bus. A video of the incident, showing one teen wearing all black and holding a machete, was posted to the Ozone Park Residents Block Association Facebook page and received thousands of engagements.

Resorts World New York City’s application for a full-scale casino license and expansion of its existing South Ozone Park property was unanimously approved by its community advisory committee on Sept. 25, successfully clearing another hurdle in the licensing process.

Adams on Sept. 28 ended his reelection bid for the mayoralty after a year of political scandal and a highly scrutinized, struggling campaign. Just weeks earlier, he had stood outside of Gracie Mansion and insisted he would stay in the running, despite some polls showing him in the single digits.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

October Community Board 10 on Oct. 2 voted to approve a modified rezoning application by Linden Canyon, LLC for 78-08 Linden Blvd. in Lindenwood. The proposal seeks to rezone the nearly 48,000-square-foot site, home to a shopping center and a Walgreens, and allow for the construction of 267 residential units.

A project representative said the process will take several years after approval under the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.

At that same board meeting, it was announced that Transitional Services for

Community Board 9 had a packed house for its Nov. 13 meeting for a public forum that gave residents the chance to make their case on whether Freedom Drive in Forest Park should reopen to traffic. Many were in favor of keeping it closed, but the board ultimately voted to PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO / FILE reopen it.

responders travel to scenes faster during emergencies.

Pheffer Amato announced Nov. 17 that she will not seek reelection in 2026. She was first elected in 2016 after the retirement of thenAssemblymember Phil Goldfeder. Her seat, for more than 24 years, was previously represented by her mother, Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer.

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) on Nov. 20 announced she will retire in 2026 following the end of her term, capping a more than 30-year political career. She said the time was right for “a new generation of leaders to step forward.”

Resorts World New York City’s application for a full-scale casino license was unanimously approved by its community advisory committee on Sept. 25.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO / FILE New York was seeking to construct a respite and transitional center at 96-25 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, drawing questions and concerns from board members and area residents.

Neir’s Tavern, reportedly the city’s oldest continuously operating bar, celebrated its 196th anniversary with a block party on Oct. 4 at 87-48 78 St. in Woodhaven. More than 700 people showed up to participate in the festivities.

In what Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) called a “historic first,” a New York City intersection on Oct. 11 was co-named “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Marg Way” in honor of the ninth Sikh Guru. The site, at 114th Street and 101st Avenue in Richmond Hill, is said to be the first street location named after him outside of India.

More than 3,000 people on Oct. 18 attended the Diwali motorcade and parade, which returned in full force to Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill for the first time in five years. The parade, which honors the Hindu festival of lights, culminated with a show at Phil Rizzuto Park.

The city on Oct. 21 unveiled the Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan, a $146 million initiative that promises major investments in stormwater infrastructure, pedestrian and bike safety and the creation of up to 5,000 new homes in an effort to overhaul the neighborhood colloquially referred to as “The Hole.” The area, which straddles East New York in Brooklyn and Lindenwood in Queens, suffers from deteriorating infrastructure and flooding.

Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. on Oct. 20 announced an allocation of $1 million for Phase B of select bus service on Woodhaven Boulevard. The corridor hosts the Q52 and Q53 SBS, and improvements at the site first began in 2017, with 6.85 miles of bus lanes installed on the boulevard, along with other enhancements. Phase B construction is slated to start early next year.

Richards joined community leaders and agency representatives Oct. 23 for a walking tour along the Conduit Avenue corridor in Ozone Park to highlight ongoing efforts to make one of the most dangerous roadways in

the borough safer. The ongoing Conduit Corridor study aims to produce a comprehensive redesign plan by 2026. Ideas for upgrades included discussed on the tour included extending merging lanes and adding more pedestrian crossings.

The baseball diamond at Victory Field in Forest Park on Oct. 25 was named Detective Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Field, in honor of the NYPD officer killed in the line of duty in 2019 in Richmond Hill.

More than $30,000 was raised for metastatic breast cancer research at the annual Miles for MBC & Kelly Marie walk in Howard Beach on Oct. 25 at Charles Park.

November Following the biggest voter turnout since 1969, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist assemblymember from Astoria, was elected mayor after receiving more than half the votes in the election on Nov. 3, besting former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Throughout Queens, incumbent candidates were victorious.

The Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan was scrutinized by Community Board 10 on Nov. 6. Representatives from the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development fielded questions from members of the board, many of whom expressed concern with certain aspects of the plan, such as the higherdensity rezoning.

Mamdani met with Hochul at her Manhattan office on Nov. 13 to discuss shared priorities, and among them was universal childcare. The Governor’s Office said the duo talked about ways to build upon existing structures in New York City to serve more children. Mamdani’s plan for universal childcare is said to cost $6 billion. Hochul has said she will not hike taxes to support the initiative.

Following a Nov. 13 vote from Community Board 9, it was announced that Freedom Drive in Forest Park would open to traffic from October through April, more than five years after it closed. Proponents of keeping the road closed argued that it was better off as a pedestrian route for recreation, while those who wished to open it said it would help first

December Nearly 20 Richmond Hill residents were displaced by a five-alarm blaze that injured three people on Dec. 1. Addabbo and Rajkumar, following the blaze, renewed their calls for the passage of the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act, which would give a tax credit to homeowners who “remove” cocklofts, a space between the top floor of a building and the roof, in their homes. The structures pose significant fire hazards due to their ability to allow fire to spread unimpeded among attached buildings.

The state Gaming Facility Location Board on Dec. 1 greenlit the three remaining applicants for licenses for full-scale casinos: Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, Metropolitan Park at Citi Field and Bally’s Bronx. It was the penultimate hurdle in the licensing process.

State Attorney General Letitia James announced Dec. 4 that she would not prosecute the two NYPD officers who fatally shot 19-year-old Win Rozario of Ozone Park as he experienced a mental health crisis in his home last March. His family condemned the decision.

Thirteen defendants on Dec. 10 were charged in a 780-count indictment for their alleged roles in a stolen goods and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot locations in New York and other states. Katz said the defendants are alleged to have stolen more than $2.2 million worth of merchandise.

The state Gaming Commission on Dec. 13 approved all three remaining applications for full-scale casinos, meaning Queens is officially set to have two, at Resorts World and Metropolitan Park. The licenses are conditional on the appointment of an outside independent party to be tasked with monitoring the casinos’ finances and community promises for at least five years.

Giuseppe Canzani of Howard Beach was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Dec. 11 for the fatal shooting of Anna Torres of Ozone Park, a tarot card reader, in 2022.

According to the DA’s Office, Canzani believed Torres was a witch who had put his family in harm’s way.

Hochul on Dec. 17 announced an agreement with the state Legislature on the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which she said she intends on signing into law in January. It would allow terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live to opt to end their Q life on their own terms.

State law targets platforms offering ‘predatory features’ to young people

by Kristen Guglielmo

social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, Hochul’s office said, and teenSocial media platforms that offer addic- agers with the highest levels of social media tive feeds, auto play or infinite scrolling use are nearly twice as likely to rate their will soon be required to display a warning overall mental health as poor or very poor.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. label to young users, according to a new Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) and state law signed Dec. 19 by Gov. Hochul.

The legislation, S4505/A5346, aims to Assemblymember Nily Rozic (D-Fresh address the youth mental health crisis Meadows).

Its Queens co-sponsors include state Sens. statewide.

The warning label, as stated in the bill’s Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Jessica ramos text, is to be designed by the commissioner (D-Jackson Heights) and Julia Salazar of mental health. The warning will appear (D-Brooklyn, Queens) and Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi on platforms when a (D-Forest Hills) and you ng user initially Stacey Pheffer Amato uses the “predatory feaew Yorkers deserve (D-Howard Beach). ture” and periodically T h e l aw, wh ich thereaf ter, based on transparency.” applies to “conduct that continued use. occurs in whole or in Users will not be — Gov. Hochul part in New York,” will able to bypass or click take effect 180 days through the warnings.

Popular social media websites that use after the state Office of the Attorney Generauto play and infinite scrolling features al finishes and publishes the rules needed to include Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky carry it out, per the bill’s text. The AG also may bring legal action against violators of and TikTok. Hochul’s office cited recent studies that the law and seek civil penalties of up $5,000 show that adolescents who spend more than per violation.

New York joins California and Minnesota three hours a day on social media face douin enacting legislation to add warning labels ble the risk of anxiety and depression.

About half of adolescents claim that to social media applications.

Editor

“N

Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Social media sites to get warning labels

Young social media users will soon see warning labels when using a platform with “predatory features” due to a new state law.

FILE PHOTO Hochul said the new law builds upon her administration’s ongoing efforts to address the mental health crisis among youth.

“New Yorkers deserve transparency,” the governor said in a statement. “With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any

potential risks.”

Rozic said, “By requiring warning labels based on the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and finally gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Senator Gounardes as part of our broader effort to create a safer digital enviQ ronment for kids.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 8

Calls mount for pols to override GMVA veto Adams nixed unanimously backed bill expanding timeline for sex abuse suits

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

On the eve of a new administration, outgoing Mayor Adams last Wednesday vetoed a bill to let survivors of gender-based violence sue the alleged responsible party past the statute of limitations.

Intro. 1297, introduced by Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), would create a civil cause of action for violent gender-motivated crimes that occurred before Jan. 9, 2022, such that any person claiming to be injured by a party who commits, directs, enables, participates or conspires in the commission of such a crime may bring a civil claim against that party.

The claims brought under the law would have to be filed within 18 months of its effective date. Those who brought an eligible claim between March 1, 2023 and 2025 also would be able to amend or refile their claim to add a cause of action.

The Council passed the bill, known as the Gender-Motivated Violence Act, unanimously in November.

“Mayor Adams has chosen to use his final days in office to attempt to deny survivors of sexual and gender-motivated violence the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable,” Council spokesperson Julia Agos said in a statement. “There is no excuse for allow-

After lawmakers unanimously OK’d a bill pertaining to gender violence lawsuits, introduced by Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, left, outgoing Mayor Adams nixed it, saying it is “effectively a debit card” for one law firm.

SCREENSHOTS VIA NYC COUNCIL VIDEO, LEFT, AND YOUTUBE / FILE ing those responsible for violent abuses to escape accountability.”

Brooks-Powers said in a statement on X that, on Christmas Eve, Adams was delivering a “cruel ‘gift’ to survivors of gender-motivated violence: a message that their right to seek justice can wait.”

