Queens Chronicle South Edition 05-25-23

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MTA proposes subway, bus fare increases by Labor Day

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This week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposed rate hikes for single rides and monthly passes. Single bus and su bway rides would cost 15 cents more, express bus fares 25 cents more and seven-day passes could go up by $1. While some decry the proposals, others s ay they are necessary to keep the system moving.

PARENT PUSH

Group continues the fight for a middle school

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PHONE HOME

Volunteers give tech help to seniors

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UNFLAGGING FEALTY

Memorial Day parades across Queens honor U.S. war dead

SEE qboro, PAGE 23

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Single rides would rise to $2.90; bridge, tunnel tolls also heading up MTA seeks fare, toll hikes by Labor Day

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Asingle swipe of a MetroCard is likely to go up 15 cents by September, based on a report presented to the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday.

Jai Patel, the MTA’s deputy chief financial officer, told board members that fare revenues would increase 4 percent, as opposed to the 5.5 percent projected back in December. Bridge and tunnel toll increases will remain at 5.5 percent.

Patel said the drop in the fare box increase is due to $65 million in additional funding for the MTA in the recently approved state budget.

The base fare for an NYC Transit bus or subway ride would go from $2.75 to $2.90 per trip, or a 5 percent increase. Seven-day passes would go up $1 to $34, or 3 percent. A 30-day pass would increase 4 percent, from $127 to $132.

The express bus fare is slated to increase 4 percent, from $6.75 to $7. The 7-day pass is set to go up 3 percent, to $62 from $54.

The MTA anticipates hosting a series of hybrid public hearings in June with input being offered both in person and by those participating online.

Patel said people also will be able to submit their views by mail and email. Proposals for toll increases also will be voted on in July.

The present tolls for the RFK-Triborough, Whitestone, Throgs Neck and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges, as well as the Queens Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels are $6.55 for E-ZPass drivers and $10.17 for toll by mail.

One proposal would, respectively, increase both 7 percent to $7.01 and $10.88; while a second scenario would increase E-ZPass tolls 6 percent to $6.96 and toll by mail fees 10 percent to $11.19.

The Henry Hudson, Cross Bay and Marine Parkway bridges would face the same percentage increases, though Rockaway and Broad Channel residents would be eligible for discounts on the Cross Bay.

Increases for the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth are expected to yield a 4 percent revenue increase. Monthly tickets would rise an average of 4.3 percent with a cap of $500. Weekly tickets would go up an average of 4.3 percent, and one-way peak tickets 4.6 percent.

A 10-trip off-peak ticket would increase, but remain at 15 percent below peak tickets.

The base fare for city bus and subway rides appears to be headed up by the end of this coming summer, along with tolls and the Long Island Rail Road. Transit activist Charlton D’souza, left, hopes to preserve discounts for riders. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

The plan recommends that OMNY fare caps be modified from the present Monday-throughSunday time frame to a rolling seven-day period, in which all rides after 12 in the seven-day time frame are free.

A number of pilot fare programs for the commuter railroads also are up for

examination.

A $7 peak City Ticket is in the offing, and the weekday off-peak City Ticket will remain at $5. The combination of those may lead to the elimination of the Atlantic Ticket pilot program.

A pilot Far Rockaway Ticket is under consideration, while the Combo Ticket pilot will remain in place. The 20-trip peak ticket with its 20 percent discount may be eliminated.

Patel and Finance Committee Chairman Neal Zuckerman said the plan will place the MTA on track to returning to the practice of raising fare and toll revenue about 4 percent every two years through increases.

Both pointed out that there has not been a fare increase since 2019, though tolls did go up in 2021. Zuckerman said that, given facts such as inflation and projected wage increases, the hikes are reasonable ones.

He also said that with the MTA still 30 percent below its prepandemic ridership, the percentage of increase is coming from a much lower base of revenue.

“We need to do this,” he said.

A number of ridership advocacy organizations that had been opposing fare increases hadn’t weighed in on the proposals as of Wednesday morning,

Charlton D’souza, president of Passengers United, made his disapproval known in an

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Richmond Hill group seeks community help as it considers rally, town hall Parents continue middle school push

by Deirdre Bardolf

Editor

Parents are still fighting for their calls for a middle school on Jamaica Avenue to be heard.

An elementary school is proposed for the 120-08 Jamaica Ave. site, which was formerly Rubie’s Costumer Company, but some parents say the need instead is for a middle school in the neighborhood.

“Parents are scrambling or leaving the community,” said Emilee Wyner, who is working to organize and rally families.

Wyner, a Richmond Hill mother and one of the heads of the Facebook group Parents of North Richmond Hill, met with Community Board 9’s Education Committee Monday on Zoom to get advice on holding a rally and pursuing other actions for the cause.

Community Board 9 has pledged to stand with the Richmond Hill group. In early April, the board voted in favor of a letter supporting a middle school at the site.

“While our board realizes that a new elementary school would help relieve overcrowding in our elemen-

tary schools, we strongly believe that we are in much greater need of a middle school at this site,” the letter read.

It also reiterated parent concerns including those in northern Richmond Hill not having a middle school in walking distance. The location would not be safe for elementary school children, they argue.

The Richmond Hill students are zoned for District 27 middle schools, some of which are far from the area, and although many District 28 schools are closer, they are harder for students get into.

The parents hope to appeal to Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills). As the Council is in the midst of budget negotiations with a looming deadline, they say they haven’t been able to get time with Schulman and hope to before the primary this June.

“She has some wonderful middle school options but children here can’t attend those schools,” Wyner said, referring to the schools within District 28, which makes up most of Schulman’s district.

Board Chair Sherry Algredo said no one councilmember should

decide what is best for a community and said the board will stand with the parents if it is for a rally or something else.

Now, the group is leaning toward a town hall for early June to voice these concerns and more, and hopes Schulman will be there. Her office did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

But time is ticking, the communi-

ty board members pointed out. Carmela Isabella recommended that the group petition the PTAs of every elementary school in the area before the academic year ends.

And although the elementary school plans are still in the early stages, it could be too late to amend the existing plans and risk the sale of the building.

In February, Ben Goodman, an external affairs manager with the

School Construction Authority, told the borough president’s Parent Advisory Board, “We are taking the concerns into account and we did hear folks loud and clear so we are going to see what we can do.”

The public comment period was open until March 8.

As of now, Kevin Ortiz, spokesman for the SCA, said there are no updates and that discussions are ongoing. Q

Broad Channel resiliency project recogonized by infrastructure group Street raising work gets nat’l attention

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

A Broad Channel resiliency project didn’t just raise streets but also raised the bar.

The second phase of the infrastructure project, which is also adding new storm sewers to reduce flooding from Jamaica Bay, has been selected to receive an Envision Verified Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, the city Department of Design and Construction announced Tuesday.

Phase II will provide upgrades on West 14th, West 15th, West 16th and West 17th roads. Construction includes the installation of bulkheads at the end of each street; raising each street’s centerline; shared streets; signage and striping to enhance pedestrian safety; new storm sewers and the replacement of sanitary sewers and water mains. It is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024.

Phase I raised streets and brought new storm sewers, curbs, shared sidewalks, signs

and crosswalks.

“DDC is seeking long-term sustainable solutions to the flooding that Broad Channel residents have long dealt with the aftermath of rain events and even during high tides,” agency Commissioner Thomas Foley said in a prepared statement.

“It’s very gratifying for the DDC team when those efforts are recognized by a group such as the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure,” he continued.

The ISI is a nonprofit that developed and manages Envision, a framework and rating system that enables a thorough examination of civil infrastructure’s sustainability and resiliency. The way LEED certifies sustainable buildings, Envision focuses on infrastructure.

ISI Managing Director Melissa Peneycad called the project “a model for how to plan and design for reconstruction and resilience while proactively taking into account the interests of the local community.”

The second phase of a project to raise streets in Broad Channel, above, which is set to wrap up next summer, is being recognized by a national infrastructure nonprofit. PHOTO COURTESY DDC

An elementary school has been proposed for Jamaica Avenue, above, but a group of Richmond Hill parents are fighting for a middle school to go there instead. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE

Emilee Wyner ZOOM SCREENSHOT

Weekend service and layoffs could come, leaders tell the City Council Cuts still threaten library operations

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

The presidents of New York City’s three public library systems testified last week to state the impacts that proposed $36.2 million budget cuts would have on service and operations.

It was the first time Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott and New York Public Library President Tony Marx spoke publicly since Mayor Adams partially restored some library funding in the 2024 executive budget plan.

But the remaining cuts could still be the “breaking point,” for them, Johnson stated in her remarks on Thursday.

The cuts would force the systems to pull back on filling vacancies the three said, and would hamper weekend operations and eliminate Sunday service altogether, as well as threaten other operations, including mobile libraries and services for migrants.

After the initial 4 percent budget reduction proposal, Walcott said his organization was “planning for deeply painful scenarios in the new fiscal year.”

The library systems are grateful for that reversal but the remaining cuts will result in significant service impacts, he said.

“Queens Public Library is facing a reduction

of $5.9 million from the Administration as well as the loss of $4.38 million if the Council’s Library Initiative is not reauthorized — a total loss for QPL of $10.3 million,” Walcott said in his remarks.

Sunday service would be eliminated at the Central, Flushing and Kew Gardens Hills libraries and up to half of the locations would have to end Saturday service, he said.

The reduction would end universal six-day

Motorcyclist killed on Conduit near 79th St.

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

A Jamaica man was killed when he fell off his motorcycle on a dangerous portion of the Conduit last Friday.

Just after noon, police in the 106th Precinct responded to a call of a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on North Conduit Avenue near 79th Street.

Officers found 54-year-old Dwayne General lying in the road with trauma to his body. He was transported to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

General was riding a 2012 Yamaha V-Star Cruiser westbound when he “failed to properly navigate the roadway,” the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad determined. The motorcycle fell over and came to a stop. The investigation is ongoing.

The incident happened just west of 79th Street, according to authorities.

The notoriously dangerous area of North and South Conduit avenues near 79th Street is slated for traffic improvements.

After years of community requests, the

city Department of Transportation last month announced that traffic signals will be installed on both sides, which are separated by a grassy median that pedestrians and bikers cross to and from the Linden Center mall, as well as other measures.

In 2021, 24-year-old Kimberly Ortega was hit and killed by a driver while coming from the gym there.

The Ozone Park Residents Block Association said it will push for the traffic light installation to be expedited. Q

service for QPL and cut spending on books, materials, programs and services, and defer maintenance and repairs, Walcott continued. Seventy-three staff positions would be cut, he added, saying “It would be a “major step backwards for our city.”

