Queens Chronicle 05-14-26

0THURSDAY,MAY14,2026

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

HATE PERSISTS

More antisemitic graffiti found, at Forest, Highland parks Forest, PAGES 6 AND 19

Nearly a week after antisemitic graffi ti was discovered at several locations in Central Queens, at least 11 swastikas were found scrawled onto signs, walls and more at Forest and Highland parks May 10, with even more vandalism reported two days later. Area representatives said the incidents are part of an “escalating pattern,” and a rally was held May 10 to denounce the fi rst round of hateful markings.

FISCAL FIXES?

City touts victory, state budget blues go on PAGES2AND12

STREET SAFETY

Velázquez allocates funds for Woodhaven PAGE4

JOY

ON TAP

Dance the day away on a big anniversary May 24 qboro PAGE23

Mayor’s budget drops property tax request

$124.7B proposal adds support from Albany; no pension, rainy day raids

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Mayor Mamdani, Gov. Hochul and City Council leadership were claiming victory Tuesday prior to the mayor issuing his executive budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The $124.7 billion proposal is said by City Hall to close a multibillion-dollar spending gap without property tax hikes or tapping into the city’s rainy day and pension funds, all of which were proposed by Mamdani in his preliminary budget back in February.

It includes a state commitment of $4 billion announced by Hochul and Mamdani hours before his budget proposal was released.

But the budget request going to the City Council for negotiations comes in about $2.3 billion lower than the $127 billion Mamdani called for in his preliminary plan.

And combined projected deficits for Fiscal years 2028, 2029 and 2030 have ballooned from $20.5 billion to $25.9 billion since February.

The mayor and Council are required to have a budget agreement before July 1.

The approved budget last year was for $115.9 billion, though adjustments place the city on a pace to spend about $122 billion through June 30.

Mamdani was calling the new plan a win in a press release from his office, even with the

Mayor Mamdani delivers his executive budget plan for fiscal year 2027, proposed at $124.7 billion.

reduced request.

“For too long, working New Yorkers have been told that austerity was the answer to adversity,” Mamdani said. “This budget rejects that failed politics. We are restoring fiscal stability without slashing the services people depend on, without raising property taxes and without asking woårking families to pay for a

crisis they did not create.”

Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) and Finance Committee Chair Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) had opposed the property tax hikes and raids on the pension and rainy day funds from the start.

“We had a productive meeting with Mayor Mamdani on the Executive Budget, and we appreciate that the Administration has moved toward an approach championed by the Council that identifies savings and avoids raising property taxes or raiding reserves,” they said in a joint press release on the Council website.

“While we await a final state budget, we are pleased with Governor Hochul and the state legislature’s commitment to providing the City with billions in additional funds and savings,” they added.

The state assistance Hochul and Mamdani spoke about on Monday morning for the new budget includes nearly $2.3 billion in pension restructuring; $508 million in savings by delaying implementation of city schools’ class size regulations; and $202 million in unspecified offsets of recurring expenses.

It also includes state approval of a new piedá-terre tax on luxury second homes in the city.

The Mamdani administration repeatedly has forecast that revenue at $500 million, though several other sources have estimated it bringing less than $400 million.

“From day one, I have been committed to ensuring New York City succeeds, because a strong and stable City means an even stronger New York State,” Hochul said in a joint press release with the mayor. “Today, we are fulfilling the promise to make free universal childcare a reality, making significant investments in education, public safety and infrastructure while providing the city the resources they need to continue to fund critical services for New Yorkers.”

“For years, the relationship between City Hall and Albany has been defined by dysfunction and infighting,” Mamdani said. “Governor Hochul and I, however, share a belief that government works best when we work together on behalf of the people we serve. We have partnered through every step of this process to protect the fiscal health of our city.”

A summary of the executive budget plan and most supporting documents can be found online from the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget at tinyurl.com/yc45sdyz.

One document listed as “available soon” is the Expense, Revenue and Contracts section.

“While this executive budget is a starting point, there are still critical gaps that must be addressed before adoption,” Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) said in a statement from her office. She referred specifically to longstanding healthcare issues in

continued on page 12

CONZA | MCNAMARA ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

SCREENSHOT VIA NYC VIDEO / YOUTUBE

Velázquez gives DOT funds for Woodhaven

Congresswoman allocates $850,000 for area’s street safety improvements

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) on Monday presented a community project funding check of $850,000 to the New York City Department of Transportation to be used toward Phase B of the Woodhaven Select Bus Service corridor improvements between 107th Avenue and Union Turnpike.

The project will implement capital improvements along the corridor, including median widening, neckdowns, normalized intersections and pedestrian safety enhancements to support safer streets and more reliable bus service along Woodhaven Boulevard, the congresswoman’s office said.

Velázquez presented the check to DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia alongside community advocates and stakeholders in front of the Woodhaven Boulevard J/Z train station.

“Woodhaven Boulevard is a critical artery that connects Northern and Southern Queens and is used by tens of thousands of New Yorkers each day,” Velázquez said in a statement to the Chronicle. “This $850,000 investment will deliver long overdue safety and infrastructure improvements along this corridor, making it safer for seniors crossing the street, safer for students commuting to school, and more reliable for working families who depend on public transit every day.”

The congresswoman added, “Outer-bor-

ough communities like ours deserve the same level of investment as every other part of New York City.”

A DOT spokesperson in a prepared state-

ment said, “We thank Congresswoman Velázquez for her generosity in funding this important capital work that will add new crossings, Raised Crosswalks, trees and

plantings, and will upgrade more than 80 bus stops, sidewalk extensions, shortened crossings, and medians on this heavily travelled Woodhaven Boulevard bus corridor from Union Turnpike to 107th Avenue.”

Velázquez’s allocation comes on top of approximately $40 million in funding for the project, with $10 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement funding and support from the city. It is estimated to take three years to complete. The design phase is expected to finish this summer, with construction slated to start next year.

The corridor hosts the Q52 and Q53 Select Bus Service. Improvements at the site began in 2017 with the installation of 6.85 miles of bus lanes, along with alignments; the addition of bus boarding islands and other amenities, such as bus shelters, realtime passenger information, seating and decorative fencing; new safety measures; and refurbished medians.

Since implementation, all categories of crashes and injuries are down along the corridor, per NYPD data, with pedestrian injuries down 20 percent, cyclist injuries down 80 percent, motor vehicle crashes down 36 percent and total incidents down 33 percent.

Bus travel times also improved an average of three minutes in each direction, and on-time performance was improved up to 80 percent, the DOT said. Q

CB 10 demands a seat at the table

Board says Aqueduct planning must involve the panel and area residents

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Community Board 10 leaders made clear at the panel’s May 7 meeting that they will not sit on the sidelines as New York State decides the future of the Aqueduct Race Track property in South Ozone Park.

With horse racing operations set to move to Belmont and Empire State Development launching a multiyear planning process for the sprawling state-owned site next to Resorts World New York City, board members used the meeting to demand a central, sustained role for area residents.

“This is just not a knee-jerk reaction,” Frank Gulluscio, the board’s second vice chair and head of its Aqueduct/Resorts World Committee, said. “We have empty land. Let’s go and develop it. It’s as simple as that.”

Chairperson Betty Braton repeatedly stressed that Aqueduct is not a shared or abstract concern — it is physically and politically rooted in Community District 10.

“The entire area that was once just the racetrack and now includes Resorts World is locat-

ed completely and fully within the boundaries of Community Board 10,” Braton said. “Any Aqueduct Community Master Plan that results from this process, in our view, must be guided by the people in our community.”

Braton and Gulluscio praised Resorts World as “a major economic anchor” and argued that any state-led proposal that treats the racetrack land in isolation from the casino would be a mistake.

“Any plan that comes out of this process that excludes Resorts World risks duplication and a missed opportunity to build and develop what we have been aiming for for 15 years — a full destination resort,” Braton said, pointing to years of joint planning talks and the casino’s recent full-license expansion.

Gulluscio warned against decisions driven by outside interests.

“We don’t want an outside entity coming in saying they represent Board 10 or the population when they don’t,” he said. “We strongly believe a meaningful involvement must go beyond listening sessions. It should include ...

Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton, at mic, along with her peers on the panel, last week stressed the importance of constant community input during hearings for the plans for the future of Aqueduct Race Track. SCREENSHOT

U.S. Rep Nydia Velázquez, center left, on Monday presented a $850,000 check to the city Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, third from left, to be used toward safety improvements on Woodhaven Boulevard. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. HOUSE

NEUROPATHY

If You Suffer From A Single One of These Torturous Symptoms – Numbness, Tingling, or Sharp Nerve Pain – Then OUR LASER ENHANCED CHIROPRATIC PROTOCOL for Neuropathy

may be the most important treatment you ever have in your life.

Okay that might be a little much but… Neuropathy affects every part of your life – walking, sitting, and even sleeping.

Maybe you’ve had multiple tests, only to fi nd out no one has any idea what you have. Maybe you’ve been put on drugs with heavy side effects.

My name is Dr. Robert Gucciardo, director at Gucciardo Specific and Natural Health Center. I’ve been helping people with neuropathy and nerve problems for 30 years.

More than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a problem caused by complications due to spinal injuries, diabetes, cancer treatment and/or damage to the nerves that supply your arms, legs, and feet.

This painful condition interferes with your body’s ability to transmit messages to your muscles, skin, joints, or internal organs. If ignored or mistreated, neuropathy can lead to irreversible health conditions.

Why not get help by those trained to correct the major cause of peripheral neuropathy?

The Single Most Important Solution to your Neuropathy

By using a NEW cutting-edge PAINLESS treatment called Class IV LASER THERAPY and combining that with Chiropratic and other therapies, our Neuropathy program is getting unsurpassed results.

With the combination of these new technologies it is possible to:

• Re-educate the nerve pathways to stop the shooting pain

• Re-polarize the nerve membranes that may have been disturbed by neurotoxins

• Improve synaptic conductivity and nerve impulse transmission

• Re-energize nerve cells

• Return normal feeling to feet/hands promoting better balance and dexterity

• Decrease painful symptoms to promote a full restful night sleep

• Bring an improved quality of life due to increased mobility and reductions in numbness and pain.

How to Find Out If This Will Work For You

It’s time for you to fi nd out if this may be your NEUROPATHY SOLUTION.

Due to availability… For the FIRST 10 CALLERS

$97 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $597 for!

You’ll get to see everything first hand and fi nd out if this amazing care will be your pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients. The appointment will not take long at all. And you won’t be sitting in a waiting room all day either.

Here’s What To Do Now

The offer is only good for the FIRST 10 Callers. Call today 718-550-5790 and we can get you scheduled for a consultation as soon as there’s an opening.

Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach, NY. When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive proper credit for this special offer.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C.

P.S. At our office, we have specialized treatment programs for patients who suffer from neuropathy. Why suffer the misery?

That’s no way to live, not when there could be an easy solution to your problem.

Don’t live in pain when we may have the solution you’ve been looking for all along.

Do you have any of the following symptoms…

• Pins and needles feeling

• Numbness in the hands or feet

• Tingling or burning sensations

• Weakness in the arms or legs

• Sharp, shooting or burning pains

If so you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

Don’t let neuropathy hold you back from enjoying life.

Even more hateful graffiti, in two parks

Swastikas

scrawled in red at Forest, Highland have

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

A week after swastikas were found spray painted around Central Queens, even more of the dreaded Nazi symbols were discovered in two public parks.

Highland and Forest parks were vandalized over the weekend with at least 11 swastikas, City Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) and Councilmembers Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said in a joint statement on X on May 11. Police are investigating, and no arrests had been made by press time.

The NYPD was notified of a possible bias incident near Highland Boulevard and Vermont Place, near Highland Park’s Ridgewood Reservoir on the Brooklyn border, at around 8 a.m. May 10. Upon arrival, officers saw five swastikas spray painted over signs, objects and pavement.

One photo shared on Menin’s social media shows a bright red swastika sprayed over the city Parks Department’s logo on a sign for the reservoir.

Four hours later, police were alerted to the Forest Park Playground at 72nd Road and Union Turnpike in Forest Hills, where they found six swastikas spray painted onto columns within an underpass.

“This is yet another hateful incident meant

to intimidate Jewish New Yorkers and divide our city,” Menin, Schulman and Ariola said. “And we want to be clear: We cannot and will not accept this as normal.”

