Queens Chronicle 09-18-25

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

Candidates’ plans worry crime experts

Some say more cops or new agency would be costly and hard to achieve

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

With the Nov. 4 election less than two months away, public safety is an issue that voters will certainly take to the polls.

Crime in the city has declined consistently since January 2024, NYPD statistics show — last month, it was down by 6.7 percent compared to last year, and shooting incidents are at a record low.

Still, many New Yorkers do not feel safe in their communities. A survey from the Citizens Budget Commission found that less than half of city residents would rate public safety good or excellent in their neighborhoods.

Republican candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa has pledged to hire 7,000 more cops if elected, and the independent former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has promised 5,000. Sliwa also wants to raise officers’ starting salary — it is now $60,884, as per nypdrecruit.com — and Cuomo seeks to offer bonuses and incentives to active and recently retired cops.

Some candidates for mayor think bolstering the police force is the answer. Encumbent Mayor Adams, a former police captain running as an independent, supports hiring more cops — his administration has expanded eligibility requirements, and the NYPD says it is on pace to hire the most new officers in recorded history this year. Adams’ campaign website also says his public safety plan includes reinventing the anti-crime unit as an antigun unit, expanding community-based interventions and precision policing.

“The reality is that we can’t keep the city safe unless we hire more cops and keep the ones we already have,” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said in a statement sent to the Chronicle. “To do that, we need meaningful improvements to police officers’ quality of life and compensation.”

The PBA has not formally endorsed any candidate.

Detectives’ Endowment Association President Scott Munro told the paper the city needs to hire more cops, but people have to be willing to take the job, and until they do, “it’s all a bunch of talk.” Former Police Commissioner Robert McGuire also voiced concerns about how much it would cost to hire more officers, and where the money would come from.

Cuomo’s public safety plan states that cutting overtime in half would nearly cover the cost of expanding the force as he plans to do.

some crime experts support hiring more cops, as

have cast doubt on its feasibility. Several also cited concerns about the effectiveness of

dani’s proposed Department of Community Safety.

Auditing city spending to cut waste is among Sliwa’s campaign promises, and to combat what his campaign page calls the “overtime crisis,” he aims to let officers volunteer to work extra hours, with limits.

Cops are paid one and a half times their regular pay rate for overtime work, which is often mandatory. A report from the city Comptroller’s Office found that the NYPD

through February 2023 spent $472 million on overtime, already overshooting its $374 million budget for that fiscal year, which started the prior July. The New York Times also reported earlier this year that the NYPD’s reliance on overtime as more and more officers leave the force has cost the department more than $1 billion.

continued on page 8

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

Harvard University, A.B.

St.

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

While

several mayoral hopefuls plan to do, they

Mam-

Leading with heart and a focus on equity

D 27 acting Superintendent Compson talks education, goals for area schools

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

After more than two decades in education, Melissa Compson has stepped into the role of acting superintendent of District 27 with a mission to build on its recent academic gains and ensure that all students, from Ozone Park to the Rockaways, receive the support and sense of belonging they need to thrive.

Compson, who since January has been the district’s acting superintendent in the place of Superintendent David Norment while he is on leave, is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo. Her first job was teaching kindergarten in the district where she went to school, and when she decided she wanted a change of scene, Compson headed to New York City for a summer teaching job.

“And since then, I’ve never left,” she told the Chronicle. “I eventually got a regular teaching job — I started in the Rockaways, and I stayed there as an assistant principal.”

After that, Compson moved on to be the founding principal of Queens Explorers Elementary School in Ozone Park.

“I loved being a principal,” Compson said, adding that it was one of her favorite jobs. “It’s probably the part of my career that I am really most proud of.”

After that, she moved on to being a depu-

mond Hill and Rockaway. COURTESYPHOTO

ty superintendent.

“That position taught me so much,” Compson said. “You’re assisting the superintendent, but you’re learning at the same time.”

Now, as acting superintendent, Compson is driven by her lifelong passion for education and a deep connection to the district. She’s leading with both heart and vision at the start of this school year.

“Our district is very diverse, and I think that is its strength,” she said. “We are able to kind of dive deep into our diversity and make sure that the plan for our district is supportive of a diverse community.”

Compson said she looks at schools individually and thinks about what each may need.

“As an educator, you think to yourself, ‘Fairness isn’t everyone getting the same. Fairness is everyone getting what they need.’ And so we kind of take that approach in District 27,” she said. “We all have high expectations for all of our schools, we have goals that are the same for all of our schools, but the path that each school takes to get there might be a little different.”

raised their scores by around 8.5 percent, she said. In math, students had a 6.3 percent growth.

“That leaves us at about 55 percent of students in ELA at or above grade level, and about 56 percent in math,” Compson said. “So we’re really thinking about what we need to do to continue this positive momentum in our district.”

The values, according to Compson, include supporting a culture of learning, ensuring students feel a sense of belonging, consistency and high quality materials and instruction across the district’s 50 schools.

“Our district is very diverse, and I think that is its strength.”

— District 27 Acting Superintendent Melissa Compson

Compson said the goal is to continue progressing in education. On the state English language arts exams, students in District 27

“And we want coherence,” Compson added. “We want every student coming in and thinking, ‘OK, I can master this.’”

She expressed confidence in her schools’ students, teachers and other staff.

“We have to use education as the leverage point to improve not only students’ lives, but perhaps the lives of whole families,” Compson said. “That’s really where our passion comes from, and that’s what we’re looking to do in District 27.” Q

Mayor signs an executive order to establish a brand-new commission Adams makes push for universal afterschool

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Mayor Adams on Sept. 12 announced he had signed an executive order to create a Commission on Universal Afterschool in an effort to deliver a system that is sustainable in the long term, according to a press release from City Hall.

The commission will produce strategic recommendations to address issues facing the afterschool ecosystem, such as funding, provider capacity, program quality, areas for innovation and improving equity and access for underserved populations. It will work closely with the city Department of Youth and Community Development and the Department of Education as they develop their recommendations and will complement the DYCD’s current afterschool procurement process.

In May, the DYCD released a concept paper for the Comprehensive After School System of New York City and School’s Out New York City programs to receive feedback from the public. The comment period ended July 15, and the feedback collected will help to inform a request for proposals that is to be

released sometime this fall.

The commission supports Adams’ vision of afterschool for all public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It

builds upon a $331 million commitment to support the addition of 20,000 new seats over the next three school years, bringing universal afterschool programming to 184,000 pub-

lic school students as funding is increased to $755 million annually.

The Commission on Universal Afterschool is co-chaired by Grace Bonilla, the president and CEO of United Way of New York City, and Dennis Walcott, the president and CEO of the Queens Public Library.

Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives

Ana Almanzar, DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will serve as ex-officio members, and Almanzar’s chief strategy officer, Michael Nolan, will serve as the commission’s executive director.

Angelica Hill, an Ozone Park resident, said that as a school social worker and a single mother, she sees firsthand how universal afterschool programs provide a safe and structured environment for children.

“These programs help students stay engaged in learning, build social skills and receive academic support that many families can’t afford privately,” Hill told the Chronicle.

She said the programs offer peace of mind for working parents, knowing that their chil-

continued on page 12

Acting Superintendent Melissa Compson spoke to the Chronicle this week about her goals for District 27, which encompasses 50 schools in Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Howard Beach, Rich-

The city last week announced the creation of the Commission on Universal Afterschool, aiming to deliver a sustainable program to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

In HB, candlelit promises to remember

Howard Beach residents paid respects to lives lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11 at a candlelit vigil last Thursday evening, in the parking lot of St. Helen Roman Catholic Church.

In row one, at left, community members take in the moment during the vigil; the event’s organizer, Frances Scarantino of Stars Community Center, left, watches on as Bianca Zelaya sings “God Bless America”; a woman lends a flame to another.

Nominations for Flag Award

The team behind the Flag Award for Teaching Excellence has announced the opening of nominations for its annual awards program, which recognizes and rewards extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through passion, creativity and commitment.

Six grand-prize winners — one from each borough and one 3-K through fifth grade educator from any borough — will each receive a $25,000 cash prize.

Their schools will each receive $10,000 for arts-based initiatives designed by the winners.

Finalists will each receive $10,000, and their schools will receive $5,000 to support arts programming.

Nominations are open now through Nov. 30. Semifinalists will be notified in February 2026, and winners will be announced in June. Full-time teachers in city public schools, grades 3-K through 12, with a minimum of five years teaching experience are eligible.

To nominate an educator, go online to flagaward.org/nominate-your-teacher. Students, parents, school faculty and other school community members may send a nomination. Q

In row two, residents stand for the national anthem; Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato addresses the crowd and discusses the day’s importance; Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton recalls that fateful day 24 years ago; Frank Lombardi, retired chief engineer of the Port Authority of NY and NJ, tells the crowd of his experience at the World Trade Center that day; and attendees observe the ceremony in the candlelight. — Kristen Guglielmo

No criminal penalties for street vendors

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Offenses related to street vending, such as operating without a license, are being decriminalized, after the City Council last Wednesday overrode Mayor Adams’ vetoes of several workplace protection bills.

Intro. 47B, introduced by Councilman

Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), removes misdemeanor penalties for general and mobile food vendors, meaning violators only face civil consequences. The veto was overriden 35-9, with three abstentions.

Krishnan said in a statement that the vote was a “decisive victory for immigrants” in the city, and that his bill protects vendors from jail time and potential immigration consequences. Many of the city’s street vendors are immigrants, both legal and not, and noncitizens could face detention, deportation or arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if convicted. The bill takes effect in six months.

“We will ensure that safeguards are in place so that even if this Mayor, who is beholden to the President, tries to undo them, we stand strong,” he said.

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro said

illegal vending is an “economic justice issue” that undermines small businesses and licensed vendors.

“In the guise of decriminalizing illegal vending, this bill effectively legalizes it by leaving no real penalty for illegal vending,” Mastro said in a statement, claiming that illegal sellers will be fined no more than $50 under the bill.

The Council also overrode Adams’ vetoes of Intro. 1133A in a 40-7 vote, and Intro. 1135A by 39-8. Sponsored by Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-Brooklyn, Queens), Intro. 1133A gives all delivery workers the same protections as those who deliver food. Intro. 1135A, by Councilmember Sandy Nurse (D-Brooklyn), sets a minimum wage for grocery deliveristas.