“This veto is Mayor Adams once again bowing to big, powerful interests while turning his back on vulnerable New Yorkers,” she said.

Adams, however, said in his veto message that the bill is “effectively a debit card” for one law firm that filed 550 of the 580 GMVA cases brought against the city between March 2023 and 2025. Since a court dismissed most of them, he said, the bill’s “express intent” is to give that firm’s lawyers another chance at a profit.

“This is not justice but a windfall for a fancy law firm to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars at the expense of survivors as well as all

New York taxpayers,” Adams said in an emailed statement.

The cases were dismissed when a judge ruled that the law’s original language did not explicitly allow suits against institutions.

Jerome Block of Levy Konigsberg LLP, the firm in question, said in a statement that with their unanimous vote, lawmakers recognized that Intro. 1297 is needed to give survivors, including of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers, by doctors at major New York hospitals and of trafficking by Jeffrey Epstein, a “fair pathway to justice.”

“Mayor Adams is slandering lawyers in a transparent effort to deflect attention from his callous veto that is attempting to deprive survivors of their legal rights,” Block said.

Adams wrote also that his administration stood “firmly in support of” survivors and claimed lawmakers did not engage on alternative compensation proposals for them.

Lawmakers will have 30 days to override the veto once it is received in January.

“This bill passed unanimously for a reason, and in the next term we must override this callous veto and restore survivors’ right to seek accountability,” Brooks-Powers said. Block said his firm is confident the Council will override it, and likely incoming Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) in a statement to The New York Q Post vowed that it would.

Law expands property New state law aims to tax exemptions for vets bolster cybersecurity

by Kristen Guglielmo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

A new state law establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.

The legislation, primarily sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), expands the Alternative Veterans Exemption under the Real Property Tax Law by authorizing counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts to provide the real full property tax exemption, according to a press release from Addabbo’s office.

The full property tax exemption must be offered to all qualified disabled veterans in New York State.

“Service-connected disabilities can leave veterans unable to engage in gainful employment and significantly impact their ability to support themselves and their families,” Addabbo said in a statement. “This new law will offer meaningful property tax relief to those who have sustained the most serious service-related injuries in defense of our nation, another substantive act acknowledging their per-

sonal service and sacrifices.”

The bill, S1183/A74, was co-sponsored by several Queens lawmakers: state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) and Assemblymembers Alicia Hynd man (D-Springfield Gardens), David Weprin ( D -Fresh Me a dows) , St eve n R aga (D-Maspeth), Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), Sam Berger (D-Flushing), and Khaleel Anderson (D-South Ozone Park). Gov. Hochul signed it into law on Dec. 19.

Addabbo said that with the bill’s passage, veterans with 100 percent serviceconnected disabilities have a “real opportunity to remain in New York State, in the communities they call home.”

Pheffer Amato took to Facebook to celebrate the passage. She thanked those who served the country and wrote, “Our Veterans stood up and were willing to fight for our freedoms — that’s why I passed A.74. It is through my legislation that New York State makes it clear that we recognize their incredible sacrifice and dedication by providing a tax exemption for Veterans with a 100% service conQ nected disability!”

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A new law will prohibit the state and its municipalities from purchasing technology from certain international companies whose products may threaten national security.

Those manufacturers have close ties to another country’s government, which legally requires them to share data or cooperate with intelligence gathering, creating a “perfect storm” for cyberattacks and espionage, says a press release from Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), the prime sponsor of the legislation, A2237.

International technology — including computers, webcams, drones and semiconductors in other companies’ products — has been exposed as a liability capable of transmitting sensitive data or allowing hackers to take control remotely, per a Pentagon report. Many products are already banned from federal procurement due to the risk.

Rajkumar’s office said state and local governments spend hundreds of millions on insecure technology.

“Major offenders include New York City Public Schools — which on average suffers one data security incident per year — hav-

ing contracts totaling $330 million for computers known to have hidden spyware, malware, vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit, and ‘backdoors’ to control devices remotely,” her office said.

She also said the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission in Albany in 2024 experienced a cyberattack that stole payroll data and shut down the system the week annual budget bills were being finalized. State Troopers and the NYPD also have used imported drones determined to send data to its home country’s government.

The prohibition on certain imported semiconductors also will bolster the state’s semiconductor industry, Rajkumar said.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Hochul on Dec. 19. It had no Queens cosponsors in the Assembly or in the state Senate as S3259.

“When you decide to purchase tech, you might ask, ‘Does it work well? Is this a good price?’” Rajkumar said in a statement.

“Likely you do not ask, ‘Is this going to send my data to another country’s government?’ My bill guarantees that every procurement officer in New York asks this cruQ cial question.”

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 10

P Meet some of the people behind our new street signs EDITORIAL

W

AGE

hen you talk about public service in Queens, one name that springs to the fore is Gene Kelty. The 1972 graduate of Flushing High School earned a teaching degree at York College but went on to join the Fire Department, where he served for 39 years, retiring as a battalion chief. He also got on Community Board 7, staying there for 40 years, 29 as chairman, making his mark as a fierce defender of northern Queens who did all he could to keep it a great place to live. An FDNY captain on Sept. 11, 2001, he responded to the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and worked the pile. As a result of that noble service, he contracted the cancer that took him last spring at age 70.

It was only fitting that Kelty should be honored with a street co-naming, and the corner of 146th Street and 22nd Avenue in Whitestone is now designated Chief Eugene T. Kelty Jr. Way. We hope he long will be remembered.

The co-naming for Kelty was one of 30 that the City Council approved last summer for Queens. Sixteen more were OK’d on Dec. 18; those signs will go up in 2026.

The honorees whose signs were unveiled this past year are, as always, a diverse lot. There are public servants like Kelty, entertainers and more. Some are not people at all but

institutions that people built. A map of co-namings across the city is found at streetnamesmap-nyc.hub.arcgis.com. It’s searchable and educational. Here’s just a glimpse in Queens:

One new co-naming is John J. Napolitano Way, at Woodhaven Boulevard and 101st Avenue in Ozone Park, where the honoree had his law office. He was a civic leader, sponsor of the Ozone-Howard Little League, member of the Boy Scouts of America and Knights of Columbus and more.

Another is Olivia C. Banks Way, on 179th Street between 114th Road and Murdock Avenue in St. Albans, which recognizes a woman whose duty to serve was boundless. Banks was a social worker and administrator who was on CB 12, Community School Board 29, the Joint Board of Deacons and Deaconesses at St. Albans Congregational Church and countless other panels, perhaps best known for her activism with New Yorkers for Inclusive Educational Curricula.

In Kew Gardens Hills is Morton Povman Way, at the corner of 147th Street and 75th Avenue, honoring the man who was the longest-serving member of the City Council in its history, spending more than 30 years in office.

Miss Billee Duncan Way is the co-name of 84th Street between Grand Avenue and 54th Avenue in Elmhurst, salut-

LETTERS TO THE MTA can surprise us Published every week by

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MARK WEIDLER President & Publisher SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders Raymond G. Sito General Manager Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief Michael Gannon Senior News Editor Kristen Guglielmo Editor Stephanie G. Meditz Editor Naeisha Rose Editor Stela Barbu Office Manager Jan Schulman Art Director Moeen Din Associate Art Director Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager Joseph Berni Art Department Associate Dennis O’Brien Proofreader Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

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Account Executives:

Dear Editor: In a Sept. 18 letter, “Title destination,” I complained that along with the other myriad changes recently imposed on the Queens bus system, the Q60 bus (which runs along Queens Boulevard from Jamaica to Second Avenue and 60th Street in Manhattan) now displayed its final stop as “Lenox Hill.” My point was that the buses’ passengers probably had no idea where Lenox Hill was (I was one).

I’m pleased (and surprised) to report that good news can even — occasionally — emerge from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Q60 buses now inform their riders that their last stop is “Midtown East.” This isn’t as beneficial as the Q60’s original destination disclosure — “East Manhattan-2 Av” — but I suppose we ought to give the MTA some credit for acknowledging a mistake.

It’s fun being an influencer. (Now if I could only persuade the MTA to restore my former bus stop at Queens Boulevard and 67th Road ...)

Howard Schneider Rego Park

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Contributors: Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

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Dear Editor: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. A recent survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation found that one out of three women who are behind on at least one routine © Copyright 2026 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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ing the vaudeville artist and dance teacher who performed for U.S. troops in World War II with the USO and then had her students do the same for hospital patients, orphans, underprivileged families and many others.

Across the borough, and the entertainment spectrum, is Raymond ‘Freaky Tah’ Rogers Blvd., at 134th Avenue and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in South Jamaica, which honors the Lost Boyz rapper who inspired youth and was known for buying kids sneakers and assisting families financially.

Some honorees are not from Queens but their memory is meaningful to people here. Guru Tegh Bahadur Marg Ji Way, at 114th Street and 101st Avenue in South Richmond Hill, is named for the ninth of the 10 Sikh gurus, a 17th-century poet, warrior, thinker and scholar. The Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center is on the corner.

Hour Children Way, at 36th Avenue and 12th Street in Long Island City, salutes the organization that assists incarcerated and recently incarcerated women and their children.

There is much more to tell about each honoree, and many more notable names than could be included here. We salute the Queens street co-naming class of 2025 and look forward to reporting on more worthy designations in this new year.

E DITOR

cancer screening would only go if they were feeling signs or symptoms of disease. The trouble is many cancers don’t have symptoms in the early stages, and when cancer is found later it is harder to treat.

But there was also good news from the survey. It showed when people learn the benefits of finding cancer early, 73 percent were more likely to schedule their routine cancer screening.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Services Program of Queens wants to tell you why regular screening and early detection are so important. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening! Screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer. These cells can then be removed before they become cancer. Screening also helps to find cervical cancer early when it may be easier to treat.

Cervical cancer is most common among those who have never been screened and those who rarely get screened (waiting five years or more between screenings). If you’ve been putting off getting screened, talk to your doctor about scheduling an appointment or

call the CSP for help.

Located at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, the CSP provides free cervical and breast cancer screening to those 40-plus who qualify; and free colon cancer screening for those 45-plus who qualify. If the screening test comes back abnormal, the CSP pays for follow up testing and helps people get enrolled in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program, if cancer is found.

Make the CSP your partner in cancer prevention and early detection. Call us at (718) 670-1561.