Two swastikas also were found spray painted onto what appear to be tree trunks along a trail in Forest Park, according to a Facebook post made in a Woodhaven group Tuesday. The poster said she informed area elected officials and would report the graffiti to 311.

A Parks spokesperson said all graffiti found Sunday had been removed as of noon Monday, and the marks discovered Tuesday were covered up that same day. The agency also worked with police to make sure all the vandalism was reported and documented.

since been removed

The lawmakers also vowed to continue fighting for “education and accountability,” referencing the Council’s March passage of five bills aimed at stopping antisemitic incidents. Mayor Mamdani last month vetoed one measure in the package that proposed security perimeters for protests near educational facilities, including yeshivas.

Both incidents come on the heels of other ones in Forest Hills and Rego Park, in which

State bill would classify ARFID as eating disorder

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A new bill would add avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder to the state’s official list of eating disorders.

It is not simply “picky eating,” but a true eating disorder caused by developmental differences, medical professionals say. It is characterized by limiting the amount or types of food consumed, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or psychological and social impairment.

Some people with ARFID avoid food because of sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or very low appetite. It is often accompanied by disorders such as autism, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

ARFID often has been overlooked, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

The bill, S9063, introduced by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) in recognition of May as ARFID Awareness Month, would make finding and receiving care more accessible and efficient for those affected and their families, his office said.

The statute also would update older language, Addabbo’s office said, by removing a reference to an outdated medical code so

the law better reflects contemporary medical knowledge.

“ARFID is real, it’s treatable and it must be understood, not overlooked,” Addabbo said in a prepared statement. “By putting ARFID into our state laws, we may immediately be able to link families to the appropriate resources, allowing each child to thrive. ... Early identification and access to treatment can make a significant difference.”

Queens co-sponsors of the bill include state Sens. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria), John Liu (D-Bayside), Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights), Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn, Queens) and Toby Ann Stavisky (D-College Point).

The bill’s Assembly counterpart is sponsored by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), co-sponsored by Queens Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), Steven Raga (D-Woodside), Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), Claire Valdez (D-Sunnyside), Catalina Cruz (D-Corona) and Diana Moreno (D-Astoria).

The bills are in committee in both houses of the Legislature. Q

Congregation Machane Chodosh, the Rego Park Jewish Center and several private properties were found vandalized with swastikas. As of press time, police had not reported any arrests.

“This is an escalating pattern we have now witnessed over a number of years,” reads a separate joint statement, from Ariola, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Councilman Phil Wong (D-Maspeth). “Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcomed in our communities, and the use of hateful, Holocaust-invoking imagery is nothing short of reprehensible and an act of cowardice to the utmost extent.”

before it festers with even more dangerous consequences,” the lawmakers said.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) in a statement said she has been in touch with the 102nd Precinct about graffiti along Forest Park’s Orange Trail.

“This vile act of antisemitism seeks to intimidate our Jewish community and spread hate and fear,” Rajkumar said. “Our community will not tolerate it.”

The same day the graffiti was found, a rally to denounce antisemitism was held in Forest Hills’ Yellowstone Park, in response to last week’s vandalism [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

“Hate has no place in our parks,” Parks said in a statement. “When bias graffiti or hate speech is discovered, we work to remove it immediately.”

“We cannot and will not accept this as normal.”

— City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and Councilmembers Lynn Schulman and Joann Ariola

They thanked the NYPD for escalating the matter to its Hate Crimes Task Force.

“It is on every leader — and every New Yorker — to treat antisemitism with the seriousness and urgency this moment requires,

Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, said in a statement that she is “horrified” by the incidents, and they are part of a “despicable trend” targeting Queens’ Jewish community.

“These antisemitic acts are intended to spread fear among Jewish New Yorkers, and threaten the safety, dignity, and belonging of Jewish New Yorkers,” Wisdom said. “The Mamdani administration is committed to confronting it head-on and building a city where every New Yorker can live free from hate.” Q

CB 10 talks future of Aqueduct

continued from page 4

a formal role in shaping the development of the framework, ongoing input — ongoing — just not one-stop shopping.”

From the state’s side, Destiny Burns, senior advisor for community development at ESD, came with colleagues to invite residents to the first two kickoff workshops for the Aqueduct Community Master Plan.

Burns outlined four rounds of workshops, neighborhood pop-ups throughout the summer and a survey, leading to a plan that ESD hopes to present in early 2027.

She said the state would then go through an environmental review and approvals, followed by an open request for proposals from devel-

opers, with construction targeted around 2031. For more information, one may go online to esd.ny.gov/aq.

Braton welcomed the outreach but warned that CB 10 expects to be a full partner throughout.

“We have almost a 50-year history where the concerns of this board have been about that land and what was going to go on,” she said. “I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count all of the different proposals. ... Members, you got a lot of work to do coming up. Community, we’ve got a lot of work to do to make sure that people understand what is going on with this process and how it will play out.”

Numerous swastikas were found scrawled onto signs, columns and other property at Highland Park, above, and Forest Park on Sunday, May 10. PHOTO VIA NYC COUNCIL / X

Parks said all graffiti in Forest Park, left, and Highland Park had been removed Monday. At right, park supervisor Paul Malcolm washes it away at the latter. PHOTOS COURTESY NYC PARKS

Addabbo, Baldeo to face off for SD 15

Both candidates to remain on the ballot for a primary election rematch

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Incumbent state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) will face Albert Baldeo in the Democratic primary for Senate District 15.

The two candidates had filed lawsuits against each other in an effort to remove the other from the ballot. Both cases were dismissed — the one against Addabbo on April 30, and the one against Baldeo on May 7.

Baldeo’s suit alleged that Addabbo did not live in the district he represents, claiming he resides in Howard Beach, which was removed from the district in 2022 when maps were redrawn, instead of in Ozone Park, where he is registered to vote.

residence purely for election purposes.

The senator provided the court with evidence tying him to his Ozone Park address, including bills, bank statements, vehicle registration and a Senate employment form, and verbally testified that he is a resident of Ozone Park.

Addabbo is associated with residential properties in both Howard Beach and Ozone Park.

“Senator Addabbo has been affiliated with the Ozone Park address for nearly his entire life,” the ruling read. “Even disregarding the affiliation with the Ozone Park address during his youth and prior to his marriage, he maintains sufficient contacts currently. These contacts establish that the address was not contrived solely for the purpose of running for office in the 15th Senatorial District.”

Baldeo went so far as to hire a private investigator to look into Addabbo’s residence, court records show.

Queens State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Kerrigan in his ruling said that under New York State law, a person can legally maintain two residences and choose which one to use for election purposes, as long as there are “legitimate, significant and continuing attachments” to both, and as long as one is not maintaining a

FlagstarOne Checking

Baldeo told the Chronicle that the judge’s ruling was “wrong” and maintained that Addabbo’s “pre-sorted, laughable junk mail” was not proof of residence. He is appealing the ruling.

“When lines changed, I always made it my intent to go back to Ozone Park,” Addabbo told the Chronicle. “My mom’s house wasn’t ready at the time, so I went to my aunt’s house, and then ultimately to my mom’s house. So I knew what I had to do. I knew I did everything that I thought I could do to comply. And now I have a judge’s order saying that I do live in Ozone Park.”

He added, “I am always hopeful that people judge me based on my work. I think an elected official should be judged on their contributions to the community, or the way they do their business up in Albany. So in the end, I’ve always focused a campaign on what I’ve done, and my vision of things to do, so I hope that’s what I’m judged on.”

Addabbo’s suit against Baldeo called into question the validity of his petitions, arguing that they contained invalid signatures and forgeries, and that it was so riddled with errors that it should be invalidated entirely.

Kerrigan also decided Addabbo’s suit against Baldeo. In that case, per court records, Kerrigan said that while 25 signatures looked questionable, that fact alone did not prove fraud

Let’suncomplicatebanking

• Just$1 toopen

• Checklessaccount—use your Visa® debit card tomakepurchases andpay bills

• $5monthly servicecharge

• BankOn-certified forsafety,affordability, andfunctionality

under the required “clear and convincing” legal standard.

The mismatches could have innocent explanations, Kerrigan said, and there was no direct evidence that Baldeo knew about or directed any fraud.

Baldeo in 2015 was convicted on federal charges for obstructing an investigation into contributions made to his 2010 City Council run. He was acquitted of related fraud charges.

Asked about the dismissal of the case brought about by Addabbo, Baldeo told the Chronicle the suit was a “tactical move” by the Queens Democratic Party at large, and said, “There’s always a fraud allegation in anyone’s petition. You have to look at the numbers.”

He called for fair representation in the borough’s redistricting process.

Addabbo, a lifelong South Queens resident, has represented the district in the state Senate since 2008. Before then, he served the area as a member of the City Council for eight years. He comes from a history of public service — his father served 13 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Baldeo, a longtime prominent activist in Richmond Hill, is a district leader for the 24th Assembly District. He was one of two primary challengers against Addabbo for the SD 15 seat in 2022, and got 13.5 percent of the vote.

Primary Day is June 23. Q

to find your local branch.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, faces a challenger at the ballot box this June in Albert Baldeo. FILE PHOTOS

EDITORIAL AGEP

Modest rent hike is fair to all

The city is in the midst of an affordability crisis. Much of it is long in the making — the economy is always evolving and while some are at the forefront, others always struggle to catch up. And the problem has been severely exacerbated by the high inflation of a few years ago, the war against Iran and the spike in fuel prices it has caused. All that, and tariffs, is why even cheap tomatoes are now $4 a pound.

One of the places where the crisis hits hardest is in the rent. It’s been too darn high a long time, for some people double what it was just 10 years ago. One issue that put Mayor Mamdani into office was his promise to freeze rents. And now the Rent Guidelines Board that he controls is seeking to do just that for two years, for those in rent-stabilized apartments.

It shouldn’t. The board has kept rents flat for one year in the past, but not for two. It should do so again.

The problem is that it’s not just tenants facing a financial crisis; it’s landlords, too. We don’t mean the big corporations with large portfolios of massive buildings that use economies of scale to keep their own costs down. We mean the small owners, who

have, say, a 10-unit building here and there and must pay to keep them in good shape. The needs of the tenants must be balanced with the needs of the landlords, and freezing the rent for two years does not do that.

That’s to say nothing of the more radical idea some activists and elected officials have: to roll back rents.

First off, that cannot be legal. Secondly, what kind of understanding of the economy must you have to propose such a thing? The answer can only be none.

The value of rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments has dropped substantially in recent years, in part because of tenant-oriented reforms to the laws, such as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019. That law, among other things, limited how much more landlords can charge to fund building upgrades. What do you think happens when someone can’t afford to fix up a building? All the problems tenants don’t want and shouldn’t have to live with.

The RGB voted to consider a two-year rent hike from 0 to 4 percent. It should go with 3 percent. Inflation alone will top that. It would only be, for example, an $60 hike on a $2,000 rent. Doesn’t that seem fair?

Fix up Flushing Meadows

Would someone please get those sneakers down off the Unisphere? Here we are blessed with the world’s largest steel globe, a true landmark, in the heart of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the crown jewel of Queens, and since last September, a pair of kicks has been dangling off it as if it’s a power line on some dead end street. It’s embarrassing.

This, of course, is not the biggest problem in FMCP. The park is notoriously neglected, compared to its peers in other boroughs, such as Central and Prospect parks. The fountains around the Unisphere have been out of commission for three years now. The roadways are in absolutely terrible condition. Other valuable artifacts from the World’s Fairs also need help, such as the nearly 2,000-year-old Column of Jerash, a 1964 gift from the Kingdom of Jordan that has been damaged. Queens Historian Jason Antos sees the column as an allegory for the entire park.

FMCP should get more funding and attention, especially considering all the money-making operations based there: the Mets, the USTA, the casino to come. This week and last, the Chronicle has run letters to the editor on the need to polish up our crown jewel. Start with the sneakers. Fix the fountains. Get the scaffolding off the nearby Observation Towers. And keep going from there.

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Naeisha Rose Editor

Stela Barbu Office Manager

Jan Schulman Art Director

Moeen Din Associate Art Director

Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager

Joseph Berni Art Department Associate

Dennis O’Brien Proofreader

Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives: Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt

Contributors:

Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock

Photographers: Walter Karling, Michael Shain

Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201

Glendale, NY 11385

Phone: (718) 205-8000

Fax: (718) 205-1957

E-mail: Editors@qchron.com

Website: www.qchron.com

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Hip Hop HS: really?

