Pol introduces pay bump for electeds
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
City officials could soon see a pay bump, if legislation introduced last week passes when it comes to a vote.
Councilmember Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) last Tuesday introduced a bill, Intro. 1493, that would would raise the salaries of some local officials by about 16 percent. According to a statement from Williams’ office, the bill proposes a cost-of-living adjustment aligned with other recent increases for some government workers.
The last full review of elected officials’ compensation was nearly a decade ago, the statement reads, and the Quadrennial Commission required by the City Charter that would be tasked with examining salaries has not been convened by a mayor since 2016.
A spokesperson for Williams said via email that she is not available for further comment this week, but the bill’s intent is procedural in nature and was designed to ensure the Council fulfills a requirement in the City Charter.
“The legislation suggests a cost-of-living adjustment as part of that procedural review,” the spokesperson said. “It’s not tied to broader policy debates, nor does it signal any position on matters outside of that mandated step.”
If the bill passes, the mayor would go from receiving $258,750 to $300,500 a year; the pub-
lic advocate from $184,500 to $215,000; City Council members from $148,500 to $172,500; the Council speaker from $164,500 to $191,000; borough presidents from $179,200 to $208,000; and the comptroller from $209,050 to $243,000.
District attorneys in the city’s five counties would see an increase from $212,800 to $247,500 a year, or receive an annual salary equal to that of a state Supreme Court justice in their respective counties, whichever is greater.
The bill also would require the mayor to convene an advisory commission before the end of next year to review elected officials’ compensation. The Council on Tuesday referred the measure to the Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation.
The New York Daily News reported that Williams had planned to introduce the bill last week in the hopes of a vote by Dec. 18. But citing an official from the office of Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), the paper said a section of the City Charter prevents lawmakers from voting on any increase during the “lame duck period” in a local election year, meaning the roll call would be tabled until at least January.
But a hearing could still be held this year, which would then allow the bill to be deemed “pre-considered” if it came to a vote next year,
the Daily News said.
While Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said she understands where Williams is coming from — the Council has not had a raise in more than a decade — she said there are many others “who need a raise before we do.”
“We have EMS members living in their cars because they can’t afford rent,” Ariola said in an emailed statement. “We really shouldn’t talk about a raise for the council until we get pay equity for our first responders and others who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Over in West-Central Queens District 30, Councilmember-elect Phil Wong pledged to ask about raises for other workers, such as elected officials’ staffers. Wong had not read the bill and said he was unaware of the basis of the increase, but his initial reaction was that he would not vote to increase his own pay.
“What have we done to deserve a raise?” he said via phone Monday. “We haven’t started working.”
The office of Councilmember-elect Shanel Thomas-Henry did not respond to emails requesting comment. A rep for Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), one of the bill’s 30 co-sponsors, said she would defer to Williams.
The fate of the bill remains uncertain, especially on the eve of a new administration. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign centered on affordability, could sign the bill, if it passes, and give himself a bigger payday, or risk ruffling feathers in the Council by nixing it, reports say.
Mamdani’s press team did not respond to requests for comment. Q
CONZA | MCNAMARA
A bill introduced by Councilmember Nantasha Williams last week would raise top city officials’ salaries. PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL / FILE
Three hurt, 19 people receive help following late night Richmond Hill fire Families displaced by five-alarm blaze
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Nearly 20 Richmond Hill residents have been displaced following a five-alarm blaze Monday evening.
Just before 11 p.m. on Dec. 1, the FDNY arrived to the scene at 91-30 108 St. More than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel responded, according to the FDNY.
Two firefighters and one civilian were treated for minor injuries.
“Units arrived in a little over three minute,” said FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods. “This building is a two story flatroof, non-fire proof building, in a row of four attached buildings.”
morning.
FDNY Fire Marshals are working to determine the cause of the fire.
A representative for the American Red Cross told the Chronicle it registered eight households — 17 adults and two children — for emergency aid, such as temporary lodging and financial assistance.
“I’m trying to prevent this from happening.”
Any residents impacted by the fire who need help with their recovery from it and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 1 (877) RED CROSS (733-2767) and select Option 1.
— State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.
Upon arrival, Woods said, the FDNY had heavy fire in all four buildings.
“The original fire building had fire in the cellar, first and second floor,” Woods said. “Our engine companies moved in very aggressively into all these buildings. They were able to knock down this fire and prevent further extension to other surrounding buildings.”
The fire was placed under control by around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkuar (D-Woodhaven) in a press release said her heart is with those affected, and extended gratitude to the firefighters and EMS personnel who responded to the scene.
“Your courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication protect our community every single day,” Rajkumar said.
She also called for the passage of the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act, which would give a tax credit to homeowners who “remove” cocklofts, a space between the ceil-
ing of the top floor of a building and the roof, in their homes.
Cocklofts pose a significant fire hazard due to their ability to allow fire to spread unimpeded.
The bill for more than a decade has been carried by state Sen. Joe
Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), and Rajkumar since 2021.
Addabbo told the Chronicle that because the legislation has a monetary benefit, a bill alone is not enough — it has to be funded in the state budget.
“We are so blessed and fortunate that no one died Monday night,” Addabbo said, adding that the bill will once again be introduced in the next legislative session. “I will point to this in January. I’m trying to prevent this from happening.” Q
AD 23
Two Dems vie for Pheffer Amato’s seat; Sullivan intends to run on GOP line Scala, Osina enter the race for
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
The race to fill the 23rd Assembly District seat in 2026 is beginning to shape up.
After Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) recently announced she would not seek reelection, those in the area may have started to wonder who would run to replace her.
As first reported by the Rockaway Wave, Mike Scala and Pesach Osina, both Democrats, are the first two to throw their hats in the ring. State Board of Elections data shows they have filed to run for election in the district.
Scala, an attorney, recently replaced the outgoing board chair of the Queens Defenders, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance
to those who cannot afford it.
He’s known in the South Queens community for his years as a civic activist and support for the restoration of the Rockaway Beach Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, working as legal counsel for QueensLink.
In 2012, he ran for the U.S. House seat in New York’s 5th District, and he has twice run for City Council in the 32nd District.
Scala told the Chronicle via email that he will launch his campaign on Dec. 7.
“I can share that we’re building a campaign focused on bread-andbutter issues and uplifting all of our diverse neighborhoods,” Scala wrote. “I have dedicated my career — through my law practice and other efforts — to improving the
lives of our residents, and it would be the honor of a lifetime to serve our community in Albany.”
Osina, a moderate and member of the Orthodox Jewish community in Rockaway, is the Queens commissioner for the city Commission on Racial Equality. Per his bio on the city’s CORE website, Osina’s government experience includes the roles of community liaisons for members of the state Assembly and the City Council, Queens borough director for the city Comptroller’s Office and a senior community liaison for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica).
He has twice run for City Council in the 31st District, and has served as a community partner for the NYPD’s 101st Precinct.
Osina could not be reached for
comment on his campaign.
Tom Sullivan, a Republican and 30-year military veteran with decades of financial service experience, who has twice run for the AD 23 seat against the incumbent, intends to do so again.
“Tom Sullivan has reached out
to the Queens Republican Party Leadership and District Leaders and expressed his intention to run and in seeking their endorsement to run for the 23rd Assembly Seat for NYS,” a representative for Sullivan said in an email to the Chronicle. Q
Eight households, made up of 17 adults and two children, were displaced following a five-alarm fire late Monday night in Richmond Hill. FDNY PHOTOS / FACEBOOK
Democrats Mike Scala, left, and Pesach Osina have filed to run for election in Assembly District 23 in 2026. Tom Sullivan, right, a Republican, has not yet filed to run, but intends to do so.
COURTESY PHOTOS / FILE
Key panel is all-in on downstate casinos
Queens applicants, Resorts World and Metropolitan Park, clear major hurdle
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Queens just got dealt a winning hand.
The state Gaming Facility Location Board has greenlit all three remaining applicants for full-scale downstate casino licenses: Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Citi Field and Bally’s Bronx, just over the Whitestone Bridge.
“The board has determined that awarding all three licenses best advances the state’s long-term economic, fiscal and community objectives,” said Chair Vicki Been at the board’s Dec. 1 meeting at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan.
The three applicants will get licenses pending final approval by the state Gaming Commission by Dec. 31. At a press conference following the meeting, Been said approval is “not a rubber stamp” and that the Gaming Commission will still conduct a thorough review before its final decision.
The licensees each will have to pay the state a $500 million fee, as well as pledge $500 million in capital investment.
RWNYC’s proposed expansion, at its existing facility at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., includes a $5.5 billion physical investment in the 72-acre Aqueduct site, adding a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor; 2,000 hotel rooms; a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue; more than 7,000 parking spaces, a majority of which will be covered; and more than 12 acres of new public green space. Resorts World plans to start offering live table games as soon as March 30, 2026.
