Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport
Levine warns of $12B in near-future deficits
$2.2B needed before July 1; next year’s budget $10.4B underfunded
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
City Comptroller Mark Levine last Friday said the city is facing budget deficits that are unprecedented since at least the recession of 2008.
He blamed the administration of Mayor Eric Adams for practices using one-shot revenue sources for recurring expenses and understating the cost of things like overtime in the budgeting process.
“We want to call your attention today to a looming budget gap that we believe has big implications for our budget, and we want to talk about how we got into this mess,” Levine said in a video of his Jan. 16 press conference. “... The issue is the previous budget practices of the previous administration.”
The Adams-era City Council, however, frequently said he wanted budget cuts when there was no need, because revenue was higher than projected, and subsequently raised spending by millions of dollars.
Levine said there is a $2.2 billion gap to close before June 30, as the City Charter does not allow the city to close out a fiscal year with red ink on the books.
He also said the fiscal year 2027 budget that kicks in on July 1 is presently underfunded by $10.4 billion; and that is before Mayor Mamdani moves to fulfill campaign promises
for things like free bus service, city-run grocery stores and universal child care, which his campaign estimate to cost another $10 billion.
Mamdani must present a balanced preliminary budget by Feb. 1. The Mayor’s Office, in an email on Monday, said the findings match those of his own team.
“New York City is facing a stark fiscal challenge, due to Mayor Adams’ deep fiscal mismanagement, former Governor Cuomo’s decade-long exploitation of our city, and the resulting imbalance between how much New Yorkers give to the State, and how much we receive in return,” the mayor said. “ ... As I said on Tuesday, we believe raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations will be necessary.”
New Comptroller Mark Levine said last week that the city needs to fill a $2.2 billion hole in the budget that expires June 30; and is looking at more than $10 billion in red ink for fiscal year 2027. SCREENSHOT
Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi last week was quoted in multiple publications as calling Mamdani’s assertions, “As usual, untethered from the facts,” saying among other things that aid to city schools rose 68 percent under Cuomo, with the state taking over billions in Medicaid costs.
“If Mamdani thinks the system is unfair, he’s had five years in office to do something about it — except, with the worst attendance record in the Assembly, he couldn’t even be bothered to show up for work,” Azzopardi said.
Levine said anyone who follows the city’s budgeting process knows January usually brings projections of surpluses, which then are augmented when tax revenue from year-end bonuses on Wall Street and in the financial sector comes flowing in.
But he said this year is different.
“A mid-year gap of the scale we are facing now is actually extremely unusual,’ Levine
said. “Normally this time of year we are facing budget surpluses ... What we are seeing here is remarkable; unique, I believe, since the 2008 financial crisis.”
Outyear deficits also are forecast every January.
“But again, the scale is beyond what we have seen in recent years at over $10 billion,” Levine added.
He said one-shot financing and understating expenses “has been going on a while in New York City, unfortunately, for years. But it has gotten out of hand.”
Levine reiterated that the city cannot blame a lagging economy, with office rentals, tourism, Broadway and other revenue streams performing well — just not keeping up with projected spending.
He said Mamdani’s budget team faces a difficult task in the coming days.
“There are trade-offs in just about any policy solution,” he said, unless the city’s economy can grow more rapidly.
Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, said in a press release the report presents problems but also opportunities for the city.
“New York City has a significant budget problem,” Rein said. “Our estimate that the City’s fiscal year 2027 budget gap may
continued on page 12
CONZA | MCNAMARA
PLANNING ATTORNEYS
CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.
ESQ.
EDWARD R. MCNAMARA,
VIA YOUTUBE / NYC
For Rich Hill, nine years and counting
Library fixup to begin June ’27; officials vary on likely timeline for Woodhaven
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
After nearly a decade of delays, the Richmond Hill Library’s longpromised renovation remains mired in planning and city processes, with library leaders projecting another three years before neighborhood residents see a renewed facility at 118-14 Hillside Ave.
Frustration boiled over at the Jan. 12 Queens Borough Board meeting, where officials from the Queens Public Library faced pointed questions from Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo and other area leaders.
The Borough Board is made up of Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., councilmembers representing Queens and the chairpersons of the area’s community boards.
“I’m supposed to be representing the voices of the community board, and I’m here to tell you that our voices are not being heard,” Algredo told QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott. “This has been a nine-year project. The community deserves to know what’s happening.”
Community leaders have said the project’s repeated delays deprive the neighborhood of much-needed accessible library space, noting longstanding promises going back to 2016.
For Algredo and others, the lack
of “swing space” — a temporary facility during renovations — has become a top concern, with many preferring that over proposed temporary trailers.
“We’re frustrated. We don’t want trailers at this point. We want a swing space. We deserve it,” she said. “If we want to have a safe
library space, if or when this ever happens, we need a swing space.”
“We share your frustration,” Walcott said. “We understand that. Trust me.”
He added that he’s been asked about the Richmond Hill Library while at the “YMCA pool.”
Walcott acknowledged the confu-
sion around a swing space, clarifying that “the money comes out of our expense budget, and it takes a long time for us to put in place a swing space, no matter what the location is. Every now and then we’ve been able to do that, but I want to be very clear and have it on the record that it’s not capital money that funds a swing
space. It is expense money, and our expense dollars are not that great.”
Library officials confirmed that the renovation is fully funded at $18 million. Initial 2016 projections had a $6 million price tag.
“The project is currently in bid packaging, so we’re beyond the construction documents phase,” said John Katimaris, the library system’s vice president of capital projects management. “We expect to be out of bid packaging by the end of May.”
Katimaris said the project would then move into legal review at the city’s Department of Design and Construction, and that the bid should be awarded sometime in October. After that, the contractor will have to fulfill administrative requirements with the city, followed by a 60-day notice to close the library location for construction.
“I am forecasting substantial completion of construction for Richmond Hill to occur in November of 2029,” Katimaris said, adding that shovels could be in the ground in June 2027.
“Everything from today until June of 2027 is really part of the New York City construction procurement bidding contractor award process,” Katimaris clarified.
Board members extracted a promise for quarterly updates — a comcontinued on page 16
Kamar Samuels met with educators, students and parent leaders Jan. 15 New DOE chancellor visits Richmond Hill
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Kamar Samuels, the new chancellor for New York City’s public schools under Mayor Mamdani, recently visited Richmond Hill High School, at 89-30 114 St. and in Education District 27, as part of his tour of all 45 school districts in 60 days.
During the Jan. 15 visit, Samuels engaged in a community discussion with educators, parent leaders, students and elected officials. Richmond Hill High School Principal Tarek Alamarie and Queens South High Schools Superintendent Josephine Van-Ess were among those to join. He then visited three classrooms at the school, where students were learning about health, technology and culinary arts.
Samuels in a statement said he was proud to see the students’ eagerness to work toward their goals.
“I was so proud today to see our students’ enthusiasm for their futures during my visit to
Richmond Hill High School,” Samuels said.
“Through career-connected learning, students are exploring new possibilities and preparing for their next steps.”
The high school has a strong career-connected learning culture that is focused on increasing student awareness and preparation.
It has access to market-aligned pathways through career and technical education programs and FutureReadyNYC, the city Department of Education’s multiyear initiative in which participating schools choose to build career pathways in business, education, healthcare or technology.
Through the program, students can get personalized advisement, earn college credits and work toward job certificates.
“I left feeling inspired — the kids are thriving!” Samuels said. “Thank you to Principal Alamarie and Queens South High School Superintendent Van Ess for welcoming me to Richmond Hill High School.” Q
Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, standing at center, visited Richmond Hill High School on Jan. 15 as part of his 60-day tour of all 45 city school districts. PHOTO COURTESY NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Jan. 12 meeting of the Queens Borough Board at Borough Hall in Kew Gardens saw discussion regarding the long-awaited renovations for the Richmond Hill Library, which were first announced in 2016. The Woodhaven branch also came up. SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE / QUEENS BP
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Hochul unveils new $260B budget plan
Guv touts new investments in health care, education — without a tax hike
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Gov. Hochul on Tuesday proposed a record $260 billion state budget that relies on modest spending growth, expanded child care and education funding and targeted affordability measures while attempting to blunt the impact of billions of dollars in reduced federal aid.
The fiscal year 2027 executive budget proposal increases all-funds spending by 0.7 percent, but includes no income tax increases, and maintains $14.6 billion in state reserves.
The state Constitution mandates the approval of the budget by April 1. It must be passed by the Legislature.
Hochul framed the proposal as a response to economic uncertainty and what she described as an increasingly unreliable federal partnership.
depended on for decades, according to Hochul. The state blocked an additional $4 billion in cuts through litigation and advocacy.
To compensate for the loss, state operating funds would rise to $157.6 billion.
State revenues are projected to grow by 9.9 percent, Hochul said. Albany will receive an additional $17 billion in revenue over the next two years — driven largely by high-income earners and record Wall Street bonuses — which she said exceed earlier projections.
“This is not an austerity budget, but it is a disciplined one,” Hochul said.
“This is not an austerity budget, but it is a disciplined one.”
— Gov. Hochul
“Spending is up very slightly and that’s primarily to offset federal cuts, especially to healthcare,” Hochul said.
Federal funding to New York is projected to decline by roughly $10.3 billion, or 11.4 percent, from last year.
While some of the drop reflects the expiration of pandemic-era aid, $3 billion represents recurring Medicaid funding the state has
Cost controls play a key role in offsetting those pressures, Hochul said.
For example, reforms to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program generated nearly $1.2 billion in savings by reducing overhead and abuse, money that was then redirected to stabilize Medicaid.
“We’re continuing to invest in the core services New Yorkers rely on while keeping the growth of state operating funds at a responsible level.”
Health care remains one of the largest cost drivers in the budget. Medicaid spending would total $38.2 billion, serving nearly half of New Yorkers, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and working families, the governor said.
The state absorbed $750 million in Medicaid costs last year after federal support was reduced. Hochul warned that President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will create a $3 billion shortfall in the current budget year alone.
