Queens Chronicle 04-02-26

Some blame tight border policies as new arrivals drop by 70 percent Fewer immigrants are coming to NYC

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Queens is widely known as The World’s Borough, and for good reason. Nearly half of its residents were born outside the United States, and more languages are spoken here than anywhere else.

But with immigration to the city on the decline, the county that prides itself on diversity could be hit hard.

The number of new international arrivals to the city has dropped by about 70 percent, per Census data released last week. Just 66,000 newcomers came between June 2024 and July 2025, compared to 220,000 the year prior.

Queens was ranked No. 4 on the list of counties whose population has plummeted. It dropped by nearly 8,900 people between summer 2024 and 2025.

The U.S. Census Bureau said population growth has declined dramatically in metro areas, largely due to nationwide reductions in net international migration.

“The nation’s largest counties like those in the New York metro area are often international migration hubs, gaining large numbers of international migrants and losing people that move to other parts of the country via domestic migration,” Census Bureau demographer George Hayward said in a press release. “With fewer gains from international migration, these

fund the Department of Homeland Security, absent guardrails to rein in ICE. Much of the DHS, though not ICE, has been shut down since Feb. 14.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards told The Times that “of course Queens is going to take a hit,” with fewer international arrivals.

Richards at last Saturday’s No Kings march in Central Queens emphasized that the nation’s strength is in its diversity [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

State Assemblyman Steven Raga (D-Woodside), who descends from Filipino immigrants, said in a statement that immigrant families are the city’s backbone, and Queens “does not work” without them.

New arrivals to the city have dropped, and small businesses in Jackson Heights have reported less commercial activity. Some say immigration policy could be to blame.

types of counties saw their population growth diminish or even turn into loss.”

The New York Times reported that international tourism is down in the city, too — 400,000 fewer people came to visit in 2025 than the year prior.

Some say President Trump’s crackdown on illegal border crossings is to blame.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY / FILE

March 20 that February was the 10th straight month that Border Patrol did not release any unlawful arrivals into the United States. It said “the border remains more secure than at any point in history.”

There’s aggressive enforcement in the states, too — action in Minnesota by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year prompted congressional Democrats to refuse to

“If this decline in new arrivals continues, neighborhoods like ours in Western Queens will feel it in our small businesses, schools, houses of worship, and the family networks that make Queens and New York what it is,” Raga said. He said New York must resist the federal administration’s “anti-immigrant agenda,” including by investing in immigration legal services and passing the New York for All Act, which looks to curb the use of local resources for immigration enforcement.

Leslie Ramos, executive director of the 82nd Street Partnership in Jackson Heights, said the

continued on page 14

STEAKS & CHOPS

Students, pols call for OMNY card changes

Ariola pens letter, signed by various councilmembers, to DOE and MTA

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Students, parents and lawmakers are calling on the city Department of Education and Metropolitan Transportation Authority to make changes to the student OMNY system, including making rides unlimited.

Students raised concerns at a Panel for Educational Policy meeting last Wednesday in Brooklyn, where teens lamented what they called flimsy cards that are easily damaged.

“These cards do not survive the whole year,” Vinny Dong, a sophomore at Queens High School for the Sciences in Jamaica, told the panel. “This is my sixth one. ... These cost every single person in here a bit of their tax. You all pay for these.”

He held up an OMNY card purchased from the MTA to compare the difference.

“Why are we students getting the second-grade, second-level downgrade of the real OMNY card?” Dong said.

Limitations on rides, the students said, also cause frustrations.

Student OMNY cards are only given to those who live more than a half mile away from their school. Pupils are limited to four rides per day, which many said is often not enough to meet their needs.

“Four rides a day may sound like a lot, but it’s not at all sufficient for students’ needs,” one Manhattan high school student told the panel, adding that he uses his rides multiple times per week for clubs and activities.

“I’m in the photography club at my school, and we often end up traveling all over the city,” he explained. “Most of the time, I end up using all of my rides before the day is done. Then I don’t have rides left for the things I need to do after it, like going out to

help my grandparents with chores or even just to get home.”

Additionally, students alleged that if an OMNY card is flagged for “suspicious activity,” it may be deactivated without notice or proper communication.

The Panel for Education Policy voted to approve a resolution, introduced by member Shirley Aubin, in support of fare-free and equitable public transit for all city students.

“The Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) implores NYC to act now to enhance the Student OMNY card and make it available to ALL NYC Scholars regardless of eligibility criterium,” the resolution read. “Our scholars cannot wait for the pilot program [for] fare-free buses for all New Yorkers to become a reality for everyone.”

The panel also strongly urged Mayor Mamdani, schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels and city lawmakers to ensure universal and unlimited ride access, fair communication around deactivation and a faster card

replacement process. Members said the student passes should be made from the same durable material as a typical OMNY card and pushed for an initiative that would enable students to access the city’s cultural and arts institutions for free.

The resolution also supported the Transportation Alternatives Youth Activist Community petition that similarly calls for unlimited rides and universal access.

On March 27, city lawmakers took action.

A letter penned by Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), addressed to Samuels and MTA President Demetrius Crichlow and signed by multiple councilmembers, calls student OMNY cards “an important lifeline for many who travel to school, after-school activities and internships.”

“But for an increasing number of young New Yorkers, the usage restrictions imposed by their OMNY Cards are prohibiting them from properly navigating their way around

the city, while many others have been unfairly deemed ineligible for cards due to their proximity to their schools,” the letter states.

The councilmembers said that the four-per-day ride limit is admirable, but unacceptable to students who need to commute to multiple extracurricular activities.

“New York City must follow the lead of other major American cities in this regard and issue unlimited rides to our students,” the letter states.

Lawmakers also requested univer-

sal access to OMNY Cards.

“Preventing students from being able to traverse the city because of their residential proximity to a school is unacceptable and limits their ability to partake in after-school activities,” they wrote.

“We hereby request that the MTA and the DOE address these issues and make the OMNY Card unlimited and universal for all New York City students.”

In addition to Ariola, the Queens signatories are Councilmembers Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans), Selvena BrooksPowers (D-Laurelton), Shanel Thomas-Henry (D-Corona), Phil Wong (D-Maspeth), Ty Hankerson (D-Jamaica), Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Julie Won (D-Long Island City).

An MTA spokesperson told the Chronicle the agency had received Ariola’s letter, but did not offer comment on it.

A spokesperson for the DOE said decisions regarding changes to OMNY programming will involve multiple stakeholders and careful considerations, and that the agency will engage with its partners and PEP members to assess opportunities. Q

Free Hamilton Beach resource day

The New Hamilton Beach Civic Association invites area residents to its free community resource day on April 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Our Lady of Grace gymnasium, at 158-20 101 St. in Howard Beach.

The event promises to bring together city and state agencies, elected officials and community organizations to make it easier for residents to

access information and support all in one place. Featured topics include storm preparedness and community safety. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2zw4w5p6.

Attendees will be given a free raffle ticket, with the grand prize a Dam Easy Flood Barrier. Five additional winners will receive Flood Hero Water-Activated Sandbags. Q

In OZP, permits filed for five-story building

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Permits were recently filed for a five-story mixed-use building at 81-09 101 Ave. in Ozone Park.

As first reported by New York YIMBY, the proposed development would be 50 feet tall and 19,103 square feet in total, with 18,472 square feet for residential space and 631 for community space.

The building would have 28 residences with an average unit

scope of 659 square feet, according to data on the city Department of Buildings website.

The proposal also includes a cellar and five open parking spaces. It is under review by a plan examiner.

The applicant is listed as Mohamed Saleh of Saleh and Associates, LLC, and the owner is Amar 81-11 101 Ave., LLC. The filing representative is Bhupinder Singh of B2 Code Consultants Corp.

Demolition permits were also filed in January for the site’s existing structure, a two-story brick building. The applicant is listed as Simon Jiang of Brooklyn, and the owner and filing representative are the same as the five-story building permit.

However, per the DOB website, the plan examiner issued objections related to the demolition permit, which will not be reviewed again until the applicant resubmits it.

Q

Students, including Vinny Dong, right, of Queens High School for the Sciences, along with parents and elected officials are calling for changes to the student OMNY system, including unlimited and universal rides. MTA PHOTO VIA FLICKR, ABOVE, AND PEP SCREENSHOT VIA LEARNDOE.ORG

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Residents were splashed in a sea of vibrant hues on March 29 as the 38th annual Phagwah Parade burst to life at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street in Richmond Hill.

The lively celebration honors Holi, the joyous festival that welcomes spring with music, dancing and, of course, clouds of bright powder filling the air.

In the first row, at right, parade attendees awash in colors are all smiles; and, left, a float makes its way through the procession enveloped in shades of red.

In the second row, a grinning Mayor Mamdani, who organizers said was the first mayor to march in the parade, greets residents, left;

procession participants gather near Richmond Hill mainstay Sybil’s; Sgt. Shari Shubdar, a member of the NYPD’s Desi Society, and her daughter have a moment to themselves; and a child awash in hues of green and blue waves the flag of Guyana.

