Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-13-21

C M SQ page 1 Y K SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIV

NO. 19

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

QCHRON.COM

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Rajkumar pushes for school holiday on South Asian festival PAGE 4 Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents parts of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, recently introduced a bill that would create a school holiday on Diwali, a festival celebrated by many religious faiths including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

A YEAR OF BIKE SHORTAGES Amid cycling boom, supply still lags

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REMEMBERING MARY ANN CAREY Community leader dies

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Parole, probation voter bill now law Former NYPD captain wants new Comrie bill thrown in the garbage

by Naeisha Rose

probation) according to a Prison Policy Initiative report.

If the correctional control population were eople on parole are steps closer to having their voting rights restored after its own state, it would be the 16th largest in Gov. Cuomo signed a bill that will auto- the nation, according to the criminal justice matically reinstate that privilege for those who think tank. While the number of people on were formerly incarcerated of a felony on probation (3.6 million) outnumbers the individuals on parole (870,000), together that is Wednesday.

The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman more people than in federal prisons, local Danny O’Donnell (D-Manhattan) and state jails, youth confinement, state prisons, Native Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and has American country jails, involuntary commitment, im mig ration been languishing in prisons and military the state Legislature for approximately a elony disenfranchisement prisons combined.

Black Americans decade. is a relic of Jim Crow constituted an over“Voting is a fundawhelming 30 percent mental right, and no America ...” of the com mu n it y one should have to supervision populafight to access that — State Sen. Leroy Comrie tion and are more likeright,” said O’Donnell. “For the past two years, we made ly to end up having their parole or probation history by passing sweeping legislation that revoked and go to prison, not because of a made voting easier in New York. Today, we go crime, but for their inability to pay probation further by expanding voter eligibility to those fees or stay on top of getting a job or educaon parole. For too long, restricting the right to tion while maintaining meetings with a probavote has been used as a tool to silence and tion or parole officer, according to the PPI. “Felony disenfranchisement is a relic of Jim exclude communities of color.”

As of 2018, there were approximately 2.3 Crow America, so there is no need to wonder million people in jail across the United States why it disproportionately impacts people of and nearly three times that many, 6.7 million, color and the poor,” said Comrie, who was in some form of correctional control (parole or happy to carry the bill across the finish line. associate editor

P

“F

“We can no longer stand by and allow poverty to be criminalized.”

The bill was initially proposed by former state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn), who had been in the Senate since 1985 and retired in 2020.

“She was very forward-thinking, but she was struggling in a minority Senate,” said Comrie, referring to its longtime control by Republicans.

The Department of Parole is now required to inform people as part of its discharge method of their rights, according to Comrie.

“There is a reporting mechanism that they will have to get back to us about on a semiregular basis,” every few months, said Comrie, who is thankful to advocates for criminal justice who helped the senator craft the bill.

“This will help to make sure that they will get back to a very positive way of life.”

Not everyone agrees with the bill.

Retired NYPD Capt. Joseph Concannon, the first vice president of the Queens Village Republican Club, believes the governor is only signing the bill to protect his own right to vote in the future if he is arrested and convicted for being responsible “for killing thousands of senior citizens in the state’s nursing homes.

“Cuomo ‘ordered’ Covid patients into NY nursing homes that resulted in thousands of otherwise healthy seniors being sent to their

State Sen. Leroy Comrie’s restoration bill was PHOTO COURTESY STATE SENATE signed into law. deaths,” said Concannon in an email.

“If the state Senate and Assembly were at all interested in voter disenfranchisement they need to look no deeper than the operations of the NYC Board of Elections where voter disengagement is ripe and readily served out during the balloting process each year wherein continued on page 6

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Rajkumar pushes for Diwali holiday Richmond Hill lawmaker intros bill to create day of school observance

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

While Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) is not the first to seek to establish a school holiday on Diwali, she is the first Hindu and South Asian lawmaker to do so.

Rajkumar introduced a bill that would create a day of observance for Diwali, a holiday known as the Festival of Lights that is celebrated by religious faiths including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The bill would honor the cultural heritage of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who celebrate the holiday by establishing the holiday in school districts with an Asian population of a certain size.

“As the first Hindu-American and South Asian-American woman elected to state office in New York, I take special pride in advocating for new American communities, including those that celebrate Diwali,” Rajkumar said in a statement. “The South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities are a vital part of our city’s Gorgeous Mosaic, contributing to every sector of our society. It is long past time to honor their vibrant cultural heritage by making Diwali a School Holiday, as community leaders have advocated for years. The time has come.”

Rajkumar’s goal is to build off of decades of advocacy on the issue. It’s not the first time that a Queens lawmaker has sought to stop forcing the thousands of South Asian parents in Queens from pulling their children out of school in order to celebrate the holiday. State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Hollis) introduced a

Richmond Hill celebrated Diwali this past year with a limited performance at Liberty and 103rd FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN Avenue. similar bill in 2015.

Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) also introduced a resolution calling upon the city Department of Education to establish an official Diwali holiday in 2018.

Neither effort came to fruition, though community leaders have also made grassroots

campaigns on the issue for years. Community Board 9 passed their own resolution calling for Diwali to be recognized as a school holiday.

The board represents Richmond Hill, a major population hub for New York’s 50,000 Hindu residents.

When Mayor de Blasio did not include

Diwali in his announcement that he would approve Eid and Lunar New Year as school holidays, activists formed the Diwali Coalition of New York City to push for change.

South Asian and Hindu groups have long been vocal on the issue as well, including the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Queens, the first traditional Hindu temple in the U.S. Other supporting groups include the National Advisory Committee for South Asian Affairs, the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, the Golden Age Community of New York, the Sikh American Friendship Foundation and the Diwali Stamp Project.

“The thousands of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain families across [Queens] who celebrate Diwali deserve to mark the Festival of Lights as a complete unit with their children.

But this is about more than just a religious commemoration — it’s about the validation of entire communities who for far too long have fought for equal recognition,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in a statement.

Other elected supporters of the bill include Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Assemblymembers David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) and Nathalia Fernández (D-Bronx).

Other supporters include Indian Diaspora Council President Ashook Ramsaran, Federation of Hindu Mandirs President Pandit Ram Hardowar, Arya Samaj USA Secretary Balram Rambrich, Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club President Romeo Hitlal and Queens Community Board 9 First Vice Chair Q Sherry Algredo.

Federal fundraising for Rockaway rail line Pheffer Amato asks for billions to reactivate South Queens train route

by Max Parrott For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) is trying to bring some Biden infrastructure bucks to Central and South Queens to create a new rail line along an abandoned stretch of Long Island Rail Road tracks that would connect the Rockaways to western Queens and Manhattan.

Last week, the assemblywoman wrote a letter to federal Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, requesting funding to rebuild and restore the Rockaway Beach Rail Line, a section of railway between Ozone Park and Rego Park that has been out of commission since 1962.

Pheffer Amato is asking for funding for the project from the American Jobs Plan, the $2 trillion plan to improve infrastructure proposed by the Biden administration, which would set aside $85 billion for updating outdated public transportation.

“This transformative update to our transit system is much needed and long overdue,” Pheffer Amato said in a statement. “Rockaway has long been a transit desert, and our community deserves reliable and safe transportation.

Restoring the RBRL would bring much-needed change to hundreds of thousands of people’s lives every day, and create thousands of jobs.”

The 130,000 estimated residents on the Rockaway peninsula are served by its one A train line, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Midtown, and one LIRR branch, which costs about four times as much as a subway fare to get to Manhattan at peak times.

A study that the MTA released in 2019 looked at the feasibility of reactivating the Rockaway Beach Branch for LIRR or subway use aimed at connecting commuters from Howard Beach to Midtown.

That report looked at reactivating a stretch of the line that would either connect the How-

ard Beach subway stop to the 63rd Drive Rego Park station serving the E, M and R lines or a LIRR line that would go from the vicinity of the Howard Beach subway line to a new Rego Park LIRR stop.

The project, which is on pause in its planning stages due to the pandemic, would cost billions in dollars. SYSTRA Engineering, which was commissioned by the MTA, estimated that it would cost $6.7 billion to reactivate the rail spur for the LIRR, and $8.1 billion to create a subway connector.

The study estimated that the LIRR option would transport riders between Howard Beach and Penn Station in around 25 minutes. As an extension of the Queens Boulevard subway line, the trip between Howard Beach and 34th Street-Herald Square would be about 45 minutes.

The transit plan is not the only one being proposed for the public space, though. For years, a conservation group has been lobbying

A stretch of the Rockaway Beach Line, overFILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON grown by trees. to turn convert the abandoned rail into the “QueensWay,” a park similar to Manhattan’s High Line, an idea that mayoral candidate Andrew Yang has recently latched onto in his Q bid for Gracie Mansion.

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South Queens civic ‘trailblazer’ dies Mary Ann Carey served as district leader of CB 9 for 30 years

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

Mary Ann Carey, a district leader of 30 years and a lifelong community activist, died after suffering a stroke last week at the age of 81.

Carey, an Ozone Park native, had one of the longest tenures in the history of the city as a district manager serving Community Board 9 from 1984 to 2014. She was connected to her community and actively sought to inspire others to lead a life of public service.

“Very simply, my mom was an absolutely amazing role model,” said her daughter, Ann Marie Spies, a teacher at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, who remembered her mom as a “trailblazer” who inspired her to work in public service.

Carey, who preached the importance of making connections in the community and getting involved in local organizations, made a lasting impact on many in South Queens and beyond.

“I can’t tell you how many people my mother got into politics or pushed to start different organizations,” said Spies.

“Mary Ann is the reason I got involved in civic duty at the young age of 17 years old, when I met her in July 1985 at [a] 102 Roads block party. She encouraged me to join CB 9, which I did becoming the youngest ever to

be appointed at that time and the rest is Ozone Park Kiwanis, which honored history,” wrote Ozone Park Civilian her as a woman of distinction for 25 Patrol President and former CB 9 memyears of Kiwanis service. ber Sam Esposito in a long obituary of Before the community board, she got his former mentor. her start in politics. She was a RepubliCarey was born in Ozone Park to her can District Leader from 1974 to 1980, parents, William and Carmella Lonacting as a delegate to the Republican gone, and raised in a house on 79th National Convention in 1976 and 1980 Street, the same block where she later in support of Ronald Reagan. She moved to with her husband, Donald, stayed a die-hard Republican for her after they got married in 1968. She whole life. She founded the Ronald lived there until 2000, at which time Reagan Republican Club in 2010. she and Donald moved to Howard In her later years, she focused on Beach. spending time with her grandkids, but Donald died in 2008. Carey is surnot without continuing to research her vived by two children, Spies and Chrisneighborhood. At the age of 68, Carey tine Guardino, seven grandchildren and got her bachelor’s in urban studies from two great-grandchildren.

Queens College. Her thesis delved into Over Carey’s herculean tenure on the the origins of Ozone Park going back to board, which began under for mer the 1800s. She continued to be a memMayor Ed Koch, she presided over the ber of the Jamaica Hospital board of development of the AIDS Center for Mary Ann Carey, who served as Community Board 9 dis- directors until health problems got Queens County, many efforts to reno- trict manager for 30 years, died last week.

FILE PHOTO severe in the last years of her life. vate Forest Park, including the rehabili“Mary Ann Carey was a jewel in the tation of the park carousel and a neighbor- they would say, ‘Oh, you know, you’re going crown of Queens County and a beloved hood rezoning of Ozone Park near the end of to grow up to be like mom,’” said Spies. member of our community. I am saddened to her tenure, among countless other changes to The community board was just one aspect hear of her passing,” said Councilman Eric the board and community. of Carey’s community service. During her Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “She was always “She was involved in every organization stint as district manager, she also became a generous with her time and a very kind perand every function. Mom knew everybody. member of the Woodhaven Kiwanis Club, son, a rare and enviable quality not found Q And it was just a beautiful thing because the Lefferts Liberty Kiwanis Club and the much these days in public life.”

CB 10 votes for accessibility Board OKs zoning change for subway elevators

by Max Parrott

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Associate Editor

Community Board 10 unanimously approved the city’s plan to rezone transit hubs for accessibility at its meeting last Thursday.

The citywide zoning change spearheaded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Department of City Planning and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities is aimed at making it easier for the MTA to make train stations ADAaccessible by adding elevators.

It would give the city a process to create easements, small permanent spaces to be reserved for an elevator, in new buildings or enlargements within 50 feet of transit stations.

In return for giving the MTA access to build an elevator connected to a transit station, the developer would get zoning relief in the form of extra height or bulk.

“So the agencies will definitely work with a developer on making it work for their building,” said Joy Resor, the DCP representative who presented to the community board.

The zoning amendment will be presented at all community boards across the city. It’s part of a big push to make the transit system accessible for people

A zoning amendment the city is proposing would create easements in transit adjacent developments that would help the MTA build elevators in new buildings or enlargements to increase ZOOM SCREENSHOT / NYC PLANNING accessibility. with disabilities.

Only 136 out of the city’s 493 subway and Staten Island rail stations are accessible, according to the MTA.

The community board’s Land Use Committee voted in favor of the zoning text amendment and the rest of the board unaniQ mously followed suit.

Voter bill continued from page 2 hundreds of potential candidates are turned away for what State Senator Comrie refers to as Jim Crow laws,” said Concannon.

The Board of Elections needs to be dismantled and political parties kept as far away from the elections process as possible, according to Concannon.

