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QUEENS MEN TAKE WASHINGTON
Mamdani and Trump meet in DC PAGE2
DA charges 32 in alleged gang bust PAGE14
GRACE AND GRANDPARENTS
Parkside Players perform a moving family dramedy qboro PAGE21
Rep. Nydia Velázquez, left, and Councilmember Bob Holden are both saying goodbye to their longtime seats in their respective br anches of government. Velázquez has served in the House of Representatives for 32 years and will retire at the end of her current term. Holden, who r epresented parts of South and southwestern Queens for years before redistricting, is term-limited in the City Council and will exit in the new year.
POTUS says Mamdani and Trump meet in the Oval Office
‘We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,’
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Though the two have traded heated barbs over the past few months, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Trump seemed to have a mostly amiable meeting last Friday afternoon.
The two met at the White House in Washington, DC, ahead of Mamdani’s Jan. 1 inauguration to discuss public safety and affordability. The two men were set to meet at 3 p.m., and under an hour later, they took questions from the media during a livestreamed press conference from the Oval Office.
Trump, with Mamdani standing at his side, was remarkably positive as he sat behind his desk, addressing questions regarding their meeting. The president told reporters, “We agree on a lot more than I would have thought.”
Trump added, “I think you’re going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am.”
Mamdani said the discussion focused not on their political disagreements, but on a shared purpose
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Trump took questions from reporters following their meeting last Friday afternoon at the White House.
of serving New Yorkers.
Trump said he and Mamdani had similar goals, including increasing affordability, lowering rents and building housing.
“I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” Trump said, a change from previous statements in which he
SCREENSHOTVIAYOUTUBE/THEWHITEHOUSE
threatened to withhold federal funding or send in the National Guard should Mamdani, a democratic socialist, get elected.
Posed with questions regarding their discussions on federal immigration enforcement operations, of which they have differing views,
Trump said they discussed crime more than they did immigration.
“He doesn’t want to see crime, and I don’t want to see crime,” Trump said. “And I have very little doubt we are not going to get along on that issue.”
The duo also pushed back at questions asking about their previous jabs at each other. Asked about his claims that Mamdani is a “communist,”
Trump said, “He’s got views that are out there, but who knows? I mean, we’re gonna see what works ... I feel very confident that he can do a very good job.”
Trump also said he had been called “much worse than a despot,” referring to Mamdani’s words during his victory speech on election night.
When Mamdani was asked if he still believes Trump is a fascist, the president jumped in, patting the mayor-elect on the arm and said with a smile, “You can just say yes.”
Asked if he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration, Trump responded, “I really would, especially after the meeting. Absolutely.”
Mamdani made an appearance on
NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday to discuss meeting with the president. Asked if he expected the meeting to be “so chummy,” Mamdani said, “I thought again and again about what it would mean for New Yorkers if we could establish a productive relationship that would focus on the issues that those New Yorkers stay up late thinking about.”
He said the president took him into the cabinet room, and that they admired photos of past presidents together.
He also confirmed that he does still believe Trump is a fascist.
“Everything that I’ve said in the past, I continue to believe,” Mamdani said.
Speaking to reporters at the White House Saturday, Trump said he would still deploy the National Guard to New York City if needed.
He added, “Right now, other places need it more. ... But if they need it, I would do it,” Trump said.
Following last Friday’s meeting, Gov. Hochul said in a statement that she welcomes the president’s “renewed commitment” to New
continued on page 16
CONZA | MCNAMARA
PLANNING ATTORNEYS
ESQ.
CYNTHIA J. CONZA,
EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.
Longtime congresswoman announces she will not seek reelection in 2026 Velázquez to retire after 32 years
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Longtime U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) announced Nov. 20 that she will not seek reelection in 2026 following the completion of her 16th term.
Velázquez, 72, who in 1992 became the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, said serving the people of New York City was the “privilege of a lifetime.”
“After much reflection, I have decided that this will be my last term in Congress,” Velázquez said in a statement.
She acknowledged there is much work to be done, but said she believes in the resiliency of the American people and the ability of the new generation.
“This was not an easy decision, but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward,” Velázquez said.
Nicknamed “La Luchadora,” or “The Fighter,” Velázquez is the chair of the House Committee on Small Business and has membership on the Congressional Hispanic and progressive caucuses.
Following her announcement last Thursday, reactions poured in from prominent figures in Queens and around the city.
Among the first to respond to the news was Gov. Hochul, who in a statement called Velázquez “a trailblazer whose leadership has opened doors for generations of New Yorkers.”
Hochul said, “For more than three decades, she has led with unshakable purpose and delivered meaningful progress for women, veterans, immigrants and communities too often left behind. ... We became friends when I served with her in Congress, and I’ve continued to seek her wisdom as Governor. I thank her for her service and wish her nothing but the very best in this next chapter. She will continue making a difference in everything she does.”
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said on
X, “Thank you, Nydia, for your decades of service to New York and for opening doors for so many who followed. You made history, you mentored a generation of leaders, and you never stopped fighting. It’s been an honor working with you.”
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Velázquez has been a champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families.
“Your grace and fight showed us what real leadership looks like,” Mamdani wrote in a statement on X. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you La Luchadora.”
“A tremendous partner on so many issues,” state Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria), whose district overlaps with Velázquez’s, said on X. “Glad Nydia got to represent more of Queens the last few years so we could work together up close. We’ll miss you and your fierce advocacy.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said, “For decades, Congresswoman Velázquez, ‘La Luchadora,’ has delivered bold, principled leadership for working families, immigrant communities, New Yorkers, and Puerto Rico. Her retirement will mark the end of a historic chapter. We’re grateful for her leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice.”
Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) called Velázquez “the blueprint,” and added, “As the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she opened doors for so many of us — myself included — and inspired a generation to believe in the power and possibilities of public service. ... She leaves big shoes to fill — but luckily, she inspired a generation to fill them. Thank you, Representative Velázquez. Pa’lante.”
Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) on X said Velázquez has “mentored so many of us— including me. From Congress to the streets of our city, @ReElectNydia has always fought boldly for communities. She leaves a lasting mark on our country and our city. La Luchadora siempre!”
State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens) said, “Nydia Velazquez has been an inspiration to me, and for countless young women growing up in New York City who saw themselves reflected in government for this first time. She is a tireless fighter for us, and her legacy will forever change this city.” Q
Empowering people with diabetes in Woodhaven
Awareness event, hosted by Addabbo,
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
According to the American Diabetes Association, 38 million Americans are living with the disease, with 1.2 million newly diagnosed each year. In 2023, 11.6 percent of Americans had diabetes, and 97.6 million adults were living with prediabetes.
In observance of Diabetes Awareness Month, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Nov. 13 hosted his third annual event dedicated to empowering people living with diabetes.
The gathering, in the Msgr. Mulz Hall gymnasium at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Woodhaven, offered strategies to help more than 50 attendees lead fuller, healthier lives and connect with a community that understands their journey.
Representatives from Cornell University Cooperative Extension NYC demonstrated how to prepare bulgur wheat with chickpeas and broccoli, and attendees were able to try a sample and get a copy of the recipe, Addabbo’s office said. The representatives also led the crowd in light exercises.
Jane Giordano, a certified diabetes education specialist and registered dietician with St. Francis Hospital, gave a presentation on portion control, misleading sugar amounts in foods and differentiating between good and bad fats. She
garners more than 50 attendees
also distributed oversized playing cards featuring food on one side and nutrition facts on the other.
Attendees were tested on information that they learned, and those to answer correctly first won prizes. Giordano gave out two glucose testing meters, and Parker Jewish Institute donated three gift baskets. The grand prize winner received a large gift basket from Flor Crawley of State Farm in Glendale.
Guests were also treated to a free full-course diabeticfriendly dinner from Caribbean Cabana in Richmond Hill and sponsored by Emu Health.
Jane Kolodinsky, the program chair of C-FARE, the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, spoke about the importance of locally grown produce, farmers markets and the health benefits of starting one’s own garden.
All who participated were given fresh produce to take home, provided by the River Fund and GrowNYC.
“Diabetes affects so many people and that is why I continue to bring back this event every year,” Addabbo said in a statement. “I am glad that we are able to reach more people as constituents get to see the advantages of what we are doing.”
He thanked the event’s sponsors, including Emu Health, and Save the People for donating to the church for the space. Addabbo also extended gratitude to St. Thomas’ pastor, the
Attendees watch a cooking demonstration by representatives from Cornell University Cooperative Extension NYC at a diabetes awareness event hosted by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. in Woodhaven. PHOTOCOURTESYNYSSENATE
Rev. Francisco Walker, and the church staff.
“I look forward to doing this event across the district in coming years and helping as many constituents as possible live their best life despite having diabetes,” Addabbo said. Q
U.S. Rep Nydia Velázquez on Nov. 20 announced she will retire in 2026 following the end of her term, capping a more than 30-year political career.
FILEPHOTO
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Advocates hope administration is committed to infrastructure, safety Bike backers’ high hopes for Mamdani
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
In an Oct. 1 press release the city Department of Transportation hailed the Adams administration’s “record-setting implementation of protected bike lanes,” citing 87.5 miles in the first three years.
The release was promoting Biketober, in which the city was celebrating new lanes in Western Queens. But cycling and bike safety advocates have repeatedly expressed disappointment with progress as mandated by laws passed in 2019.
During his campaign, Mayor-elect Zohran Mandani said his City Hall will invest and expand existing DOT plans and initiatives, including but not limited to things like more and wider bike lanes, bikefriendly traffic signal timing and bike parking facilities.