Above, students from Hillcrest High School in Jamaica get in on the fun; and attendees watch the parade while lined up along the route.

At right, two girls gear up for the celebration; and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, right, joins in on the festivities dressed as Hindu goddess Kali. — Kristen Guglielmo, with reporting by Michael Shain

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

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Sei whale washes ashore at Rockaway

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A Sei whale that washed ashore on Rockaway Beach last Thursday was likely fatally injured by a boat, according to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

The 45-foot long male whale was originally spotted floating in the waters about 15 miles south of Long Island on March 25 before it washed up onto the beach at 95th Street the following day, AMSEAS said in a post on social media.

Sei whales are an endangered species, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

On the 27th, a team was deployed to the beach to perform a necropsy, or autopsy, on the whale.

The examination determined that the whale was in “good body condition” but had distinctive abrasions along its right side. Internal examination revealed

extensive bruising in the surrounding tissues on its right side, extending dorsally.

“These preliminary findings are consistent with a suspected vessel strike as the likely cause of death,” AMSEAS said.

Following the necropsy, the whale was buried on site in accordance with NOAA standards, which recommend that marine carcasses are buried deeply and as far from the high tide line as possible. Q

W’haven man allegedly stretched cat to death

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A Woodhaven man was indicted Tuesday for allegedly stretching his ex-girlfriend’s cat to death, partially internally decapitating her and causing severe injuries.

Jalen Gonzalez, 23, was arraigned on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, fourth-degree criminal mischief, thirddegree attempted assault and third-degree harassment, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

Per the charges and investigation, the defendant and his girlfriend, who was also his co-worker, were in her residence when Gonzalez allegedly became inebriated and refused to leave. He then grabbed the woman’s leg, authorities said, and squeezed it. She pulled herself away, left the apartment and called a relative for help.

When the woman returned to the apartment with her uncle, Gonzalez was allegedly observed holding her cat, Kitty, by her neck and hind leg, stretching the animal apart.

Kitty’s back legs were mangled and broken, the charges said. Gonzalez’s shirt was allegedly saturated with blood, while the cat had blood on her mouth, head and body.

Blood spatter and vomit were present on the ceiling, walls and floor of the room.

Gonzalez was arrested at the scene by the NYPD, the DA’s Office said.

A forensic veterinarian performed a necropsy on Kitty and determined she suffered significant injuries, including a crushed skull, flattened on one side with dozens of fractures; a fractured jaw and missing teeth; eyes protruding from both sockets and her right eye ruptured; her head internally severed from her spine; a torn diaphragm; fractures to 24 of her ribs; a torn artery leading to her heart; torn or lacerated liver, spleen and kidneys; and a shattered pelvis, with both hind legs fractured.

The charges are not bail eligible under state law, the DA’s Office said.

Gonzalez was ordered to return to court on July 21. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail.

“This animal endured one of the most gratuitously violent deaths that we have ever seen in the borough of Queens,” said District Attorney Melinda Katz. “This is another horrifying example of why New York needs stronger animal cruelty laws to permit appropriate penalties in such cases.” Q

CONZA | MCNAMARA

Georgetown University, B.A.

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

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

A 45-foot long male Sei whale washed ashore at Rockaway Beach last Thursday. AMSEAS PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

EDITORIAL AGEP

Whistleblower pays the price

Fight the political establishment and win, and the political establishment will come right back at you and make sure you lose.

At least that’s the experience of whistleblower David Pecoraro of Rosedale, the member of Eastern Queens Community Board 13 whose constant calls for reform compliance with state law at the very least — irked many of his fellow volunteers.

Now they won’t have to worry anymore. Borough President Donovan Richards, who determines community board membership, declined to appoint Pecoraro to another term. The list of appointees is due out today.

Why? Did he fail to attend meetings? Nope, unlike some people on his board and others across Queens, he showed up every time. Did he not take his duties as a board member seriously? Nope, he sure did take them seriously, studying the issues and, to the constant consternation of the board’s leadership and its allies, calling out management and the chairman’s inner circle when he thought they were in the wrong.

Exhibit No. 1 was the board’s longstanding insistence that it could continue to meet remotely long after

governing bodies went back to in-person sessions following the end of the Covid emergency. Board 13 members just liked to meet from their couches and dining room tables. Problem is, that practice flies in the face of the state Open Meetings Law. Pecoraro called them out on it, insisting on in-person meetings or, better yet, hybrid meetings, so some people could dial in.

The board ignored him (when it wasn’t cutting his mic). This newspaper did not. Under pressure, facing the fact that it was violating the law — in black-andwhite quotes in this newspaper from both the statute itself and the state official overseeing it — CB 13 eventually caved and went back to in-person meetings. It’s good that it did, because without an in-person quorum, nothing the board does has any relevance at all.

If you believe in the rule of law, you can thank Pecoraro for restoring it to one portion of life here. He also had plenty to say about board procedure and the city audit that raised questions on spending, but he was unsuccessful on those fronts. At least he got one thing done. We salute Pecoraro’s service to the board and are sorry to see that his integrity got him removed from it.

Give kids unlimited rides

You might think that four free rides a day on subways and buses is all a New York City student needs, but not today’s student. Today’s student is bouncing all over the place, not just going to and from school. At least many are.

“I’m in the photography club at my school, and we often end up traveling all over the city,” one high schooler told the Panel for Educational Policy last Wednesday in Brooklyn. “Most of the time, I end up using all of my rides before the day is done.”

Clubs, sports, internships — these are just the school-related activities that see kids riding the subways and buses after the last bell rings. They also do things such as visit friends and family, work regular jobs and just explore the city.

Why not make all their rides free? Free for the students, that is — of course the taxpayers have to pay. More free rides on the taxpayers’ dime generally is not the position of this page — we strongly oppose the idea of making transit free for everyone — but it sounds like a fair deal for kids through grade 12.

They also should be given the same quality fare cards other OMNY users get, not the flimsy, easily broken ones they get now. The PEP backs all these fixes and more. Now the city Department of Education and MTA should make them happen.

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

How we love Howie

Dear Editor:

Re Michael Gannon’s March 26 report “Howie Rose to retire after 2026 season”:

News of Howie Rose’s coming exit from the airwaves struck me with sadness and reverence for an iconic broadcast talent whom I met and shared similar circumstances with. Both of us grew up in Queens and have rooted for the Mets since their start in 1962. Both of us are Queens College graduates who shared a podium as guest speakers at QC’s 2012 commencement ceremonies. He spoke as a graduate of the class of 1977, while I spoke for the class of 1962, which celebrated its 50th anniversary that year.

Rose said that as a child from a middleincome family, he found QC to be the only affordable college opportunity available to him. He credited the skills and knowledge gained at QC for helping him launch his broadcasting career. He was inspired to pursue that career while growing up in Queens listening to such legendary sportscasters as Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner and Lindsey Nelson.

His on-air talent matched theirs, said New York Post sports columnist Phil Mushnick. “Rose knew when to apply his knowledge of the Mets and baseball history. He never talked down to us, but rather spoke across from us, as if we were having lunch. He was good for baseball, good for the Mets and good for us baseball fans,” Mushnick stated (Post, March 22).

Rose told the Post that he will broadcast Mets home games during the regular season, but plans to travel with them should they reach the postseason. I hope that happens and he gets to call the play-by-play action if the Mets win their first World Series since 1986. This would be a fabulous finale to a terrific career. He could “put that in the books,” to paraphrase one of Rose’s favorite calls.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

No Kings, episode 3

Dear Editor:

Three’s the charm. Maybe. People were out in force at the corner of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Union Turnpike on Saturday, March 28, for the third No Kings Rally. The photo gallery includes snapshots of a bagpiping teacher from Rego Park, in full Scot-

tish regalia; a rapping American Flag/Aunt Samantha, Uncle Sam’s alter ego, complete with sound system; and a life-sized, animated Lady Liberty stick puppet. Spirited chants of “No kings, no crowns ...” ended with rousing exhortations to “Vote, vote, vote, vote.”

Musicians and singers created a powerful soundtrack for the rally. Drivers on Union Turnpike, including the driver of a very shiny, yellow bulldozer, responded supportively with choruses of honking horns.

People’s signs affirmed that there is something new that needs to be said. Participants displayed photos of the artist Pat Olesko’s 2025 “Humpty Dumpty” take on President Trump, titled “Dump Da Trumpty on His Great Throne.” Signs advised that we “Follow the Money.” A cute pup wore a sign saying, “No Kings — Only Burger King!” Others warned “History” in a variety of ways “is watching.” Some protesters overtly identified as veterans.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

The chatter in the crowd made clear that these people are planning to keep showing up to protest assaults on the constitution and policies that do not embody American values.

Debra Michlewitz Bayside

Head, shoulders, plastics?

Dear Editor:

Business voices have expressed opposition to New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. My question is — whom do we trust more? Business executives or pediatricians?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released an official memo of support for the bill. More than 4,000 pediatricians across the state agree that “one of the most common exposure pathways for children, families and communities to toxic chemicals is through consumer products, especially in plastic products, in which many chemicals are added.”

