Those offenses see historic decreases, but up in Patrol Borough Queens North Shootings, homicides fall to record lows
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
New York City saw the lowest number of shootings and homicides in recorded history from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2025, the city announced Sunday.
During that time, the city recorded 264 shootings and 112 homicides. The previous record lows were in 2018, when 267 shootings were recorded over the same time period, and 2017 and 2014, when the city recorded 113 homicides over the same period.
May also saw historic lows for b oth categories, with 54 shootings and 18 homicides.
The Adams administration in p art credited its efforts to remove more than 22,000 illegal guns from the streets for the successful crime reductions. The city said 2,200 of those were seized since the beginning of the year.
Per the most recent NYPD CompStat data, through May 25, Patrol Borough Queens South, which consists of the 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd, 105th, 106th, 107th, 113th and 116th precincts, saw 14 shooting inci-
dents this year to date, down 60 percent from 35 at the same time last year. So far this year, 11 people were murdered within PBQS, down 26.7 percent from the same time in 2024.
Patrol Borough Queens North, which encompasses the 104th, 108th, 109th, 110th, 111th, 112th, 114th and 115th precincts, saw 17 shooting incidents this year to date, an increase of 240 percent. The area only saw five shootings at the same point last year. In PBQN, 12 people were murdered this year to date, a 100 percent increase from six at the same time last year.
The largest number of this year’s shootings in Queens happened within the 114th Precinct — which encompasses Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside and Jackson Heights — at seven total.
“This is not just a statistical win — these numbers represent thousands of New Yorkers who are alive today and safer today, families who can sleep more soundly at night, and communities that are thriving because they know their city isn’t just coming back from the throes of the pandemic — it is back,” Mayor Adams said in a pre-
pared statement on June 1. “These historic achievements are the direct result of our administration’s commitment to precision policing, strategic deployment of resources, and the tireless dedication of the brave men and women of the NYPD.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “Results like this never happen by accident, and certainly not at a time when the state’s criminal justice laws have made a revolving door out of our criminal justice system.”
She said the results are due to more than three years of “relentlessly going after guns on our streets and a data-driven policing strategy that puts more cops in the right places at the right times.”
Tisch added, “We will not let up. Our summer violence reduction plan is bold and aggressive and designed to continue driving the same historic safety gains.”
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant from Queens, former commander of the Bronx Cold Case Squad and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told the Chronicle, “Anytime you can
Most fatal overdoses happen at home. What you know can save a life. Help keep our communities safe by learning about overdose prevention and reaching out to those at risk. For emotional support or substance use services, call or text 988 or visit nyc.gov/988.
To learn more about services in NYC, visit nyc.gov/alcoholanddrugs.
City officials this week announced record lows in shootings and homicides for the year to date, and touted the seizure of 2,200 illegal guns since the beginning of the year.
say that murder is down is a good thing, but I’m always hesitant to do so five months into a year heading into summer.”
Giacalone said he hadn’t seen the latest numbers for illegal gun arrests, but noted they’ve been high over the past few years.
PEXELS.COMPHOTO/FILE
“Less guns equals less violence,” he wrote in an email. “Deterrence matters when it comes to carrying illegal firearms, even though NYS reforms have made it more difficult to combat crime. If the system gives them a slap on the wrist, the gun is still off the street.” Q
The Italian Stallion ...............................$15
Ham Cappy, Pepperoni, Sweet Soppressata, Imported Provolone Cheese, Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Prosciutto Di Parma, Lettuce, Tomato, Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
The La Caprese.....................................$12
Homemade Fre sh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper
The Frank Sinatra .................................$15
Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Black Pepper and Balsamic Glaze
Genoa Salami, Fresh Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper and Oregano
The Joe Dimaggio.................................$11
The Graziano .........................................$12
Fresh Mozzarella, Imported Mortadella, Provolone Cheese, Sun Dried Peppers, Olive Oil, Basil, Salt and Black Pepper
The Great Bambino ...............................$12
Ham, Sweet Capicola, Fresh Mozzarella, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Salt and Black Pepper
Mortadella, Burrata, Lettuce, Black Pepper and Balsamic Glaze
The Da Vinci ..........................................$13
The Father Carmine .............................$12
Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Red Peppers, Pesto Sauce, Black Pepper Drizzled with Olive Oil
The Spicy Italia .....................................$13
Genoa Salami, Hot Capicola, Pepperoni, Fresh Mozzarella, Sundried Peppers and Spicy Mustard
The Michelangelo ................................$15
Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella, Sweet Capicola, Roasted Red Peppers, Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
The Accountant ....................................$16
Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula with Light Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
The Joey G .............................................$11
Oven Gold Turkey, Fresh Mozzarella, Salt, Peppers & Mayonnaise
The CK Royal.........................................$11
Boar’s Head Honey Turkey, American Cheese, Mayo with Crushed Doritos
The Bruiser ............................................$11
Boar’s Head Honey Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Honey Mustard, Jalapeno Peppers
The DeeJay............................................$12
Imported Mortadella, Provolone, Sweet Peppers, Arugula and Olive Oil
The Lappo .............................................$14
Pastrami, American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Mayo & Mustard
The Lappo Jr..........................................$16
Prosciutto Di Parma, Burrata, Arugula, Sun Dried Peppers
Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze
The Santino ...........................................$13
Boar’s Head Ham, Oven Gold Turkey, Homemade Roast Beef, American Cheese, Lettuce & Tomato
The Dynamic .........................................$16
Ham Cappy, Hot Sopperssata, Mortadella, Sharp Provolone, Arugula, Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers, Balsamic Vinegar & Balsamic Glaze
The Napolitano .....................................$12
Homemade Chicken Salad, American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato & Mayonnaise on a Pretzel Hero
The Staff’s Choice ................................$13
Cracked Pepper Turkey, Bacon Bits, Cream Cheese & Avocados
The Demo Man ...................................$12
Roast Beef, Monterey Jack Cheese, Onions, Cherry Peppers, BBQ Sauce
The Veggiano ......................................$13
Cooked Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Red Bell Peppers. Provolone, Burrata, Spinach, Basil, Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
The Teacher.........................................$12
Chicken Salad, Provolone, Hot Cherry Peppers and Lettuce
The Bam Bam .....................................$12
Bologna, Salami, American Cheese, Mustard, Lettuce and tomato
The Tinta ...................................... $14 Honey Turkey, Salami, Sopperssata, Burrata With Mike’s Hot Honey The LI Housewife ...............................$13 Fresh Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Salami, Roasted Red Peppers Drizzled With Olive Oil
The Cold Carve ...................................$13 Homemade
School marks anniversary of its renaming for fallen FDNY captain PS 108 remembers hero, 25 years later
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
FDNY Capt. Vincent Fowler died 26 years ago, on June 4, 1999, from injuries sustained while battling a fire. In May 2000, PS 108, at 108-10 109 Ave. in South Ozone Park, was named “the Capt. Vincent G. Fowler School” in his honor. Every year since then, the school honors his legacy with a “Fowler Day” celebration.
For the 25th anniversary, an assembly was held on June 3, which saw plenty of music, dancing, poetry and other tributes to the fallen captain, performed in front of an audience consisting of the Fowler family and FDNY members.
Fowler’s brother, Gerard, at the start of the assembly, told the kids to have the courage to risk failure.
“I think failure paves the road to success,” Fowler said. He used baseball as an analogy, pointing out that even the best hitters fail most of the time.
“Don’t fear the failure,” Fowler said. “It’s part of the human experience.”
Stephanie Fowler-Buis, the captain’s youngest daughter, read the students a memo her father wrote while a lieutenant in Manhattan’s Ladder 7.
“Everyone starts in the same place,” Fowler-Buis said. “Some people learn quickly, others take more time. But anyone who sticks with it discovers that a little
naming in honor of
line of duty in 1999.
practice goes a long way in making your work easier. Remember: Keep working hard and never stop asking questions.”
She continued, “Thank you again for letting us be part of your day. And as my father reminds us, growth takes time, effort and curiosity, so keep practicing, keep asking and keep doing your best.”
Performances included a rendition of “Firehouse Stomp” by the Firehouse Five Plus Two, featuring an appearance by the school’s mascot, Sparky, a touching cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, a choreographed dance to “He Lives in You” from “The Lion King” and a poem by third grade students titled, “Fowler, Our Hero.”
The students in PS 108’s afterschool music program performed an original song, called “We Can Do That,” named for one of the late captain’s favorite phrases, which is inscribed on the side of Ladder 7’s truck.
The assembly culminated in the Fowler family and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association presenting the school with a commemorative plaque, which reads, “In honor of the teachers, staff and students whose dedication, resilience and 25 years of excellence continue Capt. Fowler’s legacy,” with the addition of his famous quote, “We can do that.”
The celebration then took to the streets surrounding the school, where the students marched in honor of Fowler’s memory. Q
Moms-to-be treated to baby shower in RH
Expectant mothers struggling with housing gifted the essentials at event
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
A dozen pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity were treated to a heartwarming community baby shower on May 29 at the Volume Seventeen Event Venue in Richmond Hill.
The event, organized by the nonprofit Nyasha’s Promise, was cosponsored by Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Amazon and Planned Parenthood, and provided essential baby supplies helping expectant mothers prepare for their new arrivals.
The moms-to-be each received a stroller filled with necessities for newborns, Schulman’s office said, as well as a car seat. The gifts were made possible through individual donations to Nyasha’s Promise’s Amazon wishlist and support of partner organizations, including the Met Council, Queens Jewish Community Council and River Fund.
“This is not charity —it’s justice.”
— Sabrina Anderson, founder and CEO of Nyasha’s Promise
Nyasha’s Promise assists unhoused mothers by helping them access the essentials they need to prepare for the arrival of their new additions and creates a sense of stability and belonging. For more information, one may visit nyashaspromise.org.
The celebration included refreshments, games and prizes, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for the future moms, highlighting the power of community-driven compassion.
Schulman in a statement thanked the event’s partners and sponsors, and said the baby shower was more than just gifts, but a show of love, dignity and support for mothers facing unimaginable challenges.
“Every mother deserves to feel celebrat-
continued on page 14
The Fowler family and Uniformed Fire Officers Association presented PS 108 with a commemorative plaque.
Students of South Ozone Park’s PS 108 performed during an assembly celebrating the 25th anniversary of the school’s
FDNY Capt. Vincent Fowler, inset, who died in the
PHOTOSBYKRISTENGUGLIELMO;INSET,FILEPHOTO
Expectant mothers experiencing housing insecurity were treated to a baby shower on May 29 in Richmond Hill, organized by the nonprofit group Nyasha’s Promise and sponsored by Councilmember Lynn Schulman, in suit at center, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
South Richmond Hill walks for a good cause
The annual Autism and Developmental Disabilities Walk and Resource Fair last Saturday saw nearly 400 marchers, in spite of a rainy forecast, taking to the streets around Phil Rizzuto Park in South Richmond Hill to raise awareness for the cause.
The event — which was sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Community Board 9, an effort spearheaded by the board’s chair,
Sherry Algredo — with support from Assemblymember David Weprin, Councilmember Lynn Schulman, the NYPD and EmblemHealth, fostered a sense of community. Families and children from the area were all smiles, in high spirits as they mingled with peers and waved their handmade signs and banners, marching four times around the park. — Kristen Guglielmo, with reporting by Michael Shain
City seeks speed camera extension
Rodriguez, legislators say results show fewer deaths, serious injuries
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is a full-throated supporter of speed cameras in New York City, saying the declining fatality and injury statistics since their start as a small pilot program in 2014 don’t lie.
With state authorization for the cameras set to expire when the clock strikes midnight on July 1, the commissioner recently met in Manhattan with state and federal elected officials to persuade the Legislature to grant a five-year extension before recessing for the session that ends on June 12.
Rodriguez and legislators from Manhattan and Brooklyn also called on their colleagues in Albany to pass a bill that would require so-called “super speeders” who rack up high numbers of speeding offenses to install speed-regulating technology on their vehicles.
“This is the type of press conference that we have to continue doing,” Rodriguez said in a video available at tinyurl. com/bdf5krec.
“Speeding drivers are the leading cause of deaths on our streets,” Rodriguez said. “They account for a quarter of the fatalities. And that is a number that can be eradicated.”
He said a motorist who strikes someone while driving 30 miles per hour is twice as likely to kill the victim than if going 25, the legal limit on most New York City streets.
Rodriguez said speed cameras are among the best tools for combating speeding, particularly when it comes to cutting down on repeat offenders. City DOT data states that daily speed violations at camera-equipped sites have dropped 94 percent since January 2014. It states that 74 percent of those receiving camera violations also receive no
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodrigues and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher were among those calling for a five-year state extension of the city’s speed camera ticketing program. NYCDOTPHOTO/X
more than one or two per year.