“Behind every delivery is a worker trying to earn a living and put food on the table,” Nurse said. “Today, we say no to poverty wages and to a Mayor who has abandoned working people.”

“Let’s be honest — grocery prices are already too high, and now is not the right time to do anything that would drive these prices even higher,” a City Hall spokesperson said in a statement. Q

A free swing show on 9/19

All are welcome to a free night of music and dance at the Forest Park Bandshell on Friday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., as The Hot Toddies Jazz Band and singer Hannah Gill take the stage at an event sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven).

The evening will commence with a beginner’s dance lesson conducted by Margaret Batiuchok, who co-founded the New York Swing Dance Society in 1985 and launched the Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing series with Frankie Manning.

The Hot Toddies Jazz Band has played consistently at Manhattan’s Somewhere Nowhere club since May 2022, and turned it into a popular jazz night with about 300 attendees per show. To top it all off, Paul Capocasale, whom Addabbo described as a “community staple,” will serve as the evening’s emcee.

“I’m hosting this swing concert because it showcases the best of New York’s live music culture, high energy, community, and a shared love of dance,” Addabbo said in a statement. “This band embodies the city’s vibrant arts scene, supports local venues and inspires people of all ages to come together, celebrate, and move to the music.” Q

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Crime experts on the reality of mayoral hopefuls’ safety plans

continued from page 2

Peter Moskos, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said that while hiring more cops can be budgeted for, it is “a little bit of a dream” when recruitment is so difficult.

“But it comes from the philosophy that policing is good,” Moskos told the Chronicle Sunday. “I think Sliwa, in that part, has a much better track record of understanding the importance than Cuomo, who did sign a lot of the reform bills when he was governor ... reasonable people can disagree about their impact, but those bills were not pro-policing.”

Sliwa aims to expand the NYPD’s candidate pool by eliminating officers’ city residency requirement and modernizing recruitment strategies. Cuomo last month announced plans to give bonuses to new NYPD hires and retention incentives for experienced officers.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a recent CBC breakfast that last summer, the city put 2,500 officers in desk jobs back on the streets, which a spokesperson said is a wise use of funds.

As his opponents talk about different ways to get more officers, Democratic nominee and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), who is leading in the polls, is taking a different approach.

Arguing that police cannot focus on their jobs because they are forced to handle “the

failures of our social safety net,” he hopes to launch a new Department of Community Safety. As per his campaign website, the new agency would invest in citywide mental health programs and crisis response, deploy dedicated outreach officers in subway stations and increase funding to hate and violence prevention programs by 800 percent, among other measures.

McGuire said one must be “very careful” about the reality of creating a new department, though he does not oppose improving community-police relations.

“It makes total sense to assist people who are homeless, who are drug-addicted, but the complexity of doing all of that in order to stop violence on the streets is almost impossible without spending an enormous amount of money,” McGuire said. The Department of Community Safety’s budget would be $1.1 billion, the 17-page proposal states, and it would be paid for by reallocating existing funds, cutting waste and generating new revenue when needed.

“When you hear any political figure talk about fraud, waste and abuse, it’s a code word for ‘I don’t know where that money is coming from,’” McGuire said, adding that those things certainly exist, but they are difficult and time-consuming to root out.

“I think the objective and the ideal is laudatory,” he said. “I think the execution, personally, is almost impossible to achieve, under the circumstances.” He cited the

state’s deinstitutionalization of mental health services, the rise of fentanyl and the city’s sheer size as major challenges, later adding that he worries about funding sources amid federal cuts.

Finances permitting, Moskos said, he would support much of Mamdani’s community safety plan as public policy, but “it’s not a crime-prevention policy.”

“The problem with homeless people on the subway is not that they don’t know services are out there ... they’re service-resistant, and there’s no plan to change that,” Moskos said. He said cops would love not to handle nonessential calls, but plans to make that happen are often presented as alternatives to policing, which is “putting the cart before the horse.”

“We’ll know when we need less policing, but until then, let’s do something that works, and then we can talk about it,” he said.

While Moskos expressed concerns about potential cuts to the NYPD budget, citing Mamdani’s previous support for defunding the police, he said the political will to put offenders behind bars also is key to addressing crime.

“I’d say the money for policing, it’s less important than being supportive of policing,” Moskos said. “I’d take a little less money and great leadership over more money sort of squandered.”

Mamdani has said he would maintain the force’s current numbers and appoint a com-

missioner with police experience, The New York Times reported. He also said last week that he would apologize for a 2020 Twitter post he made calling the NYPD “racist, antiqueer & a major threat to public safety.”

“He may be the mayor of the biggest city in the country, and there’s no room for mistakes,” Munro said. He also doubted Mamdani’s emphasis on crisis response, saying it would put the lives of mental health professionals in cops’ hands, too.

The DEA was among the dozen law enforcement unions that endorsed Adams — Munro said he did right by the police, so the detectives’ union is doing right by him.

“Eric Adams understands this city, understands what we need,” Munro said. “Moving forward, we’re still sticking with our endorsement.”

Moskos said Adams “brought corruption into the top levels of the NYPD,” but other than that, he has not been a bad mayor. McGuire applauded Tisch in her role as commissioner and said it would be helpful, if politically unusual, for her to retain her post, no matter who takes City Hall next.

Blaming many problems with law enforcement on the bail reform laws signed by Cuomo as governor, Munro applauded Gov. Hochul’s changes to them, but condemned her endorsement of Mamdani.

“If Mamdani gets in or the past governor gets in, we’re going backwards,” Munro said. Q

EDITORIAL AGEP

Another Albany legal ‘reform’ horror

The horrific murder of Frank and Maureen Olton in their Bellerose home cries out for some kind of legislative response, something, anything, to prevent such a crime. Yet all we have to do is go back to the law as it stood in 2021 — and enforce it.

The defendant in the murders, which included the apparent stabbing and burning of longtime residents known and loved by many, has a long history of violent crime.

Just like the guy whose alleged attempt at a carjacking got a cop shot in Whitestone last month. Just like so many of the crooks you’ve never heard of until they do something so heinous it makes the news and their records are revealed.

The Oltons’ alleged killer should have been locked up for a recent parole violation — not reporting his address as required of the convicted sex offender that he is — if not for a recent gift to us from the state Legislature and governor.

It’s the Less is More Law, and what it is amounts to less common sense and more naive coddling of the precious criminal class. To the fools who foisted this, less caring about parole violations is more ... what? We don’t know. More crime for normal people like the Oltons to endure?

Signed by Gov. Hochul in 2021 — two years after her

predecessor signed the related, insane bail “reform” bill — the law creates new obstacles for law enforcement and the courts to overcome when parolees violate the law, letting them roam free instead of being returned to prison. According to the admittedly opinionated New York Post, using state Division of Criminal Justice Services figures, the effect has been dramatic. While 17,633 parolees committed new crimes for which they were arrested in 2021, 10,121, or 57 percent, remained free. In 2024, 20,968 parolees committed new crimes, and 17,825, or 85 percent remained free.

That’s how you end up with a four-time violent felon like the guy who allegedly spent five hours committing horrific acts in the Oltons’ home walking around free. (And what ever happened to the “three strikes and you’re out” Persistent Offender Law in New York State?)

We know the current crop of elected officials in Albany will not undo the damage they have done; a little tweaking around the edges for good press is all they’re capable of. But perhaps one day we can reverse the Less is More Law and save some lives. Maybe we can pass a new law that isn’t so much kind to the criminal as to the law-abiding citizen he victimizes. Maybe we can call it The Oltons’ Law.

Austin for autos

We hope everyone had a splendid time last Sunday when a block of Austin Street in the heart of Forest Hills was closed to traffic so folks could frolic free-range from curb to curb. We also hope that remains a rare occurrence. It’s great to have periodic fairs that shut down a couple blocks of some street for a day or two, though residents get tired of any that last too long. But that’s not what the shutdown of Austin from 71st Avenue to 71st Road was about. It was, as the organizers say, part of a drive to “get permanent safety improvements” made there. They wanted traffic diverted every weekend from July to Halloween, but even the car-hating city Department of Transportation wouldn’t do it. What they really want are wider sidewalks, cars gone, maybe a busway with bike lanes. The heck with that. Austin’s jammed because Austin’s happening. It’s a bustling business strip. It won’t be if it’s closed to autos, no matter what Copenhagen dreams some folks may harbor. People need to drive to it and find parking , which is already hard. Nip this in the bud.

MARK WEIDLER

President & Publisher

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Jail crooks, save lives

Dear Editor:

Re Michael Gannon’s Sept. 11 report “Update: arrest in Bellerose killings” (qchron.com):

The tragic, tortured murder of an elderly Queens couple might have been averted if New York State’s parole system had not committed two fatal errors. Jamel McGriff, an exconvict and career criminal, was arrested and charged with murder, arson and robbery. Prior to his arrest, he had been on parole since 2023 after serving nearly 17 years of a 20-year sentence for a 2006 conviction for robbery, burglary and a sexual assault.

Police said he remained free despite failing to register his address, as required for all convicted sex offenders, following his release from prison. These disturbing facts raise two crucial questions: Why was McGriff given an early release from his sentence? Why was he not cited for a parole violation after failing to register his address after his release?

Had he served his full sentence, or had he been cited for a parole violation and returned to prison, he likely would have been locked up on the day that Frank and Maureen Olton were brutally killed.

These two tragic failures result from a flawed parole system that also freed 43 convicted cop killers over the past eight years (New York Post, June 22). McGriff remained free, despite his parole violation, because of a

“Less Is More” law passed by the state Legislature in 2021, said the New York Post (Sept. 14). The law requires a lengthy court review process to determine the guilt of parole violators, noted the Post: “It also created a threestrike policy giving them a pass on their first two violations.”

New York State’s “progressive” legislators and parole system supervisory staffers are among a legion of woke warriors who prioritize “restorative justice” over public safety. They say that we can’t incarcerate our way out of violent crime. Yes we can, and we should. It’s time to put all violent criminals in prison, and throw out of office the public officials who fail to protect us from them.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

MTA admits overbilling

Dear Editor:

Back in May 2025 the MTA E-Z Pass habitually failed to grant congestion relief zone crossing credits. After giving drivers like me

the runaround for months (“Congestion overcharging,” Letters, July 17), finally the agency is coming clean (its e-mail is below).

Dear Valued Customer,

We recently reviewed E-ZPass accounts to ensure all eligible customers have received the correct crossing credits. During that review, we identified some crossing credits that our vendor incorrectly failed to apply to your account. We are writing to let you know that we discovered this error and that we are working with the third-party vendor to resolve it. No action is required from you.