In other words, microplastics pose a major threat to human health. They have been found in many parts of the human body, including the brain, blood, lungs, kidneys and reproductive systems. The chemicals in microplastics have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, chronic illnesses and reproductive problems.

I don’t want anyone to face toxic exposures, but especially not children. When my sister sends photos of my niece, I want to delight in the ways she is growing and absorbing information rather than dreading health complications from her childhood toys.

According to a national poll of U.S. registered voters, conducted for Oceana by the nonpartisan polling company Ipsos, 85 percent of U.S. voters support increasing the use of reusable packaging and foodware.

The New York State legislative session is scheduled to end on June 4, 2026. The legislators should not adjourn until both houses have passed this vitally important bill.

Gail Tierney

New York Field Representative, Oceana Brooklyn

ID: easy for white men

Dear Editor:

In response to Edward Riecks’ March 19 letter, entitled “Everyone can get ID,” while it may be easy for him as he’s a white male, it won’t be easy for other people. Mr. Riecks says we all have to show ID to open a bank account, board a plane, get a job, etc., but for those a driver’s license is sufficient.

Because of their unpopular policies, Republicans may lose a large number of votes, and they will do whatever it takes to stay in power. In 2020, out of 250 million votes, only 193 people were convicted of voter fraud, so that’s an excuse, not an actual problem.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, would prevent many eligible voters from voting. The highest percentage of registered voters are women and they tend to vote often. To continue voting, most married women would have to legally change their names, something never required before. The State Department accepts a marriage certificate

as one form of ID for a passport, so why couldn’t that be used to vote? However, only well-off people have passports, while poor people are the most likely to lack ID.

A Republican analysis found that 34 percent of American women, 25 percent of blacks and 18 percent of seniors lacked proper ID. Now every Republican state requires photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote. President Trump has repeatedly claimed that voting by mail would be banned, but that’s false. Voting by mail would continue, but these voters would have to enclose ID.

As for having Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents patrol voting locations, according to statute 18 USC 592, it is against federal law for troops or armed men to appear at any voting location unless repelling armed enemies of the United States.

Thankfully, 60 Senate votes are needed to pass the SAVE Act, but there are only 53 Republican senators.

Linda Imhauser

Whitestone

Words can never hurt us

Dear Editor:

The most ridiculous reason given for going to war with Iran is that for 47 years Iran has been chanting, “Death to America,” as purported by the White House spokesperson and others.

However, those chants cost the American taxpayers zero dollars, while the United States is projected to spend approximately $35 billion on this war, without even considering the Pentagon’s replenishment request of $200 billion.

The cost to taxpayers is more dubious since many eminent military experts contend that Iran was not a direct threat to the American mainland, and that Iran did not pose a nuclear threat because that nation had yet to develop nuclear weapon capabilities.

Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

Help families globally

Dear Editor:

As someone who grew up and went to public school in Queens, it brought me a lot of pride to read about the students of PS/MS 207 fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Hyde Park (“In HB, helping families in need,” March 26, South Queens edition). This organization famously supports the families of children who are ill by allowing them to stay in close proximity to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

However, I can’t help but think about children and families who are suffering around the globe. Our leaders in government are failing them by cutting foreign aid funding. That is why I am calling for my representative, Congresswoman Grace Meng, to support bringing the funding for U.S. humanitarian aid to $8.7 billion in the next fiscal year. This will allow children all around the world to get the support they desperately need.

Lara Morales Oakland Gardens

The writer is a fellow with the Fund for Global Health.

FAITH TALK

Pastor Stephen Roser

Stephen Roser is the pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God Church

No sickness known to man is worse than hopelessness. You can live six minutes without air, 40 days without food, but not one second without hope. Dante described a sign above the doorway to hell as reading: “All hope abandon ye who enter here.”

The path of life is littered with dead and dying hopes: money, popularity, pleasure, and fame have failed to meet the expectations of hope-starved people. The source of hope determines the quality of hope. The Source of our hope is Jesus Christ. It is a living hope because He is a living Savior and the Source of life itself. This hope is pervaded with life, carrying with it in undying power the certainty of fulfillment.

The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of a Christian’s hope. It demonstrates that the Father accepts His death as

full payment for our sins and that He is victorious over death, the grave, and the devil. It is “God’s receipt” for Calvary. It is also an assurance of our own resurrection. Because of the inseparable union between Christ and His flock, He won’t go ahead and leave us behind.

There is a legend about a fox who was about to enter a cave. He stopped, looked in, and turned away. When asked why, he replied, “There are the tracks of many foxes going into the cave, but none coming out.”

There is one set of tracks leading out of the cave of death, despair, and hopelessness. Jesus gave us the message: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Because I live, shall you live also.”

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Lawmakers debate environmental rules, assistance for NYC and more Policy talks delay late state budget

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

April 1 has come and gone, and the state budget is once again late.

Lawmakers on Tuesday passed a weeklong budget extender, keeping state money flowing through April 7 as they continue to negotiate spending for fiscal 2027.

The budget has been late every year since Hochul took office in 2021. Last year’s budget wasn’t finalized until more than a month after the April 1 deadline.

But state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) doesn’t think it should be as late as it’s been in years past.

“There’s no hurdle here that is too high that we can’t overcome in making this a budget that’s somewhat on time,” Addabbo told the Chronicle Tuesday, saying he hopes a budget can be further negotiated and finalized shortly after Easter and Passover.

There are key differences among the $260 billion executive proposal that Gov. Hochul announced in January and the two one-house plans put forth by the Legislature last month. One of the most significant was taxes — both houses want wealthy earners and corporations to pay more, as does Mayor Mamdani, but Hochul has long opposed the hikes.

In the city, Mamdani faces a multibilliondollar gap that he hopes to narrow by raising income taxes on the highest earners. But he can’t do that without the state’s OK, and the property tax hike that he proposed as a “last resort” has prompted pushback.

Addabbo said state lawmakers are trying to stave off higher property taxes for city dwellers — he said he does not see a need for the increases if the state package helps the city enough, but there’s no guarantee the mayor

won’t still impose them.

The New York Times reported last week that Mamdani has backed away from the idea, telling lawmakers in private that he likely would not pursue those hikes.

Ongoing budget talks also concern proposed environmental policy changes. Hochul is calling to fast-track certain housing and infrastructure projects by exempting them from the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and the Senate has called to limit those exemptions.

Hochul said last month that she wants to delay enforcement of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act until 2030, and change what emission limits its regulations are tied to. The law requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 40 percent by 2030 and at least 85 percent by 2050.

She cited economic factors for doing so, from post-Covid inflation to federal tariffs. Energy affordability also was a concern, especially given the ongoing war in Iran.

Other discussions involve buffer zones for protests near religious sites, car insurance and the Tier 6 pension system.

“Governor Hochul is committed to passing a budget that delivers real relief for New Yorkers and will continue to negotiate in good faith with her partners in the legislature to approve a budget that makes New York safer and more affordable for working families,” gubernatorial press secretary Kara Cumoletti said in an email.

A late budget could pose an issue to the five boroughs — the city’s fiscal year begins July 1, but the full extent of its needs will be unknown until it’s clear how much the state

continued on page 22

As Gov. Hochul and state lawmakers negotiate environmental regulations, aid for New York City and more, the state budget is late yet again.

PHOTO BY DARREN MCGEE / NYS GOVERNOR’S OFFICE / FLICKR

‘No Kings’ march takes over Queens Blvd. on nationwide day of resistance Forest Hills decries Trump’s White House

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

“This is what democracy looks like,” demonstrators cried last Saturday as they trekked from MacDonald Park in Forest Hills to Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, lamenting a lack thereof at the federal level.

The march down Queens Boulevard was among thousands of No Kings protests March 28, the third such day of nationwide action against what the movement calls tyranny by President Trump.

“The World’s Borough will not bow to a wannabe king,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “We will not accept democracy dying and fascism rising. This country, the country Donald Trump wants to turn us into, is not the country my father sought a better life in.”

Asked about the top issues the nation faces, Alyce Wittenstein, who chairs the Queens Says No Kings group that organized the march, told the Chronicle “the list is so long,” citing “the attack on civil rights, on laws, the murdering of citizens” and a lack of healthcare resources in the United States.

“Protest is not the only way to attack it, but I think it’s an important part of the equation,” she said. Wittenstein said Trump’s “whole movement” must be discredited — voting him out in 2028 is not enough if his

successor is “just as bad.”

“I feel that we need to get them pushed out and humiliated so they can’t come back,” she said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations were among the main drivers of demonstrators’ resistance. The nationwide protests were set against the backdrop of a weekslong shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security — congressional Democrats have refused to support ICE funding absent “guardrails” to rein in the agency, following aggressive enforcement operations in Minnesota earlier this year.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) began her remarks by saying she had just returned from the nation’s capital, where House Republicans “chose to fund ICE” over workers for the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Forest Hills’ No Kings march was among thousands of demonstrations March 28, the third such nationwide day of action

The House passed a stopgap bill the night prior to fully fund the DHS, after rejecting one passed by the Senate that would have withheld money from ICE.