The NYPD’s 106th Precinct Community Council on Jan. 14 awarded Cop of the Month accolades to Officers Jarrell Stevens, left, and Anthony Milani. The award recognizes officers each month for bravery, community service and skill.
Posing with the two recipients above are Community Council President Frank Dardani and the 106th Precinct’s commanding officer, Capt. Mario Deras.
According to nypdonline.org, Stevens was appointed to the NYPD in 2012 and
joined the 106 in 2022, while Milani was appointed in 2019 and joined the precinct in 2020.
Following the meeting, the precinct posted a photo of the officers to social media, adding, “Congratulations to PO Milani and PO Stevens. Keep up the great work.”
The 106th Precinct Community Council typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the precinct, at 103-53 101 St. in Ozone Park.
— Kristen Guglielmo
Childcare is a central component of the proposal. The plan includes $4.5 billion in total childcare and prekindergarten spending, including $1.7 billion in new investments statewide. That includes $500 million over two years to fully fund the city’s 2-Care program, or free childcare for 2-year-olds, as well as more than $3.2 billion in childcare vouchers to reduce waitlists.
The state aims to provide universal prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds by 2028.
Education spending would total $39.3 billion, the highest level in state history, with increases in foundation aid for every district. Universal pre-K aid would rise to $1.6 billion, a 53 percent increase from the prior year, and $395 million would be allocated for the second year of the universal free school meals program.
The proposal also extends a tuition freeze at SUNY and CUNY colleges and adds $90 million in operating aid to campuses. Funding for the state’s free community college program would increase to nearly $60 million, including $12.5 million to expand eligibility and allow degree-holders to retrain in high-demand fields such as nursing.
Housing and public safety investments are also included. The budget adds $250 million for affordable housing as the state approaches its goal of creating or preserving 100,000 homes
under a five-year $25 billion plan.
It also includes $100 million for the Move-In NY starter home program and $153 million for homeless housing assistance.
Public safety funding includes $352 million for gun violence prevention, $77 million for subway safety and $35 million for security grants to protect houses of worship and other vulnerable sites.
Hochul said the budget balances fiscal restraint with preparedness for uncertainty. “We are not assuming calm seas ahead,” she said. “We are steadying our course to navigate whatever comes next.”
Mayor Mamdani in a statement said the proposal makes meaningful investments that “move us closer to an affordable and livable New York — especially through critical advancements in early childhood education.”
He said the city is reviewing the budget plan and will comment further as details are examined, adding that fiscal responsibility must be paired with protecting working families and preserving the social safety net. Q
NYPD: Man assaulted senior
Cops are seeking help from the public in identifying a man wanted for the alleged assault of a senior in Richmond Hill.
Police said it was reported to them that on Jan. 20, at approximately, 2 p.m., the suspect shoved a 75-year-old male to the ground in front of 114-06 Jamaica Ave.
The victim sustained lacerations to his arms and legs, cops said, and was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.
The perpetrator fled the location on foot, traveling eastbound on Jamaica Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q
Gov. Hochul on Jan. 20 unveiled her executive budget proposal for fiscal year 2027. PHOTO BY MIKE GROLL / NYS GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Cops want this man for an assault. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD
EDITORIAL AGEP
Make that old mall a hospital
We’ve heard the idea and hope it turns out to be true — that Northwell Health will take over the empty Rego Center I mall on Queens Boulevard in Rego Park and turn it into a new Forest Hills Hospital. The move would be a win-win for the community, addressing several issues at once.
It would fill a massive vacant space in a prime location, one that used to house iconic retailers from Alexander’s to Sears to Old Navy. It would provide more space for medical services — and for parking, that vital concern — than the existing Northwell Forest Hills hospital, in a dense residential area off the boulevard. It’d be much better for ambulances to turn right from a main roadway into a hospital than to get to one via narrow streets. And the area could really use a larger hospital than Forest Hills, with all the others nearby that closed in recent years. The existing site could become medical offices and homes, maybe. Turning the mall property into a hospital also would prevent it from being torn down for another apartment building with retail on the ground floor. It’s getting tiresome. And with retail what it is today, it’s embar-
rassing. There’s a nice new apartment house on 63rd Drive just blocks from Rego Center, and all the retail it’s got is a pair of spas. No jewelers, no clothiers, no booksellers, no bars. It’s lame.
But that’s how it is today. The retail landscape of the late 20th century has been shifting (dying?) for some time. Two of the biggest malls in New York State, Destiny USA in Syracuse and Palisades Center in West Nyack, are in bankruptcy and headed for auction. In Central Queens, Rego Center II and Queens Center are surely all the mall we need. Rego II is in fact where retail refugees from its sister location have gone, most recently Burlington.
Northwell, meanwhile, is an expansionist operation and the state’s largest private employer. It’s already renting space in Rego Center I. It’s got the money to take over. It’s got the reason. And, behind the scenes, we bet it’s got the opportunity. The site could be rebuilt over 10 stories high, more than enough. Ideally, it would retain the existing facade with its concave element and stacked saucers where the flag flies. Most importantly, it would come to life again inside.
Astoria Blvd. fix and vex
Overall, the city’s plan to improve some segments of Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst looks promising. Although there is some gratuitous removal of parking in favor of making a sidewalk wider than needed, it’s not bad for something out of today’s Departments of Transportation and Design and Construction. Most of the safety upgrades look good; they’re not just “traffic calming” that translates into “traffic jam inducing” — which is anything but calming. We’re especially impressed with the city’s apparent willingness to accommodate a business that needs space, a car wash at 24th Avenue and 83rd
Street, one of three areas the $15.6 million project focuses on. That’s an improvement over, say, the failed 31st Street bike lane project in Astoria, where businesses were bullied. (Until they sued and won.) However, these agencies must remember protocol! They should have gone to Community Board 3’s Traffic and Transportation Committee before the full board with these plans. Now committee Chair Frank Taylor is angry at the snub, and he’s not one to ignore. Others on CB 3 have concerns too, and we hope the DOT and DDC will give them full consideration to make this a project that actually works for everyone.
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Dear Editor:
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
We teens online
I am a student at Thomas A. Edison CTE High School in Queens, and I wanted to share my thoughts about how social media pressure is affecting teenagers today.
Social media is a huge part of our lives, but the news does not always show how much it actually impacts our mental health. Many students feel pressure to look perfect online, and this can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. In school, I see students constantly comparing themselves to influencers and edited images that are not even real.
I think news companies should focus more on teen voices and how social media affects real students in their everyday lives. Teens are not just watching the news, we are living the stories.
Thank you for your time.
Zoe Beharylal Jamaica
Mass. then, Minn. now
Dear Editor:
Before we bake the cake to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, let’s think about another moment, March 5, 1770. Called the Incident on King Street by the British, it’s known as the Boston Massacre, so named by Paul Revere, in American history books.
Nine British soldiers fired on a crowd that
had assembled in front of the Old State House. Newspapers recorded recurrent clashes at that time between civilians and soldiers in Boston, where Bostonians expressed their dissatisfaction with new taxes and tariffs and royal policies.
A 13-year-old began the chain of events on March 5 by insulting a British soldier. Individuals continued harassing the soldiers verbally and throwing various objects including snowballs. The situation escalated; the soldiers fired on the crowd. Five people were killed. The events were carefully documented at a trial of the British soldiers.
John Adams, the future signer of the Declaration of Independence and president, defended the soldiers, which made Adams very unpopular. However, Adams believed in the rule of law and due process and wanted justice served. The soldiers deserved a defense. Adams wanted a thorough investigation. He wanted all the evidence gathered and documented.
As we as a nation experience the facts and aftermath of the tragic recent murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis, we can see parallels and
terrible differences when comparing this current moment with the 1770 incident. On the following Sunday, Queens residents rallied at MacDonald Park in Forest Hills and at Central Park in Manhattan. I was there, joining many Americans all over the nation remembering Renee Good, protesting the immediate and root causes of her death, seeking an investigation and demanding important changes in the way our government is currently governing. It was loud, very loud.
Debra Michlewitz Bayside
Fire hose of hatred
Dear Editor:
Re your Jan. 15 editorial “Fight antisemitism in this renowned home for Jews”:
As a Kew Gardens Hills resident for the past 82 years, I was shocked and appalled by the fire hose of hatred unleashed by Hamas cheerleaders at a Jewish synagogue and school just a few blocks from my home. These useful idiots
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
swore their allegiance to a terrorist organization while spewing venomous antisemitic rhetoric. This ugly event occurred on Jan. 8, just one week after Mayor Mamdani, an outspoken critic of Israel, took office as NYC’s chief executive. He failed to condemn the poisonous protest until the New York Post pressed him for comment (Post, Jan. 10).
Other political leaders, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, quickly expressed their outrage (Post, Jan. 13). NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, the Council’s first Jewish speaker, announced her plan to create safety buffer zones around houses of worship and schools during protests (Post, Jan. 17). Will Mayor Mamdani support or oppose this measure? Stay tuned.
Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills
Let us love one another
Dear Editor:
As a Catholic and grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council 5911, I find all this antisemitism most appalling. Since the war between Israel and Hamas began, this bigotry has been increasing. These attacks, both verbally and physically, hurt many of the Jewish faith both in New York and around the world.
In New York alone, antisemitic crimes are up 100 percent, and antisemitic incidents in the state have risen 24 percent. Attacks on Jewish institutions such as synagogues and schools rose 41 percent.
I have had Jewish employers and have found their generosity unparalleled. Their concern for my well-being has been quite heartwarming. My friends who are Jewish showed kindness to me and helped me when I was in need. As far I am concerned, everyone should be shown respect, whether one is Jewish, Christian or professes another faith, or is of a different nationality or another race. That is why I find these egregious and nefarious attacks just wrong.
Our God created us to love one another, and that includes our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith. Let me remind our readers that Jesus and his disciples were Jewish. So, let’s try to get along, respect and to love one another.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose
Confusion and death
Dear Editor:
The Trump administration, at the behest of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sharply cut the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule from 17 to 11 recommended shots, despite the majority of actual health experts arguing that changes were made without an adequate scientific review.
