Queens Chronicle 10-02-25

POCKET CES

Mayor Adams ends reelection campaign

Hizzoner departs the race — is it enough to change its trajectory?

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Mayor Adams on Sunday ended his reelection bid after a year of political scandal and a highly scrutinized struggling campaign.

The announcement came in a nearly nineminute video posted to his personal X account, wherein Adams, holding an enlarged photo of his mother, descended a staircase inside Gracie Mansion to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams said in the video.

His name will still be on the ballot in November, as the deadline to withdraw it has passed.

The mayor, who was running as an independent, attributed his campaign’s end to a lack of funding and “constant media speculation.”

polling in just the single digits.

Adams’ exit leaves three final contenders in the mayoral race: former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa and the frontrunner, Assemblymember and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), who bested Cuomo in the primary.

Many moderate Democrats have been hesitant to support Mamdani, a democratic socialist, and, as a result, reports say calls have mounted from prominent Republican and Democratic leaders and donors for both Adams and Sliwa to exit the race so their voters could coalesce behind Cuomo.

He said some voters remained uncertain of him due to his federal corruption case, adding that he was wrongfully charged because he “fought for this city.”

Rumors of Adams’ impending exit from the race have been persistent in recent months, and in early September, he stood outside Gracie Mansion and insisted he would stay in the running, though he was oftentimes

While Adams did not mention any of the remaining candidates by name or endorse one, in what could be viewed as a swipe at Mamdani, Adams said “insidious forces” are pushing “divisive agendas.”

“Beware of those who claim the answer is to destroy the very system we built together over generations,” Adams said.

President Trump has heavily criticized Mamdani on social media, on Monday going so far as to threaten to withhold federal funding from the city, and rumors have persisted that Adams and Sliwa could be offered a White House gig in exchange for their withdrawal from the race.

Mayor Adams on Sunday, in a video posted to X, ended his reelection campaign after weeks of speculation and reported urging from prominent political leaders and donors.

SCREENSHOT VIA X / @ERICADAMSFORNYC

There was no word of that on Wednesday. Cuomo, following Adams’ announcement, lauded his accomplishments and said that he believes the mayor is “sincere in putting the

well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.”

He continued, “We face destructive extremist forces that would devastate our city through incompetence or ignorance, but it is not too late to stop them.”

Mamdani in a statement on Sunday said, “Donald Trump and his billionaire donors might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo’s actions but they will not dictate the results of this election.”

He added that New York “deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another.”

With Adams yielding to calls to drop out of the race, could it be enough to give another candidate an edge over Mamdani without Sliwa also ending his own campaign? The polls don’t seem to support that notion.

A YouGov and CBS News poll of 1,893 likely voters from Sept. 7 to 13, without Adams included, showed Mamdani leading at 44 percent, followed by Cuomo at 30 percent and Sliwa at 17 percent. Similarly, a Marist College poll of 885 likely voters from Sept. 8 to 11 showed Mamdani at 46 percent, Cuomo at 30 and Sliwa at 18.

If the election turned into a two-man race of just Mamdani and Cuomo, the former governor would have a better shot at winning, with

continued on page 6

WOODHAVEN BID

Resorts World gets unanimous approval

Committee OKs full-scale casino pitch; four applicants vie for three licenses

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Resorts World New York City’s application for a full-scale casino license and an expansion of its existing property at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park, was unanimously approved by a community advisory committee on Sept. 25.

The meeting, at Queens Borough Hall, saw all six members of the committee, Stevens Martinez, representing Gov. Hochul, state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park), Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Nicole Garcia, representing Mayor Adams and Betty Braton, representing Councilmember Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), vote to move the application to the next phase.

Resorts World, part of Genting Americas, is competing for one of three downstate casino licenses to be awarded by the state Gaming Commission by the end of December. The other remaining applicants, all approved by their respective CACs, include MGM Empire City in Yonkers, Bally’s in the Bronx and Metropolitan Park at Citi Field [see separate story in all editions or at qchron. com]. With three licenses up for grabs and two of the four applicants being in Queens, the World’s Borough is essentially guaranteed at least one casino.

Resorts World’s $5.5 billion plan would transform the Aqueduct site into an integrated resort with 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena and more than a dozen acres of greenspace.

It would create 24,000 jobs, the

company said, and provide $1 billion in new, incremental revenue to the state in 2026, as well as send $1 billion to the MTA within its first five years of licensure. If approved, the casino would be operational by July 2026.

Sanders was the first to vote, remotely via Zoom from South Africa.

“Resorts World has always been a good neighbor,” Sanders said. “I believe that they are a very honest partner in community development. He said he felt comfortable voting “a very strong aye” for the project.

Martinez said the CAC often demanded answers within a short turnaround from Resorts World, but “not once did the applicant ever push back on us.”

Garcia said the city appreciates the

significant economic development impacts the proposal would bring to South Queens and the broader city economy. She added that while the important commitments made around transit improvements and workforce access are recognized, more work needs to be done for the project to deliver its full potential benefits.

“We encourage the applicant to work closely with the state to advance an accelerated housing and planning strategy for the site, or to support jurisdictional transfer to the city so this opportunity can be fully realized,” Garcia said.

Braton concisely seconded what others said in regard to “how this process has worked out for this particular site,” and was proud to vote “aye.”

Richards echoed that Resorts

World has been a good neighbor, saying it engaged with the community “every step of the way.”

“Queens get the money,” he quipped, a reference to Nas, a partner on the project. He quickly added, referring to the Roc Nation rapper losing his own Manhattan casino bid, “Sorry, Jay-Z. We win again.”

Pheffer Amato said she sees the proposal as “one of the greatest economic-driven investments — meaningful, impactful for many generations to come” and gave an “enthusiastic, absolutely yes.”

Robert DeSalvio, the president of Genting Americas East, thanked the CAC for recognizing the proposal’s impact.

“We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners and supporters who touted this proj-

Python saved from park; two still loose

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A 4-foot-long ball python was rescued from Forest Park last week, and two more may still be lurking there.

Meagan Licari of Puppy Kitty NYC, a Queens-based animal rescue, said her employees saw the snakes crossing the street while driving last Thursday, near the park at Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.

Rescuers saved one python, whom they later named Kevin, and two others evaded

capture. Pythons are not native to the area, and may be dangerous to small animals. Keeping one as a pet is illegal in NYC.

The rescuers alerted the city Parks Department and the NYPD, and brought the snake to Animal Care Centers of NYC, where he was taken in for rescue placement.

Licari on Tuesday told the Chronicle that she has not heard anything regarding the other two pythons.

“Parks are not suitable homes for animals not indigenous to those parks — domesticated or otherwise,” a Parks spokesperson

told the Chronicle. “In addition to the potential danger to park goers this could have caused, releasing non-indigenous animals or unwanted pets can lead to the elimination of native species and cause additional ecological stress.”

The agency said if an abandoned animal is spotted at a park, one should leave it there and call 311 or notify a park ranger. Q

Meagan Licari handles a python rescued last Thursday in Forest Park, while two more are on the loose there.

ect, without a single person speaking against it,” DeSalvio said. “This is a testament to our mission — solidified over the last 15 years — to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”

Almost immediately following the vote, Richards, who sits on the CAC for Metropolitan Park, was asked how Queens would look in 15 to 20 years with two possible casinos.

“We should not have to leave our borough to be a destination for gaming, for concerts,” Richards said. “It’s going to be billions of dollars being pumped back into the economy of Queens. It’s a win for residents here. ... Resorts is already a destination, but now you’re talking about an international destination as we build up and rebuild Queens in a better way.” Q

COURTESY PHOTO

Resorts World NYC’s proposal for a casino license was approved by a community advisory committee last week, bringing it one step closer to full licensure. Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio, right, praised the decision, and Borough President Donovan Richards, left, said Resorts World NYC could become an international destination. PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

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Ballot propositions see legal challenge

City did not file necessary enviro impact statement, plaintiffs argue

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

Residents, civics and elected officials on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to annul the mayoral Charter Revision Commission’s land use-related ballot propositions.

The Article 78 proceeding, filed in New York State Supreme Court, challenges the CRC’s “misguided and unlawful attempt” to change the city’s land use procedures, alleging violations of city and state law.

“The policy change presented to New York City voters on this November’s ballot alters what is legally permissible in land use regulation and is the first step in a process that calls for increased density with specific and direct environmental consequences that have not been analyzed or reviewed,” a draft of the suit reads. “This policy change will allow for future actions that, when considered together, will have cumulative environmental impacts with unknown, undisclosed and unreviewed consequences.”

The State Environmental Quality Review Act requires government agencies to examine and disclose the environmental effects of all actions that they can approve, fund or directly assume, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s website. Under it, the lawsuit states, an environmental impact statement is required if an action may have a significant environmental effect.

“Given that the proposed Charter amendments would alter citywide land use procedures and potentially lead to significant environmental impacts, such as increased development density or changes in infrastructure requirements, a [Generic Environmental Impact Statement] is required to assess these potential effects comprehensively,” the suit reads.

It also alleges that each proposal is “expressly designed to increase housing and density while limiting or eliminating environmental review.” It quotes the CRC saying that state law is the prime reason why pre-certification, which precedes the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, takes so long.

“This is very cut and dry,” urban planner

and plaintiff Paul Graziano told the Chronicle about the suit, compared to another one to overturn the City of Yes plan, which is pending in court. “This is, the city didn’t do their homework. They didn’t do something that they’re required by state law to do.”

CRC spokesperson Casey Berkovitz said the panel will review the suit and is confident in the proposals’ legal basis.

“It’s unfortunate that, even as New Yorkers are already voting, MAGA opponents of these proposals are working to inject chaos into our democratic process and prevent voters from having a voice on the future of housing and land use in New York City,” Berkovitz said in a statement.

Question 2 seeks to “fast track” affordable housing in the community districts that produce the least of it, with a process in which the City Planning Commission gets the final say, not the Council. That will cre-

Adams drops out of the race

continued from page 2

the majority of those polls showing Mamdani leading Cuomo by single digits.

Multiple reports, including by the New York Post, say that Adams’ move has reignited calls for Sliwa to drop out. He claimed on Fox 5 last week that seven people have made him offers in exchange for his departure, for a total of $10 million in bribes that he rejected.

“You can’t bribe me, buy me, lease me,” Sliwa said. “I’m not for sale.”

The Guardian Angels founder maintains he can win.

In a post on X following Adams’ departure, Sliwa wrote, “I am the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani. Our team, our resources, and our supporters are unmatched. Most importantly, we have the best solutions to help working people afford to stay in New York City and feel safe.”