On a related subject, Rodriguez also opined that New York City should be able to regulate its own highways and traffic, rather than having to rely on Albany.
According to a DOT report there presently are more than 2,000 cameras operating around the clock at 750 sites in the city.
“The cameras will have to be turned off on July 1, putting everyone at risk,” he said.
Senate Bill S.7336, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) and its Assembly companion, A.7997, sponsored by Assembywoman Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan) would reauthorize the cameras for five years.
The bill posted on the Assembly’s website shows no cosponsors from the Queens delegation.
Gounardes also is the primary sponsor of S.4045, which would require the installation of “intelligent speed assistance devices” if a driver accumulates 11 or more points on their driving record during a 24-month period, or receives six speed camera or red-light camera tickets during a 12 month period.
The state Senate website says Senate co-sponsors include Sens. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights).
Assembly co-sponsors include Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), Steven Raga (D-Maspeth), Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), Claire Valdez (D-Sunnyside) and Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village).
Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn), sponsor of Assembly bill A.2299, said the device is GPS-cooordinted to allow drivers to operate at the legal speed limit wherever they might be, rather than just capping a driver at 25 MPH.
Other speakers included Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) and U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-Manhattan).
Additional numbers provided by the DOT state that locations that had cameras installed in 2022 had 14 percent fewer injuries and fatalities between 2021 and 2023 when compared to corridors without cameras.
Violations in the overnight and weekend hours, which went into effect in August 2022, decreased 40 percent over two years. Q
PHOTOS BY
MICHAEL SHAIN
THE MARY LOUIS ACADEMY
Celebrates the Class of 2025
Class Highlights Congratulations to our graduates—young women of faith, intellect, leadership, and service—who continue the legacy of excellence that defines a Mary Louis education.
100% college acceptance and enrollment, including top-tier schools such as Harvard, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, NYU, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Florida, Northeastern, Stony Brook, and Penn State 86% earned the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation 75% took AP courses; 90% enrolled in Honors courses
Over $36 million in merit scholarships awarded More than 100,000 hours of community service completed
Holden renews call for licensing, as some oppose criminal summonses E-bike enforcement must change: CMs
by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor
Though they voiced different concerns, several City Council members last Thursday expressed the common sentiment that e-bike safety must be addressed.
Regulations for the vehicles were hot topics at the joint executive budget hearing for fiscal year 2026 held by the Council’s committees on Finance and Public Safety.
In her testimony, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained recent changes to e-bike enforcement. She said that since the typical B summonses returnable to traffic court are designed for licensed motorists, as ignoring the summons or accumulating enough points could lead to a license suspension, B summonses are ineffective for e-bikes, which do not require licenses.
Police now issue C summonses for certain e-bike offenses, returnable to criminal court, Tisch said.
“Far from being a war on e-bikes, this enforcement initiative is designed to keep these vehicles as a viable and sustainable transportation option in New York City,” she said. Tisch added that traffic fatalities are down for collisions involving every type of vehicle except e-bikes.
Asked by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) if the policy applies to all traffic
As some City Council members cited concerns about issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders, Councilman Bob Holden again called to require licenses for them.
infractions by cyclists, Tisch said there are only six, namely reckless driving, operating an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wrong-way riding, disobeying red light signals, disobeying traffic control devices and failing to stop at stop signs.
Cabán then asked what factors officers might consider when using discretion to issue
criminal summonses and had a back-and-forth with Michael Gerber, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of legal matters, who said officers’ discretion is a “holistic assessment” that is not particular to C summonses for certain e-bike infractions.
solution, especially when infractions such as running a red light are treated as civil penalties for drivers.
Tisch called on the Council to change the laws regarding e-bikes, but said the two options under current law are to issue “virtually meaningless” B summonses or C summonses.
Priscilla’s Law, a bill introduced by Councilmember Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) that has 28 co-sponsors, would require e-bikes to be licensed and registered.
“If licensing e-bikes brings accountability and a change in behavior, it makes a lot of sense,” Holden said. “Yet we’re hearing the opposite today.”
He later said in a press release that if his colleagues were truly worried about the risk of deportation from criminal summonses, they should support Priscilla’s Law. If they did, he continued, there would be no need for C summonses.
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said she also supports a state proposal by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (R-Woodhaven) that would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to register and license e-bikes.
“This way, they can be given a lesser summons when stopped,” Ariola said.
The lawmaker cited concerns about enforcement, stating that a person who is more likely to be a person of color or work a lowwage job could get their license suspended. Immigrants who receive a criminal summons could also end up in deportation proceedings, she said.
“I think there are other ways to accomplish these goals that don’t involve criminalization of already vulnerable communities and outsized criminalization, at that,” Cabán said. She added that e-bike collisions and injuries through April 30 were down this year compared to last year.
The Council bill can only require that the vehicles be registered with the city Department of Transportation. They would receive an identifying number to be displayed visibly.
“I do believe that the enforcement framework has to change.”
— NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch
Tisch said several times that she looks forward to working with the Council to address issues with e-bikes. In her testimony, she said the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division has seized more than 200 illegal mopeds and “recklessly operated” e-bikes in less than six weeks.
Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) also emphasized a “substantiated need” for cycling enforcement while doubting whether issuing criminal citations is the
“I do believe that the enforcement framework has to change. We can look at licensing, we can look at other things, but the current state of affairs doesn’t work for anyone,” she said. “It doesn’t work for cyclists, and it sure doesn’t work for pedestrians.” Q
NYCCOUNCILSCREENSHOT/YOUTUBE
New terminal is safer, cleaner, riders say
Other straphangers feel the facilty is tighter and too far from trains
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Straphangers have varying opinions about the new 168th Street Bus Terminal that has temporarily replaced the terminus on 165th Street in Jamaica. On Monday, they shared their views with the Chronicle.
Some liked the layout of the interim terminal, while others found the location inconvenient and more.
“I’m very comfortable,” Lisa Williams told the Chronicle. “I feel good about the new terminal.”
Shalonica Pittman, however, was very specific in her dislike for the facility, located at 90-01 168 St.
“I don’t like it,” Pittman said. “It just started — I know we have to give it a chance, but it feels like a real inconvenience. That one over there was closer for people.”
Pittman said the 165th Street Bus Terminal, about a block to the west, was a short walk to the E, J, and Z subway station on Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue.
A Google map search showed that it was about a 12-minute walk from the old terminal, which will be redeveloped, to the Jamaica Center subway station, while it could take 14 to 17 minutes now depending on where one was exiting the new one.
“You also have to walk all the way down
here and search for your bus,” said Pittman.
The 165th terminal had all the buses parked next to each other and one only needed to look up to the roof of the hub to see a sign for his or her bus.
At the new terminal there are several bus islands with bus shelters and seats and a person would have to walk along the crosswalk to see the sign for their bus. Buses close in number, such as the Q2 and Q3 share a bus island.
“I will see how it works out, but so far I don’t like it,” said Pittman. “Who knows, I might change my mind in the next six months to a year ... It’s just confusing for right now.”
Timothy Sourez liked that the buses are spread out.
“It looks good,” said Suorez, who now has a shorter walk to work at Raymour & Flanigan on 168th Street and Jamaica Avenue.
“With the older one, all the buses were close together,” said Suorez. “Here, it has a good flow.”
Michelle Jones said it was her first time at the interim terminal and said she was able to find her bus easily. She also liked that there are seats for people who may need it.
Salahudin Nemley liked that the new terminal was clean, but felt it was a bit tight compared to the older one.
“There is not a lot of room for people to
get hit [by a car]” said Nemley, who felt the new tucked-away terminal is safer.
The older terminal had traffic from people turning off of Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue onto 165th Street, along with traffic on Merrick Boulevard and 89th Avenue. Traffic at the new terminal was mostly from other buses that turned off of Jamaica Avenue and went up 168th Street toward Hillside Avenue.
“It seems safer,” said Nemley. “The other is at the back of the block near [Jamaica Col-
osseum Mall]. At night, it would look crazy. Even, sometimes during the day, you had people who were walking around here who were not right in the head. It was kind of easier for something to happen to you and nobody would know.”
The new terminal is right across the street from the 103rd Precinct.
“It’s really open,” said Nemley. “I don’t feel like I’ve got to watch my back as much. It’s change. Sometimes change is very good, sometimes change isn’t.”
Nemley said that while people fear that they are losing Downtown Jamaica due to gentrification, this is one of the good changes.
Xyomara, who didn’t wish to disclose her last name, said in Spanish that she liked the style and cleanliness of the new terminal.
“It’s very nice,” Xyomara said. “This space is better because it has more light.”
The old terminal had a semi-enclosed roof and shared a space with a shopping complex. There was minimal lighting at the terminal, with most of the light in the area coming from stores when they were in operation. Dozens of businesses left the terminal once the redevelopment was announced more than two years ago.
The new terminal is an open space that was previously a commercial parking lot. Q
The Q2 and Q3 bus stops share a bus island at the new interim 168th Street Bus Terminal in Jamaica. PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE
EDITORIAL AGEP
Two out of three traffic laws
Everyone knows that something must be done to better enforce traffic laws against rogue e-bikers who live in some vehicular gray area between two-wheeled motor vehicles and simple bicycles.
No one claims e-bikes are as dangerous as cars in the wrong hands — not even close — though riders have killed several people in the last few years. And the fact they are less deadly than other vehicles on the road does not mean they should remain unregulated.
Our great Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch knows they need oversight, and has her cops issuing criminal summonses for certain violations, such as reckless driving and blowing red lights and stop signs.
For car drivers, these would be noncriminal, civil traffic tickets, which cannot be ignored because there is a license that can be suspended. But e-bike and e-moped riders need no license, no registration (e-mopeds generally are not legal to ride at all). So the only way to effectively summons them is to make it criminal. Tisch explained all this to members of the City Council at a budget hearing last Thursday.
Also discussed at the hearing is one answer to the
conundrum: Priscilla’s Law. Authored by Councilman Bob Holden and named for a 69-year-old teacher killed by an e-bike rider, the measure would require city-level registration of the vehicles. Though it may need some legal fine-tuning, it’s worth enacting, both to enforce the law and to remove the need to give criminal summonses to traffic law violators.
The law has 28 co-sponsors, so it should pass the 51-member Council, but only if it comes to the floor. That means Speaker Adrienne Adams of Jamaica, a candidate for mayor, makes the call. What will it be?
Meanwhile, it’s a much easier call in Albany, where lawmakers must reauthorize the city’s speed camera ticket program. It is far from perfect, and some limits are too low, but the devices do reduce speeding. We hope lawmakers renew the law. They have but a week!
On the other hand, they can toss the bill that would let the government install speed limiters in the cars of those who get too many tickets. Speed kills, yes, but license suspension remains the answer. We have enough Big Brother stuff going on already with artificial intelligence. We don’t need more such intrusions.
Go see ‘Roots’ at JPAC
When the epic TV miniseries “Roots” aired in 1977, it was a blockbuster that kept much of the nation glued to the screen for more than a week straight. The series, based on a book by Alex Haley, depicted the brutality of slavery over the course of 120 years, from one African man’s capture to his descendants’ hard-fought freedom, in a way never seen before. It was watched by more than half of the entire U.S. population, and an amazing 85 percent of households with televisions saw at least some of it. Its impact and importance cannot be overstated.
Television was never the same after “Roots,” but more importantly, neither were America’s knowledge of its past and the ways to reckon with it or the slow, painful improvement of race relations.
Now, as part of its Juneteenth celebration, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is screening “Roots” over two days, June 19 and 20, at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, for free, with breakfast beforehand and a talk afterward. What an opportunity. We hope Queens really shows up. We hope every last one of the center’s 400 seats is taken. Details are in this week’s story “‘Roots’ Juneteenth screening at JPAC,” in some editions or at qchron.com. Whether you’ve seen it before or not, “Roots” is “must-see TV” on a whole other level. Go learn how we got to where we are today.
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
Naeisha Rose Editor
Stephanie G. Meditz Associate 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: Mailbox@qchron.com Website: www.qchron.com
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
Save our big park
Dear Editor:
Recent good news for Central Park: The Parks Department and the Central Park Conservancy have contributed $160 million for a new pool, ice skating rink and recreation center.
Recent bad news for Flushing Meadow Corona Park: City and state politicians are supporting plans for a casino, hotel, parking garage and more to be built within the park by billionaire Steve Cohen.
Do you think such an entertainment complex could be proposed for Central Park? I think not, but FMCP is fair game. We already have Citi Field, the tennis complex of multiple stadiums and many large events every year. Some green spaces have been paved over to create more parking. There is not one public parking lot in Central Park.