E aster Easter

ICE agents were deployed to assist at airports as TSA employees went without pay. They were set to start receiving checks Monday, but border czar Tom Homan said on CNN that “we’ll see” if ICE remains.

“I don’t care what they tell you, I have seen them pick up people without a warrant, simply because that person happened to be

passing by and looked brown,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz (D-Corona).

She and Assemblyman Steven Raga (D-Woodside) called for the passage of the New York for All Act, which aims to bar local resources from being used for immigration enforcement.

“We march today because we are fed up with the corruption, with the abuse of power, with the attacks on our communities,” said Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst). “We march today to say ICE out of New York.”

One attendee, who wished only to be referred to as Emily, decried what she called the “erosion of everything normal in government,” which has become “a sandbox for billionaires to do whatever they want.”

“The rule of law does not exist at that level,” she said. “It’s like we do not have a democracy anymore.”

“Whatever [Trump] wants, he does, and there’s no checks and balances anymore,”

continued on page 22

• Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7:00 PM

• The Church open for Adoration until Midnight • Consoling the Mother of Sorrows10:00 AM • Blessing of Food Baskets - 11:00 AM

• Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM

• Devotional Prayers in the Hours of the Agony 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

• Divine Mercy 2:30 PM

• Passion of the Lord - 3:00 PM

• Procession of the “Dead Christ” and “Sorrowful Mother” 7:00 PM

• Church will be open all day

RUSSO

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

Wood Memorial at Big A one more time

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

At 6:34 p.m. on Saturday, thoroughbred racing’s Wood Memorial Stakes will mark its 101st anniversary.

It also will run at Aqueduct Race Track — and in the Borough of Queens — for the last time.

Founded at the old Jamaica Race Course in 1925, the Wood Memorial has run at the Big A since 1960, and is one of the premier tune-up races for the Kentucky Derby.

But with Belmont Park set to reopen this September following a two-year, $500 million reconstruction, the Wood Memorial is relocating to Nassau County in 2027.

Aqueduct, which opened in South Ozone Park in 1894, begins its regular spring season today, April 2, and will have 15 days of live racing Thursdays through Sundays through April 26.

After 33 dates for “Belmont at the Big A” through June 28, the horses will head up to Saratoga, NY, until Belmont reopens and Aqueduct will go dark for the last time.

The Wood Memorial was named after Eugene Wood, who was an influential politician and lobbyist in both New York City and Albany politics.

He also was a horse racing enthusiast. Wood was both a co-founder and past president of the Jamaica Race Course, which opened in 1903 on property that now is the home to Rochdale Village.

The Wood Memorial was first run a year after his death.

This year’s 13 scheduled horses are Napoleon Solo, Talk to Me Jimmy, Right to Party, Steel, Ocelli, Minorinconvenience, Albus, Courting, Bravaro, Red Zone Runner, Ottinho, Buetane and Iron Honor.

The purse is $450,000, as opposed to the $7,600 offered in 1925.

Aqueduct Race Track is located at 11000 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park and is easily reached by public transportation.

The website of the New York Racing Association says admission is free on Wood Memorial Day. General parking is typically free, unless otherwise noted. Clubhouse Parking is $10 via credit/debit card; cash is not accepted. Q

Immigration’s downward turn

continued from page 2

small businesses she has spoken with have reported a steep decline in commercial activities, as have workers in Corona.

“I do believe that’s related to the decline in the immigrant population, fear of ICE, and economic uncertainty,” Ramos said in an email. “If this trend continues, we could see an increase in businesses closing and storefront vacancies.”

She called for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for longtime residents — that, she said, would not only allay immigrants’ concerns about their future and economic stability, but spark commercial growth.

A spokesperson for City Councilmember

Julie Won (D-Long Island City) said her office runs a free immigration clinic, and people have said they can’t be reunited with family members in the states due to delays in the processing of their applications.

“There’s so much fear,” the spokesperson told the Chronicle Tuesday. “People are afraid to come to the U.S. because they’re not sure what to expect — if they’re going to get a job, if they’re going to have trouble being in this country.”

If the number of new arrivals keeps declining, she said, people may return to their home countries, and the notion of “the American dream” could be lost, along with the diversity it brings. Q

Some language on protest buffer zones removed from original documents Antisemitism bills passed by Council

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Five bills aimed at stopping antisemitic incidents were among those passed by the City Council last Thursday.

The Five-Point Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism is the first signature issue pushed by new Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) in her brief tenure.

“I am immensely proud of the legislative package the Council passed today to combat hate, including my legislation to help protect safe access to houses of worship,” Menin said in a statement. “This is an urgently needed and carefully crafted bill that will ensure transparency, accountability and community engagement in NYPD plans to respond to protests — three pillars to protecting both public safety and free speech rights alike.”

A large pro-Hamas rally outside a Kew Gardens Hills synagogue on Jan. 8 was one of the incidents prompting the bills.

Menin is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.

Introduction 1-B, sponsored by the speaker, will require the NYPD to establish a plan to address the risk of physical obstruction, physical injury, intimidation of and interference with congregants attempting to enter a house of worship. While buffer zones still can be a tool in the toolbox on a case-by-case basis, the wording of 1-B dropped the 100-foot buffer zones for protesters that Menin originally sought.

The change came in February after consultation with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who had expressed concern over First Amendment issues. Similar changes were

made to Introduction 175-B, sponsored by Councilman Eric Dinowitz (D-Bronx), who had originally proposed buffer zones around schools, such as yeshivas.

The Chronicle has reached out to Mayor Mamdani’s office for comment as to whether he intends to sign or veto the five bills in the package.

Plan Ahead with Love

Menin’s bill passed by a vote of 44-5 with one abstention, which should make any potential veto subject to being overridden. But the schools bill passed by a vote of 30-19 with one abstention. The Council requires 34 votes to override a veto.

Introduction 22-A, sponsored by Councilman Shaun Abreu (D-Manhattan), passed 50-0. It will require the city Department of Education to distribute materials to middleand high school students about the dangers of social media, including as it pertains to online bullying, harassment and discrimination, among other topics.

Introduction 297-A, introduced by Councilwoman Virginia Maloney (D-Manhattan), will require an agency or office designated by the mayor, in consultation with the NYPD, to provide religious and nonprofit institutions with support in establishing and maintaining emergency plans.

It passed 49-1. Dissenting was Councilwoman Althea Stevens (D-Bronx).

Introduction 388-A, sponsored by Councilman Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn), would require the city’s Commission on Civil and Human Rights to establish a hotline where people can report discriminatory harassment or discriminatory practices. The final vote was 46-3 with one abstention. Q

A rally by pro-Hamas protesters outside a Kew Gardens Hills synagogue in January was one of the influences on five bills passed by the City Council on Thursday. NYS ASSEMBLY PHOTO VIA X / FILE

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Avoiding a Guardianship Proceeding

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

Under New York law, if you become suddenly incapacitated, such as from a stroke or car accident, your loved ones do not automatically get to make decisions regarding your healthcare nor are they allowed to access your assets to take care of you. Instead, they must apply to the New York State Supreme Court to become your Guardian under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law. This process is costly, intrusive, and typically involves multiple court appearances.

A proper estate plan includes legal documents known as Advanced Directives that allow you to prepare for the possibility of your incapacity and avoid a Guardianship Proceeding. Three common Advanced Directives that everyone should have are a Living Will, Healthcare Proxy, and Durable Power of Attorney.

Living Will: Outlines your healthcare preferences should you become inca-

pacitated and unable to make critical healthcare decisions. Important decisions such as maintaining life support in the event of severe or irreversible injury will be included in your Living Will and will be respected by the hospital and your healthcare providers.

Healthcare Proxy: Designates a person as your agent to make health care decisions if you become unable to communicate or make decisions on your own.

Durable Power of Attorney: Grants another person or persons the authority to make legal and fi nancial decisions for you. The Durable Power of Attorney is effective the day you sign it and is “durable” in the sense that the power continues if you become incapacitated.

Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@conzamcnamara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.

Van Wyck project update, Q&A Thurs.

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Will construction on the Van Wyck Expressway finish in this lifetime?

Who knows?

What the Chronicle can inform readers is that today, April 2, starting at 6 p.m., Southeast Queens elected officials from the city, state and federal level plan to have a meeting at the South Ozone Park Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 120-02 140 St., to provide updates on the capital project.

There will also be a question-andanswer portion to the forum with the state Department of Transportation.

To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/4abmxnwk.

To learn more about the event, which is hosted by state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park), people may contact his staffer, Dan Lee, at (518) 4553531 or dlee@nysenate.gov.

The yearslong 4.3-mile project is expected to provide better connectivity to JFK Airport, which is projected to have nearly 75 million passengers by 2030, according to the DOT’s website.

The purpose of the project is to add

capacity from the Kew Gardens Interchange to the airport by adding a lane to the expressway; and to improve the operations and geometry of access ramps while addressing structural deficiencies of the bridges, said the DOT.

Multiple reports say the project is expected to be completed this year.