Maureen Burns Health Educator Cancer Services Program of Queens Flushing

Legislation over lechery Dear Editor: Democrats should move on from the Epstein files because any incremental negativity will not be worth the valuable time and energy

Dear Editor: I am appalled to learn that in Kew Gardens there was destruction of a menorah (“Man damages Kew Gardens menorah,” Dec. 26, qchron.com). Hate crimes are like cancer — they are vicious and an abomination that must be stopped.

Let us pray for peace in the new year.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

Play the party name game Dear Editor: President Trump opposes most policies advocated by members of the “Democrat” Party. Does he view himself as the leader of the “Republic” Party?

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

The Octopus’ Garden

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Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited for length, clarity and other reasons. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com.

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Blue Meanies vs. America Dear Editor: In the 1968 film “Yellow Submarine,” starring the music of The Beatles, the “Blue Meanies” are the antagonists: an army of disagreeable people representing all that’s bad in the world. Everything can be labeled cartoonish to achieve maximum effect today, and the modern-day Blue Meanies cannot abide by the reality of America being raised from the ashes to provide us all with a better future.

Instead, fantasy facts and figures are bandied about like street-corner predictions of the end of the world — so much so, these people are like addicts in denial of their own hateful behavior. Steadying the journey is ongoing, and admittedly the waters are filled with sharks seeking blood.

As the New Year begins in earnest, we will have bigger fish to fry and possibly more sharks to keep at bay. Sailing into the unknown is always an ominous experience — those inclined to keep their meanness and intrepid nature alive will undoubtedly find themselves left on shore.

It’s a formidable challenge and a moral task, but in the film, the Blue Meanies see the error of their ways and everyone lives happily ever after. We all indeed live together in our own Yellow Submarine — let’s try to stay afloat and stop those attempting to sink our ships.

Happy New Year everyone! Sail on toward a better tomorrow!

Craig Schwab Glendale

Positively grateful Dear Editor: Oh, boy. Negative thoughts. Ain’t they the worst? I’m going to let them pass! Think positive. It’s just some tension; things get better. I’m so grateful for all I have and all I will become.

Stay around positive people! Positivity is only a day away.

Eva Julietta Tortora Manhattan

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Dear Editor: Picture sparring with an octopus. Lyricist Alan Jay Lerner satirized the battle by wondering, “Why can’t a woman be more like a man?”

Films of the 1990s, like “Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” championed drag queens. TV stars, Milton Berle in the ’50s and Flip Wilson in the ’60s, channeled them. “Victor/Victoria” reframed the problem by giving us a female protagonist who pretends to be a male female impersonator. And now Operation Mincemeat! Serious literature about transgender and intersex people exists. Serious literature about homosexual lives exists. What would Shakespeare say with his troupe of genderswitching characters?

Obviously, this octopus has more than eight arms. If indigenous peoples needed to create a two-spirited identity, we can agree that the broad issues of sex, sexuality, gender and humanity are more complicated than a meme, a slogan or a demographic box. The world is

Thank you to our friends, neighbors, and community for the trust, support, and loyalty you shared with us throughout the past year. We are truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful, caring community and to serve so many amazing people. As we welcome the New Year, we wish you and your loved ones continued happiness, good health, and peace in days ahead.

Cheers to a bright and Healthy New Year 2026!

✂

Don’t hate someone’s faith

wide and diverse societies provide examples that humans have grappled with this octopus throughout time.

Fast forward. If big Drag Queen Story Hour personalities with big hair can inspire kids to read, we need to use that motivation. We want all kids playing sports and don’t want blatantly unfair practices institutionalized.

Asking for research about this issue should not be reviled. Andrew Sullivan believes that homosexual issues and transgender issues are being illogically conf lated. He fears new assaults on gay rights and nationwide marriage equality. Is the rhetorical threat to Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship part of this scramble?

Finally, there is the shutdown of the dedicated gay suicide prevention option on the 988 hotline. Last year, activists demonstrating in front of Trump Tower voiced their concern that queer youth will not feel comfortable reaching out to a generic support service. We should care. This octopus needs attention and not just company while watching television.

Debra Michlewitz Bayside

✂

expended by that party. A greater benefit will accrue to the Democrats from the American electorate if they push for improvements in this nation’s healthcare system. Also, they might be able to gain some bipartisan support from members of the other party whose constituents will also benefit.

Of the major western industrialized nations, the United States is the only one that does not offer its citizens universal healthcare and, unfortunately, our patchwork health insurance system is more expensive, provides poorer medical outcomes and has the possibility of bankrupting families. Frankly, most Americans are frustrated with our health insurance mess, and Congress is doing nothing to improve their circumstances.

Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

E DITOR

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 12

MTA, feds due back in court over tolls Arguments in congestion pricing lawsuit vs. U.S. DOT set for Jan. 28

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The judge in the federal lawsuit brought by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to protect congestion pricing tolls has scheduled two hours of oral arguments on Jan. 28.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, who is presiding over Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Duffy, will convene proceedings in his Manhattan courtroom at 2 p.m., according to a story f irst reported by Bloomberg on Dec. 23.

U.S. Transpor tation Secretar y Sean Duffy is the named defendant. He and President Trump have been vocal opponents of the tolls that went into effect on Jan. 5, 2025, repeatedly threatening to cut federal transportation funds to the state if the program is not eliminated.

Both sides are seeking summary judgments on their claims. In arguing for summary judgment, both parties will contend that the other side’s claims lack sufficient legal merit, and that their own claims should be accepted as a matter of established law.

Congestion pricing imposes a $9 toll on just about every car that enters Manhattan at

or south of 60th Street. Trucks and other large vehicles pay higher rates based on size. Drivers without E-ZPass pay more.

Rates are discounted overnight.

Gantry-mounted cameras at entry points record license plates in order to collect the money. The base peak toll for most cars is scheduled to increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031.

The stated aims are to raise money for the MTA’s capital program and to reduce the number of vehicles and the amounts of pollution and traffic congestion in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.

Duffy and the administration began their attempts to derail congestion pricing from the time they took office in January 2025.

Duffy in a letter to Gov. Hochul last Feb. 19 said the U.S. Department of Transportation was planning to rescind the approval for the program granted in November 2024 under the Biden administration, saying that the tolling law exceeded the authority granted by Congress in 1991 for such pilot programs; and said he would be reaching out to the governor and the MTA about how to shut it down.

Hochul, as she would come to repeat over

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation are scheduled to appear in federal court over the DOT’s efforts to stop congestion pricing tolls. Cameras like those above, on Second Avenue just north of the Manhattan terminus of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, have been used to collect tolls since Jan. 5, 2025.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE the next few months, said, “The cameras are staying on.” The MTA filed the 51-page lawsuit that morning.

A week later, Duffy sent a letter saying the state had until March 21 to end the pro-

The DYCD to help youth travel The program is for marginalized youth ages 15 to 18

by Naeisha Rose

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

Dozens of youth ages 15 to 18 will be able to grab a passport for the first time to travel internationally thanks to a city Department of Youth and Community Development program.

The DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard announced Dec. 23 that the agency will be teaming up with the nonprofit Tucks Travels to help teens from marginalized communities who are first-time travelers apply for a passport for free — the average cost for one is $179.

The agency is also working with Take Action Global, a climate education organization, to deliver the cultural exchange portion of the program.

“DYCD is launching this ... program to give young people in underserved neighborhoods the opportunity to see the world beyond their block,” said Howard in a statement. “This program builds on DYCD’s previous work to send young people on a cultural exchange trip to Ghana, and our longtime collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs on NYC Junior Ambassadors, which empowers youth to become actively engaged with the United Nations and its mission of addressing the most pressing challenges in the world.”

Tucks Travels previously partnered with DYCD on a pilot program to help 25 young

people in DYCD-funded proworld,” Camara said in a stategrams in the Bronx obtain their ment. “This initiative changes passports. that.”

Four Global Kids took part in Andrea Jerves, director of the the Heritage and Cultural Society Hellenic American Neighborhood of Africa Sankofa Young LeaderAction Committee in Astoria, was ship Fellowship, a DYCD spokesproud to partner with Tucks Travman said via email. The 12-day els on the passport initiative. cultural immersion experience “The ability to travel and utilize included visits to historic and nat- This Global Kid was a a passport provides opportunities ural landmarks, including Elmina par t of a tr ip to that would be otherwise completeCastle and the Tetteh Quarshie Ghana in 2023. ly inaccessible to these young peoCocoa Farm, seminars, workshops PHOTO COURTESY MARINO PR ple, expanding their awareness of and com mu n it y engagement global learning pathways and opportunities to help the high school seniors future possibilities,” said Jerves in a statement. deepen their understanding of Ghanaian histoSylvan Haseley, principal of Pathways Colry and culture while strengthening their lead- lege Preparatory School in St. Albans, which ership skills. was recently designated as an International “The experience helped participants build Baccalaureate education institution, said the cultural competency, gain confidence navigat- program is an excellent idea. ing new environments, and forge meaningful “Our community would definitely be interconnections with mentors and peers — ested in it,” he said via email. expanding both their personal perspectives As scholars in an IB school, students don’t and professional networks,” said the spokes- only learn different languages, but they cap man, who also noted the trip was from July 20, their senior year with trips abroad. In March, 2023 to Aug. 1, 2023. seniors will go to Greece. In 2027, other scholA passport is more than a document, said ars plan to go Tokyo. A trip to Ghana is also Aissata MB Camara, commissioner of the being planned.

Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.

“This aligns with our vision of open mind“For too many young New Yorkers, cost edness and learning in a global context,” said Q and access have limited their ability to see the Haseley.

gram; but on March 20 Duffy granted a 30-day extension. Hochul ignored the second ultimatum, with Duffy then granting an extension to May 21.

Q The cameras have remained on.

MTA increases continued from page 2 the day after purchase. For example, if a customer purchases a one-way ticket on Monday at 10 a.m., it will be valid until Tuesday at 4 a.m. Customers still need to activate tickets before boarding.

A new Day Pass for unlimited travel will replace the round-trip ticket. The Day Pass will be valid on the day of purchase until 4 a.m. the following day.

On weekdays, the Day Pass will cost 10 percent less than two one-way peak tickets; on weekends, it will cost the same as two one-way off-peak tickets.

Unlimited Day Passes are also available for CityTicket and Far Rockaway, at $14.50 in the peak and $10.50 in the off-peak.

