Queens Chronicle 01-08-2026

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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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Treatment center could come to Liberty Avenue PAGE 4 Representatives of AllHealth Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Garandeep Singh, inset left, Ahmad Masoud and Dayo Alalade, pitched a proposal for a new inpatient detox and substance abuse facility at 107-14 Liberty Ave. in Ozone Park, above, to Community Board 10 on Monday evening. But the panel had many questions left unanswered — including whether the facility’s opening is contingent on its approval.

ONE YEAR OF CONGESTION TOLLS

MAYOR MAMDANI’S FIRST WEEK

FOR KING AND COMMUNITY

Advocates say traffic, pollution down

Staff, executive orders and more

Singer-songwriter will headline college’s MLK celebration

PAGES 8 AND 10

PAGES 10, 12, 14 AND 16

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 2

Queens reacts to Maduro’s capture Response mixed as Venezuelan president to stand trial in New York

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

N

icolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, and his wife were captured by the United States during airstrikes and a raid there Jan. 3. Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president, has been sworn in as the country’s interim leader. President Trump said the United States would “run” the country until a safe leadership transition could occur.

Maduro on Jan. 5 pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and gun crimes, in a Manhattan courthouse.

But it’s not the first time Maduro has faced charges from the country: In March 2020, Maduro originally was indicted in a U.S. federal court on charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine, and the U.S. announced a $15 million reward for his capture.

The Biden administration in 2024 also accused Maduro of stealing the election that kept him in power, and later raised the bounty on him to $25 million. Trump then doubled it.

Trump, following Maduro’s capture, posted an image of the Venezuelan president blindfolded and handcuffed.

Since Maduro’s capture, reactions from those in the United States have been mixed.

While some are celebrating the ousting of a

man long considered a dangerous dictator, oth- echoed similar sentiments.

Suozzi said he would “dig into” the situation ers are concerned of the situation’s legality and further, saying that the United States must possible repercussions for the United States.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in a “comply with the law,” while Ocasio-Cortez statement said that while Maduro is an “illegit- said, “It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump imate dictator,” it was reckless to launch mili- wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest tary action without congressional authorization narco traffickers in the world last month. It’s or a credible future plan, adding that the about oil and regime change.”

Members of the Trump administration Trump administration had assured him on briefed officials on Jan. 5, per three separate occasions that it a press release from Meeks, was “not pursuing regime ranking member of the Forchange or taking military registered eign Relations Committee. action in Venezuela.”

“I heard nothing yesterday He continued, “The idea my opposition.” to dispel my very serious conthat Trump plans to now run — Mayor Mamdani, cerns about the Trump adminVenezuela should strike fear in regarding a phone call istration’s attempted regimethe hearts of all Americans. with Trump on Maduro change and nation-building The American people have exercise in Venezuela, nor seen this before and paid the devastating price. ... To distract from skyrock- leads me to trust that Trump and his adminiseting costs Americans face and the historic tration are truly operating in the best interests cover up of the Epstein files, Donald Trump is of the American people,” he said.

Mayor Mamdani at a Jan. 3 press conferattempting to throw Americans into more ence said he had called Trump directly to international chaos and uncertainty.”

Other members of Congress who represent speak about his opposition to the act and Queens or parts thereof, including U.S. Sen. “make clear that it was an opposition based on Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Reps. being opposed to a pursuit of regime change, Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens), Grace to the violation of federal international law, Meng (D-Flushing), Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), and a desire to see that be consistent each and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens) every day.”

He continued, “I registered my opposition. I and Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Queens) all

“I

President Trump posted an image of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after he was captured by the U.S. on Jan. 3.

TRUTH SOCIAL PHOTO / @REALDONALDTRUMP made it clear, and we left it at that.”

Councilmember Julie Won (D-Sunnyside) said that she’s seen Venezuelan neighbors cry continued on page 15

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 4

New treatment center seeks to open in OZP CB 10 hears pitch for Liberty Avenue facility, but questions still remain

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Ahmad Masoud, Gagandeep Singh and Dayo Alalade of AllHealth Diagnostic Treatment Center on Jan. 5 presented a proposal for an inpatient detox and substance abuse center at 107-14 Liberty Ave. to Community Board 10.

The application has not yet been submitted to the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, but the organization said it is aiming to open in June.

“This is a building that my partner and I, M r. Singh, ow n,” Masoud said. “And we have the intent to develop it to benefit the community.”

The organization prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the panel, but only notified the board of it the morning of the meeting, according to Chair Betty Braton.

There was no projector available on short notice, and the organization did not print enough copies of Gagandeep Singh, left, Ahmad Masoud and Dayo Alalade of AllHealth Diagnostic Treatment Center presented a prothe presentation for each board posal for an inpatient detox and substance abuse center, at 107-14 Liberty Ave. in Ozone Park, to Community Board member, so many had to share cop- 10 on Monday evening.

YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / CB 10 ies or wait until the following patients cannot get visitors or leave, Following the presentation, in that respect,” Masoud said, but morning to receive it via email.

Still, the team behind AllHealth but may take a supervised smoke many board members were left he acknowledged those situations outlined steps they need to follow break. Doctors and nurses are with questions. One member of the could happen and said the protoavailable 24/7 to tend to the detox panel, Brina Ciaramella, asked col they follow would help mitito make their vision a reality. about the group’s other facilities gate that.

“The first aspect to this is to patients.

After the detox phase, the pro- and whether they had incidents that Boa rd member a nd Ozone have your approval, and your blessinvolved law enforcement there.

Tudor Civic President Frank Daring as the board,” Masoud said. gram merges to the rehab phase.

“This is a more programmingMasoud explained that they dani asked John Calcagnile, the “You represent the community of Ozone Park, and it’s extremely cru- and group-intensive program that have two facilities in Brooklyn, panel’s Land Use Com mit tee cial to us to make sure that we col- doesn’t really require too much and affiliated sites in Richmond chair, if the building is zoned for laborate, and that we partner with medical when you compare to Hill and Ozone Park, but con- the proposed use. Calcagnile said you to do what’s best for the com- detox,” Alalade, a doctor and the firmed the Liberty Avenue loca- the board needs more time to look organization’s director of behavior- tion would be its first alcohol and that over. munity and the patient population.” al health servic- substance abuse center.

Dardani also asked what perT he t r io of es, said. “Detox “We are very fortunate that we centage of patients will be from the representatives is real intensive do not have the type of episodes neighborhood. Alalade said the said they have a wealth of experie have the intent in terms of the where law enforcement is directly group has to show prevalence of medical aspect involved or any significant issues substance abuse in the area on its ence in the field. to develop it to of it.”

The center “Our goal is would have two benefit the to rehabilitate dist r ict prothe patients, grams: what is community.” bring them back known as an 816 If you love your neighborhood, feel called to time historic inequities in age, gender, background in the communidetox program, — Ahmad Masoud of AllHealth serve and would like to weigh in on consequential and more on Queens boards. The application prot y a n d m a ke and an 818 or Diagnostic Treatment Center issues from the city budget to capital projects, you cess has been digitized to simplify it, and the BP’s them productive 819 2 8 - d ay could be a great fit for your local community office touted his outreach efforts, especially in members of rehab program. board. underrepresented constituencies. Nearly 1,000 The organization is asking for 10 society,” Masoud explained.

And you can throw your hat in the ring now — Queens residents applied last year, and 119 brand“We feel that the program will detox beds, 20 rehab beds and 10 Queens Borough President Donovan Richards’ new members were appointed. “flexible beds,” meaning they can be highly successful and an asset to office is accepting applications, both from newThe BP names all members, with half the be used in the event more beds are the community,” he said, adding comers and sitting board members seeking addi- appointments having been nominated by City needed in either program. Both that they intend on partnering with tional terms, through Feb. 13. Online application Council members in their respective districts. area businesses to create training facilities require OASAS approval. forms are available at queensbp.nyc.gov and bit.ly/ Members serve two-year terms, which begin April The detox program involves an programs for more jobs opportuniQ communityboard2026.

1 for those appointed. approximate five- to seven-day stay ties, such as in medical assistance, — Stephanie G. Meditz Richards says he is committed to reversing longat the facility for those in chronic nu rsing, medical billing and withdrawal. During that stay, administrative staff.

“W

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application.

“Once we put the application together, we’ll be glad to share that information with you,” he said.

“But our primary focus will be on patients in this area.”

Braton said the board would not be voting on the proposal that evening, as many members had not gotten a chance to properly review the materials, and they did not know whether the facility is contingent on a vote from the board.

“Nothing in their communication to us indicated that they needed our approval,” Braton said. “So the assumption is if we choose to give approval or not to give approval, that will come when there is a chance for the community to really review this.”

She also told the trio that the board would be interested in what outreach has been made to those living in the community, including civic groups and people residing in the immediate vicinity of the facility.

“From our outreach, we have not found that you have communicated to them,” Braton said. “And they’re the people you need to reach, because we reflect their views.”

Calcagnile told them that safety will be very important to the commercial strip on Liberty Avenue, as well as the board and area residents.

He also told the organization that the board requires more information on how the building will be laid out and what the inside will look like.

“We need that kind of information before we consider something,” Braton added. “We’ll come back to this on another evening, and they’ll get back to us with Q more information.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 6

Crime down, murder up in Queens in ’25 NYC homicides drop 20%, with record lows for shootings, gunshot victims

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Murder ticks up in Queens

Queens saw a reduction in most major crimes in 2025, resulting in a drop of about PRECINCT 2024 2025* 6.4 percent overall compared to 2024.

100 2 2 But the borough saw a slight increase in 101 4 3 murders while the city as a whole saw them fall nearly 21 percent, according to NYPD 102 4 3 CompStat figures through Dec. 28.

103 7 6 The number of murders citywide dropped 104 1 5 from 380 to 302. Queens saw an increase from 105 1 4 55 to 58.

106 3 3 NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, in a 107 4 3 joint press conference last week with outgoing 108 1 2 Mayor Eric Adams, said shooting statistics have fallen to never-before-seen levels.