For the first phase of the casino, expected to open toward the end of March next year, RWNYC will
immediately begin hiring and training up to 2,000 employees, it said in a press release. RWNYC’s proposed $2 billion community benefits package also includes a commitment to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the city; the Resorts World Innovation Campus, featuring a sports and media complex shaped by Queens native and former NBA star Kenny “The Jet” Smith; a community investment fund; and a $100 million infrastructure improvement package.
“Resorts World New York City’s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, the parent company of RWNYC.
DeSalvio continued, “Resorts World New York City’s $7.5 billion proposal is the only bid that can expand operations in just 90 days, generating billions in new revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years. We are thankful the Gaming Facility Location Board recognized the tremendous economic impact we will have for New York State.”
Metropolitan Park, a proposed $8.1 billion investment and partnership between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, would transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a sports and entertainment destination. The project features a Hard Rock Hotel with a casino, sportsbook, restaurants, bars and state-ofthe art live music venue as well as a Taste of Queens Food Hall.
Metropolitan Park would create 25 acres of public green space, generate 23,000 union jobs and deliver more than $1 billion in community benefits, including new infrastructure improvements and a completely
revamped, ADA-accessible 7-line train station.
“After years of community engagement and support, Metropolitan Park is one step closer to becoming a reality,” said project spokesperson Karl Rickett in a statement. “Following a fair, transparent and rigorous process, The Gaming Facility Location Board has validated the positive economic impact this project will have with billions of dollars in tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs, and over $1 billion in community benefits. We look forward to the Gaming Commission’s review.”
“There is no safer bet in our city than Queens and its unparalleled promise. The most diverse county in the United States is quickly becoming its most economically innovative and transformative — cemented by today’s recommendation to connect tens of thousands of Queens families to good-paying union jobs and millions of residents and tourists alike to world-class entertainment,” said Borough President Donovan Richards in a statement.
He lauded the two Queens pro-
posals’ “unrivaled community benefits packages” and added, “Together, they embody our borough’s unrivaled potential as a true live, work and play community.”
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), chair of the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, applauded the GFLB for unanimously backing all three bids, and added, “This decision moves us closer to a final license approval by the Gaming Commission by the end of the year and closer to realizing the significant benefits for New York — over 10,000 union jobs, billions in revenue, infrastructure improvements, funding for the MTA and support for problem-gambling programs.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who served as chair of the Resorts World Community Advisory Committee, said, “We have just jumped a huge hurdle and are truly one step closer to hitting that jackpot of RWNYC getting a full gaming license!”
She said RWNYC has been an “outstanding community partner,”
and added, “This is an amazing day for our community, borough, city and state.”
State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) said the GFLB meeting “caps off a 13-year process which began with New York’s voters approving a constitutional amendment authorizing 4 upstate and 3 downstate casinos. No doubt voters understood the harms caused by gambling and casinos, like harms caused by other statelicensed activities. Ultimately, the decisions in the voter referendum back then through today’s meeting weighed costs versus benefits, specifically those of casinos and gambling versus mass transit, public schools, well-paying jobs, and parks and other infrastructure.”
Across the East River, as part of the Trump Organization’s sale of its remaining interest in the site to Bally’s, formerly Trump Links golf course, the casino company promised to pay the Trump Organization $115 million should it win a license, according to The New York Times. It too is now one step away.
Gov. Hochul said in a statement, “From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans. I am grateful to Chair Been and the Gaming Facility Location Board for their careful review of the applications according to these high standards.”
She continued, “The three projects approved today promise to unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs. It is critical that they keep those promises. I look forward to the Gaming Commission’s review of the Board’s recommendations in the weeks ahead.” Q
Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, with its plans rendered at left, and Metropolitan Park at Citi Field have cleared the penultimate hurdle in obtaining full gaming licenses, and are awaiting full approval from the state Gaming Commission by Dec. 31.
The state Gaming Facility Location Board on Monday approved all three applicants for downstate casino licenses, including two in Queens: Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Citi Field.
YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / NY GAMING, ABOVE, AND COURTESY RENDERINGS / FILE
Man robbed pantry at knifepoint, cops say
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
The NYPD is searching for a man alleged to have committed a knifepoint robbery at the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol’s food pantry on Nov. 22.
According to the cops, at approximately noon, a 50-year-old male victim was approached by the suspect at the pantry, at Rockaway Boulevard and Digby Place.
Cops are searching for this man for an alleged robbery in
A press release from COPCP said the suspect approached the area in an agitated manner and demanded food. Volunteers calmly explained the pantry was closed and that available items were on the table.
“The individual took food from the table, then said he was not satisfied with those items and brandished a knife, making verbal threats to several volunteers,” the COPCP said. “He then took a volunteer’s personal food and fled the scene. “
Civilian patrol members responded immediately when pantry volunteers
called for help. They gathered essential information and assisted the NYPD. No injuries were reported, cops said.
COPCP praised the pantry volunteers’ commitment to working in the cold, and said the moment was “upsetting and disturbing” for the team.
“We stand fully with our pantry volunteers, who handled a frightening situation with calm and strength,” COPCP said. “We remain committed to supporting them and to ensuring that this incident does not discourage anyone who wants to serve this community.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X.
All tips are strictly confidential. Q
World’s Boro sees no murder for November
Crime uptick in Queens North as it goes down in Queens South: NYPD
by Naeisha Rose Editor
There were no murders for the month of November in Queens and Staten Island, according to NYPD crime stats.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced on Tuesday that the city also saw the fewest shooting incidents and victims in recorded history for the first 11 months of 2025.
“These historic gains are the result of our precision policing strategy and officers executing that strategy with the discipline and dedication that defines this noble work,” said Tisch in a statement. “Our plan is working, the progress is real, and I’m grateful to Mayor Adams for providing the tools that make these public-safety gains possible.”
During the 11-month stretch, the city recorded 652 shooting incidents and 812 shooting victims, compared to the previous all-time lows of 696 and 828, respectively, set in 2018, according to the CompStat figures.
November 2024. Adams said it was the eighth straight quarter of major crimes continuing to fall across the five boroughs.
“The strategies we put in place have made our city safer,” said Adams in a statement.
While overall crime was down, Queens North saw an uptick. The region saw an increase in grand larceny auto from 187 to 199 incidents for the month.
PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE
It saw 100 percent hikes in shooting victims and incidents.
Murders were also down in November, at 16, tying the record set in 2018 for the lowest in any November since reliable records have been kept. Murder was down 46.6 percent for the month compared to November 2024.
Queens South saw fewer crimes than Queens North, but housing crime, some sex crimes and petit larceny were up within the same time frame.
Queens police commanders regularly address crime rates at community board and precinct community council meetings.
At a Community Board 13 meeting on Nov. 24, Capt. Douglas Moodie, the commanding officer of the 105th Precinct in Queens Village, gave mixed news.
Transit crime was down 24.8 percent for the month. There were 167 incidents compared to 222 last year, making it the safest November in recorded history, excluding the pandemic years when ridership was at historic lows, said the NYPD. It was the safest July, August, September, October and November combined in the subway’s recorded history.
“Overall, we are doing phenomenal across the board,” said Moodie at the meeting.
Robberies were also down in the transit system, as they reached their lowest levels ever for November and the first 11 months of the year, including pandemic years, said the NYPD.
Retail theft was also down citywide, from 5,285 incidents last year to 4,221 in 2025, a 20 percent drop compared to
While grand larceny auto has continued to drop in the precinct from 21 in 2024 to 11 in 2025 within the same aforementioned time period, Moodie said catalytic converter thefts continue to be a problem. He also reminded people to warm up in their cars instead of leaving their vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition if they do not want it to get stolen. Q
Ozone Park.
Capt. Douglas Moodie, commanding officer of the 105th Precinct.
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EDITORIAL AGEP
Double down on casino jobs
Ayear ago, when there were nearly a dozen contenders for casino licenses, we thought it unlikely Queens would get two sites approved. But Monday’s vote of the state Gaming Facility Location Board makes it all but a sure thing.
There is still one card to be dealt before it’s time to cash in our chips, but rumor has it the deck is stacked. The state Gaming Commission has the final say, but the odds are a million to one that it would contradict the GFLB’s position.
So you can expect both the Metropolitan Park entertainment and open-space complex next to Citi Field and the expansion of the Resorts World New York City casino next to Aqueduct Race Track to move full-steam ahead. Given the money behind the plans — that of billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen and the Hard Rock International conglomerate for Metropolitan Park and the global giant Genting Group for Resorts World, you can expect building to move along as fast as legally possible.
And that means jobs, jobs, jobs. The $8 billion Metropolitan Park plan will generate 16,224 direct
and 7,711 indirect construction jobs, and 2,559 permanent direct jobs, according to a city analysis. The $5 billion Resorts World plan will create 7,942 direct and 3,775 indirect construction jobs and 1,765 permanent direct jobs, the report says.
The firms also promise more of the affordable housing the city desperately needs. Queens Future, the Cohen-Hard Rock venture, says it will join with Slate Property Group to build 450 affordable apartments in Corona. The plan is part of a $1 billion community benefit package. Meanwhile, Genting is teaming up with Cirrus Workforce Housing and building trades unions, along with the city itself, on plans to create as many as 50,000 workforce housing units across the five boroughs. That is a different type of plan altogether, and we’ll see if it can come to fruition.
