Queens Chronicle 03-19-26

THE BRAKES

Mamdani, DOT expand Sammy’s Law, citing concern for childrens’ safety City to limit speeds to 15 mph near schools

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Drivers will have to mind their speed more around schools, as the city announced March 16 that the speed limit will eventually be reduced to 15 miles per hour at every eligible school in the five boroughs.

The move is designed to protect children and families on city streets, and is the largest increase to date in the city’s use of Sammy’s Law. The law, enacted in 2024, allows the city to reduce speed limits to 20 mph on individual streets, and as low as 10 on select streets.

More than 800 school locations will see speed limits reduced to 15 miles per hour this year, the city said, for a total of 1,300 reduced to that speed.

The administration plans to expand 15 mph school slow zones where eligible at all 2,300 school locations — or 3,200 schools citywide, as some are co-located — by the end of Mayor Mamdani’s first term.

The news was announced Monday at Flushing International High School, which is colocated with JHS 189, the Daniel Carter Beard School, where the city Department of Transportation enacted a new 15 mph speed limit for its School Slow Zone on 147th Street, between Barclay and Sanford avenues.

At each school, the DOT will provide the

will use every tool at our disposal to protect our neighbors as they move about our city.”

Among those to praise the decision was Amy Cohen, founder and president of Families for Safe Streets, who said, “Sammy’s Law will save lives wherever it is implemented.”

In 2013, Cohen’s 12-year-old son Sammy was struck and killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn.

“Ever since, I’ve been fighting for safer speeds on our streets,” Cohen said. “We’re excited that the Mamdani administration is beginning to implement Sammy’s Law, and we eagerly await their plan for an even wider implementation.”

J. CONZA, ESQ.

Hundreds of city schools will see area speed limits reduced to 15 miles per hour this year, Mayor Mamdani, at mic, announced Monday at Flushing International High School. All eligible schools will see a speed reduction by the end of his term.

mandatory 60-day notice and comment opportunity to the area’s community board before implementation of the new speed limit, the city said.

At the most dangerous locations near schools, the agency said, it will continue to focus on upgrading street and intersection designs to help slow vehicles and improve safety, including elements such as speed humps, hardened daylighting and other safety measures.

The DOT will continue to explore additional

PHOTOBYMICHAELAPPLETON/NYCMAYOR’SOFFICE

opportunities to roll out lower speed limits across the city in the months ahead, per a press release from City Hall.

“Families spoke up after unimaginable loss to fight for Sammy’s Law and deliver our city the power to make our streets safer for New Yorkers,” said Mamdani in a prepared statement. “Today’s expansion of Slow Zones for schools across all five boroughs is just the beginning. Lower speeds save lives, and we

City Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) also praised the decision to expand Sammy’s Law.

“Around schools, we see students walking, parents pushing strollers and families crossing busy streets during the most hectic times of the day,” Ung said. “Lowering speed limits to 15 miles per hour will help ensure that the streets surrounding our schools reflect that reality and create an environment where parents can feel confident that their children can get to and from school safely.”

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), who is on both the Transportation and Education committees, praised the decision

continued on page 6

CONZA | MCNAMARA

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

Harvard University, A.B.

St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

Samuels, the schools chief, talks safety, mayoral control and biases Chancellor tackles queries from parents

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Though Community Education Council

28’s Town Hall with city Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels was hosted at JHS 217, the Robert A. Van Wyck School in Briarwood, more than 700 people tuned into Zoom remotely Monday evening to watch the leader of the public school system answer questions from parents, including members of the panel.

Families raised concern over shortages of school safety agents and crossing guards. Samuels said the issue is critical to him.

“I know the question is about school safety agents and so on, but we should never think that our safety is built on only one person or two people,” Samuels said. “Your safety is driven by the open communication and strong relationships that you have with each and every adult in the school, as well as the young people in the school.”

Mark Rampersant, the system’s safety chief, acknowledged shrinking ranks — from 5,000 agents down to 3,700 — but pushed back on the idea that headcount alone determines safety.

“Agents are not who make schools safe,” Rampersant said. “We appreciate the great work that agents do. They are part of the school community, and we do agree that schools need more agents ... Safety and security is all of our fundamental responsibilities, and that’s not a job left up to one person.”

Asked about mayoral control, which Gov. Hochul is seeking to renew for four years in

her state budget proposal, Samuels said his conversations with Mayor Mamdani, who once was against the method of school governance but has since backtracked, shaped the administration’s stance.

“We can’t have 32 districts and the high schools doing their own thing,” Samuels said. “That’s my position. That’s now the mayor’s position, and we’re going to rock out that way.”

Samuels said he and the mayor are

“strongly in support of mayoral accountability” and added that it is “not divorced from having true parental voice and true family input.”

Families of students with disabilities pressed the chancellor on gaps in mandated services and on the treatment of District 75 students in co-located schools.

Samuels was unequivocal: “Every child has the right to receive the services and support outlined in their [Individualized Educa-

tion Program] — not only receive the support, but on time and fully consistent.”

He later added, “There is no place for discrimination against anyone, and particularly not our students with disabilities.”

Andie Corso, the city Department of Education’s chief of school support, underscored the stakes.

“If you’re the one student or the 100 students who don’t have what they need, that’s unacceptable,” she said, noting new six hires in the district and that the agency is using the staff they have “more broadly.”

Parents also asked Samuels how schools protect Black, brown, immigrant and special needs students from discrimination.

He tied the issue to decades of national flashpoints, recalling that when he started teaching, anti-bias training revolved around Islamophobia post-9/11, then LGBTQ biases, followed by anti-Asian bias during Covid, and, more recently, “a lot of anti-Semitism,” alongside persistent anti-Black racism. He said he believes the system should “build the capacity” for schools to address the issues through curricula, instead of waiting for an event to be the catalyst.

Samuels cited the Black Studies and Hidden Voices curriculum, and added, “We’ve never had more resources around this. ... But we need to do a better job, quite frankly, of ensuring that we are working with our teachers to make sure that they understand not just the importance, but the optimal times to integrate this work within your daily routine instructionally.” Q

Businesses targeted in crime spree: cops

Burglary crew hits Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven and four places in Maspeth

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying four men wanted in connection with a series of burglaries and break-ins at commercial establishments in Queens, part of a larger citywide pattern spanning multiple boroughs, the NYPD said.

The spree began in Brooklyn, where the men struck more than 10 businesses across the 90th and 94th Precincts over two nights, Feb. 22 and March 4, prying open doors and windows at locations in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, police said. The men stole thousands of dollars in cash, along with Social Security cards, other ID cards and a cellphone.

The suspects then moved into Queens.

On March 4, within the confines of the 102nd Precinct, the men attempted to enter Neir’s Tavern, at 87-48 78 St. in Woodhaven, at about 2 a.m., according to the authorities.

No property was removed and the men fled on foot.

Loycent Gordon, the owner of Neir’s, on the tavern’s Facebook page wrote that the perpetrators “triggered the alarm once the door was nearly broken apart,” resulting in more than $7,000 in damage.

Following the incident, Gordon has organized a small business safety summit on March 21 at 10 a.m. to coordinate protection strategies. Details can be found online at tinyurl.com/5yh7bx29.

Days after the occurrence in Woodhaven, police said, the four men struck multiple businesses along Maurice Avenue in Maspeth, within the 108th Precinct, at about 2 a.m. on March 9.

At 59-03 Maurice Ave., the men broke a front door safety box to retrieve a key, then pried open a cash register and removed $250. Then, next door at 59-05 Maurice Ave., they used the same method but no property was

removed, cops said.

At 59-09 Maurice Ave., the men smashed through the front glass door and removed two cash registers containing $200 each. At 59-11 Maurice Ave., the perpetrators broke the front glass door and took a cash register, though it contained no money.

All four men fled on foot westbound on Maurice Avenue, police said. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

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

The NYPD is seeking these four men for a monthslong commercial establishment burglary spree.

City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, center, flanked by District 28 Superintendent Eric Blake, left, and Community Education Council 28 President Quentin Mezetin, on Monday answered questions during the CEC’s town hall at JHS 217, the Robert A. Van Wyck School in Briarwood. ZOOMSCREENSHOT/CEC28

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Hochul, Legislature at odds over taxes

Lawmakers want high earners to pay more, as April budget deadline looms

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

The state Senate and Assembly’s spending proposals for fiscal 2027 conflict with Gov. Hochul’s, with the April 1 deadline to finalize a budget around the corner.

Hochul in January introduced a $260 billion budget, up from the $254 billion deal that lawmakers struck last year. The Senate and Assembly budgets, both of which passed last Thursday, are roughly $270 and $266 billion, respectively.

Both houses want higher taxes on wealthy earners and corporations. The two proposals would have individuals earning more than $5 million pay heftier income taxes, and the Assembly is looking to give a 1 percent cut to certain taxpayers earning less than $323,200.

“By ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share so we can provide services like childcare and fare free buses, we are laying the blueprint to help New Yorkers remain and thrive in our state,” Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) said in a press release.

No tax hikes were included in Hochul’s executive proposal. Saying affordability should be a top priority this legislative session, she spoke against “taxing for the sake of taxing” last Wednesday, saying she needs “people who are high-networth” to support social programs in the state.

Assembly and Senate One-House Budgets recognize the scale of the fiscal crisis facing New York City.”

The state already collects 78 percent more taxes per capita than the national average, according to the Citizens Budget Commission.

“New Yorkers deserve an economy that asks the wealthiest corporations and individuals to pay their fair share so we can invest in basic services and address the needs of our communities,” state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan) said in a statement.

Freshman Assemblywoman Diana Moreno (D-Astoria) applauded that both houses’ proposals include language from her first primesponsored bill, which would let the city impose a 25 percent city business tax surcharge on wealthy corporations. Gonzalez introduced its Senate counterpart.

“Hiking our nation-leading taxes ... is the wrong prescription.”

— Andrew Rein, president Citizens Budget Commission

“At a time [when President] Trump is lining the pockets of billionaires by cutting social programs that millions of New Yorkers depend on, we have a responsibility to tax the rich and raise the revenue we need to protect New York’s working families,” Moreno said.

The tax plans in Gov. Hochul’s executive budget proposal from January run contrary to those passed by both houses in the legislature last week.

our child care system delivers high quality care for the families who depend on it,” Hevesi said in a statement. “That means not only expanding access, but finally paying the childcare workforce through a $1.2 billion wage fund to bring all of our childcare workers out of poverty.”

In the city, Hochul faces pressure to hike taxes from Mayor Mamdani — he campaigned on raising income taxes for high earners, but he needs state approval to do it.

In his preliminary budget plan last month, he floated 9.5 percent property tax hikes as a last resort to close the city’s multibillion dollar gap and fund new programs. That would require City Council approval, but the idea prompted pushback from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

“The legislature and I agree: we cannot bridge this budget deficit on the backs of working-class New Yorkers,” Mamdani said in a statement March 10. “I’m grateful that the

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) was glad to see extensions and reforms to the J-51 property tax abatement in the governor’s plan, as he recently introduced a bill that would grow the program further.

“Co-ops are a cornerstone of middle-class housing in Queens, and the Governor’s proposal to renew and expand the J-51 program is a great step to help preserve affordable homeownership in New York City,” Braunstein said in a statement.

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) said cost of living is “front and center” in his house’s proposal, which includes childcare expansions, tax relief for working people and responses to high energy costs.

“As Chair of the Children and Families Committee, my top priority is ensuring that

Spring food giveaway is 4/1

As spring begins, Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has partnered with God’s Love We Deliver to ensure those living in District 32 have a meal on the table by hosting a food distribution event on April 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

God’s Love We Deliver prepares and delivers medically tailored meals for people affected by severe and chronic illnesses, free of charge. For more information, one should visit glwd.org.

Giveaways will occur simultaneously at the Ozone Park Library, at 92-24 Rock-

away Blvd., and at Ariola’s Rockaway office, at 114-12 Beach Channel Drive.

Food to be distributed includes individual meals containing chicken, a side dish, vegetables and a dessert.

Meals are limited and registration is required, so all are encouraged to sign up ahead of time. The giveaway is only open to Ariola’s constituents.

To register for the Ozone Park distribution, one should call (718) 738-1083. To claim a meal in Rockaway, one should call (718) 318-6411. Q — Kristen Guglielmo

Relief from rising utility rates is one area of difference among the three proposals. The Senate looks to allot $200 million to the Energy Affordability Program, which provides electric and gas bill discounts to eligible consumers, and the Assembly is looking to give certain ratepayers a one-time $2.6 billion rebate credit.

Such relief was not included in the executive proposal, but it would invest $33 million in the Excelsior Power Program, which aims to hold energy companies accountable to reduce bills and ensure a reliable grid.