“Why seek to allow a few questionable people to vote when the Board of Elections singlehandedly shreds our voting rights every day?” said Concannon.

Concannon is open to people who have been convicted of a single felony as candidates for restored voting rights but not while on parole or probation.

“With the hindsight of reports from probation and parole maybe this could be considered,” said Concannon. “But those seeking to restore themselves to society better think long and hard about the victims of their crimes.”

While Concannon believes the law is no good, Comrie thinks it is long overdue.

“It is something that will reduce recidivism, because it will let parolees know that they are considered full citizens and that can change somebody’s focus and demeanor,” said Comrie. “It will give them self-esteem and give them a reason to re-engage with the Q community.”

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P Vote to get your money’s worth in a complicated system EDITORIAL

C

AGE

onventional wisdom has it that Democrats are so strong and Republicans so weak, we’ll know who our next mayor and most of the City Council will be after the June 22 primaries. The general election is just pro forma.

But it could take weeks to actually get the primary results.

There are several reasons for that, including the number of candidates who are running, which could help make some races extremely close, the city Board of Elections’ rules for counting absentee ballots and, above all, the new rankedchoice voting system. It’s called “instant runoffs,” but that doesn’t mean it brings anything like instant results.

The complex RCV system, in which voters pick up to five candidates for one seat in their order of preference, was first tested last February in the special election for the 31st City Council District, in Southeast Queens. On election night, Selvena Brooks-Powers was leading, but not by enough to be declared the winner outright. So the RCV scheme kicked in, with the biggest loser’s votes being discarded and the second choices of those who backed the last-place finisher adding to their tallies. That went on until someone got over 50 percent of the reconfigured vote. After nearly a month, a winner was declared ... Selvena Brooks-Powers.

We can expect such delays all over Queens. There are several Democratic primary races here with a half-dozen or more candidates on the ballot, and one, for the seat held by Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, features 15 names. Some candidates are far stronger than others, but in many races, it could be quite a while before one of them gets above 50 percent. And it may not be the person who got the most votes in the first round, which many voters will find unfair. In the race for mayor, a baker’s dozen of hopefuls are running.

On top of that, the BOE insists on waiting a full week after an election to begin counting absentee ballots. That wastes time and can fuel suspicion among voters if there’s a change in who is ahead. Recall that nearly two years ago it took several weeks to determine that Melinda Katz had won the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney. And that was before RCV came along to complicate matters.

And all of this has gotten far more expensive thanks to the city’s overly generous matching funds system, which gives candidates $8 in taxpayer money for every eligible $1 they raise. Eight to one! Not only is that very expensive, it’s offensive to people who don’t believe they should be forced to pay for the campaigns of candidates they disagree with

LETTERS TO THE Still Columbus Day Published every week by

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Dear Editor: I wish to thank the Queens Chronicle for the editorial “It’s Still Columbus Day” (May 6, all editions).

I am a proud Italian American, and despite attempts by Mayor de Blasio and Democrats throughout the country, the holiday is not going away. I will continue to celebrate it and march in parades, and no one is stopping me.

The holiday was created to honor the numerous contributions of Italian Americans, which those two entities seem to overlook.

First, the mayor and his wife asked the public which women to honor with statues. Mother Cabrini received the most votes, yet they completely ignored the will of the public and chose other women, all virulent leftists. Then last week the Department of Education eliminated Columbus Day, and not a word of condemnation. It is particularly galling coming from a mayor who changed his name to one Italian, in search of votes, and then turns his back on Italian Americans.

It is just more of the blatant hypocrisy coming from the Democratic Party. They were quick to condemn and impeach Donald Trump for inciting violence. Yet Congresswoman Maxine Waters did exactly the same, demanding violence and demonstrations if the verdict in the Eric Chauvin trial did not go as she wanted. There wasn’t a word of denuncia© Copyright 2021 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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and it opens the door to widespread fraud. Specifically, it encourages the use of straw donors because candidates must raise funds from a certain number of people to qualify. So instead of one person from a household donating, say, $400, you have four people giving $100 each. And we’re supposed to believe that’s real? Then that $400 turns into $3,600. And we’re supposed to believe that’s fair? When the matching funds program began in 1988, it was on a one-to-one ratio, $1 given for every $1 raised. Now it’s eight times as shady.

The system also takes New York taxpayer money and ships it out of state. One failed candidate in a Queens special election this year spent more than $95,000 on a South Carolina-based consulting firm, as revealed by the Queens Eagle.

The amount of matching funds should be cut back and the use of the money limited to downstate New York.

But for now we’re stuck with this system, all of us paying for vanity candidates’ hopeless campaigns that weigh down the ballot. At the least, we hope the BOE is staffing up to prepare for June, and that enough voters know even what RCV is to ensure the vote is fair and the results accepted by all. It’s enough to make you wonder if these reforms, meant to make our system more democratic, now need reform.

E DITOR

tion from one single Democrat, and they refused to censure her.

The Democrats have proven once again that their goal is not to unite America, but divide it. Despite all their claims to the contrary, it is they who use race as a means to bait and win elections.

That is known in Italian as disgraziata, and yes, I am of Italian ancestry. My mother’s side hails from Provincia di Messina. While I am not a Democrat, a salute to Governor Cuomo for having both a statue to Mother Cabrini commissioned and rebuking the DOE decision.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

He’s from Bklyn not Queens Dear Editor: In regard to the article of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams visiting the Chronicle’s office, he now wants to talk about public safety

(May 6, multiple editions).

Last year, the former policeman was not happy with just 1 billion dollars cut from the NYPD budget. He wanted much more cut. In his borough, hundreds of people were shot and many killed, but he continuously fought the police.

Let’s not forget the advice that he gave the people of Brooklyn regarding fireworks. It was to not call the NYPD and talk to the individuals who are setting them off and ask them to stop.

Unfortunately, a woman followed his advice and was murdered after being shot eight times when she asked them to stop.

Also, his infamous speech last year when in response to people moving here from out of state, he rallied “Go back to Iowa, you go back to Ohio.” If he is elected mayor, will he have the same mentality about this?

As far as being “the Queens candidate,” he claims he lived here for fifteen years! Big Deal!

He has not lived in Queens for thirty or more

C M SQ page 9 Y K

De Blaz, ridin’ that train Dear Editor: At last Friday’s press conference, the mayor attempted to deflect from the crime and safety concerns on the subways by boasting how his kids ride the subways every day and feel very safe. Hmmm ... Then why did his son, Dante, have to be driven to and from Yale by the NYPD? Is it because he feared riding on the Metro-North line with all those lily-white suburbanites? Didn’t former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi get arrested for using government employees for his family?

Bill Kregler Woodside

and corporations to help pay for part of the spending but not all.

What was not mentioned during his speech was any reference to reducing the deficit which now totals over a trillion dollars a year. The country is fortunate that currently interest rates are close to zero so the cost to carry the debt is negligible. However, at some point in time, interest rates will rise again and the country will have to pay hundreds of billions of dollars a year to service the additional debt.

Many years ago, I was assistant treasurer of a Fortune 500 company and at that time the prime rate was over 20 percent and my first co-op loan was 16 percent. There is no economic rule that says rates could never rise that high again. I witnessed the effects those high rates had on my company and on the country.

There will be a reply to this letter by Democrats who will talk about the deficits created by Donald Trump. In the March 29, 2018 issue I wrote a letter denouncing his deficits using the same arguments I am using now. Just because Trump had a reckless fiscal policy does not mean that Democrats should be allowed to do the same.

There will be a day when these policies will come back to haunt the country. It may not be in the next few years but it will happen. You can bank on it.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

State police on our subways? Hangin’ on to the ‘Big Lie’

Borrow ’til we’re broke Dear Editor: During President Biden’s recent address to Congress he proposed all kinds of spending totaling trillions of dollars in order to make his political base happy. He also proposed tax increases on wealthy individuals

Dear Editor: The Republicans are taking a huge risk hanging onto the coattails of Donald Trump.

They are enticed by the 74 million votes he got in November’s 2020 election, even though he lost by 7 million votes. What the party is not taking into consideration is what happened after November with Trump’s “Big Lie,” claiming that the election was stolen, and the January 6th insurrection. After those two assaults on our democracy, his popularity rating plummeted to 30 percent, the lowest of his term, losing independents and many traditional Republicans. Also, some conservative Republicans are upset with the GOP’s expected replacement of Liz Cheney, a proven conservative who criticized Trump’s lie that the 2020 election was fraudulently stolen.

Ironically, the 2020 election had the highest voter turnout percentage since 1992, with both Democrat and Republican voters. In a democracy, shouldn’t we embrace high voter turnout and the methods used to get more voters to the polls?

Unfortunately, certain Republicans now feel the only way to win future elections is to implement measures to suppress the vote. However, if the Democrats are smart and want to sway independents and disgruntled Republicans their way, they will brand the loyalist Trump Republicans as being anti-democratic, using TV ads showing that group’s policies of voter suppression, Trump’s “Big Lie” claims, the Republican election officials stating that the 2020 election oversight was exemplary and not fraudulent, and, most importantly, the despicable images of the January 6 insurrection, including snippets of the speeches by Trump and Giuliani.

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Dear Editor: Re: Michael Gannon’s article: “Subways, business get May comebacks,” (May 6, multiple editions). Good news that NY subways will resume 24-hour service on May 17. But will riders return as subway violence rises? NYPD statistics show a 20 percent spike in subway murders and felony assaults this year (NY Post, May 8). News reports underscore these statistics. Mayor de Blasio calls these reports “fear mongering,” but they are really fact sharing.

Despite pleas from MTA CEO Pat Foye and transit union leaders, he refused to put more cops on subways.

Gov. Cuomo can fix this situation by assigning New York State police to patrol the trains and stations. The MTA is a state agency, so he has the power to do this. Cuomo directed the subway’s closing from 1 to 5 a.m. last year to clean cars and evict homeless people. He ordered the resumption of 24-hour service this month, saying: “We can’t go back on the quality of service” (Queens Chronicle, May 6).

We can’t retreat on safety as millions of New Yorkers return to work. It’s time to put state cops underground if de Blasio won’t do his job. Our state legislators should pressure Cuomo to make this happen ASAP. Tell them how you feel.

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years. A lot has changed since he lived here, so I would not consider him the “Queens” candidate at all.

Eric Adams had his chance last summer to show that he was concerned with public safety and stand out from the crowd by working with the police, but failed miserably.

This mayoral election is going to be very important for the future of New York City. We are going to need a leader for all the people.

In conclusion, we already have a mayor from Brooklyn. How did that work ut? The city does not need another mayor coming from Brooklyn.

John Lynch Middle Village

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 10

C M SQ page 10 Y K

Landlords sue over eviction moratorium Cuomo extends ejection ban to Aug. 31 as state crafts relief program

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

Last week, Gov. Cuomo signed legislation that would extend the eviction moratorium until Aug. 31, but city landlord lobbyists are trying to halt the measure.

The Rent Stabilization Association and the Community Housing Improvement Program, which collectively represent about 30,000 landlords throughout the city, joined other property owners in filing the federal lawsuit May 6, just two days after Cuomo extended the moratorium three months from the original May 1 expiration.

The legislation prohibits residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the pandemic until the end of August in order to protect tenants suffering from Covid-19-induced financial trouble. Only tenants who can prove financial hardship are covered by the law — landlords are still able to evict residents who pose a safety hazard to others or infringe on other building occupants.

Despite the measure’s good intentions, the lobbyists argue the legislation is “arbitrary” and a direct violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

“This action challenges the constitutionality of the New York Rent Stabilization

Gov. Cuomo signed legislation last week that would extend the eviction moratorium three months past its original May 1 deadline, but landlord lobbyist groups argue the measure is PEXELS.COM unconstitutional.

Laws that govern nearly one million apartments in New York City,” the complaint reads. “These laws, together with the actions of the City Council making the law applicable in New York City and the decisions of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board setting permissible rent increases, violate the United States Constitution.”

The eviction ban also gives the state time to hash out the details of the $2.4 billion rent relief program that will be included in this year’s budget. Though not up and running yet, eligible tenants will soon be able to apply for the program, which can cover up to 15 months of rent in full.

The rent relief program would also help

DOE sends out JHS admissions Elimination of screens results in demographic differences

by Max Parrott

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

On Tuesday, 66,516 fifth-grade students began receiving middle school admission offers for the year ahead after the city tested out a process that Mayor de Blasio altered back in December.

Though the total number of applicants dropped from nearly 71,000 last year, reflecting a more general decline in enrollment across the school system, the results also helped the city reach a larger number of economically disadvantaged students from years past.

After the city ended academic screens at all middle schools, students from low-income families received a larger proportion of offers from some of the city’s most selective schools. Overall, the Department of Education reported that there was an increase in the proportion of offers to free or reduced-pricelunch-eligible students and English language learners in screened schools.

Citing the circumstances of the pandemic, in December de Blasio stopped 196 screened middle schools from selecting students based on the previously used categories, which include grades, student interviews, assessments, standardized tests and attendance.

The Department of Education recently sent out middle school admission offers. FILE PHOTO After students listed ranked choices on their middle school applications as they always have, schools that had more applications than seats available for their sixth-grade class used a lottery-based system to choose candidates.

A press release by the DOE touted the fact that 89 percent of the middle school appli-

cants received an offer to one of their top three choices.