Aracelia Cook, president of the 149th Street South Ozone Park Civic Association, one of many groups co-sponsoring the meeting, said it is open to all who use the expressway. Q

Clear clutter and help vets

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is once again hosting his biannual paper shredding and household goods donation event at the Forest Park bandshell parking lot on Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can bring personal documents to securely dispose through on-site shredding and donate select household items to the United War Veterans Council.

Accepted items include paper, with a maximum of three medium boxes of files per person; clothing and shoes; small working appliances and kitchenware; toys

and bikes; jewelry; small furniture; American flags; and eyeglasses.

Batteries, electronics, cardboard, magazines, file folders, pre-shredded paper, bulk commercial business files, air conditioners, paint and tires will not be accepted. For more information, one may call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111.

“Spring cleaning with a purpose is a hallmark of this event,” Addabbo said.

“The drive makes it easy for residents to protect their privacy by shredding sensitive documents while also supporting veterans through the donation program.” Q

738-1111 addabbo@nysenate.gov

A meeting updating residents about the Van Wyck Expressway is set for today, April 2, starting at 6 p.m. PHOTO BY ARACELIA COOK

Smiles bloom at HBL Civic’s Hop ’n’

Spring cheer stretched from table to table as families turned out for the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s annual Hop ’n’ Treat on March 28, where kids were invited to stroll along Cross Bay Boulevard and fill their baskets with goodies.

Little ones posed for photos with Hunny Bunny, visited a petting zoo and made their

way from one festively decorated table to the next, collecting a variety of treats and small prizes provided by area businesses and residents. Volunteers helped keep the morning running smoothly, guiding families through the event.

“Our biggest Hop N’ Treat yet! What a beautiful morning in Howard Beach,” the

civic said in a statement posted to its Facebook page, accompanied by photos.

“It may not have been Spring like weather but the children’s smiles warmed our hearts on this bright and sunny day,” the post read. “Thank you to all of the businesses and community members that participated!” — Kristen Guglielmo

HAPPY

Mets fans unite for an Amazin’ opener

The team might look different this year, but the excitement at Citi Field was as palpable as ever as fans gathered to cheer on the New York Mets during Opening Day, March 26.

At top right, players stand united facing the flag during the National Anthem; Nicole and Erin Sullivan of Flushing, left, pose with an inflatable Mr. Met before the festivities; while Ned Galfars, a Bayside High School alum, takes Mets fandom to new heights — literally.

In the second row, at left, The Wyszinski and Schlichter families, of Forest Hills, Rego Park and Glendale, are all smiles in front of the Home Run Apple; Middle Village’s Connor and James McClelland, the district manager of Community Board 9, tailgate in the parking lot before the game; and Anthony Ciarcia of Howard Beach, third from left, makes Opening Day

a friends and family affair.

Above, at left, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, left, Michael Sullivan, the chief of staff for Mets owner Steve Cohen, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and City Comptroller Mark Levine soak in the Opening Day atmosphere from the field; stadium mainstay Cowbell Man, Eddie Boison, gets fans in the spirit just outside of the stadium; and Bill DeCicco, second from right, a Bayside native, celebrates his 61st straight home opener alongside his family.

At right, Cohen greets former Mets outfielder, team hall-of-famer and 1986 World Series champion Mookie Wilson on the field, left; and radio broadcaster Howie Rose emcees the Opening Day ceremony. Following the pregame festivities, the Mets beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-7. — Kristen Guglielmo

Safe ways seniors can lose weight

Simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits can help seniors safely lose weight.

The prevalence of obesity among adults 60 and older is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39 percent of adults 60 and over met the criteria for obesity over a two-year period between August 2022 and August 2024.

The National Council on Aging notes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as you age. Seniors who qualify as obese, which occurs when a person’s body accumulates and stores excessive amounts of body fat, carry a higher risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

The NCOA also notes that excess body weight puts a strain on the joints, increasing the risk for osteoarthritis and making daily movements more difficult. People with obesity also are more likely to develop asthma and sleep apnea.

Seniors diagnosed with obesity are urged to seek safe and healthy ways to lose weight. Fad diets and other means to quick weight loss can be dangerous, but the NCOA notes simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits can help seniors safely lose weight.

• Consume nutrient-dense foods. Lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables offer plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber but tend to be low in calories. That makes them ideal options for people looking to lose weight, as they contribute to feelings of fullness without consuming a lot of calories.

• Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise can pose problems for older adults who qualify as obese. The joint issues that can affect older adults with obesity can make traditional exercise re g imens

that incorporate strength training and moderate to vigorous aerobic activity very difficult, and maybe even dangerous. But the NCOA notes that exercise need not be intense to be effective. Walking is a great physical activity for older adults. Swimming also is excellent, as it provides a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Seniors are urged to speak with their physicians about physical activities they can handle.

• Don’t sleep on sleep. Sleep can be an effective ally for seniors looking to lose weight. The NCOA notes that seven to nine hours of sleep per night helps support a healthy metabolism and regulate hunger. Seniors who have trouble falling asleep a t night can try various strategies, from avoiding caffeine from the afternoon on to avoidin g screens after dinner, to prepare their bodies to get better rest at night.

• Work to combat stress. The NCOA reports that stress is a contributor to weigh t gain. And stress and disorders linked to it are perhaps more common among adults 60 and over than people realize. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association o f America, anxiety disorders, which are a notable source of ongoing stress, are the mos t widespread mental health condition among older adults. Sufficient sleep, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help seniors combat stress, and that in turn may help older adults avoid excess weight gain. Obesity is a problem among older adults. Finding safe ways to lose weight can have a profound effect on seniors’ short- and longterm health. P — Metro Creative Connection

With April 15 looming, how is Social Security taxed?

by Andy Markowitz

If your total income is more than $25,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a married couple filing jointly, you must pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. Below those thresholds, your benefits are not taxed. That applies to spousal benefits, survivor benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance as well as to retirement benefits.

The portion of your benefits subject to taxation varies depending on your income level. You’ll be taxed on:

up to 50 percent of your benefits if your income is $25,000 to $34,000 for an individual or $32,000 to $44,000 for a married couple filing jointly.

up to 85 percent of your benefits if your income is more than $34,000 (individual) or $44,000 (couple).

‘Combined’ income is key

For purposes of determining how the IRS treats your Social Security payments, “income” means your adjusted gross income (line 11 on your 1040 form) plus nontaxable interest income plus half of your Social Security benefits. The IRS calls this your “combined” or “provisional” income.

Say you file individually and your income for 2025 consisted of $40,000 in 401(k) withdrawals and a $1,500-a-month retirement benefit. Your combined income was $49,000 ($40,000 from your savings and half of the $18,000 you got from Social Security). You owed taxes on 85 percent of your $18,000 in annual benefits, or $15,300, at the regular rate for your tax bracket. Nobody pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits, no matter their income.

The IRS has an online tool you can use to calculate how much

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of your benefit income is taxable. The Social Security Administration estimates that about half of Social Security recipients owe income taxes on their benefits.

New deduction could affect taxes on benefits

The One Big Beautiful Bill, enacted in July 2025, includes a new tax deduction for people 65 and older. This bonus deduction does not change the way Social Security income is taxed — but it could reduce or offset taxes on benefits for millions of older Americans by lowering their overall taxable income.

To qualify for the full, $6,000 deduction, you must be at least

65 years old by the end of the tax year and have a modified adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 for an individual taxpayer or $150,000 for a married couple filing jointly. (If both spouses are age 65-plus, both can claim the $6,000 deduction.) Those with higher incomes up to $175,000 for singles o r $250,000 for joint filers may qualify for a reduced deduction. The bonus deduction is temporary: It takes effect with 2025 taxes and year and expires after the 2028 tax year.

Some states tax benefits, too

Some use the federal rules for determining if benefits are taxable, but most have their own deductions and exemptions based on age or income. Contact your state tax agency for details on how benefits are taxed.

Keep in mind

If your child receives Social Security dependent or survivor benefits, those payments do not count toward your taxable income. That money is taxable if the child has sufficient income (from Social Security and other sources) to have to file a return in his or her own name.

Supplemental Security Income — an SSA-administered benefit for people with low incomes and limited assets who are 65 or older, blind or have a disability — is never taxed.

If you do have to pay taxes on your benefits, you have a choice as to how: You can file quarterly estimated tax returns with the IRS or ask Social Security to withhold federal taxes from your benefit payment. P

Andy Markowitz is an AARP senior writer and editor covering Social Security and retirement.

Student creatives shine at film festival

Young directors, producers, writers and actors get a moment in the spotlight

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

The World’s Borough was well represented on March 25, as young filmmakers from across the city had their talents on full display at the eighth annual NYC Public Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria.

The event, a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the city Department of Education, looks to open doors for young New Yorkers into the city’s world-renowned film and television industry. Additionally, students also walked away with professional headshots to take on their film career journeys.