If you still wish to speak to a customer service representative, call 800-333-8655. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you,

E-ZPass NY Service Center.

It’s unclear whether the total overcharges are in the hundred thousands or the millions, but perhaps a reporter can inquire. Maybe in another few months after further studies I’ll even get my $3 credit.

Scott Avidon Kew Gardens

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Resilience is vital

Dear Editor:

As a native resident of Queens, I appreciated learning more about the innovative “cloudburst” system in Southeast Jamaica for flood mitigation amidst climate change (“‘Cloudburst’ system turns NYCHA site into a sponge,” Sept. 4, multiple editions). These types of projects demonstrate safeguarding communities via local investment in resilient infrastructure.

Not only does climate change constitute a local issue, but it also constitutes a global public health challenge. If $12 billion in unobligated fiscal year 2024 funds is left unobligated without an extension, this risks hindering worldwide access to innovations like the cloudburst system.

I implore U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support the extension of the availability of FY24 foreign assistance funds for an additional year in the upcoming continuing resolution. This extension does not just maintain the responsibility of Congress, but also ensures climate change solutions applied in New York apply everywhere.

Raitah Jinnat Jamaica Estates The writer is a student at Hunter College in Manhattan, majoring in computer science.

Peace through teen art

Dear Editor:

I used to think making a difference came later, when you became an adult, gained experience or earned a title. But the truth is, waiting doesn’t work. The world needs us now. My name is Brianna Rizzo, and I’m a sophomore at Christ the King High School, a Girl Scout, a Creative Visions ambassador and, above all, a teen who believes we can create change through art.

People often call teens “the future,” but what about the present? Too often, our voices get dismissed. That’s where art comes in. It makes people stop, think, and feel in ways words sometimes can’t. Earlier this year, I helped lead a pop-up event at the Flag Art Foundation, where visitors wrote messages of peace on blocks and added them to a giant Tumble Tower. Every block made peace feel both fragile and possible and, through Students Rebuild, every block also raised funds for real-world peacebuilding. That’s when I realized creativity doesn’t just inspire — it has impact.

Art also opened surprising doors. At my school, sports dominate, so we launched “Peace in Sportsmanship.” At first, athletes didn’t see the connection. But through conversations and art activities, it clicked. Sportsmanship is peace in action. It’s proof that art belongs everywhere, even in spaces people don’t expect.

Write a Letter!

We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited for length, clarity and other reasons. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published. Those received anonymously are discarded.

I also took a chance and applied to a program designed for educators. To my surprise, I was welcomed as the only youth ambassador worldwide, given a $500 grant, and turned it into $5,000 for peace. That taught me you don’t need permission to step up. You just need one yes.

So here’s my challenge to you: Don’t wait. Create. Lead. Use your art, your voice, your ideas, because the world needs us now.

Brianna Rizzo

Howard Beach

A longer, related piece by the writer is available in the Columns section at qchron.com.

Title destination

Dear Editor:

As a complement to my letter last week about the travails of the new Queens bus routes as they apply to Queens Boulevard’s Q60 bus (“Bus line redesign woes”), I’d like to point out the element of the new system that, in retrospect, has caused me the most aggravation.

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Since before Aug. 31, the Q60s have displayed a new Manhattan destination sign that says “Lenox Hill.” What? I wondered in despair when I first saw those signs. Is the bus now traveling to Lenox Hill Hospital (100 East 77 St.)? As it turns out, Lenox Hill begins on the East Side at 60th Street — which encompasses the site of what was the Q60’s last stop in Manhattan and its first stop as it journeyed back to Queens. The site (marvelously? inexplicably?) is still the bus’ first and last stop in Manhattan.

But how many Q60 passengers know the boundaries of Lenox Hill, or that the last and first stops haven’t changed? I daresay the answer is few to none (a friend had to explain the geography to me).

The Q60’s Manhattan destination sign used to read “East Manhattan-2 Av.” Simple, precise, useful. Why couldn’t the transit system’s bus mavens leave well enough alone?

Howard Schneider Rego Park

Dems must see big picture

Dear Editor:

I believe the national Democratic Party needs to investigate the demographics of the young voters in New York City supporting Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor to make sure it does not automatically assume that young voters across the country feel the same way.

I note that there are many “trust fund” kids living in New York City. That is, a lot of young people who support Mamdani have moved to New York City, with their wealthy parents subsidizing their housing and living expenses. Mamdani himself is an only child whose parents are upper class. He admitted in a June 10, 2025, article in The New York Times, his upbringing was “privileged,” saying he “never had to want for something.”

continued on next page

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Weed business owners get a reprieve in court

Proximity rule not enforced until Feb. 15

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Weeks after 12 cannabis licensees, including two in Queens, sued the state Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board because the agency abruptly reinterpreted a school-distance proximity rule, businesses facing closure won a temporary reprieve in court.

The Cannabis Place in Middle Village and Common Courtesy Dispensary, LLC in Jamaica are the two Queens plaintiffs.

Until this past July, the OCM had measured the distance of a dispensary from a school’s front door, but later clarified the 500-foot proximity rule must be measured from the school’s property line to the entrance of a cannabis retailer.

More than 150 applicants and licensees were affected by the change, including more than 20 in Queens.

Dispensaries that already opened are able to operate until their license is up for renewal, and applicants have to find a new location before moving ahead in the process.

The OCM and Governor’s Office do not comment on pending litigation, but have previously said they are working with the state Legislature to explore avenues to let the affected owners continue to operate.

The Aug. 15 lawsuit, filed in Albany County, petitions the state Supreme Court to block the correction to the proximity rule and find the businesses in compliance under the initial interpretation of the regulation.

Now, enforcement of the revised policy will be delayed until Feb. 15, as first reported by The New York Times.

According to a legal filing submitted by the state Attorney General’s Office last Wednesday, the OCM and Cannabis Control Board must follow the policy written before July’s clarification.

“Unless Respondent moves to vacate or modify this injunction at an earlier date, by agreement of the parties, the injunction expires on February 15, 2026, without further order of the Court,” the filing states. Q

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

continued from previous page

Most young people outside New York City do not have the luxury of having parents subsidize their living expenses. As a result, they must earn a living and do not have time to ring doorbells to urge people to vote for Mamdani.

I believe it would be a good investment for the national Democratic Party to ask young people whose shoes they would rather be in, those of an entrepreneur such as Elon Musk, who has improved humanity by bringing innovations and creating thousands of jobs in the fields of electric vehicles, solar energy, aerospace and health care, or a politician like Mamdani, for whom being a rapper named Mr. Cardamom is one of his major contributions to humanity.

David Soukup Sunnyside

Nasty and ineffective

Dear Editor:

Over the last several years, I have noticed that the same three or four letter writers to the Chronicle have been vicious in their attacks on Donald Trump. They do not phrase their contempt as disapproval of his policies, but rather offer them as an attack on his character and him as a human being. However, a recent letter seemed to have sunk to a new low (“Nazism is here,” Sept. 11).

Supporting our veterans

The author ended his diatribe with the phrase “Sic semper tyrannis.” This phrase, which was never used by Shakespeare in either English or Latin versions, was used by John Wilkes Booth, when he assassinated Abraham Lincoln. What was the author, if not imploring, at least suggesting, that we do? He seemed to be arguing for a preemptive strike of getting Trump before he takes our lives.

When will the authors realize that calling somebody a Nazi, racist, a sexist or a homophobe simply means that you don’t like them? These terms are not likely to get me, or anybody else, to support their hate-filled opinions. Simply specify what you don’t like about their positions and, more importantly, explain why yours are better. The above referenced letter writer offered no suggestion about what we should do with illegal aliens, who jump the line ahead of others who are patiently waiting their turn.

Michael Gallagher Forest Hills

A Sharpie-witted one

Dear Editor:

President Trump denies signing Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday card. He must have done it with the Autopen.

Ray

Neighborhood veterans gathered for an afternoon of food and festivities on Sept. 6 at the annual veterans BBQ at the Howard Beach Motor Boat Club, hosted by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., top right.

“As I often remind people, every day honors our veterans, and we should extend our gratitude and appreciation beyond just a few designated days,” Addabbo said in a statement.

“That’s why my team and I host this gathering annually, to express our thanks to local veterans and their families for their sacrifices in defense of our country and its freedoms. It’s

Afterschool

continued from page 4

dren are cared for and not left unsupervised.

“Universal afterschool programs also reduce disparities by giving all students, regardless of income or background, access to enrichment opportunities,” Hill said. “Investing in universal access is not just a support for families, but a commitment to the success and wellbeing of the entire community.”

the very least we can do to honor them.”

Many businesses throughout Addabbo’s district donated food, gifts and their time, and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, top center, helped dole out food. The afternoon’s entertainment was emceed by Richie D’Auria, and included a bagpipe performance by Pete McMahon and trumpet playing by U.S. Army veteran Johnny Christ.

“No single person could pull off an event this large, and I’m grateful to many individuals who helped make this year’s barbecue a major success for our veterans,” Addabbo said.

“He had trouble making friends, and since he’s started afterschool, I see a change in him,” Martinez said. “He’s happier. They play all kinds of games, sports. He can get homework help.”

Walcott in a statement said he’s honored to be appointed by Adams alongside a group of “incredibly dedicated individuals to establish a secure foundation of highquality afterschool programming for the next generation of New Yorkers.”

Hackinson Ozone

Park

Another parent, Rosa Martinez of Jamaica, said afterschool programs are a “savior” for her elementary school-aged son.

He added, “It is crucial that children and families have affordable access to opportunities that provide continued learning, connection, and growth when the school day ends, and I look forward to the work ahead of us to support them.” Q

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Man murders teen after sex rebuff: DA

R’velt Ave. defendant has pending DWI case and immigration warrant

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

She rejected his advances, so he killed her. That’s what happened early last Saturday morning on Roosevelt Avenue, according to police and prosecutors, when Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, encountered Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez, 16, and her family.

Gomez, drunk, allegedly drove his full-size SUV onto the sidewalk, hitting Jhoanny, her mother and stepfather from behind, while the teen’s boyfriend scrambled out of the way.

Jhoanny was killed, her body left crumpled against a light pole. Her mother and stepfather were injured.