The Chronicle reached out to several Republican voters in Queens to inquire where their vote would go should Sliwa drop out. Four said they would support the former governor enthusiastically, two would do so begrudgingly and four said they would not vote at all. Q

ate more housing, the suit argues, but the proposal fails to identify the parameters and environmental consequences of that increase.

Question 3 would create an expedited land use review procedure, also ending in CPC review, for certain changes, including “modest amounts of additional housing and minor infrastructure projects.” The suit claims that the simplified approval process would apply to zoning changes that raise a permitted floor area up to 30 percent, and the proposal does not identify the impacted neighborhoods, the degree of the density increase or its environmental effects.

this is huge, and the fact that they didn’t do this is basic 101 law. Even if you want to pass them, you have to follow basic process, and they didn’t do it.”

Question 4 would establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with the Council speaker, relevant borough president and mayor that would “review Council actions that reject or change applications creating affordable housing.” A majority vote could reverse the Council’s decision on certain land use matters.

The plaintiffs aim to have the proposals invalidated, as they already have been placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The suit has many of the same petitioners as the City of Yes lawsuit. Among them are members of the Council’s Common Sense Caucus, including Queens Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth), Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone).

“New Yorkers are fed up with special interests trying to ram through sweeping changes without local voices at the table,” Holden said on Facebook. “Your community board and your elected officials deserve a real say on every zoning application, and your voices must be heard.”

Mayor Adams announced the 2025 CRC last December, days after the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity passed the Council. It was tasked with addressing the city’s housing crisis.

The panel adopted five proposals in July, and the Board of Elections put them on the ballot last month amid demands from some Council leaders to nix them.

“You have to follow basic process, and they didn’t do it.”

In all higher-density zoning districts, Graziano said, it would allow for a 30 percent increase in density and height as of right. In lower-density neighborhoods, or most of Queens, he said it would permit four-story apartment buildings at a 2.0 floor area ratio, which is “massive.”

— Paul Graziano, urban planner

“Who would have predicted that preventing voters from having a voice on the future of housing and land use in New York City would be the issue that unites the far left and far right?” City Hall Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak said in a statement, referencing the lawmakers, including Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), who cited misleading language in their call to have the questions rejected.

“It doesn’t matter if you are for or against these ballot proposals, everyone should agree that New Yorkers deserve democracy and the right to decide for themselves the future of housing in our city,” Mamelak said.

“They’re completely new land-use processes,” Graziano said. “There should have been an environmental impact statement because it’s going to increase density, it’s going to change neighborhood character ...

“We have an administration that has decided not to follow the rule of law on many, many, many occasions,” Graziano said. “And this is just another example of that.” Q

Street fair returns to Woodhaven 10/5

The annual Woodhaven street fair, hosted by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District, is returning on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 12 to 6 p.m.

The BID promises the event will be bigger and better than ever, with an array of entertain-

ment, activities, food and fun for the whole family along Jamaica Avenue, from Woodhaven Boulevard to 80th Street. For more information on the BID or on the fair, visit woodhavenbid.org. Q

Residents and elected officials on Tuesday announced a lawsuit to have the mayoral Charter Revision Commission’s land use-related ballot questions annulled. NYC COUNCIL PHOTO / FACEBOOK

Three visions for the city’s schools

The candidates’ stances on class size, mayoral control, safety and charters

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

New York City Public Schools, the largest school system in the nation, faces longstanding challenges, from overcrowded classrooms and chronic absenteeism to teacher attrition and questions about how schools should be governed.

With Mayor Adams’ exit from the race, three mayoral hopefuls are pitching very different ideas for the future of the city’s public schools, with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa and Democratic nominee Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) offering competing approaches on accountability, school safety and support for families.

with his campaign website stating that he envisions “a system instead in which parents, students, educators and administrators work together to create the school environments in which students and families will best thrive.”

All three candidates support smaller class sizes in accordance with the state’s ClassSize Reduction Law, adopted in 2022. Sliwa in May told Chalkbeat that the law came “without a plan to pay for it,” and said he would push Albany to fully fund its own mandate.

Two of the three candidates, Cuomo and Sliwa, have extensive education plans on their campaign websites.

Cuomo, in his plan, said that mayoral control is “imperative to ensure accountability for performance.” Sliwa also backs mayoral control, and argued that the city Department of Education must be overhauled with audits.

“End wasteful spending and put funding where it belongs, into classrooms not bureaucracy,” Sliwa’s platform states.

Mamdani rejects mayoral control outright,

Mamdani emphasizes environmental protections, promising car-free “School Streets” to lower traffic risks and pollution outside every building, and Sliwa plans to “fully restore school safety agents under the NYPD with expanded training in deescalation and mental health awareness,” per his campaign website.

Cuomo partially ties teacher retention to school safety, arguing that educators need better working conditions and improved safety, along with enhanced mentoring. Sliwa said teacher pay should be increased to attract and retain top talent. Mamdani, who has received the endorsement of the United Federation of Teachers, supports adding more mental health support staff to improve conditions.

Both Sliwa and Cuomo support keeping the Specialized High School Admissions Test as the sole criteria for admission to the prestigious schools, and both have pledged to open more of the institutions as mayor.

Alternatively, Mamdani, a graduate of a specialized high school himself, had previously called for abolishing the test, but told Chalkbeat he supports an independent analysis of the exam for gender and racial bias. Calling a 35 percent absenteeism rate “unacceptable,” Cuomo said the problem must be fixed beginning with stronger engagement with parents. He also called for expanding

afterschool programs.

Sliwa said many students skip class because of “unstable home lives, depression or lack of interest” and called for alternative learning tied to career skills and supporting students with counseling, mentorship and access to hands-on programs.

Mamdani’s plan points to expanding afterschool programs and ensuring schools have equally distributed resources. He would address homelessness by expanding a Bronx pilot known as “Every Child and Family Is Known,” which provides adult mentors for

The three candidates for mayor, Democratic nominee Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, left, independent former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, all have a different vision for the future of schools in New York City.

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EDITORIAL AGEP

Mayor Adams achieved, and failed, on a grand scale

Mayor Adams won election in 2021 based on his centrist approach to government, especially on law and order, which promised a sensible recovery from a time of multiple crises and eight years of the ideologically driven rule of his liberal predecessor, Bill de Blasio.

The Covid pandemic was still an emergency. Unemployment remained high. Whether Manhattan offices would ever be filled again was an open question. The city was riven by racial divisions. Crime was spiking after years of decline.

This page endorsed Adams because we thought he would tackle the city’s problems better than any of his opponents, who mostly were to his political left. Four years later, much of what we hoped Adams would deliver has been achieved. He led the city’s recovery from the coronavirus. People went back to work. Unemployment fell to normal levels.

And when a new crisis emerged, the sudden influx of tens of thousands of unauthorized migrants and asylum seekers, he dealt with it as well as could be expected, not leaving them to just wander the streets but also pleading for the federal government to take responsibility and provide aid.

Now, however, all of Adams’ achievements are at risk. He’s no longer seeking reelection, and the frontrunner to

succeed him as mayor is anything but a centrist.

And the problem is all of Adams’ own making. It’s his arrogance and inability to separate himself from corrupt cronies that led to a series of indictments in City Hall, including his own. President Trump got the case against Adams dropped, but that only fed his unpopularity. Over time he went from being the victor of the 2021 election to an incumbent polling in the single digits in a hopeless campaign to retain his own seat against one opponent who was previously forced out of office, one untested young radical and one boisterous activist with no government experience.

And this is not happening, as it did to former Mayor David Dinkins, to whom Adams likens himself, when the city is in crisis. It’s in good shape, and for that he gets credit.

Nothing epitomizes Adams’ fall from grace better than the situation at the Police Department. As a retired NYPD captain, he ran on a law-and-order platform. He hired a promising commissioner, Keechant Sewell, who gave every indication she would lead an ethical, effective department.

But it was not to be. Sewell’s hands were tied, as Adams’ corrupt old pals ran the show. There was Phil Banks, a deputy mayor who effectively acted as the real commissioner,

making decisions on things such as promotions. He, like several Adams associates, ended up resigning after the FBI raided his home. Eventually Sewell had enough and quit. Next came Edward Caban. He too was part of the old boys’ club, with his twin brother running some sort of shady nightclub security business. He also quit after the FBI came calling. Next up as commissioner was Tom Donlon. The feds raided his house, too, and he resigned, though he claimed to really be a whistleblower who was wrongly targeted. Also in the raided-and-resigned mix, though not a commissioner, was Jeffrey Maddrey, who reportedly granted overtime to a subordinate in exchange for sexual favors. Finally, after all that, Adams found the right commissioner — the excellent Jessica Tisch. Under Tisch, the department has been cleaned up, and crime is being knocked down, in some cases, such as shootings, to record lows. She’s great. But for Adams, it’s too little, too late. Due to his failings, we’re likely to have Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor. He will work to reverse all the progress that has been made in crime-fighting, business recovery and more with his radical beliefs. That will be Adams’ legacy. It’s sad, and we can only hope for the best for the city going forward.

MARK WEIDLER

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Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Boot your brothel

(An open letter to certain property owners in Western Queens):

We are notifying you that as per our observations and the information we have received from local community residents and merchants, we understand that your property is allegedly being used in the furtherance of criminal operations, particularly illegal prostitution. This location has been highlighted as one where it is probable that victims of sex trafficking are being forced into prostitution.

It is quite likely that you are aware of these activities, but if you are not, rest assured that we have collected videos and images of some of these events. We have made the authorities aware and are requesting that the NYPD and the Queens District Attorney’s Office padlock your property under the NYC Nuisance Abatement Law if they confirm this illegal activity is occurring. Several properties along Roosevelt Avenue have already been padlocked due to evidence of prostitution. It behooves you to act on this knowledge in light of the certainty of the consequences of inaction on your part.

We have also requested that federal authorities investigate these matters to determine, as we allege, that there are violations of federal law, in particular, racketeering, human trafficking and your possible involvement with organized crime. We have also notified the NYC Buildings Department that it is likely

that your property is being used in violation of zoning laws and have requested an inspection. All relevant agencies have been notified of this communication to you. Our community group, the Restore Roosevelt Avenue coalition, has led the fight against the wave of criminality that crashed down on our community well over a year ago. We will not accept all the lawlessness and the criminal operations that are running amok. We demand that all our neighbors and property owners work collectively to stabilize and make our community a better place and to denounce those who do otherwise.

Rosa Sanchez

President, Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition Corona Hiram Monserrate Democratic District Leader 35th Assembly District, Part B East Elmhurst

Editor’s note: The writers say the original, unedited version of this letter was sent to 21 property owners; see story in some editions this week or at qchron.com.