This action will surely confuse parents and clinicians. And children will die. Republicans defend this action by saying, “What’s the big deal?” Everyone needs to calm down.
Maybe the Trump administration is right. After all, this should be fine as long as diseases agree to infect children at a lower rate. And let’s face it — kids need a little hepatitis A and B or else they’ll get soft. Another positive? Maybe this will make college less competitive.
Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone
Unqualified Kennedy
Dear Editor:
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. experienced the murder of his father and uncle and who knows what trauma. He is also a self-treated addict. We all know what that is like, and I am deeply sympathetic to him and his family, who have also expressed their concerns about him.
The question is, with no academic or medical or addiction training, if it were not the political leanings of 50-plus senators, would anyone give this man a job even close to the one he has? Wouldn’t any job that has anything to do with medicine be “at least do no harm”?
If he were not wearing a suit, how would he be any different than the articulate homeless person on the street who fell through the cracks? How many preventable deaths is a nontreated trauma survivor and nonrecovering substance abuser going to cause?
Stew Frimer Forest Hills
Unqualified Weaver
Dear Editor:
Kudos on your Jan. 8 editorial on Cea Weaver, Mayor Mamdani’s pick to head the newly created Office to Protect Tenants, “Let Weaver quit in peace.”
Not only do we protest the creation of a new office to add to an already-bloated bureaucracy, but we find Ms. Weaver highly unqualified, as evident by her racial remarks regarding white supremacy and capitalism.
Mayor Mamdani should be made aware that New Yorkers want people in charge who are level-headed, smart and have their best interests at heart, rather than pursuing some radical, divisive agenda.
It’s time for Ms. Weaver to move on and let our elected representatives deal with the housing problem.
Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens
They’re not real patriots
Dear Editor:
Currently in this country, the word patriot is being bastardized. Those who obsequiously succumb to the president’s demands, or those whose support is easily bought, are not patriots. Patriots love their country above anyone and all else, and they believe in the Constitution that protects our democracy, our rights and our freedoms.
Americans must hold onto the laws and principles that have protected us since our founding. That loyalty and strength is the true measure of patriotism.
Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens
We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published.
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Four Queens pols on speaker’s team; new and continuing committee chairs Council OKs slate of internal leaders
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
The City Council last Thursday voted to approve a slate of new leaders and committee appointments, as Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) led her first stated meeting.
Four Queens Council members will serve on Menin’s leadership team, which includes representation from across the city. Councilmember Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) was tapped as deputy speaker; Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) was named one of two deputy leaders; Councilmember Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) will serve as finance chair; and Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) will lead the Committee on Oversight and Investigations.
“Southeast Queens raised me, grounded me, and continues to guide how I lead,” Williams said in a statement, pledging to partner with Menin to oversee the Council’s overall work while uplifting artists, cultural workers and institutions as head of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Organizations.
As deputy leader, Ung will be tasked to support the speaker in overseeing legislative agendas, internal operations and citywide initiatives. She also will lead the Committee on Rules, Privileges, Elections, Standards and Ethics.
Finance Chair Lee said in a statement that she does not take the responsibility of her post lightly, vowing to face issues such as the housing crisis, “looming fiscal cuts down the pipeline” and the rising cost of childcare head-on.
Krishnan, who was a civil rights lawyer for fair housing and tenant advocacy before joining the Council, said in a statement that lawmakers must use every available tool to “hold accountable those who take advantage of New Yorkers.”
“From taking on greedy corporations and bad landlords, to ensuring that the corruption we’ve seen in city government over the last four years never happens again, the Oversight Committee will be a fighter for the new era,” he said.
Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) was named chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice. She promised to ensure that the city meets its “legal and moral obligations” and moves toward shuttering Rikers
Missing teen
Island and carrying out the city’s boroughbased jail plan.
Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) will lead the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, housed within the Council’s Education Committee. She said she had partnered with Menin for years to prioritize families and is honored to continue striving toward universal childcare.
Councilmember Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) was appointed chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts, and promised to use his decades of environmental policymaking experience to prioritize sustainability, climate justice and a green economy.
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) will resume her role as head of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management. During her previous term, she advocated for carcinogen-free equipment, more funding for fire and EMS operations and EMS pay parity with the rest of the FDNY.
Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) also will continue on as Health Committee chair.
While on the job previously, she got legislation passed to create the first citywide diabetes prevention program; require the city Health
Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing teenage girl from South Richmond Hill.
According to the NYPD, Riya Riya, 13, left her home on 101st Avenue on Jan. 18 and has not been seen since. She is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants and white and yellow shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline. org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential.
Department to craft a long-term population health agenda; and strengthen testing requirements for cooling towers to protect against Legionnaires’ disease, according to a press release from her office.
“This progress demonstrates what is possible when the City Council leads with a commitment to health, equity, and affordability,” she said.
Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) was appointed chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Committee. She said in a statement that she has seen how the city has “failed our neighbors” by addressing mental illnesses and substance abuse as crimes instead of public health matters, and pledged to ensure access to “care and dignity” for all.
New Councilmember Ty Hankerson (D-Jamaica) was named chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, in what he described as a “full circle” moment. His public service began in Roy Wilkins Park with the Southern Queens Park Association, and he promised to integrate that foundation into his new gig.
Another newcomer, Councilmember Shanel Thomas-Henry (D-Corona), will lead the Small Business Committee. A small business owner herself, she vowed to strengthen neighborhood economies and ensure ample resources for entrepreneurs.
Councilmember Julie Won (D-Long Island City) will be the inaugural chair of the new Committee on Workforce Development.
“As Chair, my priority is creating clear, equitable pathways to good-paying jobs, ensuring that New Yorkers can afford to stay in our city,” Won said in a statement.
New Councilmember Phil Wong (D-Maspeth) did not receive any chairmanships, but was appointed to a slew of committees — Finance, Education, Public Safety, Transportation and Infrastructure, Fire and Emergency Management, Veterans and Workforce Development.
Wong, who served as budget director to Bob Holden, his predecessor, also was named to Menin’s budget negotiation team, his office said. The panel guides the Council’s negotiations with the mayor on spending for fiscal year 2027.
Councilmember Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) received just two assignments, for the panels on Veterans and Fire and Emergency Management, and will not chair any committees [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com]. Q
Free property tax exemption help
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) is partnering with the city Department of Finance and the Queens Public Library to host free, in-person events that provide oneon-one assistance to help homeowners with property tax exemption applications.
To schedule an appointment, one should call (718) 738-1083. Walk-ins are not accepted. The dates and locations are:
Budget gap
continued from page 2
approach $8 billion is smaller than Comptroller Levine’s, but this problem will not disappear on its own under any scenario.”
Rein said Mamdani’s first task should be to comb through city programs to identify and protect those that deliver significant, positive impact and shrink those that do not.
“For years, the City has layered new programs on top of others without eliminating lower-priority or lower-impact spending,” he said. “The result is spending growth twice the rate of inflation. City
• Feb. 6 at the Ozone Park Library, at 92-24 Rockaway Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
• Feb. 26 at the Howard Beach Library, at 92-06 156 Ave., from 12 to 4 p.m.; and
• March 2 at the Glendale Library, at 78-60 73 Place, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Q
spending would be $14.5 billion lower today if it had tracked inflation. He said the city should also leverage technology, modernize outdated operations and work with labor to boost productivity.
Rein added that Mandani should lobby with the state to repeal the class-size reduction mandate, which he said restricts the mayor’s flexibility and drives higher spending that widens the budget gap.
“It is important that New York deliver high-quality cost-effective services,” Rein said. “That requires making smart but tough choices — prioritizing what works and shrinking what doesn’t — before turning to the easier option of raising taxes.” Q
Speaker Julie Menin, center, named four Queens lawmakers to her leadership team, namely Councilmembers Shekar Krishnan, second from left, Nantasha Williams, center right, Sandra Ung and Linda Lee, right.
PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL
Meng sees national issues as very local
Congresswoman covers from downtown to DC in sitdown with the Chronicle
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) sits on the House Appropriations Committee, one of the most prestigious in Congress.
But a complaint from a tenant against the New York City Housing Authority goes to a staffer’s inbox
“The elevator isn’t running and you have a walker,” Meng said Tuesday morning. “Or their stove isn’t running so they can’t cook.”
Somewhat like a day in her district office, Meng discussed pretty much everything in the news during a sitdown interview with the Chronicle’s editorial board.
While President Trump always is a hot topic, Meng said there also are national issues that have faces — and serous impact — in Queens.
Food and mail, for instance.
Last year’s budget cuts, new regulations, the government shutdown and multiple court rulings wreaked havoc on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps.
But enterprising, tech-savvy thieves have caused problems, too, with recipients’ benefit cards in New York easy prey for theft.
“You’ve heard stories about bodegas catching people who install something in machines that skims the cards,” Meng said. “We’re working with the state government and the Department of Justice — and this has been bipartisan — to improve the technology.”
the interview
She also worked with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and others to restore, at least temporarily, the budget line item to reimburse SNAP recipients whose funds are stolen.
But Meng’s holy grail for SNAP remains what she calls the “rotisserie chicken” change. Presently, SNAP benefits can be used to buy a fresh or frozen chicken, but not hot, prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, a container of soup and more. There is a pilot program testing Meng’s theory in a handful of states including Louisiana.
“People don’t always have the time to defrost a chicken,” Meng said. “It just makes sense.”
As to the mail theft epidemic in and around Flushing, Meng said the region now has a dedicated federal inspector to discover what things need to be fixed or changed. She wants broader investigative authority for postal inspectors — and more commonsense regulations.
“Are keys tracked?” she asked. “You should know who checks out a key to those hunter green boxes at any given moment. You wouldn’t treat your house keys or car keys that way.”
Meng also said Queens has the opportunity to become a hub of artificial intelligence research and application in its schools.
“Queens College has more computer science majors than NYU and Columbia combined,” she said, adding that Queens College, York College and LaGuardia Community College also have excellent and growing busi-
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng sat down with the Queens
after a year of Trump 2.0 and concerns
boxes.
ness programs.