The trouble had started a few minutes earlier, at about 4:10 a.m. when the victims were walking down Roosevelt between Elmhurst Avenue and Benham Street, on the ElmhurstJackson Heights border, according to the office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Standing outside the Prima Donna Restaurant were Gomez and several other men.

“The defendant began harassing the victim and her mother, offering them both money for sexual acts,” the DA’s Office said in a press release. “A verbal dispute ensued and then escalated into a physical altercation between the victim’s stepfather and the defendant. Bystanders intervened and separated the men.”

The family then crossed to the other side of

the street. Gomez allegedly got into his vehicle, a gray 2009 Chevrolet Suburban, which was double-parked on Roosevelt, turned and roared onto the sidewalk, hitting his victims.

He then reversed and drove down Benham Street against the posted direction until he hit a parked van, the DA’s Office said, and fled on foot. He later turned himself in to police, allegedly claiming he had been assaulted.

Emergency Medical Services declared Jhoanny dead at the scene, police said. Her mother was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst in stable condition.

According to the criminal complaint against Gomez, the two surviving victims who were injured suffered substantial pain and various bruising, abrasions and lacerations to different parts of their bodies.

Gomez, of Uniondale, LI, was arraigned Monday on charges of murder in the second degree, three counts of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and related violations. His blood alcohol content allegedly was .137, above the criminal threshold of .08.

He faces at least 25 years to life in prison if convicted, and is due back in court Sept. 19.

NYPD: Elderly man murdered by his son

Senior fatally stabbed in Howard Beach

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A 76-year-old man was fatally stabbed last weekend at his home in Howard Beach, according to the NYPD. His son has since been arrested for the murder.

Cops on Saturday, Sept. 13 responded to a 911 call of an assault inside of a home, on 102nd Street near 159th Avenue, at approximately 11:40 p.m., within the confines of the 106th Precinct.

A senior was fatally

by his son last Saturday at their home

Upon arrival, officers found John Muraco, 76, with a stab wound to his chest, police said. EMS responded and pronounced Muraco deceased on the scene.

Howard

criminal possession of a weapon. The motive for the killing, if known, was not publicly disclosed.

Jhoanny’s death was lamented on social media. On TikTok, where she had some videos, commenters went from complimenting her appearance to hoping that she will rest in peace and discussing the horror of her death.

“How beautiful she was,” said one post, as translated from Spanish. “May God give comfort to her family.”

“Rest in peace, queen,” said another.

Jhoanny’s family lives on Broadway in Manhattan. CBS News said it spoke with her mother over social media.

Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez was 16 when she was killed early last Saturday morning in front of her family. SCREENSHOTVIA

“She was a very happy girl,” the outlet reported her as saying. “Everyone adored her for how humble and simple she was. She had no problems with anyone. She was a princess and that heartless man took her away from me. We just want justice for my daughter. Please — that man has to pay for taking my daughter away from me — that man has to pay.”

TIKTOK/SARA_GOMEZ.28

Before allegedly killing Jhoanny, Gomez already was facing a DWI charge in Nassau County, LI. A state trooper pulled him over for allegedly going 90 mph on the 55-mph Southern State Parkway at about 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 26. The location was around Exit 19, where the villages of Rockville Centre and Hempstead meet.

A field sobriety test found that his BAC was .09 percent, and a later exam at the State Police barracks put it at .12 percent, according to records provided by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

His son, Carl Muraco, 25, who according to cops also lives at the residence, was taken into custody and the following day, at 8:20 a.m., was charged with murder and

Gomez is being held on Rikers Island with no bail option, according to city records. A native of Honduras, he also faces an immigration warrant, indicating unlawful presence in the United States.

“The vehicle was observed aggressively changing lanes with no blinker at the high rate of speed,” the troooper’s notes say. While the trooper saw evidence of drinking, “Gomez stated he did not consume any alcohol and was on his way home from Queens.” He lived in Hempstead at the time, according to the records. The Suburban had New York license plates then; it has North Carolina tags now. Gomez also was charged with driving with a suspended license and speeding in Nassau on June 26. He is due in court on all charges in that county on Oct. 1. Q

according to police. PHOTOBYPJMARCEL FDNY units, including approximately 100 fire and EMS personnel, responded to a 2-alarm blaze at 95-12 Jamaica Ave., a mixed-used three-story building in Woodhaven, just after noon on Sept. 10.

Photos shared with the Chronicle from the scene at around midnight Sunday showed the street blocked off with police tape, and cop cars near the home. Q

The fire was under control by 1:16 p.m., the FDNY said, and fire marshals are investigating its cause.

A small dog was rescued from the build-

ing, inset, and no injuries were reported.

“The fire was in a setback on the second floor with extension to the second and third floors of the main building,” FDNY Deputy Chief Scott Barvels said in a statement posted to the department’s Facebook page. He added, “Our units worked quickly and aggressively to extinguish the fire.”

stabbed

in

Beach,

— Kristen Guglielmo

Hundreds attend vigil outside couple’s Bellerose home; suspect charged Neighbors remember the Oltons

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The burned-out Bellerose home where Frank and Maureen Olton lived for decades served as the backdrop last Friday for a memorial service and candlelight vigil that drew hundreds to 254th Street and 87th Drive.

Many visitors before and after the ceremony added flowers and candles or just knelt in silent prayer at a memorial set up beneath still-present yellow fire scene tape.

The ceremony took place one day after Jamel McGriff of the Bronx was formally charged with first-degree murder for allegedly robbing, torturing and killing the Oltons before setting the house on fire.

Funeral plans were not known at the Chronicle’s deadline.

“Tonight we remember two individuals who gave their all for the community,” Borough President Donovan Richards said, “who sacrificed, who made sure this community was left better than they found it.”

Richards was among those who mentioned the horrifying randomness of the crime.

“This could have been any of us,” he said. “This could have been any of our children. Any of our grandparents. Any of our parents. This could have been our brothers and sisters. But tonight we do not focus on the individual who did these heinous acts. We focus on two individuals who loved this community, who gave so much for this community. Tonight we mourn them. But we remember the legacy.”

Lourdes Villanueva Hartrick, president of the Bellerose Commonwealth Civic Association, said Frank Olton formerly held the post.

“He was someone you could always count on,” she said.

Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) and Council-

woman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) were pleased but not surprised by the turnout.

“Everyone reached out to the civic association and said, ‘Let’s do something,’” Vanel said. “We stand in solidarity. We are people standing together. That’s who we are. We are here to honor their lives and their legacy.”

“On such short notice all of us came out in support, which is a reflection of us,” Lee said. “It is reflection of this neighborhood. It is reflection of this community and how when tragedy happens, we all come together.”

Theresa Blaho was an example, saying she did not know the Oltons, and came out to show her support.

“I’m from Queens Village,” she said. “But our neighborhoods are close. Our kids grow up together. They play CYO sports together ...”

Cathy Crimmins was supporting her daughter, who knows the family.

“She taught catechism to one of their grandchildren at their church,” Crimmins said. “They’re a nice family.”

McGriff, 42, of the Bronx, has been charged with 12 counts of firstdegree murder and two counts each of second-degree murder and firstdegree kidnapping in a 37-count complaint that could get him life without parole.

He was out on parole after serving 16 years for a robbery in 2006 at the time he was arrested for the Oltons’ deaths. Police

76, and Maureen Olton, 77, dead in their Bellerose home on Sept. 8 more than five hours after McGriff allegedly forced his way into their house after asking for help.

“He was someone you could always count on.”

— Lourdes Villanueva Hartrick, on Frank Olton

Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at the time of the arrest that McGriff’s failure to register as a sex offender should have been enough to have violated his parole.

Firefighters found Frank Olton,

“This is a horrific double murder that has shocked our entire city,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “Frank and Maureen Olton were simply spending a Monday morning at home and their deaths have shattered the sense of safety and security in New York.”

The Chronicle has reached out for comment to The Legal Aid Society, which Katz’s office said is representing McGriff.

He also faces two counts of second-degree kidnapping; three counts

of first-degree burglary; two counts of second-degree arson; three counts of first-degree robbery; two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny; two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession stolen property; two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; two counts of third-degree identity theft; and single counts of second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and seconddegree identity theft.

McGriff allegedly forced his way into the Oltons’ residence at 10:08 a.m. on the day they were murdered and left five hours later. A few minutes after that, the Oltons’ son received a notification from an alarm company that there was a fire at the residence.

When the FDNY responded, Maureen Olton was in the living room with extensive burns to her body. She

also had sustained a fractured larynx and had soot in her trachea and one lung. Frank Olton was discovered in the basement with his hands bound with a cord and tied to a pole. He had been stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest, which caused his death. A fire had been set in the living room and a separate one in the basement.

At 5:54 p.m. McGriff allegedly used two of Frank Olton’s credit cards to make purchases totaling $796.10 at Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan. McGriff allegedly provided his own Macy’s loyalty card number for the transactions.

The next day McGriff allegedly deposited two cell phones belonging to the Oltons into a machine at a store that provides instant cash for phones. McGriff was apprehended by the NYPD on the evening of Sept. 10 in Manhattan. Q

Hundreds of people, many not even known to Frank and Maureen Olton, paid tribute to them at a candlelight vigil outside their home in Bellerose last Friday. A Bronx man is being held without bail after being charged with their murders last week.

PHOTOSBYMICHAELGANNON Friends, neighbors and complete strangers came to the intersection of 254th Street and 87th Drive in Bellerose last Friday to c elebrate the lives and mourn the loss of Frank and Maureen Olton, inset. A memorial

After lengthy proximity discussion, members OK two, nix two others Dispensary drama at CB 5 meeting

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

After a discussion that took up the bulk of the meeting, Community Board 5 last week approved two cannabis dispensary applications and rejected two others.

The board voted 28-15 against a smoke shop at 71-10 Grand Ave. in Maspeth. The Liquor License and Cannabis Committee had opposed it, citing less than 500 feet between the location and PS 58’s official entrance.

The site has long prompted pushback from neighbors — civic leaders and elected officials wrote to the Cannabis Control Board in April, alleging that the Office of Cannabis Management made an error in deeming it compliant with state law. They said there is less than the required 500 feet between the doors of PS 58 and the would-be store.

But the OCM on July 28 clarified its proximity regulations for schools, ruling that marijuana shops cannot be within 500 feet of a school’s property line.

“Unless the property line of this building includes the garden areas around it, this dispensary is not within 500 feet of any part of the building,” board member Diego Leclery said. Some back-and-forth ensued about whether the committee’s opposition was opinion-based or ministerial, but it adhered to its original position.