Why does Central Park in Manhattan get all the love and there’s nothing for FMCP in Queens? It was the home of two World’s Fairs and has museums, a theater, a zoo, a pool, an ice skating rink, ball fields and picnic grounds — and is used by more people than Central Park.
With all the sports complexes and big events one would think we would have a world-class park, but we don’t. Years ago the Aquacade from the 1939 World’s Fair was demolished for a lack of funds for upkeep. Roads and paths are in bad shape. There is a lack of landscaping to help block out the surrounding highways. Central Park is in the center of Manhattan but the
landscaping makes you forget that.
We in Queens are not getting our fair share, and that’s not right. Will Parks and the FMCP Conservancy stand up for our park’s future?
Will our politicians?
Cohen promises that if he builds his complex he will make big improvements in the park. We have heard this before. Don’t bet on it.
Richard Polgar Maspeth
You’re right; DOT’s wrong
Dear Editor:
You and Councilmember Robert Holden are absolutely right in calling for the removal of the bus lane camera at Wetherole Street and Woodhaven Boulevard.
The Department of Transportation truly has some nerve installing such a device there. One has to wonder how its officials’ response might change if one of their own relatives received a ticket or was involved in an accident there.
These plans often seem reasonable on paper or during discussion, but in practice, they prove to be either inadequate or outright dangerous. I
would encourage members of the DOT to attempt navigating that maneuver themselves; perhaps then they would understand the public’s concerns. Let’s see how long it takes before they finally act and remove it. The Queens Chronicle May 29 editorial “Remove Rego’s risky bus lane camera” and the article “Remove Rego bus lane camera: Holden” (multiple editions) capture the issue well.
Arthur E. Miller Maspeth
Holden reps the reckless
Dear Editor:
Re “Remove Rego bus lane camera: Holden,” May 29, multiple editions: Anyone who drives knows the wise guy who speeds ahead in the left lanes and cuts in at the last minute ahead of cars waiting orderly in line to get on a crowded on-ramp or exit. Not wanting to end up in a road rage incident, law-abiding, civilized drivers learn to put up with it, yield as best they can and fume.
The same majority of drivers who would probably be fine with that camera on north-
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
bound Woodhaven Boulevard at Wetherole Street, in Rego Park, nicely positioned to give the me-first sorts their comeuppance — in this case, apparently, entitled jerks who change four lanes at the last minute, bus lane and orderly drivers be damned.
Councilperson Bob Holden, who seems never to have met a good-government rule he didn’t like, is here in his waning days in office to defend such lowlifes. Sadly, along with this newspaper (“Remove Rego’s risky bus lane camera,” Editorial, May 29). Another wildly pro-car position that hurts drivers most.
Actually, that area could use more cameras, namely to sock it to all the cars standing dangerously outside Queens Center mall blocking the many bus stops there with impunity. Bob and the Chronicle presumably think that makes common sense, too.
Bob used to complain about horse manure in Central Park. Maybe in retirement he can work on that issue. It suits him.
Edwin
Eppich
Glendale
Help Harvard, and Jews
Dear Editor:
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU member universities help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation.
Recalling the phrase, “United we stand, divided we fall,” the AAU should consider issuing a public letter of support for the commitment of Harvard and all member universities to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. This letter would urge the federal government to stop canceling research grants awarded to universities, to immediately restore all grants previously canceled and to maintain the tax-exempt status of all universities.
Theodore Sheskin Flushing
... The Harvard they fall
Dear Editor:
Harvard University, once the epitome of American higher education, is no longer the institution it once was. Once regarded as an institution where only the brightest minds could thrive, it has now become a fortress of privilege, shielding the powerful and wealthy.
Harvard’s admissions process is perhaps its most glaring flaw. Between 2014 and 2019, legacy applicants — disproportionately white and affluent — were accepted at a rate eight times higher than non-legacies, who were admitted at rates below 4 percent. Similarly, “Dean’s List” applicants with powerful potential donor connections were accepted at a rate fully 10 times higher than the general applicant pool. This system, which prioritizes privilege over merit, has created a pay-to-play environment that is fundamentally at odds with Harvard’s historic commitment to meritocracy and diversity.
Beyond admissions, the leadership crisis at Harvard has also come into sharp focus. In 2023, following the failure to confront virulent anti-Semitism on campus after the Hamas attacks, their President Dr. Claudine Gay resigned amid allegations of plagiarism, as well as her grotesque failure to respond to rampant
anti-Semitism at the university. Harvard’s slow, often nonexistent, and inadequate response to the crisis underscored its institutional rot.
This rot is reflected in the decline of Harvard’s financial and academic standing. Applications have dropped, donations have plummeted and facilities are in disrepair. Once a prestigious institution that symbolized excellence, Harvard now risks becoming a relic of a bygone era, a symbol of privilege rather than progress.
For students seeking an institution that reflects their values, Harvard is no longer the answer. There are many other universities where merit, integrity and inclusion are still the guiding principles.
John B. Hoffman Manhattan
The writer is the founder of Oliver Scholars, a nonprofit college access program that has placed more than 1,500 students, including over 50 at Harvard.
Hardships to come
Dear Editor:
It recently was reported that artificial intelligence is going to cause a “bloodbath” to the American labor force. A forecast predicting that millions of workers will lose their jobs to AI makes it even more incredible that the present administration is planning to cut medical and food support programs for the working class in favor of tax reductions for the wealthy. This nation is in, as the commercial says, a “pay me now or pay me later” moment. Congress needs to budget for future preparedness and not for instant gratification.
Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens
Denigration nation
Dear Editor:
What’s going on in Trump world? Well, Kid Rock (Mr. America First) had to close his restaurant because his “illegal” employees were afraid of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. What is Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advice to Americans? “Don’t take my medical advice.”
And finally, President Trump’s supporters were horrified when the new (American) pope from Chicago addressed the crowds in Saint Peter’s Square in Latin and Italian, but not English. I don’t blame them for their ignorance. I guess they believe that If English was good enough for Jesus, it should’ve been good enough for the new pope. They probably also wonder why the Vatican museums don’t have any paintings of Jesus riding a dinosaur.
Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone
His mania and minions
Dear Editor:
President Trump’s social media comments are beyond the scope of any rational man, especially from one who holds the title of POTUS. Can the Republican Party remove him from office citing mental instability? If his MAGA supporters still back him, they are just as deranged in their beliefs as their mentor.
Ray Hackinson Ozone Park
FAITH TALK
Pastor Stephen Roser
Stephen Roser is the pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God Church
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a surprising solution to the kind of financial strain we are all feeling these days over our mounting cost of living.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Notice he promises that if we will make God’s cause our overriding pursuit, the necessities of life will be “given” to us. When that which is secondary becomes swallowed in that which is spiritual, we can cease to be anxious over the secondary.
King Solomon discovered this powerful truth almost by accident. As an inexperienced young man he was suddenly thrust into the leadership of his nation and felt overwhelmed by enormous responsibilities. One stressful night, the
Lord spoke to him thorough a dream, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon responded with, “Give me a discerning heart to govern your people.”
The Lord was delighted with Solomon’s priorities and not only gave him the wise heart he had prayed for, but also the blessings of wealth and long life which he had not even mentioned.
May I suggest a change in the way that a lot of us are probably praying? Instead of pleading with God for help to pay our bills, how about sincerely praying what Christ taught us, “…your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” We can make that personal by adding, “Your will be done in me.” With such praying, our Heavenly Provider is well pleased.
www.HowardBeachAssemblyofGod.com
Forest Park Seuffert Bandshell, Forest Park Drive
Juniper Valley Park, 80th Street and Juniper Valley Blvd. South (Behind the tennis courts)
MAY-NOVEMBER 2025 SCHEDULE
TUESDAYS at Forest Park Bandshell
MAY - NOVEMBER 18th 10:00–11:00 AM
Inspire your day with an invigorating morning walk in scenic Forest Park, with Debbi
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.
THURSDAYS at JUNIPER VALLEY PARK TAI CHI CHI with GERARD
MAY - JUNE 26th 8:30–9:30 AM
Enhance your balance and mindfulness and overall health well-being with Gerard.
Top scores and big smiles
Students of MS 137, America’s School of Heroes, in Ozone Park on May 28 celebrated a major academic milestone — earning spots at some of the city’s specialized high schools.
Admission to the rigorous institutions is only granted to students who take the Specialized High School Admissions Test, a standardized exam. It is the only criteria used for admission to the schools.
To prepare for the feat, the pupils attended a SHSAT afterschool program,
made possible by a $5,000 state grant from state Sen. Joe Addabbo. The school’s dean of students, Poonam Budhu, told the Chronicle MS 137 had the highest number of acceptances in school District 27.
Last week’s celebration saw parents, students and faculty honoring the achievements of those students, and was also attended by the school’s principal, Pamela Trincado, center left, and Raimondo Graziano, Addabbo’s chief of staff.
— Kristen Guglielmo
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
Fu n a nd Fit ne s s
Fun and Fitness
Summer Kickoff Picnic at Forest Park Summer Picnic at Forest Park Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven
Jumpstart your day with six invigorating morning fitness sessions at the Forest Park Seuffert Bandshell, followed by a healthy delicious lunch in the new picnic area.
6 FITNESS CLASSES
From 8:45AM to 1:20PM
9:00AM to 11:00AM Coffee, Tea & Danish Hour
2:00-2:45PM Sing A Long with Sara Sing A Long with Sara
Witness LGBTQ pride with Queens nonprofit
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Witness to Mass Incarceration, a nonprofit dedicated to ending mass incarceration, was at the Queens Pride Parade in Jackson Heights on Sunday.
It was the group’s first time at the parade, and the kickstart to its focus on LGBTQ events for Pride Month.
“Every year I am honored to stand up as a formerly incarcerated lesbian and say I am absolutely proud to be part of this loving and caring community,” said Evie Litwok, the WMI founder and executive director, via email.
Evie Litwok, with pup, and LGBTQ young adults. PHOTOCOURTESYWMI
On Saturday, June 7, students from the Art of Tailoring program will take the stage and participate in a fashion show.
The students in the program are LGBTQ young adults, 18 to 24.
The fashion show will be held at the Youth Pride Fest at Pier 76, located at 408 12 Ave., near 34th Street in Manhattan. The festival is from 12 to 6 p.m.
The tailoring program consists of two eight-week classes teaching formerly incarcerated people alteration and repairs, and is held at the Grove 34 event space, located at 31-83 34 St. in Astoria.
“I am also blessed with being able to train systemimpacted LGBTQ+ youth into their dream jobs — fashion design,” said Litwok.
On Friday, June 13, Litwok and the organization will be honored for their anti-recidivism work at the SunnyPride Celebration at the Sunnyside Arch, located at 46th Street and Queens Boulevard. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m.
The group will close out Pride Month at Juneteenth in Queens at Roy Wilkins Park on Thursday, June 19. The group will have a booth at the St. Albans park, where it will have its fifth Suitcase Sunday event.
WMI will have 30 tables featuring entrepreneurs who were formerly incarcerated.
The park is located on Merrick Boulebard between 115th and 116th Avenue. Q
Rent Guidelines Board trims hikes
Group walks back its initial proposed increases for two-year stabilized leases
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
The Rent Guidelines Board last Tuesday in a revote scaled back planned hikes for nearly one million rent-stabilized units.
The proposed increases for two-year leases are now 3.75 to 7.75 percent, down from the minimum of 4.5 percent that the nine-member board passed in April. The proposed increases for one-year leases did not change from last month’s vote, still 1.75 to 4.75 percent.
Board Chair Doug Apple credited the revote to the “impact of potential rent increases on tenants, whose incomes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living,” according to multiple reports.
calling on the city to freeze property taxes, water and sewer rates, and other governmentdriven costs.”
James Whelan, the president of the Real Estate Board of New York, told the Chronicle in a statement, “The guideline range vote change is unprecedented and ignores the board’s own data. This is yet another troubling development for rent-regulated housing and will lead to a worsening of New York City’s housing crisis.”
“The guideline range vote change is unprecedented and ignores the board’s own data.”
— James Whelan, president of the Real Estate Board of New York
Reactions in the housing and real estate fields differed.
“The RGB process is intended to be based on the math — and the RGB’s own data points to a minimum 6.3 percent rent increase,” said Ann Korchak, the board president of Small Property Owners of New York. “This second preliminary vote of even lower adjustments would further cap rent increases, and therefore we are
Kenny Burgos, the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, said, “The RGB vote doesn’t change the fact that thousands of rent-stabilized buildings are in dire financial trouble. The preliminary range put forth by the RGB was insufficient to keep up with operating costs, which means that buildings are going to continue to be defunded.”