At Mark Twain IS 239, offers to free or reduced-pr ice-lu nch-eligible st udents increased from 35 percent last year to 46 percent; at the Professional Performing Arts High School, offers to that group of students students increased from 22 percent last year to 52 percent; at the Christa McAuliffe School, offers to English language learners increased from 5 percent last year to 16 percent this year; at IS 98 Bay Academy, offers to English language learners increased from 5 percent last year to 12 percent this year.

Around 1,900 students matched to a school in a district outside of their home district this year — an increase of about 100 students from last year.

The mayor has said that the DOE will evaluate this pause on middle school screened admissions and will make a decision about what to do for the following year based on the outcomes. But the next mayor will ultimately have the say on whether to maintain screens at the middle and high school levels.

The DOE did not release a breakdown of admissions at the middle schools by race as it Q did for its most selective high schools.

out small landlords, Tenants Political Action Committee Treasurer Michael McKee pointed out. Protections for small landlords are written into the new law enticing them to keep tenants in their buildings — landlords cannot qualify for relief if they have empty units.

McKee admitted the larger landlord corporations, such as Blackstone Group or the LeFrak Organization, would be the only ones unable to benefit from the legislation.

But, McKee argued, they can stand to lose a few bucks, while small landlords and struggling tenants cannot.

“I think the landlords’ arguments are incredibly weak and our lawyers are convinced they’re going to lose. They’ve sued on these same grounds before and lost, but they have so much money they don’t care,” he told the Chronicle. “They probably know they’re going to lose and the reason they’re doing this is to keep tenants nervous.”

If the state-mandated moratorium was not extended, McKee believes there would have been a massive eviction surge, especially because tenants in need have not yet had the opportunity to apply for the rent relief program.

“The law is essential. The extension to August is absolutely essential. It’s very Q clear,” he said.

HB Kiwanis scholarships The Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach continues to support education by awarding its four annual scholarships to students living in the 11414 ZIP code.

The funds will benefit high school seniors who will be continuing their education at an accredited college or university in the fall.

The four $1,000 scholarships available are: • The Paul Anthony Bono Scholarship, to be awarded to a student who will major in any field of study; • The Stanley Merzon Scholarship, for which preference is given to a student who plans to major in journalism or mass media; • The Founder’s Scholarship, also to be awarded to a student who will major in any field of study; and • The August Sirgiovanni Scholarship, for which preference is given to a student who plans to major in the sciences or mathematics.

Anyone interested should contact Dino Bono by calling (646) 401-2805 or emailing hbkiwanisdino@outlook.com.

Further details are posted online at howardbeachkiwanis.org.

All scholarship applications must be Q postmarked by May 29.

C M SQ page 11 Y K

Organizing work by essential workers gets legislation to finish line

by Naeisha Rose associate editor

Months of organizing by essential workers, labor leaders and workers rights activists have led to the New York HERO Act being signed into law by Gov. Cuomo last week.

The bill sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) requires businesses to have enforceable safety standards to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and other airborne diseases.

“I’m glad that it happened, but I wished it had happened sooner,” said Joseph Branch, an executive board member of ATU Local 1056 and a 22-year veteran bus driver from Cambria Heights. “No one can foresee a pandemic, but it would have directly impacted us because we had bus operators that were told not to wear masks at the beginning of the pandemic because it offends the customers.”

ATU Local 1056, the union representing more than 1,700 bus operators, maintainers and cleaners, has its headquarters in Oakland Gardens. Approximately half of its members either contracted or were exposed to the virus, and on Feb. 12 and March 18, 2021 two more members died from it,

help essential workers who are orgabringing the tally of deaths to 12. nizing on the job and demanding “We’ve had so many operators improved health and safety protecsuccumb to the coronavirus,” said tions,” said Pastreich. “Fast food Branch. “Had there been that considworkers have helped companies like eration in the beginning, it possibly McDonald’s and Chipotle rake in bilcould have saved lives.” lions during the pandemic.”

Despite the amount of time it took Al Diaz, a fast food worker from to get the bill passed, Branch is Astoria, is planning on organizing a happy it has been signed. union to make sure his employer fol“It is important to have the groups lows the law. that will do the studies and to have “We had to go on strike at my someone look at the conditions of the store to get Chipotle to take our workplace,” said Branch.

Covid safety concerns seriously,” Mark Henry, president of ATU said Diaz. “It’s a huge relief that the Local 1056, agrees.

HERO Act was signed into law and “COVID-19 has exposed the flaws fast food workers like me will have in worker protections. Essential added health and safety protection.”

Frontline Workers safety is paraMaritza Silva-Farrell, executive mount today and tomorrow!” said Henry. “My members, who are tran- Joseph Branch, a board member of ATU Local 1056, supports director of ALIGN, a group fighting sit workers in varying titles, put their the NY HERO Act, but told the Queens Chronicle, he wishes it for an equitable economy, considers lives on the line daily during the had been enacted sooner so that it could have saved more of his the rallying of workers like Diaz as height of the pandemic.” members’ lives from the coronavirus. PHOTO COURTESY JOE BRANCH the key component that got the bill passed.

Pre-Covid, a standard number of “The relentless organizing of essential riders included 60 to 80 people on a bus, pay for MTA workers.

“Filtration is definitely a concern,” added workers is what got Governor Cuomo to according to Branch.

“Most businesses have a set number of Branch. “We have standard filtration and sign the NY HERO Act,” said Silva-Farrell.

“We are grateful to New York State Senator how many people can go inside the busi- we leave the windows open.”

Manny Pastreich, 32BJ SEIU Secretary- Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member ness. How do you regulate how people get Karines Reyes for their tireless and effecon a bus? People get on the bus based on Treasurer, is proud to support the bill.

Q “This groundbreaking legislation will tive leadership on the NY HERO Act. need,” said Branch, an advocate for hazard

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

HERO Act enforces safety standards

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Team leader Jennifer Scala, above left, Deputy Borough President Rhonda Binda, Isaura Rodriguez, Sakina Pecchillo and two participants capture the positive energy of the event. The participants PHOTOS BY JUSTIN DAVILA of Keller Williams Realty Liberty’s “Free Throws for Project Destined” pose for a group photo at the event in Tudor Park.

Making buckets for a greater cause Keller Williams Realty holds hoops event in Tudor Park

by Justin Davila Chronicle Contributor

Last Thursday, Keller Williams Realty Liberty, in partnership with local businesses in and around Ozone Park, held a fundraising event at the Tudor Park basketball courts called “Free Throws for Project Destined.”

The fundraiser was held in benefit of Project Destined, an organization dedicated to providing financial and investment literacy for people in underserved communities, and to the creation of a new generation of Black and minority business owners and stakeholders.

At the event, participants paid 20 dollars and were each allowed 15 shots to see who could sink the most free throws, for a chance to win some prizes and to compete against others for bragging rights.

Local businesses around Ozone Park including Juice 101, Etto’s Espresso Bar and Sofia’s Pizza

showed their support by donating food and prizes to help make the event a success.

Keller Williams Realty Liberty, joined forces with Projected Destined so that, together, they can achieve the goal of improving financial literacy and increasing rates of ownership in underserved communities, pledging that over the next three years they will train and mentor 60 Black and minority youth to educate and provide them with experience as real estate agents, so that they can ultimately take the state pre-licensure course in residential real estate, and embark on their own careers.

Chatter Singh, ambassador of the Social Equity Task Force for the Keller Willia ms Ozone Pa rk Branch, spoke about how the program that is being set up for these kids goes far beyond just providing them with an education — they will be aided every step of the way to

ensure their success. “Keller Williams in Partnership with Project Destined is raising money to fund the education, licensing, mentoring, and hire for minorities getting into residential real estate.”

Students enrolled in the program will receive more than 40 hours of training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and real estate, be assigned a dedicated mentor, be given the opportunity to pitch a live deal to a Keller Williams sales agent, receive funding to take the state pre-licensure course in real estate and be given access to Keller Williams market centers, so that they will be able to network and begin their own careers.

While the individual success of every student enrolled in the program is paramount and they would never put any pressure on the kids, Jennifer Scala, team leader at the Keller Willia ms Ozone Pa rk Branch, said she has high hopes that

the students in the program will bring change back to their communities. “The hope is that after three years, these young adults will then be able to go to work in their neighborhoods, help their neighborhood and make a difference in a lot of people’s lives,” she said.

Deput y Boroug h P resident Rhonda Binda, who attended the event, spoke about her support for the initiative and the importance of making sure that underserved communities reap the fruits of their labor. “What’s so great about this program is that the initiative is ensuring that the next generation is homegrown, that we are developing talent from within our communities and making sure that they are benefiting from the growth and development that is happening around the borough,” Binda said.

Remarking on the jovial mood, and the overall sense of community at the festive park fundraiser, Depu-

Chatter Singh, ambassador of Social Equity Task Force for Keller Williams, was thrilled with the successful event. ty Borough President Binda said that “Sports brings people together like no other” and pledged to continue investing in parks. “We are continuing to invest in park’s — the borough president’s last fiscal year budget invested 9 million dollars in parks and there is going to be more Q to come.”

Severino suspends D32 Council run Candidate cites funding problems, but plans to continue service work For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

Shaeleigh Severino recently suspending her campaign for Cit y FILE PHOTO Council.

Shaeleigh Severino, a 21-year-old paralegal who has been running for the City Council seat representing District 32, announced last Thursday that she would be suspending her campaign.

Severino, a Democrat who previously described herself to the Chronicle as more “an advocate not a politician,” said that funding troubles had led her to believe that her campaign was no longer on track to win the Democratic nomination.

“Looking ahead, I now see that my path to victory in the primary in June is no longer viable.

Therefore, I have decided, sadly, to suspend my campaign. This was not an easy decision by any means, but it is the right one. While this campaign may be over, my work is far from finished. I will continue to advocate the needs of my community, emphasizing the political power of the people of District 32,” Severino said.

The end of her campaign will free up a lane to several other candidates in the Democratic primary, who like Severino, have characterized themselves as progressives including 10th-grade teacher and activist Felicia Singh and city planner Kaled Alamarie.

Severino said that she struggled to get the Campaign Finance Board to approve her paperwork showing that she got enough in-district donations to make her eligible for the city’s Matching Funds Program.

In her statement about ending the campaign she also made reference to antagonism she encountered in the district on the campaign path.

“From the outset, it was clear that forces were actively against my campaign. It’s unfortunate that a city known for its diversity and progressive values consistently makes it difficult for non-traditional candidates to succeed in its elections,” she wrote in a statement.

Severino said that she had experienced some backlash as a young candidate of color who had been outspoken about longstanding issues in the district.

“That comes with the territory with just being me and who I am as a 21-year-old, Afro-Latina running in a district that has never had that type of representation and it comes from being vocal about the issues that we’ve had,” she told the Chronicle.

Severino said that she would continue her work in the community through mutual aid voter registration drives aimed at registering younger voters, immigrant voters and voters of color throughout the district.

“We need to do a Stacey Abrams in the district — get more people activated, more involved,” she said.

This weekend, for instance, she is organizing a PPE distribution where she will be giving out Q KN95 masks, among other things.

C M SQ page 13 Y K

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Bike shortage pushes stores to get scrappy A year into the pandemic, bike interest remains high while supply stays low

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

In the universe of bike retail, there have been two constants over the past year: resounding interest and stifled inventory.

Following national trends, short bike supply has thrown a wrench into the potential boom for shops around the borough even as New Yorkers have flocked to cycling under the pandemic for recreation and commuting.

The last year has proven cycling to be one of the safest activities and modes of transit against the threat of Covid. When the city locked down, it created a large spike in demand for new bike sales and repairs that still shows signs of persisting a year later, leaving an opening in the market for mechanics who specialize in recycling and restoring old bikes.

“People are coming in and they want to buy bikes, but I don’t have the bikes they want and I can’t get them,” said Mark Rivera, the owner of Bill’s Cyclery in Woodside.

Last May, bike shops across the borough reported that wholesale distributors had sold out of most consumer bikes. A year later, not much has changed on the supply side. Arc De Triomphe Bicycles on Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill told the Chronicle last spring that it went through roughly two months of inventory in three weeks. Its owner, Russ Alonzo, recently updated the paper that he hasn’t gotten close to

restocking the store.

“The pipeline of available products simply emptied out very quickly. All the warehouses, all the shipping lines, any reserve product was sold immediately,” said Alonzo.

The problem boils down to the capacity of the supply chain. Since the vast majority of bikes are imported, largely from China, there actually isn’t enough shipping capacity on container ships to provide sufficient inventory.

“So the cost of shipping has gone astronomical. And we’re competing with much higher capitalized industries for space on shipping vessels and shipping containers,” he said, adding that he’d heard the price of a container, which used to cost $3,000 to $4,000 prepandemic, had shot up to around $20,000.

Even with the supply problems, owners said a shortage with increased demand is still generally better for business than the retail “ice age” of the years before Covid hit, where bike retailers saw more stock coming in then they could sell. A year into the pandemic, the demand for more bikes is still there.

“It’s amazing, but you know the question really is how long does this last and what does it look like in the future? Because it’s not stable,” said Alonzo.

Stores have also turned to refurbishing used bikes, but for a retailer, the return on used bikes is often not as high.