Dear Editor:

Re your May 7 report “Teachers, students testify against AI”:

Reporter Kristen Guglielmo noted that the Panel For Educational Policy canceled a scheduled vote on the Department of Education’s proposed AI-focused Next Generation Technology High School in Manhattan on April 29. A week later, NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels and Mayor Mamdani announced plans to build The Bronx Hip Hop High School. Why does the DOE reject an AI-based education, but embrace hip-hop?

Perhaps one reason is because our mayor is a former rapper. Samuels said he had “racial justice concerns” about the Manhattan school, reported the New York Post on May 7. But neither reason makes sense in the face of new economic and technical realities. Next Generation Tech will put students on a prosperous path with a strong emphasis on STEM skills — science, technology, engineering and math, including coding, Hip Hop High will teach students “civic engagement through music” and produce graduates who are “performanceready,” said Samuels.

Does that mean they will write and sing lyrics that use the N-word, demean women and glorify drugs, gangs and gun violence, as many rappers now do? Kids don’t need a special school to learn those “skills.” They absorb them on social media and the streets.

Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton called rap a “culture of violence.” and denounced rappers as ‘basically thugs” after a shooter at a Manhattan rap concert killed one person and wounded three others (New York Daily News, May 26, 2016). He noted that many rappers have lengthy rap sheets.

The DOE spends $42,000 a year per student. Why does it waste this money preparing them to be rappers, instead of training them to become skilled specialists in a rapidly emerging technology? Taxpayers deserve an answer.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

What AI takes away

Dear Editor:

William Shatner was wrong. The Final Frontier isn’t space; it’s saying no to AI.

Artificial intelligence has the seductive appeal of Candy Land and jackpots and the Merry Old Land of Oz. It says you can 86 hard

intellectual work. Just tell the program what you wish you could say and think, sort of, and the program will fill in all your blanks with ideas and good grammar.

What you’ll never experience is the thrill of discovery and the well-constructed sentence that says something that no one else eve r exactly thought, in a way that no one else ever said so well.

I have seen moments like this. At Jamaica High School, I once had a student who had just been released from an alternative learning setting. He struggled to meet academic requirements. The class was reading and discussing “Ethan Frome.” I asked the class who was more admirable: the pretty, young, sweet Mattie Silver or the dyspeptic, aging Zeena Frome — and this student, who knew more about real life, wrote a sentence about the honesty and the unrewarded labor of the aging woman whom generations of students and teachers dismissed. That’s a way to teach literacy and values, both of which our society desperately needs now. It

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

was the best day in the classroom for me and, more importantly, for my student. No AI needed.

When Kristen Guglielmo reports on Sheryka Lucien’s testimony (“Teachers, students testify against AI,” May 7), we see Ms. Lucien also understands what AI can steal from students. We shouldn’t ignore AI, but teachers and curriculum engineers must design tasks that first require students to think and write independently. I hope Chancellor Kamar Samuels is listening.

Debra Michlewitz Bayside

A park stuck in 1964

Dear Editor:

Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of New York City’s most heavily used and wellknown public spaces, yet also one of its most neglected. A recent report from the Center for an Urban Future, “The Park Queens Deserves,” confirms what park users already know: Decades of underinvestment have left core infrastructure failing, fields unusable, and iconic spaces in disrepair.

The symptoms are everywhere. Chronic flooding renders large areas unusable after even light rain. Most emblematic is the longbroken Fountain of the Planets: a relic of the 1964-65 World’s Fair, vast, decaying and inaccessible, a symbol of promises long since abandoned. Another vestige of the fair, the New York State Pavilion, got one of the largest recent investments of public money dedicated to the park. And yet, once completed, the historic structure will remain off-limits to the public, cut off, towering over broken pathways and patchy fields.

Ironically, millions of dollars flow through the park from marquee events from the US Open, Citi Field, concerts and soon, a new soccer stadium and casino. Almost none of that revenue returns to maintain it. This is not just a planning failure. It is a moral one.

We would not accept this level of neglect in Central Park or Prospect Park. But in Queens, where the park’s largely working-class, immigrant and multilingual users may not have the same political clout, it persists. The path forward is clear: sustained capital investment and a model that reinvests park-generated revenue. The CUF report offers several workable ideas.

Flushing Meadows is the backyard for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, families who gather for soccer, cricket, picnics and celebrations, making the park on any given weekend one of the most diverse places in the world. Queens deserves a park that reflects the vibrancy and optimism of its people. It’s past time to invest in FMCP’s future.

Andrew Hollweck Forest Hills

The writer is a member of the board of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Alliance.

Save cash and planet

Dear Editor:

Despite the best efforts of industry lobbyists for plastics producers, recent reporting has been spot on about the overwhelming benefits awaiting New Yorkers in The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. Single-use plastics cause a slew of public health threats, their production accelerates the climate crisis and they overburden municipalities to deal with this waste all in the face of rapidly increasing production. In fact, current projections show plastic production tripling by mid-century.

There’s another key point everyone should know — the bill will benefit you financially.

New Yorkers manage the stressors of daily life with a razor-edge awareness of the rising cost of living. Factors such as aging infrastructure, interest rates and New York’s continued reliance on natural gas contribute to rising costs, according to Rory Christian, the chair of the Public Service Commission.

Taxpayers will save an estimated $1.3 billion over the next 10 years if the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is passed and adopted. That number could even be considered modest because it doesn’t take into account the value of reimbursements to municipal and private waste haulers. Take a moment and truly consider net annual savings of $445 million that await taxpayers in our state.

Everyday New Yorkers work hard for their money. Let massive companies pony up to pay for their pollution and tell your state representatives to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.

Gail Tierney New York Field Representative, Oceana Brooklyn

Fearing for our future

Dear Editor:

In a dystopian novel “Mockingbird” by Walter Tevis, NYC is depicted as a society with a decreasing population, illiteracy and government-mandated drug use. Residents cannot read or write and robots run the city.

What sounds like fodder for a sci-fi series on our televisions appears to be happening in some respects in our real world today. The reasons behind much that occurs today may relate to the increasing frequency of distractions and how people perceive their own reality. Very rarely do the media portray themselves as being in agreement with the storylines associated with daily events. There’s more a reaction to what takes place than anything that represents the actual story. The victim in this scenario is truth.

As in “Mockingbird,” no explanation is given as to what happened to cause the state of the world. We enter into a society already compromised by an error of its ways.

MASS SCHEDULE

Monday, Tuesday, Friday at 8:30AM

Wednesday & Thursday at 12:00PM

Saturday at 8:30AM & 4:00PM

Sunday 8:30AM - 10:30AM & 12:00PM

Holy Hour: Monday 9:00AM to 10:00AM & Friday 3:00PM to 4:00PM

F E A ST OF FEAST SA N TA R ITA SANTA RITA T R I DU U M TRIDUUM

Saint of the impossible Friday May 22nd, Mass at 8:30AM, 12:00PM & 6:30PM

Blessing of Roses after each Mass

FLEA MARKET VENDORS

Feast of Our Lady of Grace June 17th to June 22nd from 5PM to 10PM, Saturday & Sunday from 4PM to 11PM

$40 a day for 6 days - $50 a day for 3 days Call for more information or to sign up 718-843-6218

parishofficeolg@gmail.com

ST. PEREGRINE MASS

Wednesday, May 27th 6:30PM

Patron of those undergoing cancer treatment or convalescence

Anointing with St. Peregrine Oil after Mass

FEAST VENDORS

Feast of Our Lady of Grace June 17th to June 22nd from 5PM to 10PM, Saturday & Sunday from 4PM to 11PM

$100 per day – 6 days total Call for more information or to sign up 718-843-6218

parishofficeolg@gmail.com

to letters@qchron.com.

Sadly, the only solution for many people is to leave what apparently cannot be changed. Here in our current NYC, too many people opt to not read at all, and if they do, they don’t want to read between the lines. Many want to avoid being labeled dumb for not being informed by the same narrative. Welcome to the new utopia, where information is tainted and knowledge is limited by our own perceptions. Craig Schwab Glendale

Details pending on major policies, after Hochul announces agreement State budget is close, but not quite there yet

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

No budget has been finalized six weeks after the state’s April 1 deadline, as lawmakers on Monday passed an 11th extender through today, May 14.

An end appeared to be in sight last Thursday, when Gov. Hochul announced a “general agreement” on a $268 billion budget for fiscal 2027. But hours later, several legislators said otherwise.

Shortly after Hochul outlined what she called an agreement, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) told reporters that her announcement was “premature,” and that he would only go as far as to say lawmakers were close to a deal.

He wasn’t alone.

“There are still major issues that have yet to get worked out,” state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) told the Chronicle last week. While he is “confident” that lawmakers are close to a deal, the details of certain policy issues, including buffer zones for protests around houses of worship, car insurance reforms and environmental regulations, were still being negotiated and causing delays, Addabbo said.

Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra (R-Nassau) said last week that there had been no budget bills, financial plan or “single tangible

piece of what’s required to finish this process.” In response to Hochul’s X post about the agreement, state Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn) said in part, “You do this every year. Please stop.”

No comprehensive discussions about the major items had been closed out by Tuesday afternoon, Addabbo said.

Policy debates have long slowed things down in the budget process. In a candidate interview with the Chronicle last Friday, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) said a few major issues were being discussed, but numbers were not [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

“The frustration is starting to build up, because this is not budgeting,” Hevesi said. “This is the governor’s personal session ... she gets to decide what the agenda is, what we talk about, and we don’t get to say no.”

He and his colleagues also are not getting paid as the budget remains pending.

Now, that’s Italian!

Leonard Bruno built a career teaching the Italian language to high school students — he’s been doing it for more than 50 years — but he could teach them plenty about Italian cooking, too.

The Howard Beach man won Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church’s Meatball Contest on May 3, earning a $500 prize with his culinary skills. He is congratulated here by contest judge Joe DeCandia of Lenny’s Clam Bar at right, and below by the Rev. Dominick Dellaporte, the church’s pastor.

An expert gardener who grows his own tomatoes and makes his own sauce, Bruno beat out 15 other contestants. He is chairman of the Language Department at Lynbrook High School in Nassau County. It’s a safe bet his students know “Mangia!”

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

BY LEO BRUNO

Hochul on Monday defended the process, saying she is using to her advantage a system that has been in place for years.

“I promised a Budget that works for working people and expands opportunities for all New Yorkers and I was not going to back down from that fight,” she said in a press release announcing the claimed deal.

Included in it is the state’s first-ever piedà-terre tax program, which would impose a yearly surcharge on luxury second homes in New York City worth more than $5 million.

Mayor Mamdani has applauded the pied-àterre tax — after the program was proposed, he took to social media to celebrate, saying “We’re taxing the rich.”

No increases to income or statewide business taxes are in the budget, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office. Mamdani campaigned on raising income taxes on wealthy earners and corporations to help close the city’s multibillion-dollar gap, but he would need state approval, and Hochul has long resisted.

He and City Council Speaker Julie Menin

(D-Manhattan) recently called for more help from the state to close the deficit. They got their wish Tuesday, when Hochul announced an additional $4 billion for the city, amounting to $8 billion over two years. Mamdani, who released his executive plan that same day, said the latest agreement closes the city’s gap.

In her announcement last week, Hochul said the budget “already includes” $28 billion for the city, adding that her commitment to the five boroughs “has been and always will be ironclad.”

The budget also is said to implement several policy changes that Hochul has been pushing for. Those include reforms meant to lower car insurance rates, such as caps on payouts for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of an incident and new “safeguards” so insurance companies cannot raise rates without state approval.

“Common-sense changes” to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including a new 2040 target to lower emissions by 60 percent, also will be in the final budget, as will certain exemptions to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, per the Governor’s Office.

Addabbo said such changes most likely will be in the budget, but the details remain pending.

“We don’t vote on theory. We vote on details, and that still has to be worked out,” he said. The fiscal part of the budget also remains to be finalized.

Hochul said other parts of the budget will bar local law enforcement from colluding with federal immigration agents; provide a one-time $1 billion energy rebate for relief from rising energy costs; and invest an additional $1.7 billion for childcare and pre-K across the state. Q

Mamdani releases exec. budget

continued from page 2

Southeast Queens, including the need for new funding to advance a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma facility in Far Rockaway.

Brooks-Powers also wants more support alternatives to incarceration programing.