Hochul also is calling to fast-track certain housing and infrastructure projects by exempting them from the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The Senate calls to limit those exemptions.

Fiscal 2026 ends March 31, but for the last several years, the new budget has not been finalized until well after the cutoff.

A spokesperson for Hochul said she looks forward to negotiating with lawmakers “to reach a budget agreement that makes New York safer and more affordable.” The offices of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins (D-Yonkers) did not respond to requests for comment.

CBC President Andrew Rein said the state should not spend more than proposed in the executive plan, saying it “destabilizes” the budget and puts essential services at risk to tack on billions more dollars in recurring spending.

“It’s good that the Legislature, like the Governor, wants to help New York City close its budget gap,” Rein said in a statement. “But hiking our nation-leading taxes and making our State less competitive to prop up inefficient, often ineffective programs is the wrong prescription for what ails us.” He added that the state “may well” give more relief to the city, its main economic engine, but the city ultimately must be responsible for aligning spending with its revenue base.

The CBC also called for public, multi-year financial plan tables to ensure “a transparent budget process.” Q

City reduces school zone speed

continued from page 2

in a statement to the Chronicle.

“I applaud Mayor Mamdani for taking this step to make the streets next to our schools safer for students, families, and educators,” Krishnan said. “With the six schools on Paseo Park — the 26 blocks of open street in Jackson Heights — we saw a 72 percent reduction in traffic crashes when we prioritized student safety and safe streets. Kids, parents, and teachers should all feel safe walking to and from school, not afraid, and this is a critical step to ensuring that.”

Councilmember Phil Wong (D-Maspeth), who is also on both committees, said, “School safety must always come first, and slowing traffic around schools is a step in the right

direction. But without real enforcement it won’t mean much.”

He added, “We need more police officers out there stopping reckless drivers, especially near our schools where our children are walking every day.”

Not all were quick to praise the decision.

“If this were really about protecting the children, why would it be 24 hours a day, and not just the hours kids are in school?” Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) wrote in a post on social media. “This is just another attempt at picking the pockets of middle- and working-class residents of the outer boroughs, while making it even more difficult to own a car than it already is.” Q

Over 7,000 potholes filled last week

Repairs intended to address craters following winter weather

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The city Department of Transportation filled more than 7,000 potholes in a single day on March 14, according to City Hall, as Mayor Mamdani launched a repair blitz following one of the most punishing winters in recent memory.

Mamdani and DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn deployed more than 80 DOT crews across all five boroughs beginning at 6 a.m. last Saturday, completing nearly a week’s worth of repairs before sundown, the city said.

“No problem too big, no task too small, no pothole too deep,” Mamdani said in a statement on Monday. “Repairing potholes is about more than simply ensuring a smooth ride for New Yorkers, it’s about making sure our streets are safe and accessible for everyone.”

The blitz comes after a January and February marked by record snowfall and weeks of below-freezing temperatures that left city streets riddled with cra-

Repair crews with the city Department of Transportation filled more than 7,000 potholes last Saturday, per Mayor Mamdani.

ters. Queens has been hit especially hard — nearly half of all pothole complaints citywide have come from the borough, according to multiple reports.

The dangers are not merely an inconvenience.

On March 9, a 46-year-old Ozone Park man was killed after

his stand-up electric scooter struck a pothole on Liberty Avenue, ejecting him. He suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, police said. “Pothole season” begins around the spring, the city said, when more craters form on

OUR LADY OF GRACE RC CHURCH HOWARD BEACH

roadways because of high-moisture, winter weather conditions and the cycle of freezing and thawing conditions.

New Yorkers may report potholes to 311 by phone, online at portal.311.nyc.gov or through the mobile app.

Since Jan. 1, the DOT has repaired more than 50,000 potholes citywide, with an average response time of about two days, it said. More than 10,000 were filled in the week leading up to last Saturday’s blitz.

“NYC DOT crews stepped up yesterday to fill almost a week’s worth of potholes in a single day,” Flynn said in a statement. “Now that the streets have thawed from a historic winter, we’ve ramped up our potholefilling efforts and are beginning to fully repave streets across the five boroughs.”

The city plans to resurface more than 1,100 lane miles of roadway this year.

The DOT on X said additional repair blitzes will be scheduled as needed. Q

Jam. woman dies in crash

A Jamaica woman was the victim of a hit-and-run on March 11, said the NYPD. Suzanne Schmieder, 57, of Douglas Avenue, was struck in front of the Social Security Administration building at 15510 Jamaica Ave. She was crossing the street to get coffee, reported the Daily News, which said Schmieder was a Rosedale native who worked for several years at Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard Beach, among other places.

An investigation by the NYPD’s Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad determined that a 2001 Lincoln LS, operated by an unidentified individual, was traveling west on the avenue when the operator struck Schmieder, who was crossing the corridor mid-block from north to south.

Police, who went to the scene after receiving a 911 call around 3:15 p.m., observed that she sustained severe trauma. EMS rushed her to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, but she succumbed to her injuries. The driver did not remain at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577TIPS (8477) . All tips are strictly confidential. Q

— Naeisha Rose

DOTPHOTOVIAX

EDITORIAL AGEP

Schools’ 15 mph OK, but that’s it

Mayor Mamdani is right to lower the speed limit around schools citywide to 15 mph, as he plans to do over the next four years. The initiative he announced Monday will see more than 800 school zones have their speed limit lowered to 15 this year, on top of about 500 where that is already the case. By the end of his term, 15 will be the rule on streets around 2,300 school campuses across the city.

Mamdani is taking the action under the power granted him by Sammy’s Law, the state legislation named for Sammy Cohen, a 12-year-old boy tragically killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn in 2013. Saving the lives of children who might be killed by speeders near their schools is well worth the inconvenience of going from the usual 20 to 15 mph. And as the advocacy groups Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets have pointed out in recent analyses, most drivers who get a speeding ticket or two due to school-zone cameras are deterred and never get a third. Lowering the limit should lower their speeds. Keep in mind that tickets are only issued when someone is going at least 10 mph over the limit anyway.

Where we differ with Mamdani, and the advocates, is

that we believe the lower limits should not be in effect 24 hours a day. Kids are not going to or coming from school at all hours of the night. We tend to agree with South Queens City Councilwoman Joann Ariola that keeping the cameras on all night indicates the move is as much a cash grab as it is about safety. Wouldn’t something like 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. achieve the goal of student safety?

We also strongly oppose the idea of Mamdani and the Council teaming up to reduce the city’s overall speed limit to 20, something they also could do under Sammy’s Law. Having it at 20 on major roads such as Queens Boulevard or Woodhaven Boulevard — where it was 35 in some sections only about a dozen years ago — would be way over the top. It’s not necessary, and doing so would just be further proof that our rulers are engaged in a war on cars, seeking to stymie drivers at every turn. Going 20 is wise on tight side streets, especially ones that curve, but that’s about it.

The dangerous drivers are the ones going much faster than that, the ones looking at phones, the ones racing like they just robbed someone (maybe they did). Enforcing the law against them, maybe by deploying more cops, would be much more effective and fair than slowing us all to a crawl.

A new hospital chief

Alina Moran earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Brown University, no small feat. But getting an internship at a city hospital changed her life, as she “fell in love” with healthcare. She got a job at that hospital, moved up the ranks and later became chief executive officer of the very medical center in which she was born. Now, after some time spent leading a major hospital in California, Moran is the new CEO of H + H/Elmhurst, aka Elmhurst Hospital, where she previously made her mark as chief financial officer. Congratulations to her!

Elmhurst is a vital institution, serving an area of about 1 million people. It has 545 beds and in the last fiscal year saw more than 1 million clinical visits and about 140,000 emergency visits, and was the birthplace of more than 2,300 babies. Moran will need all the executive management skills she has built up in her career to keep it operating as well as it is and better. She already is doing smart things, focusing on the cardiovascular health of women in just one example, and we look forward to more under her leadership.

MARK WEIDLER President & Publisher

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

For safe apartments

Dear Editor:

The mayor of New York City wants to crack down on landlords who have outstanding code violations. His administration has said that this will be the biggest crackdown out of any administration in city history, and that landlords are not going to have the right to get away with code violations that previous administrations had let slide.

In the Borough of Queens, there are too many landlords I have heard about with outstanding building code violations and multiple fines who have failed to make court-ordered repairs to their buildings. They should not and cannot get away with what they’ve been doing. Tenants are tired of dealing with these kinds of landlords.

Management companies that landlords employ do not answer the phone calls from tenants who call when something is wrong in their apartments. This has got to stop. Landlords must be held accountable for their wrongdoing with properties that are not up to the code standards of New York City and New York State and are in deplorable conditions. You cannot have buildings and apartments in unsafe, unlivable conditions.

I’ve read about somebody who was sentenced to Rikers Island for multiple building code violations and failed to make court-

ordered repairs to his buildings. When the government orders you to make repairs, you do not ignore that. Ignoring that will only make you end up in bigger trouble.

Elliot Wittert Flushing

Everyone can get ID

Dear Editor:

Kudos and compliments to Thomas and Constance Dowd and their letter about voter ID, “Save American voting,” in the March 5 issue.

Hardly more than a few days go by when an American isn’t required to produce identification: to open a bank account, apply for college, join the military, take out a loan, pick up something requiring a signature at the post office; to purchase a home, marry, purchase a gun, obtain healthcare; to get a job, board a plane, go on a game show.

But to use race as an issue, the Democrats say it is a hardship or difficult for someone non-

white to obtain ID in order to vote. It’s just an excuse to block efforts to keep people who aren’t citizens from voting and to prevent fraud. It also points to the utter hypocrisy of the Democrats. Theirs is the party that injects race into every conceivable issue, and claims to oppose racism. Yet they practice racism by averring that some people are incapable of obtaining identification. The party that uses race as an issue to attract votes and accuses Republicans of racism is, in fact, more racist by assuming people cannot obtain ID.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

Corner remains dangerous

Dear Editor:

I read your article regarding daylighting with great interest (“DOT standing by its daylighting policy,” March 12).

I have been seeking real daylighting at the intersection of 145th Avenue and 243rd Street

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

since the Department of Transportation refused my repeated requests for a fourway stop at this location, where the Rosedale Post Office and Library are located.

This is the only intersection on the 243rd Street commercial corridor that does not have a four-way stop to permit safe passage. I have requested the studies on the corridor under the Freedom of Information Law but have not received them as of this date.

The DOT has created a soft daylighting that has been worse than nothing at all by making the space in front of the deli a No Parking zone, which the deli is using to unload trucks, blocking all view of oncoming northbound traffic on 243rd Street. The space in front of the library is also used as a parking spot, including for Nassau County residents using the licensed cannabis dispensary across the street.

I have repeatedly made all this clear to the DOT at our monthly meetings of the Community Board 13 Transportation Committee.

David S. Pecoraro Rosedale

The writer is a member of Community Board 13 and its Transportation and Public Safety committees and the Rosedale Civic Association secretary, but opines here as an individual.

Proud to be postmaster

Dear Editor:

I am honored to introduce myself as the postmaster of Long Island City. My name is Raymond Robles, and I am deeply committed to serving the residents of this unique and vibrant area and ensuring that the Postal Service meets the needs and expectations of our community.

In the LIC area, we have six post offices (LIC Main Post Office, Astoria, Steinway, Sunnyside, Woolsey and Broadway), which cover 127,410 deliveries with 141 letter carrier routes. Our letter carriers often deliver to historic sites in Queens, and we take great pride in serving both old and new developments.

In fact, the LIC Main Post Office (a two-story Colonial Revival building) was built in 1928 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

In a city like ours, the Postal Service is part of everyday life. We help connect residents with family and friends, support businesses of every size and provide a dependable service people rely on across neighborhoods and every ZIP code we serve.

In this role as postmaster, my focus is on being present, listening to customers and working with our employees to serve LIC with professionalism and care. A local post office should be more than a place people visit to mail a letter or ship a package. It should be a trusted part of the community.

That local mission also reflects something bigger. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we should be recognizing the institutions that have helped connect the country across generations. The Postal Service is proud to be one of them.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our Long Island City post offices. Raymond

Robles Postmaster

Long Island City

Solve 1972 cop murder

Dear Editor:

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has recently criticized Mayor Mamdani, who suggested that it is a minor matter when a citizen throws a snowball at a police officer. While I commend the commissioner for her desire to protect police personnel from snowballs, I suggest to her that it is far more important to protect officers from bullets and unsolved cop killings.

Specifically, I suggest that the police commissioner solve one of New York City’s most notorious crimes, the Harlem Mosque incident of 1972, in which an unknown person, masquerading as a NYC police detective, called 911 and tricked two police officers to enter the Harlem Mosque, where they were attacked in a planned ambush, leading to the death of one of the officers.