Cycling advocates last week told the Chronicle that they are encouraged by Mandani’s stated plans — and expect progress.
“My expectation for Mayor Mamdani is not so much having a better bike culture, but being dedicated to making our streets safer and making transportation more efficient,” said cyclists’ advocate Peter Beadle, who serves as first vice-chairman of Community Board 6. “Both of those two things will require making it easier and safer to use
bicycles as a means of transportation around the city.
“I would expect and hope that we will see him working with his Department of Transportation not just to drastically increase pro-
Join in on the holiday fun in South Queens
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Residents throughout South Queens are invited to ring in the holiday season at a slew of tree lightings throughout the neighborhood, promising free fun for the whole family, including:
• Saturday, Nov. 29, at 4 p.m., at the Welcome to Howard Beach sign, at Cross Bay Boulevard and 155th Avenue, hosted by the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic and Lisena Landscaping;
• Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, hosted by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District;
• Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m., at the Welcome to Ozone Park sign at Crossbay Boulevard and 149th Avenue, hosted by Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park);
• Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m., at the Solid Rock Deliverance Tabernacle at 132-05 Crossbay Blvd. in Ozone Park, hosted by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association;
• Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m., at the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Depart-
Santa Claus will be sure to make appearances at tree lightings throughout South Queens, just like he did in Woodhaven last year. PHOTOBYKRISTENGUGLIELMO/FILE
ment at 102-33 Davenport Court in Hamilton Beach, hosted by the VFD and New Hamilton Beach Civic Association; and
• Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m., at the Howard Beach Assembly of God, at 15831 99 St., hosted by the Howard Beach 111414 Facebook group. Q
tected bike lanes — as required by law — but bus lanes and a lot of the street treatments that are actually part of city law that Mayor Adams has failed to provide.”
Mamdani, Beadle said, is a cyclist who often has appeared at things like Safe Streets events, long before he ever was candidate for mayor.
“He came to several events on trying to make the Queensboro Bridge safer by opening the south outer roadway to pedestrians so that pedestrians and cyclists [would no longer be] co-mixed, which causes conflicts ... He’s a guy who rides bikes. So he actually knows what the issues are on our streets.”
The Chronicle contacted some pro-car activists for their take but did not hear back.
Transportation Alternatives on Nov. 13 published “The Road to Affordability: A Streets and Transportation Agenda for the Next Mayor of NYC.” Four of the 35 pages are dedicated exclusively to bicycles. Alexa Sledge, director of communications for the group, said its members are excited by the possibilities a new administration presents.
“The interesting thing about New York City is that so often to get anything done you need local, state and federal approval,” Sledge said. “So many people and agencies have to be involved. But streets really are controlled by the mayor.
“So as Mayor Mamdani is inaugurated on Jan. 1, he is in control of 6,300 miles of streets, with an absolutely huge amount of control over how funds for those streets are allocated, how that is used and what it looks like.
“Of course, we’re going to see if he does things with that power ... I think there are a lot of tools at the mayor’s disposal that aren’t currently being used.”
The report can be found at transalt.org. Its recommendations for Mamdani’s first 100 days include:
• instructing the DOT to draw up a plan for a safe biking network including greenways, protected bike lanes and bike boulevards;
• ending the classification of biking infractions as a criminal offense and setting a uniform 20-mile-per hour speed limit “for everything on the road”; and
• planning for a citywide secure bike parking program.
TA’s goals for the first term include:
• standard bike lane designs with sturdy bollards or cement protection and green paint;
• protected bike intersections;
• standardized traffic signals on all major bike corridors;
• standardized timing for traffic signals geared to the speed of bicycles;
• working with the state Department of Transportation to advance the Interborough Express passenger rail project between Brooklyn and Jackson Heights;
• creating incentives for building owners and developers to construct bike parking facilities;
• converting on-street curbside parking nearest to bike lanes into truck loading zones to prevent blocking bike lanes; and
• requesting that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority install bike racks on all bus routes. Q
See dumping, get fine money
You can help fight rats by being one.
That’s not how the Department of Sanitation would put it, but with tickets for illegal dumping up 20 percent in the last fiscal year, the agency is reminding people that they can report the activity and get a piece of the action in return.
That also is not how the DSNY would put it, but if you tip off the city about illegal dumping and agents catch the perp, you can get up to 50 percent of the fine levied. Those fines start at $4,000.
Anyone who reports an act of illegal dumping in real time, so the city catches
the person in the act, can remain anonymous and still get paid. If a summons is issued later, and the alleged lawbreaker challenges it rather than just pay, the tipster would have to appear at a hearing.
Illegal dumping is distinct from littering and involves refuse being discarded from a vehicle. The DSNY issued 872 tickets for it in fiscal 2025 and impounded 417 vehicles. The form to report illegal dumping is found at tinyurl.com/33399ekp. Videos of the act being committed may be emailed to IllegalDumpingTips@dsny.nyc.gov. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone
Cycling enthusiasts say Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign platform offers proposals in infrastructure and safety they feel have been neglected by Mayor Adams. PHOTOBYMICHAELGANNON
Mamdani names over 400 for transition team
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
More than 400 New Yorkers have been appointed to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, he announced Monday, in 17 different committees.
The appointees were selected to help address the city’s most urgent challenges, a press release from Mamdani said. They will serve as advisers on appointments and provide insights on policy development, implementation and agency best practices. Each committee will be overseen by one of the transition co-chairs, Lina Khan, Grace Bonilla, Maria Torres-Springer and Melanie Hartzog.
Mamdani in a statement said the committees will be “instrumental to ensuring we hit the ground running on January 1st,” and that the results align with his promises.
The committees are on housing; youth and education; transportation, climate and infrastructure; arts and culture; community organizing; community safety; economic development and workforce development; emergency response; government operations; health; immigrant justice; criminal legal system; legal affairs; small businesses
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING
and minority and women-owned business enterprises; social services; technology; and worker justice. The worker justice and community organizing committees did not exist under previous mayoral administrations, he noted.
Those in Queens might spot some familiar names, for example, Dennis Walcott, president and CEO of the Queens Public Library, on the Committee on Arts and Culture. Catie Fireman of the Astoria Food Pantry is on the Committee on Community Organizing. Felicia Singh, who once ran for City Council in the 32nd district and is part of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, is on the Committee on Youth and Education.
Other committee members one might find familiar include former City Council speaker Christine Quinn on the Committee on Social Services; United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew on the Committee on Education; former FDNY commissioner Laura Kavanagh on the Committee on Government Operations; and Meera Joshi, a former deputy mayor under Mayor Adams, on the Committee on Transportation, Climate and Infrastructure. Q
A new state bill, the Didarul Islam Police Recruitment Act, would give a pension boost to recruits and police officers who start their careers in certain other NYPD titles or in another city agency.
Family of fallen Police Officer Didarul Islam joined the Police Benevolent Association and state and city lawmakers to champion the legislation meant to help police officers who use prior city service as a stepping stone into the NYPD.
Islam was working in uniform for an NYPD-managed security program when he was killed during a mass shooting in Manhattan this past July. Prior to becoming a police officer, he served as an NYPD school safety agent for two years.
The bill, to be introduced by state Sen. Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan) and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) at the start of the legislative session in January, would enable uniformed NYPD members hired since 2009 with prior service as NYPD school safety agents, traffic agents, cadet corps members or NYC corrections officers to transfer credit from
that service into the Police Pension Fund by making additional required pension contributions. The prior service would then count toward their police retirement, according to the PBA, an incentive to bolster recruitment and retention.
The bill would benefit approximately 3,000 current NYPD members as well as future recruits. NYPD members hired prior to July 2009 are already permitted to “buy back” prior service in other job titles, but that benefit was eliminated for new hires by former Gov. David Paterson’s veto of a pension extension bill, the PBA said. A prior version of the legislation was estimated to cost the city $18.2 million in the first year.
“Officer Islam loved his City — he embodied the best of the New York spirit,” Pheffer Amato said in a statement. “We are dedicating this bill in his honor to bring parity to thousands of current, and future, heroic police officers. By strategically tackling a major barrier to buy back rightfully earned pension time, we are ensuring that those who wish to join the ranks of New York’s Finest are able to serve honorably, while also providing a good life for their families.” Q
Friday, December 5 at 6PM
CONGRESSWOMAN
NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar
EDITORIAL AGEP
Some things we’re thankful for
There’s so much to be thankful for as the great allAmerican holiday of Thanksgiving arrives, though few will agree on what that is too often. And even those things that we are thankful for often come with caveats, even when we try to focus on gratitude.
Take the Mets. We’re thankful that the team’s front office is all in on 2026, following a disappointing 2025 season. Last year saw the acquisition of Juan Soto, who then had his career-best year in home runs and stolen bases while leading the league in walks. Now the Mets have traded their longest-tenured player, homegrown favorite Brandon Nimmo, for Gold Glove-winning second baseman Marcus Semien, who’s sure to help defensively.
Yes, we think about the Mets even during the off-season, and can you blame us? The only thing to be thankful for with the Jets is that they’ll get a high draft pick, again. Same for the Giants, but they’re not as big in Queens.
On a more serious note, we’re glad that crime continues to go down — for the most part. We still have that troubling spike in shootings and murders in northern Queens to deal with, even as the rate for both keeps dropping in southern Queens. We’re glad that Mayor-elect Zohran
Mamdani has decided to keep Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on the job, and that she’s willing to stay. We hope that remains the case for both after he takes office.