Councilmembers Phil Wong (D-Maspeth) and Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) gave it mixed reviews.

“I’m pleased to see that a property tax increase proposal is off the table after the Council made clear from day one that New Yorkers cannot continue to shoulder additional tax burdens,” Wong said. “At $124 billion, this budget is still larger than the budget of many states, including Florida.”

Wong said middle-class families, especially in the outer boroughs, “believe their tax dollars are too often being wasted without seeing the results in the form of increased public safety, cleaner streets, better quality of life, or more reliable services.”

“It is very good to see that we won’t need any property tax hikes in this budget, and instead the administration listened to the findings of the City Council and found $2.8B in savings,” Ariola said. “... There were some things, of course, that I was not particularly happy with. That said, there is going to be a much needed investment into the FDNY, and I believe that will pay dividends in terms of public safety for years to come” Q

PHOTOS

Gov. Hochul on May 7 announced a “general agremeent” on a $268 billion budget. Lawmakers said no deal had been reached, and later passed an extender through May 14.

PHOTO BY MIKE GROLL / NY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE / FLICKR

EXPERT CARE IN QUEENS.

At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and over 70 locations.

NewYork-Presbyterian is the hospital with unrivaled experience, treating more heart patients than any other hospital in New York, and with the only comprehensive cardiac program in Queens.

We deliver the most babies in New York City and Westchester, and have the most pediatric specialists in New York.

With doctors from Weill Cornell Medicine, we cover all your family’s health needs in Queens—bringing world-class care closer to home.

Lovell W. Orthopedic Patient

Man dies in S. Rich Hill fire

NYC DOB issues vacate order for first floor, cellar apt.

by Naeisha Rose Editor

A blaze tore through a home in South Richmond Hill, costing one man his life last Thursday.

Police told the Chronicle that when officers arrived at 94-44 Lefferts Blvd., which is between 94th and 95th avenues, they found an unidentified adult man unconscious and unresponsive at 6:39 a.m.

An FDNY spokesperson said via email that firefighters received the call about smoke and fire at the rear of the two-and-ahalf-story home at 6:43 a.m. and 21 units made up of 79 fire and EMS personnel arrived in response.

EMS pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control by 7:12 a.m.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, said the FDNY.

There have been no arrests, said the NYPD.

Inspectors with the city Department of Buildings checked the home for structural stability following the fire, said a spokesman via email.

The inspectors observed that the twofamily dwelling had significant fire damage to the rear extension of the first floor.

Two people were displaced from a South Richmond Hill home that went ablaze and claimed the life of one man on May 7. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE

The owner was on site with a board-up company to seal all openings in the structure created by the fire, continued the DOB.

The inspectors observed that the cellar of the building had been converted to a class A apartment with full height partitions, contrary to the certificate of occupancy, and as a result they issued violations to the build-

Man guilty of murder in 2022 OZP shooting

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A man was convicted of murder and other crimes for a June 2022 shooting in Ozone Park that led to the death of his accomplice, the office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced May 13.

According to the charges and investigation, Richard Dixon, 35, of Jamaica, along with his accomplice, Raymond Francis, 38, walked into a parking lot off Crossbay Boulevard in Ozone Park on June 19, 2022. Dixon had an AR-style semiautomatic rifle, and Francis had a .40-caliber pistol.

The pair approached two targets who had just left a party and were waiting by their respective vehicles, the DA’s Office said.

Dixon pointed the rifle, termed an assault weapon, at one victim and shot him in the face, the charges said, taking off about half his jaw. Dixon continued firing at the victim as he tried to crawl behind the car.

The second victim, the DA’s Office said, then took out a registered 9 mm pistol and began firing at Dixon, who fired back. That victim fell backward onto his own car, and Dixon fired again in that direction.

That bullet, however, struck and ulti-

mately killed Francis instead. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital from a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen. Dixon fled the scene in a vehicle registered to his wife, per the charges.

The first victim suffered gunshot injuries to his face and upper back, and the second victim had four gunshot wounds to his leg.

Dixon showed up at a Nassau County hospital seeking attention for gunshot injuries to the leg, groin, buttocks and knee.

He made a false report as to having been shot in Baisley Pond Park, the DA’s Office said, and NYPD detectives determined that no shooting had taken place there that day.

Dixon later admitted to being shot on Crossbay, and after additional investigation was determined to be the shooter.

Dixon was convicted May 12 of seconddegree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and seconddegree criminal possession of a weapon.

“This conviction holds Richard Dixon accountable for the deadly consequences of his violent actions,” Katz said in a prepared statement.

Dixon is due back in court on June 15 and faces up to 75 years to life in prison. Q

ing owner for work done without a permit and occupancy contrary to CO. The agency also issued a vacate order affecting the first floor rear extension and the cellar.

A spokesman for the American Red Cross said via email that it registered two people for emergency assistance.

Any residents impacted by the fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 1 (877) RED CROSS (733-2767) and select Option 1.

The Daily News identified the man as Harbhajan Singh, a taxi driver, who has a son in Texas and a wife back in India.

Sherry Algredo, chairwoman of Community Board 9, said she visited the site after the fire as the victim attended a nearby gurudwara, a Sikh space of worship, on 118th Street, within the group’s district.

Algredo said the fire is about the eighth one in roughly a year in the Southeast Queens region.

There was an explosion and fire in South Ozone Park on April 30, one neighborhood over, in an apparent case of arson.

Algredo said she tried to speak with one man that lived with the victim on Lefferts Boulevard, but he was still grieving.

“Our sympathies are with the families and their loss,” she said. Q

Remains found near Conduit

Human skeletal remains were discovered in the bushes near the junction of Sutter and North Conduit avenues in Ozone Park on May 10.

Police said officers responded to a 911 call at around 10:45 a.m. for possible skeletal remains at the site. Upon arrival, officers were informed the remains were human, authorities said.

Identification of the deceased is pending. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, cops said, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The site where the remains were found is near the neighborhood known as “The Hole,” where an old Mafia graveyard was once located on Ruby Street, between Blake and Dumont avenues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers. nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Man pepper-sprayed seniors in Woodhaven

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are searching for a man they say pepper-sprayed two seniors in Woodhaven last week, within the confines of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct.

It was reported to cops that on May 5 at around 7:48 a.m., two elderly males, 68 and 72, were standing in front of a commercial establishment at 74-08 Jamaica Ave. when they were approached by an unidentified man, who engaged the duo in a verbal dispute.

He then pepper-sprayed them in the face, cops said, before fleeing the location on foot, traveling southbound on Eldert Lane.

EMS responded and treated both victims on scene.

The sought man was last seen wearing a red sweatshirt, black pants and a black bookbag, cops said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering

Police are searching for a man they say pepper-sprayed two seniors in Woodhaven last week. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. According to NYPD CompStat data through May 3, incidents of felony assault are up 15.3 percent within the 102nd Precinct so far this year to date, with 113 compared to 98 at this time in 2025.

Misdemeanor assaults are up slightly, by 1.1 percent, with 176 so far this year and 174 at this time in 2025. Q

Passes resolution calling on city to reconsider location; area crime updated CB 9 wants answers on homeless shelter

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Community Board 9 on Tuesday evening voted to send a resolution to the city requesting a reconsideration of a proposed homeless shelter in Richmond Hill.

The shelter, at 118-08 Jamaica Ave., is planned to have the capacity for 127 single adult males. The location is in close proximity to multiple schools, including PS 51, the Queens Elementary School, and PS 56, the Harry Eichler School, as well as a planned K-5 and District 75 school at 120-08 Jamaica Ave.

The resolution specifically pointed to that new school as a reason for reconsideration.

“There is a high density of elementary school students in the area,” Cristal Rivera, the board’s second vice chair and head of its Education Committee, said during the meeting at Borough Hall.

Due to a lack of communication with the board, Rivera said members are unsure if the people behind the shelter, which is to be operated by VIP Community Services, know that a school for students with disabilities

will be built nearby.

Nearly every person on the panel raised a hand, voting in favor of the resolution, save for one abstention due to the member’s employment at the Department of Social Services. The resolution will be sent to area officials and city agencies.

The board was also set to hold a public hearing on June 4 regarding the shelter, but it was postponed until September because the city Departments of Homeless Services and Social Services “needed more time to prepare,” per District Manager James McClelland.

Chair Sherry Algredo noted that the board went through extensive planning for the now-delayed public hearing.

“We secured everything in the week or so since we put this out,” Algredo said. “We were going to have hundreds of people in attendance, because there wasn’t one person who was in agreement [with the shelter].”

Algredo clarified that the outcry is not due to it being a shelter for men, but due to its location and the potential impacts on businesses and children.

McClelland was asked by a board member if he had any further information on the shelter, including on whether construction will begin before any meetings with the group.

“We have zero information,” McClelland said. “The public hearing was supposed to answer all those questions — size, scope.”

Board leadership said a rally is being planned for early June instead.

“We wanted to give them an opportunity to come address the board, have a give and take of information,” McClelland said. “They refuse, so we’re going to do our rally anyway.”

In other board news, the commanding officer of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, Deputy Inspector Pratima Maldonado, got her flowers — literally — from the board to congratulate her on her promotion.

“It means a lot to me that the community is happy with what I’m doing, because I’m doing it from the bottom of my heart,” Maldonado said. “My mom still lives here. My family’s here. You guys are a family to me.”

On crime, Maldonado said there have been “a lot” of moped-related incidents.

“When we see people on a moped without helmets, or two people riding it, or doing any kind of violation, we’re stopping them,” Maldonado said. “We’re confiscating unregistered mopeds. So just know that we know the problem and we’re doing something about it.”

Asked by a board member what to do if one is witness to someone on an e-bike driving erratically, Maldonado said it’s worth reporting to the precinct.

“By the time you put in a call, they’re most likely going to be gone, but I do encourage you to call; this way it gives me a location as to where it’s happening,” she said. “If there are people calling us to the same location ... we put it in our system as a problematic location. If you don’t call, I wouldn’t know about it.” Q

NEW YORKERS CARRY NALOXONE

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

Mayor

Alister Martin, MD, MPP

Community Board 9 on Tuesday voted in favor of a resolution asking the city to reconsider a men’s homeless shelter in Richmond Hill due to its proximity to a planned elementary school for students with disabilities. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Hot wheels in District 27

Education District 27’s first annual Soap Box Derby Race and Family Day at the Forest Park Bandshell last Saturday brought together students, families, schools, community partners and agencies for a day centered on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as teamwork, creativity and pride.

Students from across the district designed, built and raced their soap box cars while families cheered them on. Community groups’ tables and family activities added to the festivities to make the event a true celebration.

Richmond Hill’s PS 66, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, took first place. The team’s driver, Johan Guzman, holding trophy at left, will travel to Akron, Ohio, to represent Queens in the International Soap Box Race. PS 64, the Joseph P. Addabbo School, in Ozone Park, scored second place, while Rockaway’s Scholars’ Academy and PS/MS 183, the Dr. Richard R. Green School, got third and fourth place, respectively.

Event organizers noted the successful afternoon would not have been possible without support from the NYPD, FDNY, Queens Public Library, YMCA, the city Department of Educa-

tion’s Office of Family and Community Empowerment, school facilities, Con Edison, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.

Superintendent David Norment said the day was a true celebration of student creativity, teamwork and community, and added, “Our students did more than race cars — they designed, built, problem-solved, collaborated, and represented their schools with pride. This event reflects the kind of joyful, hands-on learning we want all students to experience across District 27.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Deciding Between a Will and a Revocable Trust

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

Clients often ask whether they should prepare a will or set up a revocable trust. To answer that question, it is important to understand the differences between these two important estate planning tools.

many months. By avoiding the delay of probate a revocable trust gives beneficiaries immediate access to assets upon death. A revocable trust also prevents a will contest by an heir you purposefully left out of your will or received less than they think they deserved.

Fundamentally, both a will and a revocable trust are designed to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries when you die. You will also name an individual to carry out your wishes: the executor in your will or the trustee in your trust. Both a will and a revocable trust can be changed as many times as you wish while you are still alive. You also retain complete control over the assets you identify in your will or revocable trust.

A revocable trust can also ensure the inheritances you leave remain in your bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws. Similarly, a revocable trust can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces or creditors. Married couples with taxable estates can also reduce and often eliminate estate taxes with a revocable trust.