Damon Strub, founder of Nomad Cycles, has started restoring bikes and doing repairs out of a Woodside garage full-time. COURTESY PHOTO “When people buy a bike, they’re going to buy a helmet, they’re going to buy locks, they’re going to buy a light, a kickstand and water bottle cage,” Rivera said. The lack of stock doesn’t just extend to new bikes. Replacement parts are also in short supply.

That shortage hasn’t stopped a new crop of bike entrepreneurs from popping up in garages across the city to put their mechanic skills to use, recycling bikes and making some money.

Damon Strub used to have a brick-and-mortar bike store in Long Island City, which he had to close down in 2017. When Covid came along, he was promptly laid off from his desk job, but still had a lot of inventory stored here in a Woodside garage. Thus Nomad Cycles was reborn, without the overhead of a storefront.

As luck would have it, Strub had bought some inventory from a shop out in Long Island that closed before the pandemic, which included a lot of vintage replacement parts from the ’60s and ’70s.

“People just kept coming around, and I just said, ‘Well, let’s go back in business.’ And so since then, it’s been pretty much a year now we’ve been just flat out,” he said. His model now focuses solely on custom builds, restoration and service, but he’s been able to support himself full-time through bikes. He’s even taken the plunge of going legit by getting a business license and paying sales tax.

To his knowledge, Strub said his is the only established garage shop in Queens, but he knows of other mechanics around the city who have been refurbishing bikes and selling them online.

“I’m like a normal business. A lot of my friends are just kind of doing it out of their garage and pocketing the money, but still doing a lot of work and still making some money at Q it,” said Strub.

Willets Point plan moves forward Boro Board OKs lease despite CB 7 concerns that cleanup is insufficient

by Katherine Donlevy

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The Queens Borough Board gave the city Economic Development Corp. the green light May 10 for a long-term lease to develop phase one of the Special Willets Point District.

“It’s time to shed Willets Point’s ‘Valley of the Ashes’ reputation,” Jana Pohorelsky, the EDC’s Government and Community Relations vice president said, referring to the area’s depiction as the run-down hellscape in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”

Several conditions were included in the approval, including regular community outreach and updating by the EDC and the dedication of half of the development’s 1,100 affordable housing units to residents of Community District 7.

Community Board 7’s Vice Chairperson Chuck Apelian had also requested adding a codicil to the motion: for further investigation into the remediation of the proposed 650seat public elementary school site.

Apelian said the cleanup wasn’t satisfactory to either him or his board colleagues, who submitted a March 29

As part of the Willets Point remediation project, the city Economic Development Corp. and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have been removing toxic contaminants from the soil in order to build housing NYC EDC PHOTOS units, a school and more. letter to the state Department of Environmental Conservation calling the plan “shocking” because of their belief contaminants could still find their way onto the school site.

The 23-acre site, which also includes 1.2 acres of publicly accessible open space, 300 parking spaces and new street infrastructure, is enrolled in the DEC’s Brownfield Cleanup Program because of the

soil’s toxicity levels, suffered as a result of years of petroleum contamination. The DEC and EDC have included multiple steps to excavate the contaminated soil and erect barriers to prevent remaining contaminants in groundwater from migrating into the site.

“The cleanup they’re doing now is, I guess, ‘acceptable level,’ but you know what? There’s nothing more

acceptable than our kids that are 5, 6, 7, 8 to 12 years old. We don’t want them to be in any kind of unsafe condition,” Apelian said Monday evening.

Apelian’s suggested condition was not included in the lease approval.

Included in the March letter to the DEC, CB 7’s Environmental Committee Chairperson Dr. James Cervino recommended the agency expand the western boundary of remediation to cover a wider area of the property.

According to the board, that section has been omitted from the planned remediation, but has no plans to include a containment wall around it, raising concerns that soil toxins could migrate into the development. Similarly, CB 7 recommended that the DEC expand the northern boundary of remediation, where contaminants could flow around the containment wall onto the school site.

CB 7 was tipped off to the potential hazards after Robert LoScalzo, a documentary video producer who is scrutinizing the development for an ongoing project, obtained the draft Remedial Action Work Plan from the DEC and forwarded it to the group.

According to the document, “17 of

the 25 leading edge particles that eventually cross the site’s northern boundary f low through a smaller area of it,” which Cervino says poses a serious concern.

“There’s egregious chemicals there. The worst out there, toxic to humans,” Cervino told the Chronicle. “Any human being would want to make sure that 100 percent of a cleanup protects children ... I would want to see that castle wall that’s impenetrable.”

The EDC told the Chronicle three permanent controls will be established below the site to prevent exposure to contaminants: installing a minimum 2-foot cover system of clean fill, gravel, or building slabs site-wide; implementing groundwater use restrictions; and erecting a soil vapor mitigation system beneath new concrete building foundations.

Cervino, however, remained adamant that the measures weren’t strong enough.

“The membrane barrier — they’re saying it’s not 100 percent effective,” he said. “That’s an immediate concern. That’s a problem for us ... We continued on page 17

C M SQ page 15 Y K

by Max Parrott

by Max Parrott

Associate Editor

Associate Editor

As part of its annual Streets Week! agenda, a set of transit, traffic safety and open space policy announcements, the de Blasio administration committed to reducing the speed limit along 45 miles of streets in 11 locations in the outer boroughs Monday.

Department of Transportation officials said that they targeted roadways with the highest rates of crashes in the city.

New speed limits will go into effect over the coming weeks after speed-limit signs are posted. After the new signs go up, drivers will be given a grace period of 60 days to adjust. Speed cameras located along any of these streets will be reprogrammed.

Six streets in Queens will be affected, the majority of them in the southern part of the borough. The changes are as follows: • The speed on 4.3 miles of Woodhaven Boulevard from Queens to Rockaway boulevards will be reduced from 30 to 25 mph.

• The speed on 2.5 miles of Cross Bay Boulevard from Rockaway Boulevard to the Cross Bay North Boulevard Bridge will be reduced from 30/40 to 25/35 mph.

• The speed of 3.1 miles on the Van Wyck

Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman NYC DOT PHOTO

Service Road from 135th Avenue to Queens Boulevard will be reduced from 30 to 25 mph.

• The speed on 3.9 miles of Astoria Boulevard from 111th to 8th streets will be reduced from 30 to 25 mph.

• The speed on 5.3 miles of South Conduit Avenue from Sutter Avenue to the Sunrise Highway will be reduced from 35 to 30 mph.

• The speed on 6.6 miles of North Conduit Avenue from Sutter Avenue to the Sunrise Highway will be reduced from 35 to 30 Q mph.

Gov. Cuomo announced Monday that State University of New York and City University of New York ca mpuses will requi re proof of vaccination for students attending in-person classes starting in the fall semester.

“Let’s make a global statement that you cannot go back to school in-per- Gov. Cuomo son in September unless you have a vaccine. That will be a major motivation to get the vaccine. And if you have to get a vaccine, why would you wait until September, why wouldn’t you get it now?” Cuomo said during a press conference.

Cuomo said he would encourage private universities to adopt the policy as well. The public systems join other large city schools like NYU and Columbia, as well as some public university systems in other states that have already issued a vaccine requirement.

Until recently Cuomo h a d b e e n r e sist a nt t o requiring vaccinations, saying that a mandate could result in lawsuits.

Cuomo made the announcement as part of a broader effort to encoura g e N e w Yo r k e r s t o receive their vaccinations.

He said that he wants to target the youth population in his effort to boost the FILE PHOTO number of vaccinated New Yorkers.

“So we’re at 60 percent as a population, we’re [at] 24 percent with 16 to 25; 26 to 34, we’re at 35 percent. That’s where we have to get the numbers up, the youthful and the doubtful,” Cuomo said during the conference.

State law already mandates that all college students are required to get a vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. All state-run mass vaccination sites are now open to all New Yorkers ages 16 and older for walk-in vaccination Q on a first-come, first-served basis.

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

City lowers speed on CUNY to require six Queens streets vaccination: Cuomo

WE’RE HERE TO HELP. If you have been the victim of a crime, a scam, or illegal exploitation, you have the right to seek justice, regardless of your immigration status. The Office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz is here to help.

Elder Fraud We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our senior citizens. If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud or abuse, contact our Elder Fraud Unit at 718-286-6578.

Housing and Worker Protection Bureau If you or someone you know has been a victim of a housing scam or an unscrupulous employer engaged in wage theft or not providing a safe workplace, call the Housing and Worker Protection Bureau at 718-286-6673.

Hate Crimes Bureau We are dedicated to the safety of all Queens residents, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or who they love. If you or someone you know has experienced a hate or bias-motivated crime, call our Hate Crimes Bureau at 718-286-7010.

DA’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Immigration issues bring unique challenges to the criminal justice system. Our office can help guide you through the legal system. Call us at 718-286-6690 or email OIA@queensda.org. @QueensDAKatz

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Domestic Violence Bureau If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are resources available. Call the 24/7 Domestic Violence helpline at 718-286-4410. You’ll have the option of connecting with legal or social services to help get you to safety.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 16

C M SQ page 16 Y K

Parents are unsure of inoculating kids Family members mixed on vax for preteens and younger teenagers

by Naeisha Rose associate editor

Data from a Kaiser Family Foundation report issued last week found that fewer than one-third of parents are likely to get their children vaccinated if eligible.

The report comes days before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations for preteens and younger teens age 12 to 15 on May 10.

As youth vaccinations are underway for younger high school children and seniors in middle school, Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical corporation, is already conducting pediatric studies, according to NPR. The company has made plans to submit emergency requests to administer inoculations to 5-yearolds up to 11-year-olds and those who are six months to 2-years-old for September.

While 29 percent of parents will get their children ages 12 to 15 vaccinated immediate- Oldean Scantelberry, left, a senior citizen, thinks her grandchildren should get vaccinated ly, 32 percent prefer to wait and see how the because she wants them to be safe when they are in school. Christine Hemley, right, is skeptical vaccine is working before having their kids about kids getting vaccinated, but would vaccinate her child if it’s required. PHOTO BY NAEISHA ROSE vaccinated, according to the survey. said Scantelberry. “I feel good about it. It’s Tony, 57, from St. Albans, has a relative knows. If anything happens can we sue?”

Hemley is healthy and is not rushing to important and they will be more secure about who is turning 12 in June, and because she lives in a multigenerational home with a take the vaccine, therefore, she will not be going around crowds in school.”

Scantelberry had the Johnson and Johnson brother who has a heart condition, she wants making an appointment for her son to take it vaccination and both of her children who are all of her seven relatives to get vaccinated. She either.

“I’ve been staying away from others, put- i n the med ical f ield have also been plans on encouraging her niece to vaccinate ting on my masks in crowds and social dis- vaccinated. her grandniece.

“All the adults have gotten vaccinated,” tancing,” said Hemley, a cosmetologist. “However, he is back in school, and said Tony, who didn’t wish to probably more exposed. I’m give her full name. “Even working from home.” though I have high blood presf I have to There were 15 percent of sure, I’ve never been a sickly vaccinate him parents who will only inocuperson, so I got vaccinated for late their children if a school him.” for school, requires it, according to the She also hopes the family survey. gets vaccinated so everyone then I will.”

“If I have to vaccinate him can go on vacation again.

— Christine Hemley, for school, then I will,” said “I would like to go to St. cosmetologist Hemley.

Vincent or Turks and Caicos,”

by Katherine Donlevy Oldean Scantelber r y, a said Tony.

Associate Editor Christine Hemley, 55, from Queens Village senior, thinks her 12-year-old and 13-year-old Museums and historical homes have is a mom of a 13-year-old boy and falls in the grandchildren then I will,” said Hemley. been slowly opening back up throughout Oldean Scantelberry, a senior, thinks her latter camp. the city, but that shouldn’t mean virtual “I’m iffy and excited about the vaccine, but 12-year-old and 13-year-old grandchildren programming has to stop.

Covid-19 is becoming rampant,” said Hemley. should get vaccinated.

So the Queens Historical Society “I spoke to their mother on Mother’s Day “Still, I’m skeptical about the whole thing. decided to continue its virtual tours for a What’s the long-term side effect? Nobody and told her ‘It’s their time to get vaccinated,’” special day: Step Into Queens.

The May 22 event will take visitors on a tour through five Queens historical SERVING THE C OMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS! houses from the comfort of their own 97-49 WOODHAVEN BLVD. homes. In addition to learning about each location’s unique history, visitors will get OZONE PARK a full look at the home’s interior and blooming garden.

NY State Dept. of State Lic. #12000295695 The program features the Bayside Historical Society, King Manor Museum, Servicing All Your Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, Security Needs the Kingsland Homestead and the PopResidential/Commercial penhusen Institute. All the institutions except for the Bayside Historical Society BURGLARY • FIRE • INTERCOM • SURVEILLANCE are open to the public, though they each operate at limited capacity.

CENTRAL STATION MONITORING The Saturday virtual tour will begin at “Custom Designed Security Systems To Fit Any Budget” 1 p.m. and will run for two hours. General admission costs $5, but because all CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS WITH DIGITAL proceeds help support the cultural sites,

Step into Queens’ historical homes

718-529-9700

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For the latest news visit qchron.com

“I

“They say only six or seven had blood clots, but millions had the vaccination,” said Scantelberry.

Carmen Perez, 47, from Jamaica, has a child who will be turning 11 next month.

While not in the same age range, she agrees with the 19 percent of parents who took the survey that children shouldn’t get vaccinated at all.