The libraries’ offerings include computer access and technology support, Wi-Fi, bilingual storytimes, job search assistance, afterschool homework help, college readiness work-

shops, spaces to connect with their neighbors and more.

On the weekends through April of this fiscal year, QPL hosted over 737,000 visits, more than 90,400 computer sessions, 4,600 programs with an attendance of more than 91,200, and circulated nearly 873,000 materials.

Walcott cited some of the ways residents make the most of their local libraries.

Conciere Taylor visits the Rochdale Village Library to “do research for fiction writing and personal health information,” Walcott shared. “I think everyone deserves the same opportunity,” he quoted Taylor as saying.

Xiao Hong Chen’s 2-year-old son was prepared for 3K, despite English as a second language and speech delays, at their branch.

QPL is requesting $10 million in unrestricted capital funding for the upcoming year, Walcott said, to cover shortfalls seamlessly and avoid funding-related delays.

Before the testimonies, a rally took place and supporters included Council members and DC37, the union representing library workers.

Councilwoman Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) attended, and in a statement said, “We devote a small fraction of the city’s budget to funding our libraries, but the return on that investment is immeasurable. It is unthinkable to suggest they find a way to do the same with less by slashing their budgets.” Q

Husband, 86, charged in wife’s bloody killing

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

An 86-year-old man was charged with murder after his wife was found dead at the bottom of a stairway last Wednesday.

At about 8:20 p.m., police in the 102nd Precinct responded to a call on 91st Avenue in Woodhaven where they found Luz Porras, 78, unconscious and unresponsive on the first floor of the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The medical examiner later determined blunt force trauma to her skull and brain caused her death.

The next day, her husband, Ovidio Porras, was arrested and charged with murder, tampering with evidence and criminal contempt. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the complaint, the two, who were in the midst of a divorce, had a fight earlier that day and the wife had a restraining order against the husband.

Nobody else was in the home when the incident occurred but the couple’s son found Porras and made the 911 call, the Daily News reported. Another witness reported hearing a commotion and loud

thump come from the house.

The complaint said police found cleaning supplies that indicated Porras tried to clean up the scene. They also noted blood on his head, face and feet, and said his shoes matched prints found at the scene.

Porras said he was out all day and surrendered his senior citizen MetroCard. He is being represented by attorney David Strachan.

“A horrific case of domestic violence caused the death of an elderly woman, and her husband will now be held accountable for the alleged murder and evidence tampering,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “This type of crime has no age limit. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call our Domestic Violence Helpline at (718) 286-4410.”

Police in the 102nd and 106th precincts have also reported disturbing domestic violence trends. At a Community Board 9 meeting earlier this month, Capt. Jeremy Kivlin, commanding officer of the 102, reported an increase in assaults and said they are mostly domestic. Q

A motorcyclist was killed last week near North Conduit Avenue and 79th Street, above.

PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF / FILE

Despite some library funding being restored, remaining cuts could still threaten the services and days of operation for the city’s three public systems. FILE PHOTO

Big Apple sinking slowly, says report

City’s buildings weighing it down; part of larger

by Deirdre Bardolf Editor

It may not be the weight of the world, but the weight of the world’s greatest city is slowly submerging the land around it, geologists have found.

“A deeply concentrated population of 8.4 million people faces varying degrees of hazard from inundation in New York City,” says the paper, written by three University of Rhode Island oceanologists and a researcher from the US Geological Survey. They collaborated to publish their findings in the scientific journal Earth’s Future.

The city is sinking under the weight of its buildings, which weigh a combined mass of nearly 1.7 trillion pounds, they found.

The subsidence is happening faster in some places than others, including a strip that runs from Brooklyn through the center of Queens, which is made up of a mix of sand gravel, clay and more, and coastal areas including the South Queens, which are made up of artificial fill and, for the Rockaways, “beach deposits” of sand and gravel.

The scholars first estimated the

weight of New York’s buildings and then calculated the downward pressure they exert on the mixture of clay, sand and silt that make up most of the ground beneath the city’s streets.

Many of the largest buildings in Manhattan are anchored into bedrock but elsewhere there is a mixture of sands and clays that have been built upon, adding to a sinking effect that is naturally occurring along much of the East Coast as the land reacts to tectonic forces.

“Urban subsidence may be caused by ground water withdrawal, natural ground compaction, tectonic effects, rerouting of normal sediment accumulation, and the weight of cities themselves,” according to the researchers.

The risk of inundation is coupled by not only the subsidence of the built portions of the city but also sea level rise and increasing storm intensity, a global phenomenon seen wherever cities are being built by coasts.

“There is a shared global challenge of mitigation against a growing inundation hazard,” say the writers.

Research estimates that sea level

environmental issues

buildings falling down,” said Gennaro, who is also a geologist and environmental scientist.

Instead, he is taking the news as an opportunity to call more attention to what he calls the “clear and present danger,” which is storm surges.

“We went through Sandy — that is what storm surge can do tomorrow,” said Gennaro. “Whether it’s sea level rise, although important over the long term to plan for, and land subsidence, also important to plan for over the long term, this is the equivalent of academic esoterica compared to the imminent threat posed by storm surge.”

Storm surge barriers, like those included in recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tentative plans, should be embraced despite the “not inconsequential ecological factors” that some environmental groups cite in opposition.

along the U.S. coastline is projected to rise, on average, 10 to 12 inches by 2050 and has already risen by about 6.5 inches since 1950. Major flooding events are also expected to become three to four times more frequent.

To Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), the sky is not falling, nor are the buildings, but the new research does point to greater threats to the area.

“From an engineering point of view, no one has to worry about

Overall, the research published in Earth’s Future “ought to be written,” said Gennaro, and the findings should be considered for sea level rise calculations, he said, continuing, “I’m endeavoring to work with my

continued on page 16

Seek more leeway, smaller classes Teachers rally for a better contract

by Stephanie G. Meditz Chronicle Contributor

The United Federation of Teachers rallied in all five boroughs Wednesday for a fair contract in the wake of the 2019-22 agreement’s expiration in September.

Queens UFT members met outside Borough Hall to demand new contract negotiations that compensate them for their tireless work to meet students’ needs, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Through the roughest times, we made sure kids were still learning, were still supported and felt safe. Who else did that?” PS 85 teacher Leah Lin said. “We haven’t been compensated for eight months now. It’s completely insulting.”

The prior contract increased teacher salaries by 2 percent in its first year, followed by a 0.5 percent increase in 2020 and 2021.

That placed the starting teacher salary at roughly $61,000, and the maximum teacher salary at $128,657.

“Three years ago, they told us when Covid shut everything down that we were building the plane while we were flying it,” District 75 teacher Rob Roszkowski said, donning a sign shaped like an airplane. “Right now, our plane is underfueled ... [UFT] doesn’t stand for under-fueled teachers.”

In a recent UFT poll, 87 percent of educa-

tors reported that administrative tasks interfere with students’ learning.

“We should have the freedom to do and say what we please with our time throughout the day,” Lin said. “We deserve to have the structure to teach what we want to our kids. We are so sick and tired of the DOE telling us what to test, what to assess ... enough is enough. Let us teach.”

Teacher and former paraprofessional Dina Hassan said that overtesting detracts from students’ love for learning and precludes teachers from implementing innovative pedagogical methods.

“We find ourselves in a time when tests have [overshadowed] the true purpose of education,” she said. “It places undue pressure on our young learners and fear of failure. Education should inspire and empower, not induce fear.”

The 2019-22 contract stated that chapter leaders and principals would work to reduce class sizes within the first 10 days of school. Overcrowding in schools is a prevalent issue throughout NYC, especially with the steady influx of migrant students.

UFT District 25 representative Lamar Hughes said that, in Monday’s City Hall meeting, Councilmember Julie Won (D-Sunnyside) “eviscerate[d] the DOE with questions that they had absolutely no answers to.”

One such question was when the city will

have new class sizes in place.

“Class sizes matter, and we want fair contracts now,” she said. “I will continue to ask them the hard questions that they’ve never had to answer before to make sure that you’re getting your fair share.”

Councilmembers Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) and James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) were in attendance, as well as representatives from the offices of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Whitestone), Councilmember Tiffany

Cabán (D-Astoria) and Assemblymember Steven Raga (D-Maspeth).

“Teachers face numerous challenges — overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and evolving educational requirements. ... it is imperative that we address them by advocating for a fair contract that honors and values the work we do,” Hassan said. “A fair contract is not just a matter of financial compensation. ... It entails providing teachers with necessary tools and resources to effectively engage and educate our diverse students.” Q

Teachers and paraprofessionals from all over Queens met outside Borough Hall on Wednesday to rally for a fair contract.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ

New research says the mass of New York City’s buildings is weighing it down but experts point out that the effect is coupled with storm surges and sea level rise. PHOTO COURTESY DON RIEPE / FILE

The Howard Beach Kiwanis

Club once again puts their American flags up along Cross Bay Boulevard for the fourth year.

This is done to honor all our unsung heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice. Let’s not forget them this Memorial Day and every day!

P

Hunters Pt. Library a big mistake

How on earth do you design a public building that’s not fully handicapped-accessible in this day and age? Did you somehow miss the memo about the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Perhaps these questions will arise in depositions as the city lawsuit against the architectural firm that designed the overpriced, unattractive and ambulatorydiscriminatory Hunters Point Library goes forward. The city is seeking tens of millions of dollars from Steven Holl Architects, Holl himself and a partner.

It’s not suing because the library has the aesthetics of a cinder block, which it does, but because so many of its vaunted features can only be reached via stairs — in fact, some of its most vaunted features are stairs. And in the 21st century, building things that people with disabilities cannot get to is a no-no (check out this link for the building’s possible inspiration: bit.ly/3q7Lo7u).

That’s why, soon after the library opened in Septemb er 2019, a patron with mobility disabilities, Tanya Jackson of Long Island City, and the Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York sued the Queens Library, its Board of Trustees and the city in a

class action alleging discrimination. That suit puts it well: “Heralded as a ‘stunning architectural marvel’ and a ‘beacon of learning, literacy and culture,’ the newlybuilt Hunters Point Library was designed and built with a total disregard for adults and children with mobility disabilities and in flagrant contempt of the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which took effect in 1992, almost three decades ago.”

Indeed it was. So now, three and a half years later, the city is finally getting around to trying to hold the architects who designed it accountable. What took so long? Covid? Who knows? That’s bureaucracy for you.

After all, the city Human Rights Commission and U.S. Department of Justice launched their own probes into the library in 2019 and, according to the city’s suit against the architects, those “remain pending.”

Alas, the city and library would not comment for our story this week, which you can find in some editions or at qchron.com. That’s too bad, as we’d sure like to know how no one realized there was a problem before the library was built. Do you really spend $41.5 million on a public building and no one looks at the blueprints?