Also on the criminal justice front, we’re thankful that it’s clear to more and more people that there is no way Rikers Island can be closed and new jails built by 2027. It was never possible; now it’s just more obviously so.
Among the opponents of that fantasy plan is Queens City Councilman Bob Holden. Alas that the fiercely independent lawmaker is term-limited. We agree with him on that quality-of-life issues are key, and are more thankful for his service than we expected when he took office.
We’re thankful that most of Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park and Howard Beach has been repaved, after an inordinate amount of time as a milled moonscape. As of this writing, however, there was still a portion of the northbound side yet to be finished. We hope it will be soon!
Above all, we are thankful for the time we get to spend with friends and family during the holidays. And, for those who are unable to do that, for any reason, we are thankful there are places to go and things to do, and that there is someone to be with them if they cannot go anywhere.
Shop small Saturday
Among those things we are most thankful for in Queens are our small businesses. They fill our shopping districts. They take care of them. They contribute to the business improvement districts that add sparkle to the strips, whether through cleaning and beautification efforts that go beyond what the city does or by hosting events, such as the Christmas tree lightings you’ll soon see. They sponsor Little League teams and so much more. And they provide a personal touch you can’t always find with online shopping or in the big chain stores.
But the mom-and-pop shops rightly known as the backbone of Queens are challenged as never before.
They need our support, and that’s where Small Business Saturday comes in, with its mantra of Shop Small. Wedged in between the traditional Black Friday and newer Cyber Monday shopping extravaganzas, Small Business Saturday encourages spending at the most local level. And it’s been successful. According to its founder, American Express, it has averaged $200 billion in sales since it started in 2010. Help keep it going!
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
A smart Mets trade?
Dear Editor:
President & Publisher
SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders
Raymond G. Sito General Manager
Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief
Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
Naeisha Rose Editor
Stela Barbu Office Manager
Jan Schulman Art Director
Moeen Din Associate Art Director
Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager
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Dennis O’Brien Proofreader
Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza
Account Executives: Ree Brinn, Patricia Gatt
Contributors:
Lloyd Carroll, Mark Lord, Ronald Marzlock
Photographers: Walter Karling, Michael Shain
Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201
The New York Mets recently made their first significant move of the offseason, which should signal the beginning of quite a busy few months before Opening Day. Can someone tell me since when getting a 35-year-old, .230-hitter turned out to be something we should get excited about for the team?
David Conlin
Howard Beach
Trees over towers
Dear Editor:
This girl is on fire! Queens, that is. Whether it was the perfect intersection or timing of this year’s cycles of drought, flood, disease, heat and cold waves, this year’s fall foliage in our hometown has been eye-popping and stop-youin-your-tracks brilliant. Even the spidery, now leafless, twiggy branches that reach out to touch us against the background of the very blue sky, add to the dazzling sensory variation.
The groupings of trees along the Cross Island Parkway and the Clearview Expressway arranged themselves into one-of-a-kind supersized bouquets. I got additional glimpses of this fall kaleidoscope in Flushing Meadows Corona Park as I drove the Van Wyck Expressway and Forest Park as I drove the Jackie Robinson Parkway. I bet there are winners in your Queens neighborhood as well.
However, heading on a collision course toward us is the constant threat to this signature feature of life in Queens. As so many constituencies and politicians and lobbies push for more housing development, which is needed and necessary, will anyone speak for the trees and space? This is the essential, best feature of living in many areas in Queens.
As more and more developers seek changes in zoning, seeking to build eight-story buildings in areas of historically one- and two-, perhaps three-story structures, who will resist and say that’s one building too far or one building too tall? Who will compel — not just fine when their compliant plans are ignored — these developers to include green space in their plans, because green space is an essential element for healthy living?
This debate is playing out now in Community District 11 and at Community Education Council 26. We should all follow the Queens
Chronicle’s recommendation in its Oct. 30 editorial that we “Deny this development” wherever it unreasonably impacts our quality of life.
Debra Michlewitz Bayside
Thanks and fears
Dear Editor:
Another Thanksgiving Day offers another opportunity to give thanks for our family, close friends and the freedom we enjoy at the expense of the sacrifices made by our early forefathers and all those who served our nation.
It is so easy to become complacent as we go about our daily lives and never stop to appreciate how truly lucky we are and have that conversation with our children and grandchildren and impress upon them the duty of every American to be vigilant in protecting and defending that cherished freedom.
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
As former President Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than a generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation for it comes only once to a people.”
With the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor, we have serious concerns whether he who has reaped the benefits of his adopted country has its best interests at heart. Time will tell and we, as the keepers of this legacy, must be ever vigilant.
Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens
Right and wrong on Mamdani
Dear Editor:
Re your Nov. 6 editorial on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, “Compliments to, and concerns about, the mayor-elect”:
I do agree that Mr. Mamdani faces real challenges in enacting his ambitious agenda. I also agree that his emphasis on the affordability crisis and “economic anxiety” are the same issues that helped to elect President Trump.
I strongly disagree with your argument that marginal tax increases on the wealthy would somehow lead to their mass exodus. Studies have shown that people choose to live where they are for numerous reasons, with the rate of taxes they pay not the most important. Besides, the wealthy can easily afford it.
You also express concern that Mr. Mamdani would somehow be soft on crime, and return us to “criminal-coddling” policies. This is unfortunate, and a take from the Republican “toughon-crime” playbook. All statistics show a marked decline in violent crime, and Mr. Mamdani has proposed effective, commonsense ideas to fight it.
Lastly, you accuse Mr. Mamdani of making “anti-Semitic comments.”
Let me remind you that opposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people is neither anti-Israeli nor anti-Semitic. In fact, not speaking strongly against it is to be an accomplice to one the biggest crimes in recent modern history!
A famous saying reminds us, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”!
Davor Grancaric Hillcrest
Jackson Heights memories
Dear Editor:
I wish to commend you on your excellent 47th Anniversary Edition: “Roar into the ’20s.”
The article “Queens’ first garden cities,” including the Towers complex, was especially of interest to me since I have friends living there now.
I am a Jackson Heights product. My family moved there in 1939, when I was 10 years old. We lived on 81st Street and 35th Avenue, adjacent to the Queensboro Greystone Apartments. My father had a fur store, Haber’s Fur Shop, at 37th Avenue and 81st Street, from 1939 to 1957. I remember the adjacent stores: Roxy Beauty Parlor, Kurman’s Book Store, Field’s Department Store, Edison’s Coffee Shop, Richie’s Pharmacy, where I worked as a delivery boy, Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor and many others.
Before World War II, Jackson Heights had vacant lots where we played baseball as the JH Cardinals (my team), the JH Raiders and many others. In the winter we went sleigh riding on the nine-hole golf course between 77th and 79th streets. We played indoor basketball at the Pan American Club House and tennis at the adjacent affiliate of the West Side Tennis Club on 79th Street.
During World War II, local parents sponsored a Teen Age Canteen at the corner store at 84th Street And 37th Avenue. It was paid for by the community and contained a jukebox, dance floor, games and reading room. It was the neighborhood hangout where teenagers met.
After the war, major development took place, and the golf course, tennis courts, vacant lots and local amenities disappeared, replaced by apartment buildings. Our play area became the schoolyard of PS 69.
Today Jackson Heights is booming, with the most diverse ethnic population in the United States. I left in 1952 to join the Air Force but afterward I always remained in north Queens, moving east to Bayside and Douglaston, devoting the next years to civic affairs, mainly through membership in Community Board 11.
Bernard Haber Douglaston
The writer was the longest-serving community board member in New York City when he retired from CB 11 in 2023 after 53 years.
Schulman nixes good bill
Dear Editor:
City Council Health Committee Chair Schulman’s undemocratic actions on Ryder’s Law have put the health and safety of New Yorkers and precious horses in peril and silence the voices of New Yorkers and the public. Blocking a hearing is blocking the only path to end this cruelty and danger.
Schulman is not ignorant; she is aware the horses are collapsing and dying, and New Yorkers and tourists are in danger when they spook and run wild.
As Mexico has banned bullfighting, it is time for our beloved city to stop this cruelty once and for all. Horses do not belong in traffic with cars, trucks and buses.
If Schulman does not understand this abuse, she needs to resign as Health Committee chair.
Joseph M. Varon Bellerose
The writer is a past board member and treasurer of the Alley Pond Environmental Center.
Velázquez inspires us
Dear Editor:
(An open letter to the public)
Re Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s intention to not seek re-election:
Representative Nydia Velázquez is the blueprint. A truly badass Boricua.
As the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she opened doors for so many of us — myself included — and inspired a generation to believe in the power and possibilities of public service. Her compassion and leadership shaped our community for the better. I am deeply grateful for her decades of service. She leaves big continued on next page
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
continued from previous page
shoes to fill — but luckily, she inspired a generation to fill them.
Thank you, Representative Velázquez. Pa’lante.
Tiffany Cabán
New York City Councilwoman for the 22nd District Astoria
Editor’s note: Pa’lante means to go forward and persevere, and is especially meaningful in Puerto Rican communities.
No draft, no bad wars
Dear Editor:
Richard Nixon’s decision to eliminate the military draft will forever live in untold stories of young men who previously were drafted, or enlisted in services for which they were eminently unqualified, and were not honorably discharged or worse.