A record 185 films were submitted, spanning 48 schools throughout the boroughs. A total of 23 short films were selected by a panel of teachers and media professionals for inclusion in the festival, which was attended by MOME Commissioner Rafael Espinal and NYC Public Schools Arts Office Executive Director Paul Thomson.

The selected films can be viewed online at nyc.gov/nycpsfilmfestival.

One of the highlights of the festival was a documentary film, “The Next Pitch,” written, directed and produced by Richmond Hill High School student Reiny Ortiz Jr.

The film highlights the school’s baseball

team as they look back on the previous season and focus on preparing for the next. It stars

Christopher Garcia Duarte, Christian Garcia Duarte, Ralph Wallace, Angelo Pacheco, Angelo Pabon, Anaiscio Ortiz and Ortiz Jr., and was created with support by teacher Norman Wong.

Another submission was “My Little White Pony,” an animation film produced by Kiara Esther Bosque Sanchez of Motion Picture Technical High School in Woodside, with teacher David Fitzpatrick.

It centers on a girl named Charm, who has a white, blond-haired, red-eyed pet pony from another planet. The video utilizes 3D animation, frame-by-frame 2D animation, rigging 2D animation and stop motion.

What starts as a friendly makeover ends with unexpected consequences in “Crazy Makeup,” an experimental film written and produced by Jenny Martinez of the Academy for Careers in Television and Film in Long Island City, with teacher Jeff Crook. Martinez directed it along with Justin Gabriel Santos, and co-starred with Brigitte Cielo.

Also in the experimental category, “Cradling the Past,” starring Marlow Bedder, focuses on a teenager who wakes up in a panic to find herself in a tunnel of past memories.

It was directed, written, sound edited and

Richmond Hill High School student Reiny Ortiz Jr., above, wrote and directed “The Next Pitch,” a documentary about the school’s baseball team, for the NYC Public Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image on March 25 in Astoria.

PHOTO BY LOU AGUILAR

produced by Izzy Myung Sung Salaff of Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts in Astoria, with help from teacher Jason Spagnuoli and music by LochHaven and Friendly to Crows.

Eian Riedlinger of JHS 202, the Robert Goddard School, in Ozone Park, assisted by teacher Anthony Alvarez, wrote and directed “Imaginary Friend,” a short feature about Tyler, a quiet middle school student who struggles with confidence and connecting with others. An unexpected new friend challenges him to step out of his comfort zone. It stars Justin Montilla and Lamisa Uddin.

“Why is it important to spread kindness?,” a film written, directed and produced by Shannon Davidson, Drew Carter and Bathsheba Genesis Cecil of Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village, with teacher Stephanie Choriatis, was submitted in the PSA/advocacy category.

It consists of a series of interviews with teachers and students around the school and stars Nasir Ewald, Kymani Job, Janelle Lauria, Stamatis Koliatsis, Jaelon Jackson and Santino Paredes.

“The student film festival is an exciting moment for our student filmmakers to see their hard work presented on the big screen,” said city Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels in a prepared statement. “Film is a powerful art form for students to express their ideas, share their creativity and connect with others. I am so proud of every student who submitted to the festival and was recognized today.” Q

B SPORTS EAT

State budget

continued from page 12

No Kings rally

SJU bedeviled by Duke

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The best season for the St. John’s University men’s basketball team this century ended Friday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The Red Storm lost to the top seed in the Eastern regional bracket of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils, 80-75 in their “Sweet 16” matchup.

To their credit, the Red Storm did not seem intimidated by either the big moment or the fact they were playing one of the favorites to win the tournament. They did not crumble when Duke started off with an 11-4 lead and it looked as if the team from Durham, NC, would run the one from Queens out of the building. The Red Storm’s swarming defense forced turnovers that led to several thunderous dunks by Zuby Ejiofor.

Unfortunately, many of the problems that plagued the Red Storm in the Big East Tournament reared their ugly head Friday night. The Red Storm were once again outrebounded 40-27. That led to Duke being able to score many easy close-in buckets. That was a key difference.

The Red Storm were able to build 10-point leads with 15 minutes to go in the Big East tournament games, but they quickly watched them evaporate. This was a recurring theme in their three games at Madison Square Garden in March, as the Providence Friars, Seton Hall Pirates and University of Connecticut Huskies all

made scary late runs. Red Storm Head Coach Rick Pitino would say at every one of his Big East Tournament press conferences, “We bent, but we never broke.” They did break, however, against a talented and physical Duke team.

The Red Storm also blew a big lead a week ago when they defeated the University of Kansas Jayhawks, 67-65. Disaster was avoided when guard Dylan Darling was able to drive the length of the court and hit a running hook shot just before time expired to give the Johnnies the win.

Last-second magic eluded Darling Friday night. In the closing seconds of the Duke game, he heaved up a desperate three-point shot that turned out to be a way-off-the-mark air ball. It did not take long for the internet to post clips of haughty Carlton Banks, played by actor Alfonso Ribeiro, doing the same thing in a basketball game in a classic “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” episode

While it is easy to paint Darling as the goat, the entire Red Storm offense was awful in the final two minutes. Their clock management and moving away from the ball skills left a lot to be desired.

Pitino was philosophical following the game. He credited Duke for winning, and compared his team’s accomplishment to winning a bronze medal in the Olympics. Not the desired gold, but still something of which to be proud Q

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

continued from page 13 will help out.

Lawmakers on Wednesday published their response to Mamdani’s preliminary budget proposal. Per a Council press release, they will negotiate with the administration “once the State has finalized its budget.”

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) said negotiations on immigration, car insurance reform, the CLCPA and SEQRA are delaying the fiscal portion of the budget.

“Once those are agreed upon, then we will be able finalize the budget,” Hevesi said in a statement.

Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, said his group is “disappointed” that missing the April 1 deadline “has become the norm.”

“Now the question becomes: will the State use this extra time to enact a budget that is good for New York now and in the future?” Rein said in a statement. “Or will short-term decision-making risk a self-inflicted fiscal crisis that drives future cuts and weakens competitiveness?”

Addabbo said that while it “would have been nice” to have a budget April 1 to demonstrate efficiency, getting it right is the top priority. But the more delayed it is, the less time lawmakers have for legislative work — the Assembly added a week to its session last year due to the late budget.

Rein said a good budget will be one that curbs ever-increasing spending, prioritizes affordability and program quality and “hold[s] the line” on taxes. Q

attendee Lillian Esposito said, after referencing Trump’s plan to have his signature appear on new paper currency.

“I think the way things are going right now in Washington, there’s no checks on power, no checks on judicial overreach,” said Forest Hills resident John, who declined to share his last name. “I think we can’t sit by and just let it happen.”

Several speakers also condemned what they called the “illegal” war in Iran, which was launched without Congress’s approval.

On top of the passionate speeches and raised fists, the rally was a “moving art installation,” as Wittenstein put it. Participants at the front of the march held handmade signs — words such as “resist” and “disrupt” could be seen on vibrant hearts and flowers as the protest took over Queens Boulevard. One sign depicted a glass of water, with the words “no ICE” inside it.

Attendees also enjoyed musical performances at Borough Hall, and a group of leaders from various faiths gave remarks just before the protest ended.

“This is a moral issue,” said the Rev. Jeff Courter of the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, mentioning the lives lost in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine and more. “That’s why we are here.”

A Zoom “after party” was scheduled for Sunday to discuss next steps and keep participants involved after the march. Planned speakers included reps from Hands Off NYC and Central Queens Mutual Aid. Q

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Michael Gannon

With its forests, wetlands, meadows and diverse wildlife, Alley Pond Park is ideal for bird watching.

And with city schools coming up on spring break, the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston is inviting families with children ages 6 and older to its free annual spring Bird Walks from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on April 8 and 9.

Children must be accompanied by a parent during the walk, and preregistration is required online at alleypond.org/free-programs. Spaces are limited.

Bonnie Bromberg, APEC’s education director, said the walk will be led by Wing Kong, a bird expert and naturalist who has worked with them for a few years.

You’re invited to You’re to bir dwatching walks birdwatching walks in Alley Pond Park in Pond Park

“It really is meant to be a family experience,” Bromberg told the Chronicle. “Hopefully, both [parents and children] will become future bird enthusiasts.”

Guests will check in at the center at 229-10 Northern Blvd. and head out to the walking trails with loaner binoculars in hand.

”The nice thing is first, they’ll learn how to use the binoculars because some people don’t know how to use them, and, if they see a bird, how to magnify them,” she said.

Kong then will go over the birds they could reasonably come across on an early April morning in Alley Pond Park.

“She’s going to help identify some of the species that have just migrated back, like redwinged blackbirds — we have a lot of those,” Bromberg said. “We also have house sparrows here, cardinals, mourning doves. It’s not guaranteed which birds are going to be out, but you might see Baltimore orioles. Sometimes down by the water we’ll see some of our mallard ducks.

“Maybe some great blue herons. You can see them wading in the estuaries — that’s the bird on our logo. They might just be passing through, but we do see them here. We might see black night herons as well.”

The 635-acre park is essential both to the native birds that call it home and those using it as a hospitable stopover.