Community Board 5 members discussed four cannabis dispensary applications at length last Wednesday, before they rejected two and approved the others.

CB 5 District Manager Gary Giordano later told the Chronicle that he had written his own letter against the location, citing concerns about its distance from a bus stop often used by children from IS 73.

A marijuana shop at 65-17 68 Ave. in Glendale also was disapproved by a 36-7 vote during the meeting, held Sept. 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The committee cited proximity to Mafera Park as reason for disapproval — although state law permits them, the

committee opposes pot stores within 500 feet of a city park. Giordano said the board received an email saying the applicant plans to withdraw, but the vote was held anyway.

The board voted 21-17 not to object to a Middle Village dispensary, at 79-28 Metropolitan Ave. Although the site complies with state law, the committee was concerned about the dispensary’s potential impact on PS 87 and St. Margaret Catholic Academy.

Members also narrowly voted 19-16 not to

object to a shop at 689 Woodward Ave. in Ridgewood. The committee opposed it for its proximity to Rosemary’s Playground.

In other business, the 104th Precinct’s community affairs officer, Dilsia Bonilla, said thefts of catalytic converters and mail are on the rise. She also discussed a citywide jewelry scam targeting the elderly, which she said has come up in Middle Village and Maspeth. A perpetrator might find ways to snatch a piece of jewelry someone is wearing, or swap it for one of lesser value, Bonilla said. In his report, Giordano said crime has been declining in the 104th Precinct so far this year. Overall crime in the area is down by 10 percent for the year, he said, and by 4 percent citywide.

Alicia Vaichunas, deputy chief of staff to Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), said his office met with the 104th Precinct’s new Q-team, tasked with tackling quality-of-life issues. She said officers are aware of scooters and bikes “ripping up” Juniper Valley Park’s track, and they are working with the city Parks Department to install gates.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) also attended to share updates from their offices and honor longtime former CB 5 Chair Vinny Arcuri for his decades of service. Q

SCREENSHOTVIAYOUTUBE/CB5

Few winners in new federal tax cuts: comptroller

GOP won deductions for seniors and tipped workers, but study sees little impact

by Greg David THE CITY

This article was originally published on Sept. 15, 9:51 a.m. EDT and updated on Sept. 15, 4:46 p.m.by THE CITY

With the cuts to Medicaid, food aid and other safety net programs in the Republicans’ massive tax and spending law widely unpopular, New York Republican hopes in the 2026 state elections may depend on convincing New Yorkers that they are big beneficiaries of the tax cuts in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

It might be tough going.

The first analysis of how the tax cuts will affect New Yorkers from state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, released Monday, finds that provisions allowing deductions of some overtime pay and some car loan interest, and changes to the child tax credit, will have relatively little impact in the state.

Workers whose income is heavily dependent on tips are likely to see substantial savings on their federal income tax, but they make up only a small portion of the state’s workforce.

Republicans may have the most success with seniors — 90 percent of whom will benefit from a new tax deduction just for people age 65 and older.

But on the most politically crucial change, an increase in the deduction for state and local taxes, the comptroller was unable to determine how many state residents will be able to use the higher limit to reduce their federal income taxes.

All seven New York Republicans in the House voted in favor of the bill, five of whom represent swing districts and are regarded as vulnerable in 2026. Meanwhile, the energetic run for governor by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-North Country) has

given Republicans hopes of taking the governorship for the first time since 2006. After passage of the bill she hailed it as the “biggest tax cut ever for New Yorkers.”

Gov. Hochul wasted no time in using the report to bash her opponents.

“The comptroller’s report confirms what New Yorkers already knew: Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans care more about lining the pockets of the ultrawealthy than helping working families get by while they strip away healthcare to fund tax cuts for billionaires,” said spokesperson Kassandra White.

Most of the tax cuts are a result of making permanent changes made in the first administration of President Trump, with most of the benefits going to the wealthiest Americans.

Seniors are the one clear group of new winners. Almost 60 percent of New Yorkers will take advantage of the new $6,000 deduction that seniors making less than $75,000 can add to the standard deduction. While it phases out for those making more than $75,000, another 30 percent will receive some benefit.

DiNapoli studied statewide impacts. The limits are doubled for couples filing jointly except for the increased limit on state and local tax deductions, also known as SALT.

Workers who receive tips income in jobs that traditionally receive cash tips make up only 6 percent of the jobs in the state. That group — primarily wait staff, bartenders, personal care workers, delivery drivers and hotel staff — will be able to deduct $25,000 as long as they make less than $150,000. Median incomes for those jobs range from $33,000 to $62,000, DiNapoli’s report found. Given the standard deduction of $15,750,

PHOTOBYBENFRACTENBERG/THECITY

many of them will owe no federal income taxes.

The report notes the dual standard the law creates. A much larger number of home health care workers and child care workers make about the same amount of money, but will continue to pay income taxes.

A provision that allows taxpayers to exclude up to $12,500 in overtime pay is so complicated and requires so much added paperwork that many employers may wind up limiting overtime as a result, the report speculates. In any event, only 20 percent of New York workers appear to be eligible.

Since New Yorkers have the third lowest car loan debt in the nation, an interest deduction for loans of cars made in the United States between 2026 and the end of 2028 is likely to have little impact.

The changes to the child tax credit will provide slightly higher benefits to working New Yorkers who pay enough taxes to make the credit usable. But it also contains a provision requiring families to pro-

Donate blood to save lives

“Donate Today, Save Lives Tomorrow” is the motto of the New York Blood Center, which is seeking donors as the state continues to face a blood shortage.

All types are sought, but O-negative is especially useful. To help via a blood donation or a financial gift, visit nybc.org.

There are four places in and around Eastern and Southeast Queens listed now where people may donate:

• Holy Child Jesus Church, gym; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, at 111-02 86 Ave. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Helen Aviles;

• NYPD Transit District 20, Briarwood subway station mezzanine; 1 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Queens Boulevard and Main Street; blood drive coordinator Lt. Baury Reyes;

• American Airlines, first floor arrivals area; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at JFK Airport Terminal 8; blood drive coordinator Alex Perez; and

• St. Nicholas Tolentine, Tolentine Hall, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, at 150-75

Goethals Ave. in Jamaica Hills; blood drive coordinator Nilda Vargas. Q — Naeisha Rose

vide Social Security numbers for parents instead of just for the child.

A little over 2 million New Yorkers received $6 billion in credits in 2022, the last year for which data is available.

But the report was unable to answer the crucial question of whether the higher SALT cap, the key accomplishment of New York’s Republican congressional delegation, will help enough New Yorkers to be a political advantage.

The bill increases the amount that taxpayers who itemize can deduct to $40,000, up from $10,000.

But the DiNapoli report notes that about 90 percent of state tax filers take the standard deduction. The higher SALT limit phases out for those making more than $500,000 and is not available to anyone making more than $600,000.

So a married couple must have total deductions exceeding the $31,500 standard deduction but make less than $600,000. In addition, a total cap on deductions for those in the highest tax bracket

Forest Hills’ Church-in-the-Gardens is calling all those who wish to do some good.

The church invites altruistic-minded folks to a volunteer fair at its Community House from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 21. The recruitment event seeks to connect aspiring volunteers with representatives from regional nonprofits, with missions from cat rescue to eliminating hunger. Attendees can speak directly to organizational reps about partnership opportunities.

“There are a great many people in Queens — retirees, students, families — who would love to donate their time and

could further limit the number of people who could take advantage of the higher limit.

While the comptroller didn’t come up with a number, Bill Hammond of the conservative Empire Center said the data in the report suggests there will be hundreds of thousands of taxpayers on Long Island and the northern suburbs who will benefit.

Those include key swing districts represented by Republicans and potentially vulnerable Democrats Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Queens) and Laura Gillen (D-Nassau).

The opposing takes of the Empire Center and the progressive Fiscal Policy Institute foreshadow the debate likely to rage for the next year.

“While the comptroller is right that the number of people benefitting from the tips and overtime provisions is relatively small, it still includes a hundred thousand tipped workers, a hundred thousand workers getting overtime and several hundred thousand saving on their property taxes,” said Hammond.

The Fiscal Policy Institute says the report isn’t critical enough.

“A household in the top 1 percent will, on average, get a $100,000 annual tax break from the federal bill, and those tax cuts for the rich will come at the cost of 1.5 million New Yorkers losing their health insurance,” said executive director Nathan Gusdorf. “While some working-class households will see another $20 in each paycheck, they will also have to support their newly uninsured friends and family members who lose access to health care.” Q

THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.

skills to a great cause,” said Hal Christensen of the church’s World Service Committee, which organized the fair.

“This event will be the perfect way for them to learn about opportunities right here in Queens and about service-minded organizations that would love to have their help.”

The Church-in-the-Gardens’ Community House is located at 15 Borage Place. Admission is free, and the venue will give drivers temporary street parking permits. One may RSVP at tinyurl.com/bdfek64y, and call (718) 219-6243 to learn more. Q

Waiter Melo at Rincon Criollo, Aug. 7, 2023. Tipped workers will be able to take a new tax deduction but are just 6 percent of the workforce.

Opinions mixed on Austin open street

Closure of biz stretch bothers some, while others love the extra room

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Part of Austin Street went car-free last Sunday, to the delight of some neighbors and the chagrin of others.

The group Neighbors for a Safer Austin Street turned the stretch from 71st Avenue to 71st Road into a pedestrian plaza during a one-day open street event, which it refers to as Austin Day. With public seating, a kids’ corner and setups by some community groups, the pop-up served as a test run for the more frequent open street that the group hopes to orchestrate.

“Our goal here is to get permanent safety improvements on the street,” organizer Pedro Rodriguez told the Chronicle at the event. “While this is making the street safer today, tomorrow, it’s going to be gone.”

Neighbors for a Safer Austin Street formed in 2022 to relieve congestion and improve safety on the roadway. According to the group’s website, its petition urging the city to take measures such as widening sidewalks received more than 1,000 signatures.

But Leslie Brown, who heads the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, said Austin Street does not have a safety issue, citing data from a study by her group. Brown said she attended Austin Day, and while she felt it was neither a positive nor a negative, there

A portion of Austin Street was closed to cars last Sunday, and while some area residents liked the idea, some business stakeholders were not so keen.

was “nothing there” that would justify closing the street.