Mr. Richard Reif’s letter of Nov. 20, “Vietnam’s only good result,” saying the draft should never return, is, I hope, correct. Ray Hackinson
Ozone Park
More Trump failings
Dear Editor:
I had responded to Michael Gallagher’s letter “Nasty and ineffective” (Sept. 18), complaining that people should specify what they don’t like about President Trump rather than calling him names. Debra Michlewitz on Oct. 23 wrote a letter, “How democracy looks,” in part complimenting my Oct. 16 response to Mr. Gallagher, “Trump brings problems.”
I mentioned I could provide more examples and she said she was looking forward to a second list, so here it is:
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the Republican budget bill would slash restrictions on gun silencers, bar states from regulating artificial intelligence and prevent courts from holding officials in contempt.
One thousand people were laid off from the Department of Health and Human Services, meaning less aid for needy Americans. Republican states will suffer the most from these cutbacks.
Farm workers are still being sickened by bird flu, but Health and Human Services
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered that it not be reported. Despite casting doubt on vaccines, Trump was recently vaccinated for both Covid and the flu.
Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota said Trump is harming many farmers who grow soybeans for export and food for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A record number of farmers are now committing suicide.
Trump is denying climate change, doing away with solar energy and wind power, allowing drilling in national parks and restarting nuclear testing. He doesn’t acknowledge that climate change is the cause of widespread floods, fires and storms that now occur repeatedly.
Republicans are ignoring and taking away our rights under the Constitution. They are
replacing “of, by and for the people” with of, by and for the rich and powerful. We have three more years under this administration and we will all suffer the consequences of its actions until the next election, if there is one.
Linda Imhauser Whitestone
Nov. 22 seems forgotten
Dear Editor:
On Nov. 22, 1963, was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
I remember it very well and the memory of that horror still haunts me. The whole nation and world was stunned. I was in fifthgrade Catholic school when the announcement came over the school speakers saying that the president has been shot. It was less than an hour or so when another announcement came over the speakers saying that the president had died.
I remember all the girls in the classroom started crying, and all the boys including myself were numb and shocked. Our nun who was teaching the class just looked so shocked she didn’t know what to say.
I also remember all the TV stations broadcasting news of his funeral. For those three days nothing else was on the TV but that.
Now it seems that all the news radio stations must be suffering from amnesia because not a word was mentioned about his death on Nov. 22. What happened to historical events being announced?
In about two weeks will come the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the assassination of John Lennon. I do feel bad about his killing, but why do they ignore mentioning the assassination of JFK? After all, he was an American president. What happened to our patriotism and respect?
They have a saying for Sept. 11: “Never Forget.” I believe the fate of that day will one day be the same as Nov. 22.
And sadly enough, they will probably still be talking about the killing of John Lennon.
Anthony Capozello Laurelton
I remember JFK’s murder
Dear Editor:
Nov. 22, 1963 was the saddest day, when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. There are many conspiracy theories about the situation and who the killer was, and whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
The young president’s life was snuffed out, and we still mourn his passing today.
Now, Nov. 22 is National Adoption Day. One hundred thousand children are in foster care, needing to be adopted. This is especially true of teens.
Meanwhile, I read of more gun violence. But on Nov. 22 there also was a gun buyback at a church in the Bronx, where gun owners could bring their weapons and get paid and get an iPad, no questions asked.
That is a good way of getting rid of guns and gun violence.
Cynthia Groopman Little Neck
River Fund feeds thousands
The River Fund, a Richmond Hill-based nonprofit, had its annual Thanksgiving food distribution on Nov. 22 at 89-11 Lefferts Blvd.
The event saw volunteers handing out the holiday essentials — including turkeys, chickens, vegetables, diapers, socks and winter clothing — to more than 3,000 households, with families waiting on a line that stretched for several blocks.
River Fund Founder Swami Durga-Das attended and also brought along his orga-
nization’s staff and more than 50 volunteers to lend a hand.
Several area elected officials joined in to help dole out supplies throughout the afternoon, including Councilmember Lynn Schulman, second from left at top, and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, as well as state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., and representatives of Gov. Hochul and Assemblymembers David Weprin and Khaleel Anderson, as well as the executive committee of Community Board 9. — Kristen Guglielmo
Gov. Hochul recently signed into law a bill that opens new pathways to employment for veterans with service-related disabilities.
The law means to ensure that veterans’ service agencies provide clear, consistent and proactive information on employment and reemployment programs available under Section 55-c of the Civil Service Law, which allows qualified disabled veterans to secure state jobs without civil service exams.
It was sponsored by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) in the Assembly and co-sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) in the Sen-
ate, and passed unanimously.
The law also requires the state Department of Veterans’ Services to update its employment portal to include direct links to the state Department of Civil Service, and state and federal departments of labor.
“There is nothing I respect more than the courage of those who put their lives on the line for our country,” Rajkumar said in a prepared statement. “That is why I fought for my bill ... to open the door of opportunity for veterans with disabilities who defended our freedom.” Q — Kristen Guglielmo
32 reputed gang members indicted
Two of three homicides committed by teens with
by Naeisha Rose Editor
An echo from the past was heard Thursday, as District Attorney Melinda Katz referred to her office’s most recent gang takedown as “Operation Shadyville,” an old street nickname for Queens Village.
guns, says DA’s Office
According to prosecutors, some of the 32 reputed members of the Bad-Co Ballout gang, who are indicted following a yearlong investigation involving at least 13 shootings and three homicides, often in broad daylight, dating back to 2021, would refer to their base of operations as “Shadyville.”
Katz said the case marked the single biggest gang takedown in the history of Queens.
“As alleged, the members of Bad-Co have operated as a ruthless gang in Queens for the past four years and are now considered the most violent in the borough,” said Katz in a statement. “They terrorized rivals, and harmed innocent bystanders, to maintain and expand their geographic dominance.”
Of the 32 defendants — hit with a 97-count indictment — six are charged with conspiracy in the first degree and face up to life in prison, said the DA’s Office.
Jahvon “Shady” Attapoku, 21, of Queens Village, who allegedly led the gang; along with Mekhi “Scarfaxe” Hooi, 21, of South Jamaica; Jeff “Havoc” Joseph, 21, of Bellerose Manor; Jsean “Jay Recc” Philogene, 24, of Elmont, LI; Jaebets “Speedy” Pierre, 21, Fresh Meadows; and Michel “Smoocey” Raly, 21, also of Queens Village, were the defendants hit with first-degree conspiracy charges, said prosecutors.
The six men are also variously charged with conspiracy in the second and fourth degrees, murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, murder in the second degree and robbery in the first degree, said Katz’s office.
Attapoku is due back in court Nov. 25. Joseph and Pierre must return Jan. 16, Philogene on Jan. 12 and Raly on Jan. 20, said prosecutors. Hooi is in custody on another matter and will be arraigned at a later date.
Other people who were indicted on Nov. 19 include Allen Aybar, 18, of Fresh Meadows; Sean “Broad Day” Chang, 20, of Cambria Heights; Anthony “Ant” Crawford, 19, of Manhattan; Jasiah “Siah” Defritas, 19; Leon “Glo”
Gardner, 18, of Jamaica; Elijah “Eli” Lawrence, 20, of Cambria Heights; Caden “KG” McCloud, 18, of Queens Village; Jeremiah “MJ” Michel, 19, of Queens Village; Seth “SG” Mignon, 18, of Queens Village; Neomiah “A-Dot” Powell, 18, of Hempstead, LI; Joseph “Slim” Rodrigues, 20, of Bellerose Manor; Nasir “Nas” Scruggs, 19, of Baldwin, LI; Shayne “Gotti Sleeze” Sheppard, 18, of Queens Village; Jujharbeer “Juggz” Singh of Queens Village; Lorenzo “Enzo” Stephens, 18, of Hollis; and Anthony “A5” Urgitano, 18, of Richmond Hill. Emeka “BT” Onondu, 19, of Queens Village, also indicted, is in custody on another manner and will be arraigned at a later date.
The young men were variously charged with conspiracy in the second and fourth degrees; attempted murder in the second degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees; criminal facilitation in the second degree; attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; attempted robbery in the first and second degrees; assault in the first and second degree; attempted assault in the first degree; reckless endangerment in the first degree; hindering prosecution in the second degree; and burglary in the second degree.
Aybar, Chang, McCloud, Singh and Stephens are expected back in court Dec. 18. Crawford, Lawrence, Sheppard and Urgitano are due on Dec. 17 and Gardner Dec. 12. Mignon and Powell must appear Jan. 12 and Rodrigues Jan. 9. Defritas, Michel and Scruggs were not apprehended.
The other reputed nine gang members were 15- to 17-year-old minors from Queens Village, Glen Oaks, Richmond Hill and Jamaica. They were variously charged with conspiracy in the second and fourth degrees; attempted murder in the second and third degrees; attempted assault in the first degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; attempted criminal possession of a weapon in
continued on page 18
District Attorney Melinda Katz, at mic, flanked by NYPD brass and prosecutors from the DA’s Office. PHOTOCOURTESYQUEENSDA
Licensed dispensary on Crossbay offers friendly expertise and more In OZP, Terp Bros is rooted in community
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Terp Bros, a licensed cannabis dispensary, has sprouted up at 135-26 Crossbay Blvd. in Ozone Park with hometown roots and a community-driven mission.
While Terp Bros also has an Astoria location, the new shop is more than just a business expansion for owner Jeremy Rivera: it’s about coming back home.
“My mother’s lived in Centreville for most of my life, and my partners are from Howard Beach,” Rivera told the Chronicle.