“So far this year, shooting incidents and victims are at their lowest levels in recorded QUEENSWIDE 2024 2025 history,” Tisch said, according to the tranRAPE 435 454 script of the Dec. 29 press conference. “And we’re not just beating the record, we are ROBBERY 3,530 2,895 crushing it.” *2025 statistics through Dec. 28 Tisch said New York City saw 239 fewer people shot in 2025 compared to 2024, and 1,016 fewer than in 2021, the year before firearms taken off of our streets every single day for 1,459 days,” Tisch said. “This is no Adams took office.

Major, or index, crimes fell 2.8 percent accident. It is thanks to focused strategy, to citywide. The borough also saw rapes increase data-driven deployments, and to relentless from 425 to 454. Queens followed the city pat- police work carried out across the city. And tern overall with steep decreases in robberies the impact of that work is showing up in our and drops in burglaries, grand larcenies and crime numbers with record-breaking results.” “[T]his December, we’ll continue to see auto theft. Queens also had a reduction in felony assaults, where the city saw an increase of record low shooting incidents and shooting less than 1 percent. But police have said some victims in our city, topping off another year and closing out our of the increase in rapes eig ht h c on s e cut ive is due to a legal expanquarter of declining sion of the definition. nd we’re not just crime,” Adams said.

While listed outside “Let that settle in.” the index categories, beating the record, Tisch said 2025 was declines in shooting we are crushing it.” the safest year in the incidents and shooting transit system since victims in Queens for — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch 2009, excluding the 2025 followed the citypandemic years. wide trend. Shootings In Queens, murders generally dropped in in Queens dropped from 119 to 89; while the southern precincts but rose in some of the shooting victims went from 145 to 109.

Adams and Tisch credited much of the suc- northern ones.

In the Rockaways, the 100th Precinct postcess to the NYPD’s removal of 25,000 illegal ed a 19.5 percent drop in index crimes: murguns from the streets in Adams’ tenure.

“That amounts to more than a dozen illegal der, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary,

PRECINCT

2024

2025

109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 TOTAL

7 2 1 0 7 3 4 4 55

3 5 2 2 6 2 7 0 58

Mixed improvement on other crimes in borough

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“A

QUEENSWIDE SHOOTINGS VICTIMS

2024 119 145

2025 89 109

Source: NYPD / Image courtesy NYPD

grand larceny and grand larceny auto, or auto theft. Murders were level at two. The 101st Precinct, also in the Rockaways, saw crime drop 4.8 percent for the year with murders going from four in 2024 to three.

The 102nd Precinct, with its headquarters in Richmond Hill, fell 2.5 percent. The 102nd also saw murders fall from four to three. The precinct also includes Kew Gardens, Woodhaven and the northern part of Ozone Park.

The 103rd Precinct in Jamaica had a 4.4 percent reduction in major crimes. Murders went from seven to six.

The 104th Precinct, covering Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth, saw a 4 percent drop. Murders, however, increased from one in 2024 to five.

Crime in the 105th Precinct dropped 2.7 percent. Murders rose from one to four. The 105th covers Queens Village, Cambria Heights, Bellerose, Glen Oaks, Floral Park and Bellaire.

The 106th Precinct, which patrols Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Lindenwood and Howard Beach, saw its totals tick up .06 percent — five more reported crimes — with

murders remaining level at three.

Crime in the 107th Precinct, with its headquarters in Flushing, went up 0.4 percent, or seven more reported incidents. Murders went from four to three. The precinct also covers Fresh Meadows, Cunningham Heights and Hilltop Village.

The 108th Precinct saw a 3.2 percent increase for 2025. Murders rose from one to two. The precinct includes Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside.

The 109th Precinct which includes Flushing, Queensboro Hill, College Point, Malba, Whitestone, Beechhurst and Bay Terrace, saw a 19.5 percent drop. Murders were cut from seven to three.

Crime in the 110th Precinct, headquartered in Elmhurst, plummeted 24.6 percent. Murders rose from two to five. The precinct also covers Corona.

The 111th Precinct saw crime rise sharply, by 11.7 percent. Murders went from one to two. The 111th serves Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Hollis Hills and Fresh Meadows.

The 112th Precinct increased 5.1 percent, with two murders in 2025 after none in 2024.

The precinct serves Forest Hills and Rego Park.

The 113th Precinct, with headquarters in South Jamaica, saw crime rise 18 percent.

Murders dipped from seven to six. The precinct’s patrol area also includes St. Albans, Hollis, South Ozone Park and Rochdale.

In the 114th Precinct, which serves Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside and Jackson Heights, crime dropped 7.1 percent. Murders fell from three to two.

Crime in the 115th Precinct dropped 23.9 percent, though murders rose from four in 2024 to seven. The 115th covers Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and North Corona.

In the new 116th Precinct, reported crimes dropped 3.1 percent. There were no murders, while four occurred there in 2024, according to CompStat, though an NYPD official later said there actually were none in either year.

The new command, established in late 2024, protects Springfield Gardens, Brookville, Q Laurelton and Rosedale.

106th Pct.: ‘We’re still doing our best’

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Crime was slightly up in 2025 within the confines of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct, according to Capt. Nigel Fenton, the executive officer of the command.

“We lost the year of 2025 by just about 15 crimes,” Fenton told the crowd on Jan. 5 at Community Board 10’s meeting at the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach.

NYPD CompStat data shows that through Dec. 28, there were 1,611 total crimes in 2024 within the 106’s confines. In 2025, there were 1,621.

Fenton said the main crimes were grand larceny auto, grand larceny and felony assault. Honda CR-Vs, he said, are the most targeted, adding that there was an incident at a Honda dealership in which auto parts were stolen.

“They’re trying what they can to get these car parts, to try to get key fobs to program and do what they can to try to steal these vehicles off the streets,” Fenton said.

Felony assaults in the area were mostly domestic violence incidents, he clarified, but some had been in bars and clubs along Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue.

The command saw six traffic deaths in 2025.

“One fatality is one too many, so we’re still doing our checkpoints throughout the neighborhood,” Fenton said, naming Cross Bay Boulevard and the Belt Parkway as two locations often monitored.

Fenton also told the board that the precinct is still understaffed.

“The officers that we had here actually went to other precincts, and we haven’t backfilled them, so we’re still short on personnel,” he said. “But we’re still doing our best — what we can — to try Q to patrol the neighborhood effectively.”

Capt. Nigel Fenton, the executive offer of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct, on Jan. 5 gave a recap on crime in 2025 to Community Board 10.

YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / CB 10

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 8

Congestion pricing hits first anniversary Advocates say traffic, pollution are down and transit ridership is up

by Michael Gannon

down 20 percent over one year. The streets are safer, the safest streets in Being an ardent Buffalo Bills fan, history.”

The governor also took some jabs Gov. Hochul was not exactly convincing when she initially said she at President Trump, who is opposed was not spiking the football as she to the tolling.

“Everyone from the president on celebrated the first anniversary of congestion pricing in Manhattan on down said, ‘You’re killing New York City.’ Seriously? Have you been here Monday.

The governor was joined by lately? The best year for Broadway.

Mayor Mamdani, Metropolitan Sales tax receipts in the area that peoTransportation Authority Chairman ple said would be killed by this are up and CEO Janno Lieber and numerous 6 percent. People are coming. People are still shopping. They are still supporters of the tolling program.

“The cameras are staying on,” spending money.”

Hochul said office leasing is at a Hochul said at the McBurney YMCA in Chelsea. The results are extraordi- 20-year high. She also said crossings nary, beyond what we could have at the city’s bridges and tunnels are exponentially faster. expected.”

“This is something that is all too The controversial program charges tolls of $9 per car to enter Manhattan rare in politics these days,” Mandani at or below 60th Street during peak said. “That is the changes that can hours, with trucks paying more. The come when government dares to do aims are to reduce traffic and pollu- big things.”

Speaking as the former Astoria tion in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan; and to raise revenue for assemblyman whose district includes the infamous “Asthma Alley” section the MTA. Crain’s New York Business on of the neighborhood, the mayor said the changes will Monday, quoting benefit transit ridBloomberg, reporters, drivers and anyed that the tolls his has been one who just wants resulted in $548 to breathe cleaner million in net revesuccessful no air, nue in 2025. Reve“This has been nues initially had matter how you successful no matter been forecast at $1 measure it.” how you measure billion per year, it,” Mamdani said, when the peak toll — Mayor Mamdani including capital w a s t o b e $15 on congestion pricing f u nd i ng for t he instead of $9.

MTA that he said The revenue still has proven sufficient for the agency has been put off for years if not to borrow the necessary funds to decades.”

Lieber said the benefits also effect its plans. Officials had said the revenue would be enough to leverage include the more mundane matters of running a transit system. $15 billion more in borrowing.

“It means more train cars, more “The results are in,” Hochul said.

“And this is incredible — 27 million track signals, more [Americans fewer cars going into that zone over with Disabilities Act] elevators,” the last year ... and air pollution is Lieber said. “We are changing the Senior News Editor

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“T

Gov. Hochul, joined by U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, left, Mayor Mamdani and MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber, celebrated the one-year anniversary of congestion pricing on Monday.

SCREENSHOT VIA NYC VIDEO / YOUTUBE city by making the subway truly accessible for all.”

He called 2025 an unprecedented year for the MTA. “We had 1.9 billion trips across the city, he said. “We had record on-time performance for subways, the [Long Island Rail Road], MetroNorth; and surging customer satisfaction, which we all want.

“And we are knocking out those projects funded by congestion pricing faster, better and cheaper than ever before. We are doing them on time, on budget and in many cases under budget.”

The Riders Alliance, posting on X M o n d ay m o r n i n g , a l s o w a s celebrating.

“Happy Congestion Pricing Day! Here’s to another year of cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit!”

Crain’s said Bloomberg reported

Monday that taxi trips starting or ending south of 60th Street traveled an average of 7.3 miles per hour from January through October of 2025, a 1.4 percent increase over 2024. Bus riders traveled an average of 3 percent faster according to a report from the Regional Plan Association.

The advocacy group Transportation Alternatives cited a New York Times article on its X feed on Monday that states, “300,000 more people are riding the subway each day — far more than the 70,000 cars that have been taken off the road in the congestion pricing zone.”