“We have plenty of open spaces,” Brown said. “Austin Street is our business district. It’s not meant to be a park.”

Neighbors for a Safer Austin Street requested a city Department of Transportation study in 2023, which has not taken place, Rodriguez

said. It applied for the DOT’s Open Streets program at the end of last year, and while the requested Open Street on weekends from July to Halloween was not granted, the city issued a one-day permit for Austin Day.

Rodriguez, who also is a member of Community Board 6, said he hopes the group can reapply for an Open Street next year, possi-

bly for just one day on weekends in summer, fall or both.

“Everybody seems really happy, especially for the kids because they have a space where they can run around a little bit with the parents and stuff,” said Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), who helped organize the event. “So we’ll see how this goes and we’ll see what we want to do moving forward.”

Peter Beadle, also a CB 6 member, said a full-time open street on the stretch would be great, stating that all the people walking on the street otherwise would have been crowded onto the sidewalk.

Forest Hills residents Jian Tan and Sophie Nicolich-Henkin said it was “nice” that their kids can be out in the street. They said they wouldn’t mind a more frequent open street there, as they do not typically drive on weekends.

“We try to avoid driving on Austin Street at all because it’s always just traffic,” Nicolich-Henkin said. They said they shop on Austin already, and weren’t sure if the open street would necessarily bring more people into the stores.

“I think a bigger drive is actually the Sunday farmers market,” Tan said, referring to the Forest Hills Greenmarket at 70th Avenue and Queens Boulevard on Sundays. “So if they not

continued on page 22

Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven, NY 11421 (718) 738-1111 addabbo@nysenate.gov

PHOTOBYSTEPHANIEG.MEDITZ

Eerie tales in Kew Gardens

Spooky season is well on its way, and there’s no better way to get ready than by dabbling in some ghost stories.

Grady Hendrix, the bestselling horror author of titles including “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” and “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires,” will perform his oneman show “Summerland Lost: A Ghost Story” at the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery’s Celebration Hall at 7 p.m. Sept. 27.

The show tells the “all-shocking, all-true tale” of how inebriated teens from the Victorian era teamed up with the ghost of Ben Franklin to contemplate the existence of an afterlife.

Hendrix’s books will be available for purchase, and attendees can meet him and get them signed at a reception after the show. Guests may bring no more than two items to be signed.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/rvvay9sb. Free parking is available on site. One may call (718) 441-0009 to learn more.

The event is hosted by Kew and Willow Books and presented in partnership with the Friends of Maple Grove. Q

Free books on the block

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association last Saturday continued its generosity in offering free books to the community outside its office, at 84-20 Jamaica Ave.

The civic group accepts used books and will often set out a table so passersby can peruse the selection. Above, Janet ChanSmith, left, JoAnn Bartos and Janet Forte,

longtime members of the WRBA, show off a few of last Saturday’s choices.

Those interested in donating books or stopping by when they are being given away can contact the group at (718) 296-3735, or visit its Facebook page for more information, at facebook.com/Woodhaven11421. — Kristen Guglielmo

Austin Day

continued from page 21

only closed the streets but also did something with the space ... I think that would be more of a driver for bringing people in.”

Rodriguez cited the support of several local businesses, and his group’s website says at least 20 have signed a petition in support of its mission. Brown said merchants on the block mostly opposed it.

“It’s all part of the agenda that they don’t want cars,” she said.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) in June wrote a letter to CB 6 against the street closure, citing concerns such as disrupting businesses and removing parking spots.

Addabbo told the Chronicle Monday that infrequent street closures on Austin Street are OK, but they already occur for various events throughout the year. The roadway provides valuable parking for local businesses, he explained — spots are limited on Queens Boulevard, and public parking is not permitted on Forest Hills Gardens’ private streets.

“[If] those businesses are hurt, we get hurt,” Addabbo said.

Schulman said at the event that her office had not received any complaints from businesses.

“At least to have it periodically, I think, is something that we can work together toward,” she said. Q

Plus updates on crime, transit and more at first meeting since June Board 6 OKs two FoHi dispensaries

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Community Board 6 at its meeting last Wednesday at Borough Hall approved applications for two cannabis dispensaries in Forest Hills.

Board members voted 27-15 in favor of The Green House at 96-01 69 Ave., and 35-8 in support of Kushie at 104-39 Queens Blvd.

Both applicants spoke briefly to the board, and both affirmed that their proposed locations comply with the state’s regulations on dispensaries’ distance from schools. Marijuana shops cannot be within 500 feet of a school’s property line — the Office of Cannabis Management made that clarification in July, after it had previously evaluated the proximity based on a school building’s entrance.

Kevin Alfonso, whom The Green House applicant Ben Alpert referred to as “the brains” of the operation, said the dispensary will be located at the Bukharian Rabbinical Council’s former location, at 96-03 69 Ave. CB 6 Chair Heather Beers-Dimitriadis said the applicant’s lawyer had told the board it would be next door, at the site of a former Kumon educational facility.

“That’s important for us to understand when these questions that are material to our discussion come up,” Beers-Dimitriadis said. Some members also cited concerns that a Learning

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Lab is just doors down.

Alfonso emphasized that they intend to provide cannabis-use literature on site and conduct community outreach. He said also that the location will have a small reception area manned by a security guard, and no one may enter the store through a second door without scanning their ID.

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“We’re trying to break the stigma of cannabis by associating it with plants,” he said. “At the end of the day, the real danger is purchasing from smoke shops that have no regulation or control and no lab-tested products.”

Bradley Phillips, the applicant behind Kushie, also affirmed his proposed site’s compliance with state law. In response to concerns about

the shop’s appearance, Phillips said he has faith it will be a “beautiful store,” with frosted or opaque windows so products are not visible from the outside or enticing to the underage.

“We are working with our architect to possibly do a double door or some kind of vestibule so that when you open that front door, you don’t kind of look right into the store,” Phillips said. “So he’s drawing up new plans as we speak.”

In other business, Capt. Daniel Fennessey, the 112th Precinct’s commanding officer, told the board crime is still on the decline. The command was slammed with residential burglaries earlier this year, he said, but they slowed down in April, and officers have since made a major arrest.

Fennessey said domestic violence incidents are still an issue, as are larcenies involving cars and vehicle parts.

Beers-Dimitriadis also said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is pursuing a plan to extend the Q23 bus stops between 71st Avenue and 70th Road on 108th Street for the full block. The MTA said the additional space will give buses enough space to stop while allowing vehicles to pass by.

A representative from Forest Hills Stadium also discussed its new Community Fund, which will give six figures worth of grants to local schools and nonprofits. Q

CB 6 last Wednesday approved two smoke shop applications in Forest Hills, including one submitted by Ben Alpert, left. Capt. Daniel Fennessey, right, gave updates on crime PHOTOSBYSTEPHANIEG.MEDITZ

Round ’em up! G e s

by Michael Gannon Gannon

Forgive the folks at the Queens County Farm Museum if you attend their 42nd annual Agricultural Fair on Sept. 27 and 28 and find they have pushed the envelope just a bit compared to recent years.

“This is the culmination of all we do here over the course of two days,” Executive Director David Hughes told the Chronicle last week. “It’s a really multifaceted event. And this year is very special because this is our 50th anniversary as well. It’s been five decades that we have been drawing and meeting and entertaining the people of New York.”

Where else in the city can you tour vintage buildings, see both an active working farm and live entertainment, and maybe even bring home a blue ribbon for your best homemade jam, quilt, crafts or gardengrown produce and flowers?

Tickets and information on all the fair’s offerings can be found at queensfarm.org.

“As usual, there is so much to do here over the course of a weekend,” Hughes said. “I think it’s fun, a family-oriented event. Agricultural history is on display right here. There’s food, food vendors, craft

vendors.”

Farm’sAgriculturalFair

Someagriculturalfallorhar vesst festi- Si lt l f ll h t f ti

Some agricultural, fall or harvest festivals might be content with just pie-eating contests and pie-baking competitions.

The Queens Farm this year is adding a giant apple cobbler to its repertoire.

“We’re going to basically have an 8-foot pan,” Hughes said. “It’s going to be up on cinder blocks and we’re going to have firewood underneath it.”

Serves about 60.

“We’ll have pony rides for children,” Hughes said. “We have a mechanical bull this year. Of course,

there’s square dancing.

There’s face painting. And a bunch of educational stations as well.”

Some of the latter, Hughes said, are for old-time crafts including basket weaving, while others employ modern applications of science such as learning about composting.

Live entertainment will include a family tent, with fun geared toward younger audiences. The main

29

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I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Reporter Marie Colvin

first made news in Astoria

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

William J. Colvin, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, married Rose Marie Marron of the Bronx in 1955 in Manhattan. They set up their new home together in an apartment building at 30-69 34 St. in Astoria.

Their firstborn, Marie, arrived on Jan. 12, 1956. The family continued to grow with two more girls and two boys. Their dad was an English teacher at Forest Hills High School. They later moved to East Norwich, LI. Marie was recognized for her strong personality and being “a noise maker.” She went to Yale University, and, about a year after graduating, started working for United Press International. She later went to the British paper The Sunday Times and moved up the ladder as Middle East correspondent and foreign affairs correspondent. In 1986, she became the first to interview Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi after the U.S. launched airstrikes against him in retaliation for a terror attack that killed American servicemen.

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Protecting Your Assets from Long-Term Care

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

New York State seeks to recover the maximum amount of Medicaid benefits allowed under federal law from the estates of Medicaid recipients upon their death. New York operates the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) to pursue certain long-term care costs from the estates of Medicaid recipients. This means that after you die MERP will attempt to recover all of the Medicaid benefits you received after turning fifty-five, including the expenses for long-term care in a nursing home.

MERP’s most common strategy is to put a lien on all real property, including the family home, owned by a Medicaid recipient at the time of their death. As one could imagine, losing a loved one and then also losing the family home can be catastrophic for a family. However, MERP will only place a lien on real property when the property is part of an estate administered in New York’s Surrogate’s Court.

This means property that is transferred pursuant to a Will, or through intestacy if the Medicaid recipient did not have a Will, is subject to a Medicaid recovery lien.

Fortunately, responsible planning can protect your home and other property from Medicaid recovery. The best way to qualify for Medicaid and also protect the family home and assets from nursing home costs is through a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). When you transfer your home to the MAPT you can retain the right to live in your home for your lifetime and you will retain all of your real estate tax exemptions while also protecting the property from Medicaid recovery.