“So this was actually more of a homecoming than anything else. We had originally seen the Ozone Park location before we found the Astoria location, but at the time, it just didn’t work. But we never gave away hope to find something in our neighborhood.”
While reception has warmed since the shop opened in early October, some neighbors did have reservations at first.
“Cannabis is still very controversial,” Rivera said. “There was just a little harder of a stigma here. But I feel we are breaking through that with our customers and through education and being able to give people accurate information, not only about the industry, but about the plant itself.”
Education comes first at Terp Bros,
Terp Bros, a licensed dispensary at 135-26 Crossbay Boulevard, opened in October. Its ownership has roots in and around Ozone Park. PHOTOBYCHARLESTUMIOTTOJACKSON/SANGOMEDIA
whether visitors are seasoned connoisseurs or just “cannacurious.”
“We have a system in our body that naturally breaks down cannabinoids, called the endocannabinoid system,” Rivera explained.
“So there again, is a lot of misinformation on cannabis, and there’s a lot of space for good dispensaries like Terp Bros to educate their consumers and let them know accu-
rate, true information about the plant.”
Rivera said those new to cannabis can come in and speak with staff about what they might be looking for.
“Our budtenders are educated with giving the recommendation that’s needed for the consumer ... to really hear the consumers out, hear what they’re asking for, and give them a true, honest recommendation to help them,” Rivera said.
From My family to YOURS, HAPPY
Terp Bros sells the usual findings at a dispensary: flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and topicals, to name a few. Because it’s a legal, licensed marijuana shop, all product sold is thoroughly vetted.
The dispensary also offers delivery, online ordering, a loyalty rewards program and discounts for veterans and seniors.
For more information, one may go online to terpbrosnyc.com or call (718) 308-3600.
The dispensary’s staff is driven to kindle a sense of community with the neighborhood: Terp Bros on Nov. 25 hosted a turkey drive, handing out 150 birds and plates of hot food to families in need.
“We’re really big in supporting our community and making sure that with the resources that we have in the cannabis industry, we’re reallocating that back into the communities,” Rivera said.
He and his team are determined to put down roots and grow stronger with the neighborhood.
“We always stayed vigilant that once we did open, we were going to be able to show and prove what Terp Bros is and what we bring to a community,” Rivera said. “We’ll always stay here for our community and always be a rock and a staple that the community can count on.” Q
District 30 Councilman reflects on wins and losses as his term ends Tired, but never of serving: Bob Holden
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
As he prepares to leave office, term-limited City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) is satisfied that he stayed true to himself throughout his eight-year tenure.
Given his roots in civics, Holden has a laser focus on local issues that he carried to City Hall. A bold, assertive talker with firm beliefs, he has often ruffled feathers in the Council, including its leadership.
“I know I did my best,” Holden told the Chronicle in a sitdown interview last Thursday. “Could I have done more? Probably, if I was more diplomatic and less stuck in my ways.”
The Middle Village-Maspeth native’s local involvement began when his own experiences led him to a Juniper Park Civic Association meeting. He lamented trucks barreling down his street at all hours of the night when the Long Island Expressway was closed for construction in the 1980s.
in District 30.
He champions cleanups and graffiti removals, and he touted his work “staying after” the city Sanitation Department about historically forgotten parts of the area, especially by bridges and expressways.
For Holden, handling such “little things” is what keeps neighborhoods great. He himself uses the 311 app so much that his wife says she can’t walk with him because of how often he stops to report issues.
“We lead the city in 311 complaints,” Holden said. “I’m proud of that, because that’s what I tell everybody to do.”
the interview
His spirit of civic engagement and neighborhood improvement even seeped into his hiring choices — he made a point to employ area volunteers and activists.
Holden’s team has largely stuck together throughout his political career, too. His chief of staff, Daniel Kurzyna, has been by his side from day one, he said.
When he spoke at the meeting with “authority” and “conviction,” Holden said, people surrounded him afterward and urged him to join the group. He did, and became president two years later.
“I did what I’m doing now and didn’t get paid for 30 years,” he said.
Early in his Council tenure, Holden notified the NYPD about a car blocking a fire hydrant outside his former office on Dry Harbor Road, and when police said they could only continue issuing tickets, he drafted a bill to allow it to be towed. It passed unanimously in 2019.
Quality of life has always been at the top of Holden’s priority list, and he said his proudest accomplishment has been maintaining it
And his office’s legacy will live on after his term ends — Phil Wong, Holden’s budget director, will replace him in City Hall. Wong defeated Alicia Vaichunas, Holden’s former deputy chief of staff, in the Nov. 4 election.
“Phil is the most respectful person I have ever met. He’s the most loyal, too,” Holden said. “So he’s going to be a great Council member.”
Most of Holden’s office is expected to continue working for Wong, including Kurzyna as chief of staff. But Vaichunas has said she would not work for Wong, and she swiftly quit her job in Holden’s office after the election. Her last day was Nov. 7.
Holden had endorsed both of his
staffers, an admittedly unusual move that became more controversial as Election Day drew nearer. He said he refused to do a robocall for Vaichunas on the eve of the vote because it would not have been fair to Wong. In her election night concession speech, she claimed her boss stabbed her in the back.
“I never had a conversation with her since,” Holden said. “She wouldn’t even talk to me.”
But even with Wong gearing up to replace him, Holden still has unfinished business and future concerns.
Among them is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s planned Interborough Express, a light rail system linking Queens and Brooklyn.
“If you build this train to nowhere, it’s going to cause problems in their backyards, and then going to automatically upzone the area — which they’re already threatening to — and change the character of the neighborhood,” Holden said. “People are going to be up in arms.”
He was at an IBX open house in Middle Village Nov. 19 and said
“I could never rest. Hopefully now, I can.”
— City Councilman Bob Holden
attendees “got no information.” He thinks the project team is putting “the cart before the horse” — the IBX is to be built on an existing right-of-way, but a project rep told him the team does not yet have the OK to use it.
“We don’t see a plan yet; we see an idea,” Holden said.
Trump and Mamdani meet
continued from page 2
York’s success and acknowledgement of shared priorities, including lowering costs and improving public safety.
“I also appreciate that the President rejected efforts by members of his own party to weaponize the mayor-elect’s background, faith, and identity for political gain, including the Islamophobic attacks labeling him a ‘jihadist,’” Hochul said. “There’s no place for rhetoric like that in our politics or in New York. I look forward to working with President Trump and Mayor-Elect Mamdani to deliver for New Yorkers. But as I’ve always said, I’ll work with the President when it benefits New Yorkers,
and I’ll fight like hell when our values are at stake.”
State Attorney General Letitia James said on X, “After meeting with the President, our next Mayor @ZohranKMamdani showed why he is ready to lead our city. He has a plan to keep us safe, make sure New Yorkers can afford their lives, and he has the leadership we need in this moment.”
City Councilmember Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) in a statement told the Chronicle that the “cordial nature” of the meeting was “unsurprising.”
“President Trump has a long history of being gracious and flattering towards his
As his eight-year tenure comes to a close, Councilman Bob Holden is critical of the inner workings of city government, but proud of what he has achieved for District 30.
He also hopes to have Juniper Valley Park’s ballfields rebuilt “the right way” before he leaves office, citing improper drainage. He said he tended to the fields himself for about 20 years, cutting the grass, manicuring the infields and draining them after it rained.
Holden said he has already allocated funds to rebuild them, but he also is looking at public and private partnerships for the work, including with the New York Mets. The organization has redone two of the park’s softball fields.
But his biggest disappointment was the fate of Ryder’s Law, his bill to ban the city’s horse carriage industry. It was killed in committee Nov. 14 after he forced a vote on it, and he said advocates filled four rooms that day.
While part of him will miss the job, Holden said, he loathes pettiness in government. He said he took office thinking politicians are not
adversaries, whether it’s Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, or Zohran Mamdani,” Paladino said. “He’s willing to give leaders he disagrees with the benefit of the doubt in order to help steer them towards cooperation. Trump is also a lifelong New Yorker and genuinely wants our city to succeed. Time will tell if the friendly relationship lasts, but if Zohran fails to live up his obligations and federal intervention becomes necessary, nobody can claim that Trump didn’t give him a chance.”
City Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) had a similar opinion.
“I don’t know what happened behind closed doors, which I’m sure was much more contentious than what they portrayed to the cameras,” Ariola told the Chronicle. “But knowing President Trump, he will give Zohran Mam-
good people, and his tenure only strengthened that belief.
He specifically said that Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) is a “dictator,” adding that she cut him off from extra funding when he opposed the How Many Stops Act. Holden intends to take a muchneeded break when all is said and done — he said he has worked nonstop since he had a newspaper route at 12 years old.
He will travel to Ireland around Christmastime for his son’s wedding. After that, he hopes to explore Europe and take his wife to visit her birthplace in Japan.
At the same time, he said he could keep going and “do a lot more good” for the area, were he allowed to.
“I could never rest. Hopefully now, I can,” Holden said. “But another part of me says I wouldn’t discount getting into politics still.” Q
dani his take on what needed to be done, and also the benefit of the doubt that he is willing to do the right thing for the city of New York. However, I think he is poised to step in if he feels that that will change.”
On the topic of sending the National Guard to the city, Ariola pointed out that Trump said other cities may need it more, but she added that it’s “always on the table.”