There are also significant differences between a will and a revocable trust. A primary difference is by putting your assets into a revocable trust you allow your beneficiaries to avoid the probate process in Surrogate’s Court. Probate can be expensive and may take

Choosing between a will or revocable trust is an important decision and will have a significant impact on your children and beneficiaries. Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@conzamc namara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.

Students celebrate culture

The first-ever Multicultural Fair at Hawtree Creek Middle School, at 121-10 Rockaway Blvd, in South Ozone Park, on May 7 was a tremendous success, according to the school’s guidance counselor, Despina DeLuca, who shared photos and information with the Chronicle following the celebration.

The student-led fair celebrated the many cultures present throughout the school community, with kids working alongside their families to create informative and creative poster displays highlighting their heritage and traditions.

At top, students Rohita Patram, left, and

Esha Deolall, and above right, Ariana Baichan and Sameera Alli, show off their knowledge of Guyanese culture. Above left, Layla Rivera’s display honors Puerto Rico.

The fair also featured plenty of delicious traditional food from a wide variety of cultures, along with music, crafts and entertaining performances that brought students, staff and families together for a heartfelt celebration of diversity and community.

The event was organized by the school’s newly appointed assistant principal, Tania Riera, who has taught there for the last 14 years, DeLuca said. — Kristen Guglielmo

Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven, NY

MAY-NOVEMBER 2026 SCHEDULE

TUESDAYS

Morning Walk with DEBBI

MAY 5th- NOVEMBER 17th 10:00–11:00 AM

Inspire your day with an invigorating morning walk in scenic Forest Park with Debbi Meet at Bandshell

Chair Yoga Chair Yoga with DEBBI

11:15 AM–12:15 PM

Relax, rejuvenate, and recharge your body & spirit with this uplift ing & calming exercise.

WEDNESDAYS

L I N E D A N C I N G LINE DANCING with MICHELLE

MAY 6th- NOVEMBER 18th 10:30–11:30 AM No classes held in inclement weather.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026

Fun and Fitness

Summer Kickoff Picnic at Forest Park at Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven Fu n a nd Fit ne s s

Jumpstart your day with seven invigorating morning fitness sessions at the Forest Park Seuffert Bandshell, followed by a delicious lunch in the new picnic area.

7 FITNESS CLASSES

9:00AM to 11:00AM Coffee, Tea & Danish Hour

From 8:45AM to 1:30PM Italian Garden Picnic 1:45 PM Wine & Cheese Board Appetizers Assorted Sourdough Breads Baked Fresh Flounder Italian Style Spinach Quiche Pasta Primavera Mixed Garden Vegetable Salad — Dessert — Fresh Fruit & Custard Éclairs Suggested Contribution: Only $20.00

Guidelines Board OKs preliminary adjustment range; open to input City steps closer to a possible rent freeze

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

As chants of “rent rollback” echoed through a packed auditorium at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City on May 7, the city Rent Guidelines Board took a major first step toward what could become the city’s first rent freeze that applies to both one- and two-year rent-stabilized leases.

After a series of competing proposals from tenant and landlord representatives failed, the nine-member board voted to advance preliminary rent adjustment ranges of 0 to 2 percent for one-year leases and 0 to 4 percent for twoyear leases for rent-stabilized apartments and lofts.

The guidelines would apply to leases beginning between Oct. 1, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2027.

The preliminary vote now sets the stage for weeks of public hearings before a final vote scheduled for June 25.

Board Chair Chantella Mitchell reminded attendees repeatedly that last Thursday’s action was only the beginning of the process.

“These are preliminary guideline adjustments,” Mitchell said during the meeting. “I encourage the public join in our annual process of public comment, and I look forward to reading and listening to your comments.”

The evening opened with tenant representatives on the board proposing a more aggressive range that would have reduced rent on rent-stabilized apartments by as much as 3 percent on one-year leases and 4.5 percent on two-year leases. The measure failed.

have spent months pushing for a full rent freeze amid the city’s affordability crisis.

Mayor Mamdani, who campaigned on freezing rents for stabilized tenants, praised the board’s preliminary decision in a statement released after the vote.

“New Yorkers are being crushed by the cost of living, and they need real relief,” Mamdani said. “I’m encouraged to see the Board taking seriously the data around affordability, operating expenses, and the pressures facing both tenants and small property owners as it sets this preliminary range.”

He also urged residents to participate in the upcoming hearings.

The Rent Guidelines Board on May 7 voted to approve preliminary rent adjustment ranges, a step toward a possible freeze on both one- and two-year rent-stabilized leases. The board will vote on a finalized adjustment in June.

“New Yorkers from every borough should make their voices heard and speak directly to what this housing crisis looks like in their lives,” Mamdani said. “I’m confident the Board will weigh those perspectives carefully and arrive at a decision later this summer that reflects the urgency of this moment.”

“New Yorkers are being crushed by the cost of living.”

— Mayor Mamdani

Landlord representatives then introduced a competing proposal seeking increases of 3 to 5.5 percent for one-year leases and 6 to 8 percent for two-year leases. That motion also failed to pass.

Mitchell’s compromise proposal ultimately won support from a majority of the board.

The vote drew immediate reaction from elected officials and tenant advocates who

The RGB will host a hearing at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center’s auditorium, at 15310 Jamaica Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. June 4.

Those who wish to testify must register online. The hearing will also be streamed on the board’s YouTube channel.

For information on upcoming public hearings, including how to register to testify and other ways to provide comment to the board, one may visit tinyurl.com/ mr3md6fm.

Public officials aligned with tenant advocates said the preliminary ranges should go even further.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called for a complete freeze, writing on X, “We’re in an affordability crisis, and the

Buy a plant and support PS 66

If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home or yard, head to PS 66, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, at 85-11 102 St. in Richmond Hill, on May 16 for a community planting day and plant sale.

The community-centered event, hosted by the PS 66 PTA’s garden committee from 12 to 4 p.m. in the schoolyard, will help launch and support a new horticultural initiative designed to beautify the school grounds, provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and create a greener gathering space that can serve

the surrounding neighborhood. During the sale, attendees can shop for a wide variety of affordable plants while supporting a meaningful cause, as all proceeds will directly benefit the PS 66 PTA and future garden programming at the school.

The event is supported by and in partnership with GrowNYC, The Home Depot and Jamaica Hardware. Cash payments are preferred, and all children in attendance must be accompanied by an adult. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Rent Guidelines Board must meet the moment with a rent freeze. There may be smaller owners struggling, but the city and state should improve access to support for them — without adding undue burdens on tenants who simply cannot pay more.”

Councilmember Julie Won (D-Long Island City) in a statement posted to social media said the board’s action was only a partial measure.

“Tonight, the Rent Guidelines Board took the first step in making housing affordable by freezing the rent for rent-stabilized units. But they did not go far enough,” Won said.

She added that rent has increased by 12 percent since former Mayor Eric Adams took office, with minimal growth to wages and skyrocketing inflation.

“There is no other choice but a rent rollback,” Won said. “Tenants deserve no less than a decrease in rent to match economic reality. Anything else is divorced from the realities of everyday New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Claire Valdez (D-Sunnyside), however, called for a complete freeze on all lease rates.

“Landlord profits are up while New Yorkers choose between paying the rent and paying for food,” Valdez wrote on X. “The RGB must freeze the rent on ALL leases. And I’ll

fight alongside tenants across NYC to make sure it does in June.”

But not everyone is on board with the RGB’s initial vote.

Kenny Burgos, the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, said the approved range could jeopardize the livelihood of tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

“This range is an example of politics over people,” Burgos said in a statement posted to the NYAA’s Substack.

Burgos cited data published by the RGB in April that found that in order for an owner to cover operating costs of a building, an increase of 4.5 percent on one-year leases and 8.5 percent on two-year leases is needed.

“The final vote impacts hundreds of thousands of tenants and owners,” Burgos said. “Politics has pitted the two groups against each other as if they’re not all New Yorkers who are investing in their communities and seeking the same thing: the means to live.”

Burgos added, “An owner’s ability to pay for the costs of the building you’re living in should matter to every tenant. Rent isn’t going into the pockets of rent-stabilized owners, it’s going into keeping the buildings standing. This threat of a rent freeze nearly guarantees our owners and tenants will live in declining conditions for years to come.” Q

Donate blood in your area

The New York Blood Center is always looking for donors of all types.

To make an appointment to donate, visit nybc.org. There are several blood drives in Central and Western Queens listed now:

• Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Local No. 638, auditorium, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 18, 32-32 48 Ave. in Long Island City;

• NYPD Medical Division, 16th floor auditorium, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 59-17 Junction Blvd. in Corona;

• Queens Center mall, busmobile by 92nd Street entrance, 12 to 6 p.m., Friday,

May 22, 90-15 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst;

• Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, busmobile, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 92-29 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills;

• Our Lady of Mercy Church, basement, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 70-01 Kessel St. in Forest Hills;

• NYPD 112th Precinct, muster room, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 68-40 Austin St. in Forest Hills; and

• St. Margaret’s Parish, parish hall, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 66-05 79 Place in Middle Village. Q

YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT /

Forest Hills folks say hate will not stand, after swastika graffiti attacks Hundreds denounce antisemitism at rally

by Michael Shain Chronicle Contributor

The May 4 graffiti incidents in Rego Park and Forest Hills, which scarred two synagogues and several homes with swastikas and other antisemitic markings, are becoming an organizing event for Queens Jewish groups angered by the growing number of attacks on Jews in New York.

“We’re here to tell the world that it is not OK,” said David Rosen, a 46-year-old activist who organized a boisterous rally last Sunday morning in Forest Hills’ Yellowstone Park, under a banner reading “This Shall Not Stand.” More graffiti was found in nearby Queens parks that same day.

More than a dozen speakers — ranging from college campus activists to a popular pro-Israel comedian with more than 1 million internet followers — took to the podium to denounce not only the still-unsolved hate crime, but also an increase in antisemitic harassment in the city since the Mideast war that began Oct. 7, 2023.

More than 200 people filled the playground park on Yellowstone Boulevard for the rally, sponsored by a group called Impact — founded by Rosen two and a half years ago — and the #EndJewHatred movement.

A cordon of police officers from the 112th Precinct surrounded the park during the hourlong rally, which went off without incident.

The mention of Mayor Mamdani’s name was booed half a dozen times, as speaker after speaker criticized the city’s top official for what they characterized as his noncommittal stance on recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Zack Sage Fox, a provocative social media figure who has built a huge online following with video stunts seeking to expose what he believes is ignorance among some pro-Pales-

In response to last week’s antisemitic graffiti incidents in Central Queens, protesters took to Yellowstone Park in Forest Hills to denounce hatred. Above, organizer David Rosen addresses the crowd. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

tinian protesters, called the May 4 attacks “disgusting.”

The mayor, Fox told the rally, was at least partly to blame.

“At least his wife doesn’t play both sides of the street,” Fox said. “We need him to take a stand. This is bullsh--t.”

Mamdani said last week that he was “horrified and angered” by the vandalism, calling it

a “deliberate act of antisemitic hatred meant to instill fear.”

The political overtones of the rally were decidedly conservative — in contrast to the press conference earlier in the week featuring Gov. Hochul, Mamdani and other elected officials condemning the attacks. The themes went beyond the incidents in Central Queens, citing them as evidence of a wider antisemitic problem that officials here have not adequately addressed.

Hochul’s opponent in this fall’s gubernatorial campaign, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, appeared at the rally, where he called antisemitism “un-American.”

Other speakers included Jayne Zirkle, a lawyer and former correspondent for Steve Bannon’s podcast.

At times, the rally had the feel of a networking event, as volunteers worked the crowd signing up new members for Rosen’s Impact group while canvassers circulated nominating petitions for Blakeman.

Many rallygoers stood side by side with their phones out, swapping contact information for future use.

“We are a movement,” Rosen told The Chronicle, “not a traditional political organization. A movement to organize individuals at the grassroots level to mobilize, online and offline, the fight against Jew hate.” Q

The heart of Yiddish beats in LI City

CYCO boasts the world’s largest depository of books in the Jewish tongue

by Michael Shain Chronicle Contributor

Tucked on the top floor of a warehouse in an ungentrified stretch of Long Island City, a block from the mouth of the Queens Midtown Tunnel, is the world’s oldest Yiddish bookstore.

It was not the bookstore’s choice to be there next to car repair shops and furniture warehouses.

In 2010, when Manhattan rents became too steep for ordinary people, the CYCO Yiddish Book Center, like so many others, was forced to move. Long Island City fit the bill.