But barring some major surprise, casinos are coming. We hope people can fight off the lure of addictive gambling and just have a good time within reason. The economy and government coffers will benefit, and we hope society will as well.
An amazing crime statistic
There were no murders in Queens in November. None at all. Zero. Let that sink in. And that’s not all. It’s just the lead statistic in the NYPD’s newest report on violent crime rates, which keep falling.
We stipulate right off the bat that this is not true in all places for all crimes. The Queens North precincts have seen an overall increase in homicides so far this year compared to last. But it’s the opposite in South Queens, and the trends are going the right way.
Citywide, the major crimes tracked by the CompStat system fell 5.6 percent last month, compared to November 2024. Murder dropped by half, from 30 citywide to 16, tying November 2018 for the
lowest number of killings in any November since reliable statistics have been kept.
Shooting incidents fell 19 percent, from 68 to 55; and shooting victims dropped 13 percent, from 77 to 67. And for the first 11 months of the year, the numbers of shooting incidents and victims are at record lows.
There are contrary points. Grand larceny auto and the theft of auto parts remain major problems. But we must give credit to the NYPD, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Adams for turning things around. We’re thrilled Tisch is staying on the job and hope the next mayor will maintain the policies that are making the city safer. We really hope.
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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
Con Ed’s power play
Dear Editor:
Con Edison’s customers often complain about high electricity and gas costs. Many of them now have something else to gripe about — a surprise move pressuring them to pay their bills in a manner they did not choose.
Con Ed recently emailed thousands of its customers telling us that we had been “automatically enrolled” in an E-payment program requiring all bill payments to be made online, rather than by mail. I was shocked and outraged. Automatically enrolling customers in a new payment program without our consent is an unethical business practice that should not be allowed.
It also borders on elder abuse because it adversely affects seniors, including me. I am 86 years old and pay all my bills by mail. So do most of the seniors I know. We trust the post office more than the internet for good reason. Internet fraud and theft cost U.S. customers $12.5 billion in 2024, says the Federal Trade Commission. This year, the FBI has received 5,100 complaints about fraudulent takeovers of Amazon customers’ accounts by cyber thieves, causing losses of over $230 million (New York Post, Nov. 27). The internet is a hacker’s heaven and a pirate’s paradise, which explains why I and many other seniors refuse to conduct any business transactions online.
I understand Con Ed’s motive to reduce postage and paper costs. Customers should have an
option to pay their bills online as a matter of choice. But they should not be compelled to do so by an edict from an imperious energy provider empowered by its monopoly status.
Fierce legislative opposition reduced Con Ed’s proposed 11.4 percent electricity rate hike to 2.8 percent (nysenate.gov). Legislators must now take corrective action to nullify Con Ed’s new abuse of power. That includes state Sen. Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman Sam Berger and City Councilman Jim Gennaro, who represent Kew Gardens Hills constituents. Stand up for our rights as Con Ed consumers.
Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills
CB 13 way off track
Dear Editor:
First, many thanks to Naeisha Rose for her continuing yeoman efforts to inform our community, once again proving that light is the best disinfectant (“Budget, board biz and more at
CB 13,” Nov. 27, multiple editions).
Ms. Rose rightly pointed out that Community Board 13 members continue to waste valuable time and energy trying to return to Zoom-only meetings that she conclusively proved were illegal months ago, even afte r board members were asked whether they would be willing to attend meetings in-person during the interview process prior to thei r appointment (as I was).
Rather than using a portion of the ove r $277,000 we were allocated in 2024-25 for hiring an additional employee to keep the office open during normal business hours and answer calls that have repeatedly gone unanswered and institute hybrid meetings that meet the needs of our elderly and disabled residents, CB 13 returned over $81,000 to NYC unused.
We also need to post recordings of our meetings as required under the New York State Open Meetings Law so hardworking residents of our community can watch our meetings at a time of their choice. There is no need for the
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR
board to hold our most vulnerable members hostage by falsely insisting that the choice is only between legal totally in-person meetings and illegal Zoom-only meetings.
The board needs to stop wasting time on defending the indefensible with its violations of New York’s Whistleblower Law and instead return to discussing important issues, such as developing strategies to protect our community from the threats of President Trump to unconstitutionally place masked and unidentified purported ICE agents onto NYC streets to terrorize our friends and families. We can also spend our energy to push our mayor-elect to truly institute real daylighting of our intersections so as to protect pedestrians and motorists.
David S. Pecoraro Member, Community Board 13 Rosedale
The writer also serves on CB 13’s Public Safety and Transportation committees.
The most fictitious letter
Dear Editor:
There are many errors in Davor Grancaric’s letter of Nov 27, “Right and wrong on Mamdani.”
Mr. Grancaric stated that he does not believe that marginal tax increases on the wealthy cause migration to other states. The reality is that the three states with the most mass out-migration are the high-tax states of California, New York and New Jersey, and the states with the most incoming migration are zero-income tax states Texas and Florida.
Mr. Grancaric also wrote that it is wrong that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is soft on crime. Mamdani walked back his previous comments to defund the police and that cops are racists, which most people don’t believe. If true, why would Mamdani put on his transition team anti-police people such as Joo-Hyun Kang, Jose Lopez, Elana Leopold and Dana Rachlin?
Finally, Mr. Grancaric stated that Mamdani is not anti-Semitic for opposing Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians. Wrong! Mamdani is anti-Semitic for not denouncing the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which is a call against Jews worldwide.
The idea that genocide is occurring in Gaza, as Mr. Grancaric claims, is a total falsehood. Space limitation prevents me from a detailed response.
I nominate Mr. Grancaric’s letter for Fictional Letter of the Year.
Lenny Rodin Forest Hills
No short-term rentals
Dear Editor:
On Nov. 20, the Housing and Buildings Committee of the NYC City Council held a public hearing to gather testimony regarding Intro. 948-A. As the president of the Auburndale Improvement Association, I testified that I am opposed to Intro. 948-A, which would affect one- and two-family districts. It would allow Airbnb-style short-term rentals of up to four rooms in one-family homes, and up to eight in two-family homes.
This would negatively impact the stability, security and safety of my diverse community.
In particular, since the owner or host would not have to live in the dwelling with short-term rentals, it would open a Pandora’s Box of problems. Who would supervise the rooms being rented, who would enforce the regulations, and what would happen in case of fire, use by squatters of such units or other illegal activity?
There are also the infrastructure issues of the one- and two-family districts where these rentals would occur, as well as the impact on parking. If all four rooms in a one-family home were rented under this proposal, that would bring at least four unrelated extra persons into the community. Multiply that by the number of homes that this could affect. Some people are talking about speculators who might want to buy homes just to rent the rooms out. There would be a continuous turnover of renters.
We all hear about affordability problems these days. It is sad that so many people have trouble keeping up with payments on their homes, as well as dealing with the issues of affording food, energy and other basic needs. However, this scheme is likely to cause many problems for our neighborhoods. It is up to our elected officials to offer more realistic strategies to deal with affordability problems and to work with all stakeholders to seek solutions.
Henry Euler Auburndale
Killer gets off easy
Dear Editor:
The first obligation of our nation is to protect and defend its citizens. That is the premise of law and order. But today, we find more empathy for the accused than the victim, and in the name of justice that must end.
Miriam Yarimi recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter after Judge Danny Chen offered a 3- to 9-year sentence, after she mowed down a Brooklyn mother, Natasha Saada, killing her and her two daughters and leaving her son grievously injured.
This deal was offered after Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and the prosecutors involved sought a 15-year maximum term to send a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated in the future. Miss Yarimi had racked up 93 traffic violations including 20 speeding tickets and was driving at three times the speed limit with a suspended license!
Her story was she was possessed by the devil. Yeah right, the devil made her do it — and the judge, what’s his excuse?
She could be out in three years to kill again and cause another family unimaginable grief.
Our hearts go out to Natasha Saada’s family. God bless and help them now! Citizens, speak up.
Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens
OUR LADY OF GRACE RC CHURCH
HOWARD BEACH
100-05 159th Ave., Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-843-6218
Pay by Cash, Credit Card and Check For All Events MASS SCHEDULE:
Monday-Tuesday at 8:30am Thursday at 6:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 4:00pm Wednesday at 12:00pm Friday at 8:30am Sunday 8:30am - 10:30am - 12:00pm
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Sunday, December 7th Mass at 6:30 pm
Monday December 8th - Mass at 8:30am - 1:00pm & 6:30pm Holy Hour of Grace from 12:00pm to 1:00pm Holy Day of Obligation
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Mass will be at 6:30pm
Reception in the school gym. Mexican Food, piñata and live Mariachi band $30 per adult & $20 per kids 14 and under. Call Rectory to reserve 718-843-6218
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Sunday, December 14th from 8:00am to 3:00pm Come & Shop over 50 tables and meet Santa Claus. Free Admission & Parking Lot 158-20 101st Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414
We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited for length, clarity and other reasons. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published. Those received anonymously are discarded.