A new “pay-as-you-go” discount will be available for mobile customers. After 10 peak or off-peak trips in 14 days, mobile customers will get an 11th peak or off-peak one-way trip for free in the same period.

A reduced fare product will be available all day, every day for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients, even in the morning peak period.

Children ages 5 to 17 will be able to ride for $1 each on the Family Fare when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, even in the morning peak. Families can travel together on the commuter railroads at a Q more affordable price.

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

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No anonymous child abuse reports Citi Bike hikes Hochul inks bill requiring callers to give name, contact prices Monday

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Gov. Hochul recently signed a bill to eliminate the anonymous reporting of child welfare cases.

Sponsored by state Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), the new law will require callers reporting suspected child abuse to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment to leave their name and contact information. It also prohibits the registry from releasing information identifying a person who made such a report, except under certain circumstances.

“This is the most significant change to the SCR in decades, refocuses resources toward situations where children are truly at risk, and will spare thousands of families from unnecessary trauma caused by anonymous and unjustified reports,” Hevesi said in a statement.

He told the Chronicle last August that many anonymous calls are “unbelievably unreliable,” although the rationale when the system was first created was that the more people who called, the better. The state has to launch a lengthy investigation when abuse is reported, and about 10,000 families per year are found innocent, he explained.

Citing data from the New York City Family Policy Project, the New York Daily News

Gov. Hochul last month signed a bill introduced by Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi to ban anonymous reporting in cases of suspected child abuse or maltreatment. PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE reported that one in 24 child welfare cases are called in by an anonymous reporter, although they rarely are found credible.

Noting the danger of missing information about a potential child abuse case, Hevesi said an amendment had been added to his original bill. Under it, anonymous callers

are transferred to a supervisor, who will reiterate confidentiality, recommend calling 911 or redirect them to a different line.

The Daily News also reported that, after an amendment by Hochul, the bill permits anonymous reports by minors themselves.

Q It is set to take effect later this year.

Citing its ongoing expansion, equipment upgrades and rising costs due to new tariffs on imports, Citi Bike is raising rates.

The cost of an annual membership will go from $219.99 to $239.99 on Jan. 28. Memberships subsidized through a workplace will go from $175.99 to $191.99. Some users get reduced fares.

Other hikes, such as on e-bike fees and overage fees, take effect Jan. 5.

Those are both going from 25 to 27 cents per minute for members, and 38 to 41 cents per minute for nonmembers.

The single-ride unlock fee remains the same at $4.99 per ride for nonmembers.

“In recent years, we have tripled the Citi Bike service area and f leet size, making it one of the largest bikeshare programs in the world, all without any taxpayer dollars,” Citi Bike said on its website. “To ensure the Citi Bike system remains reliable, widely available, and ready for you whenever you need it, we are updating our 2026 prices.”

The advocacy group Transportation Alternatives said in a statement that Citi Bike is the costliest bike share program in the country and should get pubQ lic funds.

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Alleged WH robbery Two-alarm blaze in perp wanted by cops Maspeth hurts two

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Kristen Guglielmo

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Editor

Editor

Police are searching for a man they say took thousands of dollars in merchandise from a cell phone store in Woodhaven last month.

According to the NYPD, on Dec. 11, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., police were notified of a robbery at a Cricket Wireless store at 95-03 Jamaica Avenue.

It was reported that an unidentified man entered the store and removed approximately $5,000 wor th of cell phones.

As the man went to exit the store, a 22-year-old female attempted to intervene, cops said. The suspect pushed the woman, resulting in a brief physical altercation.

Police said the suspect then fled the location in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described by police as having a dark complexion with a medium build and standing at 5 feet, 10 inches tall with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing all dark-colored clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to

A two-alarm house fire in Maspeth early Sunday morning sent two people to the hospital, according to the FDNY. Firefighters received a call at about 2:41 a.m. reporting the blaze at 70-07 57 Road. When units arrived just over three minutes later, the department said on Facebook, they found a two-and-a-halfstory occupied wood-frame private dwelling with fire on the first and second floors and in the attic, extending to an adjoining home.

“Squad 288 and Ladder 136 arrived to find heavy fire throughout the building, extending to the exposure,” FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Tim Keenan said in the post. “We had two civilians trapped in the original fire building who had selfevacuated onto a porch roof and jumped to the ground as units arrived.”

Firef ighters stretched a handline between the two affected buildings to stop the blaze and prevent further damage to the exposure, the post continued.

The fire was declared under control just before 4:30 a.m., with 46 units of 141 fire

Cops want the above suspect for the robbery of a Cricket Wireless in Woodhaven last month.

PHOTO COURTESY NYPD call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782).

One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. Q All tips are strictly confidential.

A two-alarm fire broke out in a Maspeth residence early Sunday morning, sending two to the hospital. PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / FDNY and EMS personnel responding to the scene.

Two civilians were taken to area hospitals following the blaze, the FDNY said.

As of Monday, the American Red Cross had registered 10 people for emergency aid, such as financial assistance and temporary lodging.

The cause was still under investigation Q as of press time.

To Everyone In Our Community, Friends & Neighbors Thank you for your referrals, your business and our continued success.

The end of Mulchfest is today, Jan. 1

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The winter holidays have come to a close and for some that means it’s time to get rid of their Christmas tree and wreath.

The Department of Sanitation said on Christmas Eve that it has expanded its tree and wreath collection to compost and recycling collection days, instead of during a limited schedule after the holidays.

Residents may place their real trees and wreaths at the curb so long as they are without decoration, ornaments and stands, said the agency. The undecorated trees and wreaths do not need to be in plastic bags. They will be treated as compost.

Those looking to get rid of artificial trees should separate and remove the metal base and trunk and those parts with other metal for recycling.

The Parks Department will also help with the recycling during Mulchfest, which ends today, Jan. 1.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season surrounded by friends and family. May your days be bright with laughter, your hearts be light with happiness, and your home be filled with warmth, love, and unforgettable memories.

Patricia “Patty” DeNiro Real Estate Broker

(917) 892-9558

To learn more, visit nyc.gov/mulchfest.

The agency will turn the trees into wood chips to nourish other trees and help make the city a little bit greener. Q

www.denirorealty.com

The Greater Ridgewood Historical Society

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Queens Alumnae Chapter, Rochdale Village Community Center; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at 169-65 137 Ave. in Jamaica; blood drive coordinator Natasha Jackson; • Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, basement; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15., at 95-30 118 St. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Inderjeet Singh; and • York College, atrium; 12 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in Jamaica; blood drive coordinator Q Dr. Jean Phelps.

— Naeisha Rose

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The DSNY requires residents to take decorations off trees before disposal.

Donate blood to save lives “Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage.

All types are sought, but O-negative is especially useful. Visit nybc.org for information.

There are four places in and around Eastern and Southeast Queens listed now where people may donate: • UBS Arena, Acrisure Great Hall; 1:30 to 6 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 12, at 2400 Hempstead Tpke. in Elmont, LI; blood drive coordinator Ann Rina;

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Tree, wreath collection with recycling, compost

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 16

YEAR IN REVIEW

2025

CENTRAL/MID QUEENS: PART II

News picked up as days counted down

Councilman elected, city sued, high-rises planned, casinos OK’d

by Stephanie G. Meditz Friends became foes as election night results poured in. Papers were filed and approvals granted for consequential developments. The same McDonald’s appeared in the paper twice, once for its surprisingly controversial drive-thru and again for rowdy teens congregating there.

Here’s how the rest of 2025 panned out in Mid and Central Queens. In case you missed it last week, see Part I online at qchron.com.

July Phil Wong, budget director to City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), became the Democratic nominee in the race to replace his term-limited boss, after the final round of ranked choice voting in the June primary gave him a comfortable lead, the Chronicle reported July 3. He would go on to face Holden’s then-deputy chief of staff, Alicia Vaichunas, in November — Holden had called it “groundbreaking” that two friends were running for the same seat.

That same day, the Chronicle reported that eight downstate casino license applications were submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission to vie for one of three licenses to be granted by the end of the year. Among them were two Queens contenders — Metropolitan Park at Citi Field and Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) on July 7 announced that she was doubling down on her push to revamp the FDNY’s Squad 288/HazMat 1 firehouse in Maspeth — she obtained $2 million in Community Project Funding in the 2025 House Appropriations bill toward renovations.

Also on July 7, Community Board 6 and area elected officials called on the city Sanitation Department to maintain the highway medians on Queens Boulevard from 63rd Drive to Union Turnpike, in response to renewed complaints about deterioration.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

applicants and licensees to relocate.

The Chronicle on Aug. 28 reported that new businesses were on their way to Con tinental Avenue in Forest Hills — construction was underway for a new medical building at the former HSBC Bank site, and for a Just Salad across the street.

The Queens Bus Network Redesign was fully implemented on Aug. 31, when its second phase took effect. Among the affected routes was the Q60, which saw some stops removed along Queens Boulevard.

Editor

A proposed weed shop in Maspeth that violates new state rules was reissued a license after a court order.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE / FILE

Phil Wong, left, won the race to replace outgoing City Councilman Bob Holden. He defeated Alicia Vaichunas, who on election night claimed their mutual boss betrayed her. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ / FILE Ridgewood’s Sunset Community Garden withdrew its request for a preliminary injunction to stop the city Parks Department from ending its license agreement, as per court documents filed July 7. The garden group would later refile in federal court.

CB 6 on July 8 sent a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to voice concerns about plans to swap a portion of the F and M subway lines on weekdays, come December. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow had said the switch would reduce crowding and delays.

CB 5 at its July 9 meeting voted to write a letter opposing the mayoral Charter Revision Commission’s proposals pertaining to land use. Some members worried community board input would be virtually meaningless if the propositions were approved.

On July 10, the Chronicle reported that overcrowding was still a problem at Animal Care Centers of NYC’s Ridgewood location a year into its operations, with the shelter housing double its capacity of dogs. An ACC rep said the site was among many across the nation facing similar issues.

Animal rights advocates on July 23 rallied outside City Hall following the acquittal of horse carriage driver Ian McKeever on cruelty charges. Holden was among them — his bill to ban the city’s horse carriage industry was named after Ryder, McKeever’s horse who collapsed on the job in Manhattan in 2022 and was euthanized that same year.

The Chronicle reported July 24 that sinkholes had been opening up on residential streets in Glendale, and some said they were nothing new. The city said it would review conditions on 81st Street and 77th Avenue.