And that is where the conventional part of the CYCO story ends. The bookstore doesn’t even like to call itself a bookstore.

“I have never referred to CYCO as a store,” said Hy Wolfe, a loquacious former actor who has run it as a volunteer for 20 years.

“I have always called CYCO a Yiddish cultural center — which also publishes and sells Yiddish books.”

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in Manhattan says it has increased its Yiddish course offerings fivefold in recent years.

Like scholars who study Latin to read Roman texts in the original, students are learning Yiddish to access Eastern European literature as it was first written. Visitors to CYCO are split fairly evenly between scholars and enthusiasts, newcomers and longtime devotees.

Most of CYCO’s collection is secular.

Translations of the works of Jules Verne — including “Around the World in 80 Days” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” — sit on a cart beside Wolfe’s desk. Nearby, a bust of I.L. Peretz, the famed Yiddish writer for whom a Lower Manhattan square is named, looks out over the room.

“I have always called CYCO a Yiddish cultural center — which also publishes and sells Yiddish books.”

— Hy Wolfe

No one stumbles into CYCO (pronounced tsee-ko, short for the Central Yiddish Cultural Organization) off the street. You have to want to get there.

And, increasingly, people do. Yiddish appears to be making a comeback.

Duolingo, the languagelearning platform, introduced a Yiddish course in 2020 that now has hundreds of thousands of users. The

It’s hard to overstate the spartan amenities at CYCO. Its inventory runs to as many as 80,000 Yiddish books, stacked on steel utility shelves across a 1,200-square-foot warehouse. More are packed in moving boxes, piled head-high in the middle of the room.

Refreshments — pretzels and a two-liter bottle of soda with plastic cups — sit on a folding table near the front, next to a fishbowl for voluntary contributions.

Most books sell for $10 to $50. But the store won’t part with its last copy of any title, in keeping with its mission, Wolfe said.

The store is open by appointment only.

An exact inventory is hard to determine because not all the books are cataloged — a problem that

points to one of CYCO’s biggest challenges.

Yiddish — the language of Eastern European Jews since at least the 10th century — was long expected to fade with the last generation of immigrants who spoke it as children.

Wolfe, who was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by Polish parents, is a rarity: a native Yiddish speaker who learned the language in the United States.

“For the first five years of my life, I didn’t speak a word of English,” he said.

Yiddish may no longer be dying, but the institutions that sustain it remain fragile.

Can an appointment-only store located on the wrong side of a foot-

bridge over the Long Island Rail Road tracks survive? It lacks the resources to fully catalog its holdings or — in the age of AI — to digitize them.

Wolfe is 71, and the store’s future rests largely with its only other volunteer, Rosza Daniels, he said.

Daniels, also a professional performer, has agreed to take over when Wolfe decides he’s had enough. Wolfe calls her arrival at the center two years ago “heaven-sent.”

The store does not sell enough books each year to cover its costs. Donations from sympathetic supporters make up the lion’s share of its budget.

Where will CYCO be in 10 years?

“Here,” Wolfe said. Q

Hy Wolfe, the volunteer operator of the CYCO Yiddish Book Center, and Monika Adamczyk-Garbowska, a Polish professor of comparative literature, who visited the store to buy books for a postdoctoral paper. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

From top left, Hy Wolfe shows the works of Jules Verne translated into Yiddish; professor Monika Adamczyk-Garbowska peruses a volume; a bust of the famed writer I.L. Peretz on a shelf with his books; the exterior of the warehouse where CYCO — short for the Central Yiddish Cultural Organization — is located;

Residents say the park is slighted for money, maintenance and more FMCP backers seek city funding, support

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Michael Anderson was a 9-year-old boy growing up in Kansas when Flushing Meadows Corona Park hosted the 1964-65 World’s Fair, but went to the park while visiting Queens in 1966.

“I remember walking along Booth Memorial Avenue,” he said. “They were tearing down the remains of the World’s Fair.”

Now a longtime Corona resident, Anderson visits the park several times a week to run, conduct tours, volunteer or just visit.

He still sees what he believes is disregard on the part of the city for the park that is known as the crown jewel of Queens.

“There are streets that are cracked, that have potholes,” he said in an interview this week. “There is flooding, some things that have not really been addressed. I also run in Prospect Park and Central Park and I see how nice the streets are.”

Anderson acknowledges that by his own investigation, Central Park has 277 times the private funding that FMCP does.

“I understand that if Flushing Meadows Corona Park was bordered by the Upper West Side or Park Slope they wouldn’t have that problem. What I find alarming is how little in city funds it receives.”

He said FMCP, five acres larger than Cen-

Damaged electrical work has kept the Unisphere fountains at Flushing Meadows Corona Park dormant since 2023. The Parks Department is working on funding repairs.

tral Park, has an amazing history, hosting the 1939-40 World’s Fair; being the first home of the United Nations from 1946 to 1950, the home of the US Open and the site for many popular movies.

Anderson’s concerns go deeper than the myriad maintenance issues of broken streetlights, unkempt greenery and roads and side-

walks filled with cracks and potholes that he and others have brought to the city’s attention

Two historic sites, Anderson said, have been in need of repairs since 2023.

“I’d love to see the fountains at the Unisphere fixed,” he said. And while weather conditions damaged the fountain’s underground electrical works, there is a man-made condi-

NO CHASER, JUST THE TRUTH

tion that has been bothering him since September.

“Somebody threw a pair of sneakers that is hanging from one of the Unisphere’s loops,” he said. “They’re still up there.”

Not too far from the Unisphere is a clump of trees that house the Column of Jerash, formerly a 30-foot marble pillar from the second century AD that was gifted to the city and the World’s Fair in 1964 by the late King Hussein of Jordan. It was damaged — the city Parks Department did not speculate how — in 2023.

“If someone broke off the top of Cleoptra’s Needle in Central Park, it would have been fixed by now,” Anderson said.

The Parks Department said it is in the process of securing money to have the Unisphere fountains repaired and running as soon as possible,

The damaged parts of the Column of Jerash have been taken to a Parks monuments facility on Randall’s Island and the remaining column capped. Restoration possibilities and future display options are under consideration.

Jason Antos, executive director of the Queens Historical Society and the official Queens historian, is a lifelong borough resident who shares Anderson’s love of and concerns for FMCP.

“I think the Column of Jerash is itself a

Alcohol can increase the risk of several cancers, including breast , colon and throat cancer. Drinking less can lower your risk.

Get the facts. Visit nyc.gov/alcohol.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Veteran lawmaker locks in on his priorities as he runs for reelection Government can do good, Hevesi says

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

“You get to a stage where you’ve been around for a while, where you’re just like, I’m gonna tell you exactly what I think,” said state Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills). “I’m getting close to that.”

The veteran lawmaker has represented Assembly District 28 for more than 20 years. He’s taking campaigning as seriously as ever, as he once again runs for reelection.

But he’s also not holding back.

ing outsized payments for damages if they are found mostly at fault.

“The auto insurance deal that’s being worked out is going to hurt people,” he said, explaining that crash survivors would not be able to sue for pain, suffering and emotional damage.

In a sitdown interview with the Chronicle May 8, Hevesi said Gov. Hochul is using “a terribly created system” to her advantage in the state budget process, and that she hastily announced a deal on May 7 after she was satisfied with several policy items.

“She got what she wanted and said we’re done. We’re not done,” Hevesi said. “I don’t know what’s happening with childcare. We’re not paying the workforce ... I don’t know a million things.”

Lawmakers passed their 11th budget extender on Monday. Before that, just a few policy issues were being discussed, Hevesi said — changes to environmental laws, car insurance reforms and immigration enforcement regulations.

Not only does Hevesi dispute some of Hochul’s top priorities for the budget — he supports raising taxes for wealthy earners and corporations, for one — but he also said “we’re not talking about other stuff,” not even fiscal matters.

For his part, Hevesi was confident the finalized budget would include $5 million more for parental representation in family court, and he is hoping to fund a reintegration pilot program for formerly incarcerated people.

Even as lawmakers remain in what he called the “governor’s personal session,” he is keeping a sharp focus on his own legislative priorities — though he will only have a short time in Albany to get them to the finish line, once the budget is done.

Several of his bills, including one to end anonymous reporting to the Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment and replace it with confidential reporting, were signed into law at the end of last year.

“Can government help?” he said. “Yeah, if it’s done right.”

“We’re not a college campus.”

—

He added that climate law rollbacks would not be necessary, had the required regulations already been in place, and said it is “false advertising” for Hochul to frame her auto insurance reforms as affordability measures. The governor said last week that the final budget would in part cap payouts for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of an accident, better define the term “serious injury” and stop drivers from claim-

on replacing parking with more bike lanes

As chair of the Children and Families Committee, one bill Hevesi is especially excited about would let the city Department of Investigation access certain records from the Administration for Children’s Services without prior approval from the Office of Children and Family Services. He described a report in which the DOI, an independent watchdog that can examine every other agency, found that it cannot access information pertaining to certain crimes to which ACS workers might be linked. The bill has moved unanimously through the relevant committees, Hevesi said, and he is waiting to place it on a debate list so it can pass before the legislative session ends.

He also is still working on Kyra’s Law, which has been in progress for years. It would require courts to consider abuse allegations in child custody cases and mandate judge training to that end.

“That will stop children from being handed over to their abusers,” he said. “We’ve seen a number of cases wind up in fatalities, and they’re horrific.”

Grand Street Bridge meeting

The city Department of Transportation will host an information session May 19 about reconstruction of the Grand Street Bridge, which is more than a century old.

At the meeting, set for 6 to 8 p.m. at Maspeth’s Polish Legion of American Veterans Frank Kowalinski Post, city reps will give a presentation and answer questions in an open-house format.

The Grand Street Bridge runs over Newtown Creek, connecting Maspeth to Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Per the DOT, the project will address the bridge’s structural shortfalls and resiliency

needs. It also will ensure operational reliability for multiple modes of transportation — as it stands, the city says, the bridge is too narrow to accommodate traffic, and the mechanical and electrical systems on its swing span are weather-damaged.

The project requires environmental reviews at the city, state and federal levels. It is expected to receive federal funding, according to the DOT.

To learn more, one may call (929) 5051009 or email grandstreetbridgeproject@ dot.nyc.gov. Q

— Stephanie G. Meditz

Hevesi also discussed his stances on hot-button local issues. On the antisemitic graffiti that was found around Forest Hills and Rego Park last week, including on a synagogue and Jewish community center, he said he hopes the “four misinformed bigots” responsible are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

He later condemned the similar vandalism that was found May 10 at Forest and Highland parks.

While he is “open” to closing part of Austin Street to cars sometimes, a complete open street would “kill” business along the corridor, Hevesi said. One advocacy group has an Open Street application pending that would close the stretch from 71st Avenue to 71st Road on four Sundays at the end of the summer.

“I’m not convinced with the argument that no business is going to suffer if you take all the car traffic out of there,” he said.

He also is hesitant about adding more bike lanes in the district in lieu of parking.

“We have a lot of bike lanes, and that’s great, but we’re not a college campus,” he said.

Hevesi’s longevity has not driven him to complacency. Ahead of the June 23 primary, wherein he has a challenger in perennial candidate Jonathan Rinaldi, he is still fundraising and door-knocking.

Several weeks ago, Hevesi learned that his voter registration had been changed to the Working Families Party without his knowledge, which would have made him ineligible for the primary. He said Rinaldi, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic ticket to challenge him in the primary, is the “only person who benefits from that.”

“He essentially was trying to steal an election,” Hevesi said of his opponent. He filed a complaint with the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and said Rinaldi is under criminal investigation.

Rinaldi, who has made numerous fabricated social media posts, recently shared an AI deepfake video that appears to depict Hevesi making disparaging statements about himself. The lawmaker has signed onto a bill introduced by Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) that would ban the use of “materially deceptive media” in political communication.

Asked whether ID should be required to change voter registration, Hevesi said “something needs to be done,” but he is still looking at potential solutions. Q

FCMP backers want more city help

continued from page 21

good allegory for all of Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” Antos said. “It’s something people kinda, sorta know is there. There are those who know about it or those who gloss over it.”

Even Antos said he was unaware of the column’s significance until about 20 years ago when he was on a tour led by the late Jack Eichenbaum, then the official Queens historian.

“I was blown away,” he said. “This had come through the portal of time and now sits in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, of all places.”