“After we witnessed the mayhem that happened in the 19th council district last night,” she said, referencing the street takeover in Malba, “I could see the reason why the president would send the National Guard in. We cannot have our neighborhoods overtaken by thugs. ... That is a prime example of what can happen to our city under a Zohran Mamdani mayoralty.” Q
Photo contest!
The Queens Chronicle’s 18th annual Holiday Photo Contest is underway!
Take pictures of anything that reflects the season — joyous children and families, lights, miniature villages, snowy landscapes, if we get any — and send them on in. Our main requirement is that the photos be taken in the borough this season. We also ask that you give us all the details you can, especially the location, the names of any people in a photo, when possible, and when it was taken. Avoid time stamps! And please limit your entries to five.
If you need some inspiration, take a look
at this past entry from Anita King of Whitestone, taken in Long Island City a dozen years ago and dubbed “Dining with a View.”
The winner this time around will get a $50 gift card good anywhere. All winning shots, and many others, also get published in print and online.
Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, saying “contest” somewhere in the subject line, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 5. Good luck!
— Peter C. Mastrosimone
Both sides digging in on ‘Airbnb bills’
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Depending on whom one asks, two bills in the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings would either pose a serious risk to the availability of affordable rental housing or help outerborough homeowners who like to use short-term options such as Airbnb to put some extra cash in their pockets. Intros. 948 and 1107 were the subjects of committee hearings on Nov. 20.
A statement from the group Tenants Not Tourists said elected officials, housing advocates and unions including hotel workers and firefighters opposed the bills; as did a majority of the speakers last week.
But an official from Airbnb told the Chronicle that Local Law 18 from two years ago was intended to stop substandard hotels, and has had unintended consequences for homeowners who would like to occasionally rent their houses out.
Even the Adams administration and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani agree in their opposition, according to TNT.
Adams’ buildings and fire departments cited safety issues. The Department of
Housing Preservation and Development also was opposed. The group quoted a post by Mamdani on X in which he said it “will make the city less affordable and displace vulnerable communities.”
Nathan Rotman, director of policy Strategy for Airbnb in the United States and Canada, said Local Law 18 went too far and that the changes only apply to one- and twofamily houses, not apartment buildings.
“The outcomes were different than they anticipated,” Rotman said. The changes proposed would allow a homeowner to be away from a property during a rental; there could be up to four guests instead of two; and some rooms could be off-access to renters. He said since LL 18 took effect rents have gone up and vacancy rates remained steady; and that “the only beneficiary has been the hotel industry.”
It is not known when or if there will be a vote. A spokesperson for Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) said the Council must weigh the impact of the bills on the city’s housing stock and the need to support financially struggling homeowners amidst a housing crisis; and it is reviewing all the testimony from the hearing. Q
PHOTO BY ANITA KING / FILE
Two hurt in Malba street takeover
NYPD promises more patrols; Paladino also wants more severe consequences
by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday released photos of two men wanted “in connection to an assault” that took place early Sunday morning during a street takeover in the Malba section of Whitestone in which two residents were hurt.
“Anyone with any information as to the identity of the ... pictured individuals is urged to contact @NYPDTips via DM, or by calling 800577-TIPS,” Katz said in a brief statement on her official X feed.
The gathering, which Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) said had been publicized on social media, took place at a large intersection where South Drive, 141st Street, Center Drive, Boulevard and Point Crescent all converge.
Police brass made the rounds of the neighborhood Sunday morning and promised stepped-up patrols after an estimated 100 or more people or more participated in the takeover.
Two residents were assaulted with injuries and a car was set on fire. There were also reports of drivers engaging in drag racing and driving over residents’ lawns.
Paladino, while grateful for the police response, said even increased patrols may mean little unless there are arrests followed by serious accountability for the perpetrators.
Police said the first call came in at 12:37 a.m.
“Last night, what took place here was an absolute disaster,” Paladino said in a video taken at the scene Sunday morning. “Last night 100 animals descended on this neighborhood. You can see the skid marks from doughnuts. They actually set a car on fire. They terrorized this neighborhood.”
A video posted on Paladino’s campaign website shows a resident being attacked by a group of people The man was surrounded and beaten, with attackers, including some carrying small flagpoles, continuing their attack as the victim lay on the ground. The man’s wife also was attacked.
Other videos show people who showed up using their phones to record the blaze engulfing the car.
“We have never had these problems before,” Paladino said in a subsequent press release. “Now it’s an epidemic. What happened? We stopped arresting criminals.”
Paladino said Assistant Chief Brian Hennessy, commanding officer of the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Queens North, and Inspec-
tor Kevin Coleman, commander of the 109th Precinct “picked up my calls on the first ring” and she thanked them for their response.
But she also said some residents reported calling 911 in the early stages of the incident only to be told that it was a matter for 311 or the 109th Precinct’s Conditions Team.
According to police, it was a busy overnight shift in the 109th.
At 12:37 a.m. officers were assigned to a 911 call for a possible crime — drag racing — at 141st Street and 11th Avenue, within the confines of the 109 Precinct. The precinct’s conditions sergeant was responding to the job when officers had a car stop resulting in an arrest at another location. The sergeant rerouted to the arrest situation to assist the officers because a supervisor was needed.
“At approximately [12:50 a.m.], the 911 call for drag racing was upgraded to a crime in progress — criminal mischief — which is a higher priority job,” according to an NYPD press release from the office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information. “The 109 patrol supervisor then responds at approximately [12:53 a.m.] and arrives on scene at approximately [1 a.m.], a seven-minute response time. FDNY was already on scene.”
The DCPI added that the 109th covers a large geographical area, and that it was a busy Saturday night.
“At the time of the incident in question, other units from the 109 were handling multiple priority jobs, including an arrest for an individual who was driving while intoxicated, transporting someone to the hospital, an assault and a vehicle collision with injuries.”
The police press office confirmed that Hennessy met with Paladino and residents early Sunday morning, and that patrols will be increasing.
The office did not address a question as to whether some residents were referred to 311, as Paladino said.
“We need police response and the most severe consequences for these criminals not
Correction
The Nov. 20 story “Council approves garbage charges” and the editorial “More or less room for cars” both misstated the minimal number of units in apartment buildings that will have to use immobile trash containers under a new law. It is 31 units. Those with 10 to 30 units will have the option to use bins with wheels. We regret the error. Q
simply allow them to drive way after they’ve completed their mayhem,” the lawmaker said in her press release. But she also said residents may eventually become less tolerant of repeated instances.
“I know for a fact there were multiple armed residents who exercised extreme restraint last night, however that level of restraint is not guaranteed,” she continued. “If the city refuses to do what’s necessary, the people might.” Q
Gang members taken down: DA
continued from page 14
the second and third degrees; reckless endangerment in the first degree; burglary in the second degree; and criminal facilitation in the second degree.
Two 17-year-olds are due back in court on Dec. 18, said law enforcement. A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old are due back in court on Dec. 17 and a 15-year-old on Dec. 3. Two pairs of 17-year-olds and 16-year-olds are in custody and will be arraigned at a later date.
Katz’s office said the gang’s objective, sanctioned by Attapoku, was for members to kill their rivals in the Top Opp Mak Ballas, 5th Clocc and Blitz Gang 4 crews to establish geographic dominance.
“Tragically, three people were murdered due to this gang’s indiscriminate violence,” Katz continued. “We will not relent in our work to dismantle gangs in this borough. Seventeen firearms were seized during this investigation.”
In one of the crimes, on Nov. 10, 2022, Attapoku and four other defendants allegedly robbed rival Mark Greene, 18, of his gun outside his Kew Gardens Hills high school, said prosecutors. Attapoku was allegedly standing with Joseph when the latter allegedly pulled out a loaded gun and fired at Greene multiple times, killing him.
Two minors, who a DA spokesperson said will not be identified, allegedly committed the remaining two killings, those of
William Alcindor, 66, in St. Albans on Sept. 16, 2024, and Ikechukwu Onodu, 20, in Queens Village on Jan. 27, 2025.
In other cases, people were shot at in Bayside, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans, Jamaica, Wayanda Park in Queens Village, a McDonald’s in Cambria Heights, and Fresh Meadows, said prosecutors. Two defendants allegedly also stole a car in Nassau County to use in the Springfield Gardens shooting.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the rival gangs turned neighborhoods into deadly playgrounds, something they later bragged about on social media.
“They wanted credit for the shootings they carried out, and today, we’re happy to give it to them,” said Tisch in a statement. “Using targeted enforcement and precision policing, the NYPD investigators did the dangerous work needed to stop this violence. Thanks to them, Queens is significantly safer today.”
Members of the 103rd, 105th, 107th, 111th, 113th and 116th precincts and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division, Homicide Squads and a Field Intelligence Officer unit participated in the gang takedown.
Katz thanked prosecutors in her office’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and its partners in the Police Department for their work to suppress gun and gang violence in the borough. Q
These two men are among those being sought by police in the aftermath of a street takeover in Whitestone. NYPDPHOTOSVIAQUEENSDA/X
Revelers who came to Malba record a burning car on their phones during what is being called a street takeover Saturday night into Sunday morning. SCREENSHOTVIAVICKIEFORNYC/X
Chronicle spreads joy and good
Donated gifts will go to Queens residents in homeless shelters
by Naeisha Rose Editor
Happy holidays, Feliz Navidad and good tidings to all in the World’s Borough.
For the 29th year, the Chronicle invites those from near and far to help brighten someone’s holidays by donating to its annual Toy Drive.
The drive seeks to bring comfort and joy to children, teenagers and families living in Queens’ homeless shelters.