Pass e-bike safety bill

Dear Editor:

Re your Sept. 25 report “New e-bike speed limit 10/24”:

As someone who was nearly struck twice by e-bikes while walking on Kew Gardens Hills sidewalks, I am grateful for the 15-mile-perhour speed limit on e-bikes and scooters announced by Mayor Adams. But more is needed to protect pedestrians. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said his agency is using every available tool to upgrade safety. But there is a legislative tool that is being sidetracked in the City Council. I am referring to “Priscilla’s Law” (Intro 606), sponsored by Queens City Councilman Robert Holden, which would mandate registration and license plates for all e-bikes and scooters not regulated by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This bill, named in memory of a New York woman who was fatally struck by an e-bike, has 31 co-sponsors, who comprise a majority of the Council’s 51 members. But the bill is stalled in the Council’s Committee on

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Transportation and Infrastructure. It faces opposition from advocates who claim it unfairly discriminates against immigrants and food delivery workers, many of whom are people of color. That’s nonsense. These misguided woke warriors are using a false narrative to block a vital safety measure for all New Yorkers. It’s time for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to allow this measure to reach the floor for a full vote. Stop playing the race card and stacking the deck against pedestrian safety.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Say no to Mamdani

Dear

Editor:

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani belongs to the Democratic Socialists of America. The DSA’s platform contains items that if the voters knew what they were they would never consider voting for Mamdani. Maybe that is why the New York Post reported the DSA took it down from their city website.

Some of the platform Mamdani has vocally supported. When asked about some other items he stated that they are not in his platform, but he did not denounce them, either.

The DSA platform includes:

Allowing illegal immigrants to vote and run for office; no expansion of new charter schools; allowing trans minors access to transition-related care without parental consent; ending teacher evaluations on the basis of standardized testing; allocating funds to push diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools; supporting reparations for Native Americans and Black communities; closing Rikers immediately and demanding that no new jails be built in its place; discontinuing the use of gang databases; abolishing routine pretrial detention and cash bail; and expanding public funding for hormone therapy and surgery for trans people.

The list goes on and on.

We should also not forget that Mamdani is anti-Semitic and anti-Italian, which alone should disqualify him for office. The fact that Mamdani stated that “Globalize the Intifada” are words he would not use rather than saying it is always wrong to use such language should scare all voters.

May God help us if he is elected.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Kirk wasn’t a saint

Dear Editor:

As much as Frederick R. Bedell Jr. has the right to mourn the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (“Kirk’s emotional service,” Letters, Sept. 25), many people, including myself, also have the right to see Mr. Kirk as far from a saint.

He was essentially a provocateur who appealed to people who aren’t college-educated and had animus towards anyone who isn’t a traditionally heterosexual WASP male under the tent pole of Christianity (I’m Black, Catholic and college-educated). Instead of making real change, he mostly debated college students, who are not yet fully developed adults, for profit and political exploitation. I find one of his beliefs he shared two years ago, after the shooting at the Christian Covenant School in Nash-

ville, Tenn., disturbingly self-destructive:

“I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

Mr. Kirk’s blatant obliviousness and lack of imagination regarding the possibility that his own children could also be victims of gun violence only make his death a bad joke. Yes, he didn’t deserve to die, and his killer, a disillusioned young man from a Republican family who was fed up with MAGA fever, deserves punishment. However, we must recognize that responsibility and maturity come with our freedoms, which are on the brink of being fully taken away by a madman Kirk supported.

Just because you have the right to be outrageous in your speech, it doesn’t mean you should. Human civility and respect are desperately needed at this time.

Roy Phillips Laurelton

Death-threat bail outrage

Dear Editor:

I generally support District Attorney Melinda Katz on the great work she does in Queens. That said, how in the world is Jeremy Fistel out on $30,000 bail after horrific and graphic threats he made to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and his family (“Death threats made against Mamdani,” Sept. 25)?

DA Katz says we take threats seriously, but this does not seem to be the case. Perhaps if the demographics in this case were different, sad to say, we’d have a different bail decision.

It’s outrageous, and I wish the persons on the receiving end of threats safety and peace.

Thomas Phillips Rego Park

Drug trade finances

Dear Editor:

During the campaign, the administration promised that it would round up the worst of the worst, particularly those involved in drug trafficking. However, most of the emphasis has shifted to less threatening immigrants.

Can this shift be an economic decision? As estimated conservatively, the international drug trafficking business generates $600 billion in revenues worldwide and has millions of employees, including thousands in the United States. If this business were ended, the financial impact would not only negatively hit everyday consumer spending but also luxury spending on real estate, automobiles, yachts, private jets, jewelry, art collections, other investments and political contributions. Also, the impact of using the U.S. military to blow up two little fishing boats is like Walmart losing the contents of two small vans of merchandise.

Though illegal, an international business of this magnitude is not only hard to stop but is a real conundrum for governments. The U.S. faced a similar problem when it prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating beverages during the Prohibition Era. That restriction was repealed by the 21st Amendment.

Hayes Kew Gardens

Monday from 9:00am to 10:00am Friday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm Monday-Tuesday at 8:30am Thursday at 6:30pm Saturday 8:30am-4:00pm 3:00pm Confessions Wednesday at 12:00pm Friday at 8:30am Sunday 8:30am-10:30am 12:00pm

PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE

Tuesday, October 14th

Bus will leave OLG at 7:30am. Mass with Bishop Alfred Schlert at the Shrine with a blessing of the Glove of Padre Pio Rosary. Explore the museum and the gift shop. Includes a buffet lunch at Golden Corral. Cost $65.00 per person RSVP to the Rectory at 718-843-6218

Saturday, October 25th 5:00pm

Honoring St. Carlo Acutis and Christopher Columbus Live Entertainment, DJ, ziti and meatballs, salad, dessert Cost $35

Honoring the Woodhaven BID

Area artists and movers and shakers were in attendance for a harvest mixer at Raymour and Flanigan, at 86-08 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst, on Sept. 25 to honor the Woodhaven Business Improvement District, a group dedicated to supporting and improving neighborhood commerce.

The WBID received a $500 check from Raymour and Flanigan, presented by the Elmhurst showroom manager Shakhawat Hossain, top, second from left, seen with Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Queens Chronicle Account Executive Ree Brinn, Woodhaven

Ed. stances

continued from page 8

children and families in homeless shelters.

All three support career pathways. Cuomo pledges to partner with businesses and develop apprenticeship programs. Sliwa proposes new vocational high schools offering certifications in building trades, health careers, tech, hospitality and public safety. Mamdani links opportunity to higher education, urging the city to “massively invest in CUNY” and make it tuition free.

Cuomo was supportive of charter schools throughout his stint as governor, but his 25-point education plan does not

Residents Block Association President Martin Colberg, WBID Chair Frank Castelli and WBID Executive Director Cathy Williams. Rajkumar also presented certificates of merit to Raymour and Flanigan, Brinn, Castelli and Williams.

Above, artists Deborah Camp, left, Jennifer Lambert and Janett Guzman show off their work at the mixer. Camp is spearheading efforts to create a mural at MacDonald Park in Forest Hills, Lambert is a leader of the Woodhaven Mural Project and Guzman specializes in pet portraits. — Kristen Guglielmo

mention them. On a May episode of “Honesty with Bari Weiss” Cuomo said, “I believe in charter schools, but I believe we have so much work to do in the public school system now, which is educating like 95 percent of our students.”

Sliwa on his campaign website is outspoken about support for charter schools. He supports ending the cap on them and expanding high-performing charters, especially in underserved areas, and supports co-location of charters in under-utilized public school buildings.

Mamdani in a Staten Island Advance questionnaire said he opposes efforts to mandate an expansion of charter school operations in the city. Q

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER LAMBERT, TOP, AND REE BRINN

State Gaming Commission is the last stop in bid to build Citi casino Metropolitan Park moves to final stage

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

“This is the most consequential vote in Queens in the last 100 years.”

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, denied even a shred of hyperbole Tuesday morning as the Community Advisory Committee for the proposed Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment venue prepared to vote to move the bid to the final stage or shut it down cold.

Less than 30 minutes later, Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Corona), chair of the CAC, voted yes, sending the $8 billion project to the state for a final look by a unanimous vote. Even George Dixon, the appointee of state senator and committed casino opponent Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights), voted yes.

With Monday’s CAC approval of the Bally’s bid in the Bronx, that leaves four applicants for three downstate casino licenses to be granted this year by the state Gaming Commission, including Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park and MGM Empire City in Yonkers.

Metropolitan Park, slated for the parking lot at Citi Field, is backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. It would include a concert venue, 25 acres of parkland, a hotel, food hall and more.

“The Community Advisory Committee’s

Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, second from right, and the Community Advisory Committee for Metropolitan Park voted unanimously to forward the project for final consideration by the state Gaming Commission. Four applicants are seeking three licenses.

unanimous approval underscores the deep and broad community support behind Metropolitan Park,” said Karl Rickett, spokesman for Metropolitan Park, in an email after the vote.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to move forward in this process and be one step closer to making Metropolitan Park’s communityfirst vision a reality.”

Borough President Donovan Richards was

among those who voted in the affirmative.

“They’ve done a hell of a job,” Richards said of the proposal, citing the preparation, community benefits package and guardrails to make sure the planners’ promises are kept.

“In my 22 years [in government], this could be the best application I’ve seen.”

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed his gratitude in an email.

“On behalf of Hard Rock, I want to sincerely thank the CAC, our partners, and the Queens community for their trust and collaboration,” Allen said. “Reaching this stage with a unanimous vote is a true honor, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to move forward together toward the next step.”

Grech said the project is unprecedented in terms of private investment, made only bigger when added to what he said is about $35 billion being invested nearby in a new professional soccer stadium, LaGuardia Airport, housing, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center across the street and elsewhere.

Grech and Richards have stressed the impact of new construction and long-term jobs, and the building trade unions were wellrepresented at Borough Hall on Tuesday.

Phil Fiorentino of the New York City Council of Carpenters and Sal Correa of Local 7 of the Tile, Marble & Terrazzo workers said the permanent positions created once construction is finished will have lasting value.

“Good-paying jobs,” Correa said. “Six-figure jobs.” As for the construction process itself, he said the surrounding neighborhoods will benefit, even in ways that might seem small at first glance.

“If there’s a deli on a corner near a union construction job site, that deli is going to do

continued on page 19

CONZA | MCNAMARA

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Advance Directives

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

Estate planning is not solely about directing the distribution of assets after death and preserving family wealth. A proper estate plan also incorporates legal documents known as Advance Directives that prepare your family for the possibility of your incapacity. Three common Advance Directives that everyone should have are a Living Will, Healthcare Proxy, and Durable Power of Attorney.