Proper planning will have a significant impact on your ability to protect your assets for your children and beneficiaries. Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@

or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.

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Colvin lost sight in one eye in the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2001 and wore a patch over it. She was killed on Feb. 22, 2012, in Syria, reporting on the destruction of a village. In 2019 it was ruled that she was targeted for assassination by the government in Damascus because of her work.

A 2018 film, “A Private War,” was based on her life and has been an inspiration to others who wish to continue her good work. Q

In Astoria, comedy, community and kismet at QED

by Kristen Guglielmo editor

Hannah Lieberman didn’t originally set out to buy QED Astoria, the beloved comedy and event space at 27-16 23 Ave. But when the opportunity unexpectedly landed in her lap, a series of serendipitous nudges set her on a path she never anticipated.

Kambri Crews, the venue’s longtime owner, announced on social media back in November that she was going to close the space — unless someone purchased it.

“I went to my boyfriend and I said, ‘Oh my God, they’re closing QED,’” Lieberman, who had performed there over the years, told the Chronicle. “And he was like, ‘Oh no.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, like, she said, unless someone buys it.’ And he said, ‘Well, you should buy it.’”

She didn’t take his suggestion seriously. But when Lieberman called her mother, she made the same recommendation.

So Lieberman and Crews hopped on a call together, and Crews told Lieberman she would be a perfect fit.

“It’s such perfect kismet for this womanfounded and woman-run comedy club to go to a young woman comedian who lives in Astoria, who kind of gets the whole raison d’etre of QED,” Lieberman said. She officially took the reins in March.

Hannah Lieberman, above left, in March took the helm of QED Astoria from Kambri Crews, right. The entertainment venue hosts more than 100 events per month, including the Adult Spelling Bee, right.

“It’s been great,” Lieberman said. “It’s definitely a labor of love — it’s a lot of work, but so rewarding. ... Maintaining the legacy of QED is obviously of the utmost importance to me, and I inherited such goodwill from the community.”

As it did in the decade before Lieberman’s leadership, QED continues to boast more than 100 events per month with a wide variety of programming, including comedy shows, workshops, classes and even children’s programming.

Events are continuously added to QED’s online calendar, which can be viewed at qedastoria.com, and posted to its Instagram profile, @QEDAstoria.

Just in the next week, there’s a women’s improv class on Sept. 21 at 5 p.m., a board game club meetup on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m., a stand-up show where comedians, including Lieberman, will debut new material on Sept. 25 at 9 p.m., and a Pop Star 101 class for kids on Sept. 26 at 3:45 p.m.

The venue also has daily open mic

nights. Those interested in events should check the online calendar for more information, as some are ticketed and some are free to attend.

“I’ve been doing a lot of collaborations with other small businesses in the area, because there’s such a vibrant small business community here in the Ditmars area of Astoria,” Lieberman said. So, for QED’s Adult Spelling Bee, on Oct. 2 at 7:15 p.m., the grand prize is honey from The Honey House at Astor Apiaries, located just a short walk from the venue.

Lieberman is also looking forward to Halloween-themed programming coming up next month, including a kids’ Halloween cookie decorating party, a drinking game to both “Hocus Pocus” movies and ghost stories over a campfire in QED’s backyard.

And, of course, the venue is going to host an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Halloween.

Last October, while QED was still under Crews’ leadership, Lieberman had produced an interactive showing of “Rocky Horror” at the venue, and said it felt like a “perfect audition” at the time.

On producing a screening of “Rocky Horror” again this year, Lieberman said, “It feels like this perfect full-circle moment for me.” Q

All’s fair at the Queens County Farm Museum

event stage will feature numerous individual musicians as well as groups, including jazz bands, rock bands, drummers and others.

The group’s farm stand also will be up and running for anyone seeking fresh produce for after the trip home.

“And, of course I can’t not mention our corn maze,” Hughes said.

This year’s Amazing Maize Maze was

planned out to look from above like a blazing sun for the museum’s 50th anniversary.

“It’s our way of saying the Farm Museum is a shining beacon of light in Queens,” he said.

Categories and rules for the blue ribbon craft, art, agriculture and horticulture contests are also available at queensfarm.org.

“It depends on what you’re interested in,” Hughes said, inviting people to check and see if there is a category they would like to enter. “If you like quilting, we have a quilting competition. If you have sculptures, if you have stained glass — then there’s food. If you submit a cake, preserves, condiments, pies, they’ll be judged and awards will be given to the winners.”

And while there is an emphasis on preserving and teaching people about the past, the future also will take center stage during the weekend event.

There will be a formal announcement on funding for a new and long-planned visitor and education center that will have classrooms, event space, a farm store and more.

“We’re moving forward,” Hughes said. “The future is bright for the Queens County Farm Museum.”

What would the annual Queens Agricultural Fair be without a corn-shucking contest? On the cover: A performer from the 2024 fair shows guests the ropes at the Queens Farm Museum.

Single-day tickets for the Agricultural Fair are $16 for those 12 and up and $10 for children 3 to 11. Single-day tickets with access to the Amazing Maize Maze are $24 and $16, respectively. Children 2 and under

are admitted free. Weekend passes, valid for Saturday and Sunday, are $28 and $16, or $34 and $26 with the Maize Maze.

The Queens Farm Museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. Q

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The following persons appear from our records to be entitled to the unclaimed property consisting of cash amounts of one thousand dollars or more:

Yvonne Armstrong 200 Cozine Ave Apt 7H Brooklyn, NY 11207

Peronio Brito 1124 31st Ave Apt 11D Astoria, NY 11106

Charles Brock 140 Dehart Ave Staten Island, NY 10303

Andre Brooks 2100 E Trement Ave Apt 4G Bronx, NY 10462

Vincent Little 62 Todt Hill Rd Staten Island, NY 10314

Thomas Maki 14210 Negundo Flushing, NY 11355

Angel Morales PO Box 60472 Brooklyn, NY 11206

Alicia Munoz 713 Tilden St Apt 58 Bronx, NY 10467

Michael Pidala 59-14 69th Pl Maspeth, NY 11378

Howard Sheard 6 Fordham Hill Oval Apt 14A Bronx, NY 10468

Barbara Stanford 134-25 166th Pl Apt 2B Jamaica, NY 11434

Douglas Zeigler 133-22 Inwood St, 1st Fl South Ozone Park, NY 11436

A REPORT OF THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY WILL BE MADE TO THE CONTROLLER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK PURSUANT TO ARTICE III OF THE ABANDONED PROERTY LAW.

A LIST OF THE NAMES CONTAINED IN SUCH NOTICE IS ON FILE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CREDIT UNION, LOCATED AT 211-31 JAMAICA AVE, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428, WHERE SUCH ABANDONED PROPERTY IS PAYABLE.

SUCH ABANDONED PROPERTY WILL BE PAID ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2025 TO PERSONS ESTABLISHING TO ITS SATISFACTION THEIR RIGHT TO RECEIVE THE SAME.

IN THE SUCCEEDING NOVEMBER, AND ON OR BEFORE THE TENTH DAY THEREOF, SUCH UNCLAIMED PROPERTY WILL BE PAID TO THE COMPTROLLER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND SHALL THEREUPON CEASE TO BE LIABLE, THEREFORE.

TO CLAIM YOUR FUNDS DIRECTLY FROM QSIDE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION PLEASE CONTACT (718) 353-1300 BEFORE OCTOBER 15th, 2025.

QSIDE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 211-31 JAMAICA AVE, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, 11428

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NOTICE

OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff against WUILLER BUSTAMANTE, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 9, 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 October 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 91-03 95th St, Woodhaven, NY 11421. Block 8992 Lot 196. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $426,708.15 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 720054/2019. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee.

Richard M. Gutierrez, Esq., Referee File # 3000-001512

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Wine License, NYS Application ID: NA-0240-25-127860 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 170-19 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432.

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 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 22-24 99TH STREET LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/02/2025. 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, 106-20 31ST AVENUE, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 23-39 98TH STREET LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/16/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 106-20 31ST AVENUE, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

76-15/17/19 69TH PLACE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/02/25. 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, c/o Camille Driscoll, 23 Hoffman Road, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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.

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

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

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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

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3, - againstDAVID LINN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on March 4, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ3 is the Plaintiff and DAVID LINN, ET AL., are the 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 October 10, 2025 at 10:00AM, the premises known as 144-04 70TH ROAD, FLUSHING, NY 11367; tax map identification 6657-7; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK . . . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713419/2020.

Scott H. Siller, Esq., 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 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

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.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiffagainst - TRAVIS GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 25, 2024. 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 the 26th day of September, 2025 at 10:00 AM. 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. Premises known as 620 Beach 69th Street, Arverne, (City of New York) NY 11692. (BL#: 16029111) Approximate amount of lien $676,203.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 705844/2023. Carolyn Salian Clyne, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction. com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: June 4, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

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.

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

Notice of Formation of Sarvis Psychotherapy Mental Health Counseling PLLC 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: THE LLC, 160 1ST STREET, BOX 165, MINEOLA, NY 11501. 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 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 PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST ROGER LEE; ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 10, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on October 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 15720 27th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. 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: 4868 Lot: 14. Approximate amount of judgment $84,578.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #702009/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832. Gregory LaSpina, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 PNNYC015 86981

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.

Notice of Formation of ONE MEDIA NY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/02/25. 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 2959 NORTHERN BLVD., APT 49D, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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

Notice of Formation of RASAI RESEARCH, 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: RASAI RESEARCH, LLC, 229 BERRY ST., BROOKLYN, NY 11249. 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.