“Because of my religion, I don’t want them to take the vaccine,” said Perez, who is Catholic. “I’m just praying that we don’t get it.”

Perez is scared of the side effects of the vaccine. Her friend’s husband became sick after getting the Moderna vaccine.

The friend told her that the husband’s body started to swell all over after the shot.

The expansion of the eligibility requirements allows for 17 million children to be covered by the vaccine, which means that if all Americans were to have the vaccination that would account for 87 percent of the country’s population, which could provide herd immunity from the coronavirus.

Scientific experts estimate that the U.S. needs at least 70 percent of the population, or more than 200 million people, to get the vaccination to halt the pandemic, according to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center focused on healthcare and Q research.

RECORDING AND REMOTE VIEWING AVAILABLE

The Bayside Historical Society has not reopened to the public yet, but will be featured as one of three cultural homes in the Queens Historical Society’s May 22 Step FILE PHOTO Into Queens virtual tour. visitors are also given the choice to buy a $30 “support level ticket.” Those who choose the latter option will be eligible for a gift bag from the various sites as a way of saying thank-you. The event will be live-streamed throughout YouTube.

Fo r m o r e i n fo r m a t io n , v i sit queenshistoricalsociety.org/events/stepinto-queens, or call the Queens Historical Q Society at (718) 939-0647.

C M SQ page 17 Y K

continued from page 14 need to take every precaution.”

Cervino also noted his concern that the site is being remediated sequentially in two phases rather than at once, which he said provides contamination and toxins the opportunity to migrate. The issue is a longstanding one that officials have testified against throughout the last decade of the Willets Point remedial project. In 2008, then-Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber told the City Council that the “project cannot be cleaned up in a checkerboard fashion. You cannot say, ‘We’ll do this acre, but we won’t do that acre.’”

Cervino’s lack of confidence influenced City Councilmember Bob Holden (D-Middle Village) to question the plan’s adequacy as well. He was the only borough board meeting attendee Monday evening who didn’t vote in favor of approving the lease. While nine OK’d the plan, Holden opted to abstain due to lack of sufficient information.

“What happens if it doesn’t turn out so good?” Holden said after pressing the EDC representatives for the dollar amount of the lease and failing to get a monetary response. “I want the school to be held to the highest standard ... If we’re not getting that, that’s a problem ... We should demand the highest cleanup possible and not just lower the standards a bit on the Q school.”

Cops arrested for alleged bribes Police officers arraigned for heroin drug trafficking

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Three police officers from the 105th Precinct were arraigned May 11 for allegedly abusing their positions within the NYPD. They allegedly took advantage of auto accident victims for cash bribes, and one officer was alleged to have used his influence after retirement to help drug traffickers move illegal narcotics, according to the United States Attorney Eastern District’s Office.

The alleged ringleader of the schemes was retired NYPD Officer Robert Smith, according to the USAE. His first alleged scheme took place before his May 2020 retirement from the force.

While responding as an officer to automobile accidents, Smith allegedly steered damaged vehicles to tow trucking and automobile repair businesses operated by a person the Department of Justice referred to as Individual No. 1 via the NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program in exchange for kickbacks.

Smith’s alleged scheme started in 2016 and he allegedly had the help of NYPD Officer Robert Hassett until June of 2017, according to the USAE. Smith allegedly resumed his scheme in 2019 and recruited

N Y PD Off icer Heather Busch post-retirement.

“In exchange for their participation in the Tow Truck Scheme, Hassett and Smith received thousands of dollars in cash bribe payments from Individual No. 1,” said the indictment. “Smith received more than $1,000 in cash payments from Individual No. 1.”

Busch allegedly received $5,000 in cash bribe payments for steering six damaged vehicles to Individual No. 1, according to the indictment.

Smith allegedly enlisted Hassett in a second plot two months before his retirement to use the NYPD database to identify auto victims and provide their private information to Individual No. 1, who went on to sell the data to physical therapists and personal injury attorneys, according to the indictment. Material on over 100 victims was allegedly traded for $7,000.

This alleged arrangement went on until March 2020.

“On other occasions, the defendant Robert Hassett deposited a document containing names and identifying information of these victims of recent automobile accidents into the mailbox,” said the indictment. “On those occasions, Hassett retrieved cash

bribe payments from the mailbox.”

Simultaneously with his alleged victim data breach plan, Smith allegedly carried his firearm and NYPD identification while knowingly interacting with a criminal organization he helped to allegedly transport heroin until July 2020, according to the indictment.

He allegedly received $1,200 for the job, according to the USAE. “Smith also asked Individual No. 1 to confirm that the drug trafficking organization did not ‘have no rats or nothing,’” said the indictment.

On May 11, Smith was arraigned for four counts of using interstate facilities to commit bribery, two counts of violating the Travel Act, one count of possessing a firearm during drug trafficking and one count of attempted distribution of one kilogram of heroin.

Hassett was arraigned on two counts of using interstate facilities to commit bribery and one count of violating the Travel Act. Busch was arraigned on one count for violating the Travel Act and one count of using interstate facilities to commit bribery.

Busch and Hassett face five years in prison if convicted. Smith faces lives life Q imprisonment if convicted.

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

Willets Point

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COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and will help us all get back to the people and activities we have missed.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 18

C M SQ page 18 Y K

Get your patio ready for summer living It’s time to extend your home’s living spaces to the outdoors. To get your patio prepped for a summer of relaxation and fun, consider the following decor ideas and inspiration: The entryway Your patio will be more enticing if you have beautiful sliding glass patio doors leading to it. If you do go in for this upgrade, it’s impor tant to k now that patio doors can be customized in a number of ways that affect their look and function.

To help you make sense of you r options, shop with manufacturers that offer visualizer tools, such as the one available at provia.com/ app. This can help you see what colors and hardware look best in your home and find the combination you like best.

Their Aeris wood and vinyl sliding doors, for example, offer many customization opportunities, including wood stain finishes, interior and exterior colors; options for internal grids and

internal blinds; and a wide array of decorative glass, privacy glass and tinted glass options.

Beyond beauty, be sure to prioritize high performance, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency, storm protection and of course, smooth, easy and quiet operation. After all, it’s hard to feel relaxed if simply getting outdoors is a struggle.

Exterior decorating Boost comfort and ambiance by applying the same attention to detail when decorating your patio as you would indoors.

Beyond f u r n it u r e that’s comfor table enough to lounge on all day or evening, incorporate throws, pi l lows a nd eve n rugs. Add splashes of color and vibrancy by hanging outdoor wall art, or, if you’re feeling ext ra creative, painting a mural.

Paper lanterns hung above your patio dining area can bring a t ouch of rom a nc e t o me a ls e njoye d out d o o r s . A n d ge t inspired by the nature around you

With a few stylish upgrades, you can get your patio in tip-top shape for summer. by ensuring your patio features greener y. Potted and hanging plants or even ivy, jasmine or roses grown against a wall are all good choices.

Beauty inspired by nature T hese d ays, ma nufact u red stone is not just for the side of your home. The possibilities for using it in and around the patio are endless. Add drama to a boundary wall between the patio

and yard; beautify your outdoor kitchen’s grill unit, pizza oven, table or island; and enhance seating around the fire pit or fireplace and the bases of pergolas or columns.

Just be sure to select products that look like authentic stone even upon careful inspection, and are designed to withstand the elements. For example, the choices available from ProVia are artfully crafted to produce a realistic, dra-

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With a few stylish upgrades, you can get your patio in tip-top Q shape for summer.

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Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.

Fast forward one year later, and a lot has changed. Now, as the world slowly starts to open back up, it’s time to get a jump start on a new normal routine. Here are some springcleaning tips fueled by your smartphone and the latest apps to help you smoothly shift into in-person life.

Make a fresh start at the (home) office: Research shows that your remote office space may be dirtier and more disruptive to your overall health than work offices. Spring cleaning your workspace and home can be easily done with apps like Spotless and Clean My House. The apps, which offer tools to help schedule chores, create cleaning checklists and organize spaces in your home, are guaranteed to increase productivity and make clutter a distant memory.

If your temporary work-from-home status is now permanent, it may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your remote connectivity needs.

Some wireless providers have home internet service that makes use of the same great 5G network your smartphone runs on to help you thrive in a remote environment.

Tackle the Covid-19 weight gain: Recent research has shown that most Americans experienced weight gain during the pandem-

ic. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans gained an average of 7.08 pounds between February and June 2020. Luckily, your smartphone can help you prioritize your fitness goals. Apps like Nike Training Club, SWEAT, Happy Scale and MyFitnessPal will motivate you to re-enter the world with confidence.

Clean out your quarantine closet: Quarantine life may have left your closets full of comfortable loungewear — or perhaps an excessive amount of unworn professional clothing. Donating your unwanted clothing with apps like Lugg allows you to schedule donation pickups from the convenience of your home. And apps like reGAIN offer incentives to clear your closets – providing exclusive discount coupons for donating unwanted clothing items to charity.

Prepare your pets: Whether you’re heading back to the office, resuming your weekly happy hour book club or finally taking that rescheduled vacation, your pets are going to be spending more time alone compared to early pandemic days. Apps like Dog Monitor and PetCam can help you monitor your best friend and ensure they are safe and happy.

As you return to a new normal life, implement any of these spring-cleaning tips to help Q set yourself up for success.

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C M SQ page 20 Y K

Queens film festival lauds hospital heroes NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst staff gets Spirit of Queens award

by Michael Gannon Editor

If the fight against Covid-19 has been a battlefield, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst made up the trenches where the fight was fought room by room, patient by patient and hour by hour.

On Monday, organizers of the Queens International Film Festival, which kicks of its 11-day event next month, chose National Nurses Week to stop by the hospital and pay tribute to the infantry that held the line in Queens during those first dire months.

The hospital’s staff was the winner of the festival’s annual Spirit of Queens Award.

Katha and Preston Cato, the executive director and artistic director of the festival, respectively, presented hospital officials with a plaque that this year was designed to resemble an EKG readout.

Hospital employees and volunteers in their scrubs posed for photos on a red carpet. And they received accolades from hospital brass and elected officials for their work to save countess patients.

Helen Arteaga Landaverde, CEO at the hospital, accepted the award on her staff’s behalf with pride.

“You were the caregivers, the hand-holders, the substitute family and the healers,” she said to those gathered outside for the

Nurses at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst share a moment on the red carpet on Monday courPHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON tesy of the Queens World Film Festival. ceremony.

Visiting dignitaries included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), Assemblymembers Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) and Catalina Cr uz (D-Corona).

Van Bramer said as bad as the warnings were in advance of the pandemic, he had

been out walking with his mother a few times in those early, terrible days when he came to a horrifying realization.

The ambulances didn’t stop.

“We all heard the sirens,” Van Bramer said. “We heard them all night. It took me some time to realize this wasn’t just the one lone ambulance siren you sometimes hear.”

He said the hospital workers are rightly

called heroes.

“We weren’t in the wards and walking the halls. We weren’t receiving patients in the emergency room on Baxter Avenue.”

Special guests included the family of Edgar Calvache, who thanked the staff for their struggle and their caring over nearly six months before Calvache lost his fight last October.

His son, Richard, and wife, Lina, were on hand to express their gratitude for the treatment — and the kindness — exhibited by the staff after Edgar Calvache was admitted to the hospital in April 2020.

He was eventually placed in a medically induced coma and had a machine breathing for him. But he would eventually fight back, sometimes connected with his family only by video. Calvache would leave the intensive care unit and move on to three other facilities before passing away.

“You gave us those six months,” Richard Calvache said to the gathered staff.

This year’s film festival runs from June 23 to July 3, and features nearly 200 films from 33 countries — including 28 from Queens.

Katha Cato announced that Elmhurst staffers will be provided with steeply discounted all-access passes for the festival, and that onethird of the money raised from the passes will Q go directly back to the hospital.

PHOTOS BY WALTER KARLING

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Ready for summer

The sheep and alpaca at Queens County Farm Museum got their annual haircuts last Saturday. Several pounds of heavy fleece were shaved off their bodies in preparation for the warmer weather.

Visitors were invited to watch artisans like sheep-shearer Donald Kating, above center, rid the animals of their winter coats, a yearly process that prevents them from overheating in the summer or contracting parasites.

Kating, a 40-year veteran of farming based in Poughkeepsie, demonstrated the procedure and even offered some pieces to the farm’s visitors.

After their haircuts, the sheep and alpaca looked 10 years younger and 10 tons lighter.

Most of the shaven wool was sent to Battenkill Fibers, a fiber mill 190 miles north, where it will be washed, carted and spun into yarn.

The transformed material will eventually find its way back to the Queens Farm, where it will be sold inside its Farm Store.

The Special Admission Day also featured hay rides, live music from New Orleans-influenced band Mama Juke, a beer garden, food trucks and the Adopt-A-Worm Composting Program for home composting.

— by Katherine Donlevy

C M SQ page 21 Y K

May 13, 2021

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

ARTS, A RTS, CULTURE & LIVING

GallopNYC brings smiles and hope with horse therapy

Irish is the total package: tall, dark and handsome, and great with kids.

The beautiful mare is a fan favorite at GallopNYC’s Sunrise Stables location in Lindenwood.

She’s clocked in years as a therapeutic horse for both disabled and inexperienced riders. As someone who falls into the latter camp, I was lucky Irish was there to show me the ropes for my first lesson.