“The problem with Queens is there are good programs, but people don’t know about it,” Meng said.
Meng also feels the Department of Government Efficiency budget cuts were mishandled.
“People have been fired,” she said. “There’s a lot of families and lives that have been ruined. Elon Musk is nowhere to be found in the federal landscape.”
Meng said Republicans, Democrats and those in between all want to cut government waste, though she did not give an example.
DOGE cuts ended, at least temporarily, multiple flood control projects in Queens, with a handful being in Meng’s district.
Meng also hopes the pedestrian bridge being backed by state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) will come to fruition.
“I would love that,” she said. “Walk from Corona to Flushing and back in reverse.”
“I think a lot of times what bothers me is the chaotic nature of how he raises some of these issues.”
— U.S. Rep Grace Meng on President Trump
But she did say that lawmakers had secured $200 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to get back to the drawing board, and are planning smaller projects with the city.
“We’re working on it,” Meng said.
Congress also is working on extending, at least temporarily, expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans.
“Over 100,000 people in my district alone would have seen their costs go up,” she said.
In regard to the casino now coming to the parking lot at Citi Field, Meng said that a lengthy and thorough process has played itself out in the community and about every level of government.
She is looking forward, of course, to the construction and permanent jobs that will be created by the Metropolitan Park complex, and improvements such as a modernized Mets-Willets Point subway station on the No. 7 line.
has many concerns.
Trump’s tariffs, she said, have hit “Main Street Queens” hard, particularly ethnic stores and restaurants that import their stock.
“It has made their ability to keep their costs lower for their customers very difficult,” Meng said. “Owners either have to absorb the cost, or pass them on to their customers.
“I think a lot of times what bothers me is the chaotic nature of how he raises some of these issues.”
And not just for tariffs. Trump’s recent saber rattling over the Danish territory of Greenland and the arrest of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, Meng said, also is raising the temperature on Capitol Hill.
“It is a bipartisan global sentiment that Maduro was a brutal dictator,” Meng said.
“And I think that even talking to Venezuelan New Yorkers, many of them were glad to see him go. But just like we were talking with DOGE — there has to be a plan. There needs to be a strategy. Congress needs to be more fully briefed.”
The president of late has floated the idea of taking Greenland by force as a counter to Russia and China. Meng opposes that.
Meng also acknowledged that people will have to be on the lookout for potential negative impacts, including gambling addiction. She did not comment directly on whether there might be an effort to target the Asian community other than to acknowledge the site is literally down Roosevelt Avenue from Downtown Flushing; and that nearby healthcare providers like Flushing Hospital Medical Center and the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center have both the expertise and the staff who speak the appropriate languages to deal with any problems.
Meng also has one of the largest Jewish populations of any district in Congress.
The Jan. 8 rally outside a synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills, where protesters chanted slogans in support of Hamas, brought her back to the early-morning hours of Oct. 7, 2023 New York time, when a massacre was unleashed in Israel by Hamas and others.
“Many of my constituents were still observing Shabbat,” Meng said. “I couldn’t reach the community’s leaders, so I went out to synagogues to check on them. Some of them didn’t even know what had happened.
“People of course are free to protest peacefully. People have protested relatively peacefully outside my own house. But to shout things like, ‘We support Hamas’ and ‘Long live Oct. 7’ is not acceptable.”
Trump promised an aggressive foreign policy during his campaign. And Meng said that from tariffs to Venezuela and Greenland, she
“There is a process,” Meng said. “A constitutional law that he has to follow. And Congress has to authorize these types of actions and spending. I think that’s a huge question we hear locally ... We want to know about what our money would go for. And our troops.
“I just don’t appreciate the chaotic nature of how he goes about this.”
Trump has been as subtle as a sledge hammer in statements directed toward the leadership of Iran, which still appears to be in trouble despite ruthless suppression of popular protesters, with unknown thousands imprisoned and an unknown number dead.
Meng said she would need more information before commenting as to whether renewed air strikes on Iran should be on the table.
“We are supportive of the Iranian people and their right and ability to protest,” she said. “And I think we need to make sure that the regime and a lot of the proxies that it has been supporting ... don’t create worse situations.”
Meng said Trump and Mayor Mamdani have many similarities in style. Both, she said, for example, were able to harness the affordability issue.
The congresswoman hopes Mandani is more successful in delivering on his promises than she said the president has been.
“His campaign substance and outreach were very effective,” Meng said. “He is for free buses. We do need more affordable and accessible public transit. We’re looking for elevator or ramp access for all subway stations ... So we re going to ask for his support for that.
“Regardless of whether people supported him, he outworked his opponents. And for the sake of New York we want him to succeed. A lot of his policies are supported by many New Yorkers. We’ll see where there are areas of agreement.” Q
Chronicle’s editorial board Tuesday morning
ranging from foreign policy to theft from Flushing mail
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ
Safe perimeters, funding for security and education in five-part action plan Council preps antisemitism proposal
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) did not wait 24 hours after organizing the new City Council before unveiling a five-point action plan to combat antisemitism and improve security at and around houses of worship and schools.
Menin’s press conference took place Friday morning at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-a Living Memorial to the Holocaust, in Manhattan. The speaker’s proposals came eight days after the city was shaken by a protest outside a Kew Gardens Hills synagogue during which the people assembled chanted pro-Hamas slogans.
“At a moment of rising antisemitism, the City Council is taking decisive, responsible action to invest in education, strengthen protections for schools and houses of worship, support community safety, and ensure we have the tools to confront antisemitism wherever it appears,” Menin said in a press release.
“As the first Jewish Speaker of the City Council, and as the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, this issue is deeply personal to me. These actions are about protecting New Yorkers, and ensuring that hatred, harassment and intimidation are never normalized in our city.”
The Chronicle has reached out to Mayor
Mamdani’s office for comment.
If approved as proposed, the plan will:
• allocate $1.25 million in new funding over two fiscal years for the museum, under the present budget and that for the 2027 fiscal year. It will support efforts including development of a virtual Holocaust education experience and expanded school outreach, and materials for students on the ways that social media can contribute to antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate;
• include a bill to establish a safe perimeter around entrances and exits of houses of worship, prohibiting harassment and intimidation while preserving First Amendment rights;
• establish a needs-based reimbursement program to help private schools install security camera systems, prioritizing institutions with limited resources;
• fund security training for Jewish organizations and institutions, as well as organizations of all denominations, with a focus on smaller, community-based institutions that may lack access to professional safety planning and preparedness resources; and
• establish a dedicated hotline to report incidents of antisemitism, housed within the city’s Commission on Human Rights.
Language for the safe perimeter legislation is being discussed with legal counsel, while the other measures may or may not
require legislation. The hotline is not intended to replace calls to police for safety issues or serious crimes.
“Education is our most powerful tool in confronting antisemitism, and Speaker Menin has consistently understood that truth,” said Jack Kliger, president and CEO of the museum. Kliger said the new funding will allow the group to reach more students and ensure that Holocaust education remains
a relevant force for the city’s young people.
Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) praised the three-pronged approach of education, prevention and security.
“In a time when many are living with heightened fear, it’s more important than ever for New York City to take proactive steps to ensure that everyone can exercise their basic right to safety, to live, worship, and gather without fear,” Williams said. Q
Councilman Eric Dinowitz, second from left, chairman of the Jewish caucus, Speaker Julie Menin and Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams take questions on Friday. NYC COUNCIL PHOTO VIA X
What Rego Center I used to and could be
Area residents wonder about the future of the once-bustling mall
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
Many have taken to social media to ask a question that anyone who shops on Queens Boulevard may be wondering — what’s going on at Rego Center’s phase I building?
The property at 96-05 Queens Blvd., blocks away from the Queens Center mall, once housed stores such as Sears, Marshalls, Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond and Old Navy. It has been “officially dead” since Burlington moved to the mall’s phase II at 61-35 Junction Blvd. last year, as one Reddit poster said. It was hardly the only retailer to do so — Marshalls relocated to the newer complex last May.
Now, the property is a shell of what it once was. The signs bearing the names of former stores have been removed from the exterior, leaving vaguely outlined letters in their wake. The mall’s covered-up doors point shoppers toward its Junction Boulevard counterpart.
But the now-desolate site has a commercial history that goes back decades. Alexander’s department store opened there on Feb. 14, 1959, with three stories and 250,000 square feet of selling space.
Area historian Michael Perlman said the retailer was a Valentine’s Day gift to the community, offering a wide range of quality products at fair prices.
“My family shopped there, and then introduced the experience to me in the 1980s during my childhood,” Perlman told the Chronicle. He recalled dining at its Apple Tree restaurant, which had long maize counters with stools and booths, as well as a revolving cake display.
He said Alexander’s also was a “magnet” for frozen yogurt, now a ubiquitous dessert.
“It was a friendly and neighborly cornerstone, where a patron could easily become immersed for hours,” Perlman said. “It offered a multifaceted concept, where you could step away from the hustle and bustle of Queens Boulevard.”
Alexander’s shuttered in 1992, and Perlman said he remembers the building’s transformation for anchor tenants Sears and Marshalls in 1996, as well as the crowds lining up for their respective grand openings.
“I remember when it was bustling with a
Sears back in the 90’s,” one Reddit user commented under a post noting the mall’s barrenness. Under a separate, similar post, another user recalled going to the Sears and Circuit City there on Sunday mornings as a child. Circuit City was an electronics company that went out of business more than a decade ago.
Multiple users say they do not understand the lack of retailers there now, given all the nearby transit options and apartment buildings full of potential customers.
But while the massive location may have short-term uses — the city Department of Buildings is permitting Northwell Health to use it as a temporary training center for providers — its long-term future remains unclear. Northwell’s certificate was issued Jan. 10 and is active through April 9, but it can be renewed.
The property’s gross floor area is 860,000 square feet and the lot is 256,031 square feet, according to Department of City Planning records.