“If your bus went faster in 2025, thank congestion pricing,” TA said on X. Congestion pricing imposes a toll on just about every car and truck that enters Manhattan at or south of 60th Street, with other large vehicles pay-

ing higher rates based on size. The base peak toll for most cars is scheduled to increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031. 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 Trump administration continues to oppose the tolls, and the state has ignored three deadlines to end it issued by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the last year.

The secretary is the named defendant in the federal lawsuit Metropolitan Transportation Authority v.

Duffy, in which the MTA is seeking to stop federal efforts to close the tolls down. The case has a hearing scheduled on Jan. 28 before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman. Both sides are seeking to dismiss each other’s Q claims.

Rockaway Boulevard respite center nixed

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

In October 2025, Transitional Services for New York Inc. announced at a Community Board 10 meeting that it was seeking to demolish an existing building, at 96-25 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, to construct a new one for a respite and transitional center.

The plan was met with pushback from the neighborhood’s residents and community figures, and an online petition against t h e p r o p o s a l g a r n e r e d n e a rly 20 0 signatures.

On Dec. 30, however, City Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) confirmed the property will not be used for Transitional Services’ program.

Ariola took to social media to share a statement from the nonprofit’s CEO, Larry Grubler, regarding the proposal.

“At this point the owner of the Rockaway Blvd. site refuses to deliver the property vacant and doesn’t want to be involved with re-locating the tenants,” the statement read.

The CEO said that the building’s owner, who could not be reached by the Chronicle

for comment, wanted TSINY to evict the tenants living there, but the nonprofit refused to do so as it is “contraindicated to our overall mission.”

Grubler continued, “We never went to contract and I have informed the community board of [the] same and thanked them for their graciousness throughout Q the process.”

A proposed respite center on Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park is no longer in consideration, according to Councilmember Joann Ariola.

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 10

P Let Weaver quit in peace EDITORIAL

S

omeone with Cea Weaver’s beliefs does not belong in the city government, or any American position of public trust. Yet there she is, Mayor Mamdani’s new executive director of the Office to Protect Tenants, despite her voicing truly despicable views over the years.

Yet the primary blame for this situation lies not with her, but with Mamdani. He appointed Weaver, presumably because their beliefs on things like tenant rights and private property and the racial roots of financial inequality align.

Weaver just says the quiet part out loud.

Here is some of what she’s had to say online: “There is no such thing as a ‘good’ gentrifier, only people who are actively working on projects to dismantle white supremacy and capitalism and people who aren’t.” — “Private property including any kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy.” — “I wish I believed in god so I could believe that all men who take credit for women’s work and all white men who take credit for the work of

AGE

women of color would one day burn.”

Weaver seems to be obsessed with race, so in case you’re wondering, she’s as white as can be.

She also has what appears to be a financially comfortable background, went to pricey schools and then moved to Brooklyn, becoming a part of the very white gentrification she laments as an open socialist — a communist, really.

However, even though Weaver should never have been appointed, and should resign, that does not mean that reporters should hound her outside her home. Revealing her statements is one thing; making her cry and run back in is out of bounds.

The shrewd Mamdani must know he cannot govern with appointments like this. Yes, he was elected as a democratic socialist, but Weaver is too divisive to stay on. Outside of the hard left, people are up in arms about her appointment and vile statements. Outside of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, his government is leftist enough as it is. He should let Weaver quietly move on, and then the media should do the same and let her be.

New tolls are working well

C

ongestion pricing turned out to be much better than this page feared.

We were worried about big negative impacts on businesses that would have to shoulder the additional costs. We were concerned that the city’s rich cultural institutions would take a hit as fewer people would go into Manhattan.

Instead, business has boomed in the year since the new tolls took effect, and Broadway just had its best season ever, financially speaking, with $1.9 billion in ticket sales, up 23 percent from the prior year, according to Gov. Hochul.

Commuters seem to be absorbing the extra $2,200 or so annual cost, or they’re taking public transit. Twentyseven million fewer cars entered the

LETTERS TO THE MTA bus depot snafu Published every week by

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Dear Editor: As fares and tolls increase for 2026, the MTA continues to overspend on its construction projects.

In spring 2025, the MTA opened a temporary Jamaica Bus Terminal at 168th and 169th streets and 90th Avenue. Within months, the asphalt began to collapse by the bus entry and exit lanes. Apparently, the project engineers failed to account for soil erosion caused by water flowing downhill and the weight of the buses.

Now the MTA is digging up the lanes after just eight months and laying the proper foundation. Fortunately, the MTA’s bus directing staff are keeping the buses moving around the construction and pedestrians safe while this is going on.

How much money is being wasted by not getting projects done right the first time?

Scott Avidon Kew Gardens

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Here’s Mayor Mamdani Dear Editor: Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as mayor of the greatest city in America. Whether good or bad, we will have to see what the mayor is able to accomplish. This is a most auspicious and momentous occasion for New York City, and all those who pay taxes. Mayor Mamdani faces many problems, starting with the afford© Copyright 2026 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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ability of housing, the high price of food, crime, homelessness, with people living on the street, and unemployment. Also, Mayor Mamdani needs to show support for our police, firefighters and EMS personnel.

I hope Mayor Mamdani shows leadership and does the right thing for all New Yorkers.

May God bless the mayor and his new administration.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Israel backers alienated Dear Editor: On his first day as mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani revoked his predecessor’s ban on boycotts of Israel by city agencies. He also announced that his city government will be relentless in its efforts to combat hate.

By allowing city agencies to boycott Israel, the mayor may alienate many voters who support Israel. These voters may believe that the

toll zone over the last year, and air pollution is down 20 percent, again according to the governor.

Meanwhile, the MTA has raised $548 million in new revenue, with which it can leverage $15 billion in borrowing for capital projects. We hope that will mean, in part, that it can ease up on toll hikes on other crossings, where drivers have been paying more and more for years, and where mass transit is less available.

We do recognize that the MTA will always be short of money and will always demand more. But this new source of revenue appears to be working out without too much pain.

Lastly, we hope the Trump administration will see the light and stop trying to shut it down. It’s just another lost cause in the courts.

city government will be relentless in its efforts to combat hate, with the exception of hatred of Israel.

Theodore Sheskin Flushing

Pay for patriotism Dear Editor: Re “Law expands property tax exemptions for vets,” Jan. 1, multiple editions: Getting a break on property taxes in Queens does not come easily. You can reach old age, fill out a bunch of forms and get a (middling) senior exemption. Or finagle being a “clergy” someplace and pay nothing.

Now, thanks to a normally dormant group of state legislators representing a band of Queens most victimized by the unfair NYC property tax system, being a veteran with a “100 percent service-connected disability” can get you off the hook for disproportionately subsidizing discounts and assessment cuts

Adams wrong on 19 vetoes Dear Editor: (An open statement to the public) Mayor Adams vetoed 19 bills recently passed by the City Council before leaving office. It is unsurprising that the mayor ended his term by demonstrating, once again, that protecting and supporting working-class New Yorkers was not his priority.

His vetoes put special interests above greater affordability and opportunity for hardworking New Yorkers, and public safety. In the face of housing that isn’t affordable enough, families leaving our city and losing their homes, the Council’s legislation ensures city resources will be used to create homes that are actually affordable and meet the needs of working families to remain here.

The mayor’s vetoes also continued his administration’s disregard for the accountability, good government and transparency that are necessary to improve public safety and ensure trust in city government. These bills represent sound policies that the next Council should defend, protecting the Council’s legislative and policymaking authority.

Adrienne Adams Jamaica The writer penned her statement Dec. 31, her final day as speaker of the City Council and NYC councilwoman for the 28th District, in Southeast Queens.

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It’s Talking Heads time Dear Editor: We’ve seen the end of 2025 and it was a Talking Heads moment. Someone or something is definitely “Burning Down the House.”

The catalogue of crises crisscrossing the front pages of major newspapers mimics a magnetic poetry kit covering a refrigerator door. This 2025 kit contains words, names and phrases such as Epstein, pardons, healthcare subsidies, Putin, Venezuela, East Wing demolition, ICE, Rose Garden renovation, Kennedy Center, affordability, vaccines and Green Energy initiatives. Feel free to add your own nagging concerns.

2026 has its work cut out for it. Here’s hoping that the 2026 magnetic poetry kit is chock full of good policies, strategies, solutions and common ground. It’s all out there and “This Must Be the Place.”

Debra Michlewitz Bayside

Visit MoMA PS1, now free Dear Editor: (An open letter addressed “Dear friends”) As we opened our doors for the first time in 2026, I was filled with gratitude and a deep sense of possibility. We kicked off our 50th anniversary year by marking a major milestone for MoMA PS1: free admission for all, every day. We are now proudly New York City’s largest free museum, thanks to a gift by creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu. Now, PS1 can welcome more visitors, from New York and around the world, to experience the power of contemporary art and culture.

There’s no better moment to visit PS1 than right now. Ayoung Kim’s “Delivery Dancer Codex” presents her acclaimed trilogy, which merges live-action footage, video-game engines, and generative AI to create narratives that collide geopolitics, synthesize mythologies, and interrogate technologies. “Vaginal Davis: Magnificent Product” spans five decades of the artist’s practice as a performer, visual artist, author, filmmaker, musician, educator, and countercultural icon, highlighting her role as an underground trailblazer in culture and queer politics. I invite you to experience the works of these visionary artists and more. Join us for our yearlong celebrations, including Greater New York, our highly anticipated survey of artists living and working in New York City, which opens April 16.

MoMA PS1 is a place for everyone, and I look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon.

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Dear Editor: Connect One Bank is planning to close its branch on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach on March 27. The last thing we need is another vacant storefront on Cross Bay Boulevard, as well as the loss of another bank, with Santander Bank having left Howard Beach a number of years ago. Connect One Bank customers are being told to use the services of the “nearby” Valley Stream branch in the future.

Connect One Bank completed its merger with the First National Bank of Long Island earlier in 2025 with the promise of providing better service and “connectivity” with the local community. Now it is proposing to close our branch in Howard Beach and “disconnect” itself from the Queens community entirely.

The First National Bank of Long Island provided excellent service to the Queens commu-

nity over the past years, and many of the customers including myself consider its people to be part of our family.

Please help request that Connect One reconsider its proposal to close our branch by contacting local elected officials as well as the FDIC office in New York City to protest this “disconnection” from our Queens community.

