Ghost cars haunt city streets: report
Vehicles with mismatched or ‘no-hit’ license plates evade fines, enforcement
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Every driver has seen license plates that obviously have been covered up, altered, marked up or even made of paper in order to thwart speed cameras or those that toll for bridges, tunnels and Manhattan’s congestion pricing zone.
But this past spring, the City Council’s Oversight and Investigation Division took a look at out-of-state “ghost plates” that are not as easy to detect, and often prove impossible to trace back to a vehicle’s owner.
A ghost plate refers to any license plate that obscures the true ownership of a vehicle, including fake or improperly registered plates that may otherwise appear legitimate at a glance. Drivers using them can avoid traffic tickets, tolls, accountability for crimes and evade law enforcement.
“Vehicles without New York State license plates are a common sight on New York City streets,” a report the OID issued Aug. 28 states. “While many belong to tourists or commuters, others display fraudulent, expired, mismatched, or even no plates, which allow these vehicles to evade enforcement and accountability.”
beginning at $675.
The report said a plate marketed and labeled strictly as a “novelty item” may not meet the threshold of “fraudulent” unless it is presented or used as a legitimate registration plate, meaning the same physical plate might be legal to sell while illegal to affix to a car.
Between March and April, OID investigators surveyed more than 3,500 parked vehicles across 50 square blocks in 10 police precincts. The precincts were chosen due to the high percentage of summonses issued to outof-state license plates. Out of the over 3,500 vehicles observed, 768 did not have New York State license plates. Among the vehicles lacking New York license plates, one in five either had temporary plates, plates that did not match the vehicle registration or no plates at all. The issue was most prevalent in the Bronx, with Queens coming in third just behind Brooklyn.
CHARTSCOURTESYNYCCOUNCIL
A check of out-of-state license plates in select police precincts in all five boroughs last spring found that more than a quarter of them did not match the vehicles they were on. It was nearly one-third when adding in vehicles that had temporary or dealer plates from out of state that could be legal but still could not be traced back to their owners.
And the OID, in its 27-page report, said genuine but expired metal plates from other states can be particularly tough to detect.
The illustrated report, available at tinyurl.
The OID found that type of ghost vehicle parked across all five boroughs, masquerading as legitimate but often owing thousands of dollars in fines and violating core public safety rules.
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One ad from a vendor claiming to be in Manhattan offers Virginia titles and plates
The 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway and the 110th with its station house in Elmhurst were the two Queens precincts included in the investigation. Of the 179 vehicles examined in Queens, 31 had mismatched or “no hit” plates, six displayed temporary or dealer plates and 19 had no plates.
Vehicles with mismatched or “no hit” plates owed nearly two and a half times
continued on page 22
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Officials identify solutions to keep the Addabbo Bridge free of trash Pols, agencies tackle cleanliness concerns
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Area elected officials last week took action to address poor conditions on the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach.
Formerly called the North Channel Bridge, the span carries Cross Bay Boulevard into Broad Channel, connecting the neighborhood to Howard Beach. Area residents frequently lament poor conditions on the structure, including plenty of litter and debris.
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) took to her Facebook page in mid-August to call for action from state partners and agencies to address the issues.
Ariola, state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) and two representatives from the office of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) met on Aug. 28 with the state and city Departments of Transportation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Sanitation for a walkthrough of the area.
“We weren’t just doing a walkthrough to take a photograph and say we’re going to do something,” Ariola told the Chronicle shortly after the meeting. “This is going to be a collective effort, and we’re going to battle what has been plaguing the Addabbo Bridge for a very long time.”
While the state DOT is usually responsible for cleaning bridges, that responsibility on the Addabbo Bridge is passed to the city DOT. Following the multiagency meeting, several solutions were determined.
While those fishing on the bridge often put their trash in plastic bags, they frequently leave the bags behind, adding to the litter and attracting rats or other vermin.
The state DOT, Ariola said, will provide receptacles on the bridge so
Councilmember Joann Ariola and state Sen. James Sanders, along with representatives of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato and state and city agencies last Thursday conducted a walkthrough of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach to discuss how to address poor conditions there, left. At right, the Center For Employment Opportunities conducted a cleanup there the following day. PHOTOSVIANYSSENATE,LEFT,ANDNYCCOUNCIL/FACEBOOK
people utilizing it can dispose of their trash. The agency will also put containers on either side of the bridge for larger cleanups, and add better signage to encourage the fishermen to clean up after themselves.
“The State Department of Transportation is committed to working alongside local and state agency partners to address maintenance concerns on our roadways,” state DOT Region 11 Director Erik Koester said in a statement.
there are following protocol.
“All of those fishermen need to have some type of certificate or license, and you can get that at the bait and tackle shops,” Ariola said. “So they’ll check to see if they have the right certification or license to be fishing on that bridge.”
First offenses will receive a warning, and repeat offenders will be fined.
“This is going to be a collective effort.”
— Councilmember Joann Ariola
“We will be installing a dozen new trash receptacles and new signage for pedestrians along the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge.”
The DEC agreed to more enforcement, outreach and education at the bridge to make sure those fishing
Ariola said she called two of the three area bait and tackle shops to ensure they have literature on fishing rules from the DEC. One location, Cross Bay Bait and Tackle, even agreed to provide large plastic bags for customers for their own litter.
While discretionary City Council funding goes toward cleanups
from the Center for Employment Opportunities and the Association of Community Employment programs, and CEO tidied the site the day after the walkthrough, the city DOT said it will conduct more cleanups on the bridge.
“Everybody is suffering with a workforce issue there,” Ariola said. “They’re down in staffing. But they saw the conditions, and everyone understood that it needed to be addressed.”
“Through our agreement with the State, NYC DOT cleans this stateowned bridge as often as possible and works to address community requests relating to litter,” city DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Councilmember Ariola and coordinating with our partners at New York State DOT, New York State DEC, and National Parks to address these
9/11 memorial events in Howard Beach
Howard Beach is honoring its promise to never forget with two upcoming memorial events to honor first responders and lives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. On Sept. 7, at 12 p.m., the Howard Beach Lindenwood
Civic will host its annual flag carry and remembrance walk. Attendees are to line up next to the parking lot of Vetro, at 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd.
The procession will travel north on Cross Bay to 157th Avenue, then turn west and head to the Sept. 11 Memorial Plaza, at 84th Street between 157th Avenue and Shore Parkway. Then, on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., Stars Community Center is hosting its annual candlelight
memorial ceremony in the parking lot of St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, at the corner of 84th Street and 157th Avenue.
The event will see the community uniting with touching speeches and live music. A fellowship and refreshments will follow. Attendees are asked to bring their own candle and, optionally, an American flag and chair. Q — Kristen Guglielmo
quality-of-life concerns.”
Sanders said the officials and agencies are committed to keeping the bridge and its surrounding areas clean and safe.
“Addressing this environmental issue requires a united effort from all agencies involved, and we will continue to work collaboratively until we find a lasting solution,” he said.
Pheffer Amato, in a post on Facebook, said her team attended the walkthrough.
“I’m glad to hear that the City DOT will be implementing more frequent cleanings, better signage and exploring adding garbage cans for fishers,” she said.
Phyllis Inserillo, co-president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, in a statement said, “We’ve gone a long time without any real, meaningful representation from in Albany, and I am really happy to see that Sen. Sanders is stepping up to the plate after we were redistricted into his area, and taking state DOT and DEC to task for the people of this community. Thank you, Councilwoman Ariola and Senator Sanders, for fighting for our quality of life!”
“This really has to be a cooperative effort,” Ariola said. “We want people to enjoy, to be able to run and power walk over that bridge. We want people to be able to utilize the bike lane, and we want people to be able to fish, but they cannot leave the bridge in the condition that they have been leaving it in.” Q
Six-year, $35M project is now fully operational; MTA to keep
evaluating Full speed ahead on bus route redesign
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
The second phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign went into effect on Sunday, and even the bosses at the MTA were out for the Monday morning rush hour as commuters began adjusting to their new routes.
The overwhelming majority of phase two routes serve southern, western and central Queens. Phase one was activated on June 29.
Janno Lieber, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Demetrius Crichlow, president of NYC Transit, joined scores of orange-vested passenger ambassadors who will be dispatched to bus stops for the next week or so to answer questions and guide riders in the right direction, particularly if their routes or bus stops have changed.
“These are significant changes,” Lieber said in a video of a press conference posted on the MTA’s YouTube page. “They are meant to give people more and faster service. Remember how this was developed. We’ve had over 300 outreach discussions and 20,000 public comments. The redesign also reflects what people told us.”
He and Crichlow said the agency will monitor and evaluate phase two over the next six months and release the results next spring.
After six years of planning, the combined finished product has 124 Queens bus routes, up from 113, including 94 local and 30 express routes. Several new rush routes bypass smaller stops on busy local lines to speed up connections to subways and Long
Ariola, NYPD team up for backpack giveaway
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) joined forces with the NYPD’s 106th Precinct last Wednesday, Aug. 27, for a back-to-school backpack and supply giveaway. Nearly 275 backpacks, filled with school supplies, were distributed outside Ariola’s Ozone Park office, at 93-06 101 Ave.
The event was also attended by representatives from EmblemHealth, who donated 100 bags and helped answer questions about health insurance from parents.
“Every year, far too many children here in District 32 head into the classroom without the tools they need to succeed,” Ariola said in a statement. “This has wide-ranging effects, impacting not just their classroom performance but their self-esteem as well. This summer my office worked hard to change that, and make sure that every kid in this district has the confidence and the
PHOTOCOURTESYNYCCOUNCIL
equipment they need to thrive. These young people are our future, and we owe it to them to make sure they grow into the leaders our neighborhoods can be proud of.”
She continued, “Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this event a success.” Q
Island Rail Road stations. The overall cost has been about $35 million.
“The Borough of Queens has more bus drivers than the City of Los Angeles,” Lieber said. “It is the biggest bus network in the country on its own, without counting the
other boroughs. We needed it. We’re very proud that we were finally able to get a bus system that is worthy of this amazing borough and its 2.5 million people.”