A winter wonderland in Hamilton Beach
‘Holiday
Mike’ brightens up Rau Court once again with one million lights
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Michael Giglio is lighting up West Hamilton Beach with his picturesque holiday display, a community tradition that continues to welcome neighbors and strangers alike to share in a winter wonderland.
He said the spectacle, which he’s put together for 44 years, is about more than just decorations.
“I started the lights in Richmond Hill, off of 104th Street and 90th Avenue, when I was 19 years old,” Giglio said.
“I ended up buying a house here in West Hamilton Beach, over by the water. And I’ve been here now for 18 years.”
This year, the house, at 102-24 Rau Court, has a dazzling one million lights, an effort Giglio put together almost entirely on his own, with the help of one assistant, a woman named Karen.
Sunday. Giglio said, depending on the evening, he may keep the magic going even later if visitors are still arriving. The lights will not be turned on in the event of rain.
Giglio, who is affectionately known as “Holiday Mike” or “Vintage Mike,” keeps the tradition alive even through hardship and loss.
He credits his resilience to love for the community and memories made along the way, but noted that in recent years, it’s been difficult to manage the display.
“This year, in 2025, we went full throttle with it.”
— Michael Giglio
This year’s display includes a 9-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree donated by Home Depot, vintage blow molds, plywood paintings featuring beloved characters and more.
Children and families are invited to visit the home from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 to 11 p.m. Friday through
“We had a problem in 2022, three days before Christmas,” Giglio, who sometimes creates largescale Halloween displays as well, said. “We got destroyed when a storm came up the coast. I was in tears because everything got lost — my car, a lot of my decorations. Flooding in Hamilton is getting worse.”
Still, he’s driven by memories and the joy he brings to the neighborhood — not just with the display, but with events centered around it.
On Dec. 13, Giglio will host the Great Christmas Cupcake Giveaway starting at 7 p.m., providing cupcakes, popcorn, cotton
candy and bags of chocolate for children ages three to ten, while supplies last. Each child will also receive a Christmas-themed school pencil.
On Dec. 20, Santa Claus himself will stop by the Giglio home, settling into a handcrafted chair for photos and visits with kids.
There’s also shopping to be had, as what Giglio calls “The Great Christmas Store” is
back, with holiday hats, stockings, plush animals, pencils, light-up toys and other trinkets, all for sale on two tables near the display.
“In the past I have had people from all over come and see this: Jackson Heights, Astoria, Valley Stream,” Giglio said of his display. “This year, in 2025, we went full throttle with it. It is totally insane.” Q
H e l p t h e C h r o n i c l e s p r e a d h o l i d a y c h e e r
Help the Chronicle spread holiday cheer
Accepting donations of new, unused items for borough’s homeless shelters
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
’Tis the season, and as the streets start to grow busier with festive cheer, the Queens Chronicle is once again calling on the kindness of its neighbors. For the 29th year, readers from every corner of Queens are encouraged to help brighten the holidays for families who need it most by contributing to the Chronicle’s annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Each winter, thousands of children and teens living in Queens’ homeless shelters face the season without the comforts so many of us take for granted.
The holiday toy drive aims to change that by delivering delight and a reminder that the community cares.
For older kids and teens, cosmetics, personal-care items and gift cards can make a meaningful difference.
Once collected, all donations will be delivered to shelters across the borough to support children and families.
Past drives have delivered more than 1,500 toys, games, winter essentials and lovingly handmade items, including crocheted hats and scarves created by caring neighbors.
The Chronicle is seeking brand-new, unused and unwrapped toys of all kinds — games, puzzles, dolls, action figures, building sets, art supplies and more — suited for infants through teenagers.
New winter clothing is also welcome, including hats, gloves, scarves, cozy socks and other never-worn clothing items for all age groups to help our neighbors stay warm through the coldest months.
The deadline to contribute is Thursday, Dec. 18. Every donation, large or small, brings a little more warmth and hope to someone who needs it.
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 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven;
• Assemblyman Ed Braunstein at 213-33
The Queens Chronicle is collecting unwrapped new and unused toys, winter clothing, gift cards and other personal care items for its 29th annual Holiday Toy Drive. Items will be donated to families in homeless shelters throughout the borough.
Among the borough’s biggest and brightest holiday displays is 102-24 Rau Court in Hamilton Beach, dutifully put together by resident Michael Giglio. COURTESY PHOTOS
Ave., Suite 238, in Bayside;
Councilman Bob Holden at 58-38
Maspeth;
Goldfish Swim School at
7-110, in Atlas Park in Glendale.
’Tis the season on Cros s Bay ’Tis the season on Cross Bay
The holiday spirit is back on the boulevard, as themed lights have gone up on Cross Bay, stretching from Liberty to 165th avenues, thanks to a $35,000 funding allocation from Councilmember Joann Ariola to the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Howard Beach Hope, founded by longtime resident Doreen DeCandia, also played a major role in expanding the lights’ reach, according to Ariola’s office. The organization helped engage area businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to contribute toward additional strands of lighting, adding to the grandiosity of the displays.
“These lights are something people look forward to, and I am proud to have allocated the funding necessary to bring them back for another year,” Ariola said in a statement. “They bring the Christmas spirit to Cross Bay Boulevard and help to foster a sense of togetherness and pride in the community, and that is something that is so incredibly important.”
She added, “When people have neighborhood pride, they get involved more, get to know their neighbors better, and just help to make the entire area a better place to live for everyone.”
New, lower Con Ed rate hikes proposed
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
Con Edison has agreed to reduce the double-digit rate increases that it proposed earlier this year.
The utility last January proposed hikes to electric and gas bills of 11.4 percent and 13.3 percent on average, respectively. But a new proposal calls for a rate reduction of nearly 87 percent from those initial proposals, a spokesperson from the state Department of Public Service said.
“The joint proposal calls for a total bill increase in the first year that is below the rate of inflation and has the support of New York City, environmental and community advocates, and industry groups,” the spokesperson said.
Under the three-year proposal, a customer in the city using 280 kilowatthours of electricity per month would see a rate increase of 3.9 percent in 2026; 3.3 percent in 2027; and 3.2 percent in 2028, according to a chart from Con Ed. A customer whose current electric bill is $103.13 a month would rise to $107.16 in the first year, $110.68 in the second and $114.26 in the third.
A customer paying for 100 therms of gas per month for heating would see their bill increase 4.4 percent in 2026; 5.7 percent in 2027 and 5.6 percent in 2028. Bills that are now $242.38 per month would rise to $253.05 in the first year, $267.43 in the second and $282.51 in the third.
“The Joint Proposal is the result of an 11-month, highly inclusive process led by the Public Service Commission, engaging the broadest range of stakeholders to date,” Con Ed said in a statement, adding that the process produced a plan that “balances the immediate affordability challenge with the investments necessary to maintain system reliability and resilience in the short term.”
The proposal was either signed or not opposed by 16 parties involved in the proceeding, a DPS spokesperson said, and public comments are being reviewed. A date for a decision has not been announced. The new rates would take effect in January.
A spokesperson for Con Ed said the joint proposal was supported by numerous entities, including the city, state Department of Public Service staff and the New York Power Authority. Q
Civilian injured in 2-alarm OZP blaze
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
One person was hurt the afternoon of Nov. 24 in a two-alarm fire in Ozone Park.
The FDNY said it received a call at approximately 3:40 p.m. regarding a fire at an auto body repair shop at 104-09 99 St. in Ozone Park, between Liberty Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard.
Twenty-five units — a total of 106 fire and EMS personnel — responded to the scene, and a hazmat unit was assigned.
A civilian sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention from EMS, according to the FDNY. The fire was under control by 4:26 p.m.
“We had two cars burning in the first floor. .. [a] second alarm was needed due to the volume of smoke in all of the adjacent stores and the possibility of fire
involvement up in the cockloft,” FDNY Deputy Chief Dan Browne said in a quote posted to the department’s Facebook page.
Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze. Q
A deed theft victim’s fight to get her home
by Naeisha Rose Editor
A Kew Gardens Hills woman whose family home she inherited alongside her mother from her grandparents, is another step closer to reclaiming the house after they lost it to deed theft and it was sold to a third party.
Maria Benedek previously told the Chronicle that the third party who bought the home for $600,000 filed a civil lawsuit against her and her mother, Gloria Kubick.
Benedek said on Monday an assistant district attorney from the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz got a stay put on the lawsuit, pausing it during the criminal investigation into the four-person deed theft crew, who are also responsible for stealing homes in Queens Village and Jamaica Estates.
Lawrence Ray, 38, of Jamaica, the last member of the crew to be sentenced and who pleaded guilty to scheme to defraud in the first degree, received five years probation and forfeited $403,829.22 on Nov. 20.
Autumn Valeri, a former real estate agent who pleaded guilty to three counts of grand larceny in the second degree, was sentenced to five years’ probation and had to surrender her professional license on Nov. 5. Torey
Guice, 40, of Roselle, NJ, who pleaded guilty to falsifying business records in the second degree on Oct. 7, was sentenced to one year of conditional discharge.