George Davenel Howard Beach

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for wealthy elites and mismanaged Mitchell-Lama apartments.

Quite patriotic and supportive of those who made a great sacrifice on behalf of us all. Also quite characteristic foisting this reelection-conducive generosity (I cut property taxes! For vets!) on constituents who, as with all such breaks, shoulder the greater burden. Across Queens, from ol’ Sen. Joe Addabbo to Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, it’s the usual “constituents-last” MO. Never a word from any of them for property tax reform that would spread that patriotism better around to include rich, parasitic political patrons. They just keep getting reelected, lucky for their job security representing that band of Queens that might be rightly called The Land of the Suckers.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 12

Mamdani builds his administration The mayor’s new government appointees include some familiar faces

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

As the newly minted Mayor Mamdani takes up residence in City Hall, other new and some familiar faces are joining his administration.

Mamdani’s earliest appointments include Elle Bisgarad-Church as chief of staff, Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor, Leila Bozorg as deputy mayor for housing and planning, Julie Su as deputy mayor for economic justice, Sherif Soliman as director of the Office of Management and Budget, Jahmila Edwards as the director of intergovernmental affairs and Jessica Tisch as police commissioner.

The then-mayor-elect on Dec. 23 appointed Lillia n Bonsig nore as the FDN Y commissioner.

Bonsignore served as FDNY chief of EMS operations during the Covid pandemic, making her the highest-ranking officer in the EMS command, the highest-ranking uniformed woman in FDNY history and the first woman to achieve a four-star rank in the department.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Bonsignore also served on the front lines of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Mamdani’s office said.

Following Bonsignore’s appointment, Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), the chair of the Council’s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, said on social media, “I am glad to see that the incom-

ing commissioner is a veteran of the department with decades of EMS experience under her belt. This experience, I hope, will finally bring our EMS personnel the pay parity and respect that they deserve.”

On Dec. 30, a familiar face for some Queens folks, Helen Arteaga, was announced as the deputy mayor for health and human services. Arteaga was the first Latina CEO of NYC Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst, appointed in February 2021.

“Effective, principled leadership is found in those who refuse to lose sight of the communities they came from,” Mamdani said in a written statement. “That is the leadership I see in our new Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Helen Arteaga.”

Arteaga said she’s honored to join the administration, adding, “My life’s work has been dedicated to making this city a better place — ensuring that every New Yorker, no matter who they are or where they come from, has access to health care, safety, and the services they need.”

Multiple Queens elected officials took to social media to praise Arteaga’s appointment, including Councilmembers Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) and Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), state Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) and Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. Krishnan said Arteaga “heroically led”

Elmhurst Hospital through the worst of the pandemic and added, “She makes sure our neighbors receive exemplary care. Helen’s dedication to our community is unmatched.”

Mamdani on Dec. 30 announced he would nominate Steven Banks for corporation counsel and appointed Ramzi Kassem as his chief counsel.

If his nomination is approved by the City Council, Banks, who boasts more than four decades of experience, will lead the NYC Law Department. Kassem will serve as Mamdani’s top legal advisor.

Other appointments include Sam Levine as city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection commissioner, Julia Kerson as deputy mayor for operations, Ahmed Tigani as city Department of Buildings commissioner, Louise Yeung as chief climate officer, Emmy Liss as executive director of the Office of Child Care, Ali Najmi as chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Dina Levy as Department of Housing Preservation and Development commissioner and Cea Weaver as director for the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.

Kamar Samuels was tapped as the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, and Mike Flynn was announced as the city Department of Transportation commissioner [see separate stories in various print editions Q or online at qchron.com].

Some of Mayor Mamdani’s newest administration appointees, clockwise from left, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga, FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani and Director for the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants Cea Weaver.

NYC H+H PHOTO, TOP LEFT; PHOTO VIA FDNY; HPD PHOTO /FILE; AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC MAYOR, ABOVE LEFT

Mayor selects a new schools chief Kamar Samuels, superintendent and longtime educator, tapped for chancellor

by Kristen Guglielmo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

Kamar Samuels, a veteran education leader and the superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3, has been appointed to lead the city’s public school system under Mayor Mamdani.

Samuels has nearly two decades of experience as an educator in New York City schools.

He started his career as an elementary school teacher before becoming a principal. He assumed the role of superintendent in District 3 in July 2022.

According to a report from education publication Chalkbeat, Samuels has led school integration plans and played a role in a previous effort to scale back gifted programs. He’s said to have laid the groundwork to implement International Baccalaureate programs districtwide.

“In the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the world, every single child deserves an excellent, unmatched public education — and a proven fighter in City Hall ready to deliver this,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Kamar Samuels has proven he can tackle the most urgent needs facing public school students across the five boroughs. I am honored to have him by my side as Schools Chancellor as we enter a new era for New York City.”

Samuels said he’s grateful for the position and to partner with the mayor-elect.

“As someone who has spent nearly two

decades in our classrooms, schools, and districts, I know that our students thrive when schools are fully funded, educators are supported, and systems are designed around equity and opportunity,” Samuels said. “We will confront segregation, invest in our teachers, strengthen literacy and learning and ensure that every child has the education and support they need to succeed.”

Among the first in Queens to react to Samuels’ appointment was state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), chair of the Senate Committee on NYC Education. In a press release, he extended a “hearty congratulations” to the incoming chancellor.

Liu said the system was capably led by the outgoing schools chief, Melissa AvilesRamos, and that it is imperative to move forward with clear leadership “that leaves students, families, and educators confident about their future while contending with looming threats to education and outright sabotage from the White House.”

He said that Samuels has demonstrated a commitment to complying with the state classsize reduction law, “recognizing that it will require a robust capital plan,” and with that law and the June 30 expiration of mayoral control on schools, it is imperative that the chancellor “hit the ground running.”

“I’m confident he will,” Liu added.

Kamar Samuels is the new chancellor of the city Department of Education, Mayor Mamdani announced Dec. 31.

DOE PHOTO While Mamdani has not publicly detailed much of his plans for education, during the appointment announcement on Dec. 31, the mayor confirmed that he would ask the state Legislature to renew a reformed version of mayoral control of schools, per multiple reports.

Outgoing chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos addressed the new appointment in a farewell message posted to the DOE website. She thanked outgoing Mayor Adams for appointing her and Mamdani for his consideration.

“I want to also congratulate Kamar Samuels, the current superintendent of District 3,

who will assume the role of Chancellor on January 1, 2026,” Aviles-Ramos wrote. “I am committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, and I look forward to engaging with him and his team going forward in my capacity as a public school parent.”

In early December, some parents and educators, including the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council, lobbied for Mamdani to keep Aviles-Ramos on board to avoid changes in the middle of a school year.

One Forest Hills teacher told the Chronicle that she was not “attached” to the outgoing chancellor, but wished the new mayor would have waited.

“I hope Mr. Samuels holds back on anything that would implement real changes before June,” the teacher said, under a condition of anonymity. “Just for the stability of the students.”

Samuels on Jan. 5, his first school day on the job, sent a letter to DOE employees, according to an educator who shared a copy of the email with the Chronicle.

“I am committed not only to leading this system, but to working in partnership with you, listening closely and learning from your expertise as we move forward together,” Samuels wrote.

“Our work will be strongest when educators, families and students know their voices are heard — not symbolically, but in practice.” Q

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

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Mamdani revokes slew of Adams EOs Rescinded rules banned officials from Israel boycotts, defined antisemitism

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Shortly after his inauguration on the steps of City Hall Jan. 1, Mayor Mamdani signed his first executive order, undoing a number of those issued under his predecessor.

The order revokes nine decrees made before Sept. 26, 2024, the day former Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.

City Hall said in a press release that the move would ensure “a fresh start” for the new mayor. He also reissued orders that the administration deems “central to delivering continued service, excellence, and valuedriven leadership.”

“Today marks the first step in building an administration that works for all New Yorkers,” Mamdani said. “We’ve established the foundations of it, and now it’s time to deliver on our affordability agenda, tackle the challenges facing New Yorkers, and usher in a new era for New York City — one that proves that govern- Mayor Mamdani inked five executive orders on day one of his term, including one revoking nine ment can deliver for working people.” decrees under his predecessor. One banned officials from divesting from Israel.

Among the rescinded Adams orders was PHOTO BY MICHAEL APPLETON / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE one directing city agencies to use the Interna“While I understand our new Mayor and his to Combat Antisemitism. tional Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Ariola said the office was barely operational working definition of antisemitism to identi- team need some room to get rid of the prior fy and address it across the city. The group in administration’s executive orders, this one sin- under Adams, and she predicts that will still be part characterizes antisemitism as “a certain gles out only the Jewish State and continues a the case under Mamdani.

Browne said Mamdani’s promise of protecperception” of Jewish people, which may be dangerous history of casting Jews as ‘others,’” tion was “good rhetoric,” but it is too early to expressed as hatred, and lists examples of Hevesi said.

City Councilmember Lynn Schulman tell if he will match it with action. how it could manifest.

Another rescinded Adams order, issued last Another one prohibiting top city officials (D-Forest Hills) said in a statement that she is from boycotting, divesting from and sanc- disappointed in the rescinding of the two month, ordered the Police Commissioner and tioning Israel also was revoked. It banned orders, but she had been assured of Mamdani’s city Law Department to evaluate proposals to procurement practices intended to carry out commitment to fight antisemitism in a recent regulate protests near houses of worship. Ario“any policy that discriminates against the meeting with him, and she looks forward to la said her office put in language for legislation State of Israel, Israeli citizens based on their working with his office to keep Jewish New that would push back on that, and continue to use laws to combat future orders or revocations national origin, or individuals or entities Yorkers safe.

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the that she deems hurtful to the city. based on their association with Israel.”

Mamdani also nixed an Adams administraSt. John’s University professor Brian New York Civil Liberties Union, said Mamdani was “right” to revoke tion order that would have let U.S. Immigration Browne said that whether those orders, adding that and Customs Enforcement reopen an office on intentionally or not, Mamthe for mer adopted a Rikers Island. The City Council last year sued dani’s order sparks “angst” ayor Mamdani’s “flawed and far too broad” to stop it, alleging that it was tainted by a confor Jewish New Yorkers definition of antisemitism. flict of interest — the dismissal of Adams’ who see it as a threat. position on Israel At a press briefing last criminal case in exchange for an ICE office in “ M ayor M a md a n i’s week, Mamdani said many the complex. The order was ruled illegal last position on Israel was no was no secret.”