Lieber said the MTA has scheduled 4,000 ambassador shifts with volunteers from its employee roster specifically because the agency is anticipating an adjustment period. Major concerns from the beginning have included the elimination of many bus stops to speed up trips, and some formerly oneseat rides that now require transfers.
Charlton D’Souza, president of Passengers United, has been a critic of much of the process from the start. He told the Chronicle that he handed out fliers all last weekend, and that he saw bus bunching and confused passengers in several places Monday from the Rockaways to Long Island City.
“It’s been a mess,” D’Souza said. Crichlow said if phase one is any indication, any problems or confusion will iron themselves out soon.
“At first, people were concerned,” Crichlow said. “But after they’d done it a few times, people noticed that their commute times were shorter. The reaction in phase one is different now. We’re getting positive feedback for what we’re doing. They find their rides are a lot shorter. They are getting used to their routes.” Q
Supporting area families
More than 300 families from across Queens recently headed to Elohim Christian Church, at 87-47 111 St. in Richmond Hill, for its annual Seek and Save event.
The gathering, held in collaboration with the NYPD and organized by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Carlos Medina, and his wife, Rebecca, was supported by more than
100 volunteers to foster a day of generosity and community spirit.
The event featured food, music and activities for all ages. Some lucky raffle winners went home with gift cards and scooters, and hundreds of backpacks and grocery bags were given to those in need to prepare for the school year.
BY
PHOTO
CHARLES FIUMANO
Nearly 275 backpacks were distributed to families in District 32 at a giveaway on Aug. 27 in Ozone Park, hosted by Councilmember Joann Ariola, above, and the NYPD’s 106th Precinct.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, in baseball cap, and a passenger ambassador assist a Long Island City commuter with changes to her route Monday morning. MTAPHOTO/FLICKR
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New state bill aims to protect vaccine access
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) on Sunday announced the introduction of a bill that would remove barriers to vaccine access, in response to reports of pharmacy chains in New York denying Covid-19 vaccine appointments or requiring prescriptions.
The Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 27 approved the next round of Covid-19 vaccines with new eligibility restrictions: one must be 65 or older, or have a medical condition that puts one at high risk. Anyone who does not meet those conditions may consult a doctor for a vaccine prescription. CVS and Walgreens locations in the state now require a prescription for a Covid vaccine, according to The New York Times.
Rajkumar’s bill, titled the “Robert F. Kennedy Sr. Vaccine Access Act,” would require pharmacies to offer appointments without a prescription for Covid-19 and other vaccines “based on science,” irrespective of guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The bill, named for the former U.S. attor-
ney general, former NYS senator and father of current U.S. Health and Human Services
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would also remove all statutory references to recommendations of the CDC or ACIP, replacing them with the term “medically recommended.”
The legislation would allow pharmacies and other institutions administering vaccines to act immediately, and would “stop future attempts by the Trump Administration to deny access to other vaccines such as RSV, influenza, polio or measles,” according to a press release from Rajkumar’s office. The bill number is pending.
“When Albany passed laws contingent upon CDC guidelines, no one anticipated RFK Jr. turning the agency into the Center for Dumb Clowns,” Rajkumar said in a statement. “This bill is an ode to true leaders like Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., who gave our country the medicine of leadership, not the poison of conspiracy theories.”
She added, “Denying COVID-19 vaccines is unconscionable and diametrically opposed to all medical science. New York must stand up for health and common sense. We must be the change we need.” Q
Eleven injured in S. Richmond Hill fire
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Nine firefighters and two civilians were hurt in a twoalarm fire in South Richmond Hill early last Friday.
The FDNY said it received a call reporting the blaze, at a home on 111st Street, between 95th and 101st avenues, at 7:11 a.m., and 25 units responded to the scene, a total of 106 fire and EMS personnel.
Footage uploaded to the Citizen app showed more than eight response vehicles near the scene, at Atlantic Avenue and 111th Street.
The fire was under control by 8:47 a.m., according to the FDNY.
A total of 11 people were injured, including two civilians and seven firefighters with minor injuries, and two firefighters with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Councilmember Lynn Schulman
(D-Forest Hills), the area’s representative, on X wrote, “My staff and I have been working with the families involved, to get them shelter and supplies.”
Schulman thanked the Met Council, American Red Cross, 102nd Precinct, city Department of Emergency Management and neighbors “for helping the families cope with this terrible fire.” Q
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A residential blaze on 111th Street in South Richmond Hill resulted in 11 injuries, including nine firefighters, according to the FDNY. SCREENSHOTVIACITIZEN
EDITORIAL AGEP
Restore more bus stops
Good news: The restoration of bus stops unwisely removed under the Queens Bus Network Redesign has begun.
The first oopsie corrected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, at least the first that we’re aware of, was at the Queens Village Long Island Rail Road station. Despite all the talk of better connectivity, of intermodal transportation, of getting people out of cars and onto mass transit, the MTA decided to remove the bus stop right next to the station on Springfield Boulevard. So much for commuter convenience! Many riders did not even know of the change, so they were left standing around waiting for a bus that would never stop.
Now, after an outcry that included the voices of advocacy groups, state Assemblyman Clyde Vanel and this page, the MTA has reversed course. “We listened to the feedback,” a spokesman said.
Great! Now listen to the feedback everywhere else and restore more stops. Next we suggest the one on Northern Boulevard across from Bowne Street in Flushing, which we highlighted last week
in a story about the struggles of senior citizens who live in a building right there and suddenly have to walk a whole lot farther to get their bus. As of this writing, that story remains the most-read item on our website over the last week. People can relate. You’ll see a letter responding to it below (or in the letters space at qchron.com) — the writer has further lamentations about the loss of bus stops.
At the heart of it, we do not believe in the MTA’s philosophy of eliminating stops to marginally speed up buses. That’s not to say you can never cut any, but eliminating 1,800 stops, as the agency has done, is not only self-defeating but cruel. Many who rely on buses are not in great shape and find it hard to walk another two or three blocks.
This week the second phase of the bus route redesign began. Whatever improvements are made — and we’re hopeful there will be many — more people will be losing their traditional stops and will have to trudge farther than before. We suggest they call their member of Assembly and state senator. It worked in Queens Village.
Build after Innovation QNS
The loss of the $2 billion Innovation QNS development plan for 35th Avenue in Astoria seems to be a crushing blow to the city’s efforts to expand its housing stock, but it doesn’t have to be.
Just as quickly as we learned that one partner in the project had pulled out, citing the loss of tax incentives needed to make its effort profitable, we found out that a remaining one still plans to build on a portion of the site that it controls. That firm partnered with someone else to erect 560 units of housing, about 140 of them deemed affordable under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program. It’s not the 3,200 units, 1,436 of them affordable, that were planned initially, but it’s something.
The city needs a lot more housing, and this is a good spot for it. Even if only some is subsidized and “affordable,” supply and demand says that more housing reduces the rate of growth in prices. And they’ve been skyrocketing. The entire country’s biggest problem is housing affordability.
So we hope the city will make it easier, not harder, for the private sector to build on the rest of what had been the Innovation QNS site. Maybe it should not be so heavy-handed in its requirements. Maybe it should not sound threatening, as area Councilwoman Julie Won did when she said, in a prepared statement, that landlords “who don’t respect community agreements will be met with severe backlash.” That’s the wrong tone.
If Innovation QNS was just too big, piecemeal projects are just fine.
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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
Driverless drama
Things are supposed to be done for a reason. I am wondering what the reason is for moving forward with driverless cabs in NYC. First, is the goal to replace yellow, green, Uber and Lyft cabs? If so, a lot of drivers will lose their jobs.
However, I do not believe it would be possible to suddenly limit the number of these cabs in NYC. So adding a new fleet of driverless cabs would result in making the traffic congestion worse.
Next, will driverless cabs charge less money? That will affect the thousands of cabs with drivers, since consumers will surely want to use the cheaper service. However if they charge the same amount, it offers absolutely no benefit for us. But Waymo and Alphabet, Google’s parent company, will make a fortune.
Waymo has been spending a lot of time and money lobbying for NYS and NYC, including Mayor Adams, to change its laws regarding autonomous autotaxis on NY streets. Makes you wonder who is profiting ...
Lee Rottenberg Middle Village
Bus changes are awful
Dear Editor:
Thank you for the excellent article by Aaron Mok referencing the redesign of the Q12 and Q13 bus routes (“Bus stop eliminations hurt
senior citizens,” Aug. 28, multiple editions).
This is a subject that really needs further thought and adjustment. Whoever thought of this reconfiguration sought no input from the communities affected nor ever took the buses to see the impact it has. The elimination of so many bus stops makes the actual bus ride faster, but the walk from one’s residence to the new stops, and from the final stop on the Q12 at the Flushing subway station, is much longer and time-consuming making the overall journey much longer and difficult.
This is apparent today in the nice weather, but will be much more apparent in the winter when it’s cold and snow and ice are on the ground. These new long walks to the new bus stops when people haven’t shoveled their sidewalks, forcing people to walk in the streets, will be a nightmare.
They didn’t just eliminate a bus stop here and there; on the Q12 sometimes they eliminated two or more consecutive stops. I mentioned all this to the bus drivers as I rode the buses and they agreed, but said that they had no input either. The walk from my home to the new bus
stop is five minutes longer and the let-off point in Flushing, instead of being at the subway station, is a two- to three-block walk through the extremely crowded, vendor-filled Main street. This reconfiguration really needs rethinking for the good of the riders involved. I am a 51-year Bayside resident who frequently travels into Manhattan, formerly to work but also to go to medical appointments, to the theater fo r entertainment and to dine with friends. This has made the trip much more difficult and will mean that my wife and I will not be going into Manhattan nearly as often as we have been. Joseph Illigasch Bayside
Latimer lights the way
Dear Editor:
Today, Sept. 4, is the 177th birthday of Flushing’s early 20th-century resident genius, Lewis H. Latimer. If truth be the greatest praise then surely Naeisha Rose’s recent article on Latimer evidences such powerful witness (“Praising Black beauty with Lewis Latimer
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
House,” Aug. 21, qboro).