Do your part, Douglaston

Douglaston has a lot to be thankful for. Nestled into the far northeastern corner of Queens, it’s filled with lovely homes and general prosperity. You might even see it as the gateway to Long Island’s Gold Coast. According to a 2017 study done for the New York Business Journal, its 11363 ZIP code is the wealthiest in the entire city.

So it’s no surprise that many residents there would not want a homeless shelter placed in their midst. Few communities do. But the one slated for Douglaston is about as benign as they get, and at a time when the city is being flooded by working-age men from foreign countries, residents might even be thankful they’ll just be sheltering older women. That’s who is going to be placed in the former Pride of Judea Community Services building on Northern Boulevard: up to 75 women age 55 and over. Despite what some of the objectors claim, it’s a good site for such a facility. It’s on a major roadway with bus service. It’s near a number of stores and eateries — a pharmacy is next door and a supermarket within walking distance, along with a library. Two churches and a firehouse are right there.

Yes, shelters can bring problems. They should be minimal at this one. Douglaston will not be downgraded by accepting it.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Let the rabbits be

Dear Editor:

Re “Down a rabbit hole in Hamilton Beach,” May 18, multiple editions:

Raymond G. Sito General Manager

Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Deirdre Bardolf Editor

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Jan Schulman Art Director

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Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager

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Senior Account Executives:

Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives:

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Contributors:

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Photographers:

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Office: The Shops at Atlas Park 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201

Glendale, NY 11385

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Website: www.qchron.com

So, the truth of the matter is our sweet, calm and peaceful rabbits are being killed by predatory cats, that are let out all day, and, even worse, one cat in particular that is let out all night by their owners to prey upon them. Someone called the rabbit terrorist group, as noted in the Chronicle, who basically stalked and ran after them, trapping them and removing a mother or father from their rabbit family.

This happened last year. Many, many neighbors and community people were upset because of the joy and peace the innocent, sweet rabbits bring to the park. I know this because I live adjacent to the park and am with these beautiful rabbits every day. They are very healthy, well fed and very happy. After all, they eat grass. I feed them, as do the wife of the local deli owner and other neighbors.

Correction

Dear Editor:

Citing claims made by Mayor Adams and attributing them to him, the May 18 editorial “Migrant crisis hits the children” overstated the share of hotel rooms being used by asylum seekers. The city says it is 40 percent of a certain set of midsize hotel rooms, according to The New York Times. We regret the error.

Numerous people come every day to be with them; they say they are like therapy for them. One woman told me she had cancer and to sit with them is therapeutic for her. The families that come here with their children are overjoyed; they say nowhere else in NYC has this.

In fact, Adrian Innis was here just the other day in the park, his second time to check the ecosystem here. He studied at the University in Guyana and moved here to find green spaces in NYC to support this type of environment. He was excited to see the rabbits so healthy and happy and wished there were more.

You see, there are only eight left. I would like to know why these cat owners think it’s OK for their cats to roam all day and for some, all night, to kill these beautiful creatures. Leave them alone.

Karen Francisquini Hamilton Beach

No library migrant shelters

Dear Editor:

Re Peter Mastrosimone’s May 18 report: “Libraries could be migrant shelters”: Just when I thought NYC’s migrant mess couldn’t get any crazier, Peter’s article proved me wrong.

Libraries are built to house books, computers and other education resources, not people. But there is a better alternative. The New York Post notes that Mayor Adam’s administration is considering using Rikers Island as a migrant shelter (Post, May 18). That’s a suitable location for people who broke the law to enter our nation. Rikers has unused housing units with beds, showers, toilets, food service and medical facilities. Migrants would be separated from the jail’s general population. That makes more sense than putting them in 5,000 hotel rooms,

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

each costing taxpayers $130 daily, or reopening the Roosevelt Hotel to provide 850 rooms, costing taxpayers $225 million (Post, May 18). Guests at this iconic hotel will check in but may never check out. They will refuse to leave their sumptuous “sanctuary” selected by our moronic mayor.

However, NYC could soon run out of hotel space for new visitors. Nine hundred migrants arrived in just one day, bringing the total number to 67,000 since last year, which is 20,000 more than a sold-out Yankee Stadium (Post, May 20). Instead of “The House That Ruth Built,” we have a city being destroyed by hordes of “asylum seekers.”

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Work visas, then reform

Dear Editor:

New York Farm Bureau has long been calling for immigration reform to address serious labor issues that place our food system in jeopardy. A lack of a strong border policy has led us to today. We support Gov. Hochul’s request to the federal government to expedite work visas for migrants who have been properly processed and who want to work on farms in New York State.

There are good opportunities to be a part of our valuable food system, and we will continue to work with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets along with Cornell’s Agricultural Workforce Development program to find a pathway forward. However, this action would just be a temporary Band-Aid for a greater problem that must be solved in Washington, DC.

David Fisher President, New York Farm Bureau Albany

Safe camps for Queens kids

Dear Editor:

As parents are busy choosing camps for their children this time of year, they should be aware that not all camps in New York, including Queens, are regulated by the Department of Health. What does this mean when it comes to the safety of children? That these nonregulated camps are not required, as regulated summer camps are, to check the sex offender registry before hiring staff, to maintain appropriate staff to child ratios, to have medical staff on hand or to report injuries that occur at camp.

There is currently a bill that would require camps that are currently not regulated by any state or local entity to register with the Department of State and allow for the creation of a registry of children’s nonregulated summer camps. Registration will help the state identify and track these unregulated entities that could pose a serious risk to children. It is crucial that the state knows where these nonregulated camps operate, particularly in times of crisis.

We are asking the state Legislature to pass this imperative bill to help ensure greater safety of children while attending camps. Doesn’t every child deserve a safe summer camp experience?

Jamie Sirkin President, NYS Camp Directors Association Manhattan

Fare questions for the MTA

Dear Editor:

Why should the subway and bus fare and tolls be raised on the backs of an already inflation-affected public? Why do innocent people have to do without many essentials or struggle to live with the high costs of food, clothing and rent, and now go to work on a subway or bus that is dirty or late? I thought that the MTA received lots of money from the state. Make improvements first.

Where is the fare money going? Into the pockets of the high dignitaries? Money flows not into the pockets of already-financially strapped Americans.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

Fare advice for the MTA

Dear Editor:

After taking one year to complete, the MTA finally released its 120-page Blue Ribbon Panel report on fare evasion. The findings were worse than the previously reported $500 million fare evasion in 2022. The report revealed that the losses were greater than thought. It turns out that in 2022, the MTA lost $315 million in bus, $285 million in subway, $44 million in commuter rail and $46 million in bridge and tunnel crossings revenue, for a total of $690 million. If your business lost $690 million per year to shoplifters, stockholders — or in this case commuters and taxpayers — you might want to fire those in charge and hire a new management team.

Commuters and taxpayers have to wonder why each new generation of MTA management year after year never seems to be able to deal with controlling fare evasion. Successful leadership could resolve these challenges and deliver over $1 billion worth of savings yearly. Honest riders, who face fare increases later this year, and have always paid when boarding, should expect nothing less.

Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

The writer is a transportation historian, advocate and writer who worked for 31 years in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

Astoria’s anti-Semite

Dear Editor:

Re “Nix the Hate Israel bill,” Editorial, May 18:

A question for Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani: Why have you not introduced bills targeting countries such as Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and others for their discriminatory, anti-immigrant, antiminority and sometimes murderous policies? Why has only Israel been singled out?

Easy answer: You are an anti-Semite. You should be voted out of office; better yet you should do the right thing and resign. We don’t need any more anti-Semites masquerading as politicians.

Richard Nebenzahl Astoria

MTA seeks fare hikes by Sept.

continued from page 2

emailed press release and phone call.

“We at Passengers United feel that the base fare of 2.75 should be kept for local buses and subways,” D’souza said in the email. “The express bus fare should be $4 instead of $7 to fill up seats on empty express buses.”

D’souza also said the proposed peak fare of $7 for city residents is too expensive for a LIRR City Ticket and should be kept at $5.

“We are outraged that the Atlantic Ticket weekly LIRR pass and MetroCard of $60 is being eliminated for southeast Queens residents,” he said. “LIRR commuters need relief from subway service breakdowns and construction work. We will fight hard to save these discounts and are outraged especially with the roll out with congestion pricing being considered.”

round our city,” Brooks-Powers said. “Raising the fare will only leave more riders vulnerable and unable to meet their daily obligations.”

She called on the MTA to expand eligibility for its half-price Fair Fares program to include those earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

“Keeping fares affordable is critical to increasing ridership, boosting our city’s economy and ensuring that New York City remains accessible to everyone,” she continued.

— Charlton D’souza, president of

Lisa Daligan, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, concurred with the 200 percent level in her organization’s press release.

“Fair increases are never a popular topic, but they are necessary to keep our transit system rolling,” Daligan said, stating that a Fair Fares expansion can lessen the blow.

Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), who chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued a statement calling on the MTA for some offsets.

“Our public transit system is the lifeblood of New York City, and it must remain affordable for New Yorkers who rely on it to move

“That’s something Mayor Adams can do immediately, and we encourage him to do so,” she said.

Daligan also called for preservation of the Atlantic Ticket:

“Getting rid of the Atlantic Ticket, and with it, the only option to transfer between commuter rails and NYC Transit on one fare — would be a big mistake.” Q

Good times at Richmond high

It was a community show-and-tell for Richmond Hill High School at its annual Community Night last Thursday, and the school had much to celebrate.

Graduation and attendance rates are at historic highs, according to the administration. This year’s senior class received $14 million in scholarships and students are going on to prestigious universities such as Cornell, New York University and Penn State. Internships include spots with Bloomberg, JP Morgan Chase and Mount Sinai. There were performances, food, resources

and more at the event. Queens South High School Deputy Superintendent Namita Dwarka, left, Assistant Principal Kevin Kunjbehari, Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, Principal Neil Ganesh, Jonathan Boucher of Councilmember Lynn Schulman’s office and Queens South High School Superintendent Josephine Van-Ess attended.

“I am thankful for all the support that we receive from our Richmond Hill community and I look forward to continuing to build on another successful year at the Hill,” said Ganesh. — Deirdre Bardolf

SEEKING SEALED BIDS

Italian American Organization

Sunday, June 11, 2023 – 1:00 - 5:00pm

THE JOY OF ITALIAN OPERA

This is a Sunday afternoon of Italian Opera for seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike. A lecture and fi lm presentation of a variety of operas by diverse composers whose works still affect us today. This program will highlight the insights into the creative minds and souls of these artists. Join us for an educational and entertaining experience of musical pleasure.