The NYAA believes a one-year adjustment should be in line with inflation to prevent the deterioration of rent-stabilized housing, foreclosures, violation and the distress of tenants.
While several tenant advocacy groups did not respond to a request for comment by press time, the Met Council on Housing, for one, has
called for no rent hikes, and even hosted a Zoom information session on how to prepare for testimony before the Rent Guidelines Board. The board is still hearing public testimony. A hearing is scheduled for today, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center auditorium, at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
Those who wish to speak can register at rentguidelinesboard.cityofnewyork.us.
The board’s final vote on proposed lease adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments, lofts and hotels is scheduled for June 30, at El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan, at 7 p.m. It can be streamed online at the above link Q
ST. EDMUND PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL BOLD LEARNING. UNCOMMON LEADERS.
Members of the Class of 2025 have been awarded over $26 million in scholarships and have been accepted to over 240 colleges including
Arizona State University
Baylor University
Binghamton University
Boston College
Clemson University
Columbia University
Creighton University
Fordham University
Gonzaga University
Howard University
Indiana University
Iona University
Le Moyne College
Loyola University Maryland
Manhattan University
Marquette University
Michigan State University
Molloy University
New York University
Penn State University
Artur Diakiv Valedictorian attending the University of Virginia
Ryan Lily Groneman Salutatorian attending the University of Connecticut
Rochester Institute of Technology
Sacred Heart University
Saint Joseph’s University
Seton Hall University
St. Francis College
St. John’s University
St. Joseph’s University - New York
Stevens Institute of Technology
Syracuse University
The Catholic University of America
The University of Alabama University at Albany, SUNY
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
University of Kansas
University of Miami
University of Scranton
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Villanova University
The Rent Guidelines Board in a rare revote last Tuesday trimmed its proposed rate hikes for twoyear leases in rent-stablilized units. PHOTOBYMICHAELGANNON/FILE
Rajkumar wants to help ‘a city in crisis’
Legislator discusses her campaign for public advocate, litigation and safety
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) wants to be known as a gogetter in the state Legislature. Throughout her tenure, she’s often been spotted wearing her signature red dresses at press conferences for various initiatives throughout the five boroughs, and hosting rallies outside of City Hall for bills she’s authored.
Now, Rajkumar, a civil rights lawyer, is bringing that confidence to her run for public advocate of New York City.
Though she originally tossed her hat in the ring for city comptroller, Rajkumar, known by many as “the lady in red,” said the pivot was partially due to the Democrats’ losses last November.
recidivists by sending a Freedom of Information Law request to the NYPD and working with the Mayor’s Office.
Rajkumar said she also would stand against hate crimes of all kinds, adding that, “We cannot be morally ambiguous on where we stand on anti-Semitism.”
Though the public advocate role is seen as largely ceremonial by some, if elected, Rajkumar intends to utilize the position’s various tools, including the ability to sue on behalf of public interest.
“We didn’t just lose — we lost by incredible margins,” Rajkumar told the Chronicle during a sitdown interview last week. “I realized the party has to change, and that’s why I decided to step up and run for public advocate, because we have to defeat the extremism and incompetence in the party, and we have to bring the party back to common sense.”
She also cited “a city in crisis” as a reason for the office candidacy switch.
“We have a mental health crisis, a public safety crisis, housing crisis and affordability crisis,” Rajkumar, who would be the city’s first South Asian public advocate, said. “These are real issues, and I decided by stepping up for public advocate, I could advocate in a stronger way than being comptroller.”
According to Rajkumar, the biggest issue the city is facing right now is a lack of public safety.
“People don’t feel safe,” Rajkumar said. “There’s 9,000 people that commit most of the crimes — repeat offenders. Some people call them justice-involved individuals, but either way you slice it, these 9,000 people commit most of the crimes, and if we targeted them, we could cut crime by more than 50 percent.”
She said she would obtain a list of those
“As a civil rights lawyer myself, I can step into this role and really exercise that power,” she said. “It’s a dormant power, and I’m going to bring it back.”
Rajkumar said she intends to “implement high-impact litigation” in her first 100 days as public advocate, on cases focusing on things such as Medicaid cuts and accountability for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who she said spends millions on projects that don’t come to fruition.
“We need litigation, not lawfare,” she clarified. “Lawfare goes too far — gratuitous litigation. It has to be issue-based. It can’t be personal.”
Rajkumar will face the incumbent public advocate, Jumaane Williams, in the Democratic primary.
She recently took to posting political cartoons on social media to characterize her opponent as lazy, dubbing him the “public absentee,” and was accused by some of racism.
over the city.
“I’m a 24/7 public servant,” Rajkumar said. “People call me at all hours — even at 11 p.m., at 1 a.m.”
“I’m a 24/7 public servant.”
— Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar
At the time, a campaign spokesperson pushed back on that notion, saying the criticism in the cartoons was about accountability. Rajkumar told the Chronicle that the tactic got the race in people’s heads and showcased the difference between the candidates.
Throughout the campaign, she has said the city needs someone who “shows up” and is ready to help. She recently put her own phone number in her campaign ads, and said she’s been getting calls from all
Blood drives in South Queens
The New York Blood Center is calling on all eligible donors to make an appointment to help prevent a blood shortage during what it calls “trauma season.” The late spring and early summer months see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs, but less frequent blood donations.
Information on how to donate blood or schedule a drive is available at nybc.org.
Upcoming blood drives in South Queens include:
• Resorts World New York City, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at 110-
00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park;
• Richmond Hill South Ozone Park Lions Club, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at 120-01 Liberty Ave. in South Richmond Hill;
• Knights of Columbus Council 197, from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at 94-04 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park; and
The public advocate can also introduce bills in the City Council. Rajkumar, whose legislative accomplishments in Albany include Diwali as a school holiday, provisions of a bill to combat illegal smoke shops included in the state budget and expanded protections for domestic workers, already has some ideas.
“One of the bills that we want to introduce is requiring more hiring, because currently there’s a lot of vacancies in city government,” she said. “Jobs just not filled, and that’s why government doesn’t work fast enough. So I want to mandate benchmarks.”
She said she also would try to platform Priscilla’s Law, which seeks to crack down on e-bikes.
While Rajkumar is boasting endorsements from area Queens electeds, such as
Baby shower
continued from page 4
Councilmember Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblymembers Sam Berger (D-Flushing) and Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), along with groups such as the Police Benevolent Association, polls have been showing Williams holding a steady lead against her.
In a May 28 Emerson College poll of registered Democrats, 56 percent of respondents selected Williams as their first choice, while 15 percent selected Rajkumar.
Asked about her message to voters who may see her as a long-shot candidate, Rajkumar said, “I think that I’m running against an incumbent, and people are just tuning in now, so it’s the next month that’s going to win the election. ... What we’re finding is when people are introduced to us, they’re choosing us in large numbers, which is good news.”
She cited another poll, paid for by a proRajkumar independent expenditure committee, United New Yorkers for Progress, that showed 46.6 percent of likely voters opting for Williams, and 35.2 for Rajkumar. The rest were undecided.
In the other big citywide election — mayor of New York City — Rajkumar said she does not have an endorsement to give right now.
“I’m just focusing on my own vision and my own race,” she said.
Though over the past few years, she has had a close working relationship with Mayor Adams, often standing at his side at press conferences, those appearances have lessened in recent months. She also said she’s friends with former governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, who once appointed her as the state director of immigration affairs.
On the topic, Rajkumar said, “Mayor Adams is a friend of mine. I’ve worked with him on a lot of issues, and I’m proud of that. ... The mayor is not running in the Democratic primary. I am running in the Democratic primary, so it makes sense that I would stay out of the race and focus on my own vision.”
Primary day is June 24. Q
lies by providing community care, educational workshops, and access to vital resources. Supporting our mothers is a team effort, and I look forward to our continued work together to improve outcomes for our families.”
• Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, in the basement of 95-30 118 St. in Richmond Hill.
ed and supported, regardless of their circumstances,” Schulman said. “We know that homelessness adds an incredible layer of stress and uncertainty, especially during pregnancy. Today, we came together as a community to say: you are not alone. You matter. And we are here for you — not just today, but every day as you bring new life into this world.”
Q
— Kristen Guglielmo
Adams said, “Nyasha’s Promise knows what mothers need to thrive and is helping to strengthen maternal health in our city. Their work is essential to uplifting fami-
Sabrina Anderson, the founder and CEO of Nyasha’s Promise, said, “This is not charity — it’s justice.” She added, “Nyasha’s Promise is leading the way in reshaping how we care for communities that have long been overlooked.These workshops and baby showers are not just a celebration; they’re a bold call to action, showing us exactly how we should show up for those who need us most.” Q
Asssemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar sat down with the Chronicle last week to discuss her run for city public advocate. PHOTOBYKRISTENGUGLIELMO
PA Williams wants more public safety
He wants to be the independent voice of NY, push for more affordable units
by Naeisha Rose Editor
“We need an independent voice,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams told the Chronicle in a Zoom interview Monday as he makes a bid for re-election ahead of the June 24 primary.
As public advocate, Williams said his job is to hear residents complaints, make sure agencies are doing their jobs and act as a counterpoint to the mayor.
“It is really important that there is another voice that is speaking on behalf of the city of New York and the people I am representing,” said Williams.
His office has the power to file lawsuits on behalf of the constituents and if the mayor is not able to serve, he is second in line to replace him.
Employment programs.
“We did a lot of work around emergency responses, whether it was Covid responses — particularly on education,” he said.
Williams said he has gotten passed more than 100 bills and resolutions, more than all previous public advocates combined.
“That is something that I am proud of,” said Williams. “ A lot of folks don’t understand the way that I operate and assumed I would not use all the powers of the office.”
Since assuming office in 2019, Williams said his office has pushed policy discussions on mental and maternal health.
“We put out a lot of reports” on the subject “and I think we helped move that conversation. It’s not yet where we want it to go,” said Williams.
Williams also said his office has pushed conversations on affordability and investing more in CUNY and Summer Youth
He considers his Racial Impact Study, strengthening of the Worst Landlord List, Homelessness Bill of Rights and tax reprieve during the height of Covid-19 pandemic, as some of the major wins for his office.
The two issues the public advocate thinks he needs to do more work on are making housing more affordable and increasing public safety by reducing gun violence.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (DWoodhaven), who is running to unseat Williams as public advocate, has positioned herself as the public safety candidate and has said the incumbent is for defunding the police.
“I never used the words, ‘Defund the police,’” said Williams. “I didn’t think it was a good slogan then, and I don’t think it is a
good slogan now. There are not too many people driving the conversation as much as me, particularly on gun violence. I grew up and have seen too many people lose their lives.”
Williams said he stood with Mayor Adams
HAPPY PR ID E MONTH
and had a plan about how to address gun violence, but the public advocate believes the mayor failed to execute the initiative.
“The public safety conversation is important,” said Williams. “We need people who are not going to push division, but people who can build out to where, frankly, we are in agreement.”
Williams said most people believe law enforcement should be their partner in tackling public safety issues.
“This is true in the most Democratic of spaces and the most Republican of spaces,” he said. “Unfortunately, people feel in order to get elected, we need to push a division.”
Mental health needs a medical response, not a criminal one, said Williams.
Some who criticize Williams say it is easy for him to talk about safety and to criticize police when he lives within an Army base.
“One, we live in publicly available housing,” said Williams. “The notion that I am always on the base or that my family is always on the base doesn’t make sense with how people operate their lives.”
Williams said he and his family have lives outside the base, and a bullet even went through his mother’s car window once a few years ago. His sister also once called him about seeing a person have a mental health
continued on page 19
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is running for re-election against Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. The primary is June 24. COURTESYPHOTO
Born in rebellion in 1993, what is now the New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival brought joy and protest to Jackson Heights on Sunday, as marchers lamented the deportation of Andry José Hernandéz Romero, an asylum seeker and gay man who was exiled by the Trump administration to a prison in El Salvador. Here, Assemblywomen Catalina Cruz, left, and Jessica González-Rojas, with flag, the grand marshals, stand with drag performer Candy Samples, activist Marcus Woolen and parade founder Danny Dromm. The day’s theme was “Defiant Joy.” See more pics at qchron.com. — Peter C. Mastrosimone with reporting by Walter Karling
The Sirens Motorcycle Club poses for the camera before leading the parade.
Girl Scouts of Troop 4482 bear the Drag Story Hour NYC banner in the parade; while the Statue of Liberty comes to life, gets colorful and meets some fans.
Charlie of Girl Scout Troop 4155 and her mom, Teresa; a wildly costumed character; and City Councilmembers Adrienne Adams, the speaker, and Shekar Krishnan.
Captain the dog and his pals await the event’s start; while hula hooper Verona Patterson stands with parade stalwarts Jim Burke, Rita Wade and Oscar Escobar.