In acknowledging all of Latimer’s extraordinary accomplishments, we must never overlook that this sole Black Edison pioneer was an original founder in 1908 of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flushing (147-54 Ash Ave.). Flushing’s Black Renaissance man was deeply committed to the core tenets of Unitarianism, including the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
On May 5, 2022, that congregation, by written notice of its treasurer to the co-moderators of the UUA Board of Trustees, in Boston, announced its dissolution and sale of the property. Presently the Church of Grace to Fujianese congregation holds weekly Bible instruction therein consistent with that Church’s motto: “Know it. Live it. Give it.”
Lewis Latimer’s seminal contribution to the home of religious freedom in America, Flushing — the formation of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation — cannot be discarded as a remnant, a used relic.
It was in December 1988 that I and other members of the Committee to Save the Lewis H. Latimer House celebrated its preservation and then-relocation to nearby Leavitts Field, Flushing. Let the community honor Lewis H. Latimer and his enduring global and local legacy by gathering on his 77th transition anniversary (he died Dec. 11, 1928, in Flushing) at the Church of Grace to Fujianese.
The placement of an external plaque thereon and/or the relocation of his image within the sanctuary would surely befit what the Bible, Genesis 1:3 extols: “Let there be Light.”
Frances Scanlon Flushing
Adams and racial equity
Dear Editor:
Re “Commission on Racial Equity sues the mayor,” Aug. 28:
I am writing to provide my thoughts on your politics report about Mayor Adams being sued by the NYC Commission on Racial Equity. I think it is great that concerns from the organization reflect how black and brown lives are being impacted by Mayor Adams’ inability to address racial disparities, and it has been so for over 580 days now.
I notice that there were times when Mayor Adams was perceived to be an angel, but recently he has shown his true colors and lack of support for communities that lack housing, transportation and access to their basic human rights.
I thought your article was OK overall, but it could have been improved if it also highlighted the voices of other people of color, such as Asians and Hispanics. People who are not white are considered to be voices of the global majority, and it is important to gather as many perspectives as possible for the news.
Overall, the issue you brought attention to is very relevant for the Queens community and showcases the raw truth about NYC’s mayoral situation.
Vittoria Georgiadis Elmhurst
The writer is a political affairs intern with the Borgen Project.
For the working class
Dear Editor:
Unfortunately, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo calls Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani a “dangerous socialist,” and Mayor Adams has echoed President Trump by calling him a communist. Both men should know that historically opponents with wealth and power have always condemned politicians as communists and other nefarious nicknames whenever they adhere to positions or bills that improve the lives of working-class families.
If altruistic politicians were cowed by such aspersions, there would be no Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, GI Bill, women’s right to vote, Rural Electrification Act, family and medical leave or the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, along with other beneficial bills.
Waiting for benefits to “trickle down” from the top is a futile expectation. Conscientious politicians from both sides of the aisle must fight vigorously together for American working families and protect the rights that were earned in the past, if they hope for success in future elections.
Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens
Property taxes cut!
Dear Editor:
The letter writer from Rochdale Village, a former chair of its board, writes of a harrowing 22 to 30 percent increase in carrying charges for residents there (“End Rochdale pillage,” Aug. 28).
Liberals to the rescue! As reported on habitat.com, “The 2025 New York State budget contains a rare ray of good news for affordable Mitchell-Lama co-ops and rental properties. The budget slices in half — from 10% to 5% — the percentage of shelter rent that MitchellLamas must pay as property taxes.”
Unsubsidized homeowners around the city should be so lucky. A similar 50 percent cut for most of them would bring their taxes down almost to the level of what Brooklyn brownstone mansion elites pay.
The same lavishly tax-advantaged liberals no doubt wholeheartedly approve of any and all subsidies and tax cuts to places like Rochdale Village, just no compliance with the Court of Appeals decision in favor of the class-action lawsuit against the unfair and racist New York City property tax system. After all, somebody has to pay for all this.
Edwin Eppich Glendale
Vital issue, skewed story
Dear Editor:
Greetings. I just read your article posted on the Queens Chronicle and wanted to share some observations “Activists campaign beyond Roosevelt” (Aug. 28, multiple editions).
First, all the protests/rallies are nonpartisan. We encourage all community civic leaders, clergy that are present and candidates to speak. There were two candidates present who happen to be from another party. This is far from the “laden with candidates” description in the continued on next page
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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
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subtitle, and no candidate did any electioneering. Our rallies are open to everyone and posted on all local social media. I also made it clear that there would be no endorsing of any candidates at the rally.
You dedicated paragraph six to highlighting my past and the judicial dispositions of 2010 and 2012, which is very old news that has been recycled hundreds of times in the past. Most media over the course of the last 12 months no longer mention it. On this point I paid my debt to society in full and have continued to work to make our community a better place. Not to mention I have been elected in contested primaries as Democratic district leader four times since 2018. Though you are entitled to your journalistic prerogative, I don’t believe raising my old past is relevant to the story or enhances it. I emailed you two press releases, pictures, videos and potent quotes much more valuable as information to be reported on.
Lastly, our overwhelmingly minority/ immigrant community has been under siege by crime and lawlessness. Street prostitution and brothels are another blatant symptom. We will continue to raise this issue because we must, and there will be a lot more that we expose in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. What is happening in my community would never be tolerated in other communities and their elected officials would be screaming for these conditions to be eliminated. That perspective remains unreported in your piece.
My thoughts.
Hiram Monserrate East Elmhurst
Visit museums, help artists
Dear Editor:
Here’s a little art history. If the arts are under siege, democracy is at risk. Historically, autocrats will take time out of their busy dictatorial schedules to quash artistic expression. Nazi Germany, Franco’s Spain, China’s Cultural Revolution, all systematically attacked and suppressed art that the autocracy felt undermined their narrative. Watch Kate Winslet in “The Regime” for an interesting tutorial about the autocratic mind.
The official spokespeople brand art subversive or “degenerate” if it depicts poverty, dissent, the challenges of modernity, or the horrors of war. Google Picasso and his “Guernica.” Google Ai Weiwei and his “@ Large.” The autocracy villainizes artistic innovation and demonizes the artist.
This tide has reached our shores, where “exhibitions are being changed” and there’s anxiety in the halls of private and public art institutions that fear irking the federal government. After her successful exhibition at the Whitney, Amy Sherald just canceled her show at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery because it was unclear if the museum would display her “Trans Forming Liberty,” which was just featured as the cover of The New Yorker. The tide of censorship is rising.
Our backyards are not going to be seawalled against this incoming wave. For some years, the Queens Museum has nur-
tured the Queens Teens Institute for Art and Social Justice. It has featured exhibitions that included Fred Wilson’s work. Google him for some eye-opening imagery, specifically, though not exclusively, his “Mind Forged Manacles/Manacle Forged Minds.”
Patrick Fisher, the CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, advises that we all start physically showing up at museums and exhibits to dramatize our support for the arts. Know and say the names of artists who are independent voices. Let your representatives know that you value art that engages with important issues. Get a life jacket and learn to swim.
Debra Michlewitz Bayside
Save South Korea
Dear Editor:
South Korea is not a third party to the United States.
From liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 to the founding of the Republic of Korea in 1948, participation in the Korean War in 1950, defense against communist aggression from the North, the armistice, postwar reconstruction and economic development, the role of the United States is beyond what words can fully express.
Simply put, without the advice, involvement, aid, education, training and imports from the United States, the Republic of Korea would not exist as it does today. Without those things, the Korean people would likely be in a situation similar to the Kurds, Uyghurs or Tibetans today.
However, the Republic of Korea is currently becoming communized.
In 1950, to prevent the communization of Korea, the United States sent the first of what became more than 1.7 million troops to stop the collapse of the Republic of Korea. Nearly 40,000 American soldiers were killed in the war, and more than 100,000 wounded.
But over the past three months, since the June 3 election and the victory of candidate Lee Jae Myung, South Korea has been rapidly turning toward communism. The methods of communization in 1950 and in 2025 are different — the former was through military force, the latter through cyber hacking — but the objective remains the same.
For the United States, preventing the communization of South Korea is not interference in internal affairs. It is the asset management of an entity the United States has built and nurtured over 80 years. American indifference and inaction in the face of South Korea’s communization in 2025 is an insult to the noble sacrifices of the American soldiers who died or were wounded in the Korean War.
President Trump’s action is needed urgently before it is too late and before he meets Kim Jong Un of North Korea. South Korea is more important than North Korea to the USA.
Han Tai-Kyuk (Ted) Bayside
The writer is a naturalized U.S. citizen of 30 years, originally from Seoul and a veteran officer of the South Korean Navy.
Little wagons of wonder
The annual Baby Parade, hosted by the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, strolled into the neighborhood on Sunday, bringing plenty of smiles along with it.
During the event, children showed off their floats, strollers and wagons, created by their families, and won prizes.
Those in attendance included state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.; Councilmember Joann Ariola; Betty Braton, the chair of Community Board 10; and Dan Brown of the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Roger Gendron, president of the NHBCA,
thanked those who made the event possible in a Facebook post.
“Many of you had marched in this parade yourselves or watched your kids — and now even your grandkids — take part,” Gendron wrote. “That’s what the day was all about: family, tradition, and community.”
Ariola posted photos from the parade to Facebook, praised the civic for its efforts and said, “Each year, I enjoy seeing what the families cook up for their floats and what new ideas they will have for the kids to join the parade!” — Kristen Guglielmo
NYBC seeks blood donors
The New York Blood Center is seeking donors of all blood types to help surgery and cancer patients, new mothers and babies and accident and crime victims in need. Information on how to donate blood or schedule a drive is available at nybc.org.
Upcoming area blood drives include:
• Knights of Columbus Council 197, from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 94-04 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Paul Eggert;
• Geordie’s Joint, from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 79-19 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven; blood drive coordinator
Patricia Robinson; • Indo Caribbean Federation, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 95-30 118 St. in South Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Frank Singh; • NYPD 106th Precinct, from 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 103-53 101 St. in Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Sgt. Navdeep Singh; and
• Holy Child Jesus Church, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, in the gymnasium at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles. Q
more Mayoral candidates’ visions for the city
Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa and Adams on housing, public safety and
by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor
The summer might be winding down, but with the Nov. 4 mayoral election rapidly approaching, the heat is only rising.