No one was ever convicted, and the investigating detective, the legendary Randy Jurgensen, still alive at age 92, has continuously pointed out that if the department were to release the 911 recording, let the public listen to it, it is likely that someone would recognize the voice. Thus far, the department has refused to release the recording, and the cover-up continues.

It is not necessary to obtain a court order. The police commissioner can authorize the release of the recording based on her own personal judgment.

I commend Commissioner Tisch for her courageous desire to protect police officers from snowballs, but point out to her that the planned assassination of a police officer by guns and bullets is a far more serious offense. She can demonstrate that she understands this point by finally authorizing the release of the 911 recording, and at last the truth will be known.

Clifton Wellman Elmhurst

Don’t let AI take over

Dear Editor:

As with Bazooka bubble gum, the bigger the bubble, the quicker it will pop in your face. With all the talk and hype and millions invested in artificial intelligence, I believe we will end up with a zero. Money invested in data centers will use up our natural resources, such as gas and oil, which are needed to run our economy and our lives. The ones who are so pro-AI are the ones who created it and the ones who invest in it.

The human brain is like a muscle and if you don’t use it, you lose it. I recently heard on the radio that a student used Chat GPT to do a report, and the professor used Chat GPT to mark the report. That report had no human connection by either party.

Do you want AI to do your homework, write a novel, compose a song, write a poem, draw a picture, drive your car, decide what’s best for your life or career? Do you want it to counsel you when you are depressed or need psychological help?

To me, AI = Abolishing Ingenuity. It’s bad enough we have smart phones. I don’t want a phone smarter than me.

People need to wake up and see we are continued on next page

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

continued from previous page

already trapped in the web and imprisoned to our cells. If we rely on AI, what are we going to do with our time or lives? What is your purpose in life? Do you really want to be taken over by robots?

There was a song written in 1969 called “In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus).”

The lyrics were so far out to become reality but here we are in 2026, and lots of the words are already fulfilled. We still have 499 years to go, but so much has already happened.

Antoni Capozello Laurelton

Never be one-sided

Dear Editor:

The notion of this newspaper giving an entire edition over to Robert LaRosa of Whitestone (“PSA and so much to say,” Letters, March 12) would constitute changing the name to Mad Magazine or a renewed National Enquirer namesake.

This paper focuses on a balanced approach to giving its readers a shared perspective without being overly judgmental of local and national issues — an attribute that is essential to respecting the diversity of people who read it. Having a single-minded perspective often leads to a conflict of interest.

Anyone who jumped on the hate-Trump bandwagon cannot get off the train. There’s satirical content indicating if Trump cured cancer, his haters would probably protest. So ingrained in their minds is hating him there’s nothing that can stop their indoctrinated, cult-like mentality.

Meanwhile, it is good advice to keep an open mind when attempting to comprehend any and all information associated with the daily dissemination of facts and statistics today. Those inclined to only subscribe to news that is aligned with what they want to believe may well be the culprits who are on the wrong side of history.

We are a nation of resolve that has endured every kind of crisis in our 250 years of existence, whereby our most enduring legacy has always been “United we stand, divided we fall.” Stay vigilant and keep your distance from naysayers and dividers.

Craig Schwab Glendale

Where Trump is wrong

Dear Editor:

President Trump attacked Venezuela and then declared war on Iran without approval from Congress. This has probably been done to divert attention from his unpopular policies at home, including costly tariffs, occupation of cities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, trampling of constitutional rights and eroding the separation of powers. Trump is also guilty of corruption, lying and involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Trump doesn’t address the real problems. Instead, he calls them hoaxes and makes them worse. He supports the fossil fuel industry instead of solar and wind power, has allowed monopolies to take over

entire industries, decimated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other federal agencies, and given the rich big tax cuts while cutting Medicaid and food stamps for the poor. Because he appoints incompetent people to important positions, he enabled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to create distrust of vaccines, causing measles to return after many years.

In his recent State of the Union speech, Trump said he had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated there is no evidence Iran tried to resume enriching uranium to weapons grade — so why has Trump attacked Iran?

Ninety-two thousand jobs were lost in February and 100,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the last year. The Iran war is costing over $1 billion per day with no end in sight. Trump claims it will last up to six weeks, so it will cost at least $42 billion (if it only lasts that long) plus many lives will be lost. The national debt continues to increase, while the cost of living continues to rise. Locally gas has increased to $3.53 per gallon.

Is this how Donald Trump and Republicans plan to put “America First” and “Make America Great Again”?

Linda Imhauser Whitestone

We pay for disastrous war

Dear Editor:

More lives are being lost in the reckless Trump-Epstein attack on Iran, when there was no evidence that Iran posed any threat to the U.S. or the American people, now putting us all in greater danger.

After we have replaced Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela with his own vice president, Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenai has been replaced with ... Ayatollah Khamenai!

We accomplished all this worldwide supply disruption and chaos at enormous cost to U.S. taxpayers, over $11 billion wasted in six days, while the federal government ran a $1.8 trillion deficit, and millions of Americans go without food assistance and healthcare.

There’s money for war and destruction, never enough for far less costly human needs at home — housing, healthcare, education and veterans’ benefits.

No amount of spin from President Trump and his lackeys can cover up the fact that Americans shelled out an extra $1.5 billion for gas this past week because of his disastrous war with Iran, and we’re just starting to see the longer-term effects of supply disruptions.

Stop the killing; end these wars now, for the safety and well-being of all the world’s children.

Robert Keilbach Queens Village

The writer served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965.

Moody’s lowers its city bond outlook

Rating for borrowing money remains unchanged; mayor calls it premature

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Moody’s, one of the “big three” bond rating agencies, last week lowered its outlook for New York City’s general obligation bonds from stable to negative.

The firm, according to multiple published reports, cited “sizable and persistent projected budget gaps that signal underlying structural imbalance and reduced financial flexibility,” in its March 11 report, issued in the wake of Mayor Mandani’s record-high $127 million preliminary budget plan.

Moody’s did not lower the city’s bond rating of Aa2, its third-highest. The higher a rating, the less interest that the city has to pay in order to issue bonds.

While the revision is considered by many, including city Comptroller Mark Levine, to be a warning to adopt a more frugal fiscal approach, Mamdani isn’t on board.

The mayor, speaking at an unrelated press conference on March 12, said Moody’s reassessment came too quickly.

“I think given the $5 billion in additional funding that both the [state] Senate and Assembly put forward for the city within their one-house budget proposals ... I think the decision to revise the outlook, frankly, is premature,” he said.

Mamdani reiterated that the city’s rating remains at Aa2.

Standard & Poor’s, another prominent Wall Street rating agency, had concerns of its own in a report issued on March 9, while Fitch Ratings did not respond to a request for comment.

S&P’s nine-page report states that the city has previously “demonstrated resilience to weather fiscal challenges.”

But the agency also said it is concerned about “structural, one-time and temporary solutions that could make it difficult to sustain budgetary balance beyond fiscal years 2026 and 2027.”

S&P said the city’s dynamic and diverse economic base remains supportive of revenue growth expectations laid out in the administration’s 2026-2030 financial plan.

The report said the downside risk to its rating — AA/Stable for the city’s generalobligation bonds — could materialize if two conditions persist: the city continuing to rely on nonrecurring budget solutions “that fail to reduce the structural mismatch between recurring revenue and expenses,” and if “the city’s reserves erode to the point where its capacity to absorb an economic downturn or federal funding shock is materially diminished.”

While Wall Street performance is supporting the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 budgets, S&P said, “future budget balance hinges on new revenue-rising authority.”

Like Moody’s, S&P said a degradation of the reserve funds could subject the city to serious exposure from an unanticipated economic downturn.

While the state already has agreed to some new funding for the coming year [see separate story in some editions or at qchron. com], S&P pointed out that Albany has structural budget concerns of its own in the foreseeable future.

Levine, in a public letter last Friday, called Moody’s revision “a sobering wakeup call about the fiscal challenges ahead for us.”

The comptroller joined others in crediting the administration for being more transparent about actual costs involved.

“That transparency, however, also makes the underlying challenge clear: New York City is spending more money than it is bringing in,” he wrote.

His assessment of Mamdani’s budget raises three concerns.

“First, reoccurring City expenses are higher than reoccurring revenues, a structural imbalance that puts the City’s longterm fiscal stability at risk,” the letter states.

“Second, the February plan relies on optimistic revenue projections to close projected budget gaps. This is against the backdrop of broader economic uncertainty driven by overseas conflicts, federal poli-

continued on page 13

Mayor Mamdani says discussions of increased state aid make a downward revision of the city’s credit outlook unnecessary, at least for now. SCREENSHOTVIANYCVIDEO/YOUTUBE/FILE

Moody’s view

continued from page 12

cies, weak jobs numbers, and the rapid advancement of AI.

“Third, the plan relies on drawing down prepaid expenses; raising the property tax levy close to the constitutional limit; and using one-shots such as raiding the City’s rainy-day fund. These reserves are meant to help the City weather economic downturns, not to balance the budget when revenues are at record levels.”

In a 12-page report available on its website, the Citizens Budget Commission was equally blunt.

The CBC did praise the administration for “presenting a far more credible accounting of the city’s fiscal position than recent plans.” But in a 180-degree course difference from City Hall, the CBC states that the mayor’s and Council’s problem is too much spending rather than too little revenue.

“Underbudgeting did not cause the city’s fiscal problem — it merely masked it,” the report states. “The cause is unaffordable spending — layering on new and expanded programs without making them affordable by shrinking spending that does not improve New Yorkers’ lives or streamline government.”

The CBC also said Mamdani’s threat to hike property taxes — which the city controls — by 9.5 percent if the state does not grant him new taxes on millionaires and corporations offers a false choice.

“The smart choice is to restrain spending and protect reserves,” the group said. Q

Teaming up for a good cause Residents volunteer to count city’s homeless population

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Four Queens residents hit the streets late on March 10 as part of an annual effort to count the city’s unsheltered homeless population.

Carmela Isabella and Albert Gamarra, also Community Board 9’s Health and Social Services and Public Safety committee chairs, respectively, were among four volunteers who canvassed survey area T0085, the 75th Street J/Z subway station, as part of the city’s Homeless Outreach Population Estimate.

The team also included residents Yogi Madramootoo and Felipe Vargas. The group of four was escorted by city Parks Enforcement Officers Micherly Dorcely and Gavin Cummings.

On the night of HOPE, volunteers arrive at their

thousands of volunteers across the five boroughs for a single-night survey of streets, subway stations, parks and other public spaces to identify individuals living unsheltered.

This year, the event was moved to March 10 due to severe winter weather in January and February.

Last year, more than 1,200 volunteers canvassed across all five boroughs.

The count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in order for the city to receive federal funding under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

ALLIANCE

LI C Y M C A LIC YMCA

M O M A P S I MOMA PSI

M U S EU M O F T H E M OV I N G I M AG E MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE

N YC K I D S R I S E NYC KIDS RISE

P U R S U I T PURSUIT

Q U E E N S M U S EU M QUEENS MUSEUM

Q U E E N S P U B LI C LI B R A RY QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY

U R B A N U P B O U N D URBAN UPBOUND

T H A N K YO U FO R A LL YO U D O THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FO R O U R C O M M U N IT Y ! FOR OUR COMMUNITY!

site by 10 p.m. and are assigned to teams of up to four people, who are then out from midnight until 4 a.m.

The teams are instructed to conduct a brief survey with each individual encountered, designed to assess the person’s hous-

ing situation and to offer transportation to a shelter if needed.

Held usually every January, HOPE mobilizes

The city Department of Homeless Services also deploys year-round outreach teams citywide, and residents can connect someone in need with services by calling 311 or using the 311 app. Q

The group that canvassed the 75th Street J/Z subway station in Woodhaven for HOPE last week included Felipe Vargas, second from left, Yogi Madramootoo, Albert Gamarra, and, at front center, Carmela Isabella. They were escorted by city Parks Enforcement Officers Gavin Cummings and Micherly Dorcely. PHOTOCOURTESYCARMELAISABELLA

Lawmakers, environmental activists push back on Hochul’s concerns Guv calls for changes to state’s climate law

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Gov. Hochul in recent weeks has signaled she wants to change the state climate law, prompting concern from lawmakers and clean energy advocates.

New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030, and no less than 85 percent by 2050. It commits to zero-emission electricity by 2040.

Hochul has called on the state Legislature to work with her to make changes to the CLCPA, which was enacted in 2019 under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

While details of her proposed changes are unclear, multiple reports state that behind closed doors, Hochul is discussing extending the deadline or loosening how the state counts emissions.