RSVP: Before June 7, 2023 - 718-805-1833 | email: palomatoday@yahoo.com

ADMISSION: $55.00 PROGRAM and LUNCHEON

A nonprofit organization in Queens, New York is seeking sealed bids for the sale and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes: Blast Mitigation Window Film, security fencing and related Equipment, Security Alarm System/Sensors and related equipment, impact resistant doors, CCTV System. The selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. MWBE vendors are encouraged to apply. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at (Bidrequestozpk@gmail.com).

ALL INTERESTED FIRMS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN FOR THE PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS AND PROVIDE A PRIMARY CONTACT, TELEPHONE AND EMAIL ADDRESS.

BIDs will be accepted until July 10, 2023 and work is to commence shortly thereafter and be completed by December 20, 2024.

“Custom Designed Security Systems To Fit Any Budget”

“We will fight hard to save these discounts.”

Passengers United

As community weighs its options, the Mets owner is ever-present At town hall, Cohen at heart of casino debate

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Mets owner Steve Cohen may not have been among the hundreds of people who flocked to PS 143 last Friday night for state Sen. Jessica Ramos’ (D-East Elmhurst) town hall on park alienation for his potential casino next to Citi Field, but his presence was certainly felt.

Even before the town hall began, Cohen’s influence was discernible; as people waited outside to enter the event, about a dozen people stood by the door, holding signs that read “Jobs,” “No Asphalt” and “Green Space” as they chanted, “We want jobs! We want jobs!”

Upon closer inspection, the Chronicle found the signs said in small type, “Paid for by New Green Willets LLC,” Cohen’s lobbying firm. Asked where he got his sign, one demonstrator pointed toward a man handing out several more identical posters. The Chronicle has identified that man as Brendan Klein of North Shore Strategies, a political consulting firm Cohen hired to survey Queens residents on what they would like to see become of the Citi

Field parking lot, which is legally considered parkland. A report on that study was released earlier this month.

Klein declined to comment on the matter, but a spokesperson for Cohen told the Chronicle via email, “We made signs available to supporters who were free to take them

if they wanted.”

Though it appeared more than half of those in attendance last Friday carried the signs, with some handmade ones sprinkled in, far fewer of them actually spoke when it came time for the question-and-answer period. Some gave vague answers as to why

they support Steve Cohen’s plan — which calls for a casino, 250-key hotel, convention center, concert hall, food hall, improvements to the No. 7 train station and 20 acres of open space — when asked. That included a group of teenagers, who said they were “from Queens” when the Chronicle inquired. Asked for specific neighborhoods, one said they were from “all over,” and that a teacher had told them about the town hall.

And while Cohen’s team has approached the matter as a choice between leaving 50 acres of asphalt as is or developing the site — as they have touted through multiple surveys Cohen-hired firms have conducted — as debate continued well into the evening last Friday, it became clear that it’s not so much a question of if, but who.

Ramos seemed cognizant of that as she opened with a presentation, laying out the options available to the community: Do nothing, go with Cohen’s plan, or come up with one of their own.

“If [Assemblyman] Jeff [Aubry] and I have the power to alienate parkland for Mr. Cohen, well, we have the

ability to alienate parkland for whatever we want,” she said. “We don’t need a billionaire to do that.”

There was not much of an appetite for leaving the parking lot as is. “East Elmhurst is a desert — it’s a food desert, it’s a health desert, it’s a financial desert,” said the Rev. Patrick Young of First Baptist Church. “We are kicking up dust at each other in the desert.

“There’s no water, and this is an opportunity for us to have fresh water in the desert.”

Barney Gonzalez, an East Elmhurst restaurant owner, emphasized the job opportunities the project could provide. “Let’s work together, let’s make this happen — whatever is best for Queens,” Gonzalez said.

Ramos said earlier in the evening that the project would create 20,000 construction jobs. Elizabeth Crowley, the former councilwoman and newly minted president and CEO of the Building Trades Employers Association, said the group sees it as “an unmatched opportunity for Queens.”

Speaking of Cohen’s investments into the World’s Borough, she added, “I

continued on page 18

Senator still weighing Citi Field casino despite pressure from Cohen Ramos: no parkland alienation this session

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-East Elmhurst) will not introduce a parkland alienation bill for a Citi Field-adjacent casino this session, the lawmaker said at a town hall on the matter last Friday evening.

“There is no agreement between [New Green Willets] and the community on paper, a memorandum of understanding, that outlines exactly what the contributions to the community — aside from the tax revenue, obviously — would be,” Ramos said, referring to Cohen’s lobbying group.

Speaking with reporters later, she reiterated that point before adding, “If we were to proceed with this, I wouldn’t want it to fare the way Barclays [Center] and the surrounding community have fared.”

Ramos’ decision effectively delays plans for a casino at the site, despite Cohen’s aggressive campaign.

Asked about the senator’s choice, a spokesperson for Cohen told the Chronicle via email, “We have been working closely with Senator Ramos from the beginning and her input has been an important part of our approach.

“We will continue to partner with her and our neighbors in Queens as we incorporate their feedback and have an open dialogue with the community and a transparent process on

how best to reimagine the 50 acres of asphalt around Citi Field.”

The senator was forthcoming with the audience about her conversations with Cohen and his team, noting that they have “been putting pressure on” her to move ahead with a parkland alienation bill. While she did not have renderings of the proposal to share, she said the plan includes a casino, a convention center,

a concert hall, a 250-key hotel and a food hall with area vendors.

Since the land Citi Field and its parking lot are built on is technically part of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and is legally considered parkland, which the Mets lease, previous proposals for the site — including a soccer stadium and a shopping mall, among others — have failed. The state Court of Appeals

blocked the mall plan in 2017 on that basis, but said the state Legislature could alienate the land for a specific purpose. In such cases, the lost parkland needs to be replaced nearby.

Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) took the first step toward that in March, introducing an alienation bill that would allow New Green Willets to build a casino and related facilities in the Citi Field parking lot. In exchange, the firm would either create parkland of equal or greater amount nearby or invest the equivalent fair market value of the alienated space into capital improvements on existing parkland, which would include 20 acres of green space on the Citi Field site. The legislation cannot move forward without an identical bill from Ramos; without one this year, Aubry would need to reintroduce his bill next session.

Aubry did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment.

None of that matters, however, if the state Gaming Commission does not award Cohen one of three downstate casino licenses up for grabs, two of which could be given to the existing racinos, Resorts World in South Ozone Park and Empire City in Yonkers. Other sites on the table include the Nassau Coliseum, Times Square and Coney Island,. Even if Cohen were to win a license, and

continued on page 18

State Sen. Jessica Ramos said last Friday she will not introduce a parkland alienation bill this session, despite Mets owner Steve Cohen’s campaign for a casino.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

Mets owner Steve Cohen was at the heart of debate on the billionaire’s plan for a Citi Field-adjacent casino last week.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY

HOSPICE IS ABOUT LIFE

Hospice can be an uncomfortable topic. But the comfort and care it provides can greatly ease sadness, pain and fear during a difficult time. From medical support to peace of mind, understanding what hosp ice has to offer can help people decide if, and when, it's right for them. Some things you may not know:

1.

It's usually at home. Comfort, familiarity and the presence of loved ones are everything during these times.

It's typically covered by insurance. Most patients qualify through Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance.

It can last up to six months. Many people would benefit by entering hospice earlier.

Talking about hospice can be hard. We're here to help you understand the decisions and choices you may face along the way.

Northwell.edu/Hospice

It includes full medical care. A hospice team can include doctors, visiting nurses, social workers and other care providers.

It's not just for patients. Loved ones can receive counseling, learn how to help and much more.

Hospice isn't about death. It's about life.

Hospice helps make this difficult time more comfortable, supportive and dignified.

Volunteers answer the call

Seniors got to phone in their questions with live help from volunteers over the weekend who provided a free “lunch and learn” tutoring session on using cell phones at Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard Beach.

On Saturday morning, 30 volunteers from the Ozone Park Woodhaven Howard Beach Lions Club, led by Brina Ciaramella

and Christine Provvisiero, provided the tech help to about 50 attendees.

A group lesson on basics such as photo taking and creating a new contact was given, followed by one-on-one help. Free pizza and more accompanied the lessons.

Even Lenny’s staff jumped in to help, seen at top. — Deirdre Bardolf

City is sinking slowly: report

continued from page 8

colleagues in the field of geology to see how we factor this into our models here in New York City when it comes to planning for resiliency ... how we make sure we factor in on a localized basis subsidence, which we need to understand the dynamics of.”

Nazrul Khandaker, a professor of earth and physical sciences at York College, whose research experience includes environmental geology and sedimentology, said the research is an “awareness builder.”

Khandaker says the findings are something for developers to consider as they con-

struct multistory buildings including in Jamaica, where they are building on piling layered upon compressible soil, not the solid bedrock found in other areas.

More inland parts of the city will be safer, he said, and have problems different from the coastal parts.

The point of the paper, the researchers said, was to “raise awareness that every additional high-rise building constructed at coastal, river, or lakefront settings could contribute to future flood risk, and that mitigation strategies may need to be included.” Q

PHOTOS COURTESY BRINA CIARAMELLA

Seeks tens of millions over lack of accessibility for the handicapped City sues Hunters Pt. Library architects

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

New York City is suing the architects behind the Hunters Point Library for tens of millions of dollars over portions of the structure not being accessible to people with handicaps, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city is seeking to recover the costs of remediating the situation, the money it paid the architects and further damages.

“The City brings this action to recover the additional costs of design and construction at the Hunters Point Library (“the Library”), a newly-opened branch in the Queens Borough Public Library system, in order to bring the Library into compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and other federal, state, and local laws,” the lawsuit reads. “As a result of

Defendants’ breach of contract and professional malpractice in providing design services, significant elements of the Library’s design are inaccessible to persons with disabilities and require remediation or reconstruction. These elements include, among other features, a staircase that is a major architectural feature of the building, but is the sole means of access to several upper-level areas.”

The $40 million library opened to much fanfare over its modernist design in September 2019, but its flaws soon became obvious.

“Before the end of that year, it was the subject of investigations by the United States Department of Justice and the New York City Commission on Human Rights and a federal civil action alleging disability discrimination,” the lawsuit notes. “Those proceedings remain pending.”

The federal suit was filed Nov. 26, 2019 by Tanya Jackson, a library user with mobility disabilities, and the Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York.

The city’s lawsuit was filed May 17 in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. The defendants are Steven Holl Architect, PC, aka Steven Holl Architects, and the individuals Steven Holl and Christopher McVoy.