And he said people need to cut Parks per-

sonnel some slack.

“They have to try and be in all places at all times,” he said.

Antos and Anderson said many people can pass by Jerash and not know, particularly as it is between a few paved paths and largely obscured by trees.

Antos said it has gained more attention from the public in recent years. He said there are pluses to moving it to a more open, conspicuous location, but he would have no problem with making adjustments to show off and celebrate it where it is.

“Relocating it is a big undertaking,” he said. Anderson believes a new site would afford the monument better security. Q

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has represented District 28 for more than 20 years, but with so many serious issues at hand, he’s taking his reelection campaign as seriously as ever. PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi,

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Kristen Guglielmo

A decade into a celebration he helped build from a small flash

A decade into a celebration he build from a small flash mob on Rockaway Beach, Anthony Lo Cascio is bringing the rhythm back to Forest Park — and inviting the whole community to step in.

The 10th annual National Tap Dance Day celebration, presented The 10th annual National Tap Dance Day celebration, by the Taplife Hero Foundation led by Lo Cascio, an international tap dancer and Howard Beach native, is coming to the Forest Park Bandshell on May 24. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Queens, New York this is one of the places where tap dance

“Queens, New York — this is one of the places where tap dance should be thriving,” Lo Cascio told the Chronicle. “It’s the reason why I became a tap dancer, because tap dance thrived in my neighborhood,” he said.

Lo Cascio grew up training at Joe Stanford Dance Studio in Howard Beach and built a three-decade career on stages around the world. He has opened for Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Earth, Wind & Fire and Shirley Bassey, and became the first American to earn a standing role in the off-Broadway show “Tap Dogs,” which he toured with for many years.

Co. and educational programs, he has worked as a cho-

Through his Taplife Co. and educational programs, he has worked as a choreographer, educator and producer, teaching at conventions and competitions, educator and at conventions and adjudicating and working with dancers one-on-one and with dancers one-on-one.

For more information on Taplife Co , the Taplife Hero Foundation and the

For more information on Taplife Co., the Hero Foundation and the event, one may go online to taplifecompany com event, one may go online to taplifecompany.com.

The Forest Park celebration, Lo Cascio said, is about opening the door for

The Forest Park celebration, Lo Cascio said, is about opening the door for anyone curious about the ar t form anyone curious about the art form.

He said the rise of television and internet competition shows has changed

He said the rise of television and internet competition shows has changed how people especially kids discover ar t But he wants young people to how — kids — discover art. But he wants young people to feel free to choose tap or any other ar t form because it speaks to them, not feel free to choose tap or any other art form because it to them, not because it’s trending because it’s trending.

“If it calls to them, then they should be able to engage with it without

continued on page 25

“If it calls to them, then should be able to engage with it without feeling like, ‘Well, I’m not picking the most popular, sensational one that’s on like, ‘Well, I’m not picking the most popular, sensational one that’s on the internet today or getting the most likes,’” he said the internet today or getting the most likes,’” he said. ho y od C d w th for wi sh wh bu t

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Menasha Skulnik got some laughs in Forest Hills

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Menasha Skulnik, the seventh of nine children, was born in Warsaw, Poland, on May 15, 1890. He didn’t care for school, and it is said he ran away at 13 and joined a circus. He immigrated to New York in 1913 and married Sarah Kutner.

Standing 5-foot-4, with weird mannerisms, he would make people laugh before he even opened his mouth and they heard his high, nasal voice. He joined the Yiddish theater scene, on Second Avenue in Manhattan, where comedy, operettas and drama were written and performed by Ashkenazi Jews in Yiddish.

Skulnik was comfortable in his role as a “dope,” though he disliked being called the “Yiddish Charlie Chaplin.” In 35 years on Second Avenue he mastered over 700 roles.

Sadly, his wife, Sarah, died in 1943 at 49 years old. He then moved out to Queens, to an apartment at 69-39 Yellowstone Blvd. in Forest Hills. He found love again and mar-

ried actress Anna Teitelbaum, known professionally as Anna Roman, in 1955. Skulnik did not want to be called a comedian but got big laughs. He went on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in later years, but his short time on stage could not show his wide range. Working until the very end, Skulnik collapsed on stage in a rehearsal for a new show he was bringing to Broadway and died weeks later on June 4, 1970. He is buried in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing. Q

H O U R C H I L D R E N HOUR CHILDREN

H U N T E R S P O I N T PA R KS C O N S E RVA N CY HUNTERS POINT PARKS CONSERVANCY

J AC O B R I I S S E T T L E M E N T H O U S E JACOB RIIS SETTLEMENT HOUSE

K I D S R I D E C LU B KIDS RIDE CLUB

LI C A R T I ST S LIC ARTISTS

LI C C O M M U N I T Y B OAT H O U S

B SPORTS EAT

My Sterling memories

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The passing of John Sterling last Monday elicited a ton of tributes, which was not surprising given that he was the radio voice of the Yankees for 36 years. Most of the reminiscence dealt with Sterling’s theatrical home run calls, which were tailor-made for each Bronx Bomber.

What has been overlooked has been Sterling’s first media job in the New York market. Many baby boomers who were in high school in the New York area fondly remember his nightly sports call-in show on WMCA when it was known as “dialogue radio” in the early 1970s.

While sports talk radio has been a popular format across the United States for years, it was a novelty in 1973 when Sterling came to WMCA. Bill Mazer was the first sports talk radio host in New York on WNBC in the late 1960s, while Jack Spector, whom Sterling succeeded, followed in 1970.

Mazer and Spector were genial types who welcomed callers. Sterling took a different tack. He believed being confrontational was the way to grab ratings. He created a persona that was a mix of Joe Pyne, Morton Downey, Jr. and Don Rickles. Listening to him snap at callers who did not measure up made for compelling radio.

My cousin Dave enjoyed parrying with him on the air. Dave would propose preposterous, one-sided baseball trades, and come up with fic-

titious Russian hockey players with doubleentendre names who the Rangers should try to get to defect from the USSR. Sterling would pretend to be enraged.

I remember a call I made in 1974. Two of Sterling’s side gigs were doing play-by-play for the New York Raiders of the World Hockey Association and the New York Stars of the World Football League. Within months of their inception, the Stars relocated to Charlotte, NC, while the Raiders moved to the Philadelphia suburb of Cherry Hill, NJ.

I said, “John, I believe if the Yankees made you their play-by-play man, they would be playing their home games in Albuquerque by July!”

“Some of my friends have said the same thing!” he candidly replied.

Years later, when I met him in person in the Yankee Stadium media dining room, I recounted those WMCA days to him. He told me he appreciated the creativity of the callers. “Please send my regards to Dave!” he chuckled as we were finishing our conversation.

John enjoyed it when I gave him copies of my columns. “You should be writing for the dailies or Sports Illustrated!” he exclaimed. I told him I appreciated the kind words, but I was very content to be part of Queens’ newspaper of record.

John Sterling will be sorely missed. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com

The home of Menasha Skulnik was at 69-39 Yellowstone Blvd. in Forest Hills, as it looks today. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET PHOTO FROM “KLANGEN FUN MAYN LEBN,” VIA WIKIPEDIA

Kids take you ‘So Far From Home’ this weekend

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

For a group that’s been around since 1916, The Garden Players are looking mighty sprightly, preparing for their latest production, “So Far from Home,” set for four performances on May 16 and 17 at The Community House in Forest Hills.

At a recent rehearsal, the stage was filled with enthusiastic young thespians, some still in kindergarten, putting the finishing touches on an original musical about the importance of storytelling and community, inspired by the complex emotions and experiences faced by refugees throughout history.

Oh, yes, it features dragons, Martians, ogres and Atlantis survivors because, as its promotions suggest, “Sometimes our most heartfelt stories need a world of fantastical fun.”

The show is the brainchild of Betina Hershey, the group’s guiding light since 2002, who serves as director, producer, music director, choreographer and even educator.

The latter title comes from Her-

At right are two of the performers: Abigail Langley, top, and Carolina

shey’s role as leader of the group’s musical theater school program, which offers a variety of classes.

Many of the program’s alumni pay return visits, including Aviv Fetaya, who joined at age 10 and is now a senior at Yale University.

“I come back every year to help out in whatever capacity they need,” Fetaya said during the rehearsal, where he was pitching in as assistant director.

Current cast member Abigail Langley, 13, who plays a queen and other roles, said the program provides her with a “space where everyone is comfortable. It’s an opportunity to learn and flourish.”

The Forest Hills resident, who will be attending a professional performing arts high school in the fall with an eye on a career in musical theater, said being onstage allows one to “get out of the

struggles outside and become a different person.”

An even younger member of the company, Carolina Faya, 9, who plays a member of a family of dragons, feels just as strongly about the benefits of performing.

“I love to sing and tell stories and I get to meet new friends,” Carolina said.

The moral of the show, which she defined as being “Never give

up if things are getting tough,” is one she plans to always follow throughout her life.

Hershey wrote the show in 2016 with input from her young charges at the time. Among the cast was Fetaya, who said, “It’s interesting to see how productions have evolved over the years.”

The show was scheduled to be staged again in 2020, but Covid put an end to that plan. However, as tradition has it, the show must go on, so that year’s group performed songs from the production in a special online version.

The latest incarnation, which runs approximately 60 minutes, features the same basic themes but includes new scenes and songs, Hershey said.

Performances at The Community House, located at 107-15 Borage Place, behind the Church-in-theGardens on Ascan Avenue, are on May 16 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and May 17 at 2 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $27.70 or $17.30, depending on seat location. For more information, call (917) 204-5647 or visit gardenplayers.com. Q

Get on your feet at the Forest Park Bandshell

continued from page 23

The day will start with music in the Banshell area as people gather. Then Lo Cascio will invite the audience onstage for a free beginner tap class — no experience necessary.

He even plans to bring new tap shoes for anyone who wants to try them, and introduce the basics of tap dance.

If time allows, Lo Cascio hopes to teach the Shim Sham, a classic routine that has

Crossword Answers

become a shared language for tap and swing dancers. He described it as “the tap dancer’s national anthem.”

As the afternoon continues, professional and amateur tappers will arrive for an open jam, giving onlookers a chance to see “how tap dancers speak to each other, with their feet and with their rhythm and with their timing.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is expected to join the event for a brief ceremony honoring this year’s “tap champion”: the Rockettes of Color Alumnae, marking their 51st anniversary and the breaking of a color barrier at Radio City Music Hall.

The program will also feature a miniconcert from Queens-raised singer-songwriter Frank Persico, culminating in a performance of “Lucky to Be Alive,” an original piece Persico and Lo Cascio created after Superstorm Sandy.

The choreography has since become a calling card for Tap Life, Lo Cascio said, shared freely online for dancers and teachers to bring into their own communities.

Reaching the 10-year mark of the National Tap Dance Day celebration, Lo Cascio said, proves there is an audience for

The 10th annual National Tap Dance Day celebration is coming to the Forest Park Bandshell on May 24, presented by the TapLife Hero Foundation, led by Howard Beach native Anthony Lo Cascio. On the cover: Lo Cascio and other dancers, including teen Izzy from Illinois, in pink, hit the right moves at last year’s event.

tap — and a need for it. He pushed back on any idea that tap is a “dying art form.”

“Tap dance was part of the golden age of movie musicals,” Lo Cascio said. “The tap dancing was the special effects, because it was always the wow factor — it

was the cultural phenomenon of its time. So when other things took its place, people started making others feel like it was a dying art form. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t still exist. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a legacy.” Q

Betina Hershey offers some directorial suggestions to her young charges at a recent rehearsal of “So Far from Home.”

Faya. PHOTOS BY MARK LORD

COURTESY PHOTOS

in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn. Inquire at Logan Bus Company, 9714 Atlantic Ave. Ozone Park, NY 11416

(718) 738-7373 EXT 2144 Joaquin Terc Send resume to: JTerc@loganbus.com

Personal Assistant Needed for part-time, one day a week, to run errands, answer phones, and provide light office work. Laurelton, Queens. Send resume to: tony@tonytaxassociates.com or call 718-413-6126

Howard Beach, Sat 5/16 & Sun 5/17, 9am-2pm, 99-16 157 Ave. Lionel Trains tracks, women’s plus-sized clothes, tools, collectibles & more!

Howard Beach, Sat 5/16, 9am-2pm, 91-09 164 Ave. Clothing, sports cards, collectibles, hot wheels, bikes, roller skates, Legos & much more!