The Chronicle is seeking brand-new, unused and unwrapped toys, games, puzzles, art supplies and various other items suitable for infants to boys and girls and teenagers.
Brand-new, never-worn clothing, hats, gloves and scarves for all age groups will also be accepted to help those in dire need to beat the chill of winter.
In years past, contributors donated more than 1,500 games, toys and essentials for the cold weather, some of the latter being crocheted by hand.
The deadline for donations is Thursday, Dec. 18.
“I am proud to be able to put on this toy drive once again. Seeing those less fortunate being able to enjoy the holidays makes all of us at the Chronicle feel good that we can take part in this endeavor,” Queens Chronicle
Brand-new cosmetics, personal care items and gift cards are also sought for teens.
Donations will be delivered to homeless shelters throughout the borough, helping children and families light up with smiles while they are experiencing dark times.
Publisher Mark Weidler said. “Thank you to all who make donations.”
All items may be brought to the Queens Chronicle office at 71-19 80 St., Suite 8-201, at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale during business hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The office is above HomeGoods, and the entrance to the building is where the sign says The Offices at Market Plaza.
Donations also can be dropped off at the following locations during their regular business hours:
• State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. at 84-16
Estate Planning Fundamentals: Cooperative Apartments and Avoiding Probate
By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.
What happens when an owner of a cooperative apartment dies? Owning a cooperative apartment is different than owning a house or a condominium, as a cooperative apartment is not real property. Instead, cooperative residents own shares in a non-profit corporation that owns the building, and each owner has a proprietary lease for a particular apartment. Each owner doesn’t actually own their unit, just the shares in the cooperative corporation.
This unique arrangement creates a number of challenges for an estate representative when an owner passes away. As the ownership interest is personal property in the form of stock in the cooperative corporation, the shares will be controlled by the decedent’s estate and must be disposed of according to the decedent’s will, or if there was no will, the laws governing intestacy. This means the estate representative must go through the probate process to obtain authorization from the Surrogate’s Court to act on behalf of the estate. This process
the nation.
Another challenge for an estate representative seeking to sell a cooperative apartment is virtually all cooperatives require approval of any transfer by the cooperative’s Board of Directors. The Board has the right to approve, or reject, both a purchaser and also the purchase price. The law in New York grants a significant amount of discretion to a Board in approving or rejecting a transfer.
One strategy to avoid the lengthy probate process is for an owner to transfer the cooperative stock to a trust. Upon the owner’s death the trustee can then transfer the apartment without having to apply to the Surrogate’s Court or to the Board, which can avoid the delays of probate.
Please feel free to contact me atcynthia@conzamcnamara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further
Ave. in Woodhaven; • Assemblyman Ed Braunstein at 213-33 39 Ave., Suite 238,
Stela Barbu at (718) 205-8000. Q
can be long, especially in New York City which has some of the busiest courts in
Jamaica
in Bayside; • Councilman Bob Holden at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth; and
• Goldfish Swim School at 71-03 80 St., Space 7-110, in Atlas Park in Glendale. Anyone seeking additional information on the toy drive may call the Chronicle’s
Queens Chronicle Editorial Production Manager Gregg Cohen, left, and Proofreader Dennis O’Brien bring in the cheer for its 29th annual toy drive. Drop-off locations include the Chronicle’s office and several other sites throughout Queens. PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE
by Mark Lord
As Joe DiPietro’s very funny and, ultimately, touching play “Over the River and Through the Woods” gets underway, 29-year-old Nick arrives at the Hoboken, NJ, home of his maternal grandparents, anxious to make an announcement.
Easier said than done, thanks largely to grandma
November 27, 2025
family members, a bunch of lovable Italians, who could just as easily be Jewish or pretty much any other ethnicity, as long as they firmly believe in the three Fs: faith, family and food, and not necessarily in that order. Above all, love overflows in the household.
CULTURE
& LIVING
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING field
And the cast that Schwab has assembled consists primarily of seasoned veterans who are having a field day.
Aida, who is more interested in seeing to it that her beloved grandson gets fed, much to Nick’s exasperation.
with the prospect the only way they know how, sometimes to hilarious effect.
Before long, Nick’s paternal grandparents join the scene, making his quest all but impossible to fulfill.
gpgpj all but to fulfill.
As it turns out, Nick has been offered a ver y tem pting re quire him to move across the countr y. He comes out with it, andfthtththfildl d for the next t wo hours or so, the deals
As it turns out, Nick has been offered a very tempting job, which would require him to move across the country. He finally comes out with it, and for the next two hours or so, the family deals
The current production of the play, being performed by the Parkside Players for five remaining performances through Dec. 7, is under the skillful direction by Kevin Schwab. It was reviewed at the final dress rehearsal last Friday, the night before the official opening, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
direction Kevin Schwab. It was reviewed at the final dress rehearsal last the before the official opening, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
For starters, it is very easy to identify with the
Karen Sc motherly ro is Aida. She
Karen Schlachter, who has played her share of motherly roles, generally of the Jewish persuasion, is Aida. She does little to alter her typical inflections here, but little does it matter. She is given many a funny line and delivers them all with precision.
She is paired with Antonio Foti, who returned to the stage recently after a lengthy absence, as Aida’s husband, Frank. His is by far the strongest Italian accent on stage. Late in the
Fttititidtifithth For s t ar ters, it is very eas y to identif y with the continued on page 23
King Crossword Puzzle
I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
Natalie Trundy earned attention from Rego Park
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Francis Paul Campana, the son of an Italian immigrant barber, was born in Boston on Jan. 15, 1912.
He excelled in school and graduated Harvard, Class of 1933. He married an Irish girl, Natalie Trundy, on July 23, 1939, and they settled in the Grenfell Apartments in Kew Gardens. He was relocated to New York in his job as an executive insurance investigator. Their daughter, also Natalie, was born on Aug. 5, 1940.
of
Natalie took her mother’s maiden name of Trundy and was modeling at age 9. She played on Broadway at age 12 in the role of a 15-year-old. She had roles on many TV shows in the 1950s and ’60s. In 1952, the family moved into a brand-new 12-story, 160-unit building at 64-34 102 St. Rego Park.
Trundy’s first marriage, at age 19, was quickly annulled. Her second, to producer
Arthur Jacobs, 18 years her senior, landed her roles in the four “Planet of the Apes” sequels. After his sudden death of a heart attack at age 51, Trundy withdrew from acting and married Carmine Foggia, raising two children with him.
Trundy married five times in all. She passed away in Los Angeles at age 79, on Dec. 15, 2019. Q
The home
“Planet of the Apes” sequels actress Natalie Trundy as a teenager was at 64-32 102 St. in Rego Park, seen as it looks today. GOOGLEMAPSIMAGE;INSETVIAWIKIPEDIA
by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief
It’s Thanksgiving, when folks voice their gratitude for what they have, eat the heartiest of meals, enjoy one another’s company — and then try to think of what to do with all the leftovers. Continuing a tradition we began in 2018, the Queens Chronicle offers an idea, gleaned from the wonderful spaces of the World Wide Web. This year’s recipe stands alone as it’s a long one, and it comes from the Food Network Kitchen.
“Made with leftover roasted turkey, this straightforward, easy-to-assemble big ol’ pan of lasagna is exactly what we want to eat the day after Turkey Day,” the site says. “It’s a comforting crowd pleaser that is just different enough from yesterday’s feast.”
And we’d add a caveat: It’s great as is, but if you’re willing to go with jar sauce, you can save a lot of time and effort. Your call.
Turkey lasagna
Ingredients
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• One 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup loosely-packed fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from the casings
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 pound lasagna noodles (about 20)
• 3 cups leftover turkey meat, white and dark, chopped or shredded
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Heat the garlic and 2 tablespoons of the oil together in a large skillet over medium heat until the garlic begins to brown around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil and 1 teaspoon salt. Fill the empty tomato can with 1 1/2 cups of water, swish it around and add it to the pan. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, 20 to 24 minutes. (You should have about 4 cups.) Allow the sauce to cool.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up with a
slotted spoon into smaller pieces no more than 1 inch long. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage with the spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Add the lasagna noodles one at a time to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir very gently with a wooden spoon to prevent the noodles from sticking. Drain into a colander and rinse under cold water until they are cool enough to handle; drape over the side of the colander. (This will also help to separate the sheets so they do not stick together.)
Mix the ricotta, parsley and egg with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the turkey and sausage and stir to combine. Set aside.
Turn your turkey leftovers into an Italian classic
Spoon a very scant layer of sauce, about 1/4 cup, into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread to coat the bottom. Line the bottom with one layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping and cutting to fit if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then a third of the tomato sauce, followed by a third of the mozzarella and a third of the Parmesan. Cover with a third of the lasagna noodles, again arranged so they are overlapping slightly. Top with the other half of the ricotta mixture, then another third of the sauce. Add another third of the mozzarella and third of the Parmesan. Finish with the remaining lasagna sheets and top the lasagna with the remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake until hot throughout and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until slightly golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes, cut into pieces and serve.
More recipes online
Go to qchron.com, search for “Thanksgiving leftovers” and you’ll find recipes we ran in past years, for everything from pizza, tacos and eggrolls to turkey Bolognese, fried stuffing bites with cranberry sauce pesto, turkey and string bean pot pies, and more. Q
Parkside stages a funny yet touching family tale
continued from page 21
proceedings he delivers an emotionally charged monologue about his father, one of several touching moments in the play.