A group of 29 state senators, in a March 5 letter, told the governor that it is “incumbent on states like New York to reject this new wave of climate denial and put forward bold policies” that will save New Yorkers money, reduce pollution and protect a livable climate.

Queens signatories included state Sens. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Kristen Gonzalez (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn, Queens), Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights), Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn, Queens) and James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park).

“There is no question that we must address energy affordability, capacity and reliability,” the lawmakers wrote. “But while President Trump and the fossil fuel industry want New Yorkers to believe that we must choose between those needs and climate action, nothing could be further from the truth.”

They referenced a late February memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, first reported by City & State, that said the impact of the CLCPA would raise gas prices by $2.23 a gallon by 2031, and that oil and natural gas households upstate would see a $4,000 increase in annual costs, while those in the city would see a $2,300 spike.

“Only a portion of these costs could be offset by current policy design,” the memo read.

The state senators, however, argued that the memo “erroneously conflates the CLCPA with a Cap & Invest program, treating them as one and the same when they are two entirely separate issues,” and added that the conclusion is based on a program design not yet shared with the public.

“[It] clearly does not include any price guardrails, with a completely unrealistic carbon price,” they wrote.

The senators said rolling back the CLCPA would not save constituents money.

“It is the fossil fuel status quo that has created the affordability crisis New Yorkers are now suffering from, and it is bold action to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency that

Gov. Hochul, during a press conference at an upstate gas station on Monday, pushed for changes to the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

PHOTOBYDARRENMCGEE/NYSGOVERNOR’SOFFICE

will give them relief,” they wrote.

On March 16, during a press conference at an upstate gas station, Hochul referenced the state Supreme Court ruling last year that said her administration violated the CLCPA by failing to release required emissions regulations.

“A judge is telling us that we have to comply with [the CLCPA] even though we’re not ready for it, and if we do that ... our costs will go up dramatically,” Hochul said.

There have not been legislative rollbacks to the CLCPA in any of the state budget proposals as of publication Wednesday, but Hochul said she plans to announce her suggested changes this week.

Climate advocacy groups have spoken out against Hochul’s push.

NY Renews, an environmental justice coalition, last month in a statement from Executive Director Stephan Edel, called on the Legislature to reject any amendments that weaken the CLCPA’s mandates.

“It contradicts years of previous analysis produced by NYSERDA and fails to account for policies like rebates or energy bill credits that could be implemented to deliver real

benefits to New Yorkers to address affordability,” the statement read. “Governor Hochul: Don’t pull a Trump and destroy New York’s climate law. Rolling back our Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates would undermine energy affordability, public health, and environmental justice.”

Walter Mugdan, a Little Neck-based environmental professional, told the Chronicle, “Renewable energy is and will continue to be cheaper than fossil fuel generated energy.”

He said that while there is an initial startup cost to building renewable infrastructure, once built, it is significantly less expensive than running fossil fuel fired power plants.

“Fossil fuels will likely continue to get more expensive right now, in particular because of the Iran war and dislocation of the international oil trade,” Mugdan said.

And in the long run, because fossil fuels are a limited resource, they will continue to rise in price over time, Mugdan said, whereas renewable infrastructure stays more stable over time.

“Invest now so that once the infrastructure is completed, we can reap the benefits of the long-term less expensive energy — energy that is, of course, much safer for our world, because it does not promote climate change,” he said.

“If all you do is look at how much electricity costs per kilowatt hour, you’re only looking at a part of the overall picture, because it’s the cost of global climate change that also adds to everything we do,” Mugdan said, adding that it is essential that investments in renewable infrastructure are not delayed.

James Cervino, a scientist with the Coastal Preservation Network and a Community Board 7 member, compared the state law to the city’s Local Law 97, which requires buildings of more than 25,000 square feet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and to net zero by 2050.

That law means owners have to invest in renovation and retrofitting to make their buildings more energy efficient.

The CLCPA similarly could pressure homeowners and renters into expensive upgrades on timelines that may not align with household budgets.

Cervino said the CLCPA and proposed changes are vague, which opens the door to solutions that may create new environmental problems on an outdated grid.

He also acknowledged that the cost of upgrades can be high, especially for those on fixed incomes, and said the government’s focus should be on updating the grid itself.

“Energy is coming from a dirty grid like Con Edison,” Cervino said. “We’re still plugging into a fossil fuel grid. That’s not energy efficient. It doesn’t make sense. It would with an updated grid.”

In the meantime, to help the environment, Cervino suggested the state hold off on building more housing and instead retrofit empty commercial buildings.

“Let’s beneficially reuse,” he said. Q

Bills back insurance for acupuncture

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

State legislators from Queens are among those leading the push to require health insurance companies to cover medical acupuncture treatments.

Assembly bill A.622C, sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) would require mandatory health insurance coverage for acupuncture services upon the prescription of a healthcare provider acting within his or her scope of practice.

Co-sponsors include Assemblymembers

Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), Catalina Cruz (D-Corona), Steven Raga (D-Woodside) and David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows).

Its Senate companion bill, S.5955A, sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn), is co-sponsored by Queens Sens. John Liu (D-Bayside) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans).

“Acupuncture has been in practice around the world for millennia and is an increasingly common healthcare option for countless New Yorkers,” Liu and Kim said last Thursday in a joint statement issued by the senator’s

office. “Given this long history and increasing demand, it’s far past time that insurance companies provide full recognition of the many benefits acupuncture offers.”

The Senate bill was passed out of the body’s Insurance Committee on Wednesday, March 11. It already had been passed by the Assembly’s Insurance Committee, meaning the bills now are ready for consideration by both chambers.

Liu and Kim said advancing past the Senate committee is a critical step.

“Gaining broad coverage by insurance

companies for acupuncture will open up more New Yorkers to a proven and safe healthcare option, and we look forward to working with our colleagues to pass this bill in the legislature,” the lawmakers said.

The bill comes alongside a number of other measures aimed at making acupuncture more widely available and affordable throughout the state.

They include legislation that passed the Senate and Assembly last week which would require continuing education requirements for acupuncturists. Q

Plan Ahead with Love

Older adult events keep the gears turning

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

With the weather finally starting to warm up after a long, brutal winter, there’s never been a better time to get outside, get moving and engage with life.

All age groups can certainly benefit from that reminder. But it’s especially important for seniors, who may start to feel more lonely as they age. It certainly didn’t help that New Yorkers have been snowed in more than once since January.

The city has hundreds of older adult centers that offer nutritious meals, fun activities, fitness programs and social services to adults over 60. Membership is free of cost, and the city Department of Aging says on its website that older adults have reported feeling healthier, more positive and less socially isolated after joining. Seniors can find a center near them by visiting tinyurl.com/mryjtpyb.

“I think that everybody needs to have a purpose,” said Cathy Cahn, director of Services Now for Adult Persons’ Brookville Older Adult Center. “That’s what gets us out of bed every day. And many of these people didn’t really feel like they had that purpose once they retired.

“And I’ve heard from many of them that once they started coming here, they started to feel vital again, and part of a community.”

Seniors can enrich both their minds and bodies at the center, located at 133-33 Brookville Road in Rosedale. It offers engaging exercise classes such as Afro-Mambo dance and workouts for the mind including dominoes and crocheting.

“We do a line dance class, which is wellattended,” Cahn said. “Anything that helps them move is a good thing.”

The center’s classes on African American history also tend to fill up, she said.

Coming up on March 25 is the center’s monthly birthday party, which will celebrate those born in February and March.

“It’s so important to really feel like you’re part of that community,” Cahn said. “It’s really more like a family here than it is just a day center that people come to.” One may call (718) 525-8899 to learn more.

The Brookville site that she leads is one of SNAP’s two locations in Queens. Its Eastern

Queens Older Adult Center is at 80-45 Winchester Blvd. in Queens Village.

There, too, seniors can enjoy weekly programming that feeds the spirit.

From painting classes to karaoke, the Queens Village center’s offerings not only empower seniors to try their hand at new skills, but also introduce them to new friends.

Nina Bhola-Cruz, director of SNAP’s Eastern Queens Older Adult Center, said seniors even spearhead new initiatives themselves by sharing ideas.

“We have a variety of classes that we do — virtual, hybrid and in-person — in terms of health and wellness,” Bhola-Cruz said. “We do tai chi, we have chair yoga, we have meditation.”

She said the center will kick off its walkathon April 1, which involves members making a pledge to get some steps in.

Wellness-related educational programs also include talks with registered dietitians, and there will be a Zoom meeting March 27 on understanding chronic kidney disease.

Over at the Middle Village Adult Center, at 69-10 75 St., dietitian Rick Shields will give educational talks throughout the spring. The next one, set for April 17, will cover nutrition for the brain.

“We have bingo and recreational classes that disperse in the week, including knitting and crocheting and painting, in addition to our classes in fitness, which are chair yoga and Zumba and Pilates, Sit & Be Fit, cardio fitness and line dancing,” said Rabbi Richard Levy, who leads MVAC. The center also will offer Italian language classes this spring, he said, and a singalong is slated to start next week.

On April 15, drivers 50 and older can brush up on their skills with a defensive driving course. Reservations are required, and it costs $55, cash or check, to partici-

The Venue at City Harvest in Brooklyn, which emphasizes plant-forward dishes. Culinary teams from centers across the city prepare nutritious, plant-based dishes that are scrutinized by a panel of judges.

On April 7, the center will organize a trip to The Sugar Factory, inside Resorts World NYC. One can call (718) 454-2100 or email info@snapqueens.org to learn more.

MVAC also runs trips — one to Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, the High Line, Chelsea Market and Little Island is full, Levy said, but there is a waiting list. Alpha Phi Alpha will be heading to Resorts World Catskills this year, and Connecticut’s Holiday Hill in the summer.

While all that excitement is certainly a positive, sometimes all that seniors need to enrich their lives is socialization, a hobby or some extra overall support.

Commonpoint is partaking in a new initiative in partnership with the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York called SocialRx, which aims to combat loneliness among older adults. Specialists work one-onone with seniors to create a personalized social prescription of non-clinical resources that aligns with their needs.

pate. One may call (718) 894-3441 for more information.

Wellness and practical skills are critical, but there’s gotta be room to play, too. SNAP Eastern Queens hosts an array of cultural celebrations, most recently of Lunar New Year, Holi and St. Patrick’s Day.

“We try our best to be as inclusive as possible, especially with the diverse background of our members,” Bhola-Cruz said. “We always want to explore the diverse and rich culture of many of the people that we have here.”

And yes, there will be a birthday celebration there too, on March 31.

Monthly birthday parties are a mainstay for many centers. Cambria Heights’ Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Citizens Center, at 220-01 Linden Blvd., had one scheduled today, March 19, to mark a member’s 100th birthday.

“We seem to be having a lot of 100s lately,” director Melissa Marcus said. “That’s a blessing and a good thing.” Weekly activities there also include line dancing, bingo, computer lessons, exercise classes and a quilting group.

“It keeps their mind busy, it keeps them active,” Marcus said. “They’re not sitting at home by themselves. They’re meeting people, they’re meeting friends. We’ve had many couples meet here, we’ve had some marriages from here.”

Presenters visit the center to discuss practical issues, from fire safety to nutrition to managing blood pressure. Members also can meet with a social worker on Fridays.

One may email alphaphi220@hotmail. com or call (718) 528-8238 to learn more.

Since adventure has no age limit, senior centers run exciting trips, too. On March 26, SNAP Eastern Queens is taking one to the Department of Aging’s citywide cookoff, at

Among the prescribed supports might be cultural events, volunteer programs, fitness classes or housing support. One may contact Shelly Channan, director of Commonpoint’s Central Queens Older Adult Center, at schannan@commonpoint.org, or call (718) 268-5011, ext. 421, to learn more. The Forest Hills site is at 67-09 108 St. Commonpoint’s general programming also centers wellness, joy and cultural responsiveness.

“A lot of the things we do specifically for the older adults really come from them and what they’re telling us they need and want,” Channan said. “But with that in mind, we need to make sure that we’re not just taking care of a check-off box. We want to be able to take care of the whole person. So when we offer them things like the arts to them, it keeps them fresh.”

Each location has numerous exercise opportunities throughout the week from dance to aerobics to yoga, in-person and online. They also offer programs rooted in Jewish culture, such as conversational Yiddish classes in Bay Terrace, at 212-00 23 Ave., and Israeli dance lessons at the Sam Field Older Adult Center, at 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy. The Central Queens site organizes virtual gatherings on Friday afternoons to welcome Shabbat.

Starting April 13, Commonpoint will offer a support group for seniors in the LGBT community. One can call the Little Neck site at (718) 225-6750, and Bay Terrace at (718) 423-6111.

Queens Community House also has multiple older adult centers across Queens, in Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Flushing, Jackson Heights and Jamaica.