Living Will: New York law allows you to outline your healthcare preferences in your Living Will should you become incapacitated and unable to make critical healthcare decisions. You can state what healthcare treatments you want, and do not want, in advance of being unable to make decisions yourself. Important decisions such as maintaining life support in the event of severe or irreversible injury will be included in your Living Will and will be respected by the hospital and your healthcare providers.

Healthcare Proxy: Another document

that is critical if you become disabled is the Healthcare Proxy. This documents permits you to designate a person as your agent to make health care decisions if you become unable to communicate or make decisions on your own.

Durable Power of Attorney: This powerful legal document lets you give another person or persons the authority to make legal and fi nancial decisions for you. The Durable Power of Attorney is effective the day you sign it and is “durable” in the sense that the power continues if you become incapacitated. Without a Durable Power of Attorney no one can handle your legal and fi nancial affairs without petitioning the New York State Supreme Court to be appointed your guardian and you will have no say as to who that person is.

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Dads take the lead at PS 97

More than 70 fathers and father figures last Friday celebrated “Dad Take Your Child to School Day” at PS 97, the Forest Park School, in Woodhaven. The children eagerly spent time with their dads and shared a breakfast together to mark the day.

The school’s principal, Yassine Aggoub, above at center right, addressed the parents about the purpose behind the event and emphasized the significance of attendance with Calvin Diaz from the District 27 office. The fathers also had the chance to capture

joyful memories at a photo booth and explore the book fair with their children.

“As the parent coordinator, I was truly moved by the turnout and the happiness on our students’ faces as they celebrated with their dads and father figures,” the school’s parent coordinator, Naresha Ali, told the Chronicle in an email. “A heartfelt thank you to Principal Aggoub, Calvin Diaz, Deena O’Connor, Armia Bajit,and Melissa Farrell for their invaluable support in making this event a resounding success.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Forest Hills twilight concert

The Con Brio Ensemble will return to Forest Hills’ Church-in-the-Gardens Oct. 12 for an evening of chamber music.

The twilight concert will consist of several selections from well-known composers, namely Antonîn Dvorák’s “Silent Woods” and “Rondo” for cello and piano; Elliott Carter’s “Tre Duetti” for violin and cello; and Franz Schubert’s “Trio no. 1 in B-flat major, op. 99” for violin, cello and piano.

Performing those pieces will be violinist Arthur Moeller, cellist Hamilton Berry and pianist Diana

Mittler-Battipaglia.

Established in 1978, the Con Brio Ensemble is a not-for-profit professional chamber music organization whose concerts include various styles and instrument combinations.

The Church-in-the-Gardens is located at 50 Ascan Ave., three blocks south of Queens Boulevard. The show will start at 4:30 p.m., and while admission is free, donations are accepted.

One may call the Con Brio Ensemble at (718) 459-1277 to learn more. Q — Stephanie G. Meditz

Agency lowers threshold for OMNY fare cap, relents slightly on LIRR tix MTA approves fare hikes, toll increases

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday voted unanimously to adopt a new schedule of fares, fees and tolls. Most changes will go into effect in January to coordinate with the elimination of MetroCards in favor of the OMNY tap-and-go system.

As expected, the cost of a single bus or subway ride will go up 10 cents to $3 in January. The reduced fare is increasing from $1.45 to $1.50, and the express bus base fare is increasing from $7 to $7.25.

In a statement from the MTA, Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the increases actually stay a bit below inflation; and that mass transit remains a bargain.

“Because the transit fare is a fraction of the cost of owning a car, New Yorkers spend less on transportation than people in the rest of the country, and we’re determined to keep it that way,” Lieber said. “The modest fare increases approved today — which are below the rate of inflation — prioritize value for frequent riders and families while maintaining the MTA’s bottom line.”

He said, for example, that if the fare increase kept up with inflation from the previous increase in 2023, the new figure would be $3.14.

Other transit features include:

• The seven-day rolling fare cap, which allows customers to pay for 12 rides in a seven-day period and automatically ride free for the rest of the week, is becoming permanent. No customer will pay more than $35 for subway and local bus rides in a week, down from the $36 cap proposed back in July. Reducedfare customers will pay no more than $17.50 in a week;

• Express bus customers will pay no more than $67 a week for unlimited express bus, local bus and subway rides in any seven-day period;

• Beginning later in 2026, coins will no longer be accepted on buses but will continue to be accepted at card vending machines in subway stations and at one of the 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards; and

• The fee for a new OMNY card will be $2 when the MTA no longer accepts MetroCards for fare payments. That is still lower than the original $5 fee. OMNY cards are more durable and last for up to 5 years, more than twice as long as MetroCards.

Tolls at MTA bridges and tunnels will go up between 20 and 60 cents per one-way crossing for typical passenger cars using E-ZPasses, and more for larger vehicles. Non-E-Zpass users will see higher increases.

E-ZPass tolls for passenger cars will go from $6.94 to $7.46 at the Verrazzano-Narrows, RFK-Triborough, Throgs Neck and Whitestone bridges as well as the Queens Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels. Cost for those without E-ZPass will increase from $11.19 to $12.03 per crossing.

E-ZPass tolls for cars on the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial and Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial bridges will increase from $2.60 to $2.80. The fee without an E-ZPass will increase from $5.60 to $6.02.

On the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth, the average increase will be about 4.5 percent on monthly, weekly and oneway peak tickets.

The eligibility age for a Family Fare ticket will be raised from 11 to 17 years old. Children aged 5 to 17 will be able ride for $1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during the morning rush hour, though not the evening.

And in perhaps the most talked-about change from this past summer, the MTA has backed off slightly on its original plans to have the LIRR’s paper and mobile one-way tickets expire four hours after purchase.

They instead will expire at 4 a.m. the next day. One-way LIRR tickets presently are good for 60 days from the time of purchase. Q

The cost of a bus or subway ride still is going up a dime. But the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has relented on some increases first proposed in July. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition pens letter as FBI targets corridor Activists challenge brothel landlords

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Furthering their campaign to rid the Roosevelt Avenue corridor of rampant prostitution, activists on Sept. 28 released a letter they have sent to 21 area landlords warning them not to harbor illegal activity.

The Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition members announced the missive at a rally outside a Junction Boulevard business they say is a brothel, one of a slew of such events they have held recently and vow to continue.

The section of Roosevelt that runs through Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona has been plagued by open prostitution — with ladies of the evening becoming ladies of the afternoon beckoning to clients in broad daylight in front of schoolchildren — in the last couple of years, even more so than in the past.

The area was targeted by the city during a recent months-long law-enforcement crackdown and now also has the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The conditions there have prompted protests and other activism from the coalition, one of whose leaders is Hiram Monserrate, a former elected official and police officer.

“Today we put property owners on notice of their shared responsibility to our community,” Monserrate said in a coalition press release after Sunday’s rally and letter release. “No turning a

blind eye to crime on your property. No more cashing in on misery. If you know it’s happening and do nothing you are complicit in criminality and quite possibly engaging in racketeering. We deserve a clean and safe community, and landlords share in that responsibility.”

Restore Roosevelt President Rosa Sanchez agreed.

“We must hold unscrupulous landlords accountable; otherwise these locations reopen in less than 24 hours,” she said in her own statement. “What good is it if the cops raid and these illegal operations open the next day. We will continue to rally every Sunday bringing more attention to the brothels and crime in our community.”

The group put out a list of 21 properties it says are operating as brothels, along with the owners of record. Each one received a letter warning that the alleged activities at the site have been reported to the NYPD, Queens District Attorney’s Office, FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and city Department of Buildings — the latter because of zoning violations inherent to operating houses of ill repute.

The letter tells the landlords that, based on the activists’ own observations, and information supplied to them by area merchants and residents, the sites are believed to be used in the furtherance of prostitution.

“This location has been highlighted as a

Woman wanted for S. Rich Hill assault

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are seeking an unidentified woman they say assaulted a man in South Richmond Hill on Sept. 16.

According to the NYPD, it was reported to them that at approximately 10:22 a.m., a 67-year-old man was inside a deli at 119-19 101 Ave. when a woman approached him and threw a roll of paper towels at his face, in the process scratching him and breaking his glasses.

The woman also allegedly slapped the victim in the face before fleeing on foot, traveling northbound on 120th Street to parts unknown. Cops said she was last seen going inside 120-08 97 Ave., a residential building.

EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition, police said.

The sought woman is described as having a light complexion with long braids, and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, plaid pants and black sandals, according to police.

Cops are searching for this woman, who they say assaulted a man in South Richmond Hill on Sept. 16. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD

location where it is probable that victims of sex trafficking are being forced into prostitution,” the letter says. “It is quite likely that you are aware of these activities, but if you are not, rest assured that we have collected videos and images of some of these events.”

Among the 21 sites, 12 are on Roosevelt Avenue and seven others are nearby, with three on Elmhurst Avenue and one each on 82nd Street, Britton Avenue, 37th Avenue and 39th Avenue. The only ones not on Roosevelt or within a block of it are on Junction Boulevard on the Jackson Heights-Corona border and Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst.

The highest concentration is on the south side of Roosevelt between Britton Avenue and Case Street. The farthest location to the west is on Roosevelt near 75th Street and the farthest to the east is on it near 111th Street.

The Chronicle is withholding the exact addresses because it would not be possible to reach all the property owners for a response. Most of the listed owners are limited liability corporations, not individuals.

Also on Sunday, Fox News reported that Christopher Raia, the FBI’s assistant director in charge of the New York field office, said the agency is targeting Roosevelt Avenue and that its efforts there have only just begun.

“One of the first letters I received was from the local officials in that area talking about the

crime problem,” Raia told Fox. “And so, to those local officials who sent us those letters again, we hear you. We are working relentlessly there to keep that community safe.” Q

Richmond Hill man held in 7 Train stab

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A Richmond Hill man has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and other counts for allegedly stabbing a man on a No. 7 subway train at the Mets-Willets Point station on Sept. 21.

Luis Pallchisaca, 21, of 112th Street, also was arraigned last Thursday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Lana Schlesinger on charges of first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to a statement issued by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Pallchisaca allegedly slashed the 25-year-old victim’s throat before stabbing him in the back with an object believed to have been a knife.

“As alleged, the defendant mercilessly stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack and caused life-threatening injuries,” Katz said. “Our subway system is not a battle ground; it is a lifeline for many. My office will use all tools at our disposal to prosecute those who undermine the sense of safety for millions of straphangers in this city. The defendant now faces attempted murder and other charges, and we continue to wish the victim a full recovery.”

Records on the website of the city Department of Correction stated that Pallchisaca was being held on $500,001 bail or $1 million bond. He is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges.