Grandpa Nunzio is played by Michael Wolf, who has created one of his most memorable characterizations yet, in a career that has brought him to local stages for decades. He shines most brightly in a speech in which he ultimately decides that “what matters is family.”
Crossword Answers
Kim Guarino plays his wife, Emma, who has several fine moments of her own, most especially in a beautiful heart-to-heart discussion with her grandson.
Madeline Naylor makes several brief but memorable appearances as Caitlin, a wouldbe date for Nick.
The anchor of the play is Nick, the young man who is torn between family and his desire to spread his wings. Jason Wieder is totally natural in the role, whether on the verge of a nervous breakdown or pulling off one of the most difficult challenges on a stage, simply being a good listener. He is at his finest in a very touching moment he shares with Wolf.
The first act is pure fun, while things begin to get more serious following intermission, leading to an emotional conclusion. In typical Parkside fashion, the set, in this case depicting a living and dining room, is quite professional, looking good enough to actually move in. Kudos to the design team.
Remaining performances at Grace Lutheran Church (103-15 Union Tpke., Forest Hills) are on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.
Tickets for the show are $22; or $20 for
Sometimes his doting grandparents, played by Kim Guarino, left, Michael Wolf, Karen Schlachter and Antonio Foti, are just too much for Nick, played by Jason Wieder, to take, as he collapses in desperation in one of many funny moments in “Over the River and Through the Woods.” At right are Wieder and Madeline Naylor, as Caitlin. On the cover: Foti leads the family in saying Grace. PHOTOS BY MARK LORD
seniors and students with ID. For more information, call (646) 847-9429 or visit parksideplayers.com. Q
Ever make turkey lasagna? Give it a go!
PHOTO BY POISEWINSTITLES / WIKIPEDIA
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Notice is hereby given that an On Premises Tavern Full Liquor License, Application ID NA-0370-25-135346 has been applied for by LSF Group Inc d/b/a CEO serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a tavern for the premises located at 41-02 College Point Blvd., Flushing, NY 11355.
1818 43RD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/14/25. 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, 15-31 146th Place, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Legal Notices
LaundryBee Sutphin
LLC filed 10/27/25. Cty:
Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to:
22111 Kingsbury Ave., Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. Purp: any lawful.
P11 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/12/2004.
Office loc: Queens County.
SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.
SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of formation of S KIM CPA PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/2/2025.
Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. 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: is The PLLC 3809 Union Street, Suite 3 Flushing, NY, 11354. Purpose/ character of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of Snap Chocolates LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/17/2025. 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: ALEXANDRA ELLIOTT, 42-77 HUNTER STREET, APT 6B, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of STRICTLY WHOLESALE LLC
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/25/2025.
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: ARTURO CIFUENTES, 8709 164TH ST BSMT, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY WEBSTER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff against LETICIA M. CALUAG A/K/A LETICIA CALUAG, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 4, 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 December 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 84-92 Homelawn Street a/k/a 84-92 Home Lawn Street, Jamaica, New York 11432. Block 9862 Lot 76. 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 $137,839.57 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 708473/2023. 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.
David I. Weprin, Esq., Referee File # 23-0243
BLUE SUNDAY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/25. 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, 32-36 81st St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST ALESSANDRA DEPESTRE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on December 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 13818 250th Street, Rosedale, NY 11422. 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 13619 and Lot 33. Approximate amount of judgment $643,227.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #710812/2023. Ruth M. Baez, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-002782 87820
KAM 14 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/29/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 8425 85th Ave., Woodhaven, NY 11421. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of STUDIO 6517, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Chang Law Group PC, 3006 Northup Way, Ste. 100, Bellevue, WA 98004. Purpose: any lawful activities.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006RS3, -against- JOAN D. MINTO SEOW 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 20, 2025, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006RS3 is the Plaintiff and JOAN D. MINTO SEOW 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 12/12/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 2 HOLLYWOOD COURT, FAR ROCKAWAY, New York 11691; and the following tax map identification, -15714-185. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 713471/2023 . Scott H. Siller, 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.
Houses For Sale
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.
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Houses For Sale
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Custom Colonial Brick, 80x100 lot, 5 BR, 5 full baths + 1/2 bath. Total 14 rms, 3 level twin wrought iron staircase. In-ground pool, 1 car gar & 6 car dvwy. Asking $2,998,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Legal Notices
COLOMBOS PROP. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/22/25. 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, 60 Stone Hill Drive S., Manhasset, NY 11030. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of CRESCENT STREET CONSULTING
LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/10/2025. 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: ENTITY PROTECT REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES LLC, 447 BROADWAY 2ND FL. - #3000, NEW YORK, NY 10013. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Glendale, Det 1 family Colonial, 3 BR, 2 full baths, finished bsmnt, updated kitchen, windows & baths. Pvt dvwy & gar. Asking $939,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Lovely Hi-Ranch. Top flr has 3 BRs & 1 bath over 1 BR, 1 bath walk-in, all updated. Asking $999,000. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136
Lindenwood, Sat 11/29, 1pm-2pm, 84-20 153 Ave, #5H. Lshaped alcove studio. Monthly maint $702.42 incls heat, hot water, cooking gas & real estate taxes. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700
Lindenwood, Sat 11/29, 11:30am-12:30pm, 155-27 89 St, Unit 27, 3 BR, 2 bath Co-Op, over 1,000 sq. ft. By appt Call Andrea 718-344-2727. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700
Legal Notices
Notice of Formation of HJ77 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/25/25. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 33-02 Skillman Ave., Long Island City, NY 11011. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 33-02 Skillman Ave., 5th Fl., Long Island City, NY 11011. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of KAI NGERN KAI TONG LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/11/2025. 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: PHAIPHAN SANGTIPPAWAN, 8206 34TH AVE. APT. 3D, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Queens. WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 20161, Plaintiff -against- ALBERT DICKERSON III, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA DICKERSON A/K/A PATRICIA JANE DICKERSON; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA DICKERSON A/K/A PATRICIA JANE DICKERSON; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; SYNCHRONY BANK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 707536/2024. Mortgaged Premises: 199-16 116th Avenue Saint Albans a/k/a Jamaica, NY 11412 Block: IN 11071 Lot: 33TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $376,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York on September 24, 2007, in CRFN 2007000488874, covering the premises known as 199-16 116th Avenue, Saint Albans a/k/a Jamaica, NY 11412 The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the reverse mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
Supplemental Summons Supreme Court of New York, Queens County. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING,, Plaintiff -against- BICKRAM ROOPCHAN; DEVAHATI ROOPCHAN; SHAMIZA BEHARRY, INDIVIDUALLY, AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF NATERAM ROOPCHAN; ONEWEST BANK, FSB; PANTHER SIDING AND WINDOWS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF NATERAM ROOPCHAN; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint,, Defendants Index No.701668/2024, Mortgaged Premises: 105-08 133rd Street, South Richmond Hill, NY11419 Block: 09592 Lot: 0009 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the reverse mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
Notice of Formation of THE LOTUS LANE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/01/2025. 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: JANAY ETHRIDGE, 17561 HILLSIDE AVENUE, SUITE 202 #1003, QUEENS, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of TON SERVICE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/03/2025. 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: DIEGO GIRALDO LOPEZ, 8732 78 ST., FLOOR 1, WOODHAVEN, NY 11421. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
B SPORTS EAT
Back in the ballgame
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
Major League Baseball recently announced a new series of broadcast rights, which will run through 2028. ESPN, which made news last year for announcing it was relinquishing its Sunday evening baseball package, which it had for 35 years, will broadcast 30 games on its linear channels and many out-of-market games on its ESPN Unlimited app. Netflix, which likes splashy standalone events when it comes to sports, will showcase the All-Star Game Home Run Derby and the first game of the 2026 season with the Yankees facing the Giants on March 25.
The big news is that NBC, after a 25-year hiatus, will be broadcasting Major League Baseball again. For baby boomers, NBC was synonymous with watching baseball. When the 1969 Miracle Mets won the World Series, it was Curt Gowdy who handled the play-by-play on Channel 4, while in 1986, it was Vin Scully at the microphone for the Peacock Network. Other legendary baseball voices for NBC were Tony Kubek, Joe Garagiola, Marv Albert and Astoria native Bob Costas.
NBC will inherit the Sunday night games ESPN is giving up, and its revived cable arm, NBC Sports Network, will show 18 late Sunday morning games. NBC will also broadcast some wild card playoff games and the Futures Game
featuring top minor leaguers, which takes place the Saturday before the All-Star Game.
The Mets bit the financial bullet last week, releasing Frankie Montas. Montas was Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns’ big pitching free agent signing last winter. Many scratched their heads as Montas was both frequently injured and a mediocre hurler. He was awful during his tenure with the Yankees.
Stearns tried to catch lightning in a bottle the way he had with Luis Severino and Sean Manaea the previous winter. He inked both pitchers to one-year deals to minimize risk. Happily for Stearns, both had great 2024 seasons. For some unfathomable reason, he felt the need to lavish a two-year, $34 million contract on Montas.
Stearns wound up getting struck by lightning instead. Montas suffered a high-grade lat strain in spring training. He did not make his Mets debut until after the All-Star break. He pitched well in his first game, throwing five scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves for the win. But the performance was an aberration. He was pummeled after that and banished to the bullpen.
In August, Montas underwent UCL surgery that will sideline him for the 2026 season. The Mets decided it was wiser to use his spot on the 40-man roster to avoid losing a player in the Rule V draft in December. Q
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com