A four-alarm blaze tore through a commercial strip in Middle Village on July 28.

The fire, which injured six firefighters, started at Bubble Works Cleaners at 64-76 Dry

Harbor Road and spread to three neighboring stores, including Jade Bamboo, which had recently reopened after being renovated.

Rego Park’s own Yuchen Han made his “Project Runway” debut when the show’s 21st season premiered July 31.

August Gov. Hochul on Aug. 1 announced that the Interborough Express, the planned light rail system linking Queens and Brooklyn, had entered its design and engineering phase.

The Chronicle reported Aug. 7 that some parts of Kew Gardens had seen a rise in antisemitic graffiti. An NYPD spokesperson said Capt. Pratima Maldonado of the 102nd Precinct was aware of the incidents and officers would continue to monitor the area.

Filings on the city Department of Buildings’ portal from Aug. 7 showed plans to build a two-tower mixed-use building at 61-06 Junction Blvd. in Rego Park. The highrises were planned to be 22 and 28 stories.

Rachel Nisanov, the 14-year-old daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, of Kew Gardens Kehilat Sephardim Food Pantry, was killed in a tragic jet ski accident in Florida Aug. 12.

Some neighbors of Ridgewood’s Lottus Event Center took to Reddit to lament loud music coming from the venue at all hours of the night, the Chronicle reported Aug. 14. A manager said the issue had been resolved with the installation of a second door.

Also in the Aug 14 edition, the Chronicle reported that the DSNY had completed its cleanup of the medians on Queens Boulevard, following community pressure.

Twelve legal cannabis licensees, including The Cannabis Place in Middle Village, on Aug. 15 sued the state Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis Management after the agency reinterpreted its school proximity rule, possibly requiring more than 150

September The city’s executive order to let U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reopen an office on Rikers Island was ruled illegal Sept. 8.

About 200 people on both sides of the gaming issue attended a Sept. 9 public hearing on Metropolitan Park, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan to bring a casino, entertainment and recreation complex to Citi Field.

Officers from the 102nd Precinct’s new Quality of Life team, or Q-team, introduced themselves to CB 9 that same night.

Also on Sept. 9, the city Board of Elections placed all proposals from the mayoral CRC on the ballot, amid calls from some lawmakers to reject them.

CB 5 at its Sept. 10 meeting had a lengthy discussion about marijuana shops’ permitted proximity to schools. The board opposed a long-contentious store at 71-10 Grand Ave. in Maspeth — it is less than 500 feet from the doors of PS 58, but some members doubted the dispensary would be too close to the school’s property line, under the OCM’s new guidelines.

CB 6 OK’d two dispensary applications in Forest Hills that same night, for The Green House at 96-01 69 Ave. and Kushie at 104-39 Queens Blvd.

Austin Street went car-free from 71st Avenue to 71st Road during a one-day open street event Sept. 14. Some area residents liked the idea and supported more closures, but others were not so keen.

Mayor Adams on Sept. 17 told city officials to brace for a ban on horse-drawn carriages, urging the Council to pass Holden’s bill that would phase out the industry.

The Chronicle reported Sept. 18 that Maspeth’s Transfiguration Church would not close, as some neighbors worried it could, but would operate on a limited basis.

Relaying communication from the OCM, Holden announced Sept. 18 that the proposed weed shop at 71-10 Grand Ave. in Maspeth was deemed noncompliant with the state’s new guidance on dispensaries’ distance from schools.

The late Councilman Morton Povman, who served in office for 30 years and ran a law practive in Forest Hills for more than 50, was honored with a street co-naming Sept. 21 at 147th Street and 75th Avenue in continued on page 20

BEAT

Me here, you there New author Steve Somers was a late-night radio companion, and later in his career, an early evening friend, to hundreds of thousands of sports fans both in and out of the New York area as he was on the air five days a week on 50,000watt, clear channel WFAN. Listeners enjoyed his lighthearted take on sports, in which he gently reminded us that it is not the end of the world when your favorite team loses. He would welcome his listeners every night with the same greeting, “Me here, you there,” as a way of inviting them to call in to keep each other company. That greeting is also the title of his new memoir, published by Triumph Books.

Somers, who was an original voice on WFAN when it started in 1987, worked in Astoria for its first 22 years as the station made its broadcast headquarters at Kaufman Astoria Studios before moving to SoHo. “We were so far below ground level that we had to look up at the basement!” Somers chuckled when we spoke on the phone. “I have always been fond of Queens. One of my first signings to promote this book was at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside. We ran out of books to sell because so many people showed up.”

Forest Hills High School alum Ian Eagle got his start in broadcasting as an intern for Somers.

The regular callers to his show became local celebrities. Short Al from Brooklyn, Jerome from Manhattan and Eli from Westchester became as well-known to WFAN listeners as the hosts themselves. His most famous listener was Queens College alum Jerry Seinfeld, who wrote the forward to his book.

His favorite caller, however, was the late Doris Bauer, better known as Doris from Rego Park, who suffered from emphysema. She was an enthusiastic Mets fan who knew her stuff.

Her illness caused her to cough every few seconds. Steve, and most listeners, did not mind. “I was proud of the fact The New York Times Magazine listed her as a notable who passed away during 2003 when they were doing their yearend obituary roundup,” he said.

His on-air persona has always been upbeat, but he reveals issues he kept away from the public until the release of the book. He writes of his bout with alcoholism, which led to a stint in rehabilitation. He writes passionately of looking after his older brother, Michael, who was cognitively disabled, and battled kidney disease.

Although Audacy, the owners of WFAN, forced Somers to retire in 2021, he does occasional fill-in work on the station. It also sponsors his weekly podcast, which is titled, you guessed Q it, “Me Here, You There.”

See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Photo contest!

It’s New Year’s Day, and the Queens Chronicle’s 18th annual Holiday Photo Contest is nearing its end!

We’re still welcoming your photos of anything that reflects the season — joyous children and families, lights, miniature villages, snowy landscapes and more. See our handful of rules at tinyurl. com/3byyd4c9.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at this past entry from Anita King of Whitestone, taken a dozen years ago and dubbed “Dining with a View.”

The winner will get a $50 gift card good anywhere. All winning shots, and many others, also get published in print and online. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, making sure to say “contest” somewhere in the subject line, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 5. Good luck!

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

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For the latest news visit qchron.com

SAPR-079083

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

The city Parks Department and the Forest Park Trust will welcome volunteers on Jan. 10 for a winter vine sweep from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., inviting nature lovers to roll up their sleeves and give Forest Park a seasonal tune-up.

Participants will meet at the Buddy Monument, located at Park Lane South and Myrtle Avenue, before heading out on the park’s trails to remove invasive and harmful vines from trees and shrubs before they leaf out in the spring.

Along the way, volunteers will learn about basic forest structure and why biodiversity is important.

According to the National Park Service, most vines climb up trees to get more sunlight. Once a vine reaches the crown of a tree, the tree’s growth slows.

Those interested in registering for the event or learning more may go online to tinyurl.com/mu2w893a.

All tools and gloves will be provided for the vine sweep, and volunteers are encouraged to dress in warm layers and wear sturdy boots or shoes that are suitable for winter trail conditions. Q — Kristen Guglielmo

SPORTS

PHOTO BY ANITA KING / FILE

Vine sweep at Forest Park

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 18

PRIME TIMES : 60 PLUS

Why cold weather is so dangerous to aging bodies

by Rachel Nania With winter weather affecting many areas of the country, public health experts are urging older adults to take certain precautions. Just like extreme heat poses unique risks for aging individuals, so does extreme cold.

Much of it boils down to age-related changes that make older adults more likely to be affected by the cold, says Liron Sinvani, M.D., director of Geriatric Hospitalist Service at Northwell Health and an associate professor of medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

For example, people tend to lose muscle as they age — a condition known as sarcopenia — and muscle provides insulation and generates heat, Sinvani says.

Older adults are also more likely to have thinner skin, making it easier for heat to escape, and decreased blood flow, due to changes in their blood vessels.

“All of these things culminate in a reduced ability to regulate their body heat,” putting them at greater risk for danger in cold weather, Sinvani explains.

What’s more, certain medical conditions that become more common with age can make it harder to stay warm, according to the National Institute on

Aging. Diabetes, which affects roughly one-third of adults 65 and older, can prevent blood from flowing normally, which disrupts temperature regulation.

Thyroid problems can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature, and memory problems can prevent people from taking certain precautions, like wearing warm clothing.

When the body loses more heat than it can sustain, hypothermia can set in.

This medical emergency, which occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F, can lead to serious health issues, like heart failure and organ damage, and can be life-threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning signs of hypothermia can include: shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Cold weather can trigger, worsen heart and lung issues It’s not just hypothermia older adults need to worry about. Cold weather can cause or worsen other health problems, too.

Especially in older adults, it can cause blood pressure to increase, “and

that can strain the heart and increase risk for catastrophic events,” says Haitham Khraishah, M.D., a preventive cardiologist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. The American Heart Association explains that when it’s cold out, our blood vessels constrict to prevent heat from escaping and to keep more blood around the body’s core — this is what causes blood pressure to rise.

Extreme cold can also cause the blood to thicken, which can increase the risk of a blood clot, and up the odds of a heart attack or stroke, especially in people who already face higher cardiovascular risks, Khraishah adds.

Researchers have tracked an uptick in heart attacks linked to shoveling snow, in

part due to the effects of the cold on the cardiovascular system. Khraishah’s advice: “Do not overexert yourself” when the temperatures dip. “Especially patients with prior heart attacks or existing heart failure, [cold weather] can exacerbate those conditions, so pay attention,” he says.

Another concern: Depression rates go up in the wintertime. “There’s much more isolation in January and February for older adults,” says Kenneth Koncilja, M.D., a physician in the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Cleveland Clinic, and isolation has been linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of heart disease.

When it comes to the respiratory system, dry, cold air can irritate the airways and worsen chronic conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma, Sinvani says. And it can make people more prone to infections by weakening the immune system, she adds. Results from a 2022 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggest this is one reason why we see respiratory illnesses — cold, flu, COVID and more — spike in cold-weather months.

Beware of medications and winter weather Some common medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and the vast majority of older adults take at least one prescription medication. Examples include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, narcotic pain medicines and sedatives, according to Mayo Clinic.