All tips are strictly confidential. Q

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X.

The DA’s Office said the victim was left in critical condition after what is being called an unprovoked attack.

The New York Post quoted sources as saying he was admitted to the intensive care unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital in Flushing. He was on a ventilator and was unable to speak due to his injuries.

Katz’s office said the attack took place at approximately 11:30 p.m. Pallchisaca was said to have been inside a 7 train at the Mets-Willets Point station when the victim entered the subway car.

Pallchisaca allegedly approached the victim from the front before initiating the attack. He then fled the scene.

Officers from the NYPD arrested him at his home on Sept. 24. Q

Police detain two women after a prostitution raid on Roosevelt Avenue in June. SCREENSHOT VIA VIDEO BY @ZOMBIESINNYC, COURTESY HIRAM MONSERRATE

Brooks-Powers’ rally for GMVA extension

Intro. 1297 would add institutions to gender-violence civil lawsuits

by Naeisha Rose Editor

About 50 people were at a rally on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday to call for a hearing and vote to amend the Gender-Motivated Violence Act.

The bill to extend and widen the GMVA’s purview is intro. 1297.

The city law was passed in 2000 and allowed survivors of gender-based violence to file civil lawsuits against perpetrators and institutions.

In 2022, survivors were given an extended period of time to seek justice and compensation for harm, including sexual assault, domestic violence and workplace violence. However, the two-year revival extension did not clearly cover institutions, only individual perpetrators.

In June 2025, the appellate court in S.S. v. Rockefeller University Hospital ruled that the GMVA’s two-year revival window applied only to individual perpetrators, not to institutions.

The office of City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), the lead co-sponsor of the bill to amend the GMVA to include institutions in the civil suits, says without the amendment, hundreds of survivor cases are now at risk of dismissal.

The cases include hospitals, the Epstein

City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, at mic, is calling for a hearing for Intro. 1297, which if enacted would allow civil suits against institutions and perpetrators involved in gender-motivated violence.

estate and city-run juvenile detention centers where alleged abuse occurred.

If enacted, the bill would clarify the GMVA’s revival window applies to both individuals and enabling institutions; the revival window would be extended for one additional year from March 1, 2026 to March 1, 2027; and it would protect survivors’ rights to pur-

sue justice against powerful institutions.

“Survivors deserve more than promises — they deserve action,” said Brooks-Powers in a statement. “The Council must act swiftly to protect the rights of survivors and ensure that powerful institutions cannot escape accountability through a legal technicality. Intro 1297 is about delivering on our commitment

to justice and equity.”

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said in a statement that survivors are not always immediately able to pursue the justice and accountability they deserve.

“And when there are large institutions perpetrating, excusing, or otherwise looking away from the abuse — we need to ensure this can’t be overlooked or ignored,” Williams said. “Systems that have enabled abuse need to be seen, scrutinized, and rebuilt with transparency, honesty, and accountability. This legislation will help enable that vital work.”

Mary Soto, a survivor and advocate, said in a statement that she and others are more than just victims.

“And we are standing not as individuals, but as a community demanding justice,” said Soto. “Intro. 1297 is not just a bill, it’s a path forward.”

Rashawn Jones, another survivor and advocate, said the system failed him and other youths when they were kids and it’s failing them again.

“We deserve justice, not legal technicalities that protect abusers,” said Jones in a statement.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Women and Gender Equity on May 28 and had 35 co-sponsors as of Wednesday. Q

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Coastal Preservation Network helps Parks Dept. secure $2.3M from NOAA Federal grant to aid College Pt. cleanup

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Abandoned boats, collapsed piers and other large marine debris will be removed from costal waters around College Point, Arverne and other sites in New York City under a federal grant announced last week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Kathryn Cervino, president of the Coastal Preservation Network, told the Chronicle that the $2.3 million grant will be administered by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation through its new Office of Marine Disposal and Vessel Surrendering. It is one of 13 competitive grants that were awarded.

“It’s very exciting news for us,” Cervino, of College Point, said last week. “This is something the Parks Department applied for ... They asked us to write a letter of support, to be a community partner on this.”

She said plans right now are to target waters north and west of College Point.

NOAA said the American Littoral Society, which works on and advocates for Jamaica Bay among its many adopted waterways, also is partnering in the effort.

NOAA, in a press release, said project dates will run between early next year and September 2028. While she had no specific dates last week, Cervino expressed hope that

A federal grant will help the city and the Coastal Preservation Network rid the waters off College Point of abandoned boats and massive amounts of underwater debris.

the New York City projects could be underway as early as this coming spring.

“The presence of abandoned and derelict vessels and other types of marine debris negatively impacts the health of the natural environment; presents hazards for navigation; and diminishes the public’s enjoyment of the waterfront,” NOAA said in a press release announcing the grants. “Investing in marine

debris removal benefits the marine environment and waterfront, and creates opportunities for skilled labor performed by subcontractors in the community.”

NOAA said the New York City project is intended to remove at least 24 abandoned and derelict vessels that are known navigation hazards, including some that are fully submerged in the water. Including other large-

scale marine debris, officials expect to remove an estimated one million pounds of junk from four project areas.

They include Westchester Creek in the Bronx and Four Sparrow Marsh, Marine Park, and Paerdegat Basin in Brooklyn.

NOAA said as grant partners the CPN and the American Littoral Society will conduct educational community programming and volunteer cleanup events in conjunction with the large-scale removal efforts.

Cervino said she and her band of volunteers have been wanting a project like this for two decades as they do cleanups and maintenance on the shoreline.

“We always looked out at the water — there were things we just couldn’t tend to,” Cervino said. “We were unequipped to remove abandoned vessels, dock remnants and pilings with large pieces. It was really quite frustrating ... There was only so much we could do with our volunteers with our big black Hefty bags and trash grabbers.

“We did a lot. But the big things were out of our reach.”

Cervino said two of her prime targets for removal would be derelict vessels at Big Rock Beach and other debris near the boat launch at Hermon A. MacNeil Park. She said plans call for removal of 70 cubic yards of marine debris other than boats. Q

PHOTO BY KATHRYN CERVINO

Metro casino

continued from page 13

very well,” he said.

Tammy Rose Scott, owner of the Little Friends School of Sunnyside, said she came to support the project in part because of employee childcare benefits being offered to future workers at Metropolitan Park.

“That came from a lot of the fathers of my students,” she said. “They told me they could go to work here in Queens and not have to worry about daycare.”

Richards wants both Queens sites approved, and is not concerned about two casinos cannibalizing each other. As to critics’ fears of things like increased crime, Richards said they have not manifested themselves since Resorts World opened. He also said there is an agreement to have help for problem gamblers on site.

He believes state approval would complete a 180-degree turn for Queens compared to when he took office in 2020.

“Just five years ago we were in the throes of an unprecedented pandemic and a recession,” he said. “Our unemployment rate was nearly 25 percent. Now, five years later, we are talking about creating more than 25,000 jobs ... with hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars in wages for Queens families. We are talking about building a massive entertainment complex which will become the cultural heartbeat of the city.” Q

Cleanup efforts continue

Following a multiagency walkthrough last month with area elected officials, efforts to maintain cleanliness on the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach continued with the installation of new signage and a dozen garbage cans last Thursday.

In a joint press release from Councilmember Joann Ariola and state Sen. James Sanders Jr., photos show new signs asking the community not to litter and warning of security cameras in use, as well as new garbage cans to be placed along the bridge.

The hope is that the efforts will deter litter-

ing and mitigate the large amounts of trash and debris along the structure, a longstanding issue there.

Ariola and Sanders, in prepared statements, celebrated the new additions.

“This delivery makes good on our promise to bring a multi-agency, multi-level solution to this chronic problem,” Ariola said.

Sanders said, “Working together to clean the Addabbo Bridge exemplifies our commitment to maintaining our community’s infrastructure and ensuring a safer, cleaner environment for all residents.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Donate blood and 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:

• 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;

• St. Nicholas of 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;

• Martin Van Buren High School, auditorium; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 230-17 Hillside Ave. in Queens Village; and •St. John’s University, Student Organization lounge room 128; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at 8000 Utopia Pkwy. in Jamaica Estates; blood drive coordinator Paul Lazauskas. Q — Naeisha Rose

Unions OK cost-saving health plan despite unknowns Municipal Labor Committee approves

by Claudia Irizarry Aponte THE CITY

This article was originally published on Sept. 30, 6:01 p.m. EDT and updated at 7:35 p.m. by THE CITY

Leaders of the city’s public sector unions on Tuesday voted to approve a new cost-saving health plan for active city workers and some retirees managed by EmblemHealth and UnitedHealthcare, even as some member unions protested that they did not have key details of the plan before the vote.

The Municipal Labor Committee, a consortium of 102 unions representing city employees, approved the plan with 88 percent of the weighted vote. The vote opens the door for the plan to go through a contract process with the Mayor’s Office before it goes into effect, with an expected Jan. 1 launch.

The premium-free health plan covers some 750,000 city workers, pre-Medicare retirees and their dependents, and is expected to save the city $1 billion annually — money that unions are obligated to deliver under past labor agreements stretching back to 2009.

The five-year plan includes a national provider network, a highly sought-after perk for retirees, many of whom do not live in New York.

In a joint statement, the Municipal Labor Committee said the plan is “the outcome of years of

research, deliberation and negotiations to develop a health plan that addresses what matters most to our members: comprehensive medical coverage, accessible care, and zero premiums.”

“We’ve been able to improve benefits, expand the network of providers while allowing our members to keep their existing doctors, and maintain premium-free health care without increasing out-of-pocket costs — especially important in an economic climate where every cent counts for our members’ bottom line,” the statement read.

The move to the new health plans comes as part of a years-long joint effort that began under former Mayor Bill de Blasio to achieve billions of dollars in healthcare savings as part of collective bargaining agreements that yielded long-awaited raises for city workers.

A major part of that cost-savings effort, a planned move to privately run Medicare Advantage coverage for retirees, collapsed following widespread backlash, including lawsuits and protests from city retirees who said they would lose doctors and face tighter restrictions on care.

After winning a unanimous decision from the state’s highest court earlier this year that would have let Medicare Advantage proceed, Adams — who until this week was running for reelection — abandoned the move anyway, saying the city had found other ways to realize the

switch,

though some say info was lacking

Retired city workers held a protest outside a Sunset Park public sector jobs fair against switching their plans to Medicare Advantage, Aug. 28, 2023.

savings. The MLC remains locked in a legal battle with the Adams administration over which side is responsible for what City Hall says is $4 billion in unrealized savings the unions had committed to in their contracts.