“They have so many friendships here, and I think the socialization keeps them going,” Marcus said. Q

Commonpoint’s older adult centers offer a range of fun activities that help seniors stay sharp, social and active. Above, attendees of chair yoga at its Sam Field Center in Little Neck are all smiles as they get moving.

PHOTOCOURTESYCOMMONPOINT

• Elder Law

• Wills And Trusts

• Estate And Medicaid Planning

• Probate

• Administration Of Estates

• Special Needs

• Real Estate

Donna received her law degree from St. John’s University of Law. She was Co-Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Queens County Bar Association from 2012 through 2019. She is Past President of the following organizations: Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens County, Women’s Bar Association of Queens County, Flushing Lawyers Club, Kiwanis Club of Astoria/LIC and the East River Kiwanis Club.

Senior Living Guide Exercising with chronic conditions

Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity, even with a chronic condition. In fact, older adults with chronic conditions can benefit from physical activity.

For most, moderate-intensity activities (such as brisk walking, riding a bike, swimming, weightlifting, and gardening) are safe, especially if you build up slowly. Talk with a doctor about your health condition and create a physical activity plan that works for you. Below, you’ll find physical activity guidance for people with certain chronic conditions.

Arthritis

Older adults with arthritis, the most common form being osteoarthritis, who are regularly physically active benefit from decreased pain and improved physical function and quality of life. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities contribute to these benefits.

Try doing low-impact activities, such as swimming, walking, and tai chi, which put less stress on your joints. When done safely, being physically active with arthritis shouldn’t make the disease or pain worse. Speak with a health care provider about what exercises may work for you.

Chronic pain

Most people living with chronic pain can exercise safely. Physical activity can also help with pain management, whereas being inactive can lead to a cycle of more pain and loss of function.

It’s important to remember to listen to your body when exercising and participating in physical activi-

ties. Avoid overexercising on “good days.” If you have pain, swelling, or inflammation in a specific area, you may need to focus on another area or rest for a day or two. Talk with a doctor about what exercises and activities might be right for you.

High blood pressure

Physical activity can help older adults with high blood pressure reduce or manage their blood pressure and lower the risk of blood pressure continuing to rise. It also helps protect against cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

In people with high blood pressure, moderateintensity activity for 90 minutes a week can help to significantly lower the risk of heart disease. More activity can lead to an even greater benefit. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities are beneficial.

Work with your health care provider as you increase physical activity. Adjustments to blood pressure medication may be needed.

Osteoporosis

If you have osteoporosis, talk with your health care provider about physical activity that is safe for you and good for your bone health. A combination of exercise types can help build and maintain healthy bones and prevent falls and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, climbing stairs, or dancing, produce a force on bones that makes them work harder. Including muscle-strengthening and balance exercises is beneficial, too. P — Courtesy National Institute on Aging

MEDICAID UPDATES 2026

By Donna Furey, Esq.

Elder law attorneys help people get their assets in order so they may apply for Medicaid assistance in their home known as Community Medicaid, or a nursing home. This often requires the transfer of assets within a certain time frame.

To qualify for Community Medicaid, an individual may only have $33,038.00 in total assets, income up to $1,836.00 per month and a $20.00 monthly personal needs allowance. The home equity limit is $1,130,000.00. The applicant must need limited assistance with physical maneuvering of three or more activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, walking, transferring to the toilet, incontinence, eating, etc. However, individuals with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s must need supervision with at least two or more ADLs.

In 2020, a law was passed implementing a 30-month “look back” period for people applying for Community Medicaid. This look back period

has not been implemented yet but it may be implemented in 2026. This means that Medicaid will “look back” at fi nancial transactions made during the 30-month period before the date of application and impose a penalty for any gifts made during that period. Therefore, people who need Community Medicaid, should apply as soon as possible.

Institutional Medicaid is for individuals who have extensive long-term medical needs. The “look back” period is five years, the asset limit is $33,038.00 and you can only keep $50.00 of your monthly income.

The value of your retirement accounts are exempt assets and are not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes. However, the income received from the retirement accounts (RMDs) would be included in the calculation of your income.

That is why elder law attorneys recommend transferring assets before seeking Medicaid to protect assets from the “look back” period. Don’t wait! Protect your assets now!

Baby boomers welcome tech after Covid era

by Pamela Rider Chronicle Contributor

After the Covid-19 pandemic, in a world where technology evolves at the speed of light, very few baby boomers continue to find themselves uninterested, frightened or bewildered by technological engagement. In today’s world, seniors are staying in the workforce longer than they did in the past, or reinventing themselves with a specific goal for further personal growth, entrepreneurship or proactive monetary achievements.

Many baby boomers have chosen to continue to work past the usual retirement age for various reasons. There are workforce wellness platforms available for those who choose to continue their careers and find that having someone readily available to assist them is a plus.

Jean Castro of Rochdale Village in Jamaica is a member of Community Board 12 and chairs its Health and Senior Citizen Committee. She also is a protégée of state Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica). Castro is one of the many baby boomers who are computer- and cell phone-savvy.

“Technology is an essential part of today’s fast-paced world,” she said. “With all of my responsibilities, I don’t know what I would do without my iPhone and computer. But the one thing that I do know is that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish as many tasks as I do without them in a 24-hour period. As a matter of fact, other than texting, calling, and emailing, Google and Zoom are the features that I find to be the best assets of them all!”

“As much as I appreciate today’s technological devices, on the down side, it’s a shame that people have to be on the lookout for scams and hacking. I’ve read an article a while ago in an AARP magazine, that senior citizens are primary targets of hackers,” added Castro.

Time and technology are moving at a rapid pace, and to keep up with

the shift in how the world operates, baby boomers have had very few choices: Get on board with the advancement of technology or “get left in the dust.”

Bridging generation gaps is easier said than done, for there are still a few baby boomers who find engagement with technological devices as exhausting as walking across a long, tiresome bridge.

Muriel Wilcher has been retired for eight years as the director of her local food pantry. Wilcher was asked how she felt about cellphones and computers.

Wilcher said, “When I was working, I had an assistant to put the necessary information in the computer. I get very disgusted trying to operate a computer because I never learned how to use one.”

After a short pause and a heavy breath, Wilcher added, “To tell you the truth, I get so aggravated trying to use them that it literally raises my blood pressure, and I already have a pre-existing condition. Who needs it?

“It would be nice if senior citizens had a place in their community that taught a class for computer dummies.”

Dr. Carol Quade, a gerontologist who specializes in digital literacy, said, “In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.” Quade explains the dangers of online misinformation and the unique challenges older adults face as they navigate the web.

baby boomers have learned to operate and navigate a host of smart and digital devices. Many boomers have come to rely not only on operating them efficiently, but also on them as a whole. Many people 55 and up who avoided technology prepandemic now rely on digital tools.

Telehealth usage among baby boomers has increased 469 percent. The autonomous nature of the baby boom generation makes telehealth a natural fit for those opposed to transferring to facilities with on-site physicians. Eighty-seven percent of baby boomers want to remain in their homes and communities as they age.

As boomers have found that cell phones and computers are an essential part of life, telehealth provides them with virtual consultations, online doctor’s appointments, prescription refills, and medical billing.

Telehealth services may allow the lower-stress comfort of multitasking while being present at one’s job. It alleviates rushing to meet doctor’s appointments and gives people a sense of comfort and relief as they go through other required daily tasks.

According to AARP, many baby boomers have chosen Consumer Cellular due to its senior citizen discounts. The service provides clear plans, no contract and easy signup. The plan can be perfect for seniors who seek simplicity in a cell phone.

Nonetheless, even though there are dangerous threats in navigating today’s high-tech devices, baby boomers are increasingly embracing and loving theirs.

As technology becomes increasingly woven into everyday life, most

tinue to use digital tools to make life easier and have come to rely on them.

Many baby boomers have decided that things such as online banking leave them significant time to do other important tasks, or just to breathe and relax. Technology has also given some boomers a sense of comfort and allows them to engage with others in the comfort of their home, from near and far.

Zoom is a program used by people all over the world for various reasons, including personal and professional ones. It’s amazing how folks over 60 years of age use Zoom on a daily basis.

After researching customer satisfaction among baby boomers and Consumer Cellular buyers, I have come to find that not only they but the generation before them are customers.

Hazel Ramzey is a 92-year-old retired health care worker who was introduced to Consumer Cellular by one of her close friends. She uses her cell phone on a daily basis.

“I use my cell phone more than I use my land phone. I find it to be convenient not having to look through my phone book for a person’s number. All I have to do is go through my call log,” said Ramzey.

Ramzey adds, “As an elderly person, I love playing the free games on my phone. It helps to keep my mind sharp and keep me occupied.”

Ramzey smiles, saying, “I refuse to be put out to pasture with anything that is going on in the world. I’m still very much young at heart!”

According to GWI data and Razorfish, nearly three in four boomers now feel confident using technology, and 88 percent say they will con-

“One thing that I appreciate most, especially when the world shut down in 2020, is being able to actually see my loved ones by using FaceTime, and/or Zoom. It makes me feel like I’m actually visiting my loved ones, being able to see their faces and their environment,” Ramzey said.

Technological connectedness is not only done via phone, e-mails, Zoom meetings, text messages or DMs, but social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube have also taken on a life of their own. These various platforms allow their users a sense of close intimacy with each other, while providing a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year, uninterrupted, constant, and consistent connectivity.

It is also very interesting to know that 55 percent of older adults have used some form of AI, primarily voice assistants (50 percent) and chatbots (25 percent).

Suzanne White is a certified nurse assistant who has worked in this field for the past 26 years. She is not required to do any type of technological engagement. She deals

directly with her clients. However, White does own a desk computer, which she utilizes for various reasons.

White said, “I do not own a cellphone. Never did, and I doubt that I ever will. I just find it so unnecessary and costly. But I do have a land phone and a desktop computer. Now, a home computer has become something that I greatly appreciate!”

“I like the advantage of being able to shop online, surf the web, visit various social media platforms, and use My Chart for keeping up with doctor’s appointments, and other reasons.

“In the world that we live in today, I find that a computer is a very helpful tool, and if I had to choose a portable device, it would be a tablet, not a cell phone,” adds White.

According to Generation.org and Pew Research, unlike smartphones and social media, today, 52 percent of baby boomers prefer a tablet. Ownership is now more comparable across generations. When it comes to smartphone-only internet users, only 11 percent of boomers use this method of obtaining information or direction.

Baby boomers have evolved, and continue to evolve, in engaging with technology. During the Covid-19 pandemic, while the people in the world had to take refuge in their homes, baby boomers experimented with technology and became comfortable with its use.

Suffice to say, post-Covid, computers and other technological devices have become a way of life for many baby boomers, who now cannot see themselves without what they have come to understand to be a remarkable tool. Q

Hazel Ramzey, above, and Jean Castro, at left, are among the many seniors embracing high-tech devices. PHOTOSBYPAMELARIDER

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING

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• Five-Star Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• Administrator member of American College of Health Administrators

• Administrator recipient of CMS Outstanding Achievement award for Reducing Hospitalizations

• Administrator is 2016 Recipient of Lily Leadership Award

Utility says energy distributors plugging into grid could overwhelm the system ConEd uneased by potential BESS strain

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The clean energy sector is facing hurdle after hurdle nationwide, throughout the state and within the Big Apple.

The Trump administration halted offshore wind leases throughout the country last year and is now trying to induce firms to abandon their projects for $1 billion; Gov. Hochul has pause about the state’s current climate policy timeline resulting in higher energy prices for customers; and on a local level Con Edison is concerned that the number of battery energy storage system facilities proposed will overwhelm the electric grid in the future and also result in higher bills for its consumers.

“This is fundamentally about energy affordability for our customers,” said Raghu Sudhakara, ConEd’s vice president of distributed resource integration, via email on Wednesday. “Energy storage delivers its greatest value when it reduces peak demand and defers infrastructure upgrades or integrates renewable generation efficiently as more clean resources come online.”

ConEd is concerned that as the number of BESSes grow, there will be a strain on the utility’s delivery system as a result of such facilities plugging into the grid in clusters in certain regions overnight — when prices tend to be the lowest — at the same time.

Documentation from the utility says that in order to accommodate the booming BESS market, energy distributors need to pay for infrastructure upgrades that could cost up to more than $1 billion, according to engineering studies; otherwise its consumers will end up paying the costs.

In one graph, ConEd said that if all storage projects in the queue were built, one saturated area would be Glendale, which had a grid capacity of 56 percent in 2025 and would be overcapacity by 20 percent in 2029.

In another graph of emerging areas of concern, Corona and Jamaica were estimated to also face energy strain sometime after 2029.