A person who takes diuretics is at greater risk for dehydration, and being dehydrated increases the risk of hypothermia, Sinvani says. And medications that can cause drowsiness or affect balance — this could be an over-the-counter cold and flu medication or a prescription blood pressure drug — can prove hazardous in icy or snowy conditions. “It’s a perfect storm for falls,” Sinvani says.

Prevent cold-related health hazards How cold is too cold? There’s no universal outdoor temperature that signals you’re in the danger zone, Khraishah says. A lot of it depends on where you live and how your body has adapted.

Someone who lives in Maine, for example, may be able to tolerate cold continued on next page

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( 7 1 8 ) 4 2 8 - 1 5 0 0 | F A X ( 7 1 8 ) 4 2 8 - 2 4 7 5 MAI NS T R E E T R ADI OL OGY . C OM

Dietary habits to benefit seniors over the long haul Food fuels the body throughout the day, ideally providing the energy people need to make the most of each day. But the foods people eat are more than just fuel. Indeed, a delicious meal is hard to forget, and that underscores how significant a variable flavor can be when people choose the foods they eat.

Flavor is certainly important when choosing and preparing meals, but it cannot be the only variable that determines what people eat. That's true for everyone, and especially notable for seniors. Agerelated changes to the body should affect seniors' approach to diet.

The National Council on Aging notes that metabolism slows as bodies grow older, which means seniors require fewer calories to fuel their daily activities than they needed when they were younger.

That's just one of the many notable things seniors should consider when designing their daily diets.

• Plan a well-rounded diet. School children learn the basic food groups as youngsters, and it's good for seniors to keep those long-ago lessons in mind when planning their daily diets. The American Heart Association notes the importance of incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and proteins into daily diets. In regard to dairy, the AHA advises consuming the equivalent of three cups of low-fat (1 percent) or fat-free dairy each day. When picking a protein source, the AHA identifies eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes, nuts, and poultry as healthy and protein-rich foods. Even polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils like olive oil and peanut oil can be healthy.

• Resolve to read more labels. Aging adults need not study nutrition to identify what they're putting into their bodies each time they take a bite. The NCOA notes that food labels are useful sources of information that can indicate how much fat, sodium and added sugars are in a given item. Seniors should be especially vigilant when trying to avoid foods that contain a lot of added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain. That's notable given seniors' naturally slower metabolisms.

• Practice portion control. It's not necessari-

Cold weather

Nutritional needs change as the body ages. ly the foods seniors eat but how much they eat that can derail their efforts to maintain their overall health.

Seniors' recommended daily calorie intake varies by both gender and activity levels. Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes women 61 and over who are moderately physically active should consume roughly 1,800 calories per day, while those living an active lifestyle are advised to eat around 2,000 calories per day. Moderately active men age 66 and older are advised to eat 2,400 calories per day, while active men between the ages of 61 and 75 should aim for 2,600 calories per day. When reading food labels, pay attention to calories per serving, as that can act as a useful guide to control portions. The National Institute on Aging recognizes it can be hard to control portion sizes when dining out, and recommends seniors share an entrée or order from the appetizers menu when picking their main course.

The right daily dietary habits can help seniors live longer, healthier and happier lives, and picking the right foods does not require sacrificing flavor. P — Metro Creative Connection real popular places for mall walkers yearround,” he says. “I think it’s just really important to challenge yourself; to know what your regular activity is, and try to always be looking for opportunities to increase or improve your physical activity.”

A few other tips: Limit the time you spend outside on cold-weather days, and if your clothes get damp or wet, be sure to change out of them as soon as you can.

Keep your home’s thermostat around 68°F or higher, Sinvani says, and make sure you’re staying hydrated. Wear shoes with good traction on the soles to reduce fall risks, Koncilja says.

Also, check in on neighbors and friends to make sure their heat is working. “Let’s be good community members and look out for people,” P Sinvani says.

Rachel Nania is an awar d-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments.

For the latest news visit qchron.com Prime Times: 60 Plus

continued from previous page weather better than someone who lives in Arizona, so the thermometer isn’t always a reliable indicator. The key, he says, is to listen to your body and the news.

Opt in for weather alerts in your area, he says, and make sure you dress appropriately.

The NIA suggests dressing in warm layers and wearing a hat, scarf and gloves to prevent heat loss through your head and hands.

Koncilja says older adults who exercise regularly throughout the year tend to be more resilient to weather changes. If you live in an area where snow and cold keep you from walking and biking outdoors year-round, take your workout indoors and try mall walking, which is free.

“There are not as many indoor shopping malls as there used to be, but the indoor shopping malls here in Northeast Ohio are

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

PRIME TIMES: 60 PLUS

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 20

Mid, Central Queens from July to December continued from page 16 Kew Gardens Hills.

Margaret “Marge” Markey, the longtime former Assembly member representing mid and Western Queens who founded Maspeth Town Hall and fought to enact the Child Victims Act, died Sept. 24 at 83.

The Chronicle reported Sept. 25 that the new Q23 bus stop at 108th Street and 71st Avenue in Forest Hills would be extended for an entire block, eliminating several existing parking spots.

That same day, CB 6 members voiced even more concerns about the imminent F and M train swap, when MTA reps delivered a presentation on it at the board’s Transportation, Public Transit and Street Safety Committee.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

October The Chronicle on Oct. 2 reported that Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City were both approved by their respective community advisory committees, placing them among the four remaining bids for the three licenses to be granted.

CB 5 at its Oct. 8 meeting OK’d a list of budget priorities for fiscal year 2027, but not without a heated debate — the approved list was based on a member survey, but member Eric Butkiewicz had motioned to bump funding for more cops to the top.

On Oct. 9, the Chronicle reported that Jonathan Rinaldi, the Republican challenging Councilmember Lyn n Schulman (D-Forest Hills) in District 29, was posting images of false news stories on his social media pages, including one purporting to be from the Chronicle. They claimed to report on nonexistent endorsements of himself and by his opponent.

Questions about Holden’s support in the November election arose after Vaichunas on Oct. 10 posted an endorsement video made with her boss. He confirmed that he had endorsed both candidates vying for his seat, in an admittedly unusual move.

The Forest Hills Gardens Corp. on Oct. 13 sued the city for its alleged unconstitu-

tional seizure of private streets for concerts at Forest Hills Stadium, adding to the resident association’s ongoing legal battles related to the venue.

After CB 6 heard testimony from a concerned resident, its Oct. 16 vote on extending a previously issued permit for a McDonald’s drive-thru ended in a tie, though the matter had been described as “relatively innocuous.” The eatery, at 98-01 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills, sought to keep operating it for 10 more years, and the board’s split amounted to a “no” vote.

Area residents on Oct. 21 rallied against a proposed 13-story building at 78-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst. Some said the proposed high-rise would risk displacing working-class families in the neighborhood.

DOT reps on Oct. 23 discussed plans to bring Citi Bike to Forest Hills and Rego Park next year, with 44 stations slated for implementation in the winter and spring.

The baseball field at Victory Field in Forest Park was named for Det. Brian Simonsen, a 19-year NYPD veteran who died in the line of duty in 2019, on Oct. 25.

Rinaldi’s fake social media posts persisted as the election drew nearer. The Chronicle reported Oct. 30 that he had been posting false reports that Schulman dropped out of the race.

November What started as a friendly contest came to a boil the night of the Nov. 4 election.

Wong held onto an early lead to defeat Vaichunas for Holden’s Council seat, earning about 54 percent of the vote. In an impassioned concession speech, Vaichunas declared her resentment for their mutual boss, saying he stabbed her in the back.

The race was far less tight in District 29 — Schulman won reelection by a landslide, with more than 72 percent of the vote.

Then-state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in the race to be the next mayor of New York City, receiving more than half of the votes.

New Yorkers also OK’d four ballot pro-

The Chronicle reported in September that the new Q23 bus stop at 108th Street and 71st Avenue in Forest Hills would be extended for the whole block. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ / FILE

Brianna Cea of Community Board 4, speaking, was among those who rallied against a highrise at 78-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst that lawmakers later approved.

COURTESY PHOTO / FILE posals, including the ones related to land use that had been challenged in court.

Passionate voices both for and against the IBX made their voices heard at the MTA’s public scoping meeting in Middle Village on Nov. 6.

The City Council on Nov. 12 approved the 13-story building planned for 78-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst, amid opposition from some residents.

After the United States Tennis Association filed a lawsuit over its priority use of part of the Citi Field parking lot during the US Open, the city and the developers behind Metropolitan Park reached an agreement that seemed to comply with a subsequent court order, the Chronicle reported Nov. 20.

T hat same d ay, U.S. Rep. Nydia Vel á z q u e z ( D - B r o o k l y n , Q u e e n s ) announced that she would not seek reelection in 2026 after the end of her term, ending her decades-long political career.

Also on Nov. 20, Charles Foehner, the Kew Gardens man who fatally shot a would-be mugger in 2023, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon. He was expected to receive four years in prison at his Jan. 14 sentencing.

The cover story for the Chronicle’s Mid and Central editions on Nov. 27 was an exit interview with Holden, as his term came to a close. He criticized the inner workings of government and lamented the failure of his horse carriage bill, but said he feels proud of what he achieved for his district.

December A pair of longstanding trees in Kew Gardens were cut down Dec. 2 after Parks inspectors determined it to be in poor condition. One area resident worried the move was part of a larger pattern of reducing the neighborhood’s tree canopy.

The Chronicle reported Dec. 4 that the same McDonald’s on Metropolitan Avenue whose drive-thru split CB 6 in October

assigned an employee to guard its doors to keep rowdy teens out after school.

In that same week’s paper, the Chronicle reported that Con Edison had agreed to reduce the double-digit rate hikes that it proposed earlier in the year.

Area leaders on Dec. 9 ceremonially broke ground on construction for the new, highly anticipated Rego Park Library, which had been in the making for decades.

City records filed Dec. 10 showed that Whole Foods had signed a 15-year agreement to open at 55-60 Myrtle Ave. in Ridgewood. The store could be Queens’ first.

That same day, a Maspeth woman told CB 5 that she fears for her and her son’s lives, after a dispute over parking in November turned physical. Board leaders also said they wanted to write a letter against the proposed 71-10 Grand Ave. weed shop — it violates the OCM’s updated school proximity rule, but the state reissued its license after a court ruling.

After a terror attack targeting Jewish people in Australia killed 15 and injured dozens more, Forest Hills made sure to spread light at a well-attended Hanukkah celebration in Yellowstone Park Dec. 14.