City data show that the site is in a C4-2 zon-
Library renovation schedules
continued from page 4
mitment that went unfulfilled last year — and closed the discussion with an insistence that the community be kept more closely informed.
“I truly respect the frustration,” Walcott said. “Trust me, I do.”
He added that the meeting had a positive outcome because “it’s finally through the bureaucratic maze and the back and forth that you talked about to a point now of having the steps that John laid out.”
While Richmond Hill’s saga dominates community concern, the schedule for the Woodhaven Library’s $24 million renovation
remains similarly uncertain.
Katimaris expressed doubt about the city’s estimated schedule for the Woodhaven renovation, at 85-41 Forest Pkwy.
“I’m looking at dates provided to me by DDC last week, and these dates I’ll present right now, but I want it understood that I am very skeptical these dates will be realized,” he said.
Katimaris said the DDC told him the work on the Woodhaven Library would start in July 2026 and is projected to be completed by July 2028.
“The dates that the DDC provided to me are far too suspect. They do not pass my
ing district, for regional commercial centers outside central business districts. In those areas, specialty and department stores, theaters and other commercial or office uses serve a larger region and generate more traffic than neighborhood shopping centers, the DCP’s website says.
The designation allows mixed-use developments with both retail establishments and housing. A residential building also could be built there, under certain regulations.
A DCP spokesperson said a building at 96-05 Queens Blvd. could be more than 10 stories, but the exact height permissible would depend on numerous factors, such as affordable housing regulations.
The agency said it is not aware of any project currently planned for the site. Nor was the office of area City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), when contacted by the Chronicle.
Vornado Realty Trust, which manages Rego Center, did not respond to multiple inquiries.
stress test right now,” he said. “So I do not have dates that I can present with confidence regarding the Woodhaven project.”
A DDC representative later told the Chronicle that construction on Woodhaven Library is expected to begin in 2028, and that he would be in contact with the library about the discrepancy.
Other major local developers contacted by the Chronicle declined to comment.
Even though zoning laws permit an apartment building there, many are vehemently against the construction of another one. Some Reddit users speculate that the property will be destroyed to accommodate luxury complexes.
“It’s sad how the neighborhood is becoming prime real estate instead of creating more opportunities for stores to make money,” Elizabeth Peebles said in a Facebook comment.
Peter Beadle, Community Board 6’s second vice chair, told the Chronicle he would like to see a mixed-use building made up of a community center and swimming pool with housing units above it, including affordable ones. He also suggested a commercial space at street level, public-private space and a bicycle hub for commuters.
“A bike actually is a great way to do a mile or two commute to the train line,” Beadle said. “And if you had a secure parking facility that folks could trust to lock up their bikes and then grab the train downstairs, that would be brilliant.”
Queens Boulevard has long been a hot spot for development, especially as of late. A rezoning for a 17-story mixed-use building at 102-51 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills was approved last year, city records show. Last fall, Cord Meyer Development kicked off the construction of a seven-story development at 90-32 Queens Blvd. A 13-story building at 78-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst got the green light last November, to some residents’ chagrin.
Directly across from the mall on Queens Boulevard, a Long Island real estate investor recently bought eight single-story storefronts. Perlman said he would like to see a rebirth of the original Alexander’s, which he called “the king of Queens retail.” He also noted rumors of the site’s transformation into a condominium complex with a rooftop pool, or a medical facility.
“I would like to see the facade preserved based on its history and creativity, which harmonizes well with its surroundings, and is not a predictable ‘banal overdevelopment,’ which we witness way too often nowadays,” Perlman said. Q
struction at the same time.
“That wasn’t supposed to happen 10 years ago,” Wellins said. “I don’t know the logistics of how they’re going to deal with that.”
“I truly respect the frustration.”
At Community Board 9’s meeting the following day, Jan. 13, Seth Wellins, a member of the group’s Education Committee who was also in attendance at the Borough Board meeting, expressed concerns about both the Richmond Hill and Woodhaven libraries potentially being closed for con-
— Dennis Walcott, QPL CEO and president
On the lack of a swing space, Algredo told the board, “We’re going to work on it because we won’t accept it, so we’re going to work on it with electeds. We’re going to tap into them and some money, and we’re going to get it because a trailer is not accessible.”
Cristal Rivera, the chair of the Education Committee, added, “We’re going to get some things in that library, because the trailer will be unacceptable.” Q
It remains unclear what could become of Rego Center’s phase I building on Queens Boulevard, which was once a beloved commercial hub that several major retailers have called home. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN
Holiday photo contest!
The Reilly boys tear into a morning to remember in what their mother, Caroline Reilly, called “A Norman Rockwell Christmas” after getting the predawn shot in Glendale, as their father revels in the moment and their sister unwraps the day nearby but off-camera.
Snow returned for the Queens Chronicle’s 18th annual Holiday Photo Contest, and it brought along a winner!
This year’s nod goes to Caroline Roswell of Glendale, an amateur historian and recently retired NYC teacher who taught at PS 229 in the MaspethWoodside area for 30 years.
Her winning submission, one of several excellent shots she sent in, is entitled “The Beauty of a Snowstorm.” It was taken Dec. 14 around 1 p.m., right after the storm that day, near Exit 19, for 188th Street, on the Grand Central Parkway. As the winner,
Roswell will receive a $50 gift card good anywhere. As always, we thank all of our readers for your wonderful submissions to the contest. There are always many more than we can publish in print, so we post what we can on our website, qchron.com, generally including at least one from everybody. And some of the pictures printed here have more detailed captions online, where there’s room. Whether your photo is here or not, remember that it’s only five months until our 18th annual Summer in the Borough Photo Contest. No snow, just sun! And more photographic fun. — Peter C. Mastrosimone
Above, Cindy of Flushing captures the geese that enjoy Kissena Lake as much as she does; Ivy Hammer finds the divergent footprints outside her Rego Park window after the season’s first snow intriguing; Mike McGevna of South Richmond Hill enjoys the joyful, positive energy coming from Santa with his smile and open arms; and Rosemarie Italico of Ozone Park captures the jolly old elf’s apparent reindeer staging area in Howard Beach. At near right, Anthony and Pauline Ruggiero, joined by their grandson Logan Shornick, buy a wreath from his Boy Scout Troop 106 outside Artis pharmacy in Middle Village, with Maureen Ruggiero doing the honors behind the lens.
Above, Jim Kakoullis of Rego Park looks to the Manhattan skyline over snowy rooftops; Betty Copeland gets some perspective in Woodhaven; Alexandra Chartier gets “Lost In the Lights” outside her friend’s building in Mitchell Linden, in Flushing; and Rosie the St. Bernard and Co. enjoy a holiday jaunt on Rockaway Beach in Arverne, in a shot submitted by Frances Katz. The tree spent a day in the sun, the holidays indoors, and then became mulch for the new year. See more photos at qchron.com
Christine Saravo snaps daughters Julianna and Angelia at Forest Park; and Debra Krowicki enjoys her girl Michaela’s first New Year’s Day at home in Glendale.
Pub flag vandal arrested
An Ozone Park man was arrested after allegedly vandalizing an American flag that flew outside of Geordie’s Joint, an Irish pub at 79-19 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven.
The Ozone Park Residents Block Association on Facebook posted a video of the Jan. 13 incident and called it “disgusting on every level.”
The footage shows the perpetrator grab the flag, pull it down and slash it with a sharp object. The man then gets on his bicycle and flees the scene.
The flag was later replaced by Woodhaven’s American Legion Post 118, according to Councilmember Joann Ariola, who posted a photo of the veterans alongside the new flag and Geordie’s staff on social media.
“It is great to see the patriotism and and unity in the Woodhaven Community,” Ariola wrote. She said Rodriguez was also charged for damaging another business in the area, but cops did not provide information regarding that incident. — Kristen Guglielmo
Cops said they arrested Ilihan Rodriguez, 26, of 76th Street, on Jan. 16 for criminal mischief.