“The grid has been built to serve customers, not to host battery storage anywhere, at any scale,” said Sudhakara. “Now is the time to take a fresh look at battery storage policy and make sure it is delivering real value for customers, not just economic value to storage developers.”

Councilman Phil Wong (D-Maspeth) believes the utility’s worry about the strain on the grid should be taken seriously.

“The rush to site BESS facilities all over the city without proper planning raises real questions, and we cannot let speculation and profit drive decisions that affect the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Wong via email. “Compa-

nies need to do better, and the city must make sure our infrastructure can handle these projects before more are approved.”

Sources at one energy firm said that ConEd’s new methodolgoy for determining estimates for infrastructure upgrades based on a potential future overload is a conversation-ender because it would cost BESS facilities $20 to $30 million each to connect to the grid when in the past the energy developers paid between $500,000 and $1.5 million.

They also said that the purpose of BESS facilities is not to strain the system, but to provide clean, efficient and affordable energy storage while meeting the state’s demands of producing 6,000 megawatts from clean sources by 2030. With offshore wind projects thwarted by Trump, the state is behind its goals.

The state has about 1,500 megawatts in energy storage, according to the state Energy Research and Development Authority.

The BESS sources say that they believe ConEd’s real worry is that its model for charging customers is being flipped on its head. About two-thirds of a consumer’s electric bill is based on the cost to maintain and upgrade the electric grid, which costs billions. Communitybased BESS facilities cost about $10 million for two substations.

The sources also emphasized that while the market for BESS facilities is booming, more than two-thirds of projects are shot down. They also said that the utility is able to control when different BESS facilities could utilize the grid.

While paying tens of millions to billions toward projects may be nothing to other energy firms, the sources went on to say that the BESS industry is still new.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Woodhaven) told the Chronicle that because BESS facilities are so new, ConEd has every right to be concerned about the potential strain on the grid.

Addabbo is the prime sponsor of a setback bill that would direct the state Department of Public Service, which regulates utilities, to require commercial storage systems with a capacity of 5 megawatts or more to be 750 feet away from residential properties and 300 feet away in cities of 1 million or more inhabitants. It would also require public hearings prior to the approval of an application for BESS facilities.

The bill was spurred by anxiety surrounding the facilities since they use lithium-ion batteries, which are highly flammable, near residential areas.

Addabbo said that he is not against BESS facilities and the state moving toward clean energy storage, but because the technology is so new, the data is inconclusive when it comes to

Two upcoming blood drives in South Queens

The New York Blood Center is looking for donors of all types following February’s blizzard, which it said significantly impacted the region’s blood supply. All who are eligible are encouraged to donate.

To make an appointment, one may go online to nybc.org. There are two upcoming blood drives in South Queens:

• Holy Child Jesus Church, gymnasium, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; and

• NYPD 106th Precinct, busmobile, 12 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at 103-53 101 St. in Ozone Park.

how safe they are to use in the city.

“We had a wind farm planned, but because the federal government is not investing in it, it is not moving forward,” said Addabbo. “It is up to PSC to manage these new energy sources and make sure they are safe going forward. ... We need to err on the side of caution.”

Michael Mezzacappa, a Tarrytown, NY, attorney who specializes in fire and explosion claims, along with liability, shares Addabbo’s sentiment.

“Our state needs to understand the technology and science behind it before recklessly going

forward with all of this before making all these local municipalities agree to this, is short-sighted,” said Mezzacappa. “This is new technology and it is being rushed through at every turn.”

Mezzacappa said by now the United States should have been independent of foreign oil, and now the war in Iran is leaving the world in crisis.

“Now you have ConEd saying, ‘This is going to strain our grid,’ but the real point is, is this a safe technology? It is not.”

Last year, FDNY officials said BESS technology is safe and said the department has the most stringent regulations in the country. Q

Remembering Don Anthony, HB’s Elvis

Dominick Falco died last month at 73

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Dominick Falco, who spent more than two decades bringing Elvis Presley to life in performances under stage name Don Anthony, died Feb. 26. He was 73.

Falco was beloved by his family and by the countless audiences who watched him command a stage with the same warmth and charisma as The King himself.

He had performed more than 1,000 shows across the tri-state area and Las Vegas — the city where Elvis once held his legendary residency. But at home in and around Howard Beach, Falco was always available to perform at community events.

His love for Elvis came at the encouragement of his mother, who filled their home with his music. That early love never left him.

But those who knew Falco best also knew that offstage, he was entirely himself — a devoted husband to his wife, Grace, and a loving father to his daughter, Alanna, and son, Matt.

“I’m not Elvis at home,” he once told the

Chronicle with his charismatic warmth. “I’m me.”

A funeral Mass was held March 14 at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in Howard Beach. There was no prior visitation. Q

Beloved Howard Beach Elvis impersonator Dominick Falco died Feb. 26. FILEPHOTO

A battery energy storage system facility next to a home at Linden Boulevard and Lefferts Avenue in South Ozone Park.

Urban fellow intern comes back to lead

Alina Moran takes command as CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

by Naeisha Rose Editor

A new leader holds the reins at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, but it is not her first rodeo with the H+H system.

Alina Moran, the CEO of the hospital since Feb. 16, started as an intern with H+H/Bellevue in Manhattan in 1999, she told the Chronicle in a sitdown interview in her office last Friday.

“That was my first introduction into healthcare and I fell in love,” said Moran. “I fell in love with what impacts we were having to our patients and to our community — the fact that we can problem solve and make things better for the community — I think that is where the journey began. Through that process I have learned and grown in the organization.”

Moran earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Brown University and a master’s degree in public administration at Baruch College before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare.

“I always loved math and science, I always loved the opportunity to problem solve, and when I received my master’s ... I did it through a program called the National Urban Fellows Program,” she recalled.

The NUF is a development initiative to help accomplished people from all backgrounds, especially minorities and women, such as Moran, whose parents hail from Puerto Rico.

Her public administration internship via the NUF is what led her to H+H/Bellevue.

Moran later became finance director for managed care at the hospital and then the assistant vice president for managed care for the whole H+H system, from 2002 to 2011. She served as chief financial officer at Elmhurst from 2011 to 2016 and as CEO at H+H/Metropolitan, also in Manhattan and the hospital where she was born, for four years. After a sixyear move to Los Angeles, she returned to become Elmhurst’s CEO.

“What brought me back to the health system is all the wonderful work that is happening across the health system, but also, specifically here at Elmhurst,” she said, adding, “I thought it was a wonderful opportunity and the next step in my journey to come back to the system that I used growing up and also really support the foundation that has been established here.”

rization] rooms and there is just a lot of work being done in that space to bring in new technology and then also expand what we are doing,” she said. “That is basically where we have all our cardiac stent and procedures. So, there is a specialized room set up to do that work.”

Three new initiatives include the Postpartum Hypertension Program, the Post-Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Clinic and the Breast Cancer Cardiotoxicity Program.

The first program provides follow-up care for women who experience hypertension during or after pregnancy; the second provides specialized rehabilitative care for those in recovery, especially those diagnosed late; and the last addresses the heart-related side effects of breast cancer therapies.

Moran said because women often focus on gender-specific health issues, such as breast cancer, there is less knowledge surrounding cardiovascular health.

“I fell in love with what impacts we were having to our patients and to our community ...”

— Alina Moran, NYC Health + Hospital/Elmhurst, CEO

Not only has Moran grown via the hospital, but its campaign on bringing attention to cardiovascular disease in women has too, via its Women’s Cardiovascular Institute, which was launched last year.

“Our big focus is really increasing cardiovascular health for women,” said the CEO, noting that while cardiovascular conditions tend to be the No. 1 cause of death in women, “there is not a lot of work being done in that space.”

To address the issue, Moran said there is an increase in the types of cardiac surgeries done at the hospital.

“We recently modernized our cardiac [cathe-

For Women’s History Month the hospital, located at 79-01 Broadway, will further raise awareness about the disease and share other wellness tips. Former CEO Helen Arteaga, the first woman and Hispanic person to lead the hospital, will also be honored in its auditorium on March 20 at 4 p.m.

“During Women’s History Month, we tend to do programming that shares what are the things we should be doing to keep ourselves healthy,” Moran said.

Elmhurst is the second-oldest city hospital and serves an area of roughly 1 million people. It recently was named a “best regional hospital” by U.S. News and World Report. As a hospital in the World’s Borough, langauage access is key for patients, its CEO said.

“We have dual handsets, video interpretative services, we have staff who have been certified to serve as interpreters — so we feel really strongly that in order to provide the right care to

The hospital’s Global Health Institute and Department focuses on immigrant, maternal and child health, research and education.

CGHI’s Migrant Access to Primary care and Social support initiative, aka MAPS, has helped more than 180 migrants navigate social systems due to close collaboration with communitybased organizations such as Voces Latinas and Make the Road New York. Its maternal and child health initiative has more than 30 doulas. When it comes to research, the hospital has a partnership with The Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai, producing more than 70 academic presentations. CGHI also has supported more than 20 medical and public health students’ and residents’ research projects, convenes Global Health Seminars and engages in learning exchanges with providers in Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nepal and the Philippines. On the home front, Moran said federal cuts won’t impact the hospital until 2027.

patients you have to have access to the patients’ preferred language,” said Moran.

Patient documents and educational materials are also translated in the top 10 requested languages, she added.

Atiya Butler, a spokeswoman for the H+H system, said the hospital has the ability to interpret 125 languages.

Using her finance cap, the former CFO said she is working to sustain continued support from elected officials and community-based organizations.

“We continue to work really closely with our system partners ... to ensure the funding we’re receiving continues to be available to us,” said Moran. “I think advocacy and ensuring that we continue to assist patients are the two ways we are trying to mitigate cuts in the future.” Q

Exercising creativity at PS 60

Fifth-graders at PS 60, the Woodhaven School, on March 13 were able to take a breather with a fine art therapy class. Sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo, standing left, the event saw area artist Gennaro Kravitz teach two sessions to about 60 kids.

Kravitz, who is skilled in using basic shapes and inexpensive art tools to create joyous yet simple designs, gave students art supplies provided by the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph-St. Teresa of Avila in Brooklyn, where he is a resident artist and instructor.

During the class, students used basic shapes and the letters of the alphabet to

draw amphoras, 6-foot-tall vases or vessels. Kids were encouraged to explore their own creative intuitions. Kravitz suggested drawing and coloring to relax and unwind after a busy day and as an alternative to using electronic devices for recreation.

“It’s so important to engage young people in the arts and challenge their creativity,” Addabbo, who per his office wanted to be a cartoonist when he was younger, said in a statement. “It has numerous benefits and serves as a reminder to take a break from electronic devices and nurture the mind and spirit.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Alina Moran, the new CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, wants to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 driver of deaths in women. PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE

Supporting American Softball

Randy Novick, center, the founder and CEO of American Softball, a nonprofit for individuals with developmental disabilities, recently went out to lunch at Austin’s Ale House, at 82-70 Austin St. in Kew Gardens, when he was met with unexpected graciousness.

Manager Samantha Boland, right, had overheard Novick discussing a $938 invoice he received for new, unexpected costs to secure the use of Vito Locascio Field in Ozone Park.

Boland said the owners of the restaurant would offer their support. The next day, she, along with Austin’s Ale House staff, presented Novick with a check to be used to cover the expenses.

American Softball’s opening day is April 4 at Vito Locascio Field, at 149th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard, at 10 a.m. Games will be held every Saturday through the end of June at the same place and time. All are welcome to attend.

— Kristen Guglielmo

OMNYvanheadstoW’haven

In response to MetroCards being phased out and to facilitate constituent needs for OMNY cards and related services, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is bringing a mobile OMNY card van to his district.

MetroCard sales ceased at the end of 2025.

On Monday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the van’s services will be available at Addabbo’s Woodhaven office, at 84-16 Jamaica Ave. Later this year, on Sept. 29, the van will be at his Middle Village office, at 66-85 73 Place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At the OMNY card van, one may apply for a reduced-fare card or get help with an application; get more information about OMNY; transfer value from a MetroCard to an OMNY card; add money to an OMNY card; or ask about OMNY-related issues.

“Bringing OMNY service vehicles to our district keeps riders moving — faster, easier, and more reliably,” Addabbo said in a prepared statement. “As MetroCards fade away, this ensures everyone has access to modern, contactless fares where they live and commute. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Club advocates mass transit and more as parking lot construction work begins Mets offering fans alternatives to cars

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

With Opening Day on March 26 and preliminary construction already beginning in a portion of the parking lot that will become an entertainment complex, the New York Mets have released plans to help fans get to games with minimal inconvenience.

“[T]he Mets recognize that construction in the neighborhood will impact how our fans travel to and from games,” the team said in a press release issued Monday. “As a result, the Mets are committed to offering new and discounted transportation options and providing additional tools to help everyone plan for their gameday experience.