Jewish organizations in the September, and the notice of appeal was still secret,” he said. “He seems — Brian Browne, political analyst city do not follow the to think that he can be critIHRA definition, Politico ical of Israel but still be protective of Jewish people and Jewish voters reported.

“Both orders seem to have been designed to here in New York City.”

Mamdani has long criticized the war in suppress speech Mayor Adams disagrees with As part of his campaign to bring ecoGaza and the Israeli government’s treatment of but that is protected by the First Amendment,” nomic justice to the city and ensure that Palestinians. He also has supported efforts to Lieberman said. everyone has affordable, safe, quality Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone divest from Israel. housing, Mayor Mamdani on Jan. 4 “How this plays out throughout the next four Park) in a phone interview condemned the announced plans for a series of “Rental years, we’ll see,” Browne said. “But I don’t orders’ revocation, adding that Mamdani has Ripoff” hearings across the city. think anyone should be surprised by this.” He yet to denounce the BDS movement or the At the hearings, which will be held in also cited reports that Mamdani’s administra- phrase “globalize the intifada.” each borough, at dates and times not yet “These are things that are very important to tion had been in touch with Jewish groups announced, “working New Yorkers will the Jewish community and I think he’s going to before the order was issued. be able to speak about the challenges they State Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-For- have to address it at some point,” Ariola said. face — from poor building conditions to est Hills) said in an email that it was “wrong” “Otherwise, he is going to be seen as someone hidden fees on rent payments,” the city to revoke the latter order, saying arguments in who is not a mayor for all.” said in its announcement.

Mamdani has pledged to protect Jewish support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanc“Following these hearings, the Mamtion movement are “factually incorrect and rely New Yorkers, and he said he would retain Adams’ order establishing the Mayor’s Office on a denial of history.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

“M

pending as Adams left office.

Mamdani’s sweeping first order was among several that he signed during his first day on the job. A second one established the structure of his new administration, and three others included initiatives to build more housing and protect tenants.

Mamdani revitalized the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, appointing organizer Cea Weaver as director, and launched task forces to promote housing construction.According to City Hall, the office will be a coordinating body to defend tenants’ rights, stand up to landlords and ensure city agencies act swiftly on behalf of renters facing unsafe or illegal conditions.

He also established two housing task forces, one to leverage city-owned land for home development and another to facilitate building and accessing housing by removing “bureaucratic” barriers.

He signed the three housing orders at a Brooklyn apartment complex owned by Pinnacle Realty, a landlord that City Hall said is responsible for more than 5,000 housing violations and 14,000 complaints across 83 buildings. Mamdani has directed his appointee for Corporation Counsel, Steve Banks, to intervene in Bankruptcy Court to protect renters in neglected buildings.

Mamdani on Jan. 2 signed an order establishing the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, which he said will create deeper connections between City Hall and everyday New Yorkers, and another instructing the newly revived Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary to publish information about applicants and appointments.

He inked an order last Sunday mandating citywide “Rental Ripoff” hearings [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

The next day, he signed two others aiming to crack down on junk fees and subscription tricks.

He also signed two emergency orders Tuesday instructing city agencies to develop plans to comply with the Board of Correction’s minimum standards and city shelter laws.

One of the decrees also directs agents to start implementing Local Law 42, which bans Q solitary confinement.

‘Rental ripoff’ city hearings dani administration will publish a summar y and repor t detailing common themes and areas of opportunity, and the testimony shared at these hearings will directly inform policy interventions to take on these ripoff tactics.”

More information about the hearings is posted at nyc.gov/rentalripoff.

Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su said that through the hearings, City Hall will “take action to ensure the law is followed without exception” and Q that people know their rights.

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

continued from page 2 and beg not to be deported back to the country, only to be deported without due process anyway.

“That same lawlessness now shows up today,” Won said in a statement. “International law sets clear standards for war, for the use of force, and for due process, and no president has the authority to ignore them.

We have seen this playbook before.”

Assemblymember Claire Valdez (D-Sunnyside) on X called for Congress to “rein in this act of aggression.”

“For decades, we’ve been told that each new military action will be different. That it won’t launch another forever war that the working class pays for,” Valdez said. “We aren’t falling for that again.”

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said Maduro’s capture and trial is “a huge win for everyone.”

“This is a major step in enhancing U.S. national security and enforcing accountability for years of involvement by Maduro’s regime in narcotics networks and alliances with hostile states,” Ariola said in a statement shared on social media. “We hope that with Maduro removed from power and facing justice in the United States, Venezuelans might have a better chance to rebuild their nation and enjoy more political freedom.”

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said her Venezuelan constituents are approaching the moment with

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

Queens on the Maduro capture

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“cautious hope” and added that the United States should be “clear and consistent” in its role and support democracy for Venezuelans through principled diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and close coordination with international partners.

“Lasting democracy cannot be imposed from the outside; it must be built by Venezuelans themselves, with the support of a global community committed to peace, accountability and self-determination,” Rajkumar said.

Venezuelans living in Queens had mixed opinions.

One Venezuelan Richmond Hill resident, on a condition of anonymity, shared a few choice words about Maduro with the Chronicle, insulting his leadership, and said he’s glad to “see him gone.”

But the resident, a 43-year-old small-business owner, added, “You can’t illegally go kidnap a leader without expecting a war. I worry for the family I have there, and the family I have here.”

A 31-year-old Venezuelan resident of Jackson Heights, Val Herrera, said that when she woke up to the news of Maduro’s capture, she thought the two countries were immediately at war.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Herrera said. “But I get scared of terrorist attacks in New York City. What if we get bombed back in retaliation? I’m so happy Q for my people. But here, I’m worried.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 16

Adams’ last hurrah: new charter panel The unprecedented move formed a group that Mamdani can’t disband

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Last year’s panel, which examined ways to combat the housing crisis, put forth several Former Mayor Eric Adams left his succes- questions that aimed to speed the delivery of sor a parting gift on his way out of office New affordable housing. Lawmakers had called to nix them, claiming the language concealed the Year’s Eve. Adams announced the appointment of proposals’ effects from voters, and they were another Charter Revision Commission, tasked challenged in court.

But voters last year approved all but one of with recommending changes to the city’s founding document. The panel is set to exam- the CRC’s ballot questions, namely one that ine whether to bring open primaries to local sought to have local elections take place durelections. That would allow voters not affiliat- ing presidential election years.

Even aside from the substance of previous ed with a given political party to cast ballots in panels’ propositions, some take issue with that party’s primary.

“This historic commission will bring mayoral CRCs’ supremacy. Commissions can together trailblazing leaders from across the be convened in a number of ways, but under five boroughs to examine our city’s charter state law, any other city referenda are bumped and explore ways to create a more inclusive, from the ballot if a mayoral panel proposes its democratic city government,” Adams said in a own. That has been the case in recent years.

Gov. Hochul last month vetoed a bill that press release.

No other mayor has ever convened a CRC would have repealed the provisions of state law in the final hours of his term, according to granting that precedence.

“This mayor abused the charter revision Brian Browne, a political science professor at process repeatedly and St. Joh n’s there are many guilty University. enablers of this anti“It’s definitely a think it’s a real blatant democratic conduct, so it first, and I think is no surprise that his it’s a real blatant abuse of power.” abuses of power continabuse of power, and — Brian Browne, political science professor ued into the last day and really a way to kind St. John’s University final hours,” City Counof disrupt the new cil spokesperson Mandeadministration as much as possible,” Browne told the Chronicle la Jones said in a statement issued prior to the new year. in a phone interview Monday.

State law does not explicitly allow CRCs to The panel will be chaired by former Brooklyn state Sen. Martin Connor. Among the be disbanded once they are created, Browne members are former Flushing Councilmember explained, meaning the panel will stay active Peter Koo, former public advocate Betsy Got- until it submits questions for the ballot. It will baum and Kayla Mamelak Altus, who was expire if it does not put forth any by the November election in 2027.

Adams’ press secretary.

But Mayor Mamdani could opt not to fund Adams’ previous CRCs have drawn sharp criticism, including from the City Council. Adams’ commission. If that happened, Editor

“I

Former Mayor Eric Adams, left, convened a charter panel right before he left office, and Mayor Mamdani can’t dissolve it. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE, LEFT, AND ED REED / MAYORAL PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE Browne said, it would be hard for the panel to get its message out, and its members essentially would be volunteers.

“Right now, this one does not appear to have any sort of paid staff or paid positions,” he said. “So they’re almost coming right out of the gate kind of in a position of weakness.”

Mamdani also may be able to convene a panel of his own, but it is unclear whether his or Adams’ commission would take precedence on the ballot.

City Hall did not respond to inquiries as to what action Mamdani might take.

Grace Rauh, the executive director of Citizens Union, termed Adams’ plan a “power grab” and said it appeared to be designed to achieve two goals — to disrupt the Mamdani administration and to block proposals from the Council’s charter panel from reaching the ballot

Lawmakers established the Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy in December 2024, frustrated with the previous charter revision process, but only proposals from Adams’ panel were able to make it onto last November’s ballot.

“This is the fourth charter commission announcement in the last twenty months,” Rauh said in a statement. “It has never been clearer that the laws and rules governing the charter revision process must be reformed so the system serves the public interest, not political opportunism.”

But the unprecedented move was “on brand” for Adams, Browne said.

“He was kind of this bold, swaggering kind of mayor, and certainly there was no love lost between him and the new mayor,” he said.

“But from an abuse of power point of view, it Q is an audacious kind of move.”

Mayor brings Flynn back to city’s DOT New commissioner worked at the agency for nearly a decade

by Michael Gannon For the latest news visit qchron.com

Senior News Editor

Mayor Mamdani last week turned to an old hand at the city’s Department of Transportation to run the agency as its new commissioner.

Mike Flynn has more than 20 years’ experience in the field in both the private and public sector. He served under Mayors Mike Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio from 2005 to 2014, ascending to the post of director of capital planing and project initiation.