As Democratic nominee and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams vie for City Hall, voters are demanding answers on a slew of pressing issues facing the city.
Affordability is a top concern for many voters as the cost of living continues to soar in nearly every aspect of city life, from housing to groceries to transportation.
With promises to freeze rents for stabilized tenants and make buses fast and free, Mamdani has made affordability a central tenet of his campaign. The democratic socialist hopes to permanently eliminate fares on city buses and speed them up through measures such as priority lanes.
low-income and middle-class folks; and bring more money into New Yorkers’ pockets through job creation, workforce training, worker protections and efforts to cut taxes.
Cuomo aims to increase the city’s housing supply across all income levels as a step toward stabilizing and reducing rent, according to his campaign website. Running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, he seeks to redevelop underused cityowned lots for housing, improve quality of life in New York City Housing Authority units and crack down on enforcing rent-stabilization laws.
Much of Sliwa’s affordability plans involve housing — he has promised to repeal the zoning changes under the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan to prevent overdevelopment that strains infrastructure, as per his campaign website.
To combat the rising cost of goods, the lawmaker proposes cityowned grocery stores that would pass savings on to shoppers, since they would not have to pay rent or property taxes. Corporate exploitation is another of his targets — he aims to fight misleading advertisements and predatory contracts and ban hidden fees and noncompete clauses. He also has promised to fund challenges to utility companies, amid proposals from Con Edison to raise gas and electric rates.
He also aims to restore tens of thousands of vacant rent-controlled apartments; expand rent-stabilized units for seniors, veterans and the middle class; end property tax hikes for working-class homeowners; turn commercial spaces into housing; and repeal what he calls “anti-landlord laws” that prevent rent increases for necessary repairs.
new NYPD officers, offer bonuses and incentives to active and recently retired cops, focus deployment on recidivists and crime-heavy areas and increase enforcement on quality-of-life crimes and e-bike violations. He also hopes to give cops a permanent presence on trains and in stations, upgrade turnstiles to prevent fare evasion and expand outreach to homeless individuals, as well as access to mental health services.
Sliwa’s plans include hiring 7,000 more cops; reinstating the NYPD’s Anti-Crime Unit; raising officers’ starting salaries; expanding recruitment; and pushing for merit-based promotions.
target violent crime.
Mamdani hopes to create a new Department of Community Safety that will aim to stop violence before it happens with investments in citywide mental health programs and crisis response. Since police are now forced to handle “the failures of our social safety net,” they cannot focus on their own jobs, his website states.
His proposed new department would put dedicated outreach workers in 100 subway stations, deploy “transit ambassadors,” provide medical services in vacant commercial units and expand programs to prevent gun and hate violence.
Mamdani’s promises. He also seeks to distribute free baskets of diapers, baby wipes, information and more to new parents.
Education is second only to public safety on Cuomo’s list of priorities, as per his website — he aims to secure state funding for the reduced class size law; give all families a suitable 3-K slot; implement a School-Based Health Center in every Community School; combat chronic absenteeism by engaging parents; improve teachers’ working conditions; and enhance career and technical education programs.
On housing, Mamdani seeks to triple the city’s production of “permanently affordable, unionbuilt, rent-stabilized homes” and construct 200,000 new units over the next 10 years, his campaign website states. He also seeks to create a new Office of Deed Theft Prevention and hold landlords accountable for building conditions by overhauling the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.
Cuomo, too, aims to make transportation affordable, by expanding discounted access to buses and enrolling more eligible New Yorkers in Fair Fares programs.
He also hopes to expand access to affordable healthcare and assist those whose insurance plans deny them coverage; bring tax relief to
Converting vacant commercial spaces for affordable housing and reforming property taxes also are priorities for Adams, who is running as an independent. Improving NYCHA conditions and streamlining the approval process for housing development are among his other plans, according to his campaign website. His office drove the recently enacted City of Yes rezoning plans.
As for transportation, Adams supports dedicated bus lanes, improved subway accessibility, more protected bike lanes and Select Bus Service expansions. He also supports congestion pricing, the tolls implemented in January for vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street.
Public safety also is a priority for voters — fewer than half of city residents say it is good or excellent in their neighborhoods, according to a survey by the Citizens Budget Commission.
Safety will be Cuomo’s “first priority” if elected, as per his website. He has pledged to hire 5,000
He also aims to reinstate the NYPD’s Homeless Outreach Unit, in which specially trained officers work with mental health professionals on pathways to care, deploy more cops in subway stations and on trains, better enforce fare evasion, improve lighting in stations, integrate surveillance systems,
Housing and affordability are priorities for all the major mayoral candidates.
redesign stations to enhance visibility for riders and police and establish an NYPD task force focused on repeat offenders. He also intends to “reform failing policies that have fueled crime” such as cashless bail, his website states.
Adams, a former NYPD captain, aims to prevent violence by reinventing the department’s anticrime unit as an anti-gun unit with better-trained officers, his website states. If elected, he says he will push for community-based intervention and precision policing to
Education also is of note, especially as city students start a new school year.
While Sliwa would retain mayoral control over public schools, he says he would reform the city Department of Education. He aims to cut bureaucracy with central offices and an independent inspector general; audit spending; restore more school safety agents; increase curriculum transparency; expand gifted and talented programs and vocational training; and grow special education services.
Adams, too, aims to expand gifted and talented programs in underserved communities and improve career training, as well as preserve the specialized high schools and screen all students for dyslexia.
Contrary to Sliwa, Mamdani wants to end the mayor’s control over schools and let parents, students, teachers and administrators take the lead.
He says he would strive toward fully funded public schools with strong afterschool programs, mental health counseling, effective class sizes and more. Car-free “School Streets” and large CUNY investments also are part of his plan.
Free childcare for kids aged 6 weeks to 5 years is another of
Revitalizing the city’s economy goes further than lowering costs, and each of the four major candidates has a plan to help business owners.
Cutting red tape for small businesses is among Adams’ plans for economic recovery, as are creating a “one-stop-shop” permit system, making investments in workforce development, supporting minorityand women-owned businesses and promoting tourism.
Mamdani promises to cut small business fines in half, streamline the permitting process, make online applications more navigable and increase funding for one-toone support, under the leadership of a “Mom-and-Pop Czar.” He also hopes to raise the minimum wage to $30 by 2030.
With a focus on job creation, Cuomo aims to expand workforce training; protect MWBE programs and expand those intended for “atrisk” men aged 18 to 24; prioritize infrastructure projects in the outer boroughs; revitalize central business districts; and build up sectors in which the city has a “competitive advantage,” such as artificial intelligence.
Sliwa has promised to audit city spending to eliminate waste and reinvest in business districts and cultural hubs outside of Manhattan. Q
With the mayoral election just two months away, candidates Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, left, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Adams have different approaches to the city’s most pressing issues.
Across Queens, neighbors are divided
Residents speak out on mayoral hopefuls Mamdani, Cuomo, Adams and Sliwa
by Andrew Karpan Chronicle Contributor
With one of the most divisive mayoral elections in recent New York history just two months away, voters in Queens remain divided over who will likely succeed Mayor Adams’ troubled tenure at City Hall.
Leading the polls is the winner of the Democratic Party primary this past June, state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria). A Siena College Research Institute poll of registered voters last month in the city showed him as the choice of 44 percent.
was a Mamdani stronghold during the primary, with the Astoria assemblyman winning 80 percent of Democratic voters there.
Siesta told the Chronicle that he had been following Mamdani since hearing him on “The Majority Report with Sam Seder,” a podcast.
“I’m online too much, but I didn’t think there was much hope until he won the primary.
Trailing Mamdani is former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost to the assemblyman in the primary. Behind Cuomo is Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, who was not challenged in a primary. Sliwa also ran unsuccessfully as the GOP candidate in 2021.
Mayor Adams, the incumbent, is polling at 7 percent, according to the Siena survey.
“From a pragmatic perspective, I don’t think there is anyone who is going to win other than Zohran,” said Logan Siesta, a grant manager at a nonprofit and a Mamdani voter, who recently moved to Ridgewood and was approached by the Chronicle at 71st Avenue-Herman Hochberg Plaza along Myrtle Avenue. Ridgewood
Now, I think the momentum is going to carry him forward to the general,” said Siesta.
Also at the plaza, another Ridgewood resident, Joseph, who declined to give his last name, said he had tried to vote for Mamdani during the primary, but was notified after the election that his vote was rejected because of a filing error.
“It was a bummer. I am going to vote for him again, and I hope he does win, but you never know what they’re going to pull,” said Joseph.
“Cost of living is a big thing for people. I would love to hear him talk more about education. I’m sure he has good ideas about that. He’s trying his best within a system to be as for-the-people as he can,” he said.
Approached at nearby Rosemary’s Playground, Joanna Derr, a homemaker, mother of four and Ridgewood resident told the Chronicle she’s heard Mamdani’s messaging too, but wasn’t convinced. His signature campaign promise, to make bus fare free, felt too pie in the sky for her to imagine.
“I don’t understand how he thinks he is going to make free public transit. How is that possible? The MTA and the transit system is already drowning in debt. How is he going to make it free? It’s not possible. He’s selling them a hungry dream,” said Derr.
Derr said she liked Mayor Adams.
“You can’t have lawlessness. It’s been much better” since he took office, she said.
“I feel like [Adams] spends a lot of time doing self-serving and wasteful things,” said Dinesh Siugh, a product manager who recently moved to Astoria but has lived in Queens his entire life. He told the Chronicle that he’s supporting Mamdani.
“I think, just based on his platform and the things he’s saying, he has a better pulse on
what’s bothering actual New York than some of the sensationalist things Adams has come out with,” said Siugh. “[Mamdani] does a good job of marketing.”