Mayor Adams hailed the MLC vote approving the new health plans, predicting those will increase coverage for city workers and reduce enrollee costs.

“City employees dedicate their lives to making our city a better place and looking out for their fellow New Yorkers,” he said in a statement. “They deserve the absolute

best health care and benefits we have to offer, and, with this plan, we are giving them exactly that.”

But the details of the current plan are unclear: Union leaders were only given the opportunity to review a redacted version of the contract before Tuesday’s vote, sources told THE CITY, frustrating those leaders and their rank-and-file members.

Others said they were concerned about the projected $1 billion savings, with David Nicholson of the Police Benevolent Association saying they are “not guaranteed,” according to audio from the meeting that was obtained by THE CITY.

If the plan does not achieve its savings target, said Nicholson, then other perks such as prescription drug benefits and the survivor’s benefits for uniform officers, may be at risk; the PBA voted to reject the plan.

“The plan that we’re voting on today might not be the plan that we’re looking at in a year from now, when the city comes back and sees that the savings are kind of speculative in our view, and not guaranteed,” he said.

Those concerns were echoed by the president of the staff and faculty union at the City University of New York.

“My members are concerned with what might not be there because of redactions that we don’t have access to, about what the conditions would be under which we do end up back at the table,” said James Davis, president of the Professional Staff Congress-CUNY, which abstained from voting.

The plan, however, was approved thanks to the votes of the United Federation of Teachers and District Council 37 which, on account of the consortium’s weighted voting structure, jointly represent about 60 percent of votes. Q

Additional reporting by Reuven Blau.

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

Square K, a dog, suffered from blunt force trauma before blaze: ASPCA Justice for service animal set on fire

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Instead of love and care, a pit bull was subjected to brutality while being watched by a family member of its owner.

Square K, a service animal, was beaten and lit on fire in South Ozone Park more than two months ago, said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office on Tuesday. The alleged culprit, Isaiah Gurley, 29, was living at the Holiday Inn Express Kennedy Airport hotel in Springfield Gardens at the time.

On July 24, at approximately 9 a.m., an NYPD lieutenant from the 106th Precinct, out on an unrelated assignment, observed the charred remains of the dog on the street in the vicinity of 127-20 116 Ave., said Katz’s office. The NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad was notified and an investigation was launched.

Nearby surveillance video depicted Gurley allegedly walking into First Class Deli on

Rockaway Boulevard at approximately 4:40 a.m. earlier that day, said prosecutors. He was seen allegedly picking up a bottle of oil and leaving the store without paying. About five minutes later, the defendant was allegedly seen on video footage dragging the unconscious dog by the leash along the avenue. He then stopped and allegedly used the oil to douse the dog’s body and set it on fire near several cars.

Gurley then fled the scene on foot to parts unknown, said police.

Four days later, someone spotted Gurley at a Foot Locker at the Queens Center mall in Elmhurst, said authorities. Officers of the 110th Precinct arrested the defendant.

Gurley was indicted on charges of aggravated cruelty, arson in the fifth degree, harming a service animal in the second degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the second

degree and petit larceny, Sept. 30.

“As alleged, the defendant was supposed to be caring for a family member’s dog and instead subjected it to unfathomable cruelty ...” said Katz in a statement. “This dog suffered needlessly, and we have no tolerance for animal abuse in Queens County.”

A post-mortem examination by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals determined that the dog suffered blunt force trauma to the head and died before being set ablaze.

Gurley is expected before a judge on Nov. 18. If convicted, he faces up to two and twothirds to seven years in prison, said prosecutors.

“My office will aggressively prosecute those who beat and torture defenseless animals,” said Katz. “It is well past time that New York strengthens its animal cruelty laws to allow for the appropriate penalties for such abuse.” Q

PHOTO BY BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY

Isaiah Gurley, 29, above, was indicted on animal cruelty and other related charges for allegedly killing a pit bull. PHOTO COURTESY NYPD / FILE

Social Security COLA hike How much will payments rise in 2026 ?

by Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP

Social Security recipients now have the second of three data points that will determine their costof-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026.

A key gauge for inflation — the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (known as the CPI-W) — rose by 2.8 percent in August 2025 compared with one year ago, according to data released Sept. 11 by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Annual COLAs are based on how much the CPI-W changes in the third quarter of the year — July, August and September — from the same period the previous year. The CPI-W rose by 2.5 percent in July compared with the previous year. The final COLA for 2026 will be announced in October.

A CPI-W of 2.8 percent for August suggests that Social Security recipients may see a modest bump in their payments starting in January 2026.

“I expect something similar next month — maybe a bit higher due to the current volatile and unpredictable import tax regime,” says Indivar DuttaGupta, a distinguished visiting fellow with the National Academy of Social Insurance, referring to the Trump administration’s tariff policies.

“I do suspect that the August and September figures will nudge [the 2026 COLA] up toward 2.7 percent,” Dutta-Gupta says.

The final inflation number that goes into the COLA calculation will be released on Oct. 15, when the Social Security Administration will announce the COLA for 2026.

A 2.7 percent COLA would increase the average benefit for a retired worker — which in August 2025 was $2,008 a month — by about $54. The average monthly survivor benefit ($1,575 in August) would inch up by about $43, while the average payment for a worker collecting Social Security Disability Insurance ($1,583 in August) would go up by $43.

Teresa Ghilarducci, a labor economist at New York City’s New School for Social Research, expects a COLA of about 2.8 percent but says that “probably won’t be enough to cover the inflation rates that we’re headed into” if the tariffs remain in place. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the legality of those import taxes.

The 2025 COLA, which was based on third-quarter inflation data for 2024, boosted the average Social Security retirement benefit by about $49 a month. The 2024 COLA of 3.2 percent pushed payments up by $59 for the average retiree.

Helping older adults keep up

Bill Sweeney, AARP’s senior vice president of government affairs, says the annual COLA is one of the most important elements of Social Security.

“This wasn’t originally part of Social Security,” he says, noting that in 1972 AARP fought to make COLAs automatic rather than subject to a congressional vote.

“For many people, Social Security is the only inflation-protected income they have in retirement,” Sweeney says. And for more than 50 years, he adds, the COLA “has allowed America’s seniors to keep up as everyday costs continue to rise — from groceries to housing to prescription drugs.”

Some older adults may also benefit from a new $6,000 tax deduction for older taxpayers included in the recent “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The measure

applies to taxpayers 65 and older with incomes below a certain threshold, starting with their nex t tax filing and running through the 2028 tax year. After that, it is set to expire. AARP supported the tax provision’s inclusion in the legislation.

How is the COLA calculated?

The CPI-W is a measure of changes in prices for a selection of goods and services, including food, energy and medical care, that is reported monthly by the BLS. It is a subset of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which tracks a broader range of retail prices and is considered the “headline” number in measuring inflation. (That main index increased 2.9 percent year over year in August.)

To calculate the COLA, the Social Security Administration compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter of each year to the figure for tha t same period the year before. From 2001 through 2020, the COLA averaged about 2.2 percent. I f there is no inflation, there’s no COLA — that happened in 2009, 2010 and 2015. The bigges t adjustment ever was 14.3 percent in 1980.

In 2024, the CPI-W rose 2.9 percent in July, compared with the prior year, then 2.4 percent in August and 2.2 percent in September. Over the full quarter, the index was 2.5 percent higher, on average, than for the same period in 2023.

Social Security benefits can lag inflation during periods of price volatility, leaving some beneficiaries struggling to make ends meet. For example, beneficiaries temporarily lost buying power in 2021, when the 1.3 percent COLA — based on low inflation in 2020 — was outpaced by surging consumer prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That pattern repeated in 2022, when benefits increased by 5.9 percent but inflation reached a 9 percent peak. The following year’s COLA of 8.7 percent helped beneficiaries catch up.

While inflation had started to cool this spring, many may still feel that the COLA “hasn’t kept up as much as it should,” says Mike Lynch, managing director of applied insights at Hartford Funds. “We all know the price of eggs and milk and gas.”

An August 2025 survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute found that 52 percent of Social Security recipients had cut back on discretionary spending, such as travel and dining out, due to the rising cost of living. Thirty-one percent said they had cut back on essentials, such as groceries and medications. Dutta-Gupta notes that the COLA is based on costs for goods and services used by the “typical urban worker,” not for older adults who may face high medical costs and other extra expenses.

“Sometimes the COLA will understate risin g costs faced by people with disabilities and the elderly who depend on Social Security benefits,” he says.

Lynch, who regularly gives seminars on Social Security, says that while the COLA is important, it’s also key for current and future retirees to think carefully about the broader retirement landscape.

“It’s not our parents’ or grandparents’ retirement anymore,” he says. In part because of increased longevity for some Americans, “it’s probably going to be a lot longer, a lot more active, which means they’re going to need more money.” P — Published Aug. 12, 2025/ Updated Sept. 11, 2025

Why walking is a perfect exercise for seniors

Aging changes the human body in myriad ways. But even with those changes, seniors’ bodies have many of the same needs as the bodies of their younger counterparts.

Exercise is one thing the human body needs regardless of how old it is. But some exercises are better suited for particular demographics than others. Walking, for example, is an ideal activity for seniors, some of whom may be surprised to learn just how beneficial a daily stroll can be.

• Walking strengthens bones and muscles. T he Mayo Clinic notes that regular brisk walking strengthens bones and muscles. Intensity is important when looking to walking to improve muscle strength. A 2015 study published in the journal Exercises and Sports Sciences Reviews found that achieving a 70 to 80 percent heart rate reserve during workouts lasting at least 40 minutes four to five days per week can help build muscle strength. GoodRx defines heart rate reserve as the difference between your resting and maximum heart rate, so it’s important that seniors looking to walking to build muscle strength exhibit more intensity during a workout walk than they might during a recreational stroll.

• Walking helps seniors maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity are risk factors

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING

for a host of chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. The Mayo Clinic notes walking can help seniors keep pounds off and maintain a healthy weight. In fact, SilverSneakers reports that a 155-pound person burns around 133 calories walking for 30 minutes at a 17-minutes-per-mile pace. A slight increase in intensity to 15 minutes per mile can help that

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same person burn an additional 42 calories.

• Walking lowers seniors’ risk for various diseases. It’s long been known that walking is a great way for seniors to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted in 1996 that walking more than four hours

per week was associated with a significantly reduced risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. How significant is that reduction?

A 2023 report from the American Heart Association indicated people age 70 and older who walked an additional 500 steps per day had a 14 percent lower risk for heart disease, stroke or heart failure. In addition, the Department o f Health with the Victoria State Government in Australia reports walking also helps seniors reduce their risk for colon cancer and diabetes.