Mamdani made the announcement at his Jan. 1 inauguration [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com]. Flynn succeeds former Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as New York City’s Transportation Commissioner, returning to the DOT ‘family’ I worked alongside for nearly a decade and have continued to partner with over the years,” Flynn said on his LinkedIn page. “I

New Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn, left, joined Mayor Mamdani at last Thursday’s inauguration ceremony in Manhattan.

NYC PHOTO VIA FLICKR firmly believe they are the most dedicated team of civil servants in the country, if not the world, and it is therefore a privilege to get to lead — and support — that team.

“I am humbled by Mayor Mamdani entrusting me with this role that is so critical to creating

a safer, more affordable and livable city for all New Yorkers and especially those struggling the most. I do not take that responsibility lightly.”

“Our City deserves a Department of Transportation Commissioner that recognizes the critical role that street infrastructure, road design, and excellent public transportation play in making this city an affordable, safe and dignified home for millions,” Mamdani said in a statement from his office. “That is the leadership I see in Mike Flynn, who has spent decades improving the way we walk and ride through our city — and will continue this work in City Hall.”

“Mike knows the agency, the city and its streets from the inside out,” said former DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Mike will be a strong voice for Mayor Mamdani and for all New Yorkers in making transportation work for them, and for turning proposals into projects in the ground that will make the city’s streets

safer, more accessible and affordable.”

Advocates outside of government also welcomed Flynn back.

“Cong rat ulations to Mike Fly n n on becoming New York City’s next DOT Commissioner!” Transportation Alternatives said on its X feed. “We’re excited to work hand in hand to fight for the streets, sidewalks, bridges, bike lanes, and bus lanes that New Q Yorkers deserve.

Corrections The Jan. 1 story “Tree, wreath collection with recycling, compost” misstated the end date for Mulchfest. It runs through Jan. 11.

The Dec. 25 story “City Council majority approves of COPA” misattributed a quote on the bill that was posted to Facebook. It was posted by City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino.

Q We regret the errors.

Fewest fatalities since stats first kept in 1910

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The city’s Department of Transportation announced last week that 2025 ended with the lowest number of traffic deaths in a single year since counts began in 1910.

The agency, in a Jan. 2 press release, said the 205 traffic deaths recorded in 2025 represent a 19 percent decline from 253 fatalities in 2024, and are one fewer than the previous record low in 2018, when 206 people were killed in crashes.

The DOT said overall, traffic deaths are down 31 percent since the launch of Vision Zero in January 2014.

“No New Yorker should lose their life while walking, driving, or biking in our city,” Deputy Mayor of Operations Julia Kerson said. “Vision Zero has shown that the choices we make — how we design our streets and how we enforce traffic laws — save lives.”

Kerson said Mayor Mamdani’s administration will double down on measures such as street redesigns, protected bike lanes and protected bus lanes to make streets even safer.

The DOT said outer boroughs experienced

The city’s 205 traffic deaths in 2025 were the fewest in recorded city history, and one less than the previous low in 2018. the sharpest declines in traffic deaths, with the Bronx and Queens seeing the greatest improvements.

The Bronx experienced a 39 percent decline, with 33 fatalities down from 54 in 2024. Queens saw a 23 percent decline, from 74 in 2024 to 57.

Staten Island, going from 12 to 13, was the

only borough to have an increase.

The DOT said people in every major travel mode experienced a decline in traffic deaths in 2025, including pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle occupants.

Leading the decline was the sharp drop in deaths among drivers and occupants of motor vehicles by 40 percent, and motorcycle users,

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

NYC DOT: ’25 traffic deaths a record low

NYC DOT IMAGE

by 32 percent.

Pedestrian fatalities remain at among the lowest levels ever, declining 9 percent, from 122 in 2024 to 111 last year.

As of Dec. 15, total injuries had fallen by 7.7 percent, from 51,540 in 2024, to 47,557.

Serious injuries were down 2.8 percent, from Q 3,031 in 2024 to 2,947 in 2025.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 18

No strike against Flushing Hospital Tentative agreement reached between FHMC and the nurses union there

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Flushing Hospital Medical Center, the lone health provider in Queens that a major nurses union was planning to strike against, along with 15 others elsewhere, now has a tentative agreement with said union, a spokesman from MediSys, which operates FHMC, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and their clinics, said Tuesday.

Earlier in the week, members of the New York State Nurses Association said they saw their three-year contracts expire Dec. 31 without a new agreement in place, and, per federal law, gave a 10-day notice to 16 hospitals of their intention to strike on Jan. 12. On Wednesday, they reached agreements with some hospitals and tentative agreements with others.

“Nurses have been ready to bargain since day one,” said Michelle Jones, a registered nurse from Flushing Hospital, ahead of FHMC’s tentative agreement. “It’s time for hospitals to come to the bargaining table, stop delaying, and negotiate in good faith. We are fighting to protect our health benefits. Patient safety can’t wait. Nurse safety can’t wait.”

Nurses from the union initially said on Monday that hospital management refused to agree to workplace violence protections despite a new law to address them signed by Gov. Hochul in December and an active shooting incident in November at the Mount Sinai Hospital on the

Members of the New York State Nurses Association issued a 10-day notice to strike over the weekend. They are fighting to maintain their health benefits and more.

PHOTO COURTESY NYSNA Upper East Side of Manhattan. Instead of renewing contracts, NYSNA said, some hospitals were holding onto more than $1 billion in cash reserves while also spending millions on traveling nurses, and that management expects them to train their replacements or risk deductions from their own contracts.

A new chapter for Council District 28

by Naeisha Rose

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

The swearing-in ceremony of Ty Hankerson, who was the chief of staff of former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), as the new councilmember for District 28, was one of great fanfare on Sunday.

Rochdale Village’s 550-person grand ballroom was so over capacity two overf low rooms were required for Hankerson’s ceremony, which included remarks from borough, city and state leaders, along with performances and interfaith prayer.

“Tonight marks a new chapter for ‘The Great 28,’ and I’m stepping into this role with gratitude, faith, and a clear mandate from the people who put their trust in me,” said Hankerson in a statement. “I’ve been in the rooms where commitments are made and I’ve seen how easily communities get stalled out by bureaucracy and selective amnesia.

“That ends now. We can face the real issues together, rising costs, housing pressure, transit and food deserts, flooding, sanitation and safety, without sacri-

Councilman Ty Hankerson was sworn in on Jan. 4.

PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL ficing dignity in our own neighborhoods.

I’m here to unite our district, demand accountability from every agency and deliver the resources and results our communities have been promised for too long.”

Adams, his predecessor, said she was proud to have him succeeding her.

“Ty served the community for years ... with so much experience and love for his community that I would not let him walk out of the front door without bringing Q him onto my team,” said Adams.

By Jan. 5 and 6, NYSNA nurses at seven city hospitals in Brooklyn and Staten Island had rescinded their 10-day strike notice after management agreed to maintain and pay for healthcare benefits for frontline nurses.

Along with FHMC, Maimonides Medical Center, One Brooklyn Health’s Interfaith Medical Center, One Brooklyn’s Health Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and Richmond University Medical Center made major progress in negotiations this week.

Final contracts are not yet settled.

NYSNA nurses did rescind strike notices at those facilities as well after tentative agreements with fully funded healthcare benefits; stronger safe staffing and enforcement remedies; protections from workplace violence; protections for vulnerable patients; and model artificial intelligence language to ensure that patients always have a real nurse at the bedside were discussed.

NYSNA said that management at the city’s wealthiest hospitals continue to push for cuts to healthcare and safe staffing and refuse to agree to workplace violence protections, meaning that over 16,700 nurses are still set to strike in just five days.

HB cat rescue seeks evening volunteers MeowSquad NYC, a Howard Beach-based cat rescue group, is seeking volunteers to work afternoon and evening shifts at its headquarters, according to a post on its Facebook page.

Those who believe they may be a purr-fect fit should apply online at meowsquadnyc.org/ volunteer-application.

Volunteers will work hands-on to support the daily care, cleanliness and well-being of the rescue cats. They can expect to work two to four hours per shift, and must be local or have access to a car, the group said, as its space is not Q easily accessible by public transportation.

Those hospitals are Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Medical Center.

NYSNA said NewYork-Presbyterian, Montefiore and Mount Sinai are holding on to $1.6 billion, twice as much cash as they had in 2017, even adjusting for inflation.

The union said the hospitals are gearing up to spend $100 million on traveling nurses instead of bargaining in good faith, and that Mount Sinai, in particular, brought on the traveling nurses ahead of the strike notice to get NYSNA nurses to train them or face a pay deduction.

On its website supportingournurses.com Mount Sinai said it offered an economic proposal on Nov. 21, seven bargaining sessions ago, but that NYSNA has said it will not submit a counteroffer. Mount Sinai also shared its proposal to invest an additional $24,000 in wages and benefits for every NYSNA nurse — nearly $150 million in additional compensation over three years.

On Wednesday, the three hospital networks issued a joint statement.

“NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYorkPresbyterian will not,” read the statement.

“Their decision to walk out on our patients can only be described as reckless.

“A strike will pose challenges for sure, but our institutions will do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions to the delivery of the safe, high-quality care we are known for.

“We ask NYSNA leadership to reconsider their decision to strike. But if a strike occurs, we are ready to safely care for our patients whatever the duration.”

NYSNA nurses are also prepared to strike at Northwell Health at its Huntington, Plainview and Syosset sites on Long Island.

A sse mbly wom a n Je n i fe r R ajk u m a r (D-Woodhaven), the daughter of health professionals, said in a statement that she stands in unwavering solidarity with NYSNA nurses.

“These nurses are the frontline of our healthcare system,” said Rajkumar. “They are the ones who stay at the bedside, catch emergencies before they escalate, and advocate for patients when no one else will. Their demands are simple and just: safe staffing, real protections from workplace violence, and guaranteed healthcare benefits for the caregivers who give everything to care for others.

“Several of the hospitals involved — particularly Wyckoff Heights Medical Center — provide critical care to residents of my district and communities across Queens and Brooklyn.

When nurses speak up about staffing and safety, they are doing so to strengthen patient care and ensure our neighborhoods receive the quality healthcare they deserve. ...

“The best way to protect patients is not through strikebreaking tactics, but by respecting nurses, valuing their expertise, and ensuring that there are always enough trained professionals at the bedside. Our City’s health Q depends on it.”