The last member, is referred to as John Doe after he stole the identity of a Tennessee man named Carl Avinger, pleaded guilty in October to grand larceny in the first degree and two counts of grand larceny in the second degree. He also pleaded guilty to identity theft in the first degree in August and was sentenced to four and a half years to nine years in prison.
All four defendants had to consent to the deed of a stolen property being voided.
Now a motion is before Justice Carmen Velasquez at Queens County Supreme Court to quiet the title of the house so it can go back to Benedek and Kubick.
“I will have to hire a lawyer to represent us against ... the guy who bought the house ... and the people who made the theft of the house possible,” said Benedek via text. Two cars and other items in the home, such as her grandfather’s Purple Heart, love letters written to her grandmother, her mother’s wedding dress and more, were also stolen from the family. Q
More than 100 fire and EMS personnel responded to a 2-alarm fire on Nov. 24 in Ozone Park. FDNY PHOTO / FACEBOOK
Queens to see first Holocaust memorial
New garden, artwork to honor the millions killed, survivors who endure
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
Area elected officials and community leaders last Tuesday announced a new Queens Holocaust Memorial at Borough Hall.
Initially proposed by the Queens Jewish Community Council, the site will honor the memory of the 6 million Jewish people who were killed, as well as the survivors who built new lives here in the city. Upon completion, it will be the borough’s first major Holocaust memorial, officials said.
“No matter how much time passes since the evils of the Holocaust, New York City’s commitment to the pledge of ‘Never Again’ must never waver,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said in a City Hall press release. “That is why, in the face of rising tides of heinous anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial across our society, I could not be prouder to lead this effort alongside the
administration and the Queens’ Jewish community in creating this critically important memorial here at Queens Borough Hall.”
According to the release, the city and Richards’ office have allocated $3 million toward the project’s development. The Queens Jewish Community Council also will lead fundraising efforts to support the memorial’s design and construction.
The city will lead a formal design process to build a commemorative garden and install public artwork, with the artist selection process led by the city Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art program. The site will be formally designated as a Holocaust memorial through a DCAS letter.
The memorial also will host Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, community gatherings and educational programs for students.
“Trauma leaves its mark, but it does not have to define us,” state Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Flushing) said in the release. Q
NYPD 102nd Pct. to host toy giveaway
Santa Claus will take a break from his preholiday duties on Dec. 10 to fly to Richmond Hill to help out with the NYPD 102nd Precinct’s holiday toy giveaway. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., families are welcome to visit the precinct, at 87-34 118 St., to snap a photo with Old St. Nick. The first 500 kids to visit are guaranteed a toy. Attendees can also look forward to free giveaways, snacks and refreshments. The precinct also is accepting toy donations from now until the event. Those with questions or seeking more information may contact Sgt. Erik Contreras at (516) 233-7851, or Det. Nick Salamone at (631) 445-2170. Q
Supporting families at CTEA
For the second consecutive year, the student government organization at the High School for Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Ozone Park, in collaboration with Together We Serve, hosted a Thanksgiving food giveaway on Nov. 19 to support the community.
The initiative aimed to make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need, while also fostering a sense of community and service among students and staff.
The event provided families with fresh produce, turkeys and the opportunity to sign up for insurance through a partnership with
Food allergen label required
Prepackaged food — items prepared and sold by places such as delis, bakeries, sandwich shops and food trucks — will have to carry a label indicating the presence of any of the major food allergens starting a little less than a year from now, under a law Gov. Hochul signed in November.
Meant to increase safety for those with allergies, the law applies to foods containing milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, sesame and soybeans. Those are the same allergens federal law already requires to be listed on many foods packaged in one place and sold elsewhere.
The new state law, said to be the first in the nation, is for “food that is prepared, prepacked and offered or sold to customers on the same premises.” It does not apply to food sold without packaging or wrapped after a customer orders it.
Allergy Advocates of New York was one group that applauded the bill, quoting activist Jill Mindlin of Nassau County as saying, “This will help prevent needless tragedies by making purchasing food safer for the many New Yorkers living with lifethreatening food allergies.” Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone
Emblem Health. It was coordinated by the student leadership team under the guidance of Student Government Advisor Jasmin Harnaraine and teacher Nicole Mleczkowski.
Standing with Harnaraine, top center, is Treasurer Harmandeep, left, Secretary Milana, Vice President Leya and President Surpreet.
“Their hard work and commitment helped ensure the success of the giveaway, demonstrating the power of student involvement in making a positive impact on their community,” Harnaraine told the Chronicle. — Kristen Guglielmo
Two-alarm blaze in Glendale injures one
A house fire in Glendale Sunday night that reached a second alarm left one civilian with minor injuries, as per the FDNY.
Firefighters received a call at 9:44 p.m. reporting the blaze at 78-41 73 Place between 78th and Myrtle avenues.
The flames were brought under control at 11:18 p.m., with 25 units of 106 fire and EMS personnel responding.
A civilian had minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital, the FDNY said. The cause was still being investigated Tuesday. Q
Elected officials and community leaders last week ceremonially broke ground on a new Queens Holocaust Memorial. It will be the first in the borough. PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT
City selects bicycle storage unit company
DOT plans 500 sheds, open-air stations
by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief
Locking bicycle sheds on streets and sidewalks across the city are one step closer to reality, as the Department of Transportation announced Monday that it has selected a company to install and operate them.
The city is developing a draft contract with the firm, Tranzito, which was selected after a request for proposals was issued last year, the DOT said. The contract is expected to run for five years.
The city plans to install 500 secure bike storage units citywide, a mix of enclosed sheds and open-air self-locking racks. Some will go on the streets — the DOT says one shed can fit 10 or 12 bicycles in what is now one parking space — and others will go in places such as plazas near transit hubs.
It is too early in the process for the agency to say how many will come to Queens or when, or what the cost will be.
“With more than 600,000 bicycling trips taken in the city each day, secure
bike parking access will continue to fuel
New Yorkers’ embrace of cycling, a safe and environmentally friendly transportation option,” the DOT said in its announcement of Tranzito’s selection.
“This secure bike storage network is critical because many New Yorkers lack inhome bike storage space or cannot carry heavier e-bikes or cargo bikes up stairs in apartment buildings, significant barriers to bike ownership.” Q
St. Helen’s gets the win!
Howard Beach won big on Sunday as the St. Helen’s boys junior basketball team beat Kew Gardens Hills’ Queen of Peace for the 2025 Brooklyn-Queens Diocese CYO Championship in a nail-biter of a match.
The game, played at Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst, was tied at the fourth quarter, 45-45.
But with just three seconds left on the
buzzer, St. Helen scored to win 47-45. The team is, at top, Coach Kevin Collins, left, Tommy Delcielo, Vince Scida, Noah Collins, Christopher Purificato, Adam Arnold, Coach Marc Taly, and, in the second row, Christian Galarzo and David Rodriguez, and, below them, Jian Carlo Cuglietta, Kevin Xhari and Robert Palmaccio. — Kristen Guglielmo
The fietstrommel, Dutch for “bicycle drum,” is one type of bike shed used in Europe and maybe soon here. IMAGE COURTESY TRANZITO
Lawsuit says developer targeted rent-stabilized housing in Western Queens Illegal deregulation of apartments alleged
by Naeisha Rose Editor
A Brooklyn-based developer and its operators are being sued for allegedly deregulating 159 housing units within 31 buildings contrary to the law.
State Attorney General Tish James and Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnaukas brought forth the lawsuit on Monday against Peak Capital Advisors LLC and operators Juan David Gomez, Alex Rabin, Amnay Labou, Michael Lohan, Bryan Anderson, Alex Kaskel, and Alex Mendik for allegedly overcharging rents at 11 buildings in Brooklyn and 21 in Western Queens neighborhoods such as Astoria, Hunters Point, Long Island City, Woodside and Sunnyside, according to the Office of the Attorney General.
The OAG is seeking the return of the overcharged rent, damages, enforcement of the units’ rent-stabilized status, penalties for violations of law and the appointment of an independent administrator to audit Peak’s portfolio for illegal activity.
“It is no secret that New York City is battling an affordable housing crisis, and yet Peak and its operators still chose to line their pockets at New Yorkers’ expense,” said James in a statement.
“Let this lawsuit be a warning: when corporate developers and bad landlords try to cheat housing laws, my office will always take aggres-
This rent-stabilized Long Island City apartment unit, which was in good condition, according to an appraiser, was vacated so that a developer could jack up prices.
sive action to stop them,” continued James.
The OAG and HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit found that Peak allegedly acquired and developed dozens of small-to-medium-size residential buildings, many of which had rent-stabilized units, renovated them using high-end finishes and marketed and leased the apartments for high rents, said the lawsuit. The developer allegedly was seeking “submarkets,” which it considered to be the “next major growth areas,” and represented to lenders and investors that the sites would be profitable because they were purchased at a “considerable discount” and would be repositioned via luxury upgrades and rented for substantial amounts, which is not possible
under rent regulation laws.