PHOTOS BY WALTER KARLING
From far left, some young parade goers smile from the sidelines; the NYPD Police Band performs; Flame and Natasha of Drag Story Hour say hello; young Donovan and his father, Frank Bucalo, demonstrate the parade’s theme; and six hombres stand together outside Hombres Lounge.
Mia says “Viva Colombia!” with flag unfurled; while eight is enough when it comes to beauty queens from various pageants.
St. Joh n’s P repa rator y S c hool Cong rat u lates
St. John’s Preparatory School Congratulates
Ou r Va led ic tor ia n a nd Sa lut ator ia n Our Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Valedictorian
Name: Vasileios Rallakis
School: St. John’s Preparatory School
Family: Afrodite & Michael (Parents)
Eleni & Georgia (Sisters)
Home Neighborhood: Astoria, NY
Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, Campus Life Team, Co-Founder of Pre-Med Club, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Track Team
Scholarships & Honors: Colgate University (Presidential Scholarship), Hofstra (Academic Excellence), Binghamton (Dean’s Scholarship), St. John’s University (Academic Excellence), Stony Brook (Dean’s Scholarship) Fordham University (Ignatian Scholarship), Hunter College (Deans Scholarship), Queens College Macaulay Honors
Post-Graduation Plans: Undecided – Colgate University or Queens College Macaulay Honors
Anticipated Major: Biology
Inspirational Quote: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Salutatorian
Name: Sydney Barberi
School: St. John’s Preparatory School
Family: Michelle Avellan & Paul Barberi (Parents)
Noemi (Sister)
Home Neighborhood: Astoria, NY
Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, Voices for Tomorrow Scholarships & Honors: Gates Scholarship, Questbridge National College Match Scholarship
Post-Graduation Plans: Brown University
Anticipated Major: Chemical Engineering
Inspirational Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Class of 2025
Mayor announces new Parks commish
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has links to the Southern Queens Parks Association
by Naeisha Rose Editor
The Southern Queens Parks Association, park stewards at Roy Wilkins in St. Albans, are excited for the appointment of Iris Rodriguez-Rosa as the new city Parks commissioner.
In an announcement on Monday, SQPA said that Rodriguez-Rosa has been a devoted supporter of Roy Wilkins Park and SQPA for decades, and her commitment to Southeast Queens traces back to the group’s founding era under Solomon Goodrich and Paul Gibson Jr.
SQPA was established in 1976.
years ago with Bill Briggs, the founder of Youth and Tennis Inc. in Southeast Queens.
Smith said that the new commissioner was key in bringing the park steward to a new interim lease agreement and was leading SQPA members, elected officials and Parks buildings maintenance staff monthly in meetings about upgrades.
“Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has been a champion for Roy Wilkins and the Southeast Queens community for decades,” said Smith. “Her integrity, partnership and unwavering commitment to equity in public spaces make her the ideal leader for NYC Parks.”
“I am excited and honored to assume the position as commissioner.”
—
Rodriguez-Rosa, who was appointed June 1, worked closely with former SQPA Executive Director Chantel Legros to advance programs and partnerships that benefited generations of families and was a steady, honest and ideal partner who ensured the community’s voice was heard and honored, continued SQPA’s announcement.
Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa
SQPA Executive Director Jermaine Sean Smith told the Chronicle that she was instrumental in starting a tennis bubble 15
“We are proud to celebrate her historic appointment.”
The Mayor’s Office said the Parks veteran oversaw the revitalization of the lifeguard workforce as the country faces a nationwide shortage.
“Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has served New Yorkers for her entire career, with an unwavering commitment to nurturing and growing our precious parks, ensuring they are available for all,” said Mayor Adams in a statement, as he also announced $23 million
will be allocated to revitalize nearly three acres of NYCHA open space at three developments in Queens, two in the Bronx and one in Brooklyn. “I have full confidence that she will carry forward that dedication as NYC Parks commissioner, and we look forward to delivering all New Yorkers safer, cleaner parks across the five boroughs.”
Rodriguez-Rosa was raised in Brooklyn and currently lives in Southeast Queens.
The open space includes playgrounds, sports equipment and seating areas, said the Mayor’s Office.
“Outdoor open spaces and playgrounds on NYCHA campuses serve as important outlets for residents to engage in physical activity and get fresh air, as well as community hubs and gathering spaces for the one in 17 New Yorkers who call NYCHA home,” said NYCHA CEO Bova-Hiatt in a statement.
There also will be more landscaping at those developments.
The developments include Woodside Houses, along with the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway and Legacy Park at Pomonok Houses in Fresh Meadows.
“I am excited and honored to assume the position as commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the greatest urban park system in the country
Eid
with over 30,000 acres of parkland,” said Rodriguez-Rosa. “Parks are the greenspaces that serve as a great equalizer in our city and ensure everyone can get outside and enjoy our nature areas, playgrounds, beaches, pools, and recreation centers. Q
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, who has ties to the Southern Queens Parks Association, was announced as the new Parks commissioner.
PA Williams
continued from page 15
“When I think about policies, I am not thinking about just myself, I am thinking about my family and the families of other New Yorkers,” he said. “Recidivism is not new and mental health is not new.”
As far as comments from Rajkumar calling Williams an idealist who is out of touch and uses performative rhetoric, the public advocate said he found the criticisms interesting. She also has said he is missing in action.
Council, mayor trade budget barbs
With July 1 deadline, lawmakers claim underfunding
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The City Charter does not allow budget impasses between Mayor Adams and the City Council when the calendar switches from June 30 to July 1.
And if the Council’s final budget hearing on May 30 is any indication, both sides have some more horse trading to do before agreeing to a budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
“Too performative to not doing anything at all — it’s got to be one of those,” joked Williams. “A lot of the criticisms are false on their face. We use all the tools that are needed to move from advocacy to action, to policy.”
Williams said if one does not know how to use those tools, perhaps the role of public advocate “is not the job for you.”
“If you think for some reason that protest, particularly in the time of Donald Trump is a bad word, then this is not the job for you,” he continued. The job is about “having the strength to use your voice. I am very proud to use my voice.”
Williams said he has used his voice to get people personal protective equipment during the pandemic and has used it to get other tangible results. Q
In a joint statement last Friday, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), said the mayor’s executive budget proposal from May comes up short in areas such as schools, mental health care, child care and public safety.
Adams in May submitted a budget request of $115.1 billion in response to a previous $116.8 billion proposal from the Council. The mayor’s preliminary budget request in January was $114.5 billion.
And one day prior to last Friday’s hearing, Speaker Adams’ office released what may have been a preemptive strike in announcing that Council number-crunchers are forecasting $1.7 billion more in anticipated revenue than the mayor’s budget office.
Speaker Adams, who is running for the mayor’s job, and Brannan, running for comptroller, placed much of the uncertainty
Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams are far apart financially and philosophically on the city’s new budget.
PHOTOBYMICHAELAPPLETON/NYCMAYOR’SOFFICE/FILE, LEFT,ANDPHOTOBYWILLIAMALATRISTE/NYCCOUNCIL/FILE episode.
on funding cuts and policy decisions from President Trump’s administration.
“While the Mayor’s Executive Budget is better than those from previous years, it still fails to adequately support mental health and public safety solutions desperately needed, as well as vital services that New Yorkers of all ages need to access opportunity and success in our city,” Speaker Adams said.
“Throughout our Executive Budget hearings, we have identified key areas of funding that must be addressed and repeatedly heard from New Yorkers about the investments missing in the mayor’s budget.”
“While Trump and his Republican allies
try to tear down the safety net from D.C., here in New York we need to build it up,” Brannan said. “That means protecting our most vulnerable and investing in the programs and priorities New Yorkers depend on — from affordable housing and mental health care to safe streets, strong schools, and vibrant parks. The mayor’s budget still doesn’t meet the urgency of the moment.”
The Mayor’s Office, in an email to the Chronicle on Monday, declined to comment on how negotiations are progressing, but also took the Council’s critique in stride.
“Over the last three years the four leading independent rating agencies have agreed with our approach and consistently cited our prudent fiscal management — including cautious revenue forecasts — in upholding the city’s strong bond ratings,” the office said. “This year, our forecast is in-line with state and local fiscal monitors’ revenue estimates and reflects responsible caution in the face of economic uncertainty. Further, because we must live within our means and balance the budget, we — unlike the City Council — literally cannot afford to be wrong.”
Unlike the state and federal governments, the city must have a balanced budget agreement in place by the July 1 deadline with no red ink carrying over from the completed fiscal year. Q
Sounds of compliance at Forest Hills arena?
City finds no noise code violations; still no agreement with
by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor
Though some nearby residents say Forest Hills Stadium eased into its 2025 concert season with its first show last Saturday, it reportedly was far from a silent night for others.
The highly anticipated concert series kicked off May 31 with a set by indie rock band Bloc Party. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection said it conducted two indoor inspections during the show pursuant to the city’s noise code, and neither resulted in a violation.
However, Matthew Mandell, who chairs the Forest Hills Gardens Corp.’s law committee, said residents claimed they called 311 repeatedly that night with complaints of “unbearable” noise, but could not reach anyone via phone. Those who sent text messages or used the 311 app had their complaints closed immediately, he added.
It was “pretty noisy” outside when he took a walk at the beginning of the show, but he said it was not the loudest concert he has heard, with a relatively manageable crowd and music quieter than the thumping bass of an electronic dance set. He told the Chronicle that he could only hear the end of the concert from his home.
The stadium received the necessary sound amplification permit just over a month ago
the city did not find any violations.
to hold its first concert of the year. The NYPD’s Legal Bureau first denied the permit after the Gardens Corp. said the city could not close its private streets around the stadium without a license agreement.
The agency granted a conditional permit after Tiebreaker Productions, which runs concerts at the venue, proposed a private security plan. Compliance with the city’s noise code was one of the conditions, as
‘Roots’ Juneteenth screening at JPAC
by Naeisha Rose Editor
For its inaugural Juneteenth screening, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will show the David L. Wolper 1977 production of “Roots” at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center.
All eight episodes of the dramatic miniseries will be screened over the course of the free two-day marathon on Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20.
Episodes one through four will screen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with breaks and a lunch break in between on Thursday. Episodes five through eight will screen the following day, with the last episode ending at 4:30 p.m.
Breakfast will be served at the venue, at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. at 9 a.m. on both days.
JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench will lead an audience discussion from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. the first evening. The Rev. Carla Hunter-Ramsey, one of the top diversity executives in the nation, will make opening remarks on day two of the screening at 9:45 a.m., as well as lead that day’s audience discussion and close out the event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Andrew “Sekou” Jackson, also
known as Sekou Molefi Baako, a professor of Black Studies at York College, will make opening remarks at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday.
To RSVP, visit jcal.org/show-details/ roots-two-day-marathon-screening or search for the screening at eventbrite.com.
“Roots,” is based on the Alex Haley novel chronicling the journey of Kunta Kinte, a West African man who was kidnapped from his village into slavery. It depicts the horror of American slavery as Kinte and his family observe notable events, such as the Revolutionary and Civil wars, slave uprisings and emancipation. Haley said the story is based on his family’s history.
The Golden Globe- and Peabody Awardwinning film series, which captivated audiences, stars Levar Burton, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen and Georg Stanford Brown, along with John Amos and Louis Gossett Jr., both of whom passed away last year.
“The screening of Roots is an understated tribute to a historical timeline,” said Ffrench via email. “We honor the physical and emotional sacrifices that were made throughout this country’s history. We have not forgotten, we will never forget. I encourage everyone to attend this powerful tribute.” Q
PHOTOBYMICHAELSHAIN/FILE
were the closures of certain streets.
“After months of working closely with city officials and local community members — as we do every year — we’re thrilled with the start to the 2025 season,” Grace Smoker, a spokesperson for Tiebreaker Productions, said in a statement.
“We’re particularly proud that our first show ran smoothly with no sound or curfew violations, arrests or trash on the streets,”
neighbors
Smoker added. “This strong kickoff is a direct result of our ongoing efforts with countless city agencies, elected officials and local residents.”
The stadium also used a new sound system to enhance fans’ concert experience while mitigating noise.
Mandell said he heard reports that barricade placements caused some cars to make unsafe U-turns. NYPD officers patrolled Station Square during the show, he said, and state police also were present.
And although police always have access to the private streets around the stadium, no license agreement has yet been reached.
“Any way you slice it, the concert operation seized a tremendous portion of our property to support this event without an agreement, so that issue remains,” Mandell said. He said he has spoken to some neighbors who are already anxious about the lineup for September, which includes several shows on weeknights.
“They’re kind of off to a slow start, but I think it’s going to be a mess by the end of the season,” he said.