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save!

INJURED IN AN

1-833-323-0160

We buy 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

Donate your car today, running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pick up. Max tax deduction. Se habla Espanol. Call now: 844-415-1229

Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today!

Ozone Park, Sat 5/16, 9am-2pm, 97-28 135 Rd. Something for everyone!

Ozone Park, INDOOR FLEA MARKET, Sat 5/30, 9am-5pm. American Legion, 91-11 101 Ave. Variety of Items. Vendors Wanted. 718-843-8706

BAHAMA PALS FOR TRAVEL & Personal Assistance call or WhatsApp 1 (242) 466-4224. “We’re simply the best!” SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call 877-988-7277

I need a job as an elder companion. I do tutoring, virtual also. Call Roe, 917-710-1109 or Email: roedubin55@gmail.com

AGING ROOF? NEW HOME OWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

Do you know what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little as one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders, and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Prepare for Power outages with Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect(TM) standby generators — the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty—7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

Consumer Cellular—the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special—Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000

Howard Beach, Sat 5/16, 9am, 157 Ave betw 101 & 102 Sts. Something for everyone!

Howard Beach, Sat 5/16, 8am-2pm, 159-44 79 St. LARGE SALE!

INDOOR/OUTDOOR. Furn, clothes, electronics. Too much to mention.

DIRECTV—All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918.

Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad!

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST CO. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A., SUCCESSOR TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff -against- WILLIAM H. HSU AKA WILLIAM HSU, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 17, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY on May 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, distant 274.70 feet southwesterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane with southerly side of 26th Avenue 80 feet wide; RUNNING THENCE Southwesterly along the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, 38.02 feet; RUNNING THENCE Westerly along the northerly side of 27th Avenue, 9.80 feet; RUNNING THENCE Northerly on a line at right angles to the northerly side of 27th Avenue, 110 feet; RUNNING THENCE Easterly on a line at right angles to the last mentioned course, 40 feet; RUNNING THENCE Southerly on a line at right angles to the last mentioned course, 86.90 feet to the northwesterly side of Bayside Lane, the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 4902 Lot: 145 Said premises known as 26-30 BAYSIDE LANE, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356 Approximate amount of lien $463,926.20 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 703556/2016. LESLEY J. LANOIX, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.1240

Legal Notices

CACFP BIDS REQUEST

Sealed bids will be received at the Heartshare Human Services of New York office at 330 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY 11201, ATTN: Gaetano Taldone until 12pm on 5/22/2026 for meals delivered to 1825 Bath Ave Brooklyn, Ny 11214, 82-12 151st Ave, Howard Beach, NY 11414 and 115-15 101st Ave Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Specifications for breakfast, snack, and lunch may only be obtained by contacting Michelle Ullaguari at michelle.ullaguari@heartshare.org. All work will be conducted in strict accordance with bid specifications. Bids will be opened at Heartshare Human Services of New York, 330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, and read on 5/26/26 at 12:00 PM.

Notice of Formation of 1010 47TH AVENUE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/12/2026. 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, 5001 5TH STREET, 2A, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of AHASTEY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 24-39 38th St, D2, New York, NY 11103. Legalzoom Usca, Inc. desig. as agent for SOP 45 Main Street, Suite 238, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Aura Medical Of New York, PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 23-25 31ST STREET, SUITE 800, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, HARRY ENTERPRISE INC, Plaintiff, vs. MAX RAHAMAN REALTY, LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on June 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 127-20 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill a/k/a South Ozone Park, 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 9581 and Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,398,418.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #703419/2021. Lois Marie Vitti, Esq., Referee. Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Doubleu Labs, LLC Auth. filed w/ SSNY 4/15/26. Off. in Queens Co. Cert of Form filed w/ SSDE 3/31/26. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to Discern Registered Agent Inc., 1252 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904. Add. maintd. in DE: 1252 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904. Name & add. of auth. officer in DE where Cert of Form filed: SSDE, Div. of Corp, John G Townsend, Bldg, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

2006-11, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, -against- BERTHA CECILIA LEMA, 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 December 9, 2024, wherein MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2006-11, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and BERTHA CECILIA LEMA, 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 June 12, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 109-16 34TH AVENUE, CORONA, NY 11368; and the following tax map identification: 1753-8. 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.: 709545/2019. Lois Marie Vitti, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Queens Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Drupatee Rampersad, Rick Rampersad, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 17, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Second Floor Courtroom 25, Jamaica, NY 11435 on June 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM premises known as 104-12 121st Street, South Richmond Hill a/k/a Richmond Hill, NY 11419. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 9574, LOT: 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $663,104.65 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 720229/2024. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Richard Gutierrez, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-100156-F00 89969

Notice of Formation of CNPB GROUP LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/02/2026. 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: CNPB GROUP LLC, 28-13 DITMARS BOULEVARD, ASTORIA, NY 11105 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

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

Apts.For Rent

Bushwick, 303 Grove St, #1L. 2BR/1 bath, $2,600/mo. Spacious & bright, home office, HW flrs, large BRs. Avail Now. Call Gaetano Cirone (347) 844-2561. Capri Jet Realty

Notice of Formation of CONNECTA SOLUTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/17/2026. 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: Giovanny Ospina, 3031 42ND STREET, APT 2, ASTORIA, NY 11103 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CROWN REGO LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/24/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: OSHER NIYAZOV, 161-10A UNION TPKE, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11366. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

Williamsburg, 778 Metropolitan Ave, #1. 2BR/1bath. $5,000/mo. Newly renov. In unit washer/dryer, HW flrs, huge BR, SS appli, dishwasher, backyard. Avail May 1. Call Theo Eastwind (718) 536-7787. Capri Jet Realty

Open House

Howard Beach , Sun 5/17, 1:30pm-3pm, 162-07 85 St. Howard Beach, Sun 5/17, 4pm-5:30pm, 86-11 165 Ave. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach , Thurs 5/14— 5pm-7pm, Sat 5/16—1pm-4pm, Sun 5/17—1pm-3pm, 161-26 89 St. Price $1,050,000. Call Daureen Hausser @ Daniel Gale, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 516-640-2528

Lindenwood, Sat 5/16, 1pm-2:30pm, 151-20 88 St, #2G, Call Janice, 718-490-8023 by appt only.

Howard Beach , Sun 5/17, 1pm-2:30pm, 161-24 84 St. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

Notice of formation of Grand Palm Enterprises LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 22, 2026. Office location: Queens. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 154-36 23rd Avenue, Whitestone, New York, 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of IVY AVENUE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/01/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: TINA NGUYEN, 3450 43RD ST., #1R, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff against ABDOOL ZAHEER

RAMJITT A/K/A ABDOOL Z. RAMJITT, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 16, 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 June 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 110-31 196th Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412. Block 10936 Lot 209. 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 $562,897.73 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 708334/2024. 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. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome. com or call (844)400-9633. Frances Yetta Ruiz, Esq., Referee File # 23-13993NY

Notice of Formation of JMEDDY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/24/2026. 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: NORTHWEST REGISTERED AGENT LLC, 418 BROADWAY, STE N, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2021RPL8 TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. FRANCES CHARBONIER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 27, 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 June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 91-16 91st Avenue, Woodhaven a/k/a Jamaica, NY 11421. 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 8985 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $451,541.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #710670/2023. Lois M. Vitti, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of YNH NOTARY SERVICES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/07/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: YOMARI NUNEZ HINRICKSEN, 28-24 STEINWAY STREET, #111, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of OBS EVENTS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/17/2026. 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: OSCAR MARTINEZ RUIZ, 24436 88TH ROAD, BELLEROSE, NY 11426. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

PROBATE CITATION File No. 2024-4655/B 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, and the distributees, heirs at law and next of kin of Gloria C. De Fina, a/k/a Gloria De Fina, deceased, if any be living; and if any be dead, their respective distributees, heirs at law, next of kin, legatees, devisees, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest, all of whose names, whereabouts and addresses are unknown and cannot be ascertained with due diligence, being any persons interested in the estate of Gloria C. De Fina, a/k/a Gloria De Fina, deceased, as distributees or otherwise, AND Dana Moxley, Linda Miles, Stephanie Hagan, Joe De Fina, Pamela De Fina, Angela De Fina, Robert De Fina, Barbara Burns; and Anna DeLuca, Rosie DeLuca, Michael DeLuca, whose whereabouts and addresses are unknown and cannot be ascertained with due diligence, being persons interested in the estate of GLORIA C. DE FINA a/k/a GLORIA DE FINA, deceased, as distributees or otherwise, A petition having been duly filed by Henry J. De Fina Jr. who is domiciled at 14 Nye Avenue, Whippany, New Jersey 07981 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, on June 4, 2026, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Gloria C. De Fina a/k/a Gloria De Fina lately domiciled at: 22031 Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364 admitting to probate a Will dated September 29th, 2014 (a Codicil dated N/A), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Gloria C. De Fina a/k/a Gloria De Fina, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [x] Letters Testamentary issue to: Henry J. De Fina Jr. Dated, Attested and Sealed April 06, 2026 HON. Cassandra A. Johnson, Surrogate, Janet Edwards Tucker, Chief Clerk, Gregory P. Kramer, Esq.-Law Offices of Kramer & Associates, p.c. 516775-0300, 99 Tulip Avenue, Suite 406, Floral Park, New York 11001. Email: GPKramer@Kramer.Law. [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 appear for you.] P-5 (10/96)

PARALITOS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/06/2026. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Nikolaos Grigorios Kavnoydias, 23-31 28th St., Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of PROSLOT BOS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/20/2026. 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, 5031 211th STREET, BAYSIDE HILLS, NY 11364 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUMMONS Index No. 724401/2024 STATE OF NEW YORK

Notice of Formation of SD GLOBALEDU LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/21/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: LEKI, 76-11 37TH AVENUE, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK CITY, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

THREE IN ONE EQUITIES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/19/10. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2080. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 31-10 37th Avenue Ste 500, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION S/B/M CHASE HOME FINANCE LLC, Plaintiff, -vs- THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF ANTENOR V. JOHNSON, deceased, and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest of all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; TERESA HOLMES; SHONTAY HOLMES; JANET JACOBS; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; SHANREL TORRES; ROBERTO TORRES; LEANNY GOMEZ and JANE DOE, individual whose name remains unknown to Plaintiff; Defendants. Mortgaged Premises: 7537 61st Street, Glendale, NY 11385 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. Your failure to appear or answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you, unless the Defendant obtained a bankruptcy discharge and such other or further relief as may be just and equitable. 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 to the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises. Dated: October 30, 2024 Mark K. Broyles, Esq. FEIN SUCH & CRANE, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff Office and P.O. Address 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, New York 14614 Telephone No. (585) 232-7400 Block: 3586 Lot: 28 NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of QUEENS, State of New York as more particularly described in the Complaint herein. TO THE DEFENDANT, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. Denise N. Johnson Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated October 10, 2025 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s ,Office. This is an action to foreclose a Mortgage. 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 Mortgaged Premises: 7537 61st Street, Glendale, NY 11385 Tax Map/Parcel ID No.: Block: 3586 Lot: 28 of the BOROUGH of QUEENS, NY 11385 89852

New to the Market

161-26 89th Street, Howard Beach, NY

Open Houses: Thursday, May 14th | 5:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday, May 16th | 1:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday, May 17th | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Discover a bright, open layout designed for modern living and effortless entertaining. The flexible floor plan offers a main-level bedroom and bath, along with a spacious living room with sliders that open to a landscaped, fenced yard, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The upper level showcases a seamless flow between the open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas, filled with natural light throughout. The primary bedroom and bath is complemented by 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath, creating a comfortable and functional living space. Complete with central air and located near transportation, shopping, and dining. MLS# 992803. $1,050,000.

Daureen Hausser Real Estate Salesperson

516.248.6655, ext.2216

c.516.640.2528

daureenhausser@danielgale.com

ALL

U.S. DIMES PRE 1965

QUARTERS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS PRE 1965

HALF DOLLARS 1965-1969

We buy all Gold 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K & Platinum. Designer, Vintage & Antique Jewelry, charm bracelets, wedding bands, high school rings, pocket watches and dental gold. Visit us today and take advantage of Historic Prices and the Highest Payouts around!

SILVER DOLLARS PRE 1936

PROOF & MINT SETS WANTED

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