The firm agreed in its contract to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, explicitly including the ADA “without limita-

The Hunters Point Library staircase has lovely views but leads to some areas that people who cannot take stairs cannot access. The building opened in September 2019 and quickly drew the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York City Commission on Human Rights for not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN / FILE

tion,” the suit alleges. However, “As designed and built, the Library failed in multiple ways to comply with the design requirements set forth in the requirements contract and Task Order 1. The areas of noncompliance included several primary design elements of the building, as well

as ADA standards for bathroom layout, door clearances, and the like.”

One key element is a staircase with five landings. Each opens to a seating area, or tier, that includes shelving for reading material and

continued on page 18

Docs, interns reach Mount Sinai deal

Union says new contract achieves pay parity, adds financial benefits

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Mount Sinai and the union representing resident doctors and interns at NYC Heath + Hospitals/Elmhurst have come to a contract agreement that ended a three-day strike that began Monday morning.

The approximately 165 members of the Committee for Interns and Residents union are employed by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and had been working on an expired contract since last July.

They had been seeking pay parity with Mount Sinai residents and interns in Manhattan.

“In addition to wage increases of 18 percent over three years, retroactive to November 2022, their tentative agreement includes a $2,000 ratification bonus, an enforceable agreement to negotiate on hazard pay, a meal allowance that reaches parity with Mount Sinai Hospital residents, and the creation of a transportation committee,” the CIR said in a statement on its website.

The doctors also will receive a chief differential pay of $3,500, holiday pay and increased leave time. The contract will expire on June 30, 2025.

“We are pleased that Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with the support of the NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation reached

Sen. Ramos

continued from page 14

Ramos introduced a parkland alienation bill that was signed into law, because it is a state bill regarding city property, Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) would need to introduce and get passed a home rule message, effectively greenlighting the plan and triggering the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, which would go through Community Board 3, the borough president, the City Council and Mayor Adams.

Ramos said the commission estimated that process would take 18 months at minimum.

Ramos said last Friday that Cohen wants her to introduce a bill ahead of this week’s City Council stated meeting, the final one of the session. But according to her, Moya has no intentions of moving on a home rule message this session, either.

Moya’s office did not comment on the matter.

If a casino license is granted to a site in the five boroughs, Ramos said, 10 percent of the tax revenue would be divided in half and allocated to the state education budget and to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Views on the casino itself were mixed last Friday as dozens took the opportunities to voice their opinions [see separate story]. Q

a tentative agreement with CIR,” Mount Sinai said in an email.

“The proposed agreement is fair, responsible, and puts patients and residents’ educational training first,” the healthcare system’s administration said. “We want to express our thanks to everyone working at both Mount

Sinai and Elmhurst this week for their dedication to patient care during this strike.”

The residents and interns were scheduled to return to work at Elmhurst effective 7 a.m. today, May 25.

The medics set up picket lines across from the hospital at 7 a.m. this past Monday for

Cohen at heart of casino talk

continued from page 14

truly believe we should give him this opportunity.”

Yet notably absent were union members, save for a handful who came on their own.

Ramos said that the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council is the only union that has made a finalized deal with Cohen’s team so far; as for the BTEA and the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, the latter of which would handle security and maintenance of Cohen’s green space, nothing has been agreed to on paper yet.

While several opponents spoke of the ills that can come with casinos, such as addiction, others focused on the fact that the site is legally parkland, even if it is functioning as a parking lot now. Flushing land use expert and candidate for office Paul Graziano called it “the biggest theft of public property in [the] history of the area.” Sarah Ahn of the Flushing Workers Center called the choice between a casino or “50 acres of asphalt” “a false dichotomy.”

“The vast majority of us share the same goals — we all want jobs, we all want development,” she added.

Guardians of Flushing Bay Executive Director Rebecca Pryor agreed, saying she does not think the two sides are that far apart. “I think the only difference that I’m hearing between these two things is privatization versus public land.”

Ramos had rejected that rhetoric earlier in

the evening, noting that Cohen would be leasing the land in a park alienation, but that did not seem to take hold with speakers.

Nonetheless, that division was perhaps best illustrated by the discussion of Cohen himself. More than one person pointed to the fact that Cohen’s hedge fund, SAC Capital Advisors, pleaded guilty to insider trading, among other related white-collar crimes. Meanwhile, others cast doubt on the billionaire’s intentions in the area.

“Cohen has said, ‘It’s a casino or nothing,’” said John Choe of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, adding that anyone who would treat a community that way “is not someone I’m totally fine trusting.” Another person agreed, calling the fact that park alienation and improvements are on the table only because Cohen wants a casino “disappointing.”

When others asked how Cohen could be held accountable, Ramos noted that a community benefits agreement has yet to be signed, and that she is looking for an attorney to guide the community in that process.

But as Tom Grech, CEO and president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, posed to the Chronicle later: “If not Steve Cohen, then who?”

Asked how a plan might be funded without Cohen, Ramos said that while money from the Inflation Reduction Act has been difficult to attain, she is open to looking for money elsewhere. Q

what was to be a strike of up to five days.

The CIR is a unit of SEIU Healthcare. Residents are doctors who still are completing their training. Interns are training as they complete their schooling.

No other unit at Elmhurst Hospital, or other NYC Health + Hospitals facility, was affected by the strike.

Dr. Joya Dupre, a resident in internal medicine who has been at Elmhurst since 2021, told the Chronicle Monday morning that doctors had been working without a contract since July 2022.

“We need a salary that lets us keep up with the cost of living, pay rent, groceries, lets us care for our children and families,” she said.

The union asserted that first-year Elmhurst residents made $7,000 less per year than comparable nonunion personnel in Manhattan, and would have fallen behind by $11,000 — $68,000 per year as opposed to $79,000 — when new agreements kick in elsewhere in the coming months.

Dupre said it is easy for doctors to build up $500,000 in loans for their eduction and training.

Several on the picket line carried signs or spoke of the fact that Elmhurst physicians were the first and often last line of defense in the section of New York City that was the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Q

Library lawsuit

continued from page 17

other features. Yet three of the five tiers can only be accessed by the staircase, the suit says. Aside from current periodicals that are on a tier that can be reached by elevator, all the reading materials — books — had to be moved to accessible parts of the library.

A major portion of the children’s area lacks the required space for wheelchair and companion seating, a ramp that leads to another seating area is too steep — and both those problems are present vis-a-vis the rooftop terrace, according to the suit.

The city is seeking $20 million or more from SHA, the amount “to be judicially determined”; another $10 million each from Holl and McVoy; all the money that was paid to the firm for its services; and further funds for “losses, expenses or damage incurred” due to the federal discrimination lawsuit and Human Rights Commission and DOJ probes.

SHA did not respond to a request for comment on the suit.

The Queens Library, which is not a party to the litigation, declined to comment, referring questions to the city. The chairman of the library’s Board of Trustees, Earl Simons, did not answer voicemail and email messages left with his York College office. The Law Department said it is not commenting beyond the suit itself. Q

Residents and interns at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst were scheduled to return to their rounds on Thursday morning following a three-day strike against Mount Sinai over wages and other financial concerns.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Day camp: the perfect fit

Here are some reasons to consider day camp for your child:

• So, your child is ready for camp but you’re not sure she is prepared for overnights away from home ...

• There’s a wonderful day camp that your son’s school friends have been enjoying for years — it’s in a park near your home ...

• Your mother is staying with you this summer, and you don’t want the grandchildren to miss an important chance to visit ...

• The ballet school your daughter attends is offering a summer camp program filled with outdoor activities, crafts and dance instruction ...

Benefits of the day camp experience Your child will:

• make new friends;

• learn a new skill;

• grow spiritually;

• enjoy positive role models; and

• help others.

A unique approach for families

Here are some questions to ask when choosing the right day camp for your child:

• Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association?

• What training does the staff receive?

• Is transportation available?

• What about extended care before and after camp?

• Will the camp provide lunch?

• Are campers grouped by age, activity or both?

• Does the price include the full range of activities?

• Are parent visits encouraged?

— American Camp Association

Crime, education and more at issue

by Stephanie G. Meditz Chronicle Contributor

Primary election candidates for Queens district attorney and City Council Districts 19, 20 and 29 joined the Asian Wave Alliance on Sunday to discuss issues of special relevance to the communities they hope to represent.

Among the most pressing topics discussed were the citywide increase in crime, ubiquitous illegal smoke shops and NYC’s steady influx of asylum-seeking immigrants.

In District 19, Democratic candidates Tony Avella, Christopher Bae and Paul Graziano are running to replace incumbent Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) in the City Council.

As per the NYPD 109th Precinct, crime rates in District 19 have skyrocketed as of late.

Graziano ascribed the spike to laws that prevent public safety officers and the courts from “taking care of people who should not be on the streets.”

Avella claimed that bail reform has negatively impacted public safety. He backs dividing the 109th Precinct into two precincts — one for Northeast Queens, and one for Downtown Flushing — to allow for better response time and a “more permanent police presence.”

“We also need to address doubling the hate crime penalties,” he said. “Hate crime against the Asian community is outrageous.”

Bae, a prosecutor in the Queens DA’s Office for the past seven years, supports providing more funding and resources to detective squads that tackle grand larcenies, such as catalytic converter thefts.

In District 20, Republican candidates Yu-Ching James Pai and Jin Liang Dany Chen share that same sentiment of restoring law and order as they run for the seat held by incumbent Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing).

In April, Ung and incumbent DA Melinda Katz announced the Flushing Merchants Business Improvement Program, which allows business owners to notify the NYPD 109th Precinct about trespassers, who will be arrested if they return.

“This crime rate, this disorder should have been addressed a long time ago, not just right now,” Chen said.

“The Democrats defunding the police, you’re not helping,” Pai said. “By putting handcuffs on cops, pushing out pro-criminal laws, that’s just something to mask what’s going on.”

Chen and Pai both stated that they do not feel safe walking around in their communities.

Asked if they would fund civil patrol groups in District 20, Chen said yes, while Pai supports assessing their procedures before doing so.

In City Council District 29, Demo-

cratic candidate Ethan Felder promised to ensure that the police receive adequate funding and that wrongdoers are held accountable.

“We need to make sure that there [are] the right programs in place to make sure there [are] economic opportunities so that people don’t fall into the conditions that lead to crime,” he said.

Sukhi Singh supports funding educational programs to address violence and hate crimes.

He and Felder are challenging Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills).

Judge George Grasso, Melinda Katz’s opponent for Queens DA, pledged to take public safety seriously and prioritize victims’ rights, theft, drugs and assault if elected.

He promised that police officers in Queens “will be supported when they do their jobs” and claimed that Katz has not made this clear.