Divine Mercy Catholic Academy
101-60 92 St., Ozone Park (718) 845-3074, divinemercyca.org
Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy 45-11 245 St., Douglaston (718) 631-3153, dwcaonline.org
Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy 111-02 86 Ave., Richmond Hill (718) 849-3988, hcjcany.org
Holy Family Catholic Academy
74-15 175 St., Fresh Meadows, (718) 9692124, holyfamilyca-freshmeadows.org
Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, Astoria, 21-63 29 St. (718) 728-1969, iccaastoria.org
Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, Jamaica, 179-14 Dalny Road, (718) 739-5933, iccajamaica.org
Incarnation Catholic Academy
89-15 Francis Lewis Blvd., Queens Village (718) 465-5066, incarnationqv.org
Notre Dame Catholic Academy 62-22 61 St., Ridgewood (718) 821-2221, notredame-ca.org
Catholic Elementary Academies and Schools
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy, 25-38 80 St., Jackson Hts. (718) 429-7031, olfcaqueens.org
Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy 61-21 71 St., Middle Village (718) 458-3535. olhca.org
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy 70-25 Kessel St., Forest Hills (718) 793-2086, olmercyca.org
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 111-10 115 St., South Ozone Park, (718) 843-4184, olphca.org
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, 35-34 105 St., Corona (718) 426-5517, olscorona.org
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy, 34-45 202 St., Bayside, (718) 229-4434, olbsacademy.org
Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, 79-33 258 St., Floral Park, (718) 343-1346. olscafp.org
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy, 72-55 Austin St., Forest Hills, (718) 263-2622, olqmca.org
Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy, 85-25 61 Road, Rego Park (718) 426-4963, racatholicacademy.org
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy (Cambria Heights), 115-50 221 St., (718) 527-0123, shcach.org
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Bayside, 216-01 38 Ave., (718) 631-4804, sacredheartbayside.org
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Glendale, 84-05 78 Ave., (718) 4566636, sacredheartglendale.org
St. Adalbert Catholic Academy 52-17 83 St., Elmhurst (718) 424-2376, saintadalbertca.org
St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy 35-50 158 St., Flushing (718) 359-7887, standrewavellinoca.com
St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy 44-15 Judge St., Elmhurst (718) 446-7575, stbartholomewca.org
St. Clare Catholic Academy 137-25 Brookville Blvd., Rosedale (718) 528-7174, stclarecatholicacademy.org
St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy 94-01 85 St., Ozone Park (718) 641-6990. stelizabethca.org
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy, 21-18 46 St., Astoria (718) 726-9405. sfaacademy.org
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy, 244-44 87 Ave., Bellerose (718) 343-5053, sgtgca.org
St. Helen Catholic Academy 83-09 157 Ave., Howard Beach (718) 835-4155, sthelencatholicacademy.org
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School 35-27 82 St., Jackson Heights (718) 639-9020, sjaschoolny.org
St. Joseph Catholic Academy 28-46 44 St., Long Island City (718) 728-0724, sjcalic.org
St. Kevin Catholic Academy 45-50 195 St., Flushing (718) 357-8110, stkevinca.org
St. Leo Catholic Academy 104-19 49 Ave., Corona (718) 592-7050, stleocatholicacademy.org
Courtesy the Diocese of Brooklyn, January 2026
St. Luke School 16-01 150 Place, Whitestone (718) 746-3833, slswhitestone.org
St. Margaret Catholic Academy 66-10 80 St., Middle Village (718) 326-0229, stmargaretschoolmv.org
St. Mel’s Catholic Academy 154-24 26 Ave., Flushing (718) 539-8211, stmelsacademy.org
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy 136-58 41 Ave., Flushing (718) 961-0246, stmichaelsca.org
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Academy, 80-22 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica (718) 380-1900. sntschoolny.org
St. Sebastian Catholic Academy 39-76 58 St., Woodside (718) 429-1982. stsebastianacademy.org
St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy, 61-17 Grand Ave., Maspeth (718) 326-1585, ststansacademy.org
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy, 87-49 87 St., Woodhaven (718) 847-3904, sta-catholicacademy.org
Saints Joachim and Anne School 218-19 105 Ave., Queens Village (718) 465-2230, ssjaschool.org
Div i ne Mer c y Divine Mercy C
AT HOLIC AC ADE M Y CATHOLIC ACADEMY
101-60 92nd Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416 Phone (718) 845-3074
At Divine Mercy Catholic Academy we offer:
• A dedicated and qualified faculty and staff
• A safe and structure environment (CCTV)
• Lifelong Christian Values – Daily Religion Classes
• Internet Access in Classrooms
• Classes with SMARTboards, SMART TV and individual Chromebooks and iPads
• LearnIT reading and math classes
• Spanish Classes for Gr. 5- 8
• Family tuition rates available
• School lunch program
• Bus transportation (if eligible)
• Collaboration with St. John’s University
• Variety of activities like Student Council, Art Club, Lego Club, Chess Club & Drama Club!
• Aftercare program from 3 to 6pm for all grade levels
Accredited by Cognia International Call for more information regarding registration/school visits Se Habla Español - Maria Guzman-Paczkowski - 718-845-3074
Please join us at our Open House: Sunday, January 25th 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Values and teachings of a Catholic education
The Catholic educational program is based on religious beliefs and values, which enable students to grow in their understanding of themselves, their relationship with God and their relationship with others.
Catholic high schools p romote the education of young people to their full potential; their teachers respect and encourage real learning experiences. Students acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success in higher educational pursuits and a wide range of careers.
They also offer a community environment in which students can discuss and live out the values upon which their education is based. They are encouraged to contribute to society and to assume leadership roles in shaping public attitudes and programs.
In Catholic high schools, young people learn to question, to establish confidence in their own good choices in life and to experience the sense of accomplishment that stems from individual achievement and responsibility.
Catholic high schools:
• build character;
• foster community service;
• encourage involvement;
• develop real-world skills;
• shape leaders;
• reward achievement;
• reinforce values;
• allow for spiritual growth;
• embrace differences;
• raise standards;
• empower each student; and
• celebrate school spirit.
The Diocese of Brooklyn offers a high school fair in the fall on one night in Queens and another night in Brooklyn where students, faculty and administrators from the high schools are available to answer questions and distribute materials.
Each high school also offers open houses and tours so that parents and prospective students can meet with current students, faculty and administrators and learn about the academics and activities the schools offer.
Additionally, many schools usually offe r “Buddy Days” in which prospective students can spend a day in the school attending classes with a student who is currently enrolled.
All of the high schools also have websites that highlight their specific admissions policies and dates for open houses. Q — dioceseofbrooklyn.org/schools / secondary-education
➤ Faith Forma on: Daily prayer and spiritual development, complete sacramental program for First Penance, First Communion and Confirma on, First Friday Mass, prayer services and community service projects.
➤ Rigorous Academics: Full-day Kindergarten, Pre-K 3 and 4-year-old full-day and half-day programs, focused instruc onal schedule of 8:10 a.m. -3 p.m. with 7 a.m. arrival and a erschool program un l 6 p.m., TACHS Prepara on, Algebra 1 Regents Par cipa on, PK-8 Spanish program, iPad and SMARTBoard™ technology, fully equipped STEM lab, digital tools, coding and engineering design applica ons.
➤ Specialized Programs: Free 3-K-for-All & PreK-for-All, a erschool extracurricular ac vi es, training in music and art, chess, drama club, engineering club, coding club, book club, Kiwanis builders club, soccer, Paul Effman music program, basketball and CYO sports. Member Na onal Junior Honor Society.
NATIONAL JR. HONOR SOCIETY
A foundation for life Mission and values of Catholic schools
Parents want the best for their children.
Catholic schools partner with parents to give them a sense of safety, community and prepare them for the future.
Catholic schools are known for faith-based, value-centered education with a proven record of academic excellence.
This is achieved by embracing spirituality, rigor, support and partnership. It’s not an easy path.
There are elevated expectations for our students and parents.
Catholic Academy and Parish School students and their families make friends for life as they prepare for the future.
They are part of a lasting tradition of excellence and become successful
members of our Church and society.
Our Mission To form children in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ as celebrated in the Catholic Church, while providing a comprehensive academic education that will help them reach their full human potential and contribute to the common good of our nation and the world.
The ABCs Developing a Foundation for Life through the ABCs:
+ Academic Excellence
+ Belief in the Catholic faith
+ Character Development Q — catholicschoolsbq.org
LADY PERPETUAL H E L P HELP
C AT HOL IC AC A D ATHOLIC ACADE M EM Y
The mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy is the development of Christian values in our students that emanate from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here, the spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional growth of each child is nurtured within a child-centered, supportive environment based on truth. In 2025, our diligent efforts to educate and support our students were richly rewarded when we received the coveted Cognia School of Distinction Award for Excellence in Education and Catholic Identity. And, as a school of academic excellence, exceptional learning experiences are created with the uniqueness of each child in mind. Our highly qualified and dedicated staff are wholly committed to the spiritual, academic and emotional development of each unique child.
We have designed a creative and exciting curriculum that includes Art, Music, Library Science, Drama, a School Newspaper, Sports and Language Arts as a complement to our many exciting and challenging Science and STEM classes. We are amply equipped with Smartboards and we supply Chromebooks and I-Pads to our students as well, so that they have all the tools they need to work toward achieving their full academic potential. We also offer reasonable tuition and vibrant after-school activities. We invite you to attend our school Open House on Sunday, January 25th at 11:30 am or simply call us at (718) 843-4184 to schedule a personal tour of our wonderful school! Come and see for yourself all the exciting things our school has to offer!
Real estate company has thousands of building violations; tenants speak out City, A&E reach $2.1M settlement
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
After years of neglect and poor conditions in its properties and thousands of housing violations, A&E Real Estate has reached a $2.1 million settlement with many of its tenants.
The settlement, according to Mayor Mamdani, addresses tenant harassment and hazardous conditions across 14 buildings in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. There are approximately 750 tenants living in the buildings.
“For years, A&E has operated with callous disregard for those residing in its properties, racking up over 140,000 total violations, including 35,000 in the last year alone, “Mamdani said at a press conference at 35-64 84 St. in Jackson Heights, an A&E property, on Jan. 16.
of $150,000 per building, requires that A&E correct more than 4,000 building condition violations and imposes injunctions prohibiting tenant harassment.
The Queens properties involved are 35-64 84 St., 37-06 81 St., 37-30 81 St., 37-25 81 St. and 80-01 37 St. in Jackson Heights; 35-16 34 St. in Astoria; 48-16 46 St. in Sunnyside; and 150-45 73 Ave. and 150-40 73 Ave. in Kew Gardens Hills.
Also in attendance were incoming Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants Cea Weaver and Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights).
The settlement includes civil penalty awards
“City government has real power to protect the millions of tenants across the city,” Mamdani said.
“Let today be evidence that we are not afraid to use it.”
A spokesperson for A&E Real Estate told the Chronicle that the company is pleased to have settled all legal issues with the city and has agreed upon a repair plan.
“We look forward to partnering with the City to improve the lives of our residents and find collaborative ways to protect and to continue to invest in New York City’s housing stock,” the spokesperson said.
Krishnan in a statement said, “I’m thankful that Mayor Mamdani and HPD, on day 16 of
Estate Planning Fundamentals: How an Estate Plan Helps Your Family
By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.
A recent AARP report revealed that only about half of those 50 and older have a will. The most common reason people do not have an estate plan in place is fear – the belief that if they talk about estate plans and dying, then they’ll die. However, talking about estate plans doesn’t mean death is imminent, no matter how old you are. Additionally, some people believe that they don’t need an estate plan because they aren’t wealthy enough. Everyone, regardless of net worth, needs to make decisions about their assets, as well as identify a personal representative to see those decisions through.
A properly drafted estate plan will save your family months or even years of paperwork, court appearances, and the risk of family fighting over your assets. Key components to every estate plan include:
Will: Directs how your assets will be distributed and names an executor, the personal representative who will carry
out your directions.
Living Will: Outlines your healthcare preferences should you become incapacitated and unable to make critical healthcare decisions. Important decisions such as maintaining life support in the event of severe or irreversible injury will be included in your Living Will and will be respected by the hospital and your healthcare providers.