The lawsuit said that the defendants allegedly paid tenants up to $270,000 to vacate and required sellers to achieve vacancy rates of 80 percent at their buildings so it would appear that the sites were uninhabitable, allowing the developer to invoke substantial rehabilitation exemptions to deregulate rent-stabilized apartments.
The suit went on to say that the defendants allegedly knew the apartments were in “average” to “good” condition with no deferred maintenance, because they hired an environmental consultant and professional appraisers to evaluate the properties. They even certified to insurers that the buildings were code compliant, not damaged and that utility service was adequate before renovation.
One appraiser concluded that the “as is” market value of the building was $3.4 million and the prospective market value once the renovations were completed and the apartments were rented at market rate was $5.4 million, said the lawsuit.
A six-unit rent-stabilized building located at 45-42 Vernon Blvd. in LIC, built before 1974 and purchased for $2.6 million, allegedly had a sale agreement in September 2021 done by Anderson, Lohan and Rabin that required the former owner to deliver the building vacant of all tenants. There were no open violations indicating that the building was in substandard or
McDonald’s blocks teen access
Doors guarded to bar them from entering after school
by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor
A Forest Hills McDonald’s has deployed one of its workers to stand guard at the door to keep rowdy teens out after school.
The restaurant at 98-01 Metropolitan Ave., just a stone’s throw away from the campus housing Queens Metropolitan High School, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School and PS 233, has banned minors from eating inside from 2 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the general manager told the Chronicle via phone Monday.
The New York Post reported that the ban took effect five months ago, and that cops have been called to the eatery more than a dozen times so far this year.
According to the NYPD, year-to-date statistics show one complaint report on file at the location, for harassment. A 24-year-old man was pushed and slapped by an unknown perpetrator at 2:50 p.m. May 21.
The Post reported that “McBouncer” Claudia Zanabria patrols the main entrance, while a trash can blocks another. She brings teens’ mobile orders to them as they wait outside, and they may go inside one by one to order if they have not done so online.
Steve Melnick, an area resident who leads the Friends of MacDonald Park, thinks professional security should corral the “vicious”
teens instead of an employee. He himself avoids the area when schools let out, he said — he sees on the Citizen app that there’s “always something going on over there.”
Melnick suggested local businesses band together and ask for a greater police presence in the area.
deteriorated state, but the seller vacated the premises in preparation for the sale in accordance with the agreement.
In a 2021 memo, Peak allegedly represented to lenders that the building was in a “high growth submarket” and that it appealed “to young professionals who seek luxury amenities.”
Derby Copeland Capital retained an appraiser to do an objective valuation and on Nov. 23, 2021 an inspector from the Leitner Berman firm concluded the building was “functional for residential use” with no “updating required.” The other Queens buildings are at 48-36, 45-35 and 32-30 41 St.; 48-33 and 47-21 47 St.; 05-13 51 Ave.; 45-35 41 St.; 05-35 47 Road; 47-34 45 St.; 47-25 44 St.; 53-17 Skillman Ave.; 35-34 32 St.; 30-70 44 St.; 47-45 43 St.; 47-07 and 47-09 47 Ave.; 30-93 44 St.; 41-27 49 St.; 32-30 41 St.; 45-44 40 St. and 25-59 35 St.
Visnauskas said the TPU’s investigation into the above buildings and the ones in Brooklyn were extensive.
“The investigation showed that none of these Peak properties met legal requirements for deregulation,” she said in a statement. “We look forward to returning these buildings to their proper status under the rent stabilization law. HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit and the Office of the Attorney General will not allow unlawful profiteering and deregulation.” Q
Blood donors sought near you
The New York Blood Center is always seeking donors amid a blood emergency.
To learn more or make an appointment to donate, visit nybc.org. There are several blood drives in Central and Western Queens listed now:
• NYC Department of Design and Construction, first floor atrium, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, 30-30 Thomson Ave. in Long Island City; blood drive coordinator Abdonnie Holder;
• NY Bangladeshi American Lions Club, busmobile, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, 37-22 73 St. in Jackson Heights; blood drive coordinator Mohammed Hassan;
• Queens Jewish Center, auditorium, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, 66-05 108 St. in Forest Hills; blood drive coordinator Jonathan Herz;
“You shouldn’t have to put a lunch lady to stop these marauders from taking over your business,” he said.
Community Board 6 Chair Heather Beers-Dimitriadis declined to comment, as she said it is not the board’s job to police how local businesses operate. Q
• Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Local No. 638, auditorium, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8, 32-32 48 Ave. in Long Island City; blood drive coordinator Danny Knights; and
• Queens KTM Lions Club, busmobile, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, 74-32 Broadway Ave. in Elmhurst; blood drive coordinator Krishna Acharya. Q
PHOTO COURTESY NYS OAG
An employee at the McDonald’s at 98-01 Metropolitan Ave. patrols the door to keep rowdy teens from coming inside when they get out of school. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN
How to give a meaningful holiday gift in a digital world
Go beyond the standard gift card
by Lexi Pandell, AARP
Gone are the days of grabbing the perfect holiday gift for a younger family member at a record shop or video store. Now that pretty much all media is online, gift recipients these days would probably light up at a gift card for their favorite streaming service or gaming platform. But doesn’t that seem like an impersonal present? When you went to a shop to get something specific, it felt meaningful.
“Once upon a time, the question was whether a cash gift was too impersonal,” says Daniel Post Senning, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and author of Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online. “Now that question has started to be applied to digital gifts in all their various forms.”
But there are ways to make that online gift into something more special.
Get personal. “There’s nothing inappropriate about a digital gift, but make an effort to personalize it,” Post Senning says. And to do that, you should look beyond the obvious, to indicate that you really understand the recipient’s interests. Instead of the standard Spotify or Netflix gift card, look for special-interest services. This shows that you understand the recipient. A kid who’s into movies might love a subscription to the Criterion Collection of high-end films. A cartoon fan might enjoy anime streaming site Crunchyroll. A music lover might like a gift certificate to indie platform Bandcamp.
And consider digital publications, e-book services, meditation apps or online courses. “Really think about the purpose of the gift — it should be unique and specific to the relationship, experience or the event,” Post Senning says.
For a gift that literally speaks to them, platforms like Cameo and Memmo.me let you b ook personalized video shout -outs from actors, athletes, musicians, reality TV stars and other celebrities. Your recipient gets a short video where the celeb name-drops them, mentions the occasion, and delivers your mes-
sage with charm, humor or heart— depending on what you specify.
Delivery makes all the difference. Sending a gift card by email can feel lackluster. “Digital gifts aren’t a free pass to cut corners,” says etiquette expert Lisa Grotts. “It’s the thought that counts — and the effort that seals the deal.” Include a video message in the email or send along a heartfelt text message as an addition. “Anything you can do that adds your own words, voice or presence to the experience of the gift dials up the feeling of it being personal,” Post Senning says.
Combine with a physical gift. Buy new headphones to accompany a music-streaming subscription or gamer snacks to pair with a Nintendo, PlayStation or Xbox online account. And perhaps put a little more effort into the card accompanying the gift. Instead of a wordy pre-written card, get a blank one and write your own heartfelt note. “A handwritten card will never go out of style,” Grotts says.
Think long-term. A one-time gift is nice, but a digital gift that keeps showing up monthly or weekly — makes a big impact. “That shows a certain knowledge about someone,” Post Senning says. “I know what they do, I know what they like, I know their routines — and I want to support that.” This could be a subscription to a digital publications or e-book services, a meditation app or even online courses.
A quick word of caution. Scammers love gift cards because they work much like cash, so make sure you’re confident in the seller. Among the red flags are discounts that seem too good to be true.
And remember, it’s about the thought, not the amount. One issue with digital gifts is that the value is often quite visible. There’s no mystery to how much you spent when you give a gift card. But that shouldn’t impact how much you plan to spend. “Generosity should never feel like a scoreboard,” Grotts says. “Never discuss the amount, never apologize for the amount.”
How seniors can enjoy safe travels abroad
Travel is often cited as something to look forward to when retirement rolls around. With work no longer demanding retirees’ time, they have an opportunity to dust off their passports, take their suitcases out of the attic and book whirlwind trips.
It’s important for senior travelers to keep their personal safety in mind when away from home. That’s because seniors are considered a high risk group for travel-related dangers, including vulnerability to crimes like pickpocketing, says the National Institutes of Health. Seniors also may be more vulnerable to accidents or health-related incidents. Seniors can follow these guidelines for safe travel the next time they head off for parts unknown.
Check travel documents
Some countries will not allow travelers to enter if their passports expire within six months of their arrival. Ensure that your travel documents will be valid at least six months after you will return home, says the U.S. Department of State. You don’t want to risk any hiccups that will put you in a precarious situation or prevent or delay your trip.
Research your destination
Seniors can follow several guidelines for safe travel the next time they head off for parts unknown.
It’s important to have an idea of the atmosphere of any locale you plan to visit. The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories that can inform travelers about potential destinations.