“The only reason she became Queens County district attorney or ran for it — she was term-limited as Queens borough president, a job that had no responsibilities whatsoever for criminal justice and frankly, not a lot of defined responsibilities for a lot of other things either,” he said.

During her tenure as Queens DA, Katz formed the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau to dismantle criminal organizations, in addition to a Cold Case Unit, 24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline and Conviction Integrity Unit. She was not in attendance at the candidates’ forum.

Grasso proposed creating a Mental Health Bureau in the DA’s Office, which would consist of mental health professionals who examine defendants and help them receive necessary, voluntary care.

He plans to address illegal cannabis shops by restoring the nuisance abatement law. “If we had three violations of law in these smoke shop establishments ... we had the presumptive ability to shut those places down and renegotiate with the landlords to ensure that they would reopen a legal business,” he said.

Grasso also expressed concerns about the unknown additives that illegal cannabis shops may potentially use, including fentanyl.

In District 19, Bae supports pressuring landlords not to lease space to the shops. Pai made similar statements regarding District 20.

Avella proposed to address the shops with a specialized task force under which police make arrests and the city penalizes property owners.

Another hot topic across NYC is the steady influx of immigrants — more than 65,000 have arrived since last spring, and 37,000 remain.

Primary hopefuls for various offices attending the Asian Wave Alliance’s candidates forum last Sunday were Tony Avella, top left, Christopher Bae, Paul Graziano, third from right, and, inset, Ethan Felder, left, Sukhi Singh, George Grasso, Jin Liang Dany Chen and Yu-Ching James Pai. They were joined for photos by AWA officials Phil Wong, second from left at top, Yiatin Chu, Amy Tse and Donghui Zang.

In wake of Mayor Adams’ recent deliberation over whether to house migrants in school gyms, District 19 candidates unanimously claimed that their neighborhoods are not equipped to serve migrants.

“We’re a transit desert,” Avella said. “How are these families going to be helped by placing them in a neighborhood where they can’t get ... transportation to services?”

Graziano noted that the state Constitution and City Charter prevent the city from turning migrants away.

“If we’re a city that’s compassionate, we also have to be a city that’s fair, and fair to everyone in our city, not just the folks who are coming here looking for assistance,” he said.

In District 20, Chen criticized Adams for using taxpayer money to house migrants in hotels and said the federal government must secure the borders.

Pai concurred that immigration is primarily a federal problem and called for housing vouchers for migrants.

A pressing issue for Districts 19 and 20 is bill A5688, proposed by Assemblymember Jeff Aubry (D-Corona), which would alienate 50 acres of parkland for Steve Cohen to build a casino in the Citi Field parking lot. All three District 19 Democratic candidates oppose the bill.

In a suit brought by Avella, he and Graziano were plaintiffs to prevent construction of a mall on the same site. “How can you give the 95th richest man in the world property that’s worth $750 billion for free to make half a billion dollars a year on the misery of the people surrounding these communities?” Graziano said.

Avella articulated the impossibility of matching the alienated parkland acre-for-acre and described Cohen’s hopes for a casino as a “pipe dream.”

ing that people are not excessively meter feeding to ensure the safety of pedestrians on bustling Austin Street.

District 19 faces overcrowding issues, especially in schools. Gov. Hochul recently signed a bill to limit class sizes, which may require the construction of additional schools.

“To the extent that there is this mandate and the law says we need to get the numbers down, I support that,” Bae said. “But this will require more resources from City Hall, not less.”

Graziano concurred that District 19 is crowded, but claimed it is not as crowded as others.

“While we do need more school seats ... we have to be very careful where we put those schools,” he said.

There is also talk of building a specialized high school in Queens. There is currently only one, on the York College campus in Jamaica, which admits 125 students every year.

In District 20, Pai said that until issues of traffic, quality of life and gambling addictions can be resolved, he does not support the casino.

“I don’t think the community is aware [of] what’s going on,” he said. “As time goes on, I feel Steve Cohen should do a better job on reaching out, not just the associations, but the community that truly lives there.”

Flushing and Corona residents have protested the casino several times, including once in front of Aubry’s district office this month.

Chen described a casino near struggling communities as “unacceptable” and “inappropriate.”

Bike lanes have also become more common throughout Queens, but not all of them are used frequently.

Avella said the bike lane on Northern Boulevard in Douglaston has caused an abundance of car accidents and suggested that bike lanes remain only in appropriate locations.

Bae concurred, stating that space taken up by unused bike lanes could be used for bus lanes or parking.

Chen and Pai both support leaving bike lanes where they make sense and eliminating ones that do not, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

In District 29, Felder supports bike lanes in general, but called for an analysis from the DOT regarding which bike lanes are used, and how.

Singh made similar comments and expressed concern for the lanes next to heavy traffic on Queens Boulevard.

He also supports the potential transformation of Austin Street into a pedestrian-first zone and suggested closing it to cars at peak pedestrian hours or making it a one-way street.

Felder maintained that there are ways to help pedestrians without banning cars, which would exclude elderly and disabled individuals from businesses on Austin Street.

He suggested expanding the use of commercial delivery zones and ensur-

Avella said that construction would be possible with proper funding and communication with the community.

Graziano supports gifted and talented programs and proposed to replace a crumbling hospital in Fort Totten with a specialized high school.

Paladino opposes Drag Story Hour in public schools and libraries. In her State of the District speech, she pledged to “fight against inappropriate adult content in our schools.”

Bae noted that the program does not take place during school hours and is not mandatory for students, but would be available to those with questions about identity.

“I’m not going to tie any funding for specific schools to this issue, because [Paladino] is making it very political and not thinking about the health of our students,” he said.

Graziano, who claimed not to find support for Drag Story Hour among parents at PS 209, does not find it appropriate for public schools, but supports it in public libraries.

Avella would leave the decision up to individual schools, parents and principals.

Asked whether they support the legalization of basement apartments, all three candidates for Council District 19 gave a resounding no.

Graziano said basement apartments are not affordable housing, and that they impose substandard conditions on people in need.

“There’s a reason basement apartments were always illegal: They’re unsafe,” Avella said. “We should not change this.”

Avella also said legalizing basement apartments would undermine the city’s zoning code, overburden infrastructure and overcrowd schools.

While Bae does not support the complete legalization of basement apartments, he is willing to consider it on a case-by-case basis.

Primary day is June 27. Q

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MEDITZ

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Some fear measure will be more costly, others have cleanliness, noise concerns Biz groups divided on outdoor dining

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

After months of negotiating, the City Council and Mayor Adams have reached an agreement to make outdoor cafes low-cost and nearly year-round fixtures citywide.

Breeana Mulligan, a spokeswoman for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), said by creating a permanent outdoor dining program the Council has created more opportunities for restaurateurs to cut through red tape so they can benefit from sidewalk cafes.

“We have been centering affordability for our prized small businesses in these efforts, while ensuring that a permanent outdoor dining program for our city strikes the right balance for restaurants, neighborhoods, and all New Yorkers,” Mulligan said. “The Council continues to work with the administration and all stakeholders to advance an affordable, equitable, and successful permanent outdoor dining across the five boroughs.”

In February, the Council voted to allow some roadways and sidewalks to have outdoor cafes for seven months out of the year, excluding winter months. Initially, the Mayor’s Office wanted fees of $100 per square foot for the eating spaces, but after three months of deliberations with his office, a four-tier fee schedule of $6, $10, $18 or $31 per square foot for sidewalk cafes was agreed upon. The different price points are

Applications for outdoor dining spaces will have less red tape, according to the City Council.

based on the control rent per Census tract.

Roadway dining costs will be $5, $8, $14 or $25 per square foot.

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said he is happy to hear of the development, and looks forward to getting more details about the program.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to show that the mayor and the City Council can in fact work together on something that unites us all, and that is the restaurant scene and business in all of New York City,” Grech told the Chronicle.

Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, agreed.

“The new law will cut the red tape and fees for restaurants to participate when compared to

the overly restrictive pre-pandemic sidewalk café licenses, which excluded so many restaurants throughout the five boroughs from offering al fresco dining,” Rigie said in a statement. “We look forward to working through the additional details of the program with the city to address issues that are important to restaurants and the communities they serve, but in the meantime, New Yorkers should go out and celebrate with a meal at an outdoor café!”

Along with removing zoning restrictions, primarily in the outer boroughs, and reducing costs for the program, red tape was cut in the application process to make joining the program easier.

Leslie Brown, president of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, was split on the measure.

“We all love outdoor dining and the benefit to our restaurants,” Brown said via email. “My only concern is that the outdoor space be fair. In some cases, business located next door to a restaurant allowed the outdoor dining to take over in front of their store.”

Brown also wants regulation for restaurants that don’t maintain a clean space and for noise control.

John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, was also divided on the measure.

“While the Council’s move to a permanent

outdoor dining program is a welcome move, the burden of annually uninstalling and reinstalling sheds that costs upwards of $10,000 or more will be a significant burden on small business owners in neighborhoods like Flushing, Queens,” Choe, said in a statement.

Laura Rothrock, the president of the LIC Partnership, shares Choe and Brown’s concerns.

“Outdoor dining continues to serve as a critical lifeline for our vibrant restaurant community as they continue to recover from the pandemic, and we welcome the permanent outdoor dining program the city is proposing as we head into the warmer summer months,” Rothrock said via email. “We hope the final program the city implements will include a fair inspection process to ensure compliance and cleanliness of our streetscape, place reasonable limits on fully enclosed dining structures since patrons are more willing to sit inside establishments during the colder winter months and the program will only be in effect April through November, and also ensure speed-to-market so that restaurants are licensed as quickly as possible as soon as the legislation is signed into law.”

Glenn Greenidge of the Downtown Jamaica Business Improvement District, and the Rev. Simone Lord, the executive director of the Southeast Queens Chamber of Commerce, were not available for comment. Q

Residents, tennis club sparring over concerts

FHGA asserts quality-of-life issues turn serious; West Side claims ‘extortion’

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The Forest Hills Gardens Association and the historic West Side Tennis Club have a court date on May 31.

And it won’t be on grass.

The two entities are suing each other in a dispute that centers on the 30 concerts scheduled for Forest Hills Stadium this summer.

The FGHA, in a 24-page complaint, and individual residents interviewed by the Chronicle, say the number of concerts scheduled this year is excessive and unprecedented, and will seriously harm the quality of life for residents of the private community.

The tennis club, in a 28-page counter complaint, says that it is a longtime member of the community in good standing, pays its fees and assessments, and that the stadium has hosted some of the most iconic musical acts in history, including Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.

The club also accuses the association of trying to close off Burns Street, which allows convenient access and egress; and attempting “to extort millions of dollars from the Club for their own benefit.”