Approached at Astoria Park, Lauren Hood, a video editor, told the Chronicle she’s been following Mamdani since he was elected to represent the neighborhood in the New York State Senate in 2020.
“He spoke at a town hall event about the free bus trial program that he was doing. So that’s what got my attention first, because I take the bus a lot. I thought that was a very good program. I don’t follow a lot of local politics, but that felt like something that could improve our little area of New York,” said Hood. “I like the idea of the free buses. I don’t know how feasible it is, but I think it’s a good goal to work towards.”
Over in the Woodside Irish bar Sean Og, Tony, a transportation company worker who declined to give his last name, said he’s split between Cuomo and Mamdani.
following sexual harassment allegations from at least 11 women.
“This is America, you always get a second act. That’s what America is all about,” said Cordero.
Outside Donovan’s, Chris Tuccillo, a stage electrician, told the Chronicle that he’s undecided, but thinks that Sliwa, the Republican candidate, could pull off surprising numbers in November.
“Sliwa is soft in the head, unfortunately, but I think he would be the best for New York, I think he cares the most,” said Tuccillo. “I think [Sliwa] stands a very good chance. It’s one of those situations where it’s socially unpopular to talk about him, but I think a lot more people are going to come out for Sliwa than are admitting to.”
“I don’t understand how he thinks he is going to make free public transit.”
“Adams doesn’t have a chance,” he said. “But I’ve got to see more about this new kid [Mamdani]. I haven’t really dug my teeth into him. I don’t know much about him, I just know what I’ve seen recently on the news.”
— Joanna Derr, on Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani
Cuomo “left a tangible body of evidence that he did something,” he said, pointing to the move to prevent the shutdown of the L train in 2019 and the East Side Access project that expanded the Long Island Rail Road into Grand Central Terminal.
At Donovan’s, the iconic Woodside tavern, Ricardo Cordero told the Chronicle that he is a “Cuomo guy.”
“He is a representation of contemporary old school New York and that’s why I like him, because I relate to him,” said Cordero, who grew up in Woodside and now works as a pricing analyst for a consumer goods brand.
On the other side of the bar, a man who declined to give his name interjected: “Cuomo should be in jail. He’s a criminal.”
Cordero is more sympathetic about the exgovernor, who resigned under a cloud in 2021
Down the street, at nearby Doughboy Park, two retirees tell the Chronicle they’re planning on voting for Sliwa, too.
Peter, a retired chauffeur who declined to give his last name, said he’d like to see Sliwa win.
“He’s a true New Yorker and he’s been in the trenches,” said Peter. “I grew up in Queens, right where Cuomo did. I would like to be able to support a guy I grew up around, but he’s got no good intentions for me or anybody in my middle-class brackets. I’m the last guy on his mind.”
Francine Saez, a retired dietitian, said she couldn’t vote for Mamdani because the assemblyman identifies as a socialist.
“It’s not that I don’t like hearing what he has to say, but I have convictions for whom I’m going to vote for and who I’m not and, at this stage in my life, I certainly don’t want communism, Marxism or socialism to be near me,” she said.
Saez is less optimistic about Sliwa’s chances.
“He’s not going to get in because this is New York, but that doesn’t stop me from voting for him,” she said. “But I really don’t like any of them, to be honest.”
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Q
Ricardo Cordero at Donovan’s Pub, Peter at Doughboy Park and Logan Siesta on Myrtle Avenue all support different candidates for mayor. PHOTOSBYANDREWKARPAN
Lauren Hood, speaking the other day at Astoria Park, above, said Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani first got her attention with his trial program for free bus service, though she wonders how practical expanding it would be.
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Queens High School for Sciences at York College seeks to expand A high school in Jamaica ranks No. 1
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College is not just one of the best high schools in the borough, but considered the No. 1 high school in the city for the second time in a row, according to a U.S. News & World Report survey released last month. The school in Jamaica also ranked No. 25 nationally again, said the consumer advice and analysis outlet.
QHSS, located at 94-50 159 St., which has about 500 students, also ranked No. 1 for the New York Metro Area and for city public high schools and 89 nationally for science, technology, engineering and mathematics high schools, added the report. One hundred percent of the student body took at least one advance placement exam, 99 percent passed at least one of the exams and the school has a graduation rate of 100 percent.
QHSS Principal Ana De Jesús told the Chronicle she learned about the ranking three weeks ago from a friend at an American Federation of School Administrators’ conference in Las Vegas, but didn’t believe it until she saw the report herself.
“This is the second year we have been ranked No. 1, but the first year we have been recognized,” said De Jesús in an online interview.
De Jesús says what distinguishes the school is that it has high expectations while providing
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College was just ranked as the No. 1 high school in the city.
support for students and staff.
“This is the work of the teachers, counselors, everybody and also families,” the principal said. She says she focuses on selling the institution, because many people don’t realize it is one of the elite eight specialized high schools. “I’ve done a lot of outreach to district schools — District 26, 27 and 28.”
Sixty percent of its students were considered economically disadvantaged, according to U.S. News & World Report. But despite any setbacks the scholars may face, the educational institution has helped them score 95, 98 and 100 percent in the science, mathematics and reading regents exams, respectively. The stu-
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dents also have a college readiness index score of 99.4. The school’s overall scorecard from U.S. News & Report is 99.86.
In comparison, the average district school scores were 42, 40 and 66 in science, mathematics and reading, respectively. Students at district schools scored an average 26.5 in college readiness. The average state schools scores were 60 in science and mathematics and 66 in reading. QHSS is one 533 high schools in the city public school system, one of 1,233 statewide and one of 17,901 nationally.
The data came from the International Baccalaureate of North America, which supports and provides data on education programs, and the information used was from the 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2021-22 academic years of the schools ranked.
De Jesús says that similar to Stuyvesant and Brooklyn Tech high schools, there is a push to ensure that students are excelling via AP and college classes. But Queens is a communityoriented borough and she also believes in providing the students’ emotional well-being, hence she hired additional social workers and counselors. She also says it helps that the school is not on a large campus, which can often leave scholars feeling overwhelmed.
“The students don’t get lost,” said the principal. “I used to be an assistant principal at a big school ... I want to make sure the students get all the support that they want. I think that is
unique to us.”
As a mother of twin 16-year-old boys, De Jesús says, she also understands how to empathize with parents; she knows their needs and the importance of consistency.
“The counselors meet with their students a few times during the year; they have goal setting to keep track of their goals not only for the college application process, but also academic intervention,” said De Jesús, who has served the school for nine years, making her the longest-serving principal at QHSS. “Counselors go into the classes to speak to the students. We have peer mentoring where our ninth graders are mentored by students in the National Honor Society and we have peer tutoring where we get students to tutor other students, which works well during the AP exam season.”
De Jesús’ next goal for the school is to get it a bigger building to both meet the needs of its students and to adhere to the student-to-teacher class size reduction initiative set by the city under state law. The school now rents a twofloor building at York College.
“We have been advocating for a new building for many years,” said the principal. “The work that we at the school are doing is a testament of how much could be done ... We have the potential to grow to 700 or 800 students serving the Queens community. There is a new building opening on Hillside Avenue, so we are advocating for that ... The sky’s the limit.” Q
PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE
Expanded online access to your personal info and more
by Social Security Administration
Your personal my Social Security account is here for you at every stage of your life. You don’t have to be retired, or even close to retirement, to take advantage of it. It is the most convenient way to do business with us, from anywhere and from any device.
In fact, more than 97 million people are already enjoying secure access to a growing number of services.
N ow, the my Social Security online portal provides you with 24/7, uninterrupted access, including the ability to request a replacement Social Security card online at any time, day or night.
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With your free and secure my Social Security account, you can conduct much of your Social Security business online.
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Expanded 24/7 access to existing features
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With your free and secure my Social Security account, you can conduct much of your Social Security business online. Fo r example, you can request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia). If you’re not receiving benefits, you can:
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• get proof that you do not receive benefits; and
• check your application status.
If you are receiving benefits, you can:
• set up or change direct deposit;
• get a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form;
• print a benefit verification letter; and
• change your address.
Check out our webpage for a list of ou r many online services for adults, businesses, government agencies, organizational payees, and other third parties.
What does this mean for you?
With these updates, you can manage you r Social Security information and access important services at any time, at your convenience. Whether you need to request a replacement Social Security card, chec k your benefits or update your preferences, we’re here to serve you 24/7. P
Three tips to stretch your retirement savings
Cost-of-living has garnered significant attention in recent years and was one of the key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election in the United States. That extra attention is warranted, as a recent Bankrate analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that consumer prices were 23 percent more expensive in February 2025 than they were in the same month in 2020.
Rising consumer prices have been a cause for concern among people from all walks of life, but retirees might be among the most vulnerable to such increases. Lacking a desire to return to the workforce or opportunities lucrative enough to make such a transition worthwhile, retirees may be looking for ways to stretch their retirement savings. The following three strategies may help seniors do just that.
1. Seek the help of a financial planner. Some seniors may see working with a financial planner as another expense at a time when they’re trying to cut costs, but such professionals can provide a notable return on investment. Financial planners can help seniors currently navigating complex financial waters without a compass direct their resources toward low-risk vehicles that can grow wealth with the goal of ensuring a rising cost-of-living does not drain existing savings and leave seniors destitute. Even incremental growth can help combat inflation, and financial planners can identify options that promote growth while limiting risk.
Retirees may be looking for ways to stretch their retirement savings. The following strategies may help seniors do just that.
2. Take up gardening. People from all walks of life have lamented rising grocery bills in recent years, but seniors are not helpless against rising food prices. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates food prices will increase by 2.2 percent in 2025. Retirees are uniquely positioned to combat those increases, as many
have the time and space to grow their own foods at a fraction of the cost of buying the same items at the store. Though gardening requires an investment of time (to learn the trade) and money (tools and a landscape adjustment, if necessary), it’s possible to recoup such initial costs rather quickly. A 2021 report on the website Greenhouse Today esti-
mated that a single tomato plant, which in 2025 typically can be purchased for less than $10, can yield 20 to 30 lbs. of tomatoes, producing somewhere between 20 and 90 tomatoes (size of the tomatoes will affect total yield). Grocery shoppers know that one pound of store-bought tomatoes is likely to cost around $5, give or take a dollar or two. In this example, seniors can save a substantial amount of money by growing their own food at home. Seniors can even join gardening groups where each member grows a particular food and then yields are shared among the group, leading to even more savings over time.