“Wetlands are very important to birds that are

continued on page 25

King Crossword Puzzle

John Paulson hedged his bets first in Whitestone

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Alfredo Guillermo Paulson was born in Ecuador on Nov. 22, 1924. Orphaned at 15, he came to the U.S. and served in World War II, becoming a sergeant. On Feb. 10, 1952 he married Jacqueline Boklan in Los Angeles. They came to New York and he became a successful accountant who eventually ran a public relations firm. They lived in a 3,000-square-foot house at 160-11 10 Ave. in Whitestone, built in 1920.

One of their four children was John Alfred, born on Dec. 14, 1955. He has two sisters and a brother.

After graduating from New York University and Harvard Business School, John Paulson got interested in hedge funds. In 1994 he started one with only one employee. By 2003 he had $300 million in assets. He became famous in 2007 when he bet against subprime mortgages and made $4 billion in a credit default swap. In 2010 he set another record, making $5 billion in one year investing in the gold sector.

In 2000 he married a Romanian immigrant, Jenny Zaharia. They have two daugh-

ters. Paulson raised massive amounts of money for the Trump campaign and was seriously considered for treasury secretary, a role that eventually went to Scott Bessent. After a nasty divorce from wife Jenny, at over 70 years of age Paulson is said to be engaged to Alina de Almeida, a clinical dietitian in her 30s. His saga continues to excite the media. Q

The childhood home of billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson was at 160-11 10 Ave. in Whitestone, seen as it looks today after a complete rebuild done in 1995.

Memories of the present serve as future archive

by Naeisha Rose editor

More than 100 people were at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning for the opening of the “2026: Memory Vault” exhibit, featuring work from painters, a photographer, sculptor and muralist on March 13.

The work, which is on display at 161-04 Jamaica Ave. through May 22, is by Coulibaly Adama Nanguin Abib Jr., Anoushka Bhalla, Jashawn Johnson, Edgie Amisial, Keilley Banks and Quiana Lewis, emerging artists in JCAL’s ARTWorks Fellowship, which supports people from Queens and those underrepresented in the industry.

Sherwin Banfield serves as the fellowship’s program manager and the work was curated by Margarita Lila Rosa, who challenged artists to move from the deeply personal to the broadly cultural in their works.

Lewis, a Trinidadian-American painter and muralist from West Babylon, LI, who made “The pixie cut” and “Where do I belong,” told the Chronicle Rosa is an amazing curator who pushed her “to step outside my comfort zone.”

It was the first time the painter did a project that is canvas on canvas, she said.

“It was definitely outside the box,” Lewis said. The muralist is also thankful for the program, which along with helping the fel-

lows develop in the industry, introduces them to mid-career artists via studio tours.

Lewis met Guy Philoche, a Haitian-American artist who would go to Manhattan to hand out pamphlets with photographs of himself well-dressed that touted him as a big-name artist, leading to interest in his work before he became established.

“His story was inspiring,” said the fellow West Indian.

Her work, “Pixie” is partially inspired by

her mother, Raquel Bland, who wore her hair short, and her dad, Perry Lewis, who owned barbershops along Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, not too far from JCAL.

“This was a full circle moment, because my dad would have me run errands during the summer and I would pass this place all the time, not knowing what it was,” said Lewis. “There is not a lot of opportunity for artists, especially those who look like me, from where I am.”

At 19, she cut her hair. Her very strict Trinidadian father was apprehensive at first, but would go on to say she looks like her mom and then cut it for her.

“I was also inspired by women like Nia Long and Halle Berry, who would have short hair, going against the trend,” said Lewis.

Her second piece is about Liam Ramos, the 5-year-old detained by federal immigration agents who advocates say used him as bait to detain his asylum-seeking father.

“It reminded me of Ruby Bridges,” said Lewis. “She was 6 years old when she received so much vitriol when she was integrating a school. ... That is recent Black history, because she is still alive today.”

Bridges is 71.

To learn more about the exhibit or other JCAL events, visit jcal.org.

Rosa said she chose the artists because she was drawn to how their work captured intimate textures of everyday life while reflecting broader cultural forces.

“This exhibition situates itself within the global realities of 2026, while foregrounding the ways New Yorkers continue to challenge and reshape narratives about them,” Rosa said via email.

“At its core, 2026: Memory Vault sees the present moment as a future archive.” Q

Alley Pond event is for the birds — and families

continued from page 23

migrating and traveling,” Bromberg said. “It’s a place for them to rest. To refuel, to find some food and drink some water. Like I said, we can’t guarantee what you’re going to see, but Wing is great. She knows a lot more about all the species.”

And on the right trail, you might possibly see birds in The Queens Giant, the tallest, oldest tree in the city at more than 130 feet and between 350 and 450 year old.

Crossword Answers

The Bird Walks will go off rain or shine, and parents are reminded to dress themselves and their children properly for whatever weather arrives.

If there is a drizzle, the usual plan is to take to the trails. If there is heavier rain, Kong will conduct some of her talk in a classroom; but people still can head outside to the deck and around the building to look off into the forest with the binoculars.

“Some of the building is sheltered,” Bromberg said, though weather can affect which species are out and about.

APEC has a long list of programs both free and paid at alleypond.org.

They include A Tree for All Seasons for children ages 4 and 5 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on April 8 and Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures, for those 5 to 11, scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. on April 9.

Separate from APEC but originating from the center is a free nature exploration hike along Alley Pond Park’s yellow trail run by the Urban Park Rangers through the city’s Parks Department. Information is available at (718) 352-1769.

Two sessions of a Birding for Beginners Family Program run by the Centre Island

Bird Sanctuary already are filled.

APEC officials hope family programs can attract some families who are new to who they are and what they do, folks who will be tempted to go to their website and see what else they have to offer.

“What’s great about this program is that it teaches the love of birds to young chil-

dren,” Bromberg said. “It sparks their interest and curiosity for getting outside. And we want to get kids outside, especially nowadays with so much temptation from using screens.

“If we can get kids excited about birds and discovering nature then we’ve definitely accomplished our goal.” Q

ARTWorks fellows Adama Nanguin Abib Jr., left, Anoushka Bhalla, Quiana Lewis, Jashawn Johnson, Edgie Amisial and Keilley Banks, along with curator Margarita Lila Rosa, wearing blue hat, and Sherwin Banfield, the fellowship’s program director. Inset, “The pixie cut,” by Lewis, a painter and muralist.

PHOTOS BY LEA RAYMOND

A robin and her hatchling are among the birds to be seen at the Alley Pond Bird Walks. On the cover: Explorers take in the sights from an observation platform in the park. PHOTOS COURTESY APEC

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12920 HOLDING LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/15/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 2455 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

25TH AVENUE PROPERTY

LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28/2026. 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, 101-05 Lefferts Blvd., Ste 207, S Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Trustee for Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-1, Plaintiff, AGAINST Sabrina Edery, as Administratrix of the Estate of Ann Lewitinn; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on April 24, 2026, at 10:00AM, premises known as 431 Beach 45th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 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, Block 15968 Lot 96. Approximate amount of judgment $480,940.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 703588/2015.

Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee, LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff, 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624, (877) 430-4792. Dated: February 26, 2026

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 2021A TRUST, AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2021-A TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 103 26-28 123RD LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated on January 29, 2026 and entered on February 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on April 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 10326 123rd Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 9559 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $38,215.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 720161/22. Bruce S. Povman, Esq., RefereeBronster, LLP, 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3, -against- DAVID LINN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on March 4, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3 is the Plaintiff and DAVID LINN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on April 24, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 144-04 70TH ROAD, FLUSHING, NY 11367; and the following tax map identification: 6657-7. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713419/2020.

Scott H. Siller, 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 Qualification of 42-02 MEZZ

LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/24/26. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/09/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Harfenist Kraut & Perlstein LLP, 3000 Marcus Ave., Ste. 2E1, Lake Success, NY 11042. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS FAREVERSE LLC

I/L/T/N FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, -againstGLORIA CASTORIA, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on February 3, 2026, wherein FAREVERSE LLC I/L/T/N FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC is the Plaintiff and GLORIA CASTORIA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on April 24, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 9459 PLATTWOOD AVENUE, OZONE PARK, NY 11417; and the following tax map identification: 11487-31. 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 718865/2023. Scott H. Siller, 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 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.

Open House

Howard Beach, Sat 4/4, 12:30pm-2pm, 158-48 79 St.

Raised Ranch. Over 2,270 sq.ft., 3 BRs, 2.5 baths, LR, EIK w/skylight, HWF, CAC. Family room, bonus area, IGP w/jacuzzi. C21 Amiable 718-835-4700.