Holden on Dec. 15 called for a city task force to address alleged illegal event venues in and beyond his district, citing persistent complaints of noise and overcrowding at Ridgewood’s Lottus Event Center.

That same day, Queens hit the jackpot with two new future casinos, when the state Gaming Commission approved all three remaining applications for downstate licenses, including for Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City.

The Chronicle reported Dec. 25 that the Forest Hills Gardens Corp. had elected a new board. Nearly half of the panel of 15 aims to focus more on balancing stadium concerts with residents’ quality of life than pursuing litigation, one new Q member said.

January Jan n uary 1, 2026

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

ARTS, CULT CULTURE & LIVING

byy Stephanie b Stephanie G. Meditz St

continued on page 23

For the latest news visit qchron.com

New Year’s resolutions can be daunting.

Deciding on one goal that you want badly enough to achieve is hard as is. Then you actually have to commit to it, and for longer than the week you feel motivated.

And if, or when, you abandon that commitment, you might feel guilty about it, telling yourself your goal was perfectly within reach, had you just kept going.

But unanticipated roadblocks come up. Previous expectations might not be reasonable anymore. Life happens.

At the end of the day (and beginning of the year), remember that you’re in the driver’s seat, and life is an accumulation of moments. Small, positive habits can help make yours just a little brighter, without all the extra pressure.

Many who say they want to improve their health in the new year will start exercising or stock up on fruits and veggies. Those are positive steps, and ones that you absolutely can take — workout videos on YouTube, including apartment-friendly ones that require no equipment, are free, and seasonal produce is delicious.

But when was the last time you went to the doctor?

Got routine bloodwork done? Slept eight hours? Drank water (you just took a sip, didn’t you)?

Taking care of yourself is an ongoing investment that plenty of folks will put off, saying they’re just too busy. But you deserve to take that time for yourself, so you might start 2026 off by catching up on your appointments, or catching some Zs. There’s a mental component to that, too. It’s so easy to let everyday stresses control you, but you can reframe the manner in which you focus on the small things.

Gratitude journaling, or writing down the things you’re thankful for, can help you focus on the good that always surrounds you. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve your mental health, strengthen your relationships and more.

You could try to start or end your day by jotting down a bullet point or two, or, if you’d rather rathe save the paper, just name them in your head.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 22 For the latest news visit qchron.com

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 709726/2019 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, vs MICHELLE DAWN TUCK-THOMAS AS ADMINISTRATOR AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF BARBARA TUCK, KEISHA TUCK AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF BARBARA TUCK, FELICIA TUCK WINSTEAD AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF BARBARA TUCK, LAWRENCE WILLIAMS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LARRY WILLIAMS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF LARRY WILLIAMS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATION BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, RIVERWALK HOLDING LTD, PERFECT DEVELOPMENT NY INC., DAVID “DOE”, NERO “DOE”, CLIVE “DOE” Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 153-27 118TH AVENUE JAMAICA, NY 11434 To the Above named Defendnt: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Lawrence Williams as Heir to the Estate of Larry Williams and Unknown Heirs of Larry Williams Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Alan Schiff of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Tenth day of December, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Barbara Tuck (who died on October 22, 2017, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) and Larry Williams (who died on October 1, 2021, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) dated the September 8, 2006, to secure the sum of $245,500.00 and recorded at CRFN 2006000573034 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on October 13, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 11, 2009 and recorded on July 23, 2009, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2009000226776. The mortgage was subsequently modified on October 3, 2011. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 2, 2016 and recorded on September 23, 2016, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2016000332511. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 21, 2018 and recorded on January 11, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000013833. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 10, 2024 and recorded on January 9, 2025, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2025000009006. The property in question is described as follows: 153-27 118TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11434 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: December 12, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 88446

King Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Ship’s sail 4 Some TVs 8 Corned beef recipe 12 Terre Haute sch.

13 Greek vowel 14 Iso15 Flop 17 Pop’s sister 18 Coated with gold 19 Is boastful 20 Forest clearing 22 Satiate 24 Partially mine 25 Screwdriver type 29 -- Lanka 30 Warning 31 Compass dir.

32 Sailing challenge 34 Wound cover 35 Breaks down 36 Piles 37 Pink hue 40 Seniors’ org.

41 Each 42 Unexpected gain 46 Story 47 Shoppe descriptor 48 24 horas 49 Building wings 50 Yale students 51 Conclude

DOWN 1 Skippy rival 2 “This -- stickup!”

3 Sofia’s land 4 Rummage (through)

5 Stallion-to-be 6 -- standstill 7 Plopped down 8 Fireplace part 9 Water color?

10 Crooned 11 Chart toppers 16 Pot covers 19 Cigar remnant 20 “Holy cow!”

21 Entice 22 Secluded spots 23 Cooking fat 25 Move like a butterfly 26 Adventure 27 Now, in a memo 28 Society newbies 30 Missing GI 33 Curtains 34 Lowly worker

36 Devil’s domain 37 Blanchett of “The Aviator” 38 Milky gem 39 Sandwich bread 40 “The King --” 42 Misery 43 Under the weather 44 Architect Maya 45 Young fellow

Answers on next page

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Richard Buchter made judgments from Woodhaven

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Eli Butcher, a substitute New York City teacher, married Evelyn Ostrow, daughter of a Russian immigrant tailor in June 1940. A daughter, Sheila, was born on Oct. 8, 1941. On Feb. 5, 1948, Richard Lance Buchter arrived to complete the family. They lived in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

In 1954, a new six-story, 390-unit co-op building was erected at 83-25 98 The childhood home of the Late Queens County St. in Woodhaven. The family moved Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Butcher at 83-25 98 St. in Woodhaven, as it looks today. into apartment 5P. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM While attending Queens College, Richard fell in love with 22-year-old Tina Botwinick, who lived in the adjoining one in 1993. He tried countless criminal building, at 83-05 98 St., and they were mar- cases, too many to list here.

Buchter retired in 2020 at age 72. He ried in 1971.

Buchter graduated St. John’s School of loved his family, tennis, golf, reading, ScrabLaw in 1974, according to his obituary from ble, walking his dogs in Alley Pond Park and Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels. much more. He died at the Little Neck home He went to work as a Queens assistant dis- he shared with his wife of 54 years on Dec. trict attorney and then clerked for Judge Ann 11, 2025. The Assistant District Attorney’s Dufficy until 1987 when he was appointed to Association of Queens County has estabthe Civil Court. He became an acting state lished a Commitment to Justice Award in his Q Supreme Court justice and was elected as name that will be presented every year.

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

A super-fluffy cat lost in the busy streets of Queens is the unlikely hero of a new children’s book with a bighearted mission.

In “The Adventures of Puffy Cat and the Lost Name,” author Vanessa Benitez introduces young readers to a wide-eyed feline who tumbles out of a garbage truck, alone, nameless and unsure whom to trust.

The lighthearted, rhyming story follows Puffy Cat as she searches for food, friendship and, ultimately, a sense of who she is — all while shining a gentle spotlight on the realities faced by stray animals.

The story is rooted firmly in real life.

Benitez, a lifelong Queens resident born and raised in Richmond Hill, drew inspiration from her own rescue cat, Snarf.

“Snarf is my very first cat and it was fate that brought us together,” Benitez told the Chronicle over email.

In March 2022, Benitez heard noise coming from the trash — and out tumbled Snarf.

“She was cute and fluffy, but her fur was matted, and she was meowing a lot,” Benitez said.

At the time, she knew little about cats and was “super allergic and asthmatic,” but she was determined to help. After

“The Adventures of Puffy Cat and the Lost Name,” written by Vanessa Benitez, right, tells the story of a lost cat who finds herself alone after tumbling out of a garbage truck. It was inspired by Benitez’s own experience with her cat, Snarf. COURTESY PHOTOS learning that many shelters struggle to place adult cats, she committed to allergy shots and took Snarf in herself. That experience shaped Puffy Cat’s journey.

“Snarf opened up a whole new world for me,” Benitez said, adding that she began doing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) work in her neighborhood.

She decided that the stray cat’s story needed to be told.

“And who better to tell this story than my cat Snarf?” Benitez said. “Snarf’s past is a mystery to me. And while I don’t know the backstory of how she came to me, I knew she must have had some rough days and nights on the street.”

While the book is playful, she wanted it to reflect reality “in a kid-friendly way,” adding, “My hope is to have Snarf, a.k.a.

Puffy Cat, be a spokescat for the stray cat community.”

Benitez, a bilingual school counselor, wrote the book over the course of about a school year, often during her commute.

“I wrote the entire thing to and from work on a Google document,” she said, noting that the biggest challenge was keeping the story in verse.

Illustrations were created by Romanian artist Mara Gudina, whom Benitez praised for her attention to detail and flexibility during revisions.

The book is available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmar t, IngramSpark or at puffycatbooks.com.

Snar f — now healthy, happy and spoiled — also can be found on Instagram at @snarf_aka_puffycat.

A portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to For Animals Inc., a nonprofit rescue organization, helping to fund spay, neuter and adoption efforts.

“So hopefully, buying this book will make you laugh and smile, but also make you feel good that stray kitties will be helped with every purchase,” Benitez Q said.

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Queens cat goes from garbage truck to storybook

Tangible ways to improve your life in the new year

Crossword Answers

There are plenty of other ways to do your brain a favor. Perhaps the best thing you can do for it is put your phone down and read — Queens Public Library cards are free, if you live, work, study or own property in New York.

Reading just 10 pages a day can help you get into the habit, but don’t be shocked if an especially good book draws you in for many more. Don’t be afraid to select ones that challenge you, either — classics are called that for a reason, though any book that interests you is worth reading.

Going for walks, even short ones, is beneficial for both the body and the mind.

Not only can regular brisk walking improve cardio fitness and muscular endurance, but it also can help reduce stress, boost your mood and more, according to Mayo Clinic.

Getting some steps in during your lunch break can work wonders for your physical and mental health, even if you start with just a few minutes. As you get into the habit and the weather gets warmer, you might even go for longer walks. You could listen to music, or a podcast, or just pay attention to the world around you.

Getting lost in a book can help quiet your mind, while keeping it active. On the cover: Improve your mental and physical health by getting some exercise, even from home.

Intentional deep breaths also can help regulate your nervous system — The New York Times suggests inhaling for four counts, holding it for four more and exhaling for eight counts to reduce anxiety.