3. Request generic medications. The cost of medication is not fixed and is often vulnerable to changes in governmental policies. However, it’s fair to note that many seniors spend thousands of dollars per year on medication. Seniors can request generic alternatives to brand-name medications. The health care experts at Humana estimate generic drugs cost 80 to 85 percent less on average than brand-name drugs. That’s a considerable cost savings, and that advantage could prove even more significant if policy changes increase out-of-pocket medical costs fo r seniors in the coming years.
These three strategies can help seniors manage their money and protect their retirement savings in an era marked by a rising cost-ofliving and an unpredictable economy. P — Metro Creative Connection
$2B Innovation QNS project is scrapped
While some developers back out, others file to build in rezoned area
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
The $2 billion Innovation QNS development project has unraveled, possibly opening the door to smaller projects in its wake, as first reported Sept. 2 by The Real Deal.
The five-block plan, which included rezoning approved by the City Council in November 2022 after fierce negotiations, was slated to bring 3,200 apartments, including 1,436 affordable units, along with retail space, community facilities and more than two acres of public green space, to 35th Avenue in Astoria.
The original trio of developers behind the project — Kaufman Astoria Studios, Silverstein Properties and Bed Rock Real Estate Partners — has since split. Silverstein Properties withdrew, citing uncertainty over tax policy, according to The Real Deal
The Aug. 28 story “Quality of life could be better, some say” misstated when NYPD Q-teams debuted in Queens. It was Aug. 11. We regret the error. Q Correction
and Crain’s New York.
BedRock Real Estate Partners, however, charted a new path. The firm joined forces with LMXD, a subsidiary of L+M Development Partners, on an Astoria parcel for a mixed-income project at 35-18 Steinway St.
The site of the proposed 498,000-square-foot development, designed by Beyer Blinder Belle, is currently occupied by a PC Richard store and parking lot. The project would deliver 560 units, with about 140 affordable under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, reports say.
The development team will continue to pursue other opportunities to deliver additional affordable housing under existing city and state financing programs, according to a project spokesperson.
“We are excited to move ahead with plans for much-needed housing, including deeply affordable housing, and are looking forward to working with the City to deliver additional affordable housing that reflects the goals of the original project’s ULURP approval,” a spokesperson
Innovation QNS, a project that aimed to add thousands of apartments and retail and green space to 35th Avenue, will no longer happen as originally planned, according to multiple reports. RENDERINGCOURTESYINNOVATIONQNS/FILE
for the project told the Chronicle. The collapse of the broader Innovation QNS project raises questions about how the commitments, including permanent affordability and community benefits, made during the contentious 2022 rezoning hearings will carry over as developers pursue smaller-scale projects at the sites.
Clock Tower gets a new flag
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., center, on Aug. 28 donated a new American flag to the Medisys Clock Tower building in Ozone Park, atop of the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s MediSys annex at 92-10 Atlantic Ave.
The donated flag is to honor veterans in the community, Addabbo’s office said, as well as mark the 250th anniversaries of the
U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Addabbo started providing flags for the tower in 2019 and in 2023 led efforts to get Old Glory flying again after its pulley system broke.
He presented the flag to Jamaica Hospital Manager Patrick Rudden, center, alongside Rudden’s wife and children.
— Kristen Guglielmo
Councilmember Julie Won (D-Long Island City) told the Chronicle in a statement, “Since its conception, Innovation QNS was a controversial project with many ailments — an array of often misaligned 20+ landlords, hundreds of community resistors, and no political support. It is no surprise to any Astorian this
project has ultimately fallen apart.”
Won, who initially opposed the project until developers agreed to add more affordable housing, said those who purchase other parcels of land there are still expected to fulfill the same community benefit obligations.
She added, “The Astoria community is ready to keep landlords accountable and those who don’t respect community agreements will be met with severe backlash.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “In the midst of a generational housing crisis that’s squeezing New Yorkers out of their communities, the apparent missed opportunity to build thousands of affordable homes is an unfortunate blow to the borough.”
He continued, “But we will not be deterred in our efforts to house our neighbors. Every unit counts, and I strongly urge the development team and our government partners to work collectively and urgently in finding a suitable path forward for this project. We don’t have time to waste when it comes to putting roofs over the heads of New Yorkers who need them.” Q
City targets ghost auto plates
continued from page 2
more in outstanding fines than vehicles with properly matched out-of-state plates — $667.48 compared to $268.08. Vehicles with valid plates paid 63 percent of the fines they incurred, while those with mismatched or “no hit” plates paid only 16 percent.
On average, vehicles in the OID’s sample with mismatched or “no hit” plates accrued 49 percent more camera violations for speeding in school zones and 74 percent more blocking a fire hydrant violations than vehicles with matched plates.
The OID said that a 2022 city law banning the sale of materials to alter or conceal license plates does not cover the sale of novelty plates.
“What emerges is not a case of isolated misconduct, but signs of a broader enforcement gap that allows improperly plated vehicles to operate with little oversight, undermining public safety, reducing City revenue, and weakening trust in the systems meant to enforce accountability ... Ghost vehicles are a systemic, citywide problem. Whether it is a counterfeit New Jersey temporary plate printed in someone’s basement or a long-expired plate currently tied to no vehicle at all, improperly registered and untraceable cars are on streets across the five boroughs.”
Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manger of public affairs for AAA Northeast, said in
an email that the problem is plain to see.
“Knowing that they can escape automated enforcement, drivers operating ghost plate vehicles engage in dangerous, illegal behavior,” Sinclair said.
A spokesperson for the City Council said in an email to the Chronicle that the next steps are under consideration.
“The use of ghost plates, especially those from out of state, to evade responsibility for violations and fines has become too commonplace throughout our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) in a Council press release. “The Council’s investigation into this systemic problem underscores the need for more coordinated enforcement and policies to ensure bad actors who are more likely to commit traffic violations that jeopardize our public safety are held accountable for their actions.”
Council Majority Whip Selvena BrooksPowers (D-Laurelton) chairs the Committee in Transportation and Infrastructure.
“The use of out-of-state license plates, specifically untraceable ghost plates, allow drivers to behave recklessly throughout New York City streets with little to no accountability,” she said. “As chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am deeply committed to improving street safety for all New Yorkers, including by reducing the speeding violations and toll evasion infractions that are correlated with ghost plates.” Q
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING
by Stephanie G. Meditz
Eighty years after World War II ended, costing hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers’ lives overseas, the Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery are making sure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
The group will honor their legacy Sept. 13 by taking attendees back to the heart of the 1940s with a concert and exhibit commemorating the anniversary of the end of the war. Musicians will invoke the age by reviving its popular sounds, from the toe-tapping rhythms of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to sorrowful, reflective selections.
Sean Miller, a recent graduate of St. John’s University with years of experience collecting military artifacts, will set up a display of memorabilia, from uniforms to findings in service members’ pockets. Some of his extensive collection was on view at the cemetery’s June event launching the Kew Gardens World War II Memorial Book.
“It’s a history lesson that you can actually touch and immerse yourself into,” Miller said. “You read words on a page and that’s about it, but you
8 0 y e a r s s i n c e W W I I ’s e n d
80 years since WWII’s end
actually see and feel the weight of every item and their significance and the huge role they played in the greatest conflict in world history.”
The 22-year-old said attendees last time were especially interested in soldiers’ “incidentals” such as sewing kits and K-rations, and he plans to show more of them.
“People don’t really think about
that, but soldiers were always sewing their uniforms up, their equipment up, so that they keep going,” he said. His personal favorite is a blood chit, or piece of fabric sewn into pilots’ bomber jackets that explains in various languages to send their bodies home if their aircraft is shot down.
Bringing the boys home is still an especially poignant idea — at the
event, Maple Grove historian Carl Ballenas will give a lecture about the “Return of the Dead” program, which located and identified soldiers’ bodies before returning them to the U.S.
Ballenas said Maple Grove Cemetery has particularly strong ties to veterans — dozens of men from the area who were killed in World War II are buried
King Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Bix Beiderbecke blew into Sunnyside, too briefly
by Ron Marzlock
Chronicle Contributor
Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke was born in Davenport, Iowa, on March 10, 1903. He was the youngest of three children. He played piano as a young child but discovered the cornet, an instrument similar to the trumpet but with a mellow tone quality, and became a master. He first recorded with The Wolverines in 1924.
Beiderbecke later joined “King of Jazz” Paul Whiteman and his orchestra. On Feb. 4, 1927, he and two other performers recorded “Singin’ The Blues,” regarded a jazz masterpiece due to the delicate, subtle manner in which it was played. Working in New York City, he moved into 43-30 46 St., Apt. 1G, in Sunnyside.
Due to long-term alcoholism, Beiderbecke developed pneumonia and died in his apartment on Aug. 6, 1931, at age 28. He was not forgotten.
In 1950 the movie “Young Man With a Horn,” starring Kirk Douglas, brought Beiderbecke’s life to the big screen.
Today, more than 90 years after his death, historians and jazz lovers still play his music, and a Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Memorial Concert is held annually in his memory in Sunnyside. Q
Estate Planning Fundamentals: Considerations for Parents
By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.
Clients with children often ask whether they should prepare a will or set up a revocable trust for their children. To answer that question, it is important to understand the differences between these two important estate planning tools.
By avoiding the delay of probate a revocable trust gives beneficiaries immediate access to assets upon death. A revocable trust also prevents a will contest by an heir you purposefully left out of your will or received less than they think they deserved.
Fundamentally, both a will and a revocable trust are designed to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries when you die. You will also name an individual to carry out your wishes: the executor in your will or the trustee in your trust. Both a will and a revocable trust can be changed as many times as you wish while you are still alive. You also retain complete control over the assets you identify in your will or revocable trust.