Healthcare Proxy: Designates a person as your agent to make health care decisions if you become unable to communicate or make decisions on your own.
Durable Power of Attorney: Grants another person or persons the authority to make legal and fi nancial decisions for you. The Durable Power of Attorney is effective the day you sign it and is “durable” in the sense that the power continues if you become incapacitated.
Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@ conzamcnamara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.
the new era, have taken this problem head-on, protecting and fighting for our neighbors — especially here in Jackson Heights, the community with the highest numbers of A&E properties. A&E’s money-first mindset has hit my district the hardest, but I know this won’t be the last major win for their tenants.”
Another A&E-owned complex, La Mesa Verde at on 90th and 91st streets in Jackson Heights, where tenants have complained about dilapidated conditions, is not included in the settlement.
The La Mesa Verde tenant association as of Tuesday had not heard anything from the city about addressing its problems, according to an organizer there familiar with the situation. Tenants at La Mesa Verde have filed their own HP proceedings seeking repairs, and the next court date in that case is Feb. 9.
Diana de la Pava, a resident of 35-64 81 St., has lived there for more than 13 years with her daughter. It was in disrepair when it was purchased by A&E in 2021, and the company has resolved more than 1,400 violations there in the ensuing years.
“Since July 2024, the elevator in my building has been out of service for 12 months out of the 18 months that have passed,” de la Pava said at the press conference, adding that it often
Pre-K, 3-K
effectively imprisons elderly and disabled tenants in their own homes.
“People are not inconvenienced, they are trapped,” de la Pava said.
Alberto Quintero, an 84-year-old resident of the building who lived on the fourth floor, died during a heat wave while the elevator was out of service.
“Just days earlier, Alberto had told me that the broken elevator was going to kill him,” de la Pava said. “His death was not a coincidence. It was the predictable result of ignoring known dangerous conditions.”
Since Quintero’s death, residents organized and connected with Krishnan and Communities Resist, a housing legal services and advocacy organization.
“No one should ever have to endure what these tenants went through,” said Millie Sandoval, director of organizing for Communities Resist. “Now these tenants can sleep more easily at night knowing that they will live in a safe environment and that their rights to a safe and habitable building will be upheld.”
“We’re not asking for favors,” de la Pava said. “We’re demanding a concrete structure, a task force with real power, public timelines and consequences for noncompliance. Our lives depend on it.” Q
applications open
If you have a child turning 3 or 4 this year, it’s time to register for school. Applications for 3-K and pre-K are open through Feb. 27.
Applications are not accepted on a firstcome, first-served basis, so families can apply at any time until then. All families who apply by the deadline will receive an offer, according to the city. There are three ways to apply: Parents can visit myschools.nyc to sign up in 13 languages, including English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Rus-
sian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu or Uzbek. One may also call (718) 935-2009. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages for inquiries and applications done over the phone.
Applications are also accepted at Family Welcome Centers, which are open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on FWCs, visit tinyurl.com/55xkktkh. There are three in Queens: in Flushing, Long Island City and Jamaica. Q — Kristen Guglielmo
A tenant’s photo of a staircase in poor condition at an A&Eowned building on 81st Street.
Diana de la Pava, left, a resident of 35-64 84th St., an A&E Real Estate property, spoke about the poor conditions experienced there during a press conference on Jan. 16 at which Mayor Mamdani announced a $2.1 million settlement with the company. At right, a tenant photo of an out-of-service elevator at an A&E building on 81st Street. PHOTOS COURTESY COMMUNITIES
by Stephanie G. Meditz
Visitors from Queens and beyond can experience a unique array of current and upcoming art installations and cultural displays at what is now the city’s largest free museum.
MoMA PS1 in Long Island City is celebrating its 50th anniversary not only by welcoming guests inside at no cost, but spotlighting the work of diverse artists, several of whom are showing their pieces in the United States for the first time.
“We have a lot of fun things coming up, so we’re really keeping a sort of festive atmosphere in which we’re able to be responsive to the issues and concerns that many of us have and that artists are bringing to us, but also create moments of celebration,” Chief Curator Ruba Katrib said.
Some exhibitions that opened late last year will stay open for a while. A photography show by Inuuteq Storch entitled “Soon Will Summer Be Over,” which runs through Feb. 23, follows the
past decade of his work, capturing a range of tableaus from his home country of Greenland. Through March 2, viewers can experience “Four Dilations,” an exhibition by multiple international artists that transgresses dominant forms of timekeeping.
The work of a countercultural icon also will be on view through March 2 at “Vaginal Davis: Magnificent Product.” The show includes installations, videos, zines, audio recordings and more spanning 50 years of work by Davis, who was instrumental to the development of the drag scene in Bushwick,
Brooklyn, in the 1980s.
Seoul-based artist Ayoung Kim made her U.S. debut last fall with the introduction of her “Delivery Dancer” trilogy of video installations to MoMA PS1. Kim deploys generative AI, video game engines and live-action footage to create a nonlinear narrative following two female delivery drivers.
The works, which are on view through March 16, interrogate the relationships among data, human beings and the environment amid pressure to meet production demands under capitalism.
continued on page 27
King Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Charlotte Rae knew the
facts of life before St. Albans
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Charlotte Rae Lubotsky was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on April 22, 1926, the middle child of three daughters. They lived above their father’s tire store. Her mother was friends with Golda Meir, who later in life became the prime minister of Israel.
The acting bug bit Charlotte, and she originally wanted to be a serious dramatic thespian. At Northwestern University she rubbed shoulders with classmates Charlton Heston, Paul Lynde and Claude Atkins, to name a few.
On Nov. 4, 1951, she married John Leonard Strauss an aspiring film music composer in his parents’ home in NYC in a Jewish ceremony. They bought a brand-new home at 201-15 119 Ave. in St. Albans.
The couple worked locally in Manhattan in the early days of TV. Charlotte was told her last name Lubotsky had to go, which she said hurt her father deeply. Charlotte Rae was born. Her first big break came as
the wife of comedian Al Lewis in “Car 54 Where Are You?” Her husband co-wrote the theme song to the hit TV show. They divorced in 1976.
Fame came to the 4-foot, 11-inch, huskyvoiced redhead in the role of Mrs. Garrett on the “The Facts of Life,” which ran for 155 episodes from 1979 to 1986.
Rae died on Aug. 5, 2018, at age 92, of bone cancer. Her work is still enjoyed today on reruns by new generations. Q
B SPORTS EAT
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
The Mets made their biggest off-season move to upgrade their offense when they signed free agent infielder Bo Bichette last Friday to a three-year, $126 million contract. The news of his signing came approximately 12 hours after their most desired free agent, outfielder Kyle Tucker, signed with the Dodgers for an amazing four-year, $240 million contract.
It should be noted that in addition to being paid $42 million annually, Bichette can opt out of his deal at the conclusion of every season.
It is easy to see Bichette’s appeal to Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. He is a contact hitter who is at his best with runners in scoring position. That was a glaring Mets weakness last season.
On the debit side of the ledger, Bichette has been a shortstop for most of his career. The Mets are asking him to move to third base, as Francisco Lindor occupies his old position.
Mets fans of a certain age will remember when their team traded future Hall of Fame p itcher Nolan Ryan to the Angels for Jim Fregosi, who had been the perennial shortstop on American League All-Star teams. It turned out Fregosi could not play the hot corner, and it affected his offense. He barely lasted a year with the Mets.
Even more concerning, Bichette will never
be a Gold Glove contender at any position because he has limited range getting to ground balls, and he has a below-average throwing arm. This seems to fly in the face of Stearns’ run prevention mantra, which he has been espousing ever since the disastrous 2025 season concluded. Bichette will not be helped by Jorge Polanco, who is currently penciled in to be the Mets’ first baseman, as he has played just a few innings there in his big-league career.
You must wonder why the Mets were eager to get rid of fan favorite Pete Alonso, the club’s alltime home run leader. The five-year, $155 million contract the Orioles lavished upon him now seems like the bargain of this baseball off-season. Alonso’s defense is far better than Stearns believes. He can scoop out bad throws from infielders, as well as prevent many extra-base hits by getting his body in front of hard-hit grounders down the first base line.
The Mets now have a glut of infielders on their roster with Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, Jett Williams, Marcus Semien and now Bichette. They are still short in the outfield and starting pitching. Stearns had better have reached out to his counterparts on the Twins and Brewers to see if there is enough interest in those players to get pitchers Joe Ryan or Freddy Peralta via trade. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.
The home of “Facts of Life” actress Charlotte Rae after her marriage to music composer John Strauss at 201-15 119 Ave. in St. Albans, as it looks today.
GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET BY ALAN LIGHT VIA WIKIPEDIA
Carson and Henson together again at MoMI
by Michael Gannon senior news editor
May is the 71st anniversary of Jim Henson’s Muppets making their first appearance on local television in Washington, DC.
It also will be 32 years since Johnny Carson’s last appearance on “The Tonight Show,” for which he remains the undisputed gold standard for talk show hosts.
Henson and his cohort also appeared numerous times on “The Tonight Show,” and the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria will unite the two again at 1 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 25 with “Johnny Carson Presents Jim Henson: Celebrating Johnny Carson’s Centennial.”
Carson would have turned 100 last Oct. 23. He died at age 79 in 2005. Henson was 53 when he died of a sudden illness in 1990. “The Jim Henson Exhibition” is on permanent display at MoMI.
Both sessions will be hosted by Craig Shemin, president of The Jim Henson Legacy, and Mark Malkhoff, a Carson podcaster, historian and author of the book “Love, Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend.”
The presentation will focus on clips of Henson’s appearances, including the 1979 show on which Kermit the Frog filled in as Johnny’s guest host. Footage was furnished
by Carson Productions, which is still run by the family. There also will be Carson-specific clips of some of his show’s most famous moments for audience members too young to have seen or really know him.
Shemin said Carson’s 100th birthday made the program a natural to pursue.