The team is offering detailed information on parking, mass transit and new options at mlb.com/mets/ballpark/transportation.

The Mets are encouraging fans to plan ahead no matter what option they choose, particularly those who will be driving.

The website calls mass transit “the fastest, easiest and greenest way to the game.” Fans from Queens and elsewhere need only to get to a Flushing-bound No. 7 train, which stops at Mets-Willets Point. Subway connections to the No. 7 are listed on the website.

For those using the Long Island Rail Road, the Port Washington Branch stops at Mets-Willets Point. Those traveling from

southern Queens or Long Island on other branches can reach Citi Field by changing trains at Woodside.

Guest parking still will be available both onsite and nearby within walking distance of the park, though the team said parking will be more limited overall, and drive-up parking may not always be available. Parking payments either in advance or on game day must be cashless.

The latter includes the Marina West and Stadium View West lots, as well as the Southfield lot just across Roosevelt Avenue. Prepaid guest parking is $40, as opposed to $50 the day of the game.

The website also has a link to prepay for discount parking at the nearby Skyview mall, Flushing Commons and Flushing Plaza.

The club said that while it works to coordinate with the offsite garage operators, the team does not control them, dictate policy or guarantee availability.

The Mets recommend that drivers using those options use a link on their website to contact the owners of offsite lots for more information.

Those taking rideshare vehicles can be dropped off on Roosevelt Avenue or Seaver Way prior to the game. Afterward, there is a designated rideshare area north of the stadium at Shea Road and Boat Basin Place. It is most

The Mets still will have onsite parking as work begins on the Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment complex. But the team’s website also has a detailed list of alternatives for the coming season ranging from scooters to ferries.

easily reached by leaving the stadium from the Left Field Gate.

A map on the website also shows the locations for five Citi Bike stations, for other bike racks and two scooter stations.

The team is establishing game-day shuttles between Citi Field and five shopping malls in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New Jersey and

the Bronx with free or low-cost parking. Buses will be scheduled to arrive at Citi Field 90 minutes before game time and will leave 30 minutes after the final out is recorded, extra innings included.

Ferries will connect with New Jersey, Staten Island, Midtown Manhattan and Stamford, Conn. Q

Q u e e n s s i g n s h o u ld s t a y p ut : n e i g h b or s Queens sign should stay put: neighbors

Advocates want it inside MacDonald Park for good; city says that can’t be

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Larry Ng’s beloved “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture still sits in all its red, white and blue glory at Forest Hills’ MacDonald Park. But the city says it can’t stay much longer, let alone permanently.

The artwork was installed there last year through the city Parks Department’s Art in the Parks program, which permits yearlong displays. But some community members have taken such a liking to it that they want the intersection of Queens and Yellowstone boulevards to be its forever home.

“It’s huge. It’s right there on Queens Boulevard,” Forest Hills native Carmen Montijo, who now lives in Rego Park, told the Chronicle. “It’s like a meeting point.” Its colors also are reminiscent of the World’s Fair, Montijo said.

Area historian Michael Perlman, who played a major role in the sculpture’s installation, said the same, referencing the 1964-65 exposition’s theme, “Peace Through Understanding.”

“The symbolic sculpture is a creatively unifying work of art that is easily accessible by all residents and prominently situated, and it pertains to our borough’s nickname and reflects the Queens flag’s color scheme,” Perlman said.

Montijo said it does not invite graffiti, and she often sees children playing on it. It even got a fresh coat of paint recently, to welcome spring.

Montijo’s deep roots in the area and appreciation for the artwork inspired her to start a petition on change.org to let it stay in the park permanently. She said in the description that the sculpture has brought her and many others a sense of pride and inspiration each time they pass by.

Some are pushing for Larry Ng’s “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture to stay in MacDonald Park for good. It was approved on a temporary basis last year.

“It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of our community’s identity, strength, and aspirations,” Montijo wrote.

Her online petition, which proposed a public hearing on the issue, had more than 300 signatures as of press time. Montijo also is gathering signatures in person.

“When encountering nearly any resident and visitor, and asking if the Queens sculpture should remain at the intersection of MacDonald Park, people say yes and sometimes ask,

‘Who wants to have it moved?’” Perlman said.

But that’s how it has to be, per a Parks spokesperson. The sculpture was approved as a temporary display — permanent installations must be selected through a juried process and lengthy review period, in compliance with the agency’s guidelines and those of the city’s Public Design Commission, the spokesperson said.

The sculpture originally was permitted to be on view in MacDonald Park through Tuesday, but Ng was given an extra month to move it.

He said he is working with Parks on next steps, but would be open to having it stay in its current home for good.

“A lot of people want it. In fact, a lot of the local elected officials want to keep it there,” Ng said. “I get texts and emails all the time, ‘please keep it there.’”

Roughly 2,000 people attended a block party in the park March 8 to celebrate the sculpture’s one-year anniversary.

Advocates are set to gather in MacDonald Park in an effort to “save the Queens sculpture” March 22, from noon to 3 p.m.

“It’s a public park and a public sculpture that celebrates our diverse heritage, so I am hoping that the Parks Department and our elected officials will work with the public,” Perlman said.

Chris Barca, communications director for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, said the BP has been a “big fan” of the sculpture since its installation and thinks it should stay there temporarily, as talks about a suitable permanent location continue.

City Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) has been working with Ng and Parks to honor the sculpture’s importance while recognizing both parties’ initial commitment to a temporary display, according to her office. Q

by by

PeterC.Mastrosimon Petere C.Mastrosimone

March 19, 2026

ARTS, CULTURE &

Spring begins tomorrow, March 20, and with it comes a delightful new book celebrating our borough’s most beautiful and creative individual landscapes.

“All the Queens Gardens” by Rafael Herrin-Ferri contains scores of photos of flowerbeds, lawns, shrubbery, vegetable plots, hardscaping, ornaments and more, along with insightful vignettes about each, written by an architect with a fine eye for beauty and an appreciation of the cultural mosaic that makes up his subject matter. The book is a pleasure on its own or as a perfect companion to the architect’s first volume, “All the Queens Houses,” from 2021. Both are published by Jovis, a Berlin-based house specializing in books on architecture, urbanism and adjacent disciplines.

“All the Queens Gardens” may be even more beautiful than its predecessor, which was striking enough. It’s certainly more verdant.

That “collage sensibility” contributes to how he sees Queens, with its “amazing mix of things.”

The book is divided into chapters by type of garden, from formal layouts to those bursting with flowers, those grown in pots, those for vegetables, those with fountains, those with painted hard surfaces and more.

The borough’s incredible variety of gardens reminds Herrin-Ferri, an architect, of a basic principle he learned studying his profession: the idea of “having a narrative to your work, not a single idea but an eclectic mix of ideas that work, that are well balanced.”

Among the types of gardens Herrin-Ferri finds most remarkable are those that reach beyond their seeming borders in some way, whether overhead or by incorporating the space between the sidewalk and street.

“This tendency to kind of engage the sidewalk, the passerby, the public at large is a thing I find pretty refreshing and welcoming in a way,” he said. “On one level people probably think that’s like breaching the property but on another I think it’s like participating in the city, in a way that I think is a positive thing — at least from my perspective of having a more animated public sphere.”

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Phil Carey stood tall in Flushing, in war and on TV

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Edward Carey married telephone operator Beatrice Hayden, three years his senior, in the Bronx on Aug. 24, 1924. Their first child was Eugene, born on July 15, 1925 in New Jersey. Edward worked in the poultry industry and moved the family to Rosedale but soon bought a home at 29-18 160 St. in Flushing.

Two more boys and a girl joined the family. Eugene, called “Phil,” joined the Marines during World War II and was wounded in the Pacific Theater. At 6 feet, 4 inches, with leading-man good looks, he turned to acting. He married Maureen Pepler, a wealthy debutante from a family in the textile industry in New Bedford, Mass., on July 24, 1949, named and they had three children.

The childhood home of movie actor and later TV soap opera star Phil Carey at 29-18 160 St. in Flushing, as it looked in the 1940s when he lived there.

Carey appeared in many films starting in 1950 and worked opposite screen legend Kim Novak in her first movie in 1954. He made notable TV appearances on shows from “The Rifleman” to “All in the Family.”

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Minimizing Capital Gains with Irrevocable Trusts

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

An important issue for estate planning practitioners had been the impact of IRS Revenue Ruling 2023-2 on Irrevocable Trusts. This Revenue Ruling clarified the IRS’s position that assets received from an Irrevocable Trust are not eligible for a step-up in basis and would be subject to capital gains tax. Fortunately, proper drafting of an Irrevocable Trust can ensure beneficiaries can claim a step-up basis on their inheritance and eliminate the capital gains tax.

Step-up in basis is a tax provision under 26 U.S. Code § 1014 that provides for a stepup in cost basis on inherited property. This allows the basis of an asset to be “stepped up” to the fair market value of the asset upon the grantor’s death. For example: If a decedent purchased a home for $250,000 and it was worth $1,000,000 at the time of death, the person who inherited it would likely receive the stepped-up basis of $1,000,000. Without the step-up provision under § 1014, the unrealized capital gains would otherwise

be $750,000 ($1,000,000 market value less $250,000 cost basis).

Revenue Ruling 2023-2 caused some alarm as it stated that Irrevocable Trust assets are not eligible for a step-up in basis, and therefore could be subject to capital gains tax. However, experienced estate planning attorneys have long known this was always the law, even before Revenue Ruling 2023-2. Fortunately, we also understand that Irrevocable Trusts can be drafted so a transfer to the trust can be deemed an incomplete gift and includible in the decedent’s taxable estate. As a result, the beneficiary can claim the step-up in basis upon inheriting the Irrevocable Trust asset and eliminate the capital gains tax.

Proper planning will have a significant impact on your ability to protect your assets for your children and beneficiaries. Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@conzamc namara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would

discuss further.

By 1972 his marriage had ended in divorce. In 1976 married Colleen Welch and they had two children. In 1980, he was cast as Asa Buchanan in the soap opera “One Life to Live,” playing the role until 2008.

A lifelong smoker, Carey died of lung cancer on Feb. 6, 2009, at age 83. Q

B SPORTS EAT

Big East champs again

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The St. John’s University Red Storm men’s basketball team quieted all doubters by repeating as Big East champions. They did so by winning three games in three days as they knocked off the Providence Friars, the Seton Hall Pirates and the University of Connecticut Huskies. Beating the Huskies 72-52 last Saturday night had to be extra satisfying considering UConn whipped them by 32 points in Storrs, Conn., two weeks earlier.

The final scores of the Red Storm’s three wins showed them winning by comfortable margins, but that was misleading. The opposition always made late second-half scoring runs that had Johnnies fans reaching for the antacids.

Red Storm Head Coach Rick Pitino, while happy his squad was winning, said it is hard for a team to play with a big lead. While he did not elaborate, I understood what he was saying.

The format of the Big East Tournament is a grind, and you cannot tire your starters knowing you will be playing again tomorrow if you win. Pitino pulled many of his starters when SJU had a lead of 15 points or more. The problem was the opposing team had no choice but to play its stars against the Red Storm backups. Not surprisingly, their leads were quickly cut in half. “We bent, but we never broke,” Pitino said with a grin after every tournament press conference.

St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor will need an

expansive trophy case to manage the hardware he picked up at Madison Square Garden last week. He was named both Big East Player of the Year and the Big East Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Even more impressive, he was named the Big East Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Frankly, I am surprised Ejiofor is considered a late first-round pick at best in most mock NBA Draft boards I have seen.

The Red Storm are heading to sunny San Diego as the No. 5 seed in the in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face No. 12 Northern Iowa on Friday. Many fans and local media hoped the team would play Friday in Philadelphia, but no such luck. The NCAA selection committee for some inexplicable reason gave UConn the No. 2 seed in the East. The Huskies will be in the City of Brotherly Love. Mark Jackson, who grew up in Cambria Heights and was a star point guard at St. John’s before being drafted by the Knicks, attended the Big East Tournament. Younger fans know him from his tenure as a successful head coach for the Golden State Warriors and as a standout NBA analyst for ESPN.

I asked Jackson if he would like to return to coaching, or to broadcasting. “Are you hiring?” he deadpanned. He quickly smiled and said he would welcome a good opportunity. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Queens Farm blooms with events all spring

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

Queens residents looking to shake off the cold of winter have a reason to head to Floral Park this spring, as the Queens County Farm Museum looks to blend beloved traditions with fresh cultural celebrations across its 47 acres at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.

For tickets and more information, one may visit queensfarm.org.