Perhaps you could try smiling at one stranger per day, or learning one new fact,

or asking a loved one a meaningful question, and really listening to the answer.

In the words of John Lennon, another year over, and a new one just begun. As important dates start to fill your pristine new 2026 calendar, remember to be good Q to yourself and others.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 21 If you have food on the table, a roof over your head and love in your life, whatever form that may take, there’s never a bad day to acknowledge it. Those things aren’t guaranteed.

In general, journaling is a good practice to start. Putting your thoughts into words can help you process your emotions, even if you write them in a notebook that’ll never see the light of day.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 24

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Legal Notices SUPREME COURT-COUNTY OF QUEENS. MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff -against-UNKNOWN HEIRS of Loretta Sepe a/k/a Laura Loretta Sepe a/k/a Laura L. Sepe, if living, and if he/she be dead, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 20, 2025 and entered on October 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY on January 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 11503 Lot 49. Said premises known as 133-34 CENTREVILLE STREET, OZONE PARK, NY 11417 Approximate amount of lien $414,326.17 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 704347/2019.

JOSEPH F. DEFELICE, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556

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SHERIFF’S SALE

BY VIRTUE OF AN EXECUTION ISSUED OUT OF THE SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF QUEENS, in favor of CINDY BREEDY AND ARTHUR BREEDY, the judgment creditors, and against A & G REALTY HOLDING LLC, the judgment debtor to me directed and delivered, I WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION, by Dennis Alestra DCA# 0840217., auctioneer, as the law directs, FOR CASH ONLY, on the 4th day of MARCH, 2026, at 1:00PM ,in the afternoon at QUEENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, 144-06 94TH AVE JAMAICA, NY, 11435 in the county of QUEENS all the right, title and interest which A & G REALTY HOLDING LLC, the judgment debtor(s), had on the 10TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2025, or at anytime thereafter, of, in and to the following properties: 45-18 30TH ROAD, ASTORIA, NY 11103 BLOCK 714, LOT 87 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of 30th Avenue, formerly Grand Avenue, distant westerly 20 feet from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of 30th Avenue with the westerly side of 46th Street, formerly 16th Avenue; RUNNING THENCE westerly along the southerly side of 30th Avenue, 20 feet; THENCE southerly parallel with 46th Street and part of the distance through a party wall, 84 feet 9 5/8 inches; THENCE easterly parallel with 30th Avenue, 20 feet; THENCE northerly parallel with 46th Street and part of the distance through a party wall, 84 feet 9 5/8 inches to the point or place of BEGINNING. ANTHONY MIRANDA Sheriff of the City of New York DEPUTY T. DENNY CASE# 25047695 NYC Department of Finance-Office of the Sheriff -nyc.gov/finance

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-FR2 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FR2, -against- DENARDO R. PITTER A/K/A DENARDO PITTER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, filed in the office of the clerk on and entered with the Clerk on September 30, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-FR2 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FR2 is the Plaintiff and DENARDO R. PITTER A/K/A DENARDO PITTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 01/14/2026 at 11:00AM, premises known as 188-01 KEESEVILLE AVENUE, SAINT ALBANS, New York 11412; and the following tax map identification, -10427-49. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. Dated: Melissa Mohan, Esq. Court Appointed Referee

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., -against- GERARD CARTER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LORENZO SIMMONS AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF NANCY SIMMONS; ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on November 5, 2025, wherein BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. is the Plaintiff and GERARD CARTER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LORENZO SIMMONS AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF NANCY SIMMONS ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 02/06/2026 at 11:00AM, premises known as 14-28 PINSON STREET, FAR ROCKAWAY, New York 11691; and the following tax map identification, -15651-22.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 706162/2016. William T. Driscoll, Esq. - Referee.

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 Trust, Plaintiffs against 30-44 7H OWNER LLC, et al. Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 20, 2025 and entered on November 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY 11435, on Friday January 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction, premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, The Unit designated and described as Unit No. 7H in the condominium known as “Victoria Hall Condominium” together with an undivided 0.7671% interest in the common elements. Block: 577 Lot: 1055.

Said premises known as 30-44 29TH STREET, UNIT 7H a/k/a UNIT 723, ASTORIA, NY Approximate amount of lien $25,423.42, through October 22, 2024, plus interest fees & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 718908/2022.

MARK J. KELLER, ESQ., Referee Seyfarth Shaw LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

SUPREME COURT-COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, Plaintiffs -against- BART ZVITCOVICH and NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, et al. Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated November 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY 11435, on Friday January 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction, premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of St. Nicholas Avenue, distant 50 feet northerly from the northeasterly corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and Palmetto Street; being a plot 35 feet by 95 feet 10 inches by 35 feet by 95 feet 6 1/4 inches. Block: 3448 Lot: 4 Said premises known as 333 ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385 Approximate amount of lien $43,798.35, through August 29, 2024, plus interest fees & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 716057/2020. GREGORY J. NEWMAN, ESQ., Referee Seyfarth Shaw LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Notice of Formation: ABC United

BLUE SUNDAY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/25. 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, 32-36 81st St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Consulting LLC. Arts of Org filed with Sec. of State of New York (SSNY)

11/04/2025.Office

in

Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of

LLC

upon

whom

process

against it may be served & shall mail process to the LLC, 40-50 192ND ST, FLUSHING, NY 11358.

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EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131.

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Legal Notices LANVS

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Legal Notices LLC,

PATRICIA WILLIAMS CONSULTING

Arts. of Org. filed with the

FIRM LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with

SSNY on 12/10/2025. Office loc:

the SSNY on 12/04/25. Office:

Queens County. SSNY has been

Queens

designated as agent upon whom

nated as agent of the LLC upon

process against the LLC may

whom process against it may be

be

served.

served.

SSNY

shall

mail

County.

SSNY

desig-

SSNY shall mail copy

process to: The LLC, 215-10 112th

of process to the LLC, 24-41

Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429.

31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

P11 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed

Notice

with the SSNY on 03/12/2004.

W & W Group Capital LLC. Art.

Office loc: Queens County.

of Org. filed Secy. of State of

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

of

Formation

of

NY (SSNY) on 3/25/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may

SSNY shall mail process to:

be served. SSNY shall mail copy

The LLC, 11-11 44th Drive,

of process to: The LLC, 90-75

Long Island City, NY 11101.

Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435.

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SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS. CITIMORTGAGE, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., Plaintiff against MAURICE H. OPARAJI A/K/A MAURICE OPARAJI A/K/A MAURICE UD OPARAJI, ADA PATIENCE OPARAJI A/K/A ADA P. OPARAJI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 21, 2025 and entered on July 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY January 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of 133rd Road with the easterly side of 245th Street; RUNNING THENCE northerly along the easterly side of 245th Street, 78.34 feet; THENCE southerly along a line forming an interior angle of 15 degrees 17 minutes 45 seconds with the easterly side of 245th Street, 26.19 feet; THENCE northeasterly along a line forming an interior angle of 274 degrees 52 minutes 35 seconds with the preceding course, 77.86 feet; THENCE southerly along a line forming an interior angle of 69 degrees 49 minutes 40 seconds with the preceding course, 79.91 feet to the northerly side of 133rd Road; THENCE westerly along the northerly side of 133rd Road, 80 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 13209 Lot: 80 Said premises known as 245-11 133RD ROAD, ROSEDALE, NY 11422 Approximate amount of lien $428,081.71 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 704318/2019. MONICA MORAN, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7613.70

Arts.

EVERLYST LLC Articles of

of Org. filed with the SSNY on

HOLDINGS

LLC.

Org. filed NY Sec. of State

03/14/16. Office: Queens County.

(SSNY) 12/10/25. Office in

SSNY designated as agent of

Queens

the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to

Co.

SSNY

design.

Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY

LLC

filed

8/28/24. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 4314

the LLC, c/o Refoilio Holdings LLC,

shall mail copy of process to

157th

116-55 Queens Blvd, Ste 206,

The LLC 42-02 Crescent St., 21C, Long Island City, NY 11101.

Flushing,

Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

St.,

2nd

NY

Purp: any lawful.

Fl,

11355.

Notice of Formation of GLOW WITH THE FLOW, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/21/2025.

Office location: Queens County.

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

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-25 29TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2019-1, Plaintiff against ZENTENO CORP.; VICTORINA DOMINGUEZ, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 17, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 80-09 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, New York 11372.

Block 1291 Lot 43. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Second Ward in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $2,924,513.60 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No. 714725/2021. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules.

The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Michael Cervini, Esq., Referee. File # 23-000632-01

Notice of Formation of IT STARTS HERE, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/02/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 128-35 233RD ST., ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of KAI NGERN KAI TONG LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/11/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: PHAIPHAN SANGTIPPAWAN, 8206 34TH AVE. APT. 3D, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

KIRBY ASSOCIATES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/17/25. 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, 3999 48th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

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Notice of Formation of CASTLE VIEW ASSOCIATES, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/20/2025.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CASTLE VIEW ASSOCIATES, LLC, 4003 164TH STREET, P.O. BOX 43, FLUSHING, NY 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VIII-A, Plaintiff, vs. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE NELSON CANO A/K/A NELSON RODRIGO CANO, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBTUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 92-21 Winchester Boulevard, Queens Village, NY 11428. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10736 and Lot 35. Approximate amount of judgment is $515,164.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 705735/2018. Joseph N. Armao, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Firm File No.: 230144-1

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST STEPHANIE D. SINAI; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 8210 214th Street, Hollis Hills, NY 11427. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 7805 Lot: 41. Approximate amount of judgment $909,597.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #721068/2021. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.

Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Joseph Frank Defelice, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614. CHJNC396 87870

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Notice of Formation of 101-18 Northern Boulevard LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/19/25. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: c/o United Corporate Services, Inc., 10 Bank St, Ste 560, White Plains, NY 10606, regis teredagent@unitedcorporate.com.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-SD4, Plaintiff against JYNELL ROLLINS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 24, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on January 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 20405 115th Avenue, St. Albans, NY 11412. Block 11021 Lot 7.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $698,808.73 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 710627/2019. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules.

The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Autrey Glen Johnson, Esq., Referee File # 8986695

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2026 Page 28 For the latest news visit qchron.com

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102-02 101st AVE. • OZONE PARK • 718-849-8200 PHONE ORDERS GLADLY ACCEPTED

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