English DJ Sammy Virji will be the headliner at the next show on June 14.
“We’re excited to welcome many more artists, fans and neighbors to the Stadium for another exceptional season,” Smoker said. Q
United Charter grads celebrate
All 102 graduating seniors from United Charter High School For Advanced Math and Science IV who applied to college received at least one acceptance, the school recently announced. The grads received a total of $6.1 million in scholarships.
To celebrate the feat, the school, at 15610 Baisley Blvd. in Rochdale, on May 23 had its College Signing Day, which featured student performances, speeches, a live DJ and a percussion band, Brooklyn’s Blackfire Drumline, who appeared on season 4 of
“America’s Got Talent.”
The day’s theme was “Turn up the prep,” so the pupils were dressed in blazers, loafers and jackets and sweaters with college names prominently displayed.
During the event, the school recognized its valedictorian, Sariah Hitchman, who will attend Rhode Island’s Bryant University with a $118,000 scholarship; and its salutatorian, Hannah Jagnarayan, who will attend Hunter College in Manhattan. — Kristen Guglielmo
Bloc Party kicked off Forest Hills Stadium’s 2025 season last Saturday. Though some neighbors lamented the noise,
Tax credit helping LIC could soon expire
REAP attracts jobs, improves office vacancy rate, business leader says
by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor
Legislation regarding tax incentives that aim to attract new businesses and expand existing ones would have an especially strong impact on Long Island City, one business leader says.
Among those pending in the state Senate and Assembly are the Relocation and Employment Assistance Program. Established in 1987, REAP offers business income tax credits for moving jobs originally located outside the city or below 96th Street in Manhattan to designated sites above that street or in another borough.
Under the program, which is set to expire at the end of June unless revived before the legislative session finishes up, businesses receive an annual $3,000 credit for 12 years per each employee who relocates.
“The program has incentivized companies to move to Long Island City in particular,” Laura Rothrock, president of the Long Island City Partnership, told the Chronicle. Not only does the neighborhood have office space and an Industrial Business Zone, Rothrock explained, but its proximity to midtown Manhattan attracts both office tenants and smaller, industrial businesses.
“That’s why Long Island City is really unique, because there’s not another neighbor-
hood that I can think of that really has that office market and the industrial market as well,” she said in a Monday interview.
In fiscal year 2025 alone, Rothrock said, 178 firms citywide benefited from REAP tax credits. According to a press release from the Five Borough Jobs Campaign, at least 12 companies in Long Island City have taken advantage of the program, contributing to the creation of more than 2,600 jobs.
One such business was Ferrara Manufacturing, a company that produces tailored goods such as suits. It came to Long Island City from Manhattan’s Garment District in 2020.
Rothrock said the firm had considered moving out of the city for affordability reasons, but REAP allowed it to stay put.
The program would be extended for three more years if the legislation passes.
If the program is not extended, Long Island City’s office market, which is already struggling to stay competitive, will be hurt, Rothrock said. She added that since tax benefits depend on the number of employees who relocate, losing jobs also is a concern.
“The way that it works, it’s pretty evident that it’s a jobs program,” she said. “We’re worried that if the programs aren’t extended, we’ll lose jobs in Long Island City and in New York City, and that those jobs will move elsewhere.”
Also pending is the proposed Relocation
Assistance Credit for Employees, or RACE, program. It would offer a tax incentive for outof-state businesses to fill office space in the city.
Rothrock said RACE aims to attract larger tenants, as a company would have to occupy at least 10,000 square feet of new space to qualify.
If passed, the bill would establish RACE for
three years at a benefit of $5,000 per employee for 10 years with a $150 million cap, she said.
“There are other cities and other states that are reaching out to companies in New York City, trying to get them to move to Delaware or Jersey City or Long Island or Westchester,” Rothrock said. “So in order to remain competitive and to help with the vacancy rate that
continued on page 22
MONSIGNOR McCLANCY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025!
Christina Acosta
Mariah Alamo
Armando Alcaide
Casey Allen+
Olivia Anzueta
Gabriella Arce
Brandon Baltaian
Syniya Barton+
Gabrielle Bastek
Raychel Batista
Maria Bianchi+
Sophia Bierman Taveras
Giana Bizzarro+
Hannah Blake+
Brooke Brady
John Brancaccio III
Mateo Caceres
Anthony Calle
Giovanni Calle
Jaime Calle
Oswaldo Calle
Colin Canavan+
Daniel Cardona+
Sofia Caruso+
Andreas Charalambous
Kenzie Chico
Alexander Chiriac
Briana Chiriac+
Scott Cloonen, Jr.
Maxie Collado
Carolina Cortes+
Thiago Costa
Johnny Cruz
Sofia Cruz
Bryce Daab
Felicia D’Antonio
Sarah Day
Shane Deane+
Brianna DeCastro+
Anthony Decosimo
Nico Dela Pena
Roswell Deleon
Emily DiGiovanna+
Keira Dillon+*
Steven Dimotheris
Matthew Dirlam
Ryan D’Rozario+
Anya Dryl-Sukhu+
Daniel Durante
Tatiana Elias+
Andrei Maalik Espiritu
Dean Esposito
Adyson Febre
Justin Feliciano
Brendan Fennelly+
Zion Ferguson
Melanie Figueroa
Sean Fitzpatrick
Aiden Manorack Floresca
Myahaleigha Galagan
Joel Galarza
Angelica Galasso+
Maria Geis
Chris Georgeopoulos+
Danna Gonzalez Balanta+
Alessia Gucciardino+
Nicholas Guerrero+
Chen Guo
Keegan Guttieri
Aurora Guzman+
Valentina Guzman+
Amy Haggerty+
Aleksei Hukumchand
Krishna Itwaru+
Jakub Jankowski+*
Adam Jezewski
Angelina Jimenez
Madison Johnson-Bethelmie
Dennis Kay
Michael Kelly
Lhasay Kimshul+
Adam Kulesza
Gia La Rosa
Annalisa LaBarbera+
Michael Larcey
Jade Larrea
Erin Lee
George Lemodetis+
Adrian Lengyel+
Sophia Lengyel+*
Sebastian Leonowicz+*
Delilah Lesniewski+
Cynthia Lomas
Ava Lopez
Ava Malone
Irene Maragiannis+
Christopher Marciano
Anthony Marsilia
Kevin Martin
Brandon Martinez
Grace Matisi+
Ava Matusiak+
Gavin McCachren
John Meenan
Sophia Megahed Villeda+*
Idalia Mejia-Matias+
Myron Mendez
Michael Millot
Gabrielle Mills+
Olivia Mills+
Tyanna Moran+
Amel Mrkulic
Haris Mulamekic
Emily Munoz
Maya Muratovic
Sean Murray
Michael Napolitano, Jr.
Medina Nebija
Lillian Nitti
Nicolo Noel
Xavier Orozco
Caitlyn Ortiz+
Abigail Oviedo+
Leslie Palaguachi+
Cianna Palermo+*
Nicole Panarese+
Carly Panetta+
Juliana Pardo+
Kiran Patan+
Jessica Patino Londono
Lucas Penn+
James Pepe+*
Jose Perez-Espinoza
Thomas Pieniadz
Tyler Polanco+
Olivia Popek
Martyna Prochniewicz+*
Marietta Psillis
Giuliana Puccio+*
Elijah Pyrrhon
Alexis Quinones
Erick Quizhpi-Otavalo+
Jason Radu+
Marcos Ramirez+
Vanessa Ramirez
Diego Ramirez-Morales
Alex Rappaport
Devin Rhea+
Ryan Rinaldi
Lizeth Rincon
Valentina Rincon+
Jayden Rivera
Leslie Rocano
Elaini Rodriguez
Lorenzo Rodriguez
Maritza Rodriguez+
Omar Rosa
Keira Ross+
Taylor Roth+
Julia Saleh+
Aranza Sanchez
Jeremy Sarmiento Penafiel
Thomas Schmitt
Sange Sherpa
Zachary Sikorski
Parmeet Singh+
Luke Skouras
Ilhan Skrijelj
Katherine Sop-Carreon+
Giuliana Soriano+
Haley Soriano+
Alejandro Soto
Richard Stock IV+*
Melanie Tenesaca
Carlos Teran+
Gianna Termine+
Joseph Torre+
Faith Trinchillo+
Alessandro Turriciano
Santiago Uribe-Correa+
Melannie Valero+
Bryan Velazco Amaro
Elvin Velez, Jr.
Alessandra Vella
Guillermo Victorio-Gallardo
Mia Vincenzi+
Christopher Vlaovich
Jillian Von Braunsberg
Ciara Walsh+
Joseph Werner+
Daniella Williams
Heather Williamson+
Josephine Willinger
Robert Wolejsza
Jack Wong-McMahon
Jake Wood+
Luca Zacco
Emely Zhicay Once+
Elected officials and business leaders, including LICP President Laura Rothrock, uppermost right, advocate for tax incentives to promote job growth in the city.
Alleged dog hoarder charged
DA: Forest Hills man crammed dozens into apartment
by Stephanie G. Meditz
Associate Editor
Isaac Yadgarov, 37, was arraigned on animal cruelty charges for allegedly cramming 48 Belgian Malinois dogs into a one-bedroom apartment in Forest Hills, Queens DA Melinda Katz announced Monday.
Members of Animal Care Centers of NYC and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on May 8 rescued the dogs from the seventh-floor apartment on 62nd Road, which was filled with feces, urine and debris, the DA said. The odor of ammonia made it difficult for responders to breathe, and it was too packed for the dogs to move around freely.
Three of the dogs were euthanized following the rescue, the DA’s Office said. The rest were taken into responders’ care for medical evaluation, nourishment and socialization. The NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit also responded to the scene.
“Sadly, it is not uncommon to see large-scale cruelty and hoarding cases in New York City, with too many animals living in crowded, unsanitary, and unsustainable conditions,” Ellen Curtis, Animal Care Centers of NYC’s chief programs officer, said in a press release. “These cases place tremendous strain on animal welfare organizations, but we are grateful for the support and partnership of the Queens District Attorney’s Office in holding individuals
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING
accountable and helping us intervene before even more animals suffer.”
The DA’s Office and the NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad contacted Yadgarov and launched an investigation after the dogs were discovered.
According to the DA, Yadgarov had been evicted from the apartment and was not present during the rescue. The day prior, he allegedly signed digital forms agreeing to surrender the dogs. He turned himself in to a local precinct on May 13, the DA said.
“We must do better for the animals of this borough,” Katz said. “I thank our partners at the ASPCA, Animal Care Centers of NYC and the NYPD for assisting in this investigation and helping to relocate the dogs to appropriate facilities.”
Yadgarov was arraigned Monday on a 96-count criminal complaint charging him with 48 counts of overloading, overdriving, torturing animals and 48 counts of failure to provide adequate food, water and shelter, the DA’s Office said.
He was ordered to return to court Aug. 5 and could face a potential maximum sentence of up to a year in jail if convicted.
“This rescue operation is a stark reminder of the need to address and prevent animal cruelty in New York City,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. Q
3T MRI • MRA • 1.2 OPEN MRI LOW DOSE CT • CTA • FLUOROSCOPY
DAT SCAN • NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PET/CT SCAN • ULTRASOUND • DEXA X-RAY • INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY CALCIUM SCORING
ECHOCARDIOGRAM • LIVER BIOPSY THYROID BIOPSY PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
WOMEN'S IMAGING
3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY BREAST ULTRASOUND MRI BREAST
STEREOTACTIC BREAST BIOPSY
ULTRASOUND GUIDED CORE BIOPSY MRI GUIDED BIOPSY
REAP
in LIC
continued from page 21
we’re experiencing citywide, especially since the pandemic, that’s why RACE is really important.”
The press release states that RACE is expected to generate about $385 million in return to the city.
Asked about the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs, Rothrock cited concerns that it could get harder for businesses in the textile and construction industries to operate in the city. Amid the uncertain levies, she continued, REAP can help businesses stay competitive.
“It’s really important that we keep these jobs here because a lot of these jobs, industrial and office type jobs, are high-paying jobs and it helps people afford to live here,” Rothrock said.
Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech said in the release that the tax breaks offer a set of solutions to support the growth of small businesses and create well-paying jobs.
“Businesses are feeling the affordability crisis severely — if businesses are struggling, that means slower job growth and a cascading effect on neighborhoods across the city,” Grech said.
Rothrock joined elected officials and other business leaders last week at a press conference calling on lawmakers to pass the bills before the legislative session in Albany ends later this month. Q
Isaac Yadgarov was arraigned on animal cruelty charges for allegedly packing 48 dogs in his apartment.