The FGHA decries “the appalling number of commercial concerts held at the Stadium, which in recent years has increased to

a number that has no historical precedent.”

“My concern is that there are too many concerts,” said Forest Hills resident Jean Hahn, who lives blocks from the stadium.

“And there seems to be no oversight of the concert promoter. More than half the weekends, from the time of the start of the concerts to the time they end, have planned

events.” Hahn said each concert brings its share of auto and pedestrian traffic jams.

“There are a lot of people going through,” she said. “I’m constantly finding garbage in my yard. It appears that people were sitting in our front yard chairs, and it looked like they were enjoying themselves. The biggest concern is the number of concerts and

enforcement.”

Residents have claimed that noise is a disturbance, particularly during late hours with children trying to sleep.

Some accused the city’s Department of Environmental Protection of not keeping tabs on noise pollution concerns, and ignoring complaints such as those made to 311.

A DEP spokesman, in an email to the Chronicle, said that the department was not called to the first concerts this year; and that their inspectors last year issued the stadium six summonses for violations of the city’s Noise Code.

Andy Court, co-founder of Concerned Citizens for Forest Hills, wasn’t impressed.

“The DEP needs to do a much better job with noise enforcement,” he said.

Court said when the tennis club first posed the restarting of concerts nine years ago to raise funds to preserve the stadium and make itself some money, many people were amenable, particularly with an agreement to end by 10 p.m. But he said this year’s schedule is too much.

“We’re getting more concerts, longer concerts, louder concerts and later concerts,” he said.

The West Side Tennis Club and Forest Hills Gardens Association did not respond to requests for comment. Q

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Concerts at Forest Hills Stadium have proven popular since they returned nine years go. But now the West Side Tennis Club and neighboring residents are in court over quality-of-life and financial issues.

PHOTO BY LLOYD CARROLL / FILE

by Sophie Krichevsky

Neighborhoods throughout the World’s Borough this weekend will honor those who served with a plethora of Memorial Day events. If you’re looking for a parade or ceremony near you, look no further — all you have to do is bring your lawn chairs and wear some red, white and blue.

Bayside

The Bayside Hills Civic Association will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. at the Memorial Mall, located at Bell Boulevard and 53rd Avenue. Due to renovations to the Captain Dermody Triangle, the Bayside Historical Society will not have its annual wreath-laying ceremony there this year.

Memorial Day parades across Queens honor U.S. war dead

Kew Gardens

The Friends of Maple Grove and Boy Scout Troop 177’s annual ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Saturday by the pond next to The Center at Maple Grove Cemetery. They will play taps, present the colors and read the names of Maple Grove’s war dead from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Forest Hills

Metropolitan Avenue will once again serve as the site of the Forest Hills parade on Sunday at noon, with the opening ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at American Legion Continental Post 1424.

Maspeth

Maspeth Federal Savings’ annual parade will kick off at 1 p.m. Monday at Walter Garlinge Memorial Park at Grand Avenue and 72nd Street. The theme for this year’s procession is “Maspeth Presents the Leaders of the Future.”

College Point

College Point’s annual Memorial Day Parade is slated for Sunday at 2 p.m. The march will start at 26th Avenue and College Point Boulevard and end at the waterfront Hermon A. MacNeil Park on the East River, where the fallen will be honored with a formal ceremony.

Laurelton

The Laurelton parade will start at 9 a.m. Monday at Merrick and Francis Lewis boulevards and end at Veterans Memorial Triangle at 225th Street and North Conduit Avenue for a closing ceremony.

Ridgewood/Glendale

Glendale and Ridgewood’s joint parade is set for 11 a.m. Monday. After a short service for Glendale’s war dead at Myrtle and Cooper avenues, the procession will go down Myrtle Avenue to Cypress Avenue, where Ridgewood’s fallen will be commemorated.

continued on page 25

e Kr eKrichevsky b Sophi h K iKihk

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

A Weiner in Flushing, he went Savage on the radio

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Benjamin Weiner was born in Russia on March 10, 1913. He came to America at age 7, by way of Gdansk, Poland, on the ship Susquehanna in September 1920. He married Rae Rosenblum in December 1937; she was an immigrant from Montreal, Quebec, who came to America in 1922. They settled in the Bronx.

Daughter Sheila was born in 1939. A son, Michael, was born on March 31 1942. Another son, Jerome, in 1944 completed the family.

Ben Weiner had an antique store business that enabled them to move to Queens in 1953, into a newly built home at 73-10 Utopia Pkwy. in Flushing that they bought. Michael graduated Jamaica High School and Queens College and received a Ph.D. from Berkeley in 1978. He decided to change his last name to Savage and went on to a talk radio show in 1994. By 2009 “The Savage Nation” was being received by eight to 10 million listeners.

His views were so strong he was banned by the United Kingdom in 2009.

In 2021 his show was canceled and he went on to podcast. He has written 44 books and is still going strong with a right-wing voice at age 81. Q

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The news on TV sports

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

MUSEUM

The third week in May has long been when the various television networks present their slate of fall shows to advertisers and the media with glitzy presentations known as upfronts. Traditionally, most of the attention is lavished on primetime entertainment programs. That was not the case this year as the Writers Guild of America strike put a kibosh on discussion of most scripted shows, which meant TV network executives concentrated on their news, reality shows and especially sports programming.

Disney was more than happy to let its ESPN subsidiary handle most of the heavy lifting. Serena Williams kicked things off by announcing she will partner with ESPN for a multipart documentary. Former NFL punter Pat McAfee, who has had an extremely popular sports podcast because of his ability to interview hard-to-get athletes like Aaron Rodgers, and his irreverent sense of humor and bawdy language, announced at Javits Center that he is moving his afternoon show to ESPN.

ESPN had one of its college voices, Desmond Howard, remind advertisers the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” is the new home for Southeastern Conference college football. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman followed him to discuss the 2023 Monday Night Football package, which will feature two Jets and Giants games. Newly

Bacquired New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart reminded all the WNBA season was about to begin, and expectations are high for the league’s flagship team.

Fox Sports is best known for its Major League Baseball and National Football League rights. Given the New York audience, Fox wisely had former Yankees teammates Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez tout their offerings. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is taking place this year, and Fox introduced its newest analyst, retired soccer star Carli Lloyd.

NBC Universal Sports & Entertainment CEO Mark Lazarus played up the fact its “Sunday Night Football” NFL telecasts have been the toprated primetime program for the past dozen years. His network will show Big Ten Conference games on Saturday nights this fall. He also said an NFL wildcard game will show exclusively on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock.

The CW is turning its attention to sports fo r the first time. It has acquired broadcast rights to the PGA Tour’s upstart competitor, LIV Golf. It recently launched “100 Days to Indy,” a behindthe-scenes look at drivers of the Indy Racing League, in their quest to win the Indy 500. It will be shown this Sunday on NBC. Indianapolis native David Letterman, part-owner of Rahal Racing, was interviewed for the debut episode. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

The childhood home of radio talk show celebrity Michael Savage at 73-10 Utopia Pkwy. in Flushing, as it looks today.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA WIKIPEDIA /WHITEHOUSE

Parkside Players sing through their struggles

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

Few community theaters can boast the long and rich history enjoyed by the Parkside Players of Forest Hills now presenting the original musical revue “Parkside Goes Big” on weekends through June 3.

With origins that can be traced as far back as 1974, the troupe has consistently mounted three productions a year since 1981, entertaining audiences for some four decades until Covid forced it to shut down three years ago.

While some local theater groups shuttered permanently because of the pandemic and others have managed to rebound successfully, Parkside is caught somewhere in between.

According to Glenn Rivano, who has served as the group’s president since 1992, save for one three-year hiatus, the lack of audiences is of primary concern.

Thanks to lingering threats from Covid, “People don’t go out as much as before,” he said. “Money is an issue, too.”

He acknowledged that “our audience has gotten older. The younger generation doesn’t come out as much.”

But the intrepid Rivano is not about to turn on the symbolic ghost light just yet. Instead, he hopes to “attract younger audi-

ences with shows that appeal to a younger generation while keeping our current audiences.”

The group’s post-pandemic endeavors have included two fundraising concert events and a run of Neil Simon’s comedy “The Good Doctor.”

The current attraction, subtitled, “Songs from Broadway Classics,” is directed by Cathy Chimenti, with Sue Sussman serving as musical director.

It features musical numbers from shows that will likely never be fully staged by the group because of the size of the casts or

sets, according to Rivano.

“We want to open the minds of audiences,” Chimenti said, by including numbers from shows both familiar and obscure.

Songs come from long-running hits like “A Chorus Line” and “Chicago.” And opening the show is “Show People,” from the little-known Kander and Ebb musical “Curtains.”

Chimenti promises that “there’s tons of dancing,” with choreography provided by Jenifer Badamo, Kristin Robles and Patty Valenti. “And we have an emcee that’s outstanding.”

That would be a reference to Kevin Schwab, the sole male in the cast of 10.

Schwab and Parkside share a long history together, with the emcee having made his first appearance there at the age of 9 in a production of “Camelot.” Schwab estimates that he has since been involved in some three dozen Parkside productions, as both performer and director.

“Quality has been the main staple” of the group, Schwab said. “Audiences have a certain level of expectations” when they turn out for a Parkside show.

Schwab, who served as the group’s president during Rivano’s time away, agrees with Rivano that “getting younger people in has been difficult. Parkside has always tried risky strategies. You don’t always know what’s going to bring audiences out.”

But everyone involved remains optimistic about the group’s future.

“We want to let the community know we’re back. It’s essential to have live theater in the community,” Rivano said.

Performances of “Parkside Goes Big” continue at Grace Lutheran Church (103-15 Union Tpke., Forest Hills) on May 26 and 27 and June 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and May 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22; or $20 for seniors and students. For more, call (718) 353-7388 or visit parksideplayers.com. Q

Commemorate Memorial Day in your own backyard

continued from page 23

Queens Village

The Queens Village Civic Association and American Legion Post 301 will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Monday with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, located at Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard.

Howard Beach

Residents of South Queens will honor

Crossword Answers

the fallen Monday starting at 11 a.m. The parade’s route begins and ends at Coleman Square at 159th Avenue and 103rd Street.

Woodside

The Catholic War Veterans hold a Memorial Day Mass at St. Sebastian’s Church every year at 10 a.m. A parade follows, and steps off at the Vietnam War Memorial at 57th Street and Woodside Avenue at 11 a.m.

Woodhaven

Woodhaven’s American Legion Post 118, located at 89-02 91 St., will host a ceremony to honor the fallen on Monday at 11 a.m.

Rosedale

The Rosedale procession will begin at 243rd Street and Mayda Road Monday at 11 a.m. and will end with a service at Memorial Square on Sunrise Highway. Festivities will continue at Brookville Park.