A revocable trust can also ensure the inheritances you leave remain in your bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws. Similarly, a revocable trust can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces or creditors. Married couples with taxable estates can also reduce and often eliminate estate taxes with a revocable trust.
There are also significant differences between a will and a revocable trust. A primary difference is by putting your assets into a revocable trust you are allowing your beneficiaries to avoid the probate process in Surrogate’s Court. Probate can be expensive and may take many months.
Choosing between a will or revocable trust is an important decision and will have a significant impact on your children and beneficiaries. Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@conzamcnamara. com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.
The home of cornet player and composer Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke was at 43-30 46 St. in Sunnyside, seen here as it looked in the 1930s.
Bayside exhibit rings a historical family Bell
by Mark Lord qboro contributor
Surely at some point you’ve found yourself walking or driving down Bell Boulevard, the main artery in Bayside that serves as the area’s top business district.
But have you ever thought about where it got its name?
Answers to that and many other questions you might have about the street await you at the Bayside Historical Society’s latest exhibit, “From Backyard to Boulevard: The Bell Family Legacy.”
OK, maybe one spoiler is in order here. The street was named for shipping merchant Abraham Bell, a founding father of the area who bought property there back in 1824, and the rest of his large family.
“They bought land and built a farm. The boulevard was their driveway that ran through the middle,” said Paul DiBenedetto, the society’s vice president of buildings and former president.
Archivist Elizabeth Fox added that Bell “brought thousands of Irish families here during the pota-
to famine.”
For any further details, you’ll have to stop by the society, housed in a beautiful bright red castle on the grounds of Fort Totten.
On the exhibit’s opening day, attendees were fascinated by some of the information they unearthed.
Twenty-five-year Bayside resident Phyllis Sacks said she loves “finding out about change.” But she was delighted “that there are
some old buildings that still exist. I like that buildings are being used for different purposes.”
Melody Camisa, who has lived in the area for 61 years, said, “It’s nice to see what was before I became part of the community.”
Stephen Ovanessian, who appeared to be of college age, said, “I’ve been living here my whole life. I’ve always heard stories.”
After touring the exhibit, he concluded, “The Bells were the Kardashians of their time.”
The exhibit showcases the significance of Bayside’s evolution alongside the enduring legacy of the Bell family, exploring the development of the area through maps, family trees, rare historical photos, documents that trace the family’s influence in shaping the area’s Quaker community, and personal
family keepsakes. A short film highlights some local history.
According to the society’s executive director, Brita Kube, the exhibit was in the planning stage for two and a half years.
Among the prized items on display are a 38-star American flag, pieced together by hand in 1876 by family member Annie Lawrence Bell, wife of Frederic Storm, a U.S. representative from New York.
Showcases contain family portraits, a pair of eyeglasses dating to around 1900, and even an Eastman Kodak Brownie camera.
Viewing the exhibit, DiBenedetto said, should offer visitors “a better understanding of the heart of Bayside.”
The society is located at 208 Totten Ave. in Fort Totten. Admission to the exhibit is free, with a suggested donation of $5.
Visiting hours run Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 29 and, possibly, beyond. Days with extended hours are Sept. 4, 6, 11, 14, 18, and 20. For more, call (718) 352-1548 or visit baysidehistorical.org. Q
Maple Grove goes back in time to remember WWII
there, as are soldiers from as far back as the War of 1812.
“We have a very close connection to the services they offer to our country, and we feel it only proper to memorialize all of them, but this concert will focus on World War II and the 80th anniversary,” he said.
The event’s impact is only intensified by the literal way in which history lives on — 104-year-old World War II veteran Domi-
Crossword Answers
nick Critelli, formerly of Kew Gardens, is set to attend with his family, and even show off his saxophone skills.
The evening’s music will be rife with sorrow, patriotism and even moments of joy. Music director Celeste Chau said she likes to create a narrative relevant to a concert’s theme through songs.
Included in the set list are songs about preparing for war such as “You’d Better Get Ready,” European selections from the era, upbeat swing rhythms and solemn pieces to commemorate those who died.
“It means a lot to us to honor them, to remember them, and to remember the ones who came back as well as the ones who were killed in action,” Ballenas said. Chau also cited the need to ensure that the war’s atrocities are never forgotten, nor repeated.
The concert is from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at Maple Grove’s Celebration Hall, with a reception to follow. Admission and parking are free, with a $5 donation suggested. One may RSVP at (347) 878-6613.
The songs will be performed by Maple Grove’s community musicians, a group of volunteers who play both recreationally and professionally. Several members’ relatives
The concert’s attendees can sift through World War II artifacts and hear music from veteran Dominick Critelli, inset, then and now. On the cover: Critelli, 104, and 22-yearold collector Sean Miller share a commitment to honoring the past. PHOTOS BY
fought in World War II, Chau said.
That includes Miller — his paternal grandfather was a Marine who served in both World War II and the Korean War, and his maternal grandfather was held in a Siberian prisoner-of-war camp for two years while serving in the Polish Air Force.
Miller will play taps on a 1918 bugle from
the Maple Grove archives, outfitted in an authentic World War II uniform.
“It’s inspiring to see the next generation be so passionate about our past and our history,” Chau said. “And if it’s someone that grew up with this [music], I hope it gives them the comfort that it gave them the first time they heard it.”
Among those visiting the Bell family exhibit on its opening day were Stephen Ovanessian, left, Phyllis Sacks, in hat, and Melody Camisa, all learning plenty about their own neighborhood. PHOTOS BY MARK LORD
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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HORRY IN THE FAMILY COURT FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Docket No.: 2025-DR-26-00113 Filed: Horry County 2025 Aug. 19 D1:28 Renee N. Elvis Clerk of Court Horry County, S.C. Athanasios Pavlou, Plaintiff, vs. Laura T. Lowe Defendant. NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT: TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT, LAURA T. LOWE: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Complaint in this action for divorce is filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Horry County on January 16, 2025. LAW OFFICE OF STEPHANIE VAUGHT LITTLE, PC By: Stephanie Vaught Little Attorney for the Plaintiff Post Office Box
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST LASEAN JONES, STRACY JONES, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 11232 209th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, in the County of Queens and State of New York, Block 10985 Lot 36. Approximate amount of judgment $503,145.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #706174/2023. Valerie Katsorhis, Esq, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-004417 86700
”) and by virtue of those certain UCC-1 Filing Statement made in favor of Secured Party, all in accordance with Article 9 of the Code, Secured Party will offer for sale, at public auction, (i) all of Pledgor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following: Emcee Realty LLC (the “Pledged Entity”), and (ii) certain related rights and property relating thereto (collectively, (i) and (ii) are the “ Collatera l”). Secured Party’s understanding is that the principal asset of the Pledged Entity is that certain fee interest in real property commonly known as 45-45 39th Street a/k/a 45-41/45-49 39th Street, Long Island City, New York 11104 (the “Property”). Maltz Auctions (“Maltz”), under the direction of Richard B. Maltz or David A. Constantino (the “Auctioneer”), will conduct a public sale consisting of the Collateral (as set forth in Schedule A below), via virtual bidding, on September 18, 2025 at 1:00pm , in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the approximate amount of $1,900,000.00, including principal plus interest, and reasonable fees and costs, plus default interest through September 18, 2025, subject to open charges and all additional costs, fees and disbursements permitted by law. The Secured Party reserves the right to credit bid. Online bidding will be made available for pre-registered bidders via Maltz's online bidding App available for download in the App Store or on Google play and via desktop bidding at RemoteBidding.MaltzAuctions.com. Bidder
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Queens, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for Cascade Funding Mortgage trust HB8, Plaintiff, vs. Marie Clemons AKA Marie Redd, as Presumptive Heir, Devisee, Distributee of the Estate of Julia Marion Fain, DECEASED; ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 111-48 168th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. 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 10205 and Lot 56. Approximate amount of judgment is $498,814.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #710033/2019. Judah Maltz, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Wine License, NYS Application ID: NA-0240-25-126724 has been applied for by Opportunity Pancakes LLC d/b/a IHOP serving beer, wine, cider and mead to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at 21-61 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105.
49-13, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/09/15.
Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 30-32 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, BLUE CASTLE (CAYMAN) LTD, Plaintiff, vs. VANESSA HOLMES-BENJAMIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 17, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 130-65 227th Street, Springfield Gardens a/k/a Laurelton, NY 11413. 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 12905 and Lot 5. Approximate amount of judgment is $787,660.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #711867/2017. Sally Attia, Esq., Referee Vallely Mitola Ryan PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff
8TH AVE BK CENTER LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/14/2025. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jia Shu Xu, 112-15 Northern Blvd, #2, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of FLOORING NYC LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/09/2025. 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: FLOORING NYC LLC, 15729 88ST, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE 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 2007-10 Plaintiff, Against Yves-Merry Telemaque; Commissioner of Social Services of the City of New York Social Services District; Discover Bank; Estate of Cleo Veal, by Pub admin of Queens; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; Bank of New York Mellon, John Doe and New York City Parking Violations Bureau Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/30/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, on 9/26/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 116-52 218th St., Cambria Heights, NY 11411, 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 Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 11318 Lot 3 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $885,433.77 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 721638/2019 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Dated: 7/24/2025 File Number: 36774 CA
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-RSl, Plaintiff, Against VERNON R SAMUELS, VIOLET SAMUELS, KAREN J SAMUELS, KEVIN R SAMUELS, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/05/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, on 9/19/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 143-35 228th Street, Rosedale a/k/a Springfield Gardens a/k/a Laurelton, NY 11413, 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 Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 13506 Lot 136 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $523,214.42 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 704556/2018 Dominic L. Chiariello, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 7/25/2025 File Number: 560-2633 CA
Notice of Qualification of 8646 FORT HAMILTON PKWY SPE LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/18/25. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/26/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122070543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
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 212-941-6101, 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.