• Walking boosts mental health. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health note that replacing one hour of sitting with one hour of a moderate activity like brisk walking can have a measureable and positive effect on mental health. The researchers behind the study, which was published in the journal Psychiatry in 2019, saw a 26 percent decrease in odds for becoming depressed with each major increase in objectively measured physical activity.

Walking can benefit all people, but might be uniquely beneficial for seniors. Walking is free, which undoubtedly appeals to seniors living on fixed incomes, and it’s also a moderate intensity activity that won’t tax seniors’ bodies. Such benefits suggest walking and seniors are a perfect match. P — Metro Creative Connection

The CDC urges those who have certain risk factors to speak with their doctor about having their blood sugar tested.

CHRIST THE KING

REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

F A L L O P E N H O U S E S FALL OPEN HOUSES

68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village (718) 366-7400, ext. 240 Website: ctkny.org admissions@ctkny.org

Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wed., Oct. 22, 6 to 8 p.m.

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL

26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing Website: holycrosshs.org admissions@holycrosshs.org (718) 886-7250, ext. 524

Sun., Oct. 19, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

LA SALLE ACADEMY

215 East 6th St., Manhattan Website: lasalleacademy.org AChin@LaSalleAcademy.org (212) 475-8940

Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THE MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL

60-02 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth Website: martinluthernyc.org admissions@martinluthernyc.org (718) 894-4000

Sat., Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Preregistration recommended.

MONSIGNOR MCCLANCY

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

71-06 31 Ave., East Elmhurst Website: msgrmcclancy.org admissions@msgrmcclancy.info (718) 898-3800

Sat., Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Preregistration is required.

ST. EDMUND PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

2474 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn Website: stedmundprep.org dbreen@stedmundprep.org (718) 743-6100

Thu., Oct. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Preregistration is required.

ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

6100 Francis Lewis Blvd., Fresh Meadows Website: sfponline.org admissions@SFPonline.org (718) 423-8810

Sat., Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preregistration is required.

ST. JOHN'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

21-21 Crescent St., Astoria Website: stjohnsprepschool.org admissions@stjohnsprepschool.org (718) 721-7200

Sat., Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ST. VINCENT FERRER HIGH SCHOOL

151 East 65th St., Manhattan Website: saintvincentferrer.com ccosgrove@saintvincentferrer.com (212) 535-4680

Sat., Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

THE MARY LOUIS ACADEMY

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates Website: tmla.org admissions@tmla.org (718) 297-2120, ext. 233

Sun., Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Note: All high school open house dates are subject to change.

Why choose a Catholic high school?

As parents, you want the best for your children. It is because you wish them success in all of life’s challenges that Catholic schools are the right choice. Catholic schools provide an educational program based on religious beliefs and values, enabling your children to grow in their understanding of themselves, their relationship with God and their relationship with others.

Catholic schools promote the education of young people to their full potential; their teachers respect and encourage real learning experiences.

Your children acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success in higher educational pursuits and a wide range of careers.

Catholic schools offer a community environment in which your children can discuss and live out the values upon which their education is based.

They are encouraged to contribute to society and to assume leadership roles in shaping public

attitudes and programs. In Catholic schools, young people learn to question, to establish confidence in their own good choices in life and to experience the sense of accomplishment stemming from individual achievement and responsibility. Take this opportunity to learn about Catholic schools in Queens. Whichever school you choose, you can be assured that your child will receive a strong academic education in an environment structured to have a lasting value.

Catholic high schools:

• build character;

• foster community service;

• encourage involvement;

• develop real-world skills;

• shape leaders;

• reward achievement;

• reinforce values;

• allow for spiritual growth;

• embrace differences;

• raise standards;

• empower each student; and

• celebrate school spirit. Q — dioceseofbrooklyn.org

Selecting your child’s Catholic High School

THE PROCESS

• You should choose three high schools to which you want to apply.

• Your three high school choices will receive your TACHS scores.

• Choosing which high school to attend is very important; you should consider your options carefully.

• The high schools’ websites, along with open house information, will be available through tachsinfo.com. This information also is available in the Student Handbook.

• Parents/guardians should accompany students to high school open houses and read school literature before students select their three high school options.

• Discuss your options with your teacher, guidance counselor or principal to determine which schools will be the best match for you.

• Be realistic in your choices.

• Make sure you are eligible for the schools to which you apply.

• Determine daily travel times from your home to the schools and be sure you are willing to travel that distance.

• Admission and scholarship decisions are the responsibility of the individual high schools.

• After registering for the TACHS, you may enter your high school choices at tachsinfo.com.

• Enter your high school choices by clicking on the “High School Choices” link within.

• Enter your TACHS ID provided at the time of registration and your email address.

• Use the pull-down menu to see a complete list of all high schools; it is not necessary to know a school’s three-digit code.

• Enter your three high school choices and save.

• If you need to change your high school choices, you may follow the same steps.

• You may change your choices until Nov. 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

• No changes or corrections can made after Nov. 8, 2025.

• Failure to complete this process will result in your scores not being provided to any schools. Q — tachsinfo.com

2025-26 TACHS Calendar of Events

Now to Nov. 8 Enter your HS choices at tachsinfo.com

(must be registered to enter HS choices)

Your choices may be entered/changed until the deadline on Nov. 9 at 11:59 p.m. Failure to complete this information by the deadline will result in scores being unavailable to your high school choices.

Oct. 3 Deadline for submitting request and supporting documentation to diocese for extended testing time accommodation.

(Do not submit the request to the TACHS Exam Office. It will be returned to you).

Oct. 29 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for internet and telephone registration. Do not miss the deadline!

Nov. 5 Receive an email with your test session date/time/code. Students will be randomly assigned to a session at 8:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. on their diocese-aligned test date (no time preference accepted). You may also access your test session date/time/code at www.tachsinfo.com. No paper notifications will be sent.

Nov. 6-7 Call 1 (866) 61TACHS, 1 (866) 618-2247, if you are not able to obtain your test session code.

SAT., NOV. 8 TACHS ADMINISTRATION for Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens

Nov. 8 Deadline for entering your high school choices on tachsinfo.com.

Dec. 10 Paper TACHS Applicant Records for public school students due to students’ three high school choices. (See Student Handbook for more.)

Jan. 14, 2026 Earliest release of admission notices by high schools; delivery via email, mail, or phone.

Jan. 23, 2026 (3 p.m.) Access your TACHS results / Home report online at tachsinfo.com

Feb. 2026 Response Cards due back to high schools. Q — tachsinfo.com

Family fun in Forest Hills

The Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce had something fun for everyone at its biannual street fair on Austin last Sunday.

At top right, students from Champions Martial Arts Forest Hills showed off their skills. Residents Dorota and Dan, above, enjoyed the day with their youngsters. Caleb, 3, of Forest Hills hopped all around in one of several bounce

houses for kids. Bronx resident Gloria got her face painted before hitting Forest Hills Stadium. Attendees heard a range of musical selections at the fair, from original and rock music by Forest Hills High School Band 526, right, and jazz tunes by Augie Haas +8, far right.

— Stephanie G. Meditz, with reporting by Mark Lord

A R T S , C U L T U R E & L I V I N G ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Kristen Guglielmo Kristen

As book bans sweep across the nation, Forest Hills is fighting back with creativity and community spirit.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m., the third annual Freedom to Read Festival will transform the First Presbyterian Church basement, at 70-35 112 St., into a haven for banned books, hands-on art and activism, inviting New Yorkers of all ages to celebrate the right to read and take action to protect it.

The festival is a grassroots initiative, spearheaded by the owners of Kew & Willow Books in Kew Gardens, Holly Nikodem and Vina Castillo, and Yvette Jong, a Forest Hills parent and owner of Something for Sophie, a hand-printed custom design shop, with support from various area parent groups.

“Yvette came to us with the idea to do this, and there were so many parents that wanted to be involved,” Castillo told the Chronicle. “We decided it’s something that is, especially in these times, absolutely important to do when so many books are being banned, especially in Florida and Utah. So even though we’re in New York, we are trying to

even we’re in New York, w to make a dif ference.” ake

Bans off our Books

considered banned once they are removed from a library’s collection after being challenged by a person or group. Bans and challenges overwhelmingly target books for young adults that are written by or feature people in the LGBTQ community or people of color.

“Personally, for me, I always feel like folks in New York, and specifically metropolitan New York, sometimes feel that they’re in a little bit of a bubble when it comes to book challenges and book bans,” Nikodem said. “But that’s untrue and not always a guarantee. It is something that schools and libraries see.”

Each year, Nikodem said, the festival has a different focus, with this year’s being actionable steps.

“Now that we’re where we are, what we can do to try to protect the freedom to read in schools and libraries,” Nikodem said.

Peruse the Freedom Peruse the Freedom to Read Festival Oct. 4 to Read Festival Oct. 4

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Barbara Glenn loved James Dean from Rego Pk.

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Barbara Joan Glenn was born in the Bronx on March 13, 1934, the only child of Bernard and Selma (née Blucher) Glenn.

Blessed with exceptional looks and charm, Glenn joined The Actors Equity Association hoping to find her big break as an actress.

In 1952, she moved into apartment 3F in a brand-new building at 64-85 Wetherole St. in Rego Park on the border of Forest Hills. Actor Martin Landau introduced her to fellow equity member James Dean. They dated and were part of the Queens scene for two years. When away in California, Dean would send her mushy love letters.

The apartment of actress and model Barbara Glenn at 64-85 Wetherole St. in Rego Park, as it looks today GOOGLE

BY

Upon Dean’s tragic death in 1955, Glenn married Marcus (Mark) Gordon, a fellow equity actor from the Bronx.

Glenn passed in 2007 and Gordon in

2010. Their son Keith decided to sell the letters and photos from her time with Dean. The most recent one just sold on Sept. 20 for $32,500 at auction.

It probably will be only a matter of time before a fan will try to install a plaque on the door of the love nest at apartment 3F. Q

Celebrate fall at Ridgewood’s Onderdonk House

by Stephanie G. Meditz editor

With a chill in the air and New York City’s 400th anniversary on the calendar, the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House’s Harvest Festival comes at the perfect time.

Visitors can spend an afternoon on the grounds of the city’s oldest Dutch Colonial stone house for food and fall festivities from 12 to 4 p.m. Oct. 12.

“This has been one of our major events for as long as I’ve been with the Onderdonk House, which is at least 30 years or so,” said Linda Monte, the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society’s director for programs and education. “Most people know it and look forward to it. We’ve seen several generations of people come and go, but always come back for it.”

The annual event has something for everyone — free pumpkins, games, crafts and more are available for kids under 12.