The season opens this Saturday, March 21, with a Holi celebration from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The event explores the Hindu festival’s cultural and spiritual roots, complete with traditional dancers, Indian snacks and vibrant color powder play.

Guests are encouraged to wear white clothing they don’t mind getting stained, and perhaps bring a towel or sheet to sit on during the ride home.

The Barnyard Egg Hunt returns March 28 and April 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sending kids scrambling through the farm’s orchard in search of prize-filled eggs every 30 minutes.

Families also can snap photos with Whiskers the Bunny and join a self-guided scavenger hunt. The farm encourages one to BYOB — that is, bring your own basket.

The Apple Blossom Carnival will run weekends, April 11 through 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and feature fun for the whole family. There will be thrill rides for both children and adults, games and, of course, delicious fair fare.

The Sheep Shearing Festival on May 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers what the farm calls New York City’s only sheep

shearing event.

Attendees will enjoy farmer-led tours and sheep and alpaca fleece clipping demonstrations, as well as the opportunity to patronize “egg-cellent” area food and craft vendors and fiber artisan showcases.

Visitors also can shop a selection of the farm’s own yarn, pick up seedlings at the spring plant sale, greet the farm’s other ani-

mals and enjoy a hayride to top off the day.

The following weekend, the new Flavors of the World Festival will debut May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is designed to celebrate Queens’ wide cultural diversity with authentic food from around the globe and live performances.

On May 30 and 31 is the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, held in two seatings each day — one from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the other from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — on the farm’s bucolic outdoor grounds.

The Victorian-style afternoon tea will feature freshly baked scones, sandwiches, bite-sized treats and a selection of delectable teas, alongside delightful character appearances. Activities include trivia for adults and storytime for children.

And, as a bonus: everyone will leave with a small gift, per the farm’s website.

“Spring represents renewal, growth, and connection to the land, values that have defined Queens Farm for fifty years,” David Hughes, the Queens Farm’s executive director, said in a prepared statement. “As we celebrate this milestone year, we are proud to continue providing a place where New Yorkers of all ages can gather, learn, and create lasting memories while engaging with agriculture, education, and culture in a truly unique setting.” Q

Lovely gardens are public-private parknerships

continued from page 27

In walking the streets to research the book, he also found a deep appreciation for the creative use of space in Chinese vegetable gardens, giving them an entire chapter.

Seeing some of them “suddenly conjures up kind of rural images, sort of the urban farms you see on the outskirts of cities, in a lot of cases,” he said. “You have a kind of mini farm, a little shed, in the middle of the city — it’s something kind of unexpected.”

Crossword Answers

Aside from Herrin-Ferri’s captivating photos, catchy titles and brief descriptions, the book contains an introductory essay delving into Queens’ past and present, pastoral and otherwise, by architect and expert in sustainability Lynnette Widder, and an afterword.

Herrin-Ferri was born in Spain, grew up in Ithaca, NY — he went to Cornell — and has lived in a few Western Queens neighborhoods. Today he resides in Jackson Heights.

The author and lensman is making two upcoming appearances to discuss the book.

The first, which will be in Spanish, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. March 20 at El Centro Cultural Barco de Papel, located at 40-03 80 St. in Elmhurst. Information is on the bookstore’s Instagram page, and it can be reached at (718) 565-8283.

The second talk, in English, is set for 8 p.m. April 8, though attendees are encouraged to arrive around 7, at the Espresso 77 cafe at 35-57 77 St., Jackson Heights. Information is at jharttalks.com, and the cafe’s number is (718) 424-1077.

Both events are free to attend, while books will be available for sale, and JH Art

Salvatore’s Sea Shell Extravaganza is one of the more unusual creations Rafael Herrin-Ferri included in “All the Queens Gardens.” On the cover: Yellow Lava Garden, Blue Atlas Cedar Archway and Front Yard Safari are just a few of the author’s favorites. PHOTOS COURTESY RAFAEL HERRIN-FERRI

Talks encourages the purchase of refreshments at its event to support Espresso 77. Q

The Queens County Farm Museum’s spring event calendar is jam-packed with fun programming for the whole family, including the Barnyard Egg Hunt, above, on March 28 and April 4.

PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM

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Legal Notices

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, -againstAKILI PARRIS, 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 June 9, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and AKILI PARRIS, 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 04/17/2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 142-02 174TH STREET, JAMAICA, New York 11434; and the following tax map identification, -12591-248. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING 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.: 703182/2020. Amy J Barrett, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -against- CHITROWTIE GHANESS, 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 August 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CHITROWTIE GHANESS, 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 04/10/2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 90-23 184TH STREET, HOLLIS, New York 11423; and the following tax map identification, -9905-58. 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 700221/2021 . Lamont Ramsey Bailey, 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.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-SD4, Plaintiff against JYNELL ROLLINS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 24, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 8811 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 204-05 115th Avenue, St. Albans, NY 11412. Block 11021 Lot 7. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $698,808.73 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 710627/2019. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Autrey Glen Johnson, Esq., Referee File # 8986695

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF GCAT 2021NQM7 TRUST, Plaintiff against NINA RIENZI, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215 Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 4, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 34-11 29th Street, Long Island City, NY 11106. Sec 4 Block 585 Lot 24. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,294,298.19 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No. 700029/2023. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Martha Taylor, Esq., Referee File # 3000-001443

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The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

Notice of Formation of 5634 WALDRON LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/05/2026. 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: 5634 WALDRON LLC, 56-34 WALDRON STREET, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

BUCCIARI NEW YORK LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/20/2026. 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, 10 Holder Place, #4H, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of COLLIN’S WIRING AND HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/07/2026. 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: HUON RHODEN, 22919 MERRICK BLVD., #532, LAURELTON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DUSTY DAWN LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/10/2026. 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: SHALINE SUSAN CAREY, 9032 187TH STREET, HOLLIS, NY 11423. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff against SANDRA LORE A/K/A SANDRA M. LORE, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 3, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 10-43 116th Street, College Point, NY 11356. Block 4023 Lot 53. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $581,747.29 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 719102/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Guy R. Vitacco Jr., Esq., Referee File # 10741107

Notice of Formation of FHL INOQ LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/21/2025. 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, 23-01 41ST AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 725622/2023. Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property. Mortgaged Premises: 128-07 PEARL ROAD, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356 Block: 3930, Lot: 1025. DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2007-B, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2007-B Plaintiff, vs. TJADER BROWN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; KELIF K. BROWN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; JESSICA D. PETERSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLINE BROWN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF SILVERPOINTE ESTATES CONDOMINIUM; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $325,000.00 and interest, recorded on June 25, 2007, in Instrument Number 2007000326657, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 128-07 PEARL ROAD, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: March 6, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

Notice of Formation of GSLW PROPERTIES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/21/2026. 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: THE LLC, 5441 71ST ST, MASPETH, NY 11378. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of HOUSE CALLS BY MONIQUE MELLO NURSE PRACTITIONER IN FAMILY HEALTH PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/12/2024. NY office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the PLLC to: THE PLLC, 52-30 39TH DRIVE # 2M, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

QUEENS - INDEX NO.: 712228/2023 – SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates QUEENS COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Block 10980, Lot 54, SAINT ALBANS, NY, County of QUEENS – LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC , PLAINTIFF, -against- SCOTT MICHAEL WALKER A/K/A SCOTT WALKER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VIDA V. WILLIAMS, BELZORA D. CASON A/K/A BELZORA CASON AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VIDA V. WILLIAMS, THOMASINA FISHER A/K/A THOMASINA WILLIAMS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VIDA V. WILLIAMS, RAE LYNNE WALKER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VIDA V. WILLIAMS, GABRIELLE WILLIAMS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VIDA V. WILLIAMS, Any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of VIDA V. WILLIAMS, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, DEFENDANTS. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered against you and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Notice of Formation of JZCOLLECTZ LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/23/2026. 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: JIUEN ZOU, 13417 60TH AVE., FLUSHING, NY 11355. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Dated: Syosset, New York, February 19, 2026. Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-938-3100. To the above-named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. KARINA E. ALOMAR. J.S.C., a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, dated February 17, 2026 and filed with the QUEENS County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Block 10980, Lot 54, SAINT ALBANS, NY, County of QUEENS as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 112-40 205TH STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“Commission”) proposed tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, April 1, 2026.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0226. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to April 1, 2026) to rates effective April 1, 2026 by service classification.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$25.85 $28.50

$2.9324 $3.8335

$0.8928 $1.1672

S.C. No. 1B, 5-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 5-1BR – Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$25.50 $27.50

$2.0482 $2.3651

$0.4823 $0.5568

S.C. No. 1B-DG, 5-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$37.00 $38.00

$0.3133 $0.3594

S.C. No. 2-A, 5-2A – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$45.00 $50.00

$1.9393 $1.9519

$0.5376 $0.6339

$0.3987 $0.5006

S.C. No. 2-B, 5-2B – Non-Residential Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 87 therms, per therm

Next 2,910 therms, per therm

Over 3,000 therms, per therm

S.C. No. 3, 5-3 – Multi-Family Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 997 therms, per therm

Over 1,000 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$45.00 $50.00

$1.9397 $1.9524

$0.7136 $0.8554

$0.6311 $0.7895

Current Rates 04/01/26

$90.00 $95.00

$0.6929 $0.7925

$0.4802 $0.5655

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Current Rates 04/01/26

$ 45.00 $ 45.00

Over 3 therms, per therm $ 0.8215 $ 0.9430

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

Current Rates 04/01/26

$180.00 $180.00

$0.3073 $0.3549

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Current Rates 04/01/26

$260.00 $260.00

Next 497 therms, per therm $2.3195 $2.6690

Over 500 therms, per therm $0.3976 $0.4575

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/26

First 10 therms or less $216.73 $234.79

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.2373 $0.2750

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.3047 $0.3534

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/26

First 10 therms or less $393.86 $426.69 Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.2373 $0.2750

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.3047 $0.3534

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation –Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/26

First 10 therms or less $1,139.22 $1,234.16

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.0588 $0.0682

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.0803 $0.0930

Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $6,252.00 $6,252.00

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1 Monthly usage

Rates 04/01/26

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.2853 $0.3576

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Monthly usage Current Rates 04/01/26

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.2279 $0.2858

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15,2024 in Case 23-G-0226. Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY d/b/a NATIONAL GRID NY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (“Company”) that it has filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No. 12 – GAS, to become effective, on a temporary basis, April 1, 2026.

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued April 1, 2026 in Case 23-G-0225. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to April 1, 2026) to rates effective April 1, 2026 by service classification.

S.C. No. 1A, 17-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 17-1AR Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Next 47 therms, per therm

Over 50 therms, per therm

Current Rates

$20.50

$4.2751

$2.1827

S.C. No. 1B-DG, 17-1B-DG – Distributed Generation

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

Over 3 therms, per therm

Current Rates

$35.00

$0.3857

S.C. No. 2-1, 17-2-1 – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

Monthly usage

04/01/26

$23.50

$5.1543

$2.6864

04/01/26

$35.00

$0.4741

Current Rates 04/01/26

First 3 therms or less $47.50

3,000 therms, per therm

S.C. No. 3, 17-3 – Multi-Family Service Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

997 therms,

S.C. 4A-CNG, 17-4A-CNG – Compressed Natural Gas

Over 1,000 therms, per therm $0.3992 $0.4720

S.C. 7, 17-7 – Seasonal Off-Peak Service

Monthly usage

First 3 therms or

3

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

Current Rates 04/01/26

$55.00

$0.3559 $0.4272

S.C. 21, 17-21 – Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct)

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar)

Current Rates

$1,003.00

$0.0511

$0.0710

04/01/26

$1,080.00

$0.0643

$0.0893

Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $5,611.19 $5,950.33

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service –Tier 1 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

S.C. No. 1B, 17-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 17-1BR-Residential Heating Service Monthly usage

First 3 therms or less

47 therms,

S.C. No. 2-2, 17-2-2 – Non-Residential Heating Service

S.C. 4A, 17-4A – High Load Factor

S.C. 4B, 17-4B – Year Round Air Conditioning Service

S.C. 22 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service –Tier 2 (Commercial & Governmental / Multifamily)

Monthly usage

First 10 therms or less

Over 10 therms, per therm

These revisions have been filed in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 15, 2024 in Case 23-G-0225.

Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

ALL

U.S. DIMES PRE 1965

QUARTERS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS 1965-1969

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SILVER DOLLARS PRE 1936

PROOF & MINT SETS WANTED

STERLING FLATWARE ALL FRANKLIN MINT SETS ANYTHING MARKED STERLING / 925 BOWLS, PLATES, CANDLESTICK HOLDERS, TRAYS, ETC. ALL SILVER COINS, DOLLARS, BARS & JEWELRY ARE WANTED REGARDLESS OF CONDITION