Apts.For Rent

Ridgewood, 6002 Catalpa Ave, Apt 3F. 1BR/1Bath, $2,500/mo. Spacious & bright. HW flrs, EIK. Heat & hot water incl. Cats OK. AVail May 1. Call Stellina Napolitano (646) 372-7145. Capri Jet Realty

Williamsburg, 347 Graham Ave, #2, 1 BR/1Bath, $5,000/mo. Newly renov, in-unit washer/dryer, HW flrs, huge BR, high ceilings, SS appli, dishwasher. Small pets OK. Avail NOW. Call Theo Eastwind (718) 536-7787. Capri Jet Realty

Williamsburg, 418 Grand St, #2. 2BR/1bath, $3,500/mo. HWF, tons of natural light, tile floors, queensized BRs. No Pets, Avail NOW. Call Agata Landa (914) 255-7284. Capri Jet Realty

Having a garage sale? Let everyone know by advertising in the Chronicle Call 718-205-8000!

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ADMINISTRATION CITATION File No. 2021-61/A SURROGATE’S COURT - QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO Public Administrator of Queens County, Hugh McIntosh THE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN AND DISTRIBUTEES OF ALICE DIXON, the decedents herein, if living and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry, be ascertained A petition having been duly filed by Kinsey Bartlett, Assistant Secretary of Compu-Link Corporation as attorney-in-fact for WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, not individually but solely as trustee for FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018HB1, domiciled at 3900 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before The Surrogate’s Court, QUEENS County, Jamaica, NY on amay 21st, 2026, in Courtroom 62 at 9:30 in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate ALICE DIXON lately domiciled at 196-12 104TH AVENUE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 in the County of QUEENS, New York, granting Limited Letters of Administration to Unknown Heirs, distributees of decedent and if they fail to qualify, then to the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF QUEENS COUNTY, and if they are permitted to renounce, Hugh McIntosh or distributees of the decedent, and if they fail to qualify, then to the Public Administrator of QUEENS County, and if they are permitted to renounce, then to Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., nominee of the petitioner, upon duly qualifying, AND, that the authority of the representative under the foregoing Letters be limited as follows: For the limited purpose of accepting service of process in the residential foreclosure action currently pending in the Supreme Court of QUEENS County under index number 725744/2021; HON. Cassandra A Johnson, Dated, Attested and Sealed, March 25, 2026, (Seal) Janet Edwards, Chief Clerk, Name of Attorney for Petitioner: Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, Tel. No. (516) 280-7675 Address of Attorney: 900 Merchants Concourse, Westbury, NY 11590. NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.

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 Formation of MARATHON RELOCATION LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2026. 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, 2067 SHORE BLVD., #1B, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

MM 21 Holding LLC filed 12/9/25. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 4217 208th St, Bayside, NY 11361. Purp: any lawful.

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

OVELIA GREEK COMFORTS

LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/03/2026. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Chris Giannakas & Peter Giannakas, 32-06 84th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUMMONS Index #706189/2025

Original filed with Clerk March 4, 2025 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. Premises: 189-02 120th Avenue, St. Albans, NY 11417 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, -against- TONY A. RICHBERG AKA ANTHONY RICHBERG AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF MAGLINE RICHBERG; TAIKEYA RICHBERG AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF MAGLINE RICHBERG AND MAGLINE RICHBERG’S UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTERST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; DAVID CEDER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SIMON CEDER AND HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF HANNAH CEDER AND SIMON CEDER’S UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTERST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN AND HANNAH CEDER’S UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTERST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; SIMON CEDER; HANNAH CEDER; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, oc cupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED 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(s) 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); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; 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. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Karina E. Alomar, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered March 12, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the amount of $525,000.00 recorded in the office of the clerk of Queens County on January 8, 2009 in CRFN: 2009000006098 covering premises known as 189-02 120th Ave, Saint Albans, NY 11412 a/k/a Block 12664, Lot 24. The relief sought in he within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. 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 fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and fi ling the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York March 4, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Pincus & Tarab, Attorneys at Law, PLLC By: Linda P. Manfredi, Esq.Attorneys for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902

Notice of Formation of POKENOBI LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/16/2026. 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: ZENBUSINESS INC, 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of VL LUXE IMPERIAL GROUP 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: VL LUXE IMPERIAL GROUP LLC, 1834 126TH STREET, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. 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.

Construction Laborer Apprentices Sought

The Local 1010 Joint Apprenticeship Committee will conduct a limited recruitment for 10 Skilled Construction Craft Laborer Apprentices. Applications will be available from April 20 through May 1, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:

Local 1010 JAC

17-20 Whitestone Expressway, 3rd floor Whitestone, NY 11357

Applications must be returned to the same office during the above business hours until 1:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026. All applications must be obtained and submitted by the applicant in person. The applications will be available until May 1, 2026 or until 80 applications have been distributed, whichever happens first. Only 80 applications will be distributed, on a first-come basis.

Applicants must be:

• at least 18 years old; and

• physically able to perform the work required of a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer and endure strenuous exertion and exposure to the elements.

Applicants should note:

• no specific education level is required; however, a higher level of education may increase the applicant’s score and placement on the rank list.

• proof of education, if any, must be submitted at the time of the interview to be considered.

• a minimum physical condition test will be scheduled at the time the completed application form is submitted.

• the minimum physical conditions test will consist of:

- wheeling a wheelbarrow loaded with 150 pounds to a flat distance of 300 feet;

- lifting a 90-pound cement bag and carrying it to a distance of 100 feet,

- carrying framing wood for a distance of 100 feet,

- digging a one square foot hole to a depth of one foot; and

- mixing sand and cement, as instructed.

For further information, applicants should contact the 1010 JAC at (718) 886-3310.

Local 1010 JAC is committed to provide equal employment opportunity to all people without discrimination because of race, gender and/or gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, partnership status, pregnancy or child birth (including related medical conditions), genetic information, reproductive health decision making, marital or parental status, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, or on any other legally protected basis.

Say Manhattan court ruling ‘mistaken’ Casino’s opponents seek dismissal review

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A group of residents opposed to the creation of the Metropolitan Park complex next to Citi Field is looking to reargue its case that the state illegally awarded a casino license last December.

Bernadette McCrann and Shi Jie Hu of Flushing, Sarah Ahn and Leonard Maniace of Jackson Heights and Xochitl Arenas of Woodhaven on March 20 filed a suit in State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

They argued both in their lawsuit and in a press conference Wednesday morning that the New York State Gaming Commission issued the license “knowing that the public hearings were not conducted fairly and according to the law; and also without considering the character of the applicant, Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.”

State Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Moyne on March 27 rejected their request to invalidate the license and issue a temporary restraining order to stop all construction work on site, stating New York County was not the proper venue for the case.

A two-page request filed on March 28 sought an emergency hearing to argue that the court made a mistake in its ruling.

In a statement issued after Wednesday’s press conference, opponents said public hearings were tilted to favor casino supporters and were significantly shorter than hearings held for other casino proposals.

They also said Assemblymember Larinda Hooks (D-Corona), who chaired the project’s Community Advisory Committee, had a conflict of interest as she accepted campaign contributions from Cohen.

“Despite knowing all of these problems because members of the public alerted the Gaming Commission to the problems, they approved the license to Metropolitan Park,” the statement said.

A Metropolitan Park spokesman was unimpressed in an email to the Chronicle

on Wednesday.

“With nearly four years of community engagement, over 30 public meetings, and approvals from six community boards, the City Council, the State Legislature, the CAC and the Gaming Commission, Metropolitan Park has undergone one of the most rigorous and transparent public reviews of any project,” he wrote. “The community has been heard, and their message is clear: they want Metropolitan Park.”

He reiterated that the law requires each CAC to “hold no less than two public hearings” and that Metropolitan Park had more total hours of CAC public hearings than many other projects.

Of the three casinos to win final approval, Metropolitan Park’s CAC heard from the most speakers, with 127 people over its two hearings with more than 240 minutes of public testimony, during which most speakers were favorable, its supporters said.

The public was also was encouraged to write and email public comments as well.

As to assertions of lost parkland in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, casino backers have repeatedly said only 25 acres have been discontinued as parkland and mapped for commercial use and that approximately 25 acres remain mapped as public parkland under city ownership.

Going through public court records on the case, the Chronicle found a letter dated March 25 from the office of state Attorney General Letitia James, which will be defending the Gaming Commission in any legal proceedings.

The letter from Assistant Attorney General Robert Arany to the Manhattan court clerk states that there was no indication that the petitioners had notified the commission, as required, of their request for a TRO; and neither notified nor named Queens Future, the corporate entity for Metropolitan Park, “a necessary party who would be subject to any TRO granted by this Court.” Q

MTA unveils bus, subway app

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week launched a new mobile app for New York City subway and bus riders.

The free MTA App can show riders realtime subway and bus arrivals close to them along with the real-time position of a train or bus and its estimated time of arrival at all destinations, allowing users to fully plan their trips from start to finish.

It also features live customer support that can answer questions and direct passengers to other MTA services. Customers can download or update the existing MTA App through the Apple App Store for iOS or

Google Play Store for Android. It is available in English and Spanish.

“New York’s transit renaissance goes beyond investing in great subway and bus service — we are making real improvements to the riding experience of millions of New Yorkers at every step of their journey,” Gov. Hochul said in an MTA press release.

“The new app for subway and bus customers is making a play to be another five-star download, just like TrainTime before it,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said. Q — Michael Gannon

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QUARTERS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS 1965-1969

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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