Irish was a bit skittish in the moments before my morning ride — she wanted to run in the barn’s secondary field, designated for play time, with her dozens of friends — but a wave of calm washed over her when her saddle was secured to her back.

“She knows when it’s time to do her job, when

it’s time for f work,” k said d James Wilson, l GallopNYC’s ll executive director.

Like many others during the pandemic, Irish and her friends had been furloughed for a majority of the past year. To protect its workers, animals and riders, many of whom are immunocompromised, GallopNYC shut down both its Lindenwood and Forest Hills locations to the public for several months.

The barns reopened in March, but with an extremely limited capacity. Only those with special needs and disabilities are permitted to resume their therapeutic rides. While the public is eager to visit the stables and get back on the horse, literally and figuratively, Wilson says those who need the therapy get priority.

“Our goall is to improve their h everyday d llives by b using horses,” Wilson said. “We have riders that, after courses of riding, have spoken for the first time. We have riders who have gone out and gotten jobs. We have riders who have been able to sit up, or put off surgeries because they learn how to ride a horse.”

The waiting list is hundreds of names long. After my ride, I could see why.

Despite weighing over 1,000 pounds of pure muscle, Irish is a gentle and patient creature. She listened attentively when I said, “Whoa, back,” and “Walk on,” which is horse-speak for stop and go, respectively. She was tolerant of my fumbles and inexperience, and it didn’t hurt that she was extremely cute. continued on page 23

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Katherine b h Donlevy l

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 22

C M SQ page 22 Y K

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Susan Anspach, from Woodside off to Hollywood

ACROSS

1 Borscht veggie 5 Nourished 8 Great Lakes fish 12 Choir voice 13 “-- been real” 14 Plane-related 15 Pear variety 17 Fury 18 Away from WSW 19 Mine yield 20 Say 21 Snoop 22 Upscale auto 23 Golf great Sam 26 Husband of Eurydice 30 Level 31 Genetic letters 32 Sicilian peak 33 New Mexico’s capital 35 Director DeMille 36 “Nasty!”

37 Cowboy’s sweetie 38 Brag 41 Gaiety 42 Mauna -45 Pac-12 school 46 Cocktails garnished with olives 48 Avoid 49 Ostrich’s kin 50 Sultry Horne 51 Male turkeys 52 -- Moines 53 Retain

DOWN 1 Innocent one

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

2 Flair 3 French 101 verb 4 Preschooler 5 Red-hot 6 Diminutive suffix 7 “Spring ahead” hrs.

8 Sideways somersault 9 Miami team 10 Desire 11 Afrikaner 16 Byron or Tennyson 20 Strike caller

21 Devoted supporters 22 Bikini top 23 Rds. 24 Actress Long 25 Still, in verse 26 Small bill 27 List-ending abbr.

28 Half of bi29 Bando of baseball 31 “Bobby” subj.

34 Do something 35 Quitter’s word

37 Mentors 38 Small statue 39 Twice cuatro 40 Grad 41 Notoriety 42 Leg joint 43 Aachen article 44 Now, on a memo 46 Club -47 Sort

Renald Ansbach Jr. and Gertrude Kehoe, a singer and secretary, met at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. They received their mar r iage license in Queens in September 1940 and married soon after. Susan Florence Ansbach was born on Nov. 23, 1942. The family lived in an apartment building at 39-25 65 Street in Woodside.

It was an unhappy home and Susan went to live with her aunt. Her aunt passed away when Susan was six, and she The childhood home of Hollywood actress Susan Anspach returned back home with her at 39-25 65 St. in Woodside as it appeared in the 1950s INSET VIA WIKIPEDIA when she grew up there. parents.

She graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School in 1960. She that year, and claimed that Nicholson was the received a full scholarship to The Catholic father.

Her father passed away in Woodside in University of America in Washington, D.C. 1975 at age 57 while her mother had moved studying music and drama.

In 1970 her breakout role that brought her out to California to be with her.

Susan passed away of heart failure in 2018 to prominence was in “Five Easy Pieces” Q with Jack Nicholson. She had a son, Caleb, at age 75 in her Los Angeles home.

Answers on next page

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health, FAMILY

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&29Ζ' YDFFLQHV DUH VDIH H΍HFWLYH DQG ZLOO KHOS XV DOO JHW EDFN WR WKH DFWLYLWLHV DQG SHRSOH ZH ORYH VISIT nyc.gov/vaccinefinder OR CALL 877-829-4692 to get your COVID-19 vaccine. )5(( UHJDUGOHVV RI LPPLJUDWLRQ RU LQVXUDQFH VWDWXV

Health

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

C M SQ page 23 Y K

by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

When Rob MacKay decided to write the book “Historic Houses of Queens,” he knew he’d be learning plenty about history and architecture. But as he delved more into what he said became a “quest” and “passion project,” he found that he was learning mostly about people.

There was Conrad Poppenhusen, the rubber magnate and “de facto benevolent ruler of a corporate town,” that being College Point, where his 56-room mansion is long gone but much of his legacy remains.

There was Lewis Latimer, the Renaissance man and inventor whose achievements were all the more notable for his being the Black son of runaway slaves, whose house in Flushing was moved in order to preserve it.

And there were dozens of other names both known and not, whose often-colorful stories adorn the book of black-and-white photographs, part of Arcadia Publishing’s intimately local Images of America series.

“I feel like this book is mostly for people who either love Queens, love history or love architecture or demographics,” MacKay said, “but there are so many anecdotes about successful people, crazy people, wacky people, tragedies and other things that you actually learn a fair amount about life and

human existence and stuff.”

There are countless tidbits about Queens history that the reader can learn from the descriptions that accompany the book’s more than 200 photos, just as MacKay did when doing his research.

“I was happy to Rob MacKay’s book “Historic Houses of Queens” includes many that are gone but also many that remain, howf i n d o u t t h a t ever their surroundings have changed, including the Schleicher Mansion in College Point, center, and the Olney Queens ha s the house in Richmond Hill.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROB MACKAY, LEFT, QUEENS LIBRARY AND CARL BALLENAS, VIA MACKAY oldest house in all of New York City that is still a private dwell- in East Elmhurst with that oldest private online at queenshistoricalsociety.org.

Released just this week, the book is availing ... that’s kind of a point of pride,” he home in the city: the Lent-Riker-Smith said. “I didn’t realize how Rockaway really Homestead. Many of the homes that follow able for $21.99 from Arcadia (which offers a was kind of like the Hamptons before the are stunning mansions, but more modest set of corresponding postcards for $7.99), Amazon, bookshop.org and other sites. automobile. A lot of wealthy people built cribs appear too, all historical in some way.

“I hope people who read it understand MacKay will be giving a talk on the book mansions there, looking for that seaside air at the Queens Historical Society at 2:30 p.m. how Queens is a very special place and it’s and seaside breezes.

“And then I was also pleasantly surprised on Saturday, June 5. He’ll be at the QHS full of a fascinating history,” said MacKay, about how many prominent African Ameri- (located in Flushing’s Kingsland Homestead, whose day job is director of public relations, cans lived in the borough ... James Brown, which appears in the book) and the talk will marketing and tourism for the Queens EcoElla Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, W.E.B. Du Bois.” be streamed online. The society is looking nomic Development Corp. “There were a After its extensive acknowledgements and into whether it also will be able to have some whole bunch of colorful characters who introduction, the book takes readers on a guests in person, but that remains to be walked the streets before we did — and also roughly clockwise tour of Queens, beginning determined. More information is posted walked around before there were streets.” Q

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

New book takes you to historical Queens homes

Getting back on the horse after the pandemic

Crossword Answers

ness to my physical presence forced me to be acutely aware of my own body in the most serene and tranquil way.

“Being with a horse is calming and improves people’s well-being,” Wilson explained.

Horseback riding offers people the chance to get physically fit. Riders need a strong abdomen to sit properly on a horse’s back and strong thighs to stay upright. You also need decently strong arms to walk alongside a horse holding onto their reins and keeping them from straying off the path.

The therapy doesn’t end with the ride, however. Wilson explained the motor skills exercise patrons benefit from as they untack the horse, meaning to remove the saddle and other riding tools.

The saddle has multiple buckles, which are harder to loosen then they appear to be. For someone with difficulty controlling their phalanges or with weak hands, the exercise is great practice. Next comes brushing the horse’s coat to smooth out the hairs imprinted by the saddle, which is often the horse’s favorite part of the process.

Finally — and under the close watch of a professional — is picking the hooves. Dirt

GallopNYC Executive Director James Wilson prepares Irish for a lesson. On the cover: Associate Editor Katherine Donlevy gets a lesson from Irish. PHOTOS BY KATHERINE DONLEVY from the pasture accumulates during the ride and needs to be pulled out to avoid injuries to the animal. After watching Wilson exemplify the job, I softly picked up Irish’s hoof and scraped out the mud with a pick. Irish once again proved to be a gentle giant and made a scary task seem easy.

Though not everyone can grab the reins again at this time, GallopNYC is offering the public volunteer opportunities, day-visit options and other resources in the weeks leading up to its full reopening.

For more information, or to plan your Q own visit, check out gallopnyc.org.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 21 Irish was also exceptionally clued-in to my own movements. Wilson explained that horses are trained to follow their riders’ physical direction so closely that no words need to be spoken. For example, Irish knew to make a right turn if I shifted my shoulders and head to face my right. She knew to stop if I squeezed my heels against her belly and softly tugged her reins in a drawn-out rowing motion. Her attentive-

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 24

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Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1334130 for On-Premises Liquor has been applied for by Vibras Restaurant Group Inc DBA Havana Blvd. to sell On-Premises Liquor, Wine, and Beer at retail in a Full Service Restaurant under the ABC Law at 9101-9105 Astoria Blvd., E. Elmhurst, NY 11369 for on-premises consumption.

Vibras Restaurant Group Inc DBA Havana Blvd.

Notice of Formation of M.INDS.: MERCHANT SERVICES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/22/2021. 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: COPIOUS INTEREST LLC, 184-02 JAMAICA AVENUE, UNIT 80, HOLLIS, NY 11423.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

The name of the LLC is: NEAT AUTO CLUB LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) office on: 04/21/2021.The County in which the Office is to be located: QUEENS. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is: 14469 Northern Blvd., Flushing, New York 11354.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Shaanti Apparel, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/24/2021. 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: NIRANJAN KHEMRAJ, 104-46 210TH STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of The Black Mermaid Society LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/17/2021. 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: THELMA ERICA SMALL, 194-13 116 ROAD, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Untap Black, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/19/2021. 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: ALMITA PHILLIPS, 160-49 122ND AVE, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Notice of Formation of MINDFUL LOOK BOOKKEEPING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/31/2021. 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: LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC., 1967 WEHRLE DRIVE, SUITE 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY 14221.

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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: RAVEN’S WAY LLC, 1440 28TH AVE, FLOOR 1, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Sugarplum’s Creative Designs LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/11/2021. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Sharon Crawford, 154-12 137th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful act.

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Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

MY WAY CONSTRUCTION

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Call 1-888-871-0194 Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup— CALL LORI, 24hr Response Tax Deduction— PLEASE Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), 190 channels and 3 months free FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, premium movie channels! Free next CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, day installation! Call 888-508-5313 STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTDISH TV $64.99 for 190 Channels INGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, + $14.95 High Speed Internet. GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, Free Installation, Smart HD DVR TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS Included, Free Voice Remote.

Some restrictions apply. Promo Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon Expires 7/21/21. 1-888-609-9405 on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

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C M SQ page 27 Y K

Merchandise Wanted LOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, costume jewelry, old & mod furn, records, silver, coins, art, toys, comics, action figures, oriental items. Call George, 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

Garage/Yard Sales

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

AMENDED CITATION RE ADOPTION Case Number 18CCAD02333 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of MD NURAL MOSTAFA

Adopting

Parent

TO:

Howard Beach, Sat 5/15, 9am-3pm, 164-49 85 St. Nick’s Attic. Everything must go!

REAZ AHMED KAWSAR (aka JUSTIN

Howard Beach, Sat 5/15 & Sun 5/16, 9am-3pm, 160-11 81 St. Too much to mention!

appear personally concerning the

Howard Beach, Sat 5/15, 9am-3pm, 101 St betw 155 & 156 Aves. MULTI-FAMILY! Something for everyone!

minor(s), before the Judge of this

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, Sat 5/15, 9am-1pm & Sun 5/16, 9am-3pm, 164-17 90 St. Patio furn, bikes, tools. Something for everyone! Rain or shine!

Ozone Park, Sat 5/15, 9am-2:30pm, 97-28 135 Road.

HUGE SALE! Lots of new items.