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

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January 8, 2026

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

For King and community

by Mark Lord

W

Singer-songwriter will headline college’s MLK celebration

continued on page 23

For the latest news visit qchron.com

hen Tyreek McDole, a socially conscious artist whose star is on the rise, appears in concert at Queens College on Jan. 18, it will mark a full-circle moment of sorts in the Civil Rights Movement.

A singer-songwriter, he will be performing on the stage of the Goldstein Theatre, just steps away from Colden Auditorium, where, on May 13, 1965, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a now-famous speech in which he reflected on the struggle for racial equality in this countr y and the impor tance of peaceful resistance.

The concert is part of the college’s annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, co-sponsored by the college and its Kupferberg Center for the Arts. The event was created over a decade ago in honor and memory of King’s legacy and his connection to the college.

It was on June 21, 1964 that three young activists — Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman — were murdered in Mississippi, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Goodman was a student at the college.

The concert will include selections from McDole’s debut album, “Open Up Your Senses,” a recording that offers songs of self-reflection, resilience and spirituality.

“The rise in fascism in the United States and around the world” and increasing political violence were, he said, among his inspirations for the album.

“Art, in general, has always been at the crux of political movements,” McDole said in a recent telephone interview. “My challenge is to open up your senses.

We’r e f o rg e t t i ng o u r s e n s e o f humanity.”

While often referred to as a jazz artist, McDole said he prefers to be known “just as a musician,” while paying homage e Davis, es to some of his heroes, among them Miles Duke Ellington and Teddy Pendergrass. n n“The term ‘jazz artist’ limits the listeners,” leading to preconceived notions, h hee explained.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 22

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Young Zadora fiddled about in Forest Hills Gdns.

ACROSS

1 Sketch 5 Old name for France 9 Microwave 12 Top-of-the-line 13 Golden Rule preposition 14 “As I see it,” in a text 15 Lady of Spain 16 Teen fave 17 Stannum 18 Out of control 19 Pool unit 20 Faction 21 Humorist 23 Follower (Suff.)

25 Cerebral 28 Car safety feature 32 Tree bumps 33 Unfettered 34 Closed tight 36 Outlaw 37 Summer in Paris 38 Flavor enhancer, for short 39 Aspic shaper 42 Pair 44 Now, in a memo 48 Rock producer Brian 49 TV’s Griffin 50 Painter Magritte 51 Thesaurus wd.

52 DLI doubled 53 Partner 54 Chopper 55 Diminutive suffix 56 Dance move

DOWN 1 Baby’s father

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

2 Leeway 3 Part of A.D. 4 Easily swayed 5 Culpable 6 Forever -- day 7 Perfect place 8 Texter’s guffaw 9 Tubular pasta 10 During 11 Corn concoction

20 Coerces 22 Map feature 24 “The Da Vinci Code” monk 25 Small ammo 26 Wish undone 27 Coach Parseghian 29 Physique 30 “-- was saying ...”

31 Retrieve 35 Sense

36 Low-budget flick 39 Small plateau 40 Cameo stone 41 Single 43 Legal document 45 Plane reservation 46 Pot starter 47 Incubator noise 49 Bovary’s title (Abbr.)

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq. plans, and it is important to keep these documents up to date. Significant life changes - such as acquiring property, opening a business, or welcoming a new child or grandchild to your family - may require adjustments to your estate plan.

Similarly, consider whether your execuThree areas to consider as you review tor or trustee you named still has your confidence, and if the distributions in your estate plan: your Will or Trust still reflect your 1. Consider Your Healthcare Docufi nancial priorities. ments and Power of Attorney: Evaluate whether you still have the right people in 3. Adjust for Changes in the Tax Law: charge during an emergency. Your Health Since the tax laws are always changing, Care Proxy guides decisions about your it is important to adjust your planning achealthcare if you are incapacitated, while cordingly to maximize the amount you your Power of Attorney designates some- leave to your family and beneficiaries. one to handle your fi nancial matters if Working with an estate planning attorney you are unable to. Life and circumstances will help you navigate the numerous laws change, and make sure the person you that impact your estate and beneficiaries. previously designated in each document is If you have any estate planning questions still the best person for the role. or issues you would like to discuss please The start of the new year is an ideal time to review and update your estate plan to ensure it properly aligns with your current circumstances and intentions. An updated estate plan gives both peace of mind and lasting control over your future, protecting both your family and your finances.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The childhood home of actress and singer Pia Zadora was at 7 Middlemay Circle in Forest Hills Gardens, seen here as it looked several years ago.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; PAR PAR PRODUCTIONS PHOTO VIA MOVIESTILLSDB.COM

not fare too well — though she won a Golden Globe in 1982, had a top 40 hit in 1984 and was nominated for a Grammy in 1985. They had two children and divorced in 1993. A marriage to film director Jonathan Kaufer also went sour. Zadora married Vegas police detective Michael Jeffries in 2005.

It turns out her father was not only a good violinist but a good investor too, as her old Q home recently sold for $1.6 million.

Answers on next page

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Reviewing Your Estate Plan for the New Year

2. Examine Your Will or Trust: A Will feel free to contact me at cynthia@con or Trust is the foundation of most estate zamcnamara.com or (718) 845-5555.

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Alphonso Schipani was born in Mesoraca, in Southern Italy, on March 8, 1922. At age 6 on June 22, 1928, he landed in New York with his family on the ship Conte Grande. He helped in his father Francesco’s shoe repair shop while practicing the violin at night. At only 5-foot-4, he was hired at age 20 as a violinist in the orchestra at Broadway’s The Majestic Theater on 44th Street.

In 1951 he married wardrobe supervisor Saturina “Nina” Zadora Czesnowicz, four years his senior. Their only child, Pia, was born May 4, 1954 (some sources say 1952).

While Schipani’s career grew as a violist in “Hello Dolly,” Pia landed the role as the youngest daughter in “Fiddler On The Roof” on Broadway, performing with a succession of actors who played Tevye: Zero Mostel, Herschel Bernardi and Luther Adler.

The family’s success enabled them to buy a home at 7 Middlemay Circle in Forest Hills Gardens. Always sheltered by her mother, Pia at age 23 married Riviera Hotel and Casino owner Meshulam Riklis, age 53, on Sept. 18, 1977. He produced movies with her that did

SPORTS

BEAT

The bulls are back in town

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The Professional Bull Riders return to Madison Square Garden Friday for the first major sporting event of 2026, the Monster Buck Off. PBR officials call the 8 seconds bull riders need to remain on a bull before getting tossed off to qualify for points “the greatest show on dirt.”

Professional bull riding was long considered a fringe sport, but that has changed over the last decade, thanks to more viewing options. CBS broadcasts PBR events on Sundays when its NFL and PGA Tour commitments do not conflict. CBS’s affiliated streaming services, Paramount Plus and Pluto TV, televise every PBR tournament both live and on demand.

There is no shortage of diversity among the riders. One of the most successful in recent years is Brazil’s Jose Vitor Leme, one of many from South America. The Empire State is represented by Daylon Swearingen, who grew up outside of Rochester. Texas is synonymous with cowboys, so it is no surprise that the Lone Star State has three top earners on the tour: John Crimber, Dawson Gleaves and Ezekiel Mitchell, who is also the best-known African-American rider. Native Americans Caden Bunch and Keyshawn Whitehorse also are fan favorites.

Just as riders have distinct personalities, so do the bulls, who have various temperaments.

The three toughest for riders to tame are the

appropriately named Man Hater, Red Demon and The Intimidator. They follow in the footsteps of such ornery legends as Bruiser, Bodacious, Bushwacker and Dillinger. After the bulls force a rider to dismount, most just trot back to the pen. Some are natural showmen and enjoy taking a celebratory lap around the ring.

Mets fans are far from sanguine as 2026 begins because stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz departed as free agents, while Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were traded for what most consider less than equal value. There is a feeling among fans that President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is turning the club into the baseball equivalent of the brokerage firm Bear Stearns circa 2008, when it collapsed due to risky investments. They want Mets CEO Steve Cohen to exert more authority.

The idea of clubhouse chemistry playing a role in the breakup of the team’s core has been a staple of the hot stove season. Mayor Zohran Mamdani may have had an indirect role there.

Sports talk radio legend Mike Francesa recently reported there was friction among the wives of some Mets players. Katia Lindor was a member of Mamdani’s inaugural committee.

Since most baseball players, and by extension, their wives, are politically conservative, FranceQ sa’s take makes sense.

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

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

Escape the January frigidity at Resorts World New York City’s Bar 360, at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park, with a packed entertainment calendar that turns weeknights and weekends into a rotating soundtrack of soul, salsa, pop and Caribbean rhythms filled with hometown talent.

Free, live music starts at 8 p.m.

To view the venue’s full live entertainment calendar, one may go online to rwnewyork.com/entertainment.

Today, Jan. 8, Friends & Strangers is scheduled to take the stage. The group on its website says it is “a people’s band,” meaning they not only engage with their audience, but let the public participate and be a part of the show.

The room heats up with a Caribbean Night on Jan. 9, which Resorts World said is back by popular demand. Angels Caribbean Band will return with high-energy island rhythms that transform the bar into a tropical escape despite the chilly weather outside.

On Jan. 10, Front and Center performs its crowd-pleasing mix of R&B and oldies.

Then, on Jan. 14, Resorts World is debuting a new interactive event at Bar 360. The “Sounds of the City” series spot-

Bar 360, at Resorts World New York City at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park, boasts a full entertainment calendar for January, including a lively performance PHOTO COURTESY RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK CITY

by The Priceless Band, above, on Jan. 17. lights area talent in a format that feels more like a communal jam session than karaoke. Performers from around the neighborhood will take the stage alongside professional bands.

Guests interested in performing with a band should connect with them on those specific nights to audition for a later date and future performance. The Jan. 14 ses-

sion is led by JC Keys and Friends.

On Jan. 15, Bar 360 returns to its regular programming, as Latin rhythms provide warmth during a Salsa Night hosted by Toby Rivera Orquesta. Then, the Kenny Raye Band, which fuses rock, pop and funk, will claim the stage on Jan. 16.