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING
In addition to travel advisories, use resources like Trip Advisor to read reviews of hotels, tours and other travel components to find out if your safety may be in jeopardy.
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the homes of those who have advertise d they’re going on long trips.
Pack prescriptions correctly
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly nine in 10 older adults take at least one medication. Always store medication in a carry-on bag where you can access it easily and it can’t be lost. The Transportation Security Administration will allow you to carry liquid medication, syringes, pumps, freezer packs, or IV bags on the plane. Just check the TSA’s rules so you know how to pack them properly.
Streamline airport procedures
Americans can apply for TSA Precheck or Global Entry programs to cut down on time spent in security lines. These travel certifications can help you avoid removing you r shoes or separating a laptop or liquids from your carry-on. Each program has a nonrefundable application fee, but if approved, precheck certification lasts for five years.
Consider a tour or group travel
Don’t publicize your trip
It’s natural to want to share news of an upcoming trip with others, but reconsider posting about it on social media, both before leaving and while you’re away. There are cases of thieves using social media to target
There is safety in numbers. Booking a tour or group travel package may cut down on the risk of being taken advantage of while away from home.
These are just a few safety precautions seniors can take to travel safely. P — Metro Creative Connection
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 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, making sure to say “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
International Food Expo serves up diverse dishes for a good cause A world of flavor in Queens on Dec. 8
by Kristen Guglielmo Editor
Queens Together will turn the New York Hall of Science into a global tasting hub on Dec. 8, when the nonprofit hosts its fourth annual International Food Expo from 6 to 9 p.m. The celebration, at 47-01 111 St. in Corona, will showcase 40 restaurants serving dishes as diverse as the borough itself.
The expo will help raise funds for two of Queens Together’s foodrelief initiatives, Adopt a Veteran and Snap Back.
B SPORTS EAT
Trading Nimmo
by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns will never be accused of being either complacent or sentimental. He proved that by trading the longest-tenured Met, 32-year-old outfielder Brandon Nimmo, a fan favorite, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 35-year-old second baseman Marcus Semien.
The immediate reaction to the first big trade of the off-season was not favorable to Stearns. Most Mets fans were incredulous he would trade an outfielder who hit 25 home runs in 2025 and always hustled for an infielder who finished last season on the injured list with a broken foot thanks to a foul ball off his bat. Semien’s offense has declined over the last two years. He finished 2025 with a very ordinary .230 batting average.
As if to rub salt into the wound, many Philadelphia Phillies fan social media sites were ecstatic the Mets had jettisoned Nimmo, recalling the many times he had come up with big hits to propel the Mets to victory over their team.
Semien will be earning $24 million on average over the next three seasons, while Nimmo gets $20 million a year, although his contract goes two years longer than that of Semien.
The Nimmo trade creates a vacancy in left field. It is imperative that Stearns find a major upgrade, or he will be pilloried. At his Zoom press briefing last Monday, Stearns, who has
become synonymous with the term “run prevention,” touted Semien’s many Gold Glove Awards, and his ability to get to ground balls across wide swaths of the infield. He also believes Semien’s offensive numbers will improve in 2026. Semien has had a respectable 13-year career, even if age may be catching up with his playing skills.
It was clear in Stearns’ post-trade Zoom address that he remains haunted by the Mets’ failure to make the playoffs last season. He looked beleaguered telling the media that running back the same team as last year was not an option. He was elusive answering questions as to whether there were personality issues in the clubhouse that had to be addressed.
After the trade was completed, Nimmo admitted he thought he would be like David Wright as a lifelong Met who would get his No. 9 uniform hung in the rafters. He had a full no-trade clause in his contract. Going to Texas, which does not have a state income tax, made it easier for him to waive that stipulation, but my guess is Nimmo was not happy with either some of his teammates or Mets management.
Nimmo was also the Mets’ union representative. With a work stoppage coming in 2027, Stearns may have been concerned Nimmo’s labor duties might distract him on the field. That happened with Michael Conforto in 2021. Q
See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.
Through Adopt a Veteran, restaurants deliver meals to veterans recovering at home after hospital stays. Snap Back aims to soften the blow of expected federal SNAP benefit cuts by partnering with area eateries to prepare culturally appropriate groceries for low-income, working-class and underserved communities across the World’s Borough.
Guests can snack and sip their way through a multicultural food hall packed with longtime Queens Together partners — Rincon Salvadoreño in Jamaica, Punjabi Dhaba in Richmond Hill, Kam Rai Thai in Astoria, The Queensboro in Jackson Heights and Fuzi Pasta Co. in Fresh Meadows.
They will be joined by a slate of newcomers: Eaterniti, Hug Esan and Awang from Elmhurst; Woodam and Y Space BBQ from Flushing; and Jackson Heights’ Karachi Kabab Boiz — the viral South Asian streetfood eatery famed for kababs cooked over
charcoal and served on freshly fried paratha.
Dessert lovers won’t be left out, thanks to sugary showstoppers from Sunnyside’s Kora, known for its Filipino pastries, and Woodside’s Masa Madre, a champion of Mexican sourdough.
The expo’s host sponsors are Champlain Power Express and Hydro Québec.
Tickets are available at queenstogether.org. Admission is $100, with free entry for kids 12 and under.
“Food unites us for holidays, gatherings with friends, date nights, and in times of need,” said Queens Together founder Jonathan Forgash in a statement. “The International Food Expo brings it all together on one night to celebrate the food, the people, and the spirit of Queens while raising funds to battle food insecurity.” Q
QBG hosts Winter Wonder 12/7
The Queens Botanical Garden will host an event called Winter Wonder from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing.
Festivities will include live music, including classic holiday selections by The Jolly Holidays. Visitors can create holiday crafts, including lanterns for a winter tree walk that will culminate with a tree-lighting celebration.
Seasonal treats and drinks will be available at the Holiday Bar, and the QBC Gift Shop will be open for those seeking unique gifts.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will drop in from the North Pole to greet guests and pose for pictures.
QBG admission is $6 for patrons ages 18 to 64; or $4 for students ages 13 to 17, seniors 65 and over and individuals with disabilities. Children 4 to 12 are $2. QBG members and children age 3 and under are admitted free. Tickets and additional information are available online at queensbotanical.org. There is an additional booking fee for all tickets. Parking will be available for $15 at 42-80 Crommelin St. Q
PHOTO BY ANITA KING / FILE
The 2025 Queens Together International Food Expo will make its way to the New York Hall of Science on Dec. 8, where attendees will have the opportunity to try diverse food from area eateries.
PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS TOGETHER
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING
Pick a flick
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by Michael Gannon
ksgivi c o ol de r t he holiday movies h a s December 4, 2025
older, the sea
With the polishing off of Thanksgiving leftovers, the calendar turning to December and the weather turning colder, the season for holiday movies has officially started.
ssible to be a bit tired of “Miracle on 34t Queen
And in the unlikely event it is even possible to be a bit tired of “Miracle on 34th Street,”“Die Hard” or “It’s a Wonderful Life,” numerous branches of the Queens Public Library have some old standards and a few surprises this month, all for free.
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Liz Keogan, a research librarian at the Central Library in Jamaica, coordinates the site’s Classic Film Friday and Monday Matinee Movies series. She said every film shown at the Central Library this month will have the holiday spirit.
“Some may not be traditional holiday movies, but they have holiday themes,” Keogan said. All movies at the Central Library begin at 2 p.m.
This week, with Monday falling on the first of the month, gave Keogan the opportunity to show “Catch Me if You Can,” the 2002 crime drama that has federal agent Tom Hanks hunt fugitive Leonardo DiCaprio to a final showdown in Paris on Christmas.
“It’s not your traditional holiday movie, but there is a Christmas theme throughout,” Keogan said. “I’ve been wanting to show that for a while.”
Critically acclaimed hit comedy/drama “The Holdovers”(2023), about a grumpy teacher at a boarding school having to chaperone students who can’t go home for the holidays, plays on Dec. 15, while the drama “Anora” (2024), the Oscar
Libraries spread holiday cheer with free movie events
winner for Best Picture, plays Sunday, Dec. 28.
winnerforBestPictureplaysSundayDec28
“‘Anora’ takes place in December,’ Keogan said. “I think people would like to see it. Then there is ’Home Alone’ (1990), which I can’t believe turned 35 this year. That and Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989) were the two big films I remember as a child.”
“Home Alone” plays on Dec. 22.
“Krampus” (2015) is a holiday horror flick showing on Dec. 8. Dec. 12 will see the 1970 production of “Scrooge,” starring Albert Finney.
“We were lucky to find that, because the 1970s were not the best decade for classic holiday movies like you had in the 1940s and ’50s,” Keogan said.
SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS –WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS OR PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENTS CARIDAD MORRISION A/K/A CARIDAD MORRISON GREEN AND DAPHNEY JOHNSON, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; MONICA STARKE, AND DOROTHY EDITH JOHNSON, AS HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DAPHNEY JOHNSON; DONOVAN JOHNSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DAPHNEY JOHNSON, IF HE BE LIVING AND IF HE BE DEAD, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS AND PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH DONOVAN JOHNSON AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DAPHNEY JOHNSON, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; SUZETTE WALKER, HYACINTH STERLING A/K/A MARIE STERLING AND FAYETTE LAWRENCE AKA SHARON BENNET, AS HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CARIDAD MORRISON A/K/A CARIDAD MORRISON GREEN; PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF QUEENS COUNTY; ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC; CITIBANK, N.A.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10” inclusive, the names of the ten last name Defendants being fictitious, real names unknown to the Plaintiff, the parties intended being persons or corporations having an interest in, or tenants or persons in possession of, portions of the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants - Index No. 715095/2024 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Queens County. To the above named Defendants – YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. If you fail to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated October 10, 2025. NOTICEYOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Denise N. Johnson, J.S.C. Dated: October 10, 2025 Filed: October 15, 2025. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 137-37 234th Street, Rosedale, NY 11422. Dated: July 22, 2024 Filed: July 23, 2024 Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Jordan J. Manfro, Esq., 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591 Phone: (914) 345-3020
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.
King Crossword Puzzle
Len Berman came from Astoria, and nobody got hurt I HAVE OFTEN WALKED
by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor
Sydney Berman was born in Paterson, NJ, on Oct. 16, 1912. He studied journalism, graduated NYU and became the editor of The Orchestra World magazine.
Berman married Helen Sachs in March 1937, and they set up home in a five-story walkup at 736 West 173 St. in Washington Heights. First born was Arnold, in March 1943. On June 14, 1947 they were blessed again, with Leonard.
Perhaps because of the short distance to Yankee Stadium, young Len became a huge Yankees fan. Also smart, he went to Stuyvesant High School, where he got a taste of performing by singing in the Glee Club.
The family moved to Queens, into an apartment at 21-36 33 Road in Astoria. Len Berman graduated Syracuse University, where sports journalism was his passion. He got noticed at CBS in 1979, which led him to NBC Sports in 1982, where he was welcomed into homes as sports anchor for 27 years. He had something of a catchphrase, “And nobody got hurt,” after showing a collision on the field — as long as nobody got hurt.
Sportscaster Len Berman grew up at 21-36 33 Road, in the Queensview complex, in Astoria. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA LEN BERMAN / X
Berman won eight Emmy awards and numerous other honors over his career and has written six books, five of them for kids. His most recent full-time gig was as the topbilled morning host on WOR radio. He remains active on social media. He has been married to his wife, Jill, since 1970, and they have three children. The couple resides just outside Queens, at Sands Point in greater Port Washington, LI.
It’s a wonderful community, on air in Flushing
by Stephanie G. Meditz editor
Charity, joy and hope are themes that we could all stand to remember in our daily lives, but especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
The newly formed North Broadway Players will deliver that much-needed reminder of human goodness and interconnectedness with their first full-length play, a stage version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The classic 1946 film follows selfless community stalwart George Bailey, who contemplates taking his own life on Christmas Eve. But a visit from a guardian angel shows him just how much he has impacted the lives of others.
“I think you really go on a man’s journey through wanting to help his community,” director Ben Kaminski said. “In the end, when he needs help, his community comes through right back for him.”
The stage adaptation puts its own spin on the iconic movie. As soon as attendees enter the theater, they will go back in time and become the live studio audience for a 1940s radio show. The cast will perform side-by-side, acting out the story from behind microphones, with a table full of materials used for sound effects behind them.
The sounds help move the plot forward as the actors perform live on air, putting on different voices to play multiple characters. Kaminski said the team had to be resourceful when it came to replicating effects in the film — potato chips and wax paper do a fine job imitating the sound of footsteps through snow, he said.
Cast members also must suspend their own disbelief — they themselves are not
quite the characters in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but rather actors from that age playing the roles.
“For the actors, it’s interesting to be fully emotionally invested in the moment while speaking to a microphone, only getting a glimpse at the person next to you, who’s not necessarily in a full character outfit, but instead dressed as a 1940s actor,” he said.
And Kaminski said community is a key
component of the North Broadway Players’ shows. Actors young and old all share a commitment to their craft, he said.
The troupe formed earlier this year, and Kaminski acted in its festival for short plays back in May.
“Everyone’s so passionate about sharing the story and eager to put on a great show,” Kaminski said. “The cast recognized really quickly that this is a very special feeling show. It speaks volumes, I think, whether it’s Christmastime or not.”
He added that the production encapsulates a message that the world desperately needs to hear.
Performances are at The Church on the Hill’s Gessner Hall, at 167-07 35 Ave. in Flushing. They will take place Dec. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are available at the door for a suggested donation of $20.
One may call the church at (718) 3583671 or email nbplayers@churchonthehill. org for more information.
“I want the audience to be able to walk away and have that warm, fuzzy feeling,” Kaminski said. “That idea that we are all there for each other, and no matter how small our actions might feel or how small we might feel, that we’re part of a much bigger picture than we know.” Q
QPL brings you home to the movies for the holidays
Bringing things back to that era is “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945), on Dec. 19, a romantic comedy in which home and lifestyle columnist Barbara Stanwyck is not the stereotypical happy homemaker of her literary persona, which is discovered as she is supposed to host a party for a returning war hero played by Dennis Morgan.
“All that Heaven Allows” (1955), playing Dec. 5, was a daring film for its time, with a
Crossword Answers
wealthy high society widow played by Jane Wyman falling in love with a considerably younger and far less affluent Rock Hudson.
The Central Library’s December offerings conclude with the comedy/drama and Best Picture winner “The Apartment” (1960) on Dec. 26, and “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) on Dec. 29, both of which Keogan said also have New Year’s themes.
A number of other library locations have movies on the menu. Just go the main QPL website or that of your nearby branch and search the events or calendar section for “film” or “movie” to find your flick.
Howard Beach will show the 2025 version of “Snow White” at 3 p.m. Dec. 5.
Glen Oaks features “Les Miserables” (2007) at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. Noon on Dec. 27 brings “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996), with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, in which an angel is sent to help the pastor with a struggling, impoverished church and a troubled marriage.
Windsor Park will host “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20, featuring Gene Wilder as the beloved yet very mysterious candy maker.
Barbara Stanwyck has a big surprise for Dennis Morgan in “Christmas in Connecticut.” On the cover: Whitney Houston chats with Denzel Washington in “The Preacher’s Wife”; Kevin McCallister suspects that not all is right in “Home Alone”; and Willy Wonka welcomes children to his chocolate factory.
Bayside will offer Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” (2009) starring Jim Carrey at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 22; and “The Grinch” (2018), an animated feature starring Benedict Cumberbatch, at 2:30 p.m. om Dec. 27.
Keogan expects nothing but success.
“People like to see movies they’ve seen before, and say, ‘I love that movie and now I can see it on a big screen,’” she said. “Or they see something new ... You can see something you love. Or something you didn’t know you love.” Q
The North Broadway Players’ upcoming production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is in the style of a 1940s radio show, and attendees are the live studio audience.
PHOTO COURTESY BEN KAMINSKI
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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
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Notice
Legal Notices
New York City Department of Transportation Notice
of Public Hearing Publish in Queens Chronicle
The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.
Episcopal Health Services, Inc.- to continue to maintain and use a conduit under and across Plainview Avenue, west of Beach 19th St.
Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550
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 Formation of CASTLE VIEW ASSOCIATES, LLC
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/20/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CASTLE VIEW ASSOCIATES, LLC, 4003 164TH STREET, P.O. BOX 43, FLUSHING, NY 11358. 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
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 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
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.
Glamroute LLC filed 8/28/24. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 4314 157th St., 2nd Fl, Flushing, NY 11355. Purp: any lawful.
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.
Apts.For Rent
EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131.
The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.
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Notice of Formation of IT STARTS HERE, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/02/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 128-35 233RD ST., ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKBY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Jean Ellis, Estate of Rita Golub, Dori Appleman, Susan Cohn, Estate of Patricia Kabram, Karen Margol, Babette Spitler, Robert Stern, Paul Stern, Attorney General of the State of New York The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of VIDA BRENDER, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained Paul Wilson, if living and if dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if they died subsequent to the decedent herein, to their executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose names and places of residence are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of VIDA BRENDER, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 99-40 63rd Road, Apt. 1Y, Rego Park, NY 11374, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of VIDA BRENDER, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 15th day of January, 2026 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $13,358.18 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(3); and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship. Dated, Attested and Sealed 21st day of November, 2025
HON. CASSANDRA A. JOHNSON Surrogate, Queens County Janet Edwards Tucker Chief Clerk GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 459-9000 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite 200 Lake Success, New York 11042 NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR; HOWEVER, IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR IT WILL BE ASSUMED YOU DO NOT OBJECT TO THE RELIEF REQUESTED. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY APPEAR FOR YOU, AND YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MAY REQUEST A COPY OF THE FULL ACCOUNT FROM THE PETITIONER OR PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY Accounting Citation
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.