What to know about Social Security if your spouse dies
by Social Security Administration
The death of a spouse is among the most stressful life events. Losing a spouse can be devastating both emotionally and financially. You can depend on us during this difficult time.
Can I get surviving spouse benefits?
When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse even if you’re divorced. Eligibility depends on several factors:
Age — You may b e eligible for survivor benefits: If you are age 60 or older.
• As early as age 50, if you have a disability and are unable to work.
• At any age if you’re caring for your deceased spouse’s child who is younger than 16 or who developed a disability before age 22. Note: Children (including stepchildren, grandchildren, step—grandchildren, and adopted children) may be eligible for survivor benefits, too.
• Employment — You may be able to work and get survivor benefits. It depends on your age and how much you’re earning. If you’re younger than full retirement age, you’re subject to an earnings limit. To learn more about working and getting benefits, read this blog article.
• Benefit status — If you already receive retirement or disability benefits on your own work record, you may be due survivor b enefits if they’re greater than your own. You won’t receive both – you’ll get the higher amount.
How much will I get as a surviving spouse?
Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s lifetime earnings. As a surviving spouse, you may receive between 71.5 percent and 100 percent of your deceased spouse’s benefit. The longer you wait to apply up until your full retirement age — the higher your monthly benefit amount will be.
When should I apply for survivor benefits?
When your spouse dies, we recommend you call us right away at 1 (800) 772-1213 about our $255 lump sum death payment. You’ll also want to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family.
You have options. You may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse while delaying your own retirement benefit, if it’s higher. Or, you may want to receive a reduced retirement benefit, then wait until later to apply for a higher survivor benefit.
Please contact us to speak with a representative so you can decide what’s best for you.
How do I apply for survivor benefits?
You must make an appointment by calling us at 1 (800) 772-1213.
If you already receive spouse benefits, you will automatically be converted to surviving spouse benefits. No application is needed. However, you should contact us to apply for the one-time only $255 lump sum. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online.
What if I’m divorced?
You may be able to get benefits as a surviving divorced spouse if you were marrie d at least 10 years, even if your spouse ha d remarried. You must be at least age 60, or 50 if you’re disabled, and you must be single — unless your remarriage occurre d after age 60. Note: We may be able to pay divorced spouse benefits while your former spouse is living.
For more information, check out our Survivors Benefits publication and our Survivor benefits page. Please call us if you have questions or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a child.
Please share this important information with your loved ones and other surviving spouses — and post on social media. P
What seniors can do to maintain a healthy weight
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong processs. Children tend to be so physically active and grow at such a consistent pace that it’s easier for them to consume a high-calorie diet without becoming overweight. That’s generally not the case after adolescence, and it might be particularly difficult for seniors to avoid gaining weight.
In a 2020 interview with Tufts Medicine, Jillian Reece, a bariatric dietitian at Tufts Medical Center, noted that a person’s basal metabolic rate slows downs with aging. The b asal metabolic rate indicates the rate at which the body uses energy while at rest. As that rate slows down, body weight can increase. But seniors should know they aren’t helpless against nature and Father Time. In fact, there is much aging adults can do to maintain a healthy weight throughout their golden years.
sure portions when eating foods such as cereal so the portion you eat reflects the serving size noted on the box.
• Eat breakfast each morning. Seniors who skip breakfast, which may be more likely upon retiring, could be doing their waistlines a notable disservice. A 2017 statement from the American Heart Association noted that several large, long-term, prospective, observational studies have found an association between breakfast consumption and lower risk of obesity. The less structured pattern o f retirement living may compel some seniors to skip breakfast, but committing to a morning meal can help keep off extra pounds.
• Commit to routine exercise. Diet can go a long way toward helping seniors maintain a healthy weight. However, diet is not the only area where seniors can help their waistlines. Routine physical activity can help seniors maintain muscle mass and make it easier to be more mobile. Staying mobile can help keep pounds off, as a sedentary lifestyle is one of the more notable risk factors for overweight and obesity. The National Institute on Aging recommends seniors aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities are those that raise the heart rate and help seniors break a sweat, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling.
• Limit portion sizes when eating. Controlling portion sizes is easier said than done, p articularly for seniors who dine out with
frequency. When dining out, seniors can order off the appetizer menu instead of ordering an entrée, especially when visiting an establishment known for its hefty portions. At home, pay attention to serving size data on product labeling. If necessar y, mea-
• Make a concerted effort to remain hydrated throughout the day. The Cleveland Clinic notes that age-related body composition changes make seniors particularly vulnerable to dehydration. An aging body does not demand water like it once did, so it’s easy for seniors to forget to hydrate because they don’t feel thirsty. But remaining hydrated is important for seniors looking to maintain a healthy weight because dehydration can mimic symptoms of hunger. Seniors may reach for snacks feeling they’re hungry when all they might need is a glass of water to hydrate.
A healthy weight can allow seniors to live life to the fullest. Various strategies can help seniors achieve a healthy weight. P — Metro Creative Connection
Eating breakfast each day can help seniors achieve their goal of maintaining a healthy weight.
Anatomy of a city
It’s always It’s infrastr ucture
infrastructure week at new at new NYSCI exhibit exhibit
by Marlee Wollman
In a city where 8.5 million people are distributed among 300 square miles of solid ground, ensuring everyday livability and functionality is no simple task. Thanks to the interactive CityWorks exhibit at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New Yorkers can get an in-depth understanding into the complex systems that allow the city to run, as well as the monumental challenges involved in maintaining them.
Upon entry, visitors are immediately immersed in a stylized urban landscape, confronting towering two-dimensional building cutouts that create a sense of perspective and depth. The nostalgic sight of the Mr. Softee truck, a classic New York mobile institution, adds a touch of familiar charm.
“I love the use of vertical space. It has a feeling of awe when you come in,” NYSCI staff member Hugo Rodriguez offered.
This feeling of amazement endures throughout
the entirety of the extensive exhibit. Virtually every aspect of city life and urban engineering is explored, leaving no stone unturned. Speaking of
stones, even the very metamorphic rock units that compose the city’s physical foundation itself are explored. Fordham gneiss, for example, we are informed, is the oldest. Created over 1.1 billion years ago during a time of intense continental shifting, this ancient bedrock can be found in the Bronx, northern Manhattan, Long Island City and Roosevelt Island.
Visitors will leave with a plethora of awareness about the mechanisms of our beloved city. From bus routes to plumbing, trash processing to planting trees, and everything in between, the CityWorks exhibit is a comprehensive exploration into our city’s inner workings. The exhibit also sheds light onto the lives of those who keep it running.
“I appreciate how there is a bus route and it essentially gives insight to how people who work here commute every day,” Rodriguez commented. A portion of the exhibit displays a sign reading “People Power the Process,” along with an interactive display of how sanitation workers collect, pack and treat garbage. Museum goers can take a hack at it themselves, lifting up trash into the hopper of a sanitation truck.
King Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN
Lewis Mumford kept an eye on tech in Sunnyside
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Lewis Mumford was born in Flushing on Oct. 19, 1895. After studying at City College and the New School for Social Research, he served in the Navy, edited a literary journal and wrote architectural criticism and commentary on urban issues for The New Yorker magazine. He married Sophia Witttenberg on Sept. 30, 1921.
Mumford gained attention in 1922 with his first book, “The Story of Utopias,” which brought to our conscience the importance of city planning. He was a foe of large-scale public works expressway projects and an enemy of Robert Moses.
He and his wife’s son, Geddes, was born in 1925. In 1927 they moved into 40-02 44 St., a 1,280-square-foot, two-bedroom home in the brand-new Sunnyside Gardens development. Daughter Alison was born in 1935, and the family moved to Amenia in upstate Dutchess County.
Mumford continued his crusade. He feared that a permanent minority who had mastered technology would wield too much power as a result. He lost his son in World
A home of urban architecture historian, philosopher and writer Lewis Mumford was at 40-02 44 St. in Sunnyside Gardens, as seen today.
War II at age 19 in 1944. He continued to write about how western civilization was dominated by machine technology that helped dehumanize all within its reach.
Mumford died in his sleep at age 94 on Jan. 26, 1990. His former home in Sunnyside Gardens is valued at $1.7 million today. Q
Trump kills jazz show, but it’s somewhat revived
by Michael Shain qboro contributor
This year’s Queens Jazz Orchestra concert at Flushing Town Hall — a fixture of the Queens jazz world for nearly two decades — has been canceled, a victim of funding cuts from the Trump White House.
The orchestra’s director, jazz saxophonist Antonio Hart, instead will bring his own touring group to the hall June 20 — the date set aside for the QJO — to keep the event alive in hopes the unique jazz night can return sometime later.
“This is a different situation, for sure,” Hart told the Chronicle last week.
Officials at Flushing Town Hall informed Hart in early May that the show had to be canceled after the National Endowment for the Arts notified the group that its federal funding was being terminated. Its program “no longer aligns” with the aims of the current administration, the letter said, accord to FTH.
Scores of arts organizations
around the country received similar notices from the NEA that same week.
The 17-piece jazz orchestra was founded in 2008 by the late jazz legend Jimmy Heath, who was able to lure an allstar array of accomplished session and touring jazz musicians to come to Flushing in spring for just one night.
“After Trump cut out the grants, we got a call they canceled us,” said Hart, a Grammy-nominated band leader and Heath protege, who took over leadership of the orchestra when Heath died in 2020.
“Then they called back three or four days later and said the concert was back on.
“I told them it was impossible to get those guys back now. But if you want, I can offer my band.”
Officials at FTH declined requests for an interview last week but issued a statement:
“In light of our recent NEA grant termination combined with the impending probable news that
our NEA funding for [fiscal year] 26 will decrease to zero, we decided to scale down the planned QJO event to a more conservative, yet still compelling, program.”
“It’s unfortunate that politics is
playing a part in what we do,” said Hart. “But it’s happening all over now — the Kennedy Center, the Museum of African American History, everywhere.”
“Things change,” he said. “You have to be able to change with it.
The show goes on.”
At least one feature of this year’s QJO show was rescued, however.
Singer Antoinette Montague, who has performed with Bucky Pizzarelli and Mulgrew Miller, among others, was scheduled as the featured performer with the orchestra. She’ll now appear with Hart’s band.
“We’ll do some stuff by Master Heath,” said Hart, “and some things of mine. And then we’ll do whatever Antoinette wants us to do.”
The concert was one of two annual fixtures in the jazz calendar of Queens.
The other is the NEA Jazz Masters concert, usually held in the fall, showcasing the year’s newest designees into jazz’s honors fraternity.
A date for this year’s Jazz Masters concert has not been scheduled yet, an FTH spokesman said. But it now appears that concert as well is in jeopardy unless the NEA changes its mind. Q
NYSCI exhibit reveals what makes the city work
continued from page 27
Another staffer, Christopher, said the exhibit can handle more people than most.
“It’s cool to see that it heavily relates to the actual city — how it runs and the people that run it on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
Information on museum hours, rates and more is available at nysci.org.
Victoria, a visitor attending the exhibit with her young son, shared her appreciation for the unique perspective it offers.
Crossword Answers
“I love that we get to see how the city works. It is something that we don’t typically see, everything that goes on at night or outside of our everyday lives,” she remarked.
The installation, which runs indefinitely, boasts an abundance of interactive stations where different aspects of city life and engineering are demonstrated. Many oft-overlooked elements, such as the pipes, electrical cables, gas lines, subway tunnels, watersheds and wastewater systems, are investigated.
The more aesthetically pleasing and above-ground structures are explored, as well. The “engineered skyline” segment, in which participants can build their own skyscraper models, drew a large crowd of children eager to replicate tower anatomy. In another section, botanical life is surveyed, showcasing building exteriors with vertical gardens: herbal and vegetative species suitable for such environments along with recipes that feature such plants.
The hands-on aspect of the exhibition makes it popular with the younger crowd, who take delight in activities such as sorting out color-coded recycling, designing their own city streets, facilitating rail travel via an expansive model, and even hearing a bode-
One key focus of the CityWorks exhibit is transportation. On the cover: The exhibit entrance and an area that lets children build their own skyscraper models.
ga cat meow (in English and Spanish).
Asked what they enjoyed most, 10-yearold visitor Hanna explained, “There is a lot of stuff to touch,” and her 7-year-old sister added, “My favorite part is spinning.”
Children and adults alike will enjoy the
wealth of knowledge offered by CityWorks, which lasts far beyond the space of the physical exhibit. These insights fundamentally alter one’s perception of the urban space and will forever change the way we look at the city we live in and often take for granted. Q
Though funding for the Queens Jazz Orchestra concert was cut, saxophonist Antonio Hart will still lead a band onstage June 20. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN
PHOTOS BY MARLEE WOLLMAN
2007 Mercury Milan Premier. 2nd owner. Silver & black, V6, AWD, low miles. MINT Cond. $6,500. 516-388-0605
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick up. Running or not! Call 24/7:
1-833-441-4496
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
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.