“I was a fan of Mark’s podcast,” he said. “He did like 400 episodes ... and I was looking for a way to bring him to the Museum of the Moving Image. We did a premier
compilation about five years ago and I invited Mark to help me introduce it. Since this was Johnny’s 100th year, his centennial, it seemed like a good time to do it again, but also to talk about his new book.”
Shemin said while many television shows and movies can involve complex legal hurdles, the Carson family always has been accommodating since his days of working for Henson and his company.
Malkhoff said having Kermit host an epi-
sode that was done live to tape was likely the toughest challenge the show had faced, and NBC executives were opposed to it.
“Johnny’s producer, Peter LaSalle, insisted they could pull it off,” he said. “And you know Johnny was running NBC. They said, ‘Yes, Mr. Carson.’ And they pulled it off.”
Shemin said Kermit stood on Johnny’s spot for the monologue, and interviewed the guests with only the occasional glimpse of Henson’s arm.
“Kermit was interviewing Bernadette Peters, and Jim had him look down at the blue pre-show interview cards like he was looking for a question,” said Shemin.
“Johnny was watching at home and was blown away,” Malkhoff said.
The two were not social friends — Malkhoff said Carson, a famous introvert, could appear aloof outside of his close circle. But they shared deep a mutual respect.
“Jim always admired Johnny,”Shemin said. “And if you were the best at what you did, like Jim, Johnny wanted you on the show.”
Tickets are $17.50; $12 for students and seniors and $10 for ages 3-17. They are available at movingimage.com, and at the door if any are left. Malkhoff will sign copies of his book Saturday while supplies last. MoMI is located at 36-01 35 Ave. Q
Celebration and contemplation at MoMA PS1
continued from page 25
Also running through March 16 is Gabrielle Goliath’s “Personal Accounts,” a video series depicting moments between words from interviews with survivors of patriarchal violence. Every breath and cry brings an entire world of emotion to the silence, provoking empathy from the viewer even in the absence of language.
“I think both of these shows are very much about experiencing them through the
Crossword Answers
installation, through the space, through the sound, through the visuals,” Katrib said.
“And so in very different ways, they’re both immersive experiences.”
Guests can even participate in the process of making firsthand. Artist Lizania Cruz, who is featured in the museum’s “LA ESCUELA___” installation on view through Feb. 23, will introduce Latin American poster designs, or carteleras, at two workshops.
“LA ESCUELA___” is described as a collective learning project that surveys Latin American pedagogies and centers education as an artistic endeavor.
John Andrews of Robert Blackburn Printing Workshop will be there to assist guests. They can RSVP at momaps1.org for the free events at 12 and 2 p.m. Jan. 31.
Guests can get some insights into artists’ creative processes with the museum’s “Winter Talks” lecture series. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a professor in Princeton University’s department of African-American studies, will discuss her work and various contemporary issues at 7 p.m. March 12.
And the celebration will only intensify as temperatures rise. Come spring, “Greater New York 2026” will spotlight more than
Gabrielle Goliath’s “Personal Accounts” demonstrates the weight that silence can carry. On the cover: Guests can experience Ayoung Kim’s nonlinear sci-fi narrative in “Delivery Dancer Codex” through March 16.
50 multidisciplinary artists who live and work across the state. It comes to the museum every five years, and the new iteration will open April 16.
“That’s, I think, going to be a big moment, and well-timed with the free admission,” Katrib said. “So it’s really a
New York moment.” A block party will follow on April 18, she said.
MoMA PS1 is open from 12 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. One may call (718) 784-2086 or email mail_ps1@ moma.org to learn more. Q
Dr. Teeth of the Muppet Band The Electric Mayhem joins Jim Henson and Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show.”
CARSON ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO
PHOTOS BY J MACDONALD AND, COVER, RYAN MUIR
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NOTICE OF SALE
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.
ADMISSION POLICY
The Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home Co., Inc., does not and will never discriminate and does not permit discrimination against any residents or prospective residents in admission or retention, including, but not limited to, bulling, abuse, harassment, or differential treatment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status, or based on association with another individual on account of that individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital status, source of payment or age.
SUPREME COURT-COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, Plaintiffs -against- BART ZVITCOVICH and NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, et al. Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated November 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY 11435, on Friday January 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction, premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of St. Nicholas Avenue, distant 50 feet northerly from the northeasterly corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and Palmetto Street; being a plot 35 feet by 95 feet 10 inches by 35 feet by 95 feet 6 1/4 inches. Block: 3448 Lot: 4 Said premises known as 333 ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385 Approximate amount of lien $43,798.35, through August 29, 2024, plus interest fees & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 716057/2020. GREGORY
J. NEWMAN, ESQ., Referee Seyfarth Shaw LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
Notice of Formation 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.
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
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.
New York City Department of Transportation Notice of Public Hearing Publish in Queens Chronicle
The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday January 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.
43-01 22ND Street Owner LLC – to construct, maintain & use accessible ramp with a step on the east sidewalk of 22nd St., between 43rd Ave. & 44th Ave.
Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request signlanguage interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550
EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131.
The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.
THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF BRIDGES CONSULTANT PROGRAMS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The City of New York has Request for Proposals available for qualified Consulting Engineering Firms interested in the following Proposed Contract.
Project or Contract Title:
Request for Proposal – Total Design and Construction Support Services for Replacement of Lower Inner Roadways on Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in the Boroughs of Manhattan and Queens Contract Number: 84126P0002
PIN: 84125MBBR719
Expected Contract Term: 2190 Consecutive Calendar Days from the Date of Written Notice to Proceed.
Description of Services Required:
The service to be procured is the Total Design and Construction Support Services for Replacement of Lower Inner Roadways on Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in the Boroughs of Manhattan and Queens
A Pre-Proposal Conference (Optional) has been scheduled for February 3, 2026, Time: 10:00 AM through Zoom. Proposers who wish to attend the virtual meeting can access by using the Link provided in the “Prepare RFX” Section - SETUP Tab - Pre-Proposal/Pre-Bid Conference Section in PASSPort.
This Procurement is subject to participation goals for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), as required by Section 6-129 of the New York Administrative Code. The M/WBE goal for this project is 30%.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this RFP must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the RFP, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal https://www.nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/about-passport.page and click on the “Search
Funding Opportunities in PASSPort” blue box. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To quickly locate the RFP, insert the EPIN, 84126P0002, into the Keyword search field. In order to respond to the RFP, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Pre-Proposal Conference: February 3, 2026, at 10 AM through Zoom
Submission of Request for Proposals are due on or before 2:00 PM on March 5, 2026
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.
NOTICE OF SALE
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
Notice of Formation of KORTIVA, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/01/2026. 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: CARL CHINATOMBY, 9101 138TH PLACE, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
EVERLYST LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/10/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 42-02 Crescent St., 21C, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF SALE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in New York, by virtue of certain Event(s) of Default under that certain Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 19, 2024 (the “Pledge Agreement”), executed and delivered by DEIRK L KEITT JR. (the “Pledgor”), and in accordance with it rights as holder of the security, NEXTRES CAPITAL, LLC (the “Secured Party”), by virtue of possession of that certain Share Certificate held in accordance with Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York (the “Code”) and by virtue of those certain UCC-1 Filing Statement made in favor of Secured Party, all in accordance with Article 9 of the Code, nand to the following: 11321 204 LLC (the “Pledged Entity”), and (ii) certain related rights and property relating thereto (collectively, (i) and (ii) are the “Collateral”). Secured Party’s understanding is that the principal asset of the Pledged Entity is that certain fee interest in real property commonly known 113-21 204TH STREET, JAMAICA NEW YORK 11412 (the “Property”). Maltz Auctions (“Maltz”), under the direction of Richard B. Maltz or David A. Constantino (the “Auctioneer”), will conduct a public sale consisting of the Collateral (as set forth in Schedule A below), via virtual bidding, on February 19, 2026 at 1:00pm, in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the approximate amount of $357,500.00 , including principal plus interest, and reasonable fees and costs, plus default interest through February 19, 2026, subject to open charges and all additional costs, fees and disbursements permitted by law. The Secured Party reserves the right to credit bid.Online bidding will be made available for pre-registered bidders via Maltz's online bidding App available for download in the App Store or on Google play and via desktop bidding at RemoteBidding.MaltzAuctions.com. Bidder Qualification Deadline: February 18, 2026 by 4:00 pm. Executed Terms & Conditions of Sale along with ten (10%) of Bidders intended bid amount (to be submitted via wire transfer) are required for consideration by any interested party and submitted directly to Maltz. Requests for wiring instructions should be sent to rmaltz@maltzauctions.com.
SCHEDULE A Pledged Interest
PLEDGOR DEIRK L KEITT JR. ISSUER 11321 204 LLC INTERESTS PLEDGED 100% membership interest
The UCC1 was filed on September 26, 2025 with the Secretary of State of the State of New York under the Filing No. # 202509260381115.
VALLELY MITOLA RYAN PLLC
Attn: Erick R. Vallely, Esq. Attorneys for Secured Party 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165 Syosset, New York 11791 (516) 386-3900
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.
NOTICE OF SALE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (ISLIP)
Allison Lending, LLC.; Plaintiff v. NLL Properties Incorporated et al; Defendants Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 12/30/25, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in EDNYIslip, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722. On February 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM Premises known as 109-09 211th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429 and identified on the Queens County Tax Map as Block: 11 Lots: 7-9 All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $297,011.18 plus interest and costs. Docket Number: 23cv-9385 Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee
Notice of Formation of VELTOR LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the SSNY on December 31, 2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 8330 260TH STREET, GLEN OAKS, NY 11004. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
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.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8, -against- JOSE TAVAREZ, 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 March 10, 2023, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8 is the Plaintiff and JOSE TAVAREZ;, 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 02/20/2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 62-22 BURCHELL ROAD, ARVERNE, New York 11692; and the following tax map identification, -16007-9. 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.: 706209/2014. Fearonce G. LaLande, 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.
WE DO MULTIMEDIA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/07/2026. 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, 65-24 162nd Street, Apt 6A, Flushing, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 22, 2026 For the latest news visit qchron.com