RUDRO AZIM) By order of this Court, you are hereby cited and required to adoption of LOBIB SHADMAN JOY, Court in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, at the Courtroom of Department 414, 201 Centre Plaza Drive, Monterey Park, CA 91754 on 7-2-2021, at 11:00 A.M., of that day, then and there to show cause, if any, why said adoption should not be granted according to the petition on file herein. Appearances

Woodhaven, Sat 5/15, 9:30am, 87-69 96 St. Men’s suits, jackets & women’s clothing, designer clothing, gowns. Nothing higher than $5. Too much to mention!

must be made remotely using

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Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that a license number 1334618 for a beer, wine, liquor license has been applied for by Citrus And Spice LLC., to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 32-90 36TH St., Astoria, NY 11102 for premises consumption.

https : //lacvirtualcourts.webex. com/meet/chc-dept-414 Number:

WebEx

213-306-3065

WebEx Access Code: 962 078 140 Dated: 4-27-2021 SHERRI R. CARTER, Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles By: IRMA SANDOVAL, Deputy NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED You are served as an individual citee The time when a citation is deemed served on a party may vary depending on the method of service. For example, see Code of Civil Procedure Sections 413.10 through 415.40. CN976794 L&Q71271 May 6,13,20,27, 2021 NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 03-26-2021, bearing Index Number NC-000010-21/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) HEIDI (Middle) YIHAN (Last) ZHAO. My present name is (First) XIAOYUN (Last) ZHAO. The city and state of my present address are Rego Park, NY. My place of birth is CHINA. The month and year of my birth are July 1987.

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Legal Notices

PROBATE CITATION File No. 2017-4579A SURROGATE’S COURT - QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent, TO: ALBERT A. LAMBERT JR., BARRINGTON BROCK, CLIFTON ANDERSON and RAYMOND BROCK if living, and if dead, to his/her heirs at law, next of kin, distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if he/she died subsequent to the decedent herein, to his/her executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose name and places of residence are unknown and to all other heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of GILBERT CONSTANTINE BROCK the decedent herein, whose names and places of residences are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, Valerie Chin, Natalie Brock, Barry Seidel, G.A.L. A petition having been duly filed by MERLENE MCKELLOR and FRANCES MONROE, who is domiciled at 32-17 102nd Street, East Elmhurst, New York 11359 and 1914 Sassafras Drive, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33543.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on 10th day of June, 2021 at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of GILBERT CONSTANTINE BROCK lately domiciled at 32-17 102nd Street, East Elmhurst, New York 11359 admitting to probate a Will dated June 24, 2005, (a Codicil dated ––––) (a Codicil dated ––––), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of GILBERT CONSTANTINE BROCK deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [x] Letters Testamentary issue to: MERLENE MCKELLOR and FRANCES MONROE [x] Letters of Trusteeship issue to: [x] Letters of Administration C.T.A. issue to: NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. AS A RESULT OF THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE COURT TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, PHYSICAL PRESENCE AT THE COURTHOUSE ON THE RETURN DATE IS NOT POSSIBLE. THEREFORE, IF YOU WISH TO CONTEST THE RELIEF REQUESTED, YOU, OR AN ATTORNEY ON YOUR BEHALF, MUST CONTACT THE COURT PRIOR TO THIS DATE IN THE MANNER SET FORTH IN THE ATTACHED NOTICE. IF YOU DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT AS SET FORTH IN THE NOTICE IT WILL BE FOUND YOU CONSENT TO THE RELIEF REQUESTED. Date April 12, 2021 Hon. Peter J. Kelly, Surrogate, James Lim Becker, Chief Clerk LARRY H. WEISS, ESQ., Attorney for Petitioner, 516 794-1800, Telephone Number 1900 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 200, East Meadow, New York 11554, Address of Attorney

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA MECKLENBURG COUNTY IN THE DISTRICT COURT 21 CVD 500123 21 CVD 6716 Danielle Beckford, Plaintiff vs.

Michael Thompson, Defendant To: Michael Thompson Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of relief being sought is as follows: Domestic Violence Protective Order and Child Custody.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than 40 days from the first date of publication of this Notice, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 6th day of May, 2021.

Danielle Beckford, 9099 Mail Service Center, ACP 1996 Raleigh, NC 27699

Real Estate

Houses For Sale

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate.

Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131.

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

Howard Beach, Mint AAA Colonial, 3 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. 43x100 lot. all new construction. Lg MBR w/ensuite & walk-in closet. Convenient laundry rm on top fl. 1st fl—beautiful KIT, new cabinets, SS appli & granite countertops, LR, FDR, & den. Must see! Asking $829K. Connexion RE, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park.

All new mint AAA Ranch, 3 BR, 2 1/2 baths, granite countertops, SS appli, new baths, full fin bsmnt.

Asking $855K. Connexion RE, 718-845-1136

Land For Sale

HOWARD BEACH LAND FOR SALE 60x100 Call 718-414-3334.

Apts. For Rent Bushwick, 6 Stanhope St, #3R. NO FEE. 1 MO FREE. 1 BR/1 bath. $1,900/mo. Beautiful renov apt.

HWF, SS. Small pets OK. New construction bldg. Avail Now. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty

DOB approved plans inc.

Howard Beach/Lindenwood 6 rms 1 1/2 baths. No pets/smoking.

New carpet. Credit ck. Proof of income. $2,300/mo.

718-323-4552 Williamsburg, 177 Maujer St, Apt 4L. 2BR/1bath, $1,975/mo. NO BROKER FEE. Freshly painted apt.

HW fls, heat & hot water incl.

Avail May 15. Call Francesco Viglietta, 718-785-6533. Capri Jet Auctions: May 25. Rutland, VT: 6 Commercial condos, 1.49 acres: Realty 1600SF home, 0.23 acre. Mendon, Williamsburg, 333 Graham Ave, VT: 5BR Home, 6.2 Acres. #3L, 2BR/1Bath, $2,500/mo.

THCAuction.com 800-634-7653.

Luxurious Newly Renov Apt, SS, (MA Lic. #3363) DW, EIK, Full bath, High ceilings, Virtual AC. Avail Jun1. Call Stellina OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capril selection of full/partial week rentals.

FREE Color Brochure. Holiday Real Jet Realty Estate, Inc: 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com $50 discount—new rentals. Code: “ToTheBeach2021” (Expires 2021-06-01)

Real Estate Misc.

Co-ops For Sale HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD Deluxe Garden Co-op 1st Fl. 3+ bedroom, 2 bath, remodeled kitchen, both bathrooms upgraded, 1,068 ft. plenty of extras included. Asking $350K

Legal Notices

119-19 JAMAICA AVE., LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/17/10. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be Offered by Owner served. SSNY shall mail copy 347-260-1555 of process to the LLC, c/o Yossi Assayag, 86-25 Lefferts Howard Beach/Lindenwood.

Garden Co-op, 1st fl, 2 BR, 1 bath, Boulevard, Richmond Hill, NY FDR, move-in cond. Asking $289K 11418. Purpose: Any lawful Garden Co-op, 2nd fl, 2 BR, 1 bath, FDR, W/D permitted. Asking purpose. $269K. Connexion 718-845-1136

RE, Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

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Notice is hereby given that a Liquor License, serial number 1335081, for beer, wine, and liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine, and liquor at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at Cantina Sports Bar Corporation located at 37-64 103RD St, Corona, NY 11368 on premise consumption. Cantina Sports Bar Corporation

WebEx: WebEx Personal Room URL:

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 28

C M SQ page 28 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of Just Brand Logistics LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/12/2021. 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: JUST BRAND LOGISTICS LLC, 150-38 UNION TURNPIKE, UNIT PHB, FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Astuary Bookkeeping, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/12/2021. 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: DAVID JACKSON, 5955 47TH AVENUE, SUITE 5F, WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Fox Management Realty LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/06/2021. 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: FOX MANAGEMENT REALTY LLC, 84-03 CUTHBERT ROAD, STE 1B, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

222-01 LINDEN BOULEVARD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/27/21.

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, 13 Gay Drive, Great Neck, NY 11024.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of CERRO SOLUTIONS LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/19/21.

Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 15024 17 RD WHITESTONE, NY, 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

G’S DEVELOPMENT, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/31/21. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Brian Goncalves, 74-45 Yellowstone Boulevard, Apartment 2B, Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 2321 Blvd LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/24/2021. 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: RORY MCFARLANE, 129-25 154TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11434.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CF Nutritional Support LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/23/2020. 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: JAMES P COLLIGAN, 44-41 PURVES STREET, APT. 2202, QUEENS, NY 11101.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Grape Law Firm PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on March 23, 2021. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC, 5742 156th St. Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

3056 44TH STREET LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/30/2021. 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, 30-56 44th Street, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of Dragons lair Creations LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/23/2021.

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: DRAGONS LAIR CREATIONS LLC, 21518 91ST AVE., QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of INSPIRED OPHTHALMOLOGY, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/13/21.

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Elizabeth T. Viriya, 136-20 38th Ave., Ste. 5A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: to practice the profession of Ophthalmology.

536 50TH VOREA LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/07/21. 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, 11-48 46th Road, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Emily & Company Brokerage LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/13/2020. 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: EMILY & COMPANY BROKERAGE LLC, 8705 113TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Bill to end puppy mill pipeline progresses Celebrities call on state legislature to end inhuman animal conditions

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

The state Senate took a major step in halting the New York puppy mill pipeline last week.

The chamber passed legislation May 5 that would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail pet stores. It would also authorize collaboration with entities to provide space to showcase cats or dogs owned by certain entities for the purpose of adoption.

The Humane Society estimates there are at least 10,000 puppy mills throughout the country, but fewer than 3,000 of them are regulated by the federal Department of Agriculture. The lack of oversight often leads to inhuman conditions and disregard for the animals’ health.

“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), the bill’s sponsor, said in a statement.

Though the bill passed the Senate, its Assembly counterpart continues to sit in the chamber’s Codes Committee. There is no timeline for when the Assembly panel will vote on the measure, but the committee’s chair person, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), has thrown his full support behind passing the legislation.

Even high-profile celebrities have publicly endorsed the bill to end the suffering. An open letter calling on elected officials to pass the legislation and “break this cycle of cruelty” was signed by Alec Baldwin, Andy Cohen, Edie Falco, Paul Anka and other passionate A-listers.

With so much support for the action, animal rights activist Kim Caruana is confident the legislation will pass and go into effect in

After living in a puppy mill for most of his life, Dudley, an 8-year-old toy poodle, was surrendered to a rescue shelter and adopted into a PHOTO COURTESY KIM CARUANA loving family.

2022. The lengthy process has allowed time for her and other advocates to educate representatives on the vital nature of the bill.

The Maspeth resident has adopted several puppy mill survivors herself and has seen firsthand the effects the industry has on the animals’ lives. Her first dog, a Pekingese named Lita, suffered from dry eye, had five rotten teeth pulled and eventually died of congestive heart failure as a result of the poor living conditions.

“I think people are starting to realize the horrific conditions these cats, dogs and rabbits live in,” Caruana said.

During the pandemic, Caruana adopted another puppy mill survivor: a three-pound shih tzu named Nicholas. His previous owner tried to give him up in December, but Caruana stepped in to give him a proper home. Q

Run for epilepsy research The second-annual Joanna’s Fun Run is back!

Set for June 26, the 5K walk or run will raise money toward the study of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

The fundraiser is in memory of 9-yearold Joanna Sophia Ioannou, who passed away in her sleep from the illness in 2018.

With the theme “Around the World,” the Whitestone run will submerge participants in different cultures across the planet. At every kilometer, runners will be exposed to the music of different countries — from bagpipes of Ireland,

mariachis of Mexico, accordions of Italy to bouzouki of Greece and Cyprus and more.

Food booths with meals from various nations will welcome participants at the f inish line, as well as d r in ks and entertainment.

The timed 5K fun walk or run will start at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, at 14-71 Clintonville St., and end at Holy Cross Church, at 150-05 12 Ave. For more information or to register, v i sit jo a n n a s oph ia fou nd at ion .or g / Q events-register.

C M SQ page 29 Y K Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

Kew Gardens garage could be sustainable Construction for parking building with community space to end in ’23 ly, Demel said. The space will have its own presence that will be complimented by the area’s trees and Borough Hall’s three stories.

The parking garage and community space will lie adjacent to the new borough jail, one of the five smaller city jails meant to replace Rikers Island. Construction on the jail is set to begin in 2023, which coincides with construction completion on the parking garage.

Right now, the city Department of Design and Construction is crafting a temporary parking lot of 140 spaces that the public can use until the new garage is up and running.

“We put up some fencing, we separated the current parking lot into two. That will continue throughout May. That’s ongoing,” said Jeffrey Margolies, DDC’s intergovernmental and community affairs executive director. “We expect excavation for the garage once the temporary parking lot is set up. That’ll start this summer, followed by steel erection in the fall and construction will continue until the first quarter of 2023.”

City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) raised concern that the temporary parking lot, which Margolies said was open for public use, was not actually available. A constituent called her office earlier that day and complained she had to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

“We don’t want this. We don’t want cars

Associate Editor

The proposed Kew Gardens parking garage could be the first in New York City to be certified for its sustainability.

Project architects revealed the goal of achieving Parksmart-certified status to the Queens Borough Board at its May 10 meeting. Parksmart is the world’s only certification program that defines, measures and recognizes high-performing, sustainable garages. Only two buildings in the state have been awarded the certification, both of which are in Ithaca.

“In terms of sustainability, the project is targeting a lead certification — actually a lead gold standard — mainly focused upon energy use, rainwater harvesting and the material selection for the building,” Scott Demel of Marvel Architects reported Monday evening. “We believe for the parking garage itself, in terms of electrical use, it may approach net zero.”

Charging stations for electric vehicles are also included in the plans for the 600-space parking garage. Developers also said there is a capacity to include space for scooters and other vehicles as the project advances.

The project also includes plans for a community facility that would be “independent” from the garage both visually and structural-

The proposed Kew Gardens parking garage and community space will be erected across from NYC DDC RENDERING Queens Borough Hall and adjacent to the new borough jail. going into the communities to look for parking spots,” she said.