INJURED IN AN 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: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
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!
PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS
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
Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad!
Howard Beach, Sat 6/7, 9am-2pm, 165 Ave betw 91 & 92 Sts. Rain date Sat 6/14. Nice things!
Howard Beach, Sat 6/7, 10am-4pm, 156-38 86 St. Rain date Sun 6/8. Patio furn & much more!
Howard Beach, Sat 6/7 & Sun 6/8, 9am-2pm, 99-16 157 Ave. Too much to mention.
Howard Beach, Sun 6/8, 9am-4pm, 161-26 89 St. Baby items, toys, collectibles, housewares & clothes.
Howard Beach, Sun 6/8, 9:30am-2:30pm, 163-34 96 St. Clothes, furn. knick-knacks & 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! 1-855-399-2803
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
Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.
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, Rodents, Termites, 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.
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
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
PRIVATE SENIOR RESIDENCE: Your Loved Ones Will Be Treated Like Family, Basic Care Provided. Meals, Laundry, Housekeeping & Gym Onsite. PRIVATE PAY ONLY. arlinresidence@gmail.com 914-462-0642
Notice of Formation of 3308 TWENTY NINTH LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/28/25. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 22 Fir Dr., Manhasset Hills, NY 11040. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of STUDIO YP LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/07/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 2218 JACKSON AVE APT 208, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
6111 166st Fresh Meadow LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 05/24/25. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 5732 157th St., Fl 2, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.
Legal Notices
Notice of Formation of AK NORTHERN HOLDINGS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/14/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lawton Leung, Withers Bergman LLP, 157 Church Street, 12th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Purpose: any lawful activities.
Notice of Formation of Smart Move Services, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/20/2025 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: LINA RESTREPO, 3553 82 STREET, APT 4E, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
ASHBY CENTRAL LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 5/2/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 4/21/25. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, BANTAM FUNDING II, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNITED ASSETS CORPORATION USA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2023, 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 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 1142 Welling Court a/k/a 1142 Welling Court, Astoria a/k/a Long Island City, NY 11102. 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 506 and Lot 60. Approximate amount of judgment is $854,910.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #712227/2020. Richard M. Gutierrez, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 233152-2
Notice of Formation of BELLINO MAINTENANCE LLC
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/14/2025. 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: BELLINO MAINTENANCE LLC, 94-02 150TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11596. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of BRI’S BAKE HOUSE, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/10/2025. 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: BRI’S BAKE HOUSE, LLC, 105-40 62ND ROAD, APT 7G, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-20, Plaintiff -against- JANETTE B. CARTER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated September 4, 2024 and entered on September 17, 2024, 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 June 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 10922 Lot 50. Said premises known as 21117 HOLLIS AVENUE, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429
Approximate amount of lien $907,443.68 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 710662/2023.
RODNEY R. AUSTIN, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556
LIC KABAB LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/30/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 40-09 21st Street, Unit E, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
BROOKLYN NORTH CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY PLLC Filed
4/15/25 Office: Queens Co.
SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 6256
82nd St, Middle Village, NY 11379 Purpose: Creative arts therapy
NOTICE OF SALE
In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in and action entitled NYCTL 1998-2 Trust v. Sereth T. Hosty, et al., bearing Index No. 9186-2011 before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, IAS Part 6, Justice Tracy Catapano-Fox, on or about February 26, 2024, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on June 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom 25, located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11435, the mortgaged premises designated as Block 11190, Lot 37 in the City of New York, County and Borough of Queens, State of New York and known as 223-23 109th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429, directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The approximate amount of the judgment is $299,772.53 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances, the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale, the Queens County Foreclosure Auction Rules and any announcements of the Referee. Dated: May 29, 2025 New York, New York
Richard Gutierrez, Esq. Referee 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-0663
DAVID P. STICH, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421
Notice of Formation of RED WHITE & TRUE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/18/2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 5110 BROADWAY, UNIT 1002, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE OF THE INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006AR14, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR14 UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 1, 2006 Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL COLE, MOONACHI INC, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/12/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, on 6/13/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 10651 Roscoe Street, Jamaica, New York 11433, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Certain Map Entitled, Hillside Gardens Jamaica, Fourth Ward, Borough of Queens, New York City, Erlandsen & Crowell, C.E. & C.S., March 1919 and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, now Register, on August 19th, 1919 as Map Number 3740 in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 10335 Lot 67 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $708,505.50 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 704872/2015
William T. Driscoll, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 4/9/2025 File Number: 272-0420ny CA
Notice of Formation of ESFIHA FINA LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/04/2024 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: MAXWELL ALVES, 32-09 35TH AVENUE, APT3, ASTORIA, NY, 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Real Estate
EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.
Co-ops For Sale
HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OP FOR SALE
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park. Fri 6/6, 4:30pm-6pm, 163-20 88 St. 3 BR, 2Bath over 1 BR apt & extra room. In-ground pool. Asking $1,049,00. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. 815 BAY 25 CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s).
Houses For Sale
Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 2 fam w/2 car gar. 7 BRs, 5 baths. Legal full back entrance. 1st fl 5 Br, 2 baths. 2nd fl 3 BR, 2baths & terr. Full fin bsmnt & laundry rm. Asking $1,349K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Brookfield style home, 40x100 lot. 3 BRs, 1.5 baths. Lg EIK, HW fls. Walk-in has full bath, laundry room & extra room. Asking $999K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Hamilton Beach, Sun 6/8, 1:00pm-2:00pm, 102-23 Russell St. Jerry Fink Real Estate. Call Natalie 347-935-7064
Howard Beach, Sat 6/7, 2pm-4pm, 159-29 92 St. Updated Mother/Daughter Hi-Ranch. 5 BRs, 3 bathrooms, Solar Panels, Large above-ground swimming pool, private drive. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175
Howard Beach, Sat 6/7, 12-2pm, 164-33 97 St. Impeccably maintained mother/daughter style hiranch, 4 BRs, 2 1/2 baths, hardwood flrs & abundant storage space. Walking distance to Charles Park. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 7, 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 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 815 a/k/a 8-15 Bay 25th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 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 15733 and Lot 1. Approximate amount of judgment is $669,416.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #719169/2022. Arthur N. Terranova, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 244281-3
Notice of Formation of ROOTS3 LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/15/2025. 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: SOKYONG YUN, 24-41 31ST STREET, #1102, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Open House
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, -against- JOSEPH SCIBILIA, 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 October 18, 2024, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH SCIBILIA, 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 27, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 16347 19TH AVENUE, WHITESTONE, NY 11357; and the following tax map identification: 5740-55. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE THIRD WARD OF THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713545/2018. Jeffrey Albert St. Clair, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS 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, -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 20, 2025 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.
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 721222/2022 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB5 Plaintiff, vs Duane Brown As Heir To The Estate Of Vivian D. Brown, Unknown Heirs Of Vivian D. Brown If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Criminal Court Of The City Of New York, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, United States Of America On Behalf Of The Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, New York City Environmental Control Board, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS “John Doe #1” through “John Doe #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 109-97 200th Street St. Albans, NY 11412 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not ser ved with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Vivian D. Brown Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Karina E. Alomar of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Eighth day of May, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below dated October 20, 2008, executed by Arthur Brown (who died on December 2, 2012, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) and Vivian D. Brown (who died on December 3, 2021, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $544,185.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2008000436265 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on November 10, 2008. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 17, 2010 and recorded on May 5, 2010, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2010000151094. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by a corrective assignment executed July 2, 2010 and recorded on July 28, 2010, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2010000251468. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed May 18, 2021 and recorded on June 9, 2021, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2021000215938. The property in question is described as follows: 109-97 200th Street, St. Albans, NY 11412 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: May 29, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 85976
This impeccably maintained mother/daughter style hi-ranch features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, beautiful hardwood floors, and ample storage space. It is just a half-block walk to Charles Park, six blocks to the A train/ AirTrain for easy commuting, and only 10 minutes to JFK Airport. Enjoy summer fun at Rockaway Beach, which is 6 miles away, or try your luck at Resorts World Casino, just 2 miles from the home. With quick access to major parkways, traveling to Manhattan is a breeze. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Lot size: 45X100, Building size: 26X47 Building Square footage is 2280
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is a waterfront property in Hamilton Beach, featuring a stunning view of the marina. It boasts abundant natural light, a private driveway with ample parking, a boat dock, and a finished attic. Make this beautiful property your new home and enjoy the picturesque views! The property consists of two lots: Block 14250 Lot 161 and Lot 163.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 725427/2022 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 104-35 212TH STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429 Block: 11097, Lot: 20 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs. DEA C. ADAMS, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE JAMES C. ADAMS IRREVOCABLE TRUST; BENEFICIARIES OF THE JAMES C. ADAMS IRREVOCABLE TRUST, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; SHANNON “DOE” (REFUSED LAST NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1 “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #4; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #5; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #6, “JOHN DOE #7” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last six names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $652,500.00 and interest, recorded on June 08, 2009, in CRFN 2009000171188, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 104-35 212TH STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: May 2nd, 2025 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
FRAGRANCE PLUG NYC LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/25/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Ashley Baichan, 3412 113th Street, Apt 9A, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of GARNTECH LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/12/2025 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: KWAME GARNETTE II, 108-53 62ND DR APT 8L, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of GGLL 3 LLC. Art. of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State on 5/23/25. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to 6703 54th Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE Index #: 714246/2024 U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity, But Solely As Trustee Of LSF9 Master Participation Trust Plaintiff, vs Javon A. Santos A/K/A Javon Santos A/K/A Jevon Santos As Heir To The Estate Of Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K., Jasmine Snyder As Heir To The Estate Of Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K., Unknown Heirs Of Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K. If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Sustainable Neighborhoods LLC, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 118-06 203rd Street Saint Albans, NY 11412 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K. Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Anna Culley of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Fifth day of May, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated June 9, 2004, executed by Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K. (who died on November 30, 2023, a resident of the county of Queens, State of New York) to secure the sum of $233,899.02. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2004000492416 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on August 10, 2004. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 3, 2015 and recorded on May 22, 2015, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2015000172025. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Casandra K. Devins AKA Devins Casandra K. on April 4, 2016 and recorded April 27, 2016 in CRFN 2016000145110 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed March 8, 2017 and recorded on April 12, 2017, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2017000142663. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by a corrective assignment executed June 10, 2024 and recorded on June 17, 2024, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2024000153976. The property in question is described as follows: 118-06 203rd Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: May 8, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 85712
B SPORTS EAT
The one-third mark
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
The arrival of June means that one-third of the baseball season is completed. While that calendar milestone does not get the same attention in baseball circles as the All-Star break does, it is a time when the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders.
It is also a suitable time to see where the Mets stand. As expected, they are neck-andneck with their neighbors down the New Jersey Turnpike, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the battle for National League East supremacy.
Mets fans must feel grateful. They went into the season knowing they would be without last year’s ace, Sean Manaea, and David Stearns’ big free-agent pitching pickup, Frankie Montas, as both are rehabilitating injuries. Despite their absence, their patched-together starting rotation has held up well, even with journeyman Griffin Canning starting to regress to career form after a strong start. Clay Holmes appears to have made the jump from the bullpen to being a starter. Tylor Megill, while shaky at times, always gives the Mets a solid chance of winning. The bullpen, led by Edwin Diaz and Reed Garrett, has performed splendidly.
It is amazing the Mets have won way more games than they have lost, considering that they’re not living up to their potential offensively, especially with men in scoring position.
Juan Soto has looked like a shell of himself, as his batting average fell to an embarrassing .225 after he went 0-9 in last week’s series with the Chicago White Sox. After a solid start, Pete Alonso has gone back to his old habit of chasing low-and-outside pitches. The same can be said for Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez. If these guys can get out of their funk, the Mets should be a shoo-in for a playoff berth.
If there has been one player who has delivered far more than most Mets fans had a right to expect, it is third baseman Brett Baty. Yes, he got off to a slow start, which mirrored his 2024 season when he was demoted to their Syracuse farm team. And he did have a brief stay in Syracuse earlier this season, but he was quickly recalled. Baty has been the Mets’ most dependable hitter since returning from the minors.
During spring training, Baty received a Chevy Tahoe from Soto as compensation for his willingness to give him his No. 22 uniform. Brett told me he was aware he would have to pay federal taxes on the fair market value of the car, which is $82,000. He was happy to learn, however he would not have to pay any state income tax because Soto gave him the SUV when they were in Florida as opposed to New York. He is a Texas resident. Neither Florida nor Texas has a state income tax. Q
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com