On Jan. 17, the Priceless Band featuring Motown Revue, anchored by lead vocalist

Saundra Price, will light up the room with powerhouse vocals and smooth sounds.

On Jan. 18, The Video Music Box Experience, hosted by VJ Ralph McDaniels, starts an hour earlier than usual programming at 7 p.m. McDaniels will be accompanied by singer Renee Neufville of Zhané, the duo who sang the 1993 hit song “Hey Mr. DJ.” “Sounds of the City” returns Jan. 21 with Deverne & The Vintage Soul, whose genrehopping setlist moves effortlessly from classic R&B and soul to hip-hop, jazz and rock.

The following nights keep the momentum going, with Harvey Morris & The Deep Cover Groove on Jan. 22 and Sean Patrick & The Alibis on Jan. 23.

Dancers get their fix Jan. 24 with Bachata Night, featuring Liza & Willie, a duo who met in music class at Newtown High School in Elmhurst, according to their website, alongside DJ Anthony.

On Jan. 28, Fantasia Music headlines a Greek Night, blending traditional bouzouki sounds with modern influences for a cultural celebration rooted in the Greek-American experience.

Fan favorite Salsa Night returns Jan. 29 with Son Del Monte, followed by White Wedding, an ’80s tribute band, on Jan. 30.

The month ends with a performance by The Q Unique Band on Jan. 31.

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

Live music brings the heat this month at Bar 360

You’ll hear more than jazz at MLK tribute show

Crossword Answers

borough’s frequent designation as the most diverse place on earth.

The upcoming concert will feature both original songs and spirituals, many taken from his first album, which was released in June 2025. The program will include a reception ceremony and a keynote address by the event’s honoree, Carol Jenkins, an activist, TV host and journalist.

Joining McDole will be Caelan Cardello on piano; Dylan Band on tenor saxophone; Dan Finn on double bass; and Gary Jones III on drums.

The concert will take place at 3 p.m., and the theater is located at 153-49 Reeves Ave. on the college campus in Flushing.

Tickets are $29. For information, call the box office at (718) 793-8080 or go online to kupferbergcenter.org.

McDole couldn’t decide if he derives more satisfaction from writing music or performing it, averring, “To be able to craft songs is a fun process.” And while his music has roots in jazz, soul and spirituals, he believes it is important to honor the past while propelling the musical legacy into the future.

He is now working on his second album.

“I’m still figuring it out,” he said. He antici-

Tyreek McDole will play Queens College on Jan. 18 in a concert honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke there in 1965 following the murders of three civil rights activists.

On the cover: McDole surrounding himself with important works in vinyl and paperback PHOTOS COURTESY EBAR AND, COVER INSET, QUEENS COLLEGE / FILE and, inset, King delivering his speech. pates the release of some of its singles in late winter or the spring.

He feels “really honored” to be performing on the Flushing campus, recognizing “the work Queens College has done with

social and political activism in New York.”

“I invite all members of the community to experience the music and reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and the folks who got him Q there,” he said.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 21 “Miles is a huge hero of mine,” he said, mentioning that a lot of the professors at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where McDole studied, knew him personally.

McDole, a 25-year-old Haitian American from Florida, is currently living in Harlem.

Besides writing and performing, he also teaches, introducing elementary- and middle-school students in Queens to music from around the world, reflecting on the

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 24

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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

The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a hybrid public hearing on the following application on January 26th or January 27th, 2026: BSA Cal. No. 2025-47-BZ Premises: 204-37 45th Drive, Queens - Block 7302, Lot 21 Variance (§7221) to permit the development of a two-story residential building contrary to underlying bulk requirements. R3-1 zoning district.

Applicant: Sheldon Lobel, P.C. An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The hybrid public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing.

Please see the Board’s Virtual Hearing Guides located at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/public-hearings/public-hearings. page The public hearing will be conducted as a “hybrid” public hearing,” during which the Commissioners will meet in person at the Board’s office in Manhattan and also appear virtually on live-streamed YouTube and on an interactive Zoom Webinar.

Applicants and the public may attend in person or participate remotely by calling into the Zoom Webinar and watching the YouTube livestream. The in -person portion of the hearing will take place at 22 Reade Street, 1st Floor, Spector Hall, New York, NY 10007. Anyone wishing to attend the hearing in person must present identification and go through a security checkpoint upon arrival into the building. Details for the hearing will be posted on the Board’s website the Friday before the hearing. Persons who request that a language interpreter or a sign language interpreter or any other form of reasonable accommodation for a disability be provided at any of the scheduled hearings must notify Toni Matias, Deputy Director of the Board of Standards and Appeals, at 212-386-0085 or tmatias@bsa.nyc.gov at least 10 days before the hearing date. You may submit a written statement by using the “Public Comment form” on the Board’s website located at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/contact-bsa/public-comments.page For any communication, please include or refer to BSA Calendar No. 2025-47-BZ and the property address: 204-37 45th Drive, Queens - Block 7302, Lot 21. To coordinate review of the application materials, inquire about continued hearing dates and/ or assistance, please contact the Board office at (212) 386-0009.

Public Notice In accordance with their traditional policy on nondiscrimination and applicable Federal and State statutory provisions, the New Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 142-27 Franklin Avenue, Flushing, New York 11355, declares that this institution operates to serve all persons without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual preference, handicap or source of payment.

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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.

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.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS SANTANDER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ILAN DAVIDOV, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 29, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on the 6th day of February, 2026 at 10:00 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Premises known as 8083 Kent Street, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432. (Block: 7250, Lot: 6) Approximate amount of lien $395,124.13. Premises being sold is subject and subordinate to a first mortgage recorded May 19, 2014 in the original amount of $729,750.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 700306/2019. Richard A. Piccola, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315, Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516-742-1212 DAVIDOV-75778 Dated: November 24, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000 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 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131.

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Legal Notices

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST AIDA RIOS, JASMYN C. STEVENSON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Cour troom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 137-35 171st Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, Cit y and State of New York, Block 12577, Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment $ 641,437.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #718306/2018. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call 844-400-9633. Bruce S. Povman, Esq., Referee G r o s s P o low y, L L C 17 75 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-007681 88161

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY CI NOTES LLC v.

METRO GROUP 7512 LLC, et al. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 29, 2025 and filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Queens County on November 5, 2025, bearing Index no.

711879/2024, I will sell at public auction on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 am on the second floor, Courtroom 25 of the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, the premises known as 75-12 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, NY 11379 (Block: 3773, Lot: 12). Premises sold subject to filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale.

Judgment amount $318,048.57 plus interest and costs.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the Unified Court System Safety and Operational Protocols in effect at this time.

Auction location and time are subject to revision based on Court policy, current protocols and health conditions. Richard Gutierrez, Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA A. EDWARDS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 27, 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 February 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 109-65 198th Street, St. Albans, NY 11412. 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 10938 and Lot 95.

Approximate amount of judgment is $259,858.77 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 720539/2024. Vincent F. Spata, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:240364-1

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

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

Legal Notices

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 26 For the latest news visit qchron.com

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

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 SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS FREEDOM MORTGAGE C O R P O R AT I O N , P l a i n t i f f AGAINST LUIS COLON I N D I V I D U A L LY A N D A S SURVIVING SPOUSE OF METHABEL COLON, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 8, 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, New York on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 16702 118th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 12368 Lot 1.

Approximate amount of judgment $494,041.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #718315/2022.

For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome. com or call (844) 400-9633.

Katherine B. Huang, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003046 88241

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. ELDER AVE REALTY CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 21, 2025 and entered on November 26, 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 on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., 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 5137 and Lot 1127. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 127, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $153,866.58 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index # 711986/2019. Martha Taylor, Esq., Referee The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Glamroute

Purp: any lawful.

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

EVERLYST LLC Articles of

VELTOR

LLC

Articles

Or-

Org. filed NY Sec. of State

ganization were filed with the

(SSNY) 12/10/25. Office in

SSNY on December 31, 2025.

Queens

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.

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.

of

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall

Co.

SSNY

design.

Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY

mail a copy of process to: 8330

shall mail copy of process to

260TH

OAKS,

The LLC 42-02 Crescent St.,

NY 11004. Purpose: For any

21C, Long Island City, NY 11101.

lawful purpose.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

STREET,

GLEN

LLC

filed

8/28/24. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 4314 157th Flushing,

St.,

2nd

NY

Fl,

11355.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY QUEST TRUST COMPANY FBO ELIZABETH HAUG IRA #3101621, Plaintiff against CLARA YRVANIA DIAZ, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 19, 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 February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 91-52 112th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Block 9318 Lot 14.

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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $238,421.55 plus interest, fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 714155/2021. This is the foreclosure of a 2nd mortgage lien subject to an existing 1st mortgage. 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.

Lamont R. Bailey, Esq., Referee File # 20-0966 Notice

of

Formation

of

W & W Group Capital LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/25/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 90-75 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

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 Notice of Formation: ABC United 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.

Purpose: General Notice of Formation of AGING APPROPRIATELY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/18/2024.

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: SANDRINE M. ETIENNE, 107-24 155 STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11433.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

HOLDINGS

LLC.

NOTICE OF SALE 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

LANVS

INVESTIGATIONS

LLC,

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/10/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be

served.

SSNY

shall

mail

process to: The LLC, 215-10 112th Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Arts.

PATRICIA WILLIAMS CONSULTING

of Org. filed with the SSNY on

FIRM LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with

03/14/16. Office: Queens County.

the SSNY on 12/04/25. Office:

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Refoilio Holdings LLC,

Queens

County.

SSNY

desig-

nated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy

116-55 Queens Blvd, Ste 206,

of process to the LLC, 24-41

Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose:

31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102.

Any lawful purpose.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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.

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

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1S8C

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. QUEENS COUNTY. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Pltf. vs MARLENE DODD, et al, Defts. Index #724440/2022.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Courtroom #25 of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 22707 108th Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429 a/k/a Block 11193, Lot 15. Said property located beginning at a point on the Northerly side of 108th Avenue, distant 40 ft. Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of 108th Avenue with the Easterly side of 227th Street; being a plot 100 ft. x 40 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $197,227.03 plus costs and interest.

Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD GUTIERREZ, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 022721-00029 #102722

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026

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

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 8, 2026 Page 28

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