Margolies and Demel admitted only one — the 82nd street entrance — of the two access points were available. The second egress is closed off because of construction.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards requested the developers post adequate

signage to clue drivers in on parking spots.

He also requested they include updates regularly in the form of newsletters. The request for increased community communication quelled Koslowitz ’s worries.

“I don’t want headaches with this. I’ve had enough headaches with this project since day Q one and I don’t want anymore,” she said.

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II 82-17 153RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414

69-39 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385

718-835-4700

718-628-4700

• OPEN HOUSE •

• OPEN HOUSE •

• OPEN HOUSE •

Saturday, May 15th 1-3 PM - 159-38 85th Street

Saturday, May 15th 1-3 PM - 161-51 85th Street

Saturday, May 15th 1-3 PM - 164-33 83rd Street

HOWARD BEACH This beautifully maintained one family home leaves nothing to be desired. Superb detail throughout. 2 EIK, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, custom closet, living room with fireplace, formal dining room and a 1 car garage. New skylights as well as new windows on the 2nd floor. Bathrooms have been renovated. Backyard is resort like. In-ground pool with new pool liner and light, and all new pavers throughout the yard. A MUST SEE!!!!

ROCKWOOD PARK ESTATES Welcome back to “Howard Beach Estates”! Magnificent Custom Brick Center Hall Colonial. Solid brick home being offered for sale by the original owners.

Built in 2010, sitting on an 80x100 lot. 2 story grand entrance w/crystal chandelier. Formal L.R., formal D.R., 1/2 bath, fam room, gourmet chefs kit which includes commercial Thermador stove, 2 wall ovens, dishwasher, refrigerator, built in microwave, wine cooler, granite island, plus eating area w/fireplace. Sliders which lead to pvt country club backyard for entertaining. Gated in-ground salt water heated pool, brick pizza oven, BBQ kitchen with refrigerator. Patio with plenty of seating areas. 2nd flr features 4 BRs, 2 full baths, plus a master BR suite with pvt bath, sitting area & walk-in closet. Full fin bsmnt with commercial washer & dryer and ½ bath. 1 car garage plus 2 pvt driveways. Flood insurance not mandatory, natural gas generator.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

HOWARD BEACH Spectacular custom all brick 50x100 lot center hall Colonial with grand entrance staircase. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Turn key!! Chandelier & radiant heat through out the whole house. Custom molding with Wayne coating and Venetian plaster. State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, double-oven and garbage disposal. Formal living room with gas fireplace. Formal dining room and den. Master suite with master bath with Jacuzzi & fireplace.

Full finished 9-foot ceiling basement with split units. Full patio with garage & outdoor bathroom, in-ground salt water pool with Jacuzzi & seats. Fully alarmed.

©2021 M1P • CAMI-079130

by Katherine Donlevy

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 30

C M SQ page 30 Y K Brooklyn & Queens Real Estat e Experts!

Howard Beach e Real Estat Experts!

Located in WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhood.

We have Qualified International Buyers.

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 2-4pm 181 Meserole Ave., Greenpoint X-LG 4 Family w/Backyard & Full Basement! $2,299,000

21-16 Bleecker St., Ridgewood Gorgeous Brick 2 Family w/ Private Driveway & Garage! $1,049,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, May 15th 12:30-2pm 23-02 30th Ave., Astoria Corner Brick Renovated 3 Family w/ Full Basement! $1,649,000

50-22 40th St., Unit 1H, Sunnyside Stunning 1 BR/1 Bath in Elevator Bldg in Prime Sunnyside! $315,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 2-3:30pm 26-22 30th Street, Astoria Fully Renovated Brick 2 Family.

Extra Large Lot w/Parking! $1,599,000

717 Annadale Rd., Staten Island Gorgeous Townhouse w/ Garage & Backyard! $625,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 10:30-11:30am

• OPEN HOUSE • Thursday, May 13th 5:30-7pm

97 Moore St., Apt 2A, Williamsburg Spacious 1 BR/1 BA Condo in Williamsburg! $585,000

518 Meeker Ave., Greenpoint 10 Family Mid-Rise Elevator Building w/ Rooftop! $6,875,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 1-3pm

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 1-3pm

293 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg Brick 3 Family (5 Levels) w/ Backyard & Full Finished Bsmnt! $2,849,000

557 Beach 43rd St., Far Rockaway Semi-attached Legal 2 Family! $725,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, May 15th 1:30-3pm

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, May 16th 2:30-4pm

240 Jackson St., Williamsburg Brick 2 Family (3 Levels) w/Backyard! $1,799,000

100 Maspeth Ave., #5M, Williamsburg Bright & Renovated 1 BR/1 Bath Condo w/Balcony! $585,000

2 Broome Street, Greenpoint Vacant Corner Lot in Prime Greenpoint!

Approved Plans! $1,335,000

50 Orchard St., Unit 2D, Lower East Side Gorgeous 2 BD/2 Bath Condo w/Private 600 sq. ft. Terrace! $2,180,000

FREE Tax Liability (if any) analysis of the sale of your Home, by our in-house accountant, Mario Saggese, CPA, specializing in 1031 Exchanges and saving you money. The consultation is FREE and you are under no obligation to use his services For more listings, please visit our website

www.CapriJetRealty.com CAPJ-078336

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C M SQ page 31 Y K

BEAT

82-17 153 RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414

A ratty cover-up “It’s not the crime, it’s the cover-up” is a timehonored political adage. Mets infielders Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil would have been better off following that advice last Friday night after they got into an off-field dustup during the seventh inning of what turned out to be an exciting 5-4 comeback win in ten innings over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It’s not easy for a new infield combination to get acclimated. Shortstop Lindor and second baseman McNeil have had communication issues in the field during the early going of the 2021 season, although in fairness they have turned some nifty double plays.

In the top of the seventh inning the duo misplayed what should have been an easy out. These things happen and so do heated conversations, especially when the highly intense McNeil is one of the parties. He and Lindor had a heated exchange in the runway connecting the Mets dugout with the clubhouse. Few would have known about this fracas if most Mets players hadn’t left the dugout in the bottom of the seventh inning to hurriedly enter the runway.

The Mets were down 4-2 at the time, but fortunately for them, Lindor picked an opportune time to break out of his season-long slump by smacking a two-run homer to tie the game. The Mets would pull out a 5-4 win three innings later.

Naturally, Lindor was asked about what happened in the runway by the media after the game.

Instead of coming clean by admitting they were blowing off some steam, Lindor came up with a weird tale about how they were debating whether it was a king-sized rat or a raccoon they were seeing in the runway. I’m sure the Citi Field grounds and sanitation crews were thrilled.

He might have been able to sell this farfetched story if McNeil hadn’t been so jumpy at his postgame presser where he raised the possibility the mysterious animal in question might be a possum. It’s a good thing he wasn’t hooked up to a polygraph. Also working against Lindor’s yarn was how the Mets rushed out of the dugout.

Some of these guys are afraid to get a Covid-19 vaccine so I doubt they’d want to approach a possibly rabid mammal.

I can’t blame Lindor for creating the rat/raccoon drama. He’s new to the team and figured taking a “what happens in Fight Club, stays there” attitude would earn the trust of his teammates. Both he and McNeil had been struggling offensively and that played a huge role in last week’s dismissal of hitting coach Chili Davis, which had to have weighed on their minds.

The funny thing is Friday night’s weirdness may have been exactly what was needed as both Q have started playing better.

See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Connexion

69-39 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385

718-628-4700 • OPEN HOUSE • Private Showing by appt. only. May 15th 12:30-2 PM Call Janice 718-490-8023

• Lindenwood • • Lindenwood • Bright sunlit 1 bedroom Garden Co-op.

Full bath, living room, dining room, eff kitchen. Hardwood floors, crown moldings, updated kitchen and bathroom, storage room, option for garage parking, close to shopping and transportation. $35/ share fl ip tax.

Make this Large mint top floor Co-op in Lindenwood your new home! Gorgeous light from southeast/ southwest exposures. Kit features granite countertops, stainless steel kit appliances and tile floor. 2 BRs/2 baths. FIVE closets (2 of them walk-in’s)! Hardwood floors throughout. Spacious L-shaped living/dining room with vertical blinds. Wi-Fi ready, secure elevator building with lobby and intercom, laundry on lobby level Maintenance includes gas, electric, heat, hot water, & parking can be added at $25.00 per month.

Well maintained building. Base Maint: $766.03, Electric:$38.00, Assessment: $23.39=$827.42.

• Forest Hills •

• Lindenwood • Turnkey One BR Condo with Terrace in Howard Beach. The renovations include new bathroom; new kit with extension of prep area and entertaining island. Overhead lighting was added; new flooring; closet doors throughout. Monthly common charges are only $356 a month which includes your heat, hot water, & cooking gas. Low Taxes estimated $2,500 annually (w/out Star). Close proximity to shopping center; express bus to Manhattan; LA Fitness; Gateway Mall; express way & Resorts World. Pet Friendly (w/some restrictions) Building!

“A SYMPHONY IN THE GARDENS” 97 Continental Avenue is an elegantly built Center Hall Colonial Home located in Forest Hills Gardens, one of NYC’s most sought-after neighborhoods. It sits fi rmly on almost half an acre of land. Its design’s integrity and charm have been meticulously looked for, freezing time & honoring the home’s historical value. You are welcomed by a beautiful foyer that boasts neoclassical features and an iconic stairwell that stands as the home’s backbone & centerpiece.

This nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence enjoys six fi replaces, a Butler’s pantry, grand-living room, formal dining room, a mahogany-lined library, wine cellar, an enclosed sunroom, two levels of living area, & a comparable size lower level.

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

REAL ESTATE

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach

Get Your House

SOLD!

(Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

ARLENE PACCHIANO Broker/Owner

718-845-1136 FREE MARKET EVALUATION

CONNEXIONREALESTATE.COM HOWARD BEACH

ROSEDALE

All new mint AAA Ranch, 3 BR, 2½ baths, granite countertops, S.S. appliances, new baths, full fin. bsmnt

Asking $855K

ARVERNE CONDO FOR SALE

$2,750/mo Includes: parking spot & washer/dryer

Large 2 Family on oversized lot (84’x121’) Ideal for contractor or to park multiple trucks 7+, with 2 car det. garage, house in (22’x50’), full bsmnt. House sold as is. Needs updating, 6 BR, 3 full baths, Great Price Asking $798K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK Unique home, 5 BRs, 4 baths, huge master, whole 3rd flr., cathedral ceilings, radiant heat, granite countertops, S.S. appliances, wood burning fireplace, I/G pool and pavers.

TOO MUCH TO LIST!

HALF BLOCK TO BEAUTIFUL BEACH! Townhouse - Ground Floor, 2 BRs, 1 Bath, All Updated Includes Washer Dryer.

Asking $355K

OZONE PARK/CENTREVILLE Mint 1 family Colonial, great location, new eat-in-kit, cherry cabinets, Quartz counter, S.S. Appliances, 3/4 BRs, 2 full baths, fin. bsmnt, pvt entrance, 1 car det gar, pvt dvwy, paid for solar panels, fenced yard, alarm system & security cameras outside, new roof on home & gar, close to express bus & A train.

Asking $698,888

HOWARD BEACH Mint AAA Colonial, 3 BRs, 2½ Baths, 43x100 lot, All New Construction, Large Master BR with Ensuite & Walk in Closet, Convenient Laundry Room on Top Flr, 1st Flr Has Beautiful Kitchen, New Cabinets, S.S. Appliances & Granite Countertops, Living Room, Formal Dining Room & Den. Must See! Asking $829K

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

Garden Co-op on 2nd floor, 2 BR, Formal Dining Room, 1 Bath, Washer/Dryer Allowed

Cross Bay Blvd., 2nd Floor, 350 sq. ft., Plus Heat & Electric, All New Tiles & New Bathroom

Asking $269K

$1,500/mo

• Rockwood Park • Beautifully renovated High Ranch on a 40x100 lot. This lovely home features high ceilings, skylights, four bedrooms, two baths, hardwood floors, central air, alarm system, and laundry room, with washer/ dryer. A backyard patio with gas BBQ, perfect for entertaining, & a long private driveway that can hold 3-4 cars, Complete move in condition. Conveniently located to all Howard Beach has to offer.

Garden Co-op Move-in Condition, 2 BRs, 1 Bath with Formal Dining Room Co-op, On First Floor.

Asking $289K

GREENPOINT BROOKLYN

Legal 6 family, Six 2 Bedroom Apts.

Asking $2.9 Mil

FREE Market Evaluation 718-845-1136

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APARTMENTS FOR RENT 3 BR, 2 baths, all updated, 2nd floor,

• Lindenwood • Unpack your bags & move right in. This is the largest of the two-bedroom units at 1113 sq. ft of living space.

This unit features a beautiful open concept kit with granite countertops. Spacious Living Room/Dining Room combination, 2 large Bedrooms, 2 full Baths, & a dedicated office space. There’s hardwood floors throughout, 6 closets for lots of storage and Laundry room, storage room and bicycle room located in Lobby.

Common charges=$679.97 which includes water, sewer, cooking gas, heat, and common area maintenance.

CONR-079071

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

718-835-4700

©2021 M1P • CAMI-079067

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 13, 2021 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K

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