Whitestone

The Whitestone Veterans Memorial Association will host its annual parade Monday at 11 a.m., starting at Whitestone Memorial Park at 149th Street and 15th Drive.

Flushing

Councilmember Sandra Ung will host the second annual Flushing Memorial Day Ceremony at the Kissena Park Korean War Memorial starting at 3 p.m. Friday.

Little Neck-Douglaston

There will be plenty of pomp and circum-

stance Monday at the annual Little NeckDouglaston Memorial Day Parade, known as one of the largest hometown processions honoring the holiday in the entire country. The march will step off at Jayson Avenue at 2 p.m. and continue along Northern Boulevard to 245th Street, where it ends with a ceremony. Q

Performing in “Parkside Goes Big” are Dian Wroblewski, left; Kristin and Talia Robles, right; and, in the center, Monica Maddock, left, Renee Colavito, Kristin Robles, Kevin Schwab, Nydia Blackshear, Nili Resnick and Dawn Marie Napolitano.

PHOTOS BY CATHY CHIMENTI

Wave your flag through the streets of Queens during Memorial Day commemorations this weekend. On the cover: The Little Neck-Douglaston parade is showered in the light of the American flag.

PHOTOS BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY / FILE

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18-14 129th St., College Point, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful.

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Subscriptions are only $19 for a full year!!! Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of ALL THE WORK’S GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES LLC

Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/04/2023. Offi ce 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: ALL THE WORK’S GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES LLC, 10858 53RD AVENUE, APT 3R,CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

BEACH CHANNEL DIAGNOSTIC & TREATMENT CENTER, LLC fi led Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/5/2023.

Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Angela C. Bellizzi, Esq., 225 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, NY, 11797. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of FRAFFA LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/16/2023. Offi ce 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: FRAFFA LLC, 128-01 109TH AVENUE, OZONE PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GSJL LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 05/05/23.

Offi ce: 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, 69-20 60th Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GWG3 CREATIVE LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/03/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 3965 52ND ST, APT 2D, WOODSIDE, NY 11377.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF BRIDGES CONSULTANT PROGRAMS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of New York has Request for Proposals available for qualified Consulting Engineering Firms interested in the following Proposed Contract.

Project or Contract Title:

Request for Proposal – Resident Engineering Inspection Services in Connection with Protective Coating of Riverside Drive West 125th Street Bridge, Borough of Manhattan

Contract No. HB1070RD

PIN: 84123MNBR576

Expected Contract Term: 775 Consecutive Calendar Days starting from the date of the Notice to Proceed

Description of Services Required:

The services to be procured is the Resident Engineering Inspection Services in Connection with Protective Coating of Riverside Drive West 125th Street Bridge, Borough of Manhattan.

A Pre-Proposal Conference (Optional) has been scheduled for June 13, 2023, Time: 10:00 AM through Zoom. Proposers who wish to connect to the Zoom Conference will need a Zoom ID and Password or the link. Therefore, proposers who wish to connect will need to contact the authorized agency contact person via email at least three (3) days prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference for the information to connect. Proposers will need to provide the first name, last name of everyone who wishes to connect, name of the organization, phone number and email address.

This Procurement is subject to participation goals for MinorityOwned Business Enterprises (MBEs), as required by Section 6-129 of the New York Administrative Code. The M/WBE goal for this project is 30%.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this RFP must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the RFP, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ mocs/systems/about-go-to-passport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort” blue box. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To quickly locate the RFP, insert the EPIN 84123P0011, into the Keyword search field. To respond to the RFP, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

Release Date: June 5, 2023

Pre-Proposal Conference: June 13, 2023 at 10 AM Submission of Request for Proposals are due on or before 2:00 PM on July 3, 2023

Notice of Formation: Impression Property LLC Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/22/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 6533 169th St., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity

Nav 1231-1241 LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/31/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Navarra Management Inc., 5777 80th St., Middle Village, NY 11379.

General Purpose

Real Estate

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

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

Apts.For Rent

Call 718-205-8000

Houses For Sale

BROAD CHANNEL

1215 Cross Bay Blvd.

Large 3 bedroom home, 1 full bath, 2 half baths. SOLAR panels paid off. Block from NEW school. 3 floors of living space, 3 decks, hot tub, pool. PRICE REDUCED $599,000

Please contact 917-972-8178

OLD BETHPAGE

NBA Rohit LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/20/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Bhagwandeen Rohit, Abbigale Rohit, Nadiya Rohit, 9733-110th St., South Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of PARADIES LAGARDERE @ JFK T4 (F&B), LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/17/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 2849 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30339. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Howard Beach, sunny 1 BR, CAC, utils incl. No pets. $1,500/mo. Call 718-848-6431

Furn.Rm.For Rent

Howard Beach Furnished Room for rent: $250 per weekw/pvt bathroom. Males only. Gas and electric, Wi-Fi all included. Close to shopping, trans & JFK airport. Contact 347-447-1336. Call or text.

Houses For Sale

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, 40x100, Hi-Ranch, unique 5 BRs, 2 full baths, 3 BRs, 1 bath, top flr & 2 BRs on walk-in level, new kit, HW flrs & new baths. Cement & pavers front & back. Full 1 car gar, sep ent to walk-in. Reduced $965K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, New Listing, Colonial, move-in cond! 5/6 BRs, 2 full baths, full fin bsmnt, paver front & back, heated salt water pool. Reduced $998K, Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Open House

Howard Beach/Lindenwood/ Fairfield Arms, Sat 5/27, 1pm-3pm, 151-20 88 St. (HighRise). Agents Diana & Cristina will be on the lobby. Unit 4C-Lg 2 BR, 2 baths. Reduced $225K. Unit 2D, 2 BRs converted to 3 BRs, 2 full baths. Reduced $219K. Unit 5D, 2 BR, 2 baths, needs TLC, 5th fl. Reduced $225K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

Office For Rent

Howard Beach, small office for rent. $800/mo. Call Owner Vito, 718-738-2300

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

Multi-Generational 3,400 sf Hi-Ranch, Legal Mother/ Daughter w/permits. 5 BRs, 3 ½ baths, 2 kitchens, 2 laundry areas, ductless A/C. Mother-in-Law Suite on ground floor w/side entrance. Completely Renov on 10,000 sf park-like property. Excellent schools. Near all major hwys & LIRR. Must see this beautiful family home!

Go to: One KeyMLS.com & enter MLSID 3463624 for photos. Contact Real Estate Agent @ 516-808-1424

HOWARD BEACH

156-30 90th Street

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Contractors’ Dream, 60x100 property One floor Ranch, Living room, Kitchen, Dining area, 3 BRs, 1 bath, unfinished basement, central air, attached garage, Needs TLC $829,000.00

Call Owner 718-938-2127

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY MOREQUITY, INC., Plaintiff against CENTENNIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 29, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the steps of Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on June 23, 2023 at 12:15 PM. Premises known as 158-11 96th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Block 14166 Lot 55.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $356,888.84 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 705317/2021 f/k/a 12717/2009. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Autrey Glen Johnson, Esq., Referee 2296-002975

Notice of Formation of RICHMOND QNS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/24/2023. Offi ce 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: RICHMOND QNS LLC, 6237 ELLWELL CRESCENT, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Zhengbo Huang Excelsior, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with NY Dept. of State: 11/14/22. Offi ce location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Zhengbo Huang, 40-28 College Point Blvd., Unit 1801, Flushing, NY 11354, principal business address. Purpose: any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS INDEX #711756/2022 Original fi led with Clerk 4/27/2023 Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Queens County Premises: 15135 84th Street, Unit 3M, Howard Beach, NY 11414 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff, -against- MARYANN MORAN, if living, and if he/ she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specifi c lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BUILDERS APARTMENT CORPORATION CONDOMINIUM, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specifi c lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE HERITAGE SOUTH CONDOMINIUM; MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fi ctitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being fi led pursuant to an Order of the Court dated April 14, 2023.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Tracy A. Catapano-Fox, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, entered April 19, 2023 and fi led with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Offi ce. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Offi ce of the City Register of the City of New York on October 21, 2005 at Instrument #2005000589292, covering premises k/a 151-35 84th Street, Unit 3M, Howard Beach, NY 11414 a/k/a Block 11431, Lot 4312. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who fi led this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.Dated: Uniondale, New York, April 26, 2023 Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: George J. Weissinger, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff. 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902 #100422

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has fi led with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) tariff revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, that are proposed to become effect ive June 3, 2023. The Company seeks to increase delivery revenues by approximately $228 million to modernize and improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our infrastructure, enhance the customer experience, reduce system emissions, and fund energy affordability and effi ciency programs. The Company’s filing is subject to approval by the PSC and the rates approved may be different from those proposed. The Company expects that the PSC will suspend the proposed rates for the maximum period permitted under the Public Service Law, which would mean an effective date of revised rates of April 1, 2024.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $153.35 $180.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.2243 $0.2856

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

S.C. No. 1B, 5-1B – Residential Heating Service

S.C. No. 1BR, 5-1BR – Residential Heating Service

First 3 therms or less $230.43 $260.00

Next 497 therms, per therm $1.7319 $0.3920

Over 500 therms, per therm $0.2969 $0.3920

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 1 – Less than 1MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

– Distributed Generation

First 10 therms or less $180.61 $216.73

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.1517 $0.2203

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.1949 $0.2830

S.C. No. 2-A, 5-2A – Non-Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 2 – Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $328.22 $393.86

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.1517 $0.2203

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.1949 $0.2830

S.C. No. 2-B, 5-2B – Non-Residential Heating Service

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 3 – Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $949.35 $1,139.22

Over 10 therms, per therm (Apr – Oct) $0.0376 $0.0546

Over 10 therms, per therm (Nov – Mar) $0.0513 $0.0745

Demand charge per therm of MPDQ $6,252.00 $7,532.98

S.C. No. 3, 5-3 – Multi-Family Service

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 1

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1608 $0.2132

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 3 therms or less $38.00 $45.00

S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales Service – Tier 2

Monthly usage Current Rates Proposed

First 10 therms or less $375.00 $375.00

Over 10 therms, per therm $0.1285 $0.1643

For more information, visit ngrid.com/li-ratefiling or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

Great opportunity to make your own. Will not last!!

• Lindenwood • 2BR, 2 bath Co-op w/oversized terrace. Home features L-shaped layout; long effi cient kitchen w/tucked away refrigerator providing more counter/prep space; 5 closets for ample storage & great natural light. Large LR 24’x12; w/additional 6’x6’ entrance hall. Primary BR is 16’x12’ perfect for any size furniture & has an ensuite bathroom. 2nd BR is