Artist, musician and writer Arthur Kirmss will be there, 17th-century Dutch ensemble and all, to talk about artifacts from the age.

“He loves to share his knowledge with people, and they can come up and talk to him about it,” Monte said.

Artists and educators Dawn Elliott and Joel Schlemowitz are new additions to the lineup — Monte said they will have histori-

All are welcome to ring in the autumn season at the Vander

House’s annual Harvest Festival, especially as the city turns 400 years old.

cal toys on display at the festival for kids to interact with. The pair specializes in magic lantern performances, using the first form of projectors, created in the 17th century, but they also visit cultural institutions for lectures and demos.

Food prepared by the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, the house’s longtime partner, will be available for purchase. A variety of vendors also will set up shop at the festival, including a beekeeper who will sell honey and talk about his craft, Monte said.

Photo ops abound, with the outdoor space decked out in scarecrows, pumpkins and other fall decor.

“The kids have a lot of fun because the grounds are completely enclosed so that parents can ... watch their kids and know that they’re safe,” Monte said.

Tickets are $10 each, and free for children under 12. Kids must be accompanied by a ticketed adult, and advance reservation of a child’s ticket is required for a free pumpkin. The event is rain or shine.

One may visit onderdonkhouse.org, email ridgewoodhistoricalsociety@gmail. com or call (718) 456-1776 to learn more.

Festival attendees also may enter the museum for no additional charge.

The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House sits on land granted by Peter Stuyvesant in the 17th century, following the 1625 official establishment of New Amsterdam, which became New York. In 1709, Paulus Vander Ende bought an existing farm there and began construction on the house.

More than a century later, Adrian Onderdonk built a small frame addition above what was left of the 1660 building’s foundation, with architectural features typical of Dutch buildings during that era.

The Greater Ridgewood Historical Society formed in 1975 to prevent the house’s demolition. It opened as a museum in 1982.

As New York City turns 400, Monte emphasized that much of it was built on the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam.

“We’re really happy to be one of several Dutch historic houses in the New York area to remind people of the contribution of the Dutch, and how much it meant for our eventual independence in 1776,” Monte said. The house will highlight that next year, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Q

In FoHi, turning the page on book censorship

continued from page 27

Some of the steps, outlined on the festival’s website, include writing to your local library to thank them for fighting against censorship, checking out a banned book so the circulation data supports keeping it on shelves, registering to vote, reporting censorship, attending library, school and City Council meetings and, of course, attending the festival.

“This time around, instead of having

Crossword Answers

authors or illustrators come in and read their own books, we’re gathering people to read banned picture books for story time,” Nikodem said. “So that’s fun, because that could be anything from one of the most famous ones, which is ‘And Tango Makes Three’ about the penguins, or even ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ the classically banned book.”

Kids in attendance will have a packed program, with button making, storytelling, art, drag story hour and more, while the “big kids” can engage in a guided meditation and sound bath, a “Know Your Rights” workshop and deep discussions on how censorship and book bans affect our communities and daily lives.

Authors Thuy Petersen and Jehan Madhani will be in attendance to read from banned books, not yet named.

In addition to the panel discussions, workshops, storytelling and presentations, there will also be fundraising raffles to support the Alliance for Quality Education, Queens Community House and Drag Artists for Expression. Raffled items include two tickets to a show at Forest Hills Stadium, $100 off a beginner FoHi Improv

The third annual Freedom to Read festival is returning to Forest Hills on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the First Presbyterian Church, with a variety of programming for both adults and children. On the cover: The entrance to the festival and a storytelling session at a previous year’s event.

course and a $100 certificate for Spencer Pilates Arts.

To purchase a festival ticket, or to enter the raffles, visit freedomtoreadqueens.com.

Castillo said Kew & Willow also will have

PHOTOS COURTESY FREEDOMTOREADQUEENS.COM

a pop-up bookstore with banned titles for sale, with proceeds donated to The Lynx Watch, a Florida-based nonprofit that works to distribute challenged and banned books there. Q

Ende-Onderdonk

PHOTO BY LINDA MONTE

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Legal Notices

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY

AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-AR25, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR25, -against- BIBI GOPAUL ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on February 11, 2020, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-AR25, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR25 is the Plaintiff and BIBI GOPAUL ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 10/24/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 9339 205TH STREET, HOLLIS, New York 11423; and the following tax map identification, -10480-29. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUTATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 722933/2021. Everett Hopkins, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED 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.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, -against- AKILI PARRIS ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on June 9, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and AKILI PARRIS ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 10/24/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 14202 174TH STREET, JAMAICA, New York 11434; and the following tax map identification, -12591-248. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 703182/2020. Amy J Barrett, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

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.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -against- SHERRIE FOOTMAN AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM CHATSON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on June 27, 2025, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and SHERRIE FOOTMAN AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM CHATSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 10/24/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 15029 YATES ROAD , JAMAICA, New York 11433; and the following tax map identification, -10131-50. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 718726/2018. Fearonce G. LaLande, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of 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.

Real Estate

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

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

Rooms For Rent

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sun 10/5, 12pm-1pm, Carlton Bldg, 88-29 155 Ave, top floor. Well appointed Co-Op, freshly painted. Wait in the lobby to be accompanied. Asking $309K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Lindenwood, Fri 10/3, 5:30pm-7pm, 87-10 149 Ave, Unit 5D, 2 BR, 2 bath condo w/pvt terrace. Call Janice 718-490-8023. By appt only. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad! Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

NOTICE OF SALE

text: 718-772-6127

Open House

Arverne, Sun 10/5, 12pm-3pm, 62-61 DeCosta Ave. 2 fam w/waterfront views. 1st fl has 3BRs, 2baths. 2nd fl has 3BRs, 1 bath. Above ground pool. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175

Astoria Heights, Sat 10/4, 12pm-3pm, 30-06 90 St. Tudor style, 1 fam, 3 BRs, 1.5 baths, EIK, FDR, spacious LR, full bsmnt, pvt gar & backyard. Jerry Fink Real Estate, 718-766-9175

Howard Beach, Sat 10/4, 2pm-3:30pm, 161-24 84 St. Updated 4BR. Living area w/HW flrs, cathedral ceilings & 4-season room. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

Howard Beach, Sat 10/4, 2pm-4pm, 159-29 92 St. Updated Mother/Daughter Hi-Ranch. 5 BRs, 3 bathrooms, Solar Panels, Large above-ground swimming pool, private drive. Jerry Fink Real Estate. Call Richard 347-600-5860.

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sun 10/5, 12:30-2pm, Carlton Blvd, 88-25 155 Ave. Lg 1 BR Co-Op w/terr, lg DR, galley kitchen. Wait in the lobby to be accompanied. Asking $186K. Connexion Real Estate 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 10/4, 1pm-3pm, 159-16 92 St. Beautiful Empire Style HiRanch. 40x100 lot. Updated. Sunken LR, cathedral ceilings, HW flrs, lg BRs, 3 full baths. Summer kitchen w/island, SS appli, lg yard for entertainment. Reduced $1,178,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-8451136

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., ACTING SOLELY AS A NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 16, 2022, 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 October 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 10607 177th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10334 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,274,777.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #701502/2021. Lawrence M. Litwack, Esq., Referee Vallely Mitola Ryan PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Howard Beach. Room for Rent. All Utilities Included. Close to transportation and shopping. $250 per week plus security deposit. Please call or

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 Formation of 94-50 MERRICK BLVD. LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/11/2025. 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: 94-50 MERRICK BLVD. LLC, 94-02 150TH ST., JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ARAL SIMTECH LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/07/2025. 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: AGA ARCEDO, 40-15 81ST ST, APT B12, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Jobe Park Edge LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 9/8/25. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Jobe Development Corp., 115-15 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful activity.

K NAIL STUDIO LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/19/25. 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, 12816 23rd Ave, College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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 of Formation of KK MANAGEMNET NY LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/10/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: KK MANAGEMENT NY LLC, 40-51 61ST STREET, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstCHITROWTIE GHANESS et al. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on August 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CHITROWTIE GHANESS et al., are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 10/31/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 90-23 184TH STREET, HOLLIS, New York 11423; and the following tax map identification, -9905-58. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 700221/2021. Lamont Ramsey Bailey, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of 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.

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 Reem New York LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/10/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 44-70 21ST STREET, #3119, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of ROSMUC INVESTIGATIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/08/2025. 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, 6731 52ND AVE, MASPETH, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: MR 2 REALTY, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/18/2025, 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 the process to the LLC, 44-06 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY, 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NIKI NIXX GLOBAL LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/29/2025. 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: NORTHWEST REGISTERED AGENT LLC, 418 BROADWAY, STE N, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

B SPORTS EAT

The bitter end

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The 2025 Mets season may have been the strangest one in the team’s 63-year history. They were the best team in baseball for the first 2 ½ months of the season. At their zenith, they were 21 games over .500. On June 13, the Mets began a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at home. The Rays swept them, which began a seven-game losing streak. It would be their first lengthy losing streak of the year, but it would not be the last, as separate seven- and eight-game losing streaks would ensue.

I was in Philadelphia to catch the series between the Mets and the Phillies the third week in June while the Amazin’s were suffering that first losing streak that would set the tone for the rest of the season. I asked longtime New York Post Mets beat writer Mike Puma if he was preparing to write an article on the Mets being sellers instead of buyers at the July 31 trade deadline. Mike laughed and replied, “Net yet.” In retrospect, the Mets should have been sellers. The talent they acquired at the deadline astonishingly made the team worse.

Mets fans had every right to believe they were watching an old movie this past weekend. In 2007 and 2008, the Mets played the Marlins in the final week of the regular season needing to win two of the three games. They lost the first game and won the second, only to wind up frus-

trating their fans by dropping the decisive last game of the season. The same thing happened this past weekend. The Marlins seem to relish playing Bugs Bunny to the Mets’ Elmer Fudd.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that the Cincinnati Reds lost their season finale to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets went into Sunday knowing they needed help from the Brewers, and they obliged. Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo admitted to the media following the finale that the Reds’ loss added more sting to a dreary day.

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza showed leadership by taking responsibility for the team’s disastrous 38-55 record from June 13 through Sept. 28. While all managers can be criticized for in-game strategic blunders, and Mendoza made more than his share, the lion’s share of the blame falls on the players. The hitters failed miserably with runners in scoring position, while the starting pitchers rarely made it through the fifth inning, leading to a fatigued bullpen by the time September rolled around.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, to the surprise of no one, announced he would be opting out of his contract to become a free agent. What was most surprising in his Q&A with the media is he failed to give a ringing endorsement of Mendoza or his coaching staff. You can be sure Mets owner Steve Cohen’s ears were ringing.

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