HEARING NOTICE

The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a hybrid public hearing on the following application on September 29th or September 30th, 2025: BSA Cal. No. 2025-12-BZ Premises: 220-26 Jamaica Avenue, Queens - Block 10789, Lot 271 Variance (§72-21) to permit the development of a 12-story residential building and community facility containing approximately 310 units of permanently affordable housing non-profit housing contrary to underlying density and bulk requirements. C1-2/R3-2 zoning district. Applicant: Akerman LLP An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The hybrid public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing. Please see the Board’s Virtual Hearing Guides located at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/public-hearings/public-hearings. page The public hearing will be conducted as a “hybrid” public hearing, during which the Commissioners will meet in person at the Board’s office in Manhattan and also appear virtually on live-streamed YouTube and on an interactive Zoom Webinar. Applicants and the public may attend in person or participate remotely by calling into the Zoom Webinar and watching the YouTube livestream. The in-person portion of the hearing will take place at 22 Reade Street, 1st Floor, Spector Hall, New York, NY 10007. Anyone wishing to attend the hearing in person must present identification and go through a security checkpoint upon arrival into the building. Details for the hearing will be posted on the Board’s website the Friday before the hearing. Persons who request that a language interpreter or a sign language interpreter or any other form of reasonable accommodation for a disability be provided at any of the scheduled hearings must notify Toni Matias, Deputy Director of the Board of Standards and Appeals, at 212-386-0085 or tmatias@bsa.nyc.gov at least 10 days before the hearing date. You may submit a written statement by using the “Public Comment form” on the Board’s website located at https:// www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/contact-bsa/public-comments.page For any communication, please include or refer to BSA Calendar No. 2025-12-BZ and the property address: 220-26 Jamaica Avenue, Queens - Block 10789, Lot 271. To coordinate review of the application materials, inquire about continued hearing dates and/ or assistance, please contact the Board office at (212) 386-0009.

At IAS Part 31 of the Supreme Court held in and for the County of Queens, at the Courthouse located at the Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. Index: 702395/2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE HON: Sampson J. S. C SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS THOMAS THOMOPOULOS, Plaintiff, -against- QUADRI-PLANETARY ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., GFP REAL ESTATE LLC, WHITEST AR CONSULTING & CONTRACTING, INC., WHITESTAR GENERAL CONTRACTORS CORP., and WHITESTAR CONSTRUCTION CORP. Defendants. WHITESTAR CONSULTING & CONTRACTING, INC., Third Party Plaintiff, -against- LEMODE PLUMBING & HEATING CORP. Third Party Defendants. Upon a reading and filing of the annexed affirmation of Costas M. Eliades, Esq., affirmed on August 26, 2024, and upon all pleadings and proceedings heretofore had herein, LET, Plaintiff THOMAS THOMOPOULOS SHOW CAUSE at an IAS Part 31 of this Court to be held in and for the County of Queens, at the Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 on the 22nd day of October 2025 at 2:00pm of that day or as soon thereafter as can be heard, WHY an Order should not be entered: 1. An Order pursuant to CPLR § 308(5), allowing Plaintiff to effect service of this Order to Show Cause upon THOMAS THOMOPOULOS via his last known address, or by such other means of delivery as the Court deems appropriate; 2. In the alternative, an Order Pursuant to CPLR § 315, granting Plaintiff leave to serve the Defendant THOMAS THOMOPOULOS via publication and/ or email transmission; 3. Pursuant to CPLR § 321(b)(2) and 22 NYCRR § 1200.15, permitting THE LAW OFFICES OF COSTAS M. ELIADES, P.C. to withdraw as counsel for Plaintiff THOMAS THOMOPOULOS in this action; 4. Granting THE LAW OFFICES OF COSTAS M. ELIADES, P.C., a lien for disbursements and legal fees; 5. Staying this action, for a reasonable period of time for the Plaintiff to retain new counsel in order to adequately represent his interests in this action; 6. For any such further relief which this Court deems just and proper; and it is further, ORDERED that service of the within Order to Show Cause and the papers upon which it is based shall be made by Publiction upon the plaintiff pursuant to CPLR316regular mail and/ or by E-mail on: two newspapers, at least one in the English language, designated in the order as most likely to give notice to the person to be served, for a specified time, at least once in each of four successive weeks, and by certified mail return receipt requested at Plaintiff’s last known address, and upon the remaining Parties via certified mail and NYSCEF. Thomas Thomopoluos FDRS, LAW OFFICE OF KEITH J. CONWAY Attorneys for Defendants, QUADRIPLANETARY ASSOCIATES, L.L.C and GFP REAL ESTATE LLC, FDRS, KENNEDYS CMK LLP. Attorneys Defendant/Third-Party Plaintiff WHITESTAR CONSULTING & CONTRACTING, INC. FDRS, FABIANI COHEN & HALL, LLP Attorneys for Third-Party Defendant, LEMODE PLUMBING & HEATING CORP FDRS, all on or before 10/15/2025 be deemed good and sufficient service. Filed RW 8/29/2025 County Clerk Queens County Enter: FDRS, J.S.C.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, -against- 127-07 SUTTER AVE, LLC; CHARLES CURTIS, AS PURPORTED ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF OLGA CURTIS; YVETTE CURTIS, SANDRA VANWHERVIN, CAROL VANWHERVIN, PHYLLIS VANWHERVIN, WAYNE VANWHERVIN, STEPHEN VANWHERVIN AND ROY ANTHONY VANWHERVIN, AS HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF OLGA CURTIS; UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT- LAW, NEXT-OFKIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS OR PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENTS DALTON VANWHERVIN A/KIA DALTON VANWHERVIN, JR., AND ROBERT VANWHERVIN, BY PURCHASE,INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; HILLSIDE MANOR RECC; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (QUEENS); NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10” inclusive, the names of the ten last name Defendants being fictitious, real names unknown to the Plaintiff, the parties intended being persons or corporations having an interest in, or tenants or persons in possession of, portions of the m01tgaged premises described in the Complaint,, Defendants Index No. 709202/2024. Mortgaged Premises: 115-71 229th Street, Cambria Heights, NY 11411 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above-entitled action is to foreclose a mortgage bearing date July 23, 2004, given by Olga Curtis (deceased) to BNY Mortgage Company, LLC to secure the sum of $290,319.00 and recorded in CRFN2005000241992 in the office of the County Clerk/City Register of Queens County on April 26, 2005 and which mortgage was ultimately assigned to the Plaintiff herein as evidenced by written instrument dated July 12, 2017 and recorded with the Queens County Clerk/City Register on April 26, 2005 and which mortgage was ultimately assigned to the Plaintiff herein as evidenced by written instrument dated July 12, 2017 and recorded with the Queens County Clerk/City Register on August 14, 2017 in CRFN2017000300891 covering the premises described as follows 115-71 229TH STREET, CAMBRIAHEIGHTS,NY11411 The relief sought in the within action includes a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage. Plaintiff makes no personal claims against any defendants herein. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 719761/2019 Nationstar Mortgage LLC D/B/A Mr. Cooper Plaintiff, vs GERALDYNE RENE AKA GERALDYNE DAUTRUCHE, EVELYNE JEAN-LOUIS AKA EVELYNE JEAN LOUIS, MARINA JASMIN FELIX, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS, OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC Successor By Merger To Delta Funding Corporation, City Register Of The City Of New York, Queens County, Sonia E. Felix As Heir To The Estate Of Julio Felix, “John Doe”, Unknown Heirs Of Julio Felix Aka Julio Felix Guenard If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 194-09 109TH AVENUE Queens, NY 11412 AKA 194-09 109TH Avenue, ST. Albans, NY 11412 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Julio Felix AKA Julio Felix Guenard Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Alan Schiff of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Fourth day of September, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below dated June 15, 2002, executed by Geraldyne Rene AKA Geraldyne Dautruche and Evelyne Jean-Louis AKA Evelyne Jean Louis to secure the sum of $268,800.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 6490, Page 204 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on July 23, 2002. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 20, 2006 and recorded on November 20, 2006, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2006000643314. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated October 6, 2006 executed by Geraldyne Rene AKA Geraldyne Dautruche by the attorney in fact and Evelyne Jean-Louis AKA Evelyne Jean Louis to secure the sum of $190,419.82 and recorded at CRFN 2006000643315 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on November 20, 2006. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at Book 6490, Page 204 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Geraldyne Rene AKA Geraldyne Dautruche by the attorney in fact and Evelyne Jean-Louis AKA Evelyne Jean Louis dated October 6, 2006 and recorded November 20, 2006 at CRFN 2006000643316 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County to form a single lien in the amount of $442,500.00. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed May 22, 2014 and recorded on June 3, 2014, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2014000189988. The mortgage was subsequently modified on October 22, 2014. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 12, 2016 and recorded on January 4, 2017, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2017000003391. The property in question is described as follows: 194-09 109TH AVENUE, QUEENS, NY 11412 AKA 194-09 109TH AVENUE, ST. ALBANS, NY 11412 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: September 9, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 87322

B SPORTS EAT

Mets game ends in tie!

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The Mets honored their past and present Queens homes on Saturday as they held an oldtimers’ game consisting of players who either called Shea Stadium or Citi Field home during their careers. The game ended after two-and-onehalf innings with a 2-2 draw. Frankly, it was more entertaining than what Mets fans have witnessed from the varsity team over the last three months.

The 2025 Mets Alumni Classic was a homecoming for Whitestone native and Archbishop Molloy High School alum Mike Baxter. He is best remembered for saving Johan Santana’s nohitter on June 1, 2012, when he slammed into the left field wall to catch a line drive.

Baxter still has family in Queens, but he has made his home for years in Nashville, where he had been the baseball coach at Vanderbilt University. He recently switched careers and is now a stockbroker and financial planner with Wells Fargo. Baxter told me he had spoken with former Mets first baseman Mark Johnson, who became an equities trader after hanging up his spikes. “I am not at his level yet!” he laughed.

Another longtime Nashville resident, RA Dickey, won the Cy Young Award in 2012. He told me he is an advisor to a syndicate that is trying to land a Major League Baseball expansion team in Music City. “I feel optimistic about our chances,” he said and added he was worried

about competition from Charlotte, NC, but no group from there has materialized so far.

Infielder Edgardo Alfonzo made his home in Douglaston when he played for the Mets. He relocated to Miami because he alternates as a roving coach between the Mets minor league system and their Dominican Republic baseball academy. He was disappointed to learn of the closing in recent years of neighborhood restaurants such as Aunt Bella’s and the Scobee Diner.

Former infielder Josh Satin develops residential real estate in Los Angeles. I joked with him that the New York market might drop in value after the mayoral election. “I think I am going to stick to building in Southern California!” he said.

Satin’s old teammates Ike Davis and Dillon Gee are also in real estate. Davis has created recreational vehicle parks in the West, while Gee has done the same for student dormitories in his native Texas.

Jacob deGrom, now with the Texas Rangers, made his first return to Citi Field after leaving as a free agent following the 2022 season. He was deeply appreciative of both the video tribute the Mets gave him before he took the mound Friday night and the cheers from the Flushing faithful.

When I asked him if he looks forward to playing in a Mets alumni game, he replied, “Absolutely, but I plan on pitching until I am 70!”

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