For Sale
HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OP FOR SALE
empty, freshly painted 2 BRs 1 bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator. 2 Air Conditioners. $209,990 Negotiable! Must See! Call listing broker for details. 718-551-1711
New Howard Beach , Sun 9/7, 1:30pm- 3:30pm, 159-42 81 St. High Ranch. Asking $999K. Call Brina, Esquire Realty Ciaramella & Co., 917-257-1584
Ozone Park, Sun 9/7, 2pm-4pm, 8509 Sutter Ave. 2 family conversion. Asking $749K. Call Brina, Esquire Realty Ciaramella & Co., 917-257-1584
Classified Ad Special. Pay for 3 weeks and the 4th week is FREE! Call 718-205-8000
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park. Elegant Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 full baths, cathedral ceilings, custom kitchen w/granite & SS appli, central A/C, resort style yard w/gazebo & in-ground granite heated pool! Reduced $1,498,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Ozone Park. Spacious 3 family brick. Massive 10 BRs, 6 bathrooms. Investment opportunity. Don’t miss out! Rare gem! Asking $1,700,000. Connexcion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
House Houses For Sale
Howard Beach, Sat 9/6, 1:30pm-3pm, 161-24 84 St. Updated 4BR gem. Spacious living area w/HW flors, cathedral ceilings & spectacular 4-season room. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 9/6, 12-2pm, 159-16 92 St. Beautiful Empire Style Hi-Ranch. 40x100 lot. Updated. Sunken LR, cathedral ceilings, HW flrs, lg BRs, 2 full baths. Summer kitchen w/island, SS appli, lg yard for entertainment. Asking $1,198,888. Connexion Real Estate, 718-8451136
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2023-1, Plaintiff against 5S CONSTRUCTION, INC., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 22, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 13520 Denis Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11434. Block 12993 Lot 36. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $581,954.79 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 705106/2024. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Yvette Dudley, Esq., Referee File # 24-000442-01
Co-ops
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2018-2, Plaintiff against BRENDA LANCLOS, et al
Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 18, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 117-26 204th Street, St. Albans, NY 11412. Block 12633 Lot 18. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $502,457.75 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 715570/2020. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Kristen Jean Dubowski, Esq., Referee File # 21-001540-01
Notice of Formation of JUSTTHE5OFUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/30/2025 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 110 YALE STREET, ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NY 11577. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SOLUM ENGINEERING PLLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/21/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 4516 163rd St., Flushing, NY 11358, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: To practice Engineering.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS ATLANTICA, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST SIMIN AKAVAN A/K/A SIMINE AKAVAN, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF PETER SENTOUKARIS AKA PETER SENTOUKARAS; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 221-53 Horace Harding Expressway, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 7527 Lot: 53. Approximate amount of judgment $1,807,066.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #711758/2020. Jerry A Merola, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 LHFJC006 86891
Notice of Formation of SS SECURITY TRAINING NYC LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/30/2025. 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: MD SHAMIM HUSAIN, 87-23 168TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
WS6547 79TH ST LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/05/25. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 8303 Doran Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -against- MICHAEL C. BANKS
A/K/A MICHAEL BANKS, 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 May 14, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL C. BANKS
A/K/A MICHAEL BANKS, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on September 19, 2025 at 10:00AM, the premises known as 144-45 SPRINGFIELD BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11413-3453 and the following tax map identification 13490-22. ALL THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS IN THE COUNTY OF QUEENS AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 717410/2019; Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq., as Referee; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
Notice of Formation of WYTB WILLIS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/23/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 5812 FRANCIS LEWIS BLVD, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY 11364. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
INDEX NO. 718591/2021 Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 191-31 115TH DRIVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 Block: 11033, Lot: 54 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1 Plaintiff, vs. DONNA FOWLER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY FOWLER; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY FOWLER, 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; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; JANE DOE AS JOHN DOE #1; JOHN DOE AS JOHN DOE #2; JOHN DOE AS JOHN DOE #3; JOHN DOE AS JOHN DOE #4, “JOHN DOE #5” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eight 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 $712,500.00 and interest, recorded on January 30, 2018, in CRFN 2018000035393, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York., covering premises known as 191-31 115TH DRIVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. 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: August 21st, 2025 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 Hometown Lawyers You Can Rely On Where Every Case is Personal
Notice of Formation of JAMES BUILT RIGHT LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/06/2025. 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: HASSAN ISHMAEL, 104-25 202ND STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Long-term funding, planning called essential after decades of neglect Dealing with details for FMCP’s future
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Advocates of every park and cultural institution in the city say their special place could be even better given enough time, attention and, of course, money.
But unlike many press releases or comments from the odd elected official or civic leader, the report on Flushing Meadows Corona Park released two weeks ago by the Center for an Urban Future is far from vague.
“It will need sustained public and private investment at a scale not seen in decades,” the group says in the introduction of “The Park Queens Deserves.” The 29-page missive comes with recommendations for infrastructure, transportation and longterm planning for both funding and better integration and coordination of the individual parties and attractions within it to coalesce around the idea of a park worth far more than the sum of its parts.
The Chronicle’s first report on the document is at tinyurl.com/2s3vfh2a.
“We’re not saying this is a bad park. We’re not saying people don’t use this park,” Jonathan Bowles, executive director of the CUF told the Chronicle last week. “It’s a muchloved park. A jewel of the borough. But it could be much more.”
stocked by revenue realized from within the park, possibly bolstered by the creation of “signature events.”
Suggestions aimed at simultaneously improving the environment and reducing flooding include uncovering sections of Flushing Creek long concealed below earth and pavement; and replacing a large amount of existing asphalt with green space. The latter would at least partially facilitate the call for conversion of more land within the park to multipurpose fields.
Another bullet point calls for the city Department of Environmental Protection to be charged with replacing aged water mains and collapsed catch bins within the park.
The group would like the city to reimagine the park’s entrances, including a new bridge over Flushing Creek and, going a step further, at least partially covering one or more of the highways surrounding the park, increasing both access to it and available space.
The study says since 2012, only $100 million in city funds has been invested in FMCP, with $56 million of that going to the restoration of the New York State Pavilion from the 1964-65 World’s Fair.
While federal funds in the wake of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 have added to the total investment, “the park receives a fraction of the dollars it needs for basic upkeep ... For
example, it has been estimated that the sorely needed reconstruction of the Passerelle Pedestrian Bridge, which brings visitors from the Mets-Willets Point subway station to the park, and necessary upgrades to the park’s water and electrical systems would cost a combined $650 million.”
As for getting to FMCP and moving within it upon arrival, the study calls for expanding both Citi Bike and the city Department of Transportation scooter share program.
Like many people and proposals in the past, the report also calls for extending the city ferry system to Willets Point. But Bowles said expansion in recent years to Astoria, Long Island City and the Rockaways show the idea can work.
“It’s feasible,” he said.
The park’s layout, with a series of roads and highways surrounding and cutting directly through it, makes it less friendly to access and prevents an integrated experience with all the buildings and attractions, according to the CUF.
“And it can often feel like a mission to find a functional bathroom or a bite to eat, with so few options available for park visitors,” the report states.
Additional amenities on land would include a sitdown cafe or restaurant near the Queens Museum, a food vendor market and a redesign of the Playground for All Children.
“It’s a much-loved park ... But it could be much more.”
— Jonathan Bowles, Center for an Urban Future
The 20-point plan calls for a long-term commitment of capital money to reverse years of neglect; and development of a 10-year strategic plan to guide future investments and decisions, with a priority on flood control.
Another recommendation is the creation of an FMCP-exclusive flood fund that would be
Internally, the report suggests making better use of the land around the New York State Pavilion and looking to “fully harness” the potential of the adjacent Queens Theatre “and its prized position in the park.” Free outdoor performances on summer evenings are one suggestion.
And expanding outward, the report states that an ”Emerald Necklace” of seamless connections among parks in Central and Eastern Queens could have Flushing Meadows at it core. Q
The authors of a plan to revitalize Flushing Meadows Corona Park believe careful planning can elevate the space and its attractions to unforeseen heights. PHOTOBYMICHAELGANNON
B SPORTS EAT
Joyful Jonah debuts
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
SNY’s Mets broadcaster, the irrepressible Keith Hernandez, encapsulated the thoughts of most of us who had never seen Mets pitcher Jonah Tong before his debut last Friday against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. “He is 22, but he looks like he is 12!” Hernandez said.
Keith’s reaction was understandable because Tong’s name has been linked all summer to another highly touted Mets pitcher in their minor league system, Nolan McLean, who was called up to Flushing last month and has been brilliant. With his big build and facial hair, the 24-yearold McLean looks more mature than his chronological age. It is hard to believe the baby-faced Tong is only two years younger than McLean.
Whereas McLean sounds like a veteran pitcher when he speaks with the media, Tong in his pre- and postgame press conferences Friday showed a boyish exuberance. He had the same unbridled joy the winners of the Little League World Series do. That is refreshing in a world where athletes utter cliches in defeat or victory.
The Mets gave Jonah a dozen runs in the first two innings to stake him to an unheard-of 12-0 lead. Any pitcher would be thrilled to start a game with that kind of offensive support, but there was a downside as well.
Jonah had to wait over 50 minutes in the dugout while the Mets were sending up their entire
lineup during the first two innings. He understandably had a lot of nervous energy considering this was his big-league debut. He also appeared to have trouble establishing a rhythm as he was overthrowing his fastball. His mechanics were not fluid either.
It did not help that the Marlins, far from a top-tier team, do have hitters who make contact. They rarely swing at pitches out of the strike zone, and Friday was no different. The Marlins had traffic on the bases in the last four innings Tong pitched.
The huge early lead may have had a detrimental effect on their defense as both shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Pete Alonso made errors in a four-run fifth inning. It must be noted that the Marlins always seem to bring out the worst when it comes to Mets fundamentals.
As Mets broadcaster and Flushing native Gary Cohen pointed out, while the outcome of the game was not in doubt, Tong needed to finish five innings as all starters do to qualify for the win. The Mets’ sloppy fifth-inning defense, combined with the fact he had thrown over 90 pitches, suddenly made that a dicey proposition. Fortunately, Tong struck out fellow Ontario, Canada, native Liam Hicks, thanks to a generous call from the home plate umpire, to finish the fifth and earn the win.
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com Q
